🌱 Weekend Storm Preview + New Hotel Spa Specs + Holiday Events Galore

Hey, everybody! It's a wet and festive Friday in Healdsburg and I'm back in your inbox to get you caught up on all the most important things happening in town. Your weekend edition of the Healdsburg Patch newsletter includes updates on:

• Everything you need to know about the rain, wind and cold coming our way
• Details on the "nature-centric" spa being built at Charlie Palmer's new Healdsburg hotel
• Some beautiful winter photos from readers
• More holiday events than you'll know what to do with

But first, your weekend weather forecast:

• Friday: Mostly cloudy with a chance of rain. High: 55 Low: 43.
• Saturday: Heavy rain and wind. "Wind advisory" in effect all morning through early afternoon. High: 55 Low: 38.
• Sunday: More rain and wind likely, with a possible thunderstorm. High: 50 Low: 37.
• Monday: Frost in the morning. Mix of sun and clouds. High: 55 Low: 34.

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Air over Healdsburg:

Here are the top 3 stories in Healdsburg today:

1. Batten down the hatches! It'll be a stormy winter weekend in the Burg, according to local weather officials. An "atmospheric river" is expected to arrive today or early tomorrow, bringing big rains and high winds and possible thunder and lightning. Healdsburg could reportedly get between 2 and 5 inches of rain by the end of the weekend — less if you're in town, more if you're in the hills. And wind speeds are expected to reach 35 to 45 mph — again, higher if you're in the hills. "Now is the time to make sure your gutters and storm drains are clear if you haven't already!" the county says. "Secure loose outdoor items and structures, prepare for possible power outages and drive safe." It's also gonna be cold as heck, with highs in the mid 50s and lows in the low 30s. For those without a place to go, remember: A nighttime winter shelter is open in Healdsburg at St. Paul's Church on Matheson. It's run by the local Reach for Home homelessness nonprofit. Dinner is served at 6 p.m. and doors close for the night at 9 p.m. (Healdsburg Patch & National Weather Service & County of Sonoma via Facebook & Sonoma County Government)
2. Meanwhile, Healdsburg drought watchers are hoping the incoming storm can make a dent in the dwindling water lines at the Lake Sonoma and Lake Mendocino reservoirs, where we get our water. Right now they're at around 40 percent and 64 percent of the target for this time of year, respectively. Compare that to an average of 75 percent and 78 percent to target over the past decade, which has included some big drought years. "Looking forward to where the water levels are after this storm!" says Healdsburg City Councilmember David Hagele. (David Hagele via Facebook & Sonoma Water)
3. We just got some more details on Appellation Healdsburg, the Charlie Palmer-backed luxury hotel being built in the new "North Village" neighborhood taking shape on a 32-acre country plot across Healdsburg Avenue from the Montage resort. It's slated to open late next year. "The hotel will feature 108 keys and is anticipated to cost more than [$120 million] to create," according to the Spa Business trade mag. More than 40 designers and consultants are reportedly involved. The spa in particular will have a "nature-centric" vibe that "blurs the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces." Here are some more specs on the spa, from the trade mag story: "Wellness offerings will range from outdoor treatments and walks through the vineyards to yoga along the water, hillside meditation and hikes in the mountains and vineyards. Indoor and outdoor areas are also being designated for guests to enjoy the [food and beverage] offerings during their relaxation time." The hotel will also have a restaurant and rooftop bar, two "pool experiences," a fitness center, fruit orchards, an olive grove, a wine wall in the reception area, "interactive" food prep stations in the lobby and "maker spaces" where guests can take cooking and art classes. The hotel's event space will also reportedly "double as a farmer's market on a weekly basis." You can see renderings of the whole grand vision on the Appellation and North Village websites. (Spa Business & Appellation Healdsburg & The North Village)

From our sponsor:

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Healdsburg pics of the day, chilly holiday edition:

Wanna see one of your pics right here in the newsletter? Send it to me for consideration. Please just confirm in your email that you took the photo, and that Patch has permission to republish it. Thanks y'all 📸

This weekend in Healdsburg:

Friday, December 9

• Farm to Pantry Hosts Lemon Glean at Ragland Farm (9AM-12PM)
• Bilingual Family Storytime for Kids Aged 0-5 at the Healdsburg Library (10:30-11:15AM)
• Holiday Local Arts Market at Furthermore Wines Tasting Lounge (Dec. 9-11, 10:30AM–4:30PM)
• Holiday Craft Fair at the Healdsburg Senior Center (11AM-4PM)
• Little Monsters Culinary Hosts "Holiday Traditions" Kids Cooking Class at Felta School House, Featuring Christmas Recipes (3:30-5PM)
• "Kanpai!" Course at Bacchus Landing: Introduction to Sake for Wine Lovers (5:30-7PM)
• Holiday Wine Dinner at The Madrona, Featuring "The Mascot" Cabernet Sauvignon (6PM)
• REIBT Tournament at Healdsburg High: HHS Boys Team Plays Windsor (6:30PM)
• Rodney Strong Dance Series at the Luther Burbank Center: 16th Annual "Posada Navideña" by the Calidanza Dance Company (7PM)
• Healdsburg Community Band Holiday Concert at the Cloverdale Veterans Memorial Hall (7:30-9PM)
• REIBT Tournament at Healdsburg High: HHS Girls Basketball Plays Arcata (8PM)
• The Unauthorized Rolling Stones Live at Coyote Sonoma, Feat. "Special Three-Course Prime Rib Dinner" (8-11PM)
• Electric Tumbleweed Live at the Elephant in the Room (9PM-12AM)

Saturday, December 10

• Healdsburg Running Company Hosts Point Reyes Trail Run With Oyster Finish (8AM)
• "Taste Destination 128": Five Alexander Valley Wineries Host "Sip, Soup & Sweaters" Wine Tasting Tour & Canned Food Drive (11AM-4PM)
• Artist Reception for New December Exhibit at Furthermore Wines Tasting Lounge: "Riptides" by Jeffrey Jones (2-8PM)
• Healdsburg Chorus Holiday Concert at the Raven Theater: "Season of Light" (3PM)
• 12th Annual Healdsburg Holiday Boutique at the Dry Creek Inn, Feat. 24 Local Vendors (10AM-4PM)
• Santa’s Workshop for Youth & Families at the Healdsburg Community Center, Feat. "Creation Stations" for Making Gingerbread Houses, Paper Mosaic Christmas Trees, Tiny Wooden Villages, Wrapping Paper, Eco Ornaments & More (10AM-2PM)
• Healdsburg Center for the Arts Workshop: "Abstract Collage & the Creative Process" (11AM-3PM)
• Read to a Dog at the Healdsburg Library (11AM)
• "Winemaker For a Day" at Rodney Strong Vineyards: Pinot Blending Seminar (11AM-1PM)
• Sip & Shop at Comstock Wines, Feat. Local Artisan Vendors (11AM-4PM)
• Holiday Tea at Hotel Healdsburg, Feat. Teas, Cocktails, Pastries, Dainty Finger Sandwiches & Other Holiday Fare (Dec. 10-11, 1-2:30PM)
• 10 Year Anniversary Celebration & Holiday Hoedown at Alley 6 Craft Distillery (2:30-6:30PM)
• Holiday Open House at Idlewild Wines (3-5PM)
• Healdsburg Rotary Club Hosts 43rd Annual Crab Feast & Live Auction (5:30PM)
• Healdsburg Jazz Hosts Holiday Swingin' Dance Party & Concert at the Paul Mahder Gallery, Feat. Swing Dance Class (6-9PM)
• Laura Klein Trio Plays Live Jazz at Hotel Healdsburg (6-9PM)
• Petty Rocks, Tom Petty Cover Band, Live at Coyote Sonoma (6-9PM)
• REIBT Tournament at Healdsburg High: Boys Basketball Championship Game (6:30PM)
• REIBT Tournament at Healdsburg High: Girls Basketball Championship Game (8PM)

Sunday, December 11

• Breathless Wines Holiday Party, Feat. Live Music by Ellie James (11AM-1PM)
• Open House for Eden Village West, Jewish Organic Farm Camp at Rio Lindo Adventist Academy (2-4PM)
• "Symphony Pops" at the Luther Burbank Center: A John Denver Rocky Mountain Christmas With Jim Curry (3PM)
• Healdsburg Community Band Plays Annual Free Winter Concert at the Healdsburg Community Church (3PM)
• Healdsburg Chorus Holiday Concert at the Raven Theater: "Season of Light" (3PM)
• A Cappella Chamber Choir "Sacred & Profane" Performs at THE 222 (4PM)
• Documentary Screening, Filmmaker Conversation & Dinner at Little Saint: "The Art of Eating: The Life of MFK Fisher" (4:30-8:30PM)
• "Second Sunday" Holiday Pipe-Organ Concert at St. Paul's Church: "Celebratory Lessons & Carols to Sing for the Season" (5PM)

Monday, December 12

• La Peregrinación en Honor de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe / Pilgrimage Through Healdsburg in Honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe, From Big John's Market to St. John's Church (3AM)
• AVFilm Hosts Film Screening & Mise-en-Scene Discussion at Young & Yonder Spirits: "If Beale Street Could Talk" (5:30PM)
• West Side Elementary School District Board of Trustees Meeting (5:30PM)
• City of Healdsburg Hosts Climate Mobilization Strategy Kickoff Meeting & Town Hall (6PM)
• Healdsburg High School Girls Soccer Home Game Vs. St. Vincent (6PM)
• Disney Junior Live on Tour at the Luther Burbank Center: "Costume Palooza" (6PM)
• Singer-Songwriter Courtney Marie Andrews Live at Little Saint (7:30PM)

From my notebook:

• Quick reminder that tomorrow's Healdsburg Farmers Market has been canceled due to the crazy weather. The last one of the season is still scheduled for next Saturday, Dec. 17. (Healdsburg Farmers' Market via Facebook)
• REIBT b-ball tournament update! Our high school boys basketball team won their game against Kelseyville last night, just like the girls did the night before. Also, in perhaps a happy twist for the girls, Middletown — the only team that has beat us so far this season — lost to Arcata last night, so Healdsburg now plays Arcata tonight instead of Middletown. See the full bracket breakdown here. (REIBT.org & Lake County Record-Bee)
• The Montage and The Madrona make Sonoma Mag's list of "the most festive hotels" in the county this holiday season. Check out them tree balls... (Sonoma Magazine)
• And Healdsburg Tribune columnist Pierre Ratte has taken a shine to the glittering "digital tree" outside the Healdsburg Community Church this year. It's "beautiful in its simplicity," he says. (Healdsburg Tribune)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• TD 128 Sip, Soup and Sweaters (December 10)
• Healdsburg Chorus Concert - "Season of Light" (December 10)
• T-Mobile Tuesdays: Fresh Perks Every Week (December 13)
• Add your event

Now you're nice and informed, and ready to head into the weekend. See you next week, my loves...

— 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 Daily? Contact me at simone.wilson@patch.com