🌱 Storm Aftermath + Healdsburg In 2040 + Montage News

Good morning, Healdsburg! Hope you're enjoying this respite from the rain, with the world now sparkling. Here's what you need to know about what's happening in town today.

First, today's weather:

Some fog in the morning, then mostly sunny. High: 52 Low: 35.

Air over Healdsburg:

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Here are the top 3 stories in Healdsburg today:

1. Quick storm update! Wind and flood advisories from local weather officials lasted late into last night, but all is calm as of this morning. It looks like we've gotten another 2 to 3 inches of rain over the past couple days. And the Russian River has surged to more than 9 feet deep at the spot they measure it near Fitch Mountain, compared to 1 foot deep a week ago. ("Flood stage" is considered 23 feet.) We should get a few sunny days now, but there's more rain expected Sunday and continuing through the end of next week. So enjoy this little break while it lasts! (Facebook & NWS & NOAA & Sonoma Water)
2. A tree fell on a house in Healdsburg during the rains this week, where the mother of a reserve firefighter lives, according to the Healdsburg Fire Department. Local responders worked with Cal Fire to "cut the tree to relieve pressure and allow the residents to move safely in and out of their homes," the department reported. "It’s always nice to tell one of our reserve firefighters that we are with his mother, she is safe, and that she can return to her home safely." You can see some dramatic pics of the operation here. (Facebook)
3. Remember the "Healdsburg 2040" group formed a few years ago to craft a vision for the future of our town? The Tribune has a big update on their recent accomplishments and plans for 2022. "The group’s sights are set on addressing climate change, drought resiliency and connectivity in the new year," the story says. They also want to strengthen the arts and culture scene in Healdsburg. Read all about it in the Trib. (SoCoNews Healdsburg)

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Today in Healdsburg:

• Minimum Day at Healdsburg High School (All day)
• Funeral Service for Annemarie Bucher at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church (11AM)
• "Let's Talk" Virtual English Conversation Class for Adults at Sonoma County Library (2-3:30PM)
• Healdsburg Running Company Trail House Parklet Full Moon Run With Yoga After (6PM)
• "Christmas at Nightfall" at Trattore Farms & Dry Creek Olive Company, Feat. Wine, Food & Holiday Shopping (6-8:30PM)
• "It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play" at the Raven Theater (7:30PM)

From my notebook:

• Sonoma County has increased the local minimum wage to $16.75 per hour. The 11.7 percent increase is the first since 2015. (Patch Press Release Desk)
• A traffic alert yesterday afternoon warned of an 800-pound pig blocking the Lytton Springs offramp of the 101, just north of Healdsburg. (Healdsburg Patch)
• The chef at three Healdsburg bed and breakfasts owned by the Wilson Winery folks has some hot tips for cooking an amazing Christmas-morning breakfast — with a focus on "scones, fruit and eggs." (Press Democrat; paywall)
• PG&E is reportedly planning to bury about 10,000 miles of power lines across California starting next year, "in a bid to curb wildfire risks in the scarred North Bay region." (North Bay Business Journal)
• Anyone up for the job of hosting a foreign exchange student for a few months during the 2022-23 school year? According to the Healdsburg Rotary Club, this "student ambassador will be attending HHS as part of Rotary International’s Youth Exchange Program." Here's how to get involved. (Facebook)
• The Montage Healdsburg just hired a new "resort manager" named Sarah McIntosh. She previously worked at the Montage Beverly Hills. (Hospitality Net)
• Speaking of the Montage empire: They just opened their latest property, Montage Big Sky, up in Montana near Yellowstone. (PR Newswire & Montage Hotels)

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You're all caught up for today. See you tomorrow!

— 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.