Southern Sonoma Country Life

Big Sur's Deetjen's Inn Dealt a Double Blow Following Last Year's Wildfire — An Emergency Closure Due to Winter Storms

Regular readers may recall my popular post last fall on my memorable stay at historic Deetjen's Big Sur Inn. I'm so saddened to learn of an emergency proclamation for Big Sur following this winter's storms. 

For the first time in the inn's history, it is  reaching out to friends and clientele who appreciate its beauty, warmth and hospitality as well as its cultural value to California coastal history. Deetjen's is in serious need.

"Last summer the 134,000 acre Soberanes fire almost caused Deetjen’s to close full scale operations," states the non-profit inn's management. "Deetjens remained open primarily as a service to the community and also to serve those few intrepid guests who chose to visit. That was a major shock operationally but one from which we expected a full recovery. Unfortunately, the winter’s rains shut down all access from the south and, as can be seen in (this) photo, severely damaged our property, totally destroying Creek House (a duplex unit), Stokes and Faraway cabins as well as compromising many other historic structures and all the internal roadways.  The coup de grace was the compromised structural integrity and consequent closing of the Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge on Highway 1 to the north. This closure dictated we close completely, a result shared with our neighbors Nepenthe, Ventana and the Post Ranch Inn and devastating to the families who depended on this work for their sustenance."

Deetken's intends to retain a skeleton staff for the anticipated 4-5 month closure and in order to do so it badly needs support. A consequence of its not for profit mission to provide an affordable Big Sur experience has been that it does not have large financial reserves. If you've stayed at and enjoyed Deetjen's in the past, a donation of any amount will be greatly appreciated. 

Deetjen's is a 501c3 nonprofit organization and as such any donation should be deductible by you on your tax returns. Click here for donations which may be made by credit card, Pay Pal or check which will be acknowledged appropriately.

Any questions should be addressed to Doris Jolicoeur at 831-667-3219 or Jeanne Crowley at jeanne@deetjens.com.

Deetjen’s Big Sur Inn Preservation Foundation Inc.

Second Annual History Trails Walk — Take a Trip Back in Time with Petalumans of Yesteryear, April 23rd, 2017

Photo: Petalumans of Yesteryear/Petaluma Historic Library & Museum

Curious to learn more about Petaluma's storied past? Join the Petalumans of Yesteryear for the second annual History Trails walk through historic downtown, Sunday April 23rd, 2017. 

This fun and super informative, moderate stroll is one to one-and-a-half hours in duration, depending on the banter and response amongst walkers hearing true tales from the city's Victoria era that range from sad to funny, to downright bawdry.

Meet local luminaries Clara McNear, Isaac Wickersham, Addie Atwater, William Howard Pepper, Lyman Byce and others, as they point out many historic points of interest along the way.  

Meet at the Balshaw Pedestrian Bridge by Waterstreet Bistro at the Petaluma River, on Western Ave at 12.50 pm. Cost is $20 general, $15 for museum members and those over 62. The walk is limited to 20 people, so it's a good idea to buy tickets ahead of time so as not to be disappointed.  

Light refreshments will be served at the end of the walk in the museum's garden court. Don't forget sunscreen and water and do wear a good pair of walking shoes. 

Click here for tix. 

 

Reading With Friends — A Rare Evening With An Inspiring Men's BookGroup

Photos via Pinterest Not of Actual Book Group but Intended to Inspire! 

When a recent invitation arrived to attend a men's book group about to meet to discuss my first book (the groups most recent read), I have to say I was a little taken aback. I didn't know of another men's book group. I'm sure there are plenty, especially in academic circles, but none of the guys I know had ever mentioned being in one.

What was even more impressive to me, was the news that this particular men's book group has been gathering on a monthly basis for the past 23 years. Pete, the group's  gracious host, who'd picked Fog Valley Crush as their first read of the year, shared with me a super-efficiently compiled PDF list of every single book they'd read over the past two decades and more. 

We're talking Allende, Boyle, Bradbury and Bryson, Kerouac, Hillenbrand, Maupin, McCarthy and Moore, Pollan, Stegner, Patti Smith. . .  I've read many of these lauded authors myself, but this list of all book group lists gave me considerable pause for thought.

How not to be intimidated as a first time author?! Oh well, in for a penny, in for a pound. If you're in print, you owe it to your efforts to represent and so, represent I did. 

I was happy that this Southern SoCo book group of some renown (long since closed to new members) were old friends and mostly neighbors within walking distance of host-of-the-month's charming West Petaluma home. This meant a short jaunt down the hill for me and if they hated my book, I'd be able to bolt home, mortified, in minutes. 

To my relief, the format for this particular group's gatherings was set in stone (or on paper at least) many moons ago. And so a remarkably orderly round-robin unfolded before my eyes (and ears), seated around Pete's dining table for a deeply insightful two hour discussion into the making, mechanics, meaning and cultural mood of my book.   

 

There was some constructive criticism, which I appreciate as a writer working to improve my craft. But mostly, I was moved by this warm and friendly, smart and worldly group of men dedicated to giving whatever book is picked for them a complete and thorough reading and review. I'm happy to report that they found plenty they liked about my book on the place we all call home.

Pete made Nonna's meatballs from the recipes in the book and we munched on Point Reyes Farmstead Blue cheese and other local cheeses, mentioned within the pages of Fog Valley Crush. I snuck a couple of bottles of Timo's handcrafted, cool climate Que Syra from his wine stash to bring along and share as we dissected the wine making section. What better way to talk about a section on my family's wine heritage, than to taste the very vintage of the year the book was readied for press?  Oh, yes, Pete's wife, Molly had made Lagunitas Imperial Stout Chocolate cupcakes from my recipes, to complete our little feast. 

I learned a lot from the guys gathered at the table that evening. Respectful, articulate, inclusive and comfortable sharing emotional responses to certain sections, I came away from my first ever men's bookgroup experience thankful for the rare gift of being invited into such a close and trusted inner circle — an inspirational group of deep thinking, compassionate, literary men.

 

I thought I'd share the group's regular meeting format for readers who are in more unruly bookgroups (my past experience) to take a tip or two from. And also, hopefully, to inspire a few new groups to pop up here in Southern SoCo and beyond. Let me know if you're reading my book! 

Relax, socialize for about ½ hour.

1. Host introduces book, author, reason for choice, general topics of discussion.

2. Round Robin

     -Each person has the floor for 2-3 minutes to give their impressions and feelings about the book (short, but uninterrupted)

4. Discussion:

     - One person talks at a time

     - Keep comments concise and on track

     - Allow for all to speak

5. Host Responsibilities

       - Be in charge of keeping the discussion on track

       - Facilitate discussion, maintain guidelines

       - Bring everyone back to discussion when tangents happen

      - If desired, use pre-selected/downloaded questions to keep discussion going and to introduce new topics

1. What’s next? Dates, etc.

Want to Make a Difference? Join The Action on Spring Volunteer Day — Rebuilding Together Petaluma, Saturday, April 22nd, 2017

All photos courtesy of Frank Simpson & Rebuilding Together Petaluma

            REBUILDING TOGETHER PETALUMA'S SPRING VOLUNTEER WORKDAY : APRIL 22, 2017, 8:30 am to 3-4 pm.                                                           

All of the Petaluma homes slated to be improved this Spring are owned by very low income veterans, disabled people and/or seniors who dream of having a safer healthier, more livable home. 

Rebuilding Together Petaluma needs you and your family and friends to help make these dreams come true!  Help change homes and lives. If you can't join the action, maybe you know someone else who will? Do Share. 

More than 200 volunteers are needed to work on 10 projects. RBT Petaluma is looking for a variety of skilled trades people for plumbing, electrical and carpentry but it also needs at least 150 general volunteers able to  haul, carry, rake, paint, clean and trim. 

TO VOLUNTEER, REGISTER ONLINE AT WWW.RTPETALUMA.ORG

VOLUNTEER REGISTRATION WILL CLOSE ON APRIL 7th

When you register, enter the name of the person or group with whom you want to work in the field that says,"I prefer to work with the following group or persons."

After you are registered, organizers will communicate in early April important details about your workday assignment via email. 

If you are unable to volunteer but want to help in some way, please consider making a donation to RTP, either online at www.rtpetaluma.org or mailed to the address below. A cash donation to RTP produces 4 times its value in home repair because of so many wonderful volunteers.

Please call Jane or Victoria with any questions whatsoever 707-765-3944.

Honoring The Dignity of All Immigrants – Thursday February 16th

All photos via Pinterest

“Remember, remember always, that all of us, and you and I especially, are descended from immigrants and revolutionists.”

Franklin D. Roosevelt

“I take issue with many people's description of people being "Illegal" Immigrants. There aren't any illegal Human Beings as far as I'm concerned.”

Dennis Kucinich

“A simple way to take measure of a country is to look at how many want in.. And how many want out.”

Tony Blair

“Nihil humanum a me alienum puto, said the Roman poet Terence: 'Nothing human is alien to me.' The slogan of the old Immigration and Naturalization Service could have been the reverse: To us, no aliens are human.”

Christopher Hitchins

“History shows that it is not only senseless and cruel, but also difficult to state who is a foreigner.”

Claudio Magris

“The bosom of America is open to receive not only the opulent and respectable stranger, but the oppressed and persecuted of all nations and religions, whom we shall welcome to a participation of all our rights and privileges, if by decency and propriety of conduct they appear to merit the enjoyment.”

George Washington

“The land flourished because it was fed from so many sources – because it was nourished by so many cultures and traditions and peoples.”

Lyndon B. Johnson

“Recognize yourself in he and she who are not like you and me.”

Carlos Fuentes

Experience Beer & Food in a Thrilling New Way — Tasting In The Dark (With Dr Hoby Wedler) — Hopmonk Tavern, Novato Thurs Feb 16th

 

Here's a unique event for the food and beer lovers out there in Southern SoCo land. Food and beverage sensory expert, Petaluma native Dr. Henry “Hoby” Wedler has been completely blind since birth. Hoby recently completed his Ph.D. in organic chemistry at the University of California, Davis. He is the founder and director of the nonprofit Accessible Science and invites you to join him in the dark at the Hopmonk Tavern, Novato, for an unforgettable tasting experience on Thursday evening, February 16th, 2017. I hope to see you there!

Hoby found his passion for food, drink and how they relate to the senses when he began hosting truly blind wine and beer experiences in 2011. When he’s not busy pursuing his academic studies or leading his blind or visually impaired chemistry camp students in conducting hands-on organic lab experiments through touch and smell, Hoby turns his attention to food and drink – where he’s most passionate about flavor, accurate flavor descriptors and how flavor and aroma relate to science.

In 2012, Hoby was one of only fourteen individuals honored at the White House when he was named one of President Barack Obama’s Champions of Change for enhancing educational and employment opportunities for Americans with disabilities.

In 2016, Hoby’s work in the food and drink industry was generously recognized by Forbes Magazine when he was named one of Forbes’ 30 under 30 in the food and drink category. This prestigious honor is granted to 300 individuals from around the world all under 30 years of age across ten categories, making a total of 30 individuals per category. Hoby was also recently recognized as one of the Sacramento Business Journal’s 2016 40 under 40 recipients. This accomplished doctor completed his Ph.D. in December, 2016 and is now working full-time in the food and drink industry.

Click here for tickets

Dinners to Die For — Copperfields Books Brings British Crime Series Author of Vera and Shetland — Ann Cleeves to Santa Rosa's Spinster Sisters this April

 

Copperfields Books invites mystery lovers to a pretty exciting literary dinner on Friday, April 21st, 2017 from 6pm to 9 pm at The Spinster Sisters, Santa Rosa. British mystery writer Ann Cleeves is coming to Santa Rosa on her first United States tour in seven years.    "No one embodies the British mystery writer more than Ann Cleeves who in October claimed The Crime Writers' Association Diamond Dagger, the highest honor in British crime writing," writes Copperfields. "She is all things British: clever, smart, and witty, and wonderful with her fans".    This exclusive dinner is limited to 65 people. Copperfields will be shutting down the restaurant on Friday evening, April 21st for the occasion. To salivate over the menu, click here: http://thespinstersisters.com/dinner/. Scroll to bottom for ticket information.    Ann is the author of the British crime series – the Shetland Island series, and the Vera Stanhope series. Both are now terrific British TV Shows airing in American markets this past year, via PBS, Acorn TV, and Netflix.   Martin Edwards, Chair of the Crime Writers’ Association, said: "Ann Cleeves is internationally renowned as the author of the series on which the very popular TV programes VERA and Shetland are based. But long before her television success, she worked hard writing hugely enjoyable crime novels and short stories. As well as publishing thirty books, she has been a passionate and effective advocate for libraries, while her generosity towards fellow crime writers as well as readers means that this news is sure to be widely welcomed."

Southern SoCo Artist Elise Durenberger's 2017 Salute to American Graffiti Poster Captures Petaluma Heritage

Prolific artist Elise Durenberger captures the essence of our county in her bucolic paintings. Each year for the past few years, she's been commissioned to produce a keepsake poster for Petaluma's Salute to American Graffiti. Here is this year's newly released poster for this iconic annual event, taking place May 18th, 19th and 20th, 2017. 

This is the 12th year for American Graffiti. Produced by non-profit, Cruisin' The Boulevard, Inc, this popular event attracts thousands of people from all over the world who stay, shop and dine in the Petaluma area while they're in town for the show. In turn, the event not only pays tribute to the cult classic movie, American Graffiti (filmed in part, in Petaluma) — it raises vital monies for the community each year.

Event art and posters are for sale and help boost the coffers of production costs. Click here for more info.