🌱 Sheriff Shooting Update + Montage Homes + Rising Water Bills?

Hello again, friends! I'm back with your new edition of the Healdsburg Patch newsletter — aka, your guide to everything you need to know about what's happening around town. Keep reading for the lowdown.

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Now, your local weather:

• Thursday: Cold, wind and rain. High: 51 Low: 45.
• Friday: Mostly cloudy and breezy with more chances of rain. High: 61 Low: 42.

Also: There's a "flood watch" in effect through Sunday and a "wind advisory" in effect through tomorrow afternoon. County officials warned last night to "prepare now for heavy rain and wind that is expected to impact Sonoma County over the next few days." They advise you "avoid unnecessary travel during the peak of the storm; stay away from the edge of rivers and creeks; do not try to cross flooded roadways or creeks; if unhoused, seek shelter; check on your neighbors; have supplies in the event of an extended power outage (food, batteries, blankets, battery, flashlights, etc.)." (County of Sonoma via Facebook & County of Sonoma via Facebook & National Weather Service & Press Democrat; paywall)

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Air over Healdsburg:

Here are the top 3 stories today in Healdsburg:

1. After approving some substantial increases to Healdsburg residents' water bills last year, city leaders are now considering raising our electric bills as well, according to the Press Democrat. They reportedly considered a proposal to do just that at their Monday meeting. From the PD: "The Healdsburg Electric Department, which operates and maintains electricity distribution to the city, last increased rates in July 2018. Pending City Council approval, the new rates would go into effect in November, said Terry Crowley, utilities director for Healdsburg. 'Currently high levels of inflation and disruption in the energy market are driving operating costs beyond the current revenues,' Crowley said. 'So there’s a need to look at our costs of service and the rates and how we collect those.' He expects to return to the council’s April 17 meeting to discuss cost priorities. He will then present the new rates to City Council during its June 5 meeting, which is when council members are expected to vote on the possible increases." (Press Democrat; paywall)
2. KRCB news radio has an important update on the the sheriff-involved shooting out in Healdsburg's rural Chalk Hill area last summer. "More than six months after KRCB News requested a copy of the coroner's report in a fatal officer-involved-shooting near Healdsburg last summer, its been released and sent to the newsroom," the station reports. "The Marin County Coroner's office has ruled the death of David Palaez Chavez a homicide, labeling the cause of death as quote 'penetrating gunshot wounds to the head and chest.' The autopsy report also notes lab results found acute methamphetamine intoxication. Palaez Chavez was killed in a creek bed July 29th, 2022 after a foot-chase across rugged, wooded terrain. Police reports said Palaez Chavez was threatening deputies with a large rock, a hammer, and gardening tools when he was shot He was 36. Police were called to the scene, an area of rural wineries near Healdsburg around 7:45 in the morning after Palaez Chavez allegedly shattered the window of a home with a rock. According to the autopsy report, Palaez Chavez was struck three times." You can read more here. (Northern California Public Media & Press Democrat; paywall)
3. Montage International, the company that owns the big Montage Healdsburg resort at the north end of town, is reporting they sold $1.1 billion in on-site homes last year across all its properties. In particular, here in Healdsburg, the company says "Montage Residences Healdsburg sold out of its turn-key Harvest Homes and announced the early release of a new real estate offering marking the last remaining ownership opportunity that will break ground in early 2023." They add: "In addition, showcased within the community, will be a residents-only suite of amenities including a pool, fitness area, lounge, fire pits and pickleball courts, all overlooking the rolling vistas and vineyards. Presently under construction, this will be the ultimate gathering place within this exclusive neighborhood to enhance the luxury living at Montage Healdsburg." (PR Web)

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Today and tomorrow in Healdsburg:

Thursday, March 9

• Sonoma Epicurean Wine & Food Event in Support of Cancer Research (March 9-12, All Day)
• Healdsburg Wrestling Club Hosts Training & Instruction Session at HHS for All Junior High & High School Students (Weekly, Tuesdays & Thursdays, 4:15-5:30PM)
• Choctaw Musician Samantha Crain Performs at Little Saint (5:45PM)
• Trivia Night at Fogbelt Station Beer Garden (6-8PM)
• Community Encuentro / Conversation at the Healdsburg Community Center: "Vivir Juntos / Living Together: Housing and Planning for a Better Healdsburg" (6:30-8:30PM)
• Karaoke Night at Coyote Sonoma (7-10PM)

Friday, March 10

• Healdsburg City Council Hosts Annual Goal Setting Session at the Villa Chanticleer (9AM-3:30PM)
• Tamarind Clothing, Jewelry & Accessories Shop Hosts Annual Warehouse Sale at Art Studio on Moore Lane (March 10-11, 9AM-5PM)
• Bilingual Family Storytime for Kids Aged 0-5 at the Healdsburg Library (10:30AM)
• Healdsburg High School Softball Team Plays Home Game Vs. Novato (4PM)
• "Prepárate! Taller: Listos Para Niños" at Corazón Healdsburg (5PM)
• Friday Evening Wine & Song at Hudson Street Wineries, Feat. Live Music by Smoke & Mirrors (5-8PM)
• The Gypsy Trio Performs at Furthermore Wines (5-8PM)
• "Libros y Raíces" / "Books & Roots" Reading Program at Corazón Healdsburg (6PM)
• Reggae Band Pazifico Live at Coyote Sonoma (6:30-9PM)
• Healdsburg High School Baseball Team Plays Home Game Vs. Montgomery (7PM)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• Tamarind Annual Warehouse Sale (March 10)
• T-Mobile Tuesdays: Get Delighted Every Week (March 14)
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Now you're in the loop for today. More 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