🌱 Brush Pile Burn + Get Paid For Public Art + Volunteers Of The Year

Hello again, Healdsburg! I'm here with your special bonus Earth Weekend edition of the Healdsburg Patch newsletter, full of even more things you need to know about what's happening locally. Today you'll learn about:

• A long-awaited prescribed burn in Parkland Farms
• New public art grants available for local artists
• Healdsburg's volunteers of the year for 2023
• All the work that went into fixing up flooded trails for this year's Lake Sonoma races
• A fairy door sighting at Healdsburg's fanciest restaurant
• And more...

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Here are the top 4 stories today in Healdsburg:

1. Update on the languishing brush piles near Parkland Farms! After a reader complained last week, Lance Macdonald, who serves as fire marshal and division chief for the Healdsburg Fire Department, explained that "we have actually had to postpone our pile burn/chipping of these piles twice due to rain. They were so saturated it would have made for a smoky mess and we want a clean burn. We had to wait for them to dry out." And thanks to a recent sunny spell, that time has come! Healdsburg firefighters will be burning the piles today from 8 a.m. through 5 p.m., Macdonald says. They're technically located in the Healdsburg Ridge Open Space Preserve, bordering the Parkland Farms neighborhoods of Canyon Run, Stirrup Loop and Arabian Way. "Please be aware smoke will be visible throughout the day," says a flyer for the burn, included below. (Healdsburg Patch)

2. Calling all local artists with an interest in creating public installments — the city may have some money for you! Healdsburg city officials say they're now accepting applicants for their new Public Art Grant Program. They're offering $40,000 in total, with a max of $2,500 per individual artist or $5,000 per org. The grants are for "local artists, creators, and non-profit organizations interested in expanding the role of arts in our community," officials say. "Any artwork that is intended to enrich the public environment for City residents and visitors is eligible, including sculptures, murals, paintings, graphic arts, mosaics, photography, crafts, mixed media, environmental works, and performing arts. The art may be temporary or permanent. Our city is a place where creativity thrives, and we believe public art is an important part of that. We are looking for artists who can bring unique and thought-provoking pieces to our public spaces." You have about three weeks to submit an application; they're due 5 p.m. on Wednesday, May 10. More from the city: "We encourage artists from all backgrounds and mediums to apply. This is your chance to make your artistic vision a reality and leave your mark on our community. ... We can't wait to see the amazing art that will grace our public spaces thanks to the City of Healdsburg Public Art Grant!" Learn more and apply here. (City of Healdsburg & Healdsburg Community Services via Facebook)
3. Let's hear it for Healdsburg's volunteers of the year. Marisela Peña and Andy and Susanne Esquivel just received the "2023 Marie Sparks Volunteer of the Year award" at the Healdsburg City Council meeting on Monday. The folks from the Healdsburg Museum posted this message of congratulations online: "We appreciate Marisela’s tireless support of the Healdsburg Youth Run Club and Andy & Susanne's determination and support of high school scholarships and many other causes via the LIVE LIKE DREW Foundation & Rotary! Their work on the City of Healdsburg & HRC Turkey Trot raises over $60,000 + each year with 2,500 Runners! Congrats and thanks to the deserving honorees." After they received their awards, Healdsburg Museum officials say they hosted a "fun reception" on Monday night at the museum. "How fitting to hold the reception in the Museum gallery during our current exhibit, 'Healdsburg Volunteers & Visionaries,' highlighting the generous volunteer spirit of our community, on display through June 4," museum officials say. (Healdsburg Museum via Facebook & Healdsburg Running Company via Facebook)
4. Somewhat related: The Healdsburg Tribune had a great piece in last week's issue on all the volunteer work that went into fortifying flooded trails for the Lake Sonoma 50-mile race, marathon and women's half marathon a couple of weeks ago. From the Trib: "Because of the high water levels in Lake Sonoma — which is more than 100% full — the lake rises into backcountry nooks and crannies usually not under water. One such spot is Warm Springs Creek itself, where it enters the lake (actually a reservoir, the result of the 1983 Army Corps of Engineers Warm Springs Dam). At that spot, 13.5 miles into the route, the water was so high that Skip Brand and a Healdsburg Running Company (HRC) crew built what’s called a bridge dock over the creek. First they tried an 84-foot log, ferried across the lake from another location. 'The problem is that doesn’t scale to 800 runners,' said Brand. 'So we took dock pieces from what the marina had and dock pieces from what the Army had.' Adding on with wood platforms atop boat floats, they built a custom bridge for the competitors due to arrive just five days later. Still, due to the makeshift nature of the bridge, when race day came only one runner at a time was allowed on the span, and a certified lifeguard was on station. The adjustment of the route further away from the highwater shore also added almost three miles to the 50.8 mile course, adding fuel to the 'relentless' reputation of the route." Full story here! (Healdsburg Tribune)

From our sponsor:

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Healdsburg pics of the day, fairy door edition:

Note from Simone: If you wanna see one of your own pics right here in the newsletter, I would love if you would submit it to me for consideration. Please just confirm in your email that you took any photos you're sending, and that Patch has permission to republish them, K? 📸

This weekend in Healdsburg:

Friday, April 21

• Earth Week Nature Hikes at Jordan Vineyards & Winery, Feat. Mountain Views, Wildlife, Pollinator Sanctuaries & Wine Pairing Lunch (April 21-23, 9:45AM-2PM)
• Bilingual Family Storytime for Kids Aged 0-5 at the Healdsburg Library (10:30AM)
• Super Smash Bros Video Game Tournament at the Healdsburg Library (3PM)
• Pizza on the Piazza at Bacchus Landing (4-7PM)
• Healdsburg Jazz Hosts 25th Anniversary Gala & Multi-Course Dinner at the Montage Healdsburg, Feat. "Swing!" Theme & Live Music by Lavay Smith & Her Red Hot Skillet Lickers(4:30PM)
• Ricky Ray Plays Roadhouse Blues at Furthermore Wines (5-8PM)
• Friday Evening Wine & Song at Hudson Street Wineries, Feat. Live Music by Youngblood & Company (5-8PM)
• Corazón Healdsburg Committee Meeting (6PM)
• Healdsburg High School Baseball Team Plays at Home Vs. Analy (7PM)
• St. John's Catholic School Students Perform "The Wizard of Oz" at the Raven Theater (April 21-22, 7PM)
• '80s Band Tainted Love Live at Coyote Sonoma (8-10PM)
• Electric Tumbleweed Live at the Elephant in the Room (8-11PM)

Saturday, April 22 🌎

• Earth Day Celebration at Little Saint, Feat. Rise & Shine Yoga, Outside DJ, Farm Stand, Patio Pop-Up Wine Tasting, Recork Program Dropoff & More (8AM-11PM)
• Russian River Adventures Opening Weekend, Feat. '80s Theme (April 22-23, 9AM-5PM)
• Healdsburg Farmers Market in the West Plaza Parking Lot (8:30AM-12PM)
• Healdsburg Elementary Hosts Workday in the School Garden (9-11AM)
• Healdsburg Community Church Hosts "Outdoor Adventure With Soul": Russian River Float & Picnic (Time TBD)
• Corazón Healdsburg Hosts Books & Roots Bilingual Reading Program / Programa de Lectura Bilingüe Libros y Raíces: "I am Latinx" (10AM)
• Healdsburg High School Auto Shop Hosts 7th Annual Car Show in the Main HHS Parking Lot (10AM-2PM)
• Read to a Dog at the Healdsburg Library (Weekly, 11AM)
• The Setting Wines Hosts Spring Release Party at Bacchus Landing (12-5PM)
• Healdsburg Climate Fest in the Plaza, Feat. 50+ Booths, Bike Rodeo, Kids’ Helmet Giveaway, "Earth Protectors Parade," Electric Car Show, Craft-Making & More (1-4PM)
• Celebration of Life for Deceased Healdsburg Residents Lyle & Dorothy Studer at the Healdsburg Golf Club at Tayman Park (1-4PM)
• Darren O'Brien Plays Live Music at Fogbelt Station Beer Garden (5PM)
• Live Jazz at Furthermore Wines: "Good Friends in Jazz Interpretation" (5-8PM)
• Chris Amberger Jazz Trio Live at the Hotel Healdsburg Spirit Bar (6-9PM)
• Skyway Man & Kelly McFarling Live at Little Saint (6-11PM)
• Healdsburg High School Baseball Team Plays at Home Vs. Cloverdale (7PM)
• Zodiac Trio Live at THE 222 (7:30PM)
• Comedy Night at Coyote Sonoma (8-10PM)
• Electricats Live at the Elephant in the Room (8-11PM)

Sunday, April 23

• Single Thread Farm Tour in Dry Creek Valley, Feat. Tea & Light Snacks (10AM)
• St. John's Catholic School Students Perform "The Wizard of Oz" at the Raven Theater (2PM)
• SOLD OUT: Barndiva Hosts Annual Pink Party in the Garden, Feat. 40+ Rosés From Sonoma & Mendocino Counties (2-5PM)
• Santa Rosa Symphony Performs "My Kind of Broadway" at the Luther Burbank Center (3PM)
• Sip Wine & Paint "Lavender Fields" at Furthermore Tasting Lounge (3-5:30PM)

Monday, April 24

• Tween Hangout for Kids in Grades 4-6 at the Healdsburg Library, Feat. Book Making & Movie Screening (3:30PM)
• City of Healdsburg Housing Element Work Group Hosts Special Meeting (6:30PM)

Tuesday, April 25

• Healdsburg High School Badminton Team Plays at Home Vs. Roseland University Prep (4:30PM)
• Clover Sonoma Family Fun Series at the Luther Burbank Center: "Acoustic Rooster’s Barnyard Boogie" Starring Indigo Blume (6:30PM)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• T-Mobile Tuesdays: Get Delighted Every Week (April 25)
• Passport to Dry Creek Valley - Sonoma County's Premier Wine & Food Festival (April 29)
• 5th Annual Garagiste Wine Festival: Northern Exposure (April 29)
• Add your event

Thanks for following along and staying informed! I'll see you very soon. 💖

— 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 Patch newsletter? Contact me at simone.wilson@patch.com