SDAT and the future of Healdsburg
EDITOR: In December 2017, a group of engaged citizens applied to the American Institute of Architects (AIA) for a Sustainable Design Assessment Team (SDAT) to help Healdsburg shape its future, just as had been done 35 years earlier. In both cases, volunteer urban design and planning experts came and addressed questions central to developing a common vision for a thriving community: How can the charm of a small town be maintained, in the face of economic growth and rapid change? How can housing needs across the economic spectrum best be met, given demographic and real estate trends? And how can relations between longtime residents and newcomers, and cohesion between the non-Hispanic and Hispanic communities be improved?
The report of 1982 was a remarkable success, even though the economic backdrop at that time was dire. It recommended growing the tourism industry around Healdsburg’s agricultural heritage and transforming the Plaza into the beloved meeting spot it is today. Capping the presentation, the team leader of expert group, R. Terry Schnadelbach, reminded City Council, that “…(balanced) growth is real. Its implications are quite good, they need not to destroy the environment and can bring revenue to the city.” To turn the vision of the report into reality, Schnadelbach said, “the city must keep the faith and keep the (task force) alive and going.” (Healdsburg Tribune, Oct. 13 1982).
Today our town stands again at crossroads. The AIA’s contribution to the community is the report “Imagine Healdsburg 2040.” Last year over 1,000 citizens participated in the process, and more than 120 people have continued the conversation in five ongoing working groups. This groundswell of civic engagement presents an unique opportunity to envision Healdsburg’s next 20 years and map out a sustainable development path.
But success is not a given. According to the 2018 AIA report, cities that typically fail are those “beset by inertia, nostalgia and institutional sclerosis.” We cannot afford to let that happen to Healdsburg.
Seeing the AIA report on the City Council’s agenda early in 2019 would demonstrate that our elected officials and city employees own and will integrate the recommendations. This in turn would bring our collective expertise in urban planning, affordable housing, bicycle and pedestrian planning and strategies for sustainable, climate sensitive growth into the conversation. It would ensure that the community has a major role in planning for the future. Citizen engagement is particularly needed for the overhaul of our 2008 General Plan and zoning regulations.
The presentation of the 1982 AIA report was welcomed by a standing ovation of all groups involved. The fact that Healdsburg is among the most attractive small towns in the country is due in large part to the City Council past, fully embracing the report and immediately working on the implementation of the AIA recommendations.
This year we have a once-in-a-generation chance to achieve a similar outcome with a partnership between the city and so many focused and energetic residents.
http://bit.ly/SDAT_FINAL_REPORT_ABSTRACT_V2
Walter Niederberger
Healdsburg
Missing the SHED already
EDITOR: Upon hearing about the closing of Shed, I took it in without a strong feeling of what it meant to me, our family and our farm. But now that Shed is closing, its significance has settled in. I feel a great loss.
Shed consistently confirmed the importance of local. Each week we knew that Shed’s chefs would peruse our product list and those of other local farmers and create its menu based on what was growing seasonally. If potato leek soup was on the menu, it was because potatoes and leeks were growing close by. If there were peach shrubs in the fermentation bar, or peach ice cream next to the coffee bar, it was because beautifully blushed peaches grown at Home Farm were in. When a customer purchased a vegetable, a menu item or refreshment, it was freshly harvested from within a few miles of Shed.
The survival of our farm relies on businesses like Shed. We are lucky to be farming here because many of the chefs believe that fresh, local and clean produce are important.
The commitment to that idea is one of the reasons behind the beauty of Sonoma County. The rural character and pastoral rolling hills is what makes it so gorgeous. Without vibrant diverse farms and consumers who appreciate good food, our environment would be much different.
There would be houses where there are now farms.
I will miss Shed. I will miss the spontaneous beauty of sitting with friends and fellow farmers at the picnic tables outside, enjoying a delicious salad or sandwich from the kitchen and a wonderful fermented beverage. This was often a routine for me after selling vegetables at the farmers market on Saturday.
I will miss Monday mornings at Shed, sitting on the high stools at the coffee bar with my grandchild, Jules, sharing a steamed milk and a delicious egg tartine after dropping his brother off at preschool. I will miss stopping in after running errands in the afternoon for a sweet from the coffee bar.
I will miss the dedicated chefs, and the warm greeting of Meg the floor manager, who has worked there since the opening. I’ll miss Jen who has helped produce many of the enjoyable events and movies I have attended.
But most of all I will miss Doug and Cindy because they were the heart of it all.
Yael Bernier, Bernier Farms
Geyserville
Thanks for toy donations
EDITOR: On behalf of Healdsburg Shared Ministries, I want to thank the generous people of Healdsburg and Geyserville whose donations of toys and money again made it possible for us to give over 950 children a Christmas present of a new coat, new shoes and socks, a new toy and each family a food gift card. A special thank you to the U.S. Marine Corps and Toys for Tots that collected over 500 toys and the Healdsburg Fire Department for collecting 250 toys.
Because Healdsburg Shared Ministries is a 100 percent volunteer organization, donors can know that 100 percent of all donations go to feed and clothe needy families and not to salaries or paid employees. Again, thank you for your generous support and we look forward to 2019.
Roger Dormire, president
Healdsburg Shared Ministries
Help ship soldiers snacks
EDITOR: Each winter for the past several years, local Healdsburg resident Mary St. Clair and her band of volunteers have packed boxes that are sent to our troops who are stationed in remote areas of the world, far away from a post exchange or many amenities. These boxes contain some necessities, like new, clean socks and warm hats, but mostly goodies like homemade trail mix from the Alexander Valley Ladies Aid Society, yoyos donated by the Noon Rotary Club and donations from the local community of candies, nuts and snacks. This is a real taste of home for soldiers who have left their homes to be of service to us and our country. This year on Jan. 24, St. Clair will once again be leading a packing at St. John’s School Gym at 6 p.m. We will be packing more than 250 boxes, so yes, your help is welcome. Your help is also welcome in the form of cash donations to help cover the cost of mailing the packages to the soldiers. Last year the mailing cost alone was over $4,000. St. Clair’s nonprofit, Healdsburg SOS, is under the umbrella of Viet Nam Vets of Sonoma County. The Viet Nam Vets pay for shipping the packages. If you can help with the cost of shipping, please donate online at the Vets website. Thank you, Healdsburg for your generosity.
Carla Howell
Executive Director
Healdsburg Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau
