Columns

Julia Child was 6 feet 2 inches tall. During World War II, she joined the Office of Strategic Services (OSS), precursor to the CIA. She worked directly for General William J. “Wild Bill” Donovan in top-secret research and records. In the OSS, she created a shark repellent from kitchen ingredients to deter unintended detonations of undersea mines. She later became a chef.

100 years ago December 11, 1924 'SHOPPERS FOR CHRISTMAS FILL LOCAL STORES' A journey to the various stores in Healdsburg shows a very complete line of all kinds of articles which are suitable for Christmas presents. The merchants of this city report Christmas buying in full swing....

How much has Fitch Mountain grown in the last twenty-odd years? If some old timer can tell us that, we’ll have the correct measurement of the little mound that overlooks Healdsburg like a somnabulent sentinel.

Thanksgiving is celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November in the U.S., and on the second Monday of October in Canada. In the U.S., the date of Thanksgiving varied by state until it was proclaimed a federal holiday on the last Thursday of November by Abraham Lincoln in 1863.

The building modernization project continues at the Healdsburg Regional Library on Piper Street. A recent walkthrough revealed that the contractors have been hard at work, with upgraded electrical and plumbing, demolition of existing restrooms, and new construction in the children’s and teen rooms underway. Meanwhile, programs continue...

Fire season is over at last. This week, we’re bracing for wind, waves, rain and snow at elevation. Meteorologists predict a “bomb cyclone” as this goes to press, with four days of continuous rain. Not 40 days, notes Pierre Ratte with causal ease - after all, he filed his latest Snapshot from a Baja beach!

New England has deciduous woods. Colorado has quaking aspens. And Sonoma County has its straw hills and live oaks framing red, yellow and green vineyards. Mixed together, it's home.

The housing market in Sonoma County in 2024 has been impacted by high interest rates that have kept some buyers out of the market, resulting in slower activity, especially at the higher end. However, with the Federal Reserve recently cutting interest rates, the future looks brighter as we move into the final quarter of this year.

Pierre reflects upon chance, perhaps in recognition of casting a vote. In times past, leaving decisions to chance was not unusual. The practice is mentioned over 85 times in the Bible. In a famous instance, Judas’ replacement was chosen by lot.

The HHS marching band started in 1974 and was made up of the members of Lewis Sbrana’s advanced band class, and interested members of his intermediate class. So far, the band has played at every home game, and they plan to keep up the record.