The Healdsburg Tribune
OTHER CITIES ALSO HAVE CONTROLS ON FORMULA BUSINESSES
By Christian Kallen
Last week’s City Council meeting, and the buildup to it, received a fair amount of regional coverage, including in this publication and a local television news spot. At issue: a revision of the city’s municipal code to limit “formula business” in the downtown business area and to prohibit “big-box stores” or “outlet malls” from locating anywhere in the city.
This was not a new discussion, however: the city’s General Plan includes exactly those prohibitions already, although the limitations to formula stores addresses those directly facing the Plaza. Furthermore, in 2011 the city set off down the path to formalize those restrictions—including the ban on big-box stores and outlet malls—in the municipal code, going so far as to commission and receive input from the Planning Commission.
The results of that study and its recommendations, however, disappeared: For a reason no one can now determine or recall, the proposed ordinance was never brought before the council for ratification, and the discussion died.
Until last August, that is, when several local downtown businesses— including Rete and Ereloom—objected to the appearance of a Faherty’s beachwear store at an address on Healdsburg Avenue just steps from the Plaza, since they carried the Faherty line in their shops.
Faherty’s—with its 60-some stores nationwide—met the common
➝ Council, 2
COSTUMES,
PARADE, EARLY-MORNING DRINKS—WHAT’S
NOT TO LIKE?
Staff Report
This coming Monday will begin a bit differently for most Healdsburgers, as the dawning hours are celebrated with a parade and a party. That doesn’t usually happen, but March 17 is the date of one of the town’s favorite holidays— St. Patrick’s Day. And with it, what Healdsburg likes to call “The Biggest, Shortest Parade in the World,” a claim that has never been fully investigated but is widely believed to be true. It’s still dark when people start converging on Healdsburg Avenue on the block north of North, gathering
between Sanderson Ford at 453 Healdsburg Ave. and the former B&B Lounge (now John & Zeke’s) at 420 Healdsburg Ave. The crowd begins to grow after 6am, and by ten to the hour the shape of the party is revealed in the growing light.
Wearing green is de rigueur , of course, the louder and larger the better. Green wigs are common, green hats plentiful, green beer available. And recent tradition suggests Speedos the tricolor of the Irish flag may be spotted.
Bob Coleman, owner of the B&B, is widely credited with originating the tradition, probably in a spontaneous manner, in 1994. It was then, as now, mainly a matter of parading around the Plaza full of song and good cheer, encouraging
the groggy tourists in the Plaza-side hotels to join in.
Queen for a Day
The parade seems to grow bigger and bigger every year, and now includes a bagpipe herald, innumerable versions of “Danny Boy,” “When Irish Eyes are Smiling” and the pipes of the jig. As well as a St. Patrick’s Day Parade Queen, of course.
Edie Bradley, of the B&B, started this tradition which continues today. Early St. Patrick’s Day morning, the Queen’s helpers dress her in an elaborate green gown, complete with sash, gloves and often a tiara. By 7am she’s ready to lead the parade through downtown Healdsburg, waving to spectators from her car or float.
FAIRY DOORS OPEN INTO IMAGINARY SPACES
CAN THE WALKING TOURIST VISIT THEM ALL?
By Judy Fujita
Healdsburg is known for its scenic vineyards, worldclass restaurants, vibrant music and art scene, and historic charm. But it also lays claim to a unique and whimsical tradition: “fairy doors.”
These tiny, handcrafted doors, usually hidden at the base of the exteriors of building walls, have
Though the royal is often unknown until the parade itself begins, Cierra Hayes has already been named as this year’s Queen. “The Queen's role, while ceremonial, symbolizes Healdsburg’s unique blend of tradition, community pride, and lighthearted fun,” said Mark McMullen, event coproducer with Dan Zastrow. The Launch Pad Foundation with the city’s Community Services department is sponsoring the day’s celebrations.
Celtic Concert
After a morning nap, many revelers and late-risers return to the Plaza for a St. Patrick’s Day Celtic Concert, a celebration of Irish culture and music. Like the parade itself, the noon
become an endearing feature of the town’s landscape. First appearing in the early 2010s, the fairy doors are part of a growing trend in communities worldwide.
Fairy doors began to appear in Healdsburg in 2017. It is suspected that a local or several local artists were and are responsible for their appearance. The first door made its appearance at the museum. The door looked as if it was a replica of the museum door. Since then, people who work at the museum have added their own touches to the door.
This “sudden appearance of a fairy door” at a commercial location seems to be the norm locally, and fairy doors always seem to reflect the theme of the business. Other Northern California cities in which fairy doors can be found include Cloverdale, Alameda and Berkeley. In addition to reflecting
concert has become a recurring theme of the holiday in Healdsburg.
Held from noon to 1:30pm, the concert begins with the Shiloh Step Irish Dancers, a young people’s dance troupe whose captivating precision is enchanting. The featured band will be Tempest, “masters of high-energy Celtic rock,” for dancing or singalong. They formed in 1988 and fuse Celtic with many other musical forms, including progressive rock. While admission is free, donations are encouraged to help cover artist fees and production costs. This year’s goal is $2,500, ensuring the concert remains accessible to all. Donations can be made at tinyurl.com/ CelticConcert2025.
the spirit of the businesses whose outer walls they adorn, Healdsburg’s fairy doors also often capture the artistic spirit of both the creator and the town in general. They offer a magical experience within the town’s downtown area. While the origins of Healdsburg’s fairy doors ultimately remain mysterious, they were likely first created by local artists inspired by similar projects in places like Ann Arbor, Michigan. These miniature doors are crafted from wood, often have windows, sometimes open and close, and sometimes include miniature furniture or painted designs. Walk through the town of Healdsburg on any given day and one will often find a family or a group of children running around trying to find as many doors as possible. The doors spark imaginations—who doesn’t want to know where the
Photo by Rick Tang
IRISH FOR THE MORNING David Hagele, left, mayor of Healdsburg in 2024, bravely led the early morning St. Patrick’s Day Parade. With him are his son Jackson, and Mackensie and Jake Kelley, former mayor Ariel Kelley’s children. Longtime Kiwanis volunteer Denny Stead follows with the Irish flag.
Photo by Christian Kallen
The Magical Door of Bravery welcomes Little People to their secret hideaway, just outside a familiar downtown entry—one of many ‘fairy doors’ now found in Healdsburg.
GOINGS ON AROUND
TOWN THIS WEEK & NEXT
OPENING
‘Bridges of Madison County’
The musical version of the popular book and movie from the 1990s, produced in the North Bay for the first time by the Raven Players. Opens Friday March 14, plays Fridays and Saturdays (7:30pm) and Sundays (2pm) though March 30. Special pay-what-you-can show on Thursday, March 20. Tickets $40 raventheater.org or at the door, 115 North St.
‘1984’
Up the highway, the Cloverdale Performing Arts Center is staging a play based on George Orwell’s dystopian novel 1984. Several familiar faces from the Healdsburg stage scene including Steven David Martin and Dan Stryker are in the cast. Plays Fridays and Saturdays (7:30pm) and Sunday matinee (2pm), through March 23. Tickets $20 at cloverdaleperformingarts.com, 209 North Cloverdale Blvd.
THURSDAY, MARCH 13
Furthermusic
Furthermore Wines has a full weekend of music at their Healdsburg tasting room, including the Gypsy Trio on Thursday, the Joni Mitchell Situation on Friday, Bennett Friedman Trio on Saturday and a postpunk Vinyl Sunday (4-7pm) with Ross Cobb. Music usually from 5:30-8pm, 328-A Healdsburg Ave.
FRIDAY, MARCH 14
Remedy Rock
One of the county’s most
HEALDSBURG HAPPENINGS
long-lived local bands, the Remedies, bring their durable line-up to Coyote Sonoma on Friday night, with their blues, R&B and classic rock repertoire. Tickets only $10, show starts 7pm at 44F Mill St., coyotesonoma.com.
SATURDAY, MARCH 15
Bar Tartine Redux
BloodRoot Winery will hold a culinary “revival” on the 10th anniversary of the publication of the Bar Tartine Cookbook, with two chefs from the San Francisco restaurant creating a family-style feast at the 118 North St. tasting room. Tickets are $120 plus fees per person, reservations for Saturday still available at exploretock.com/bloodrootwines or email info@
If
bloodrootwines.com.
Advocacy Summit
Join the Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition for its second Advocacy Summit from 11am to 3:30pm at Sonoma Land Trust, 822 Fifth St., Santa Rosa. Speakers will lead conversations on how active transportation networks are built and how advocates can remain involved as cities turn their attention from planning to building. The fee is $35; Move! Healdsburg will reimburse all “Move!ers” who participate, contact judy.fujita@gmail.com.
Laura Klein Trio
A musical mix of sparkling jazz standards, swinging bebop, deep Latin grooves and soulful ballads. With Laura Klein (piano), Chris
Amberger (bass) and Carrie Jahde (drums). From 6-9pm in the Spirit Bar, the Hotel Healdsburg lobby lounge at 25 Matheson St., no cover.
SUNDAY, MARCH 16
Pipe Organ
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church’s music director, Paul Blanchard, gives the ivory keys of the church’s pipe organ a workout while the church choir performs on Sunday, March 16, 5pm. Admission is free, 209 Matheson St.
MONDAY, MARCH 17
Green Day All Day
Join the City and downtown merchants for a festive celebration of all things Irish for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and
Party, Monday, March 17. The parade meets at 453 Healdsburg Ave. to circumambulate the Plaza; it starts at 7am and will be over about 20 minutes later. It’s followed at noon by the St. Patrick’s Day Celtic Concert, a free celebration of Irish culture and music at the Plaza.
Celtic Punk Lucky Ol’ Bones, a 7-piece Celtic folk/punk band from Santa Rosa, will continue the Irish party at the Elephant in the Room on Monday, from 5-8pm. Admission is free, 177 Healdsburg Ave.
City Council
Growth in Healdsburg is the overriding topic of the City Council’s Monday, March 17, meeting. Specifics include the fourth
public hearing on District Elections, and reports on the Housing Element, the Growth Management Ordinance and the General Plan. Usual meeting time at 6pm, 401 Grove St., and streaming live at facebook. com/cityofhealdsburg.
UPCOMING
Join a Fairy Door Walk beginning at 10am on Sunday, March 23 from the Plaza to identify as many of the “fairy doors” in Healdsburg as possible. Walk the downtown area as a group, then end in the Plaza with snacks and prizes. Kids under 4 are welcome to participate with parental supervision.
For additional events, visit healdsburgtribune. com/calendar.
definition of a formula retail store, a store that follows a formula: defined as a business having a “standardized array of services and/or merchandise, employee uniforms, decor, facade design, signage, color scheme, trademark or service mark, name, or similar standardized features; and which causes it to be substantially identical to ten or more other businesses in the U.S.”
Not So Unique
However, while that definition is almost exactly the one used in the new ordinance passed by the City Council on March 3, it is in fact the verbiage used by the City of Sonoma, which in 2012 adopted similar limits to those proposed for Healdsburg.
Efforts to control formula retail are not unknown in city planning: in Nevada City, all formula stores, chain stores and franchises are prohibited in all zones. And San
Francisco’s Van Ness Avenue is under a decades-old ban on chains or formula stores—although that city is actively considering lifting that ban, to rejuvenate the struggling corridor. In Sonoma, the ordinance initially led to some tension between formula stores and the city, but the ordinance prevailed: Peet’s Coffee, a popular alternative to Starbuck’s, had to open its new cafe a block away from the Sonoma Plaza. Lifestyle kitchenware shop Williams-Sonoma was likewise pushed outside of the city’s Plaza Retail Overlay Zone—despite the brand’s association with the city itself.
What’s In,
What’s Out
The original no-formula zone, as outlined in the General Plan, was around the Plaza and affected only storefronts facing the park. The revised formula-free zone, proposed by senior planner Ellen McDowell at the December City Council meeting, grew that zone by one city block in
all directions. It includes a wider area bordered by Mill Street, Healdsburg Avenue, North and East streets.
At that Dec. 2 meeting, public comment and councilmembers’ questions expanded the exclusion to include the “north side of North Street,” the block face including Taste of Tea and the Raven Theater. Proposals at both that City Council meeting and the Planning Commission meeting a couple of months later to expand the exclusion zone all the way to Piper Street were ultimately rebuffed, and the new exclusion zone was passed by the council last week.
Along with the downtown limits on formula stores, the new ordinance formalizes the longstanding ban on big-box stores (think Walmart) and outlet malls (think Petaluma) throughout the city. Such a ban does little to impinge on consumer opportunities, as Walmart, Home Depot and other similar big boxes can be found just down the road in Windsor.
Nor does the localized ban affect franchise
operations elsewhere in the city—such as Vineyard Plaza, replete with formula stores including Verizon, UPS, Carl’s Jr., Subway and Safeway.
Finally, the new ordinance includes a built-in escape valve: If too many empty storefronts emerge in coming years and/or a specific business need is not being met by local
retail, an applicant can seek a Conditional Use Permit from the city to open, despite the embargo.
“We’re happy we got somewhere with it. There’s at least a foundation now,” said Merete Wimmer, owner of the Matheson Street shops Ereloom and Rete. Her complaints to the council and city manager initiated the conversation and eventual ordinance.
“I feel good that we now have something concrete, because before I felt like they didn’t really go by the guidelines,” she said, referring to the guidance in the General Plan. “Now, okay, we got the ordinance, and it’s a good part of what we wanted. So I think we take that and say thank you.”
Photo by Rick Tang
UNWANTED INVADERS Volunteers work to remove the invasive French broom from a slope of the Fitch Mountain Park and Open Space on March8.
A similar invasive plant extirpation will take place Saturday at Badger Park to remove the giant reed Arundo donax, from 8:30am to noon. Sign up at russianriverkeeper.org/rotarybadgerpark.
rain cancels, those who sign up will be alerted of a new date.
Madison County Replaces
River City on Raven Stage
‘MUSIC MAN’ PULLED, OBSCURE
‘BRIDGES’ MUSICAL PICKS UP THE SLACK
By Christian Kallen
Those looking forward to the brassy pageantry and old-fashioned romance of The Music Man may need an attitude adjustment to shift gears to The Bridges of Madison County, being premiered locally this month by the Raven Players. The resident theater
company of Healdsburg’s Raven Performing Arts Theater has slated the North Bay debut of The Bridges of Madison County, a musical based on the 1992 bestselling novel by Robert James Waller. Joe Gellura, a veteran director for the Players, will direct the production, which will run from March 14-30.
“A serendipitous change of plans! Bridges is wonderful! The idea of getting a second chance at passion is so full of promise, and so full of heartbreak,” Gellura said,
telegraphing the plot. “It’s an incredibly moving story and I think one that audiences will connect with on so many levels.”
Gerrula has been involved with the Raven Players since its formation, and with theater since elementary school. He directed his first musical, South Pacific, in 1962; now 86, he directed or acted in many
New York are all about,” he said, sighing. He and music director Les Pfutzenreuter, with whom he’s directed several other musicals ( Gypsy , Hello Dolly Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat ), sat down and went through scores of plays looking for a replacement that could be produced relatively quickly to fill the “March Musical” slot on the Raven calendar.
“We were down to Man of La Mancha and this show,” Gellura said. “And Bridges was a show that I personally wanted to do since I saw it on Broadway 11 years ago, with the original cast.” That production won two Tony Awards, including for Best Original Score and Best Orchestration for the composer, Jason Robert Brown. His music is energetic, poppy and tuneful, but his hits are few.
“The downside of the show is that it’s completely unknown” Gellura said— an understatement, when compared the list of familiar tunes such as “Good Night My Someone,” “Ya Got Trouble,” “Till There Was You” and “76 Trombones” that emerged from The Music Man
to Healdsburg in 1992 and helped Tom Brand, Carol Noack and Jane St. Claire found the Raven Players 10 years later.
The Music Man , the musical originally scheduled for this month, was cancelled when performance rights were withdrawn on Nov. 15 “with no explanation,” Gellura said. Although a national com-
Gellura, who has lengthy and deep theatrical ties throughout the Bay Area, said, “I know the Company in San Jose did it maybe seven or eight years ago, I just don’t know anyone else. There are those shows that everyone is grabbing for and fighting for, and then there are these other shows.”
The novel by Robert James Waller, a fantasy of an affair between a rural wife
that followed starred two of the biggest names in film at the time, Clint Eastwood (who directed) and Meryl Streep (who was nominated for an Oscar).
The transition to the Broadway stage was not an unusual leap for hit movies at the time, see for instance Jason Robert Brown. Compared to Stephen Sondheim in his approach to musical theater, he was involved in a number of other musical adaptations, including Urban Cowboy and Honeymoon in Vegas
Any play’s success rides on its cast, and the roles of Francesca and Robert are played here by Katie WattsWhitaker and Elliot Davis. Both are veteran Raven players who have proven their singing chops before— Watts-Whitaker is in a folk band, as it happens, and Davis held down the lead in Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat last year.
Like the Broadway show, a live, nine-piece orchestra will accompany the performances, under the direction of Pfutzenreuter. The fact that this production— with a total of 10 cast members—was pulled together in a relatively quick three months speaks to the closeknit, high-quality network that is the Raven Players, which will be on display the next three weekends at the Raven.
‘The Bridges of Madison County’ will be performed at the Raven Theater on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from March 14-30,
Woodshedding in Redwood Country
ARMSTRONG WOODS ESCAPED THE AXE TO BECOME STATE PRESERVE
By Pierre Ratte
When gold kicked off the forty-niners’ rush to California, San Francisco boomed. Wood for buildings came from Sonoma County and the North Coast. Towns, like Forestville, were named for timber and associated lumbermen. George Guerne and partner Thomas Heald began logging here in 1865, and now we have Healdsburg and Guerneville.
Armstrong Woods is named after Colonel James B. Armstrong, former Union Army soldier and lumberman who saw into the future. Originally intending to log the Big Bottom Valley (Russian River’s lower alluvial plain), Armstrong gifted 440 acres, then another
160, of old growth redwood forest to his invalid daughter hoping it would become an arboretum. It is now the 805-acre Armstrong Woods California State Natural Reserve.
Fun facts: The oldest redwood in Armstrong Woods is the Colonel Armstrong Tree, estimated to
be 1,400 years old. The tallest is called Parson Jones, at 310 feet. Sonoma County purchased 240 acres of Armstrong Woods in 1917 for $80,000. It opened to the public as a state park in 1936. As early as the 1920s, thinner band saws began replacing circular blades
due to kerf efficiency. Kerf refers to the thickness of the blade and loss of wood to sawdust. False teeth are not even, damaging and ripping wood, dangerously creating a condition for a saw to buck or bind. A steam donkey is a portable engine used to winch large stumps and logs. The mechanical donkey was patented by John Dolbeer in 1881 in Humboldt County. Paul Bunyan, the legendary lumberman, probably derived his name from the French-Canadian expression bonyenne —meaning “good heavens” or “oh my.” The first print appearance of Paul Bunyan was in Michigan’s Gladwin County Record in 1893. Paul and Babe the Blue Ox became famous through William Laughead’s (yes, that is his real name) advertising pamphlets for the Red River Lumber Company in Minnesota, which claimed Minnesota’s 10,000 lakes came from his footprints and the Grand Canyon was created by his dragging axe. In a different context, woodshed refers to a quiet place where musicians play, and “woodshedding” means practicing a difficult musical passage.
Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Preserve is located at the north end of Armstrong Woods Road out of Guerneville. It includes a visitor center, public facilities and self-guided nature trails amid the towering redwoods. Visit tinyurl.com/43p859x4.
PROTECTION A well-protected
walk on March 23 will explore
FAIRY DOORS
Imaginary Spaces, 1
fairies reside when they are not working?
It is clear that many local artists and craftspeople are actively and purposefully working to keep the tradition of fairy doors alive, although the creators themselves remain anonymous. When my grandchildren and I walk through the downtown area, we often find doors that we have never seen before.
Move! Healdsburg, a grassroots organization created to make Healdsburg more bikeable and walkable, will sponsor a Fairy Door Walk on March 23, beginning in the Plaza. We aim to identify as many of the fairy doors in Healdsburg that we can find. We will do the walk en masse and end in the Plaza with snacks and prizes. The event is free; kids under 4 are welcome to participate, but only with parental supervision.
Photos by Christian Kallen
fairy door offers security and convenience outside a Plaza restaurant. A Move! Healdsburg
these mysterious portals, followed by snacks and prizes.
Photo by Pierre Ratte
OLD SAWS A small woodshed off Chiquita Road features outsized circular saw blades. Such blades were fixtures in local sawmills
SPORTS
Track & Field Athletes
Off to the Races
FRESHMAN JUMPER IMPRESSES IN DEBUT MEETS
By Caleb Knudsen
at the meet,” she added.
Isaiah Mange, both of Maria Carrillo, but they were scored ahead based on fewer misses. Not bad for a freshman—Jasper also played varsity on the football and basketball teams this year.
The Gaucho Relays is an interesting event, in that the track competition consists entirely of relay teams—four-person teams in distances of 100 meters each, 200m, 800m and 1600 meters. More than 200 high schools competed this year.
The March 8 Gaucho Relays brought improved performances for most Greyhounds, and some encouraging trends. In the grueling 4x1600-meter relay, Healdsburg’s Lucas Welty, Jack Beckman, Jake McWilliams and Kaeden Anderson finished second, behind Windsor’s fleet four.
10.02.37. That was about 28 seconds off his personal best of 9:43 set in 2023, so expect to see some improvement as the season goes on.
As is often the case, track and field is among the first spring sports to get underway. The big event opening the season was the Big Cat Invitational, held at Santa Rosa High on Saturday, March 1. Last weekend came the Gaucho Relays, at Casa Grade High.
Big Cat often provides as a season opener,” said head coach Kate Guthrie.
“We had 28 studentathletes compete, and there were many great performances and learning opportunities that the
“Checking in for events, timing the warm-up properly before a race or event, coming out of blocks, learning racing strategies and more are just a few of the ways our student-athletes gained valuable experience
A number of Healdsburg athletes competed, and several of them did fairly well. Senior Kaeden Anderson, returning to the track after a long injuryrelated layoff, turned in a respectable finish in the 3200-meter race, finishing fifth with a time of
Teammate Jake McWilliams, a junior this year, placed fourth in the 800m race (2:03.97) and 10th in the 1600m (4:44.43). Both times fall just short of his personal best from last year’s competition, so he too is just warming up.
Meanwhile, Teague Jasper finished third in the high jump with a 5-foot10-inch leap. He tied at that height with both the first-place finisher Malachi Cole and second-place
In track, Teague Jasper upped his personal best in the high jump to 6 feet 0 inches, equalling the height by event winner Sam Newmeyer of Tampalpais. Another freshman, Siena Jasper, is putting in the work to show up in the top girls’ discus and shot put competitions, both difficult sports to master. Next time the team is scheduled to take to the track and field will be the Field Event Jamboree in Santa Rosa on March 15, and the Dublin Distance Festival a week later, March 22. With so many student-athletes turning out for the sport this year, returning coach Guthrie will have a lot to work with.
League Baseball Season Starts Friday
MONTGOMERY FIRST REDWOOD OPPONENT FOR GREYHOUNDS VARSITY
By Caleb Knudsen
Clouds loomed overhead and a crisp breeze blew in from left field as two teams from neighboring high schools began play on Tuesday night; Cloverdale visiting Healdsburg.
“I play Cloverdale every year, it’s where I’m from,” said Healdsburg head coach Mark Domenichelli.
“Danielle’s done a great job of bringing that program back. So it’ll be a good test tonight.”
Danielle Bird was named athletic director of Cloverdale High last year, and is listed as head coach of the baseball team as well.
Domenichelli has done a pretty solid job for Healdsburg, too. Last year they made it to the second round of the NCS Championship, though there’s room for improvement. Now a number of players have returned from last year’s roster, and a quiet optimism prevails.
“We’re just a little bit inconsistent right now,” said the coach about the 2025 team. The Greyhounds had a 2-1 record as the game began, losing their home opener to St. Helena 3-1. They then bounced back to
beat Middleton, 6-0, and trounce Credo, 8-1.
Several returning players brought their hot bats with them: Hayden Mariani and Henry Smith both hitting above .500, and Alex Mauro-Manos continuing strong both at the plate with a .375 average, and as a pitcher. He was a co-winner of the league’s Pitcher of the Year award last year, and he’s still a junior this year.
Eric Nielson, a senior, was named to start the Cloverdale game. Said the coach, “We have six seniors on the team. Johnny Wallace is behind the plate this year taking over for Wyatt Dugan,” the only former Greyhound mentioned.
He pointed out the other returning players, including Mariani, Xander Harms and Isaiah Robles, as warm-ups ended. Then the managers met the umpires at home plate for a groundrules discussion before the national anthem.
Nielsen struggled in the top of the first inning, loading the bases with only one out on a hit and two walks. The coach called for someone to loosen up. Then Nielsen righted the ship and struck out the next two batters.
In their half of the first, the Greyhounds slapped and slugged the ball around, stole bases and got caught at it, too. The
second inning began with a 5-0 score, with a more comfortable Nielsen back on the mound. It turned out the only hit Nielsen allowed was that first-inning single. He pitched a total of four and struck out 11. Henry Smith and Mauro-Manos pitched in relief to get some time on the mound, and got five more strikeouts between them. At the plate, the Hounds accumulated 13 hits, with doubles from Nova Perrill II and two by Harms. Henry Smith went four-for-four at the plate, with two RBIs. Losing pitcher was Cloverdale's Colin Craig, who allowed
7 earned runs in the 11-0 schooling Healdsburg gave their northern neighbor. Though it was only their fourth game this year, it was their final pre-season match and it left them with a 3-1 record on a streak of three wins. League play begins on Friday against Montgomery and continues in a three-games-each schedule until May 9: Analy, St. Vincent, Santa Rosa and Piner round out the North Bay Redwood league. Greyhounds Varsity Baseball is played at Rec Park’s Art McCaffery Field. For the Montgomery game, first pitch is 6pm, Friday, March 14.
Photos by Christian Kallen
FLY TO CENTER Xander Harms hit two doubles for three RBIs in the March 11 game against Cloverdale. Healdsburg won, 11-0.
SCULPTING Starting pitcher Eric Nielson works the corners for strikes in the first inning of the March 11 game against Cloverdale.
Photo by Michael Lucid
ROOM TO SPARE Freshman Teague Jasper easily clears the 5-foot-10-inch bar for a third place finish in the Big Cat Invitational in Santa Rosa on March 1.
CURATED FROM BACK ISSUES OF THE HEALDSBURG TRIBUNE
100 years ago: March 12, 1925
FRUIT CONCERN
LEASES WAREHOUSE
The Tracy-Waldron Fruit Co. Saturday completed arrangements for leasing the Cerri warehouse on the railroad near North street, for a term of years, and will use the entire building as their headquarters for shipping fruit. Herman Wolfe of this section is the resident manager of the fruit concern, and announces that his company will handle and ship apples, grapes and pears, mainly, and that there will be a force of workers employed most of the time, all of them to be local workers. During the harvest season they expect to employ about fifty people.
75 years ago: March 10, 1950
VILLA
CHANTECLER OPENING PROMISED
The Villa Chantecler, famous resort on the north side of Fitch Mountain, will re-open within 90 days. This information was released yesterday by Mark Lee Megladdery, of Kenmar Industries, which will open the “lush” resort with a grand rodeo. Kenmar Industries, operator of the resort, is a partnership composed of Megladdery and Jack V. Kent, the latter the builder of the new Villa Chantecler after the original structure burned to the ground about four years ago. All departments at Villa Chantecler will be open by summer, including the dining room, cocktail lounge, cabins, stables, and rodeo grounds. A staff of 25 people of this community will be employed in the operation of the resort, it was learned. “Although we are
concerned with people in this community approving our plans,” the new owners detailed, “we will also plan our resort to bring people from San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York and Chicago to this area.”
A rustic theme featuring redwood will be used to carry out the general plan of the resort that is to take shape. “Stagecoach” service to and from all airports in the area will be a definite part of the operating plans. The new clubhouse built on the site was designed by Kent, and was heralded as the “plushiest” establishment in California. The Villa Chantecler is, “an expression of Redwood Empire hospitality at the gracious top level . . . with accommodations for a very select clientele,” Kent stated in an advertising folder. Copywriters wrote, “Here is a hidden hinterland for quiet, secluded pleasure… whether it be a vacation or only a week-end.” Swimming, of course, will be in the Russian River.
50 years ago: March 13, 1975
LIBRARY MERGER PROMISES GREATER SERVICE FOR CITY
The changes may be subtle, but they are by no means insignificant now that the Carnegie building that has graced the corner of Matheson and Fitch Streets since 1910 has officially become the Healdsburg Branch of the Sonoma County Public Library. But if patrons take notice they will observe that bringing the former city library into the new county system will mean many benefits - a greater selection of books and reference materials, longer hours, and the services of a trained children’s library consultant. Certainly the first thing to strike patrons will be a new face, that of librarian Linda Phillips, who comes to Healdsburg from the Sebastopol branch library.
The Healdsburg branch has some 18,000 books
FLASHBACKS
on its shelves and Miss Phillips will make weekly trips to the main branch to keep fiction selections current. The 3,618 Healdsburg card holders will now become part of the central system. She hopes
the library will be able to expand the library’s hours.
The building remains in city ownership under the new county system and major repairs must be undertaken by the city. The county would like
to see a one-story library built for Healdsburg. The long steps at the front of the Carnegie building are difficult for many to climb and impossible for those in wheelchairs. It is felt by many that the Carnegie
building could make an excellent city museum.
The Flashbackers are docents for the Healdsburg Museum and Historical Society, 221 Matheson St., healdsburgmuseum.org.
20 of 2025 The Healdsburg Tribune) FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT - FILE NO: 202500554 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: 1. CORNERSTONE BOOKKEEPING AND CONSULTING, 621 UNIVERSITY STREET, HEALDSBURG, CA 95448, COUNTY SONOMA, Mailing Address: PO BOX 602, HEALSBURG, CA 95448: Is hereby registered by the following owner(s): STEPHANIE RUMPLER, PO BOX 602, HEALSBURG, CA 95448: 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: STEPHANIE REMPLER, OWNER. This statement was filed with the County Clerk-Recorder of Sonoma County on FEBRUARY 18, 2025. (Publication Dates: February 27, March 6, 13, 20 of 2025 The Healdsburg Tribune)
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT - FILE NO: 202500524 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: 1. TRAILER AXLE STORE, 1000 SANTA ROSA AVENUE UNIT 2, SANTA ROSA, CA 95404, COUNTY SONOMA, Mailing Address: PO BOX 5798, SANTA ROSA, CA 95402: Is hereby registered by the following owner(s): BECK TRAILER LLC, 1000 SANTA ROSA AVENUE UNIT 2, SANTA ROSA, CA 95404, CA: This business is being conducted by A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. 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: LEO BECK, MANAGING MEMBER. This statement was filed with the County Clerk-Recorder of Sonoma County on FEBRUARY 13, 2025. (Publication Dates: February 27, March 6, 13, 20 of 2025 The Healdsburg Tribune)
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT - FILE NO: 202500523 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: 1. SPRING WORKS, 1000 SANTA ROSA AVENUE, SANTA ROSA, CA 95404, COUNTY SONOMA, Mailing Address: PO BOX 5798, SANTA ROSA, CA 95402: Is hereby registered by the following owner(s): SPRING WORKS INC., 1000 SANTA ROSA AVENUE UNIT 2, SANTA ROSA, CA 95404, CA: This business is being conducted by A CORPORATION. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious name or names above on 01/01/2013. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. Signed: LEO BECK, PRESIDENT. This statement was filed with the County Clerk-Recorder of Sonoma County on FEBRUARY 13, 2025. (Publication Dates: February 27, March 6, 13, 20 of 2025 The Healdsburg Tribune)
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT - FILE NO: 202500679 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: 1. A BELOVED FAREWELL, 17909 SWEETWATER SPRINGS RD, GUERNEVILLE, CA 95446, COUNTY SONOMA, Mailing Address: PO BOX 458, GUERNEVILLE, CA 95446: Is hereby registered by the following owner(s): KENNETH C GORCZYCA, PO BOX 458, GUERNEVILLE, CA 95446: 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: KENNETH GORCZYCA, DVM OWNER. This statement was filed with the County Clerk-Recorder of Sonoma County on FEBRUARY 25, 2025. (Publication Dates: March 6, 13, 20, 27 of 2025 The Healdsburg Tribune) FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT - FILE NO: 202500633 The following person(s)
Photos courtesy of Healdsburg Museum AS IT WAS The former Cerri warehouse, currently under extensive reconstruction to become the Foley Family Community Pavilion, as it stood in midcentury.
REDWOOD THEME In 1950 Villa Chantecler (now Villa Chanticleer) was rebuilt from a fire the previous year, and opened as an in-town luxury resort for Bay Area visitors.
CRIMES AND CONCERNS REPORTED TO HEALDSBURG POLICE, FEB. 24 - MARCH 2
Residents and others are encouraged to call Police Dispatch as needed at (707)
431-3377, operational 24/7
Monday, Feb. 24
• 12:33am A vehicle was stopped on Healdsburg Avenue for not complying with rear lighting rules. A 29-Year-Old (YO) man was arrested and transported to county jail for drunk driving and violating probation.
9:03am A 41-YO woman confronted a group of juveniles on Healdsburg Avenue at Powell Avenue.
The juveniles had a previous altercation with the woman’s child. The woman accelerated her vehicle towards the juveniles.
Subsequently, she got out of her vehicle, “slashing” at one of the juveniles with a sharp foreign object before fleeing. On Feb. 27, the woman did not answer her door when officers called at her home, but she was arrested when she drove away. During a search of her home, officers located suspected narcotics including methamphetamines, mushrooms, narcotic pills and drug paraphernalia, as well as an unregistered loaded firearm. She was arrested and brought to county jail for assault with a deadly weapon, drug possession with a firearm, child abuse, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and exhibiting a deadly weapon.
9:27am The Reporting Party (RP) at Citrine Apartments on Grove Street indicated that on Feb. 6 his unlocked vehicle was rummaged through.
The RP said his bag, which contained his passport and work authorization card, was missing. The RP requested a report.
10:42am A vehicle was stopped on Adeline Way
Gat Healdsburg Avenue for violating license plate rules and having a defective rear window or windshield. A 44-YO man was cited for possession of drug paraphernalia and violation of probation.
1:06pm The RP at the Raven Film Center on Center Street wanted two women to leave. The RP had not yet decided whether to file trespassing paperwork against them. While on the phone, the women left.
• 3:47pm The RP at Swi Co Construction Inc. on Healdsburg Avenue said that on Jan. 17, a client in Santa Rosa had owed the RP $14,000. The RP hired a person to pick up the cash in Santa Rosa. The person deposited the money into his own account and did not give the RP the money. An officer responded and took a report.
4:48pm A 39-YO went to the police department on Center Street for a selfsurrender. He was cited and released on an outstanding warrant regarding the misuse of registration and license documents.
4:57pm The RP on Healdsburg Avenue indicated that the RP’s bike was stolen. The bike had a lock attached to the spokes of the wheel but was not secured to anything. The RP wanted to press charges if the suspect could be identified. A report was taken.
5:14pm A man hit a woman near Otoro Sushi on Healdsburg Avenue. Officers responded and arrested a 19-YO man for domestic battery. An emergency protection order was granted. The man was transported to county jail.
10:24pm A highly intoxicated man on Matheson Street planned to drive even though people advised him to get an Uber. The man was in his vehicle with the engine running when police arrived. The 59YO man was arrested and transported to county jail for drunk driving.
Tuesday, Feb. 25
1:44pm A woman went to the police department asking that a handicap placard violation be dismissed because her
POLICE LOG
handicap placard was valid. She was cited for driving on a suspended license and provided a courtesy ride home.
7:45pm The RP, the store manager of Rite Aid Drugstore on Healdsburg Avenue, stated that four people were in front of the store loitering and smoking marijuana. The RP believed they were laying out their blankets and belongings to stay the night. The RP was willing to file trespassing paperwork against them, but hoped they would just move along. Officers responded and cited a 44-YO woman on an outstanding Sonoma County warrant regarding trespassing. The people moved along.
Wednesday, Feb. 26
11:39am The RP saw a vehicle driving erratically on Center Street at Powell Avenue. The vehicle did not maintain a steady speed, stopped at a green light, pulled over and when pulling out again almost hit another vehicle. Officers responded, but the vehicle was gone on arrival and unable to be located.
3:36pm A man stole two grocery bags full of food at Big John’s Market on Healdsburg Avenue and subsequently ate on the patio. An officer responded, cited a 40-YO man for petty theft and removed him from the property.
3:36pm Battery occurred at Healdsburg High School on Prince Avenue in one of the bathrooms. There was torn clothing and blood in the sink after the fight.
A bystander guarded the bathroom door while the fight took place. An officer gathered information and an investigation was started.
• 4:36pm A vehicle was stopped for having a defective windshield or rear window on Healdsburg Avenue. A 66-YO man was cited for lacking proof of insurance and violating probation.
• 6:53pm A vehicle was stopped near The Spoon Bar on Healdsburg Avenue for lane weaving or lane straddling. The driver was cited to appear on a local warrant regarding parking in a disabled spot and contributing to the
GEORGE JOHNS CAMPBELL III
August 8, 1931 – February 15, 2025
eorge Johns Campbell III, affectionately known as “Jerry” by his family and friends, passed away peacefully at his home in Healdsburg on February 15, 2025, at the age of 93, surrounded by his loving wife and sons.
Jerry is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Mary Jane, his sons Bill (Christine) and Steve (Jan), four cherished grandchildren, Jacob, Cora, Ava, and Lilian, and many dear relatives across California and beyond. Born on August 8, 1931, in York, Pennsylvania, Jerry led a life defined by curiosity, adventure, and a deep commitment to family and community. He graduated from Choate Rosemary Hall and Lafayette College, where he majored in engineering and business. Following college, he served two years in the U.S. Army as a supply sergeant in Nancy, France.
After completing his military service, Jerry joined Campbell Chain Company, the family business founded by his grandfather, which supplied chains for applications ranging from ship anchors to tire chains. In 1959, he met Mary Jane Hagmann of Erie, Pennsylvania, and the two embarked on a lifelong journey together. They settled in Fremont, California, where Jerry became president of Campbell Chain’s West Coast operations.
Following the sale of the family business in 1969, Jerry and Mary Jane moved to Sonoma County, where he worked at Healdsburg Hospital and in the wine industry. Together, they also ran the Campbell Ranch Bed and Breakfast in Geyserville for 19 years, welcoming guests into their home and forming friendships that lasted a lifetime. Jerry will be remembered as a gracious host, known for his sharp wit, warm hospitality, and impeccable sense of humor.
A man of boundless energy and enthusiasm, Jerry had a passion for travel, embarking on adventure cruises around the world with Mary Jane. He remained active well into his late 80s, enjoying swimming, snorkeling, and even whitewater rafting. He was also a champion breeder of King Pigeons and a dedicated philatelist and numismatist, hobbies that connected him with fellow enthusiasts across the globe.
Jerry was deeply engaged in his community as a longtime member of the Healdsburg Noon Rotary and Healdsburg Community Church. He especially cherished his monthly visits to second graders at Healdsburg Elementary School, where he shared stories and photographs from his travels, inspiring young minds with tales of faraway lands.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers from Home Instead and Hospice for their kindness and compassion in Jerry’s final days.
A funeral and celebration of life will be held at Healdsburg Community Church on March 22, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the church in Jerry’s memory.
Jerry’s family invites you to celebrate a life well-lived by embracing the beauty of each day, holding your loved ones close, and sharing an unexpected act of kindness in his honor.
delinquency of a minor. A responsible party picked up the vehicle.
Thursday, Feb. 27
• 11:46am A vehicle was stopped on the onramp of Hwy 101 at Dry Creek Road for unsafe lane changes. The passenger was identified as the suspect in a case. The 41-YO woman was arrested for child endangerment, assault with a deadly weapon, brandishing a deadly weapon and possession of a controlled substance. She was taken to county jail.
8:36pm An accident occurred between a vehicle and an electric scooter on Lupine Road at March Avenue. Police, fire and medical help responded. A 54-YO woman was transported and brought to county jail for drunk driving and driving under the influence causing injury.
Friday, Feb. 28
11:53am The RP near Healdsburg Museum on Matheson Street stated a worker saw a tent on the property. When an officer responded, the tent was unoccupied. The RP decided to call if the person returned.
• 3:19pm The RP on Dry Creek Road indicated that a person fraudulently took out loans in her name and she needed a police report for insurance. The incident was referred to the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office.
Saturday, March 1
• 12:21am Graffiti was reported on Sunnyvale Drive.
• 1:02am Graffiti was reported on Grant Street at the railroad tracks.
• 1:43am Graffiti was reported on Terrace Boulevard.
• 2:30am Two people were seen near Chevron on Healdsburg Avenue spraying graffiti. Officers responded and arrested a 23-YO man with spray paint for conspiracy, contribution to a minor’s delinquency, vandalism and participation in a street gang.
5:21am Graffiti was reported on Front Street at the railroad racks. 9:48am Graffiti was reported at the Harvest
Grove Apartments on West Grant Street.
1:06pm The RP on Quarry Ridge Court received a text threatening to kill the RP and his family because the RP spoke to a woman on WhatsApp. The RP denied knowing the woman and the threat appeared to be a scam for money. Officers advised the RP to contact law enforcement again if anything suspicious happened or the threats escalated.
2:08pm A vehicle associated with vandalism was in Alley 6 at Terrace Boulevard. A juvenile exited the vehicle. While officers were being dispatched, the juvenile confronted and threatened the RP. The RP wanted to press charges for the threat. Officers responded, but the vehicle was gone on arrival and unable to be located.
5:15pm The RP was in a verbal dispute with a man on Healdsburg Avenue at Plaza Street. The parties separated and the RP was safe in his vehicle. The RP declined to have an officer respond. The RP only wanted the information logged.
6:25pm The RP on Terrace Boulevard called on behalf of his mom who did not want her other son at her residence any more. The RP believed that the other son was at Chevron on Healdsburg Avenue getting beer. The RP wanted officers to contact the other son and tell him not to go back to the residence. At 7:44pm,
Photo by Christian Kallen