KOI CASINO IS RISKY BUSINESS FOR WILDLIFE, NEIGHBORS
By Nina Cote
Sonoma County residents are accustomed to the risks that wildfires pose. Earlier this year, we experienced a wildfire that prompted emergency responders to contain it swiftly. That forced residents into the all-too-familiar position of standing by for a potential evacuation order.
This recent incident underscores why it is so imperative that proposed development projects anticipate strained evacuation routes before bringing more congestion to our roads. The Koi Nation’s proposal to construct the Shiloh Resort and Casino ignores this responsibility.
The casino would sit on a major evacuation route outside the town of Windsor, which is susceptible to fast-moving wildfires. When a wildfire occurs, an evacuation warning could quickly turn into a mandatory evacuation order if the winds shift. Downplaying these risks without thorough analysis jeopardizes emergency response efforts and endangers 26,000 Windsor residents.
Supporters of the Koi Nation’s project say the casino will bring economic benefits to the community. However, this project should not come at the expense of the people who call Sonoma County home.
Our elected leaders agree. Windsor officials oppose the casino, telling the Bureau of Indian Affairs that it may take longer for residents to evacuate the area if the casino is developed and a wildfire occurs. Wildfires move at an unpredictable pace, and the additional time it takes for residents to evacuate is a matter of life and death.
FOSS CREEK WATERS SURGE OVER STREETS, INTO HOME
By Simone Wilson
What happens when a bomb cyclone collides with an atmospheric river off the Pacific coast?
For four long, wet days in Healdsburg last week it meant historic rainfall totals and quickly rising Russian River and Foss Creek waters that hopped their banks, flooded streets, caused road closures, led to a small mudslide on Fitch Mountain and flooded at least one home in town.
“It almost felt like a tide was coming in,” said Mercedes Clark, a 27-year-old renter whose Healdsburg home quickly filled with Foss Creek waters. “The way it came was so fast.”
The storm arrived in the wee hours Wednesday. By Saturday, Healdsburg and its rural outskirts had received 16 to 22 inches of rain, according to our
local office of the National Weather Service (NWS)— much more than originally predicted.
The deluge shattered multiple daily rainfall records at the Sonoma County Airport south of town, the office reported, and delivered more than half of the area’s average yearly rainfall in a matter of days.
After the first 24 hours of relentless rain and wind, Healdsburg’s lowest-lying streets and pathways began to flood. Particularly impacted were those in proximity to Foss Creek— which overflowed Thursday and quickly inundated the surrounding area.
“We literally had so many ducks in our backyard,” said Clark, whose home flooded. “It turned into a full-blown pond. It was wild.”
Road Closures
Throughout the day, city officials closed Grove Street from Foss Creek Circle to North Street; North from Grove to the freeway;
Larkspur Drive from Grant Street to Marigold Way; Allan Court and Moore Lane behind City Hall; and parts of Parkland Farms. Residents who needed to get through could be seen wading through the blockaded streets, water up to their calves.
Clark and her partner— who live one block south of Powell Avenue, between Healdsburg Avenue and Foss Creek—said the entire ground floor of their twostory home filled with around three feet of water in a matter of hours Thursday. It happened so quickly that they didn’t have time to save all their furniture and appliances from the rising waters—along with Clark’s family photos and the journals her mother kept while dying from cancer.
Clark said that nothing like this has happened in the four years she’s lived there, and that her landlord never mentioned the property was flood-prone. Amid the chaos Thursday, she managed to save her car from the driveway,
WRESTLING GYM TO BE RECHRISTENED FOR DREW ESQUIVEL
SCHOOL DISTRICT TO NAME REMODELED FROST GYM FOR INSPIRATIONAL STUDENT LEADER
By Christian Kallen
In what Superintendent Chris Vanden Heuvel openly said was a first, the Healdsburg Unified District School Board’s trustees voted to give a newly remodeled gym a new name: Drew Esquivel Hall, in honor of a 2013 graduate
Historic Rainstorm Soaks Healdsburg
where waters were also rising. “But when it comes to all of my photos,” Clark said, “there’s no getting any of that back.” Come early Friday morning, across town, a soggy chunk of Fitch Mountain broke loose and slid down into the road, threatening a home and trapping a parked car along Madrone Avenue, according to the county’s Permit Sonoma. A spokesperson for the agency said crews were monitoring the mudslide closely to make sure it didn’t reach any homes downhill.
Rising Waters
Meanwhile, at the base of the mountain, the Russian River rose rapidly throughout the storm. By Friday afternoon, it had surged past flood level at Digger’s Bend, one of two spots where officials measure it in Healdsburg— peaking around 3pm at just over 30 feet. And at the other measuring spot downstream near Badger Park, the
who was killed by a drunk driver while he was away at college in 2016.
“It is not a normal thing for us to consider naming a school building after a student, or a room,” Vanden Heuvel told the board on Wednesday night, Nov. 20.
“In fact, I’ve been in education for 28 years, this year.
I’ve never seen it done.
“But Drew Esquivel was not a normal kid.”
That was the essence of the message that Vanden Heuvel and wrestling coach Scott Weidemier both delivered to the board, while Drew’s parents Susanne and Andy Esquivel sat in the audience. They spoke in support of a proclamation to rename Frost Hall—which bears the name of a longago school board member—as Drew Esquivel Hall, to be dedicated early next year.
The Superintendent, who was principal at
3pm peak was 20 feet, just shy of the official danger zone. Healdsburg resident Tessa Kraft posted photos to Facebook that afternoon showing the river swallow a bench at Riverside Park within a couple of hours.
“The benches disappeared!” she wrote. “The Russian River is rising fast!” Also on Friday, at least two drivers had to be rescued from their waterlogged cars on Slusser Road south of Healdsburg—near where a woman from Ukiah died in another storm two years ago, after getting trapped in her car on TrentonHealdsburg Road. To the west in Guerneville, the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office reported finding a man dead in his submerged vehicle near Hwy 116 on Saturday. A second death was reported that same day in Santa Rosa, where police say they found a man dead in the receding floodwaters of Piner Creek.
➝ Waters Surge, 7
Healdsburg High for three years while Esquivel was a student, was first to speak—in fact it was he who suggested to the school board that they consider renaming the gym. Vanden Heuvel ticked off Esquivel’s accomplishments and academic standing (though the former principal thought it was Esquivel’s competitive streak that drove his academic success), and while Esquivel was known as a competitive football player, wrestler and “super smart kid,” Vanden Heuvel said he was most impressed by a more powerful aspect of Esquivel’s character.
“What really stands out the most was that Drew was one of those people who makes everyone better when he’s around,” he said. “He looked out for others. Or he might just influence them with his joy and positivity …
➝ Drew Esquivel, 4
➝ Wildfire Roulette, 2
Photo by Scott Mann / City of Healdsburg
GOINGS ON AROUND
TOWN THIS WEEK & NEXT
ONGOING
‘Cinderella’
A family holiday “panto,” a fairy tale with a taste of vaudeville, audience interaction and irreverent humor. Tickets $10 students, $25 adults. Friday and Saturday performances at 7:30pm and Sundays at 2pm, through Dec. 1. raventheater.org/series/ cinderella-a-family-holiday-panto.
THURSDAY, NOV. 28
Turkey Trot
The Healdsburg Turkey Trot tradition continues for 2024! Now in its 13th year as a Healdsburg family tradition, the 5k fun run/walk on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 28, kicks off at 8am. Start and finish at 333 Center St. in front of Healdsburg Running Company. Register at 5ktrot.com.
FRIDAY, NOV. 29
Pop-ups and Pop
The Elephant in the Room has more than music (and brews)—such as regular “food pop-ups” at 5pm for an early evening meal, Friday and Saturday. BTW, Friday’s band is Sweet’n’Juicy, hard to believe it’s not bubblegum rock, but it’s not. 8pm, $10 cover. 177 Healdsburg Ave., elephantintheroompub.com.
SATURDAY, NOV. 30
Fall In the Air
“Shop Local” while you can! Countdown is on to the final Healdsburg
OPEN MIC
However, supporters of the Koi Nation’s casino have failed to acknowledge those concerns and more. Construction of the casino will imperil wildlife habitats. Also, the increased traffic around the casino will increase emissions, deteriorating our air quality.
HEALDSBURG HAPPENINGS
Certified Farmers’ Market of the year (Dec. 21). Fresh local produce, holiday food and gift items; a great place to catch up with weekly friends and stock your larder for the coming holidays. Still 8:30am to noon in the West Plaza Parking Lot.
Saturday Jazz
Two great options tonight: Kendrick Freeman, Cliff Hugo and Rubén Valtierra at Furthermore Wines from 5-9pm (358A Healdsburg Ave.), or the Laura Klein Trio from 6-8pm at the Spirit Bar, in the lobby of Hotel Healdsburg (25 Matheson St.). Can’t go wrong with either.
Ladies’ Night
“Girls Night Out” is the title of the Saturday, Nov. 30, show at Coyote Sonoma. Details are sketchy for this 8pm program, but the wardrobe looks excellent. Tickets $20 plus fees; 44-F Mill St.
MONDAY, DEC. 2
City Council First meeting of the month, possible topics include a discussion of “formula” retail businesses—like the new Faherty’s that opened last month at 326 Healdsburg Ave. Starts at 6pm in Council Chambers, 401 Grove St., online at Healdsburg.gov/zoom.
NEXT WEEK
Dancing Parties
Not one but two chances to kick up heels next week. The first is Tuesday, Dec. 3, at the monthly “Dance @ 222” with Lily Thrailkill. Lesson at 6:30pm for the underpracticed, music and swing from 7-9:30pm. the222.org.
On Wednesday, Dec. 4, Heartizens brings back its “Boots & BYOB,” an evening of line dancing with
An inadequate analysis of these concerns and our community’s strong opposition to the casino should review process without meaningfully addressing community concerns. We are encouraged that our elected representatives stand with our community and oppose this dangerous proposal. We urge Interior Secretary Deb Haaland to listen to our concerns and oppose the Koi Nation’s proposed casino project.
Nina Cote is an advocate for Our Community Matters and a resident of the town of Windsor.
Email public comment until Dec. 23 to Chad Broussard, Environmental Protection Specialist, Bureau of Indian Affairs, chad.broussard@
experienced dance instructor Cheryl Brooks, from 6-7:30pm. heartizens.org.
THURSDAY, DEC. 5
‘Sansho the Bailiff’ Influential 1955 film from Kenji Mizoguchi, set in medieval times of slavery. Film curator Eleanor Nichols puts it in context with an introduction before the movie at 7pm, Dec. 5. Tickets $20, free for under 18, at Paul Mahder Gallery, 222 Healdsburg Ave., the222.org
FRIDAY, DEC. 6
Merry Healdsburg Celebrate the holidays with the annual tree lighting and other “winter wonderland” events, including carriage rides, a holiday night market, a live performance from the Sugarplums and more. Dec. 6, 5-9pm, at Healdsburg Plaza.
Raven Holiday Weekend Saturday night, Dec. 7, at 7:30pm, pianist Adam
Shulman, with John Wiitala (bass) and James Gallagher (drums), reprise their tribute to Bay Area jazz-legend Vince Guaraldi and the soundtrack to Charles Schulz’s 1965 holiday classic, A Charlie Brown Christmas. Tickets start at $15 for under 12, $30 general up to $70 for the front row at the Raven Theater, 115 North St. Then Sunday Dec. 8, the Healdsburg Community Band kicks off its 42nd season with its annual
Holiday Concert, free at the Raven, 5pm. Gary Johnson conducts the program featuring holiday favorites such as “Sleigh Ride” and “White Christmas” as well as his own composition, “Harvest Chorale.”
Post events on the Tribune’s online calendar at healdsburgtribune.com/ calendar and send special announcements to editor@ healdsburgtribune.com.
Photo by Will Bucquoy
SANTA SELFIE Josie Gay and her son, Finnegan, get their Christmas selfie with Santa (left) at last year’s Merry Healdsburg event on the Plaza. This year the tree-lighting, seasonal singing and other wintry festivities will take place on Friday, Dec. 6.
Local opposition to the proposed Shiloh Resort and Casino is strong, but time is running out.
Photo by Christian Kallen
➝ Wildfire Roulette, 1
Leaky Roof Doesn’t Dampen Services
LIBRARY’S
PROGRAMS CONTINUE AT TEMPORARY LOCATION
By Jon Haupt
Like everyone else, we have been trying to stay dry in the recent rains, and we are thankful to both City of Healdsburg and Sonoma County Library Facilities staff for working to help sort things out when we had roof leaks over the last week or two.
The building modernization project continues at the Healdsburg Regional Library on Piper Street. A recent walkthrough
revealed that the contractors have been hard at work, with upgraded electrical and plumbing, demolition of existing restrooms, and new construction in the children’s and teen rooms underway.
Outside the building, the patio, parking lot, walkway, driveway and sidewalk have all seen a great deal of activity. We are looking forward to our next walkthrough in December; construction still seems to be on schedule with a hopeful return in May. Meanwhile, we continue to provide collections and services at the Healdsburg Mini Library at 1557 Healdsburg Ave. at the Healdsburg Community
Center. Despite a smaller collection, the library is a busy place, owing to the ability to place requests from other library locations, our cozy and cheerful children’s area, our printer/ copier and the public computer stations, along with—most importantly— our talented staff.
Events & Programs
We look forward to more fun programming in December, including
• Spanish Music & Movement on Tuesday, Dec. 3, at 11am;
• Baby and Toddler Storytimes on Fridays, Dec. 6, 13 and 20, at 10:30am;
• A ukulele performance by the Healdsburg Ukulele Club on Saturday, Dec. 7, at 1pm;
• Gingerbread House Workshop for kids on Thursday, Dec. 12, at 3:30pm;
• A Chair Yoga event for adults on Saturday, Dec. 21, at 10:30am.
All events will take place at the Healdsburg Community Center; please contact the library or visit events. sonomalibrary.org for information about where on campus the events will take place.
Our Homework Help program continues to grow in popularity, as is common each year—it always takes a few months
to really get going, but once families learn about the program and its benefits, we find that an increasing number of students come by for assistance with homework, learning to read or just a little help understanding something in their studies.
Our dedicated and talented volunteers are here to help along with our staff on Tuesdays when school is in session, from 3:30-5:30pm.
Puppet Theater
Finally, we are looking forward to a performance of The Boy Who Cried Wolf by the Puppet Art Theater Company on Tuesday, Dec.
30, at 11am. This production is a modern holiday retelling of one of Aesop’s fables, brought to life by a puppet theater company that has been well-loved in previous performances in Healdsburg. This performance will be in the multipurpose room and is intended for families; please remember that children 8 years and younger must be accompanied by a parent, guardian or childcare provider.
Jon Haupt is the branch manager of Healdsburg Regional Library, currently located at 1557 Healdsburg Ave. and open daily.
CHECK OUT Library Assistant Samantha Felice-Mitschelen helps answer patron questions in the temporary headquarters of the Healdsburg Regional Library branch, now at 1557 Healdsburg Ave.
Photo by Christian Kallen
WRESTLING
“He could change the attitudes and outcomes for his classmates and teammates as a result. He made everyone better simply by walking in the room. He just lifted the room when he was there.”
Esquivel’s own academic excellence and social impact led to a full academic scholarship to MIT, where again he joined the wrestling team. His Healdsburg wrestling coach, Scott Weidemier (who still coaches the school’s wrestlers), also took the podium to deliver an endorsement for the proposal.
“Drew wasn’t a naturally talented wrestler when he first started,” his coach said. “It took him a lot of work to do that.”
Weidemier noted Esquivel’s achievements with the wrestling team, and said, “It was hard work that allowed him to ultimately achieve a great deal of success. He was a medal winner at the North Coast Section Championships, and wasn’t far from qualifying to the state tournament.”
When he went away to MIT after high school, Esquivel took his passion for the sport back to the highly competitive school in Cambridge, Massachusetts. There he became the wrestling club’s co-captain and competitor.
Weidemier spoke much
as he did in 2016, when a nighttime vigil was held at the Healdsburg Plaza upon the news that Esquivel had been killed by an alleged drunk driver—and off-duty policeman—in Brooklyn, New York. “He was an Eagle Scout; he was the valedictorian of his class; he was a star athlete—he was one of those people who everybody loved,” the coach said.
Esquivel’s charisma, positive outlook and emotional impact on his
Buchignani,
fellow students and others in Healdsburg led to the creation of the Healdsburg Sunrise Rotary Club’s Drew Esquivel Memorial Scholarship, “Live Like Drew,” which helps outstanding Healdsburg High School graduates pursue their college education.
Live Like Drew scholars currently study at universities across the country, including Notre Dame, Georgetown, Vanderbilt, UC Berkeley and others.
The primary annual fundraiser for the Scholarship fund is being held this Thursday, sponsored once again by Rotary Club Healdsburg Sunrise. The Turkey Trot 5k has registered more than 2,300 runners so far this year, according to Susanne Esquivel. Participants will head out at 8am on Turkey Day (Nov. 28) to trot the streets of town, starting from the Healdsburg Running Company at 333 Center St.
FLASHBACKS
“Chris and Scott were so kind and eloquent. I’m so grateful to know that Drew had and still will have an impact on the community he grew up in,” Susanne Esquivel said following the meeting. “Chris and Scott helped him become the person he was.”
She added, “It still seems impossible that he is not here and not able to live the life he intended, but we have much to be thankful for. Our community has supported
us in our grief and helped us build a legacy so that Drew will be remembered and hopefully will be an inspiration.”
The school district board was unified in approving the action item, and the dedication of Drew Esquivel Hall is planned for Jan. 25, 2025. It will include an introductory panel with a photo and narrative about the young athlete for whom the renovated gym will be named.
EXCERPTS
CURATED FROM BACK ISSUES
OF THE HEALDSBURG TRIBUNE
100 years ago: Nov. 13, 1924
FITCH MOUNT WAS ONCE 99 FT. TALL - HOW BIG NOW?
How much has Fitch Mountain grown in the last twenty-odd years? If some old timer can tell us that, we’ll have the correct measurement of the little mound that overlooks Healdsburg like a sentinel. There are old residents of the Healdsburg vicinity who claim to have come here when Fitch Mountain was a swimming hole. They are the ones who can give the information now sought.
Julius Alexander recently went to work to find out the official elevations of some of the peaks of this vicinity. From the engineer corps of the army he was advised that Cobb
Mountain is 4,860 feet above sea level, the highest peak in this section of the state. The geodetic survey places the elevation of Mount St. Helena at 4,337.3 feet. Fitch Mountain, according to a record on a tree at its summit, marked down there many years ago, is but 99.98 feet over sea level. The figures are from the official records of the geodetic survey, but they were taken so long ago that they are subject to change in the event that the picturesque hill has sprouted any or slumped down in the past quarter century.
75 years ago: Nov. 21, 1949
HEALDSBURG FLIERS JOIN SEARCH FOR B-29S’ CRASH VICTIMS
Eleven members of the Air Search and Rescue Squadron of the Healdsburg unit, Civil Air Patrol, were called out yesterday to search for survivors of the two B-29s that collided in the air over the San Joaquin River delta area early Thursday.
Burnett Bidwell, commanding officer of the local detachment, received the alert from Hamilton Field, and the Healdsburg fliers were sent to the scene of the crash immediately, Lt. James Vogt informs. In charge of the Healdsburg squadron is Lt. Duke Bidwell. With him on the search mission are Lloyd Grist, Ray Galeazzi, P. Burden, Floyd Newgen, Vein Wood, John Kowell, Lt. Max Johnson, Eric Anderson, Bill Kearbey and Roscoe Bertolucci.
50 years ago: Nov. 14, 1974
400 RAISE FUNDS FOR HPOA FAMILIES AT BENEFIT DANCE
The nine members of the Healdsburg Police Officers Association may have entered what looks to be a long battle with the City of Healdsburg, but if the crowd that turned out to salute them last Friday night is any indication, they have many sympathizers. The benefit dance for HPOA members and their families drew more
than 400 people, making it one of the largest dances the Villa Chanticleer has ever seen. In addition, sponsors report, many people bought several of the dance tickets, at $5 each, and returned them for re-sale, thus generating additional capital. Some 33 merchants donated to the raffle and a percentage was returned from sale of refreshments. No gross figures of how much was made were available, but indications are that each of the nine could receive about half of the monthly salary of a beginning patrolman. The nine dismissed employees have been without pay since early in October. The money they received may be used by their families without restriction, organizers report. The nine reportedly face large legal bills and are ineligible for unemployment insurance.
The Flashbackers are docents for the Healdsburg Museum, which is open Wednesday through Sunday, 11am to 4pm, at 221 Matheson St.
Photos courtesy of Healdsburg Museum and Historical Society
MONADNOCK A historical photo of Fitch Mountain and the Russian River, 1917. Measuring the altitude of the landmark has been a recurring interest to residents and surveyors.
FLYBOY Healdsburg native son Richard
somewhere in the Pacific Theater, 1944.
➝ Drew Esquivel, 1
Photo courtesy of Scott Weidemier
SPORTS
Healdsburg Stops Petaluma to Open Season
HOPES FOR A ‘THREE-PEAT’ AN UNSPOKEN GOAL FOR GREYHOUND GIRLS
By Caleb Knudsen
With back-to-back league pennants under their belts, the Healdsburg women’s basketball team has reason to feel confident. This is a team that knows how to win (and last year, they never figured out how to lose). Sure they lost their top points generator, Hailey Webb, but most of the rest of last year’s starters took the floor on Saturday afternoon in Petaluma: Hannah Sellards, Ruby Leffew, Allie Espinosa and Ashley Behrens, backed up this day by Amelia Wickersham, Claire Berry and Meher Dhiman. While at the end of the game the Hounds won handily, it was by no means
a cakewalk. Petaluma’s Trojans did a good job of wrapping up the Greyhounds, stealing the ball and stymying Greyhound points—and sometimes scoring for the Trojans. The game got close a couple times, but in the end Healdsburg came out on top, 46-36.
Healdsburg led at the half by a narrow 20-17, but a 17-point third period gave them a comfortable 37-27 lead entering the fourth quarter, and they held on for the win. Allie Espinoza led all scoring with 14 points while Ruby Leffew got 12 points, including three free throws and two threes, the only points for Healdsburg from beyond the arc.
Meantime Petaluma sank six three-pointers, half of them from sophomore Colette Dole—she’s one to keep an eye on as the season progresses.
Coach Greg Marguglio gave an honest assessment after the game. “It was a little ugly for our standard, but we’re happy to pull it off and hopefully have a little cleaner pre-season,” he said. “The competition was tough. I really admired the Trojans’ aggression, how they went after the ball, and I wish them the best this season.”
He can say that, because Petaluma is in the Vine Valley league, and Healdsburg’s rivals in the Redwood league don’t show up on the schedule until Jan. 7, 2025.
Healdsburg’s interest in a three-peat is due to the Greyhound girls winning their league in 2023 with an 11-1 record and a loss in the first round of the NCS playoffs. Last year, 202324, their record was 12-0, and they made it to the second round.
Saturday’s game was
supposed to be the third of the year for Healdsburg, but the rain was certainly a factor as Tamalpais stayed home on Tuesday, and Branson cancelled just before Thursday’s game. “So this is supposed to be our third game, but really it’s our first of the season. We’ve been chomping at the bit to get out,” Marguglio said. A little more game time to develop the flow and a few more three-pointers sinking, and that threepeat might be a possibility. There are no games coming up for the Lady Greyhounds until Dec. 3, against Windsor at their court. Following that is the three-day Piner Tournament, Dec. 5-7, and a week later the Redwood Empire Invitational Basketball Tourney, a.k.a. REIBT, in Healdsburg.
McWilliams Heads for Fresno
CROSS COUNTRY RUNNERS COMPETE FOR STATE MEET
By Mike Efram
The Running Hounds made the journey to Hayward High School on Saturday amid bouts of sun and squalls on the drive down. Upon arrival, the downpour intensified and we set up our pop-up amongst mud puddles, the runners already wet from the walk into the event at Hayward High School.
We were slated to run late this year, the Division 5 girls at 11:30am and boys the last race of the
day. The weather was so bad that the thick mud literally sucked the shoes off of runners’ feet.
The skies did clear though and the girls had a solid race, and they all finished with smiles. Real type 2 fun!
As the girls finished, the clouds rolled in once again and turned into another downpour during the Division 3 Boys race, two races ahead of ours, making the conditions that much worse.
The boys were ready for the conditions; we had talked all week about how it may be to their advantage, with the boys even doing a training run in the mud out
by Parkland Farms.
Sunny skies prevailed for the start of the race. Being the last race of the day, the damage was done on the course. It was a mess!
Mess or not, the boys were ready. They went out fast and the whole team had great performances, Jake McWilliams and Lucas Welty especially.
Jake’s dream came true as he qualified for the State Championship next Saturday in Fresno. Lucas, a freshman, was only two places away from also making it. The boys finished seventh overall in the North Coast Division 5, the top public school in the rankings.
“I wanted to go to state this year to prove to myself that I am capable of so much more than I already am,” said McWilliams before the big weekend coming up.
“I doubted at the end last year that I would never make it,” he said.
“Throughout this season, I put in countless hours and pushed my body to its limits, and it paid off.”
The CIF State Cross Country Championship is Saturday, Nov. 30, at Woodward Park in Fresno. Mike Efram has been the high school’s cross country coach for 7 years.
Photo by Michael Lucid
IN THE RUNNING Junior Jack McWilliams competing in NBL Cross Country Championship, Sept. 11, 2024. He placed in the top tier for a ticket to Fresno’s state finals.
INBOUND Ashley Behrens (14) brings out the ball with a pass toward a racing Ruby Leffew (5), while Meher Dhiman (30) jockeys for position amid the Trojan defenders.
Photos by Christian Kallen
OVER THE TOP Healdsburg’s Allie Espinoza (10) jumps to make a shot over a ring of Trojan defenders during the Nov. 16 game in Petaluma. The Greyhounds won, 46-36.
WAITING Senior Ashley Behrens (14) waits for the right moment to pass against Petaluma’s sophomore Colette Dole (34) during the Nov. 16 game. Healdsburg won, 46-36.
Waiting for the Holidays
THE CHRISTMAS TREE IS ALREADY UP AT THE HEALDSBURG PLAZA PARK
By Pierre Ratte
Before next week’s tree lighting, Healdsburg Plaza quietly awaits the holiday season. A special gathering place for residents and visitors, the Plaza helps define our beautiful town. It provides a sense of place, gathering and belonging. Thanksgiving helps do that for our nation. Gathering at family tables in every state, city, town, farmhouse or forest cabin to give thanks and gather a sense of belonging, togetherness and gratefulness.
The early settlers handed down this celebration to us, and President Abraham Lincoln enshrined it as an American holiday as unique and as great as he is recognized
to be. The historical context is that early American settlers in Virginia in 1619 and in Massachusetts in 1621 celebrated our first “thanksgivings.”
Yes, there were two beginnings. In Virginia, 38 settlers on the “Margaret” arrived after a rough 10 weeks at sea. They followed the instructions of the Virginia Company of London to celebrate with a “thanksgiving” expressing gratefulness for a safe crossing. More well known is the story of the Massachusetts settlers’ fall harvest celebrated with the Wampanoag and Massasoit tribes. Approximately 90 Native Americans celebrated during three days of feasting. Puritans were grateful for the native tribes’ generosity in sharing seeds and planting techniques enabling a bountiful harvest which saw them through winter. The joy and bounty of a successful
harvest was shared.
Fun Facts: Thanksgiving is celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November in the U.S., and on the second Monday of October in Canada. In the U.S., the date of Thanksgiving varied by state until it was proclaimed a federal holiday on the last Thursday of November by Abraham Lincoln in 1863. Lincoln’s proclamation was preceded by a 40-year letter-writing campaign by Sara Hale advocating official status for a Thanksgiving Day. Sara Hale is the author of the poem, “Mary Had a Little Lamb.”
Macy’s began hosting its famous Thanksgiving Day Parade in 1924, which many incorrectly refer to as the Macy’s Day Parade. Early parades featured real animals from the Central Park Zoo until they were replaced with balloons in 1927.
It went platinum, selling over 1 million copies. Playing the song on Thanksgiving
LEGAL NOTICES
CT, CLOVERDALE, CA 95425 COUNTY SONOMA, Mailing Address SAME: Is hereby registered by the following owner(s): SHAYNA MARIE ZARAGOZA, 11 HILLSIDE CT, CLOVERDALE, CA 95425: This business is being conducted by AN INDIVIDUAL. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious name or names above on N/A. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. Signed: SHAYNA MARIE ZARAGOZA. This statement was filed with the County Clerk-Recorder of Sonoma County on OCTOBER 10, 2024. (Publication Dates November 14, 21, 28, December 5 of 2024 The Healdsburg Tribune)
CA 95448 COUNTY SONOMA, Mailing Address SAME: Is hereby registered by the following owner(s): CALCAMP1 LLC, 113 TAMAL VISTA DR, SAN RAFAEL, CA 94901: This business is being conducted by A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious name or names above on MARCH 1, 2020. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. Signed: KEN BARBER, MANAGING MEMBER. This statement was filed with the County Clerk-Recorder of Sonoma County on OCTOBER 21, 2024. (Publication Dates November 14, 21, 28, December 5 of 2024 The Healdsburg Tribune).
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT - FILE NO: 202403185 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: 1. RC ROOFING, 523 MALLORY AVE, WINDSOR, CA 95492 COUNTY SONOMA, Mailing Address SAME: Is hereby registered by the following owner(s): ROBERT H CHURCH JR, 523 MALLORY AVE, WINDSOR, CA 95492: This business is being conducted by AN INDIVIDUAL. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious name or names above on 03/2014. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. Signed: ROBERT H CHURCH JR, OWNER. This statement was filed with the County Clerk-Recorder of Sonoma County on OCTOBER 17, 2024. (Publication Dates November 14, 21, 28, December 5 of 2024 The Healdsburg Tribune) ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA FOR THE COUNTY OF SONOMA CASE NUMBER: 24CV06578 TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS 1. Petitioner (name of each): KELLY DIONNE PENNINGTON, filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present Name: a. KELLY DIONNE PENNINGTON to Proposed Name: KELLY ROSEMARY PENNINGTON 2. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter shall appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. NOTICE OF HEARING JAN 8 2025 at 3:00 PM, in Dept: 16: Sonoma County Superior Court, 3055 CLEVELAND AVENUE, SANTA ROSA, CA 95403. Via Zoom. GO ONLINE TO ZOOM.US/ JOIN OR PHONE IN AT Meeting ID Dial 1-669-900-6833, MEETING ID 161 460 6380 Passcode 840359. A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in The Healdsburg Tribune, a newspaper of general circulation, printed in the county of Sonoma. DATED: November 04 2024 Hon.PATRICK M. BRODERICK, Judge of the Superior Court. (Publication Dates November 14, 21, 28, December 5 of 2024 The Healdsburg Tribune) FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT - FILE NO: 202403116 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: 1.ELITE STAGING & DESIGN,11 HILLSIDE
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT - FILE NO: 202403361 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: 1.GREEN QUARTZ HOUSE CLEANING SERVICES, 1616 KEOKE CT, SANTA ROSA, CA 95403 COUNTY SONOMA, Mailing Address SAME: Is hereby registered by the following owner(s): MARIA DE LOURDES MARTINEZ MORGAN, 1616 KEOKE CT, SANTA ROSA, CA 95403: This business is being conducted by AN INDIVIDUAL. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious name or names above on 11/16/2024. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. Signed:MARIA DE LOURDES MARTINEZ MORGAN, OWNER. This statement was filed with the County Clerk-Recorder of Sonoma County on NOVEMBER 06, 2024. (Publication Dates November 14, 21, 28, December 5 of 2024 The Healdsburg Tribune)
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT - FILE NO: 202403402 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: 1.BISON RIDGE WINES, 2191 LAGUNA ROAD, SANTA ROSA, CA 95401 COUNTY SONOMA, Mailing Address SAME: Is hereby registered by the following owner(s):MARTIN RAY WINERY INC., 2191 LAGUNA ROAD, SANTA ROSA, CA 95401: This business is being conducted by A CORPORATION. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious name or names above on N/A. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. Signed:COURTNEY BENHAM, CEO/CFO/SECRETARY. This statement was filed with the County Clerk-Recorder of Sonoma County on NOVEMBER 12, 2024. (Publication Dates November 21, 28, December 5, 12 of 2024 The Healdsburg Tribune) NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE T.S. No. 24-30162-PM-CA Title No. 3046495 A.P.N. 066-344-007-000 YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST DATED 12/19/2012. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDING AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER. A public auction sale to the highest bidder for cash, (cashier’s check(s) must be made payable to National Default Servicing Corporation), drawn on
single man Duly Appointed Trustee: National Default Servicing Corporation Recorded 12/27/2012 as Instrument No. 2012133309 (or Book, Page) of the Official Records of Sonoma County, California. Date of Sale: : 01/15/2025 at 10:00 AM Place of Sale: In the Plaza at Fremont Park located at 860 Fifth Street, Santa Rosa, CA 95401 Estimated amount of unpaid balance and other charges: $155,481.23 Street Address or other common designation of real property: 990 Starr View Drive, Windsor, CA 95492 A.P.N.:
have no further recourse. The requirements of California Civil Code Section 2923.5(b)/2923.55(c) were fulfilled when the Notice of Default was recorded. NOTICE TO POTENTIAL BIDDERS: If you are considering bidding on this property lien, you should understand that there are risks involved in bidding at a trustee auction. You will be bidding on a lien, not on the property itself. Placing the highest bid at a trustee auction does not automatically entitle you to free and clear ownership of the property. You should also be aware that the lien being auctioned off may be a junior lien. If you are the highest bidder at the auction, you are or may be responsible for paying off all liens senior to the lien being auctioned off, before you can receive clear title to the property. You are encouraged to investigate the existence, priority, and size of outstanding liens that may exist on this property by contacting the county recorder’s office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge you a fee for this information. If you consult either of these resources, you should be aware that the same lender may hold more than one mortgage or deed of trust on the property. NOTICE TO PROPERTY OWNER: The sale date shown on this notice of sale may be postponed one or more times by the mortgagee, beneficiary, trustee, or a court, pursuant to Section 2924g of the California Civil Code. The law requires that information about trustee sale postponements be made available to you and to the public, as a courtesy to those not present at the sale. If you wish to learn whether your sale date has been postponed, and, if applicable, the rescheduled time and date for the sale of this property, you may call 800-758-8052 or visit this internet website www. ndscorp.com/sales, using the file number assigned to this case 24-30162-PM-CA. Information about postponements that are very short in duration or that occur close in time to the scheduled sale may not immediately be reflected in the telephone information or on the internet website. The best way to verify postponement information is to attend the scheduled sale. NOTICE TO TENANT*: You may have a right to purchase this property after the trustee auction pursuant to Section 2924m of the California Civil Code. If you are a “representative of all eligible tenant buyers” you may be able to purchase the property if you match the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction. If you are an “eligible bidder,” you may be able to purchase the property if you exceed the last and highest bid placed at the trustee
NO: 202403264 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: 1.LA LOTERIA, 1612 GLADSTONE WAY, ROHNERT PARK, CA 94928 COUNTY SONOMA, Mailing Address SAME: Is hereby registered by the following owner(s): VICTOR MORA, 1612 GLADSTONE WAY, ROHNERT PARK, CA 94928: This business is being conducted by AN INDIVIDUAL. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious name or names above on N/A. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. Signed: VICTOR MORA, CO. This statement was filed with the County Clerk-Recorder of Sonoma County on OCTOBER 24, 2024. (Publication Dates November 21, 28, December 5, 12 of 2024 The Healdsburg Tribune) FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT - FILE NO: 202403356 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: 1. BOLDFACE MEDIA, 4 TARRAGON COURT, PETALUMA, CA 94545 COUNTY SONOMA, Mailing Address 911 LAKEVILLE STREET #200, PETALUMA, CA 94954: Is hereby registered by the following owner(s): MARY LENA ROUALDES, 911 LAKEVILLE STREET #200, PETALUMA, CA 94954: This business is being conducted by AN INDIVIDUAL. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious name or names above on N/A. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. Signed: MARY LENA ROUALDES, PROPRIETOR. This statement was filed with the County Clerk-Recorder of Sonoma County on NOVEMBER 05, 2024. (Publication Dates November 21, 28, December 5, 12 of 2024 The Healdsburg Tribune) FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT - FILE NO: 202403445 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: 1. COMMONS.ORG, 2. 0x4B46fD38B0D2fElaB29cfd525 d886dEd562E , 4025 MATCH POINT AVE, SANTA
Arlo Guthrie’s song, “Alice’s Restaurant,” celebrates a very different Massachusetts Thanksgiving story. Written in
1967, the song is 18.5 minutes long.
is a family tradition made easier with the internet. The subject of the song, Alice Brock, died on Nov. 21 last week at the age of 83.
GRATITUDE The bounty of a fall harvest is the basis for the Thanksgiving holiday.
Photo by Pierre Ratte
➝ Waters Surge, 1
Clark, whose home flooded in Healdsburg, said she’s grateful that possessions are all she lost. She hopes others can learn from what happened to her home. “I don’t wish this on my worst enemy,” she said. “This is an experience no one should have to go through.”
WALKIE Rain or shine, Biscuit needs his walk, and leads his person into the teeth of the storm on Sunday, Nov. 24.
Photos by Rick Tang
FLOODED CONDITIONS The bomb cyclone dropped over 15 inches of rain on the Healdsburg area last week, and at least that much ended up on West Dry Creek Road.
WET VINEYARD The late November rainstorm brought out the colors in this vineyard off West Dry Creek Road.
CRIMES & CONCERNS REPORTED TO HEALDSBURG POLICE, NOV. 11-17
Residents and others are encouraged to call Police Dispatch as needed at (707) 431-3377, operational 24/7
Monday, Nov. 11
9:35am A semi-truck apparently struck a fire hydrant on Grant Street at Larkspur Drive, causing a leak. The Healdsburg Fire Department was able to turn the water off.
2:44pm An unlicensed driver was cited on Sawmill Circle after being stopped for violating window-tinting rules.
4:20pm An accident occurred on Grant Street which involved a vehicle hitting a 7-YO female pedestrian. The girl was conscious and not bleeding, and her father declined medical assistance. The driver of the vehicle left her contact information with someone before leaving the scene. Officers responded to the scene and subsequently located the driver of the vehicle. The driver provided all her personal information and a statement to the responding officer. After information about the accident was collected, it was deemed a non-criminal vehicle accident. A report was taken.
Tuesday, Nov. 12
• 11:37am A vehicle was stopped on Exchange Avenue at Sawmill Circle for violating window-tinting rules and failing to signal before turning. A 46-yearold (YO) man was cited and released for violating probation, possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.
• 6:06pm A woman was asked to leave Willi’s Seafood and Raw Bar on Healdsburg Avenue. She had been drinking and had yelled at staff and guests.
Officers responded and the woman was released to a sober responsible party.
• 11:47pm A vehicle was stopped on Redwood Highway at Geyserville Avenue. A 50-YO man was arrested and brought to county jail for driving under the influence (DUI), violating probation, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of methamphetamine.
Wednesday, Nov. 13
11:26am Grand theft of a large shipment of Italian terracotta pots occurred at Mix Garden Materials on Healdsburg Avenue. An officer responded and took a report.
2:57pm An officer contacted a person in the West Plaza Parking Lot about items that were taken from Safeway on Vine Street. The officer recovered items, brought them to Safeway and confirmed they were stolen. The subject was subsequently located and cited for shoplifting.
5:46pm An officer stopped a 44-YO man on Magnolia Drive on a bike for violating bike-lighting rules. The man was cited for a previous incident involving petty theft and theft or misappropriation of lost property.
• 7:48pm The Reporting Party (RP) indicated that her vehicle was sideswiped at Chase Bank on Vine Street. When the RP returned to her vehicle, she noticed another vehicle was parked extremely close to hers and she had to get in from the passenger side. When she arrived home, she realized her car had been damaged. The RP spoke to an officer and decided she did not want to press charges. She was provided an incident number.
8:06pm An officer stopped a bike for violating bikelighting rules at Rotten Robbie on Healdsburg Avenue. After a probation search, a warning was given.
8:46pm A vehicle was stopped on Adeline Way at Exchange Avenue for violating headlight rules
POLICE LOG
and displaying an altered license plate. A 22-YO man was arrested for driving on a suspended license, lacking proof of insurance and violating probation.
11:52pm The RP on Piper Street heard glass breaking and a man screaming obscenities. Officers responded and were unable to locate any subjects or broken glass.
Thursday, Nov. 14
• 8:11am A vehicle on Johnson Street was stopped for violating registration rules. A 28-YO man was cited and released on an outstanding Sonoma County warrant regarding possession of methamphetamine and possession of a controlled substance.
• 4:49pm Three people at Big John’s Market on Healdsburg Avenue stole tequila and snacks worth $321.81. An officer responded and took a report.
• 6:50pm The RP on Harmon Street stated that at the
time of the call and over the previous few nights someone had fired a gun. Officers responded, but the subject was gone on arrival and unable to be located.
10:59pm An officer made contact with a vehicle at the Park & Ride on Healdsburg Avenue. A 26YO woman was arrested and transported to county jail for possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a controlled substance and violating parole. A 38YO man was arrested and transported to county jail for possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, theft or misappropriation of lost property and on two outstanding El Dorado County warrants.
Friday, Nov. 15
11:38am The RP indicated that a check for about $7,000 was stolen from the Healdsburg Postal Service drop box on Foss Creek Circle. The payee
of the check was altered from Sonoma County Tax Collection to a different payee. The check was subsequently cashed, and the RP was refunded by the bank. The bank’s fraud department was researching the issue. An officer responded and provided the RP an incident number.
11:14pm The RP indicated that a vehicle was doing donuts at the Healdsburg Community Center on Healdsburg Avenue. An officer responded, but the vehicle was gone on arrival and unable to be located.
Saturday, Nov. 16
2:58pm The RP believed that her credit card number was compromised when she dined at Agave Mexican Restaurant on Vine Street. Her Exchange Bank debit account subsequently had fraudulent charges totaling approximately $300 – $400. There was no concrete evidence that the number was compromised
4:18pm
Because of you, there’s nowhere like Healdsburg Golf Club at Tayman Park. We’ve been a proud part of the history of Healdsburg for over 100 years, and our legacy has been shaped by all of the wonderful people we've met along the way. We’re more than a golf course, we offer community and recreation for everyone of all ages. If you haven’t been yet, what are you waiting for? Come write yourself into the next chapter of our history. To all of those that are a part of the story already: Thank You. There’s no place like home.
