Close shaves at the Raven with ‘Sweeney Todd’
Including at least one musical per season has been a constant in Steven David Martin’s tenure with the Raven Players, which began 13 years ago—an auspicious anniversary when one is talking about a play like this one. “Of course, I scheduled it at Halloween because of its bloody nature and high body count,” Martin told The Tribune.
Where the Redwood Highway crosses the Russian River
Whether a tourist or a local (or that broad category of “visitors from nearby”), everyone knows the first stop is Healdsburg Veterans Memorial Beach, where the Redwood Highway crosses the Russian River. According to Sarah Campbell of Sonoma County Regional Parks, the most recent headcount showed about 68,000 visitors for the previous year.
Hounds hope to end season with big winning streak
The Healdsburg varsity has won nine of their last 11 games and is on a four-game winning streak. This week, they end the Redwood schedule with a pair of games against Piner, whose 4-9 record places them fifth in the six-team league.
Tinsley Ellis leaves the electric at home
Tinsley Ellis is out driving around the country on what Alligator Records has dubbed his “Two Guitars and a Car” tour. That car brings him to Healdsburg’s Raven Theater on Friday, Nov. 21.
Girls golf team takes NBL Redwood pennant
The NBL Redwood championship tourney delivered picture-perfect fall conditions—mid-70s temperatures, bluebird skies, dry fairways and firm greens. The setting helped the Healdsburg girls golf team finish the regular season with a flawless 10–0 record in league play.
SMART train is getting closer to Healdsburg
The Town of Windsor is requesting Federal Railroad Administration approval to implement “quiet zones” as the trains approach the station. Routine train horn use at designated crossings will be eliminated between Shiloh Road and the station, except in emergency or safety-critical situations. The hope is that the quiet zones will become effective as early as mid-July, though it will possibly be somewhat later.
Flashbacks: Purity, polio and promotion from 1901 to now
This from 1901: "It is everywhere conceded that Sonoma is one of the very best counties in the State, and there is no questioning the fact that the very best part of Sonoma county lies north of Windsor. In climate, in richness of soil, in horticulture and in viticulture, the Russian River Valley equals, if it does not surpass, any other section of the State."
Yale Whiffenpoofs to land on Raven stage Sunday
The very name “Whiffenpoofs” is whimsical, but followers of the collegiate music space know that the repertoire and reputation of this Yale University a cappella group is anything but laughable. Sure there are old Yale drinking songs, certainly a bit of jazz-era energy, as well as more modern pop. But are they classical? And what exactly is a “whiffenpoof” anyway?
Tribune Photos of the Year
A self-selected set of nine Healdsburg Tribune images from the year 2025, by Rick Tang.
Healdsburg Happenings, Jan. 22 – 30
Among other events this week there's an informal gathering to hear firsthand reflections from Dr. Gary Barth’s recent work in Ukraine, including stories, progress and challenges from his December 2025 trip to bring protective eye-wear to Ukrainian troops in the field.
Arts & Entertainment
Stage face-off: Revenge vs. rivalry
Local audiences seeking a solid presentation of an American theatrical classic have two very diverse options right now. The Raven Performing Arts Theater hosts Stephen Sondheim’s massive macabre musical, "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street," while The 222 offers Sam Shepard’s more intimate fraternal drama, "True West." Both run in Healdsburg through Nov. 8.






















