Harvest Host stays: A new website, harvesthosts.com provides unlimited overnight stays for self-contained RVs at wineries, farms, breweries, museums, golf courses and more. The site boasts more than 2,200 locations around the country. Locally, only Mayo Family Winery seems to be signed up but other spots are likely to be added in the weeks ahead. The overnight stay is free but guests are asked to make a purchase “to show your appreciation to your host for the hospitality,” their only compensation for allowing you to park overnight. Learn more at harvesthosts.com.
New budget airline: Avelo, a new Burbank-based budget airline will soon be flying in and out of Santa Rosa Airport (Charles M. Schulz). It will start out this month by serving 12 airports in western states Flights from Santa Rosa to Burbank started at $19 and checked bags just $10 (as of April 8). aveloair.com.
Free event: Former Harlem Globetrotter William Bullard will speak about his inspiring life story at Sonoma Fit from noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 10. The gym is celebrating its fifth anniversary in Sonoma. The event is kid-friendly and open to all. It will also be streamed live at YouTube.com/sonomafit. 19310 Sonoma Highway.
New hire: Paralegal Margene Larson has joined the Gullotta Law Group. Larson is a Sonoma resident with more than 30 years of legal experience, including extensive estate planning and trust and probate administration experience. Her paralegal education includes Santa Clara University Law School, Cañada College and Skyline College Paralegal Programs. sonomaprobate.com.
New hire: Sonoma native Nick Mendelson has joined Morgan Stanley’s Napa Harvest Group in the firm’s wealth management office. Mendelson has been with Morgan Stanley since 2016. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Sonoma State.
Fast growing: SmashMallow, the Sonoma-based maker of marshmallows, gummy and crispy snacks from natural ingredients, debuted at No. 193 of the 250-company on Inc. magazine’s second annual list of the fastest growing regional companies with 78 percent growth in 2017–2019. smashmallow.com.
Name change: After 45 years providing hospice care, Hospice by the Bay has changed its name to By the Bay Health. The 45-year-old nonprofit health services provider’s new name is designed to “more accurately reflect the organization’s current breadth of services, which include hospice care, palliative care, comfort care, grief counseling, pediatric care and skilled home health care services.” By the Bay Health has offices in Larkspur, San Francisco and Sonoma. 355 W. Napa St.
Unemployment: The unemployment rate in Sonoma County was 6.4 percent in February, down from 7.1 percent in January, according to the most recent data released by the country. Sonoma County’s unemployment rate was 2.8 percent in February 2020.
New director: Barbara Wells has joined the Sonoma Plein Air Foundation board of directors. Transcendence Theater Company has added new board members Rob Chimsky (returning) and Fabiola Sotomayor (new).
Honors: North Bay Business Journal is seeking nominations for exceptional women in the North Bay for their success and contributions to business and community as leaders, innovators and visionaries. Nominations close Monday, April 12. northbaybusinessjournal.com.
New service: Charlie’s Acres animal rescue farm on Napa Road has launched an Animal Assisted Therapy program and is partnering with mentoring organizations and children's hospitals. “Our goal is to expand this program and provide animal assisted therapy services full time for at-risk youth in our community and across the country through virtual and in-person sessions,” said founder Tracy Vogt. To donate or learn more about their services, email brenda@charliesacres.org.
New eye doctor: Optometrist Lilly Chang has joined Kevin and Laura Martin at Sonoma Optometry Center. Chang is licensed to diagnose, treat and prescribe proactive measures to prevent eye diseases, including macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataracts, diabetic eye disease and more. Chang specializes in helping to prevent or slow down myopia (nearsightedness) development in children. The rate of nearsightedness in children has been skyrocketing, largely blamed on the many hours per day spent looking at screens, according to the Martins. You can make an eye exam appointment at Sonoma Optometry Center by calling 938-3987 or online at SonomaOptometryCenter.com. 201 W. Napa St.
Delicious Dish news: Delicious Dish continues to offer take-out lunch and takeaway dinners but the Arnold Drive spot’s large patio is also now open for lunch seven days a week. The hours are Monday - Friday 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturday & Sunday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 18709 Arnold Drive. deliciousdishsf.com.
Now open: Oak Hill Farm’s Red Barn Store is now open on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. For sale are sustainably grown produce, flowers and floral greens as well as salves and lotions, local olive oil and hot sauce. 15101 Sonoma Highway, Glen Ellen. oakhillfarm.net.
Contact Lorna at lorna.sheridan@sonomanews.com.
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