Snapshot: The Well-Traveled Road
Macadam refers to a road-surfacing material and a method of construction. Developed in 1820, it’s named after inventor John McAdam. His method and material was a major breakthrough improving on Roman stone and cobble construction. McAdam’s invention relied on small angular rocks compacted by traffic to create a self-locking stable and relatively smooth surface. This and other Fun Facts in the latest Snapshot.
The changing landscape of vineyard labor
Latino music playing in the vineyards as the sun rises, men shouting to be heard over roaring engines as their hands move with the precision of a surgeon with scalpel cutting one cluster then quickly another. Trucks barreling along narrow country roads delivering grapes prior to the heat of day. The entire county smelling of grape aromas — earthy, fruity, sweet and floral smells permeate the air.
There’s a new law for that
Just as the last refrains of “Auld Lang Syne” are sung each New Year’s Eve, a bevy of new laws descend upon us like a balloon drop from above. Some years the new laws seem to outnumber the balloons. This year it’s another close competition.
Arts & Entertainment
Multicultural Center takes shape at Abel de Luna
Bursts of color explode from every corner and every angle of the newly repainted Abel de Luna Community Center on the north side of town. Fuchsia, sunflower, marigold, plum and chrysanthemum abut and juxtapose with one another on the many outside walls and columns, as two muralists work on their own visions of Healdsburg.
