Resurgence afoot at El Molino High?

Over the past decade, El Molino High School administrators watched the school’s enrollment steadily decline to about half its former size.

So this fall, when enrollment climbed 23 students above what it was last year, they saw cause to celebrate.

To them, the small increase marks the reversal of a decade-long trend. It’s also a sign that recent efforts to expand the Forestville high school’s offerings and increase its visibility in the community are paying off...

Read full article in The Press Democrat

The List: Sonoma, Napa County piemakers

4. Kozlowski Farms, 5566 Gravenstein Highway N., Forestville, has been offering homemade pies since 1952 and today uses those original recipes for double-crust and pecan crumb-top varieties. 887-1587,kozlowskifarms.com/pies.

Read full list in The Press Democrat

Job: Berry's Markets: Deli/cashier

Berry's Markets is now hiring in Santa Rosa and Forestville. Must be reliable, hardworking, friendly, honest and willing to work weekends. If you have experience and are bilingual that's a plus. Please email resume along with your phone number to schedule an interview. 

Read ad on Craigslist

Job: Backyard BOH & FOH

Backyard in Forestville is now hiring professionals to join our team, in the following positions:

• Line Cook
• Servers
• Dishwasher
• Assistant Manager

Read full ad on Craigslist

Body of missing Santa Rosa man found in Russian River

The body of a Santa Rosa man who had been missing for five days was found Tuesday afternoon in the Russian River near Sunset beach, a sheriff’s spokeswoman said.

Search and rescue divers found Marvin Jones, 53, at about 2:45 p.m. in about six feet of water, 20 feet from the shore, Sgt. Cecile Focha said.

Read full article in The Press Democrat

Fresh From Our Farmers: Market has new manager, vendors

The Forestville Farmers Market, which takes place on Tuesday afternoons, is in its second year and is in the midst of a transformation, a rebirth. The market has a new manager, is no longer year-round and has more farm vendors and total vendors than in its inaugural year.

Its location on the grounds of Corks Restaurant remains the same, though the market’s configuration has changed. Produce vendors are now closer to the entrance, alongside the building. Across the parking lot, the restaurant has set up picnic tables and a small wine bar, where Russian River Vineyards wines are offered at $5 a glass. Craft vendors, a massage therapist and vendors of foods to enjoy on the spot are located on the crush pad.

Read full article in The Press Democrat

CALABASH - A Festival of Gourds, Art and the Garden

Sunday, October 5, 2014
1-5 pm

Food For Thought, in collaboration with the Occidental Arts and Ecology Center, present the 14th annual Calabash - Sonoma County’s most colorful and inspiring harvest event. Calabash, named Best Fundraiser by readers of the North Bay Bohemian in 2013 and 2014, features a silent auction of fine gourd art, along with tours of Food For Thought’s beautiful organic gardens, which will be at their peak.

Read full post at Food for Thought

Man arrested in rape of Forestville woman

A man who sneaked up behind a woman walking on a Forestville road, held a knife to her and then raped her at nearby El Molino High School was in custody Tuesday morning, said Sonoma County sheriff’s Sgt. Ruben Martinez.

David Kocalis, 24, was being held at the Sonoma County Jail without bail. He is suspected of five felonies, including rape and kidnapping.

Read full article in The Press Democrat

Giveaway for Preschool/Kindergarten Classroom (Sarah's Silk)

To Enter*:

1) Like Elves & Angels, Bamboletta, and Sarah's Silks on Facebook
2) Comment below with the NAME and CITY of the preschool/kindergarten classroom and WHY that school should receive these toys!
3) Encourage your friends to join the giveaway! 

(*All preschools, kindergartens, and licensed daycares (worldwide) may be entered to win.  Indemnity: Not FB sponsored: Elves & Angels, Bamboletta, and Sarah's Silks will fulfill the prizes. Please support Elves & Angels and Bamboletta with your business; their generosity has helped to make this giveaway possible!  This giveaway ends 12pmPST on Monday, 9/8.  One entry per person, per school. For example: Sarah Smith can only nominate the school "SchoolExample" once; although she could also nominate other schools.)  

Read full entry on Sarah's Silk's blog

One Building Destroyed, Five Damaged in Forestville Fire

 One person is in the hospital with serious burns after a one-acre fire broke out along the shores of the Russian River in Sonoma County.

The fire started at about 3:20 p.m. near Laurel Avenue and Summerhome Park Road northwest of Sebastopol.

Five fire trucks from Sonoma County and ten units from Calfire responded to the blaze. Two tankers and a helicopter also dropped water on the flames from the sky.

Firefighters say the biggest challenge they faced was getting all of the equipment down a very narrow one-land road to get to the fire.

The cause of the fire remains unclear.

Read news at KRON 4

View pictures on Facebook

Rape reported at El Molino High School in Forestville

Sheriff’s investigators are looking into a report of a rape at El Molino High School in Forestville on Saturday night.

A sheriff’s official said Sunday afternoon that a female victim reported the crime at 9 p.m. The victim told sheriff’s investigators that a man armed with a knife confronted her near the school, officials said.

The suspect walked the victim to the east side of the school’s tennis courts, next to a small shed, where he raped her, officials said.

From The Press Democrat

Job: Office Manager (Food For Thought Antiques)

Food For Thought Antiques is Looking for a Fabulous Office Manager

The Food For Thought Antiques Office Manager works as a collaborative partner with the Store Manager and Creative Director to optimize profitability and maintain smooth operation of the store. The Office Manager is responsible for performing and/or overseeing all administrative, organizational, and clerical tasks necessary for running the store, including recordkeeping, consignment and financial management, and volunteer coordination. On scheduled days, the Office Manager also works as a salesperson, welcoming customers, supervising volunteers and conveying the mission and spirit of the store. The position is non-exempt, 26-30 hours per week.

Read full ad at Craigslist

Job: Sous Chef (Canneti Roadhouse Italiana)

We are looking for a Sous Chef to work with us and with Tuscan born Chef Francesco Torre. Chef Torre worked in Florence and Rome, Napa and NY, he was invited to perform at the James Beard Foundation. You will learn a lot in a friendly and professional environment.
If you don't have past manager experience and you wish to apply you must have:
-at least 5 years' experience as professional line cook in high hand establishments
-calm and professional behavior
-wisdom to work hard to learn how to increase your knowledge in every aspect of managing a kitchen.

Read full ad on Craigslist

Jobs: Line Cook, Dishwashers, Servers, Busser (Backyard)

Line Cook:
*At least 2 years of professional experience
*California Food Handler's Permit

Dishwashers:
*California Food Handler's Permit
*Self motivated team player

Servers:
*Must have at least 3 years experience
*Local food/wine/beer/cider knowledge a plus
*Excellent customer service skills in a fast paced restaurant setting
*California food handler's permit

Read full ad on Craigslist

Wine Guerrilla, Forestville: Former art gallery full of style

...As soon as the gallery owner retired in 2013, Patch pounced, made only the slightest logistical revisions, and opened his own showpiece last August. Now, lined with glittering wine bottles, the space still acts as an art salon, featuring oversize prints of Wine Guerrilla labels.

...The vibe: Tiny, rural Forestville disappears as soon as you step into the shop, eclipsed by chic structure and walls lined with the oversized renditions of Wine Guerrilla's labels. An Adel's Vineyard Zinfandel print shows a milky white nymph musing under the moonlight in a dark forest, while another, the label for the signature Rebel Cru blend, depicts a band of fanciful "guerrilla" soldiers in a mystical garden.

Read full review on SFGate.com

Forestville United Methodist Church Welcomes Our New Pastor

FUMC also welcomed their new pastor, Rev. Monique-Cheri Pierre, as the church celebrates 130 years serving the community of Forestville and look forward to their next 130 years.

Continuing the church’s tradition, new pastor Rev. Monique-Cheri Pierre, is committed to being active in the Forestville community.  A native of Petaluma with family roots in Sebastopol and Santa Rosa,  Pastor Monique-Cheri says moving to Forestville has a “sweet sense of coming back home to Sonoma County”.

Read full article in the Sonoma County Gazette

Job: Office Assistant

Local business in Forestville is seeking a part time office assistant on an "AS NEEDED" basis, who is self motivated, dependable and flexible. We are looking for someone with customer service experience, is computer literate, has cash handling experience, strong phone and communication skills and the ability to work by themselves.

Read full post on Craigslist

Jazz 'n Pasta and silent auction March 7, 2004

El Molino High School's Program Presents Jazz 'n Pasta and silent auction March 7, 2004 5:30-8:30

Backyard, Canneti, Corks @ Sonoma County Restaurant Week, March 10-16

The fifth annual Sonoma County Restaurant Week will continue the tradition of celebrating the finest Sonoma County food! From March 10th through March 16th, 2014 participating restaurants will present fantastic food at fantastic prices.

Backyard

$20 Lunch Menu

Arugula and Farro Salad with toasted Hazelnuts, Blood Orange Segments, Pecorino and Balsamic Dressing
or
Two Colored backed Soup of Broccoli and Cheddar Cauliflower
House made Maccheroni with Short Rib Sugo
or
Under the brick: Crispy Skin Chicken served with Rosemary Sweet Potatoes and grilled Romaine Lettuce

$39 Dinner Menu

Starters
"Tuna of the Chianti", Tuscan Country preparation of Pork, Tondini Beans, Extra Virgin and Aromatic Herbs
or
Belgian Endive with Broccolini, Raisins, Point Reyes Blue, candied Walnuts and Pinot Noir Dressing
First Course
Saffron Risotto Cakes with Porcini Mushrooms Sauce, Pecorino Senese and baby Arugula
or
House made Maccheroni Pasta with Tuscan Meat Sauce
Main
Roasted fresh Sardine Skewer over Crispy Bread and Umbria Farro Salad with Capers and Parsley
or
Young Rooster stuffed with Sausage, Cauliflower Mash and Pepper Flan (for two)

Canneti Roadhouse Italiana

$20 Lunch Menu

Arugula and Farro Salad with toasted Hazelnuts, Blood Orange Segments, Pecorino and Balsamic Dressing
or
Two Colored backed Soup of Broccoli and Cheddar Cauliflower
House made Maccheroni with Short Rib Sugo
or
Under the brick: Crispy Skin Chicken served with Rosemary Sweet Potatoes and grilled Romaine Lettuce

$39 Dinner Menu

Starters
"Tuna of the Chianti", Tuscan Country preparation of Pork, Tondini Beans, Extra Virgin and Aromatic Herbs
or
Belgian Endive with Broccolini, Raisins, Point Reyes Blue, candied Walnuts and Pinot Noir Dressing
First Course
Saffron Risotto Cakes with Porcini Mushrooms Sauce, Pecorino Senese and baby Arugula
or
House made Maccheroni Pasta with Tuscan Meat Sauce
Main
Roasted fresh Sardine Skewer over Crispy Bread and Umbria Farro Salad with Capers and Parsley
or
Young Rooster stuffed with Sausage, Cauliflower Mash and Pepper Flan (for two)

Corks Restaurant @ Russian River Vineyards

 $20 Lunch Menu

(Choose 1)
Chef’s Good Times Gumbo and Rice with Small Mixed Greens Salad
Gio Burger and Fries with Small Mixed Greens Salad or Cup of Soup
Corks’ Lamb Meatball’s with New Family Farm’s Polenta with Small Mixed Green Salad or Cup of Soup

$39 Dinner Menu

(Choose 2)

Soup of the Day
Small Garden Greens
Warm Garden Bean and Grilled Escarole Salad
Sautéed Pea Tendrils with Carrot
Corks’ Country Pâté with Our Own pickles

(Choose 1)

Gratin of Almost Spring Vegetables
Corks’ Lamb Meatball’s with New Family Farm’s Polenta with Garden Tomato Sauce and Lemon
Sautéed Clams and Sausage over Rapini and Saffron Cous Cous

El Molino High School 50th Anniversary Celebration

The El Molino Action Alliance is proud to announce El Molino High School’s 50th Anniversary Celebration on Saturday, May 10, 2014 – Celebrating 50 years of Lion Pride! This exciting event is one you won’t want to miss as we hope to reunite El Molino alumni from the last five decades at the Santa Rosa Junior College Shone Farm in Forestville. The evening begins at 5 p.m. and includes dinner, a live and silent auction, and “ The Roaring Lions” band to get you up and dancing into the night.

Spearheaded by the El Molino Boosters and Ag Boosters, this Celebration will also double as a fundraiser to help support a wide variety of programs at the school including Agriculture, Athletics, Culinary, Leadership, and the Performing Arts. The support provided by the Boosters’ each year allows our students to participate and excel in programs which help in shaping their futures. We hope that we can count on your participation to join us in raising much needed funds for El Molino and our kids.

Join us for the FUN!

Via The Press Democrat

Shrek, the Musical

Mrs. Huberty is once again bringing us a wonderful musical starring our talented students.  Shrek will be performed March 7th-9th and 14th-16th.  Shows in the Multi are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:00 pm and on Sundays 2:00 pm.   Tickets will be sold at the door; $5 for students and $7 for adults.  Refreshments will be available for purchase.

From the Forestville Union School District bulletin

The Thugz @ Backyard and @ Forestville Club

Monday, February 24th, 2014

Backyard Restaurant
6-9 p.m.
Price: no cover charge
Mike & Sylvia playing acoustic music for diners. The Backyard has a great staff & incredibly good food!

Wednesday, February 26th, 2014

Forestville Club
Thugz and Willie Waldman Project with Herman Green - doors: 7:30 p.m. show: 8:00 p.m. Thugz play 1st
Price: $10 21 and over
Herman Green - sax (Lionel Hampton, Miles Davis, John Coltrane) &  Willie Waldman - trumpet (Snoop Dog, Steve Kimock)On bass will be Norwood Fisher (Fishbone) with Brian Jordan (Karl Denson's Tiny Universe) on guitar plus the THUGZ' Bradley Leach on drums.Check out Willie at http://www.williewaldman.com

From TheThugz.net

Hollydale Annual Corned Beef & Cabbage Feed - 3/15/14

The annual Corned Beef & Cabbage Feed is on Saturday March 15th with Dinner starting at 6:00PM. Shensons old fashioned style Corned Beef Brisket slow cooked for 6 hours in the traditional spices with a Hollydale touch of Jameson…the “only” Irish whiskey.

Slow boiled in the Brisket juices…Green Cabbage, Red Potatoes, White Onions, Petite Carrots.

Soak it all up with traditional Irish Soda Bread baked this morning at Forestville’s own Nightingale Breads.

Cake for your dessert pleasure.

Hollydale Community Clubhouse along the Russian River where everyone is always welcome...help support local non-profits. $14. donation...usually all you can eat. 887-0330 for more info.

Read full post at the Forestville Planning Association

Viticulture briefs

Add pruning 101 to the curriculum options at Santa Rosa Junior College.

The college’s Shone Farm is partnering with Bahco, a subsidiary of Snap-On, Inc., to provide students with certification training in professional pruning and lopping tools....

The Sonoma County Grape Growers Foundation and the Sonoma County Winegrowers will hold the 15th annual Sonoma County Regional Pruning Contests and County Pruning Championship on Friday at SRJC Shone Farm beginning at 8:30 a.m. Check-in begins at 8 a.m. Shone Farm is located at 6225 Eastside Road, Forestville.

Read full article in The Press Democrat

Community Awards Dinner - 3/22/14

The Citizen of the Year, as voted by previous Citizens of the Year, is Dan Northern. The Chamber of Commerce has designated Max Broome as The Volunteer of the Year and Alain Sirkessian (of Mirabel Lodge) as The Business Person of the Year.

Congratulations to all three—with hearty thanks for the service they bring to Forestville. The gala, not-to-be missed Awards Dinner will be on Saturday, March 22, 5:30pm at Trappe Hall 7777 Martinelli Road.

It will be catered by Backyard, Twist, Cannetti and Nightingale . Tickets are on sale at Forestville Pharmacy and Bank of the West. Book early since there is limited seating. The fabulous menu will be posted soon.

Read full post at the Forestville Planning Association

Rummage Sale at Methodist Church - 3/18/14

Mark your calendar for the Huge Rummage Sale at Forestville Methodist Church at 6550 Covey Road (behind Odd Fellows Lodge) on March 8th. A win-win-win--the donors purge stuff, the shoppers get great bargains and church projects get done! Sale-able Items may be donated from February 24 to March 7. No computers or electronics.

Read full post at the Forestville Planning Association

Who wants Pancakes?????

Tryouts are going to be held again, TOMORROW, 2/16/2014!

All players MUST be registered online before tryouts - documents may be dropped off at tryouts on 2/16/2014. The link to online registration can be found on our website:

http://www.eteamz.com/elmolinolittleleague/

PLEASE NOTE TRYOUT TIMES:

9 am:8-9 year-olds.
10 am: 10-11 year-olds
11 am: 12 year-olds
Noon: 13-14 year-olds

The pancake breakfast will be offered once again! Breakfast will be served from 9:00-11:00 for $5.00 per plate (this includes pancakes, eggs, sausages, oranges, and choice of coffee or orange juice).

See you there!

via Facebook

Mister Sister @ Tiny Town Cafe, February 15, 2014

This Saturday, Tiny Town cafe is proud to announce the return of Mister Sister. This is one fantastic dance band and will be performing live from 8 till 10pm. We are truly excited about this event. Come early to get a good seat. Our grill will be open all night. Thanks!

Via Facebook

Moshin Vineyards Winemaker Dinner at Canneti Italian Roadhouse in Forestville!

Moshin Vineyards is delighted to be partnering with our neighbor Chef Francesco Torre at Forestville's Canneti Roadhouse for a delectable evening of authentic Tuscan cuisine paired with the handcrafted small-lot wines of Moshin Vineyards on February 20th at 6:00pm.

Chef Torre displays an endearing exuberance about working with local and fresh seasonal ingredients and is well matched with winemaker Rick Moshin's dedicated yet joyful approach to winemaking. In a recent email to us Francesco says, “I have just purchased a new pig from Split Rail Farm for February … the real deal! This is the highest quality pork I have ever used.” For the pork course, we will feature two of our signature Pinot Noirs.

2009 Pinot Noir, Molinari Vineyard – from the famed 2009 vintage (and Rick’s 20th anniversary making Pinot Noir here in the Russian River Valley. This is a 4 acre parcel of Dijon clones that produces a wine with great tannin structure and body.

2010 Pinot Noir, Halo’s Hill, Russian River Valley – a favorite small lot single vineyard selection that just took a Gold medal at the American Fine Wine Competition. Classic in beautiful Russian River character.
This is sure to be a delightful experience reveling in the culinary bounty of Sonoma County as both Winemaker and Chef demonstrate their passion for creating honest to goodness deliciousness to be enjoyed at the table. The evenings’ dinner will feature four courses and five wines for $75 plus tax and gratuity.

Via dotcal.com

Forestville's David Luning still alive on 'American Idol'

Forestville's David Luning cleared two more hurdles on “American Idol” on Wednesday night. Only one was expected.

Luning, 27, had passed the show's audition phase earlier and advanced to the Hollywood portion of the show, or so he thought.

“I flew down to L.A. from Sonoma County airport and the next day they didn't tell us where we were going after we got on the buses,” Luning said of the show taped in December. “But we arrived at this airport hangar (in Santa Monica) and I was thinking to myself, 'Is this where they are going to host the Hollywood auditions?'”

...

Read full article in The Press Democrat

California bans fishing on Russian River amid drought

The California Fish and Game Commission voted unanimously Wednesday to shut down the Russian River to fishing in hopes of creating more favorable conditions for at-risk salmon and wild steelhead struggling months behind schedule to get upstream to spawn.

Kevin Young of Windsor, left, hands off a 15- to 20-pound steelhead caught by Fred Dagnino of Forestville, right, on Wednesday Feb. 5, 2014 as the two finish their day on the Russian River below Johnson's Beach in Guerneville. State fishing regulators Wednesday shut down fishing on the Russian River due to the ongoing drought. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat)

Read full article in The Press Democrat

Hollydale Community Club's Russian Dinner "An Evening in Russia"

 This Saturday evening 2/8 at from 6:00-10:00PM......The Hollydale Community Club is hosting its biennial Russian Dinner. This theme dinner features the real deal...Russian Zakuski, Chicken a la Russe, Russian Salads, Fancy Desserts, Flavored Vodkas and a host of character's, second to none. We're proud to have a group of members and friends who cherish their Russian heritage and love to share it with our local west county neighbors. Everyone welcome...$17. donation for dinner & one drink ticket, rubles, kopeks...it's all good!

via Facebook

Forestville United Methodist Church Celebrates Landmark’s 130th Year

Celebrating its 130th anniversary, the Forestville United Methodist Church under the leadership of beloved Rev. Rochelle Frazier, plans a series of events throughout the year to highlight this landmark church and more than a century of service to the Forestville community and beyond.

Coming right up is a first time community event:  The Valentine’s Day Love Feast on Friday, February 14th from 7pm to 9pm. Free. Don’t miss this golden opportunity to renew your marriage vows.  Share an evening celebrating our love for each other with dancing, singing, love letters, poetry reading, refreshments plus prayer for single people to find their soul mate.  Please bring wedding photos.

Read full article in The Sonoma County Gazette

Super eats for Super Bowl

The ultimate tailgate party of the year kicks off this Sunday — Super Bowl XLVIII — so it's time to huddle if you're playing kitchen quarterback.

Here's one possible game plan: For the first half, prepare your favorite appetizers, light finger foods like guacamole and chips. Then get down to business at halftime with a hearty spread of pulled pork sliders and barbecued ribs.

To officiate at the feast, we consulted with chef/owner Jeff Young of Twist Eatery in Forestville, a lifelong Niners fan and devoté of barbecued pork.

The Pulled Pork Sandwich with a side of beet salad from Jeff Young, chef at Twist Eatery in Forestville. Young is known for his savory sandwiches. He tops the Pulled Pork with housemade barbecue sauce. (JOHN BURGESS / The Press Democrat)

Read full article in The Press Democrat

Tasting the wines from our Winemakers to Watch

You may have read about our Winemakers to Watch for 2014, but what about the wines?

Here’s a sampling of bottles from each of them. Many of these are in limited supply, but can be found in local retail shops or by contacting the wineries directly....

Megan and Ryan Glaab, Ryme Cellars

2012 Ryme Hers Las Brisas Vineyard Carneros Vermentino ($24, 11.2%): Not to overlook the His (it was in last year’s Top 100 Wines), but the Hers shows a nuanced side: Douglas fir, bright mineral, lemon confit and a slight lanolin aspect, with peachy fruit to round it out.

Ryan and Megan Glaab of Ryme Cellars, at the counter of their Forestville winery facility. (Photo: Lacy Atkins/The Chronicle)

Read full article at SFGate.com

Sonoma County Water Agency's Water Education Program

Water Education Program Specialist Ryan Pedrotti of the Sonoma County Water Agency closes the window blinds at the Water Education Program's Russian River Field Study Site in Forestville, Calif., on Jan. 21, 2014. The Sonoma County Water Agency seeks approval for plans to build a new education facility and replace the aging temporary building where several thousand fifth-graders learn about the water system each year. (Alvin Jornada / The Press Democrat)

Read full article in The Press Democrat
View slideshow  in The Press Democrat

"Celebrate Open Space" Community Breakfast

Hollydale Community Clubhouse "Celebrate Open Space" Community Breakfast...Sunday Morning January 26th from 9:00AM until Noon, featuring Eggs Benedict and the Hashbrowns. Help the Clubhouse start the New Year off with this celebratory breakfast in honor of the newly acquired Forestville downtown open space park!!

via Facebook

El Molino High School fights declining enrollment

Supporters of El Molino High School in Forestville are continuing their drive to stop declining enrollment and develop a turnaround strategy to draw students to the Covey Road campus.

A community meeting Wednesday night to discuss strategies drew about 100 people to the campus library where supporters suggested creating magnet science, arts or agriculture programs, bolstering public outreach and bringing community members to campus in mentor and support functions....

Read full article in The Press Democrat

El Molino High's declining enrollment concerning district

Declining enrollment at El Molino High School in Forestville will be the focus of a special West Sonoma High School District board meeting Wednesday.

El Molino currently has 604 students, down from 1,099 in the 2003-04 school year, according to district data. In that period, the district’s other comprehensive high school, Analy in Sebastopol, has had its enrollment decrease just slightly, from 1,394 to 1,369 students. Analy has gained students every year since 2009-10.

Read full article in The Press Democrat

Survey for Downtown Open Space Park

On November 15, 2013, the Forestville Planning Association was able to purchase the downtown parkland with donations from our community and matching funds from the Open Space Parks District. ...


Now that we have the land, we need to get to work on the plans for the park and town square.

Tell us what you would like to see in the new downtown park. Please add your suggestions  in the Add Your Comments form at the Forestville Planning Association

Novato's Fresh Starts Cooking School offers Italian cooking class Jan. 23

The Fresh Starts Cooking School is offering an Italian cooking class, "Taste of Tuscany with Canneti Roadhouse," at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 23 at the school, 1385 N. Hamilton Parkway.

Chef Francesco Torre of Canneti Roadhouse Italiana in Forestville will offer a three-course menu featuring locally grown ingredients.

To reserve a spot in the $55 class, register online at http://bit.ly/1cyoWEO or call 382-3363, ext. 243.

Read full post at marinij.com

Sonoma County’s Flu Victim, ‘Matty’ Walker, Was Just 23

When he posed for a Facebook picture in his hospital room on December 26th, Matthew “Matty” Walker of Santa Rosa thought he had pneumonia. It turns out it was much more serious: the H1N1 flu virus.

Doctors tried to save him. But he never recovered. He died Wednesday at the age of 23.
Walker was a graduate of El Molino High School in Forestville. He was an avid skateboarder and musician who played the harmonica and saxophone and worked two jobs.

Read full article at CBS San Francisco

Ava June Wilson: 1924-2013

Ava June Wilson, much loved teacher, artist, sister, aunt and 63-year resident of St. Helena, passed on peacefully in her sleep of natural causes on Tuesday, Dec. 30, at the age of 89. Family was at her side...

Ava is survived by two sisters, Hazel Coward of Antioch, Calif., and Frances Coburn of Los Altos, Calif.; nieces, Donna Vallin of San Francisco, and Janet Coburn of Waimea, Hawaii; nephews, Robert Justo-Coward of Redding, Calif., Russell Coburn of Avon, Colo., Gary Colliver of El Portal, Calif., Ray Colliver of Mariposa, Calif., Dennis Colliver of Los Molinos, Calif., George Sessions of Forestville, Calif., and Richard Sessions of Portland, Ore. Her husband, Derby; eldest sister, Ruth Kent; and elder brother, Grant Colliver, preceded her in death.

Read full obituary in The Weekly Calistogan

Being resolute

With the new year just starting, it's traditional to make resolutions, and there's more than one way to approach that task.

You could promise to give up your favorite guilty pleasures, at the risk of losing your resolve by February.

Or you could set impossibly ambitious goals — founding your own sovereign nation in some remote part of the world, for example....

Karen Lockert, a Forestville artist, set her sights on making every day count....

Out for a walk, Karen Lockert of Forestville pauses to enjoy the view of the Russian River from the Hacienda Bridge. Lockert's goals for the upcoming year include taking more walks, cooking healthy food, and enjoying the scenery. (CHRISTOPHER CHUNG / The Press Democrat)

Read full article in The Press Democrat

North Coast makes most of unseasonably dry, warm weather

Saturday was another ridiculously gorgeous one across the North Coast, where spring-like temperatures sent people flocking to parks, the beach or almost anywhere the generous sun shined....

“We'll do the rain dance tomorrow,” Amanda Hamner of Forestville said at Howarth Park.

Read full article in The Press Democrat