Sonoma County: Deputies arrest man who allegedly choked girlfriend

A Washington state man has been arrested in Sonoma County on suspicion of attempted murder and felony domestic battery after allegedly assaulting his girlfriend, sheriff's officials said.

At about 10:15 a.m. Monday, deputies responded to a report that the victim of a domestic violence incident that had occurred in Forestville was at the Santa Rosa Police Department, according to the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office.

Read full article in the San Jose Mercury News

Farmers markets take the holidays off

The Forestville Farmers Market is open year-round, as well, on Tuesday from 3 to 7 p.m. at Russian River Vineyards (5700 Gravenstein Highway N., Forestville).

Read full article in The Press Democrat

Missing woman found, 2 men arrested after Forestville standoff

A missing 19-year-old woman was found and a wanted felon considered “armed and dangerous” was taken into custody without incident Saturday after a Sonoma County Sheriff's Office SWAT team and an armored vehicle swarmed around a Forestville-area home, officials said.

About 50 law enforcement officers responded to the scene, with firefighters and an ambulance standing by, as hostage negotiators ultimately got the wanted man and the property owner to come out of the house in the 9400 block of Westside Road south of Old River Road, Sheriff's Lt. Tim Duke said....

Read full article in The Press Democrat

Padecky: El Molino's Valerie LaForge ready for next challenge — right now

Think for yourself, that's what Mark and Lori LaForge told their three kids. There will be no television, no brain-numbing electronics at our home. We live on a beautiful 80-acre ranch off Bones Road in Occidental. That's where you'll play, where you'll figure things out. Go outside. Get active. Without the distraction of technology, you'll learn what makes you happy.

El Molino senior (and early graduate) Valerie LaForge gets a kiss from her mother, Lori, after signing a letter of intent with St. Mary's College. (THE PRESS DEMOCRAT)

Read full article in The Press Democrat

Job: Backyard in Forestville is now hiring

We are now hiring for the following positions:

Server
*Must have 4 years of experience, fine dining a plus
*Able to handle a high stress, fast paced environment
*Punctuality is essential 
*Local food/wine/beer/cider knowledge
*Self motivator, team player
*California Food Handler's Card/Certificate

Busser
*Must have 2 years experience, fine dining a plus
*Able to handle a high stress, fast aced environment
*Punctuality is essential
*Self motivator and team player
*California Food Handler's Card/Certificate

Dishwasher
*Must have 2 years experience
*Self motivator and team player

Read full ad on Craigslist

Job: candle-labeller... customer service associate @Lucky Mojo

West Sonoma County home-based online occult and magic shop needs an energetic and self-motivated candle-labeller, product-maker, order fulfillment, order taker, and customer service associate.

This position is for full-time employment, 5 days (40 hours) per week which includes 1 weekend day (Saturday or Sunday).

-------------------------------------------------------
An Unusual Field of Employment
-------------------------------------------------------

We serve spiritual practitioners, clients, and students of magic around the world, from virtually every religious, magical, and cultural tradition, so an open mind will be rewarded by many interesting experiences. Most of our customers are African American practitioners of Southern-style hoodoo rootwork. Familiarity with this form of practice is a plus; we will train you and teach you if this tradition is new to you. We also serve local Neopagan, Buddhist, Catholic, Lukumi, Witchcraft, Palo, Hindu, Jewish, and Ceremonial Magick customers...

Read full ad at Craigslist

Forestville service dog group wins recycling prize

A Forestville service dog group won top honors in a national recycling contest in which they prevented 21,412 plastic cups from entering the landfill.

Paws as Loving Support collected the cups from local businesses, including the Airport Health Club, between May and September, said Cheryl Collins, the group's fundraising director...

Read full story at The Press Democrat

Horse heaven

Volunteer Karen McDonald of Forestville applies accu-pressure to Artemis at Sadie's Haven, Tuesday Sept. 10, 2013. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat)

Read full story at The Press Democrat

Wild chase ends in suicide of Santa Rosa man

A Santa Rosa man who broke into his ex-girlfriend's apartment and held her at gunpoint before she fought her way free late Thursday night took his own life after a wild chase and a slow-speed law enforcement pursuit on the outskirts of Windsor and Forestville, police said.

Jordan Hector, 34, shot himself in his disabled pickup early Friday morning after Sonoma County sheriff's deputies flattened his tires with a spike strip, Santa Rosa police said...

Read full story in The Press Democrat

Job: P/T Retail Deli Clerk Needed - Berry's Market

Berry's Market, a busy market and deli in Forestville, is looking for an enthusiastic customer oriented person with experience in deli and grocery. The shift available is 6:30am - 2:30pm, part time 32 hours per week. Weekends are required, and flexible availability is a plus. Over 21 please. Apply in person M - F between the hours of 7am and 3pm. Please do not send resumes via email, they will not be read.

Ad on Craigslist

Decorative eggs are not just for Easter.

Barbara Friedman will teach classes on the ancient art of making washi egg ornaments on Dec. 4 and 7 in Sebastopol and Forestville.

Friedman will show how to decorate real eggs using Japanese washi, a fine decorative paper. They can be used as tree ornaments or New Year's gifts....

Read full story in The Press Democrat

Motorcyclist Injured in Forestville Crash Dies at Hospital

A motorcycle rider who was injured Sunday morning in a collision with a car in Forestville died Tuesday at Stanford Hospital, a California Highway Patrol officer said.

Gregory Dahl, 60, was riding a blue 1998 Harley Davidson motorcycle south on Mirabel Road when the crash happened around 11:10 a.m., CHP Officer Kerri Post said...

Read full story at Patch.com

Celebrating America's cornucopia of wine

Up and down the West Coast, there is quality as never before in iterations both old and new: wines like the [Forestville's] Lost & Found Pinot Noir from Russian River Valley, which taps the old Jackson clone for a very new wine; or Analemma's Gewurztraminer from the Columbia Gorge, through which Steven Thompson reinterprets that grape in one of Washington state's oldest vineyards, located in a long-forgotten notch of the Cascades.

Read full article at SFGate.com

(Via Farmhouse Inn)

Russian River fire chief reinstated after furor

With two of its members facing a recall, the embattled board of the Russian River Fire Protection District on Friday reinstated the chief it summarily fired in August.

It was the latest turn in a drama that has roiled the district for months, since the board unexpectedly and without explanation dismissed popular 29-year fire services veteran Max Ming.

Board Chairman Kevin O'Shea, who with board member Linda Payne is the target of the recall effort, announced the decision with the board's attorney at his side Friday, saying Ming would return under an amended agreement with the Forestville Fire Protection District.

The two districts share a chief and Ming, since being fired from Russian River, has remained at the helm in Forestville, which had protested his firing and pushed for mediation to resolve the issue...

Read full story in The Press Democrat

Loss of Jenner driftwood sculptures decried

“Besides the fact that they were charming and whimsical, to me they represented a certain remnant of Sonoma County cultural history, and there’s not many of those left,” said her friend, Forestville musician Brian Whistler, 61. “Plus, they were an attraction, not just to locals but to people from out of town.”
...

Read full article in The Press Democrat

Job: Wine Country Restaurant & Vineyard seeks line cook @ Corks

Looking for strong hotline cook with sound skills and great demeanor. Please attach resume to body of reply or drop off resume at:

Corks Restaurant
5700 Hwy 116 N.
Forestville, CA 95436

Full ad on Craigslist

Donate to Forestville Elementary School and Forestville Youth Park

The Farmhouse Inn has always prided itself on providing guests a true experience of the California wine country lifestyle, and now the Inn's guests are showing how strongly connected they feel to the community by donating funds to the local elementary school and youth park. "This year we joined an exciting micro-philanthropy program called the Good Night Foundation (www.goodnightfoundation.org). The foundation organizes financial support for community non-profits selected by inns like ours. My brother and I both have young children and we support our kid's schools and the education community very heavily. Now our guests are enthusiastically pitching in as well," says Farmhouse Inn owner Catherine Bartolomei.

Read full PR article at EINnews.com

Touch of tango

Anyone who has ever seen the movie “Cabaret” knows the words: “What good is sitting alone in your room? Come hear the music play.”

But some people, including the members of the new SoCo Tango Club, have acted on that advice. They come out to exercise, socialize and even fraternize, but mostly just to dance.

Their style varies from ballroom and West Coast Swing to salsa and tango, but the appeal is the same. It's fun.

“You form a community with the people who do the dance you do. The people who do salsa have a salsa community. The people who do ballroom have a ballroom community,” said Dyana Foldvary, who founded the SoCo Tango Club earlier this year.

“All dance is social, but tango is on a whole different level of social, going toward almost intimate,” said Foldvary, a Forestville graphic artist and dance teacher. “In the tango community, because of the nature of the dance, you learn more about other people's lives.”...

Read full article in The Press Democrat

Forestville Open Space Grant Approved for Park

For the past almost 40 years, Forestville has fought one development plan after another on downtown property that runs along Front Street in the heart of downtown. Now, with the support of Sonoma County’s
Agricultural Preservation & Open Space District, the Forestville Planning Association, and a local investment group that includes the Bartolomei family, and a Yes vote from the Board of Supervisors, Forestville finally gets a plan everyone can live with.

Read full story in the Sonoma County Gazette

Forestville man killed in bicycle crash

A bicyclist who was struck and killed in Forestville was identified Sunday as Elmer Donald Raddohl, Jr., 49, CHP officials said.

Raddohl, a Forestville area transient, was struck from behind by a white Toyota 4Runner SUV just before 7:30 p.m. Saturday as he was riding on Mirabel Road near Spear Ranch Road, Officer Rick Fondersmith said...

Read full article in The Press Democrat

Job: Backyard in Forestville is hiring line cooks and servers

We are a Sonoma county sustainable restaurant located in downtown Forestville. We are looking for passionate people to join our team. All positions must be able to adapt to a daily changing menu that is based solely on the availability of our local farms. You must be self motivated with a strong sense of urgency. We are looking for people that want to become part of and grow with the team, while maintaining the highest of standards.
Line cooks must have at least 2 years of professional kitchen experience, be able to work in a small open kitchen, excel under pressure. 
Servers must have atleast three years of serving experience in a fine dining atmosphere. Must have Sonoma county wine knowledge, and be able to work with a daily changing menu

Read full ad at Craisglist

Sonoma County potato reborn

...The Ark of Taste catalogs foods in danger of extinction, then promotes them to ensure they remain in production.

“In order to get onto the Ark of Taste, it has to taste good,” said Elissa Rubin-Mahon of Forestville, who spearheaded the effort to bring the creamy potato back to the table....

Read full article in the Press Democrat

Russian Riverkeeper: Bringing people to the river makes economic sense

...“Sonoma County Regional Parks provide a great public service,” said McEnhill. “They have more access points through the parks in Cloverdale, Healdsburg, Riverfront Park, Steelhead Beach, Sunset Beach and the Forestville River Access – those combined provide about 70% access to the river.”...

Read full article in the Press Democrat's Healdsburg blog

Job: Deli Clerk Evening Shift

Berry's Market, a busy market and deli in Forestville, is looking for an enthusiastic customer oriented person with experience in deli and grocery. The shift available is 2:30 - 10:30 pm, part time. However, We offer flexible scheduling, and will work around your school schedule. Over 21 please. Apply in person M - F between the hours of 7am and 3pm. Please do not send resumes via email, they will not be read.

Read full ad at Craigslist

Forestville's Twist is tiny but mighty

Twist, a little hole-in-the-wall eatery in Forestville, serves the most substantial food in town.

We're talking big plates of good food, the amount of food you might find at an all-night truck stop somewhere along Interstate 40 near Oklahoma City. It's big food, but it's not mystery meat and gravy. It's California cooking with world influences writ large...

Read full review in The Press Democrat

Camp Meeker man arrested after chase

A man driving through Forestville with his seven-months pregnant girlfriend Wednesday evening fled when deputies tried to pull him over for erratic driving, triggering a pursuit that ended with him crashing into a River Road vineyard, sheriff's officials said...

Read full account in The Press Democrat

DUI suspect walks away from Forestville crash, arrested

CHP officers arrested a Forestville man early Tuesday, suspecting he was drunk when he crashed into a tree off Highway 116.

Firefighters called to the 6:10 a.m. crash found the injured driver on Martinelli Road, walking away from the scene, said CHP Officer Jon Sloat...

Read full account in The Press Democrat

Job: Veterinary Technician position available

VCA Forestville Animal Hospital 

We need 2 experienced technicians with high technical proficiency, one of whom is willing to work 3 days/week on the tech staff and 2 days/week on the reception staff. The tasks we would like proficiency in are as listed: dental cleanings, blood draws, placing IV catheters, monitoring anesthesia, restraining cats and dogs, working in the exam rooms with clients/vets/patients, nail trims, ear cleanings, processing labwork, basic computer skills, interacting with and educating clients, medicating patients (IV/SQ/IM/PO routes etc.), cleaning and disinfecting work stations after use, surgical preparation, instrument cleaning/sterilizing, radiography procedures, good telephone etiquette, good customer service, and good interpersonal skills.
The really juicy stuff that would be nice to posses proficiency in but are not requirements are: having worked as a receptionist, dental radiography, reading U/A slides, reading ear/skin cytologies, evaluating peripheral blood smears, medical math skills, and emergency experience. We have some great people here right now so if you aren't comfortable with any of the more advanced skills I just mentioned, this might be a good opportunity for you to learn them. Needless to say, we also want someone who is caring and compassionate to our pets and clients.

Read full ad at Craigslist

Forestville UPROAR over Proposed Park and Roundabout

By Richard Naegle
As many know, I am on the Board of the FPA. However, this article solely expresses my personal opinion and is written by me as a concerned member of the community.
The Forestville Planning Association has been trying for ten years to engage the community in an open dialogue about the future of our fair Town. Unfortunately, many have not participated in the many Town Meetings that have been held. Sometimes it takes an uproar to finally draw everyone together. And that is just what we’ve got. The challenge now is to work collaboratively and respectfully together. ...

 Read full letter in the Sonoma County Gazette

Best of Sonoma Awards 2013: Best Romantic Restaurant: Farmhouse Inn

Best of Sonoma Awards 2013 out from the Santa Rosa Press Democrat...Reader's Choice Award for Best Romantic Restaurant goes to...drum rolllll...Farmhouse Inn!
Via Facebook
Read full list at The Press Democrat

Job: Veterinary Technician position available!

VCA Forestville Animal Hospital is expanding and we are hoping to find 1 excellent new employee to join our already awesome staff! I'll start with a little overview of our hospital and move on to what we are looking for in our applicants. For those who have already viewed this post please note that there is now only one available position, as one of the positions from the previous post has been filled. See the description of the position below the hospital information.

VCA Forestville has been helping critters for over 30 years and has an outstanding clientele. Our current veterinary staff is composed of Ashley Parra DVM and Torina Feyh DVM. The hospital has evolved a lot over this last year and we are still introducing some exciting new services/changes. We have a top notch facility and will be starting construction to remodel our treatment room in the next couple of months. When the remodel is complete the treatment room will have 3 wet tables, a very appropriate isolation ward, an ultrasound ward, and a HUGE amount of room to work! The rest of our facility is very nice as well. Our dog boarding runs have a private indoor and outdoor area so our canine guests can go outside or in as they please during the day. The inside part of the dog runs is heated for recovering patients, colder seasons, and just general comfort. We recently repainted our lobby, reception area, pharmacy, and our 4 exam rooms so everything looks very nice. We recently invested in a new ultrasound which will occupy our soon-to-be ultrasound ward. We recently invested in a FANTASTIC digital radiography system which I am in love with. We send all of our radiographs out digitally to a board certified radiologist for review which gives us a rad-report in 1-3 hours (or a lot faster if we put in a stat order). We do a great deal of dentistry and perform full-mouth radiographs on 95% of our dentals with our EVA direct digital dental radiography system. We see dogs and cats exclusively and do our best to offer the absolute highest quality medicine to our clients and patients.

Veterinary Technician:

We need an experienced technician with high technical proficiency who is willing to work 3 days/week on the tech staff and 2 days/week on the reception staff. The tasks we expect proficiency in are as listed: dental cleanings, blood draws, placing IV catheters, monitoring anesthesia, restraining cats and dogs, working in the exam rooms with clients/vets/patients, nail trims, ear cleanings, processing labwork, basic computer skills, interacting with and educating clients, medicating patients (IV/SQ/IM/PO routes etc.), cleaning and disinfecting work stations after use, surgical preparation, instrument cleaning/sterilizing, radiography procedures, good telephone etiquette, good customer service, and good interpersonal skills.
The really juicy stuff that would be nice to posses proficiency in but are not requirements are: having worked as a receptionist, dental radiography, reading U/A slides, reading ear/skin cytologies, evaluating peripheral blood smears, medical math skills, and emergency experience. We have some great people here right now so if you aren't comfortable with any of the more advanced skills I just mentioned, this might be a good opportunity for you to learn them. Needless to say, we also want someone who is caring and compassionate to our pets and clients.

Read full ad at Craigslist

Canneti Roadhouse Italiana in Forestville

Watching Francesco Torre create his restaurant over months this last year has been a delight. He didn’t just show up and open the doors. He tore the building apart and put it back together. What’s he doing now?

People were curious. They would come in the open door to see inside, find Francesco somewhere deep into demolishing, restoring, creating, building whatever his next task entailed. One day I spent a hour with him while he was cleaning up detritus from a project.

Read full article at the Sonoma County Gazette

Forestville man dies in Saturday crash; passenger suffers major injuries

 A Forestville man died Saturday when his car crashed into a power pole on Highway 29.

Dale Victor McCormick, 57, was the victim of the fatal crash, according to Lt. Steve Brooks of the Lake County Sheriff's Office.

McCormick was pronounced dead at the scene of the wreck, which occurred at approximately 5:17 p.m. Saturday, according to the California Highway Patrol.

Read full article in the Lake County News

Gala Downtown Open Space Park Fundraiser at Cork ’s Restaurant

Wednesday, June 19, 6 pm, Gala Downtown Open Space Park Fundraiser at Cork ’s Restaurant.  

Pizza, wine, beer, silent auction, live entertainment—dance with the Mark Larsen Band.  $25/person—all proceeds go towards the acquisition and development of Forestville’s Downtown Open Space Park .
What you can do:

• Come to the event!
• Got a talent, skill** or an auction item?  Donate it to be bid on. 

Silent Auction
· If giving large items, drop off at Cork 's by June 17.
· If donating a gift certificate of service, fill out the form found at 95436.org (click “more information” under Downtown Park Fundraiser) print and drop it off at The Service Station, 6490 Front Street , Forestville (corner of Covey and 116). Or mail to : FPA, PO Box 184 , Forestville , CA 95436 . Must be delivered by June 17.

**Ideas for donating your skills:

• Bake a cake (such as, offer to make your own special cake for an occasion).
• Power wash a patio or do landscaping (figure out how much time you are willing to give, put a value on your time).
• Offer your professional advice

Dialogue on the proposed Forestville Roundabout at Mirabel and 116

This Saturday, June 15, 3-5p.m., Supervisor Efren Carrillo will host a dialogue on the proposed Forestville Roundabout at Mirabel and 116 at the El Molino High School’s gymnasium. Community members will be able to comment on the project. County staff will be available to answer questions. CalTrans staff have been invited to attend.

Pursuant to the CalTrans and County mandate that the intersection at Mirabel and 116 be upgraded due to increasing traffic, the FPA over the last three years has held several Town meetings in which Alan Tilton, a local resident and traffic professional, has explored options with us. The great majority of those who attended the meetings preferred a roundabout to a traditional multi-signaled intersection (based on research showing the cost, safety, traffic flow, and aesthetic advantages of roundabouts over traditional signaled intersections). Opponents are now arguing that an upgrade of that intersection is not needed; in addition they assert a roundabout is too costly, dangerous, and impractical for large trucks. Please attend this meeting and let your voice be heard. The decision on this issue will determine the whole future look of that end of our Town.

From an Forestville Planning Association email

Wandering bear makes backyard breakfast stop

KTVU and Wires 

FORESTVILLE, Calif. —  A young black bear made a morning pit stop early Thursday at Gregory Haldan’s backyard koi pond in Forestville – the latest Northern California close encounter with a wandering bear.

While the sight of the bear surprised Haldan, the youngster moved on harmlessly after clawing at the water in an unsuccessful attempt at capturing an elusive koi.

The colorful koi are more than a hobby to the Haldans.

"They're definitely our pets,” said 16-year-old Sequoia Hadlan. “They're part of our family. I've really gotten close with them i sometimes come out here and just stick my fingers in so they can nibble on them."

Sequoia Hadlan saw the bear swooping at the fish and she acted on instinct and rushed outside and faced the bear, hollering.

"I was just like, 'Get outta here,'” she said. “I was kind of like ‘Rawrrrr.’"

But it worked.

Gregory Hadlan, her father, thought to stop her, but he was frozen with shock.

"I've lived here for 19 years and the first thing we worried about with our koi fish is either raccoons or birds, never ever thought we'd see a bear here,” he said.

For weeks, black bears have been foraging for food in the northern reaches of the Bay Area in rural areas like the quiet Sonoma County town of Sebastopol.

Three weeks ago, residents in Sebastopol swapped stories of a string of close encounters with another young black bear.

Area resident Bruce McKeown talked to KTVU about bumping into the bear just outside his home. He did what anyone who lives in the forest would do: videotape the wild animal.

"I look over and there it was, right next to my house," said McKeown. "We stayed back but we followed him a little bit."

He stayed about 20 feet behind the bear with his camera as it made its way into the woods.

"You'd think a big lumbering bear would make a lot of noise, but he was very soft on the forest floor," remembered McKeown. "And then when he was a little upset with us, he started huffing and snorting a little bit."

The bear's reaction led him to back off.

"He was digging in other people's compost and he did kill a few chickens around here from some of the neighbors, so he was looking for food," said McKeown.

Other neighbors have seen the bear too.

"The bear was sitting here like this, with its nose in the bucket," said neighbor Catia Ely.

The bear found scraps in a compost bucket on Ely's property. The animal ignored her efforts to shoo him away, even laying down for a time with head in the pail.

The homeowner watched with her young daughter safe indoors.

"It's pretty neat to have a bear in the neighborhood, but I don't think it's gonna thrive," said Ely. "And my daughter isn't going to thrive, freaking out and having to stay inside on a beautiful day."

State wildlife officers have spotted the bear too. They said bears are not common in the area, but it is rural enough for the animals to survive if they don't become dependent on humans.

The bears are among a population of 30,000 California black bears in the state. The animals are shy and usually go unseen so the close-up views has been rare.

"It didn't seem stressed. It didn't seem in a hurry or surprised to see me," said Ridley. "I guess it's seen other people in the neighborhood who wanted to follow it and take pictures.

From KTVU.com

A Blissful Road Trip Through California's Winelands

I have long believed that one of the most enjoyable wine drives in the United States follows West Dry Creek Road in northern Sonoma. Staying at the Farmhouse Inn puts you in the perfect location to explore this memorable route, as well as the many wonderful wineries in the Russian River Valley. Located in Forestville, 10 miles south of Healdsburg and 23 miles west of Kenwood, the inn evolved from an 1873 farmhouse. Butter-yellow clapboard siding, shuttered windows and a front veranda make it look country simple at first glance, but it is also wonderfully sophisticated, seamlessly merging the rural and the contemporary.

Read full article at Andrew Harper's Hideaway Report

Backyard in Forestville hiring line cooks & dishwashers

We are a Sonoma County sustainable, seasonal restaurant in the heart of Forestville. We are looking for passionate people to join our team. You must be able to succeed in a fast paced environment where the menu changes daily. 

Line Cook:
* must have at least 2 years restaurant experience
*awareness and a strong sense of urgency
*Must be a self motivator and team player
*California Food Hanler's Permit
*Experience with local food, farms, fermentation a PLUS!

Dishwasher:
*must have at least 1 year of restaurant experience
*self motivator and team player
*be able to move quickly in a fast paced environment

Read full ad in Craisglist

Forestville Downtown Park: Responses to May 18th Town Meeting

In recent months, my family, friends, and everyone I’ve talked to, has been very positive and excited about the proposed Open Space Park in downtown Forestville. So it was rather surprising to hear a couple of fearful, angry, and outspoken people at Saturday’s Town Hall Meeting speak out against it, fearful that this beautiful new park could somehow bring negative consequences to our town!

Read full letter in the Sonoma County Gazette.

Upcoming shows at the Forestville Club: Honeydippers, The Mike Dillon Band, Mountaindawg

Some of the bands that are scheduled to play at the Forestville Club:

June 15 - The Honeydippers

July 12 - The Mike Dillon Band

August 3 - Mountaindawg

Pinkee's Kustoms - Eric Reicheun of Forestville

Eric Reicheun, owner of Pinkee’s Kustoms in Forestville, has perfected the art of restoring custom vehicles. His passion began around the age of 5, inspired by his father who worked for Datsun in Southern California. Eric grew up helping his father work on a variety of European cars like Jaguars and Mercedes. He developed a love for classic American cars early on, captivated by the curves of the bodies and power of the motors.

Read full article in the Sonoma County Gazette

Blue Devils @Forestville Youth Park BBQ - June 1, 2013

A song played by the Blue Devils at the Annual  Forestville Youth Park BBQ

A Community Of Fabulous Art Studios Art @ the Source in Forestville

This year 160 artists in 99 studios are participating in Art @ the Source. These artists will open their studios to the public June 1,2 and June 8,9 from 10:00-5:00pm. A bountiful and artful community, Forestville has studios 99-95 and three exciting new restaurants to tempt your taste buds.

Read full article in the Sonoma County Gazette

Forestville Moves to Preseve Downtown Open Space

As the clock winds down on a matching grant to preserve a key piece of open space in the heart of Forestville, the small west county town is confident that the one-time subdivision site will instead be protected as a natural park.

Read more and listen at krcb.org

Jobs@Corks: Hosts, Bussers, Servers, Prep Cooks, Dishwashers and Tasting Room Team

Corks Restaurant @ Russian River Vineyards is a full service, winery based restaurant in Forestville. We are looking to fill Server, Busser, Host, Dishwasher, Prep-Cook and Tasting Room positions immediately. We are looking for team oriented and service minded all-stars to join our team. If you have previous experience and are the best at what you do, we want to meet you. If you have previously applied with us please do so again. Please respond to this posting or bring your resume in person at:
Corks Restaurant at Russian River Vineyards
5700 Highway 116 North
Forestville, Ca 95436

Read ad at Craisglist

A country jewel in Forestville

Carole Lansdown poured substantial artistic gifts into cottage
San Francisco philanthropist and designer Ann Getty inhabits a Pacific Heights mansion with an interior lavish enough to please a prince.
Carole Lansdown's Forestville Cottage With its sumptuous fabrics and elaborately painted and gilded screens, trim, floors and furnishings, it looks inside like a European palace.

Read full article and view pictures in the Press Democrat

COX: Tuscany in Forestville

Chef Francesco Torre's Canneti Roadhouse is named after a street in his home in Italy

The restaurant that was previously Mosaic in Forestville has changed. Now it's Canneti Roadhouse, with solid oak tables and a beautiful backyard for dining al fresco. Chef and owner Francesco Torre has done a fine job with the décor.

Read full article in the Press Democrat

Forestville Planning Association to you Fundraiser for the Forestville Downtown Open Space Park

When: Tuesday May 28th from 6pm to 9pm
Where: Backyard @ 6566 Front Street , Forestville , Ca
What: Paella, local beer, local wine, live music, silent auction & raffle, plus LOTS more!
Why: To create an open park space in downtown Forestville
*No reservations are needed, just bring yourself, your friends & family and get ready for a great event for an even greater cause! Drink and paella tickets available at the door.
 
Remind recipients if you want them to take particular action such as registering for an event or clicking on a link. Since it's always a good idea to show your appreciation, you also could use this space to thank your customer for their business.

Via an email from The Forestville Planning Association

Forestville Youth Park Annual BBQ

OpED on Forestville Town Meeting

Where were you when…
 By Vesta Copestakes
 I just came from my home town Town Meeting. I am impressed, thrilled and disappointed all at the same time.
 Impressed and enthralled with the people who put countless hours of their personal time into maintaining the integrity of our home – and disappointed at the people who don't see the value in their contribution.

Read full article in the Sonoma County Gazette

Moon Circus @ Forestville Club - May 10, 2013

Moon Circus played at the Forestville Club on May 10, 2013

Here are 6 songs on video from the show:

Eatery fundraiser Tues, Wed to support El Mo, Forestville schools

A slew of Forestville restaurants are on board for a two-day fundraiser for El Molino High School and Forestville School and Academy.
The restaurants will donate 20 percent of their proceeds on Tuesday and Wednesday to support programs that would not exist without community support, including sports, music, art and others, according to organizers.
Participating restaurants in “Forestville Food for Funds” include: Cork’s Restaurant at Russian River Vineyards, Carr’s Drive-In, Twist Eatery, Tiny Town, Sunshine Coffee Roasters, Forestville Pizzeria, Tahoe Chinese Food and the Russian River Pub.

 Read original post at The Press Democrat's blog

Boris Garcia & The THUGZ @The Forestville Club - May 4, 2013

Boris Garcia and The THUGZ played at the Forestville Club on May 4, 2013.
The audio recording of the show is available at archive.org

Three Sonoma County men arrested in stabbing near Forestville

Three men were arrested over the weekend after an apparent stabbing near Forestville left one person injured, authorities said.

Cesar Cortez, 22, of Santa Rosa; Julio Jimenez, 22, of Sebastopol; and Eric Suazo-Cortez, 21, of Graton were arrested Saturday on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon, participating in a criminal street gang and conspiracy to commit a crime, Sonoma County Sheriff's Lt. Glenn Lawrence said.

Few details were available about the confrontation reported at 5:41 p.m. Saturday at Martinelli and River roads. Initial reports indicated the incident may have taken place near Steelhead Beach.

One person was apparently stabbed and taken by Russian River Fire ambulance to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital, dispatchers said. That person's condition was unavailable Sunday.

Jimenez remained in custody Sunday at the Sonoma County Jail on $100,000 bail. Cortez and Suazo-Cortez were released on bail, jail staff said.

Read original article in The Press Democrat

Forestville: The ‘hands-on’ town

The town of Forestville has about 3,200 residents, according to the newest census, and it isn’t even incorporated. But size and officialdom has never stopped the “hands on” community from getting things done.

In the past, residents have created a fire district, a water and sewage district, and even a youth park where the local kids can play baseball and such.

Now Forestville has taken on another a big challenge, to create an official village green in the heart of downtown, and there’s  deadline involved...

Read full article in the Press Democrat

Kozlowski Farms: Cinco de Mayo Special

Happy Cinco de Mayo! Kick off your celebration for these 5 delicious products that add a little spice to your dish, for only $37.95!

• Plum & Roasted Chipotle Grilling & Dipping Sauce 
• Five Pepper Preserve (We have a wonderful recipe for Five Pepper Preserve Baked Brie, on our website! http://bit.ly/11KwpKd ) 
• Spicy Cilantro & Citrus Dressing No Oil Added * Fat Free 
• Chipotle Jam 
• Pomegranate & Pineapple Roasted Chipotle Grilling & Dipping Sauce

Read original post at Kozlowski Farms' blog

Forestville could get a village green

After a lot of hard work, it appears Forestville is on the verge of getting a village green. Grants have come through that could provide major funding if, and it is a big if, the town can raise $250,000 by July 31.

The land in question is eight acres the town has traditionally used as a gathering place for many occasions including its annual Christmas Tree Lighting. Developer Orrin Thiessen acquired the property intending to erect a business center and 55 town homes, and local outcry quickly persuaded him to include a public gathering area. Since then Thiessen went bankrupt and the acreage has been held by a bank. Now the town by coming up with matching funds can get Open Space funding and purchase the land...

Read full post at the Press Democrat's blog

Forestville school fundraiser gala is this Saturday

The Forestville Education Foundation is hosting their annual Spring Fling Gala to help support arts, music and sports for Forestville Academy and Forestville School. Together, the K-1 Forestville School and the 2-8th grade Forestville Academy Charter School, serve about 375 students.

There will be food, wine, live and silent auctions and live music from DGINN.
 The event is from 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. this Saturday at Shone Farm, 7450 Steve Olson Lane in Forestville. Tickets are $40 at the Forestville School office, 6321 Highway 116; Forestville Pharmacy, Forestville Pizzeria and online at www.forestvillefoundation.org

Read original post at he Press Democrat's blog

Turf Talk Live at The Forestville Club, April 12, 2013

Turf Talk Live at The Forestville Club, April 12, 2013

Here is a segment of a show from last year

Forestville Education Foundation Gala, April 13, 2013

The Spring Fling Gala
Saturday, April 13th, 2013 at Shone Farm
Featuring the music of DGIIN!
Join us at the Forestville Education Foundation's Annual Fundraising Event

All proceeds from this Gala go directly to programs that benefit our students.
Have a great time enjoying good music, fine food & wine, and live and silent auctions while helping our amazing school!

All tickets purchased online will be available at Will Call the night of the Gala.
Each $40 ticket includes: souvenir wine glass, tapas, dessert, water, sodas & music. Wine - $5/glass

Buy tickets and learn more at forestvillefoundation.org

Jobs: Backyard in Forestville is now hiring: busser, dishwasher, server, floor supervisor

Backyard in Forestville is now hiring for the following positions:

• Busser - full and part time. Must have 2 years experience
• Dishwasher - full and part time - must have experience
• Server - full and part time - Must have 4 years experience, local wine, beer and food knowledge a plus
• Floor Supervisor - full and part time - must have 6 years restaurant experience. Local food, wine, beer and food knowledge a plus

Read full ad on Craigslist

Forestville School staging ‘Little Mermaid’ this weekend

Forestville School is staging its final three performance of “The Little Mermaid” beginning tonight.

Director Noelle Huberty and costume designer Judy Bellows worked on the production.

Read full article with picture at The Press Democrat

Knights, Trojans fall; M'town boys beat Upper Lake

"We hit the ball better than we did at El Molino," Kelseyville coach Lou Poloni said of his team's 6-0 victory on Saturday in Forestville. "But we hit line drives at guys all night ... like nine of them."

Read the full article in the Lake County Record-Bee

Peters pitches K'ville to 6-0 win; M'town loses 8-3

His first start of the season pushed back by a game because of a tender elbow, Kelseyville High School's Jake Peters was feeling just fine on Saturday while pitching the Knights to a 6-0 victory over the El Molino Lions in non-league varsity baseball action at Forestville.

Read full article in The Lake County record-Bee

The list: three places to take a kid fishing

SO where can you take a kid fishing in the West County? Here are three places. Anyone else willing to share their fishing spots?

Oddfellows Bridge near Forestville – once the summer bridge goes in on Oddfellows Rd. outside of Forestville it creates a comfortable fishing spot. If you are very very lucky you might catch a salmon or a shad. You can watch the canoers and kayakers paddle by. A possible bonus – at sunset if you extremely lucky you might catch a sight of river otters.

Read full article in The Press Democrat

Corned Beef & Cabbage Feed - Hollydale Style

Live Music by the Pine Needles, Saturday March 16th at The Hollydale Community Clubhouse
Traditional Irish Corned Beef & Cabbage Dinner @ 6:00PM
Music @ 8:00
come by and tip a pint or two...
in the west sonoma county hills

Colorado man tied to deadly Forestville pot deal now in Sonoma County Jail

A Colorado man arrested two weeks ago in connection with a triple homicide near Forestville has been booked into Sonoma County Jail and will make his first court appearance Tuesday.

 Mark William Cappello, 46, had been jailed in Mobile, Ala., after his Valentine’s Day arrest in the Feb. 5 slayings in which three men were shot and killed during a marijuana deal.

Read more at The Press Democrat

Skerik's Bandalabra @ Forestville Club, March 16, 2013

Skerik's Bandalabra @ Forestville Club, March 16, 2013


Skerik, the enduringly saxophonic, punk jazz iconoclast is joined by three of his fellow Seattle hometown's most revered players: Andy Coe on electric guitar, Evan Flory Barnes on upright bass and Dvonne Lewis on drums.

In Skerik's words, "I've always been inspired by Fela Kuti and Steve Reich, which sparked the idea to start a band built around rhythmic and minimalist concepts. It's not about soloing so much as creating a polyrhythmic weave with the four instruments. Music that is danceable but also interesting to listen to."

Found it on JamBase

Two more suspects arrested in Forestville triple homicide

A father and son who share ties to central Colorado with a third man already in custody have been arrested for suspected murder in connection with a Feb. 5 triple homicide near Forestville, the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office said Friday.

Read more at The Press Democrat

Our Own Town Parks Forestville and Monte Rio

Forestville is currently in negotiations with Summit Bank (who now owns the land formerly slated for Orrin Thiessen’s Forestville Town Square) to purchase 8 acres of downtown property so they can turn it into a park for everyone to share. With this purchase, the land can go back to its original intention of being an open space as defined in the original General Plan.

Read more at the Sonoma County Gazette

Motorcyclist, 73, dies of Highway 116 crash injuries

A Nevada man died Wednesday morning of injuries sustained two weeks earlier after a Sonoma County teen drifted into the path of his motorcycle on Highway 116 in Forestville -- apparently because she had sneezed.
Read more at The Press Democrat

Suspected electrical fire damages Guerneville house

A suspected electrical fire caused serious damage to an unoccupied home in Guerneville Tuesday morning....Firefighters from Monte Rio and Forestville assisted in battling the blaze.

Read more at The Press Democrat

Most Vicious Record Release Party @ Forestville Club, March 11, 2013

Most Vicious Record Release Party featuring:

• Rappin 4 Tay
• CEO E-Lo
• Javi Bonez
• Killa Klump
• Rell Dirt
• Louie Loc
• Pay A Fee
• G Money
• And More!!

9:pm $10 PRE-SALE $15 DOOR 21+


Read more at Facebook

Stax City plays at the Forestville Club, March 2, 2013

Stax City will play at the Forestville Club on March 2, 2-13

Learn how to put a song on itunes at ReverbNation.com

Edwards gets hall of fame honors

Forestville winemaker Meredith “Merry” Edwards was inducted into the Vintners Hall of Fame on Monday at the Culinary Institute of America in Napa Valley.
Read more at The Press Democrat

Vineyard pruning championship brings out the best

The woody, 15-year-old syrah vines resisted mightily, but vineyard worker Laureano Herrera cut quickly and skillfully enough to win Friday's 14th annual Sonoma County Pruning Championship near Forestville.

Read mroe at The Press Democrat

Sonoma County considers authorizing more water fluoridation studies

The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday is set to advance one of its most hot-button projects: a bid to introduce fluoride to most of the county's drinking water to improve dental health....

The project would affect three quarters of the county, including 350,000 residents served by the Sonoma County Water Agency in Windsor, Santa Rosa, Rohnert Park, Cotati, Petaluma, Sonoma, Forestville and the Valley of the Moon. More than 50,000 Novato-area residents served by the county Water Agency also would get fluoridated water for the first time.

Read more at The Press Democrat

Santa Rosa’s Zazu chefs invent new pig breed, and you can eat it

Oh, those crazy pig scientists, tinkering with perfectly fine swine.

Santa Rosa chefs Duskie Estes and John Stewart not only specialize in cooking pork, now they’re creating pork, coming with what they think might be an entirely new breed.

Estes and Stewart, owners of Zazu in Santa Rosa and Black Pig Bacon Company, raise pigs on their Forestville partner farm. Two of their favorite breeds are the rare heritage Mulefoot and the Red Wattle.

Read more at the Inside Scoop of SFGate.com

Soul Patrol @ Forestville Club, February 23, 2013

Soul Patrol will be breaking in our new bass player, Bruce, as we rock out in West County. Tell your friends!

Sampling of the setlist:

Chitlins Con Carne - SRV
High On The Hog - Tommy Castro
Street Corner Talkin' - Savoy Brown
She Caught The Katy - Taj Mahal
Born On The Bayou - CCR
Outside Woman Blues - Cream
All Right Now - Free
Can't You Hear Me Knockin' - Rolling Stones

...and so on.

Read more at Facebook

Letter of the Day: Cash crop

I’m a 74-year-old grandmother local to the west county since the 1960s. This Forestville murder has touched almost everyone I know — a wave of thousands (“Authorities pursue leads in Forestville triple slaying,” Feb. 12). Pot isn’t the cause.
Read more at The Press Democrat

Canneti is looking for Line Cooks

Canneti RoadHouse Italiana, a modern Italian cuisine concept is opening in Forestville. Work with Tuscan native Chef Francesco Torre in a new, professional and high hand ambience. Canneti features a TR95 professional extruder, Carrara marble countertops and an outdoor hand built grill- rotisserie and smoker.
We source directly from local farms our ingredients. You will learn how to butcher a whole animal; you will meet farmers and fisherman.
This is not the usual American Italian Restaurant with meatballs and fritti misti or scaloppini. Candidates must be professionals well focused on their culinary career.

Read full ad at Craigslist

Annual Hollydale Clubhouse Community Breakfast, February 24, 2013

SUNDAY FEBRUARY 24th @ 9:00AM
COMMUNITY BREAKFAST
Join us Sunday morning February 24th at 9:00AM for the annual Clubhouse Community Breakfast, hosted by the Club's Officers and Members. Bring the family (and invite your neighbors)...Generous portions as usual, eggs cooked to order, local fresh link sausages, cottage fries, toot's biscuits & gravy, mixed fruit w/ Coffee, Tea, Milk and Juices...$8. donation w/ Kids under 8 FREE.

Hollydale Community Club

Captain Paisley @ Forestville Club, February 16, 2013

Captain Paisley will play at the Forestville Club, February 16, 2013

Santa Rosa man killed in Forestville crash

A 23-year-old Santa Rosa man suspected of drunken driving was killed Saturday after crashing head-on into an embankment, CHP officials said.

Mark Edward Church was not wearing a seat belt when he crashed at about 2 a.m. Saturday on Covey Road where it dead-ends at Trenton Road, CHP Officer Marcus Hawkins said.

Read more at The Press Democrat.

Police Notice Increase In Violent Pot-Related Crimes In Sonoma County

Sonoma County law enforcement officials say they’re increasingly involved with trying to solve a type of crime that barely existed a few years ago that centers around marijuana.

The slayings of three men on Tuesday in Forestville is just the latest in a string of drug-related crimes. According to investigators, the men were trying to buy a cache of pot when the deal apparently went sour.

Read more at CBS Local.

Trial in Healdsburg pot garden slaying delayed due to Forestville killings

The trial of two Sonoma County men accused in a 2011 slaying at a Healdsburg pot garden was postponed Thursday because of publicity surrounding a triple homicide near Forestville this week that authorities said was tied to a marijuana sale.

Read more at The Press Democrat.

Job: Medical/Front Office Assistant

West County Health Centers is seeking a Medical/Front Office Assistant for our Forestville Wellness Center. 

We are looking for a dynamic person who is highly organized, able to multi-task for this hybrid position which is a combination of back and front office medical responsibilities. This person should have a commitment to wellness, prevention and community engagement. The Forestville Wellness Center provides integrative and herbal health consultations, osteopathic and acupuncture visits, and a wide array of health education groups.

Our ideal candidate has experience in a medical office/healthcare setting including electronic health records and has completed an M.A. training program. We are looking for someone who is passionate about providing comprehensive, personal, service oriented and high quality patient care to our patients of West Sonoma County. This person is responsible for rooming patients, assisting them throughout their office visit, as well as assisting integrative medical providers, and group facilitators. Other responsibilities include tracking and ordering supplies, helping the front office with confirmation calls and scheduling. This is a part-time, 32 hour/week benefitted position .

Education and experience required:
Completion of M.A. training program preferred.
Current CPR
Must be able to perform the physical demands of the job. Basic office and equipment safety knowledge and practice. 
2 years experience in an outpatient setting or working with a health clinic desirable. Demonstrated commitment and skills to provide age appropriate care to a diverse population
Bilingual desireable

Read full ad at Craigslist