Healdsburg Drought Tales + Weird River Algae + Fancy 'Farm' Hotel

Hello, good people of Healdsburg! I'm Simone, a proud Dry Creek Roadie who's been working on the business side of Patch for some years now, as we try to find a sustainable model for local news. And starting today, we're testing out a new way of keeping you in the loop about what's happening in Healdsburg each morning. So please let me know how it's working for you in the coming weeks, and what I can do to make it more useful. Excited to see where this goes!

First, today's weather:

We've got another day of heavy heat and clear skies ahead. High: 100 Low: 53.

Here are the top 5 stories in Healdsburg today:

1. The drought wears on. There's a deep dive in the Press Democrat this week on the economic devastation it's causing farmers across the county. One vineyard manager in the Dry Creek Valley, for example, says he's had to prune back his vines so they'll produce fewer grapes — "sometimes half as much as usual." And it's still June. (Press Democrat)
2. The L.A. Times swoops in to cover another local industry hit hard by the drought: river tourism. In a dramatic piece called "Summer dreams dry up on the Russian River, a paradise whipsawed by drought, flood and fire," the Times follows Larry Laba, owner of Healdsburg's Russian River Adventures, on a foreboding canoe trip south of Memorial Bridge. Featuring a friendly river otter, a fleet of baby ducks, some "crackling" cottonwoods and a mysterious new strain of algae. (Los Angeles Times)
3. Speaking of the drought — and who isn't! — local activist and academic Tyra Benoit has a great op-ed in the Gazette about how badly Healdsburg needs a municipal Climate Commission. "I sit here sadly watching my drought tolerant landscape and vegetables wilt in the 110-degree heat because I am no longer allowed to irrigate," she writes. Relatable! (Sonoma County Gazette)
4. Have you heard of a Healdsburg-based nonprofit called the Healthcare Foundation of Northern Sonoma County? Since the start of COVID, they've reportedly been doubling down on their goal to "eliminate health inequities in Sonoma County." The PD ran a pretty inspiring interview yesterday with their director, Kim Bender. Check it out. (Press Democrat)
5. Big Sur just beat Healdsburg for the title of most expensive hotel sale in North America. Ever. That and more fancy Sonoma County hotel news — picture a $45K-per-month joint with a "farmstead concept" out Mill Creek Road — in the latest SF Gate. (SF Gate)

Today's Healdsburg Daily is brought to you by our friends at Ring, the home security company. Ring does a lot more than doorbells: check out their full suite of smart home products at Ring.com. And thank you Ring for helping to make local news happen in Healdsburg!

Today in Healdsburg:

• Tuesday Healdsburg Farmers' Market (9 AM-12:30 PM)
• Prune Packers Game at Rec Park (6 PM-9 PM)
• New Art Exhibit: "Wine Country Living" at Upstairs Art Gallery on Center Street (11 AM-6 PM)
• Industry Open House at Rack & Riddle (2 PM-6 PM)
• Camp Zinnia at Westside School (All Day)

Healdsburg Patch Notebook

• In the "You Know You're from Healdsburg, CA if..." Facebook group, someone just posted a cool old mid-century pic of Ned's Beef Burgers on Healdsburg Avenue. Right around where Rite Aid is now. (Facebook)
• Recognize this sweet black kitten? She was found on Grove Street yesterday without a collar and is waiting at the Healdsburg animal shelter. (Facebook)
• Meet Brigette Mansell, yet another emerging local hero of the Great Healdsburg Drought of 2021. "Water is baptismal," she says, leaning on her tertiary treated water tank. (Press Democrat)
• One last piece of water news. The Russian River Watershed Association is begging you to properly dispose of your motor oil and filters when giving your car a D.I.Y. oil change, lest you inadvertently contaminate local waterways. They've got tips galore. (Patch Press Release Desk)

Alrighty, you're all caught up for today! I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow morning with your next update.

— Simone Wilson

About me: I was born and raised in Healdsburg, CA, where I was the editor of the Healdsburg High School Hounds 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? Email all inquiries to me at simone.wilson@patch.com.