Forestville, California

Forestville Town Social and Business Expo

2011-09-22T15:15:00.000-07:00

Saturday, September 24 1-5 …
in the field downtown.

Find out about local businesses, eat some good food, chat withneighbors, listen to music, see what’s happening with the designfor the new roundabout that will be built at Mirabel and 116, makenew friends, check out local projects which have received ForestvilleCommunity Fund grants, discover more about what’s going on in OurTown! If you would like to have a booth at the Expo, please contactforestvillechamber.org. This event is jointly sponsored by the Forestville Planning Association and the Forestville Chamber of Commerce.

Global Village Graton Grand Opening Party

2011-09-20T22:23:00.000-07:00

Come celebrate our new Graton clothing store (owners Jaen, Kevin and Anya are a Forestville family)! This Friday evening, September 23, from 5 PM to 7 PM at 9060 Graton Rd. in Graton. Wine and hors d’oeuvres from Graton and Forestville area wineries and gourmands, good conversation and a chance to discover the newest place to shop in west county! Enter in a drawing for $100 gift certificate! Please bring your friends.

You can RSVP on Facebook if you want to, or just come along.

Hope to see you at Global Village Graton.

Sarah's Silk: String Games and Brain Development

2011-09-07T14:33:00.000-07:00

Sarah's Silk is a local business creating and selling clothes and toys and more out of silk. They have a great blog and its latest entry from yesterday is about String Games and Brain Development. It is nicely illustrated and researched, worth reading.

Fire Department September 2011 Board Meeting and Public Hearing

2011-09-06T13:21:00.000-07:00

The Forestville Fire Protection District posted the agenda for the September 2011 Board Meeting and Public Hearing on Facebook to be held on September 13 6 PM.

Forestville Town Social & Business Expo

2011-09-02T10:00:00.000-07:00

The Expo will be on September 24 between 1 and 5 PM. Here is the description from the Chamber of Commerce:

Promote your business and sell your wares to Forestville's increasing "Buy Local" crowd. Your booth space puts you in the middle of food, live music, and a fun-loving crowd.
Sign up at Forestville Pharmacy to choose and reserve your business display location. $20 for Forestville Chamber members and non-profits, $50 for non-members.
Registration Form

Forever Forestville - September 2011

2011-09-01T12:48:00.000-07:00

The september issue of the Sonoma County Gazette is now online, including Gaylynne Swor'ds Forever Forestville column. Highlights include changes and challanges at the Forestville School, its Forestville Forward Initiative and bond money.

Bank robbery update

2011-01-13T16:00:00.000-08:00

The Press Democrat article I linked in my previous post has been greatly expanded. It was last modified at 3.30 PM, by when the ordeal was over for most. It also includes now an image gallery with 8 often dramatic photos, one of which is copied below. The most important information at this time is

Authorities are looking for one suspect, described as a light-skinned man, either Latino or white, in his 40s wearing a mustache, a black stocking cap, a black coat and tie.

I guess they are no longer looking for a second suspect. I wonder whether that means they got him or they think now that the robbery was done by a single person.

Bank robbery

2011-01-13T13:41:00.000-08:00

I just drove through Forestville on my way home and noticed (it was hard not to) about two dozen police cars and the downtown being blocked off. I asked the policeman directing the traffic away what's going on, but he only told me to move on. Now I am home and learned that there has been a bank robbery about 40 minutes ago. Here is the Press Democrat's reportage as of right now:

Authorities are reporting a robbery at a Forestville bank on Thursday, apparently occurring over the lunch hour on Front Street.

The victim was Bank of the West, based on an address broadcast by sheriff's radio shortly before 1 p.m. Thursday.

One suspect was described as a light-skinned Latino man in his 40s wearing a mustache, a black stocking cap, a black coat and tie. A second suspect was described as a man in his 50s or early 60s with dark brown hair, a mustache and goatee and wearing a black beanie hat.

Additional details were not immediately available

I will post more when I know more.

Windsor driver arrested after mail boxes mown down

2011-01-01T09:59:00.000-08:00

The California Highway Patrol on Thursday arrested a Windsor man suspected of driving through a row of mail boxes on Laguna Road at Maryannis Drive near Forestville before getting stuck in a ditch.

Read the whole story at the Press Democrat.

Tree lighting

2010-11-28T19:00:00.000-08:00

Bloggers from Forestville

2010-10-25T07:00:00.000-07:00

According to the public data there are 29 bloggers on Blogspot from Forestville. Here are the blogs that are active, i.e. that had at least one post in the last two months:

2 songs from the Forestville Club

2010-10-24T07:00:00.000-07:00

Nowadays that somebody is recording almost every concert at puts them up on YouTube it is easy to find documents of past events, like the ones below.

On October 9, on the day of John Lennon's 70th birthday, Pepperland played in the Forestville Club, including this Beatles song:

Two days later, the Dead Kenny G's played with Radioactive, including this piece:

October 23, Harvest Moon Gala, Shone Farm

2010-10-19T07:00:00.000-07:00

The Forestville Education Foundation's second annual benefit auction, "Harvest Moon Gala" will be on October 23 at the Shone Farm.

Exploding aerosol can damages Forestville home

2010-10-18T07:00:00.000-07:00

From the PD:

An explosion early Monday rocked a Forestville area home, blowing out windows and damaging a wall.
The cause appeared to be a candle burning too close to an aerosol can, said Forestville Fire Chief Dan Northern.
Firefighters went to the River Road triplex home of Martha Mullen at about 5 a.m.
The explosion caused significant damage to the tiny apartment, estimated at 450-square-feet.

More, including a picture, at the Press Democrat.

October 23, four bands at the Forestville Club

2010-10-17T07:00:00.000-07:00

This coming Saturday this four band will play at the Forestville club, starting at 8 PM ($5):

Angel Island (MySpace, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube)
Great Magnet (MySpace, Facebook)
Gravity Plan (MySpace, Facebook, ReverbNation)
Sons of Doug (MySpace, Facebook, SoundCloud)

October 16, Poker tournament to benefit the Youth Park and the Firefighters

2010-10-14T07:00:00.000-07:00

PD: E-mail controversy in Forestville School Board race

2010-10-12T08:04:00.000-07:00

Kerry Benefield wrote a detailed piece in the Press Democrat on using school computers for sending out a political email. The reporting starts with these paragraphs:

A candidate for the Forestville School Board apologized Monday and blamed her “naiveté” for an election controversy after she asked a district employee to forward a political email via a school district account.

Gaylynne Sword said she asked Forestville Academy secretary Fran Oliver to forward to all district employees an email invitation to a candidate “meet and greet” event last Saturday...

Read the whole article for all the details.

October 16, forum on gravel mining plan

2010-10-11T07:00:00.000-07:00

The Sonoma County Gazette calls for an important meeting:

The Alexander Valley Association will host a public forum on the proposed Syar Industries In-Stream Mining Project at the Alexander Valley Community Hall, 5571 Highway 128, Geyserville on Saturday, October 16 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon.

The project, which would mine gravel and sand along the Russian River from Jimtown to Asti, is due to be considered by the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors later this month. Syar has requested a 15 year mining permit. Hours of operation would be 6:00 AM to 9:30 PM or dusk, Monday to Friday, from June through October.

Read the full article in the Gazette.

October 12, Board Meeting of the Forestville Fire Protection District

2010-10-10T07:00:00.000-07:00

The agenda for the next board meeting of Forestville Fire Protection District was posted on their Facebook page. The meeting is open to the public and is on October 12, 6 PM at the Fire Station - 6554 Mirabel Road.

October 12, Dead Kenny G's @ Forestville Club

2010-10-08T07:00:00.000-07:00

The Dead Kenny G's is a duo started by Skerik (Critters Buggin, Garage A Trois, Les Claypool) and Mike Dillon (Critters Buggin, Garage A Trois, Les Claypool in 2004. Brad Houser, bass god from Critters Buggin and the Bohemians is currently the third member.

On the West Coast Leg of their current US Tour the DKG's make a stop in Forestville, California...

October 9, 10, 16, 17, ARTrails

2010-10-07T07:00:00.000-07:00

From the beginning lines of the Facebook announcement of the upcoming ARTrails event:

Artists welcome you into their studios during the largest visual arts event in Sonoma County to show their art and share their creative methods. The studio tour takes place over two weekends, October 9-10 and October 16-17. ARTrails represents a vast array of fine arts and crafts, including glass, painting, sculpture, fiber arts, photography, woodworking, ceramics, jewelry, printmaking, basketry, furniture, and junk art.

Five artists show up in the artist directory when searching for Forestville. Visit them this and/or next weekend:

Joel Bennett (#13 on map)
Ceramics: burnished pit-fired vessels & percussive instruments
7531 Mirabel Rd.
www.joelbennett.org

Randy Comer (#14 on map)
Glass: fused & kiln formed
6965 Nolan Rd.
www.randycomer.com

Frank Gannon (#12 on map)
Painting: oil painting & charcoal & pastel
9610 Rio Vista Rd.
www.frankgannon.com

Gerald Huth (#16 on map)
Mixed Media: relief paintings w/wood sculpture; collages
5895 Anderson Rd.
www.geraldhuthart.com

Mike Menius (#15 on map)
Painting: landscapes, interiors, architectural themes
6515 Wayne Ct.
www.mikemenius.com

View 7531 Mirabel Rd in a larger map

October 7, Dig Pink Volleyball Game @ El Molino High School

2010-10-06T07:00:00.000-07:00

El Molino High School Breast Cancer Promo for Dig Pink Volleyball Game

All food, merchandise and donations will support the fight against breast cancer.

"Dig Pink" is the name given to fund-raising events for the Side Out Foundation which awards grants to organizations dedicated to providing compassionate support to breast cancer patients and their families.
The event is being held in conjunction with Analy Girl's Volleyball, and together, the two teams are going to do their best to help spread awareness and raise funds for breast cancer.
The two teams would like to encourage as many people as possible to not only attend the event, but also to wear something PINK!
View the El Molino Lions Volleyball Team's Breast Cancer video (above), then go to donate to this worthy cause at the El Molino Side-Out page.

Mosaic's 5th birthday - free corkage

2010-10-06T05:00:00.000-07:00

Mosaic Restaurant & Wine Lounge is celebrating its 5th birthday by offering one free corkage per table throughout October. Details here.

October 6, Chamber of Commerce meeting @ Food for Thought

2010-10-05T07:00:00.000-07:00

The Chamber of Commerce meetings aren't just for board members — everyone is welcome to attend. We are a 100% volunteer organization so if you want a service or something accomplished, come get involved, we appreciate the help! When: October 6, 5:30pm
Where: Food for Thought (in the Meeting Room), 6550 Railroad Ave., Forestville

Farmhouse Inn & Restaurant in C

2010-10-04T07:00:00.000-07:00

Look for Farmhouse Inn & Restaurant in the October issue of C CALIFORNIA STYLE Magazine on stands now. The feature C beauty story is on California spas that make their own seasonal spa product AND the first 3 paragraphs are all about Farmhouse Inn & Restaurant! Way to go Farmhouse Spa team!

October 3, Calabash @ Food for thought

2010-10-03T07:00:00.000-07:00

One of Sonoma County’s most remarkable food and art events – Calabash-A Celebration of Gourds, Art and the Garden – will take place on Sunday, October 3, 2010 from 1 to 5 p.m. in the beautiful organic gardens of Food For Thought - Sonoma County AIDS Food Bank. This year’s event holds special significance as we are celebrating our 10^th anniversary.

Information at the Occidental Arts & Ecology Center and at Food for Thought.

Forestville in the Press Democrat recently

2010-09-30T07:00:00.000-07:00

Lyda Estelle Castleberry (September 22)

Texas native Lyda Estelle Castleberry embraced life in the Russian River region after relocating with her family to Forestville more than 50 years ago.
She worked in Forestville, attended church there and supported many sporting events and school activities in Forestville and Sebastopol for her three children.
Castleberry died Sept. 5 at a Forestville care home. She was 88. She’d suffered from Alzheimer’s Disease for about 10 years, said her son, Chan Castleberry of Forestville...

Section of new trail in disrepair (September 24)

A section of the newly paved Santa Rosa Creek bicycle and pedestrian trail in west Santa Rosa is cracking and needs to be repaired.
"The last time I saw it, a week ago, it is getting worse," said Christine Culver, executive director of the Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition. "Not bad enough to drop a wheel in yet, but they will have to do some repairs."
The 2-mile section of trail between Willowside and Fulton roads was paved in July at a cost of $365,000. It is part of the 16 miles of bicycle and pedestrian path from Santa Rosa to Forestville...

Inside story of Sonoma County's Probation Camp (September 26)

What sort of work camp for teen offenders is Tom Neuwirth running anyway?
There are no razor-wire fences to keep young inmates inside the Sonoma County Probation Camp, located in the countryside north of Forestville, not far from the Russian River. And the camp's bustling workshops are virtual arsenals of tools and industrial materials that could make lethal weapons.
Neuwirth believes the camp for up to two dozen convicted boys 16 to 18 years old is cutting edge — and was all the more so when it opened as the first of its kind in California 55 years ago...

Salmon begin their run (September 28)

The first chinook have passed through the Sonoma County Water Agency fish ladder in the Russian River at Forestville, the beginning of a fall spawning run that biologists expect to be the best in five years. Salmon Count Annual counts of chinook returning to the Russian River.
“This year it should be better, I would say in the range of 3,000 by the end of the season, maybe more,” said Bill Sydeman of Petaluma, president of the Farallon Institute for Ecosystem Research.
“The conditions that determine their ocean survival in 2008 and 2009 were good, that means their survival should be pretty good.”...

Monty Monty @ The Quicksilver Mine Co

2010-09-29T07:00:00.000-07:00

The Quicksilver Mine Co. presents a one-man exhibition of recent assemblage sculpture by Santa Rosa artist Monty Monty beginning October 1st. This show, Dangerous Toys and other forgotten oddities, continues in the gallery through November 14th. Artist Reception will be held on Saturday, October 2nd from 4—6pm.

P.s. Mentioned in The Press Democrat's "Arts" blog.

September 18, Jake Rochmind/Leah MIller @ Forestville Club

2010-09-17T07:00:00.000-07:00

This Saturday at 9 PM Jake Richmond band will play with Leah Miller at the Forestville Club. Show starts at 9 PM.

Swindle Rig

2010-09-16T06:00:00.000-07:00

The Food section of the LA Times last week had an article about in expensive artisan wines or as they put it

wines that possess an artisan's touch at a fraction of the price you'd pay for their loftier bottlings. Call it the everyday artisanal. Winemakers are taking advantage of the soft market for grapes, or are repurposing fruit left out of more expensive bottlings. Most are working on a shoestring budget, or renting space in other people's wineries, with just themselves or their families employed.

Check out the last paragraph of the piece, because it relates to Forestville:

Swindle Rig: Swindle Rig once was the name of the Sonoma County town, now known as Forestville, where Duncan Arnot Meyers and Nathan Lee Roberts, of the small artisanal winery Arnot-Roberts, are based. They make just two wines for this offshoot brand, a Sauvignon Blanc from 100% Napa Valley fruit, and a rosé of Grenache. Both are fermented with indigenous yeasts in stainless steel tanks and handled minimally. Meyers and Roberts wanted to make a wine that was "crispy" (read: not overripe) and inexpensive. "We wanted to make an easy drinking and low-ish alcohol wine," Meyers says. They sell Swindle Rig for $20 or less. That's for a liter bottle, which gives you an idea of how the wine is meant to be enjoyed — in generous pours, on late-summer afternoons, with friends.

I really liked the photo they picked for their website (which only contanis that, their contact ifo and a two page PDF fle about them and their wines), see below.

Lucky Mojo Curio Co.

2010-09-15T06:00:00.000-07:00

There are three ways to appreciate Lucky Mojo Curio Co. First of all there is the shop at 6632 Covey Road (and online). Second, they actually manufacture a lot the products they sell, which requires special skills, attention and know-how. At this point you may ask what is that they produce and sell. The answer from their website is:

"Lucky Mojo manufactures hoodoo oils, incense, powders, spell kits, and candles. We grow our own herbs and we carry a full line of occult books, amulets, talismans, and religious goods."

This leads me to the third aspects, which makes them unique: the wealth of information you can find no their website, that goes way beyond product description. It wasn't only me who found it fascinating. Last week Catherine Yronwode, the person behind the store and the website, was interviewed for Progressive Radio Network's Expanding Mind program. You can listen and/or download the show from here. You may also want to follow her/the shop Facebook.

Emtu Estate Wines & Labyrinth Foundation for Disaster Relief

2010-09-14T06:00:00.000-07:00

Emtu (Russian River Valley) Estate Wines is an organic winery headquartered in Forestville. They are "Dedicated to organic farming, great wine and improving lives in communities worldwide." This last aspect grabbed my attention and soon learned from their website that the winery's profits go to the Labyrinth Foundation for Disaster Relief. Here is part of the introduction to the Foundation:

The cycles of farming and winemaking have natural periods of decreased activity during the winter months. The grapevines are dormant and the wine is ageing in barrels. This creates an annual opportunity to work wherever we identify a need which matches our skills & where we believe we can make the most difference. The Labyrinth Foundation gives us the freedom to work independently or in cooperation with other aid organizations. The mission is to improve the living conditions of people and communities worldwide. This foundation is funded by the profits of Emtu Estate Wines as well as by grants and donations.

And the philosophy of the winemakers

We believe in the interconnectedness of all things. What we do affects the lives of others and how we farm affects our environment. Since we live within the vineyard, we have developed a heightened sense of awareness to seasonal changes, the fauna and flora essential to creating a vibrant and diverse ecosystem, and of our place within it.
Soil, wind, rain, and sunlight combine to create fruit that morphs into wines of distinction. Wine, work, and commitment combine to create a business model that supports our needs and the needs of communities around the world.

Visit them, purchase their wines or follow the Winery and the Foundation on Facebook

September 14, Fire tax third, final hearing

2010-09-13T05:00:00.000-07:00

The third, final hearing about the property tax raise to cover the budget of the fire department's costs will be on Tuesday, September 14 at 6:00PM. (I posted about the first hearing, the second , and the article in the Press Democrat.) Below you can view the full announcement from the community bulletin board.

Corks and Mosaic by Reuters

2010-09-12T06:00:00.000-07:00

Last week Steve James wrote an article for Reuters, a guide for a mini vacation in our area. The article got picked up by many news outlets and run under the title "Spend a couple days in Calif. wine country" or "48 hours in Sebastopol, California." Here is the section that mentions Forestville:

Aim to visit Russian River Vineyards in nearby Forestville around lunchtime where meals are served in the restaurant, Corks, in an 1890s farmhouse. Try the Wine Country Charcuterie Plate, which including various salami and cheeses or soups and salads. The restaurant serves dinner Thursday through Saturday with dishes from the Pacific Rim, California, New Mexico and Thailand.

7:00 p.m. - After a day of tasting, dinner at Mosaic Restaurant & Wine Lounge at 6675 Front St, Forestville is a must for the discerning palate.

Chef/owner Tai Olesky uses fresh ingredients from local gardens, farms and ranches. The house salad highlights organic baby lettuces, apple, toasted almonds, celery heart and local blue cheese from Point Reyes. The cheese also features on the Coffee Encrusted Filet Mignon along with locally grown mushrooms and a chocolate Cabernet demi-glace.

Needless to say, they serve local Sonoma wines.

Here are some of the places you can read the whole article now, although it will disappear at some of these locations soon.

Recent Random Videos

2010-09-08T06:00:00.000-07:00

Found a few recently uploaded videos on YouTube shot in Forestville. Their quality and content is quite random, but taken together they give you an eclectic shot of the town.

Skateboarding downtown

Baseball in the YouthPark

Relaxing on the river

Amazing Grace, performed by vocalist Jess Foglesong at Mirabel Lodge Residential Care Community

Bergman Euro-National

2010-09-07T07:00:00.000-07:00

Bergman Euro-National is "a wine country real estate brokerage that specializes in vineyards, vineyard land, wineries, estates, residential homes, and investment properties in Napa, Sonoma and Mendocino Counties." The two people running it are John Bergman and David Ashcraft. Their website's contact page shows that they operate locally, hence the mention on this website. I learned about their existence from today's press release announcing that John Bergman joined the "Cambridge Who's Who Network".

Russian River Vineyards discounts

2010-09-06T06:00:00.000-07:00

From the Facebook wall of the Russian River Vineyard:

We have some special discounts for the month of September to celebrate the upcoming harvest: purchase any 6 bottles of our award-winning wines and receive a 10% discount or purchase 12 bottles or more and receive a 20% discount!

The Tasting Room is open from 11:00 to 5:00 daily so come by before this deal, and Summer are over!

September 5, Phat Chance Jazz Ensemble @ Sarah's Forestville Kitchen

2010-09-05T07:00:00.000-07:00

From the blog of Sarah's Forestville Kitchen

Sunday Live Jazz Brunch
The Return of Phat Chance Jazz Ensemble.
They were great last time!

September 4, Third Rail @ Foresvtille Club

2010-09-03T07:00:00.000-07:00

Saturday night the Third Rail band will play at the Forestville Club from 9.30 PM.

Forestville on Facebook

2010-09-02T07:00:00.000-07:00

I started to check what local businesses and organizations are on Facebook. I listed below in alphabetical order what I found so far. In the future I will keep adding to the list on its dedicated webpage here.

September 5, The Jug Dealers @ Forestville Club

2010-09-01T07:00:00.000-07:00

The Jug Dealers (MySpace / Facebook ) will play Sunday night at the Forestville Club. Here is a song from them:

September 2, Back to school night @ El Molino High School

2010-08-31T07:00:00.000-07:00

El Molino High Scool's (Facebook) academic year has started. Thursday is "back to school night". It's program is here. (PDF)

September 4, Pato Banton @ Hollydale

2010-08-30T07:00:00.000-07:00

From the Facebook Wall of the Hollydale Community Club

Taylor Atkins Memorial Scholarship World-Music Fundraiser, featuring Reggae Singer and toaster from Birmingham England, the incomparable PATO BANTON brings his show to the Hollydale Clubhouse, one week after playing the IRIEfest on the Queen Mary in Long Beach.

We are privileged to welcome this positive, in the light o...f Jah, Grammy nominated musician.
Local favorite, The Dirty Dub Band opens the show during the dinner hour.
Pre-sale (only) Dinner/Show Tickets @ $25. eac.
Mail your check to the Clubhouse at P.O. Box 215 Forestville, CA 95436
Order early as we only have a limited number of tickets available for this great show.
Doors open @ 5:00PM - Dinner @ 6:00 - Pato @ 8:00

Sarah's Silks

2010-08-27T07:00:00.000-07:00

At yesterday's expo I bought a little dragonfly the table of Sarah's Silks. Today I checked this website to larean more about the company. I liked what I saw:

At Sarah's Silks we believe in the magic of creative play!
Our playsilks, dress-ups, canopies, and playthings are natural fiber toys that stimulate a child’s imagination, and capture the magical soul that lives in young children.

They are also all over the social web, having a Facebook page a Twitter account and a blog. Yuo can buy their products at these online and offline retailers.

August 29, Mike Emerson Project @ Sarah's Forestville Kitchen

2010-08-26T07:00:00.000-07:00

Sunday Jazz Brunch at Sarah's Forestville Kitchen features a return by the Mike Emerson Project.

Aioli review in Press Democrat

2010-08-25T07:00:00.000-07:00

In the Sunday issue of the Press Democrat Aioli Delicatessen (Facebook profile) was picked as the top fish taco place. Heather Irwin wrote:

Top Pick: Fancy Fishies at Aioli Delicatessen (Fridays only): Autumn Barber is a fish-frying fool come Friday. On the menu just once a week, her wild rock cod fish tacos are dunked in Fat Tire beer batter spiced with coriander and cayenne, fried to a crispy crunch and served up with chipotle lime sour cream, pico de gallo and lemon oil- dressed cabbage. In a red plastic basket, mind you, so as not to get all highfalutin'. Worth the drive to Forestville, truly. Just be patient, because there's usually a line, starting at noon. 6536 Front St., Forestville, 887-2476.

August 26, Town social and business expo @ downtown

2010-08-24T07:00:00.000-07:00

Don't forget the expo Thursday afternoon.

Forestville in the Press Democrat last week

2010-08-23T07:00:00.000-07:00

Forestvill was mentioned four times last week in the Press Democrat:

First, I want to quote the obituary of Harry H. Minnich:

Harry H. Minnich was passionate about genealogy and history, and for years enjoyed gathering regularly with friends for coffee in Sebastopol. Minnich, a resident of Sonoma County for 32 years, died Saturday at his home near Sebastopol. He was 69 and died of complications due to emphysema. For more than a dozen years he regularly had his morning coffee at an outside table at Carr’s Drive In in Forestville.

The report of Outside Lands festival in San Francisco mentioned:

About 25 wineries — mostly from Napa and Sonoma counties — will be pouring 75 wines in an area organizers have dubbed Wine Lands. Concertgoers will have many options — syrah, pinot grigio, fumé blanc, zinfandel and others. Iron Horse Winery in Forestville will be pairing its sparkling wines with oysters.

The description of the Gravenstein Apple Fair started off this way:

Thomas Palmertree, a 37-year-old food service worker from Forestville, had a simple but surefire plan for winning the adult category of the apple sauce-eating contest Saturday at the Gravenstein Apple Fair in Sebastopol.

Finally, the weekly roundup of events included this note:

Shone Farm in Forestville has launched a farm stand that is open from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursdays at Traverso's Market in Fountaingrove Village. The Forestville farm, which is run by Santa Rosa Junior College, also offers a CSA, or community-supported-agriculture, subscription. Traverso's also sells the wine made from Shone Farm grapes. Traverso's is located at 2097 Stagecoach Road.

August 26, The Hot Frittatas @ Off the Track Cafe

2010-08-22T07:00:00.000-07:00

The Hot Frittatas are playing again at the Off the Track Cafe Thursday night. (They played there July 8)

Augut 21, Eric Lindell @ Forestville Club

2010-08-20T07:00:00.000-07:00

Eric Lindell will play at the Forestville Club Saturday night. Here is a poster of an older show at the same location:

Lactose free yogurt from Redwood Hill Farm & Creamery

2010-08-19T07:00:00.000-07:00

Tuesday Redwood Hill Farm & Creamery announced on Facebook their new lactose free line of yogurts under the Green Valley Organics label. They built a whole new website for it too: greenvalleylactosefree.com. Besides the plain variety it comes in honey, blueberry, vanilla and strawberry flavors.

August 21, artist reception @ The Quicksilver Mine Co

2010-08-18T07:00:00.000-07:00

The Quicksilver Mine Co. will present a one man exhibition of recent drawings and prints by Santa Rosa artist William Smith beginning August 20th.

One Across the Bow, continues in the gallery through September 26th.

An artist reception for Smith will be held on Saturday August 21st from 4—6pm.

Smith's drawings (and many of the prints) often take form as a cover on his work surface: doodles, marks, spills, stains and notes. A menagerie of comically grotesque and cartoon-like characters follows, archetypes for various moods, emotions and actions, almost suggestive of large pages torn from his artist journal.

August 28, Horseshoe Pitching Tournament

2010-08-16T07:00:00.000-07:00

Forestville's Tenth Annual Horseshoe Pitching Tournament will be on August 28. All the information about it is on the flyer shown below. Except I removed the name, address and phone number of the people who host it. It is at a private home. If you are local you can find the flyer at all the downtown shops and the community bulletin board, so you can easily RSVP. If you are not local then why would you need to know it.

August 15, Eri and Jim @ Sarah's Forestville Kitchen

2010-08-15T07:52:00.001-07:00

From the blog of Sarah's Forestville Kitchen

This week we have new Jazz ensemble.
Eric and Jim and maybe one or two more,
Will entertain the assembled from 10 to 2.
Come enjoy our Arctic Summer under the Tulip Tree.

Oh and we have Multi-Grain Pancakes to settle many requests. as well as Mimosas and Bellinis ;-)

August 15, Food for Thought auction (in Sebastopol)

2010-08-15T07:00:00.000-07:00

On Sunday Food for Thought* will have is annual auction in Sebastopol's Pellini Building. More information, including the listing of the items up for auction is here.

* Food for Thought "offers comprehensive nutritional services to more than 635 individuals living with HIV/AIDS in Sonoma County." They are located at 6550 Railroad Ave., between First and Forestville Streets.

August 12, The Bodie Travelers @ Off the Track Cafe

2010-08-12T17:00:00.000-07:00

The Bodie Travelers are playing tonight at the Off the Track Cafe at 7 PM.
From their website:

The Bodie Travelers, featuring Stacy Keith and Mark Catrambone, blend seamless harmonies, signature picking styles, and soulful harps, to deliver, award wining originals, traditional and selectively hand picked tunes.

Forestville school board race

2010-08-12T07:00:00.000-07:00

Based on this Press Democrat article.

The deadline for getting on the November ballot was extended to 5 p.m. Wednesday in 21 districts around Sonoma County because incumbents did not opt to run for re-election by last Friday....

In Forestville, Gaylynne Castleberry Sword will take on incumbent Ron Abler, as well as consultant Mat Barnes, attorney Max Broome and parent Mary Ellen Palmer.

Here are pages for the candidates:

Gaylynne Castleberry Sword: Her own home page (with a blog)
Ron Abler: Information from the last school board election
Mate Barnes: On LinkedIn.com
Max Broom: The "about" page of his website
Mary Ellen Palmer: The treasurer of the Forestville Education Foundation

Forestville school bond on the November ballot

2010-08-11T07:00:00.000-07:00

Excerpts from an article by Kerry Benefield in the Press Democrat:

Seven Sonoma County school districts will ask their voters in November to support a total of more than $127 million in construction and maintenance projects, with solar installations dominating the wish lists...
Solar projects also are included in the construction list in five other districts... Forestville did not include solar in its $5.1 million bond...
In Forestville, a survey found voter support for a general obligation bond that would pay for classroom improvements, playground upgrades and other projects.
But there was not enough support to pass a two-thirds threshold needed to raise taxes for expenses, Superintendent Bob Borbe said.
“We did survey our community, and our community overwhelmingly said they would support a bond issue,” he said. “We also asked them if they would support a parcel tax and they said, ‘No.'"

Forestville in Social Media

2010-08-10T09:00:00.000-07:00

Some social media sites are easier to search by locations others are harder. I tried to locate people/items related to our town, and as there are several other Forestvilles in the US I searched for "Forestville, CA". Here are some results.

On Flickr as of now there are 511 hits if you search for the tags.Vast majority of them is of students of a school by "El Domo." If you search Flickr directly for location, based on the geotags of the images, you get 328 results. These you can sort by "recent" or "interesting."
You can search Twitter's content and you may get a few results. Right now only 6, all from the last four days, including two about the band that played last weekend in the Forestville Club, a musician who will play this week and a real estate and a shipping update and the Farmhouse Inn's competition ending. When you search for users you will only get entities who had put "forestville" in their username. All four of them, including this blog's, a dead account, a non-California account and account that belongs to a site, that contains automatic feeds that may or may not be about Forestville, CA.
On Facebook the first results is the automatic page they had put up a few weeks ago. You can find people who put our town as their location or hometown in their profile by following this link, but"only" th first 500 will show up. You can search pages , groups and events too.

Theer are many more social media sites, of course, but wanted to start with three big one.

PD: Herbalist & Motor home accident

2010-08-09T07:00:00.000-07:00

There were two articles last week in the Press Democrat, both in the Friday, August 6 issue, with local, Forestville connections. One of them, under the title "Motor home plunges down bank, lands in river", was about what happened after:

A 25-foot motor home rolled off its blocks Friday and plunged into the Russian River with a woman and dog inside, the CHP said.

The woman suffered minor injuries in the accident at Riverbend RV Resort & Campground, west of Mirabel Road in Forestville, CHP Sgt. Mike Brown said.

The other article, "Herbalists go native", was about herbs, herbalists, herbalism and a profile of the California School of Herbal Studies. Here is a short excerpt.

Tucked into snug Pocket Canyon 2 miles west of Forestville, the 31-year-old school offers one-day and weekend classes, as well as short- and long-term courses in various aspects of herbalism.

It was founded in the late 1970s by Rosemary Gladstar, often regarded as “The Mother of Herbalism.” She has written many books on the topic, including “Rosemary Gladstar's Herbal Recipes for Vibrant Health” (Storey Publishing, 2008).

Gladstar moved to Vermont in the early 1990s to found Sage Mountain Herbs. She also founded United Plant Savers, which aims to protect native medicinal plants of the United States and Canada.

August 8, Jim & Ron Jazz Duo @ Sarah's Forestville Kitchen

2010-08-08T07:00:00.000-07:00

Today the Jim & Ron Jazz Duo will play during brunch at Sarah's Forestville Kitchen. Just for the record, last Sunday the Phat Chance Jazz Quartet played.

Videos of Boo Radley's House & Over the Falls @ Forestville Club on July 23

2010-08-06T08:38:00.000-07:00

California Artisan Cheese Guild video

2010-08-05T06:00:00.000-07:00

Cheese Chick's CheeseTV posted a video last week about the California Artisan Cheese Guild's story. Jennifer Bice, the Guild's president was prominently featured in it. She is the owner of the local Redwood Hill Farm.

August 18, blood drive @ fire station

2010-08-04T08:22:00.001-07:00

According to the sign at the Fire station they will have a blood drive there on August 18 between 3 and 6 PM.

School in August

2010-08-03T06:50:00.000-07:00

The School has a updated sign and an updated web calendar.

The short version:
Back to School Celebration & BBQ - Saturday, August 14 from 11:00 - 2:00
School begins on Wednesday, August 18

August 14, NY Steak BBQ @ Hollydale

2010-08-02T07:00:00.000-07:00

Hollydale Community Club posted two signs around town about their upcming NY Steak BBQ on the 14th:

Mirabel Park pictures

2010-08-01T07:00:00.000-07:00

Last week Mirabel Park posted a series of pictures on is Facebook page. You can view them , eve if yuo are not on Facebook. Here is my favorite:

July 31, Tempus Fury & Black Zeppelin @ Forestville Club

2010-07-30T07:00:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow, July 31 Black Zeppelin And Tempus Fury will play at the Forestville Club all the great 70'S-80's rock bands. Black Zeppelin covers Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, ... and Tempus Fury covers covers Guns And Roses, Scorpions ...
Doors at 8, Show at 9, cover $7:

Forestville Fire Protection District asks voters to raise property taxes

2010-07-29T19:00:00.000-07:00

From the Press Democrat:

By BOB NORBERG

Published: Thursday, July 29, 2010 at 4:39 p.m.
Last Modified: Thursday, July 29, 2010 at 4:39 p.m.
The Forestville Fire Protection District will be asking voters in November to approve a $75 parcel tax to cover budget shortfalls, purchase new equipment and repair its station.

The tax would be levied on any parcel with a home or business, but not on bare land, according to Fire Chief Dan Northern.
The district, which covers 25 square miles, has six full-time firefighters and 31 volunteers.
The annual budget this past year was $1.1 million, with a shortfall of $25,000.
Northern, who was reduced to half-time in a cost-cutting measure this month, said the budget for the 2010-2011 year is expected to be slightly more.
The parcel tax would raise $198,000. It requires a two-thirds vote for approval.
It would be in addition to the existing parcel tax, which raises $128,000 a year. Under that tax, a homeowner pays $40 a year.
The district generates most of its revenues from property taxes, which total almost $870,000.

July 31, Annual Pancake Breakfast/Rummage Sale @ Hollydale Community Club

2010-07-29T08:00:00.000-07:00

The Hollydale Community Club needs more donations for its annual rummage sale. Just drop of a box of stuff at their location. The rummage sale and pancake breakfast is coming up this Saturday from 9 AM to 2 PM.

About wine judges

2010-07-28T08:00:00.000-07:00

In a Contra Costa Times article about the new generation of wine judges a Forestville person was quoted:

"They (the judges) seemed to be looking for juicy, thirst-quenching examples," says Burrows, who works for Forestville's Farmhouse Inn and consults at Boot & Shoe Service in Oakland, where he lives. Burrows, 35, started judging in his mid-20s at the Concours Generale d'Agriculture wine competition in Paris.

"Millennials are risk takers who understand that without trying something new by experimenting and listening to advice, we will always be drinking the same overpriced, 94-point cabernet sauvignon from Napa Valley," he says.

Mosaic restaurant on Facebook

2010-07-26T08:00:00.000-07:00

Mosaic Restaurant has a Facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/MosaicRestaurant

The 500th fan (or in more modern terminology the 500th person who will "like" it) will win a free meal. I was the the 370th, so they are getting close.

July 25, Tulip Trio @ Sarah's Forestville Kitchen

2010-07-25T07:00:00.000-07:00

Today the Tulip Trio will provide live music for brunch at Sarah's Forestville Kitchen.

Concert flyers for the Forestville Club

2010-07-23T06:00:00.000-07:00

Here is the flyer for tonight's show: Boo Radley's House, Over the Falls, Echodyne:

While am at it I also post two flyers for recent previous shows. (The Patchwork Orange/Floydian Slip and Lesser Dog/The Invalidus/Celestial Darkside):

Review and picture of Sarahs' Forestville Kitchen

2010-07-22T07:00:00.000-07:00

Sarahs' Forestville Kitchen posted a picture on its blog of Kristen Galye Jazz Ensemble playing at their July 18 brunch and a brand new and rather positive review of them at BiteClub. Two important data points from the review: in the coming weeks the restaurant will be open in the evenings and they only take cash yet.

July 22, Chamber Mixer @ Off the Track Cafe

2010-07-21T07:00:00.000-07:00

From the Chamber of Commerce website's event listing:

Come mingle and network with your fellow local business owners. Appetizers and beverages will be provided. Bring plenty of business cards!

When: 5:00-7:00pm
Where: Off The Track Cafe, 6544 Front St., Forestville
More info: (707) 887-1400

Videos of the 2010 Forestville Youth Park Parade - June 5, 2010

2010-07-20T08:00:00.000-07:00

I shot and edited the next two.

July 31, Annual Pancake Breakfast/Rummage Sale @ Hollydale Community Club

2010-07-19T08:00:00.000-07:00

Hollydale Community Club posted this announcement no Facebook:

Hollydale annual Pancake Breakfast/Rummage Sale on the last Saturday of this month, July 31st from 9:00AM until 2:00PM...one day only this year...We really need help from all the Club members and facebook fans by donating sellable goods and rummage items to make this a success. Donations accepted after 7/18 at the Club...house...please leave donated items on deck or in front entryway...or call 887-0330 for pickup.

July 20, Public hearing @ Forestville Fire Station

2010-07-19T07:00:00.000-07:00

The second public hearing about the new fire tax will be on July 20 6 PM at the fire station.

Details on Facebook

July 18, Kristen Gayle @ Sarah's Forestville Kitchen

2010-07-17T13:00:00.000-07:00

Sarah's Forestville Kitchen is looking for a band or musician to play tomorrow. This is what they posted on their blog.

Well, we've had our first Band Cancellation.
We're scrambling to find somebody for tomorrow, Sunday, July 18th.
Do you know a Jazz Ensemble?
Or a BlueGrass DooHa?
Maybe you are one?
Let us know!
We're always looking for Reliable Musicians;-)
Email us at forestvillekitchen'at'gmail.com

Come on down Sunday, we'll find somebody to play, or Greg will get out his Harmonica;-)

UPDATE:
"We've got Kristen Gayle to preform on Sunday, July 18th!"

July 17, Poyntlyss Sistars @ Forestville Club

2010-07-16T07:00:00.000-07:00

The Poyntlyss Sistars say on their website for their upcoming show at the Forestville Club

9 p.m.
$7
Description: Dancing Fun for Everyone @ the Forestville Club! Great acoustics and affordable drinks!
Date: Saturday, July 17, 2010

Here is a picture of them playing at the club in the past.

July 16, Fryed Brothers Band @ Forestville Club

2010-07-15T07:00:00.000-07:00

From the Fryed Brothers Band's website for July 16:

Come party with the Fryed Brothers Band. Large dance floor and pool tables. Music starts at 9:00 PM.

Cost: $10.00

The Mural at the Pharmacy

2010-07-14T07:00:00.000-07:00

Earlier the summer Rosa Halady finished the mural showing downtown Forestville and the neighborhood. The Chamber of Commerce had a mixer in front of it June 24. Here is a shot of the mural itself. Click it for large version. Better yet check it out in person.

July 11, Mike Emerson @ Sarah's Forestville Kitchen

2010-07-13T07:55:00.001-07:00

I missed posting this in advance, but I still want to post both as a historic record and as a recommendation to follow the blog of Sarah's Forestville Kitchen. This is a copy of their post from the 10th:

Great news!
We've booked Mike Emerson to play again for Brunch this Sunday, July 11th.
http://www.myspace.com/mikeemersonkeys

These guys were fantastic two weeks ago.
Come on down and enjoy the Music and the Shade under the Tulip Tree.

July 23, Boo Radley's House, Echodyne, Over the Falls @ Forestville Club

2010-07-13T07:49:00.000-07:00

On July 23 three bands will play in the Forestville Club, starting 9 PM:

July 22, Summer Fun Carnival @ Forestville Youth Park

2010-07-12T07:00:00.000-07:00

The River to Coast Children's Services is organizing a a Summer Fun Carnival at the Forestville Youth Park for July 22 between 10 AM and noon. Here is the flyer of what to expect:

Around Forestville in the Sonoma County Gazette

2010-07-11T07:40:00.000-07:00

The Sonoma County Gazette has a column titled Around Forestville, written by Gaylynne Sword. You can get the paper edition throughout the county, or read it online. Each issue is available as a single big PDF file or page by page. This later option enabled me to cull the pages with the Around Forestville column. Here are the recent issues, starting with the current one that just came out last week.

2010

2009

July 13, Public hearing at the Forestville Fire Station

2010-07-09T13:00:00.000-07:00

There will be a public hearing at the Forestville Fire Station July 13, Tuesday at 6 PM for the "purpose of review and hearing public comment on the re-assessment of certain parcels for the tax year 2010-2011."

Details on Facebook

Steelhead Beach booth

2010-07-09T11:59:00.000-07:00

Steelhead Beach Park is getting a toll booth:

July 10, Pam Selvaraj, Frame of Mind

2010-07-09T07:32:00.001-07:00

Pam Selvaraj's show, titled "It's Genetic," will run July through August at the Frame of Mind. The artist reception is July 10 from 4 to 6 PM. Read a profile of the artist in the Sonoma County Gazette.

July 10, Hollydale Rubbed Ribs and Chicken BBQ

2010-07-08T07:27:00.000-07:00

Based on the Chamber of Commerce calendar of events:
Hollydale Rubbed Ribs and Chicken BBQ
Hosted by Earl Stephens and friends, featuring Randy’s rubbed Pork Ribs, Marinated Chicken, Home-made Potato Salad, Garlic Bread and dessert. After this summer evening meal we will be rockin’ to Peggy Day & the Gypsy Knights.
When: Dinner at 6pm, Gypsy Rock at 8pm
Where: Hollydale Community Club, 10250 Field Lane, Forestville

Here is a song of the band:

July 8, The Hot Frittatas, Off The Track Cafe

2010-07-07T07:10:00.000-07:00

On July 8 The Hot Frittatas plays at the Off The Track Cafe.

July 3, Lesser Dog, Forestville Club

2010-07-06T07:07:00.000-07:00

On July 3 Lesser Dog played at the Forestville Club. Here is one of their song from another venue.

July 2, Patchwork Orange, Forestville Club

2010-07-05T07:01:00.000-07:00

On July 2 The Patchwork Orange played a show at the Forestville Club.