Green unripe tomatoes hang on a tomato bush branch. (Iryna Boiko / Getty Images)
As fall sets in and summer’s harvest begins to wither and wane, we scramble to gather the last of our tomatoes, many still green, before the season’s first frost.
There are now several heirloom and hybrid varieties that are green when ripe, among them Striped Zebra, Emerald Evergreen, and Green Tiger. These are not the same as fall’s green tomatoes, still firm, unripe, and unlikely to fulfill their destiny.
Sicilians have a great approach, pulling out cherry tomato plants by their roots, hanging them upside-down outside in a protected area, and plucking them off the vine as they ripen.
This trick does not work for larger varieties, which should be enjoyed right away or preserved. Fried green tomatoes are ubiquitous and especially delicious when topped with a sphere of fresh chèvre and finished with cream. Fermenting them in a salt brine offers an extraordinary way to make salsas, sauces, and even bloody marys. Green tomato chutney is a compelling condiment with winter stews and braises.
Adding green tomatoes — cut in wedges and then halved — to your favorite stir-fry contributes a burst of bright acid. A combination of tomatoes, corn cut from the cob, cubed winter squash, green beans cut into 1-inch pieces, and minced shallots is both beautiful and luscious; add cooked, cubed chicken thighs, and voila!, dinner in minutes.
The days of gazpacho may be behind us, but green tomato soup is a delight, hot or chilled.
Freshly picked green tomatoes are delightful in a green tomato soup, hot or chilled. (Miss_Alva / Getty Images)
Green Tomato Soup
Makes about 6 servings
– 4 tbsp. olive oil
– 1 large shallot, peeled and minced
– 3 garlic cloves, peeled, crushed, and minced
– 1 serrano chile, stemmed and minced
– Kosher salt
– 3 pounds green, unripe tomatoes, cored and chopped
– 3 cups chicken or vegetable stock, preferably homemade
– ½ cup crème fraîche or plain whole-milk yogurt
– Freshly ground black pepper
– Extra-virgin olive oil
– ½ cup shelled and roasted pumpkin seeds
– Green Tabasco or other green hot sauce
Put the olive oil into a large soup pot set over medium-low heat, add the shallot and sauté until it begins to soften and give off its aroma, about 7 to 8 minutes. Add the garlic and serrano, cook 2 minutes more, and season with a pinch of salt.
Add the tomatoes, stir, season lightly with salt, and add the stock. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to very low, and simmer gently for 15 minutes. Stir in the crème fraîche or yogurt, remove from the heat, cover, and let rest for 10 to 15 minutes.
Purée the soup using a blender or immersion blender. For a very smooth version, pass through a strainer after blending. If the soup is too thick for your taste, thin with stock or water.
Divide among soup plates or bowls, swirl olive oil on top, scatter with pumpkin seeds, add a few drops of Tabasco, and enjoy right away. Alternately, chill for at least 3 hours before serving.
One of the best pitmasters around: Kris Austin of A&M BBQ in Sebastopol. (Kim Carroll / Sonoma Magazine)
Barbecue fans can slow their roll to A&M BBQ before they sell out. The popular Sebastopol barbecue spot will now stay open until 8 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, and until 5 p.m. on Sunday.
While the ‘que used to sell out well before dinner, owner Kris Austin said he’s now making plenty more to feed the evening crowd — especially families looking for an easy supper pickup.
Texas Toast, cornbread muffins, pork ribs, links, brisket and tri-tip, barbecue chicken, baked beans, coleslaw and collard greens at A&M BBQ in Sebastopol. (Heather Irwin/The Press Democrat)
Pitmasters Kris Austin and Marvin McKinzy (who has since left A&M BBQ) teamed up last June to serve Lone Star-style, wood-smoked meats. Their signature: a seasoned dry rub instead of sauce, letting the perfect pink smoke rings shine on brisket, tri-tip and pork ribs, plus that crave-worthy bark and lacy bits of fat.
There’s usually a line when the doors open, but you can skip the wait by pre-ordering online at ambbqllc.com. Find them at 495 S. Main St., Sebastopol, 707-799-2892.
Fungi limone pizza at Rosso Pizzeria & Wine Bar in Santa Rosa on Tuesday, September 30, 2025. (Christopher Chung/The Press Democrat)
When Santa Rosa’s Rosso Pizzeria and Wine Bar closed its doors in March, it felt like the end of an era. Opened in 2009 by chef John Franchetti, formerly of Tra Vigne, and Kevin Cronin, the wood-fired pizza shop had built a loyal following with its focus on simple Italian cooking and seasonal, local ingredients. Franchetti insisted that everything — from dough to burrata — be made in-house.
But Rosso was too inimitable to go gently into that good night. Less than seven months later, the restaurant reopened under the ownership of John and Linda Ahmadi, a husband-and-wife team who previously ran Sandy’s Take and Bake Pizza. That last detail set off alarm bells in my head — was Rosso about to become another take-and-bake operation?
Happily, the answer is no. Rosso is very much itself again. The space and menu remain unchanged, many staff members have returned, and the food, for the most part, is just as good as you remember. Here’s my take.
Basu Slade slides a pizza onto a plate at Rosso Pizzeria & Wine Bar in Santa Rosa on Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025. (Christopher Chung/The Press Democrat)
Tender veal and pork meatballs ($16) swim in a chunky tomato sugo as bright as the summer sun. The Caesar salad ($14) remains a garlic and Romaine lettuce powerhouse, complemented by lemon anchovy dressing and the gentle heat of Calabrian chili.
The Fungi di Limone pizza ($26) — a longtime favorite revered by my friend group — fell just short on a recent visit. The crust was still the blistered, wood-fired base Rosso fans will recognize, but there were too many thinly sliced mushrooms piled on top, detracting from the taleggio cheese’s hint of funk. A key finishing drizzle of citrusy lemon oil had accidentally been omitted, leaving the flavors somewhat muted. It was a rare misstep, but I will need to continue to investigate. Repeatedly and with gusto.
Rosso’s fried chicken with smashed potatoes and a sweet caramelized pancetta glaze ($27) continues to rank among my top 20 favorite meals in Sonoma County. Coated in arborio rice flour and fried crisp, the chicken remains juicy and flavorful. The smashed potatoes are loaded with butter and cream. It fulfilled every expectation, and we ate every morsel. Somebody may even have licked the plate.
Fried chicken and mashed potatoes at Rosso Pizzeria & Wine Bar in Santa Rosa on Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025. (Christopher Chung/The Press Democrat)
The burrata salad ($15) is difficult to judge fairly because Franchetti originally made the cheese by hand. His version, filled with creamy ricotta, was so good I’ve never met its match. Since his departure from the restaurant in 2015, the burrata has never been the same. The current iteration, served with sweet strawberry compote, prosciutto and balsamic glaze, is a nice starter, but the cheese leans more toward fresh mozzarella in texture.
I don’t envy the Ahmadis — reviving a restaurant with such a devoted following is a daunting task. Memory has a way of softening the negatives, leaving behind sugar-coated recollections of the past: Was that mushroom pizza really as great as I remembered?
Guests await their food in booths at Roso Pizzeria & Wine Bar in Santa Rosa on Tuesday, September 30, 2025. (Christopher Chung/The Press Democrat)
No doubt, the soul of the restaurant remains intact. Artist Cheryl Chapman’s familiar illustrations still line the walls. The wine list continues to feature a strong mix of local and Italian selections. And new dishes, including eggplant Parmesan and desserts, are expected to debut soon. Best of all, longtime fans like us can once again gather at an old favorite, with eager forks and a sparkling glass of Lambrusco.
Chocolate Sacher Torte from Folia Friday, September 19, 2025 in Healdsburg. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)
Chef Reed Palmer can’t escape the obvious question about his new high-profile position as chef de cuisine of the new Folia Bar & Kitchen at Appellation Healdsburg.
Yes, he is the son of celebrity chef Charlie Palmer, and the luxury resort is the second of six culinary-focused properties co-founded by his father and industry veteran Christopher Hunsberger.
At just 27, the younger Palmer manages the daily operations of the 200-plus-seat restaurant, which features a sweeping open kitchen with a live-fire grill at its center. It’s a big job with big responsibilities, and Palmer isn’t short on guidance. His father, along with culinary director Thomas Bellec and executive chef David Intonato, is frequently on-site as the newly opened resort slides into its first month of operation.
But Palmer isn’t here to rest on his father’s reputation. “If anything, I have to prove myself more,” he said as his team prepared for dinner service on a recent Thursday afternoon.
Folia chef/owner Charlie Palmer, left, and his son/chef de cuisine Reed Friday, Sept. 19, 2025, in Healdsburg. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)
A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America at Hyde Park, Palmer also holds a degree in hospitality management from Cornell University. His culinary journey includes stints in the kitchens of Blue Hill at Stone Barns in New York, Amass in Copenhagen and Ilis in Brooklyn.
Raised in Healdsburg, Palmer chose to learn the ropes elsewhere before returning to the family business. He counts both his father and Matt Orlando, founder of Amass and a former chef de cuisine at Noma, considered one of the world’s best restaurants, as mentors.
Now back in his hometown, wandering through the raised garden beds outside Folia, Palmer maintains he’s still the same Cardinal Newman grad who once bussed tables at his dad’s restaurant.
The place
The entrance to the dining room at Folia Friday, Sept. 19, 2025, in Healdsburg. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)The dining room at Folia Friday, Sept. 19, 2025, in Healdsburg. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)
Appellation Healdsburg is a striking example of country luxury on a grand scale. The resort features 108 guest rooms, two pools, a spa, an event center, classrooms, two bars, Folia restaurant and more than eight acres of landscaped grounds. These include ancient olive trees transplanted from Southern California, fruit trees, culinary gardens and even a small vineyard. Designed by Novato-based EDG Design, the enclosed property is in a class of its own with floor-to-ceiling windows, bespoke furniture and breathtaking views at every turn. The million-dollar sunset view from Andys Beeline Rooftop bar is worth experiencing.
The hotel’s layout underscores its culinary focus. Guests walk directly into the restaurant upon arrival, a deliberate gesture that sets the tone for the Appellation experience. From welcome canapés to edible spa botanicals (Meyer lemon, lavender, honey) to hands-on culinary classes, Charlie Palmer has curated an immersive food experience that celebrates Northern California’s agricultural bounty, past and present.
On a private tour, he highlights the specifics of his vision: the citrus trees he has selected for the property, the 150-year-old olive trees, and the baby Sauvignon Blanc vines that are yet to be trellised. Palmer also takes the time to highlight Folia’s open-hearth grill, along with a demonstration kitchen equipped with state-of-the-art audio and video technology. When it comes to the kitchen, however, he’s mostly hands off. Except for the waffle fries, those are all his.
The food
I expected the usual fine dining fare — aged duck, pâté and giant cuts of beef — at Folia. What I didn’t anticipate were the elementary school-style waffle fries. Never one to pass up a good fry, I ordered the fries and aioli with fennel pollen and garlic ($8) as a side dish. I was prepared for hoity-toity thin-cut Bouchon fries. I got Chick-fil-A.
Classic Cheeseburger from the lunch menu at the bar/lounge from Folia Friday, Sept. 19, 2025, in Healdsburg. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)
“I like as much caramelization as possible,” said Charlie Palmer, explaining the appeal of waffle fires, which offer extra surface area. Double-fried, they’re pretty extraordinary. They also make an appearance on the lunch menu alongside Reed Palmer’s cheeseburger — a truly memorable burger worth a return visit.
Though the restaurant serves three meals a day, dinner is really what you’re here for. The menu is a three-course prix fixe for $85, so that’s something to keep in mind. There are à la carte sides and snacks available, and a pared-down dinner menu in the bar and lounge.
The seasonal menu feels like a reasonable deal for $85. Like most Charlie Palmer restaurants, the focus is on New American cuisine, highlighting seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. More than lip service, the chefs are truly passionate about using whatever’s fresh from the garden that day.
Folia Bread Service with Straus butter from Folia Friday, Sept. 19, 2025, in Healdsburg. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)
Start with complimentary housemade bread and a scoop of butter from the basketball-sized mound at the serving station. The brioche is outstanding. If you’re particularly snacky, the ‘Nduja Croquettes are light, crispy bites with a peppercorn kick.
Chef Shane McAnelly’s pasta tasting menu at Palmer’s Dry Creek Kitchen inspired several excellent dishes, with the best being the Creste di gallo Pomodoro, cock’s comb-shaped pasta with crisp guanciale, orange tomato and sweet corn.
Grilled Hog Island Oysters with smoked choron sauce from Folia Friday, Sept. 19, 2025, in Healdsburg. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)
The black cod cioppino, with Manila clams, Bay squid, fennel and cranberry beans, has a hint of Sonoma County’s impending fall weather. Warm, rich and satisfying, it uses sustainable black cod from local waters. The olive oil-poached halibut is perfectly tender, served with tiny Japanese turnips, garlic and olives. The roasted duck breast was fine, though not a favorite — I prefer my duck rare with crackling skin. If you’re dining with a friend, there are several entrées for two, including a New York Strip ($35 supplement), whole fish or whole roasted chicken.
Desserts from executive pastry chef Nadim Bounoua rotate regularly, but a slice of lemon tart with mile-high meringue is a fun way to finish the meal. An extensive wine list will satisfy connoisseurs, complemented by signature cocktails. The Sweet Cerise ($20), with whiskey, pomegranate, ginger and lemon, was particularly impressive.
Lemon Meringue from Folia Friday, Sept. 19, 2025, in Healdsburg. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)Le Mirage cocktail with Hanson vodka, lychee and rosehip lemon from Folia Friday, Sept. 19, 2025, in Healdsburg. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)
Overall
As Charlie Palmer’s son, chef Reed Palmer has a lot to live up to. But he’s certainly putting his own spin on dishes that continue the legacy of bringing New American cuisine to the forefront, with an emphasis on honest ingredients, simple cooking techniques and local flair.
Folia Bar & Kitchen, 101 Dovetail Lane, Healdsburg, 707-723-2130, foliabarandkitchen.com. Dinner served from 5-9 p.m. Wednesday to Sunday. Lounge menu available from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.
Andys Beeline Rooftop is open from 4-11 p.m. daily by reservation at beelinerooftop.com.
A newly built estate on 2 acres in Sonoma is currently listed for $12,995,000. (CS Photography / Sotheby’s International Realty)
A newly built estate, with simple geometry and sumptuous finishes on 2.2 acres in Sonoma, is currently listed for sale. The four-bedroom, four-and-a-half-bathroom dwelling spans 7,377 square feet across the main home, guest casita, and the dual garage and gym pavilion. The list price is $12,995,000.
The build is a series of single-gable structures in a U-shape around a courtyard with a pool and spa. The result is a grand and fresh take on modern farmhouse style. Wood slat siding adds distinct modernity while stone siding offers a traditional aesthetic.
Inside, an abundant use of Breccia Capraia and Viola marbles truly dazzles in the tranquil, clean-lined interior. The centered and symmetrical placement of windows in all rooms frames the scenic outdoors as art. High-vaulted ceilings offer visual space and light.
Kitchen in the newly built Sonoma home. It features a dazzling use of Breccia Capraia and Viola marbles. (CS Photography / Sotheby’s International Realty)Great room and patio in the new Sonoma home. A large slider connects the indoors to the outdoor terrace and pool. (CS Photography / Sotheby’s International Realty)
A 41-foot slider connects the interior and the exterior. The grounds include gardens and old-growth oaks and olive trees.
In addition to solar power and automated shades, the property is designed with fire suppression elements like a standing seam steel roof, ceiling sprinklers, and lots of gravel and stone surrounds.
The home’s design and construction are the work of Sonoma-based, family-owned Ridge Design + Build. The home’s furnishings — witty choices of curved lines, bright and subdued colors, and playful patterns — are also the work of the firm, which curates and designs in collaboration with furniture dealers and manufacturers.
For more information on 1438 Ridge Valley Road in Sonoma, contact listing agents Caroline Sebastiani, 707-935-2277, 415-290-3123; or Charlie Luna, 707-935-2288, 415-827-8885; Sotheby’s International Realty – Wine Country – Sonoma Brokerage, sothebysrealty.com
A mid-century modern home, built in 1952 on a wooded half-acre above the Russian River, is currently listed for sale. The one-bedroom, one-and-a-half bathroom dwelling with a detached studio is priced at $748,000.
The 1,245-square-foothome is filled with light thanks to numerous windows — with views of redwoods to boot. The airy living room has an exposed-beam ceiling and a brick hearth. A spunky red spiral staircase leads to the bedroom, which has a balcony overlooking the yard.
Living room. (Jim Nevill Productions)Office nook and staircase. (Jim Nevill Productions)Front yard seating area and fire pit. (Jim Nevill Productions)
The woodsy outdoor space is cozied up with landscaping, lounging spots and a fire pit. The home is just a few minutes from downtown Guerneville.
For more information on this property at 14282 Highland Ave. in Guerneville, contact listing agent Regina Jenkins, 415-225-1785, Vanguard Properties,vanguardproperties.com
This week, Starbucks announced it will be closing hundreds of stores in North America and Europe, including over a handful in Sonoma County. But coffee lovers need not fear, as local baristas know their way around a solid cup of Joe.
Sonoma County might be known for its wine and beer, but the same dedication to craft brewing is applied to the coffee here. Read on below to find some of our favorite coffee shops in the area, and maybe you’ll find a new place to get your caffeine fix.
Maci Martell and Christi Warren contributed to this article.
Flying Goat Coffee
Yes, the coffee at Flying Goat is good. Is it the best on this list? Maybe, honestly. But what to order? Go for the Aztec Mocha with double espresso, Valrhona chocolate, chilies, spices, vanilla, organic cane sugar, rose water and steamed milk. 419 Center St. and 300 Center St., Healdsburg, flyinggoatcoffee.com
Black Oak Coffee Roasters
Black Oak Coffee Roasters serves its award-winning brews in a chic, minimalist environment. For a touch of sweetness, try the Lovers Lane Latte with local wildflower honey and dusted with bee pollen, or the smooth Lavender Latte with housemade lavender syrup and an organic lavender garnish. 324 Center St., Healdsburg, 866-390-1427, blackoakcoffee.com
Lavender latte from Black Oak Coffee Roasters in Healdsburg. (Black Oak Coffee Roasters)A pumpkin spice latte from Plank Coffee in Cloverdale and Healdsburg. The latte includes their roasted Pine Mountain espressomand organic housemade pumpkin spice syrup. (Planks Coffee)
Plank Coffee
There are plenty of coffees and breakfast bites to choose from at this trendy cafe, as well as vegan options and milk alternatives. Fan favorites include the flavorful Cinnabang with house-roasted espresso, sweetened condensed milk and cinnamon. 175 Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg, 707-395-0572; 227 N. Cloverdale Blvd., Cloverdale, 707-894-6187, plankcoffee.com
Land and Water Coffee
This Santa Rosa coffee shop has amassed a large fan base for its premium roasts and breakfast offerings. Try the vanilla latte year-round, or in fall, go for the apple pie latte for some cozy cinnamon sweetness. They also make a fan-favorite avocado toast and sell baked goods from Sarmentine bakery. 621 Fourth St., Santa Rosa, 707-527-3731; 1301 Cleveland Ave., Suite B, Santa Rosa, 707-527-3725, landandwater.coffee
SoCo Coffee
Doubling as a coffee shop and taco bar, this is the place to get your espresso and breakfast burrito fix. Plus, the shop has a large collection of books to peruse — just don’t get your taco drippings over them. 1015 Fourth St., Santa Rosa, 707-527-6434
Brew
There’s more to Brew than a regular cup of joe. From its rotating lists of herbal-inspired lattes and stellar craft beers to its open and welcoming atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a sunny afternoon on the patio reading or — as we sometimes like to do — conducting an interview. 555 Healdsburg Ave., Santa Rosa, 707-303-7372, brewcoffeeandbeer.com
Crooks Coffee barista serves up a latte for a customer in Santa Rosa on Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018. (Christopher Chung/ The Press Democrat)
Crooks Coffee
We love Crooks’ creme brûlée lattes and wide selection of pastries, plus they get extra bonus points for the shop’s airy and modern interior design. 404 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa, 707-791-3365, crookscoffee.com
A’Roma Roasters
This brick coffee shop in Railroad Square is popular among college kids and artsy people, who come for the caffeine fix and stay (late) for the live music. There are plenty of fresh roasts to choose from, including the signature Iced A’Roma coffee with vanilla or a silky cappuccino (try it with a coconut macaroon). 95 Fifth St., Santa Rosa, 707-576-7765, aromaroasters.com
Avid Coffee
Formerly Acre Coffee, this popular local coffee chain got a new owner and a new name in 2021. The owner, Rob Daly, has had a lengthy career in the coffee business starting at Wolf Coffee, then Starbucks and later served as CEO of Taylor Lane Organic Coffee, so expect good espressos and more. 21 Fourth St., Petaluma, 707-772-5117; 2365 Midway Drive, Santa Rosa, 707-595-5984,avidcoffee.com
Petaluma Coffee & Tea has moved several times in its 30 years, currently located on Second Street, but it has always served freshly roasted beans. (Laura Schneider / Petaluma Coffee & Tea)
Petaluma Coffee & Tea Co.
Starting off as Petaluma Coffee Company in 1989 before incorporating tea into their business in 1998, founders Gardner and Sheila Bride have been brewing high-quality coffee with pride for over 30 years. Enjoy the aroma of freshly ground coffee beans while sipping on a simple yet robust $1.50 coffee. Or try more complex brews, like the London Smog with espresso, chocolate powder, Earl Grey-infused syrup and bergamot peel garnish. 212 Second St., Petaluma, 707-763-2727, petalumacoffee.com
Della Fattoria
This downtown Petaluma cafe is just a few doors down from one of the local Starbucks that’s closing, and its breakfast offerings are arguably far superior. The chai and honey lavender lattes are can’t-misses and the baked goods are a must. You’ll want to try everything, but start with the bear claw, chocolate croissant, focaccia and fruit galette. For a more filling meal, there are pancakes, breakfast scrambles, eggs Benedicts, salads and sandwiches. 143 Petaluma Blvd. N., Petaluma, 707-763-0161, dellafattoria.com
A cappuccino at Della Fattoria in Petaluma on April 4, 2016. (Beth Schlanker / The Press Democrat)A latte in a corgi mug from Caffeine Inc. coffee shop in Petaluma. (Sonoma County Tourism)
Caffeine Inc.
The new coffee shop by the Petaluma Marina features delicious bites and stellar coffee in a laid-back atmosphere with great views. Try one of the seasonal lattes with the avocado toast or a morning pastry. Bonus: The shop has a matcha bar, including a delightful strawberry matcha and matcha-Americano over ice. 775 Baywood Drive, Petaluma, 707-774-6016, caffeineinc.net
Cotati Coffee Company
Full of whimsy and local charm, Cotati Coffee Company serves up creative caffeinated drinks and locally sourced pastries. Try interesting craft brews like the Almond Roca Mocha that tastes just like the nutty chocolate candy bar. Coffee is served in a quirky “T-Rexacorn” cup (that’s part Tyrannosaurus rex, part unicorn) and features fun foam art, like bears and dragons. 8225 Old Redwood Highway, Cotati, 707-992-0005, cotati-coffee-company.square.site
Pillowfight Coffee
Named after Kenwood’s historic World Pillow Fighting Championships, Pillowfight Coffee serves locally sourced coffee in addition to tea, matcha and food. Try a latte with a seasonal syrup (the pumpkin comes to mind) and a pastry or slice of veggie quiche. 8910 Sonoma Highway, Suite B12, Kenwood, pillowfight.coffee
Smastad Coffee Roasters
Formerly Barking Dog Roasters, this Swedish-inspired cafe is a no-frills, no-gimmicks place where you’ll find what is arguably the best cup of coffee in Sonoma Valley. They’ve been roasting coffee beans the way they like it for nearly 30 years, which is good news for the Sonoma locals who flock to this funky mainstay. Our pick for a cozy afternoon? A classic cappuccino paired with a housemade pear-cinnamon muffin. 981 Broadway,Sonoma, 707-939-1906, smastadcoffee.com
From left, Janel Osowski, Cynthia Carr and Sandi Everett enjoy playing Rummikub at Småstad Coffee Roasters on Broadway in Sonoma. Photo taken on Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024. (Robbi Pengelly / Sonoma Index-Tribune)Red eye coffee and pastry from Café Scooteria in Sonoma. (Chris Hardy / Sonoma Magazine)
Café Scooteria
If you need a caffeine fix while getting your motorcycle serviced, this is the place for you. At Café Scooteria, nestled next to Sonoma’s Wingo Motorcycles shop, high-quality coffee and retro vehicles go hand in hand. The drive-thru cafe is built around a 1966 Lambretta three-wheeled scooter. Pair an espresso with a croissant before you cruise down the road. 455 W. Napa St., Sonoma, 707-938-0800
Sunflower Caffe
Located right on Sonoma’s historic square, this Wine Country brunch classic is — we know – not what one would describe as a coffee shop. But we decided it warranted a mention here for its perfect location for people watching (plus its great coffee!). Come for the extensive brunch menu and chai lattes; stay for the location, location, location. 421 First St. W., Sonoma, 707-996-6645, sonomasunflower.com
Taylor Lane Organic Coffee
Taylor Lane’s origin story is just about the most gosh darn West County tale of business success we’ve ever heard. Their roasting operation began in 1993, inside an old barn on a serene 100-acre farm on Occidental’s Taylor Lane. Formerly Taylor Maid, the Sebastopol shop is a never-miss when it comes to quality coffees. Go for their lavender latte, a classic cappuccino or something with their housemade pumpkin syrup for a cozy dose of fall vibes. 6790 McKinley St., Suite 170, Sebastopol, taylorlane.com
Sunshine Coffee Roasters
This coffee shop has been roasting small-batch, organic coffee since 2004, but has since expanded into two brick-and-mortar retail locations, where regulars sing the praises of their specialty horchata lattes and the friendly baristas behind the bar. Fancy espresso drinks not your thing? Their cold brew easily puts many big name coffee companies’ to shame. 6656 Front St., Forestville, 707-887-1632; 1691 Highway 116 N., Sebastopol, 707-823-2664, sunshinecoffeeroasters.com
Sunshine Organic Coffee Roasters in Forestville. (Sonoma County Tourism)Rebeckah Rubanowitz, right, and Julian Sharp work on their laptops at Retrograde Coffee Roasters in Sebastopol on Friday, Oct. 8, 2021. (Christopher Chung/ The Press Democrat)
Retrograde Coffee Roasters
This Sebastopol outpost is a mainstay for West County locals who rave about the Rocket Man cold brew, housemade hemp-coconut milk and specialty lattes — matcha and turmeric are constant favorites. The small-batch bean roastery began as a pop-up at an Oakland bagel shop in the spring of 2014. The company then moved north to Sonoma County, opening up its brick-and-mortar location in downtown Sebastopol. 130 South Main St., Suite 103, Sebastopol, 707-827-8065, retrograderoasters.com
Café des Croissants
This coffee shop has a handful of locations across the county, and two of them (at 2700 Yulupa Ave., Santa Rosa and 796 Gravenstein Ave., Sebastopol) just happen to be across the street from two local Starbucks that are closing. Accompany your coffee with one of the many dishes on the breakfast and lunch menu, such as the Normandy egg sandwich with sausage and cheese or the famous chicken salad sandwich on a croissant. Locations in Sebastopol, Santa Rosa and Rohnert Park. cafedescroissants.com
Gold Coast Coffee & Bakery
A favorite stop on the way to the coast for excellent coffee and housemade pastries on the deck, surrounded by greenery. Come for the heavenly Cafe Cubano and iced mochas, stay for the devilish cinnamon rolls and bear claws. 25377 Steelhead Blvd., Duncans Mills, 707-865-1441, goldcoastcoffeebakery.com
Nate Feil and his wife Shelley place their order with employee Kenzie Stevens at Gold Coast Coffee and Bakery in Duncans Mills on Monday, November 25, 2019. (Beth Schlanker / The Press Democrat)Roadhouse Coffee owner Jim Irving, right, and customer Terry Lanning, left, drink coffee at the shop in Bodega Bay on Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2011. (Beth Schlanker/ The Press Democrat)
Roadhouse Coffee
This charming cafe by the Bodega Harbor is filled with books, local artwork and stringed instruments that adorn the walls, making it one of the homiest coffee shops in the county. Order the local favorite cinnamon-spiced Mexican Mocha with the buttery, crumbly blueberry coffee cake. 1580 Eastshore Road, Bodega Bay, 707-360-8856
Cafe Aquatica
You’d be hard-pressed to find a Sonoma County coffee shop with a better view than Jenner’s Cafe Aquatica. Situated at the mouth of the Russian River, the (surprise, surprise) aquatic-themed coffee shop has a large outdoor seating area, where patrons can sip their morning brews just feet from the water’s edge. Hungry? Their menu offers plenty of options (veggie and vegan included) to munch on while you take in the view. 10439 Highway 1, Jenner, 707-865-2251, cafeaquatica.com
Jeremiah Kahmoson mountain biking in Annadel-Trione State Park, Santa Rosa, California. (Jerry Dodrill Photography)
As the most biologically diverse state in the country, California has a lot of ground to cover in protecting its natural treasures and resources.
Sonoma County alone has over 60 public parks, and nearly a dozen of those are managed by California State Parks. The parks are sprawled out across redwood reserves, oak woodlands, coastal regions and historic landmarks — all home to thousands of varieties of native plant and animal species and steeped in rich California history.
Check out our list of all the state parks in the county, along with a favorite trail or feature in each, and get ready to explore the depths of Sonoma nature and culture. Click through the above gallery for a peek at the scenery.
Remember to check online or call ahead for park rules and restrictions, as some parks do not allow dogs on trails or collection of plants and critters. Also, practice caution at coastal parks, where bluffs can erode and tides can be treacherous.
There are a a number of coastal trails with scenic views at Sonoma Coast State Park near Bodega Bay and Jenner. (Spencer Spellman / Sonoma County Tourism)
Sonoma Coast State Park
Over a dozen beaches and waterfront campgrounds dot the 17 miles of pristine coastline at Sonoma Coast State Park, extending from Jenner to Bodega Bay along Highway 1. Trails along the coast’s shoreline meander across picturesque headlands, rocky crags, sandy beaches and secluded coves — all with breathtaking Pacific views.
Best trail: The Pomo Canyon Trail, which follows an ancient Pomo trading route, is full of panoramic vistas scattered throughout lush grasslands, redwoods and oak woodlands. Start the 7-mile, out-and-back trail near Pomo Canyon Campground off Willow Creek Road and hike through the dense forests and verdant valleys to Shell Beach for some prime tidepooling and beachcombing. Take the Pomo Canyon Trail all the way back to the start, or turn right at a fork half-way back, down Red Hill Trail, for a change in scenery. For a shorter hike (about 3.5 miles), park a car at the Shell Beach parking lot before the trek to shuttle the group back to the campground parking lot and trailhead entrance.
Along Sonoma Coast, between Jenner and Bodega Bay, on Highway 1, 707-875-3483, parks.ca.gov
Salt Point State Park in Jenner. (Gary Saxe/Shutterstock)
Salt Point State Park
Salt Point is full of coastal wonders that will leave a visitor awestruck — from the quarried and tafoni-sculpted sandstone crags to one of the state’s first underwater parks, Gerstle Cove State Marine Reserve, teeming with protected marine life that can be seen via tidepooling or recreational diving (collecting is not permitted). Further inland from the rugged coast and kelp-laden coves, you’ll find a pygmy forest and peaceful prairies mingling among thousands of acres of mixed evergreens and grasslands.
Best trail: Don your windbreakers and set out on Salt Point Trail, which hugs the rocky coastal bluffs, offering stunning ocean views and a chance to spot sea lions sunning on rocks. Start at the visitor center parking lot near Gerstle Cove, where the first tenth of a mile is ADA accessible, and hike over a mile north to Stump Beach Cove, one of few sandy beaches north of Jenner. The 2.5-mile, out-and-back trail crosses Warren Creek and the picnic tables at the Stump Beach parking lot are ideal for a scenic lunch.
At Kruse Rhododendron State Park in Jenner. (Sonoma County Tourism)
Kruse Rhododendron State Natural Reserve
This glorious nature reserve, nestled in Salt Point State Park off Highway 1 between Fisk Mill and Stump Beach coves, is brimming with vibrant rhododendrons among a quiet forest of oaks and conifers. The reserve was once part of a large sheep ranch established in 1880 until Edward P. Kruse donated the property to the state in 1933.
Best Trail: From the short Rhododendron Loop Trail, take the Chinese Gulch Trail (near the parking lot) and walk a mile among rhododendron shrubs under majestic redwoods. The trail connects with Phillips Gulch Trail at Kruse Ranch Road and meanders another mile back to the start. Beautiful blooms and shady trees fill each trail, which also include seasonal streams and small waterfalls — a perfect peaceful stroll.
Adjacent to Salt Point State Park along Kruse Ranch Road, 707-847-3221, parks.ca.gov
Students, educators and tourists visit Fort Ross State Historic Park in Fort Ross on Wednesday, May 22, 2019. (Beth Schlanker / The Press Democrat)
Fort Ross State Historic Park
Ocean and coniferous forests surround this historic landmark, a state park that preserves and teaches about the early 19th century Fort Ross Colony, which included Russians and Native Alaskans who settled on ancestral Kashia Pomo lands on the Sonoma Coast for exploration and trading. Fort Ross includes a campground, an underwater park (featuring the Pomona shipwreck), a Russian windmill replica, several reconstructed Russian-era buildings, the Russian-American Company Cemetery, memorial groves and a historic orchard.
Best feature: There’s plenty of history to take in while exploring the grounds of Fort Ross. The best place to start is the Historic Compound, which houses Russian-era buildings and is bordered by stockade walls. The enclosure includes the Officials’ Quarters, Fort Ross Chapel, the Old Magasin (a two-story Russian-American Company warehouse), the Kuskov House (residence of Ivan Kuskov, who founded Ross), the Rotchev House (a National Historic Landmark) and two blockhouses that served as watchtowers.
Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve in Guerneville. (Mariah Harkey/Sonoma County Tourism)
Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve
The ancient redwoods in Guerneville’s Armstrong Grove tower like skyscrapers and provide cooling shade and quiet serenity to those seeking respite from the summer heat and life’s regular stresses. The park’s historic features — such as the 1940s-era Pond Farm and the Redwood Forest Theater, built in 1934 — lend to its old world charm.
The adjoining Austin Creek State Recreation Area, just northwest of Armstrong Woods, closed in 2020 due to significant hazards resulting from the Walbridge Fire. Austin Creek recently reopened its trails (except for the Gilliam Creek Trail) and the Bullfrog Pond Campground remains closed.
Best trail: The easy and wheelchair accessible Pioneer Nature Trail, which starts near the parking lot and ranger station, leads to some of the park’s most notable trees. The first is the Parson Jones Tree, the tallest tree in the grove at 310 feet. A half-mile further along the trail is the Icicle Tree, which displays mysterious burl formations. Turn here down the Armstrong Nature Trail and walk about a quarter-mile to the Colonel Armstrong Tree, which is over 1,400 years old and is the oldest tree in the grove.
Jeremiah Kahmoson mountain biking in Trione-Annadel State Park in Santa Rosa. (Jerry Dodrill Photography)
Trione-Annadel State Park
Tucked behind local favorites Spring Lake and Howarth Park, Trione-Annadel opens up to over 5,500 acres of sunny meadows and cool forests, all surrounding the fishable (with a state fishing license) Lake Ilsanjo. The park is home to a number of fascinating critters — such as pygmy owls or the threatened California red-legged frogs at Ledson Marsh — and the lake is an ideal spot for a mid-hike lunch and quiet nature observation.
Best trail: The Spring Creek Trail is best on a hot summer’s day, as it traverses along its namesake creek under shady redwoods, alder birches and bay trees, leading to the placid, 26-acre lake. Access via the Vietnam Veterans Trail or the service road starting at the horse-trailer parking area in Spring Lake Regional Park. For a bit of challenge, take the steep Rough-Go Trail from the lake back to the service road.
6201 Channel Drive, Santa Rosa, 707-539-3911, parks.ca.gov
The seasonal 25-foot waterfall at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park in Kenwood. (Chris Hardy / The Press Democrat)
Sugarloaf Ridge State Park
With a creekside campground, 25 miles of hiking trails and celestial experiences at the on-site Robert Ferguson Observatory, Sugarloaf Ridge provides around-the-clock recreation. The park organizes free, guided nature hikes and weekly native plant sales, and the observatory hosts a number of informative classes and events (like the ever popular monthly Star Parties).
Best trail: For beginners, families and waterfall-gazers, the Canyon-Pony Gate Loop is the best bet. Towering redwoods shade most of the moderate, 2-mile hike, which sees about a 400-foot elevation change while meandering through a wooded canyon, leading to a seasonal 25-foot waterfall. Start on the Pony Gate Trail near the parking lot, which eventually crosses Sonoma Creek and ends at Adobe Canyon Road. The Canyon Trail entrance will be across the road, about 30 yards downhill from Pony Gate. The waterfall will be about halfway down Canyon Trail; continue on the trail to return to the parking lot.
At Jack London State Historic Park in Glen Ellen. (Sierra Downey/Sonoma County Tourism)
Jack London State Historic Park
Dedicated to one of Sonoma County’s most famous authors, Jack London State Historic Park sits on a gorgeous plot of land in the Valley of the Moon that houses historic buildings and a variety of trails through grassy meadows and evergreen woodlands. Escaping the trappings of city life, Jack London moved to the bucolic Sonoma Valley in the early 1900s, establishing a ranch and home in Glen Ellen that he would enjoy with his wife, Charmian London.
Best feature: While there are a number of hiking, biking and equestrian trails deep in the 1,400-acre park, the most informative and intriguing aspects of the estate are the buildings located right near the park entrance. The House of Happy Walls Museum contains exhibits on London’s life and writings; Londons’ Cottage displays the couple’s bohemian lifestyle; and the Beauty Ranch includes barns, silos, a smokehouse, distillery, winery ruins and the Pig Palace. About a half-mile to the left of the entrance is Jack and Charmian London’s grave site, and just south of there is the Wolf House, Jack’s and Charmian’s unfinished dream home that was destroyed in a fire.
Lachryma Montis, better known as General Vallejo’s Home, is part of Sonoma State Historic Park. (Julie Vader/for the Sonoma Index-Tribune)
Sonoma State Historic Park
Several sites scattered nearby the Sonoma Plaza comprise the city’s historic state park, which includes informative art and history exhibits located within the Chalet Museum and some of its other six notable locations. Park attractions include Gen. Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo’s home, Blue Wing Inn, Mission San Francisco Solano chapel, Toscano Hotel & Kitchen, Sonoma Barracks (which houses an indoor theater showing a video of the area’s history) and the Servants’ Quarters (the sole remains of La Casa Grande, Vallejo’s first home he built in the area).
Best feature: Each component of the park lends historical context to the settling of Sonoma — the birthplace of the California State Bear Flag — but if you have time to peruse only one site, check out the Vallejo Home and museum to learn about Gen. Mariano Vallejo’s local and state influence. Vallejo’s estate (called Lachryma Montis, Latin for “tears of the mountain”) includes a gothic-style Victorian home with the Vallejo family’s furnishings, a stone reservoir, a welcoming garden pavilion, and a Tudor-style warehouse that once was a food and wine storage and now serves as the park’s museum and visitor’s center.
114 E Spain St., Sonoma, 707-938-9560, parks.ca.gov
Petaluma Adobe State Historic Park features the mansion built for General Vallejo in 1857. The beautiful, historic building is just out of the way enough that usually the park is quiet and peaceful. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)
Petaluma Adobe State Historic Park
Step into early 19th century-era ranchero life at Petaluma Adobe, where Gen. Mariano Vallejo established a prosperous agricultural empire known as Rancho de Petaluma. Laborers at the adobe complex harvested crops, raised barn animals, made leather hides and manufactured other goods for sale and trade, all of which helped support Vallejo’s military command. The state acquired the property in 1951, and now the historic state park teaches the stories of those who previously occupied the land through tours, exhibits, school field trips and authentically restored rooms.
Best feature: An optimal way to experience the park is to tour the work areas and living quarters of the brick and redwood adobe, complete with early California rancho equipment and furnishings. The tour leads through rooms where people slept on thin cots in wooden post beds and workshops with old tools where laborers made leather, candles, soap, wool blankets and carpets. Docent-led tours are available from 1-3 p.m. most weekends. The park also has an Environmental Living Program that teaches fourth grade students about the everyday life of 1840’s rancheros through hands-on experiences of making candles, weaving baskets, preparing meals in adobe hornos (ovens) and more.
Three stories up at Andys Beeline Rooftop, friends Barbara Epstein, left, and Liz Loebel catch up during the formal opening of Appellation Healdsburg, Friday, Sept. 12, 2025. (The Press Democrat)
The first thing you notice when you arrive at Appellation Healdsburg is how homey it feels.
Hotel registration is in the middle of the bustling Folia Bar + Kitchen, the property’s signature restaurant. Check-in occurs in front of a wet bar instead of at a traditional (and soulless) counter. Perhaps most memorably, every new guest is given a small bite or a special drink to welcome them in.
This vibe is intentional; the entire resort revolves around food and lifestyle. Its debut as the flagship property of Appellation, a new hospitality company from celebrity chef Charlie Palmer and hospitality veteran Christopher Hunsberger, comes just as Sonoma County’s wine harvest and tourist season peaks.
Even for Sonoma County residents who cannot, or choose not to, fork over $500 per night, the resort will offer several amenities for everyone: a restaurant, a rooftop bar, a gathering space for community events, and regular classes that will be open to the public.
At Appellation Healdsburg, guests attend the formal opening of the resort, Friday, Sept. 12, 2025. (The Press Democrat)At Appellation Healdsburg, guests walk to their rooms during the formal opening of the resort, Friday, Sept. 12, 2025. (The Press Democrat)
Appellation Healdsburg joins Appellation Lodi – Wine & Roses Resort and Spa, which opened earlier this summer as a refresh of what was formerly Wine & Roses Resort and Spa. Two other hotels will follow over the next 16 months in Morgan Hill, outside of San Jose, and Park City, Utah.
According to Palmer, every one of the Appellation resorts eventually will replicate the same laid-back approach.
“When you walk in, it will be like you’re walking into someone’s kitchen,” says Palmer, who has lived in Healdsburg for the last 20 years. “We want to greet every hotel guest with something that makes them feel right at home.”
At Appellation Healdsburg, staff at Folia Bar & Kitchen ready for the formal opening of the resort, Friday, Sept. 12, 2025. (The Press Democrat)New York strip steak with jus from Appellation Healdsburg’s signature restaurant, Folia Bar & Kitchen. (Emma K Creative)
Hunsberger, who worked more than 35 years at Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, agrees.
“Food connects us, people power us, and place defines us,” he says. “We didn’t want to do just another hotel company where the second and third and fourth hotel all felt the same. We wanted to do a deep dive, where every property reflects a unique destination and a unique sense of place.”
In the wine world, appellation refers to unique attributes of a geographic region where grapes are grown. Similarly, each Appellation property aims to highlight those regional distinctions.
Mixologist Elissa Jordan serves a cocktail at Andys Beeline Rooftop during the formal opening of Appellation Healdsburg, Friday, Sept. 12, 2025. (The Press Democrat)A cocktail from Andys Beeline Rooftop cocktail bar at Appellation Healdsburg. (Emma K Creative)
Vineyards surround the 108-room Healdsburg property, which features an extensive edible garden. It also boasts The Grange, a versatile event space designed to resemble a giant barn, and Andys Beeline Rooftop, a bar atop the hotel that offers both cocktails and commanding views of the hills in the northern part of the city. The resort sits on a bike trail that leads three miles south to the heart of town.
Rooms at Appellation Healdsburg are modern and efficient. All of them have vineyard-themed artwork integrated into the headboards. Rooms also have built-in furniture, including a special bench for a roller suitcase, and barn doors to provide privacy for the bathroom.
Finally — starting with the Healdsburg resort — Appellation will incorporate community into all its hotels. Every property will host immersive classes that spotlight local makers, artisans, and growers.
Dubbed Crafted, the hands-on classes cover topics like coffee blending, embroidery, and flower foraging and arranging. The classes will be free to guests and available to others for a small fee, and in keeping with Appellation’s food-centered focus, include light bites from chef Palmer and tastes of local wines.
A cyclist pedals along the Lower Colgan Loop Trail at Taylor Mountain Regional Park & Open Space Preserve in Santa Rosa Tuesday, June 10, 2025. (Beth Schlanker / The Press Democrat)
Sarah Reid’s sixth grade classroom at Brook Hill Elementary in Santa Rosa had a south-facing window with a commanding view of Taylor Mountain.
Gazing daily at that 1,400-foot eminence, recalls Reid, who grew up to become a naturalist and legendary volunteer supporting parks and environmental programs in Sonoma County, “I saw it in so many different lights: in shadow, and sunlight, behind the clouds, peeking out from behind the fog.”
“I even saw snow on its peak that year.”
The latest incarnation of this beloved landmark, just south of Santa Rosa city limits, features an 8-mile network of new trails carefully cut into the northeastern flanks of the mountain, which opened its gates as a county regional park in 2013.
These new, multiuse pathways — fruits of the county’s largest park trail construction project in over a decade — open 450 previously inaccessible acres to hikers, bikers, and equestrians, roughly doubling Taylor Mountain’s trail network.
A cyclist pedals along the Lower Colgan Loop Trail at Taylor Mountain Regional Park & Open Space Preserve in Santa Rosa Tuesday, June 10, 2025. (Beth Schlanker / The Press Democrat)
The new trails have been open to hikers since the fall of 2024. Riders of bikes and horses had to wait until spring, when the ground finally dried. The county’s Regional Parks department waited until July — after spring grasses had been trimmed back — to announce the trails’ opening.
Due in part to its proximity to Santa Rosa, the park has experienced some overuse — has been “overloved,” in Reid’s words — especially during the Covid-19 pandemic. Adding the new trails creates a way for people to spread out more and reduce their impact, she says.
As the population of southeast Santa Rosa grows, says Regional Parks director Bert Whitaker, “folks are going to need a place” to be in nature. The new trail system “really does connect into the communities there.”
New trails to traverse
By following signs to the Kawana Springs Trail, a few steps north and east of the Kawana Terrace parking lot, visitors can find a pathway to the former mineral springs resort owned by the Gold Rush pioneer John Shackelford Taylor, who came to Santa Rosa in 1853.
A sign for Kawana Springs Trail at Taylor Mountain Regional Park & Open Space Preserve in Santa Rosa Tuesday, June 10, 2025. (Beth Schlanker / The Press Democrat)A gazebo that was part of the long-shuttered mineral springs resort operated by settler John Shackleford Taylor sits at the base of Taylor Mountain Regional Park & Open Space Preserve in Santa Rosa Tuesday, June 10, 2025. (Beth Schlanker / The Press Democrat)
Proceeding clockwise, visitors can head north on the Linwood Trail, a gradual climb just beyond the eastern property line of Sonoma Academy, then bend south, still gently uphill, in the generous shade of the live oaks along Cooper Ridge Trail.
That pathway joins up with the aptly named Panorama Trail, which in turn gives way, at Barn Fork, to the Colgan Highlands Trail, whose hard-earned switchbacks lead to the park’s East Knoll, offering sweeping views of Bennett Valley.
Descending from East Knoll, visitors may turn left on the Highlands Connector, which delivers them from Taylor Mountain’s new trails system to its old one, via the Sky Lupine Trail.
Or they can opt for the recently opened Colgan Creek Trail, a whoop-inducing descent through stands of various oaks, madrone, bay trees, and buckeye. That shaded, riparian corridor is distinct, says Reid, from anything “in the original parcel of the park.”
Bec Wilson, left, and Travis Havmeyer walk the Colgan Loop Trail at Taylor Mountain Regional Park & Open Space Preserve in Santa Rosa Tuesday, June 10, 2025. (Beth Schlanker / The Press Democrat)
Tom Boss, executive director of the Redwood Trails Alliance, notes the differences between Taylor Mountain’s new pathways and those in neighboring Trione-Annadel State Park.
Unlike many of Annadel’s trails — “old ranch roads that were turned into trails” — those newly carved into Taylor Mountain “are very flowy, and don’t have a lot of rock. They’re built from scratch, built to 21st century standards to address erosion and grade,” says Boss.
“They really highlight trail construction at its best.”
Seldom do gradients on the new trails exceed 4%. There are some steeper spots, allows Reid, “But for most people, if you just take your time, it’s fairly doable.
“It’s a great extension of the original park.”
Taylor Mountain Regional Park, 2080 Kawana Terrace, Santa Rosa. socoparks.org
This article was originally published in The Press Democrat. Read the full story here.
