Sonoma tree fight; SDC politics; Bruce Cohn on the radio and more
Regarding the issue of cutting down oak trees on Broadway, irony is in full bloom. At the April 21 meeting at which the council postponed the fate of the oaks pending an actual plan and budget, the panel, as a separate agenda item, formally recognized Tom Rusert for his role in the city’s Arbor Day celebration… Then, during the tree discussion, no mention that the original planting project of 1993 was endorsed (though not funded by) by the then-council. The community was so excited by the idea that it raised the money without the city’s help. Proceeds from the Red and White Ball helped out, as did private donors ‘adopting’ a tree, often in the name of a departed loved one. And then there was Suzanne Brangham, writing a big check to round out the $300,000 price tag. When completed, the project was greeted with community pride, and an award from The League for Historic Preservation.
Who says there aren’t any good roles for actors of a certain age, other than George Clooney? M&G Productions needs a male actor – 50 to 60 years of age – for the role of Carol in its local production of Jules Feiffer’s “Little Murders,” a 12 –show run from June 11 to June 28. Got the chops? Contact Gerrett Snedaker at 707.939.2009.
Last month Sen. Mike McGuire felt ambushed when Sen. Jeff Stone, from Riverside County, introduced a bill that would have speeded-up the closure of the Sonoma Developmental Center and another state facility. Stone, McGuire cracked, “would be challenged to find Sonoma on a map.” On Tuesday, the two had reconciled, with Stone agreeing to hold back his proposal – which calls for shutdowns by the end of 2019 — until next year.
According to a judging panel of five Master Sommeliers, the Lavender Lady cocktail edged out Tasteful Blush as Sonoma State nipped Texas Tech in the University Wine Mixology Contest. The competition, organizers said, aimed to explore ways that wine could compete with the beer and liquor. “Wine can sometimes be perceived as a bit too snobby,” said SSU student Chris Harrison. “By crafting wine cocktails we can appeal to the ‘come as you are’ beer and spirits drinkers.” Bottom line: you don’t see many kegs of Chardonnay at the frat party… Try it yourself: 4 oz. sparkling white wine, ½ oz. citron vodka, ½ oz. lavender tea syrup, one lemon and peel, lemon drop martini sugar and a garnish of lavender blossoms. It’s like Spring Break in a glass.
Wondering about how the 2015 Sonoma Music Festival, moving from the B.R. Cohn Winery in Glen Ellen to a huge tent in downtown Sonoma, will play out this October? Ask the producer, Bruce Cohn, yourself. The impresario, with co-producer Michael Coats, will spend an hour on KSVY 91.3 FM on Monday, May 4, outlining his plans and fielding calls. Headlining the Field of Dreams venue will be Chicago (Oct. 2); Ringo Starr (Oct. 3); and the Doobie Brothers with Michael McDonald. Sonomamusicfestival.com.
