Following the Redwoods: From Cazadero to San Francisco
The gathering clouds outside of my cozy cyberhut signal the arrival of another rain system. I am perched in front of the wood stone, absorbing heat as the majestic redwoods are benefited by the precipitation.
It has been six months since the onset of the dreadful fires. The fear and uncertainty of those days (and weeks) have lingered in our hearts and minds. Once again, we send out our thanks to the brave firefighters and other first responders, and of course, to the incredible Cazader Dozer Crew!
My challenge is to write a column without the usual events that encompass us and pull us into our community. The upcoming holidays of Passover and Easter continue without the benefit of Spiritual and cultural gatherings, except on Zoom. We are champing at the bit at the vision of a Cazadero get-together with food for all.
The Cazadero Community Church is holding regular 10 a.m. services and you may call 707-632-5798 for information on Easter plans. St. Colman’s is still having Sunday services outside at the outdoor church at 12:20 p.m., weather permitting.
The downtown playground will be available soon, with new sanitation stations.
Our intrepid volunteer Mike Nicholls informs me that the next online meeting of the Municipal Advisory Council will be on April 15 at 5:30 p.m. Website is www.sonomacounty.ca.gov/river/municipaladvisorycouncil.org.
A history lesson
As I can’t write about now, I will give you some local history.
In the 1870s, hunters found a welcome resort at Ingrams on Austin Creek. This place of many rebuilds due to popularity and fires became Austin and then finally Cazadero, which is Pocho Spanish for ‘hunter’s place.’ Old Cazadero Road was built by Ingram using laborers from China, which explains the opium bottles and stashes of Mexican silver dollars found in Cazadero. When the road was finished, tourists from the River could then easily reach this beautiful spot. To access our Redwood forest, a railroad was built along Austin Creek and Ingram built his two-story hotel in 1886 for the tourists who traveled on the train.
Another Cazadero family, the Trospers, built a resort in 1898 features dancing on a Redwood floor and a dining hall for 100 guests.
In San Francisco’s Ferry Building, the names of the towns partially created by the ferries features the town of Cazadero on a prominent wall tile. There even was a ferry named, ‘Cazadero,’ bringing passengers to the North Bay to connect with the train to our Redwoods. Our little town has a proud heritage of 150 years and looks forward to a bright future.
Local historian and seeker Simone Wilson’s book, “Images of America, the Russian River,” has many photos of historic Cazadero.
I have ridden on many trains worldwide and often envision the trip from Sausalito to Cazadero as I near Elm Grove, current home of Raymond’s Bakery.
I send a belated Happy Birthday to Bea Berry, who celebrated her 97th on February 21st.
My dear friends Sonia Tubridy of Guerneville, musician and muse, has her day on March 1st. Fabulous local poet Susan Kennedy enjoys the 31st.
Daylight savings returns on March 14th and I am already noticing later sunsets. Light will help us all during these often difficult time. I wish you all health and positivity. Inhale the fresh air and call a friend or two to remind us all of our shared humanity.
Drive carefully and call me and 707-632-5545 with info for your Cazadero Column!
