Archive for ◊ 2010 ◊

A Nearby N Y’s Eve
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• Friday, December 31st, 2010
It’s cold & wet and there’s bound to be crazy traffic, but hey, it’s New Years’ Eve so if you want to celebrate choose a nearby event that is close to home. Here are two options:

December 31st -  Celebrate New Year’s Eve at the Arlene Francis Center! Entertainment is the Vespertine Orchestra &  Bombshell Betty with Fromagique.  All Ages Welcome.  Moonlight Beer on tap.  7 bucks at the Door. Kids 10 years and under get in free. Location: Arlene Francis Center for Spirit, Art, and Politics 99 Sixth Street @ Wilson Time: 9:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.

Fromagique with Bombshell Betty

Fromagique with Bombshell Betty

December 31st- Sfarzo New Year’s Eve Party with The Fast Eddie Band with guest Julie Mederois.  Dance, rock, funk, motown. Champagne toast, balloon drop, snacks included. $17 day of show • 21+Location: The Last Day Saloon 120 Fifth Street @ Davis Time: 8:00 PM door • 8:30 PM show

The Last Day Saloon

The Last Day Saloon

The West End Neighborhood where urbanism, preservation, art and people come together! For the latest updates, crime alerts, full calendar of events and photos- go the West End Neighborhood website Click Here!

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The DeTurk Round Barn is AMAZING!
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• Wednesday, December 29th, 2010

It’s not finished yet, but here is a tantalizing glimpse of the DeTurk Round Barn. It is hoped that the project will complete is the next few weeks… but the wait will be worth it. Thanks to Rich Hovden for allowing us to take a peek!

The Exterior Lights

The Exterior Lights

The Main Floor space

The Main Floor space

The Ceiling and Fan

The Ceiling and Fan

A few highlights: The amazing floor is made of recycled shipping crates and the only source of heat is through the floor. The interior walls were left original to pay homage to the historic use of the barn. The building now boasts a catering kitchen, bathrooms, an elevator, 3 stairways and a high tech audio/visual display. The ceiling has a large fan that circulates the air and the skylights open for temperature control. The exterior of the barn will be highlighted with uplights and the surrounding park will also be lighted.

The West End Neighborhood where urbanism, preservation, art and people come together! For the latest updates, crime alerts, full calendar of events and photos- go the West End Neighborhood website Click Here!

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W. E. Crime Alert- car break in
Author:
• Wednesday, December 15th, 2010
This is a report from Jennifer Watson, the West End’s Neighborhood Watch coordinator in the Upper West End (North of 9th Street).  Jennifer Watson has done an exceptional job of organizing and communicating crime reports. As neighbors, we all need to work together to be pro-active to criminal activity.  Today’s Alert:

CRIME ALERT – CAR ROBBERY – Upper West End area (North of 9th)

Hi Neighbors,

Neighbor Russ Toran reports: “At 6:08 am this morning (Wed, 12/15) my car was broken into at 932 Ripley St (at the end of 11th Street.) The Sony AM/FM compact disk player was taken.  My car was locked because the alarm went off, however, there was no sign visible sign of forced entry like a broken window. They must have used those devices AAA uses when you lock your keys in the car. They went through the glovebox and the trunk. Too bad the downtown area of Santa Rosa is like this. This is the second time my car has been broken into to in the the past two years.”

If you see or hear suspicious activity in the neighborhood: Call the Police. Non-emergency 528-5222 and Emergency 911 (on Cell phones- call 528-5222 for both). Also call (or email) your neighbors to report situations or to get backup.    Let’s keep communicating to keep our neighborhood safer!

Sincerely,   Jennifer Watson, 121 10th Street, 568-3735

The West End Neighborhood where urbanism, preservation, art and people come together! For the latest updates, crime alerts, full calendar of events and photos- go the West End Neighborhood website Click Here!

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West End Holiday Happenings
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• Tuesday, December 14th, 2010

Lots of holiday happenings right in the neighborhood :

December 15th, Wednesday- Christmas Movie Night.    First movie for the whole family, 1983′s “Christmas Story”.  Following that is “Christmas Tree Blues”, a short film that will be making its Sonoma County premiere, co-produced by our own Choklit Chanteuse and sound design by Clifford Hill.  To round out the evening,  the 1988 Christmas blockbuster, “Die Hard”.  This night of Christmas movie magic was created by Skye Barnett & Clifford Hill. Location: Toad in the Hole Time: 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Christmas Movie Night

Christmas Movie Night

December 18th, Saturday- West End Christmas Caroling- The weather outside might be frightful- so the carolers aren’t quite sure what the plan is. If all goes well, they will carol in the neighborhood from 6-7 p.m. and end up at Toad in the Hole for the following event. If you would like more information, email Tory

December 18th, Saturday- A very “Deluxe” Christmas Variety Show. Dust off those fuzzy Christmas sweaters! The Buckets are going to be rockin’- come enjoy a good old fireside-rock show as well as a variety of other acts. The West End Carolers will make an appearance. If you have a talent that you want to display in front of the world then please contact Clifford Location: Toad in the Hole  Time: 8 p.m.

Deluxe Buckets

Deluxe Buckets

6th Street Theater Shows: (For complete info go to www.6thstreetplayhouse.com )

Ham for the Holidays- November 26th- December 19th. Back by Popular Demand! Written & Directed by Shad Willingham   Set on Christmas Eve in a small radio station (WHAM) in Georgia (circa 1940), a group of actors await the arrival of Orson Welles who is scheduled to make a guest appearance on their broadcast.

A Christmas Carol- School of Drama Winter Workshop production. December 17, 18, 19 at 7 p.m. December 18, 19 at 2 p.m. Student performers ages 8 to 16 years will lead audience members on a nostalgic journey back in time to Victorian England.

6th Street Improv- Improvised Radio Show December 19th, Sunday. 6th Street Improv uses the set of Ham for the Holidays to create their own 1940′s style radio show. Will include completely new, never-before-seen or heard improvised songs, sound effects, serial stories, and sponsors.

Holiday Horse & Carriage Rides in Historic Railroad Square- A fun holiday tradition. Weekends until Christmas Eve (weather permitting) 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Take a ride in Railroad Square

Take a ride in Railroad Square

The West End Neighborhood where urbanism, preservation, art and people come together! For the full calendar, the latest updates and photos- go the West End Neighborhood website Click Here!

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Dog (& Cat) Friendly West End
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• Friday, December 10th, 2010

This is another pet friendly email, so if you don’t really like animals you can stop reading, but for those who do… please continue!

December “Dog dates” at DeTurk Round Barn Park: December 12th, Sunday at 11 a.m.-  West End Poodle Party:   December 19th, Sunday at 3 p.m. – Pug Play Day  Please note: Rain cancels both events (Poodles and Pugs prefer to stay dry!) and that the Dog Park can be quite muddy during the wet months.

Puggies on laps

Puggies on laps

Santa Paws at Western Farm- In spite of the rain and chilly weather, hundreds of dogs, plenty of cats, a parakeet, a maka bird, a rooster and a horse showed up to take a photo with Santa. This great event was a fundraiser for Canine Companions for Independence. It’s always wonderful to have a “dog friendly” event. Thanks Western Farm Center! For more photos, click here!

These Polar Bears, err dogs, were photo ready.

These Polar Bears, err dogs, were photo ready.

Remember Rocky the Dog? Rocky was the poor Rottweiler-mix pup who suffered serious head injuries when he was beaten in March and left tied to a fence on Wilson Street. In spite of all the medical care, interest and attention- Rocky exhibited some behavior issues that made it difficult for him to find a home. (Go figure.)  Don Malone, Director of Operations at So. Humane Society, informs that Rocky was placed in a rescue in Woodland CA named Rotts of Friends. Don says he checked them out and found it to be a very nice place, which does rescues, training and placement. Rocky was transferred there in Oct. The hope is that eventually they will be able to place him if not he has a place to stay for the rest of his life. Thanks to the Sonoma Humane Society and Rotts of Friends for giving Rocky a chance.

Low Cost Cat Sterilization offered: Speaking of the Sonoma Humane Society, they are teaming up with with VIP Pet Care Services, Sonoma Animal Care and Control and Forgotten Felines of Sonoma County. For $30, owners can have their cat surgically spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and given a microchip. For more information, call 542-0882 or go online to www.sonomahumane.org.  Press Democrat

Foster Homes Sought for Future Service Dogs- For information e-mail Molly at molly@berginu.edu or call 545-3647.   Press Democrat

The West End Neighborhood where urbanism, preservation, art and dog friendly people come together! To see photos of some of West End Dogs or dogs who visit the dog park, CLICK Here!

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West End News- events, holidays and Starks
Author:
• Wednesday, December 08th, 2010

Current news for this second week in December. Don’t forget to check out the calendar to see all events.

Upper W. E. CRIME ALERT- Ray on 10th Street reported that a rock was thrown through his house window at approximately 11:30 pm last Sunday night (Dec. 5). The SRPD has been alerted and fortunately the damage was not too major.  If you see or hear suspicious activity in the neighborhood: Call the Police. Non-emergency 528-5222 and Emergency 911 (on Cell phones- call 528-5222 for both). Also call (or email) your neighbors to report situations or to get backup.  Neighborhood Watch is the most effective and least expensive tool for ensuring the safe environment that we all want for our friends and families.

December 9th, Thursday- Planning Commission Meeting. The Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan Draft will be reviewed by the Planning Commission for their recommendations to the City Council. Location: City Hall Chambers Time: Meeting starts at 4- Bike & Ped Master Plan (Item 11) will be sometime after that.  See Agenda

December 12th, Sunday- West End Poodle Party .  A time for Poodles and their owners to socialize. Winter policy: Rain cancels event (Poodles don’t like their poms wet!) Also note that the DeTurk Round Barn Dog Park can be very muddy during wet months. Location: DeTurk Round Barn Dog Park  819 Donahue Street, Santa Rosa  Time: 11 a.m.

Poodles ready to party

Poodles ready to party

December 12th, Sunday- The 6th Street Playhouse Holiday Open House. Celebrate the holidays at the 6th St. Playhouse. All ages invited to this fun FREE event! No RSVP is necessary, just come as you are. Backstage tours of the Playhouse, holiday cookies, snacks, hot apple cider, eggnog, music, song, and good cheer! Location: 6th Street Playhouse  Time: 4- 6 p.m.   For December Theater offerings at 6th Street Playhouse- Click Here!

6th Street at Night

6th Street at Night

West End Caroling December 18th, Saturday 6 p.m.: Tis the Season! Looking for carolers! The West End Carolers are back and we are looking for singers to join our group. We especially need some low parts- Alto, bass and tenors! For more info contact Tory

Starks and West Enders: The current Santa Rosa Magazine article “Warm up the chill” talks about fun things to do on the weekend. Of course, Railroad Square and West End favorites are noted including the Stark’s Steakhouse Happy Hour (Monday to Saturday 3 to 6 p.m.)  Photo Alert! Great photo of Stark’s filled with West Enders! Check it out on Page 16.

Another round, please!

Another round, please!

Horse and carriage rides available on weekends (weather permitting) in Historic Railroad Square. This long time tradition is offered courtesy of Railroad Square Merchants.

The West End Calendar has a full listing of Holiday events, West End Artists and performer dates, meetings and other dates of neighborhood interest.

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West End Artists and Performers
Author:
• Tuesday, December 07th, 2010
The West End revels in our numerous artists, performers and just insanely creative people.

December 9th, Thursday- Xmas Card Collective Show & Sale. Don’t buy your Christmas cards until you see the original works created by 6 local artists including West End’s William Smith, Jacqueline Smith and  Todd Barricklow (accepted as a West Ender but actually from another interesting neighborhood)  Location: Studio 300  at 300 South A Street Time: 5-8 p.m.

Xmas Card Collective

Xmas Card Collective

December 11th, Saturday- St. Peterbilt & Quarter Mile Combo- yes! That’s BOTH bands featuring the West End’s own Justin Barr on one night!  Location: Russian River Brewing Company Time: 9 p.m.

St. Peterbilt

St. Peterbilt

Quarter Mile Combo

Quarter Mile Combo

Amber Lee Baker in Alpha . Click Here! Amber is “Dominating” the local music scene. Her second Album  “Indelible” is in the works and includes 8 well crafted songs, including “Alpha” .  There is a Kickstarter Fundraiser to help fund this fabulous album. It’s a fun way for to pre-buy the album and get some great extras. The more you pledge, the more you get…. a private house concert for you and 10 friends, accordion lessons, T-shirts and more. For more info Amber Lee Kickstarter.

Congrats to Ken Risling! His song won the November Best Song (beating out 12 others) at the Songwriter’s competition with this his Awesome song ,”Shameless Love”. He performed the song with his daughter, Oona Risling-Sholl. Check out “Shameless Love”- Click here!

Actor/Director Workshops: Hello from your filmmaker neighbor on Davis St…. I’m putting out the word that I’m NOW LOOKING FOR ACTORS interested in collaborating on some skill-building exercises, staging and shooting short scenes. Minimal commitment of time and effort. Should be fun! Looking for people now; workshop to get rolling sometime in January. FREE. John Hardin

Other great shows:

December 12th, Sunday- Kim Wilson’s Blue’s Allstars and Santa Rosa Hometown Band- The Aces. Location: Last Day Saloon Time: 6 p.m. Door Cost: $20 advance 21 yrs +

December 13th, Monday- The Gene Taylor Blues Band. Boogie Woogie Blues pianist Gene Taylor teams up with hometown pals Dave Alvin, John Bazz & Phil Bateman  (The original Blasters minus one brother). Location: Last Day Saloon Time: 6:30 Door Cost: $20 21 yrs +

December 15th, Wednesday- Katie from the Krush suggests a FREE lunchtime show at Hopmonk  with Pete Yorn.  He’s a super cool singer/songwriter who just put out his 5th solo album. Location: Hopmonk Brewery Time: Noon

Are you a West End performer, artist or other talented individual? Don’t be shy! Share your performance dates and events with the neighborhood. We want to support you. Contact Lea Barron-Thomas at  westend @sonic.net

More West End talent and events  next week, all events now listed on calendar.

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DeTurk Round Barn Update
Author:
• Sunday, December 05th, 2010
The DeTurk Round Barn and Park project started this year in April and it’s anticipated that it might be finished before Christmas. Here’s an update:

Dog Park: The Dog park has been completed and is open. A new Maverick Plaque will be installed. The gate that was not staying closed has been repaired. Unfortunately, the beautiful green grass has turned into a muddy mess. Several dog park users have wanted to know who they could make comments to about the mud. Send them to Rich Hovden, City of S. R.

Park Landscaping: The sod and  plants have been put in. You may have noticed the use of grasses and even grapevines.  The DeTurk Vintage Rose garden has been replanted in their new location. Gina designed the plan for the roses based on their color, type and size. It will be gorgeous.

New Landscaping 11-25-10

New Landscaping 11-25-10

Barn Exterior: The exterior is nearly finished and only has a “punch list” for a few final items. The lighting is working but has not been turned on yet. No one will confirm a date for this as of yet.

The Exterior is almost finished 11-15

The Exterior is almost finished 11-15

Barn Interior: The interior has a little way to go. The wood flooring starts this week downstairs. The light fixtures are being put in upstairs. It will have to be completely finished prior to final notice.They anticipate around the 21st of December but of course, things happen and that may change.

For more photos of the DeTurk Round Barn project, click here!

Now the Big EXCITING news!

The FIRST wedding has been booked and they live in the neighborhood.  West End lovebirds Katie Vrooman and Justin Bar will tie the knot in the newly renovated DeTurk Round Barn. Isn’t that romantic?

The stylish Justin & Katie

The stylish Justin & Katie

Are you a West End performer, artist or other talented individual? Don’t be shy! Share your performance dates and events with the neighborhood. We want to support you. Contact Lea Barron-Thomas at  westend @sonic.net

More West End talent and events  next week, all events now listed on calendar

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Early December Happenings
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• Tuesday, November 30th, 2010
The Holiday Season, Winter weather (and small earthquake) have arrived. As always, enjoyable times are within walking distance so bundle up and delve into the fun.

December 3rd, Friday- Street Sweeper Remember, the street sweeper is scheduled for the first Friday of every month. Move your cars off the curb to allow the sweeper to remove the accumulated debris and leaves… that will make for better street drainage when it rains.

December 4th, Saturday- First Saturday Creek Clean Up.  West End resident Stan Gow organizes this great program. Clean the Creek, get to know your neighbors and people from other neighborhoods. Lunch afterwards- a main dish, salad and drinks will be provided. Be green- bring your own utensils. Desserts and side dishes always welcome. Location: Meet at Olive Park Time: 10 a.m.

Clean the creek, make a difference.

Clean the creek, make a difference.

December 4th, Saturday- Railroad Square Merchant Open House (all day) and Tree Lighting Ceremony. Memorial Hospice presents Light up a Life- a celebration that includes a community tree lighting, music, inspiration and remembrance of our loved ones during the holiday season. Location: Depot Park in Historic Railroad Square Time: 6 p.m.

December 4th & 5th, Saturday & Sunday- Santa Paws at Western Farm. Have your pet’s photo taken with Santa. $15 per 4X6 framed photo (plus a digital emailed within a week). All proceeds benefit Canine Companions. Location: Western Farm Center 21 W. 7th Street  Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Santa Paws at Western Farm Center

Historic Railroad Square Holiday Horse & Carriage Rides every weekend until Christmas, weather permitting 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The West End Neighborhood where urbanism, preservation, art and people come together! For the full calendar, the latest updates and photos- go the West End Neighborhood website Click Here!

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West End Artists/Performers news
Author:
• Tuesday, November 30th, 2010
The West End is teeming with creativity and talent.

December 3rd, Friday- Chop’s Variety Showcase. An evening of food and fun to celebrate the successes and talents of Chop’s members. This event is catered by the Chop’s Catering Crew. Free and open to the public. Location: Chops Teen Club 509 Adams Street Time: 4:30- 6:30 p.m.

December 3rd, Friday- The New Horizons Band Holiday Concert. The New Horizons Band highlights the talent of over 60 vintage musicians in a remarkable concert band and a lively swing band. The Holiday Concert will feature seasonal favorites and there is an innovative musical piece with 5 tubas.   Joan Woodhull, well known West End musician and gardener, will play the alto sax. Location: The Glaser Center 547 Mendocino Avenue Time: 7 p.m. Donations accepted in any amount.

The 2011 Accordion Babes calendar is here! This calendar has spicy pinup style photos and a compilation CD of all 12 Accordion Babes. A great gift idea!-The West End’s own squeezebox goddess,  Amber Lee Baker is Miss February. If you buy your calendar directly from Amber- it’s $15. Contact her at amber@amberleeandtheanomalies.com

Amber Lee Baker

Amber Lee Baker

The Hank Band recently played at the Lagunitas Beer Sanctuary. The weather was sultry and the band was hot too. The Hank Band featuring Tahmus Rounds, Chris Rovetti, Dave Zibel, Jim Peterson and the West End’s own Tim Sarter. They also just wrapped up their final show of Hank Williams: Lost Highway and also played. You really missed out if you didn’t get a chance to see them and since Tahmus lives in L.A., it’s a rare treat for them to get together. Check out our gallery to see more photos of West End Artists- click here!

The Hank Band

The Hank Band

Do you have a set of pipes on you? The West End Carolers are back and preparing for another round of Wassailing on Saturday December 18th. Looking for singers! If you enjoy choral singing and can sing in parts- Please join us! We especially need some low parts- Alto, bass and tenors! We will be practicing starting in December- Happy Caroling! For more info contact Tory

Are you a West End performer, artist or other talented individual? Don’t be shy! Share your performance dates and events with the neighborhood. We want to support you. Contact Lea Barron-Thomas at  westend @sonic.net

More West End talent and events  next week, all events now listed on calendar

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