HOMETOWN HEROES Nancy Palumbo and Mayor Ariel Kelley kick off the city's banner program to recognize active duty military members with a Healdsburg family connection. Palumbo holds a photo of her daughter, Kelly Deutermann, a commander in the U.S. Coast Guard, who will retire in 2024 after 20 years of service. (Photo by Christian Kallen)

If all goes well, anyone coming north toward downtown Healdsburg will soon be greeted by a number of “Hometown Heroes” banners lining Healdsburg Avenue. 

In partnership with local Rotary and the American Legion posts, the city will launch a program featuring local active duty military members on prominent banners lining the avenue. It will be similar to the program already in effect in neighboring Windsor, showcasing local families with a personal stake in the nation’s defenses.

To participate in the program, active duty military members or their families will complete an application, including a digital photo of the service person in dress uniform, and including the service person’s name, branch of service and a 150-word bio. 

Eligible are currently serving members on active duty in the United States armed forces (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard or Space Force), and those either having permanent residence in the Healdsburg area or having an immediate family member working or residing in the Healdsburg area. 

Applications will be submitted to the Banner Review Committee for final approval. The Healdsburg Hometown Heroes Military Banner Program is administered by the City of Healdsburg’s Community Services Department in partnership with the volunteer, community-based Healdsburg Hometown Heroes Military Banner Committee. 

More information and the application link is at healdsburg.gov/1084/Healdsburg-Hometown-Heroes.

Chamber Needs Volunteers

The Healdsburg Chamber of Commerce is looking for a volunteer to staff the Visitor Center every Sunday from 10am to 3pm. This will provide an opportunity to interact with locals and visitors from all over. Training will be provided. For more information, contact [email protected]

Dispensary Applications Open Soon

The cannabis dispensary process will open for applicants on June 15, City Manager Jeff Kay announced in the June 5 council meeting. Healdsburg is one of a handful of cities in Sonoma County without a dispensary to this point, but has approved up to two retail cannabis stores in city limits, a business tax on revenue and other measures preparatory to the move.

Kay encouraged interested entrepreneurs to review the requirements and process on the city’s website and to email [email protected] to begin the process. Applications will be accepted until July 31, after which review by city staff and the consultant, HdL, will lead to a winnowing of applicants before a public review. 

Business License Online

The City of Healdsburg is now offering an easier way to get a business license—they can now be applied for, paid for and issued online. The entire process can be completed from home, business or from a mobile device. Applicants need to create an account, complete the application through the online portal and pay the required fees before printing the business license from the local computer. 

A valid business license must be issued prior to conducting any business within the city. The City of Healdsburg’s business license period runs from July 1 through June 30.  Annual renewal notices for taxes are emailed on or before June 1, and renewal payments are due on or before July 1.  

License fees are based on the type of business and gross annual receipts earned within the city limits. For more information or to apply, go to Healdsburg.gov/businesslicense.

4th of July

The regular Tuesday in the Plaza event will not be held on July 4, because the city has other plans to recognize the nation’s Independence Day. 

A special holiday celebration in the Plaza will follow the regular Tuesday Farmers’ Market (9am to 12:30pm), with a Kids’ Parade and Duck Dash (10am-1pm), in partnership with the Rotary Club of Healdsburg Sunrise. 

In the evening, residents will look to the skies for an exuberant display of patriotism. The City hosts Healdsburg’s American Legion for the annual Fourth of July fireworks show, and is grateful for the financial support from the Healdsburg Tourism Improvement District for making this year’s show possible.

A reminder: Private fireworks are illegal in Healdsburg and therefore not allowed.

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