🌱 Seasonal River Dam + Safeway Parking + Jazz Fest Begins + Car Chase

Hello, all! I'm back in your inbox on this fine cusp-of-summer Thursday to walk you through everything you need to know about what's happening in Healdsburg. Today you'll read about:

• The return of the Russian River dam in Healdsburg
• A plethora of weekend events, including the big Juneteenth kickoff in the plaza for the Healdsburg Jazz Festival
• What on Earth is going on in the Safeway parking lot
• And much more...

But first, your local weather:

• Thursday: Fog and clouds turning to sun. High: 81 Low: 51.
• Friday: Partly sunny. High: 83 Low: 52.
• Saturday: Partly sunny. High: 83 Low: 52.

Air over Healdsburg:

From our sponsor:

Today’s Healdsburg Patch newsletter is brought to you in part by T-Mobile. T-Mobile has invested billions to light up their best network ever, covering 99% of people in America with LTE, which helps to keep communities like ours informed and connected. We thank T-Mobile for their support and for making today’s Healdsburg Patch newsletter possible.

Here are the top stories in Healdsburg today:

1. The seasonal Russian River dam at Memorial Beach in Healdsburg was installed on Memorial Day weekend this year — back after a reported three-year hiatus due to super low river flows from the drought. And another inflatable river dam just south of us in Forestville was just installed as well, which is good news for our water supply, according to the Press Democrat. Here are some more details from the PD story: "A sure sign of summer, unnoticed by most people, appeared on the Russian River last week, as the Sonoma County Water Agency began inflating its rubber dam near Wohler Bridge in Forestville. The seasonal dam — a kind of long, skinny water balloon, according to one agency official — is part of the region’s water supply system. It is used to increase production on nearby wells to meet consumer demand during warm weather months. The deflated dam lies flat on the river bottom in winter but once the river settles into summer flows — usually in May or June — it is filled with water over several days. ... The dam creates a deep pool of water that allows for diversion into nearby ponds that aid aquifer recharge and increase capacity at three nearby collector wells, Assistant General Manager Pam Jeane said. It also backs water up for several miles behind the dam, increasing recharge of the deep, underlying aquifer for three additional collector wells upstream of the bridge, she said." (Sonoma County Parks & Press Democrat; paywall)

2. Have you been wondering about that fenced-off construction area at the north end of the Safeway parking lot? I finally talked to some Safeway staffers about it last week, and they told me that crews are installing charging stations for electric vehicles in that part of the lot. Mystery solved! Healdsburg resident Mary Ruffatto snapped the photo below at the construction site. "It's pretty exciting actually," she said. "They're all high-fiving each other and excited." (Google Maps)

Check out what our local sponsors can do for you:

• Looking for a reliable property manager? Look no further than Stacey Bernd at Artisan Healdsburg. But don't just take our word for it – let's hear what some of her satisfied clients have to say."Stacey has exceeded my expectations in every interaction. She's simply fantastic.""If you're seeking a top-notch property manager, Stacey Bernd at Artisan Healdsburg Property Management is the one to go for.""I've been working with Stacey for almost a year, and it's safe to say that finding better people would be a real challenge."When it comes to managing your property, trust the expertise and reputation of Stacey Bernd, a property manager who has earned the trust and praise of neighbors and clients alike. Take the first step and reach out to Stacey Bernd today.

• Healdsburg gardeners and plant enthusiasts: Need help growing your garden? Thrive Hydroponics and Garden Supply is a family-owned, full service garden shop with over 15 years experience helping people care for their plants. Whether you’re a first-time grower or an experienced greenhouse gardener, they’ve got the right supplies and expert knowledge to help your garden flourish — including a variety of soils at the best prices. Visit them here and mention Patch for 30% off your order.

• Looking to buy or sell a luxury property in Sonoma County? Healdsburg’s Sotheby’s International Realty is a local firm with global reach that specializes in luxury real estate, vineyards, wineries and land in Sonoma County. Healdsburg's Sotheby's: local expertise, deep market knowledge, and a passion for the community. Whether buying or selling, it pays to work with the best. Call Healdsburg’s Sotheby’s at 707-433-4800.

Click here to see your business featured in this spot

Healdsburg pics of the day:

Note from Simone: I love to feature great local pics in the newsletter! If you have one to share, you can submit it here for consideration. Please just confirm in your email that you took any photos you're sending, and that Patch has permission to republish them. Many thanks 📸

Coming up in Healdsburg:

Thursday, June 15

• Healdsburg Wrestling Club Hosts Annual Drew Esquivel Memorial Wrestling Camp at the High School (June 15-17, 8AM-12PM)
• Magician Mike Della Penna Performs for Kids at the Healdsburg Library (11AM-12PM)
• Great Sage Kung Fu Hosts Self-Defense Training Seminar for Women & Girls Aged 8 & Over at the Healdsburg Parks & Rec Center (June 15-16, 5-6:30PM)
• Jazz Guitarist Jason Thwaites Live at Furthermore Wines (5-8PM)
• Healdsburg Young Professionals Network Hosts "Leading With Influence" Panel for Young Professionals at the Hilton's "Lodge at Healdsburg" Hotel (5:30-8PM)
• '90s Country Party & Songwriter Round at Coyote Sonoma (6-8PM)
• Healdsburg Jazz Festival: Hand Habits Performs at Little Saint (7PM)
• "Seussical the Musical" at the Raven Theater (June 15-17, 7PM)
• Trivia Night at Fogbelt Station Beer Garden (Weekly, 7-9PM)
• Karaoke Night at Coyote Sonoma (Weekly, 7-10PM)
• "Movies on the Lawn" Summer Film & Picnic Series at The Madrona: "The Adventures of Priscilla Queen of the Desert" (8PM)

Friday, June 16

• "Law Enforcement Torch Run" for the Special Olympics of Northern California: Healdsburg Police Officers Run From the Community Center to the Southern City Limit, Where They Hand the Torch to Sonoma County Sheriff's Deputies (8:15AM)
• Zero Waste Sonoma Hosts Free Recycling Event at the Luther Burbank Center for Electronics Waste, Solar Panels & Mattresses (June 16-18, 9AM-5PM)
• Wine Road Hosts "Esprit du Rhone" Wine Tasting Experience at Trattore Farms in Geyserville, Showcasing Rhone Varietals Grown in the Dry Creek Valley (9:30-11AM)
• Healdsburg Library Hosts Family Bilingual Storytime at Giorgi Park (10:30AM)
• Country Summer Music Festival at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds, Featuring Artists Like Tenille Townes, Eric Church & Lynyrd Skynyrd (June 16-18, 12PM-Late)
• "Friday Flicks" at the Healdsburg Library: Family-Friendly Film Screening (Weekly, 1PM)
• Ribbon Cutting for the New Shuttle From SMART Train Station to the Sonoma County Airport (2:30PM)
• Healdsburg Running Company Hosts Friday Night Kids Run Through Town, Ending at Angela's Ice Cream Shop on the Plaza (5PM)
• Third Rail Band Live at Hudson Street Wineries (5-8PM)
• SoulShine Live at Furthermore Wines (5-8PM)
• Corazón Healdsburg Hosts Garden Workshop / Taller de Jardinería at the Healdsburg Community Center: Create Your Own Garden Bucket / Crear Su Propia Maceta de Jardinería (6PM)
• Healdsburg Prune Packers Baseball Team Plays Home Game Vs. West Coast Admirals at Rec Park (June 16-17, 6PM)
• Tequila Tasting Dinner at Leo Steen Wines (7-9PM)
• Spike Sikes & His Awesome Hotcakes Live at the Elephant in the Room (8-11PM)
• American Mile Live at Coyote Sonoma (8-11PM)

Saturday, June 17

• Winemaker Series at Seghesio Family Vineyards: Learn About Italian Heritage Varietals (11AM-1PM)
• Tamarind Boutique in Downtown Healdsburg Celebrates 10 Year Anniversary, Featuring Jewelry Pop-Up & Trunk Show (12-6PM)
• Healdsburg Jazz Festival Hosts Free Juneteenth Celebration in the Plaza, Featuring Live Music by Gospel, Blues, Jazz, Funk, R&B, Swing & Spoken Word Artists; Plus Arts & Crafts, Juneteenth Education & Music Workshops (2-8PM)
• Healdsburg Farmers Market in the West Plaza Parking Lot (8:30AM-12PM)
• Yard Sale at 472 Moore Lane (9AM)
• Read to a Dog at the Healdsburg Library (Weekly, 11AM-12PM)
• Classic Car Show & BBQ at Healdsburg Senior Living (11AM-2PM)
• Healdsburg Museum Hosts Local History Talk in the Plaza (Weekly, 11AM-2PM)
• "Music in the Vineyards" Concert Series at Orsi Family Vineyards, Featuring Soft Rock Tribute Band Mustache Harbor (12PM)
• North Coast Wine & Food Festival at the Luther Burbank Center (12-4PM)
• "The Veggie Queen" Jill Nussinow Gives Instant Pot Cooking Demo at the Healdsburg Library (2PM)
• "Seussical the Musical" at the Raven Theater (2PM)
• Summer Pick-Up Party at Alley 6 Craft Distillery (2-5PM)
• Healdsburg Nonprofit Farm to Pantry Hosts "Summer Supper" Garden Party & Fundraiser at Kendall-Jackson in Santa Rosa (4:30PM)
• Annual Dinner in the Vineyard at Medlock Ames (5-8PM)
• David Udolf Jazz Trio Live at the Hotel Healdsburg Spirit Bar (6-9PM)
• Rodney Strong Kicks Off Summer Concert Series With Performances by Marc Cohn & Shawn Colvin (6PM)
• Blake Mills Live at Little Saint (8-10PM)
• Batacha Live at Coyote Sonoma (8-10PM)
• Healdsburg Jazz Festival: Howard Wiley Quartet Performs at the Elephant in the Room (9PM)

From my notebook:

• Quick correction! I accidentally listed a Bastille Day event on June 14 at Costeaux in the newsletter earlier this week. In fact, the event is happening July 14. Thanks to the reader who pointed it out, and sorry for any confusion. (Costeaux)
• The founder of Kure Wellness, a local weed shop chain with four locations across Mendocino and Lake Counties, says he wants to open a new shop in Healdsburg, now that the city is accepting applications. He's polling Healdsburg neighbors on Facebook about good possible locations in town. "Let’s turn Georgio’s into a dispensary that delivers!" one person suggests. (Facebook Groups)
• The Healdsburg Prune Packers, defending champions of the California summer collegiate league title for the past two years, have won all eight of their games so far this season. (Healdsburg Prune Packers via Facebook & Press Democrat; paywall)
• There was another big vegetation fire out in Lake County yesterday. From the reports it looks like it grew to about 17 acres before firefighters corralled it. (CAL FIRE Sonoma-Lake-Napa Unit via Facebook)
• A bunch of neighbors on Nextdoor say they witnessed a dramatic high-speed, lights-and-sirens car chase through the streets of Healdsburg, and all the way up to Cloverdale, on the night before last. (Nextdoor)
• Eight new cats, some of them kittens, just went up for adoption at the Healdsburg animal shelter. Plus a seriously adorable Siberian Husky-German Shepherd mix named Nephi. (Healdsburg Patch)
• And on that note — our animal shelter is in "desperate" need of dry pet food for both cats and dogs, shelter officials say. You can drop donations off directly at the shelter on Westside Road or order on Amazon for delivery. (Nextdoor)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• Tamainrd is Celebrating 10 Years Strong (June 17)
• T-Mobile Tuesdays: Fresh Perks Every Week (June 20)
• Add your event

Now you're in the loop for today! I'll be back soon with more...

— 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