🌱 'Chain Reaction' Crash On 101 + Michelin Honors + Stop Sign Art

Hello, friends! It's me, Simone, your host of the Healdsburg Patch newsletter — back in your inbox with all the most important things happening in town these days. This issue of the newsletter includes updates on:

• Four crashes in a row on the 101 through Healdsburg last night
• Which local restaurants have been blessed by Michelin this year
• The death of a local tree-service entrepreneur
• Some creative new items on the menu at Costeaux, now that Campo Fina's former chef is in charge
• Much more...

Today's newsletter is sponsored in part by Stacey Bernd, Realtor with Healdsburg Sotheby's. Residential property owners — Looking to rent your space? Stacey Bernd at Artisan Property Management can help match you to your perfect tenant. Contact Stacey today.

Now, your local weather:

• Thursday: Some haze in the morning, turning to sun. High: 97 Low: 54.
• Friday: Same deal, but hotter. High: 102 Low: 53.
• Saturday: Mix of sun and clouds. High: 100 Low: 57.

Air over Healdsburg:

Here are the top 5 stories today in Healdsburg:

1. There was a series of chain-reaction crashes near the Dry Creek Road exit of the 101 last night that sent five people to the hospital and shut down the northbound side of the freeway for around an hour and a half, according to the Press Democrat. All of the people injured, including one who was "airlifted from the scene," were reportedly in the same car — a "red or burgundy vehicle that was destroyed" in the crash. Here's what happened, via the PD: "The chain reaction began with a collision in the southbound lanes around 6 p.m., a CHP officer told a Press Democrat reporter at the scene Wednesday night. Northbound drivers slowed down to see the activity in the opposite lanes and this led to a rear-end collision in the northbound lanes. That was followed by a third collision involving the victims, who were in the northbound lanes. That was followed by a fourth collision. ... According to the CHP, three victims suffered major injuries and at least one of them may have been unconscious when authorities arrived. Three vehicles involved in the series of collisions are described as a Chevrolet Tahoe, Nissan Rogue and a pickup. Northbound traffic was diverted onto Dry Creek Road. Caltrans said northbound traffic was backed up to just north of the Healdsburg Avenue off-ramp for the duration of the incident." CHP officials say they started to reopen the freeway around 7:30 p.m. (Facebook Groups & Facebook Groups & Sonoma County Scanner Updates via Facebook & Press Democrat; paywall)
2. The Michelin Guide just handed out its stars for 2023 — and while there aren't any new stars for Healdsburg restaurants, it looks like a few local establishments did get the (slightly lesser) honor of being listed in this year's Michelin Guide. Troubadour, Valette, Dry Creek Kitchen, The Matheson and The Madrona are all listed. Chalkboard also gets a "Bib Gourmand" award, which is Michelin's nod to restaurants where you can get “good food at a moderate price.” Meanwhile, Barndiva retains its one star and SingleThread retains its three stars (plus its "green star" for sustainability). In addition: Michelin has named John Schafer, director of operations at SingleThread, the "2023 MICHELIN Guide California Service Award Winner." Here's why, according to the folks at Michelin: "The Healdsburg staple is known for their innovative farm-to-table approach — you can check out more of that here — but they also lead the way in terms of guest hospitality. Each touchpoint of the dining experience is thoughtfully poured over, but one aspect that ups the ante on a typical night out, is the service." Also worth noting that up in Geyserville, Cyrus retains its one star and the Diavola pizzeria is listed in the guide. (Michelin Guide & Michelin Guide & Shop Local Healdsburg via Instagram & Sonoma Magazine)

3. Healdsburg resident Virgil "JR" Cowan, founder of Cowans Healdsburg Tree Service, has passed away in his early 80s. He died "peacefully at home," his obituary says, "sitting on his back patio enjoying the view of his property." Here's a bit of his life story: "Work was JR's middle name. He started at a young age working for Idaco, which became Boise Cascade and then RJW. After his daily job, he would cut and deliver firewood, which eventually developed into Cowans Healdsburg Tree Service. Cowan Healdsburg Tree Service was built on JR's outgoing personality, respect for all people and his desire to help anyone in need. JR was so proud of his son Bill Chaney for taking over the business and continuing with the dedication and respect that JR had established. JR was known for being one of the most generous human beings and was always offering help to all. [JR] was known by all for his wit and valued treasures that he collected from his tree jobs throughout the years. He had a love for hunting and spending time at his cabin up at the Geysers." His family plans to hold a celebration of life for him at Johnson's Alexander Valley Wines on the afternoon of Sunday, Aug. 6. (Legacy.com)
4. The Press Democrat just checked in on former Campo Fina chef Jorge Flores, a true local success story who's now running the kitchen at Costeaux French Bakery downtown. The bakery is celebrating its 100th anniversary in Healdsburg this year. Here are some of the new items Jorge has added to the menu, according to the PD: "The 330 Center Street sandwich, a fried pork tenderloin on a soft roll, is a reference to Campo Fina’s address while incorporating a pork cutlet that was on its menu. And Flores adapted Campo Fina’s popular crispy fingerling potatoes into a breakfast dish topped with chorizo, chipotle aioli and poached eggs. The most personal to Flores, though, is Vicky’s chicken salad at Costeaux, made with achiote-marinated chicken served on a bed of greens with a citrus vinaigrette. At Campo Fina, it was known as the Katina Salad. 'The chicken comes from when my daughter was expected. We had a baby shower and Ari (Rosen) from Campo Fina came and tried it and said, ‘Wow, that needs to be on the menu!’' Flores said. 'But since I created that chicken, I decided to name it the Vicky Salad.' ... [Will Seppi, president and CEO of Costeaux,] said Flores’ breakfast burger, a beef patty topped with spinach, cheddar and sunny-side-up egg on a Costeaux English muffin, is hands-down his favorite. 'He has an arsenal of our baked goods at his disposal that have been fun and creative for him,' Seppi said. Flores uses the bakery’s popular cinnamon walnut bread as a base for both French toast and a Monte Cristo. He gives the ubiquitous avocado toast his own twist with the addition of pepitas and pickled onions." (Corazón Healdsburg via Facebook & Press Democrat; paywall)
5. Healdsburg city leaders say they've decided to put $50,000 toward bringing to life eight new local art projects proposed around town. According to Mayor Ariel Kelley: "This is the first of many steps in implementing our Arts and Culture Master Plan. Next up at our August meeting, we’ll be having a conversation about forming an Arts Commission." One of the projects getting funded is called "Adopt-a-Stop," the mayor says. It's reportedly a collaboration between the Marce Becerra Academy at Healdsburg High School and well-known local artist Jendala. Basically the plan is to replace one of the stop sign poles at the intersection of Plaza and Center streets with a more "sculptural version." You can see a sketch of what they're thinking on the mayor's Facebook page. (Healdsburg Mayor Ariel Kelley via Facebook)

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Healdsburg pics of the day, summer garden edition:

Note from Simone: I love to feature great local pics in the newsletter! If you have one to share, you can submit it here for consideration. Please just confirm in your email that you took any photos you're sending, and that Patch has permission to republish them. Many thanks 📸

Coming up in Healdsburg:

Thursday, July 20

• Safari Encounters at the Healdsburg Library: "Wild Encounter With a Rescued Snake, Hedgehog, Alligator, Armadillo & Skunk" (11AM-12PM)
• New Exhibit Opening at the Healdsburg Museum: “We Are Not Strangers Here: African-American Histories in California and Healdsburg” (July 20-Nov. 19, Wednesdays-Sundays, 11AM-4PM)
• New Exhibit Opening at the Healdsburg Center for the Arts: “Bounty" (July 20-Sept. 3, Wednesdays-Mondays, 11AM-5PM)
• Social Services Fair at the Healdsburg Library (3PM)
• "Summery Discovery Series" at Oakville WIne Merchant: Wine Tasting of Varietals Like Vermentino, Godello, Melon & Fiano, Plus Cheese & Charcuterie (5-6PM)
• Trivia Night at the Fogbelt Station Beer Garden (Weekly, 6PM)
• Healdsburg Prune Packers Play Home Game Vs. Lincoln Potters at Rec Park (6PM)
• Songwriters in Paradise Festival: “In the Round" Songwriting & Storytelling Performances at Ru's Farm, Bricoleur & La Crema (July 19-22, 7PM)
• Karaoke Night at Coyote Sonoma (Weekly, 7-1oPM)
• Psych-Folk Musician Connor McLaren Live at Little Saint (7-10PM)

Friday, July 21

• U.S. Postal Service Hosts Job Fair at the Healdsburg Post Office (Weekly, 10AM-2PM)
• "Friday Flicks" at the Healdsburg Library: Family-Friendly Movie Screening (1PM)
• Adam Lieb Live at Davis Family Vineyards (3PM)
• Healdsburg Running Company Hosts Kids Run to Amy's Wicked Slush (5PM)
• Johnny Fontano Jazz Trio Performs at Furthermore Wines (5PM)
• Youngblood & Company Live at Hudson Street Wineries (5-8PM)
• Healdsburg Prune Packers Play Home Game Vs. SF Seals at Rec Park (6PM)
• SOLD OUT: Guitarist Leo Kottke Live at the Raven Theater (8PM)
• Standup Comedy Night at Coyote Sonoma , Featuring Comics Jesse Fernandez, Marcus Williams & Jeanette Marin (8PM)
• Jacob Benning Performs "Music for Romantics" at the Elephant in the Room (8-11PM)

Saturday, July 22

• Giro Vigneti Healdsburg Bike Tour Starting at Mill District (6:30AM)
• Healdsburg Farmers Market in the West Plaza Parking Lot (8:30AM-12PM)
• Read to a Dog at the Healdsburg Library (11AM)
• Healdsburg Museum Hosts "History Talks" in the Plaza (Weekly, 11AM-2PM)
• Tarweed Live at Davis Family Vineyards (3PM)
• The Roustabout Theater Apprentice Program Performs "Grease" at the Luther Burbank Center (3PM & 7:30PM)
• The Veraison Project Hosts "Cookout at the Vineyard" at Silver Oak Cellars, a "Safe Space to Connect BIPOC Wine Enthusiasts With One Another" (3-9PM)
• Rainbow Jazz Collective Live at Furthermore Wines (5-8PM)
• Healdsburg Prune Packers Play Home Game Vs. Solano Mudcats at Rec Park (6PM)
• "Starlight Supper" Dinner Party at the Jordan Winery Chateau, Benefitting Cleft-Focused Org Smile Train (6:30-9:30PM)
• Blues Band Deja Blue Live at Coyote Sonoma (8-11PM)
• Terry Hanck Live at the Elephant in the Room (8-11PM)

From my notebook:

• A close friend of mine is looking for a room to rent in Healdsburg from August through October, ideally for under $1,500 per month. Please let me know if you've got any leads! 💙
• Officials at our local Cal Fire branch say there was a big 25 percent drop in moisture levels "in vegetation across the landscape" from June to July. They warn: "Summer in California = wildfire risk. We urge for public awareness & prevention." (CAL FIRE Sonoma-Lake-Napa Unit via Facebook)
• A bunch of new pets recently went up for adoption at the Healdsburg animal shelter — including a batch of black kittens, a couple of older cats, four Guinea pigs and an adorable little brown dog named Bruno. (Healdsburg Patch)
• Vogue magazine just published an elaborate guide to Healdsburg for the fancy set. (Vogue & Nextdoor)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• Petaluma Music Festival (July 29)
• East Bay Wine & Whimsy: Harry Potter Day (July 30)
• Add your event

You're all caught up for today. I'll see you soon!

— Simone Wilson

About me: I was born and raised in Healdsburg, CA, where I was the editor of the Healdsburg High School Hound's Bark. I have since worked as a local journalist for publications in San Diego, Los Angeles, New York City and the Middle East. I'm currently a senior product manager for Patch.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Healdsburg Patch newsletter? Contact me at [email protected]