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Neighborhood Feature: Santa Rosa’s McDonald Historic District

A longtime favorite location of the film industry, Santa Rosa’s McDonald Avenue Historic District is one of the most desirable neighborhoods in Santa Rosa.  As W Real Estate agent, Nicole Manville, describes, “The one-of-a-kind homes and charming tree-lined streets are cohesive and the buyers for these homes have a real emotional connection to the purchase they make, the homes typically do not turn over very often.”

McDonald Avenue was named for Colonel Mark Lindsey McDonald, a civil engineer from Kentucky who came to California in the 1850s making his fortune building roadways to the gold and silver mines and later as a member of the San Francisco Stock Exchange. In the 1860s, he found new business opportunities in Santa Rosa including the purchase and subdivision of 160 acres for residential development dubbed, “McDonald’s Addition.” With the added benefit of gas and water service, as well as a new streetcar line, McDonald Avenue became the most desirable residential street in Santa Rosa and Marbleton, the McDonald family’s summer home, built-in 1879, was the crown jewel of the McDonald Addition.

McDonald Historic District homes display a wide variety of period styles including Victorian, Craftsman, Italianate, Stick and Eastlake. The mix of stately mansions and charming smaller homes, previously occupied by the serving staff of the wealthy residents, make it a favorite Hollywood film location destination. Homes on McDonald Avenue have provided backdrops for such classic films as the 1943 Alfred Hitchcock thriller, Shadow of a Doubt, which featured the Savage Mansion, 904 McDonald Avenue, and Disney’s, Pollyanna, which used exterior shots of Colonel McDonald’s Marbleton Mansion, 1015 McDonald Avenue.

The McDonald Avenue Historic District is bordered by College Avenue, Fourth Street, North Street, and Bryden Lane. The neighborhood provides easy access to popular nearby restaurants including Bruno’s on 4th; Willi’s Wine Bar; and NY Pie. Residents also enjoy close proximity to schools such as Proctor Terrace Elementary School and Santa Rosa Middle School.

According to Nicole Manville, “The neighborhood consists of smaller, 1,000 square foot, bungalows to large, 10,000+ square feet, mansions. The price per square foot is the best indicator of values in this neighborhood. Homes that have been remodeled sell for approximately $795/SQFT; with homes that have not been remodeled selling for approximately $550/SQFT. This neighborhood has consistently held its value and been the first to appreciate and last to depreciate.”

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Whether getting fit is part of your plan for the New Year or you’re just looking to spend more time outdoors, the hiking trails of Napa, Sonoma, and Marin Counties are the scenic way to get out, get active and explore the many wonders that the North Bay has to offer. With the over 590 hiking trails, covering some 946 miles, there’s a hike for every interest and skill level. Below are just a few local trails to get you started:

Mount St. Helena, Calistoga, CA
Trail: 5.6-mile point-to-point
Difficulty: Intermediate
Elevation:  Highest point: 4,312 feet;   Lowest point: 2,180 feet
Avg Grade: 7% (4°);  Max Grade: 22% (13°)
Trail Rankings:  #1 in Robert Louis Stevenson Memorial;  #498 in California

Table Rock Trail, Calistoga, CA
Trail: 2.0-mile point-to-point
Difficulty: Intermediate/Difficult
Elevation:  Highest point: 2,740 feet;  Lowest point: 2,215 feet
Avg Grade: 11% (6°);  Max Grade: 30% (17°)
Trail Rankings:  #2 in Robert Louis Stevenson Memorial; #560 in California

Redwood Trail, Deer Park, CA
Trail: 1.5-mile point-to-point
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation: Highest point: 689 feet; Lowest point: 352 feet
Avg Grade: 4% (2°); Max Grade: 7% (4°)
Trail Rankings:   #1 in Bothe-Napa Valley State Park;  #236 in California

Ritchey Canyon Trail, Deer Park, CA
Trail: 1.6-mile point-to-point
Difficulty: Intermediate
Elevation:  Highest point: 1,075 feet; Lowest point: 464 feet
Avg Grade: 7% (4°);  Max Grade: 25% (14°)
Trail Rankings:  #2 in Bothe-Napa Valley State Park; #265 in California

Point Reyes Lighthouse Trail, Inverness, CA
Trail: 0.7 mile point-to-point
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation: Highest point: 523 feet; Lowest point: 384 feet
Avg Grade: 6% (3°);  Max Grade: 19% (11°)
Trail Rankings: #1 in Point Reyes National Seashore; #103 in California

Bald Mountain Trail, Kenwood, CA
Trail: 2.4-mile point-to-point
Difficulty: Intermediate
Elevation:  Highest point: 2,724 feet; Lowest point: 1,352 feet
Avg Grade: 11% (6°); Max Grade: 28% (16°)
Trail Rankings: #1 in Sugarloaf Ridge State Park; #142 in California

Mark West Creek Trail, Larkfield-Wikiup, CA
Trail: 1.1-mile point-to-point
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation:  Highest point: 644 feet; Lowest point: 589 feet
Avg Grade: 2% (1°); Max Grade: 6% (3°)
Trail Rankings:  #1 in Shiloh Ranch Regional Park; #205 in California

Plankwalk Trail, Larkspur, CA
Trail: 0.3 mile point-to-point
Difficulty: Intermediate
Elevation: Highest point: 2,563 feet; Lowest point: 2,378 feet |
Avg Grade: 12% (7°); Max Grade: 17% (10°)
Trail Rankings:  #1 in Mount Tamalpais State Park; #100 in California

Dipsea Trail, Mill Valley, CA
Trail: 6.6-mile point-to-point
Difficulty: Intermediate/Difficult
Elevation: Highest point: 1,360 feet; Lowest point: 82 feet
Avg Grade: 10% (6°); Max Grade: 34% (19°)
Trail Rankings:  #1 in Muir Woods National Monument: #5 in California

Fern Creek Trail, Mill Valley, CA
Trail: 0.4 mile point-to-point
Difficulty: Easy/Intermediate
Elevation: Highest point: 342 feet  Lowest Point: 213 feet
Avg Grade: 7% (4°); Max Grade: 18% (10°)
Trail Rankings:   #2 in Muir Woods National Monument; #111 in California

Sunset Trail, Rohnert Park, CA
Trail:  0.2 mile point-to-point
Difficulty: Easy/Intermediate
Elevation:  Highest point: 456 feet;  Lowest point: 356 feet
Avg Grade: 8% (5°); Max Grade: 16% (9°)
Trail Rankings:  #1 in Crane Creek Regional Park;  #354 in California

Moore Creek Trail, Saint Helena, CA
Trail: 3.1-mile point-to-point
Difficulty: Intermediate
Elevation:  Highest point: 764 feet;  Lowest point: 355 feet
Avg Grade: 5% (3°),  Max Grade: 15% (8°)
Trail Rankings:  #1 in Moore Creek Park; #708 in California

SCA Trail, Sausalito, CA
Trail: 1.1-mile point-to-point
Difficulty: Intermediate
Elevation:  Highest point: 890 feet; Low: 675 feet
Avg Grade: 4% (2°); Max Grade: 9% (5°)
Trail Rankings: #1 in Marin Headlands; #49 in California

Blackberry Trail, Sebastopol, CA
Trail: 1.5-mile point-to-point
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation: Highest point: 179 feet; Low: 126 feet
Avg Grade: 1% (1°); Max Grade: 5% (3°)
Trail Rankings:   #1 in Ragle Ranch Regional Park;  #232 in California

Alta Vista Trail, Windsor, CA
Trail: 0.8-mile point-to-point
Difficulty: Intermediate
Elevation:  Highest point: 556 feet; Lowest point: 236 feet
Avg Grade: 12% (7°); Max Grade: 27% (15°)
Trail Rankings:  #1 in Foothill Regional Park; #331 in California

*Information and rankings from the American Hiking Society Hiking Resources & The Hiking Project

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The holidays are just around the corner. It’s the time of year to gather together with family and friends and take time to reflect on the past year and the many things they have to be grateful for. Below are a few suggestions on ways you can show your gratitude by giving back to your community…

1. Volunteer at a local senior center or hospital.

Many Seniors and patients don’t have friends or family that can visit them during the holidays making them feel especially isolated and lonely at this time of year. Your visit to a local senior center or hospital would be greatly appreciated.

2. Volunteer at your local animal shelter.

There are many ways to volunteer at local animal shelters. There is always a need for a dog walker, kitten cuddler, or bunny hugger.  Crafting your hobby?  You can knit or crochet a blanket for a puppy. More money than time?  Check Amazon for your local shelter’s wish-list and have your donation delivered directly to the shelter.

3. Send holiday cards to deployed troops.

This time of year is especially hard for the troops that have been deployed abroad.  A holiday card or letter is a thoughtful way to say, “Thanks for your service” and let them know you are thinking of them at this time of year.

4. Thank your local first responders.

While baked goods are usually the go-to item during the holidays, your health-conscious first responders need to stay fit and ready for action, so consider saying “thanks” with a veggie or sandwich tray for the station, or donate to a charity that benefits first responders.

5. Collect donations for a food bank.

Canned items, as well as pasta, rice, nuts, and peanut butter, are always welcome.  Consider some holiday food items like cranberry sauce, boxed stuffing, or canned pumpkin.  Many local grocery stores offer the option to donate a bag of groceries to a family in need at check-out.

6. Serve a holiday meal at a local homeless shelter.

For those that are local to Sonoma County, the Redwood Gospel Mission will be serving up to 5,000 hot turkey meals at their annual Great Thanksgiving Banquet at the Santa Rosa Fairgrounds.  There are many volunteer opportunities available including pre-event tasks like food packing and flower arranging, as well as day-of-event tasks like coat distribution and foodservice.  

7. Donate used clothes and coats.

With winter weather fast approaching, donations of coats are especially welcome. Safeways in both Healdsburg and Petaluma are participants in the One Warm Coat drive collecting and distributing coats to those in need.  You can also donate gently worn clothing to the Redwood Gospel Mission and the Living Room. 

8. Adopt a family for the holidays.

Many nonprofit organizations in Sonoma County offer low-income families and single moms assistance during the holiday season by offering meals, gifts, small toys, and more. The Volunteer Center of Sonoma runs a yearly program called Secret Santa Now offering many ways to help out. You can adopt a heart or letter and fulfill a wish or volunteer with the Secret Santa Coordinator or donate through the KZST Secret Santa Marathon.

9. Buy toys for children in need.

Many nonprofit organizations and Sonoma County businesses collect toys during the holiday season.  One way to say Thanks to our local firefighters is to donate to their annual Toys for Kids drive, which runs from Thanksgiving to Christmas Eve.  Just look for the collection barrels at any Santa Rosa or Rincon Valley Fire station.  Santa Rosa fighters will also be at the Santa Rosa Plaza Shopping Center during the month of December collecting cash donations as well as donations of new unwrapped toys.

10. Donate blood.

Local hospitals and clinics are always in need of blood donations, especially after at times of emergencies or natural disasters. Blood drives are held in many locations throughout the County, check the Red Cross website or the Vitalant Blood Donation center for dates and locations.

The holidays are just around the corner. It’s the time of year to gather together with family and friends and take time to reflect on the past year and the many things we have to be grateful for. Below are a few suggestions on ways you can show your gratitude by giving back to your community…

1. Volunteer at a local senior center or hospital.

Many Seniors and patients don’t have friends or family that can visit them during the holidays making them feel especially isolated and lonely at this time of year. Your visit to a local senior center or hospital would be greatly appreciated.

2. Volunteer at your local animal shelter.

There are many ways to volunteer at local animal shelters. There is always a need for a dog walker, kitten cuddler, or bunny hugger.  Crafting your hobby?  You can knit or crochet a blanket for a puppy. More money than time?  Check Amazon for your local shelter’s wish-list and have your donation delivered directly to the shelter.

3. Send holiday cards to deployed troops.

This time of year is especially hard for the troops that have been deployed abroad.  A holiday card or letter is a thoughtful way to say, “Thanks for your service,” and let them know you are thinking of them at this time of year.

4. Thank your local first responders.

While baked goods are usually the go-to item during the holidays, your health-conscious first responders need to stay fit and ready for action, so consider saying “thanks” with a veggie or sandwich tray for the station, or donate to a charity that benefits first responders.

5. Collect donations for a food bank.

Canned items, as well as pasta, rice, nuts, and peanut butter, are always welcome.  Consider some holiday food items like cranberry sauce, boxed stuffing, or canned pumpkin.  Many local grocery stores offer the option to donate a bag of groceries to a family in need at check-out.

6. Serve a holiday meal at a local homeless shelter.

For those that are local to Sonoma County, the Redwood Gospel Mission will be serving up to 5,000 hot turkey meals at their annual Great Thanksgiving Banquet at the Santa Rosa Fairgrounds.  There are many volunteer opportunities available including pre-event tasks, like food packing and flower arranging, as well as day-of-event tasks like coat distribution and foodservice.  

7. Donate used clothes and coats.

With winter weather fast approaching, donations of coats are especially welcome. Safeways in both Healdsburg and Petaluma are participants in the One Warm Coat drive collecting and distributing coats to those in need.  You can also donate gently worn clothing to the Redwood Gospel Mission and the Living Room. 

8. Adopt a family for the holidays.

Many nonprofit organizations in Sonoma County offer low-income families and single moms assistance during the holiday season by offering meals, gifts, small toys, and more. The Volunteer Center of Sonoma runs a yearly program called Secret Santa Now offering many ways to help out. You can adopt a heart or letter and fulfill a wish or volunteer with the Secret Santa Coordinator or donate through the KZST Secret Santa Marathon.

9. Buy toys for children in need.

Many nonprofit organizations and Sonoma County businesses collect toys during the holiday season.  One way to say Thanks to our local firefighters is to donate to their annual Toys for Kids drive, which runs from Thanksgiving to Christmas Eve.  Just look for the collection barrels at any Santa Rosa or Rincon Valley Fire station.  Santa Rosa fighters will also be at the Santa Rosa Plaza Shopping Center during the month of December collecting cash donations as well as donations of new unwrapped toys.

10. Donate blood.

Local hospitals and clinics are always in need of blood donations, especially after at times of emergencies or natural disasters. Blood drives are held in many locations throughout the County, check the Red Cross website or the Vitalant Blood Donation center for dates and locations.