Fire District 'Dismayed' + 7-11 Crash Cuts Power + Chorus Returns

Morning, Healdsburg! Let's start this Thursday off right with everything you need to know about what's going on in town today.

First, today's weather:

Clear and sunny with a soft wind. High: 93 Low: 49.

Here are the top 5 stories in Healdsburg today:

1. There was a power outage in Parkland Farms and environs last night after a vehicle crash near 7-Eleven closed Healdsburg Avenue at Powell and apparently nicked the power grid. The outage "in the northern part of town" was "due to a vehicle hitting a utility pole on Healdsburg avenue," Healdsburg City Councilmember Ariel Kelley reported around 10 p.m. There were no injuries, she said. Another neighbor who was listening to the police scanner last night wrote on Nextdoor that "someone hit a power pole and completely sheared it off." (Nixle & Facebook & Nextdoor)
2. The notorious delta variant is behind the COVID-19 surge currently overtaking Sonoma County, local health officials say. We're now at a "daily transmission rate" of 9.5 cases per 100,000 residents countywide — which, as the PD points out, is just shy of "what was considered widespread transmission" earlier this year "and would have triggered the most restrictive purple tier of the state’s plan." Countywide, there were 92 new coronavirus cases reported yesterday alone. (Press Democrat & New York Times; paywalls)
3. Here's a list of all the Healdsburg businesses that got the largest federal Paycheck Protection Program loans during the pandemic. Klein Foods, aka Rodney Strong Vineyards, tops the list at $3.73 million in approved loans, followed by the Ferrari-Carano and Silver Oak wineries with over $3 million each. Hotel Healdsburg, Healdsburg Hospital, Healdsburg Lumber Company, Big Johns and more than 150 other local businesses are also listed, along with their loan amounts. (Healdsburg Patch)
4. Not everyone is happy after the county's big fire district consolidation announcement this week — namely, the Northern Sonoma County Fire Protection District, which serves Healdsburg and its outskirts. Our district's board president says he's "dismayed" that the plan, which would enlarge the district to include "over 25 percent of the County’s land area," does not include a "secure, recurring, and locally controlled funding source." Read the full letter of grievances. (Facebook)
5. The Healdsburg Chorus is back in action, led by brand-new music director David Martin.. “We’re very excited at the thought of singing again,” chorus president Janet Ziedrich says. Weekly evening rehearsals at the Healdsburg Community Church begin Monday, Aug. 23, ahead of the group's annual holiday concert at the Raven Theater in early December. Here's how to join the chorus. (Inbox & Healdsburg Chorus)

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Today in Healdsburg:

• "Wildfire Resilience on the Farm" Training at Sonoma County Farm Bureau (9AM-12PM)
• "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" Curbside Lunch at Healdsburg, A Pacifica Senior Living Community (11:30AM-1PM)
• Virtual Social Justice Club for Teens at Sonoma County Library (4-5PM)
• Prune Packers Baseball Game at Rec Park (6-8PM)

Healdsburg Patch Notebook

• Ever wonder what it's like to be a wealthy Wine Country tourist? Here's how to win a free glamping vacation along the Russian River in Alexander Valley and live like the other half for a night. (Instagram)
• An upcoming exhibit at the Healdsburg Museum will explore the "people and history of Dry Creek Rancheria." It's being put together by former Grace Hudson Museum curator Karen Holmes, "the daughter of the late Healdsburg artists, Rosinda and Rex Holmes of the Dry Creek Valley." (Facebook)
• The Trib has more juicy details on current and future plans for Healdsburg's new "Mill District," after ground was officially broken earlier this week on the district's affordable housing component. (SoCoNews Healdsburg)
• Wondering who these "Prune Packers" are that everyone's always talking about? Here's a bunch of fun facts about Healdsburg's own collegiate baseball team, compiled by local photographer Pierre Ratté. (SoCoNews Healdsburg)
• Behold, all the highlights from the Business Journal’s annual Wine Industry Conference last week. Like most industries, it appears Big Wine is doubling down on virtual events, "social listening" and direct-to-consumer marketing tactics. (North Bay Business Journal)
• The Sonoma County Airport is officially surpassing pre-pandemic passenger levels. (North Bay Business Journal)
• Musician Todd Snider's upcoming tour includes a stop at the Raven Theater in Healdsburg this fall. (Broadway World)
• Anyone recognize this sweet orange cat found wandering around near North Fitch Mountain Road and Scenic Lane yesterday? (Nextdoor)
• The Montage Healdsburg just won another big industry award for "Development of the Year." (Travel News Asia)
• Just in case it has slipped your mind up to now, here's some info on how and where to get vaccinated in Sonoma County. (Facebook)

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Job listing:

• Caregiver (Details)

Cool, now you're in the loop. See you around! And if you're liking these newsletters, consider bringing some more friends and neighbors along for the ride. You can send them this link to subscribe.

— Simone Wilson

About me: I was born and raised in Healdsburg, CA, where I was the editor of the Healdsburg High School Hound's Bark. I have since worked as a local journalist for publications in San Diego, Los Angeles, New York City and the Middle East. I'm currently a senior product manager for Patch.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Healdsburg Daily? You can reach me at simone.wilson@patch.com.