Breastfeeding cafe: A “Breastfeeding Cafe” is launching in Sonoma. The first foray will be from 12:30 to 2 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 1 at Sonoma Roots, 651 First St. W. Thereafter, the cafe will take place on the first and third Sundays of the month. The gathering is being organized by the Better Beginnings for Babies nonprofit. Sonoma Roots is a natural health clinic and herb shop run by naturopathic practitioner Danielle Schwaderer. betterbeginningsforbabies.org.
New towing company: Guilermo Rodriguez Jacobo, formerly a tow truck driver for Bonneau’s Towing, is purchasing one of Bonneau’s trucks and going out on his own. He expects that his company, Sonoma Valley Towing, will begin taking calls in early December. He is working on establishing a relationship with AAA roadside assistance as well. He operates from Arnold Drive and can be reached at 548-9186.
Sausage update: While they wait for their new Plaza restaurant to take shape, Miranda Ives’ Sausage Emporium will be popping up in the Lake Sonoma tasting room every Sunday in December from 1 to 5 p.m. As for the restaurant (in the former site of Kane men’s clothing), a new paint job is underway and a new logo that drops former-location name “Hare and Hatter” and focuses entirely on “Sausage Emporium” for the restaurant and “Sausage Society” for Maya Ives’ charcuterie and wine subscription service. A new kitchen is in the works and a menu expansion that will include more breakfast options, coffee “and a few surprises.”
Open house: Plain Jane’s Consignment is hosting a holiday open house with refreshments from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Small Business Saturday, Nov. 30. at 18495 Sonoma Highway.
Holiday popup: Ten local vendors will gather under one roof for a holiday pop-up shop at Pinocchio Furniture at 19658 Eighth St. E., selling vintage furniture, clothing, jewelry, leather goods, albums and more. The Holiday Popup is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7.
Giving Tuesday: Giving Tuesday refers to the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. It’s a relatively new movement to create an international day of charitable giving at the beginning of the Christmas and holiday season as a response to the consumerism of Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Many Sonoma nonprofits will be reaching out to their donors on Dec. 3.
Art Walk: The next Sonoma Art Walk is Thursday, Dec. 5, launching at 5:30 p.m. at H Frank. It’s a good time to check out all the Plaza storefronts participating in the Sonoma Holiday Decorating Contest. The winner will be announced on Dec. 6. To participate, email tcarmen@sonomachamber.org.
Empty storefront tax: The San Francisco Board of Supervisors is close to placing a tax on the March ballot that would make landlords pay an annual tax if their properties sit empty for more than six months.
Price drop: The 6,400-square-foot warehouse and 3-acre parcel at 1901 Fremont Drive was first listed last summer for $1.95 million. The price is now $1.39 million. The warehouse is on the former site of the Cherry Tree Country Store #2.
Email business news to lornasheridan@sonomanews.com.