For several decades, change has come gradually to the wine industry, but in the last few years the need for adaptation is accelerating. With the threat of yearly fires, ongoing intermittent power outages, changing demographics, shifting consumer preferences and growing health concerns over wine consumption the need to understand and adapt to these changes is paramount for grape growers, winery owners and everyone in between.

Karah purchased the estate and planted grapes 30 years ago, well before the American Viticultural Area it lies in, the Petaluma Gap, was certified.  Now 85 years of age, Karah has placed his winery in Brodie’s hands. Each has international ties, with Karah hailing from Libya and Brodie gaining inspiration for winemaking from her South African parents.

Yuzo kosho is a spicy, acidic condiment that enlivens any dish and is commonly used in Japan. It’s also the inspiration behind Sushi Koshō, a Japanese jewel of a restaurant in Sebastopol, which recently reopened. When heavy rain flooded the industrial-chic outdoor market in February last year, Sushi Koshō was forced to close five months after opening, but chef-owner Jake Rand took it in stride and made use of the down time. “We were open just long enough to learn how to improve the customer experience,” he says. “We used this calamity as an opportunity to make design changes that helped us improve our operation.”

The Kincade fire ignited on October 23 and raged for two weeks. During that time, nearly 78,000 acres were destroyed and roughly 187,000 people were evacuated. The fire was contained on Nov. 6, and this time, no lives were lost, but it’s the second major firestorm to strike the area in the last two years. NorthBay biz asked community leaders to share their thoughts as Sonoma County recovers and takes steps to rebuild, once again.

Your Marin Moment featuring new apartment complexes, Amazon\'s move to brick and mortar and the continuation of Public Safety Power Shutoffs

All the PG&E bashing that dominated conversations, hushed and humbled detractors, as our fire fighters and first responders went to war with Mother Nature to not only save the day, but hundreds of homes. Two weeks later, when the smoke from the Kincade fire settled and containment was within reach, I experienced my first stop-the-presses moment when I realized my column was about to go to print. My rant about PSPSs felt not only outdated, but inappropriate given many were reeling, regrouping and re-entering their homes and businesses after evacuating. My editor thankfully granted me the opportunity to make some modifications. Even still, I’d like to apologize for last month’s column, which may have felt ill-timed and unwarranted, especially to those who felt the palpable effects of the fire.  

When someone passed 25 years ago or so, before the internet was an everyday fact of life, there were paper records such as mail, invoices and bank statements to help piece things together.  In the modern world, our affairs can be conducted largely online, leaving a scant physical trail to follow. Without knowledge of what accounts exist, and how to access them, relatives may have a hard time figuring out what needs to be done.

A firmly-established nonprofit, 10,000 Degrees is led by president and chief executive officer, Kim Mazzuca. Born in San Francisco, she’s transitioned to a North Bay lifestyle seamlessly, living in the region since 1995, first in San Rafael and now Petaluma. Mazzuca attended college in the city, too, earning her master’s degrees and completing doctoral studies at the University of San Francisco after attending SF State University. Along the way, she developed a passion for addressing systematic societal injustices that still marginalize vulnerable populations. As CEO at 10,000 Degrees, Mazzuca guided the organization in helping 25,000-plus students and their families gain access to higher education since 1999. Growing a community where everyone belongs is a continuing point of accomplishment for Mazzuca.

From the local North Bay, these are the leading nonprofit stories and organizations.

From the local North Bay to nationwide, these are the leading business stories and statistics.

One of the biggest holidays is looming, the Super Bowl. From catering to wild gambles to the ever increasing commercial costs, this comprehensive guide is for all fans, diehard and casual, to begin their annual preperations.

Action is the glue that holds this triangle together and creates the stability. When you start out with a dream, the result is a vision statement. Only action will make this move in the direction you wish. Here’s how to take action to make your dream a reality.

Welcome in—to our annual "Business and Nonprofits” issue, which features a collection of stories about several nonprofits and the important role they play in the North Bay. Like every community, the North Bay has an array of challenges that its civic, civilian and business leaders must tackle. But our profound ability to partner with nonprofit organizations and work together for the greater good of communities isn\'t one of them. We are especially good at this!

The following letters are in response to “The Circus is Back in Town,” which ran in Publisher’s Forum, December 2019.