Healdsburg Tribune September 14 2023

The Healdsburg

DOWNTOWN HOTEL GIVEN NEW LIFE BY CITY STAFF REVIEW

LEGAL LOOPHOLES KEEP RESIDENCE HOTEL PROJECT IN MOTION

By Christian Kallen

The controversy surrounding Healdsburg’s downtown hotel ordinance, which restricted new construction to five rooms per block face and was passed late in 2018 by a 4-1 vote of the City Council, took a new and for many unwelcome turn last week.

On Thursday, Sept. 7, the City of Healdsburg issued a social media notice via Facebook saying that the ordinance had been improperly “published,” and was therefore invalid—allowing

Piazza Hospitality to continue with their plans for a 16-room, 37-bedroom fivestory hotel at 400 Healdsburg Ave.

That hotel project had been put at risk when a press investigation, published in the Tribune on Aug. 3 of this year, revealed Piazza had failed to meet the deadline for approval of their application by one day, which meant their planned hotel could not legally be approved.

Piazza is the developer of the H2 Hotel, sister hotel to Hotel Healdsburg, and the Harmon Guest House. Another hotel would give the same body of owners a near-monopoly on downtown Healdsburg Avenue hotels.

Following that discovery, the City Council met at least twice in Closed Session, on Aug. 18 and Sept. 5, to evaluate a “threat of litigation” surrounding the permitting issue. At least one of those threats now appears to have originated from within city staff itself, and not from Piazza.

“In conducting an internal review, City Staff discovered the ordinance adopted on Dec. 17, 2018 was published incorrectly

Short Films Return to the Raven

HEALDSBURG THEATER SCREENS AND BENEFITS FROM ONE-DAY FESTIVAL

By Christian Kallen

Not to be overlooked in the return of the Healdsburg International Short Film Festival—a one-day banquet of narrative inspiration, 22 films spread over two screenings on Saturday, Sept. 23—is the name. It’s an international festival, with films from Argentina, Cameroon, Germany, Ireland and other countries.

And the films are short. Some of them very short.

Among them is Just an Evening, from Ukraine. It’s without dialogue, largely in black and white, almost stripped of plot, aside from a young woman walking at night through the nearly-deserted capital on an errand. Filmed between missile attacks in Kyiv last year, Olga Gibelinda’s brief film makes a single quiet statement that seems to resonate beyond its borders—the sort of trick that only a well-done short film can make without pretension.

“We made the movie during a blackout in Kyiv this winter,” Gibelinda said via email. “Our power grids were damaged by Russian missile attacks, and we had a rough schedule of when the power would be back on.” The film, which barely breaks three minutes in length, was filmed on one night and edited the next day.

“However, I believe that such conditions set a great challenge for the script and the idea. If the idea can withstand the lack of full production, then it was a good idea,” she said.

Gibelinda will not be one of the filmmakers at the festival in Healdsburg this year, though her first film, Something, was screened in the precursor festival in 2012 held in Bodega Bay. Now, she is busy producing and working on several films, all in Europe, both documentaries and features.

One of these further limits her movement.

“Since part of the shooting takes place in the ‘red zone,’ I am bound by a specific schedule from the military,” Gibelinda explained.

These are not the sorts of hurdles that most North

American filmmakers encounter, but it speaks to the undeniable commitment many artists bring to their work, in whatever medium.

The Medium Is the Message

Just an Evening is one example of the personal, even eccentric project that can be found in a film festival. While major festivals—Cannes, Sundance, even the local Sonoma Valley International Film Festival—do feature highly personal projects by talented filmmakers, such feature films present an inherent challenge for many in the audience.

“I really get frustrated when I go to a film festival, and it’s a coveted ticket, and I sit there for two hours, and it's just a turkey,” said Kirk Demorest, who with his wife, Pamela Demorest, is producing the one-day festival. “Or it doesn't match your aesthetics or whatever. It’s frustrating.” With a short film festival, however, the material changes every few minutes. One film may be funny, another dramatic, a third heart-breaking.

Each one is different. “The thing that’s cool about it is you get a different flavor of these voices from all around the world, because everyone has a perspective, whereas you only get one perspective in a feature film,” he said.

But, he added, “I would say the biggest thing that I like about it is that it’s a format that’s affordable for filmmakers to do a really cool film.”

For instance, a film in this year’s festival called The Space Between Us was a one-person project, an animated film done on a home computer. Even more notable, Pamela Demorest said, “We’ve had kids in Africa with iPhones shoot films and send them to us that have been great.”

Screenings

Some 22 films will be shown at the Raven on Saturday, Sept. 23 in two separate screenings, at 2 and 7:30pm. (Full disclosure: One film is 20 minutes long.) Each screening will include a different set of films, and a number of different countries as well as talents are featured.

Proceeds benefit the Raven Education Program,

removing trash and debris from Foss Creek.

Foss Creek is a tributary of the Russian River that runs north-south through town. It serves as a home to several species, including steelhead trout protected by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. The creek also funnels storm water runoff from the city to the Russian River.

which is offering a teen acting class this fall.

As with many film festivals, there will be awards given—modest $500 cash awards to a handful of winning filmmakers. In the case of the Healdsburg International Short Film Festival, the judges bring their own celebrity to the process: Oscar-nominated screenwriter and director Billy Ray (Captain Phillips, The Hunger Games), independent filmmaker Ellie Foumbi and singersongwriter Tom Waits, with his creative partner Kathleen Brennan.

“I can say that culture turns out to be a very powerful element of connecting people and senses; it’s very valuable,” said Ukraine’s Gibelinda. “And I’m really a Tom Waits fan, so it’s a special miracle for me that the person who had a great influence on the formation of my musical and cultural taste will watch my little film.”

Screenings are Saturday, Sept 23, at 2 and 7:30pm. Each program is different. More information and ticket links can be found at healdsburgfilm.com.

group will go to one of five assigned spots along Foss Creek, all within walking distance from the Community Center.

Healdsburg’s Foss Creek Clean-up will take place Saturday morning, Sept. 23, with the Community Center serving as the base of operations. Since 2005, the annual clean-up event has been an opportunity for residents to participate in the maintenance and protection of the creek by

Volunteers will gather in the south parking lot at the Community Center (1557 Healdsburg Ave.) from 8:30 to 9am, where they will sign up and be divided into five groups.

An assortment of pastries (provided by Healdsburg Sunrise Rotary) will be available.

Mayor Ariel Kelley will give opening remarks, followed by a safety talk from a fire official. Then each

An assigned team leader will help oversee the process and, wearing gloves and using litter pick-up grabbers, volunteers will spend approximately two hours gathering trash of every description and placing it into trash bags. About 75 people participate each year, so teams are usually between 12 -20 in size.

At approximately 11am, each group will place their bags into the back of trucks, to be transported to a large dumpster, which will later be picked up by Recology.

Volunteers return to the Community Center to eat lunch (provided by Healdsburg Kiwanis) and

ANNUAL FOSS CREEK CLEANUP COMING SEPT. 23

VOLUNTEER ACTION AIMS TO PROTECT ENVIRONMENT, WILDLIFE

GOINGS ON AROUND THE TOWN

Star Wars IV

The first film in the Star Wars series, now titled

A New Hope, introduced Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia and Han Solo in its 1977 premiere. It will screen free on Friday, Sept. 15 beginning at 7:30pm at the Healdsburg Plaza, from AVFilm.

Healdsburg Hounds

Home field opening game for the Healdsburg High football team, Friday, Sept. 15. Opponent is JF Kennedy (Richmond); JV kickoff at 4:30, varsity at 7pm. Recreation Park, University St.

Comedy Night

Join in the laughter at Coyote Sonoma on Friday, Sept. 15, from 8-10pm. Guest host Cody

Smit welcomes Andrew Holmgren, Steven Asifo and Clara Bijl. $15 presale, $20 at the door, 44 Mill St.

Farmers’ Market

Healdsburg Certified Farmers’ Market on Saturday, Sept. 16, until Dec. 23. Market begins at 8:30am, open till noon at West Plaza Park. More information at healdsburgfarmersmarket.org.

Watershed Cleanup

The 37th Annual Russian River Watershed Cleanup Day, Saturday, Sept. 16, from 10am-noon, offers opportunities for volunteers to help the health of river parks, future trails and riparian habitat needed for healthy ecosystems, from Ukiah to Monte Rio. Volunteer signups at russianriverkeeper.org/rrwcd.

Jazz at the Hotel Jazz returns to the Hotel Healdsburg’s Spirit Bar,

SELECTED WEBSITE COMMENTS ON RECENT STORIES

On Beekeepers at City Council (Aug. 31) Excellent article; local journalism at its best!

Thank you for covering this important topic. It is so encouraging to see the Board of Supervisors re-examine an issue and act on their deeper understanding!

CONSTANCE ALEXICH

Very grateful for this decision. Glad the voices of local beekeepers were heard by Healdsburg City Council and by the Board of Supervisors!

JANICE BLALOCK

Great article. Much more information than anything written on this subject by the Press Democrat I was amazed that

weekly on Saturdays from 6-9pm. On Sept. 16, the Randy Vincent Trio with Chris Amberger and Noel Jewkes play the Four Bs: Blues, Bossas, Bebop and Ballads. Hotel Healdsburg, 25 Matheson St., 6-9pm, no cover.

4-Band Minifest

John Mason, Mr. December, Coyotes on Peyote, and James Jackson and the Dream team, all at The Elephant in the Room on Saturday, Sept. 16. Starts at 4pm, goes to midnight, $20 presale, $25 at the door. 77 Healdsburg Ave. or elephantintheroompub. com.

Kalimba

The Earth Wind and Fire tribute band Kalimba, with a full horn and rhythm section to

reproduce the grooves of the Grammy-winning band, plays Saturday, Sept. 16 at the Raven Theater. Tickets from $35$75 at raventheater.org.

Organ Festival

On Sunday, Sept. 17, Alexander Valley resident David Hatt will play selections by the German composer Max Reger, plus J.S. Bach, Rick Cox, David N. Johnson and his own work on the pipe organ at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 209 Matheson St. Free, 5pm.

City Council

Healdsburg’s City Council meets Monday, Sept 18, starting at 6pm, 401 Grove St. Agenda published at healdsburg. gov/543/Agendas-Minutes. Among the topics is expected to be the

2018 Hotel Ordinance, which may need to be re-approved. Attend in person or view live at facebook.com/watch/ cityofhealdsburg/.

Tuesday Market

The Healdsburg Certified Farmers’ Market continues weekly until Sept. 26. Tuesdays from 9am to 12:30pm, at Healdsburg Plaza. More information at healdsburgfarmersmarket.org.

Teen Actors

First session of the Teen Acting Class is Wednesday, Sept. 20. The class is free and open to teens 14 and over, with a maximum class size of 16 students. For information, see raventheater.org/ teenacting.

Dad Country Thursday, Sept. 21 at Second Story finds Sofia

Talvik playing her Americana-folk tunes at 5:45pm, free. Upstairs at Little Saint, 25 North St. Creek Cleanup

The City of Healdsburg will conduct a two-hour clean-up of Foss Creek, between 9 and 11am on Saturday, Sept. 23. Volunteers will receive breakfast and lunch, plus a commemorative t-shirt. Meet at the Healdsburg Community Center at 8:30 for breakfast, supplied by Rotary Club of Healdsburg Sunrise.

Slow Food

The local chapter of Slow Food USA, Slow Food Sonoma County North, will hold their bi-annual dinner on Saturday, Sept. 23,

from 6-9 at The Barn at Foss Vineyard, 6475 Starr Rd., Windsor. Tickets $75-$85 and information at slowfoodsonomacountynorth.org.

Femeninas

Songs of Latin American Women, featuring awardwinning Mexican vocalist Magos Herrera with percussionist Luis Quintero, pianist Edward Simon, drummer Adam Cruz and Jeff Denson on bass. Saturday, Sept. 23, 8:30pm at The 222, tickets $35 to $75 (under 18 free with student ID). 222 Healdsburg Ave. Post events on the Tribune’s online calendar at healdsburgtribune. com/calendar, and send special announcements to editor@ healdsburgtribune.com.

the county Board of Supervisors entered this agreement with Tauzer without doing any research at all.

While agriculture needs honeybees, Sonoma County should not become an offseason dumping ground for hundreds if not thousands of commercial bee hives.

DENNIS BYRNE SMART Station (Aug. 24)

People are putting the cart before the horse. It will take years to rebuild the RR bridge over the Russian River. Look how long it took to rebuild the antique 1921 truss bridge.

I see all the RR ties in readiness across the tracks from the old RR station. LOL! They will need that creosote to last long enough to be used. Healdsburg and the “SMART” train crack me up.

TIMMY TAES

The existing depot has parking, room for buses and multi tracks for train

car storage. Also the roundabout will not be blocked till Cloverdale is in the mix. Go to Europe and see where the majority of the stations are located. Folks

will walk less than half a mile with ease. Also for those who can’t walk, a city shuttle can be used.

ROGER

(no last name given)

Leave appropriate comments on stories at healdsburgtribune. com, or send directly to editor@ healdsburgtribune.com.

for the “award” ceremony. As well as breakfast and lunch, volunteers who need one will receive a t-shirt to commemorate their participation. The main award will be the “Crud Cup,” which will be passed on to whichever of the five teams collects the most trash. Last year, a Healdsburg High group was the winning team. Additionally, each team leader nominates one or two individuals for categories such as most litter gathered, most enthusiastic volunteer or most interesting item found. The names are put in the Crud Cup, and Kelley will draw four of them, to be awarded gift certificates of about $25 value to Noble Folk, Mr. Moon’s and the Toy Chest.

For more information, contact project manager Michael Harrington at mharrigan@healdsburg.gov.

SHINING STARS Singers for Seattle’s Kalimba groove to the fantasy during the group’s Spirit of Earth Wind and Fire tribute, on the Raven stage Sept. 16

Photo courtesy of Kalimba

BEEKEEPER Candice Koseba checks on the production of a hive near her Dry Creek home. Koseba was one of several local beekeepers who contested Sonoma County’s award of a threeyear contract with Tauzer Apiaries.

Photo by Christian Kallen

Drewish Deli staff celebrating their grand opening and ribbon cutting with the Healdsburg Chamber and City

Library Programs Focus on Young Readers

POSSIBLE PRIZES FOR NEW LIBRARY CARD HOLDERS

Jon Haupt

By

As we welcome September in Healdsburg, many of our residents are in full back-to-school mode,

and that’s noticeable at the library. Our staff, as well as the teachers, kids and parents, have had their recovery time and gotten the school year running smoothly; now the library staff is ready to bring a full slate of programming to the calendar once again. We encourage you to take a look at what’s coming up.

Storytimes

This month we are featuring Storytimes with Shannon Duarte, the acting children’s services librarian, on Fridays, Sept. 15 and 22, when we offer Baby and Toddler Storytime inside the library. On Sept. 29 and Oct. 6, look for a Family Storytime at Giorgi Park with our BiblioBike. We will also

offer Preschool Storytime this month on Tuesdays—Sept. 19 and 26. All storytimes (on Tuesdays and Fridays) will occur at 10:30am. If one is looking for an experience for children offered in Spanish, we are also offering Spanish Music & Movement on the first Tuesday and third Saturday of each

month now, with events coming up on Saturday, Sept. 16 at 11:30am and Tuesday, Oct. 3 at 11am.

Social Services

On Thursday, Sept. 16 at 3pm, we will continue our bi-monthly Social Services Fair. Every other month, we have representatives from social service organizations such as Redwood Empire Food Bank, Reach for Home, Alliance Medical Center and/or Micah’s Hugs. We look forward to continuing this opportunity into the future.

We hope that everyone will take advantage of having these organizations on hand all in the same place at the same time—sometimes one of the biggest challenges of completing the many required steps to receive services is simply that they have offices in different areas, so having them all in one place for a day can be a real help.

Friday Flicks

Our Friday Flicks series was a big hit over the summer, with many families taking advantage of the opportunity to watch a free movie and have a little popcorn at the library. We will continue this program throughout the year at a slightly later time after school— the movies will start at 3:30pm every Friday. We will alternate weeks between movies that are fun for the whole family and movies that have teens in mind. To check on the upcoming

film for the week, come by the library or give us a call at 707-433-3772. We also offer a movie night for adults on Wednesday nights once a month, with more grownup themes. Recent screenings have included The Super Mario Bros. Movie, Finding Nemo and Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 3. The next film will be shown on Wednesday, Sept. 27 at 6 pm. We aren’t allowed to broadcast film titles for licensing reasons, but we can put up signs in the library and let you know when you ask. We’ve planned things out so we have a good lineup to offer for the next few months.

Library Card Contest

Lastly, September is Library Card Signup Month, and we invite you to “Find Your Path at the Library.” Got a library card you haven’t used in a while? Stop by so we can update you. Do you use your card a lot? Tell a friend about the magic of a free public library. We will track all new cardholder sign ups in September in Sonoma County, and pick 10 winners, who will receive great prizes.

Jon Haupt is the branch manager of the Healdsburg Regional Library, 139 Piper St., open daily.

EARLY LEARNING Acting children’s librarian Shannon Duarte helping a young patron with a craft during the Healdsburg Library’s Seeds & Reads event on Monday, Sept. 11, for K-6 graders.

Photo by Jon Haupt

Football Season Gets Underway in Sonoma

GREYHOUNDS GIVE DRAGONS THEIR FIRST HOME WIN

By Christian Kallen

In some ways, Healdsburg High and Sonoma Valley have similar football programs—new coaches, young rosters, each coming off disappointing seasons. And going into the Sept. 8 game, both were winless this year.

In Sonoma last Friday, however, it was the host Dragons who earned their first win of the year by easily defeating the Hounds, 35-9. That puts Healdsburg at an 0-2 season record, with their first home game coming up this Friday at Rec Park.

HIGH HOPES FOR HHS TENNIS TEAM

GIRLS SEASON ROLLS ON WITH SPLIT DECISIONS

Staff Report

“We have a great team,” said Mary Beth Chandler, head coach of the Healdsburg High School varsity girls tennis team. She points not only to the winning record so far this season but the energy her players bring to their game.

Those players include Isabel Smith, the team’s Number 1 for the second year in a row, who Chandler called “a committed senior and improving.”

Smith is also a standout on the varsity swim team in spring.

Number 2 singles player is Meher Dhiman, who is so far undefeated in local matches. “She’s gifted at adapting

The Greyhounds relied upon Nova Perrill and Alexander Harms on both offense and defense to muster what competition they could. The pair played almost every snap on both sides of the ball, lined up in the backfield on offense and as linebackers on defense. Such reliance comes at a cost, as the other team invariably knows where the ball’s going, and to whom.

The Dragons led 21-2 at the half, taking advantage of turnovers by the skittish Greyhounds and a plethora of Delay of Game penalties that kept the ball moving the wrong way. Only a safety prevented a halftime shutout, though the Hounds defense did prevent a score-at-will game

to her opponents,” said the coach, who predicts Dhiman could challenge Smith for the Number 1 position before the season is over. Dhiman plays on the basketball team in winter.

Amelia Wickersham, Number 3, played primarily doubles last season. “She has staked her position at singles and just keeps improving,” said Chandler.

Number 4 singles is Claire Berry. Never having played singles previously, Chandler said “she’s tremendously athletic; it won’t be long before she converts those rallies to her advantage.

Doubles teams include Ruby Leffew and Isabel Lickey at #1 Doubles. “Their second year as partners is evident as they continue to battle it out and learn new doubles tactics, supporting each other throughout,” said Chandler.

At # 2 Doubles, Cecilia Hallinan-Becker and Margaret Kosta complement each other in talent, said the coach. “Although new to competition as a freshman, Kosta’s balls fly down the middle of the court while HallinanBecker angles a volley just out of reach—followed

and forced several punts.

A long 80-yard drive to open the third quarter finally put Healdsburg in the end zone. Harms slipped in from the two yard line following a series of short-gain offtackle runs by Perrill. The extra point kick by Mario Castro was good, making the score 21-9.

But the Dragons still added two more touchdowns of their own in the half, building on four turnovers in the game by Healdsburg, three of them interceptions, two of those run back for scores. Sonoma Valley’s offense was led by quarterback Trent Ohman and receiver Hudson Giarritta and running backs Lee Scott and Cayden Waldrop.

with a smile and a racquet bump with her partner.”

Other players on the squad include sophomore Kathleen Arriaga, who played badminton her freshman year, at Number #3 doubles, with whom the coach called “her athletic and persistent partner,” Sana Katsuki.

The team is rounded out by Abby Wetzel, Haley Davis, Angelina Mengali, Thea Meyer, Eloise Parr, Bryanna Cortez Sierra, Ivy Stark, Elizabeth Abend, Julia Vega and a newcomer, exchange student Lara Vigano from Brazil.

Chandler also noted that the school’s athletic director, Josh Cavenaugh, is a tennis coach himself for the boys team. “He has been instrumental in recruiting and promoting the program to keep it going, which is no small task,” she said.

Home tennis matches are played on the Healdsburg High courts off Monte Vista Avenue, with start time at 4pm. Next matches include Thursday, Sept. 14 against Piner, and next Thursday, Sept. 21, against Cardinal Newman.

The final score of 35-9 was better news for Sonoma Valley than Healdsburg, and it comes with a footnote: It was the first win for the home team at newly-christened Bob Midgley Field, the artificial turf outdoor sports pitch on the east side of the high school campus. Though the field has been in use since 2019, it was only named last spring to recognize the long-time Sonoma Valley football coach and athletic director Midgley, who died the year the field opened. This Friday, the Greyhounds host Kennedy High (from Richmond) at the Rec Park grass field, a rarity even among today’s high schools. JV kickoff at 4:30, varsity at 7pm.

DENIED Healdsburg’s Nova Perrill gets between Sonoma Valley’s Max Harrison and a long pass to prevent a touchdown in the second quarter of the Sept. 7 game in Sonoma.

GROUND GAME Healdsburg running back Alexander Harms (11) grips the ball to prevent Sonoma Valley’s Casey Terrel (2) from stripping it during the first half of Sept. 8 game in Sonoma.

Photos by Christian Kallen

NUMBER ONE Isabel Smith is the Healdsburg High tennis team’s top-ranked player.

Photos by Michael Lucid

A Perfect Pairing on River Road

JOHN ASH & CO., VINTNERS RESORT PROVIDE DUAL DESTINATION

By Kary Hess

The easiest way to maximize vacation time is to spend it locally, and Sonoma County is full of options for this kind of getaway, including the close-to-home but remote-feeling Vintners Resort in northern Santa Rosa, just east of the Fulton intersection.

It’s perfect for a wide range of special events, from a quick romantic getaway or a personal retreat, to a catered vineyard wedding convenient for out-of-town and local guests alike, to a family reunion or conference.

Dream Amongst

the Vines Vintners is the first luxury resort on a working

vineyard, and is also home to John Ash & Co., one of the very first farmto-table restaurants in Sonoma County. Besides the vineyard, the 92-acre estate has extensive flower and culinary gardens, fig and olive orchards, all contributing to the restaurant and the resort’s unique farm-to-spa treatment offerings. This local getaway showcases everything about Sonoma Wine Country that other travelers come from far away to enjoy, including the thoughtful, spacious rooms with breezy balconies offering expansive vineyard views. Some rooms even feature luxurious bathtubs large enough for honeymooners, and there’s coffee and wine in the room for when one just wants to stay in.

When ready to emerge from the relaxing rooms, there are many ways guests can enjoy personal

BEVERLY BERYL TEICHEIRA

December 15, 1931 – August 27, 2023

Beverly was born on December 15, 1931, and passed away peacefully on August 27, 2023. Raised in the Healdsburg and Kelseyville areas, an only child, she spent her early growing years with her favorite cousins, the Barkers, the Gattons and more. Being incredibly social, she belonged to local sororities her entire adult life serving as President twice. Bev was artistic and loved to travel. She and her husband, Bob Teicheira, spent many years traveling the globe. Professionally, Bev worked for the Napa County Animal Control and Juvenile Probation Center as an Office Manager. Everyone loved to be around Beverly’s incredible bright light, quick smile, great laugh, and fun, mischievous nature. She was the best mother… loving, compassionate, fun, hardworking and had an open-minded outlook on life. Bev lived without prejudices and taught us life lessons leading by example. There are no words that can adequately express how much she will be missed by her loving family and friends. With our love and the grace of God, we pray that she will reunite with Bob wherever the next life takes them. Rest in peace, we will forever miss you! Your children, Mike, Tina, Tracy, Rusty, Debbie, Mary and all the grandchildren, greatgrandchildren, cousins, friends and more.

time at the resort or engage with fellow travelers. First and foremost, of course, are wine tasting and fine dining, and then there are the large-scale chessboard and swimming on the pool grounds for outdoor fun.

Consider delighting in a leisurely late-morning brunch at the on-site River Vine Café, then go for a swim, head to the spa for a treatment or even venture out into the country for a little antique shopping that could never normally be done here during the bustle of dayto-day life. The advantage is that the places one discovers can easily be returned to again and again since they’re local.

Back at the Vintners Resort, the Front Room Bar and Lounge makes for a fine happy hour. With some luck, while awaiting dinner reservations, there might also be a complimentary wine tasting. On a recent late afternoon, Scherrer Winery was showcasing its splendid old- and mature-vine varietals in the lobby sitting area.

Dinner at the John Ash & Co. restaurant could be the highlight of any stay in Sonoma County and

all the more convenient when it’s a mere stroll away. Widely known as the first Sonoma County restaurant to introduce the idea of cooking with seasonal, locally sourced food, the restaurant is also known for its expert pairing of regional wines with its stellar cuisine.

The namesake restaurant of James Beard Award-winning chef and author John Ash (a.k.a., the “Father of Wine Country Cuisine”), the restaurateur opened the establishment in 1980 to instant critical acclaim. A passionate supporter of sustainable food practices, Ash served on the board of the Chefs Collaborative, as well as Seafood Watch, an initiative of the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

Passing the Toque Today, executive chef Thomas Schmidt continues the tradition of quality at John Ash & Co. His broad knowledge of wine informs the creation of meals that are creative accompaniments to the restaurant’s extensive, award-winning wine list.

Indeed, the restaurant’s seasonal offerings are not only created from

This local getaway showcases everything about Sonoma Wine Country that other travelers come from far away to enjoy, including the thoughtful, spacious rooms with breezy balconies offering expansive vineyard views.

the bounty of local farms and purveyors, but also from sustainable and organic produce from the resort’s own gardens, overseen by culinary gardener Chris Connell.

The restaurant is relaxing, with a vineyard view, outdoor banquet table, indoor or outdoor seating, and Mediterranean accents. The rural environs of the establishment are transportive, while embracing contemporary “foodie” culture.

This combination is amplified by a recent addition to the culinary team, chef de cuisine Dylan Ghadiri, who joined executive chef Tom Schmidt and his team

at the restaurant this summer.

“Dylan is a talented chef with an enviable depth of experience at some of the most legendary Bay Area establishments,” said Vintners Resort general manager Brian Sommer. “Our inspiring cuisine has helped to shape the culinary movement over the past several decades— placing the Vintners Resort on the global stage and establishing us as a major culinary destination. We’re thrilled to bring Dylan’s expertise and energy to our tightlyknit culinary team.” Ghadiri brings with him more than 10 years of culinary experience in Healdsburg, Geyserville, Marin and San Francisco, at restaurants and wineries including the Francis Ford Coppola Winery in Geyserville, Sonoma.

“As a Marin and Sonoma County native, Josh Ash & Co. has always been on my radar as a dream job,” said Ghadiri. “The possibilities are endless—and I look forward to collaborating with the team to showcase Sonoma’s world-class cuisine to our guests.”

Table Time For the table, enjoy an artisan charcuterie and cheese board, which features house made chorizo, a rich bresaola, a country paté, cheeses from the Valley Ford creamery and the Bohemian Creamery, nuts, pickled vegetables, mustard, and

➝ Perfect Pairing 8

Photo courtesy of Vintners Resort.

ROOM WITH A VIEW Many of the Vintners Resort rooms offer vineyard views.

Readers Poll

BALLOT CATEGORIES

We already know that Healdsburg is a place like no other. And now it’s time to talk about the people, businesses and amenities that make Healdsburg special. Keep your votes to locally born businesses, large chains based out of region will be disqualified.

Voting is live now, and ends October 14, 2023.

A few online voting rules:

• Complete at least 20 votes of the ballot for inclusion in the poll

• Include your name and a valid email address

• Ballots are confidential, but you may be called to confirm your vote

• It’s okay for businesses to make their customers aware of the contest. However, orchestrated efforts, financial incentives, multiple ballots by a single submitter or other obvious ballot stuffing can result in disqualification of the establishment.

Deadline for online ballots is October 14, 2023

Best Rosé

Best Sauvignon Blanc

Best Sommelier

Best Sparkling Wine

Best Sushi

Best Taqueria

Best Vegetarian

Best Wine Shipping

Best Wine Tasting Room

Best Winegrower

Best Winemaker

Best Winery Dog/Winery

Best Zinfandel

Home

Improvement

Best Antique Store

Best Contractor (Commercial)

Best Contractor (Residential)

Best Home Furnishings/Accessories Boutique

Best Insurance Agent

Best Interior Designer

Best Lumber Supply

Best Mortgage Broker

Best Paint Company

Best Plumber

Best Pool/Spa Service

Best Realtor/Real Estate Company

Best Solar

Perfect Pairing

a selection of flatbreads and crackers.

Then begin the meal with local Hog Island oysters and an estate heirloom tomato and burrata salad. This can be paired with one of the many locally produced white wines for a tasting experience that will start a meal off right. In fact, one may ask the server to recommend a wine that pairs with each course for a real wine country farmto-table experience.

Entrees range from the vegetarian Bellwether Farms ricotta cavatelli pasta with estate basil and cherry tomatoes, sweet corn cream and smoked butter, to the black angus beef filet steak with whipped potatoes and sauteed spinach. Or one may try the herbcrusted pork, pan-seared

New Life

after adoption, rendering the ordinance itself invalid,” read the Sept. 7 social media post.

The city’s legal advisors held that the ordinance needed to be “published within 15 days after adoption in order to be effective.” That meant it needed to be noticed in a paper such as the Healdsburg Tribune or Press Democrat within 15 days of the ordinance passage; this ordinance was only published 24 days later, in the Press Democrat

The discovery prompted city staff to review several other contemporaneous ordinances for compliance, said city manager Jeff Kay. “Staffing has changed since 2019, and I believe our procedures are much improved, but this discovery is nevertheless troubling and warrants a careful review,” he continued.

The recommended solution for the presumed invalid ordinance was for the council to approve the policy as an urgency ordinance at their Sept. 18 meeting, to take effect immediately without a 30-day wait period, to “ensure that the restrictions on new hotels within Healdsburg’s downtown core will continue consistent with past City Council direction.”

However, even as an urgency ordinance, an adoption of the 2018 hotel ordinance would still allow the Piazza hotel project to “continue

through the review process,” according to the Sept. 7 post.

The notice drew an immediate rebuttal from Brigette Mansell, who was mayor when the 2018 ordinance was passed. “WHY do we have to work this hard to get hard-fought, public goodfocused ordinances to be ENFORCED in Healdsburg?” she posted on her Facebook social media account.

Responding to the city’s announcement that the clerical oversight required another vote of the current council to recertify the ordinance, but which would nonetheless allow Piazza’s residence hotel at Healdsburg and North Street to continue, Mansell wrote, “This is highly disturbing news for Healdsburg residents and their elected officials who passed an ordinance… in 2018 [that] is now being manipulated by attorneys.” Mansell was not alone in suggesting that the new vote, if it was necessary, retroactively apply in full to its original passage on Dec. 17, 2018.

Jon Eisenberg, a retired appeals court lawyer who now lives in Healdsburg, disputed the proposed revote for the 2018 ordinance if based on its “invalid” adoption.

“The publication statute does not require strict compliance with its timing provisions, but only substantial compliance,’”

he wrote in a letter to Kay, city attorney Samantha Zutler and city clerk Raina Allen.

Eisenberg said the government statute that covers publication of an ordinance also allows for an “honest effort” to permit a new regulation to take place, “and no one can possibly be injured by the inconsequential omission; it should be held … that there was a substantial compliance with the requirement of the statute.”

“This is a complicated situation,” said Janis Watkins of Healdsburg, also a lawyer with a history of contesting the city’s land use issues. “If you rush into this exemption, it seems like special treatment—another ‘backroom deal,’ so to speak.”

Another possibility that both Eisenberg and Mansell favored was that even if a new vote was called for, it could be made to apply retroactively to its original effective date, Jan. 16, 2019—30 days after the council’s Dec. 17, 2018 vote, effectively skirting the legal noticing requirement.

According to Mayor Ariel Kelley, these questions will be openly discussed and hopefully resolved at the Sept. 14 City Council meeting.

“It’s my understanding that the staff report that will be in the packet will include a variety of options, including adopting an ordinance,

the mechanics of which could prohibit projects that don’t yet have entitlements,” she said this week, meaning the necessary approvals from the city to proceed.

Kelly pointed out that any project, including that from Piazza Hospitality, can only receive those entitlements by a vote of the Planning Commission. She cautioned, “Even if the council were to adopt an ordinance that allows this project to proceed, it still has to go through Planning Commission approvals. And that commission approval could

scallops, salmon or Rocky chicken breast.

And remember to save room for dessert and, for that matter, a dessert wine. Pastry chef Desiré Blanc creates seasonal offerings that change often during the year.

Who doesn’t love a dinner out? But the best part? When vacation is over, it isn’t really over, because it’s only a few minutes away.

Vintners Resort is located at 4350 Barnes Rd., Santa Rosa. 800-421-2584. Vintnersresort.com.

Editor’s Note: With this issue we introduce ‘Staycation,’ a twicemonthly feature exploring the wealth of day trips, overnights and weekend getaways in and around the greater Bay Area.

also be appealed to the City Council.”

All options for maintaining the integrity of the 2018 Hotel Ordinance, and the position of the Piazza project within it, are expected to be fully discussed at the next City Council meeting, on Sept. 18.

“There are numerous options for how the ordinance can be structured, and that will be made clear in the agenda materials that we are working on now. The council will have an opportunity to consider those options and provide direction,” said Kay.

As always, City Council meetings take place on Mondays, beginning at 6pm, at the Council Chambers at 401 Grove St. In person attendance is welcome. The meetings are carried live on the city’s Facebook page, at facebook.com/watch/ cityofhealdsburg. They are also held via Zoom, with a meeting address given in the final agenda published on the city’s website seven days prior to the meeting—which should be available by the time this publication reaches print.

HOTEL SITE

The valet parking lot at Healdsburg Avenue and North Street is the proposed location of a large downtown hotel.

Photo by Christian Kallen

CHOPS Dylan Ghadiri joined John Ash & Co. as chef de cuisine this past summer.

PARTIAL LIST OF INCIDENTS REPORTED TO THE HEALDSBURG POLICE

Monday, Aug. 21

• 12:17pm. A physical fight occurred at the Wine Country Chevron on Healdsburg Avenue, where a woman punched a man.

An officer responded and arrested a 32-year-old (YO) woman for domestic battery and transported her to Sonoma County jail.

12:22pm. A verbal disturbance occurred at Badger Park on Heron Drive. The RP (Reporting Party) stated that the same "woman is at it again" screaming and swearing.

An officer responded and advised the subject of the complaint.

5:26pm. A man drinking beer inside Carl's Jr. on Vine Street was asked to leave but refused. An officer responded to the complaint, and the 43 YO was arrested and transported to county jail for public intoxication and violation of probation.

• 11:55pm. A vehicle was stopped on West Grant Street at Grove Street for having removed the reflective coating that allows for the electronic capture of the license plate. A search resulted in a 48 YO man being arrested and transported to county jail for possession of ammunition while a felon, committing a felony while on bail and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Tuesday, Aug. 22

• 1:43am. A call was received from L&M Motel on Healdsburg Avenue. Officers responded and arrested a 64 YO woman and transported her to county jail for being under the influence of a controlled substance, resisting arrest and fighting.

11:31am. A hit and run accident was reported at Healdsburg Glen Apartments on Grove Street.

POLICE LOG

An officer responded to the residence and took a report.

2:14pm. An officer stopped a driver for tailgating and issued a citation for driving with a suspended license and violating probation.

7:49pm. Vandalism to a vehicle was reported on Center Street. Two juveniles hit a parked car with a Bird bike and fled the area. Officers responded and took a report.

9:10pm. A physical fight between two males and a female was reported at Safeway on Vine Street. Officers responded, but the victim did not want to press charges. He was transported to the hospital due to a wound to his arm.

Wednesday, Aug. 23

11:34am. New graffiti was reported at the Healdsburg Community Center on Healdsburg Avenue between the community garden soccer fields and the mix garden.

1:05pm. Trespassing occurred at Reach For Home on East Street. The RP stated a woman is in between the two buildings, in a light blue sleeping bag, wearing a blue sweater. The RP told the subject to leave, and she refused. Officers responded, and the subject was advised of the complaint and that a trespassing letter is on file.

Thursday, Aug. 24

• 12:29am. An officer stopped and arrested a man at Memorial Beach Veterinary Hospital on Healdsburg Avenue for driving under the influence. The 35 YO male was taken to county jail.

12:40am. An officer arrested a 32-year-old man for driving under the influence on the southbound on-ramp on Redwood Highway at Lytton Springs Road. He was taken to county jail.

• 2:19pm. The RP stated that a belligerent woman was yelling vulgarities at the front desk of the United States Postal Service on Foss Creek Circle. Officers responded, and the female moved along.

10:37pm. An officer stopped a driver for driving with a suspended license on Healdsburg Avenue. The driver had an outstanding Marin County warrant. A 40 YO male was arrested and taken to county jail.

10:48pm. An officer stopped a driver at Circle K on Healdsburg Avenue. A 23-year-old man was arrested on charges of driving while intoxicated and intoxication about .08 % BAC (blood alcohol content) and taken to county jail.

Friday, Aug. 25

3:24am. A vehicle was stopped for unsafe lane changes on the southbound off ramp on Dry Creek Road. The driver, a 27 YO male, was arrested and taken to county jail for possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of methamphetamine and violation of fireworks laws.

12:28pm. The RP indicated a woman who took her property was at the L&M Motel on Healdsburg Avenue and should not be there. RP states the female “will be injured if she doesn't leave.” Officers responded and escorted the woman off the property.

9:56pm. The RP indicated there may be a drunk driver on Poppy Hill Drive at Rosewood Drive. The RP indicated the vehicle was “all over the road.” An officer responded, but the vehicle was gone on arrival and could not be located.

Saturday, Aug. 26

12:01am. An officer stopped a driver for crossing double lines and speeding. A 29-year-old man was arrested and transported to county jail for driving under the influence and driving with an open container of alcohol.

1:34am. A woman reported that she was physically assaulted by three males at Dukes on Plaza Street. Female appeared to be alone and had blood on her. Officers responded, and the woman was taken to Healdsburg District Hospital by ambulance.

10:32am. New graffiti at the apartment complex on a retaining wall across the street from Big O Tires on Healdsburg Avenue. An officer responded and took a report.

12:03pm. A RP stated a man and woman in Badger Park on Heron Drive were screaming. The man was screaming, “I'm going to --kill you.” An officer responded and arrested a 49 YO woman for public intoxication and possession of drug paraphernalia. She was transported to county jail. • 4:55pm. Vandalism to a vehicle occurred at Wicked Slush on Healdsburg Avenue. A man punched the vehicle, leaving a dimple on the hood. A 54 YO man known to police was arrested and taken to county jail for resisting arrest, felony vandalism to a vehicle and battery to a police officer.

9:42pm. The RP stated a woman who is not supposed to be there was on the premises of Victory Apartments on East Street. While on the phone, the RP indicated that the woman was leaving. The RP was advised to call back if

the woman returned.

10:05pm. An officer stopped a vehicle at Piper and Center streets for failing to yield to a pedestrian and speeding. A 42 YO man was arrested for driving under the influence.

10:51pm. Reckless driving occurred at Guiso Latin Fusion on North Street. The RP indicated that a man who apparently had been drinking came in for dinner and was advised of a wait. He later drove by yelling at the employees, “You better watch your back,” and sped off. He was no longer at the scene, and the RP was advised to call back if he returned.

11:53pm. The RP called to indicate that a man and woman were parked for 15 -20 minutes on Fuchsia Way with the headlights on and a lighter being lit every so often. Officers responded and arrested a 32-yearold man for an outstanding Marin County warrant and violating probation. He was taken to county jail.

Sunday, Aug. 27

12:51pm. The RP indicated a man walked by her home on Sunnyvale Drive, flipped

her off and cursed at her in front of her grandchildren. She indicated this was an ongoing problem. An officer responded and arrested a 61-year-old man for disturbing the peace by using offensive words in a public place that are inherently likely to provoke an immediate violent reaction. He was transported to county jail.

5:09pm. The RP requested to speak to an officer regarding a fight he was involved in on Aug. 26, 2023 on Plaza Street. An officer responded.

• 9:44pm. Trespassing occurred at Victory Apartments on East Street. The RP stated that a woman is on the property who has already been served a trespassing letter. The subject had been asked to leave multiple times and refused. No drugs, weapons or alcohol were seen, but the RP stated the subject appeared "spacey." Officers responded, and the subject was advised of the complaint. The subject moved along.

Photo by Christian Kallen

SHINE A LIGHT Healdsburg’s Police Station is located at 238 Center St.