The Healdsburg Tribune 5-25-2023

CITY

PLANNING COMMISSION REBUFFS NEW PIAZZA HOTEL PLAN

16-ROOM GUEST HOUSE WOULD SCRAPE 50-FOOT DOWNTOWN HEIGHT LIMIT

By Christian Kallen Piazza Hospitality, already the operators of three premiere hotels in downtown Healdsburg, made their case to build another to the city’s Planning Commission Tuesday night.

Although their presentation was well-received and their previous works— at Hotel Healdsburg, H2H and Harmon Guest House—held up as positive examples of Healdsburg’s development, their new plan failed to overcome hesitations about the scale of what they are proposing for the downtown corner of North Street and Healdsburg Avenue.

Instead, the commission unanimously voted to “continue” their discussion until a later date when the applicant could address concerns about massing, materials and the impact of a 50-foot tall pair of structures on one of the city’s busiest corners.

The commission had a chance to review the proposed four-story, 16 guest room hotel at 400 Healdsburg Ave., with commercial space and a restaurant on the ground floor. An earlier plan to include an open-air walk-through plaza on the ground level was jettisoned; the entire ground floor will now be commercial space.

At present, the project, called the HH Residence Hotel, will join the three earlier hotels under Piazza management, located farther south on Healdsburg Avenue toward the roundabout.

Piazza’s principals, Pablo Petrone and Circe Sher, were present at the meeting, though only Petrone spoke to the commission. The bulk of their presentation

Farmworkers Rally During Winery Weekend

DISASTER PAY AND COMPENSATION

MOTIVATE 200-PLUS

IN MARCH TO PLAZA

By Christian Kallen

Describing Healdsburg as the “center of wealth in Sonoma County,” Davin

Cardenas rallied a crowd of some 200 farmworkers, their families and supporters at Giorgi Park on Saturday in a demonstration in support of disaster pay for farmworkers.

Gathering strength and numbers as it went, the group marched down residential Piper Street toward the Plaza and did a loud loop in front of West Plaza Park. Then it settled at the gazebo for music, speeches and chants extolling the power of labor in the success of Healdsburg’s food and wine notoriety.

Cardenas, the North Bay Jobs With Justice director of organizing, pointed out that the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors recently created a compensation fund

based on the lobbying effort of North Bay Jobs With Justice.

He served as translator for several Spanish-speaking members of North Bay Jobs With Justice (NBJWJ) who had come to Healdsburg with their message of climate justice for workers. Cardenas also played the role in reverse, translating English speakers into Spanish, including Councilmember Chris Herrod and Mayor Ariel Kelley (who introduced herself in Spanish as well).

Herrod said, “This is just the beginning of our efforts, and we need everyone to return and keep delivering our message,” speaking of the growth of an equity movement in Healdsburg, a city that is in the midst of its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) process. “Equity is on the rise, diversity is on the rise, organization and negotiation are on the rise in Healdsburg."

“I am grateful to the team of farmworkers who are bravely using their voices to shed light on

these labor issues,” said Kelley. “We are listening.” She then acknowledged the leadership team of North Bay Jobs with Justice, as provided to her by executive director Max Bell Alper.

The primary issue that drove the march and demonstration was disaster pay for area farmworkers: both hazard pay for working during dangerous conditions, such as active fires and heavy smoke, or extreme heat and flooding, and compensation for lost pay during weather and disaster crises.

Speaking of her own awareness of farmworkers who were put at risk during climate disasters, Kelley said, “While there are many good actors in the industry, it is the actions of many bad operators that is pressuring these workers and protest organizers to take action and demand hazard pay.”

Also noted was the disparity between the attendees of the Healdsburg Wine and Food Experience, whose VIP tickets

cost over $4,000, and the $17 hourly wage of farmworkers. However, the event that the demonstration focused on, the

HEALDSBURG’S COUNTRY FAIR READY

FOR AUCTION

MEMORIAL DAY

WEEKEND BEGINS WITH THURSDAY

TWILIGHT PARADE

By Christian Kallen

First let’s get the name right: It’s the Healdsburg Future Farmers Country Fair, taking place for its 74th year, once again at Rec Park on Piper and University. Though its first day was Wednesday of this week for families involved in Future Farmers and 4-H activities, for most locals and visitors alike the big weekend kicks off with the

Grand Tasting in the West Plaza parking lot, did not cost $4,000 to attend, but

FFA Twilight Parade at 6pm on Thursday, May 25.

It’s more than a milelong caravan of floats, old cars and tractors, marching bands and dancing clowns; it’s the official signal that summer is about to begin in Healdsburg.

The parade takes more than an hour to pass any given point, and it seems as if the entries keep appearing from around the corner, like a cluster of clowns exiting a too-small compact. That’s because the entries are stacked up in six staging areas along the residential streets southeast of the Plaza, feeding in sequence to the parade’s official starting point at Matheson and East.

At 6pm, the parade route starts near St. John's Church on East and Matheson streets. Participating cars, trucks and trailers turn onto Center Street

➝ Farmworkers, 3

➝ Piazza Hotel, 5

Photos by Christian Kallen

PLAZA MARCH Over 200 farmworkers and supporters demonstrated at the Healdsburg Plaza on May 20 for disaster pay, compensation and jobs with justice.

LAS DANZANAS Folklorico dancers in the 2022 Twilight Parade were a musical and colorful highlight.

Photo by Christian Kallen

A CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS IN HEALDSBURG

Twilight Parade

The annual Healdsburg

Future Farmers Twilight Parade will take place from 6 to 8pm on Thursday, May 25, as a prelude to the HFF County Fair. Route is down Matheson to Center, north on Center to Piper, north to Fitch and back toward Matheson.

Future Farmers Fair

It’s that time of year again: The Healdsburg

Future Farmers Country Fair will take place at Rec Park on Thursday evening, May 25, and Friday and Saturday, May 26-27. Local students exhibit projects that they have been working on in their 4-H and FFA clubs all year. Also carnival games, food booths and more. The livestock

auction begins at 4pm on Saturday.

Family Bliss

Final weekend for Noel Coward’s theatrical family comedy Hay Fever at the Raven Performing Arts Theater, 115 North St. Performances on Friday, May 26 and Saturday, May 27 at 7:30pm, and Sunday, May 28 at 2pm.

Tickets $25, students $10 at raventheater.org

Comedy Night

The laughs keep coming at Comedy Night at Coyote Sonoma on Friday, May 26, from 8-10.

Featuring headliner Joe Klocek and opening acts from Jalisa Robinson and Ben Feldman. Tickets are $20 at the door, 44 Mill St., or $15 presale at wilsonartisanwines.com

Charles Lloyd

The saxophonist Charles Lloyd returns to Healdsburg with pianist Gerald Clayton for one show

only, Saturday, May 27 at 7pm. Programmed by Jessica Felix, long a friend of Lloyd, this finale to The 222 season should sell out, regardless of the $150-$250 ticket price.

Why? Because it’s Charles Lloyd! At Paul Madher Gallery, 222 Healdsburg Ave., The222.org

Tuesday in the Plaza

First day of the city’s summer music series is Tuesday, May 30, as Club 90 takes the stage at 6pm. The series of live bands and picnicking extends until Aug. 29 from 6 to 8pm at the Healdsburg Plaza.

New Stage

The 222 is beginning a live drama series with Chapatti, a play by Christian O'Reilly, to run from June 1 to June 11 (various times). It features Michael Elich and Robin Goodrin-Nordli in a two-person drama at the

Paul Mahder Gallery, 222 Healdsburg Ave. Tickets and information at the222.org

Music on the Piazza

Live music on the first Saturdays of the month at Bacchus Landing through the rest of the year starts June 3 from noon to 4pm. Wine available from the seven wineries and wood-fired pizza from The Market. 14210 Bacchus Landing Way.

Healdsburg Museum

Final weekend for the museum’s exhibit on Healdsburg Volunteers and Visionaries, from the Women’s Improvement Club to Corazon. Visiting hours 11am-4pm, Thursday through Sunday. No fee, donation accepted, at 221 Matheson St.

Women’s Voices

A women’s vocal ensemble with a Middle and

Eastern European repertoire, Kitka performs on Sunday, June 4, 3-5pm at the Raven Performing Arts Theater, 115 North St. Tickets $30-$50 at raventheater.org

Movies in the Plaza

Field of Dreams will screen at the Healdsburg Plaza on Sunday, June 4, at 7:30pm. It’s the first film in the AVFilms Summer Movie Series, presented at various locations. Free.

City Council

Healdsburg’s City Council will meet on Monday, June 5, for their regular twice-monthly meeting. The agenda will be posted a week before the meeting. Attend live at 401 Grove St., 6pm, or view on Facebook/ CityofHealdsburg.

Play Ball!

Prune Packers baseball begins its 2023 season on Tuesday, June 6. Last

year’s California Collegiate League champion is warming up for another run at the title. Games start 6pm at Rec Park, $8 admission, food and beverages available for purchase. Schedule and tickets at prunepackers. org

Graduation Day

Healdsburg High School seniors graduate on Friday, June 9, in a 7pm ceremony to be held at the Rec Park athletic field. Cloverdale seniors graduate on Thursday, June 8, 6pm at the high school.

BloodRoot Ramble

A music and wine appreciation event at West Plaza Park from BloodRoot Winery. Saturday, June 10 from noon to 7pm. Musicians from Dad Country with food, wine and beer available. Tickets $65 at the Bloodroot tasting room, 118 North St., or bloodrootwines. com/Wine/TheRamble

Photo courtesy of Innovative Entertainment

OPENING ACT Club 90, kicking off the Tuesdays in the Plaza series on May 30, brings ’90s music to life with their dance party show.

richer on our labor— the harder we work, the richer they become.”

“They poison Mother Earth as they have poisoned us.”

“We are here to win what we deserve.”

“We want nothing indecent or out of line, just disaster pay based on the work we do.”

“What we’ve done today is a great sign of what we can do together.”

Farmworkers

$250, less for Healdsburg residents.

The March

Then, carrying colorful signs and a large woodpecker puppet, the new symbol of North Bay Jobs With Justice, a long line of marchers made their way to the city’s core through Healdsburg’s residential neighborhoods on Piper Street. They followed in the wake of Banda La Solteca of Santa Rosa.

The beat of the drums and blare of the brass continued past the rose gardens of the 100-yearold houses. Residents came out to watch, wave and clap their hands to the music of the march.

The signs, reading Listen to the Workers, Respect Indigenous Languages, Climate Justice for Agricultural Workers and Farmworkers Deserve Disaster Pay, in both English and Spanish

versions, created a colorful overhead carpet that the marchers carried, including a larger-thanlife acorn woodpecker, symbol of the worker advocacy organization.

“La tierra es de quien la trabaja”—“The land belongs to those who work it,” a quote attributed to Emiliano Zapata—was the only sign left untranslated into English.

Alper, the organization’s executive director, showed his skills in crowd management and event presentation by leading the 200-plus group across busy intersections and finally across Healdsburg Avenue to the site of the Grand Tasting. Then in a loud loop of chants and songs, they marched for over 10 minutes, though they did not cross that bridge into the event itself.

Instead, they handed out bilingual flyers to people going into and out

Country Fair

and past the Plaza— and throngs of cheering locals, who know a good time when it’s coming down the street—to Plaza Street at the library.

The route then heads east to Fitch Street, turns right onto Fitch, then left onto Matheson, where the parade ends at University Street.

Judging booths are set up downtown at Plaza and Center and toward the parade’s end on Matheson, so marching bands and dancers put their best feet forward at these locations.

The theme of this year’s parade and fair is “Red, White, and Blue Animal Jamboree,” a colorful billing to live up to. Though the fair this year is dedicated to Dave Rafanelli and family, the parade itself is dedicated to Healdsburg Kiwanis, whose 100th anniversary is in 2023.

Expect lots of flags, not least because the parade is always held on the Thursday before the Memorial Day Weekend. The cross-town procession has been an annual tradition since 1950, when the town had a mere 3,300 residents, less than a third of its current population.

Future Farmers Country Fair

While some are calling it the 75th year of the fair,

that is a bit premature. The first parade was most likely in 1950, a year after the FFA started an animal judging show, in 1949. That would make this year the 74th year of the fair and 2024 the 75th.

The fair is free and open to all from Wednesday on, though for the first couple days it focuses on the students with animals in the various shows—a livestock show (swine, sheep and goats), a small animal (rabbit and covey) show, and a small animal (market and breeding poultry) show.

Thursday after the parade, the circus begins—literally, as the family-friendly Swan Circus sets up their little big tent on the Rec Park grounds, with juggling and non-animal tricks. There are also game booths and plenty of food vendors in the midway, though don’t expect cuisine on the level of last week’s more pricey experience in Healdsburg.

Expect instead corn dogs, sausages and hamburgers from Healdsburg Kiwanis; tri-tip, breakfast burritos, coffee and sweets from the Healdsburg High School Boosters; fudge and other goodies from Dry Creek Neighbors; ice cream from Warm

of the tasting, outlining the reasons and rationale for disaster pay for farmworkers.

Then they recrossed a busy Healdsburg Avenue and congregated at the gazebo, heart of the historic Plaza, to sing, chant and offer testimonials to their fight for farmworker rights.

In the year since the first Healdsburg Experience, the labor organization has had some success in getting better wages and treatment of their members. Last June, said NBJWJ communications coordinator Davida Sotelo Escobedo, “The county set aside $3 million for a first-of-itskind disaster emergency fund,” which enabled people to apply for $800 in relief.

“There was a lot of organizing by workers to get to this point, but I think it’s understood by members of the board, that workers have been on the frontlines of climate hazards up until now, and whether it’s

Springs 4-H; and pony rides, basketball toss, bottle throws and more carnival games and snacks from a dozen participating community groups.

Included this year is a special Sonoma County Antique Equipment Society display of old-time equipment and engines, the type of equipment that was the mainstay of the agricultural industry 75 years ago.

Animal judging continues all week until the prizes are announced on Saturday afternoon at the awards ceremony at 3pm, followed by the Livestock Auction at 4pm. The auction is the big event for the threeday fair, with over 140 large animals (exclusive of poultry and rabbits) sold to the highest bidder in the five-hour event.

During the auction, a drawing will be held for the winner of the Sir Rusty raffle, a substantial amount of donated beef from a local market.

Last year, the auction, raffle and related fundraising produced a record $930,000. Sponsors hope this is the year the fundraising exceeds $1 million, to help support scholarships and agricultural education programs year-round. More information at healdsburgfair.org

floods, wildfires, extreme heat, workers will be on the frontlines during future disasters as well,” said Sotelo Escobedo. Some of the remarks given by speakers at the rally in the Healdsburg Plaza included the following:

“The rich are getting

As the chants and song of “Si, Se Puede” (“Yes we can,” a slogan popularized over 50 years ago by Dolores Huerta) carried across Healdsburg Avenue to the white-tented pavilion where the Healdsburg Wine and Cheese Experience held their Grand Tasting, the sound barely penetrated the lifestyle event. At the Grand Tasting, about 10 times as many winemakers, chefs and other industry

exhibitors shared bites, tastes and drive-by greetings about the healthy growth of the wine and hospitality industry in Sonoma County. There was no attempt to disrupt the event, though Sotelo Escobedo said the group has sent numerous letters and emails to the growers and owners of the largest vineyard management companies, and even sent delegations to speak with a number of area wineries. Said Sotelo Escobedo, “While most companies that are connected with the Sonoma County Winegrowers Commission continue to refuse to sit down and talk, and have actively fought against the campaign, there are good actors who want to do the right thing and are actively talking to us.”

The rich are getting richer on our labor— the harder we work, the richer they become.

DEMONSTRATION Led by Max Bell Alper (right), executive director of North Bay Jobs With Justice, the May 20 march heads down Piper Street toward the Healdsburg Plaza.

PAJARO A stick puppet of an acorn woodpecker, symbol of North Bay Jobs With Justice, represents the hard work and lifesustaining efforts of farmworkers.

Photos by Christian Kallen

Guide to Hot Summer Fun

LIVE EVENTS

BRING JOY IN

FACE OF CATASTROPHE

By Weeklys Staff

Sure the climate is racing toward the 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial levels that portends disaster for our civilization—but it won’t get there this summer. Here are activities that will bring some joy in the face of catastrophe.

Windsor Summer Nights on the Green

A collaboration between the city of Windsor and the Windsor Farmers Market, the Summer Nights on the Green concerts feature a wide variety of acts playing to audiences splayed out across the grass for free concerts and ample food from the market’s vendors. Bands range from R&B, blues, salsa, and of course, soft rock. Thursdays, June 1–Aug. 31, 5–8pm. Music starts at 6pm. Windsor Town Green. Free.

Double Pride

Right-wing hate winning? Nah, never! Have pride, show pride, share pride throughout Sonoma County in June.

Sonoma County Pride spans three days, starting with a movie night and ending with a pool party. Parade in the middle—yes please!

Sonoma County Pride Parade starts at 11am on June 3 in Courthouse Square, Santa Rosa. Sonomacountypride.org lists a whole month of activities.

Love Wins in Windsor Pride Festival brings together families and community. The event features music, drag show, street fair and Kids Zone complete with unicorn decoration station! June 10, 2–6pm at the Windsor Town Green. Free.

AVFilm Summer

Movie Series

With outdoor screenings in Healdsburg and Cloverdale, the AVFilm Summer Movie Series has a robust lineup of adventure classics, including Star Wars: A New Hope, Zombieland, E.T. and more. The series kicks off with Field of Dreams on June 3 at the Healdsburg Plaza. All screenings are free and start at sunset. For more dates and location, visit avfilmpresents.org

Beerfest—The Good One

Expect mouth-puckering sour beers, hop bombs, barrel-aged brews and a wide range of other cool libations that make Northern California one of the best beer-producing regions in the world. More than 40 breweries and cideries will be pouring their samples at Beerfest—The Good One on June 10 from 1–4:30pm at the Luther Burbank Center for the Arts, 50 Mark West Springs Rd., Santa Rosa. Tickets start at $50. Proceeds support Face 2 Face, serving those living with HIV.

Patchwork Show

Discover local makers in the heart of Northern California wine country

at the Patchwork Show in Santa Rosa at the historic Old Courthouse Square in downtown. Shop handmade and independent goods from 75+ local makers, crafters and designers. The outdoor event features several DIY craft stations and activities. June 25, 11am–5pm. Old Courthouse Square, Santa Rosa. Free.

The Gathering at Sebastopol

Community

Cultural Center

Billed as a party, celebration, picnic and concert, The Gathering is a community event grounded in great music. This year features MaMuse, known for engaging sing-alongs, and Fula Brothers, who intertwine melodic grooves and spirited improvisation, playing together as FulaMuse. There will be food, art activities and— hurray!—a puppet show. July 9, 4–9pm. Sebastopol Community Cultural Center, 390 Morris St. $25. Children 12 and under are free.

Taste of Sonoma

Winemakers and owners of Sonoma County’s iconic wineries pour limited production, reserve and award-winning wines at Taste of Sonoma. Add-on tickets will feature limited-availability guided wine talks seminars and garden tours with Kendall-Jackson culinary educators. June 24, 11am–4pm, at KendallJackson Wine Estate & Gardens, 5007 Fulton Rd., Santa Rosa. Tickets start at $180.

Healdsburg Jazz Fest

Highlights of the 25th anniversary Healdsburg Jazz Festival include Grammy winner Samara Joy on Father’s Day and a free Juneteenth Celebration featuring the Charles McPherson Quintet, a gospel choir and live poetry. Concerts are scheduled throughout Healdsburg from June 17–25. More info at healdsburgjazz.org

Summer Music and Movies on the Square Music on the Square will bring live music and dancing to Downtown Courthouse Square in Santa Rosa on seven Fridays throughout the summer, featuring local performers who bring a diversity of styles. Also, Movies on the Square are back this year and better than ever. Four Monday night screenings on a massive LED screen will light up Downtown Courthouse Square as well.

Concerts and movies begin at 6pm. Free. More info at santarosametrochamber.com

Sonoma Marin Fair—The Fairest in the Land Nestled at the south end of Sonoma County in Petaluma, just miles from the border with Marin, the Sonoma-Marin Fair features classic fair activities, including concerts free with fair admission. Of special interest are the Livestock and Jr. Horse Show, the Stills Exhibit displaying craftwork from throughout the

county, and, of course, the World’s Ugliest Dog pet adoption event. June 21–25, Sonoma-Marin Fairgrounds in Petaluma. Presale Adult tickets: $22, Presale Kid (12 and under): $15.

2023 Sonoma County Fair— Jurassic Jubilee

Every year, the Sonoma County Fair brings attention to local agriculture, arts and crafts. Events include concerts every day during the 10-day event, kids’ entertainment stage, carnival rides and tons of fair food. Fair classics the Hall of Flowers and horse racing awe fairgoers once again. Aug. 3–13. Sonoma County Fairgrounds, 1350 Bennett Valley Rd., Santa Rosa.

Flynn Creek Circus

Featuring wild stunts, hilarious comedy and mind blowing skills, this year’s “Desert Myth” is an acrobatic odyssey. World renowned acrobats thrill audiences with this truly original, awe-inspiring visual roller coaster ride. Kids will remember it into adulthood. A raucous punk rock, “Adults Only” version plays at limited showtimes. Under The Big Top! July 21–23, Luther Burbank Center for the Arts, 50 Mark West Springs Rd., Santa Rosa, and Aug. 3–6, Sebastopol Grange, 6000 Sebastopol Ave. Ticket prices vary by show. flynncreekcircus.com/2023-tickets for more details.

Rivertown Revival

A benefit for Friends of the Petaluma River,

Rivertown—known to many Petalumas as the “best day of the year”— brings live music, activities on the water, local food and drink, and breathtaking costumes together for an unforgettable and eco-friendly event. July 22 and 23, noon to 8pm, at Steamer Landing Park, Copeland Street, Petaluma. Twoday passes, $55. Kids $5 per day.

Wine Country Distillery Fest

Wine Country Distillery Festival brings together regional distilleries to celebrate their craft and share their spirits with locals and visitors alike. During the festival, attendees will partake in distilled spirits, craft beverages and local food with live music and more. Aug. 12, noon–4pm. Luther Burbank Center for the Arts, 50 Mark West Springs Rd., Santa Rosa. General Admission tickets are $71, VIP $121. Ages 21+.

Petaluma Music Festival

Local standouts Royal Jelly Jive, King Street Giants and Brothers Comatose, along with international acts like the English Beat, come together for a day in the sun to raise money for music programs in Petaluma schools. Three stages, ample food options, local vendors and beer by Lagunitas and Two Rock. July 29, 11:30am to 9:30pm. Sonoma-Marin Fairgrounds, 175 Fairgrounds Dr., Petaluma. $60, VIP $169.

Photo courtesy of Taste of Sonoma.

EAT Revelers enjoy a summer day at Taste of Sonoma.

Piazza Hotel

came from architect Brett Randal Jones of David Baker Associates. Jones was the lead architect on the Harmon Guest House (227 Healdsburg Ave.), which he called “my favorite building of all time.”

The developer’s website at piazzahospitality.com describes the project, 400 Healdsburg Ave., as “a very small boutique hotel with a total of 16 rooms. The units will offer longer stay opportunities for larger groups such as families or traveling friends, helping to make the economic impact of each stay larger and more varied.”

The project proposes valet-only parking and 34 onsite parking spaces, with access off Healdsburg Avenue to an elevatoraccessible parking garage beneath the hotel.

Though the “very small boutique hotel” claims only 16 rooms, all of the units have multiple bedrooms, with 11 having two, and five having three, for a total of 37 bedrooms. There are also at least two baths in each unit, as well as dining areas, a wet bar and a balcony area.

The lot runs from a parking lot on North Street currently used for Harmon Guest House valet parking, north on Healdsburg Avenue to the parking lot of John & Zeke’s bar (420 Healdsburg Ave.). It would demolish a couple of run-down two-story buildings, one of which presently serves as human resources offices for Piazza Hospitality.

Impact of Scale

The proposal is for a fourstory structure with a 2,165 square foot retail space, and a 1,779 square foot restaurant/lobby/ lounge on the ground floor. The guest rooms would be stacked on the upper three floors in two separate wings, with a swimming pool between them.

Smaller “family suites” would be on the southern side of the project, overlooking North Street; the other wing of “cottages” would be on the north side, offering what one commissioner facetiously referred to as “a view of the John & Zeke’s parking lot.” The project’s north wall, which abuts that parking lot, drew criticism for its blocky, uninteresting appearance.

The 34 parking spaces would partially be constructed underground and accessible via an automated car lift system, such as that currently in use at Harmon Guest House. Only valet drivers will move the cars into and out of the parking area.

Diverse materials and textures used for the project also concerned commissioners, and architect Jones’ inability to specify what “species” of wood would be used for substantial exterior coverage was troubling for Commissioner Carrie Hunt, as different woods clearly age in different ways.

She worried that exterior surfaces of zinc and copper would grow

darker with time, opening up the possibility that the large buildings would become too dark in a matter of years.

But it was the overall height of the project that drew concern. At 50 feet, it would scrape the limit of the city’s maximum height for structures in the Downtown Commercial (DC) zoning district.

While all agreed that the height was “allowable” under the Central Downtown Zoning District, Commission Chair Phil Luks in particular drove home the point that the 50-foot limit was qualified by other buildings in the immediate vicinity, most of which were two stories, not four.

Petrone, seemingly baffled by Luks’ concerns about a four-story building, asked if a 50-foot, three-story building would be permitted. “Am I missing something here? If

we eliminate one story, we have no project. It’s an expensive project for us,” he said. As developers often do, Petrone said the project needed the four stories and 16 rooms to “pencil out.”

Luks countered that the design guidelines set a top height limit, but recommend two or three stories if neighboring buildings are of that scale.

Commissioner Vesna Breznikar also listed her concerns, pointing out that the other buildings in the area along that block of Healdsburg Avenue are all historic two-story buildings. “You’re doubling the height for an historic area that’s not going to change, because it is historic,” said Breznikar.

Among the public comments, Merrilyn Joyce seemed to applaud the residence guest house model of the project. Said Joyce, “But then I look at the

building and I say, who is it for? Who in Healdsburg? Not the people who live here or the people who work here. The image it conveys to me is, I don’t belong here.

“I probably couldn’t afford to eat in the restaurant,” she concluded.

But Jim Heid, an urban planner who lives in Healdsburg and owns the shared-office CraftWork, endorsed the project. “I hope the commission sees this as the first of many along this block to set the stage for continued economic activity along Healdsburg Avenue,” he said. “Go bold and keep it going.”

Luks countered that the anticipated rejuvenation of Center Street did not occur, despite the council’s approval 10 years ago of the large, atypical building currently housing SingleThread restaurant a block away.

Taking their chair’s lead, the Planning Commission voted to continue their review at a later date, once Piazza Hospitality had a chance to evaluate and incorporate the observations of the commission.

In particular, Luks pressed for the installation of “story poles,” which demonstrate the height of the building prior to construction. “I firmly believe the residents of Healdsburg should have the opportunity to look at that building for height and bulk,” said Luks.

The following day, Piazza’s Circe Sher said, “We will be responding to their comments and hope to get this plan back in front of the Commission again as soon as possible. We look forward to creating this vibrant, environmentally conscious, mixed-use project and enhancing the northern downtown retail zone on Healdsburg Ave.”

Image courtesy of David Baker Architects

PRIME CORNER The proposed HH Residence Hotel, at 400 Healdsburg Ave., would rise 50 feet above the North Street corner when completed.

FLASHBACKS

NEWS FROM ‘THE HEALDSBURG TRIBUNE’ OF YEARS PAST

100 years ago –

May 24, 1923

Men of Eastern Star Are Hosts

The annual “Men’s Night” of Sotoyome Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star, proved to be a highly successful affair, when the men of the chapter were hosts to the other members Tuesday night. Bridge and whist were played, there being 14 tables of bridge and five of whist.

After the card playing had been completed, a fine supper was served in the banquet hall. The menu consisted of baked ham, relishes, coffee and hot buns, and ice cream and cake. During the

evening violin and vocal numbers were offered by Mr. and Mrs. Everett Miller, with Mrs. Charles McCord at the piano.

75 years ago –

May 21, 1948

City Offered $105,000

Armory If Land

Made Available

James Switzer, National Guard officer, said today the State of California has expressed its desire to build an Armory in Healdsburg if the city will appropriate two acres of land under a fifty-year lease at a rental price of one dollar a year.

Attending a meeting of the National Guard Monday evening, Colonel Winder, Sixth Army officer, informed the group that if land were made available, there was no reason why Healdsburg could not have a new Armory completed within eight months. If the proposed building were to become an actuality, there would be both a state and federal man stationed permanently in the city.

The building and operation of the building would be under the direct control of Healdsburg Company C of the National Guard, but would be available to outside groups upon request, Switzer said. The proposed building would include kitchen facilities for taking care of large groups.

50 years ago –

May 24, 1973

Fair's Come Long

Way From First

Edition in ’49

In 1949 a bunch of FFA kids sold a few vealers, lambs and pigs, and local organizations fashioned booths out of packing crates and prune trays to inaugurate the

Healdsburg Future Farmers Fair on the present site of the Healdsburg Shopping Center.

Tonight at 6 p.m. the 24th annual fair will begin with the downtown parade which leads the way to the fairgrounds at Recreation Park. More than 75 entries, including seven marching bands, make up what promises to be a colorful, noisy parade, featuring the 1973 theme, “Ag Youth - The Crop That Never Fails”.

Parade marshals will be three retired fair directors Dr. Charles Campbell, Martin Frost and Richard Holtzen whose combined service on the fair board totals more than 40 years. The Mary Palmer 4-H Fashion Show and presentation of parade awards at the fairgrounds completes the opening night schedule. Open throughout the fair are the food, game and refreshment booths on the Gayway operated by nonprofit local organizations; and the arts, crafts, home economics and flower displays in the Boys Club.

Friday is animal judging day, and Saturday afternoon is devoted to Kids’ Day. The rousing climax is the junior livestock auction. Every year a new sales record has been established, and this year should not be an exception because of the large number of market lambs entered.

The Healdsburg Museum and Historical Society is located at 221 Matheson St. Open hours are 11am to 4pm, Wednesday through Sunday. Admission is free, donations accepted.

Members of the U.S. Army and other dignitaries at the dedication of the Healdsburg Armory, 1950.

Photos courtesy of Healdsburg Museum

GRANDMA Electra Kennedy of Healdsburg, seen here on her 102nd birthday, was the oldest new member of Order of Eastern Star.

PARADE Junior Russian River Riders at Future Farmers Fair Parade, in 1965, a tradition that began in 1949.

PARTIAL LIST OF INCIDENTS REPORTED TO HEALDSBURG POLICE, MAY 1-7

Monday, May 1

2:20am. Accident occurred at Redwood Hwy./Westside Rd. Officers responded and located the accident. CHP on scene.

• 11:58am. Petty theft at Big John's Market on Healdsburg Ave.

Subject put a bottle of alcohol in his pocket and is walking around the store. Subject described as an adult male wearing a white hoodie, blue jeans, approx. mid 20s. Officers responded and contacted the subject inside the store, removed all items from his pockets and escorted him from the property.

4:43pm. Harassment on Powell Ave. RP

(Reporting Party) called stating that people have been following him, lying and taking his things for the past few years and "messing" with him. An officer spoke with RP via telephone and provided advice.

Tuesday, May 2

1:50am. Officer initiated activity at Redwood Hwy./Lytton Springs Rd. Vehicle was stopped for following another vehicle too closely. The driver, a 39-year-old female, was cited for driving on a suspended license.

• 12:22pm. Accident occurred at Fincher’s Auto Service on Healdsburg Ave. Box truck vs. brown Corolla, both pulled to the side of the road. Appears one individual is limping. Parts in roadway. Fire and medical requested, precautionary.

• 1:34pm. Unwanted subject at Healdsburg District Hospital on University Ave. Unruly patient in ER kicking and hitting staff, hospital wanting to press charges. Brought in for altered mental status. Officers responded. Subject was originally arrested, then taken to Sutter and left in medical staff’s care due to hold previously placed.

• 3:07pm. Burglary to vehicle at Ramey Wine Cellars on Haydon St. Vehicle broken into sometime in past couple of hours. Passenger window smashed, handbook and binoculars taken from vehicle.

• 4:43pm. Disturbance at 700 block of Healdsburg Ave. RP has been hearing a male and female voice yelling at each other for approx. 10 minutes but unable to determine where the voices are coming from. Officers responded, father and son in an argument.

• 5:03pm. Annoying/ harassing phone calls at Healdsburg Police Department on Center St. RP is receiving calls from a specific number day and night. He has attempted to block the number; however, it continues to call.

Officer responded and provided RP with advice.

• 5:32pm. Skimming device found on ATM at Bank of America on Healdsburg Ave. ATM technician is on site requesting PD to take possession of device.

Wednesday, May 3

• 2:58am. Officer initiated activity at Redwood Hwy./Dry Creek Rd. A 51-yearold male was arrested, pre-booked at the PD and transported to CJ for possession of drug paraphernalia and multiple Sonoma County warrants on charges including grand theft, receiving stolen property, possession of methamphetamines or other narcotics, and conspiracy to commit a crime.

Thursday, May 4

• 1:16am. Officer initiated activity at a private driveway, Healdsburg Ave./ Lytton Springs Rd., led to the arrest of a 22-year-old male on charges of resisting an officer, possession of a controlled substance without a prescription, driving under the influence and with an alcohol blood level of .08% or above. He was transported to county jail.

• 7:06am. Burglary to vehicle at Parkpoint Health and Swim Club on Foss Creek Cir. RP is 3rd party with limited info. 5 minutes ago, someone witnessed someone walk into the lot, break a window, take items from the vehicle and run off on foot. Description: male, unknown age, unknown height, camo jacket and black pants. Officers responded, report taken and units advised to be on the lookout for the suspect.

Friday, May 5 10:27am. Vehicle tampering at Russian River Covered RV Storage. RP wants to report catalytic converter theft that he discovered on April 11. RP states on that day the gate was discovered by the manager to be breached. RP last saw his cat conv 3 weeks prior to the 11th, but thinks it occurred on the night before April 11 due to the breach.

Saturday, May 6

• 9:20am. Grand theft occurred at Safeway on Vine St. RP states someone broke into the liquor glass cabinet by entering the code and stole alcohol.

Value: over $1,000. There is surveillance and the security dept. has suspect info. Officer responded, report taken.

• 11:44am. Unwanted subject at Dry Creek Inn on Dry Creek Rd. RP states there is a female "freaking out," crying and refusing to leave past her checkout time. Negative known weapons, drugs or alcohol. Officers responded, the female vacated the room and was verbally trespassed. Dispatch awaiting trespass paperwork.

• 2:52pm. Disturbance on Vine St. RP states there is a female yelling at cars or passersby. She is not going towards anyone. Now she is screaming while sitting on the curb. 2nd RP states female screaming walking SB on Vine from W. North.

Officers responded, suspect was advised of the complaint.

• 5:15pm. Officer initiated activity at Railroad Park, Front St. A 27-year-old man was cited on a Sonoma County misdemeanor warrant on possession

POLICE LOG

of marijuana above the legal amount and public intoxication.

• 9:46pm. Public intoxication at Studio Barndiva on Center St. A male who had been drinking was asked to leave and is refusing/verbally resisting to leave. Identified as 40s, tall, pink shirt, gray pants, spiky hair. Staff has him outside, but he's uncooperative. Officers responded and were advised the subject left on foot northbound toward the square.

10:31pm. At Studio Barndiva on Center St., the same intoxicated male from earlier is back trying to return to the wedding and causing a disturbance. Officers responded, subject was contacted and got a ride home.

Sunday, May 7

8:58 am. Officer initiated warrant service at Fitch St. A 49-year-old male was arrested and transported to county jail on two warrants for driving under the influence and driving with a blood alcohol content of .08% or greater, providing false identification, driving with a suspended license, driving with an open container and domestic violence.

• 11:01pm. Assault with a deadly weapon occurred at Wicked Slush on Healdsburg Ave. A Spanish-speaker reported some kind of altercation with a knife. Officers responded, medical requested with code 2 response (lights and siren). Officer checked the area. Victim did not want to press charges.

POLICE FLEET Police cars cleaned, fueled and ready to roll at Healdsburg Police Department on Center Street.

11:45pm. A 29-yearold male was stopped for a license plate violation at Hudson St. He was arrested, prebooked at the PD

OBITUARIES

and transported to county jail for driving under the influence and driving with a blood alcohol content of .08% or greater.

MARK VELLUTINI

February 25, 1961 - May 15, 2023

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the death of Mark Vellutini, who passed away peacefully on May 15, 2023, at the age of 62.

Born Mark Albert Vellutini on February 25, 1961, in Sebastopol, CA, to Albert and Patricia Vellutini, Mark grew up in Healdsburg, CA, and attended St. John’s Catholic School, Healdsburg High School and Santa Rosa Junior College.

Mark was a devoted father to his two sons, Matthew and Dominic. They made their home in Cloverdale, CA, where he worked for the family business, Tri Valley Vineyard Management, for 26 years. Mark was an outstanding athlete from a young age, excelling in baseball and football. He began his sports career with Peanut League baseball and Pop Warner football and continued playing all the way through the JC, where his aspirations were cut short by a knee injury. He enjoyed coaching and watching his boys’ sporting events, as well as being a lifelong, ardent Oakland Raiders and Oakland A’s fan. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing with his family.

Mark had a wonderful sense of humor and a special way of making people laugh and smile. Mark is survived by his former wife Leslee Vellutini, two sons Matthew and Dominic Vellutini, father Albert Vellutini, brother Michael Vellutini (Cheryl), sister Kristine Koch (Bill), and nephews Riley, Casey, and Cody Koch. Mark was predeceased by his mother Patricia Vellutini.

A Catholic memorial service will be held at St. John the Baptist Church in Healdsburg on Saturday, May 27, 2023 at 11:00am. In

flowers, please send a donation to your favorite charity.

Celebrate a life well lived

SALLY ANNA SMITH

June 1, 1933 - April 29, 2023

Sally entered peacefully into eternal life on April 29, 2023. There will be a memorial service for her on Monday, June 19, 2023, at 11:00 at the Healdsburg Community Church, 1100 University Ave., Healdsburg, followed by a lunch. Donations in her memory can be made to The Nature Conservancy or Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship.

Born Sally Anna Ryce in Clarkston, Washington on June 1, 1933, she was the younger daughter of Max and Grace Ryce. She grew up with her brother “Apples” (as Max, Jr. was known) and her sister Maurine, in a simple homestead in Colestin Valley, on the backside of Mt. Ashland, Oregon. However, she attended school some six miles down the road in Hilt, California and later went to Chico State College, where she received her teaching degree in 1954. There she met another student, William “Bill” V. Smith, when he came to pick up her roommate for a date and found himself standing up. He asked Sally if she would like to go out with him instead. They married some two years later on July 7, 1954.

Sally taught kindergarten for several years until their daughter, Sherrie, was born, followed by their son William “Mark” Smith. In 1970, Sally, Bill, Sherrie and Mark moved to a ranch in Sonoma County’s Dry Creek Valley, Bill’s Pomo Indian homeland. Their full and happy life together ended with Bill’s death in 1992. Sally eventually moved to Santa Rosa, where she enjoyed being part of her new Deer Run community. After suffering a stroke in 2014, she resided in several assisted living homes, first in Santa Rosa and later in Ukiah, passing away just prior to her 90th birthday.

Sally was known for her warm smile, her kindness and her hospitality, along with the delicious food she cooked and the bounty of the gardens she tended. She was a beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother and good friend to many. Sally was a faithful member of the Healdsburg Community Church and Santa Rosa’s Redeemer Presbyterian Church. She is survived by her daughter, Sherrie SmithFerri and her husband, David, from Ukiah, CA, her granddaughter, Rachael Smith-Ferri, from Seattle, WA, and her son, William Mark Smith and his wife, Debbie, from Boise, ID. Sally looked forward to eternal life with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. But we will miss her greatly.

Photo by Christian Kallen

TO POTENTIAL BIDDERS:

If you are considering bidding on this property lien, you should understand that there are risks involved in bidding at a trustee auction. You will be bidding on a lien, not on the property itself. Placing the highest bid at a trustee auction does not automatically entitle you to free and clear ownership of the property. You should also be aware that the lien being auctioned off may be a junior lien. If you are the highest bidder at the auction, you are or may be responsible for paying off all liens senior to the lien being auctioned off, before you can receive clear title to the property. You are encouraged to investigate the existence, priority, and size of outstanding liens that may exist on this property by contacting the county recorder’s office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge you a fee for this information. If you consult either of these resources, you should be aware that the same lender may hold more than one mortgage or deed of trust on the property.

NOTICE TO PROPERTY OWNER:

The sale date shown on this notice of sale may be postponed one or more times by the mortgagee, beneficiary, trustee, or a court, pursuant to Section 2924g of the California Civil Code. The law requires that information about trustee sale postponements be made available to you and to the public, as a courtesy to those not present at the sale. If you wish to learn whether your sale date has been postponed, and, if applicable, the rescheduled time and date for the sale of this property, you may call (800) 683-2468 or visit this Internet Web site: www. servicelinkASAP.com, using the Trustee Sale number assigned to this file, T.S. #23033-PB. Information

in this Collateral section. (C) All accounts, general intangibles, instruments, rents, monies, payments, and all other rights, arising out of a sale, lease, consignment or other disposition of any of the property described in this Collateral section.

(D) All proceeds (including insurance proceeds) from the sale, destruction, loss, or other disposition of any of the property described in this Collateral section, and sums due from a third party who has damaged or destroyed the Collateral or from that party’s insurer, whether due to judgement, settlement or other process. (E) All records and data relating to any of the property described in this Collateral section, whether in the form of a writing, photograph, microfilm, microfiche, or electronic media, together with all of Grantor’s right, title, and interest in and to all computer software required to utilize, create, maintain, and process any such records or data on electronic media. A-4785731 05/25/2023, 06/01/2023, 06/08/2023(Pub Dates for Healdsburg Tribune 5/25, 6/1, 6/8 of 2023)