Sonoma County Democratic Party's First Winery Fundraiser

s first-ever winery fundraiser on Saturday was a who’s who of politicians.

About 60 people attended, from to and Janet Orchard, Cotati City Councilwoman.

Not to mention Assemblyman Michael Allen, Assistant Majority Leader, and Julie Combs, who is running for Santa Rosa City Council.

Held at the estate, and hosted by Dana, John, son Paul and niece Ana Hawley, it was a low-key event. The wines were good, especially when you drank them in the cellar, because it was very hot outside.

The food was plentiful, but hot in the sun even at 7:30 p.m. where we ate. They say it was 98 degrees in Healdsburg yesterday.

Coordinated by Stephen Gale, the Chair, with a very lengthy list of sponsors for the event…it raised funds for the opening the Sonoma County Democratic Party Office in Santa Rosa.

came later than they anticipated…they had a little crash with another car at Dry Creek Road. The woman who hit them claimed her brakes failed.

Speeches and introductions were made. introduced retiring U.S. Rep. Lynn Woolsey, D-Petaluma, who declared, “It’s taking two men to replace me!”

Winery owner John Hawley’s passion is falcons. He brought out a rescue Peregrine falcon for educational purposes that he has had for a week, and which he plans to return to the wild.

Photos by Rick Tang