SMART Train Headed for Lytton Springs
That big clock is finally ticking for the train’s arrival in Healdsburg—it’s no longer only a memory or a pipe dream. Last week brought the news that the Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART) District had been awarded an $81 million grant from the state to extend the rail service from its current terminus, at the Sonoma County Airport, though Windsor to Healdsburg’s northern city limit by 2028—including construction of a new or remodeled rail bridge over the Russian River.
Foley Family Pavilion Wins Final OK
The Healdsburg City Council took care of some long-standing business at their April 17 meeting, including final sign off on the affordable housing elements of the North Village Project, hearing the reasons and schedules for increased electric rates for customers, and a quarterly report...
The Arts Conquer Healdsburg
In what can only be described as a big win for the hometown team, the three-day Healdsburg Arts Festival attracted over 1,000 people to the Plaza, where acoustic music drifted over the booths, local food was prepared and served on site, kids played and...
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.
2023 Crosses the Finish Line: The Year in Review
In 2023, Healdsburg experienced a variety of events and news, including SMART's getting closer, the move of Healdsburg Lumber, the return of Climate Fest, the success of the Prune Packers, and the Healdsburg Museum's "We Are Not Strangers Here: African American Histories in Rural California" exhibit.
Cloverdale Goes Renegade
When asked about how the idea for a rock ’n’ roll orchestra for all came about, Jason Eckl dove in on the feeling that orchestral performances can be a bit stiff. “My wife is cellist Rebecca Roudman, who is a member of a number of Bay Area orchestras [including both the Oakland East-Bay Symphony and the Santa Rosa Symphony], and this means I’ve been to a lot of orchestra concerts,” he said.
Little Saint to Close its Upstairs Restaurant
The fanciest vegan fine-dining restaurant in the Bay Area, located right here in Healdsburg, will shut down just shy of its first birthday. he restaurant is called Second Story, up the stairs from Little Saint...
‘Thanksgiving Trotters’ Raise $100,000
The 14th annual Turkey Trot got underway on a brisk but clear Thanksgiving morning, as more than 3,000 runners competed in what’s become known as the Live Like Drew challenge. It was a younger-than-normal crowd: Of the 2,679 who finished the 5k loop, half of the top 10 finishers were in their teens,...
Shakespeare in the Piazza, with pizza
'Two Gentlemen of Verona' is one of Shakespeare’s earlier works. I’ve always thought it was one of the Bard’s easier plays to follow, written before he got all “Shakespeare-y.” It’s the tale of besties Valentine and Proteus whose friendship is tested by, of course, a woman.
Inclusion means everyone at new playgrounds
Nearly a dozen people followed one another to the speaker’s podium at last week’s City Council meeting, many of them teens from local schools or the Girl Scouts. All of them agreed on one thing: It was time for Healdsburg to have a Magical Bridge Playground.
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...






















