🌱 Sonic Internet Update + Snow Pics + Library Upgrade + Fentanyl Bust

Hello, everybody! I'm finally back from Hawaii today and back at the helm of your Healdsburg Patch newsletter. Looks like Healdsburg turned into quite the winter wonderland while I was away! Over the next few days, I'll be catching up on everything that's been happening in town lately — but today's issue is my first shot at getting you up to speed. Let's get right into it.

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Now, your local weather:

• Thursday: Mostly sunny and breezy. High: 60 Low: 35.
• Friday: Mostly sunny again. High: 60 Low: 37.

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Here are the top 3 stories in Healdsburg today:

1. Starting today, the Sonic internet provider is expanding their presence here in Healdsburg by "installing above-ground, non-wireless, telecommunications infrastructure on existing utility poles," Healdsburg city officials say. "Work will... take place Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., in accordance with City ordinances," officials say. "Construction should have little to no impact on traffic. Ongoing installation work throughout the city is anticipated to continue through June 1." The city says anyone with questions should contact Sonic rep Hank Schlotman at (707) 522-1000. And you can check the Sonic website to see if your house is within the service area. (City of Healdsburg via Facebook & Sonic.com)
2. James Biocca Jr., the same middle-aged guy from Healdsburg who was busted around one month ago in Lake County "on suspicion of possessing nearly 100 grams of fentanyl — or enough to kill nearly 50,000 people — was arrested again Monday after he was found with more fentanyl and other drugs," the Lakeport Police Department tells the Press Democrat. This time, the drugs were allegedly found in a Kelseyville storage locker he owns with Willits resident Melody Yadon. Police say they "found just under 37 grams of fentanyl, some of which was rainbow-colored in an effort to entice kids and young adults, during and after a search" of the storage locker. More from the PD story: "Biocca and Yadon showed up to the storage facility as police conducted their search of the locker, police said. Suspected meth and drug paraphernalia were found inside the locker, according to police. Officers arrested Biocca and found meth inside his shirt pocket. Police then arrested Yadon, who was waiting in a nearby vehicle, and found fentanyl on her person, police said. Officers searched the vehicle and found additional meth and fentanyl, along with drug paraphernalia and $1,042 in cash, which indicated the drugs were being sold, police said. Yadon and Biocca were booked into the Lake County jail and, as Yadon was being processed, more fentanyl was found on her person. Over the course of the search, arrests and booking, officers found a total of 50.7 grams of meth and 36.2 grams of suspected fentanyl." (Press Democrat; paywall)
3. On a more positive note! Sonoma County Library officials plan to give our local Healdsburg library branch nearly $5 million worth of upgrades in early 2024, according to the PD. From the story: “'The current Healdsburg Library building has generally been very well maintained, but has not been meaningfully renovated since it first opened in 1988,' Erika Thibault, Sonoma County Library director told members of Healdsburg’s City Council Tuesday during a presentation at council’s regular session. Thibault said renovations will include a new circulation desk, teen room, children’s area, private study pods, a gender-neutral restroom and more natural lighting. She said this plan was made in response to a community survey conducted last year where respondents asked for a modernized and better indoor library experience. She added there are plans to install a bibliobox service and an outdoor book locker accessible 24 hours a day by the end of June. The library’s interior changes will be paid for through voter-approved Measure Y funds, while the exterior changes will be funded in partnership with the city, which owns the building." (Press Democrat; paywall)

From our sponsor:

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Healdsburg pics of the day, snow edition:

Wanna see one of your pics in the newsletter? 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. Thanks! 📸

Today and tomorrow in Healdsburg:

Thursday, March 2

• Vineyard Voices at 32 Winds Tasting Room: Winemaker Matt Taylor Talks on "Effects of Fermenting & Storage Vessels on the Finished Wine" (4-6PM)
• Healdsburg Jazz Presents "Jazz on the Menu" School Music Program Fundraiser at 6 Healdsburg Restaurants, Featuring Live Jazz (5:30-8:30PM)
• Andy Cabic DJ Set at Little Saint (5:45PM)
• Healdsburg Running Company Hosts "Local Loop" Run to Bravas Tapas (6PM)
• Trivia Night at Fogbelt Station Beer Garden (6-8PM)
• First Thursday Cinema at THE 222: "Boudu Saved From Drowning" French Film Screening & Discussion (7PM)

Friday, March 3

• Read Across America Day at Healdsburg Elementary School, Featuring Guest Readers, Cookies From HHS, "Green Eggs & Ham" Lunch & Favorite Author Vote (All Day)
• Bilingual Family Storytime for Kids Aged 0-5 at the Healdsburg Library (10:30AM)
• 45th Annual Barrel Tasting Weekend at Wineries Throughout the Alexander, Dry Creek & Russian River Valleys (March 3-5, 11AM-4PM)
• Carlos Pereira Trio Live at Furthermore Wines (5-8PM)
• Paella Night at Hudson Street Wineries, Feat. Live Music by Local Band "The Stragglerz" (5-8PM)
• Soulshine Blues Live at Coyote Sonoma (6:30-9:30PM)
• Derek Irving & His Combo Live at the Elephant in the Room (9PM)

From my notebook:

• There's a big burn pile smoking just to the southeast of town, at Shiloh Ranch Regional Park, according to county park officials. "People in the area may see or smell smoke during the burn," officials warn, "and visitors are reminded not to approach the burn piles at any time."The operation will reportedly continue through end of day tomorrow. (Healdsburg Patch)
• A whole host of sweet new cats just went up for adoption at the Healdsburg animal shelter, including an inseparable pair named Luke and Leia (see pic below). "Together they can restore cuteness to the galaxy...and your home," the shelter says. (Healdsburg Patch)

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That's it for today! See you tomorrow for 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