Tag: Petaluma

Petaluma’s Griffo Distillery Breaking Through The Spirits Biz

Griffo Family, Photo By Chad Dunbar

We interviewed Jennifer and Mike Griffo, owners of Griffo Distillery in Petaluma, and found them to be hard-working and well educated.  Jennifer has an M.A. at Stanford University in International Development. Mike Griffo has a PhD in Physics from University of California, Santa Cruz.  They have lived in the bay area now for 15 years. In 2008 they got the idea of creating Griffo Distillery while lying on a picnic blanket at the Peay Vineyard. They were reflecting that owning a winery would be a good life for them — one that would keep close to their family and community.  However they didn’t want the demanding agricultural challenges that comes with managing a vineyard.  That was their “Aha” moment when the idea of a spirits distillery – exactly what they want to do without the headache of growing grapes.

Griffo Distillery, Photo By Chad Dunbar

The distillery business for the Griffo’s has been a labor of love.  Their blood, sweat, and tears have poured into this small family-owned spirits company. Mike Griffo spent three years as a “Qaunt” or doing Quantitative Analysis for Barclays in New York to raise the money to start the distillery.  Five years of penny pinching and planning went into starting this operation. They decided on a (infamous) Scott Street location because it is anchored with other craft beer and spirit makers, like Petaluma Hills and Lagunitas, as well as close to their family. They struggled through the outdated Prohibition Era regulations (unlike our Craft Beer companies who have earned relaxed alcohol practices to create their brews.)  These laws allow them only a limited number of options on how they could distribute their products. The Griffos are the founding members of the Petaluma Craft Guild.

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Click here to see a full gallery of photos of the Griffo Distillery.

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#Petaluma’s Shelina Moreda Girlz MotoCamp Hosts Reality TV Star Caitlyn Jenner And Friends

Petaluma, CA – August 18, 2015 – Reality TV star Caitlyn Jenner took her viewers on a road trip to Sonoma County as part of her new show, “I Am Cait.” In the episode that aired this past Sunday night on the E! Network, Jenner and several of her transgender friends visited motorcycle racer Shelina Moreda’s Girlz MotoCamp in Petaluma where they learned to ride dirt bikes.

Caitlyn Jenner and Shelina Moreda (2)The eight-part TV series, which debuted on July 26, focuses on Jenner’s gender transition and life since she came out as a trans woman this past April.

According to Moreda, Jenner, who is already a streetbike rider, quickly adapted to dirt bikes. “Given Caitlyn’s past as a gold medal Olympian in the decathlon, she’s obviously a well-rounded athlete,” Moreda said. She showed great skills on our bikes. Having Cait and her friends at our MotoCamp was a lot of fun. They are all awesome people, and I hope to have them back again. My instructors and I really enjoyed riding with them.”

Jenner felt that it was important for her and her friends to attend the Girlz MotoCamp so they could “do some things that weren’t ‘typically female’ because girls can do those things, too.”

Caitlyn Jenner and Shelina Moreda (1)About her time at Girlz MotoCamp, Jenner’s friend Blossom Brown said, “I loved Girlz MotoCamp. I highly recommend it for anyone wanting to strengthen their riding skills. Shelina was so helpful and encouraging, and everyone who works with her at the camp is patient, understanding, and gives off so much positive energy. I got a major boost in self-confidence when I was at the MotoCamp, and it not only helped me overcome the fear I had about riding a dirt bike, it also made me realize that I have the inner strength to a lot more things in life than I ever gave myself credit for.”

Positively Petaluma did a complete interview and previous posts on Shelina Moreda – for more information about her click on the below posts.

Herding cows on motorcycles to pro racing internationally: An interview with Shelina Moreda

Congratulations To Petaluma’s Shelina Moreda Winning For United States

UPDATE: Petaluma’s Shelina Moreda interviewed by KTVU Channel 2

CLICK PAGE TWO TO SEE A VIDEO THAT KRON 4 RECENTLY DID COVERING SHELINA’S GIRLZ MOTOCAMP

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Petaluma Eats! at the 10th Annual Taste of #Petaluma

Check out the mouth watering sneak preview video of some new comers joining Taste of Petaluma at the end of this article.

Taste Of Petaluma (101)
Refreshing Salad with Ingredients from local farms, Photo By Laura Gouillon

Mention the words “budget your calories” in Petaluma on Saturday August 22nd and you might find yourself wishing you ate your words because the 10th annual Taste of Petaluma (TOP) will be in full swing!

Featuring 90 participating restaurants and local vendors in 47 locations, the festival aims to celebrate the authentic nature of Petaluma Eats while also fundraising money to support the local and professional non-profit Cinnabar Theater.

Taste Of Petaluma LogoLaura Sunday (aka Queen Cuisine), event organizer of the Taste of Petaluma, says TOP is a “culinary journey of our historic downtown Petaluma showing off restaurants, galleries, and shops. The town never looks better on that day.”

At a Mini Taste of Petaluma, I had the chance to preview some of the good eats that will be featured at the event, including samples from new Petaluma restaurants Sonoma Spice Queen and Sauced BBQ & Spirits, in addition to Bistro 100. Here are sneak previews and backgrounds on these three amazing venues participating in this weekend’s celebration.

CLICK HERE OR PAGE 2 BELOW TO LEARN WHO THIS YEAR’S NEWCOMERS ARE

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VIDEO: KPIX Channel 5 #Petaluma Egg Ranch Increase Biosecurity To Prevent Avian Flu Outbreak

biosecuritySunrise Farms co-owner Arnie Riebli appears on CBS San Francisco telling about what he is doing to protect his chickens from bio contamination. Riebli, a fourth generation Sonoma County rancher and in 2011 received the Petaluma Chamber’s Excellence in Agriculture Award, as a precaution would not allow the KPIX reporter John Ramos on his grounds and instead met him at the Henny Penny. Sunrise Farms take extra precautions not to spread avian flu which could be devastating for the chickens and revenues of the farmer.  Riebli says that if Captureyou get avian flu in a flock of chickens you would experience a 95% mortality within a 6-day timeline. Sunrise Farms has spent up to $2 million for what Riebli calls “self insurance and self-preservation” to help assure and eliminate cross contamination.  The temporary increased cost and as many of 45 million chickens lost to avian flu, it’s no wonder egg prices increased in stores.  He says if the outbreak ends the chicken population will recover as chicken farmers tend to over produce and will have no problems recovering over time.  In his words “They will all come home to roost” making the increase costs temporary.

Petaluma’s Sonoma Coast Spirits is Raising the Bar on Ready To Drink Cocktails

Have you ever tried a ready to drink cocktail and was disappointed that it tasted like a sugar drink or didn’t have enough kick because the alcohol was practically absent?  You’re not alone – that’s typical.  But not for Petaluma’s Sonoma Coast Spirits.  They are breaking through and revolutionizing the twist and pour cocktail.

Doug Olson Owner of Sonoma Coast Spiritis At Taste of Petaluma
Doug Olson at 2014 Taste of Petaluma, Photo By Argus Courier Petaluma360.com

Petalumans Jill and Doug Olson moved their fledgling pre-mixed cocktails operation into a space behind Petaluma Hills Brewing Company on North McDowell. Founded in 2011, as a 4th generation – family owned Sonoma County Distiller, they are busy producing their award-winning pre-mix cocktails.  Wilibees Wines and Spirits, big supporters of locally produced beverages, is first to stock their potent 40-proof spirits including screw-top lemon drop martini.  Recently they introduced Mango Tango and Pomegranate-Lime Craft Cocktails. For all you whiskey lovers, their Whiskey Sour will launch this fall.

True Glamour Leomon Drop MartiniThe philosophy behind their ready to drink cocktail line, is to produce high quality cocktails at 32 proof that are unique and flavorful that cannot be found elsewhere. These cocktails are perfect for those occasions where you are entertaining and don’t have time to mix cocktails but want a perfectly blended drink for your guests.

You can find Sonoma Coast Spirits busy pouring around Petaluma and the Bay Area at various events – We saw their booth this year at the Art & Garden Festival.   Also expect to see them at the 2015 Taste of Petaluma.  They give priority to support local charities and to give back to the community who has been so gracious in supporting their endeavor.  Expect their flavors to be hitting other stores in Petaluma and the North Bay.  Their new specialty liqueurs and whiskeys should be being launched in time for the holidays. For more information on upcoming tastings visit www.sonomacoastspirits.com.

Here are retailers where you can find their products:

Petaluma: Wilibee’s; G&G Market; Charlie’s Liquors; Namaste Liquors; and Petaluma Market;

St. Helena: Sunshine Market; St. Helena Wine Shop.

Novato: Harvest Market;

Terra Linda: Scotty’s Market;

San Anselmo: Ludwig’s Fine Wine and Spirits:

Santa Rosa: G&G Market; Oliver’s; Bottle Barn.

Cotati: Oliver’s; Sacramento area: Nugget Markets.

 

Petaluma’s historic Washoe House restaurant sold per Inside Scoop SF

UPDATE July 23, 2015:  After we posted the below, that evening the Press Democrat released the following article by Julie Johnson, Washoe House North of Petaluma being sold.

 

From stagecoach stop to saloon, Petaluma’s Washoe House has seen a rich history. It boasts about 156 years worth of legend, actually.

And now, the landmark roadhouse on Stony Point Road at Roblar Road is in new hands, purchased last week by Larry Peter of Spring Hill Jersey Cheese in Petaluma.

For the past 33 years, the two story, red clapboard structure has been owned and operated by dad Bill Drew, mom Edith Drew, and their daughters Cheryl Jensen and Patti Tobin. Bill passed away in 2006, and Jensen took over.

Peter did not reply to messages requesting comment, but Jensen says he told her he had no plans “to mess with tradition.”

Read the rest of this article from its source: Petaluma’s historic Washoe House restaurant sold – Inside Scoop SF

Video/Photos of Petaluma’s 2015 Butter & Egg Days Parade

2015 Butter & Egg Days ParadeDid  you miss the parade?  Well no worries, here is the complete parade captured on photo and video by us and Petaluma Community Access. Also we put together a photo gallery of this years parade to document one of our favorites annual events that is enjoyed by thousands.

The following are video clips of the entries (more bite size videos) that are easy to share instead of having to search through one long video.  We captured these on the corner of Kentucky and Washington Street.  Do you see anyone you know?  We will be adding more videos to this playlist over time.

CLICK ON PAGE TWO BELOW TO SEE A PHOTO GALLERY OF THIS YEARS PARADE

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Disaster Preparedness – Neighbors Helping Neighbors

Last week’s Petaluma City Council meeting (7/6/15) featured a two part presentation by members of the Fire Department related to Emergency Preparedness.  You may want to also see my earlier post Can Sonoma Communicate?. Part I of the meeting reviewed what was learned from the recent Napa Earthquake, and Part II reported on the city’s current readiness in the event of a major disaster. Here is the video segment of the city’s meeting on this agenda item:

Allow a minute for the video to populate below – for some browsers your adobe flash or browser may need to be updated. If you are having problems viewing it click here:

Disaster Preparedness - Neighbors Helping Neighbors 1 One important point expressed was that citizens should be prepared to react and to be prepared to be self-sufficient because they could be on their own for three-to-five days without assistance from the city’s first responders. Over the past several years, there have been various Disaster Preparedness programs offered by local groups and organizations that address these needs.

One major concern of this blogger has been how will neighborhoods communicate with one another when all power is out and normal means of communication by Because of the large of volumes of callstelephone, cell phone, computer, etc. are not available. This concern motivated a group of local licensed amateur radio operators to form a Neighborhood Ham Watch (NHW) network that been has conducting weekly Ham radio check-ins, as well as monthly face-to-face meetings for education and training.

There are three main NHW purposes: (1) Get on your radio and talk to other operators from other neighborhoods, and thereby ease tension and isolation associated with an Firefighters Presentation of Disaster Preparednessextended power outage; (2) establish a NHW net and communicate with local Emergency Operation Centers (EOCs), and (3) send welfare traffic at the request of neighbors to extended family outside the stricken area to relieve concerns and reduce clogging of telephone systems that might still be functioning.

Hopefully, this blog will attract the attention of licensed Hams in the 94952, 94953, and 94954 zip code areas, and motivate them to register their name, call sign, and e-mail address with the Petaluma NHW network. Please e-mail Bill Hammerman, KI6GOO, at [email protected]

Petaluma is Plugged In Thanks To Two Petaluma Artists

PG&E Plug-10The power building downtown is actually a historic site built in the 1920s.  PG&E wanted to give the building a face lift so they did a fantastic job giving it a new clean coat of paint. They also wanted to work in cooperation with a local artist Joel Jones of Basal Ganglia Studio to do something, well… different. Ganglia worked with structure fabricator Shawn Thorsson of Thorsson & Associates Workshop to build a gigantic plug and electrical outlet on the side of the building. So literally, at least in appearance, Petaluma is plugged in.

PG&E Plug-11Yesterday the area was coned off for an artist reception held in the adjacent courtyard with live music.

PG&E Plug-12

 

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What In The Heck Is That?

Rhino Vehicle Petaluma

UPDATE August 8, 2015: Check out also Petaluma artists prep for Burning Man, By Yovanna Biererich, Argus Courier Staff.

 

A local artist, Kevin Clark, received a grant from Black Rock City Arts to build Medusa Madness for this year’s Burning Man event.  Clark, who is also co-owner of The Shop on Kentucky St.,  is known for his restaurant design and Rhino Vehicle that rolled down the streets in this year’s Butter & Egg Days Parade.  His rhino vehicle will serve as the stage for the Rivertown Revival event on July 18. He assisted with previous year’s Burning Man temples in 2001 and 2002.  This huge Medusa head will be located in the front of the “Key Hole” in center camp giving it high status as one of the major displays at this year’s Burning Man event. Medusa’s head will sport a cobra tiara and covered with polished-mirror finished stainless steel.

Medusa-11Medusa Madness will have 25 snake heads whose bodies will be 400 ft. long and require over 800 barrels to construct. Each section has to be welded on to the structure.  Last year  we covered the Temple of Grace built for the 2014 event by local artist David Best.  Best’s project required tons of volunteers to construct.  See VIDEO UPDATE: #Petaluma’s David Best Builds 2014 Burning Man Temple In Petaluma  and Photos of the Temple of Grace Built By Petaluma Artist David Best And Many Petaluman Volunteers.  The difference with this project is it cannot use volunteers because its construction requires skilled labor.  When we were on site there were 4 active welders building the structure.

Medusa-10The snake heads will also be covered with mirrored finished stainless steel.  The heads will breathe fire requiring over 100 gallons of propane.  Their eyes will light up using 200 MRG 16 RGB LED lights.  The eyes will blink and roll.

Medusa-13Inside of the structure will serve as an atrium for people to move about inside the structure.  The entire structure will be finished in 4 to 5 weeks and will be moved to the Burning Man camp on August 22.