Page 33 - Sonoma County Gazette June 2019

Twin Oaks Roadhouse
Summer’s around the corner and Twin Oaks Roadhouse kicks off its famous Sunday afternoon BBQs from 2:00 to 6:00 pm. Some 80-150 people enjoy those lazy patio parties. The atmosphere is hard to beat—a real friendly roadhouse vibe. “If people knew how cool it is we’d get swamped,” said
manager Chris Smith (oops, did I blow
it?). Even the Hop Monk web site keeps it a secret, listing Sebastopol, Sonoma, Novato and Twin Oaks: is it its own town? I think
soI!’ve known folks who have their birthday celebrations on the patio. They bring their own cake for dessert (no cake corkage). We once left our dinner table and sped down there when we heard great music wafting up the hill. Yes, there were horns.
Chris has been with Hop Monk for 10 years. He started with Twin Oaks a year ago, and is one of the mellowest, warmest folks I’ve ever met. From Gatesville Texas, his Southern hospitality shines through. “Penngrove has such nice people”, he said.
“The locals invite me over to their homes and BBQs.”
There’s no reservations, no cover charge except on Saturday night for
music. Staff are in a good mood and help each other out. “It’s a ripple effect,” according to Chris, “with the love flowing out to customers and families.”
Music is pretty much classic country and traditional honky tonk. There’s line dancing, comedy, and trivia night. The food is super, with regional chef Ozzie Rincon looking over all four sites in Hop Monk’s portfolio. Jesus Castillo and two other cooks handle the cooking in Penngrove. Twin Oaks was established 95 years ago, and Chris’s philosophy is “I don’t want to change a thing.”
Mexican dancers in the Penngrove Parade in 2016
Penngrove Celebration – July 6 & 7
Rancho Adobe Fire Department Pancake Breakfast on Sat., July 6 at the Fire Station from 7 am – 11 am. Tickets at the door - $10 adults includes one free raffle ticket for gift baskets; $5 children 12 and under. All proceeds benefit the Rancho Adobe Fire District. Contact 707 795-6011.
Penngrove Parade—43rd annual Biggest Little Parade in Northern California on Sun, July 7 at 11:00 a.m. sharp, Parade starts on Downtown Penngrove on Main Street. From Noon to 4 pm it’s a BBQ, kids’ games, and music by Train Wreck Junction in Penngrove Park, 11800 Main St.
Speed Limits
Recent speed limit changes were made in the Penngrove area after a study conducted countywide, not only Penngrove. Based on state law, when a posted speed limit is not enforceable, then by default the effective legal speed limit is the maximum, 55 miles per hour. So in the example of Adobe Road, the 30 mph was not enforceable thus the effective legal speed limit was 55 miles per hour. Who wants that? Now, the posted 40 mph means the CHP can enforce the 40 mph speed limit and issue tickets.
Bluebird of Happiness
Janice Haslam writes: “We have lived in this house over 30 years. It wasn’t until after the fires last year that I saw a bluebird in my yard. I thought it was a fluke. Yesterday I noticed activity in my funky old bird house in the front yard. I thought the Oak titmouse family was back after a 2 year absence. On closer look the bird poking its head in the hole was blue. I got out my trusty camera and found a spot inside the house to take a picture. My day went from gray
to shiny blue. The mythology of the bluebird has deep roots that goes back thousands of years. Indigenous cultures across the globe hold similar myths and beliefs about the bluebird. It is the most universally accepted symbol
of cheerfulness, happiness, prosperity, hearth and home, good health, new births, the renewal of springtime, etc. Virtually any positive sentiments may be attached to the bluebird.”
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Heads up on Penngrove’s biggest celebration of the year!
It’s the biggest annual fundraiser hosted by Penngrove Social Firemen, a non- profit 501(c)(3), to benefit the Penngrove community. Funds help maintain the Penngrove Clubhouse and Penngrove Park, and support local groups.
Contact 707-794-1516 or visit penngrovesocialfiremen.org for details and a parade entry application. It’s free to enter and the route is short! We’re hoping for some hilarious entries.