🌱 Future Of 'Open Streets' + Storm Forecast + REIBT Results

Hello, my people! Hope everyone is staying as safe and dry and cozy as possible during this crazy winter weather. While you're stuck inside, might as well catch up on everything you need to know about what's happening in Healdsburg, right? Here's your roundup for the day. Enjoy :)

First, today's weather:

Rain and wind. High: 52 Low: 37.

Air over Healdsburg:

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Here are the top 3 stories today in Healdsburg:

1. Rain, rain, rain! This "atmospheric river" is expected to keep unloading on us for at least the rest of today, with a chance of thunderstorms this afternoon even. Weather officials warn of "heavy rain, flash flooding and possible debris flows near recent and vulnerable burn scars" during this time. It looks like we've already gotten 2 to 3 inches in Healdsburg and its outskirts over the past couple days — and the rain will likely keep coming down through Thursday. Good news for some short-term gains in our water reservoirs, at least! (Healdsburg Patch & NWS & Sonoma Water & Press Democrat; paywall)
2. Healdsburg's pandemic-era "open streets" program is winding down. As of Jan. 3, 2022, Plaza Street between Center and East streets, in front of El Faralito — a stretch that has been reserved for pedestrians and diners since early 2020 — will reopen to car traffic. However: The "parklet" program for local restaurants, aka those little booths on streets and sidewalks where you can eat now, will continue through 2023. There seems to be some confusion over which type of parklet permit a business needs, though, so some of them might be impacted. In general, city leaders are considering how they can learn from these emergency COVID solutions to "get us to a more pedestrian-friendly downtown." (SoCoNews Healdsburg)
3. Both the Healdsburg High School boys and girls basketball teams fell to Justin-Siena, a high school out in Napa, in the championship games of the big REIBT tournament at HHS over the weekend. So they both took second place in the hometown event. The boys game in particular was a real nail-biter, ending with a tight score of 57-52 — and snapping a six-game winning streak for the Hounds. Still, both teams are looking pretty great, and will get another shot at a winning season when true league play starts in January. (Press Democrat; paywall)

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Healdsburg pic of the day:

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Today in Healdsburg:

• Mindful Mondays Virtual Yoga for Teens at Sonoma County Library (4-5PM)
• Healdsburg City Council Special Meeting: Closed Session (5PM)

From my notebook:

• On these cold and rainy nights, a reminder that shelter beds are open at St. Paul's Episcopal Church on Matheson. "The shelter is open to adults and families," according to the county. "Check-in begins at 7 p.m., with limited dinners available at 5:30 p.m. Guests must check out at 7 a.m." (Patch Press Release Desk)
• Down on Old Redwood Highway near the Windsor-Santa Rosa border over the weekend, a procession of more than 100 people on foot and horseback, paying tribute to the Virgen de Guadalupe, was interrupted when a suspected DUI driver crashed into one of the horseback riders and fled. Both rider and horse were injured but are expected to survive. (Press Democrat & Press Democrat; paywall)
• Did you know 16- and 17-year-olds are now eligible for COVID-19 booster shots in Sonoma County? Here's some more info. (Patch Press Release Desk)
• The surf off the Sonoma County coast is gonna be crazy from now through Wednesday morning. "Large breaking waves are expected to reach 25 feet at favored breakpoints," county officials say. "Stay off the coastal jetties, keep your eyes on kids and pets and never turn your back to the ocean." (Facebook)
• If you still need a Christmas tree, the closest farm to Healdsburg is Grandma's in Alexander Valley. They also deliver locally! (Facebook & Nextdoor)
• Or if you're tight on funds this year, you can apply for a free tree through a local nonprofit called Operation Christmas Tree. (Operation Christmas Tree & Press Democrat; paywall)
• The Healdsburg High School Class of 1961 reunion will be held in May as a picnic lunch. Here's how to book your spot. (Facebook)
• Check out these impressive pics of the prescribed burn on Fitch Mountain over the weekend. (Facebook)

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Thanks for following along and staying informed. See you all tomorrow for another update!

— 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.