Reopening summary: As of press time, Sonoma County was set to reopen indoor dining at restaurants, wineries and brewpubs, in-store shopping at malls, and haircuts at barbershops and hair salons on Saturday, June 6. Also, religious leaders will be able to hold services for up to 100 people at a time. Nail salons, tattoo and massage parlors, gyms and fitness studios, remain closed. They are in the next group to reopen, with no definitive timetable yet. Most local restaurants have stated on Facebook that they plan to continue offering curbside pickup for the forseeable future. Call ahead to all businesses to confirm that they are open. Many changes were required and some businesses are not yet prepared to open.
H&R Block: H&R Block and local CPA Jeff Spencer have parted ways, according to a spokesperson for the giant tax prep company. The 2,100-square-foot building on .24 acres at 18971 Sonoma Highway recently sold for $1.25 million but, according to the national tax prep chain, the company plans to re-open soon at the same location under new management. No date is available yet. Attempts to reach Spencer by press time were not successful.
New service: Safeway has introduced a new contactless service called Drive Up & Go. Place an order online at safeway.com, pick a time, call when you arrive and staff will bring your groceries to your car.
Cheese Factory: The real estate listing for the Sonoma Cheese Factory provides an interesting peek inside the property. The two-story 1943 building is 11,420 square feet on .30 acres and listed for $4.275 million. The virtual tour shows the rarely before seen back warehouse and second floor at my.matterport.com/show/?m=J9w2c4uYw9q.
Donuts: Harvey’s Donuts is adding Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to its now-regular Friday nights 5:30 to 9 p.m. at 19030 Railroad Ave. And the mini-donut company is hiring.
Showing support: A list of businesses in Sonoma County owned by immigrants and persons of color is being developed and shared. It can be found at bit.ly/socopoc. Email [email protected] to add to the list.
Law advice outside: While local lawyer Eric Gullotta is allowed to meet with clients in the office (by appointment only), he has set up a temporary outside office space to provide that option – above and beyond for client and staff safety. Gullotta Law Group at 232 W. Napa St.
Farmers markets: Napa’s downtown farmers market has temporarily relocated to the old Cinedome site at 1100 West St. It is open Tuesdays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon. Sonoma’s Tuesday market continues across from the police station on Tuesdays from 3 to 6 p.m. and Sonoma’s Friday market continues in the Arnold Field parking lot from 9 a.m. to noon. The Springs Market is temporarily on hold.
Readers’ Books news: Readers’ Books has announced how it will reopen. The new store hours will be from 9:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. everyday except Sunday when it will close at 3:30 p.m. for a weekly deep-clean. Masks that cover nose and mouth are required and all staff members will also be masked and gloved. At the entrance there will be a table with hand sanitizer and gloves. Only seven customers will be allowed in store at a time and are asked to maintain a six-foot clearance.
Other late breaking news: Republic of Thrift and Plain Jane’s Consignments both plan to reopen this weekend with new guidelines in place. Myriad is having a grand opening of its new Plaza store on June 6. Steiners has set up outdoor seating on the sidewalk and in its Alley, with food to accompany adult beverages. Sonoma Fit is offering new outdoor fitness classes to members starting this weekend. The Club has moved much of its exercise equipment into new formal gym spaces in the back parking lot.
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