My "gift" to Healdsburg - The best news photos of the decade from the Boston Globe

Midst all of the holiday preparations, I hope you'll take a few minutes to look at the 51 best news photos of the decade , gathered by the Boston Globe. This is the decade that's described in the introduction to the photos as "dramatic, often brutal." I confess it was painful to look at many of these photos, but I'm glad I did and hope that if you do, you too will gain something from having done so.

Each photo comes with a written description. The photo above is a prisoner of war comforting his four year old child.

CCCC Report # 7 - Tod's reflections on COP15 and what we can do

Tod is en route to Healdsburg. I've linked to today's post about the Copenhagen Climate Change Convention (CCCC), or "COP15": "Reflections on Copenhagen: Activism in Dead. Long Live Activism." This is an achingly beautiful piece. I urge you to read the whole thing.

What have I gained from volunteering to be a non-roving reporter following Tod on his 8,000 mile trip to Copenhagen and back?

1. I've followed what happened at COP15 more closely. For instance, did Obama and Clinton "burst" in on a secret last-minute meeting of China, Brazil, India and South Africa? Apparently the answer is no. Does it matter whether or not they did? I'm not sure.

2. It's helped me stay aware of my inclination to create some mental ease and comfort that creeps in and subtly tells me that maybe this climate change thing isn't so bad after all. I'm referring to the our recent cold snap, that it's raining more than I thought it would, and even D.C. is experiencing a record-breaking snow storm. I wonder if Obama was subject to the same almost-subconscious mind-set when he left COP15 before the vote on the Copenhagen Accord in order to get back home before the storm broke.

3. I'm following the climate change issue more carefully now. The scientific reports seem to be getting worse. For instance, this morning I saw that the prestigious magazine Nature has an article, "Sea level rise may exceed worst expections." Staying informed helps me not be lulled into thinking that if my life is so very, very comfortable, the problem must not be that serious.

4. I'm reminded that my small efforts, from living in a very small home where I have my business, to walking or riding my bike and rarely driving, to helping organize our local 350.org event last October 24 are a miniscule part of the greater collective goal of reducing greenhouse gases into our atmosphere.

5. As I juggle my commitments to helping care for my almost-three-twin grandchildren (you never see me driving them around!), my business, and my citizen activism, I need to remain mindful that if I ruin my health caring too much about too many things, I won't be there with Tod in lifting "the climate message over the fence."

Thanks, Tod, for taking time away from your family to be one of our county's official delegates ahd Healdsburg's unofficial delegate at COP15. You'll be hearing from me.

(photo provided by Tod)

CCCC Report # 6 - Well, that's that - The climate convention has concluded and Tod will return to Healdsburg in a couple of days

What did I expect to be accomplished in Copenhagen? Before I started posting about fellow resident Tod Brilliant's experience there, not much. What happened as a result of Tod's reports and paying more attention to the Copenhagen Climate Change Convention (CCCC)? Somehow, I thought if I and others cared enough about what happened there, somehow our collective energy would make a difference. Weird huh?

So it's done. Tod will leave Copenhagen on the 21st. I hope to meet with him this coming week. Here's Tod's Dec. 18th post, "Obama as White Knight: Naked Ambition at COP 15." As with all his posts, I hope you read the whole thing, though this sentence captures Tod's impression of Obama's influence on the future of climate change: "Barack Obama's honeymoon with both the environmental community and greater Europe has come to an end."

On the home front. Barclay Nalley, whom I've known for 43 years, wrote an angry letter to the Healdsburg Tribune editor, "Copenhagen Hygira." Barclay even called for a grand jury to "demand a complete audit of such frivolous expenditures." What do you think? I'm sure the debate will go on. After some ambivalence, I think the money was well spent even if the result was a weak accord.

For those who aren't quite ready to change their focus from this hugely important issue to the more mundane*, here are some links to articles and videos that I found worthwhile:

1. Bill McKibben of 350.org and Naomi Klein of The Nation on their first take on the results of the convention. A fifteen minute video, worth every minute.

2. "Scramble for the atmosphere," by Tod's and my climate change hero, George Monbiot.

3. But wait! All is not lost. Guess who made sense at the convention? Check it out.

*My "mundane" activity includes cleaning house today.

(photo from Tod's post at the Post Carbon Institute blog)

CCCC Report #5 - A "special magic gift" from Tod

This morning, I received an e-mail alert from Facebook that Tod had given those of us who belong to the Creative Job Agency Group a special gift. Of course, I checked it out immediately, and it was this very funny (if slightly grotesque) video titled "Lord Monckton Raps Al Gore." Watch it. You'll probably get a kick out of it.


If the full screen doesn't show up above, go to the video here.

If time allows, I'll update this post. The news looks pretty grim about the likelihood of a meaningful agreement coming out of Copenhagen. Obama is there today.

What's bothering me, which I hope to dig in to later today:
1. Recent polls show increasing skepticism about the reasons for climate change and Obama's handling of the issue slipping;
2. A leaked UN report shows cuts offered at Copenhagen would lead to a 3C rise.
3. Tiny and poor countries are being pressured to agree to a 2C cut, even though 1.5C will adversely affect millions of people in these countries. The pressure? A promise of cash to help with the problems these countries experience as a result of the increased temperatures. Naomi Klein describes the promise as "blackmail."

Sigh, at least I get to spend the day with my wonderful almost-three twin grandchildren.

Update I: Naomi Klein write a searing article in the UK Guardian, "Better to have no deal at Copenhagen than one that spells catastrophe."

CCCC Report # 4 - Climate Justice looms large - Tod stands up to a CNBC reporter

What I'm gathering for the past couple of days from Tod's posts to the Post Carbon Institute, the mainstream media and the alternate press, "climate justice" is the big issue surfacing at the United Nations Convention on Climate Change. It doesn't appear that it was very high, or even on, the official agenda.

According to Amy Goodman of Democracy Now! in her post to Truthdig, "Copenhagen Climate Summit: The Empire's New Clothes," "Both inside and outside the summit there is a diverse cross section of nongovernmental organizations, or NGOs, from indigenous-peoples delegations to environmental and youth groups. Their separate but connected efforts have been coalescing into a new movement, a movement for climate justice."

This is how Tod described it on his wall at Facebook: "Real protests. Real anger. Real frustration....The real heart of the movement is truly peaceful but getting incredibly frustrated with the UN's effort to keep poor nations from making their points."

According to Tod, a powerful voice for climate justice is Archbishop Desmond Tutu, who made the opening remarks at Oxfam's "First International Climate Hearing." Read Tod's report here.

It appears from Tod's current post, that "Most of us aren't allowed back into the Bella Centre [where the convention is taking place]...." What's up? I thought Tod and the 6 other delegates from Sonoma County were official delegates. Are they all being shut out?

Leave it to Tod to make a difference, whether he's on the the inside or outside. He took the photo below yesterday. It's of indigenous South American farmers displaying handicrafts to a small but interested audience. What did a CNBC reporter standing 15 feet away see and broadcast to millions? "And behind me we have what is called a sit-in protest...." That was too much for Tod, who got into a "wee bit of a tussle [with the CNBC cameraman] over my live on-air correction of his criminally misleading description."

Tod was so upset that he left the convention and on his way back to the flat where he was staying, he saw the Coca cola poster in the photo above. His reaction? "I was intrigued to learn that the global mega-corp is not only saving the planet, but they've somehow managed to bottle Obama."

Back here in Sonoma County, some people are upset that the county spent $23,000 to send 7 delegates to the Climate Change Convention. If none of them are being allowed in on the official meetings, I'm upset, too. Rollie Atkinson's editorial, "Carbon Neutral," in last week's Healdsburg Tribune, raised the issue. At an event for 4th district supervisor candidate Mike McGuire last Tuesday evening, Mike expressed his dismay that the county sent the incumbent 4th District Supervisor Paul Kelley and 6 others to Copenhagen while people here are suffering from loss of jobs.

So the "climate justice" in a different form is also a local issue. Does our county invest it its commitment to climate protection by sending delegates to Copenhagen at the expense of our jobless?

I admit I'm somewhat ambivalent about this. However, Healdsburg residents seem woefully unaware of the consequences of climate change on our local agriculture. In 2006, the Press Democrat published an article by Tim Tesconi, "Could Global Warming Dry Up Wine Industry? New report warns North Coast may get too hot in coming century."

This seemed like a big deal to me, so last October 24th, I,* with a lot of help from Ann Carranza and Robert and Elizabeth Seton, organized a local climate change event in conjunction with 350.org. About ten of us walked through Healdsburg with grape vines and signs on them, "Destination: Canada," and fliers explaining what will happen to our grapes if climate change continues unabated. I was amazed at the lack of awareness of this problem which will adversely affect our $5 billion regional economy.

Will Tod be able to bring home the urgent message that we need to address climate change now? That it's a local issue? That it's not just about climate change but about climate justice? I certainly hope so.

Update: Today I talked with a woman who has spent her adult life working with the disadvantaged: the mentally ill, the unemployed, the underpaid. When I told her about the county paying for 7 people from Sonoma County to attend the climate summit and that some thought this was a waste of money, she said "A pittance! These people will come back all fired up and will undoubtedly make a difference, including the number of green jobs."

*Photo of my twin grandchildren and me at the October 24th "Grapevine March."
Photos from climate convention taken by Tod.

CCCC Report # 3 - What's really going on in Copenhagen?

Yesterday, as I eagerly waited for Tod's reports to show up at the Post Carbon Institute blog, I checked the news for what is going on in Copenhagen.

Good grief! It looked like the convention was already falling apart as African nations led a walkout. I was relieved to see they only walked out for the day, not permanently.

Tod, after traveling 28 hours by plane, cars, buses, and trains, recovered from his jet lag and currently two of his posts are up at the Post Carbon website, "The Search for Conservation Part I: Lonely and Looking," and "Search for Conservation Part 2 - The Politics of Exclusion."

I urge you to read both of them. Tod is a incredible writer and there's no way I can do justice to his descriptions of the convention.

Sidebar: Several years ago Tod lent me George Monbiot's book, Heat. The most memorable chapter, "Love Miles," was on the impact of flying on global warming. George urged us to limit our flying to seeing our families and closest friends.

I know that Tod is conflicted about flying, but I see his trip to Copenhagen as using some of his love miles because he so passionately cares our incredible earth, which is at risk, and his son Justice and other children who will ultimately benefit if we adults can return to sanity and figure out how to reduce our greenhouse gases.

This morning, George Monbiot posted a thoughtful article, "This is about us." "The talks at Copenhagen are not just about climate change. They represent a battle to redefine humanity." I assume he's at the convention, and I hope he gets to meet Tod.

Update I: Just saw this on the Post Carbon Institute Facebook page: "The mood is far from pretty. NGOs are being shut out. People waiting 7 hours to get in. G77 (the poorer nations) walkout. Pretty much a disaster." Stay tuned.

(photo of Tod at the convention)

CCCC Report # 2 - Tod must have landed in Copenhagen by now

Tod's been e-mailing me while en route to Copenhagen. I've been sending him "airplane reading" (long, dense articles), including "Planet Worth - Goldman Sachs bets on global warming."

First, I need to correct yesterday's post. Tod had a place to stay in Copenhagen before he left but he apparently wanted a different place. I don't want you to think he's a rash young man because...well....he isn't!

Secondly, Tod may be Healdsburg's unofficial delegate to the 15th United Nations Convention on Climate Change, but he's an official Sonoma County delegate, according to the Trib's editorial this week by Rollie Atkinson, "Carbon Neutral."

The Sonoma County Water Agency is the lead county that is sending the seven delegates to Copenhagen. At COP15, I'll be checking for updates (blog posts, videos, Twitters, etc.) on the convention from the county's attendees.

Tod is also the Communications Director for the Post Carbon Institute. He suggested I check PCI's website for his reports from Copenhagen.

As Tod landed in Copenhagen, presumably last night, he was met by a huge cheering, candle-carrying crowd (see photo above). Actually, the photo is of some of the 100,000 strong protestors in Copenhagen organized by 350.org.

CCCC Report # 1 - Tod finds a place to stay in Copenhagen

As promised yesterday, I'm going to do my best to keep you informed about local resident Tod Brilliant's adventures as he heads to Copenhagen for the Climate Change Convention (hence, the "CCCC" in the title).

Two days ago via Facebook and through the group that Tod was active in setting up, the Creative Job Agency, I received an urgent request from Tod asking all of us in this group to help him find housing in Copenhagen. How many of us would head to Copenhagen in the winter and not have a place to stay? However, how many of us have the incredible network that Tod does through all of his endeavors? (Check out his website to verify.)

I immediately contacted a distant relative, a near relative, and friends that I thought might know somone who might know someone who might - you get the picture - know of a place where Tod could stay.

A few hours later Tod e-mailed me back that he had found a place in less than four hours through his Creative Job Agency contacts!

Tod is on his way to Copenhagen this morning. I expect he'll be having more adventures and my job is to them to you.

(photo: Wikimedia)

Did you know that a Healdsburger is attending the Copenhagen Climate Change Conference?

I'm sure you've seen Tod Brilliant around town. He's one of the most interesting and creative people I know. He's on his way to Copenhagen. I consider him Healdsburg's unofficial delegate to the climate change convention.

I hope to stay in touch with Tod and post his descriptions of what it's like to be there. Stay tuned!

Making more holiday memories

Ah, Gail, you’ve started something here. Conor and I made this reindeer when he was here last week. I love making projects with him. Often we make things that are nature related or holiday themed.

In fact, both of my sons have asked me to do things with the boys that I did with them. I wish my grandsons were closer so we could do all those memory making activities together more often. The true joy of the holidays is creating memories that last a lifetime.

To make a reindeer:

2 corks

1 small study piece of twig for the neck. We cut all our twigs from our peach tree.

1 long twig for the four legs. Cut into four equal pieces.

2 googly eyes. But paper works, or other materials that catch your fancy

2 twigs for antlers. They can be forked, but also straight. Use what you find and trim and shape as desired.

1 small piece of brown pipe cleaner for the tail. But felt is also good, or a small paper scrap.

Pen to draw mouth and nose.

Yes! Glue. It is really a paste. It is the best project glue I’ve found for kids’ projects.

1. Poke a hole with a small straight screwdriver into the two corks where you want to join them to form the head and body. Swipe a little glue on each end of the small study twig and insert it into each cork.

2. Poke four holes in the bottom cork for the legs. Swipe the leg twigs in a little glue and insert them into the holes. Check to that the reindeer will stand alone.

3. Glue on the googly eyes

4. Poke two holes for the antlers to give that reindeer attitude. Again, swipe the twigs in the glue and insert into the holes.

5. Poke a hole for the pipe cleaner tail, swipe it in glue and insert into hole.

6. Draw on nose and mouth.

Conor is 7, and he was able to do everything, except poke the holes, himself by working side-by-side as I made one to show him the steps.

Enjoy with your favorite children!

What Christmas activity do the kids in my life remember the most?

Over the last 40 years or so, I've made many gingerbread houses with children, grandchildren, and friends' children. As these children grow up, they commonly tell me that what they remember most about what they did as a child when they were with me is making a gingerbread house. Above are grandchildren Jade and Casey, now several years older, who will be joining me along with my almost-three twin granchildren this year.

When is the last time you bought a water buffalo or a llama?

Yesterday my friend Laurel (blond hair) and I (red cap) volunteered at the Heifer table at the annual arts and crafts fair at Summerfield School, an amazing Waldorf school on Willowside Road.

I love Heifer because it provides an opportunity to buy gifts in my grandchildren's name for families around the world who are in great need of help. One year I bought them a water buffalo and a llama another year. On Christmas Day, after they've opened a huge pile of presents, I present them with a card that explains how their gift can mean the difference between life and death or school or no school for children who have so much less than they do.

The other plus about yesterday is that the atmosphere at the Summerfield School was really amazing. The children were given the opportunity to make gifts for others, there were hand-crafted items for sale, and we enjoyed a wonderful lunch of chili, cornbread and salad while several different groups, including children, sang for us.

Laurel and I noticed that the children who attended Summerfield School were self-confident, easy to talk to, and wore highly individual outfits that made it clear they were willing to be different than their peers.

An altogether rewarding day.

Wine Library Associates of Sonoma County Holiday Book Signing and Sale

Our friend Bo Simons of the Sonoma County Wine Library writes:

Now that the effects of turkey and canberries are beginning to subside, it's time to think about perfect gifts.  What do you get for someone who has everything?  Why, you get him or her a personally inscribed book that reflects one of the most interesting things about the wine country:  wine.  All your needs can be filled in one evening while you enjoy wine and hors d'oeuvres.  You get to give unto others as you treat yourself.  Randall Grahm, the zany proprietor of Bonny Doon and the master satirist behind such works as Born to Rhone and The Love Song of J. Alfred Rootstock, and the author of the just released Been Doon So Long (UC Press, 2009), will be there in the flesh, spewing wisdom and wicked bon mots.  Steve Heimoff, West Coast Editor of Wine Enthusiast will be ready to answer your questions and sign his two books, among the best recent books on wine:  A Wine Journey Along the Russian River (UC Press, 2005)  and New Classic Winemakers of California (UC Press, 2008).  Vivienne Sosnowski, former editor of the San Francisco Examiner, author of When the Rivers Ran Red, will be there to go into this stirring tale of struggle and overcoming adversity on the North Coast during Prohibition.  

This is quite a trio of wine writers, who can personally inscribe their books to everyone on your gift list.  But, wait, that's not all.  There will also be hundreds of used and rare books on wine, books donated to the wine library, books that duplicate what we already have, but may be new to you.  These will be on sale at bargain prices.  We will be pouring wines by Bonny Doon, Foppiano, Pasterick and Seghesio, as well as a special donation of Dehlinger wines from an anonymous donor.  Now this is a fund-raiser for the wine library, so we have to charge for it, but it's only $10 for members and $15 for the public, and all attendees get a coupon good for $5 off any new book purchased that evening.  The food will be prepared by members of the Sonoma County Culinary Guild. 

Please reserve now to assure a spot:  707-431-7663 

Posted by Shonnie Brown for Bo Simons

Holiday season begins in the Plaza

These photos don't begin to capture the festive spirit in the Plaza this evening at the tree lighting ceremony. What I found so special was how many children were there.

Free cider and cocoa, cookies for 25 cents, a raffle giving away a beautiful Christmas tree, children's and adult's choirs, the audience in singing Christmas carols, candles for everyone, and Christmas card making all contributed to the feeling that there's no better place to live than Healdsburg.

Globalization: Good or bad?

As you probably recall, in 1999 a broad based coalition of people from all over the world, including small farmers, factory workers, and environmentalists, demonstrated against globalization at the World Trade Organization meeting in Seattle.

My impression of what happened comes from Rebecca Solnit’s description of the event. Rebecca, who lives in San Francisco, has such an optimistic outlook and can find reasons to celebrate no matter how dire the problems are that we face, has written a book about her experience in Seattle in 1999, The Battle of the Story of the “Battle of Seattle.”

Rebecca has written a terrific article, “Learning How to Count to 350-Remembering People Power in Seattle in 1999 and Berlin in 1989.” Naomi Klein has written a book review, “Copenhagen: Seattle Grows Up” about Rebecca’s (and her co-author brother’s) book.

Rebecca won’t be at our local “Seattle + 10” event (except in spirit) from 1-5 pm on December 5th at the Sebastopol Veteran’s Memorial Building, but I hope you will be. Given the roster of speakers, this is an opportunity to learn more about the worldwide effort for ordinary people to be heard as globalization results in a loss of jobs, environmental degradation in developing countries, and other problems that affect all of us.

(Double-click on the flier to enlarge it.)

Giving thanks for Healdsburg's civic spirit

It's so easy to get caught up in the holiday rush that it's easy to forget to stop, remember, and share about something that happened just a couple of days ago that speaks volumes about why Healdsburg is so special.

I'm referring to the Thanksgiving breakfast at Fitch Mountain Eddies. The breakfast was free and the customers made donations to the Alliance Medical Center in lieu of paying for breakfast. Many food merchants contributed to the breakfast.

I was the first to arrive and was greeted by two members of the Alliance Board of Directors, Roger Hull, current chair, and Tom Colbert, former chair. They made me feel very welcome and we chatted until the next customer arrived.
Then I wandered from table to table asking people why they were there. Other early arrivers were Rick Tang, a local photographer, and Vickie Norris, a local businesswoman who provides online services and is also on the professional committee for the Chamber of Commerce.

Vickie goes to the Alliance Medical Center. She used to have health care through Kaiser, but when she needed to switch, she had trouble finding a family practice doctor, where she found one she is delighted with.

Then the person with his back to this couple gestured for me to come talk with him. My gosh, it was landscape architect Ray Pelanconi, whom I hadn't seen for 35 years. I remembered him so well because I was involved in an effort to get a kids' creative play area at Fitch Mountain Elementary School, and he did the landscaping, using drought and kid resistant plants.

Ray is a genuine old-timer, who has lived here since 1954. He's with Kaiser but likes it that Alliance Medical Center is "good for people with no access [to medical care]."

The last couple I talked with before I settled down to order my breakfast was Lew and Elaine Sbrana, retired from the school system. I've known them since I arrived in 1967 because they have contributed so much to our community. Lew, as I'm sure you all know, has made musicians out of almost-tone-deaf children and even adults.

Elaine had heard about the breakfast that morning while walking with a friend, and they dropped everything to be there.

It was a wonderful way to start the day. No wonder I like to stay right here in Healdsburg for the holidays. Tomorrow I'll join my son, his wife, and my grandchildren at the annual tree lighting in the Plaza.

Back to the Land

For a quite a while, I've wanted to post something at the community blog about Maira Kalman, an artist who lives in New York City. Even before today's post by her in the Opinion Section of the New York Times, I thought that she either had 1) everything to do with Healdsburg, or 2) nothing to do with Healdsburg.

Today's post, however, convinced me that everyone, including Healdsburg residents, should know about Maira and her perpspective on imporant issues. She brings humor, as well as amazing drawings and photography, to her contributions.

So enjoy Back to the Land.

Photo one of many in Kalman's post about slow food, good food.

Giorgi Park opens

This past Saturday, Giorgia Park, completely upgraded, opened. Greeting me as I stopped by are Sonja Drown, the city's Recreation and Transit Services Director, as well has heading up our Senior Center, and David Mickaelian, Parks and Recreation Director.

Yesterday, the Healdsburg Community Nursery School took a field trip to the park. Here they are on a slinky, slitherly bouncy feature.

Evocative of the old Giorgia Park are the "towers," now at the apex of a grassy hill.

This turtle is ambling through the sand at the water feature. The blue in the foreground is a raised trough with tile in the bottom and water coursing down it to an outlet to the sand. Yesterday grandson Rody did a belly flop in the sand and came up wet, sandy and happy.

Most of the nursery school kids appeared to enjoy this grassy (some kind of astroturf) hill. It's steep enough to be a challenge getting up and down, but it looks safe for toddlers.

I'm so grateful that the city voted to upgrade Giorgi Park, in spite of the need to cut its budget this year.

Help Our Alliance Medical Center by Having Breakfast at Fitch Mountain Eddie's on Thanksgiving Morning

Fitch Mountain Eddie's (with food donations from other local businesses) is giving away breakfast on Thanksgiving morning from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.. Those who attend will be asked to donate $5 to $10 to the Alliance Medical Center.

I can't think of a better way to start this holiday. I hope to see you there.

Submitted by Gail Jonas and seconded by Shonnie Brown who also loves Alliance!

Russian River Rose Company (to compliment Gail's post)

A fall rose photo taken at Jan and Mike Tolmasoff's Russian River Rose Company.

How many roses does it take to make four ounces of rose oil?

This morning I started my Christmas shopping at the Healdsburg Farmers' Market. The first booth I stopped at was Mike and Jan Tolmasoff’s Russian River Rose Company.

I’ve known the Tolmasoffs for over thirty years and have watched their home on Magnolia become incredibly beautiful with roses everywhere, including climbing up trellises to the second story of their house.

When I expressed interest in the attractively bottled rose water, Mike told me that they picked 1,980 pounds of roses and that there are 120 roses in each pound. From this huge endeavor they were able to extract four ounces of rose oil.

I’ll do the math: 1,980 pounds X 120 roses per pound = 237,600 roses! I’d describe this as a labor of love.

Reminder: Next Saturday, December 5th, is the last Farmers’ Market this year. I hope you’ll do your Christmas shopping there, too, and come home with great gifts, including the Tolmasoff’s Rose Water.

Written by Gail Jonas. Posted by Shonnie Brown for Gail Jonas.

A community treasure - Healdsburg Community Nursery School

For the past couple of months, I 've been participating in the Healdsburg Community Nursery School(HCNS) with my 33 month old twin grandchildren, Rody and Sophia. It’s been an amazing experience.

Here they are, out on the school’s field trip to the Pumpkin Farm in October.


This past Saturday, I attended the “Giving Thanks” celebration at the school. In the front yard, kids were squealing and laughing in a “jumpy house,” and adults were conversing in the warm fall sun. There I met Emily McGrath and her HCNS alumni son, Finnegan, 5 ½, photo below. His younger brother, Aidan, is in the same class as Rody and Sophia. She organized the celebration with the help of the other school board members.

Inside the school, I smelled cookies, which were just coming out of the oven. Standing back by the kitchen, I met Nora Bulloch, whose friend from Burlingame was shoveling the cookies in and out of the oven. I asked Nora why she liked HCNS, and she responded that it helps parents “act appropriately went they participate in their kids’ education in the upper grades,” and “it helped me learn how to be as a parent.”

Well! I have to admit that Teacher Lisa, who is there in the morning when the twins and I attend, is helping me learn how to be a grandparent. Here’s an example: The kids wait in line on a bench in order to play on the swing that’s suspended from the ceiling in the front of the schoolroom. My grandson Rody took his first twirl on it, then got back on the bench to wait for another turn. When he decided to do something else, I jumped into his place on the bench and said “I’ll save your place, Rody.” Lisa gently reminded me that I had missed a teachable moment. I think you get the idea.

One of the most wonderful things about HCNS is how it encourages kids to use their imaginations. Here’s the kids’ kitchen.

I had no idea who important it is to create an environment that enhances a child’s ability to imagine until I read Can The Right Kinds of Play Teach Self-Control?. Now, if I can just let the kids develop their own imaginations. That means I need to exercise some self-control and just watch what they are doing instead of plunging in and acting like a three year old myself.

From Healdsburg Tribune Letters to the Editor

This letter from a community member appeared in last week's Healdsburg Tribune. I thought it was very touching. I count myself as one of those who shoots a look at that bridge whenever I return to Healdsburg. And I give thanks for the town and it's history.

Destruction of our soul

Published: Wednesday, November 11, 2009 3:01 PM PST

Editor: Ray Holley’s column in the Nov. 5 Tribune suggested that city officials are predisposed to destruction of Memorial Bridge.

Let me see if I have this right: We are going to tear down a magnificent community symbol and replace it with a concrete lump that only Caltrans could love? Unthinkable.

Other communities that have been down this road would agree. Did San Francisco rip out the Joseph Strauss-designed Lefty O’Doul Bridge when construction of AT&T park threatened it? Certainly not. And what was Guerneville’s answer when its wonderful old span faced the wrecking ball? Save it.

It’s time to end defeatist thinking about Memorial Bridge. There are many rescue efforts that should be aggressively explored, including creation of a community improvement district that would not just save the bridge but beautify the surrounding area.

Memorial Bridge is as much the fabric of Healdsburg as our beloved Plaza. Who among us hasn’t shot the bridge a glimpse from northbound 101 as we returned to town from a trip and thought, “Hey, I’m home!”

Tearing down that bridge is destruction of the community’s soul. Don’t let it happen.

David S. Dietz

Healdsburg

Come on out to support Community First and Community Impact Reports!

Monday, November 30, at 6:00 p.m., the City of Healdsburg is going to hold a workshop where staff members will present information to the city council and planning commission regarding Healdsburg's current development information gathering system and the information covered by the system. The city council is trying to determine if the various reports already include the information covered by a Community Impact Report (CIR).

This is not a hearing, where public input will be sought, but an informational meeting answering the questions Councilman Tom Chambers requested at the meeting held on November 2. Our intent is to listen actively and to gather more information available to community members.

Community First wants to show the city council we have broad community support for CIRs, so please come out to join us at this important meeting!

Below are links to an article in the Healdsburg Tribune and two articles in the Press Democrat concerning CIRs:

Healdsburg Tribune article:

Press Democrat: November 11

Press Democrat: November 15

Christmas shopping at the Farmers Market

This past Saturday, after I ordered my flowers (mums, one of which you see above) from Steve Hilker at the Healdsburg Farmers Market, I wandered about and looked at what was being sold in the other booths.

I decided that I would do my Christmas shopping at the market. Hand-made brooms, jewelry, warm caps and scarves __ the variety of items offered is amazing.

Since the market closes at the end of November, I’ll have to shop early. I can’t think of a better way to enjoy the holiday season.

Calling all lovers of language in Healdsburg

If you’re a language lover, possibly you formed that love when you took Latin in high school and/or college. I'm passing this request on in order to help Healdsburg resident, Janice Sinclaire, keep Latin classes at the Santa Rosa Junior College. Janice does so much for our community. Her husband, Tom Brand, is Executive Director of our local non-profit Raven Performing Arts Theater.

Below is Janice’s request:

Santa Rosa Junior College Latin Program

Historically, the Latin program at Santa Rosa Junior College has offered four semesters of Latin, plus an additional 2 or 3 units of "special study." In the last year, the Latin program has been cut back to Latin I only. At the end of October, 2009, SRJC felt compelled to eliminate the program altogether, not because of a lack of interest on the part of students, but because Latin does not lead to a major at SRJC.

I have been able to convince the dean of the department, a linguist who understands the value of Latin, to reinstate Latin II for the spring, 2010, semester, and Latin I and III for fall, 2010. In exchange for that commitment, I have agreed to help raise $2500 by January 30, 2010, and an additional $2500 by June 15, 2010.

Through my involvement with the program over the last 6 or 7 years, I have come to see the value of Latin study for the students at SRJC. It is not uncommon for first year students to enter the program with little or no English grammar skills. I have often heard students express their astonishment that they finally understand English grammar, thanks to their Latin study.

Because of the nature of the language (not only do verbs conjugate, but nouns decline), students become better writers and speakers of English, not just Latin. These improved skills make it much more likely that they will succeed as college students - much more likely not only to graduate from SRJC, but to continue to a four-year university.

In addition, in my experience, the study of Latin through SRJC has led most of the students to the study of French, Spanish or Italian: several I know have gone on to study classical Greek and even Arabic.Several classical leagues have come on board to help me research grants for the future of the program. However, these are long term projects due to the nature of grant writing and the formal grant mechanism at SRJC.

In addition, I will be exploring the possibility of a joint program with Sonoma State University; SSU currently has 4 graduate students in theprogram who need Latin II this spring in order to graduate in May. It only makes sense that SSU contribute to the program, as they are relying upon it for their own students. Because the funding mechanisms differ at the two schools, this too is a long term project.

Your tax-deductible contribution to this effort will save the Latin program at SRJC. In a way, this crisis has been a good thing for many of the students in the current Latin I class. They realized that they'd better get involved and are therefore writing letters and organizing a Latin Club to have more visibility on campus and off. I truly believe that we can not only save the program, but make it stronger. Thank you very much for your interest, and if you have any additional questions, please contact me:

Janice Sinclaire: 950 Canyon Road Geyserville, CA 95441 (707) 857.3031 Jansin@sonic.net. Make the check out Santa Rosa Junior College Foundation, indicate on the memo line that it's for Latin II and mail to me at P.O. Box 1170, Healdsburg, CA 95448 (c/o Janice Sinclaire)

Photo: From U. of Michigan archives: A Latin documentary text, actually an acknowledgment of debt. 2nd Century AD. Caesarea, Mauretania.

Healdsburg Literary Cafe

Last night I attended Healdsburg’s Literary Café at the Senior Center. Featured readers were Sher Christian, performance poet from Bodega, reading poems from her book Star Kissed Shadows, and accompanied on the piano by her husband, John; and Lian Gouw, first time novelist who read excerpts from her book, Only a Girl. Both of these delightful women writers are charming and approachable.

In the lowered lights of Healdsburg Senior Center’s large room, attendees seated themselves at tables for four transformed by tablecloths and real-looking candles into a charming cafe. A spread of fruit, cookies, cakes, and tea was offered to attendees. Books and CDs were available for purchase.

The evening started with an open mic session, where writers read from their own short works or poetry, or read poetry by another author. About twelve people read and a variety of local talent was represented, from a young boy reading from his newly begun short story, to Vilma Ginsberg, Healdsburg’s Literary Laureate 2008/2009 reading from several works. From a rollicking yodeling poem/song, to the Chicken Diaries, written and read by our host, it was an enjoyable evening.

Lian Gouw wrote Only a Girl out of her experiences growing up in Indonesia. She found a gap in the writing set in that country—the voice of the Chinese experience. Set in the great world events from 1930 to 1952—the Great Depression, World War II, and the Indonesian Revolution—Gouw offers an enlightening exploration of those events seen through the eyes of four women.

I hadn’t attended a Literary Café evening before, and once again I found it’s easy to spend a delightful evening in Healdsburg.

*An apology and disclaimer—I didn’t get the names of all the writers and readers last night, and I’m sorry for not being able to attach everyone’s name with the work they read last night. But I appreciate everyone who contributed to such a delicious evening and I hope to learn your names, faces, and voices the next time we meet.

**Interested in Only a Girl? Lian Gouw’s website is www.liangouw.com

**Interested in Star Kissed Shadows? Sher Lianne Christian’s website is http://lusciouspoetry.typepad.com/

Come One, Come All to the Healdsburg Farmers' Market

Have you been shopping the Healdsburg Farmers’ Market all season? From May through November, we can support our local farmers, and as well as those who offer other locally produced goods, such as cheese and butter, wine vinegars, olive oils, ceramics, honey and more. In addition, during November, we have the opportunity to see, support, and celebrate local artists and artisans. The Healdsburg Farmers’ Market is currently holding its annual arts and crafts fair in addition to the regular market.

What better way to practice sustainability and to spend our hard-earned money than by supporting our local producers? By buying locally, we lessen the greenhouse gas emission created when driving a car, support our local economy, sustain responsibly grown local produce, and create community. Most of the artists, crafters, farmers and other producers are local residents.

Warm sunshine helped to cut the cool brisk breezes at the market this morning. The variety offered is amazing. From tote bags and jewelry created from recycled plastic bags (offered by Eco Chic a group of local teenaged girl entrepreneurs) to granite cheeseboards, from knitted hats to baby blankets, locally created goods offer us an opportunity to do our holiday shopping while getting to know more members of our community. Easy camaraderie among the producers makes the market a pleasant venue on Saturday mornings.

The market opens at 9 a.m. with the ringing of the bell, and closes at noon on Saturdays. The last market is on Saturday, November 28. I hope to see everyone there next Saturday--and remember to bring your reusable tote bags!

Please come to city hall Monday, Nov. 2nd at 6 pm

Community First, a group of Healdsburg residents, has been meeting since January to study a tool, a Community Impact Report (CIR), that we think will help Healdsburg maintain its high quality of life in the future.

A Community Impact Report is an informational report that covers the economic and social impacts of any new significant development. Community First is especially concerned about the impact of a new large development, say a hotel that will employ 300 people, on our hospital, the Alliance Medical Center, and our schools.* The impact on these services needs to be disclosed early on in the application process.

There are other impacts, such as the costs and benefits to public agencies and how a new large development will affect local businesses, that we ought to know about.

On Monday, November 2nd at 6 pm, we're on the agenda to ask the city to appoint a committee to study and hopefully recommend the city staff draft a Community Impact Report ordinance. We need just one more vote. Two city council members already support this effort. We need about 70 people to fill the city council chambers.

Here is our one-page talking points (slightly revised from this version but essentially the same). We would appreciate it if you'd also sign the letter of support, and fax it to me, 433.8314, or scan/send it to Ann Carranza, positivelyann@sbcglobal.net. Or you can mail it or drop it off at 521 Brown Street.

I hope you’ll join us.

Gail Jonas, Chair of Community First, 707.431.8451

*Photo of Healdsburg students

Healdsburg's Climate Change event

We had a great time yesterday afternoon. It was uplifting to join thousands around the world – 5,200 actions in 181 countries. The photos at 350.org are inspiring.

Kid photo: Grandma Gail Jonas

Group photo: Ann Carranza

Healdsburg Community Blog Calendar of Events

Saturday, October 24: We’ve organized a “Grapevine March” right here in Healdsburg. As of today, there are 3,550 actions in 161 countries. In Sonoma County, there are 11 actions. Grandson Casey (photo) will be joining us. Climate change is a local issue. Click here to sign up. You can meet us at Gail Jonas' home at 521 Brown Street at 1 pm or downtown in the Plaza at 2 pm.

Sunday, October 25: Geyserville Fall Colors Festival and Vintage Car Show. Fun family activities all day 10-3 p.m. on Geyserville's main street. Shonnie Brown will be selling her bottle cap earrings (see photo).

Monday, November 2: Community First is on the agenda to ask the city to appoint a committee to study and hopefully recommend the city staff draft a Community Impact Report ordinance. Please show up at city hall on Monday, November 2 at 6 pm. We need just one more vote. Two city council members already support this effort. We need about 70 people to fill the city council chambers.

Saturday, November 7: Holiday Church Boutique 10-2 p.m. at Healdsburg Communnity Church.

Yikes, it is a lot of work to post a bulletin with links! Hopefully folks will read it.

On October 24, join people all over the world to take a stand for a safe climate future…right here in Healdsburg.

As of today, there are 3,550 actions in 161 countries. In Sonoma County, there are 11 actions. We’ve organized a “Grapevine March” right here in Healdsburg. Grandson Casey (photo) will be joining us.

Huh? Why a grapevine march? Why do the signs say “Destination: Canada”?

Because climate change is a local issue. In July of 2006, the Press Democrat reporter Tim Tesconi wrote an article about a new report that warns that the North Coast may get too hot in the coming century for our crops, especially premium grapes. If you’re interested in this issue you can read more here.

If you:
1. Like the idea of staying local
2. Think this action is worthwhile
and
3. Sounds kinda fun, click here and sign up. You can meet us at my home at 521 Brown Street at 1 pm or downtown in the Plaza at 2 pm.

Join a local action from 1 to 3 on October 24th to raise awareness of the impact of climate change on local agriculture

In July of 2006, the Press Democrat reporter Tim Tesconi wrote an article about a new report that warns that the North Coast may get too hot in the coming century for our crops, especially premium grapes.

If you’re interested in this issue you can read a scholarly treatise here.

If you are convinced that climate change is a local issue and want to do something about it, join hundreds and thousands of people across the world who will be making a visible and vocal call for reducing our greenhouse gases on October 24.

I signed up with 350.org to sponsor a local event from 1 to 3 pm on October 24th. My plan is to do a “grapevine march,” carrying grape branches with signs stating: “Destination: Canada”. Learn more about it and if this sounds worthwhile and kinda fun, click here and sign up.

Sunday mornings in my kitchen

Every Sunday morning when I’m home I bake bread in the form of sourdough buns. As you can see, they are golden-brown and appear to be quite delectable.

I’ve been baking them on and off for around 40 years, using a recipe I created.

You can make your own sourdough starter or purchase it here.

If you use your sourdough starter every week, you don’t have to be concerned about it going bad. If you miss a week, throw some of the starter out and replenish it with equal parts milk and water and let it sit at room temperature until it’s bubbly. Some people use water instead of milk.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me: gejonas@sonic.net.

A Grain of Corn: "Random Beauty Strikes Healdsburg"

Along with the daily news of all that is tragic and scary in this world, I can imagine a headline in our local newspaper saying "Random Beauty Strikes Hard in Healdsburg 365 Days Per Year". Let's admit it: we are so blessed here or so lucky (depending on your view of the relative randomness of it all).

Many of us have been watching Ken Burns' documentary on the National Parks acknowledging the extraordinary beauty of our homeland. But don't we also have an extraordinary share of that beauty right here in Healdsburg?

For me, the "Practice Random Acts of Kindness and Beauty" bumper sticker is just too corny. But, it's also true. Everywhere we go in Healdsburg and it's surrounds, we encounter beauty. Walking down our own streets, we see beauty in the blossoms, the trees changing color, the attention put into our dwellings and the greetings from our neighbors. Tuesdays have become my gratitude day because I begin them with a beautiful drive into the Alexander Valley to visit with my oldtimer friends, Fred and Ruby Wasson. How can that kind of beginning not make one feel happy and at peace? There is sure enough in life to bring us down, but there's also plenty to feel good about 365 days per year in Healdsburg.

Thank you to Mother Nature, our town founders and the generations before us who worked so hard to make and keep this beautiful space on planet Earth. Thanks to all of you out there who give of your time and effort to restore and rebuild the beauty that we have so taken for granted.