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Passings: Warren Rossiter

Funny how things snowball. I was doing some background research on Laura Bartolozzi, recently departed, and discovered another loss to our community: Warren Rossiter passed away early in May. (Click here for the Press Democrat obituary). I remember Warren from our involvement on the first Board of the DCVA when Susan and I arrived in the Valley in 1973 and 1974. We were a bit wet behind the ears, but quickly picked up rumblings of unease over potential urban and suburban growth around our charming cow town that Healdsburg was then.

Passings: Laura Bartolozzi

Laura and Fred Bartolozzi were neighbors of mine in the area I call Upper West Dry Creek. Both of Italian ancestry, but more recent arrivals than the pioneering families here, they never-the-less contributed to the “festa” atmosphere of our street. Laura survived Fred by 8 years; she passed away on April 28.

The passing of a friend is a time for remembering. We invite you to use this space to tell your stories about Laura and Fred by commenting below, even better is to join our Discussion Group by clicking on the Yahoo! symbol on the left and contribute to the conversation. Call me (Lou) if you need help.  433-3372

Click here to visit the Healdburg Tribune for the full obituary.

Jim Guadagni: The Mayor

You Plow, I'll Drink

I wrote the following piece 8 years ago, partly as a tribute to Jim Guadagni the person who positively influenced my new life as a farmer, but also to Jim Guadagni the icon, who represented all the richness and challenge of a bygone era in Dry Creek Valley. Jim is gone now, of course, but as long as we continue to toast his memory he will continue to drive that infuriatingly slow 1956 Chevy pickup down the valley to check up on his neighbors. The jug I refer to in this piece is the purple salute to Jim that Susan and I still make Sundays in our wine cellar.

Lou Preston

Donna Schaffer - A Passion for Painting

Donna Schaffer came to Dry Creek Valley 17 years ago, refugee from an intense career in advertising in Silicon Valley working particularly for Apple Computer and Intel. She served as Director on the Board of the Dry Creek Valley Association until a few years ago, and during her tenure she created and maintained our first website.

Wastewater 101

Interview with Fred Corson

I recently met with Fred Corson, past President of the DCVA and current Chairman of the Clean Water Coalition of Northern Sonoma County. The intended subject was his testimony before the Sonoma County Water Agency hearing on the Dry Creek Valley Agricultural Water Users' Group. What I got in addition was a lesson in water politics and a tutorial in citizen activism. Since this is a very complex subject I have decided to take it a bit at a time to tease and tantalize you with promise of more to come; this is a work in progress so visit often.

Lou Preston