John Burgess, Christopher Chung, Kent Porter, Beth Schlanker and Chad Surmick
John Burgess, Christopher Chung, Kent Porter, Beth Schlanker and Chad Surmick
Contributing
Contributing
Photographers
Photographers
Erik Castro, Alvin A.H. Jornada and Abraham Fuentes
Erik Castro, Alvin A.H. Jornada and Abraham Fuentes
Chief Revenue Officer
Chief Revenue Officer
Karleen Arnink-Pate
Karleen Arnink-Pate
Director
Director of Digital Ad Operations
Tomas Chadsey
Tomas Chadsey
Marketing Consultants
Marketing Consultants
Jason Fordley, Iyasus Kenny, Robert Lee, Aurina Malaki, Logan Santillano, Maya Thomas, Lisa Ziganti and Robert Manley
Jason Fordley, Iyasus Kenny, Robert Lee, Aurina Malaki, Logan Santillano, Maya Thomas, Lisa Ziganti and Robert Manley
Marketing Consultant
Local Advertising Manager
Robert Manley
Robert Manley
Chief Revenue Strategist
Chief Revenue Strategist
Adam Bush
Adam Bush
Events
Events & Sponsorships Director
Brandelle McIntosh
Brandelle McIntosh
Director of Advertising Operations
Dennis Sheely
Dennis Sheely
Advertising
Advertising
Operations Director
Mark Flaviani
Mark Flaviani
Distribution
Distribution
Dava Amador
Dava Amador
Cover Design
Elissa Torres
Elissa
CHRISTOPHER CHUNG
The Best of
Food&Drink
For years, Sonoma County has been a hot spot for foodies to enjoy onthe-go Mexican food, French dishes, fresh seafood and, of course, brunch. Hungry patrons experienced new restaurants and stylish watering holes featuring our bounty of fresh produce, bakes, wine, beer and sweets. Despite a challenging business climate, award-winning chefs and restaurateurs forged ahead to remain favorites. See what spots out readers have treasured this year. Winners are checked (√); others are runners-up.
Best Food Truck: El Roy’s Express Mex has won many categories this year including best burrito, taco and food truck.
602 Elsa Drive Santa Rosa CA, 95407 Drive Thru Available
SANTA ROSA FOOD TRUCK 2728 SANTA ROSA AVE., SANTA ROSA (707) 494-3558 MON-SAT: 11AM-11PM SUNDAY: 11AM-10PM
SANTA ROSA FOOD TRUCK 505 SANTA ROSA AVE., SANTA ROSA (707) 890-1763
MON-SAT: 11AM-10PM
The Story Behind El Roy’s
As a child, my favorite memories were seeing my father in the k itchen cook ing tor my siblings and I. He would tell me that cook ing reminded him of his Taqueria in his hometown of Guanajuato, Mexico My father left it all behind when he came to the States and became a landscaper to put food on the table. I remember him always cook ing tor us on the weekends. He would cook for our family, friends and for my soccer tournaments All his recipes were made from scratch with an incredible sazón that ever yone till this day still enjoys. The passion and joy behind his cook ing was inspiring and I wanted to share his recipes with ever yone I k new I wanted to explore it.
While in high school, I star ted catering for my friends’ par ties and was doing side gigs on the weekends. Before I k new it, catering had taken over my time and I no longer had a social life. Leading up to those events I would prepare for days I was busy buying supplies, fire -roasting chiles and marinating meats. I enjoyed ever y par t of it - I was hooked. The adrenaline I felt from hearing and seeing peoples reactions was all wor th it
I remember wak ing up at 3:30 AM one morning from a dream in which I was work ing my food truck , and we were insanely busy. I rushed to wake up my father to tell him my dream. He thought I was craz y. However, at that time food trucks weren’t popular, had a bad reputation and were a risky business to get into.
In 2004, I graduated from Terra Linda High School with an automotive scholarship. I felt at a crossroads in my life choosing between my passion for cars which was safe and secure, or cook ing and risk ing it all to explore my dream. My parents told me they ’d suppor t whatever path I chose. Look ing back almost 20 years later, I can wholehear tedly say God makes no mistakes; pursuing my passion for cook ing was the right choice.
The first five years were extremely hard and demoralizing There was a lot of days I felt like giving up and questioned my career decision. We worked 17 hour days, seven days a week . We barely made enough to pay for supplies and food products. Some days were more difficult than others For example, I remember my mom was work ing as a cashier for me when I first star ted, she was my only help at the time She struggled due to the language barrier and I found myself re -mak ing orders because of the mistakes that were being made. When I think about those moments now, I get sentimental and choke up about it
Soon after, I pulled my brother and sister who helped me as I grew our family business that later became k nown as, El Roy ’s Throughout the years I tried different routes in Marin County and the East Bay. While I’m forever grateful to those counties and routes it wasn’t until I brought El Roy ’s to Sonoma County that I found a home I fell in love with the landscape, people, and most of all the community
As I reflect on my journey and look at my business, I get emotional. Think ing about the long work days, the exhaustion, the sacrifices, and all the doubts I had makes me appreciate what I have now My work honors my parents and brings them peace k nowing that our business can provide for our families when they ’re no longer with us. I’m grateful and appreciative of my employee’s hard work and the community that has welcomed us We look for ward to continue work ing with Sonoma County and giving you Mexican street eats at its best I appreciate all the love and ongoing suppor t.
√ Superburger, 8252 Old Redwood Hwy., Cotati (multiple Sonoma County locations), 707-546-4016, originalsuperburger.com
Acme Burger, 550 E. Cotati Ave., Cotati (multiple Sonoma County locations), 707-665-5620, acmeburgerco.com
Indian Village Eats, 3334 Industrial Drive, Santa Rosa, instagram.com/indianvillageeats
Best Burger: Superburger has six locations in Sonoma County. The business also sells chicken sandwiches and a plant-based burger.
Best Brunch: Brunch items at Grossman’s Noshery & Bar include GB Cinnamon Babka French Toast with eggs, chicken apple sausage and orange ginger butter with a mimosa and Weekend at Bubbie’s cocktail.
Best Brunch: A Lox Plate with plain cream cheese, tomato, cucumber, onion, capers, and GB bagel from Grossman’s Noshery & Bar in Santa Rosa.
DARRYL BUSH
BETH SCHLANKER
DARRYL BUSH
The Best of Food&Drink
Best Burrito
√ El Roy’s Express Mex
760 Sebastopol Road, Santa Rosa (multiple Sonoma County locations), 707-774-3738, elroysxpressmex.com
Mi Pueblo, 7384 Commerce Blvd., Cotati, 707-792-4380, mipueblocotati.com
Don Pancho’s, 285 N. McDowell Blvd., Petaluma, 707-775-2474, donpanchosmexicanfood.com
Butcher / Purveyor
√ Oliver’s Market, 546 E. Cotati Ave., Cotati (multiple Sonoma County locations), 707-285-2550, oliversmarket.com
Willowside Meats, 3421 Guerneville Road, Santa Rosa, 707-546-8404, willowsidemeatsllc.com
Sonoma County Meat Co., 35 Sebastopol Ave., Santa Rosa, 707521-0121, sonomacountymeatco.com
Caterer
√ Sally Tomatoes
Catering & Events, 1100 Valley House Drive, Rohnert Park, 707-665-9472, sallytomatoes.com
Sonoma County Catering, 930 Shiloh Road, Suite 1, Windsor, 707694-3772, sonomacountycatering.com
La Gare French Restaurant, 208 Wilson St., Santa Rosa, 707-528-4355, lagarerestaurant.com
Quinua Sabores del Peru, 4219 Montgomery Drive, Santa Rosa, 707-750-4925, quinuarestaurant.com
Distillery
√ Spirit Works Distillery, 707-634-4793, spiritworksdistillery.com
Griffo Distillery & Tasting Bar, 1320 Scott St., Suite A, Petaluma, 707-879-8755, griffodistillery.com
Alley 6 Craft Distillery, 1401 Grove St., Suite D, Healdsburg, 707-484-3593, alley6.com
Young & Yonder Spirits, 449 Allan Court, Healdsburg, 707-473-8077, youngandyonder.com
Dive Bar
√ John & Zeke’s Bar & Grill, 420 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg, 707-433-3735
The 8 Ball, 8 Charles St., Cotati, 707-795-9859, facebook. com/8balltavern707
The Tradewinds, 8210 Old Redwood Hwy., Cotati, 707-795-7878
Doughnut
√ Tan’s Donut, 1074 Fourth St., Santa Rosa, 707-528-1567
Johnny Doughnuts, 1200 Fourth St., Santa Rosa, 707-308-4836, johnnydoughnuts.com
Andy’s Donuts & Bagels, 1784 Piner Road, Santa Rosa, 707-541-0877
Best Deli: Oliver’s Market deli offers hot entrées, rotisserie chickens, fresh salads, soups and sandwiches. Oliver’s Market has multiple locations in Sonoma County.
Best
Deli
√ Oliver’s Market
546 E. Cotati Ave., Cotati (multiple Sonoma County locations), 707-285-2550, oliversmarket.com
Mac’s Deli & Cafe, 630 Fourth St., Santa Rosa, 707-545-3785, macsdeliandcafe.com
Ulia’s Delicatessen and Paul’s Cookie Co., 130 Stony Point Road, Suite F, Santa Rosa, 707-525-8542, uliasdeli.com
Eats on the Coast
√ Fishetarian Fish Market, 599 Highway 1, Bodega Bay, 707-875-9092, fishetarianfishmarket.com
Spud Point Crab Co., 1910 Westshore Road, Bodega Bay, 707-875-9472, spudpointcrabco.com
The Birds Cafe, 1407 Highway 1, Bodega Bay, 707-875-2900, thebirdscafe.com
Farm to Table
√ The Spinster Sisters, 401 S. A. St., Santa Rosa, 707-528-7100, thespinstersisters.com
Americana, 205 Fifth St., Suite A, Santa Rosa, 707-755-1548, americanasr.com
The Redwood, 234 S. Main St., Sebastopol, 707-861-9730, theredwoodwine.com
Food Truck
√ El Roy’s Express Mex, 760 Sebastopol Road, Santa Rosa (multiple Sonoma County locations), 707-7743738, elroysxpressmex.com
Delicias Elenita, 816 Sebastopol Road, Santa Rosa, 707-575-7021, deliciaselenita.site
Galvan’s Eatery, 10333 Old Redwood Highway, Windsor, 707-758-2362,facebook.com/ GalvansEatery
Nimble & Finn’s, 123 Fourth St., Santa Rosa, 707-666-9590 nimbleandfinns.com
ERIK CASTRO
CHAD SURMICK
Except ional care, compassionate hear ts.
A heartfelt congratulations to all the physicians honored with a Best of Sonoma County Award. Your dedication to providing high-quality, compassionate care exemplifies our commitment to excellence. Together, we celebrate your outstanding achievements.
El Coqui Puerto Rican Cuisine, 400 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa, 707-542-8868, elcoqui2eat.com
Guiso Latin Fusion, 117 North St., Healdsburg, 707-431-1302, guisolatinfusion.com
Quinua Sabores del Peru, 4219 Montgomery Drive, Santa Rosa, 707-750-4925, quinuarestaurant.com
Meal Under $20
√ El Roy’s Express
Mex, 760 Sebastopol Road, Santa Rosa (multiple Sonoma County locations), 707-7743738, elroysxpressmex.com
Acme Burger, 550 E Cotati Ave., Cotati (multiple Sonoma County locations), 707-665-5620, acmeburgerco.com
The Parish Café, 60 Mill St., Healdsburg, 707-431-8474, theparishcafe.com
Mexican Restaurant
√ Mi Pueblo, 7384 Commerce Blvd., Cotati (multiple Sonoma County locations), 707-7924380, eatmipueblocotati. com
La Fondita, 816 Sebastopol Road, Santa Rosa, 707-526-0881
Jalapeño Mexican Grill, 1630 Sebastopol Road, Santa Rosa, 707-701-1176, jalapenogrills.com
Outdoor Dining
√ Salt & Stone, 9900 Sonoma Hwy., Kenwood, 707-833-6326, saltstonekenwood.com
Russian River Vineyard, 5700 Highway 116, Forestville 707-887-3344, russianrivervineyards. com
The Spinster Sisters, 401 S. A. St., Santa Rosa, 707-528-7100, thespinstersisters.com
Best Indian Restaurant: Chicken Tikka Tandoori served at Himalayan Restaurant in Windsor. Bishnu Pandey is the owner and executive chef.
Best
CHRISTOPHER CHUNG
JOHN BURGESS
The Best of Food&Drink
Best New Restaurant √ Augie’s French 535 Fourth St., Santa Rosa, 707-531-4400, augiesfrench.com
Goldfinch, 119 S. Main St., Sebastopol, 707-827-9882, goldfinchsebastopol.com
Quinua Sabores del Peru, 4219 Montgomery Drive, Santa Rosa, 707-750-4925, quinuarestaurant.com
Best New Restaurant: Escargots, from left, Boursin butter, lemon & pepper / black truffle butter / buffalo / garlic butter, parsley, Pernod from Augie’s French on Courthouse Square in Santa Rosa. Mark and Terri Stark are the owners of this new restaurant.
Escargots with black truffle butter, left, and Prime Burger Royale with comté cheese, onion marmalade, truffle mayo on a brioche bun with frites from Augie’s French. Floating Islands with Grand Marnier créme anglaise and caramelized almonds from Augie’s French.
PHOTOS BY JOHN BURGESS
Thank you for your votes!
We are incredibly grateful to our community and the readers of the Press Democrat for recognizing our team’s hard work and passion.
It’s an honor to ser ve you, and we couldn’t have achieved this without your support.
Thank you for making us a part of your culinar y journey in Sonoma County!
Santa Rosa: Monti’s, Augie’s French, Willi’s Wine Bar, Bird & The Bottle, Grossman’s Nosher y, Stark’s Steak & Seafood
Healdsburg: Bravas Bar de Tapas & Willi’s Seafood & Raw Bar
Best Place to Buy Wine: Bottle Barn’s 15,000-square-foot warehouse-style building in Santa Rosa has an array of Sonoma County wines, as well as a great selection of international bottlings, spirits and beer.
Best Place to Buy Wine
√ Bottle Barn
3331-A Industrial Drive, Santa Rosa, 707-528-1161, bottlebarn.com
Oliver’s Market, 546 E. Cotati Ave., (multiple Sonoma County locations) Cotati, 707-285-2550, oliversmarket.com
The Redwood, 234 S. Main St., Sebastopol, 707-861-9730, theredwoodwine.com
Sandwich
√ Oliver’s Market, 546 E. Cotati Ave., Cotati (multiple Sonoma County locations), 707-285-2550, oliversmarket. com
Ulia’s Delicatessen and Paul’s Cookie Co., 130 Stony Point Road, Suite F, Santa Rosa, 707-525-8542, uliasdeli.com
Lunch Box, 128 N. Main St., Sebastopol, 707-347-9881, lunchboxsonomacounty.com
Seafood
√ Willi’s Seafood & Raw Bar, 403 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg, 707-4339191, starkrestaurants.com
Fishetarian Fish Market, 599 Highway 1, Bodega Bay, 707-875-9092, fishetarianfishmarket.com
Spud Point Crab Company, 1910 Westshore Road, Bodega Bay, 707-975-9472, spudpointcrabco.com
The Shuckery, 100 Washington St., Petaluma, 707-981-7891, theshuckeryca.com
Sparkling Wine
√ Iron Horse Vineyards, 9786 Ross Station Road, Sebastopol, 707-887-1507, ironhorsevineyards.com
Best Vegetarian/Vegan: East West Cafe’s Mediterranean Platter includes hummus, baba ganouj, beet delite, three stuffed grape-leaves, tabbouleh, three falafel patties and pita bread.
Best Taco √ El Roy’s Express Mex 760 Sebastopol Road, Santa Rosa (multiple Sonoma County locations), 707-774-3738, elroysxpressmex.com
Jalapeño Mexican Grill, 1630 Sebastopol Road, Santa Rosa, 707-701-1176, jalapenogrills.com
Galvan’s Eatery, (multiple Sonoma County locations) facebook.com/GalvansEatery
White Wine
√ La Crema Winery, 3575 Slusser Road, Windsor, 707-525-6200, lacrema.com
Russian River Vineyards, 5700 Highway 116, Forestville, 707-8873344, russianrivervineyards.com
Best Sweet Treat / Dessert: Apple cranberry pie, bottom left, wild blueberry and blackberry pie, and chocolate hazelnut pie, at Noble Folk Ice Cream and Pie Bar.
Best Taco: A plate of tacos from El Roy’s Express Mex truck No. 2 on Santa Rosa Avenue in Santa Rosa.
CHRISTOPHER CHUNG
DARRYL BUSH
CHAD SURMICK
VOTED BEST EATS ON THE COAST 3 YEARS IN A ROW!
We would like to express our sincere thanks for awarding us as the best Mexican restaurant in Sonoma County This recognition would not be possible without the support and loyalty of each one of you. Your trust and preference inspire us to continue offering the best dining experience. Thank you for being part of our history and allowing us to serve you with passion and dedication. We are excited for what is to come and look forward to continuing sharing special moments with all of you.
THE ONLY BEACH DINING IN BODEGA BAY
PizzaLeah would like to thank all of our wonderful customers for voting us Best Pizza in Sonoma County!
Photo by @emmakcreative
The Best of
Real Life
Whether we’re working out, remodeling our kitchens, in need of a self-care pick-me-up shopping spree, looking for a blooming bouquet or refreshing our homes with furniture, Sonoma County’s small businesses provide the services and goods we turn to again and again. Readers shared their favorite contractors, veterinarians, mechanics, barbers, wedding planners, health clubs and more that have earned their business with good service. Winners are checked (√); others are runners-up.
Best Health Club: Lesli Franklin takes a class in the Pilates Studio at Airport Health Club in Santa Rosa.
The Best of Real Life Accounting Firm
√ Diane Piccioni CPA, 2455 Bennett Valley Road, Suite 220, Santa Rosa 707-545-6829
√ Redwood Credit Union, 2763 Fourth St., Santa Rosa (multiple Sonoma County locations), 707-545-4000, redwoodcu.org
Community First Credit Union, 1405 Fulton Road, Santa Rosa (multiple Sonoma County locations), 707-546-6000, comfirstcu.org
North Bay Credit Union, 397 Aviation Blvd., Santa Rosa, 707-584-0384, northbaycu.com
Best Cosmetic Surgeon: Dr. Walter Tom poses with his staff in Santa Rosa.
JOHN BURGESS
Celebrating a job well done.
We’re thrilled that Kaiser Permanente Santa Rosa has been voted as the Best Hospital in Sonoma County by the readers of the Press Democrat, and we’d like to extend our heartfelt appreciation for the recognition. Alongside our dedicated staff, we’re all committed to your health and with such an amazing team, it’s no surprise our members thrive. Learn more at kp.org/santarosa
For all that is Sonoma County. For all that is you.
The Best of Real Life
Dance Studio
√The Dance Center, 56 W. Sixth St., Santa Rosa, 707-575-8277, thedancecenter.com
Art & Soul School of Creative & Performing Arts, 2323 Chanate Road, Santa Rosa, 707-575-6858, artandsoulmusicstudios. com
Encore Dance Theatre, 207 N. Cloverdale Blvd., Suite B, Cloverdale, 707-688-2188, encoredancecloverdale. com
Dermatologist
Best Dermatologist: Julie Plante is a dermatologist at Redwood Empire Dermatology in Healdsburg,
√ Dr. Julie Plante, 301 East St., Healdsburg, 707433-4239, sonomaderm.com
Dr. Judith Hong, 2725 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa, 707-5454537, redwoodfamilydermatology.com
Dr. Susan Amaturo, 301 E. St., Healdsburg, 707-433-4239, sonomaderm.com
Doctor
√ Dr. Jennifer Hubert, 4357 Montgomery Dr., Suite G, Santa Rosa, 707-380-1838, providence.org
Dr. David Begert, 131 Stony Circle, Suite 1600, Santa Rosa, 707-541-7700, sutterhealth.org
Dr. Benjamin Dickey, 2323 Bethards Drive, Santa Rosa, 707-542-1611, psjhmedgroups.org
Best Dentist
√ Dr. Amber Nierode 515 Farmers Lane, Santa Rosa, 707-527-8509, santarosapediatricdentistry. com
Dr. Leslie Jue, 95 Montgomery Drive, No. 124, Santa Rosa, 707-387-0877, juesmiles.com
Dr. Justin D. Phillips, 2655 Cleveland Ave., Santa Rosa, 707-542-1026, phillipsfamilydentalcare.com
Best Dog Groomer: Debbie Foster, owner of Debbie’s Pet Boutique, sits with some of the dogs she’s groomed.
Best Dog Groomer
√ Debbie’s Pet Boutique 431 Center St., Healdsburg, 707-395-4410, debbiespetboutique.com
Grooming at Tiffany’s, 3276 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa, 707-478-4227, facebook.com/p/Grooming-at-Tiffanys-100083002531188
Doggy Barber, 631 Martin Ave., No. 1, Rohnert Park, 707-383-6449, doggybarber.dog
Best Dentist: Dr. Amber Nierode is a board certified pediatric dentist and works out of Santa Rosa.
CHRISTOPHER PLANTE
KRISTEN PRIETO PHOTOGRAPHY
JOHN BURGESS
The Best of Real Life
Electrician
√ Reyff Electric, 636 Martin Ave., Rohnert Park (multiple North Bay locations), 707-585-2481, reyffelectricinc.com
Ongaro & Sons, 2995 Dutton Ave., Santa Rosa, 707-579-4495, ongaroandsons.com
B Henry’s Quality Electric Inc., 47 Rocca Drive, Petaluma, 707-774-2112, facebook.com/bhqelectric
Eye Doctor
Best Eye Doctor: Dr. Kimberly Lyons was voted best eye doctor.
√ Dr. Kimberly Lyons, 9240 Old Redwood Highway, Suite 108, Windsor, 707-8389393, lyonsoptometry.com
Dr. Tiffany Moore, 1265 N. Dutton Ave., Santa Rosa 707-542-1554, empireoptometry.com
Dr. Les A. Shipley, 1430 Guerneville Road, Santa Rosa, 707525-9920, eyewear-santarosa.com
Eyeglass Store
√ Sonoma Eyeworks, 534 Larkfield Center, Santa Rosa, 707-578-2020, sonomaeyeworks.com
Lyon’s Optometry, 9240 Old Redwood Highway, Suite 108, Windsor, 707-838-9393, lyonsoptometry.com
Empire Optometry, 1265 N. Dutton Ave., Santa Rosa, 707-542-1554, empireoptometry.com
Best Event/Wedding Planner: Lindsay Hintereder is the owner of Santa Rosa’s Ooh La La Weddings and Events.
Best Event/Wedding Planner
√ Ooh La La Weddings & Events
1275 Fourth Street, No. 263, Santa Rosa, 707-206-2400, oohlalaweddings.com
Annabel Nygard, Santa Rosa Golf and Country Club, 333 Country Club Drive, Santa Rosa, 707-546-3485, invitedclubs.com/clubs/santa-rosa-golf-country-club
Sydney Camille Events, 9940 Starr Road, Suite 140, Windsor, 707-299-9096, sydneycamilleevents.com
Flooring
√ North Coast Tile & Stone, 3854 Santa Rosa Ave., Santa Rosa, 707-586-2064, nctile.com
World of Carpet One Floor & Home, 3023 Santa Rosa Ave., Santa Rosa, 707-703-4549, worldofcarpetsantarosa.com
Hartley Window Coverings, 4056 Sebastopol Road, Santa Rosa, 707-388-3862, hartleywindowcoverings. com
Best Women’s Clothing Boutique: Twin sisters Michelle, right, and Cristina Wilson own Ooh La Luxe, a women’s clothing store with three locations in Sonoma County. The pair, photographed is in their downtown Petaluma shop.
Best Yoga Studio: Holly May practices yoga during an outdoor class with Energize Hot Yoga in Santa Rosa.
JOHN BURGESS
CHRISTOPHER CHUNG
Best Teacher/ School: Cheryl Franklin teaches music lessons in person and online from Santa Rosa.
CHERYL FRANKLIN
A Midcentury Modern Marvel
The Best of So Sonoma
Sonoma County is Wine Country, true, but it’s much more than that to the people who live here. It’s a paradise for outdoor recreation, with beloved parks, beaches, hiking and biking trails, golf courses and campgrounds. It’s artistic, with local art festivals year-round, a robust theater scene and live music. Our agricultural roots are still a vital presence today, with farmers markets and vineyards blanketing hills across the county. Here are the places and businesses readers say best represent our area. Winners are checked (√); others are runners-up.
Best Thrill Activity / Excursion: Safari West
keeper Nikki Smith bottle feeds a 2-week-old giraffe calf at Safari West in Santa Rosa.
The Best of So Sonoma
Antique Store
√ WhistleStop
Antiques, 130 Fourth St., Santa Rosa, 707-542-9474, whistlestop-antiques.com
Summerfield Cinemas, 551 Summerfield Road, Santa Rosa, 707-525-8909, santarosacinemas.com
Museum
√ Charles M. Schulz
Museum and Research Center, 2301 Hardies Lane, Santa Rosa, 707-579-4452, schulzmuseum.org
Children’s Museum of Sonoma County, 1835 W. Steele Lane, Santa Rosa, 707-546-4069, cmosc.org
Museum of Sonoma County, 425 Seventh St., Santa Rosa, 707-579-1500, museumsc.org
Nonprofit
√ Dogwood Animal Rescue Project, 1415 Fulton Road, Suite 205, Box 432, Santa Rosa, dogwoodanimalrescue.org
Forgotten Felines of Sonoma County, 1814 Empire Industrial Court, Suite G, Santa Rosa, 707-576-7999, forgottenfelines.com
Compassion Without Borders, 1130 Butler Ave., Santa Rosa, 707-474-3345, cwob.org
Best Music Venue: The Santa Rosa Symphony performs Mozart’s Symphony No. 40 in G minor, K. 550 at the Green Music Center in Santa Rosa.
BETH SCHLANKER
Best Nonprofit: Dogwood Animal Rescue Project founder Shirley Zindler plays with rescue puppies.
JOHN BURGESS
Your life is full of intention, connection and possibilities. Here you’ll find a community that nurtures what truly matters to you. So go ahead, craft your days at Spring Lake Village with moments that fulfill and people that inspire and help you flourish. Your new home awaits.
INDEPENDENT LIVING | ASSISTED LIVING SKILLED NURSING | REHABILITATION | MEMORY CARE
The Best of So Sonoma
Organic Grocer
√ Oliver’s Market, 546 E. Cotati Ave., Cotati (multiple Sonoma County locations), 707-285-2550, oliversmarket.com
Andy’s Produce Market, 1691 Gravenstein Highway N., Sebastopol, 707-823-8661, andysproduce.com
Community Market Natural Foods, 1899 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa, 707-546-1806, cmnaturalfoods.com
Doran Regional Park, 355 Doran Beach Road, Bodega Bay, 707-875-3540, parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov/Visit/Doran-Regional-Park Bodega Dunes Campground, 2485 Highway 1, Bodega Bay, 707-875-3483, parks.ca.gov
Best Place to Camp: Casini Ranch Family Campground has spacious campsites, a private beach on the Russian River and quick access to the coast in Duncans Mills.
CHAD SURMICK
Best Place to Find the Perfect Gift: Matthew Sundahl, left, and Melissa Lira help a customer find a candle at Corrick’s Stationery, Gallery & Gifts in Santa Rosa.
JOHN BURGESS
The Best of So Sonoma
Best Thrifting / Consignment
√ Pick of the Litter Thrift and Gift Shop 1701 Piner Road, Suite A, Santa Rosa, 707-570-2590, forgottenfelines.com/pol
Welfare League Thrift Shop, 126 Fourth St., Santa Rosa, 707-542-7480, welfareleague.org/welfare-league-thrift-shop
Assistance League Thrift Shop, 5 W. Sixth St., Santa Rosa, 707-546-9484, assistanceleague.org
Place to Take Kids
√ Children’s Museum of Sonoma County, 1835 W. Steele Lane, Santa Rosa, 707-546-4069, cmosc.org
Fundemonium, 579 Rohnert Park Expressway, Rohnert Park, 707-5400701, fundemoniumtoys.com
Politician
√ State Sen. Mike McGuire – 2nd District, 200 S. School St., Ukiah, 916-651-4002, sd02.senate. ca.gov
U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson – 5th District, 2721 Napa Valley Corporate Drive, Napa, 707-542-7182, mikethompson.house.gov
Supervisor Lynda Hopkins
– 5th District, 575 Administration Drive, Suite 100A, Santa Rosa, 707-565-2241, lyndaforsupervisor.com
Chris Rogers – 5th District, 100 Santa Rosa Ave., Room 10, Santa Rosa, 707-543-3017, srcity.org
Best Thrifting / Consignment: A customer looks at a pair of pants while shopping at Pick of the Litter Thrift and Gift Shop in Santa Rosa.
CHAD SURMICK
Best Politician: Sen. Mike McGuire speaks during the Santa Rosa Junior College’s 2024 graduation at Bailey Field in Santa Rosa.
ABRAHAM FUENTES
The Best of So Sonoma
Best Thrill Activity / Excursion: Keepers Erika Defer, left, and Ellie Grossman feed a 2-week-old baby giraffe they’ve raised since it was born with an infection at the Safari West animal preserve in Santa Rosa.
Best Thrill Activity / Excursion
√ Safari West
3115 Porter Creek Road, Santa Rosa, 707-579-2551, safariwest.com
√ Oliver’s Market, 546 E. Cotati Ave., Cotati (multiple Sonoma County locations), 707-285-2550, oliversmarket.com
Redwood Credit Union, 2763 Fourth St., Santa Rosa (multiple Sonoma County locations), 707-545-4000, redwoodcu.org
Kaiser Permanente Santa Rosa Medical Center, 401 Bicentennial Way, Santa Rosa (multiple Sonoma County locations), 707-3934000, healthy.kaiserpermanente.org
Wedding Venue
√ Paradise Ridge
Winery, 4545 Thomas Lake Harris Drive, Santa Rosa, 707-528-9463, prwinery.com
John & Zeke’s Bar & Grill, 420 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg, 707-433-3735
9 YEARS
Place to Buy Wine
Bottle Barn, 3331-A Industrial Drive, Santa Rosa, 707-528-1161, bottlebarn.com
9 YEARS
Seafood
Willi’s Seafood & Raw Bar, 403 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg, 707-433- 9191, starkrestaurants.com
8 YEARS
Butcher / Purveyor
Oliver’s Market, 546 E. Cotati Ave., Cotati (multiple Sonoma County locations), 707-285-2550, oliversmarket.com
7 YEARS
Distillery
Spirit Works Distillery, 707-634-4793, spiritworksdistillery.com
6 YEARS
Coffee
Avid Coffee, 2365 Midway Drive, Santa Rosa (multiple Sonoma County locations), 707-595-5984, avidcoffee.com
6 YEARS
Sushi
Hana Japanese Restaurant, 101 Golf Course Drive, Rohnert Park, 707-586-0270, hanajapanese.com
Best Butcher / Purveyor: Various types of meat are on display at Oliver’s Market on Stony Point Road in Santa Rosa.
ERIK CASTRO
The Best of Hall of Fame
The Best of Hall of Fame
5 YEARS
5 YEARS
Pan-Asian Restaurant
Pan-Asian Restaurant
SEA Thai Bistro, 2350 Midway Drive, Santa Rosa, 707-528-8333, seathaibistrobar.com
SEA Thai Bistro, 2350 Midway Drive, Santa Rosa, 707-528-8333, seathaibistrobar.com
Real Life
Real Life
13 YEARS Bank
13 YEARS Bank
Exchange Bank, 545 Fourth St., Santa Rosa (multiple Sonoma County locations), 707-524-3001, exchangebank.com
Exchange Bank, 545 Fourth St., Santa Rosa (multiple Sonoma County locations), 707-524-3001, exchangebank.com
13 YEARS
13 YEARS
Credit Union
Credit Union
Redwood Credit Union, 2763 Fourth St., Santa Rosa (multiple Sonoma County locations), 707-545-4000, redwoodcu.org
Redwood Credit Union, 2763 Fourth St., Santa Rosa (multiple Sonoma County locations), 707-545-4000, redwoodcu.org
13 YEARS
13 YEARS
Hardware Store
Hardware Store
Friedman’s Home Improvement, 4055 Santa Rosa Ave., Santa Rosa (multiple Sonoma County locations), 707-584-7811, friedmanshome.com
Friedman’s Home Improvement, 4055 Santa Rosa Ave., Santa Rosa (multiple Sonoma County locations), 707-584-7811, friedmanshome.com
13 YEARS
13 YEARS Health Club
Health Club
Airport Health Club, 432 Aviation Blvd., Santa Rosa, 707-528-2582, airportclub.com
Airport Health Club, 432 Aviation Blvd., Santa Rosa, 707-528-2582, airportclub.com
13 YEARS
13 YEARS
Plant Nursery
Plant Nursery
King’s Nursery, 1212 13th St., Santa Rosa, 707-358-6775, kingsflowernursery.com
King’s Nursery, 1212 13th St., Santa Rosa, 707-542-4782, kingsflowernursery.com
13 YEARS
13 YEARS Shopping Experience / Area
Shopping Experience / Area
Montgomery Village Shopping Center, 2404 Magowan Drive, Santa Rosa, 707-5453844, montgomeryvillageca.com
Montgomery Village Shopping Center, 2404 Magowan Drive, Santa Rosa, 707-5453844, montgomeryvillageca.com
“repose gray” on the facade of the Santa Rosa Plaza in Santa
11 YEARS
11 YEARS
Senior Care Facility
Senior
Care Facility
Spring Lake Village, 5555 Montgomery Drive, Santa Rosa, 707-538-8400, frontporch.net/ community/spring-lake-village
Spring Lake Village, 5555 Montgomery Drive, Santa Rosa, 707-538-8400, frontporch.net/ community/spring-lake-village
10 YEARS
10 YEARS
Chiropractor
Chiropractor
Mordecai-Dumbadse
9 YEARS
9 YEARS
Shoe Store
Shoe Store
Sole Desire Shoes, 145 Third St., Santa Rosa (multiple Sonoma County locations), 707-5081363,soledesire.com
Sole Desire Shoes, 145 Third St., Santa Rosa (multiple Sonoma County locations), 707-5081363, soledesire.com
8 YEARS
8 YEARS
Funeral Home
Funeral Home
8 YEARS
8 YEARS
Hospital
Hospital
Kaiser Permanente, 401 Bicentennial Way, Santa Rosa, 707-393-4000, healthy. kaiserpermanente.org
Kaiser Permanente, 401 Bicentennial Way, Santa Rosa, 707-393-4000, healthy. kaiserpermanente.org
7 YEARS
8 YEARS
Painting Company
Auto Body Shop
Chiropractic, 817 Second St., Santa Rosa, 707-575-8929, mdmchiro.com
Mordecai-Dumbadse Chiropractic, 817 Second St., Santa Rosa, 707-575-8929, mdmchiro.com
9 YEARS
9 YEARS
Cosmetic Surgeon
Cosmetic Surgeon
Dr. Walter Tom, 70 Stony Point Road, Suite G, Santa Rosa (multiple North Bay locations), 707-542-8346, drtomcosmetic.com
Dr. Walter Tom, 70 Stony Point Road, Suite G, Santa Rosa (multiple North Bay locations), 707-542-8346, drtomcosmetic.com
Daniel’s Chapel of the Roses, 1225 Sonoma Ave., Santa Rosa, 707-525-3730, danielschapeloftheroses.com
Daniel’s Chapel of the Roses, 1225 Sonoma Ave., Santa Rosa, 707-525-3730, danielschapeloftheroses.com
8 YEARS
8 YEARS
Grocery Store
Grocery Store
Oliver’s Market, 546 E. Cotati Ave., Cotati (multiple Sonoma County locations), 707-285-2550, oliversmarket.com
Oliver’s Market, 546 E. Cotati Ave., Cotati (multiple Sonoma County locations), 707-285-2550, oliversmarket.com
Mike Chavez Painting, 516 Santa Rosa Ave., Santa Rosa, 707-595-2128, mikechavezpainting.com
G&C Auto Body, 251 Bellevue Ave., Santa Rosa (multiple Sonoma County locations), 707-525-3520, gandcautobody.com
7 YEARS
7 YEARS
Painting Company
Auto Body Shop
Mike Chavez Painting, 516 Santa Rosa Ave., Santa Rosa, 707-595-2128, mikechavezpainting.com
G&C Auto Body, 251 Bellevue Ave., Santa Rosa (multiple Sonoma County locations), 707-525-3520, gandcautobody.com
Best Painting Company: Pedro Vargas, left, and Fernando Chavez of Mike Chavez Painting spray and roll the final coat of
Rosa.
KENT PORTER
Best Painting Company: Pedro Vargas, left, and Fernando Chavez of Mike Chavez Painting spray and roll the final coat of “repose gray” on the facade of the Santa Rosa Plaza in Santa Rosa.
KENT PORTER
The Best of Hall of Fame
7 YEARS
Flooring
North Coast Tile & Stone, 3854 Santa Rosa Ave., Santa Rosa, 707586-2064, nctile.com
7 YEARS
Men’s Clothing Store
Patrick James, 2340 Sonoma Ave., Santa Rosa, 707-523-2346, patrickjames.com
7 YEARS
Nail Salon
Zen Nails, 760 Village Court, Santa Rosa, 707-545-5341, zennailssr.com
7 YEARS
Pet Store
Western Farm Center, 21 W. Seventh St., Santa Rosa, 707545-0721, westernfarmcenter.com
6 YEARS
Counters and Stone
North Coast Tile & Stone, 3854 Santa Rosa Ave., Santa Rosa, 707-586-2064, nctile.com
6 YEARS
Eye Doctor
Dr. Kimberly Lyons, 9240 Old Redwood Highway, Suite 108, Windsor, 707-838-9393, lyonsoptometry.com
6 YEARS
Furniture Store
Cokas Diko Home, 1125 W. Steele Lane, Santa Rosa, 707-568-4044, cokasdiko.com
5 YEARS
Auto Detailer
Advanced Auto Detail, 2549 Santa Rosa Ave., Santa Rosa, 707-526-5700, advancedautogroup. com
5 YEARS Plumber
Ongaro & Sons, 2995 Dutton Ave., Santa Rosa (multiple North Bay locations), 707-579-4495, ongaroandsons.com
5 YEARS
Orthodontist
Smile Orthodontics, 1880 Sonoma Ave., Santa Rosa, 707-5455341, sonomacountyorthodontics.com
5 YEARS
Jewelry Store
ER Sawyer Jewelers, 638 Fourth St., Santa Rosa, 707-546-0372, ersawyer.com
5 YEARS Auto Glass Replacement
Advanced Auto Glass, 2460 Santa Rosa Ave., Santa Rosa, 707-526-5700, advancedautogroup. com
5 YEARS
Auto Glass Tinting
A Shade Darker Window Tinting & Paint Protection, 3093 Wiljan Court, Suite A, Santa Rosa, 707-546-2827, ashadedarker.com
5 YEARS
Sports Medicine
Dr. Ty Affleck, 1255 N. Dutton Ave., Santa Rosa, 707-546-9400, srsportsmed.com
5 YEARS
Women’s Clothing Boutique
Ooh La Luxe, 517 Fourth St., Santa Rosa, 707-521-9090, oohlaluxe.com
So Sonoma
13 YEARS Beach
Doran Regional Park, 201 Doran Beach Road, Bodega Bay, 707565-2041, parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov
13 YEARS
Winery to Take Visitors
Francis Ford Coppola Winery, 300 Via Archimedes, Geyserville, 707-857-1471, thefamilycoppola.com
13 YEARS
Bookstore
Copperfield’s, 775 Village Court, Santa Rosa (multiple Sonoma County locations), 707-578-8938, copperfieldsbooks.com
Best Beach: Madalyn Vang, 8, launch a kite at Doran Regional Park in Bodega Bay.
DARRYL BUSH
10 YEARS Day Spa
10 YEARS
Day Spa
Osmosis Day Spa
Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary, 209 Bohemian Highway, Freestone, 707-823-8231, osmosis.com
Paradise Ridge Winery, 4545 Thomas Lake Harris Drive, Santa Rosa, 707-528-9463, prwinery. com
Paradise Ridge Winery, 4545 Thomas Lake Harris Drive, Santa Rosa, 707-528-9463, prwinery. com
Best Nonprofit: Dogs play outside at Dogwood Animal Rescue Project.
Best Live Theater Company: Noah Sternhill and Jonathen Blue starred in “Kinky Boots” at the 6th Street Playhouse.
ERIC CHAZANKIN
Best Nonprofit: Dogs play outside at Dogwood Animal Rescue Project.
JOHN BURGESS
Best Live Theater Company: Noah Sternhill and Jonathen Blue starred in “Kinky Boots” at the 6th Street Playhouse.
ERIC CHAZANKIN
WE pledge to promote equality
Committed to Inclusiveness
The primary duty of a media company, at its core, is to seek out and tell the truth through its journalism. At the same time, we must maintain a company culture that is inclusive and free of discrimination of any kind.
We at Sonoma Media Investments, LLC, acknowledge the difficult truth that over the course of our long history, we have not always been consistent or effective in fulfilling another duty, to protect and defend those who are trivialized, disregarded, sidelined or treated unfairly in our community, and within our own company.
We at SMI are committed to creating and maintaining a company culture that is actively antiracist and scrupulously inclusive within our company’s work environment, and in how we report on and engage with the community we serve, regardless of gender, race, sexual orientation, national origin, faith, age, ability or size. We pledge to promote equality and humane treatment of others, and to oppose prejudice, indifference, sexism, intolerance and hate. This we will do through our hiring, promotion and retention practices, through our advertising programs and customer service, and through our news coverage and community engagement.
