Man With a Plan: How a Glen Ellen Fire Captain Saved Thousands of Homes from Fifty-Foot Flames

By Carole Kelleher
Sean Jerry with Cal Fire at the Glen Ellen Cal Fire station, Thursday Nov. 16, 2017. (Kent Porter / The Press Democrat

Fifty-foot flames flaring down Agua Caliente canyon in the earliest hours of October 9 were about to devour the Mission Highlands neighborhood and race into the backyards of Boyes Hot Springs. That’s when Glen Ellen Cal Fire Capt. Sean Jerry studied the situation from a crest on High Road and said, “OK, this is what we’re going to do.”

What followed involved a bulldozer driving up asphalt roads and bursting into the canyon to dig a firebreak while Jerry and other firefighters set a back burn below it that kept the fire within a few feet of reaching 66 Mission Highlands homes and 15 minutes away from the thickly populated Springs area with 2,500 homes.

“It would have been there — 100 percent,” he said. But they stopped it.

In Mission Highlands, Jerry was guided through the smoky night by longtime neighborhood resident Tim Gray, and together they found a path for the dozer to get through on little-known back roads.

From a hillside post Gray watched the entire firefighting plan take place. “Sean Jerry, now he’s the guy,” Gray said in praise of the captain who saved his home and many others.

Jerry, 40, grew up in Boyes Hot Springs and knew since he was a young boy that he wanted to be a firefighter. He joined the Valley of the Moon Explorer Post when he was 15, and became a volunteer there when he graduated from Sonoma Valley High School in 1996. His career with Cal Fire began as a seasonal worker in 1999, becoming year-round in 2009. After extensive experience including helicopter firefighting, arson investigation and serving as fire truck engineer, he became the Glen Ellen captain in 2015.

“When fire is threatening your hometown it’s a different experience,” Jerry said. On that first night he was off duty and awakened by a call to come in. His firehouse on Highway 12 was empty when he arrived, and he jumped in the last remaining pickup and started driving through Glen Ellen, reporting conditions to the command post and then guiding firetrucks and bulldozers from out of the area to spots where they could dig breaks and hold the fire line. It was that night Jerry saw the home where he spent his early boyhood burned to the ground.

As for many firefighters, it was the beginning of six days when he would sleep only 10 hours total. “We were beyond exhausted,” he said. His daughters, Hailey, 15, and Lia, 11, anxiously followed the fires from their home in Sonoma, knowing their Dad was out there. “They wrote me letters saying thank you,” Jerry said softly.

Jerry is a big man of few words, who goes on and on about the fires, saying almost nothing about himself. It’s not his way. He realizes this tale is one of many heroic experiences of first responders during this epic fire.

Jerry’s Battalion Chief Kirk Van Wormer also knows of many heroes, but his praise for Jerry comes easily. “Sean just makes things happen. He knows the Valley, he has a world of knowledge and he went out there and made it happen with very limited resources.”

For his part, Jerry is more comfortable explaining the fires were fought using satellite maps on his computer screen than he is with personal conversation.

When people say thank you, he responds humbly and politely, “You’re welcome.”

10 Ways to Practice ‘Hygge’ Sonoma-Style

By Karen Kizer

In the cold of early January, when Americans are packing holiday lights and candles in storage boxes, the Danish remain deliberate about creating warmth and comfort at home. According to the “Little Book of Hygge,” this includes using candles, turning down harsh overhead light, putting on slippers and cooking for family and friends. This aim of coziness and togetherness, the practice of “hygge” (pronounced HUE-guh) is something the Danish, the world’s leaders in happiness, can teach us. The trend has taken the U.S. by quiet comfortable storm in the past year and is, it seems, here to stay. Click through the above slideshow to learn how to hygge Sonoma style.

After the Sonoma County Fires: Artwork and Designs that Support Fire Relief Efforts

By Karen Kizer

In the wake of the October wildfires, Sonoma County residents came together to support their friends, neighbors and community. Among those eager to help were local artists and designers who used their skills to create images of hope and healing, while donating proceeds from sales to fire relief (we featured a few of their designs in a previous article). As recovery efforts continue, so do the efforts of local artists. Click through the gallery above for four locally made designs that support fire relief efforts, often through donations of proceeds to the Redwood Credit Union (RCU) North Bay Fire Relief Fund. The RCU fund also welcomes direct donations at redwoodcu.org/northbayfirerelief

The 10 Cutest Cats in Sonoma County

By Sonoma Magazine Staff

Get ready for some cuteness overload! Voting in Sonoma Magazine’s Cutest Cat Contest, the public has picked the 10 most adorable kitties in Sonoma County and our cat-loving hearts are melting. With so many fabulous feline friends being entered into the contest, it must have been a tough choice for voters, but here they are – in the gallery above – the cutest of them all. Now, we certainly don’t envy the panel of judges from Sonoma Magazine and our beneficiary Pets Lifeline that will have to pick a winner from this gorgeous group of 10… stay tuned for the announcement.

16 Kid-Friendly Things to Do in Sonoma County in January and February

By Sarah Stierch
Skate Rink Cornerstone
Skate Rink Cornerstone

Looking for some family-friendly fun in January and February? Click through the gallery above for some of our favorite picks.

 

Biggest Sonoma County Restaurant Openings/Closings of 2017

By biteclub

Though scores of new restaurants open and close in Sonoma County every year, a handful stand out. This year, a dozen new restaurants caught–and held–my attention throughout the year. Among the qualities that resonated with me over and over:

  • Quality: Using their own farms, or nearby farms, along with quality producers isn’t new, but the lengths to which many of these restaurateurs went–from gleaning to literally planting and harvesting their own food–went up a notch this year.
  • New Flavors: Playing up ethnic flavors, exotic spices and incorporating new ingredients from around the world
  • A return to the past:  Old world, slow cooking techniques, a return to classic French cuisine
  • Garden and forest: Use of flowers and other unusual fauna brought in earthier, darker flavors
  • Produce-forward: Creative takes on meatless dishes, treating vegetarian dishes with respect and care
  • Chef-led: It’s pretty hard to have a point-of-view restaurant without a clear direction in the kitchen. 

Here are the best Sonoma County restaurant openings of 2017:

Handline Coastal California Cuisine: This casual coastal-inspired restaurant from Lowell Sheldon (Lowell’s) and Natalie Goble takes everything from fish tacos (with homemade corn tortillas) to burgers and luxe vegetable dishes seriously. Sustainable, thoughtful, fresh and fun, this is a go-to spot when I’m paying the bill–the highest praise I can give a restaurant. 935 Gravenstein Ave., Sebastopol, 707-827-3744, handline.com.

Tisza Bistro: Tisza may have been born during the wildfires of October, but named after a meandering Hungarian river, its menu is awash in a love for the flavors of Sonoma County and Eastern Europe. A mix of Old World comfort food (with lots of roasting) and fresh, California-inspired ingredients make for an intriguing menu ranging from brown butter artichokes with tarragon and lemon aioli, duck confit with brandied cherries, spaetzle mac and cheese, and smoked bratwurst and braised sauerkraut. Plus, the schnitzel ain’t bad. 8757 Old Redwood Hwy, Windsor, 707-838-5100, tiszabistro.com.

Drawing Board: It’s not every day that you find vegan smoked carrot lox and cashew cream cheese on a menu next to roasted bone marrow. But at a culinary moment when diners want a combination of the familiar and exotic; decadent and healthy; conventional and sustainable, Petaluma’s Drawing Board feels like a roadmap to the future of dining. 190 Kentucky St, Petaluma, 707-774-6689, tdbpetaluma.com.

Flower and Bone: Dahlia Martinez combs her neighborhood and backyard farm daily looking for tasty tidbits she can preserve, can, puree or otherwise incorporate into the sweet and savory stories she concocts at her downtown Santa Rosa restaurant, opened with partner Jason Sakach. The couple also owns Santa Rosa breakfast/brunch/lunch spot Naked Pig. Hours are limited, so make a reservation. 640 Fifth St., Santa Rosa, 707-708-8529, flowerandbonerestaurant.com.

Russian River Vineyards Restaurant: A stunning organic farm is the foundation of this truly farm-to-table restaurant. With Chef Ben Davies at the helm and a talented kitchen staff, Russian River Vineyards has become a Forestville dining destination instead of a Hwy. 116 drive-by. 5700 CA-116, Forestville, 707-887-3344, russianrivervineyards.com.

Trading Post: Chef/owner Erik Johnson is a high-end restaurant pro who is showcasing Cloverdale’s edible bounty, and elevating the once-sleepy town to a culinary destination. Is it too soon for a visionary restaurant in the hinterlands? Time will tell. 102 S. Cloverdale Blvd., Cloverdale, 707-894-6483, thepostcloverdale.

Barrio Fresca Cocina: Mexican cooking has so much to offer beyond burritos and quesadillas. Using fresh sauces, scratch cooking and the rich flavors of his homeland, Carlos Rosas brings authentic, yet unpretentious dishes that stand out in a sea of taqueria sameness. 6760 McKinley St., Suite 120, Sebastopol, 707-329-6538, barlow.barriobayarea.com

City Garden Donuts: These aren’t workaday donuts or wacky cereal-coated marshmallow-dipped curiosities that are more fun to look at than eat. Instead, City Garden takes a more subtle approach using intensely-flavored glazes made with fresh fruit (the lemon glaze is perfectly pucker-worthy) and chocolate atop pillowy brioche. 1200 4th St, Santa Rosa, 595-1932, facebook.com/CityGardenDoughnuts.

Brass Rabbit: With classic dishes like Boeuf Bourguignon and rabbit pot pie, Chef Shane McAnelly’s cuisine pays homage to French comfort food, but doesn’t take itself too seriously, giving room for playful changes with the seasons. 109 Plaza St, Healdsburg, 707-473-8580, thebrassrabbithealdsburg.com

Reel Fish Shop and Grill: One of the questions most often asked by restaurant-seekers in Sonoma County: Where can I get great seafood? And though many restaurants have one or two seafood items on the menu, Reel Fish Shop & Grill is one of only a handful that specialize in seafood. With a focus on helping to maintain rather than deplete ocean populations, it’s a solid choice when you’re craving a taste of the sea. 401 Grove St., Sonoma, 707-343-0044, thereelfishshop.com.

Journeyman Meat Co.: The long road from vintner to salumist culminated this year in Pete Seghesio’s butcher shop in Healdsburg. Part salumeria part local meat shop, the tiny space has become a perfect pairing of old-school Italian and Sonoma County tradition. 404 Center St., Healdsburg, 707-395-MEAT, journeymanmeat.com.

Brewsters Beer Garden: The palatial outdoor garden, inspired barbecue and drink menu set this up to be a winner from day one. While service has continually been a challenge, we’re hoping a little tightening up over the winter will reveal what this hot spot has the potential to be long-term. And the pork belly with cheese curds and fried chicken sandwich still have us drooling. 229 Water St., Petaluma, 707-981-8330, brewstersbeergarden.com.

Goodbyes
Though there were a handful of closures throughout the year, the toughest were the restaurants that burned in the fires: Willi’s Wine Bar, Sweet T’s Restaurant and Bar, the historic Cricklewood steakhouse, Mountain Mike’s Pizza, Puerta Vallarta and Equus Bar and Grill at the Hilton. It was difficult to see the burned-out remains of places we’ve eaten and loved over the years. Also closed at the end of 2017 was Chloe’s French Cafe, which suffered fire damage and closed soon after (though the team will continue catering).

Best 2017 New Year’s Eve Spots in Sonoma County to eat and drink

By biteclub

New Years can’t come soon enough for most of us, a time to close the door on the past and toast to new beginnings. It’s also a perfect time to say, what the hell to another thousand calories or so while sipping champagne and eating all the indulgently wonderful stuff you absolutely promise not to ever touch again come midnight. Or at least until January 2.

So put on your stretchy pants and wine and dine yourself into 2018 with some of our favorite spots to celebrate on New Year’s Eve.

Zazu Kitchen and Farm: Three or four-course fixed price includes Hog Island oysters, goat cheese fondue, roasted bone marrow with balsamic, Dungeness crab with Meyer lemon browned butter, fried quail, duck and crispy pork belly lettuce cups, bourbon gelato baked Alaska. $79 or $89 per person. 6770 McKinley St., #150, Sebastopol, 707-523-4814, zazukitchen.com.

Spinster Sisters and the Astro Motel: A longtime SOFA favorite offers a three-course meal for $65 with the added attraction of a nearby spot to sleep — the luxe mid-century Astro Motel (starting at $250 per night). Dishes include beef tartare, seared day boat scallops, tomato braised lamb shank, butternut squash gnocchi, Meyer lemon curd puffs with huckleberry sauce. 401 South A St., Santa Rosa, 707-528-7100, thespinstersisters.com.

Wishbone: Bon Vivant New Year with oysters, champagne, truffles, foams, caviar, and cocktails, plus a fantastic ice luge for your imbibing enjoyment. $80 per person, 841 Petaluma Blvd N., Petaluma, 707-763-2663, wishbonepetaluma.com.

Spoonbar: Six-course dinner includes golden caviar, Morrocan spiced prawns, black tea smoked squab, Angus filet and champagne with strawberry cheesecake, $125pp. Just wanna grab a couple drinks, dessert, and a dance? $55pp gets you into the late night dance party rolling until 12:30 a.m. 219 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg, 707-433-7222, spoonbar.com.

Epicenter: Dinner buffet for the family, champagne toast and all night play for kids at this Santa Rosa recreational spot that includes play structures, video games, trampolines and more. $35 to $60 per person. 3215 Coffey Lane, Santa Rosa, visitepicenter.com.

Palooza Gastropub: Bites all night, drink tickets, champagne toast, and taps flowing. Full menu until 10 p.m., $40 pp, 8910 Sonoma Hwy., Kenwood, 707

John Ash & Co.: One of the most luxe NYE face-stuffing events includes a three-course menu including beef tartare, cauliflower and truffle soup, venison terrine, chanterelle and porcini strudel, stuffed pheasant breast, passion fruit pavlova and an array of ports, brandy, and scotch. $110pp, 4350 Barnes Road, Santa Rosa, 800-421-2584, vintnersinn.com.

Valette: Six-course chefs tasting menu from one of Sonoma County’s top toques pulls out all the stops: Tsar Nicoli caviar, foie gras with persimmon coulis, black and white truffle gnocchi, Maine lobster, wagyu beef and dark chocolate pave. Additional wine pairings available. $125 pp, 344 Center St., Healdsburg, 707-473-0946, valettehealsburg.com.

Dec 29
Tequila dinner at Mateo’s: Six course meal with tequila pairings. Reservations required: Mateo’s Cocina Latina, 214 Healdsburg Ave, Healdsburg, 707-433-1520.

New Year’s Day: Grab your jammies and enjoy brunch all day at Fork Roadhouse’s “Jammin in Your Jammers” event from 10a.m. to 7p.m. Live music and more commemorates the restaurant’s third anniversary. Wear your pjs and get a free mimosa. 9890 Bodega Hwy, Sebastopol, (707) 634-7575.

Santa Rosa Named Microbrew Capital of the United States

By Nick Rahaim

Could Santa Rosa really be the microbrew capital of the United States?

Portland has more breweries, and the highest-rated beer made in the United States currently comes from a small town in Iowa.

But there is no better place in America for craft beer than Santa Rosa, according to a new interactive database that ranks local beer scenes by measuring the quality of beer produced in a community and the number of craft brewers it supports.

The conclusion, published this week by an online journal of data visualizations named The Pudding, of all things, is sure to set off arguments in pubs across the land.

“I guarantee you there are a whole lot of other cities that would argue that point,” said Natalie Cilurzo, co-owner and president of Russian River Brewing Co., which produces two of the top 20 beers in the world, according to RateBeer. “We’re not that big, we don’t have a lot of breweries, but I think it’s cool.”

The Pudding database ranked cities across the country that had at least five microbreweries and brewpubs with three beers or more reviewed by RateBeer, an online hub for craft beer enthusiasts. To calculate its total score, the interactive website based 80 percent of each city’s ranking on the quality of its beer and 20 percent of its ranking on the number of establishments, but users can adjust the quality/quantity ratio.

San Diego, Denver, Anchorage, Alaska, and Portland, Oregon, rounded out the top five beer cities in the online database, which gained widespread attention Thursday when the New York Times highlighted the website in its California Report.

“When you boil it down to a weighted blend of quality (beer ratings) and quantity (breweries in proximity), Santa Rosa tops the list,” database author Russell Goldenberg wrote.

When quality and quantity are weighted equally, San Diego is the top microbrew city in the nation and Santa Rosa drops to fourth place, behind Denver and Portland.

If quality is excluded, Santa Rosa still ranks 12th in the nation, based solely on the number of craft brew establishments clustered within a 20-mile radius.

The top five local breweries listed in the database were Russian River, Bear Republic Brewing Co., Shady Oak Barrel House, Moonlight Brewing Company — now part of Lagunitas Brewing Co. — and Cooperage Brewing Company. All are located in Santa Rosa except Bear Republic, which operates a production facility in Cloverdale and a brewpub in Healdsburg.

“It’s pretty amazing isn’t it?” Ben Stone, executive director of the Sonoma County Economic Development Board, said of the designation. “It’s gratifying to be recognized as a center for excellence in craft beer.”

Stone pointed to the economic impact that craft beer brings to Sonoma County. The two-week 2016 release of Russian River Brewing’s coveted triple IPA, Pliny the Younger, brought nearly 10,000 tourists to the county and generated $4.88 million in economic activity, according to a study by the Economic Development Board.

In 2013, the craft beer industry in the county generated $169 million in economic impact, according to the most recent study by the Economic Development Board. With the industry continuing to grow, that number is now around $225 million, Stone said.

The designation of microbrew capital of the U.S. was welcomed, yet not entirely supported by local brewers.

“I’m very excited about it,” said Steve Doty, brewer and owner of Shady Oak Barrel House, which specializes in sour ale. “At the same time I’ve seen a lot of better beer scenes, with more varieties and styles.”

For Doty, Oakland and Portland are the best beer destinations in the nation. Cilurzo’s favorite city for microbrews is Philadelphia, with Seattle and Portland also on her list.
But neither Cilurzo nor Doty reject the praise bestowed on the city where they brew their beer.

“I’m hoping it keeps momentum going,” said Doty who plans to open a taproom at 420 First St. in Santa Rosa in the coming months. “Fingers crossed.”

To view the Pudding craft beer database click here.