This week: Looking back — January to June
January
Gary Plass was named 2012 Mayor and Susan Jones was chosen as Vice Mayor.
“The Help” topped the list of most read books in Healdsburg for 2011.
Geyserville welcomed new sculptures as part of a new public art project.
A dry winter began to worry ranchers and river activists. Reservoirs were at 80 percent and weather watchers were holding out hopes for a wet spring.
Local sports hero Clarence Ruonavaara died at the age of 92.
Two Cloverdale residents were arrested just hours after robbing Healdsburg’s Exchange Bank branch. They were caught when a bank customer wrote down the getaway car’s license plate number.
Volunteer efforts were kicked off to construct a new park in the vacant lot across the street from Catelli’s restaurant in Geyserville.
Dr. Dave Anderson was toasted by nearly 200 friends at a retirement party at the Villa.
Hounds football coach Tom Kirkpatrick stepped down after 31 seasons.
The 110-year-old Oliveto Winery Building was renovated and employees of E. & J. Gallo moved in.
February
The city continued discussions about increasing electric rates.
Local grapegrowers headed to court in an attempt to halt plans for frost regulation.
Gary Anderson, a former newspaper executive was appointed to fill a seat on the Healdsburg District Hospital board that was left vacant when longtime board member Herb Polesky died in December 2011.
The city council decided to regulate the sidewalk displays of downtown businesses to reduce clutter and keep the area safer for pedestrians.
The fifth annual Wild Steelhead Festival was held in the Plaza.
Young business professionals re-launched a group through the Healdsburg Chamber of Commerce called HYPE — Healdsburg Young Professionals and Entrepreneurs.
The Russian River Water Supply was designated as “dry” allowing the Water Agency to reduce flows in the river to preserve water storage in Lake Mendocino.
The Healdsburg Jazz Festival celebrated Black History Month in local elementary schools with visiting musician and educator Marcus Shelby.
The Healdsburg Fire Department recognized Nick Bertalon as Firefighter of the Year. The Healdsburg Police Department recognized Debra Nelson as Employee of the Year.
A fire burned down a shed behind Hotel Healdsburg, but was contained to the portable structure and no damage was done to the surrounding buildings.
Chris Herrod was named Mr. Healdsburg 2012 during a spoof beauty pageant at the Raven.
March
The Healdsburg Farmers Market was looking for community input on a decision to potentially change the day of the mid-week market.
Sonoma County Supervisors approved funding for an independent Russian River science review panel to help with contentious environmental issues.
A local photographer spent time taking pictures of local seniors for an art show on laughter.
After more dry weather, the Russian River water supply system was designated as “critical” and water agency officials urged water users to conserve.
The second bank robbery in Healdsburg in just two months happened, this time at North Coast Bank. The suspect was caught in Windsor shortly after the burglary.
The Healdsburg Tribune bookkeeper, Jeanne Ellis, died in a fire at her home in Windsor.
A metal fragment for the World Trade Center towers that were destroyed in the 9/11 tragedy made its way to Healdsburg to be permanently displayed.
Healdsburg Animal Shelter executive director, Julie Seal, resigned, and the board was reorganized in an attempt to “turn the page” on six months of turmoil.
The annual St. Patrick’s Day parade continued to grow in size and gain momentum as hundreds of residents joined the fun.
Late March rain bumped the Russian River out of a “critical” designation.
The Alliance Medical Center announced CEO Jack Neureuter was leaving and interim CEO Beatrice Bostick would lead the clinic.
Local wine pioneer Louis J. Foppiano died at the age of 101.
April
The drama surrounding the Healdsburg Animal Shelter continued as a newly-formed dog rescue organization requested the city allow them to take over operations at the shelter. The city denied the request and the Green Dog Rescue Project later apologized for some harsh language directed at shelter organizers.
The 20th annual Healdsburg Future Farmers Country Fair Barn Dance was held to raise money for the expenses of the annual fair held in May.
The Raven Performing Arts Theater hosted a Congressional candidates forum for the newly redrawn 2nd Congressional district.
Healdsburg Little League celebrated its Opening Day ceremonies in conjunction with the dedication and completion of the Clarence Ruonavaara Grandstands at Recreation Park.
Longtime volunteers Mary Lou Eddinger and Richard Bugarske were honored as the 2012 recipients of the Marie Sparks Volunteer of the Year award.
Eight authors from the Healdsburg Literary Guild came together to write a new book about the town of Healdsburg called “Healdsburg Alive!”
May
The annual Historic Homes Tour, sponsored by the AAUW raised money for local scholarships and education causes.
Local letter carriers held their annual Stamp Out Hunger food drive.
Manuel “Mike” Lownes, a 93-year-old Army veteran who has been giving back to fellow veterans for six decades, was honored by the American Legion Post 111.
The 19th annual Healdsburg Museum and Historical Society “Langhart Celebration” was held honoring volunteers Ann Howard and Janet Sbragia Pisenti.
A new coho nursery building, visitor center renovations and other improvements were completed at Lake Sonoma.
The bell rang for the official opening of the 2012 Healdsburg Farmers Market season on Saturday, May 6.
The Healdsburg Animal Shelter filed a lawsuit to try to pay for repairs or reconstruction of the new shelter building that still wasn’t complete.
The second annual Great Russian River Race drew a record field of entrants.
Healdsburg residents and business owners spoke out against a proposal to install parking meters in the downtown area.
The city council approved increases in water rates that will amount to a 25 percent jump by 2015.
Work began on the first phase of the downtown Streetscape project to improve the city’s infrastructure in the area.
Healdsburg police reported an increase in gang crime in town.
The Healdsburg City Council approved plans for a half-cent sales tax measure on the November ballot.
Healdsburg High School senior JD Ferrero won Supreme Showman for the fifth year in a row.
June
City officials reported that the projected year-end deficit for the General Fund would be reduced from an expected $900,000 to $300,000.
The American Legion were still $7,000 short of the funds needed for its annual July 4 fireworks show.
The Healdsburg Farmers Market returned to the Plaza, on a new day, Wednesday afternoons.
The restaurant scene in Healdsburg was ever-changing, with a few closing and more getting ready to open, including Bravas Bar de Tapas, Parrish Cafe and Campo Fina.
The 14th annual Healdsburg Jazz Festival was held over a 10-day span. Most of the shows were near-capacity.
The city adopted its 2012-13 budget with an $800,000 funding gap.
The 2012 fire season was off to an early and intense start with 10 significant grass fires burning in just the first two months.
The Raven players began performances of their fifth and final performance of the season with “Gypsy.”
The city installed a new stop sign at the Fitch and North Street intersection after a group of residents requested the traffic sign to improve safety.
The Sonoma County Board of Zoning Adjustments unanimously rejected Hop Kiln Winery’s proposed 11,440 square foot hospitality and administration building on Westside Road.
