-
Helping homeless members of the North Bay community find housing or shelter may seem impossible at times, but one national initiative has flipped the process on its head—and it’s working. The initiative is called Housing First, and it means just that.
» read more
-
The fear of breast cancer can cast a dark shadow over a woman’s life. It’s one of the most common types of cancer in females, and it’s the rare person who doesn’t know someone who’s received a diagnosis. The National Cancer Institute expects 271,270 new cases in the United States in 2019, so it’s a valid concern. Women can be proactive, however, by learning about the risk factors and taking steps to protect themselves.
» read more
-
Each North Bay county has unique advantages and challenges in the rental market. Sonoma County has a central location and access to the 101 corridor, but is struggling to rebuild housing lost in the October 2017 fires. Marin County is balancing residents\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\' interest in minimal construction and strict environmental restrictions against a need for local labor. Napa County is meeting many of its goals, but facing the limits of agricultural restrictions.
» read more
-
It has been almost two years since the devastating firestorms hit the North Bay in 2017, burning down 5,143 homes and leaving nothing but ash and debris in its wake. While to many the incident leaves behind memories of confusion and devastation, for the thousands who lost everything their journey is anywhere but over.
» read more
-
When an atmospheric river began dumping rain on Sonoma County in late February, no one at The Barlow was too concerned. The City of Sebastopol received frequent updates on potential flooding from Sonoma County’s Emergency Operations Center, and city staff passed the information to the upscale shopping district and its management. Additionally, a city-approved disaster plan designed to protect the property was ready to implement—the expected deployment of water barriers at The Barlow reassured tenants the most. The plan went awry, however, and by the early hours of Wednesday, Feb. 27, it was clear a flood was in control.
» read more
-
The number of breweries that opened in the U.S. during the past 20 years has skyrocketed, as the popularity of craft beer has grown. As of 2018 there were 7,450, and another 2,500 are expected to open in the next two years. Before the National Prohibition Act of 1919, breweries dotted the landscape, but the act temporarily abolished the commercial market for alcoholic beverages. Without access to drinkers, the tradition of making specialty beers faded and verged on extinction. Today, there’s a renaissance, and it began in Sonoma.
» read more
-
“Being informed won’t help you design a competitive benefit program. Being advised will.” That’s the mission of Arrow Benefits Group, a rapidly growing employee benefits consulting firm that has won multiple awards and become a thought leader in the industry. More importantly, it helps employers and employees navigate the world of company benefits with a flexible approach.
» read more
-
By all accounts, Napa Valley’s fledgling wine industry was thriving in the 1800s during th peak of the Gold Rush. While creating new fortunes, the thrill of winemaking beckoned. It was a pioneering era, and by the turn of the century, more than 140 wineries were established and thriving — but it didn’t last. Prohibition forced all but a handful of wineries to close, and many owners simply abandoned their property. The wine industry was debilitated, leaving little more than ghost wineries and memories.
» read more
-
Why does a company rebrand itself? For Santa Rosa-based Summit State Bank, it was a desire to update a “tired” image, says Roni Brown, the bank’s senior vice president and marketing director, and a veteran of the banking industry.
» read more
-
At any time of day, the average looking car or van driving near you on a city street or zipping past you on Highway 101 could be filled with a half-million dollars of legal cannabis industry cash. Stacks and stacks of bills gathered from cannabis retailers and manufacturers zigzag here and there, being transported from one private safe haven to another because the typical federally-insured consumer bank will not accept large amounts of paper money from this industry.
» read more
-
It’s one in the morning and you wake to see the red glow of fire through the window, or you’re driving in rainy conditions, and your car skids toward an oncoming car. Are you covered? Catastrophic loss is what too many people have suffered, but many still don’t think it can happen to them. But it could, and in the world of insurance, it’s best to be prepared.
» read more
-
One of the oldest wineries along West Dry Creek Road in Sonoma County is A. Rafanelli Winery. Nestled on a knoll that offers a sweeping view of the valley, the rustic winery is still family-owned and operated. And though it operates by appointment-only reservations and there’s a gate at the bottom of a hill that requires a code, it has remained true to its family traditions and heritage.
» read more
-
It’s the first day of harvest at Grgich Hills Estate, and there’s a mountain of grapes ready to be crushed. But at the moment they’re on display for more than 100 guests, each with a glass of wine, ready to toast. There’s a priest standing by, along with Miljenko “Mike” Grgich, co-founder and Vintners Hall of Fame member. The crowd’s sense of anticipation permeates the air, and the drinks in hand are only part of the reason.
» read more
-
“Grapes are promiscuous,” says Liz Thach, distinguished professor of wine and management at Sonoma State University. “They like to breed with one another to create new varietals. For example, Cabernet Sauvignon is the offspring of Cabernet Franc. In Bordeaux, as a result of vintage variation, they frequently blend Cabernet to enhance flavor and complexity. In cooler years, it’s sometimes difficult to ripen Cab, which is another reason why they blend.”
» read more
-
Pie is the classic American dessert. And if you’re from the North Bay, chances are you’ve enjoyed your fair share of Kozlowski Farms pies over the years. Lovers of these homemade-style pies and tarts will be happy to know that while the farm store, a local institution since 1949, is now closed, the legacy of Kozlowski baked goods will continue on thanks to a new partnership with Healdsburg’s Costeaux French Bakery.
» read more
-
When all of us first began enjoying wine in adulthood, we heard the same old chestnut: white wine with fish, red wine with meat. It was a rule destined to be broken, if not seriously twisted like a corkscrew.
» read more
-
Starting a business and developing it into a prosperous enterprise is a major accomplishment. And so, the desire to pass it on to the next generation and see it continue to grow comes naturally. It’s a legacy that has the potential to provide security for a family, but it takes more than handing over the keys to the door. Rather, careful long-term planning for succession provides the best chance for the transition to succeed and a business to endure.
» read more
-
Since ancient times, humanity sought the fountain of youth. Originally the term was used in a literal sense, referencing a spring with the power to eliminate years of aging for those who took a drink or bathed in its waters. The Spanish learned such tales from the writings of Herodotus and famously searched in vain for the magical cascade in the 16th century. Though science broke the news long ago that no such fountain exists, we nonetheless yearn for similar results and seek ways to preserve our vigor and appearance—ideally living longer and more fulfilling lives. Mike Charleton, a 50-year-old Windsor resident and nationally ranked cyclist, found his modern version of the eternal spring.
» read more
-
The auto body repair business has history that extends back more than a century. Horseless carriages were initially reserved for the wealthy, and chauffeurs doubled as mechanics. In 1972, following a stint in the military, Gene Crozat returned to his hometown of Santa Rosa with a pack of smokes and $1.40 in his pocket. He learned car painting and auto repair skills in the Air Force, and sensing a prosperous opportunity, Gene set up an auto repair body shop with partner Leo Gassel. Though Gassel retired three years later, Gassel and Crozat Auto Body, better known as G&C Auto Body, was born.
» read more
-
As the tail end of the Millennial generation graduates college and enters the American workforce, one thing seems to be clear: It is long past the time to go hard on soft skills. The generation that was weaned on technology and grew up with smartphones is wired with all the hard skills one can imagine, from computer programming to accounting. But somewhere along the line, many didn’t learn about the need to show up on time, dress appropriately and make an effort to play well with others.
» read more
