Snapshot: Woodshedding in Redwood Country
Fun facts: The oldest redwood in Armstrong Woods is the Colonel Armstrong Tree, estimated to be 1,400 years old. The tallest is called Parson Jones, at 310 feet. Sonoma County purchased 240 acres of Armstrong Woods in 1917 for $80,000. It opened to the public as a state park in 1936.
Monte Rio Variety Show distracts the hoi polloi
The Bohemian Grove Club first met in San Francisco in 1872. Its founding was intended to help creatives flourish. Summer camping started in 1878. In 1899 the club purchased 160 acres from M.C. Meeker, but the grounds have now expanded to about 2,700 acres.
In a Pacific Grove groove
Last week was the 46th happening of EcoFarm at Asilomar in Pacific Grove. EcoFarm was originally called “To Husband, The Earth.” Its goal is to encourage development of sustainable, regenerative, organic small farms in local communities in contrast to industrial agriculture.
It started with Amigo...
Snapshot: Bottlebrush’s bizzy bees
Approximately 20,000 bee species are recognized globally with 4,000 native to North America. Only about 10 species are true honeybees.
Snapshot: Won’t You Be Mine?
Happy Valentine’s Day, Palentine’s Day, Galentine’s Day or Self-Love Day. Whatever floats your boat or blows your hair back, it’s great to live in Sonoma County!
Snapshot: Luck of the Irish
Fun facts: The chances of finding a four-leaf clover are reportedly about 1 in 5,000. Luck is involved. Clovers, or trefoils, can have more than three leaves. Five-leaf clovers are two times rarer than four-leaf, and the most leaves ever found on a clover was 63, discovered in Japan in 2023.
Snapshot: Nothing Like a Super Bowl
The e first Super Bowl took place in 1967. The Packers beat the Chiefs 35-10. There were 32,000 unsold seats; tickets cost about $11. This year’s average ticket price tops $8,000 and more fun facts from Pierre Ratte.
Snapshot: Next-Level RV Rolls Into Town
This bad baby rolled in from Colorado. It’s the Acela Monterra XL 6x6. The Bozeman, Montana-based company says it is “born from a desire to exceed current industry standards for reliability and durability.” Can’t even imagine an RV class for this thing...
Snapshot: Palace of Fine Arts a lasting monument
Recognized as a perfect blend of classical architecture and landscape, the colonnaded pergola and vaulted ceiling-ed rotunda is surrounded by a lagoon on three sides. Architect Bernard Maybeck designed this S.F. landmark in the Beaux Arts style, characterized by grandiose structures with symmetrical styling often including elaborate detailing, classical columns, pediments, friezes and cornices.
Snapshot: Happy Birthday, America
Happy birthday, America. 250 years old on July 4, 2026. There are many commemorations associated with America’s founding and important dates leading to our Declaration of Independence, including:...
Arts & Entertainment
$20k split 3 ways in Arts for All grants
The recent reveal of Jake Messing’s River Dreams mural at Russian Riverkeeper was one of three projects from the city’s Arts & Culture Commission...






















