Archive for the Category ◊ Holiday ◊

Christmas Carolers, lights and a new website
Author: Lea Barron-Thomas
• Thursday, December 24th, 2009
It’s almost Christmas!

West End Christmas Carolers delighted neighbors on Friday, December 18th. Their voices harmonized as happy neighbors watched from their porches. After working their way through the neighborhood, everyone met up at Robin’s W. 6th St. house for an old fashioned neighborhood party.  If you missed the fun, you can get a glimpse of the carolers in action. Click here!

The West End carolers

The West End carolers

Holiday lights are a special part of the season. There are many West End homes decorated for your viewing pleasure- just bundle up, grab your dogs and/or children, a warm drink and wander around the West End.  The best decorated row of houses are on W. 7th across from DeMeo Park. There is nothing more charming than vintage homes decorated with lights. If you would like a preview, Click here!

The Press Democrat has finally listed map of Christmas light displays. Press Democrat article

Railroad Square launched their new and improved website. The website was designed by website wizard (and West End’s own) Clifford Hill (Sassy Monkey Media ) who also designed the West End and Regatta websites. It’s just gorgeous- check it out. Click here!

Holiday visitors? Show them the delights of the West End. Take them on the West End Walking tour. It’s a self-guided tour that takes around an hour. It covers the West End and Railroad Square history and buildings. Brochures are available at the Santa Rosa Visitor’s Center. We will also leave some on our porch (306 Boyce).

Warmest wishes for the holiday!

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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Events, Crime Alerts, More Ham
Author: Lea Barron-Thomas
• Tuesday, December 15th, 2009

Hope you are enjoying the Holidays!

Friday, December 18th- 6 p.m. to 8:30 3rd Annual West End Caroling Night. Our roaming carolers will tour through the neighborhood and then end up for a potluck holiday party at Robin’s house (127 W. 6th Street). The ending party is BYOB and potluck items can be dropped off ahead of time if you don’t want to go caroling with your casserole. We will do the last round of carols at Robin’s house and expect to be back at her house around 7:30 or 8 p.m.

More Ham for the Holidays- 6th Street Playhouse announced three new performance dates for the new, hilarious holiday comedy “Ham for the Holidays”.  Thursday, Dec. 17, Saturday, December 19th and Sunday December 20th. This family friendly comedy was written by Santa Rosa native and actor, Shad Willingham. For more info Click here! Box office: 707-523-4185

Christmas Collins & Jimmy Gagarin, two actors from "Ham for the Holidays"

Christmas Collins & Jimmy Gagarin, two actors from "Ham for the Holidays"

Special thanks to Jennifer Watson of 10th Street, for delivering a petition to the S. R. City Council requesting that portions of the West End be re designated so that single family homes are permitted. Jennifer will keep everyone up to date as this plan moves forward.

Railroad Square Crime Alert: Historic Railroad Square has been hit by a series of crimes. Many of the businesses have been vandalized or burglarized in the last few weeks. There have been windows etched, rocks thrown through windows, massive graffiti, theft and burglaries. . If you are in Railroad Square, especially late at night or early morning, keep an eye out and report any suspicious activity. These are our local, independent  merchants and they need our help.

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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December Holiday Events, crime alert
Author: Lea Barron-Thomas
• Wednesday, December 02nd, 2009
The holidays are here and as always there’s lots to do in the West End, Railroad Square and downtown. Get out there and enjoy… it’s just a walk away.

Check out last Saturday night in Railroad Square and the West End Neighborhood. It’s good living in the West End! … Check it out. Click here!

December 5 & 6th, Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.- Santa Paws at Western Farm Center 21 W. 7th Street. Treat your best friend to a holiday event. Have your pet’s picture taken with Santa.  $15   Afterwards, you can both shop for toys and essentials and get a complimentary treat from the friendly counter folks ( for dogs, not humans).

Santa Paws at Western Farm Center

Santa Paws at Western Farm Center

December 5th, Saturday  All Day- Historic Railroad Square Holiday Open House and Festivities- Start the holidays out right. Walk down Historic Railroad Square for music, carolers and refreshments. Enjoy an old fashioned carriage rides, a family holiday tradition sponsored by the Historic Railroad Square Association for 22 years. (Courtesy of Railroad Square business and property owners.) For more info, click here.

Lynda ed

December 4th to 20th- New show at 6th Street Playhouse, Ham for the Holidays. Set on Christmas Eve in 1939, a group of actors who work at WHAM (a small radio station located in Georgia) await the arrival of Orson Welles who is scheduled to make a guest appearance on their broadcast. Hilarity ensues as actors stumble through a long, blizzardy night toward Christmas morning in this new family-friendly seasonal treat sprinkled with holiday music from the era. Click Here!

December 5 & 6th, Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.- 30th Annual Holiday Open House  Luther Burbank Home & Gardens (Santa Rosa & Sonoma Ave)   $2 admission for ages 12 & over, Sat & Sun, 10am-4pm   Tour historic home decorated in Victorian style, refreshments, exhibits, specialty gifts for sale, children’s craft activity Click here for more info.

Neighborhood Watch Crime Alert: A neighbor reports a recent crime in West End-  Ripley St and corner of Lincoln St. car window smashed in the middle of the night 11/30 or 12/1. Neighborhood Watch is a program where neighbors join forces to combat crime. Neighbors commit to keeping a watchful eye out on suspicious activity, Calling the SRPD to report crime and communicating to other neighbors to raise awareness.

The West End Neighborhood where urbanism, preservation, art and people come together! For the West End Neighborhood website Click Here!

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West End- Thanksgiving & Holiday events
Author: Lea Barron-Thomas
• Wednesday, November 25th, 2009

Have a Happy Thanksgiving! Lots to do this weekend.

Friday November 27th- A downtown Santa Rosa Holiday. Start the Holiday season by spending time downtown. Enjoy treats, music, raffles and sales at the  Merchant Open house 12 to 5 p.m. Tree lighting ceremony at 6 p.m. For complete info CLICK HERE!

A Santa Rosa Downtown Holiday

Friday November 27th- 6th Street Theater 52 6th Street  “Home for the Holidaze” 8:00 p.m. in The Studio Theater. A show reflecting the joys and trials of family life & tradition. More info? CLICK HERE!

Fri. Nov. 27- North Bay Film & Art Collective- 99 Sixth Street,  Global Film Series 6PM SLEEPWALKING LAND   8PM SONG FROM THE SOUTHERN SEAS

Sat. Nov. 28- North Bay Film & Art Collective- 99 Sixth Street, Global Film Series   7PM – Dinner & Film: Mozambique SLEEPWALKING LAND

For film info Click Here! For ticket information call 707-527-0627

Santa Rosa’s Historic West End Walking Tour- Take your guests on an urban hike and learn about the West End Neigbhorhood. Self Guided tour starts and ends in Historic Railroad Square. Tour brochures available at Railroad Square Hotels and the Santa Rosa Visitors Center.

West End Walking Tour Ribbon CuttingJessica Diaz, Lea Barron-Thomas & Kernan Coleman

West End Walking Tour Ribbon Cutting- Jessica Diaz, Representing So. Co. Supervisor Shirley Zane, West End President Lea Barron-Thomas & Kernan Coleman, Ranch7 Creative

The West End Neighborhood where urbanism, preservation, art and people come together! For the West End Neighborhood website Click Here!

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West End News- Halloween events reminders
Author: Lea Barron-Thomas
• Friday, October 30th, 2009

Halloween events- all within walking distance:

Tonight! Friday, October 30th at 8 p.m.-  DeTurk  Round Barn Movie Night- Ghostbusters

Saturday, October 31st 5 to 9 p.m. Chop’s Halloween Carnival

Halloween at CHOPS

Saturday, October 31st -1p.m. to 4 p.m.-Free Family Day Halloween & Day of the Dead Celebration at the Sonoma County Museum.

For more complete information, check out the latest West End Updates – PRESS HERE!

The West End Neighborhood where urbanism, preservation, art and people come together!  For the West End Neighborhood website PRESS HERE!
Happy Halloween!
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West End- This Week
Author: Lea Barron-Thomas
• Wednesday, October 28th, 2009

Thursday, October 29th 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Downtown Station Area Specific Plan- Open House. Come and learn about land use and design changes in: Railroad Square, Courthouse Square and Parks & Garden sub-areas. Location: Finley Community Center, Live Oak Room 2060 W. College Ave. Other Sub-Areas will be highlighted in future meetings. For full details and sub-area brochures Press Here!

Halloween Fun… and it’s all within walking distance.

Friday, October 30th 8 p.m.- Movie Night at De Turk Round Barn Park Come out to Halloween movie night! This will be the last one until spring.**** NOTE THE 8:00 TIME ****Join your neighbors this Friday night to watch a movie outside, projected against the De Turk Round Barn.  Bring a blanket & such to sit on and keep warm with. ** Also bring a cup or small bowl to get some free popcorn or hot chocolate or hot cider (we’re not sure which, yet) **We’ll be watching Ghostbusters this week. (See these links: details and parental advisory ) Email Paul with any questions or suggestions: jordanpoling@gmail.com

Saturday, October 31st 5 to 9 p.m. Chop’s Halloween Carnival at W. 6th and Adams Street. An evening of safe and ghoulish fun! Activities include trick or treating, a jumpy house,game booths, face painting, costume contest,mask making, cake walk and more. Fee: $3.00 per person For more info push here. www.chopsonline.com

Halloween at CHOPS

Saturday, October 31st -1p.m. to 4 p.m.-Free Family Day Halloween & Day of the Dead Celebration at the Sonoma County Museum. A fun filled afternoon at the museum with Halloween & Day of the Dead themed arts, crafts & goodies!   FREE ADMISSION!!!   Pumpkin Painting Contest!  Children’s Museum of the Sonoma County’s “Museum on the Go”! Latino Oral History Interviews!   Mask Making!  Create your own Halloween Sundae bar!  Chocolate Milk & other creepy crawly treats & eats! Costume Contest! Sponsored in part by Clover-Stornetta    Please contact programs@sonomacountymuseum.org or 707-579-1500 x 17 for more information.

The West End Neighborhood where urbanism, preservation, art and people come together!  For the West End Neighborhood website PRESS HERE!
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Halloween Carnival
Author: Lea Barron-Thomas
• Friday, October 31st, 2008
Chops' Halloween Carnival

Chop's Halloween Carnival

It looks like it may very well rain for Halloween- so don’t forget that CHOPS is having a family Halloween Carnival. It should be a fun and dry event.

101 Southbound Ramp Opens
The 3rd Street on ramp to southbound 101 will officially open tomorrow (on schedule!) at 3 p.m.

Happy Halloween,
Lea Barron-Thomas

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Full Moon Tour and Other Exciting Events
Author: Lea Barron-Thomas
• Monday, October 20th, 2008

Dear West End Neighbors,

Full Moon Tour

Theresa plays West End's Lena circa 1945

Full Moon Tour 
The Full Moon Tour was a wonderful event. West End residents, friends and new aquaintances were treated to a tour of the West End in the 40s. Everyone was surprised to meet up with West End restaurant and legend, Lena Blake Bonfigli who told us a little about life in the neighborhood during the war. After an aromatic tour of Franco American Bakery, we ended the evening at Toad in the Hole where we socialized and listened to the accordion stylings of Amber Lee Baker (soon to be West End resident- welcome Amber!)

For those of you who ordered shirts, they are on the way and we will let you know when they are in.

Santa Rosa Pugs Howl-O-Ween

Chug Coleman-Jones Wins!

Santa Rosa Pugs “Howl-O-Ween”
The Santa Rosa Pugs “Howl-O-Ween” party was a the De Turk Round Barn on Sunday. It was a delightful party of costumed dogs. West End resident Chug Coleman-Jones won first place in the costume contest- his costume was designed by his grandma Marge!

Railroad Scare
Don’t forget Railroad Scare, a well-loved Halloween event in Railroad Square. It’s this Saturday, October 25th 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There’s a children’s parade, dog parade and scarecrow contest. It’s a lots of fun.

Vehicle Amnesty Day
I also received information on Vehicle Amnesty Day also this Saturday, October 25th:
In an effort to help homeowner’s clean up their properties, the City of Santa Rosa is partnering with Pick-N-Pull auto recyclers next Saturday to collect vehicles no longer wanted.

  • Sat., Oct. 25, 9am-4pm
  • Deliver vehicle to the DMV office at 2570 Corby Avenue for a $50 gift certificate or call for a free tow (from the Santa Rosa area) at 866-520-9749.
  • No ownership documents are required.
  • Vehicles do not have to be running.
  • No boats, motor homes, or trailers.

Questions? Contact the City’s Abandoned Vehicle Abatement Office at 543-3594.

Have a wonderful week!

Lea Barron-Thomas

 

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