Fire guts London Ranch Vineyards barn
A fire broke out Saturday afternoon in the hills above Glen Ellen at the Jack London Ranch Vineyards near both the Benziger Family Winery and Jack London State Historic Park. The cause of the fire remained unknown at press time, but according to Kevin Colburn of CalFire, it was reported at 3:40 p.m. and was contained nearly an hour later. The fire destroyed vineyard owner Neil Shepard’s barn and all its contents,, including a $45,000 Ford tractor, three wagons, harnesses, the wheel shop, vineyard equipment and a variety of tools.
Shepard was in his house some 100 yards away from the barn when he heard an apparent explosion. He said he received second-degree burns, and was taken by ambulance to a local hospital, where he was treated and released.
Director of Hometown Band named Sonoma Treasure
Richard Schneider, a former schoolteacher, has been added to the stellar list of outstanding citizens selected as Treasure Artist of the Year. Named by the Cultural and Fine Arts Commission, he follows in the footsteps of such illustrious Sonoma Valley residents as M.F.K. Fisher, Ray Jacobsen (both deceased), Roger Rhoten and Linus Maurer. The commission will honor Schneider at a reception in early November, the details of which will be announced later.
Student makes threat, goes to Juvenile Hall
A Sonoma Valley High School freshman earlier this week told a counselor in a Santa Rosa diversion program that he intended to blow up the high school. Having been ordered to participate in the diversion program after an earlier incident involving an explosive devise similar to a firecracker, the student, who lives in Sonoma, was on campus Sept. 27 when he was detained by Sonoma Police officers and school officials who had been alerted to the threat. He was committed to Juvenile Hall.
Readers’ Books owners to be honored
Readers’ Books, owned by Andy and Lilla Weinberger, has been selected as Business of the Year acknowledged by the Sonoma Valley Chamber of Commerce. Leaders of the community, government and business chose the bookstore as a model of business and community service excellence over the 15 years it has been in operation.
The Weinbergers will be honored at a noon luncheon on Friday, Oct. 12, at the Sonoma Gulf Club. Cost of the luncheon is $50 and reservations must be made by Oct. 10 by calling the chamber at 7078.996.1033.
