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Agriculture

Picual and Mission extra virgin olive oils from Sonoma-based The Olive Press received Best of Show, and the Limonato and Lime olive oils received Best of Class at the Central Coast Olive Oil Competition. In addition to these accolades, they also won eight gold medals and two silver medals.

Construction

California Human Development (CHD), Integrity Housing, and Phoenix Development Company announce closing of financing for the 30-unit Ortiz Family Plaza to be located in Santa Rosa's Larkfield-Wikiup region. Construction of the housing to serve the farm working community is set to begin in early June.

Education

The School of Business and Economics (SBE) at Sonoma State University (SSU) announced that a public groundbreaking ceremony will take place for the Wine Spectator Learning Center on June 1 at the site of the University Commons building and future home of the Wine Business Institute (WBI), a unique public-private partnership between SSU and the wine industry.

Sonoma County Office of Education announced that the rate of students graduating from high schools in Sonoma County has risen by nearly 11 percent in the last six years. Sonoma County's graduation rate in 2014-15 was 82.9 percent compared with 74.7 percent in 2009-10, according to California Department of Education data. The rate is above the state average of 82.3, a record high for the state.

Banking

Redwood Credit Union (RCU) recently received four Diamond Awards at the annual Credit Union National Association's (CUNA) marketing & business development council conference in Anaheim. RCU's marketing department was recognized in four categories, including: Brand/corporate identity –brand articulation and refresh, completed in 2015; Video – video testimonial from business member Steel + Lacquer; Electronic marketing campaign – Visa credit card segmented email campaign promoting card activation and rewards; and complete campaign – geo-targeted wealth management/investment services campaign to drive increased awareness of RCU's investment services and advisors.

Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. (NYSE: WFC) announced Wells Fargo Wallet, the new mobile wallet. Launching later this summer, Wells Fargo Wallet is integrated into the existing Wells Fargo mobile app experience for Android users, making for a comprehensive, all-inclusive mobile banking and payment experience.

Entertainment

Weill Hall at Sonoma State University's Green Music Center announced plans for its 2016–2017 MasterCard Performance Series celebrating the fifth anniversary of the opening of Joan and Sanford I. Weill Hall. The season spans Oct. 1, 2016, to May 5, 2017, and comprises 31 performances representing the genres of classical orchestral, chamber, vocal and solo recital music; jazz, folk and popular music; and world music and dance.

Government

Sonoma County Registrar of Voters announced two new vote by mail drop-off boxes in Sonoma County. Vote-by-mail voters are encouraged to get their ballots in early for the June 7 election by using these boxes. The drop-off box locations are the Santa Rosa Veterans Building at 1351 Maple Ave., and the Petaluma Veterans Building at 1094 Petaluma Boulevard South.

Health Care

Sutter Santa Rosa Regional Hospital has provided a $30,000 grant to the Community Soil Foundation (CSF) in support of the Larkfield Community Garden and Learning Center. CSF's mission is to cultivate the wellness of Sonoma County communities by offering land-based education, creating access to organic produce, and regenerating habitat and natural resources.

Nonprofits

Redwood Credit Union (RCU) employees contributed nearly $25,000 to local nonprofits by sponsoring, fundraising, and participating in Human Race events in Sonoma, Marin and Mendocino counties. A total of 115 volunteers, including employees, family, and friends, walked or ran in the three races, which took place on May 7.

When Santa Rosa Active 20-30 Club No. 50 members learned that the computers in one of Chop's Teen Club's most popular program areas were in need of replacement, the group voted to provide all new computers for Chop's Tech Lounge. They recently presented a $14,131 check to the club and unveiled the newly named Active 20-30 Club #50 Technology Lounge featuring the new computers.

Impact 100 Redwood Circle has awarded its first $100,000 grant to VOICES, an innovative nonprofit that provides youth with the resources they need to make the leap from foster care to successful, independent adulthood. Impact 100 Redwood Circle was launched in early 2015 and is a fund of the Community Foundation Sonoma County.

Real Estate

Both luxury home sales and prices in Marin County moved sharply higher again in April compared to the previous month as the spring home-buying season unfolded, according to a new report by Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. The figures are based on multiple listing service data of all homes sold for more than $1.5 million last month in Marin County.

Wine

Napa-based Cork Supply Group launched Cork Supply China, a new facility located in the new Airport Development Zone of Tianjin, China. The facility will be dedicated to printing, branding, treatment, packaging and shipping of corks, as well as the distribution of Tonnellerie O barrels and Creative Oak alternative products.

Wark Communications in Napa Valley has been retained by Caldwell Vineyard as its communications agency of record.

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