Locals' Zone Emerging In Healdsburg

These past two months have seen a giant change in conditions as far as local service-related stores on the 400 block of Healdsburg Avenue are concerned. These businesses are either new, restructured, renamed or remodeled. In any case this is a positive and refreshing change in view of all of the negative economic news there has been in the recent past. 

, a yarn lover’s boutique, has recently moved from Grove Street to 429 Healdsburg Ave. They are are a retail yarn shop with knitting classes, and also have notions, books and gifts. Life-long resident and co-owner Rosanne Park said, “I am excited about the local response. We are selling a lot of gift certificates for our knitting classes as well as operating a full service store.” 

Newly opened Restaurant on Mitchell Lane, formerly the Western Boot, is in full operation reviving a 25-year plus tradition of providing affordable local dining. “It is great to see the restaurant back in operation and to continue to be a place where locals can celebrate special family events,” said Ken Rochioli, former owner of the restaurant. 

Uniquely Chic, formerly has changed names but is still “Healdsburg’s Florist.” Owner Barbara Gassaway recently purchased the business from her family and reports, “We have been Healdsburg’s florist over  30 years. When my Mom retired I purchased the business from them. We have such a good location and so much room that I decided to expand with unique gifts, home décor and vintage furnishings.” 

has moved about 50 feet, from the back of the parking lot to the front of the building at 418 Healdsburg Ave. They are an earth-friendly store with unusual gifts from around the world. They feature home and body products and carry some baby products as well. They also have a well-established massage studio. 

The newest store in the area is called "me2u," at 418B Healdsburg Ave. It features a full line of vintage products. From clothing to home and they are expanding by the day. 

Former District Attorney Stephan Passalacqua is opening a new law office at 416 Healdsburg Avenue in the near future. 

is expanding at their same location, 403 Healdsburg Ave. They have about half locals and half tourist business. They will be increasing their square footage and have exciting surprises ahead. 

Century 21 Healdsburg is now . The new owner is Pat Provost who owns most of the Century 21 offices in the North Bay. Provost was a school teacher in the Geyserville school district. “Having an office in Healdsburg seems like a homecoming for me," said Provost. "Century 21 in Healdsburg has long supported the local schools and sports teams. We will be continuing that tradition of local support.”

Paul Rocha, long time owner of Healdsburg clothing stores and , said, “It is great to see a balance of stores again on this block that is focused on locals.”