Page 36 - Sonoma County Gazette 3-19
P. 36

Mangiare Felice my friends!
Where the World Begins:
See and Feel Sonoma Mountain
 By Val Larsen
With a rich one hundred year plus history producing some of the best meats
Book Review by Teri Shore
Most of the spectacular panoramas in Arthur Dawson’s new book, Where the
on the west coast, the Panizerra meat company, named after Constante and Margret Panizzera, has thrived as a small family run business in one of the most charming and scenic settings a business could find itself.
World Begins: Sonoma Mountain Stories and Images, are taken from the top. That’s because, as described by the author, Sonoma Mountain itself is more of a mighty ridge than a sharp peak. That means it’s harder to photograph than its siblings Mount Tamalpais, Diablo, and Saint Helena.
Constante and Margret escaped the turmoil of Mussolini’s Italy, with the clothes on their backs, precious family recipes in their pockets and ten cents to their name and made their way to Occidental, California, a place that looked and felt much like the home they had left in the Lake Como region of Italy.
The images of the mountain and the stunning views from on high are
fully captured in this compelling and approachable coffee table book. This high-quality, heartfelt tribute to Sonoma Mountain was just published by its namesake non-profit, Sonoma Mountain Preservation. sonomamountain.org/
After working as a butcher for several years, Constante saved up enough money to start Panizzera Meat Company. He practiced the art of Salumi (the method of making real Italian sausage from the old world recipes) he had learned from his forefathers and passed his wealth of knowledge down to his son Joe and Grandson, Bob.
A historical ecologist who has lived in Glen Ellen at the foot of Sonoma Mountain for decades, Dawson is almost describing himself when he talks about the mountain. Quiet and reserved, and also brilliant and visionary, he delves deep into the indigenous, natural, and modern ways and wonders of Sonoma Mountain.
 While Bob was running the company he took on two apprentices, Ryan Taylor (originally from Davis) and
Josh Cerda (Occidental, born and raised), instilling in them a love for
He explains that “the mountain likes to play tricks on us. It sits right in the middle of hundreds of thousands of people and most of them pay it no mind, in fact couldn’t point to it. Sonoma Mountain is not your classic sharp peak. Maybe that’s the point. It’s a mountain without ego.”
 the business and an appreciation for creating timeless and quality meats.
In 2014 Bob decided to retire and sold the business to Ryan and Josh who have since found ways to creatively
   expand and bring the highest-grade
pasture-raised beef, chickens, pigs and
lamb to the restaurants, shops (Andy’s
and Bohemian Market in Occidental),
the tables of Sonoma county, and to patrons up and down the California coast. They now offer a monthly membership that provides an exceptional selection of locally sourced meats.
In the book, they invite you to learn about Sonoma Mountain’s flora and fauna, read the stories of the Coast Miwok and Jack London, and explore the trails on foot. And they ask for more: They want you to feel the mountain.
I asked Josh about his favorite part of the business. “I love the quality products we produce and I am very proud to share them with the world. I love that I can watch my dreams come into fruition, it keeps me excited and passionate everyday.
“The sweeping, sloping mountain forming the backdrop to the Sonoma and Petaluma valleys has a rich history that Arthur Dawson presents here eloquently,” said Dave Koehler, Executive Director, Sonoma Land Trust. “Following the footsteps of the grizzly and the cougar, the Miwok and
the settlers, to Jack and Charmian London and present-day ranchers and recreationists, this stunning book will inspire people for generations, just as Sonoma Mountain has always done.”
“Passion is an important part of any business.”
There is no doubt that with their combined passion and knowledge, Ryan and Josh carry on a business that will last for many years to come.
Whether you live in Sonoma County or just adore it, you’ll become more intimate with its heart and soul while reading Where the World Begins: Sonoma Mountain Stories and Images. You can order it directly from Sonoma Mountain Preservation. sonomamountain.org/
Head to Panizzera at the north end of Occidental on the corner of Graton Road and Main Street to check out the delicious meats, rubs, and other products in their new shop.
Want to get more up close and personal with Sonoma Mountain? Join Sonoma Mountain Preservation Land Paths for an overnight adventure on April 13 and 14. landpaths.org/
My personal favorite is the chicken apple sausage. The difference between Panizerra’s delicious chicken apple sausage and regular store-bought chicken sausage is beyond words. I feel completely satiated and know where my
feet will take me when on the next grocery run for the best meats in town – Panizzera.
I’ll see you on the mountain.
Panizzera Meat Co., 3905 Main St, Occidental, CA 95465 707-874-9770 • panizzerameatco.com
Book launch events:
March 7 – 6 to 8 pm, Finley Center, 2060 W College Ave., Santa Rosa March 20 – 7 to 8:30 pm, Petaluma Museum, 20 Fourth Street Petaluma April 3 – 6:30 to 8:30 pm Vintage House, 264 1st St E, Sonoma, CA 95476
36 - www.sonomacountygazette.com - 3/19
Dawson and his co-
authors Meg Beeler,
Rebecca Lawton and
Tracy Salcedo all have
deep roots in Sonoma
County. Photographer Ed Cooper lives on Sonoma Mountain. The stories from Wendy Eliot, Richard Dale, and other local conservation leaders make it ever more personal, almost like a mountain diary.
I definitely felt the mountain as soon as I opened Where the World Begins.
I have known the mountain for 30 years. I’ve looked up at blue sky above a horizon of oak green and golden grass and watched waves of fog breaking over the mountain’s swell. I’ve hiked the trails and read the maps. Now, finally, there is a book that brings all of this home to all.



















































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