SIP Samples Songwriting Talent This Week
Those who have experienced Songwriters in Paradise have a difficult time coming up with an elevator pitch to describe it. It’s intimate. There’s great music. There is delicious food, and of course there is premium wine. But there’s more than that.
“It’s magical … it’s...
Police Log, August 2 – 11
Healdsburg Police "media bulletin" transcribed and published weekly. Includes a range of reportable incidents, from petty to felonious. Read this week's report...
Lowrider culture shows its colors at local winery
The exterior parking lot of Bacchus Landing was filled with gorgeous lowriders and classics, with several food trucks off to the far side. When I walked into the interior courtyard, I found a “lowrider museum.” Many of these cars had been in actual museums and exhibits, and featured in numerous publications ranging from the car-centric to the Smithsonian.
Measure O Defeat Shows Split City
When the sound and the fury, the smoke and the flames dispersed, Measure O went down to a definitive defeat, roughly at a 60-40 split. Clearly this was not what the Healdsburg City Council intended when in June they rationalized themselves into putting it on the General Election ballot.
Riverkeeper Recruits to Meet Challenges
Sharp-eyed motorists have noticed a name change on a long white office building on Healdsburg Avenue, just a quick stroll away from the Quail and Condor bakery. The colors are still blue and white but the Bright Event Rentals sign is gone, and in its place the bold letters proclaim Russian Riverkeeper, now in its umpteenth home in Healdsburg, and still ready to Save the River.
Local Food Banks Struggle for Funds, Groceries
Proposed cuts by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) of $500 million to funding for regional hunger relief organizations will stop deliveries to local food banks nationwide, including the Redwood Empire Food Bank (REFB). That could mean the suspension of $750,000 in food shipments to REFB alone, and their availability for redistribution to local families.
Public Participation Fades as 5-District Map Advances
Given all the angst and opinion voiced in previous public hearings (and social media) about the city’s transition to District Elections, Monday nights’ meeting took place in a desert. Fewer than half a dozen members of the public were in the room when the hearing, fourth in a series of five, got underway at the posted “time certain” 6:45pm on March 17. But the meeting set forth the future of Healdsburg district elections for years to come.
Lady Greyhounds Sweep League Playoffs
The Lady Greyhounds defeated Rancho Cotate by a comfortable 12-point margin, giving them the right to hang the NCS-Redwood pennant in the Smith Robinson gym for the second year in a row.
Local Eye Doctor With a Global Vision
Healdsburg ophthalmologist Dr. Gary Barth has dedicated a significant portion of his life and career to restoring sight to those in dire need, particularly in developing countries. Barth, together with BBH Eye Foundation and partners, has helped restore sight to more than 200,000 individuals in Southeast Asia since 2019.
Healdsburg Happenings, Aug 7 – 15
History Talks: The docents of the Healdsburg Museum once again present programs at the Plaza on Saturdays, 10am to noon. “The Annals of Alexander Valley” is this week’s topic; show up early as attendance seems to get higher every weekend. Plus “Many Paths to Healdsburg” is the theme of the new exhibit opening this Saturday at the museum.
Arts & Entertainment
Holiday Happenings, December 4-12
The City’s annual seasonal celebration, Merry Healdsburg, includes the Lighting of the Tree and a night market at the Plaza. Ride in a horse-drawn carriage, dance to live holiday music, cheer for Santa’s grand arrival...






















