Sep/Oct 2025
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The Best of Both Worlds
An Immigrant Legacy of Entrepreneurship. Surrounded by succulents, snake plants, and philodendrons in her downtown Santa Rosa shop, Ana Prado describes herself as “Con el nopal en la frente,” which translates to “with a cactus on the forehead.” For the founder of a new plant boutique on Courthouse Square, this might seem an apt if…
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Letter from the Editor
With fall’s arrival and the days growing shorter, I’m stepping into a new chapter of my own. This issue marks my last as editor of Made Local Magazine, a role I’ve enjoyed for the past two years. It’s hard to put into words just how much I’ve appreciated connecting with this community—highlighting the makers, farmers,…
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Word Tapestry
Sonoma County Youth Poet Laureate Lisa Zheng. Kary Hess: How did you first get involved with the Youth Poet Laureate program, and what was the application or nomination process like? Lisa Zheng: I knew of the Youth Poet Laureate program because its past two laureates are both also from my high school. At that point,…
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Happy Trails
Celebrate Fall with a Weekend Along the Farm Trails. This fall, Sonoma County offers one of its most beloved local traditions: the Weekend Along the Farm Trails Fall Tour, returning September 27 and 28. Organized by Sonoma County Farm Trails, this free, self-guided event invites locals and visitors to slow down, reconnect with the land,…
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Santa Rosa’s New Central Park
The Santa Rosa Southeast Greenway is finally moving from concept to reality. After more than 15 years of advocacy and planning, the City completed its purchase of the property for the Greenway in late 2024, setting the stage for development of a major new 49-acre public park and trail system in the heart of the…
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Zin Wins: Santa Rosa’s St. Francis Winery & Vineyards
Santa Rosa’s St. Francis Winery & Vineyards. Even if penitence isn’t your gig, there’s a Sonoma County winery where you’ll certainly want to bow your head and say, “Bless me father, for I have zinned.” Welcome to St. Francis Winery & Vineyards, Santa Rosa’s mission-style oasis of wine off Highway 12 in Santa Rosa. Named…
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The Artistry of Agriculture
Farming, Found Objects, and Creative Ingenuity with Paul Wirtz of Paul’s Produce. Cover photo by Lauren Papalia Lauren Papalia is the Cooperative Engagement Coordinator at FEED Cooperative, part of their marketing team, and a sometimes writer. She met with FEED Cooperative producer-member Paul Wirtz this summer at his farm . . . On a pleasant…
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Standing Ovation
For a joyful fusion of Broadway-caliber talent with the natural beauty of wine country, check out the Transcendence Theatre Company’s legendary productions. Founded by Amy Miller and Brad Surosky, the Transcendence Theatre Company has spent over a decade building a reputation for unforgettable performances—and for cultivating connection. Transcendence is perhaps best known for its signature…
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Natural Magic: Buckeye Botanicals Herbal Body Care Flows with the Rhythms of Nature.
There’s a quiet alchemy unfolding in the gardens and kitchens at Buckeye Botanicals. This small-batch herbal body care line by Natalia Bertotti features handcrafted soaps, salves, and creams that are as poetic as the landscape where they’re made. “The name Buckeye Botanicals took a lot of thought and feeling to come to,” says Bertotti. “The…
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Medicine Meal
Medicine Meal explores the intersection of food and herbs as medicine. The name comes from the Japanese Yakuzen culture, which is about creating delicious, healing meals using traditional Chinese medicine herbs and principles. Take a Breath Traditional Chinese Medicine to Nourish the Lungs. Sonoma County in the fall brings crisp air, golden light, and community…