June 12, 2009 | 
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The Economics of History—Every Crisis is an Opportunity
Within every crisis is an opportunity. The I-Ching, an ancient Chinese book of wisdom, states that every crisis carries two elements, danger and opportunity. The current world economic crisis has caused many, including Epi, to re-evaluate priorities that are held dear and to begin some long-range planning for how to live with what we have. Much of this reflection includes reviewing options for budgetary cost-cutting; yet, even more, Epi has contemplated what is important in life and where changes can be made that are satisfying yet don’t break the bank.
The current state crisis has resulted in a budgetary reduction plan that will close many facilities in the State Park system. This would seem to be, to quote an old phrase, “penny wise and pound foolish.” Ten Sonoma County facilities are on the shutdown list, including Annadel and Petaluma Adobe, as well as the Sonoma Mission, the Vallejo House, Sugarloaf Ridge and Jack London’s Glen Ellen Ranch.
Back to the I-Ching – one of the elements is danger, including the risk that a wrong decision can set back the organization rather than helping it move forward to a more advantageous position. The tremendous opportunity that any crisis presents can also bring great blessings for those who know the secret of finding the opportunity within.
According to the California State Parks Foundation, for every dollar that funds the parks, $2.35 is returned to the state’s general fund via economic activities in nearby communities. “That means eliminating all funding for state parks could actually result in the state losing over $350 million in revenue,” said Elizabeth Goldstein, president of the CSPF. “It will have a profound and devastating impact.” There is more at stake than lost user fees, Goldstein said. “Closed parks also cause revenue losses to the local economy. This is not the time to be causing further economic turmoil in communities around the state.”
Sonoma Mayor Ken Brown speaks even closer to home. “The relationship between the City of Sonoma and the state parks is a major benefit for both organizations – historical tourism in Sonoma is a main ingredient in bringing visitors to our city. The Mission, Vallejo’s home and other park facilities in the valley cannot be removed from the equation of economic prosperity. At the council meeting of June 17, I will bring forward an agenda item to discuss the role the city can play in keeping the state parks open in our city.”
Local organizations have made a significant contribution to the buildings that the state owns. The Sonoma League for Historic Preservation has supported the California State Parks by refurbishing the Toscano Hotel and Kitchen and has provided volunteer docents to interpret the history of these buildings to locals and tourists alike for thirty-seven years. Patricia Cullinan, Chair of the League Historic Preservation Committee, says, “We look upon this partnership with the state as a necessary element of citizenship for living in the wonderful Sonoma Valley. Closure of the state parks would adversely impact a major source of local income and would critically limit the efforts of the State and volunteer groups in preserving the history of California.”
As Sonoma residents, we have access to world-class food and wine establishments as well as other local businesses because we are willing to share our lives and town with tourists. Next week you have an opportunity to weigh in with the council. What we decide today becomes part of our history tomorrow. It is for us to find the opportunity within this crisis and emerge stronger within the confines of our community.
The Best of the Sonoma Valley Experience
Matanzas Creek Winery’s Annual Days of Wine & Lavender Festival Saturday, June 27, from 1 to 4 p.m.
An afternoon of celebrating wine, food, music and, of course, lavender. There will be bands, epicurean buffets, wine and cheese pairings, tours of the winery’s lavender barn with demonstrations of lavender product-making techniques, bocce ball lessons, chocolate and wine pairings, jeep tours of the vineyards, a winemaker seminar profiling new releases and more. 6097 Bennett Valley Road. Call 800.590.6464 or 707.528.6464 or visit www.matanzascreek.com for more info. Open to the public; tickets are $95 per person, $75 for wine club members
Sunflower Caffé Wine Bar Grand Opening, June 26th, 6-9 p.m.
Owners James and Mila Chaname-Hahn have something up their sleeves and Ms. Curious is here to announce that she will be doing further investigation. At the grand opening of their wine bar, they will be pouring wine from ten wineries and unveiling Sunflower Art Pieces that they have commissioned from Roberta Ahrens, the artist who also recently faux painted the adobe walls. There will be live music and plenty of their signature food. More to follow.
The Cave—Private Wine Room
Epi received a cryptic email from Thomas McGlone, Wine Director/Executive Chef announcing the opening of The Cave, a private dining and wine room, with only one table dedicated to the servicing of one party at a time. That’s all the information that she has as of today; however, next week look for more details as her curiosity investigates further.
VJB Vineyards & Cellars, Sat/Sun, June 20th & 21st, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. daily
Join VJB as they pay tribute to their Italian heritage with award winning wines featuring Prosecco, Tocai, Friulano, Barbera, Sangiovese, Rosso Family Blend, Primitivo, Dante and sample something new straight from the barrel. Enjoy Owner/Executive Chef Maria Belmonte’s Chicken Bowtie Pasta with puttanesca sauce with a dolce of Barbera Port and homemade biscotti. $25 admission includes logo glass and good. Contact 707.833.2300 or Lindsay@vjbcellars.com, www.vjbcellars.com
Up & Down the Valley.
Sonoma Community Center at the Crossroads—Tuesday, June 16, 2009 – 5:30 pm
The Community Center invites you to weigh in on the future of the Center. Join the board, Advisory Council and other community leaders to discuss options for the future.
Andrews Hall, Sonoma Community Center, 276 East Napa Street
Festa Della Valle – Celebrating Sonoma’s Abundance, Saturday, June 27th, 3-9 p.m.
The Sonoma Ecology Center is starting a new fundraising event to honor local heritage and abundance and raise funds to continue to protect and preserve the ecological resources of our valley. The event features local food, wine, entertainment as well as silent and live auction items to benefit the Center. There will be a bocce ball contest, Italian Arias by Soprano Jill Wagoner and dancing to the Whiskey Thieves. Casa Vecchia Estate and Vineyards, Kenwood.
Sonoma Ecology Center is a community based nonprofit focused on maintaining our ecological heritage as part of a world-class destination community, through collaboration, science, leading by example, and by encouraging stewardship and working with the community to enhance and sustain ecological health in Sonoma Valley. Tickets are limited at $75 per person. Call 707.996.0712X125 or visit www.SonomaEcologyCenter.org.
Eating with the Seasons
Hilda Swartz, Manager of the Farmer’s Market has announced that Clo The Cow will be at the Tuesday market on June 23rd.
Oak Hill Farm—Epi went on a tour of the farm last Saturday and was given some advice from Anne Teller on maintaining her new orchard trees. The visit was very informative and the operation of the farm quite impressive. This week is the first crop of the “Little Gem” lettuce, a small crunchy romaine about the size of Bibb lettuce. They also have garlic scapes—delicious. Give them a try as their season is short—probably only two weeks.
Juli Lopez with Ortiz Brothers of Santa Rosa has, among other items, French radishes, squash blossoms, two kinds of chard and kale.
Sheana Davis is now at the Friday market with her new signature cheese, Delice de la Valle.
Ed from Twin Peaks has Meyer Lemon olive oil in addition to the peaches, nectarines and other fruits that he brings to the market.
Steve of Mt. Mariah Farms in Clements has sweet white nectarines, white as well as yellow peaches and promises Bing Cherries this Friday.
From the Recipe Box
Pat P. writes, “Do you think that Sondra Bernstein of Estate would share her recipe for Creamed Bloomsdale Spinach?” Not only was Sondra pleased to provide the recipe, she also gave some info to Epi on Bloomsdale spinach, which is an heirloom varietal with a heartier texture than many spinaches on the market and maintains its texture with longer cooking, although it still should not be overcooked.
These hearty dark green, crumpled leaves are sown in fall or early spring and can be harvested early.
They do well in hot weather. Bloomsdale spinach was originally released by D. Landreth & Company in the 19th century and was named for their farm in Bristol, Pennsylvania where the family moved in 1847.
Creamed Bloomsdale Spinach
Serves 4 -6
2 Tbsp. butter
1 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
1 Tbsp. minced garlic
2 lbs. Bloomsdale spinach, cleaned and stems removed
¼ tsp. nutmeg, freshly grated
2 Tbsp. flour
¼ cup milk
½ cup heavy cream
2 Tbsp. toasted pine nuts
Salt & pepper
In a large sauté pan, heat the butter & olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the minced garlic until it becomes aromatic. Add the spinach and cook until wilted, season lightly with salt and pepper.
Add the nutmeg and the flour and stir until well mixed. Slowly add the milk and cream, stirring constantly. Adjust the seasoning. Garnish with pine nuts. Serve.
Locals Make Good
Sonoma Native Heads to the Big Apple
Sonoma CA native Rebecca Nadeau will be interning in Public Relations for Thomas Keller, Restaurant Group, of the celebrated Per Se Restaurant located in Manhattan’s Columbus Circle, as well as the world-famous French Laundry in Napa Valley. A Communications and Studio Art major focusing in photography at Hollins University in Virginia, Ms. Nadeau will be photographing the culinary creations of Chef Jonathan Benno for Bouchon Bakery. Epi hopes that we will see her work here locally some time soon.
Let’s Do Lunch
Keep me in your address book and shoot me an e-mail with anything that’s on your mind. You could get your name mentioned. I’m interested in creating a dialogue with you on the Spirit of Sonoma experience.
End Notes—Inspirational Quote of the Week
All historical experience demonstrates the following: Our earth cannot be changed unless in the not too distant future an alteration in the consciousness of individuals is achieved.
Hans Kung
Let us dream big and look for solutions that have yet to be considered.
Patti can be reached directly at pwilliams@thmm.com. Or submit your food and wine news to epinews@sonomasun.com.
