🌱 Rain Gauge + Healdsburg Wonka Contest + Development For Sale

Morning, friends! How glorious is this sparkling break in the rain? Let’s celebrate with an overflowing weekend edition of the Healdsburg Patch newsletter. Today you’ll get caught up on all the local news that’s fit to print, including updates on:

• Healdsburg’s very own Wonka-style “golden ticket” hunt
• Our post-storm rain totals and reservoir levels
• That 30-unit apartment complex planned near Memorial Bridge
• A couple of well-known locals who died recently
• And more…

But first, your weekend weather:

• Saturday: Frost in the morning, then mostly sunny. High: 60 Low: 36.
• Sunday: Mostly sunny. High: 61 Low: 36.
• Monday: A bunch more sun. Warming up a little! High: 65 Low: 35.
• Tuesday: Mostly sunny again. High: 64 Low: 35.

Here’s to the wonderful local businesses who sponsors this newsletter. Check out what they can do for you:

• Looking to buy or sell a luxury property in Sonoma County? Healdsburg’s Sotheby’s International Realty is a local firm with global reach that specializes in luxury real estate, vineyards, wineries and land in Sonoma County. Healdsburg’s Sotheby’s: local expertise, deep market knowledge, and a passion for the community. Whether buying or selling, it pays to work with the best. Call Healdsburg’s Sotheby’s at 707-433-4800.
• Looking to rent in the Healdsburg area? Stacey Bernd at Healdsburg & Artisan Sotheby’s International is a second generation realtor who has lived in Sonoma County for 50 years. You could say she has real estate in her genes – even her daughter is a real estate agent! Work with a local agent you can trust. Thinking of listing a property to rent? Stacey is a wiz at successfully matching quality owners and tenants. Contact Stacey and work with Healdsburg’s best.
  

  

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Air over Healdsburg:

Here are the top 5 stories today in Healdsburg:

1. Now that the Great Parade of Storms of Early 2023 is officially over, local weather officials and reservoir managers are taking inventory of just how much sky water we got. Around 10 miles south of Healdsburg at the Santa Rosa Airport, around 19 inches of rain were recorded between Dec. 26 and Jan. 19, according to the National Weather Service’s Bay Area office. That’s more than half the 34 inches rainfall that spot usually sees in a year! During a similar time frame, according to the Press Democrat, Healdsburg itself got around 24 inches; Lake Sonoma got around 28 inches; and higher elevations nearby got 33 to 36 inches. Meanwhile, managers at the Lake Sonoma and Lake Mendocino reservoirs, where Healdsburg gets its water, say the area has seen around 34 inches since October of last year, which marked the beginning of the current “water year.” Needless to say, all this rain has had a huge impact on the reservoirs themselves. Lake Mendocino, our main water source, is way over 100 percent capacity — so the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the agency that oversees it, has begun letting out some water down the Russian River for the first time in years, in order to make enough room for more rains expected in February and beyond. Lake Sonoma isn’t far behind, at 95 percent capacity. “So what do this month’s rains signal for the rest of the year?” the Press Democrat asks. “The short answer is no one knows. At this moment, the gates at Coyote Dam are open, as the operators of Lake Mendocino seek the sweet spot between hoarding long-awaited rainfall and leaving enough capacity to receive runoff from potential storms that may still be ahead.” (National Weather Service via Facebook & Sonoma Water & FOX 2-KTVU & Press Democrat; paywall)
   

   

2. OMG, you guys — Healdsburg’s beloved Costeaux Bakery is reportedly hosting a “Willy Wonka-inspired golden ticket hunt” to celebrate their 100th anniversary this year. The PD has the details: “Beginning this month, a Costeaux golden ticket will be placed in cakes and bread bags each month at all Costeaux locations (including Tia Maria in Santa Rosa and Big John’s Market in Healdsburg) and at retail partners. The person who finds the golden ticket will receive free baked goods and special commemorative items celebrating the anniversary. Also, each golden ticket holder will have a chance to attend a special event in August as well as a behind-the-scenes tour of the popular bakery.” Another way to win tickets to the August 26 event, according to the bakery’s website, is by writing and submitting your own special Costeaux memory or story. Bakery owners say: “Through the decades, guests have experienced Costeaux for brunch dates, girls’ trips, wedding cakes, Breakfast with Santa, holiday parties and Cinnamon Walnut Bread shopping sprees. All of these stories are unique and deserve an entry to celebrate. To enter, visit costeaux.com/story for a fillable form.” (Costeaux & Press Democrat; paywall)
3. Remember that big new 30-unit apartment complex that a developer proposed for the corner lot at 3 Healdsburg Ave. near Kennedy Lane, right next to Memorial Bridge? Well, whoever owns that land is now apparently selling it — along with the plans — for around $2.7 million, according to a new listing posted on the Redfin real-estate website. The listing calls itself a 1.25-acre plot “with approved design for 30 apartments all with available entitlements under Healdsburg’s Growth Management Ordinance for near term construction,” and says that “Healdsburg’s first multi family Market rate project in 20 years includes 10 market rate, 12 units for work force housing (for families earning up to $150K per year) and 3 BMR units.” The listing also mentions that there are currently five old homes on the property, which will need to be torn down to make way for the new apartments but which would provide some “holding period income” in the meantime. Click through to Redfin to see the project’s latest renderings— showing a cluster of small-ish gray-blue homes with modern, angular rooftops and carports. (Redfin & City of Healdsburg & City of Healdsburg & Facebook Groups & Google Maps)
4. U.S. Army veteran and longtime Healdsburg dentist Dr. Stephen “Steve” Conrad Jarvis reportedly passed away a couple of months ago at the age of 75. “Steve owned and operated a general dentistry practice for 33 years, from 1976 – 2009, in Healdsburg, California, where he lived until 2021,” his obituary says. Google Maps shows his practice was located in the small blue building on Center Street near Grant where Dr. Michael Brunner, another local dentist, operates now. “Steve was an avid sports fan,” his obit says, “always supporting and cheering for the San Francisco Giants and 49ers, and of course the University of Oregon Ducks.” He also “supported local Healdsburg sports, volunteering his time to coach baseball and football at Healdsburg High School as well as contributed to the development of Healdsburg Little League and baseball fields in Healdsburg.” Steve’s family and friends plan to hold a memorial service for him on Saturday, Feb. 11, here in town. (Legacy.com & Google Maps)
5. And the Saturday before that, services will be held at St. John’s Church on Matheson for another longtime Healdsburg resident, Maureen Ann Finigan Brennan, who just passed away at age 70. Here’s her local story, from her obituary: “She moved to Sonoma County in the early 70s and started her career at Pacific Bell working as an Operator. She was promoted to splicer, construction manager, site supervisor, and finally engineer. It was while working for Pacific Bell, Maureen met Frank. After discovering common interests, the two became inseparable. They spent their time playing on local softball and volleyball teams and traveling, often by motorcycle, all over the US and Canada. They camped, hiked, and made many friends along the way. They rode across the country, Maureen on her 1952 Vincent Black Shadow motorcycle and Frank on his 1974 Ducati 750, before getting married on Halloween of 1983 and starting their family. They had four children, Molly, Clare, Margaret, and Danny. Motherhood came to Maureen with ease, she was meant to be a mom. She took pride in sewing Halloween costumes, spending many nights at her sewing machine creating works of art. In 2000, she retired and became more involved in her children’s sports teams, serving as the athletic director at St. John’s school in Healdsburg, CA. … Maureen’s home felt like home to many, and on any given day she had closer to six kids around the house.” (Legacy.com)

Healdsburg pics of the day:

Note from Simone: I love when you guys send me local pics for the newsletter! If you have one to share, you can submit it here for consideration. Pics of community members are especially appreciated. Please just confirm in your email that you took any photos you’re sending, and that Patch has permission to republish them. 📸

This weekend in Healdsburg:

Saturday, January 21

• Healdsburg Running Company Hosts Lake Sonoma Run, Featuring “Breakfast Trail Tacos & Cold Snacks at the Finish” (8AM)
• Vintage Clothing Sale in Healdsburg Driveway (9-11:30AM)
• Read to a Dog at the Healdsburg Library (11AM)
• Healdsburg Jazz Hosts “Bringing Back Music to Schools” Presentation at the Healdsburg Library (11AM-12:30PM)
• Sip Wine & Create Mandala Dot Paintings on Recycled Wine Bottles at Comstock Wines (1PM)
• Member Event at the Healdsburg Jazz Office: “Drinks, Bites & an Opportunity to Meet Our New 2023 Artist in Residence for Our 25th Anniversary Year” (1-3PM)
• Knights Of Columbus Host All-You-Can-Eat Shrimp Feed at St. Peter’s Church in Cloverdale (5PM)
• Jessie Baylin & the Watson Twins Live at Little Saint (7PM)
• “Cesar Died Today” Latino Play at the Raven Theater (Jan. 20-21, 7:30PM)
• Comedy Night at Coyote Sonoma (8-10PM)
• Jenerator Live at the Elephant in the Room (9PM)

Sunday, January 22

• Top Healdsburg Chefs Discuss Their Passion Projects at Barndiva’s Studio B (1-4PM)
• Matinee Play: “Cesar Died Today” at the Raven Theater (2PM)
• Little Monsters Culinary Hosts “Fiesta Cooking Class” for Kids Aged 4-12 at Felta School House, Inspired by Flavors of Mexico (3:30-5PM)
• Lost Ox Live at the Elephant in the Room (8PM)

Monday, January 23

• Sonoma Water Specialist Gives Talk on “Modern Irrigation & Best Practices” at the Healdsburg Garden Club Meeting at the Villa Chanticleer (12-3PM)
• Citizens Organized to Prevent Emergencies (COPE) Chapter of Northern Sonoma County Hosts Leadership Meeting at TK (3PM)
• Healdsburg City Council Meeting at City Hall (6PM)

Tuesday, January 24

• “Seeds & Reads” for Kids in Grades K-6 at the Healdsburg Library: All About Owls, Feat. Owl Poop Dissection (4-5PM)
• Healdsburg Running Company “Trail Sisters” Host Run & Vision Board Making Party (6PM)
• Healdsburg High School Girls Soccer Home Game Vs. Piner (7PM)
• Healdsburg High School Girls Basketball Home Game Vs. Windsor (7:30PM)

From my notebook:

• Did you feel that quick jolt of an earthquake late Thursday afternoon? Officials say it was a 3.6-magnitude quake with its epicenter near Lake Sonoma. (Healdsburg Patch)
• The Healdsburg City Council meeting on Monday will be the first one in over a month! Vice Mayor David Hagele just shared some agenda highlights. He says the meeting will include “a presentation from the group working on the formation of the Alexander Valley Water District”; updates on the city’s finances and goals; information on new no-smoking areas around town, such as “the Plaza perimeter sidewalks,” the “parking lot at Rec Park and the entire Villa Chanticleer property”; a new city planning commissioner getting appointed; the latest draft of the Healdsburg Community Wildfire Protection Plan; and more. (City of Healdsburg & David Hagele via Facebook)
• Also: You only have about a week and a half left to “share your ideas on how Healdsburg can be as sustainable as possible” via the city’s “Climate Mobilization Strategy” survey. The survey will inform which projects city leaders choose to pursue to “achieve greenhouse gas reductions, in support of RCPA’s goal for carbon neutrality by 2030.” (City of Healdsburg via Patch & SurveyMonkey)
• Little Saint is on “an extended winter break” through Feb. 2, restaurant owners say. “We’ll be resting up and collaborating to further develop our welcoming space to eat, drink and gather in 2023.” They have still been hosting some concerts upstairs as planned, though. (Little Saint via Instagram)
• The Healdsburg Fire Department reportedly helped put out a dramatic RV fire in a driveway down on Arata Lane last night. (Press Democrat; paywall)

Thanks for following along and staying informed. See you all next week for more!

— Simone Wilson

About me: I was born and raised in Healdsburg, CA, where I was the editor of the Healdsburg High School Hound’s Bark. I have since worked as a local journalist for publications in San Diego, Los Angeles, New York City and the Middle East. I’m currently a senior product manager for Patch.