🌱 Light Tunnel Returns + Healdsburg Kombucha + Holiday Events

Hello, people of Healdsburg! Hope everyone is having a wonderful holiday. I'm here per usual to tell you everything you need to know about what's happening in town this weekend, including an early surge of festive wintertime events.

I also wanted to take a moment today to express how grateful I am for all of you who read the newsletter. Especially those who reach out to me directly with words of encouragement, helpful complaints, news tips, etc. You make every morning fun, even when I have to wake up at 3 or 4 a.m. to get 'er done! And if you haven't reached out yet, I'd love to hear from you. :)

Alright, without further ado...

First, your weekend weather:

• Friday: Sunny, crisp and beautiful. High: 66 Low: 44.
• Saturday: Mostly sunny. High: 69 Low: 47.
• Sunday: Very sunny, and a little warmer. High: 70 Low: 44.
• Monday: Still mostly sunny. High: 70 Low: 42.

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Here are the top stories today in Healdsburg:

1. Update on the impending threat of Eel River waters no longer flowing into Lake Mendocino and the Russian River, which would seriously mess with Healdsburg's water supply. Sonoma Water, the big agency that supplies water to much of the county (but not us, for the most part), has filed an emergency petition with the state to ensure this doesn't happen. They've apparently had some luck with this kind of petition in the past. They're basing this one on the fact that "Lake Mendocino and Lake Sonoma remain at or near their lowest levels for this time of year since filling in 1959 and 1986, respectively." Says Lynda Hopkins, county supervisor: "We need to do everything we can to maintain water in our reservoirs for the health and safety of our communities and environment." (Patch Press Release Desk)
2. We just found out what's been happening in the old 6,000-square foot warehouse on Mill Street previously occupied by Sonoma Cider. Ruben Moreno and Erik Fritz, two former chefs at the French Laundry over in Yountville, have been making a line of hard canned kombucha called "Soul Fixx." The duo reportedly "wanted to make a different kind of kombucha, one that reflected their Mexican roots, using tropical fruits like guava and spices that are popular in southern Mexico." Flavors include guava cardamom, Szechuan tangerine, ginger hibiscus and pineapple tepache. The kombucha is now being sold at "most local grocers," according to Sonoma Mag, as well as the Single Thread restaurant in Healdsburg. (Sonoma Magazine)
3. Healdsburg's multipurpose "Tunnel of Lights" installation, which was erected inside the plaza last holiday season and then again on Valentine's Day as an "interactive community sculpture about love," will reportedly be back in action next week — albeit in a slightly different location. Healdsburg resident Nancy Citro spotted it being built this week in the walkway across from the plaza on Healdsburg Avenue, right where the Bear Republic used to be. "Can’t wait till next week when the lights will be turned on!" she wrote. (Facebook)
4. Healdsburg mom Christina Duarte died last week after a battle with COVID-19, according to family and friends. "She fought as hard as she could to regain her health, but as we all know now, Covid is unpredictable," her relative Yndia Georg-Belli writes on a new GoFundMe page for "continuing Christina’s legacy." The campaign has already raised over $5,000 toward supporting Christina's husband, Vicente, and their children Diego and Bella "during this incredibly difficult time." During her life, Christina "helped countless people, she gave her time, her voice, and her knowledge," the page says. "She never asked for credit or payment. She gave from heart. She was so passionate about helping her community and people, nothing could stop her." May she rest in peace. (Facebook & GoFundMe)
5. Geraldine Perrelli Holt, who moved to Healdsburg with her husband John in the early '80s and "created a large community of friends," also passed away earlier this month at the age of 86. From her obituary: "For 25 years, Geri provided bookkeeping services to local businesses, and she participated in many community events and organizations. She enjoyed tennis, golf, bridge, singing with the choir, gardening, Ikibana (Japanese flower arranging) and cheering on the Giants and 49ers. She and John enjoyed supporting many local non-profits and always attended fundraisers, especially when they could sneak in a dance or two." Her funeral service will be held at Healdsburg's St. John the Baptist Church on the afternoon of Saturday, Dec. 4. R.I.P. (SoCoNews Healdsburg)

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Healdsburg pics of the day, "take me home" edition:

This weekend in Healdsburg:

Friday, November 26

• Scandinavian Christmas at West Wines, Feat. Hot Mulled Wine & Cookies (Nov. 26-28, 11AM-4PM)
• Hot Dogs for Dogs: Compassion Without Borders Fundraiser at Roadhouse Tasting Room (12-4PM)
• Holiday Open House at Hudson Street Wineries, Feat. Free Food & Live Music by Adults in the Room (1-4PM)
• Food Truck Friday at Bacchus Landing (4-7PM)
• Friday Night Volleyball at Powell Avenue Church (6-8PM)
• Marshall House Project Live at Coyote Sonoma (7-10PM)
• The Pulsators Live at the Elephant in the Room (8PM)

Saturday, November 27

• Estate Sale on Prince Avenue (8AM)
• Healdsburg Running Company Point Reyes Bear Valley Run, Feat. Brunch at Point Reyes Station (8AM)
• Healdsburg Saturday Farmers Market, Feat. Holiday Craft Market (8:30AM-12PM)
• Sip & Shop Through Downtown Healdsburg for Small Business Saturday (4-7PM)
• Hotel Healdsburg’s Garden Courtyard Jazz Music Series: Trevor Kinsel Trio (5-8PM)
• Geyserville Tractor Parade, Feat. Giant Tractors Adorned in Holiday Lights (5:30-8PM)
• Steve Pile Trio Live at the Elephant in the Room (8M)
• Spike Sikes & His Awesome Hotcakes Live at Coyote Sonoma (8-11PM)

Sunday, November 28

• "The Art of Sabrage" Outdoor Winery Experience at Breathless Wines (11AM, 1PM, 3PM)

Monday, November 29

• Mindful Monday Virtual Yoga for Teens at Sonoma County Library (4-5PM)
• Chanukah Fest & Menorah Lighting at Oakville Grocery, Feat. Latkes, Dreidels, Prizes, More (5PM)
• Narcotics Anonymous Meeting, Hosted by Healdsburg's "Young At Heart" Group (Weekly, 8-9PM)

Healdsburg Patch Notebook

• The amount of fruit flies swarming my family home out West Dry Creek has been insane over the past few days — and apparently, we're not alone. There's a big thread on Nextdoor of neighbors battling the seasonal influx and swapping tips on how to deal. (Nextdoor)
• If you have extra fats, oils and grease left over from Thanksgiving dinner, don't pour them down the drain, local officials warn. Instead, for the oil at least, you can drop off 2-10 cups of it in a "sturdy container" at Big John’s. It will then be "recycled into bio-diesel for use in cars and trucks." (Press Democrat; paywall)
• Looking for somewhere to take your relatives this weekend? The Healdsburg Museum's widely acclaimed new exhibit "From Diggers Bend to River Rock: People and History of Dry Creek Rancheria" is open daily from 11 a.m. to 4p.m. And admission is free! (Facebook)
• Everyone is clapping back at a neighbor in the "What's Happening Healdsburg" Facebook group for complaining about winery wind machines out Westside Road over the holiday. (Facebook)
• A "medium size black dog" was spotted wandering along University at Powell on the night of Thanksgiving, FYI! (Nextdoor)

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Events:

• The Wickhams: Christmas at Pemberley (November 26)
• Black Friday to Cyber Monday Sale on Virtual Running and Walking Events (November 29)
• Dining Out For Life® (December 2)
• Mercatini di Natale - Christmas Markets (December 4)
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Alrighty, you're all good for today. See you all next week for another update! If you're feeling these newsletters, consider inviting some of your friends and neighbors to read along. 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? Contact me at simone.wilson@patch.com.