64 -www.sonomacountygazette.com

Transcription

30
Years
Watching over Seals
By Michele Luna, Executive Director,
Steward of the Coast and Redwoods
Seal Watch began in 1985, when
Dian Hardy and other local activists
from Jenner discovered that the harbor
seals at Goat Rock State Beach were
in greater danger from beach visitors
and unleashed dogs than from the
pollution of a recent sewage spill into
the Russian River.
In response to these concerns, they
organized and set up four-hour shifts
on the beach at the river mouth where
they asked visitors to abide by the
Marine Mammal Protection Act and
stay at least 50 yards from the harbor
seals. The group was particularly
concerned about disturbing the seals
during their pupping season, which
begins in March and goes through May
each year.
State Park staff at the time worked
with these dedicated volunteers to form
a State Park Cooperating Association.
They began the work of developing
bylaws, articles of incorporation and
becoming incorporated as a nonprofit
public benefit organization in 1985.
By 1986, Stewards of Slavianka was
incorporated as a 501(c)3 nonprofit
organization. “Slavianka” is the name
that 19th century Russian settlers gave
to the Russian River. It means “little
Slavic dancing girl.”
SEALS cont’d on page 10
Earning
a LIVING Wage
By Martin J. Bennett
A coalition of labor, faith,
environmental,
and
community
organizations has proposed a Living
Wage Ordinance to the Sonoma
County Board of Supervisors. Over
the past year, the coalition has both
lobbied the Supervisors and County
staff, and conducted an extensive
public education campaign.
The law would mandate an hourly
wage of $15/hr. for all workers
employed by the county, large county
contractors and employers receiving
county subsidies or leasing county
property.
More than 5,500 low-wage workers,
including park aides, janitors, security
guards, County Fair temp employees,
and about 3,800 home-care providers,
would receive wage increases.
Why is a Living Wage law needed?
Whose Recovery?
12th Annual Gardener’s Resource Guide
Your GUIDE to Local Garden Businesses
Marine Mammals at Risk pg 6
Adapting to Climate Change pg 18
Fighting Childhood Obesity pg 28
Corporate profits surged to record
levels in 2013 and 95 percent of income
gains from economic recovery since
2010 went to the top 1 percent of
earners. This polarization of wealth
and incomes means widespread hard
times for California and Sonoma
County working people.
WAGE cont’d on page 8
YOUR Community Columns - start pg 36
Easter Egg Hunts for Kids pg 56
Plant Sales for Good Causes pg 59
SONOMA COUNTY CALENDAR: pgs 55 ~ 71
This QR CODE
will take you to our
web site. Use your
Smart Phone with a
QR CODE app such
as RedLaser
Dear Readers,
This is everyone’s favorite time of
year. Hope Springs Eternal is one of
those clichés that rings true for so
many. With new growth everywhere,
blue skies, green hills glowing after
winter rains, everything feels right
with the world...unless you spend too
much time with world news.
Even in our sheltered Sonoma
County bad things happen to good people
- another cliché - but the majority of
us are just fine thank you very much!
That’s one of the reasons those of
us who are thriving can take time
and spend energy nurturing our
communities in ways that others may
not be able. Recognizing ourselves as
privileged helps us put things into
perspective. If our lives are good,
then appreciating all that is right with
the world allows us the grace to pay
attention to making the world more
right for others as well. At least that’s
the way I think and it seems others in
our community share that philosophy.
There’s a phrase used in counseling
that applies to relationships in general
and to our relationship with life as
well. If people take each other for
granted their romance, friendship,
family bonds, etc. suffer from lack
of nourishing appreciation. All life
thrives on attention, being grateful,
contributing to the balance of what we
take with what we give. My goodness
this is sounding like a lecture! Sorry
about that! Not my intent!
”Enjoy the little things in life, because
one day you will look back, and realize
they were the big things.” - Robert Brault
2 - www.sonomacountygazette.com - 3/15
I’m not a TV watcher so I miss a lot
of misery, but I can see the impact of
world affairs on people’s faces. I know
ISIS is wreaking havoc and what I can
personally do about that is limited.
But I feel certain that if the theory of
our universe always seeking balance
over time is correct, then those of us
who can contribute positive action,
positive thought and positive feelings
can DO something to counter-balance
all this negative.
It’s one of the many reasons
the Gazette seeks articles on ways
people can participate in community
activities that build-up instead of
tear-down. There’s a lot of GOOD
happening around us that we need
to know about so that we can feel the
benefits of positive action.
Reading about how people have
been taking care of seals for 30 years
is GOOD. Seeing how compassionate
people CARE that everyone makes
a living wage so working people
get paid real value for their time
is GOOD. Stories of people raising
awareness on issues that impact our
lives is empowering. If they can do it,
we can do it as well.
Appreciating people, thanking
them, showing them that we
recognize their efforts on our behalf is
part of how we balance negative with
positive. Life is Good...another cliché
that sometimes we
just need to remind
ourselves is very real.
News articles and updates are posted to our website between print editons
at www.SonomaCountyGazette.com, and some of it becomes old news by the
time the print edition comes out - or is on the verge of happening. Facebook
plays a part in how readers respond to these stories because when a news
article gets posted, we put a link to it on the Gazette’s Facebook page so people
know that news has been posted.
One of the stories that won’t make it to print (but is on our website) is an
update on the Paul Hobbs vineyard planted next to Apple Blossom School
in Sebastopol. Mr. Hobbs was fined $100,000 for violating riparian rules on
this site and several other environmental offenses as well. The Watertrough
Children’s Alliance is heading to court to see what they can do to protect
school children from the harmful impacts of agricultural chemicals near the
school. Visit their website - http://wcachildren.org - for details and stay-tuned
to the Gazette’s wwebsite and Facebook page as this story unfolds.
Issues like these and many different subjects that don’t fit into these pages
happen in between print editons. If you want to stay in touch with community
news throughout the month, please check www.SonomaCountyGazette.com,
and if you want alerts to updates, please LIKE us on Facebook. We don’t post
links for everything - just articles we feel you may not want to miss and may
want to comment on with your opinion.
Birds of Laguna de Santa Rosa
Lovely article and great
photos. Should have lots of bird
watchers paying attention now.
Tom Reynolds and his wildlife
photography is worth a whole article
itself.
Thanks for the spotlight on birds.
Cathy Landis
Into the Future - Judie Messier
Interviews Sonoma County
I think we need to take a page from
Phoenix and other cities that have
great way to capture the rain that does
fall. Rainwater catchment should be
standard for all buildings. Landscape
water should come from that alone.
Unless water is being used for inside
the home, crops, livestock or publicly
used greens (and even the greens can
be watered with grey water), it should
be irrigated with grey water captured
from the home/business.
Karen Giovannini
Jack London’s Tree
At the State Parks event honoring
the continued life of the 400-yearold Jack London Oak on Sunday Feb.
1st, I was reminded of what a great
difference one person can make in
this world. After hearing, two years
ago, that this magnificent oak was
considered diseased and slated for
removal, Chris Monroe, a man who
has been studying trees all his adult
life, disagreed. He sent close-up
photos of the tree to Professor Matteo
Garbelotto, discoverer of the Sudden
Oak Death disease at U.C. Berkeley,
asking him to inspect the tree himself.
The professor complied, as well as
biologists from U.C. Davis, and all
agreed that the tree was healthy and
could live for many more years.
Without Chris’ passionate
perseverance, I believe that this icon
would no longer be with us. As Chris
advised nature lovers during Sunday’s
event, “If you believe strongly enough
that something’s right, taking no for
an answer can be exactly the wrong
thing to do! Nurture nature and it will
endure and do the same for you.”
I hope more of us will follow
Chris’ example .
Barbara Jacobsen
A Message from Sonoma County Regional Parks
“Sonoma County - a place where a park opening is just as big (if not bigger)
than a restaurant opening! We’re so glad you are enjoying North Sonoma
Mountain. If you are planning to head out there this weekend, our Rangers
would like to make a few recommendations: Please be respectful of our
neighbors’ privacy & pay attention to staff parking directions. We’ve been
running out of space in the lot midday. Carpooling is suggested! We kindly ask
our equestrian visitors to leave horses at home until attendance calms down.
Trailers take up a lot of space in a very busy area. And please remember that
there are no dogs allowed at the park.”
Stay up-to-date with the latest park news on their Facebook page at www.
facebook.com/sonomacountyregionalparks
Florence Brass
A very good friend and colleague
gave me a Florence Brass Oil Painting
as a parting gift when we sold
our home in Sonoma County in
2003. I had the pleasure of meeting
Florence….An interesting vibrant
woman. Today the painting of
Mantazas Creek Winery ,when the
lavender is in full bloom, graces the
mantle in our great room. I so enjoy
looking at it as it reminds me of
the wonderful memories of our time
in Sonoma. Sincerely, Edith Merritt-Driver
LETTERS cont’d on page 4
3/15 - www.sonomacountygazette.com - 3
LETTERS cont’d from page 3
Wood Fuel Burning
Regarding your articles n wood
stoves: spot on!
I’ve recently retired from 35 years
in the wood stove business and have
seen great changes and improvements
in the industry.
EPA woods stoves are in the range
of 60 to 80 times CLEANER than
the typical fireplace and 20 to 40
times cleaner than non-EPA stoves.
Efficiency is more tan 10 times better
than fireplaces and 2 to 3 times better
than non-EPA woodstoves.
I agree with your pollution
comparison t gas stoves by NOT
comparing just the top of the
exhaust stack, but including the true
pollution costs from source to burn.
Transportation, handling, processing,
all add to the list of emissions for
gas and are minimal for wood.
Wood is usually sourced within the
community it is used since most cord/
fire wood comes from tree services
which need a place to dispose of what
they trim and cut down.
Your discussion for rural and urban
is good and covers that wood stoves
are not for everyone.
As far as No Burn Days are
concerned, rural communities are
exempt, but how the rules came to be
are a whole story unto itself.
Larry Williams, Forestville
Unauthorized Water Use
My family owns a house in Camp
Meeker and have had unauthorized
water usage two separate times.
Once was in November 2012 and the
next was in November 2014. The first
one was 75,000 gallons and the most
recent was 25,000 gallons. As we only
use the house as a summer cabin, and
don’t visit between October-May, this
was quite unusual.
I read a reader question in your
April 2014 issue about water trucks
filling up and bringing water to other
locations (Water Issues, Rob Flowers).
It offers a plausible explanation for
the water use at our place - albeit an
illegal one.
Have you heard of any other
unauthorized water uses/abuses?
We’re working on resolving this with
Russian River Utilities but would
be interested to hear if there are any
other stories out there like ours.
thank you, Karen Atkinson
Sonoma Clean Power
I wonder how SCP can claim
being ‘non-profit’ or actually clean
when they’re buying power from
Constellation Energy that has its
own nuclear plants, and that itself is
owned by Exelon, one of the biggest
nuclear producers in the country
with 23 nuclear plants. So where
does the non profit or clean come in?
Seems like part of the deregulation
shell game of power brokering from
what’s already on the grid, that PGE
purchases as well.
For all the money SCP spent on
consultants, lawyers, lobbying and
creating their own new county
agency, there could have been a lot of
solar panels put on Sonoma County
public buildings and be owned by
Sonoma County residents.
From Exelon website:
Nation’s largest nuclear fleet
Exelon Nuclear, a division of Exelon
Generation, operates the largest
fleet of nuclear plants in the nation.
The fleet consists of 23 reactors at
14 locations in Illinois, Maryland,
Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, and
Pennsylvania.”
Greg Kestel
Hi Vesta,
Some of these are questions/misnomers we hear from time to time, so
I’m glad to have the chance to set the
record straight:
• Sonoma Clean Power is not a 501c
non profit organization. We are a notfor-profit public agency. We re-invest
earnings into the organization to keep
rates stable and low, and to support
the development of additional sources
of renewable energy.
• We are a public agency, created
under a Joint Powers Authority for the
cities participating in our program.
Our Board of Directors comprises
elected officials from the County
Board of Supervisors and each city
that is participating. We are not a
County program, our employees
are not employees of the County of
Sonoma, nor do we participate in their
retirement/benefit programs.
• While we do purchase some of our
power from Constellation, we have
the ability to choose which sources
of power that we purchase. We not
purchase nuclear from Constellation
(or anyone for that matter. We have
0% nuclear in our mix.)
Please let me know if you have any
follow up questions.
Thanks Vesta!
Kate Kelly | Sonoma Clean Power
Director, Public Affairs & Marketing
www.SonomaCleanPower.org
Direct: (707) 978-3468
Customer Service: 1 (855) 202-2139
‘Power of Choice’
I read the recent Gazette article
touting Sonoma Clean Power. And
I’ve seen and heard endless ads in the
PD and on the radio paid for by SCP.
There is so much to say about SCP,
beyond the feel good hype about it
being a ‘real’ choice It’s complicated
business to be sure, but here are the
key issues. First, nobody likes or
trusts PG&E much, except when our
power goes out or we smell gas and
we need experienced technicians to
bail us out. So, given a ‘real choice,
who wouldn’t dump PG&E and its
legacy of Diablo Canyon, San Bruno,
etc. But SCP is not dumping PG&E at
all. It’s using PG&E’s infrastructure to
deliver power and do billing. PG&E is
still very much in our lives.
As to the fact that 93% of Sonoma
County power users have ‘chosen’
Sonoma Clean Power, the reality is
that the opt-out requirement (if you
do nothing, you are automatically
enrolled in SCP) and the human tendency, when in doubt, to do nothing
are the big reason for SCP’s instant
success in signing up the whole
county. The expensive paid advertising and solicitation of ‘testimonials’
from local small businesses testifying
to pie-in-the-sky ‘green’ hopes and
dreams has probably also helped reel
in a few fence sitters.
SCP’s pricing (about 5% below
PG&E) is a completely artificial
construct designed to lull the public
into believing that somehow a tiny
new power company has more pricing
power, or is just nicer, than PG&E is
silly. The pricing was set simply to undercut PG&E by just enough to make
consumers believe that SCP is super
efficient and a real bargain to boot.
But there is not a shred of actual evidence that SCP’s costs are any lower
than PG&E’s and common sense
suggests otherwise. These rates will
almost inevitably need to be raised
once the program is entrenched and
the actual costs of purchasing power
AND of supporting the growing SCP
bureaucracy become more clear to the
public.
Possibly most importantly, the idea
that SCP is ‘greener’ than PG&E is
pure naiveté. The only way to reduce
carbon emissions is to build more renewables and then turn off something
that was generating carbon. SCP is
not funding any renewables. It doesn’t
have the money to do that. But by
buying selectively (i.e. no coal or other
‘dirty’ power) and by buying pieces
of paper (REC’s), SCP can claim to
provide 33% renewable energy vs just
20% for PG&E.
The reality is that by 2020, under
government mandate, PG&E has to
provide 33% and is already moving in
that direction by divesting its oldest,
dirtiest power sources. What will be
the point of SCP at that point, other
than the fact that it’s not PG&E?
We have all seen government pile
into a variety of utopian schemes before. They all look financially feasible
at the outset. But at the bitter end,
the taxpayer is invariably stuck with
the unanticipated costs. And when
we follow the money, it usually has
been siphoned off by businesses that
quickly tap into the lucrative new
government programs by financing
political campaigns and paying for
favors. Sonoma Clean Power will be
no different. We’ve seen this movie so
many times before. It’s hard to believe
that we’re sitting back and watching
yet again.
Nancy Hair
COMMENTS to online news @
SonomaCountyGazette.com:
Paul Hobbs pays penalties for
unlawful vineyard development in
Sonoma County
Seriously, $100,000 for violations
in development, environmental
degradation! A slap in the wrist. What
about halting development & use
permits? This guy acts like he owns
Sonoma County, and could care less
about the environment here.
Bonnie
My kids go to that school and I
personally filmed major dust clouds
blowing down the hill and through
campus. I don’t have a problem with
crops converting to other crops, but I
do have a problem with a guy knowingly and illegally clearing native
riparian vegetation in the face of
existing scrutiny. HE CLEARLY did it
his was knowing that a fine is all he
would get. That makes him a criminal and should be PERSONALLY
accountable. Probation, jail time,
whatever. Wake up people, there
are plenty of people with huge egos
and even bigger checkbooks that are
making a mockery of agriculture in
Sonoma County. Brent Reed
If you’ve got the bucks what’s a little
fine. Digcusting! Too many grape
vines here already and most do use
lots of chemicals. Jan Rice
This is unfortunate as we all knew
there was something sketchy going
on here and it will continue to happen
with a mere monetary fine for the
violations that many of the people of
these communities knew of and were
ridiculed for speaking up about. Rhi Smith-Guerrero
I live nearby.....sickening. Doesn’t he
also spray Round-Up? Can’t wait for it
to be pulled from the shelves one day.
I only respect organic growers. Joanne Panizzera
COMMENTS to online news @
SonomaCountyGazette.com:
Sonoma and Napa County Residents
Oppose Winery Over-Expansion
Sonoma County is in a major
drought. The Board of Supervisors
and the City of Santa Rosa asked
residents to cut water use. I reside in
city limits and so I purchased low
flow toilets, a water saving washing
machine, and hired a plumber
to fix any leaks in my backyard
underground water lines. (Expensive).
I hauled all my clothes washer rinse
water (from the garage) in buckets
to water my plants. (Very time
consuming & hard on the elbows
& shoulders). I planted only a few
vegetable plants. I usually plant
enough to have fresh vegetables
through the summer & to give
away. Lastly “If it was yellow I let it
mellow”’ even though I thought that
looked disgusting.
I was feeling efficient about my
water saving until I received the
notice about the proposed Dairyman
winery on Highway 12 & Llano
Road. Wait a minute!!! This winery
will produce 500,000 cases of wine,
250,000 gallons of distilled spirits a
year; have 58 promotional events,
four events with 600 people and
outdoor amplified music. Wow!!!!!!!!
That would entail quite a bit of toilet
flushing unless they will be using
porta-potties for guests.
My calculations predict they will
use more water in one day then I do
all year. Now I ask myself where is
the fairness of this? What about all
the other neighboring wells in that
vicinity? Some rural residents already
have lost their water to winery and
hotel projects resulting in a huge cost
to drill deeper wells.
What about long term damage to
the aquifer? What about the Laguna?
No one can predict how long the
drought will last. The Dairyman
winery and event center must not be
permitted.
Carol Vellutini
Please EAMIL LETTERS to:
[email protected] or mail to:
Sonoma County Gazette, 6490 Front
St #300, Forestville, CA 95436,
or COMMENT on the Gazette’s
FACEBOOK page. THANK YOU
Water Fluoridation
Baby sea lions abandoned along Sonoma Coast beaches Open Letter to Board of
As we were picking up marine debris on Salmon Creek.Beach last week, we
found a baby sea lion. He was a 2014 model. We aern’t supposed to have infants
in our water. He is part of a mass stranding that is going on. Thousands of
starving babies have been abandonded by their mothers who can’t find enough
to eat.
The Marine Mammal Center is rescuing hundreds and they are going
through an incredible amount of human-caught fish. These animals have never
eaten fish, they are supposed to still be suckeling, so they have to be tube fed
pureed fish.
The Marine Mammal Center survives on donations. Sally and I are asking all
of you to donate to the Marine Mammal Center now. Go on ine or give them a
call 1-415-289-seal. We owe it to these babies.
We are the ones who are destroying their world. We are in the process of
loosing ANOTHER ENTIRE GENERATION...we cant let this happen. The sea
lion is the apex preditor along our coast; great whites and orka are occasional sea lions are a constant, and they are in trouble.
This is the first year ever recorded that our waters reached 26’c. without an El
Niño. Never before has one weather occurance or disaster been directly related
to our warming of the atmosphere until now. In May of 2009 we lost all of the
babies born in 2008, then we started losing two-year olds, over a dozen a day
every day for 3 months.
Over the last 2 years we have had minor die-offs. This can’t keep up. We need
to change our ways. Someone has to say stop eating ocean fish caught in our
water and change how and where we get our energy from.
We are killing our ocean...we are killing our planet.
Submitted by Keary and Sally Sorenson,
Volunteer coordinators for marine debris Sonoma Coast State Park.
The Marine Mammal Center’s rescue range extends along 600 miles of
central and northern California coastlines.To facilitate our mission of rescuing
and rehabilitating marine mammals, we have field offices located in San Luis
Obispo, Monterey, and Mendocino counties. We rely heavily on volunteers
living in each part of our range to assess stranded animals, rescue them if
necessary, provide triage and emergency care, and transport the animals
using a relay system to our full-service veterinary hospital in Sausalito. At
our hospital, other volunteers work in partnership with veterinary staff to
rehabilitate the animals. All volunteers are welcome to participate in releases.
Contact Information:
The Marine Mammal Center
2000 Bunker Road, Fort Cronkhite, Sausalito, CA 94965
24-Hour Rescue Hotline: 415.289.SEAL (main dispatch)
Fax: 415.289.7333 (main hospital fax)
E-mail: [email protected]
To Volunteer:
Volunteers are always needed for animal assessment, rescue, triage, and
transport. Training is provided. A minimum commitment of two hours per
month on an “on-call” basis is required. Prospective volunteers should be
aware that rescues for ABO and FBO are occasional, and there may be long
periods of inactivity.
To volunteer, contact the Stranding department at 415.289.7350. For more
information, contact [email protected] Marine Mammals
Supervisors
I am a local physician very concerned that
special interests may harm residents in
Sonoma County. Today, most experts are
calling for an international moratorium on
water fluoridation. 97% of Europeans resist
fluoridation. Please go to http://www.
fluoridealert.org to review the evidence
against water fluoridation discussed
globally, though not in the United States.
The precautionary principle trumps other
arguments.
Fluoride is a demonstrable carcinogen,
mutagen (DNA damage), hormonal
disruptor, and a serious neurotoxin.
Fluoridation of county water supplies
will increase residents’ risk of many
expensive health conditions that will
dwarf the suffering and costs of cavities.
Our Sonoma County Medical Association
(SCMA) is negligent in blindly supporting
fluoridation; most doctors and dentists are
under-informed and too busy to find the
science.
Dental hygiene, good nutrition, and
fluoride applied to teeth, are safe and
effective in preventing tooth decay.
Ingested fluoride is, in fact, neither. The
June 2013 issue of the Journal of Dental
Research includes yet another study
showing that the natural sweetener xylitol
safely and effectively protects dental
enamel.
The Wall Street Journal has been
reporting on credible research (consistently
and deliberately marginalized) showing
clear evidence that human cancer and
neurological
damage
results
from
fluoridation of water. Peer-reviewed
human and animal studies confirm that
fluoride lowers intelligence and increases
bone fractures. Increasing numbers of
adolescents, greater than 40%, have visible
tooth enamel damage (dental fluorosis),
an indicator of high body exposure, toxic
injury of fluoride. Fluorosis of bones,
brain, glands, and organs, is not visible;
those critical studies have been politically
avoided in the US.
African-Americans
and
Hispanic
residents, who are more vulnerable to
fluoride harms, have not been warned.
Maternal iodine deficiency, which is
found in at least half of pregnant women,
increases fluoride toxicity. Even after
more than a decade of well documented
research, the same Institute of Medicine
behind fluoride in drinking water has yet
to show concern for the developing brain.
That is to ask, where is the long
overdue advisory to correct prenatal
iodine deficiency? Both congenital
hypothyroidism
and
neurological
impairment are on the rise; these
conditions are associated with maternal
iodine deficiency, increasing radioactive
iodine fallout, and fluoride exposure. Not
only do SCMA physicians have the option
to avoid foods containing fluorinated
pesticides and herbicides, but we can travel
to pristine places and install expensive
water filtration or distillation in our homes
to remove fluoride. True, we may not see
our own families as being threatened by
fluoridated water. But with each passing
year of economic stress, more of our
patients are unable to afford organic food,
fluoride-free beverages, and they cannot
escape job or local pollution exposures.
According to most current studies,
children often ingest an overdose of
fluoride simply through inattention when
brushing with kids’ fluoride toothpaste.
Keep in mind that promoting more
plastic water bottle use and waste is not
good health policy.
MEDICAL SCHOOL ON THE FLY (for board
members without medical licensure):
•Fluoride for water treatment is not
medical grade. It is industrial sourced,
added at the water plant along with
“officially
acceptable”
contaminants:
arsenic, lead, (radioactive salts in some
samples). It all eventually contaminates
our environment.
•Water fluoridation means each one
of you is prescribing a whole body dose
of an FDA designated “unapproved
drug” to every resident for many years
- without informed consent. This is not a
personal freedom issue; it is public health
malpractice,
•Have you noticed that the incidence of
autism is now one in fifty children born
today? In the early 1980’s, when I started
medical school, it was one in ten thousand.
Fluoride is not a nutrient, it is another
neurotoxin.
•Fluoride is bioaccumulative. There is a
very low level of safe body burden, mostly
bone and pineal gland storage of fluoride.
Have you been monitoring the fluoride
content in foods and beverages (high in
grape products and tea, for example)?
Are you monitoring the fluoride laden
air pollution arriving in Sonoma County
24/7 from China? From Japan, Fukushima
meltdown pollution has increased US
radioactive iodine to over 200 times
“acceptable” (?) levels at several EPA
monitoring devices.
•30 tons of fluorinated pesticides are
dispersed in Sonoma County vineyards
every year. These fluorocarbons are
themselves harmful and release free
fluoride into our bodies as well. The
product information sheets do not show
this.
•Your malpractice risk is over more
years than physicians or dentists. Besides
your dosing of toxic water, patients
are prescribed long term fluorinated
medications The effects of fluoride from
the metabolism of these drugs in humans
has not been published and package inserts
do not include data about the release of
fluoride (by
known hepatic enzyme pathways)
demonstrated in mammalian animal
studies.
•Do you know each patient? Will Sonoma
County supply distilled water to WIC
moms and officially warn vulnerable
patients and tourists: “Do not drink tap
water”?
Water fluoridation is a placebo promoted to
band-aid the converging national crises of
poor nutrition and inaccessible dental care.
Your public health officer is proposing
an archaic policy never supported by
scientific study. She has brought you
fluoridation “experts” who work overtime
to sell an industrial toxic waste. They are
hoping to delay the inevitable, when sixty
years of deliberate deception about water
fluoridation is officially deconstructed.
Your role in local fluoride poisoning
may be inescapable; you have been
well informed by many local health
professionals and knowledgeable citizens
who are committed to keeping clean water.
Think long and hard about the predictable
harms to your children and grandchildren,
all your constituents, as well as the impact
on wine country tourism, before caving
in to forces pushing water fluoridation.
Will you start a persisting financial
hemorrhage for a dangerous countywide
program imposed on your watch? Should
you be consulting your lawyer?
Please vote on the side of caution. Do not
fluoridate our drinking water!
April M. Hurley, MD
Board Certified Family medicine
Last Tuesday (Jan 27, 2015) was a public
meeting of the FAC (Fluoride Action
Committee) at the Sonoma County Health
Dept. This committee is the next step in the
county’s headlong journey down the path
of adding more things to the mix in order
to save the public from itself. It was noted
that not one Dr. was on the committee who
was opposed to fluoridation, and although
there was an interesting mix, it was a
stacked deck as far as a fair conglomerate of
community oversight. Of the approximate
thirty people from the public at large,
who took time during the middle of their
workday to attend a boring government
meeting, not one public attendee voiced
desire to add fluoride to the water.
The Health Dept. again, held up the
poor Latino community as their reason
for needing this. They trotted out the
usual presentation and used skewed and
biased stats to make their case for adding
chemicals to our water. They neglected
to mention that Healdsburg, which has
fluoride, has one dentist per 450 people,
whereas Santa Rosa has only one dentist
per 718 persons. (2010 census, Ca. registry
of dentists), meaning the town with fluoride
has more dentists that the one without.
Logic would indicate that the town with
fluoride in their water would have much
fewer dentists because the water additive
worked. This is not born out by this simple
count of dentists versus population.
They then tried to show that there were
fewer cavities, by almost a whopping 4%,
amongst Healdsburg kids, and claimed
that was a significant difference. Although
a 5% difference can be called significant
in statistical terms, 48% of kids with bad
teeth, is not a good amount where there
was fluoride to supposedly fix their dental
woes. There was no taking into account
the affluence or dental culture, nor that
the Latino people in question are from a
culture where drinking the water is not
good for you.
Last Thursday, in response to the
meeting that the Press Democrat did not
cover, the Press published an opinion piece
that was as close to propaganda as I have
seen in our paper. The writer stated that
the added fluoride was a “natural element”,
which it is not. She was alluding to calcium
fluoride. The fluoride to be added is a
Chinese supplied industrial chemical
that is primarily used for insecticide
and in the smelting of aluminum, and
is produced through the process of
making fertilizer. Sodium Fluoride. The
opinion also used post WWII anecdotal
evidence as supportive. The education
and proliferation of tooth products and
explosion of dentists after the war was
a huge factor in the dental hygiene of
our country and had nothing to do with
fluoride in the water supply.
The writer portrays fluoride as the cure
all for bad teeth and yet states clearly that
topically applied fluoride through the use
of toothpaste was responsible. She also
stated that two thirds of Americans have
fluoridated water, yet there is still a lot
of dental decay out there. She uses terms
like improvement when she talks about
fluoridating as if further degrading our
clean water with adulterants is a good
thing. She claims it saves money and lists
states that have extremely poor people.
Medicaid dental is less where they dose the
water she says. Toothpaste and toothbrush
sales in this country are huge. Why would
they be huge if fluoride works so well in
mineralizing teeth against decay. Mostly
because it does not work very effectively.
I am a full advocate of topical
application of medically approved fluoride
treatments coupled with education to help
prevent dental decay. The picture that
accompanied the slanted piece was of a kid
being attended to by a dental hygienist. It
did not show a Latino kid throwing away
his candy in favor of sneaking a drink of
tap water while his grandmothers’ back
was turned.
Fluoride Banned in Countries WorldWide
Many modern, well educated, first world
countries with excellent medical industry
have banned this practice: Austria (Toxic
fluorides have never been added to
the public water supplies in Austria.),
Belgium (The main reason for that is the
fundamental position of the drinking
water sector that it is not its task to deliver
medicinal treatment to people. This is the
sole responsibility of health services), China
(where we would get sodium fluoride
from to put in our water, fluoridation is
banned: “not allowed”), Czech Republic
(fluoridation represents an untargeted
form of supplementation which disregards
actual individual intake), Denmark (toxic
fluorides have never been added to the
public water supplies), Finland (There are
better ways of providing the fluoride our
teeth need), France (Fluoride chemicals
are not included in the list of chemicals
for drinking water treatment), Germany
(Federal Ministry of Health against a
general permission of fluoridation of
drinking water is the problematic nature
of compulsory medication.) Hungary
(Stopped fluoridating for technical
reasons ), India (The Indian government
has been working to remove the fluorides
from drinking water sources to alleviate
skeletal fluorosis), Israel (the potential
damage to public health and environment
from fluoridation may be greater than the
benefits from decreased dental cavities),
Japan (The 0.8 -1.5 mg regulated level is for
calcium fluoride, not the hazardous waste
by-product which is added with artificial
fluoridation), Luxembourg (the drinking
water isn’t the suitable way for medicinal
treatment), Northern Ireland (Fluoridation
ceased at the two locations for operational
reasons), Netherlands (there was no
legal basis for fluoridation), Norway (the
conclusion was that drinking water should
not be fluoridated), Scotland (rejected
plans to add fluoride to the nation’s water),
Sweden (Drinking water fluoridation is
not allowed in Sweden), Switzerland (In
April 9, 2003, the City Parliament of Basel,
Switzerland voted 73 to 23 to stop Basel’s 41
year water fluoridation program. Basel was
the only city in Switzerland to fluoridate its
water, and was the only city in continental
western Europe, outside of a few areas in
Spain).
These countries are not behind the curve.
They are ahead of simplistic thinking that
does not work as advertised.
In 2013 the city of Portland Oregon
decided against fluoridating its water. The
people deciding to not put more chemicals
into the water supply to address particular
medical concerns are not stupid backward
thinking yokels who rally behind every
conspiracy theory to come along. They
are educated mindful persons who see
fundamental flaws in the leap of judgment
to medicate the masses for the supposed
benefit of the few.
There has to be a better way to address
the issues of poor dental hygiene than
medicating entire populations with
unregulated dosages of an industrial
insecticide.
How about, let’s take the 8.5 million that
was proposed initially, and rig out a couple
of Dental RV’s, complete with a dentist
and hygienists and a presentationon how
to take care of your teeth and a barrel full
of toothbrushes and take it on a continual
school road trip to educate these poor low
income folk who don’t know what they’re
doing with their teeth. How about we
address the cause of the problem instead
of a knee jerk reaction to pacify the broad
brush industrialists who want their sales
and the politicians who want easy flashy
campaigns to pin their ribbons on and let’s
do the harder more effective thing. Tax
sugar and use the money to fund dental
programs for the people.
Well, that’s not easy nor does it allow
those in power to wash their hands of
the issue and pay lip service to their
constituents about what a great job they
did to implement a one shot fix all, even if
it didn’t do what it was supposed to. But,
it does focus on the root of the problem;
sugar. The bad teeth of low income Latinos,
or anyone else for that matter, is not lack
of fluoride in the water they drink. It is the
enormous amount of sugar in practically
everything we consume. If tooth decay is
a public detriment then sugar as its cause
should be subject to a sin tax as with
tobacco and alcohol. These funds could pay
for any dental program one could conceive
and Sonoma County could be a national
model of how to positively address a
health problem without cramming some
totalitarian plan for medicating every man
woman and child with substances they
don’t need want or would approve of if
they knew what they were getting.
Sonoma County Supes, are you listening?
Ray Morgan
WAGE cont’d from page 1
• According to the California Budget Project (CPB), from 1987-2012 California
developed an unprecedented income distribution gap, as average adjusted gross
incomes of upper 1 percent earners skyrocketed by 125 percent, while average
incomes of the bottom four-fifths declined.
• CPB reports that hourly inflation-adjusted wages for the bottom 50 percent of
California workers declined from 1979-2013. Wages for those in the top 20 percent
of income distribution data increased by 17 percent, while hourly wages for the
lowest 20 percent decreased by 12 percent.
• California’s real median household income in 2010 was only slightly above its 1997
level (and did not exceed the previous peaks in 2000 and 2006). California’s middle
class is going nowhere.
• Current U.S. Census data show that one-third of Sonoma County’s families were
working poor in 2013, with at least one member reporting income from work, but
earning less than $47,100 annually for a family of four.
Low-Wage Jobs and the Missing Middle
The most important cause of growing inequality is that the economy is not creating
decent jobs. According to a 2014 National Employment Law Project report, 22 percent
of lost jobs in the 2007-2009 recession were in the low-wage service sector, paying less
than $14/hr.
During the 2010-2014 recovery, 44 percent of added jobs were low-wage, and
increasingly part-time and temporary. Only one in five of the new jobs created after
2010 were mid-wage jobs, paying between $14-$20/hr.
A new Metropolitan Transportation Agency (MTC) report for the nine-county
Bay Area confirms national labor market trends. Across the Bay Area, most of the
approximately 1.1 million low-wage workers are ‘trapped’ in low-wage jobs for much
of their working lives. In each county the number of low-wage jobs is expanding, and
the number of mid-wage jobs contracting, even as the economy grows.
Too many low-wage workers lack the educational background and basic skills to
even qualify for mid-wage jobs. Many low-wage workers must work two jobs. Their
work schedules also may be unpredictable from week to week, so they have no time
for pursuing educational opportunities outside work, and most cannot afford the costs
of job training and necessary childcare.
Sonoma County reflects these national and regional trends. According to 2013
California Employment Development Department data, 40 percent of new 2010-2020
jobs in Sonoma County pay no more than $15/hr. and 50 percent pay less than $20/hr.
These low-wage jobs are concentrated in the rapidly growing service sector, including
food services and hospitality, personal care and homecare, retail trade, and temporary
help.
In contrast, Massachusetts Institute of Technology researchers estimate that a 2013
living or self-sufficiency wage in Sonoma County is $22.12/hr. for two parents, each
working full-time to support two children—just to pay for food, housing, health care,
transportation and childcare, without relying on any public assistance programs.
Raising the wage floor is therefore fundamental to any comprehensive strategy
for reducing income inequality and poverty in Sonoma County. Strategies such as
Early Childhood Education, affordable housing, and job training are critical, but no
substitute for boosting wages.
A Living Wage Law is Affordable
Sonoma County can afford a living wage law. Prior to 2007, the counties of Marin,
Sacramento, San Francisco, Santa Cruz, Ventura, and Los Angeles all adopted living
wage laws and found the costs manageable, even when revenues dropped during the
Great Recession.
University of Massachusetts economist Dr. Jeannette Wicks-Lim estimates that
the full cost of implementing the proposed living wage law is 0.9 percent of Sonoma
County’s total $1.4 billion budget for 2014-2015—about $70 per household. Sebastopol
(2003), Sonoma (2004), and Petaluma (2006) have incurred similar costs from living
wage laws. Sonoma County property tax revenues increased in 2014, and the
Supervisors can enhance General Fund revenue with a small increase in the transit
occupancy tax (hotel/lodging bed tax).
Building The Movement
To implement a Living Wage Ordinance, the Board of Supervisors must recognize
the central problem of job quality, and the economy’s slow addition of new living wage
jobs, particularly for workers with limited education and skills.
The Supervisors must also understand that California’s $9.00/hr. minimum wage is
less than half of a self-sufficiency/living wage for the County, which is currently more
than $22/hr.
WAGE cont’d onpage 9
WAGE cont’d from page 8
The Supervisors also should know that a living wage law would have a huge
impact on a limited number of County and County contractor’s employees, such
as homecare workers earning $11.65/hr and janitors earning $9.00/hr.
Most importantly, the Board needs to recognize that, absent federal or state
action to raise the minimum wage, cities and counties can do so. Over time, local
actions have informed the public and mobilized public opinion to influence the
state and federal governments. Since early 2014, when Seattle implemented a
citywide $15/hr. minimum wage law, many cities have followed:
• San Francisco adopted the citywide minimum wage of $15/hr. and Oakland
approved a $12.25/hr. citywide minimum wage by ballot initiative.
• Richmond, Berkeley, Sunnyvale, and Mountain View City Councils also
approved citywide minimum wage laws, ranging from $12 - $15/hr.
• Last December, the County of Santa Clara implemented the highest ($19/hr.)
and most comprehensive living wage law in the nation.
As the MTC report recommended, other Bay Area cities and counties are
moving toward a region-wide minimum wage, substantially higher than the
state minimum. Last summer corporate Democrats in the California legislature
shot down a bill to raise the statewide minimum wage of $13/hr. by 2017. The bill
has been introduced again, and will be considered during the 2015 legislative
session.
As other cities and counties across the state implement wage laws, their
actions will send a message to the legislature and the governor to raise the state
minimum wage.
Sonoma County’s Department of Health report, “A Portrait of Sonoma,” urges
that the County “ensure that all jobs, including those that do not require a
college degree, pay wages that afford workers the dignity of self-sufficiency and
the peace of mind of economic security.” It explicitly calls for building upon
other living wage ordinances implemented in the County to “raise the wage floor
further.”
Approving a living wage law is the right thing to do! Taxpayers should not
fund poverty-wage jobs, and public sector employment should be the model for
private employers.
Sonoma County should raise the wage floor and join the Fight for $15 now!.
Martin J. Bennett is Instructor Emeritus of History at Santa Rosa Junior College,
Co-Chair of North Bay Jobs with Justice, and a Research and Policy Analyst for UNITE HERE
Local 2850. For more information please go to: northbayjobswithjustice.org
SEALS cont’d from page 1
Both Seal Watch and Stewards turn 30 years old this year. Seal Watch and
Whale Watch were the first State Park volunteer programs in the Russian River
State Park District supported by Stewards. In the late 1980s, volunteers began to
organize themselves at Armstrong Redwoods to provide visitor information and
to lead school and community tours through the park. I was hired as executive
director in 1994 to increase the organization’s ability to raise funds and implement
the use of technology for recordkeeping. A co-worker used to remind me that
Stewards’ membership was kept track of in a small file box when I was hired.
Our membership has now grown to almost 600. In 2003, the membership voted
to change the name to Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods to promote greater
name recognition, better convey its service scope, and increase donations to the
organization.
Seal Watch volunteers continue to protect the Russian River harbor seal
haulout and educate the public on weekends from March through Labor Day.
The harbor seals are particularly vulnerable during their annual pupping season
because mothers who are forced to leave their pups may abandon them if they
don’t feel safe and/or humans or other animals interfere with their pups. Good
data has been collected about the Russian River harbor seals since 1989, when
Elinor Twohy of Jenner started counting the seals at the river mouth daily. Based
on consistent data collected about the Harbor Seals since the 1980s, Dr. Joe
Mortenson and Stewards published a study in 1994 showing a direct correlation
between human interactions and seals flushing into the water to be safe. Over the
years, census data has continued to be collected by Dr. Sarah Allen, a biologist
with the National Park Service, the Sonoma County Water Agency and NOAA.
In 2009, Stewards began a partnership with the Sonoma County Water Agency
to monitor pinnipeds at and near the Russian River mouth in response to the
need for a federal permit for incidental harassment of marine mammals during
any activities associated with the requirements of the National Marine Fisheries
Service’s biological opinion (BO). This includes breaching the river mouth when
the river gets to flood stage and when the outlet channel is managed as directed
Harbor Seals at Goat Rock
A volunteer tryng to catch baby sea lion as part of rescue operation February 2015
by the BO. This has provided an opportunity for Stewards volunteers serving as
citizen scientists to continue to collect good data about the harbor seal haulout.
Dr. Joe Mortenson compiles the data and works with Sonoma County Water
Agency staff to analyze the data. There have been over 500 seals counted at one
time at the mouth of the river in the years 2000, 2005 and 2009. Currently, they
average about 100 – 160 per day.The number of pups born at the Russian River
mouth generally varies from 10 to 30 a year.
Volunteers are always needed for Seal Watch and for the Pinniped Monitoring
program. Contact Pete Bidigare, Stewards’ Volunteer Manager at pete@
stewardscr.org or (707) 869-9177 x1# if you are interested. Dr. Sarah Allen helps
train volunteers for Stewards and reminds them about the significance of the
Jenner Harbor Seal Haulout, the largest in Sonoma County. Dr. Allen praises Seal
Watch as “a great and essential program.”
More about Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods
Today, Stewards has grown to be a significant nonprofit organization working
to support 23 State Park volunteer programs at Armstrong Redwoods State
Natural Reserve, Austin Creek State Recreation Area and Sonoma Coast State
Park. Of all the Cooperating Associations in the state, Stewards ranks in the top
ten as far as revenue raised that goes back to supporting State Park programs
and education, preservation and restoration efforts. When I was hired, Stewards
was raising about $50,000 a year generated from the Armstrong Visitor Center
and campfire wood sales. In 2014, Stewards grossed over $680,000 through a
diversified fund development plan.
The nonprofit/public agency partnership between Stewards and State Parks
has been a great success and is highlighted in the just-issued California Parks
Forward Commission report. In 2012, Stewards began operating Austin Creek
State Recreation Area when it was slated to close, and currently operates the
entrance station to both Armstrong Redwoods and Austin Creek SRA. In 2014,
camping revenue at Bullfrog Pond campground increased by over 90% from 2013
thanks to a new reservation system Stewards put in place with www.hipcamp.
com. In 2015, with Stewards’ support, new Harbor Seal interpretive panels will
be installed to enhance the education of park visitors at Goat Rock State Beach,
the river overlook above Jenner, and the boat launch by the Jenner Visitor Center.
From its beginnings 30 years ago, Stewards has been an innovative force in
providing education about, and protection for, the natural and cultural resources
in Russian River area State Parks. (Be on the lookout for the Steward Ship marine
mobile education van!) For more information or to become involved, visit the
Stewards website at www.stewardscr.org.
We’re #1 But We CAN Change That! – Part 4
Let’s Talk Drugs
By Nicholas H. Anton, M.D.
Physicians for a National Health Program, Sonoma County Chapter
No! Not those drugs. The ones your doctor prescribes. Currently those drugs
represent 10% of the money spent in the U.S. on health care, $300 billion, annually.
Why are drugs so expensive? Why do we pay 40-50% more for our prescription
drugs than Canada and European countries? Why are generic drugs (supposedly
the cheapest) going up in price?
If you ask the drug companies why their drugs are so expensive, they will tell
you that: research and development (R & D) is very costly ($1.3 billion/ new drug
developed), there are too many government regulations, and that stockholders
demand a profit. Yet a 2011 study showed that the actual cost of developing of a
new drug is about $98 million and that 84% of R & D costs are paid for by public
sources. The real reasons costs are so high are:
• All drugs approved by the FDA and prescribed for Medicare or Medicaid
patients, must be purchased at full retail prices.
• An expectation by the public that every new drug must be made available.
An international study showed that out of 946 new drug products, 76 showed
a major advance, 13 showed a significant clinical advance, and 61 showed some
added therapeutic value. The rest showed minimal to no value, or a risk of more
harm than benefit. During the last 25 years, the pharmaceutical industry has
been the most profitable sector of the economy. A typical drug company spends
34% of its revenue on marketing and 13% on R & D.
In Canada and European countries with universal health care, governments
negotiate with drug companies on prices and spend 50% less than in the U.S.
Those countries reject new expensive drugs that offer little or no benefit over
existing drugs. Gleevic, a leukemia drug, sold for $4,540 in 2001 (in 2014 $’s) and
now sells for $8,488 in the U.S. Today in Germany, Gleevic costs $4,500 and in
France $3,300. When Part D of Medicare was passed in 2003, it was stipulated
that Medicare could not negotiate drug prices and that it was illegal to import
drugs from foreign countries.
Patients have noticed recently that their generic drugs (drugs whose patents
have expired) have gone up dramatically in price. Captoril, for hypertension and
heart failure, was 1. (in 2014 $’s) 4 cents/ pill in Nov. 2012 and 40 cents/ pill in
Nov. 2013. Doxycycline, an antibiotic, was 6 cents/ pill in 1967 and is now $3.36/
pill. How have the drug companies managed this? First, they paid generic drug
makers to delay production of generics that competed with their trade-name
products (this is now being challenged in the courts). Next, they purchased the
generic drug makers to become a monopoly producing these same drugs. Since
they were the only manufacturers of the drug, they could raise the price without
fear from the Federal Trade Commission because there was no collusion with
other companies.
To get all these advantages, the pharmaceutical industry employs 1,500
lobbyists (3 for every member of Congress) and spends billions of dollars to
influence legislation. As a result of these factors and a change in the insurance
industry that makes patients pay a % of their drug cost rather than a fixed
dollar co-payment, many are unable to
afford their medications. They are not
filling prescriptions or are taking their
medication less often than prescribed.
The solution is Improved and
Expanded Medicare-for-All. Under
such a system, the single payer
(the Federal government), like its
counterparts in other industrialized
countries, can negotiate for fair and
equitable drug prices saving $150
billion/year. While this article has
focused on the cost of medications, it
is just one of the many money-saving
aspects in a Single Payer, universal
health care system that insures everyone
has guaranteed, comprehensive health
care.
‘Till next month check out or national
website: www.pnhp.org
Police Brutality:
How Does Sonoma County Compare?
No one wants police brutality; everyone agrees that even a little is too much.
But how does our situation here compare with other Californian and American
cities? Are we good? Great? Lousy?
That›s a surprisingly difficult question to answer. The numbers one would
use to compare areas are distorted badly by no standard definitions, and
underreporting of problems (window dressing). Important information is also
not collected, like records of normal stops, or complaint types, or certain kinds
of deaths. Researchers speak of a reticence to provide information, which, since
most reporting is voluntary, makes numbers suspect. This seems strange in a
life-and-death line of work, but in a speech on February 12, FBI Director James
Comey quoted one police chief as saying he had no way of knowing “whether
the Ferguson police shot one person a week, one a year, or one a century.”
Recent local history allows some comparison. In 2000, after many complaints
of brutality and unnecessary deaths, the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights
submitted a scathing report of local police departments following hearings
in Sonoma County. Commissioner Yvonne Lee stated that «there has rarely
been, in my experience, a situation so polarized as Sonoma County, where one
side so vehemently denies that there is a problem at all.» 13 years later, 14 local
nonprofit organizations sent a letter to the Commission asking them to return
because, according to them, only a few token efforts had been made on the 26
tasks the Commission had left instructions to complete. Last year, after over
60 deaths by police or in custody since 2000, another letter was sent by many
victim survivors, local clergy, attorneys, and a dozen local organizations to
request Department of Justice investigation, which could eventually involve a
takeover of public safety by the federal government. The perceived hardening
toward outside influence is in sharp contrast to some departments
improvements seen in Los Angeles, San Diego, and Richmond, as was seen at
California Public Safety hearings on police and the community on February
10. That clear difference between what is possible and what exists here has
sent local human rights activists into a tizzy. Their anger causes regular civil
disobedience, such as the forced recess of the Board of Supervisors meeting on
January 27.
Chris Wroth has volunteered at the Andy Lopez Memorial Picket Line at
the county courthouse ever since shortly after Lopez’s death in 2013. Among
Latinos, the death of Andy Lopez seemed to open wounds that hadn›t fully
healed from suspicious deaths in the past. During the time I interviewed him,
two women came up to the table separately and told him in broken English that
they were frightened by the police; one asked what she should do. Mr. Wroth
told me that similar conversations are a daily occurrence at the exhibit. I had
come to ask him about statistics, but it was difficult to think of numbers after
hearing the ladies speak. In the last year, over 6,000 such people have signed
three separate petitions for the removal or punishment of Deputy Sheriff
Gelhaus, who shot Andy Lopez. For a local signature gathering effort, that’s a
very large number.
There is hope. California state may start investigating all officer-caused
fatalities if a popular bill gets passed next year, which may help citizens
feel investigations are more fair. Soon, the state will likely create reporting
standards and a central office of police records thanks to a bill that has little
opposition, to compare departments and regions fairly, and identify important
hidden trends. Locally, volunteers have been working very hard for the Board
of Supervisors on the Community and Local Law Enforcement Task Force to
create independent oversight of the Sheriff’s Office, and are preparing their
recommendations to the Board of Supervisors. In their proposal, the oversight
group will have no direct power; instead, they will audit internal investigations
for fairness, and make recommendations about procedures, officer discipline,
training, etc. More light may be thrown onto the Sheriff’s Office, though much
will stay sealed away, by law; some new information will be made available
through reports, and some healthy influence may occur. The county is hoping
that similar oversight can expand to our city police forces.
Will these potential changes fix the problems? They may help provide more
information and transparency, but cultural changes are hard to make through
voluntary oversight. The U.S. Civil Rights Commission may keep fielding
invitations to return. Or they may refer us to the Department of Justice, as
happened with Los Angeles, Newark, and other problem areas. Great strides
were made in those towns after federal takeover.
For more information, contact: Scott Wagner 707 235 8259 [email protected]
Sonoma County Joins the
Anti-Fracking March
By Tish Levee
The largest anti-fracking event in the country was held in Oakland on
February 7th. An estimated 8,000 people gathered to protest fracking—hydraulic
fracturing—in California. Coming from all over the state, they carpooled, took
public transportation, and came in chartered buses, with two large buses coming
from Sonoma County.
One of those marching was Woody Hastings, the Renewable Energy
Implementation Manager for Center for Climate Protection in Santa Rosa.
For Woody, “It was a family reunion of sorts,” as he met people he had worked
with in the climate movement in Southern California. “It was edifying to see so
many people,” although it was hard to find all the folk from Sonoma County,
as there were so many people there. The diverse group was sponsored by over
120 sponsors, including labor groups, faith communities, and environmental
organizations.
Leading the march were frontline
community members and youth—
those most heavily impacted by
climate change and fracking, including
indigenous leaders, and farmers and
ranchers from Kern County and the
Central Valley, where fracking wells are
often right alongside their agricultural
land.
The march emphasized creativity
with music and many artistic
renderings, lots of fun things (including
the “dancing bugs” that greeted Woody
on arrival), and good spirits—not all
“doom and gloom.” Even with such a
large crowd, there were no incidents,
“nothing bad happened,” Woody said.
Color was everywhere, especially the blue and yellow shirts and banners that
gave the march the appearance of a mighty surging river of blue water speckled
with sunlight. Throughout there was a sense that “all the critters are in danger;”
we are all endangered species—humans, too.
Billed as the “March for Real Climate Leadership,” it took place in Gov.
Brown’s hometown to draw attention to the need for him to be a “real” climate
leader. Seen as an environmental leader during his first terms as governor in
the 1970s, Brown has declared that, “Nothing is more fundamental than water.”
However, his support of fracking over the last four years is in marked contrast
to that statement. In the midst of a mega-drought—fueled by climate change—
allowing hundreds of thousands of gallons of fresh water to be injected, along
with sand and toxic chemicals, under high pressure into the earth to break up rock
formations and allow oil and gas extraction, is anything but climate leadership.
Besides the massive quantities of water it uses, fracking often releases large
amounts of methane, which is at least 86 times more effective that CO2 in
trapping heat over a 20-year period; the process is also believed to be responsible
for the large number of earthquakes occurring in places where they haven’t been
previously. (The first six months of 2014 saw 250 quakes in Oklahoma; nearly
one-half of all magnitude 3+ quakes in the continental U.S.)
However, while ending fracking in California—or at least enacting and enforcing
much stricter regulations—is absolutely necessary, long term we have to find
ways to reduce our incredible appetite for fossil fuels. As long as Californians
drive 332 billion miles a years, consuming 14 billion gallons of gasoline and 4
billion gallons of diesel, we are going to either have to produce oil here (largely
by fracking) or import it from elsewhere, often on “bomb” trains. That is why we
must work harder than ever on such things as low and no emissions vehicles, car
sharing, public transportation, and housing options near our work. These won’t
solve all our problems, but each small step we take can help.
People may question the value of marches and rallies such as this, Woody said,
but it is “going to take everything” to make changes. We just have to keep doing
all the things that make a difference, over and over. On the first Earth Day in
1970, there was a sense “that people in the street didn’t matter. It may appear that
they were being ignored but “it does matter,” and now we know it.
Last September 400,000 people—including Woody—marched in Manhattan;
since then the President has spoken out on climate change, especially at the U.N.
Climate Summit, and the G20 in Australia, made a historic climate agreement
with China, and today, he vetoed the Keystone XL pipeline. People in the street
do matter!
3/15- www.sonomacountygazette.com - 13
Sparing the Air by Burning Clean
By Ronn Christy
Spare the Air that is the message being driven home by the Bay Area Air
Quality Management District. It seems to pop up everywhere during the winter
months. On the radio I hear daily alerts on days that are deemed too dirty to
burn. I get email letting me know that the next day’s air quality will be too bad
to burn wood. I see commercials on TV letting me know how bad burning wood
is. It seems to be one of our areas biggest concerns.
Air quality and how wood burning contributes seems to be so simple - but it
is not. The vast majority of what you read, hear, and see during the winter spare
the air months really is one sided and lumps all wood burning into one smoking,
stinky, dirty mess that encompasses everyone within reach.
Location Matters
First of all and most importantly NOT EVERYONE is within the Spare the
Air boundary lines. There is a large portion of Sonoma County that is west and
north of the dividing line between the BAAQMD and the Northern Sonoma Air
Pollution control district. Almost the entire Russian River area is NOT in the
area. North of Arata lane in Windsor is NOT covered as well. You can go directly
to the Northern Sonoma County Air Pollution Control District site or call 707433-5911 directly and find out exactly based on your address. The folks at the
NSCAPCD office are easy to talk with, and have information you need.
Wood Stoves & Fireplaces
All wood burning that all fires are not
the same, all wood burning fireplaces,
stoves, and inserts are not the same.
There are major differences between
someone burning a EPA certified wood
burning insert or stove, an old wood
stove, or open fireplace.
What does EPA Certified mean?
If you listen to the way it is described
you would think that being EPA
certified is on the cutting edge, space
aged, and brand new technology. In
1988 the Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) decided to regulate the
emissions that wood burning devices
put out in an effort to clean up the air
by making wood stove manufactures
create more efficient wood units. They
defined an exact measurement of
particulate (smoke particles) measured
in grams per hour that could exhaust
from a wood burning appliance to be
deemed clean burning or EPA certified.
The measurement that was developed was and is still, 7.5 grams per hour of
particulate matter for non catalytic units and 4.1 grams for catalytic units. To
put that in some sort of perspective your basic old masonry brick and mortar
fireplace puts our anywhere from 75 to 150 grams per hour minimum. Obviously
burning one of those open brick fireplace is much different and has a much larger
negative impact on the air quality than that EPA certified unit.
How does it work?
Stay in touch all month long @
www.SonomaCountyGazette.com
How an EPA certified appliance actually burns the wood is what makes it so
much cleaner. The unit completely combusts the wood that is inside the firebox.
That means more of the wood burns and less goes up the flue to the outside.
Clean burning units are sealed air tight fireboxes that only allow a small amount
of air to enter the firebox through two small intakes: primary and secondary.
The primary air is just air feeding the fire and allowing it to burn. The key is
that secondary air. EPA certified devices will use that secondary air to get that
fire burning as cleanly as possible. When you have your fire burning nice and
hot and are ready to cut your wood usage down and increase your heat, you
engage that secondary air.
All EPA stoves do that differently, some with a damper, others with simple
air controls, but they all do it. This is where you are different than old pre 1988
units, or open fireplaces. When you close off the primary air and engage that
secondary air the smoke mixes with air that has been super heated by the fire
causing the smoke to actually re-ignite and burn before going up the chimney.
EPA cont’d on page 15
EPA cont’d from page 14
That re-burn of the smoke makes
that EPA unit 50 times cleaner
burning at a MINIMUM than
anything else out there. Catalytic
stoves that are certified work
basically the same way except they
divert the smoke into a chamber
where it is re burned by a catalytic
element and sent up the chimney.
Either way the amount of smoke and
particulate is amazingly low.
A certified appliance will also use
half the wood to create twice the
heat, and allow you to watch an incredible fire. We are talking about units that
are 90% cleaner burning than older ones, 90% is a huge amount. Something that
is tested and certified by the Environmental Protection Agency that is that much
cleaner cannot be bad and certainly cannot be classified as the same as a campfire
or any one of the hundreds of old wood stoves in Sonoma County. EPA has the
word PROTECTION in their name, how can that be bad.
We live in an area where wood burning is still common. We remove and
replace wood stoves each and every day. Each time that we do we are actually
sparing the air. We are cutting hundreds of grams of smoke out of the air
every single hour that they are in operation in every single house that we go to.
Hundreds of grams per hour multiplied by however long people burn multiplied
again by however many we do and you get a pretty long equation and an even
bigger answer. That answer is a direct reduction in smoke and an increase in air
quality. That is real math that is hard to argue.
If the Spare the Air campaign and the BAAQMD continues to offer information
that all wood burning is bad wherever you live then they will continue to scare
people in to doing nothing and nothing will change. It’s pretty silly to think that
when the alert comes that everyone immediately halts their wood burning. If we
allowed people to burn that clean burning certified unit during those times the
air quality would be much better on those days.
I have always heard that the hearth is the heart of any home. If it is the heart
then sometimes you have to take care of your heart if you want to do something
and feel better. Think of that EPA certified wood stove as that little baby aspirin
that the Mayo clinic suggests you to take every day to help your heart. If you
care about air quaity - burn wood for heat - then burn it responsibly in an EPA
Certified unit. Simple as that.
Jenner Headlands Preserve Update
And the drought goes on! Frankly I am as sick of writing about drought as I am
sure you are of reading about it. But, the facts remain: Tree ring studies demonstrate
that the last three years of drought have been the worst in California in 1200 years,
while researchers at NASA’s Goddard Institute for Space Studies in New York,
estimate that, if we continue our rate of greenhouse gas emissions, by 2100 there
is an 80% chance of a 35-year or longer “megadrought,” in the Southwest that will
eclipse the drought of medieval times. Even if we reduce our GHG emissions to a
more moderate range, the Great Plains still has a 60-70% chance of a megadrought,
and the Southwest, including California, will still have nearly an 80% chance of
such an event.
But what about all that rain (and flooding) in early February?
The “Pineapple Express,” which brings warm, tropical rain to California, brought
us lots of rain but none of the snow we desperately need in the Sierras to supply
us with water later this year—approximately 1/3 of our water supplies come from
the melting snowpack. The snowpack has been dwindling and the snow water
equivalent is just 25% of the average for this time of year. Many ski areas, even as
far north as Alaska, have already closed for the season.
Wildfire season’s starting earlier. Due to the drought, warmer temperatures,
and lack of snow on the ground, look for fires like the Round Fire, which burned
7,000 acres near Bishop on Feb. 10th.
So, that’s the bad news. What’s the good news? We can do something!
Four years into this drought—one that really is the new normal—we need to
get really serious about water conservation and water waste. We have actually
done a lot—despite population growth and urban expansion, total urban water
use has remained roughly constant over the past 20 years, and that is great, but we
need to do more. Per-capita water use has declined significantly—from 232 gallons
per day in 1990 to 178 gallons per day in 2010—reflecting substantial efforts to
reduce water use through pricing incentives and mandatory installation of water
saving technologies like low-flow toilets and shower heads. But we can do more
by changing our water use behavior. Coastal regions use far less water/capita than
inland regions—145 gallons/day compared with 276 gallons/day in 2010—largely
because of less landscape watering.
And that is where we can really make a difference. More than 30 % of residential
water is used outside, and, of that, up to 50% is wasted by inefficient watering
practices. The EPA Water Sense site, http://www.epa.gov/watersense/ has good
information on how to stop that waste.
As much as 80% of California’s water use is in agriculture—more than 30 % of
that either directly or indirectly supports growing animals for food. Help reduce
that water use by eating less meat—try going “meatless” one day a week. It takes
about 1850 gallons of water to produce a pound of beef vs. 39 gallons to produce a
pound of vegetables. (See other benefits at http://www.meatlessmonday.com/ ).
Water and Sustainable Development is the theme of World Water Day on March
22nd, about how water links to all areas we need to consider to create the future
we want: health, nature, urbanization, industry, energy, food, and equality. Learn
more at http://www.unwater.org/worldwaterday.
Sonoma County’s 1st Climate Adaptation Forum features nationally acclaimed
scientists, April 8th at Sonoma State University. Register for “Resilience in a
Changing Climate” at http://sonomacountyadaptation.org/.
Does mass action really help? Earlier in February thousands of people took
part in the March for Real Climate Leadership in Oakland to protest fracking—
hydraulic fracturing—for oil and gas in California (see Gazette article: “Sonoma
County Joins the Anti-Fracking March”).
Last September 400,000 people took part in the People’s Climate March in
NYC. Since then a recent survey shows the overwhelming majority of Americans,
including nearly half of Republicans, support government action to curb global
warming; President Obama has spoken out on climate change, especially at the
U.N. Climate Summit, and the G20 in Australia; he’s made a historic climate
agreement with China; and today, he vetoed the Keystone XL pipeline. Events like
this do make a difference!
© Tish Levee, 2015
Since the acquisition of Jenner Headlands, The Wildlands Conservancy and
the Sonoma Land Trust have hosted between 500-700 people on the property
each year through our guided hikes program and stewardship workdays. Our
ongoing hike program consists of staff-led hikes conducted by a variety of
organizations, including The Wildlands Conservancy, the Sonoma Land Trust,
LandPaths, CoastWalk, Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods, the California
Native Plant Society, the Sierra Club, as well as various local hiking clubs. The
guided hikes have allowed us to fulfill the primary goal of acquisition -- to protect
and enhance the natural and cultural resources of the property -- while we have
been hard at work planning for a safe access point to the Preserve where people
can come out and hike on their own on designated trails.
The Preserve is large but only reaches a public road that can provide safe access
for visitors along the coast. After consulting with local community members,
user groups, and local park groups and agencies, the most suitable and safest
spot to access the property is along State Highway 1. We are currently working
with Caltrans and the Sonoma County Permit and Resource Management
Department to approve our plans for a Highway 1 parking lot. We have also
begun the task of fundraising for the parking lot’s construction costs.
The parking lot will be located about 1.5 miles north of the town of Jenner.
It will consist of 30 parking spaces and will include an ADA-trail that will
travel along the old railroad grade that was originally created back in the early
1900s as a way to haul redwood timber out to schooners waiting in the nearby
rugged and rocky coves. Along the trail, a restroom will be tucked away into
an old rock quarry where a section of hillside was removed when the railroad
was originally created. Close by will be a day-use area with picnic tables and
information kiosks highlighting the natural and cultural history of the Preserve
and providing visitors with a map of designated trails. From this trailhead hikers
will be able hike up into the Preserve and experience and explore the Preserve.
We are looking forward to the day we can welcome everyone to come up and
experience this incredible part of the Sonoma Coast.
To Learn More: As we have done every year for the past six years, we will
provide a presentation of last year’s accomplishments and talk about what’s in
store for 2015, highlighting our progress towards providing a safe and enjoyable
experience for visitors. The presentation will take place at the Jenner Community
Club in the town of Jenner Saturday, March 14th from 4:30-6pm. To learn
more about his project, please feel free to download the “Jenner Headlands
Integrated Resource Management Plan,” one of our FACT sheets, or one of
our past newsletters. All this information can be found on our website: www.
wildlandsconservancy.org/preserve_jenner.html
Then & Now: One Decade of Damage
This column is dedicated to Robert C. McKusick, Sr. 5/6/1921 to 1/30/2015.
by Tim McKusick, “Jenner Jottings” columnist
My father moved his young family from So Cal to Santa Rosa in 1948, settling
in the brand new Montgomery Village neighborhood, the Hugh Codding
development just outside the Santa Rosa city limits. My little sister Linda was one
of the first babies born at the Memorial Hospital in 1950.
We had “Leave It To Beaver” childhoods in small-town Santa Rosa. We bicycled
everywhere. The creeks flowed freely, and were a great place to play. My mother
had her home remedies for the poison oak that we inevitably caught. Indian
arrowheads were a regular find when the orchards got plowed. The Carrillo
Adobe was in much better shape, and probably could have been saved.
I remember standing at the bridge over Santa Rosa Creek (where the creek is
now concrete-undergrounded) watching giant fish leaping upstream. It was like
something right out of a National Geographic show. We were so lucky to live
in such a fertile plain as the Santa Rosa Valley, with its many creeks all feeding
into the Laguna and ultimately the Russian River. It is no wonder that the River
was a fisherman’s paradise with such a vast network of streams and watersheds
supporting it.
Now, less than one generation later, we find ourselves grasping at straws in an
attempt to save some of the natural beauty that we enjoyed back then. Watersheds,
streams and native species’ habitat have been taken for granted for years while
the fragile eco-system that supports them was exploited for natural resources.
Sonoma Land Trust, at its Jenner community meetings, has shared historical
aerial photographs of the Jenner Headlands and associated watersheds. They
showed one taken in 1948; it showed lands being logged in what appears to be
a manageable way. Then they showed one taken in 1963; it looked more like a
Moonscape with the webs of logging roads everywhere. Creeks were clearly used
as skid roads for the logging operations; it was a mess, almost completely devoid
of vegetation.
The 11 o’clock News had a segment last week on how there is speculation that
the Central California Coho Salmon, that we have desperately trying to save, may
indeed become EXTINCT very soon.
The biologists at the Warm Springs Dam hatchery considered themselves
fortunate to have obtained vital Coho “seed stock” a dozen years ago, as the
numbers of returning Wild Coho dropped off significantly shortly afterward.
They have been doing their best to produce a gene line that would once again
flourish in the Russian River Watersheds.
The sobering reality is that all of their hard work may be for naught due to
Climate Change. Although trying to remain optimistic regarding the future
survival of our Coho, the hatchery biologists admit that without water in the
streams it is “game over” for the fish.
The situation is dire. We cannot afford to wait any longer to save what little
habitat is conducive to nurturing our decimated native species. 25 years ago, the
“fog drip” theory was scoffed at. This is the theory that shows the Old Growth
trees that thrive in the coastal fog belt actually act like giant “wicks”, gathering
the moisture flowing through their branches and channeling it into the soil and
ultimately into the streams and rivers.
This has now been scientifically proven to be true. Unfortunately, current logging
practices call for the removal of the trees once they reach a certain diameter. This
runs counter to logic, if healing of habitat is your goal. Thin young trees just
cannot compare in fog processing efficiency. The logging industry must re-think
and re-tool. Instead of taking the larger trees, they must focus on the thickets of
small spindly trees that choke the forests and are the real fire danger. (This is
exactly what is being done at our new Jenner Headlands Preserve)
With some initial adjustment, I feel the companies that log can still turn a profit
and also be good stewards of the land. A new breed of loggers is emerging who
understand that this balance can be achieved. These 21st century Forest Managers
understand that Carbon Sequestration is another scientifically proven theory.
They are using the latest studies showing that the amount of carbon sequestered
in the trees increases exponentially the larger the trees grow, in making their
decisions on which trees to thin.
Once again I am pleading for all of the public and private agencies who are
serious about saving our Coho to focus their time and resources on the lower
Russian River watersheds and streams. These few Estuary-Perched Coho
breeding streams are accessible to the returning fish every time the tide comes
in, unlike their cousins up-river who depend on the rain-fed streams to be reach
their breeding grounds. The ongoing drought is putting the Coho’s future in
immediate peril.
God bless Virginia Hechtman, one of the Sonoma Coast’s earlier environmental
activists. We enjoy the fruits of her struggle every time we walk on the quiet
beach. She is an inspiration to those who seek to make this world a better place
for future generations.
Salmonid Restoration Conference
The
largest
salmon
restoration
conference
in
California convenes March
11 - 14 in Santa Rosa. The
theme of this year’s conference
is
Fisheries
Restoration:
Planning for Resilience. The
conference agenda highlights
habitat restoration techniques,
validating
effectiveness
monitoring, as well as strategies
and mechanisms to restore
and
recover
salmonids.
The conference agenda also
explores key recovery actions and
implementation priorities in Pacific
Northwest salmon recovery plans and
efforts to plan for resilience.
Salmonid Restoration Federation
promotes recovery of wild salmon
populations and watershed restoration
through community outreach and
education. This year’s conference will
include an urban creek workshop
highlighting efforts to interface
with communities, the 4th Annual
California
Coastal
Monitoring
Program workshop on monitoring
central coast coho salmon populations,
a fish passage and protection focused
on taking a watershed approach, a
captive broodstock symposium &
Warm Springs hatchery tour; and a
workshop “Innovative Trans-Boundary
Approaches to Coho Salmon Recovery.”
Field tours include: Bio-Engineering
and Floodplain Restoration on the
Russian and Napa Rivers, Large Wood
and Off-Channel Habitat Projects in
Western Sonoma, Lagunitas Creek
Watershed: Stem to Stern Salmon
Enhancement, Improving Summer
Streamflows in Coho Streams Tour;
Redwood Creek and Muir Beach
Restoration Projects, and a Dry Creek
Habitat Enhancement Project Tour.
The Plenary session will feature a
keynote address by Congressman Jared
Huffman, Ann Riley author of Restored
Urban Streams, and Lynn Ingram,
author of The West Without Water. Brian
Spence of NOAA Fisheries will give a
presentation on the Historical Context
for Interpreting Early Accounts of Pacific
Salmon in California’s Coastal Watersheds.
Fordetails about the conference, please visit
www.calsalmon.org.
By Sam Euston
What will Sonoma County look like
in the next 20 to 30 years? “Envision
a
self-reliant
and
self-sustaining
community.
“Our local food purveyors, markets,
and restaurants utilize Sonoma County
agriculture for the majority of their
produce and animal products.
“Our youth have opportunities that
provide exciting careers they are proud of;
contributing back to Sonoma County in
participatory ways that feed their passions,
and the byproduct of their efforts help
nurture a local sustainable community.”
These are a few of the visions that
Kameron
Witham
(Co-organizer
of Future Makers) and local youth
leader (with a Bachelors in Micro and
Molecular Biology) shared with me;
that she has for her home, Sonoma
County.
What is Future Makers? It’s part of
this year’s four day 2015 Sustainable
Enterprise Conference.
On Saturday, May 2 beginning at
10 am, this youth oriented event,
will bring together regional youth
leaders in sustainability, with those
who are interested in learning more
about professional and educational
opportunities
in
sustainability
programs throughout the North Bay.
Topics
covered
will
include
career building skills, and creating
entrepreneurial
opportunities.
Participants will be able to network
with our existing green community, as
well as our young leaders involved in
sustainability.
I spoke with one of the Future
Makers presenters, Lucas Oshun,
(born and raised in Sebastopol, CA).
Lucas is Co-founder and Executive
Director of Global Student Embassy.
Their mission is “to empower young
leaders to become environmental stewards,
social innovators, and community leaders.
In collaboration with international peers,
students generate and implement powerful
community-based solutions to shared
ecological concerns.”
Presently their staff of 15 helps over
3,000 youth in Northern California,
Nicaragua and Ecuador.
Through
Global Leadership Education, ProjectBased Learning and Cross-Cultural
Collaboration, their programs engage
students in critical thinking about
local and international environmental
issues,
agricultural
education,
contribution through collaboration,
planning, advocacy, and practice.
“Students build life skills that help them
turn their ideas for change into action.”
Locally, GSE’s Ecological Action
Education Program reaches more than
2,000 students annually across Sonoma,
Marin and Contra Costa Counties.
Check out GSE’s contributions at:
globalstudentembassy.org
I’ve really come to appreciate Oren
Wool (Executive Director of the
Sustainable Enterprise Conference);
the awareness, community and
especially the sustainable resource
building that Oren envisions, and the
conference provides.
SEC’s theme “Capital for a Sustainable
Future,” a topic which honors the region’s
wealth of financial, social and natural
capital while placing particular emphasis
on opportunities to utilize and build our
social capital assets is very applicable
as we allocate the funds and resources
needed to restore, mitigate and prepare
for “an environmental and climate
adaptive future”.
The conference keynote speakers can
certainly offer proven experience and
wisdom on this theme.
ADAPTING to CLIMATE CHANGE
The North Bay Climate Adaptation Initiative announces the Sonoma County
Adaptation Forum to be held April 8 at the Sonoma State University Student
Center in Rohnert Park.
This public forum will bring together individuals from across a wide spectrum
of sectors and disciplines who are working to ensure that Sonoma County
remains vibrant and resilient in a changing climate. More than 200 attendees will
explore new and innovative approaches for adapting to climate change.
“We know that the future is likely to bring more droughts, floods and fires,”
said Susan Gorin, Chairwoman of the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors.
“The forum will bring together policymakers across the county to discuss how
we can make our community resilient and safer in light of these challenges.”
This event will be the first-ever county-level climate adaptation forum, and
comes on the heels of the recent White House Climate Action Champion award
given to Sonoma County’s Regional Climate Protection Authority (RCPA),
lauded as the nation’s “first local government agency created specifically to
address climate change.” As one of only 16 communities nationwide to receive
this award, Sonoma County is now eligible for additional federal dollars and
other resources for county departments and agencies to bolster local programs
and policies. More about this award available here: www.whitehouse.gov/
the-press-office/2014/12/03/fact-sheet-16-us-communities-recognized-climateaction-champions-leaders
“Sonoma County is on the cutting edge of communities nationwide looking
at climate change,” said Rohnert Park City Councilman Jake Mackenzie. Mr.
Mackenzie is also Chair of the Local Government Commission, and Past Chair
and currently a Director of RCPA.
Speakers and presenters will include nationally acclaimed research scientists
such as Dr. Marty Ralph, Director of the Center for Western Weather and Water
Extremes at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, and Dr. Julie Kalansky, Center
for Western Weather and Water Extremes (CW3E) and the Scripps Institution of
Oceanography.
The forum will also feature local leaders who are actively researching effects
of climate change in the aspects of Sonoma County which are anticipated to be
most highly impacted in the coming years, including Dr. Lisa Micheli, Executive
Director of Pepperwood, co-founder of NBCAI and co-founder of Terrestrial
Biodiversity and Climate Change Collaboration (TBC3), and Jay Jasperse, Chief
Engineer and Director of Groundwater Management, of the Sonoma County
Water Agency.
“Businesses need to proactively consider how climate change could affect
their bottom line,” said Justin Witt, with Brelje & Race Engineers, and a panel
moderator. “Successful adaptation means preparing for both threats and
opportunities. Planning is a long road and we need to get started now.”
More information about the event agenda can be found here:
sonomacountyadaptation.org/agenda/
The Sonoma County Adaptation Forum is presented by an alliance of nonprofits, agencies, and businesses working together to increase awareness around
climate change, climate adaptation and future impacts on Sonoma County.
Taking the lead on this event is The North Bay Climate Adaptation Initiative
(NBCAI), a coalition of natural resource managers, policy makers and scientists
committed to working together to create positive solutions to the problem
of climate adaptation for the ecosystems and watersheds of Sonoma County.
NBCAI members are experts and conservation leaders drawn from natural
resource science and management organizations throughout the region. The
goal of NBCAI is to foster an open conversation between technical experts, land
managers and policymakers in support of effective local scale climate adaptation
strategies that preserve natural resources, biodiversity, and ecosystem services.
Since climate adaptation is ultimately a regional issue, NBCAI aims to pilot an
approach in Sonoma County that can be extended throughout the North Bay as a
whole.
The Sonoma County Adaptation Forum is being held at the Sonoma State
University Student Center in Rohnert Park. Sonoma State University (SSU) is the
perfect partner for this event given their well-established focus on sustainability,
which they recognize as among the most critical global and ethical challenges
of our time. At SSU, students, faculty, staff and administrators learn and work
in an environment that focuses on the environmental, economic and cultural
implications of sustainability to help realize a sustainable, equitable and
prosperous planet.
Registration for the Adaptation Forum opens at 8:00 am, and includes
morning coffee, lunch, and a closing reception. This event is expected to
sell out, and we encourage advance registration. You can register online at:
sonomacountyadaptation.org/registration
For more information or to request a Press Pass, contact Oren Wool at (707) 879-8324.
Remembering Virginia Hechtman
By Brenda Adelman
“She was beautiful, funny, smart, and
gracious”, former Supervisor Ernie
Carpenter’s words describing Virginia
Hechtman, upon meeting her in
1971 as she campaigned for office of
5th District Supervisor. He added,
“Virginia was the first person in my life
that provided and shared a vision of
land use for other than development.”
In her mind, some places were off
limits, and the coast must be protected
no matter what!
Before she ran for Supervisor
however, and along with numerous
Jenner residents who shared her vision
and formed the Jenner Coastside
Conservation Coalition that included
Elinor Twohy, she fought a huge
battle over the Willow Creek planned
development and a 20+20 year gravel
mining plan to dredge the Estuary.
In 1970 there were 8,000 acres to be
developed on both sides of the river.
“The plans showed 40-foot lots with
condominiums along Goat Rock Road, a
golf course, a sewer plant on the coastal
terrace with the sewer outfall at Shell
Beach, and a shopping center and Safeway
at the intersection of Highways 1 and 116
(Bodega Bay Navigator 1989). Willow
Creek was part of the high-density (1,100
acre, 2,000 unit) housing development
planned by Jenner Bay Corporation.”
(Willow Creek Watershed Management
Plan: March 2005: pp.29-30)
The
Jenner
community
was
strongly divided on this project,
according to Elinor Twohy, with
most of the established long-time
residents supporting the development
that would bring new economic
opportunities. Those who had come
to the area more recently or who
owned vacation homes, insisted
on preserving the extraordinary
environment where the Russian River
met the sea. The Jenner Community
Club felt so strongly about supporting
development, that new applicants
who opposed the gravel mining or
development project were not allowed
to join.
Elinor
and
Virginia
bonded
immediately when they first met on
the Jenner beach, two women with
children and husbands who considered
themselves housewives at that point
in their lives (Virginia had been in the
military after college however). This
was a transformative moment for both
of them, and they knew they had to
fight for what they loved. Even years
after the battle was ultimately won,
they both received death threats that
luckily never materialized.
Virginia was the main organizer of
the Coalition; she was a motivational
speaker who enticed the likes of
Ralph Nader, Gene Tunney, and Dr.
Cadet Hand, director of the Bodega
Bay Marine Lab for many years, to
speak out for Goat Rock beach. Elinor
admired Virginia’s ability to speak
forcefully, with deep conviction and
heartfelt emotion, while emphatically
challenging many details in the plan.
First and foremost, Virginia lived her
values, and once warned Elinor she
would make a big fuss if the latter
installed a satellite dish on her coastal
property. Elinor complied.
Tom Roth relates the following
story about Virginia. “Some years
before moving to Jenner, Virginia lived for
a time in Saudi Arabia, where husband
Bill worked for an international telephone
firm. Virginia said that she appreciated
Saudi culture, and their general respect
for women, but couldn’t abide by rules
which limited women’s roles, such as a ban
against women driving. So on at least
one occasion, Virginia took matters – or
the steering wheel – in her own hands,
disguised herself as a man, and hit the
Saudi roads.”
Virginia’s
grandson,
Reno
Hechtman, relates that Virginia
traveled with Bill to many countries
where she committed to learning the
language and customs rather than
just indulge in tourist pleasures. Her
experiences in Europe, Asia, and the
Middle East, mostly during the ‘70’s,
had a deep and lasting impact on her.
She never shied away from difficult
subjects, and insisted on their being
faced, confronted and examined, for
this was the only process by which
they could be overcome. She always
emphasized the interconnectedness of
the world, with beautiful places and
beautiful people, all deserving equal
protection and our respect.
Virginia did so much, and this
obituary is only a snapshot of who
she was and the impact she had. She
battled against off shore oil drilling,
and for coastal preservation, for
trails, and creation of the Coastal
Commission. She fought Santa Rosa’s
ever-increasing river discharges. She
fought to stop State Parks from turning
Goat Rock into a RV parking lot and
thereby helped establish Citizen’s
Advisory Committee for State Parks,
of which she became a member, and
then much more…..
Personally, I admired her greatly; she
was my mentor and I will never forget
her powerful impact on all I value and
hold dear. Thank you Virginia.
Virginia’s family has asked that donations in her memory be contributed
to the Russian River Watershed Protection Committee (RRWPC), P.O. Box
501, Guerneville, 95446 in her honor because this organization has been
instrumental in carrying on the environmental stewardship she valued and
fought for throughout her life. Thank you
3-15 - www.sonomacountygazette.com - 19
Aging West County septic systems long time concern for local regulators
failing, no major studies have yet fully
By Brenda Adelman
described the situation. It is possible
The lack of septic management
there is a serious problem needing to
in West Sonoma County has been
be addressed, but we are not totally
problematic to local officials for many
convinced that the studies thus far
years. Local waste disposal projects
conducted are totally persuasive in
involve dealing with a difficult
defining the extent of the problem.
environment that includes sliding
For instance, E. coli, the conventional
slopes, big floods, high ground water,
pathogen indicator, doesn’t show up as
and towering trees that shake and
a major problem in the lower Russian
occasionally fall during heavy winds.
River.
In addition, we are located in an active
Nonetheless, RRWPC believes it is
earthquake zone.
time
to step up to the plate and explore
Many of the mostly substandard lots
measures
that are innovative and
contain inadequate septic systems by
Septic drain field exposed by flood damage along the Klamath River
affordable
and publically acceptable
today’s standards, especially on steep
for
addressing
potential
septic
problems.
The
Board
of
Supervisors has just
hillsides and river banks, and may leak during heavy rains, sometimes ending up
authorized a contract for seeking remedies with community involvement. We urge
in groundwater, local streams, and/or the Russian River.
you tentatively support their effort and hope it provides remedies that work for
Conventional sewers have not provided the best protection for our constrained
everyone.
and volatile west county environment, partly because of the extraordinary
Russian River Watershed Protection Committee supports septic management
construction and maintenance costs and limited financial assistance. Several years
districts
that periodically inspect all septics in a defined area for compliance with
back, plans for both Monte Rio and Camp Meeker/Occidental sewer systems came
health
regulations.
It would be the district’s responsibility to help owners comply
in at $22 million each for only 600 hookups.
with
regulations
through
feasible remedies for dealing with their waste. There
Occidental has been out of permit compliance for almost 20 years and are now
can
be
many
different
approaches
and the County must be willing to allow varied
under orders to build a new system by 2017. Russian River County Sanitation
and reliable innovative approaches having approval from regulatory agencies
District has a tertiary system that would need expensive new components were
that oversee public health and water quality. These approaches should include
it to expand, and even then would probably still not withstand major floods over
programs to help low income citizens pay for needed upgrades or new systems.
42 feet. Built in the early ‘80’s, it was one of the last systems to receive 87.5%
This help is essential to obtain public support for any program. No one should be
government grant funding.
pushed off their property as a result of future changes!
New septic regulations on the way
Centralized sewer systems must meet stringent pathogen removal requirements
before being allowed to discharge into local streams. Little is known about the
extent to which old septic systems pollute our waterways, but new legislation
now requires that action be taken within the next few years to prevent septic
leakage, the assumption being that very old systems pollute. Especially stringent
requirements will be put in place for properties in close proximity to impaired
waterways, which, according to Regional Board staff, describes most of the Russian
River area. The 600’ setback previously discussed may be greatly expanded,
and a greater segment of the county may be forced into compliance with new
requirements. River tributaries will probably be protected by new rules as well.
Numerous pathogen sources being examined
Besides septics, other potential sources of bacterial contamination are being
examined also, such as needed bathrooms for river recreationists and the
homeless, leaks from centralized sewer systems, irrigation spills, agricultural
discharges, pet waste, dairy runoff, and urban storm water runoff. The North
Coast Regional Board has been conducting studies the last several years to define
the problem. While most have suspected all along that old septic systems may be
Recreational beaches’ bacteria studies
EPA studies indicating links between fecal contamination and illness, generally
center on E. coli and enterococcus indicators for the determination of potential
disease risk in recreational waters. They have recommended that E. coli is the
best indicator of pathogens in recreational waters, and enterococcus, while also
used for fresh water, is preferred for estuaries and ocean beaches. These are only
recommendations however and not requirements.
Sonoma County Water Agency (SCWA) and Sonoma County Public Health
Department (SCPH) have conducted bacteriological studies at public beaches in
lower river during summer recreation season for many years. They sample for
EPA’s preferred E coli and enterococcus pathogen indicators. In reviewing this
data, we have seen a moderate number of enterococcus excursions and very few
E. coli excursions in the lower river. We believe the most recent beach postings
indicating extensive enterococcus excursions was during 2009 when flows went
down to 47 cfs at Hacienda and were extremely low throughout the lower river
during much of that summer. We are very concerned about the strong link between
river pollution and very low flows.
New bacteria standard
There is now a major and precedent setting change recommended based on
North Coast Regional Board studies, introducing a totally new standard based on
bacteroides measures which they state represent recent human fecal contamination,
while they continue to use E. coli measures as well. Bacteroides may or may be
pathogenic, but because of the new and very stringent requirements, compliance
will be much more difficult. Because large amounts of E. coli have not been found
in the lower river, they use this new standard to declare the river is contaminated
with bacteria, without determining to what extent bacteria are pathogenic. They
assume that widespread bacteroides readings, with a very low point of compliance,
indicate that excessive human bacteria have been recently released into the river.
The new standard may be impossible to achieve and yet can be used by staff to
force construction of new projects to address an inadequately defined problem.
While we are not sure that the studies conducted by agencies thus far have
fully justified a dire need for major new regulation, we are concerned that, should
an outbreak occur in the future of some difficult disease, we would not be in
a position to control it. In this changing world that includes new outbreaks of
serious diseases, measures should be taken soon to prepare for a different, and
more uncertain, future reality in this regard. We urge everyone to tentatively
support this process until we know more about the extent of the problem.
Brenda can be contacted at [email protected]. Your donations to RRWPC would be most
welcome and can be sent to P.O.Box 501, Guerneville, CA 95446
Bay Nature Honors Three
Local Conservation Heroes
A veteran land conservation leader who divides his time between Berkeley
and Sonoma, a dedicated environmental educator based in Point Reyes, and
a dynamic young man from Richmond who engages youth in environmental
restoration will be honored at Bay Nature’s fourth annual Local Hero Awards
Dinner on March 22.
Every year the nonprofit Bay Nature Institute (BNI), based in Berkeley,
honors three individuals who are making outstanding contributions to the
understanding, protection, and stewardship of the natural world of the San
Francisco Bay Area.
“As part of Bay Nature’s mission to educate the public about local nature and
open space, we come into contact with so many individuals who have made it
their life’s work to protect our amazing natural heritage and make it accessible
to the rest of us. Selecting just three of them every year is tough, but it’s also an
honor and a pleasure to bring some well-deserved recognition to such dedicated
local environmental heroes,” said Bay Nature publisher David Loeb.
The Local Hero awards will be presented at Scott’s Seafood Pavilion in
Oakland’s Jack London Square. The program will also feature a presentation by
San Francisco environmental artist Josie Iselin, based on her recent book, An
Ocean Garden: The Secret Life of Seaweed.
For more details and to purchase tickets visit baynature15.eventbrite.com.
This year’s Local Heroes are:
Conservation Action Award
Ralph Benson, Executive Director, Sonoma Land Trust
In the 12 years he has served as Executive Director of the
Sonoma Land Trust, Ralph Benson has transformed a small,
local land trust into one of the major players in the Bay
Area conservation community. Under Ralph’s leadership,
the trust has tripled its portfolio of protected lands, forever safeguarding many
of Sonoma’s unique landscapes, from the tidal marshes of the Sonoma Baylands
to forested hillsides above the Russian River. Ralph will retire from the land trust
in April, capping a long career in land conservation that began in the 1980s at
the Trust for Public Land, where he helped it become one of the nation’s leading
conservation organizations.
Environmental Education Award
Julia Clothier, Education Center Director,
Point Reyes National Seashore Association
Youth Engagement Award
Javier Ochoa Reyes, Project Coordinator,
Groundwork Richmond
For more information about the awards event or any of the awards recipients,
or to set up interviews, please contact Marketing & Outreach Director Beth Slatkin at
[email protected] or at 510-528-8550 x107.
Lessons in Veterinary Hospital Etiquette
Would You Say This Stuff at Safeway?
New Ragle Dog Park Shade Structure Planned
On January 27, Gary Maresh,
Sebastopol resident and longtime volunteer for the Gold
Ridge and Sebastopol Fire
Departments, unexpectedly
passed away. Gary was a
regular visitor to Ragle Ranch
Dog Park with his family’s
three dogs. His family is
inviting the community to
help raise $5,000 to install a
permanent shade structure in
his honor at the Ragle Ranch
Dog Park.
For some months, Ragle
Ranch Dog Park volunteers
have provided a temporary
pop-up tent to give dog owners
protection from the sun and
rain. Gary’s wife Sheridith
noticed this temporary
structure and thought a
permanent structure would be
an appropriate tribute to her
husband, who spent so many
happy hours at the dog park.
The new structure will be a
12’ x 16’ “ramada” made of red
cedar with 6” x 6” posts.
Donations can be mailed
to Sonoma County Regional
Parks Foundation, 2300 County Center Dr., #120A, Santa Rosa, CA 95403.
Online contributions can be made at sonomacountyparksfoundation.org. Click
on “Support Parks,” then “Donate Now.”
For all donations, please note “In memory of Gary Maresh.” Individuals
who contribute $50 or more can have their dog recognized with a dog tag
featuring their dog’s name, which will be attached to the structure. Any
questions can be directed to Pam McBride at the Sonoma County Regional
Parks Foundation, [email protected] or (707) 565-1355.
We frequently hear complaints about paying for veterinary care. It’s as if
people believe the veterinarian has a magical ability to loan money or arbitrarily
decide what to charge for a particular pet’s care. In my dreams!
We all know “Prices are subject to change.” Veterinarians CERTAINLY know
this because our suppliers send us cheery letters several times a year to inform
us that they’re raising prices AGAIN. Of course, we can always buy from their
competitor, if they have a competitor: Too often, they do not. We purchase
supplies for particular pieces of equipment that have only one manufacturer.
Brand-name drugs are often sold by numerous suppliers – at the same price –
which is set by the maker. It doesn’t matter from whom we buy, the price is the
same and includes the latest price increase.
Our landlord raises the rent every year. He passes along every increase in
insurance and property tax and maintenance costs and repairs. These things
are part of every commercial lease. If I don’t like it, I can close my business.
Insurance goes up. PG&E goes up. Water goes up. Taxes go up. It’s the same
everywhere and EVERYONE experiences the same thing, whether at home,
at work, or in their own business. I could go on and on, but what’s the point?
Everyone knows these things. Bizarrely, certain people will stand at the
veterinarian’s reception desk to complain, often loudly, about a 50¢ price
increase on a box of medication they purchase twice a year.
I speak for a great many small, family owned veterinary practices when I say
that it’s not our goal to provide the poorest, cheapest veterinary care possible.
We want our facilities to be a Nordstrom, a place you visit when you seek what’s
best. We did not become veterinarians to open the Dollar Store of animal health
care. Your pet is not just an animal to us, it is part of our extended animal family
and deserves the best care we can provide.
We get it: Everyone likes a bargain. But no one goes shopping at Nordstrom
and then complains that they can buy it cheaper at Walmart - because they can’t,
and they know it.
Some people complain about veterinary prices when those prices are actually
lower than what’s offered elsewhere. I don’t expect people to keep track of the
wide range of prices offered by the many veterinary service providers, but it’s
difficult to understand resentment directed at pleasant and hardworking people
who are just doing their jobs - and doing them well. Do the complainers say this
stuff to their attorney? Their mechanic? The checker at Safeway? I don’t think so.
While the vast majority of veterinary clients are appreciative and know
prices are fair and reasonable, the words of the few are stinging and not soon
forgotten. Maybe the veterinary office is a place safe enough that some people
feel comfortable venting. Even if true, this doesn’t make us feel any better.
At least the complainers pay their bills. Some people stroll past the “Payment
is Due at the Time of Service” sign, use half an hour of the doctor’s time, load up
a cart full of services and medications, and then, when it’s time to settle up say,
“ I can’t pay today. I’ll catch up with you later.” I don’t know of another business
where this behavior takes place, but it’s too, too common at the veterinary hospital.
And it’s not OK. Would these people try this at Safeway? I don’t think so.
To get the best from your veterinarian, you have to do your part. That means
expressing concerns about costs and payment openly and in advance. We’d like
to help, truly, but we’re veterinarians, not bankers. Be honest with us and we’ll
find the best way to help your pet at a price you can afford. It’s what we do.
To paraphrase Thoreau, “Most small business owners lead lives of quiet
desperation.” This is especially true of small veterinary practitioners. We did
not get into our profession expecting to make a ton of money, (which is wise because we don’t) but a veterinarian has absolutely no ability to help sick animals
(or their owners) if we cannot pay our bills.
Aggressive Salt Marsh Mosquitoes and
West Nile Virus Vector Arrive Early
While mosquitoes are present year-round in Marin and Sonoma counties,
Vector Control Technicians are discovering an early emergence and high
abundance of several species of mosquitoes this year. This anomaly is being
attributed to the extreme drought followed by flooding and warmer weather,
and could mean a longer and more aggressive West Nile virus season.
“There are over 20 different species of mosquitoes in our two counties,
with different species emerging at different times during the year,” stated
Nizza Sequeira, Public Relations Director for the Marin/Sonoma Mosquito &
Vector Control District. “Our biggest
concern right now is the abundance
of mosquitoes being detected so
early, and the accelerated maturation
process.”
The mosquito populations being
detected include two different salt
marsh species, Aedes squamiger and
Aedes dorsalis. These species can
fly up to 20 miles, are extremely
aggressive biters, can emerge as
adults by the thousands, and cause
extreme discomfort and potential
injury to residents (including schools),
visitors, livestock, and wildlife. These
mosquitoes are being found in high
numbers in large areas such as wetlands and marshes adjacent to schools and
subdivisions.
Along with the early arrival of the salt marsh mosquitoes is the Culex tarsalis
mosquito, one of the current primary vectors of West Nile virus in California
that can also vector other pathogens. High mosquito populations coupled with
an early arrival could mean an increase in West Nile virus activity this year.
Concerns are not only limited to the early emergence of mosquitoes, but also
the threat of invasive species entering the two counties. Two invasive mosquito
species, Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti, have already been detected in several
counties in California. Aedes aegypti, which is capable of transmitting several
viruses including dengue, chikungunya and yellow fever, have been detected
as close as San Mateo. The District is actively conducting surveillance for these
species in both Marin and Sonoma counties.
The District operates under an Integrated Vector Management Program. In
this program, preference is given to controlling mosquito populations in the
aquatic, larval stage as opposed to flying, biting adults.
District officials are actively controlling mosquitoes in the larval stage and
are asking residents to do the same by eliminating all sources of standing
water on their properties. Being proactive will help reduce adult mosquito
populations, thereby decreasing the incidence of discomfort and mosquito
biting issues as well as the potential for West Nile virus transmission. Useful tips to follow: •Eliminate standing water in old tires, buckets, toys, trash or any other item
that can hold water.
•Cover rain barrels and other containers with a mosquito-proof screen (fine
mesh-1/16 of an inch).
•Check septic tank lids to ensure a tight seal, repair cracks, and screen vent
pipes using a fine mesh screen (1/16 of an inch).
•Clean out gutters to allow water to flow
•Keeps screens tightly closed on windows and doors.
•Report mosquito problems, neglected swimming pools, or any area that
could be producing mosquitoes at www.msmosquito.com or 1-800-2313236.
•Wear mosquito repellent when outdoors at dusk and dawn. Use a repellent
containing one of the following active ingredients: DEET, Picaridin, oil of
lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535. •Residents interested in staying informed about District activities are
encouraged to follow MSMVCD on twitter and facebook.
•
www.msmosquito.com or 1-800-231-3236 •
• or 707-285-2200for FREE Inspections •
Locastore, the Little Store with the
BIG IDEAS
Sonoma County’s first local-only grocery store recently opened its doors on the
corner of Bloomfield Road and Hwy 116 in south Sebastopol. Open 7 days a week
from 9-5, the tiny store offers produce organically grown in Sonoma County by a
variety of farmers and market gardeners, as well as preserved food products made
by the county’s talented food artisans. Locastore wants to make it convenient for
the average person to access healthy local food any day of the week. Plans are in
place to build another 8 to 10 of these healthy little convenience stores located both
on busy corners and in under-served rural areas.
How The Little Store
Got Started
Locastore’s founder, Susan
Butler, has a green thumb and
a large garden that generates
huge quantities of produce.
She was spending more time
trying to find homes for the
harvested produce than she
was growing it! So she found
a welcoming place to build
a little Produce Stand only
a mile from her garden on a
busy corner.
She built a small countrystyle shed, only 8’ by 15,’ with space for outdoor displays on a front porch. The
basic structure was built using funds raised with a successful Kickstarter campaign.
Susan and her team raised $12,000 in donations from 101 community supporters
during the summer of 2013.
The next step, county permissions to turn this structure into a legal ‘brick & mortar’
retail store, was necessary to obtain the all-important Retail Food Facility Permit.
This was a long process requiring zoning approvals, soil testing, engineering, and
architectural drawings.
The store is purposely off-grid and has no electricity, water or heat. This is
possible because it’s only open during daylight hours, vegetables prefer coolness,
and it doesn’t carry potentially ‘hazardous’ foods that require refrigeration. All food
products must be shelf-stable at room temperature. They do have leased access to
an ADA restroom and a janitorial sink in a neighboring building.
Big Idea #1: Normalize Healthy Eating
By bringing fresh produce and healthy preserved foods to where people live,
Locastore intends to help normalize healthy eating. It aims to offer convenient
access to a wide variety of local fruits and vegetables with simple tasty recipes, as
well as healthier versions of popular snack and convenience foods.
Locastore intends to help stimulate even more creativity in our already-special
local-food cuisine. The idea is to make eating local fresh produce and healthier
versions of packaged foods just as convenient and delicious as the less-healthy food
choices all around us in the usual places.
Big Idea #2: Give the Little Guy a Chance
Locastore has discovered a way to give the little guy a chance to get his or her
local products placed on retail shelves. They’re now offering a consulting service
to help interested home chefs obtain their Cottage Kitchen Class B licenses, so that
preserved foods they make and package in their own home kitchens can be legally
sold in a retail store.
As they build them out, each store will be sold for a reasonable price under a
franchise contract to owner/operators. The little Locastores will be turn-key
businesses, including the building, all permits and registrations, a supply chain, and
accounting systems already in place.
Big Idea #3: Stimulate Local Prosperity
Each Locastore, although a micro-enterprise low-overhead small business, will
generate about 6 primary jobs in farming, transport, food preservation, retail, and
business services. Ten locations in the county within the next three years will total
only 2,400 SF of retail space, but the dispersed locations will lower the number of
food miles driven for both suppliers and customers. The stores will be climatefriendly, using little or no power themselves, and supporting the sequestering of
carbon in the fertile soils their organic growers are continuously building up.
Every dollar spent at Locastore stays within the local area, instead of being
siphoned off overnight to distant corporate headquarters. These dollars support
local paychecks which get recirculated locally, enhancing overall local prosperity.
They’re putting local people to work, improving public health, and allowing
everyone to enjoy more of our wonderful Sonoma County bounty.
10 Things you May NOT Know
about Habitat for Humanity
By Tamara Stanley, Executive Director
1. The CEO of Habitat for Humanity is not Jimmy Carter!
Despite their high profile and impassioned public support for our national
organization and its mission, former President Jimmy Carter and First Lady
Roslyn Carter remain occasional and humble construction volunteers, giving
of their time like thousands of others across the country to help worthy, hardworking people attain the dream of home ownership.
2. Yes, there’s a local affiliate of Habitat for Humanity here in Sonoma County!
The good news is our organization enjoys a high profile and tremendous brand
identity on a national and international level. The not-so-good news: that high
profile tends to obscure the fact that the organization is comprised of thriving
LOCAL affiliates—like the one here in Sonoma County!
3. We build homes
all over Sonoma
County & have
current projects in
COTATI!
All year long,
we are engaged in
building projects
that help people
who commit to 300
hours of “sweat
equity” and have
demonstrated their
ability to make
payments on the
home that Habitat
for Humanity makes possible. Currently, we have homes underway in Cotati.
4. Our local Sonoma County affiliate celebrated its 30th birthday last year.
Since our founding in 1984, we have helped 37 families move into new,
affordable homes, which they had the unique and important pleasure of helping
to build. That is a pace of slightly more than one home per year. Our goal is to
increase that pace in the future.
5. Families are carefully screened and qualified when they apply for assistance.
A Habitat family’s income must be within 50%-60% of the median household
income in Sonoma County to qualify for a purchase. Families are expected to meet
employment, income and labor requirements for participation in the program.
6. The size of homes are matched to the family who will become its owners.
That means enough bedrooms so all children can have a place for productive
work and rest, a large enough kitchen for everyone to enjoy family meals, but at
a price point they can afford.
7. Habitat homes help restore neighborhoods and increase home prices.
Our goal is not only to help individual families but to upgrade entire
neighborhoods with new homes occupied by proud and responsible owners. Our
preference to build on blighted properties and empty lots helps ensure that every
Habitat for Humanity home will enhance the collective life of the community.
In addition, we employ the latest GREEN building practices that help maintain
value and contribute to a sustainable future.
8. We operate our own home improvement thrift store in Santa Rosa!
Our “ReStore” on Piner Road puts a unique twist on the traditional thrift store,
with a major focus on home improvement items. That means we accept donations
of a wide variety of items, from building supplies to cabinets to flooring to tools
and a whole lot more. Want to do good and get a receipt for your tax-deductible
donation? Come see us from Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
9. We rely on both unskilled and professional labor to get our homes built to
top quality specifications.
Our unskilled volunteers need professionals beside them, handling the jobs
only professionals can do. Be part of this movement—become a Habitat volunteer!
10. There has never been a foreclosure on a Habitat for Humanity
home in Sonoma County.
We trust that speaks for itself and is perhaps the most telling indicator of all on
what this program means for the families involved in it, and the many volunteers
and donors who make it all possible.
INFO: (707) 578-7707 www.habitatsoco.org 3273 Airway Dr, Ste E, Santa Rosa
Sebastopol Entrepreneurs Project
The Sebastopol Entrepreneurs Project, perhaps one of West
County’s best kept-secrets, is close to wrapping up its fourth
year of operations. While you may not know about SEP
itself, you probably recognize some of our clients and their
products. When you pick up a bag of Not Yer Mommas™
granola or buy a packet of RawKit Fuel™ for a quick energy
boost; when you dream about those innovative new highperformance concrete counter tops made by Bohemian
Stoneworks, you are experiencing the results of the support
SEP has provided to local new and growing businesses.
The Sebastopol Entrepreneurs Project is close to completing our fourth year in
operation. Our team of business advisory volunteers including former corporate
officers, mrketing professionals, business development leaders, web marketing
pros, and entrepreneurs in their own right has provided affordable and highly
focused business advisory services to more than 40 business entrepreneurs and
start-ups. We have offered “almost monthly” business education events held at
O’Reilly Media and attended by more than 500 participants over the years. The
Sebastopol Entrepreneurs Project also provides co-work space to approximately
8 to 10 clients at our offices in the lower level of the Sebastopol United Methodist
Church.
SEP’s team of volunteer business mentors have donated countless hours
of their time and have drawn on their array of business experience to offer
our clients customized coaching and support as they tackle the challenge
of validating ideas that may become viable businesses. Over the last two
years alone, SEP clients have either created or saved 20 jobs in West County.
According to metrics used by the California Economic Development Board,
each job results in an economic contribution, both direct dollars and indirect
investments in the materials and services new businesses need, of $49,500. Do
the math – small business is a powerful economic engine for our community
and SEP is an important resource to assist that growth!
While all this has been going on at the Sebastopol Entrepreneurs Project,
we have been guilty of one ignoring one of the basic rules of business. SEP
volunteers have been so focused on supporting our clients’ needs that we
haven’t spent much time on making sure the broader community knows what
SEP does or the contribution that our efforts result in.
Sometimes it is important for you to “practice what you preach” as an old
saying goes. We encourage our business clients to communicate, communicate,
and communicate some more. Well that is exactly what SEP needs to do. We
need to share our accomplishments with West County so that we can ask for
your support to grow our efforts.
Our initial, modest start-up funding, provided by the City of Sebastopol
back when redevelopment funds were available, is just about gone. And yes,
even volunteer fueled organizations need money to run. One of our priorities
for early 2015 is to make sure West County knows what we do for the local
economy and understands the leverage and financial impact that results when
you make a contribution of time or money to SEP.
Thank you,
Ludwig Furtner, President of SEP Board of Directors
Gay McFarren, Executive Director
www.sepyes.com
You read my column? ......REALLY!?
People tell me that they enjoy my columns. I am getting used to it but it
always surprises me. I am passionate about real estate and mortgage lending
but it seems to me that it is a dry subject and nobody will be interested.
Realtors have an easier time of things with their subject. You can go on about
views and wonderful cabinetry and a home theater and people want to see and
hear more. There is HGTV for Home and Garden but MTV is not Mortgage TV
kids. I have a friend who told his wife that she should spend an hour on their
house for every 2 hours she spent watching HGTV….. that didn’t go over well.
My friend Ken sends out a monthly newsletter to several neighborhoods
and tells everyone what has sold and what is available there now. He sends it
out every month without fail. People leave it on the fridge for a month until
the next one comes. One person kept them in a file for years before calling him
for help. If he is late, people call him and ask him what’s up? Ken is passionate
about his chosen career and he is happy about it and it shows.
I am an expert on real estate finance and so my view of the business is
through mortgage goggles. I understand how Realtors work intimately and I
work in concert with them all day, every day. I like Realtors, I appreciate what
they do and I am glad I am not a Realtor. I have done it for a little over a year
a long time ago. It gave me a deeper appreciation for all of the nuances that
they need to master and made me realize that I could be a good Realtor OR a
great Lender.
You have likely been to many restaurants that served good food, they were
nice enough but you never went back and you forgot about the place. You may
go back if you are driving by but you won’t go out of your way. That is the
typical relationship that most realtors have with their clients. When you get into
a relationship with an extraordinary Realtor, not only will you go out of your
way to work with them again but you will tell your friends and family and coworkers about them because it was that good. The funny thing about that kind
of loyalty is that it doesn’t get created from a billboard or a full page color ad in
the Sunday paper, it is born from a passion for their career that is translated into
excellent customer service and follow up with their clients. By taking excellent
care of their clients, they are assured to be referred to more clients. When that
happens, everyone is happy to be working together and the cycle continues. It
is a great way to work and beneficial for all.
If you need the recommendation of a good Realtor or any other service
professional, please feel free to Ask The Loan Man.
Need to know more? Please send me your real estate and mortgage related questions. I
am happy to answer you and it may become the topic of a future article.
Hans Bruhner (NMLS 243484) is a branch director for First Priority Financial, Inc
(NMLS 3257). Both are licensed by the Department of Business Oversight under the
CRMLA. If you have a question, please contact Hans at (707) 887-1275 or hans@
fpfmail.com
How Important is Marketing
to Your Business?
The problem with having a small business is that there
is never enough time to do everything that you need
(never mind want) to do. There is always something
or someone who needs your attention and, of course,
customers come before everything. Additionally,
because most of you didn’t get into business to busy
yourself with creating a marketing plan, that’s one task
that usually gets put to the bottom of the list. However, creating a simple marketing
plan that you can easily follow is going to make your life easier. Of course there is
a little work to be done to create a marketing plan but it will definitely be worth it.
First you need to do a little research and assess your market to find out how
your business is doing when compared to other businesses in your industry. Are
your running neck and neck, or doing better or worse than your competitors? If
you are doing better than them, then congratulate yourself. Do you know why
you are doing better? If you do, then do more of it so you can set about making
the gap even wider. If you don’t know why you are more successful than your
competitors, ask your customers why they choose to shop with you. Find out from
them what you are doing right. If you want them to really think about it, give them
a small incentive (a coupon for 10% off their next purchase) or (unless you are a
coffee shop) a $5.00 gift card to a coffee place.
Meanwhile if you find out you are doing worse than your competitors find out
what they are doing to make then more successful and emulate the things that are
making them successful.
The next step is to create some goals for your business. Make these goals
achievable, though not so simple that they can be easily achieved. You want to have
to stretch a little to make reaching the goal a positive and uplifting experience. For
example, if you want to make more money, set some goals that include raising the
amount of sales over the next few months. Tell your employees about the goals and
ask for their input about how these goals can be met. Offer employees a reward if
the goals can be met. The reward can be, but doesn’t have to be, monetary, though
it does need to be something that they will enjoy and something that will incent
them to keep trying to reach the goals you have set.
Once you have got these goals set, you need to create a plan to reach these
new goals. Once again let your employees help with the plan to reach the goals.
When employees are part of the planning they are bought into the plan because
they helped created it and your chances of reaching your goals and substantially
increased.
The important part is having goals and plans, as you can’t reach your goals
without creating the tactics to help you reach those goals. For example, my plan
is to win the state lottery (an admirable goal, I think). My plan is to buy a ticket.
If I don’t buy a ticket there is not a snowballs chance of me winning the lottery. It
doesn’t matter how many times I write down that I would like to win the lottery,
it’s just not going to happen.
Look at it this way the goal is the What, as in “What do I want to accomplish.”
The plan is the How, as in “How am I going to make it happen.”
As you are putting your goals and plans into action it may be time to do a quick
SWOT analysis of your business. Take four pieces of paper and write a single word
at the top of each. The four words for the different pieces of paper are Strengths,
Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT). Starting with the sheet marked
Strengths, write down all your strengths, those of the business and anyone else
involved in the business. Do the same with the page marked Weaknesses. Then
move on to Opportunities, what are the opportunities that you may be missing or
you have not taken advantage of and finish up with the Threats page, what threats
are there in the smaller and bigger pictures that might make a difference to your
business? Ask your employees or anyone else involved or knowledgeable about
the business to do the same.
Don’t think you have to spend weeks doing this, just do what you can and get
some things written down. You can always come back to it when every time you
have a few minutes. Give yourself a deadline though for when you will have the
work done. When you have finished you will have a much clearer understanding
of your business, which will allow you to see what is ticking along well and what
needs to be improved. Once you know what’s what, it’s not so daunting to get
started on making changes.
Happy marketing.
New, Accomplished Director to Ignite
Arts Industry in Sonoma County
Kristen Madsen, Senior Vice President of
the GRAMMY Foundation and MusiCares
Foundation, has been appointed the new
Director of Arts at the Sonoma County Economic
Development Board.
Ms. Madsen has an extensive background in
the arts, having worked at the National Academy
of Recording Arts and Sciences for over 20 years. In her role at the GRAMMY Foundation, she
acquired 11 years of professional experience
working across the public and private sectors. During a highly successful tenure, Ms. Madsen
completed a $12.5 million major gift campaign
and created a new signature career education
Kristen Madsen
program, GRAMMY Camp. She also formed
the Foundation strategy and managing all fiscal
activity. Prior to 2003, Ms. Madsen was Executive Director of the California
Assembly of Local Arts Agencies, leveraging new business, government and
cultural relationships to gain financial support and promote local arts activities. Susan Gorin, Chair of the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors, stated, “The
arts sector is fundamental to who we are as a County, and I’m thrilled that
we were able to hire a leader with such an established track record to lead the
development of our arts industry. We are looking forward to working with Ms.
Madsen on the Creative Sonoma Program and other arts initiatives.”
Kristen Madsen will be responsible for the Creative Sonoma program, which
was adopted by the Board of Supervisors in June 2014 and seeks to boost the
nonprofit arts community and the creative for-profit arts sector. The Arts Action
Plan, which established the Creative Sonoma program, explains the development
path for cultural and economic development, including funding and structural
plans. Ms. Madsen will be working on a number of initiatives from the Arts
Action Plan, including a series of Spring Workshops to help local artists and
their businesses. This will be followed by a Spring Forum in late April, bringing
the arts and creative community together. Pam Chanter, Chair of the Board
of Sonoma County EDB, says, “We are delighted to welcome Ms. Madsen into
Sonoma County – she has the industry experience and enthusiasm to help our
creative economy thrive.”
Kristen Madsen will join the EDB initially on a part-time basis March 16th, and
will assume full-time employment starting April 1st. If you would like to learn more about the Creative Sonoma project, please visit the
“Creative Sonoma Arts Actiom Plan” section of our website at www.sonomaedb.org.
Fighting Childhood Obesity: One Garden At a Time
There is an epidemic in Sonoma County: Fifty-seven
percent of 12-19 year olds in the county are overweight
or obese.1 The Healthy Sonoma Community Health Needs
Assessment 2011 (a collaborative effort by Sutter Medical
Center of Santa Rosa, St. Joseph Health System – Sonoma
County, Kaiser Permanente Medical Center – Santa Rosa,
and the Sonoma County Department of Health Services)
summarized the following findings: • Low-income children in Sonoma
County are at highest risk for
overweight and obesity
• Higher rates of overweight
and obesity are reported among
Hispanic children
• Sonoma County youth are
not consuming the five daily
recommended servings of fruits
and vegetables
• Anemia is prevalent among lowincome children
• Food insecurity is linked to
overweight in Sonoma County
• Schools must be part of the
solution to solving overweight
and obesity.
The School Garden Network (SGN) has worked for
the past ten years to inspire, support and promote school
garden programs and nutrition-based learning in Sonoma
County. SGN has provided financial assistance to over
25 school garden programs and has offered mentoring,
networking opportunities and access to garden resources to
many more schools throughout the county. School gardens
can be a gateway to introducing young children to healthy
habits: to tasting fresh produce, experiencing outdoor
activity, and learning to make simple nourishing meals
and snacks. In recent years, school garden programs have
seen a dramatic increase in number and diversity fueled by
rising awareness of the serious consequences of childhood
obesity, concern about where our food comes from, and the
adoption of federal school wellness policies.
Melissa McClure, the Garden Coordinator at Steele
Lane Elementary, says that their program focuses on
“bringing nutrition education full circle from outdoor
garden classes, to students’ regular classes to their
lunchroom food choices, and back again to the garden
where students help decide what to plant and what they
eventually want to harvest and eat.” The students receive
regular samplings of produce during garden classes
and garden produce is made available at the school
lunch bar. In addition, this
year the school’s Enrichment
Foundation is supporting the
Harvest of the Month2 program
for grades K-6. Teachers
link what they’re tasting
with Harvest of the Month
to what they might grow in
garden classes, along with the
foods they eat at lunch and
at home with their families.
Students report one of their
favorite activities, in addition
to harvesting and preparing
veggies and fruits, is eating
them!”
Kaelyn Ramsden, the Garden
Coordinator at Salmon Creek
Elementary School, says that
the garden has become the heart of the Salmon Creek
and Harmony School communities. “Every grade visits
the garden twice per week with the first class focusing
on farming and gardening, and the second on cooking
and nutrition. These classes are inextricably linked to
the Cafeteria Program, as the children know that the
vegetables they grow will go directly into their daily
meals. As Garden teachers we are known to make the
promise, ‘If a child grows the Kale, they’ll eat the Kale’,
and the same is true if they cook that Kale. Not only will
they eat it, but I’m often asked in our cooking classes,
‘There’s not enough for fifths Miss Kaelyn?’ Our cooking
classes are an opportunity to test out the recipes on our
cafeteria menu, get feedback from the kids, and make
sure that the dish will be appreciated and enjoyed to the
fullest.”
For more information on the School Garden Network
and the many wonderful school garden programs in
Sonoma County, go to www.schoolgardens.org.
Written by Tracy Batchelder/Program & Administrative Associate, at the
School Garden Network of Sonoma County, Melissa McClure/Garden
Coordinator at Steele Lane Elementary School, and Kaeyln Ramsden/
School Garden Coordinator at Salmon Creek Elementary School.
1. Southwest Santa Rosa Clinic Data, 2008. Redwood Coalition of
Health Centers Pediatric Nutrition Project, 2008.
2 “Harvest of the Month provides materials for students, families, and
the community to engage in hands-on opportunities to explore, taste,
and learn about the importance of eating fruits and vegetables and
being active every day” – CA Dept. of Health.
New Ideas in Contraception
Few people will argue that contraception is a positive thing. Now, there are still
some controversies: some may feel that teenagers should have limited access; or
that certain types of birth control are unethical; or that easy access to is leading
to a breakdown in societal values; or that insurance shouldn’t cover certain birth
control methods. But taking steps to prevent unwanted pregnancies is generally
considered responsible behavior.
Since the development of the effective hormonal contraceptives in the mid1900s, research and development of new methods has been slower than many
had hoped. Improving the current offerings is important, because almost
half of all pregnancies currently occur in women who are using some form
of birth control—hence they are not trying to get pregnant. Two fairly recent
developments have occurred that are worth exploring.
Long-Acting Contraception
The first development is the ready availability of long-acting contraceptive
devices, including the IUD (Copper-T), the hormone containing IUD (Mirena),
and hormone-dispensing implants (currently Nexplanon). These forms of
birth control require insertion by a medical professional, but they need no
other attention for 3-10 years (depending on the apparatus). These methods are
increasing in popularity with use increasing from 2.4% of all U.S. women using
contraception in 2002 to 8.5% in 2009. Approximately 4.5% of women aged 15–19
years who are currently using a method of contraception use one of these forms,
mainly the IUD.
These methods are becoming more popular, mainly because they are so much
more effective and extremely easy to use. Without having to remember to take
daily pills or being forced to grab a device at the time of romance, the mistake
rate is much lower with these long-acting approaches. In fact, the IUDs and
implants have a pregnancy rate of less than 1 for every hundred women that
use it for a year; pills/patches/shot/diaphragm have a pregnancy rate of 6-12
for a hundred women trying to use them properly for a year; the rate is even
higher for those couples using condom/sponge/withdrawal/fertility awareness
methods at over 18 per 100 women in a year.
Emergency Contraception
Emergency contraception, or the “morning-after pill,” has been available from
doctors for several years, but in 2009, no prescription was needed for women
and men 17 years and older. They work primarily by preventing ovulation or
fertilization, not by aborting fertilized ova. The most common form of emergency
contraception, pills used within three days of unprotected intercourse, decreases
the chance of pregnancy by 70% (with a pregnancy rate of 2.2%).
Research has shown that providing easy access to emergency contraceptive
pills does not affect rates of sexually transmitted infections, condom use, sexual
risk-taking behavior, or unfortunately, pregnancy rates. This surprising finding
that pregnancy rates in the population are not noticeably decreased is probably
due to the fact that emergency contraception is terribly underused-- in some
studies, women who actually had the pills at home used them less than 50% of
the time that they had unprotected intercourse.
Conclusions
With the abortion controversy continuing to be an issue in our country, and
with significant legislative efforts being directed at limiting access to abortion, it
seems important to prevent unintended pregnancy whenever possible. Clearly,
for women or couples that want a reversible means (meaning they may want
children in the future), the IUD or implant are a first-line option because they are
so effective. Given the high rate of pregnancies with use of other forms of birth
control, we want to be encouraging these longer-acting methods.
Emergency contraception should be easily available, with women well-versed
in its use in order to decrease risk of pregnancy if unprotected intercourse should
occur. It is important to remember that none of these methods prevent sexually
transmitted infections.
It’s Spring in Sonoma County - with lots to do!
9th Annual California’s Artisan Cheese Festival
Love wine and cheese? Well, March 20th – 22nd, hosted by the Sheraton
Sonoma County in Petaluma is the Artisan Cheese Festival, a good spot to
find yourself. It’s an opportunity to meet many great cheesemakers including
Sue Conley and Peggy Smith, co-owners of Cowgirl Creamery and Soyoung
Scanlan, owner of Andante Creamery, to name but a few.
There are educational seminars and tastings led by cheese experts,
cheesemakers, chefs and fromagiers from across the country, and virtually
every session involves tastings and/or pairings of artisan cheeses. The festival
features a wide variety of artisan cheeses with their artisan bread, food, wine
and beer complements. INFO: www.artisancheesefestival.com.
Welcome to Spring, in Duncans Mills
The Merchants of Duncans Mills are hosting an evening of music,
conversation, great food and wine on Friday, March 20th, 4-7pm, at Sophie’s
Cellars in Duncans Mills. Proceeds to Benefit the Duncans Mills Merchant
Association. INFO: www.duncans-mills.com.
Spring Winemaker Dinner Series
Wooden Boat Challenge at 42nd Annual
Bodega Bay Fisherman’s Festival
The 42nd Annual Bodega
Bay Fisherman’s Festival will
host one of its main events,
the Wooden Boat Challenge,
on Saturday, April 11th at
Westside Park in Bodega Bay. Competition is fierce and
fun as teams work with
the materials provided (no
power tools aloud, except
battery operated drills) at this
family friendly community
fundraiser. Expect creative
designs, costumed teams, skilled craftspeople and at least one ‘sinker’. It is
no surprise that the Wooden Boat Challenge is a highlight of the festival and
continues to grow in popularity year after year. Prizes and bragging rights will be
awarded following the race. Boat building begins at 10AM on Saturday morning. Beyond the Wooden Boat Challenge the Festival is packed with events for people
of all ages – wine tasting, craft booths, live music, food trucks, entertainment
and more. The Bodega Bay marine lab’s booth will feature touch tanks allowing
for visitors to come in contact with local ocean life and will offer free marine
lab tours Saturday. Live music and entertainers perform on the main stage all
day Saturday and Sunday. Artisans and vendors from all over California and
beyond offer a wide selection of arts and crafts. For more information visit www.
bbfishfest.org/boat.
The Bodega Bay Fisherman’s Festival is a 501 (c) (3) California nonprofit charitable
organization and 100% run by local community volunteers. Wooden Boat Challenge
sponsorships available, please contact Starr at [email protected].
The first is with winemaker Rick Moshin of Moshin Vineyards and
Winery, on Monday, March 29th, 6pm. Moshin Vineyards is one of the
first wineries you will come across when traveling along Sonoma County’s
beautiful Westside Road connecting Guerneville to Healdsburg. The state-ofthe-art gravity feed facility is a favorite of mine to visit along Westside road.
The friendly and knowledgeable tasting room staff will guide you in the right
direction to enjoy a tasting and to plan the rest of your day along Westside
road. This winemaker dinner is an opportunity to not only experience fine
wines, but to have each course paired with a wine selected by the winemaker
and chef, an opportunity to break bread with the winemaker who has created
the wines you are enjoying, and, at the Village Inn, in one of the most beautiful
settings with a riverfront view. Even better, for just $99 you can stay the night
at the hotel. The winemaker dinner, at $55 per person, is also a great value
including dinner, wine, tax and gratuity. INFO: www.villageinn-ca.com.
37th Annual Barrel Tasting
March 6-8 & March 13-15, 11am - 4pm each day
Reminder: get your tickets now and book your lodging! There are two
weekends of Barrel tasting in three of Sonoma’s larger appellations, the Russian
River Valley, Dry Creek and Alexander Valleys. There is an opportunity to buy
futures and wines at a discount. Attendees are encouraged to pack a picnic
as most wineries will not have food for this event. For more information, visit
www.wineroad.com. Make a weekend of it: INFO: www.RussianRiver.com
April in Carneros
Carneros is a wine appellation that traverses both Sonoma and Napa valleys.
The cooler climate Carneros is known for pinot noir and chardonnay among
other varietals. On April 18th & 19th, the wineries of Carneros are hosting a
multi-winery open house with live music, wine tasting, art exhibits and wines
at great prices. INFO: www.carneroswineries.org/events.
“Wine Faults” Causes, Effects, Cures by John Hudelson, P.H.D.
If after all these wonderful Spring wine and food events in Sonoma
County you want just to relax with a book and learn about what you’ve been
experiencing, “Wine Faults” has many answers, in a very digestible eighty
pages. It’s definitely more a book for the wine Geeks (such as myself). From
understanding the science of your palate to recognizing flaws in wines you
may be tasting and how they are caused and sometimes disguised, this organic
chemist and wine industry quality control expert has the definitive guide
(available at Amazon.com, paperback $30, Kindle $16).
John Haggard is owner of Sophie’s Cellars, Sonoma Wine Tasting in Duncans Mills, California.
Sophie’s Cellars is open Thu, Sat, Sun and Mon: 11am – 5pm, Fri: 11am-7pm (Local’s Night,
Friday, 4-7pm, and you don’t have to be a local to join us). www.sophiescellars.com
Lenten Luster
By Ron Skaar, photo by Jon Russo
Ancient Anglo-Saxons and other northern European pagans celebrated the
return of spring with vernal equinox festivals. Nearing the end of winter, when
food supplies were lowest, fasting became a part of these festivities, and possibly
a necessity. The Anglo-Saxon phrase for spring, lanceted, evolved into lent.
The rituals and duration of lent varied widely amongst the early churches. Near
the beginning, these sanctuaries blended their religion with ancestral traditions
to gain converts. Easter is the name of a pagan vernal festival almost coincident
in date with the church’s celebration. The idea of fasting, supported by Biblical
scripture, fit in nicely.
By the middle ages the word lent was adopted to designate the fasting period
before Easter. By the 17th century cooks were adapting to new foods and adjusting
to fresh cooking methods. To make the meatless diet of lent more interesting,
chefs to the aristocrats created recipes highlighting the vegetables’ own distinct
flavors.
In 1835 the great French chef, Antonin Careme proclaimed that “it is in the
confection of the Lenten cuisine that the chef’s science must shine with new
luster”. By the turn of the century, the famed French chef Escoffier had 300 egg
dishes and 200 sauce recipes in his repertoire. Many incorporated or embellished
an enlarged list of vegetables including broccoli, eggplant, sweet potatoes, peas,
turnips, lettuce, spinach, cucumbers, cabbage, celery, carrots, beets and fresh
fruits.
“I think the soft flavors of dairy items are the ideal enrichment for good fresh
produce” wrote our very own French chef, Julia Child, some forty years ago. “I
have vast respect for their (vegetarian cooks) imagination and care in cooking
and for the way they seek out the ultimate in fresh, exquisite produce. In America
we still eat needless, indeed preposterous, quantities of animal protein, but I
think the time is coming when we’ll have to join with the rest of the world.”
At long last, the nation’s top nutritional panel “recommended Americans be
kinder to the environment by eating more foods derived from plants and fewer
foods that come from animals.” By cutting back or skipping meat you can reduce
your risk of chronic disease, cut back on greenhouse gases and water pollution,
plus, perhaps, lessen the amount of animal abuse. And, if enjoying all the
abundance of fresh vegetables and fruits available at this time of year also helps
us with penitence, so be it.
Showcasing those “soft flavors of dairy items” along with radiant fresh
vegetables is this crepe recipe adapted from “Julia Child and More Company”.
“As for crepes themselves, they’re one of the most versatile elements in cookery,
and one of the first things a beginning cook should master.” They were one of
the first things I learned to prepare and their ingenious use shines in this recipe.
You can use your own combination of vegetables to fill the layers. I have
adapted this for an 8” spring-form pan. Crepes can be made ahead of time or
store bought.
Gateau of Crepes
For crepe batter:
Mix 2/3 cup each milk and water
into 1 cup unbleached flour in food
processor until smooth, add 3 eggs,
¼ tsp. salt and 3 TB melted unsalted
butter. Remove to bowl and let
rest. Heat 7-8 inch frying pan on
medium high heat. Brush with a little
butter and pour a little less than ¼
cup batter into pan, swirling in all
directions to cover pan. Cook for 30
seconds, turn and cook for 15 seconds
more. Stack on parchment.
For the custard:
Wipe out food processor bowl and mix 8 ounces cream cheese, 4 eggs,
¾ cup heavy cream, salt, pepper and a pinch of nutmeg.
For the vegetables: 8 ounces shredded carrots sautéed in 2 TB unsalted
butter until tender but not brown; chop 8 ounces mushrooms and sauté in
same pan with 2 TB unsalted butter; steam 8 ounces of broccoli flowers with
stems until barely tender, let cool and chop. 8 ounces coarsely grated Swiss,
jack, cheddar or jack cheese.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray inside of spring form pan, line with
parchment paper and spray paper. Place five crepes along the inside of the
pan, overlapping them, with flaps overhanging over outside top and on
bottom of pan. Fit one crepe on top of those flaps at the bottom. Spread ¼ of
cheese over the bottom crepe, cover with the carrots and more cheese then
ladle over enough custard to cover. Arrange one crepe on top and spread
over the mushroom mixture and enough custard to cover. Arrange one more
crepe over the mushrooms; spread ¼ of remaining cheese, then the broccoli
and the final bit of cheese and custard mix. Cover with one or more crepe
and fold the outside flaps over to cover. Place on pan, to catch dribbles, and
bake for 1 hour. Turn oven up to 400 degrees, cover top with foil and bake for
another ½ hour or until a thermometer placed into center reads 160 degrees.
Allow to rest 15 minutes, remove from mold and serve. Can be accompanied
by a diced tomato sauce or served at room temperature. Serves 6 to 8.
Que Pasa? – What’s New?
Towards a more Dignified
Immigrant Sonoma County
by Jesús Guzmán, Lead Organizer, Graton Day Labor Center
The recent decision by a federal judge in Texas to place a preliminary
injunction on President Obama’s DAPA and expanded DACA program has
many worried and concerned about its future. The program known as DAPA,
which stands for Deferred Action for Parental Accountability, would allow the
parents of U.S. citizen born and legal resident children to apply for temporary
work authorization. The expanded DACA, which stands for Deferred Action for
Childhood Arrivals, would allow unauthorized immigrants who came to the
U.S. as children to apply for a work permit. The program is now at a stand still
with over five million potentially eligible people awaiting the court’s decision.
The program was announced soon after November’s election after Congress
had failed, once again, to make any real effort in passing immigration reform.
For millions of immigrants the anticipation of the DACA/DAPA program has
meant a long awaited opportunity. Most legal experts expect that the program
will be eventually implemented as the federal government, ultimately, has sole
authority over matters of immigration.
This has been a hard fought battle to expand the original DACA program
that was introduced in 2012 that provided relief for immigrant youth popularly
known as “dreamers”. Many community grass-roots organizations, frustrated
with Congress’ inability to pass any type of immigration reform, focused their
efforts targeting President Obama pressuring him to use his administrative
power to end the persecution of immigrant families. That narrative eventually
proved to be successful. A victory organized by immigrants and led by
immigrant pushed the President to take action.
Yet, even as this victory extends legal protections to millions of immigrants
it is not an end all, be all nor does it remotely come close to providing a real
solution. Extended DACA/DAPA still excluded millions of immigrants who do
not have U.S. born children or who they themselves arrived as children. There
are countless people who arrived to this country many years ago who have
children, established families and laid roots in the U.S., but don’t have a U.S.
born child. Are they any less deserving? The question itself poses issues when
framed as “deserving”. Immigration is not about who is most “deserving”
but instead a question on how to treat all people with dignity and respect. In
calling for deportations, raids, and scapegoating immigrants as illegal aliens
who “steal jobs” the conversation has marginalized the notion that as a society
we are talking about human beings, neighbors, friends, and family.
Therein lies the greatest challenge. Most believe DACA/DAPA will survive
this judicial hiccup and will be eventually implemented. But even when that
happens, and even if Congress finally passes an immigration reform bill, the
job is not done. Any policy worth its weight must reflect the values of the
communities who elevated the conversation beyond simple policy, and towards
dignity, liberty, and access to living wage jobs for all.
KBBF-89.1 will be expanding its partnership with the City of Santa Rosa,
providing media at Earth Day, April 18 in Courthouse Square. Gazette readers
and KBBF listeners are encouraged to come by the KBBF table, say “Hi” and get
a KBBF bumper sticker. KBBF will be preempting part of its regular program to
broadcast live interviews and personal impressions from families, outreach people at
environmental booths, and other participants.
The Roseland Report’s host Louie Gutierrez wants our readers and listeners to know
that the first hour of the show, from 4 to 5pm, is in Spanish, while the second hour,
from 5 to 6pm, is en ingles. That means, it’s in English. You can listen to either, or
both – on The Roseland Report, Wednesdays from 4 to 6 pm , featuring Louie himself,
with “The Boy Wonder,” Juanito Rayas.
The first of KBBF’s volunteer training programs has begun. We are in the fifth
week of a scheduled 12 week training/orientation. Current trainees are being
groomed to practice their new skills at the KBBF table during the April Earth Day
celebration.
New volunteers are encouraged to contact KBBF. We have need for helpers who
are not currently in the program. It’s a way of getting a foot in the door for the two
other orientation projects planned for this year. If you have a talent to share, or are
interested in developing one, call the station (707) 545-8833.
Que Dice la Gente - What’s the Buzz?
March is Women’s History Month. Believe it or not, this time we set aside to
bring focus to women’s historical achievements, got its start in Santa Rosa. 35
years since that day in 1980 when Molly Murphy MacGregor, Mary Ruthsdotter,
Maria Cuevas, Paula Hammett and Bette Morgan founded the National Women’s
History Project (NWHP), Women’s History Month has become a widely
recognized tradition across the country.
Women’s Spaces host and producer Elaine Holtz is leading the celebration at
KBBF, bringing us a series of interviews observing Women in History Past and
Present. Guests will include:
• Rebecca Hollingsworth, board member NWHP who will give listeners a
historical background about how this powerful month honoring women and
their accomplishments came about;
• Vesta Copestakes, publisher Sonoma County Gazette, who will talk about
Women in newspapers;
• Council Member Gayle McLaughlin from Richmond will talk about her recent
election and how Richmond handled issues raised by the 2012 toxic explosion
and fire at Chevron’s Richmond refinery that hospitalized nearly 1,000 people.
This is just a sampling of the guests who will join Elaine in March. Topics will
also include Women in Music, Politics and Activism. An overview of women in
the past who contributed to women’s history will be included during each of the
five shows. Tune in on Mondays from 11am to 12noon to catch this superb, selfproduced series on Womens Spaces.
Calendario – Calendar
Our March 21 monthly Rent Party will feature
a return engagement by Carlos Lopez’ Grupo
Musical Los Cumbiancheros (photo right).
They claim 7 members but are glad to expand if
audience members bring their axes. Some folks
call them a floating street band! They include
professionals from other groups.They played
their first gig at the station volunteer party in
December. They started with 5 musicians on stage
and quickly added 5 more members. The hall was
filled with music. This event will be Saturday,
March 21 from 6-10pm. There will be food, a
children’s corner, and plenty of good company.
KBBF-FM’s studio and business office are
located at the Labor Center, 1700 Corby Ave., Santa Rosa. Feel free to visit or call
the office at (707) 545-8833 during business hours. The studio number is (707)
545-0318. Our Mission is to create a strong multilingual voice that empowers and
engages the community to achieve social justice through education, celebration of
culture and local and international news coverage.
Roseland Village Neighborhood Meeting –
March 5th – 6-8pm – Roseland Elementary School
This important community meeting will discuss the “interim uses” of the
former shopping center at West Avenue and Sebastopol Road. The site has been
mostly cleared of buildings and this meeting will determine how the community
can use the property over the next several years while public improvements take
place. Chief among the improvements is the long awaited development of a
public Plaza at this location. This project was under way when Redevelopment
was dissolved by the State of California, and has been in limbo for several years
while financing was sorted out.
Our Board was able to allocate some of the returned redevelopment funds
toward the Plaza and other site improvements – including environmental
remediation that is nearly completed. Now we are moving forward with plans
to allow community access to the site for recreation and community events. If
you are a Roseland resident, now is the time to participate in the future uses of
the site. I hope to see you there!
Want to own your garden?
Burbank Housing and Habitat for Humanity are putting together an
Affordable Homeownership Workshop on March 10th – from 6 – 8 pm – at the
Finley Community Center. Burbank Housing will announce the next phase of
their Catalina Self-Help Townhome project. 60 units will be coming available and
applications are being accepted now. Burbank Housing offers the opportunity
to first time homebuyers with low to middle incomes to become homeowners.
There are minimum earning and job requirements, but there are also subsidies and
forgivable loans that reduce the total cost for eligible families.
Sweat equity is required, but also part of the investment that you make. Your
work is your down payment. My parents were able to own their first home
through Habitat for Humanity and it made a big difference in our lives and
ignited our commitment to community. I can still recall the many volunteers
helping us build our first home. With the current housing crisis, this new phase
is desperately needed and you should find out if it might work for you and your
family. There will be resources including finance and tax specialists available to
consult with you at the Workshop.
Water-wise Gardening Conserves Every Drop
Despite the rainstorms in December and February that gave Sonoma County
a welcome soaking, we are still not out of the drought and it is important to
continue to save water in our homes, businesses and gardens. With the spring
gardening season here, residents have the opportunity to conserve water and
have beautiful landscapes at the same time.
There is an array of water-saving resources available for Sonoma County
gardeners. Free consultations for planting a water-wise garden are available.
The annual Eco-Friendly Garden Tour showcases sustainable landscaping
practices in Sonoma and North Marin counties. Residents throughout the county
can receive cash rebates for turf removal from their local water provider.
Here are some of the free resources available:
Create your own water wise garden: If you’re interested in creating your own
water-saving garden, the Water-Wise Gardening website is a great place to start.
The easy-to-use website allows you to browse through hundreds of beautiful,
water-wise Mediterranean and native plants that are known to thrive in Sonoma
and Marin counties. You can create a printable plant list of your plants, get design
tips, review sample plans, and learn ways to save water. Visit: www.sonoma.
watersavingplants.com/default.php
Garden Sense Sonoma County: Garden Sense Sonoma County is a free program
offered by the Sonoma County Master Gardeners, in cooperation with the
Sonoma County Water Agency, to help gardeners create low-water landscapes.
The program offers a free consultation with a master gardener who will show
you how you can easily save water by creating a climate-appropriate garden
that is healthy, environmentally sound and beautiful. A Garden Sense consultant
will provide information on converting lawns, replacing sprinklers with drip
irrigation, selecting appropriate plants for your site, a basic site-specific sketch
that addresses your functional needs, an assessment of your existing irrigation
system, and general information and tips to help make your garden more
sustainable.
Visit:
ucanr.edu/sites/scmg/Garden_Sense_Master/Garden_
Sense/
Russian River Drought Relief Program: Sonoma County Water Agency
has created incentive programs for eligible well users in the Russian River
watershed. This program is intended to help those who are on a private well
save water during this historic drought. The Turf Replacement Rebate Program
is a rebate of $0.50/sq. ft. up to $250 for turf converted to low water use plants. A
pre-inspection is required. This program is grant funded and time limited. See if
you’re eligible at www.SonomaCountyWater.org/Drought.
Re-visioning the Gift of Rain
SOLUTIONARIES
A Real World Quest to Change the World
A unique blend of science, art and magic, the Solutionaries exhibit invites
participants, young and old, to join the quest to restore our planet.
Designed for elementary and middle school children and their families to
explore climate change solutions, this first-of-its-kind interactive exhibit takes
viewers on a quest to discover seven “Solutionaries” (climate change heroes)
who have implemented strategies to solve climate change.
Participants will find clues to the identities of the seven Solutionaries hidden
in an interactive eBook and in the physical exhibit itself. iPads are available at
the gallery to access the eBook. The Solutionaries will remain a mystery until
participants unearth the clues hidden throughout the exhibit.
Celebrated artists have created “treasures” as part of the game play in the
exhibit. The artists include Margaret Atwood, Lily Yeh, Fran Forman, Mia
Tavonatti, Mac Adams, Penny Michel and Ron Seivertson.
The interactive eBook is written by award-winning playwright Kristin
Carlson, with creative direction and illustrations by environmental educator
and award-winning filmmaker Carolyn Scott, The Storybox Adventure follows
Lily, a ten-year-old girl in Devonshire England, who is inspired to save the
Dartmoor Warbler and in order to do so must discover seven Solutionaries.
The Solutionaries project is part of a larger mission to build a multimedia,
online Climate Change Solution Library.
Dr. Jeff Harding superintendent of Healdsburg Unified School District says:
“Our teachers are thrilled to be involved with this innovative and meaningful
project. Solutionaries integrates science, problem solving and fine arts in an
interactive format that’s sure to capture the hearts and minds of our students.”
The interactive exhibit, Solutionaries, will be on display at the Hammerfriar
Gallery in Healdsburg, Friday, March 20 through Earth Day, April 22. Exhibit
is open Mon-Friday from 10AM - 6PM, Sat 10AM - 5pm and Sunday from 12pm
– 4pm. The exhibit is free and open to the public. Groups larger than 10 people
need to make reservations.
For more information visit our website: www.solutionaries.org
Contact: Carolyn Scott for more information: [email protected]
By Kellen Watson and Brianna Schaefer, Daily Acts
Water-wise isn’t just about using less water, it’s about being really smart with
the water we do have, especially the free kind that comes right from the sky. As
evidenced by the memorable storms of this winter, rain events are predicted to
become more severe and less frequent in our area, meaning that we’ll receive
occasional surges of valuable but potentially destructive water. How can we revision our developed landscapes to more effectively utilize the gift of rain?
Traditionally, urban and suburban development has sought to move water off the
landscape and away from infrastructure as quickly as possible, with most surfaces
being impervious or mounded to shed water. When it does rain, runoff water is
quickly conveyed by driveways, streets, and storm drains to creeks and rivers,
where it contributes to flooding, road damage, stream erosion, and landslides.
Furthermore, runoff picks up contaminants like excess lawn fertilizers, pet waste,
soap from car washing, oil and grease from leaking engines, zinc from tires, and
copper from brakes as it flows over the landscape, carrying them all to streams,
rivers, and eventually the
ocean. It is important to
note that nearly ALL storm
drains in Sonoma County
empty into local waterways
UNTREATED.
So what can we do about
it? How can we savor the
rain we do have? When it
comes to water it is time to
start thinking about how we
can “Slow It, Spread It, and
Sink It” rather than “Pipe it,
Pave It, Pollute It, and Send
it Away.” Here are three
methods for DIY rainwater
catchment that can make you
a water-wise warrior and a
Petaluma City Hall rain garden with barrels
model to your friends and
neighbors.
‘Slow it’ with rain catchment systems
The simple installation of rain barrels, tanks or cisterns off of your home’s
rain gutters is becoming a relatively mainstream concept, with information and
materials readily available in your local hardware store. There are many ways
to go about designing your system so that is can effectively store a whole season
worth of rain, or just individual rain events. Depending on your storage capacity
this free water source can be used for irrigating your landscape during dry
months, reducing both your water bill and perhaps your guilty conscience at the
same time. To give you a sense of how much rain you can collect: a 1000 square
foot roof will shed 600 gallons for every inch of rain that falls!
‘Spread it’ with mulch
applications
The unsung hero in the
garden landscape; mulch
provides numerous benefits
besides the aesthetically
pleasing ‘finished look’.
Adding a layer of mulch to
your garden can help cut
down on erosion, minimize
compaction of soil during
heavy rain events, maintain
soil temperature, replenish
organic content of soil as it
breaks down and prevent
Sheet mulching at Pocket Park, Cotati 2009
weed growth. In the case of
organic mulches like woodchips, having a high water-holding capacity creates an
additional storage space for excess water until it can be taken up through soil and
plants. Generally applied to lawns, sheet mulching is a process by which compost,
cardboard and woodchips are added to the landscape in thin layers creating more
surface area to spread and capture rainwater on-site, while reducing weeds and
increasing soil fertility as it decomposes.
RAIN cont’d on page 38
RAIN cont’d from page 34
‘Sink it’ through rain gardens and bio-swales
The addition of rain gardens and swales in your landscape offers two, simple
ways to increase stormwater capture and recharge our aquifers. These designed,
low depressions and channels create a holding place for water to collect and sink
rather than runoff over heavily saturated soils or impermeable surfaces. While
both of these features can function well with a dry, riverbed look, incorporating
water-wise plantings will increase both the aesthetics and the benefits. The use of
native plants in particular can provide much needed habitat, slowing the water
and acting as bio-filters for harmful pollutants all at the same time. Be sure to
place plants best suited to wet conditions in the center, moving from seasonally
wet preferences into dry conditions towards the edges for best results.
So you’ve read the article and you’re ready to become the water-wise warrior
you’ve always aspired to be! Now what?? Where do you find the resources to
make all your conservation dreams come true? Many of our local municipalities in
Sonoma County have incentive programs to help residents reduce water use both
inside and outside the home. Programs like Petaluma’s ‘Mulch Madness’, (which
delivers cardboard, mulch and compost to your door for free!), Cotati’s ‘Cash for
Grass’ and Windsor’s ‘Efficiency PAYS’ program all provide incentives to reduce
outdoor water use. The City of Santa Rosa’s ‘Green Exchange’ program also offers
similar programs along with a rebate for installing a residential rain catchment
system.
If you’re looking to grow your skills and gain some hands-on experience
or guidance before taking the plunge, Daily Acts www.dailyacts.org offers
workshops throughout the year on rain catchment system design and installation,
rain gardens, bio-swales and sheet mulching. Please see the event page on our
website for details.
Studio Choo Floral Design Studio
Santa Rosa Garden Club presents: The FIRST Sonoma County appearance of
the creators of STUDIO CHOO—the hottest floral design studio in the country.
Fundraiser for Scholarships
Thursday, March 19 – 2 to 4 PM
Luther Burbank Art & Garden Center
2050 Yulupa Dr. Santa Rosa
All tickets $25
Flower arranging has never been
simpler or more enticing! You’ll
see Alethea Harampolis and Jill
Rizzo, the founders of Studio Choo,
in action! Based in San Francisco,
their floral design studio serves up
fresh, wild, and sophisticated flower
arrangements for any occasion.
Their work has been featured in
publications such as Sunset, Food &
Wine, Country Living, Veranda and
in the blog Design*Sponge.
The designs featured in their
Althea Harampolis and Jill Rizzo
flower arranging bible, The Flower
Recipe Book, run the gamut of styles and techniques: some are time-intensive
and some are astonishingly simple. Each one is paired with a “flower recipe”:
ingredients lists specify the type and quantity of easy-to find blooms needed;
clear instructions detail each step; and hundreds of photos show how to place
every stem.
Floral arrangements created by Jill and Alethea will be auctioned after the
event. Both of their books, The Flower Recipe Book and The Wreath Recipe Book, will
be available for purchase, each priced at $25 including tax. The authors will sign
books purchased at this event. The books will also be awarded as door prizes.
Please bring cash or checks to make purchases.
The afternoon benefits Santa Rosa Garden Club’s long standing scholarship
program at Santa Rosa Junior College for horticulture and floral design students.
Seating is limited. Tickets are $25 and may be purchased by mailing a $25 check
made payable to:
Santa Rosa Garden Club
P O Box 251
Cotati, CA 94931
Please include your name, phone and email contact information.
For more information call 707.537.6885 or email [email protected]
D
iscovering Oat Valley Vintage & Collectibles
TAKE A LOOK! Under their round glass tops, wooden ship’s wheels
create distinctive yet very affordable tables… Gracefully carved little
chairs and a matching bench, each with sweet Victorian style needlepoint seat
covers, nestle comfortably next to a vintage wicker chairs and couch set newly
upholstered in cheerfully modern bold stripes… A smallish, super cool, easyto-frame Barnum and Bailey Circus poster is perfect for a home entertainment
room… The striking, gold Indonesian puppet figure lolling self-assuredly above a
shelf filled with delicately crafted earrings and necklaces… A carefully preserved
collection of delightfully dated, “1950s naughty” centerfolds (very, very modest
by 2015 standards!)… An almost new looking, light weight, 1904 metal bucket
that houses a bread making device for novice bakers with each step in the process
stamped helpfully on its lid…Vivid displays of glassware, dishware and other
beautifully colored pieces in the ever popular Depression style gracing a large
family dinner table… Boxes of Life magazines.
These are just a few examples of the wonderfully large, often agreeably
evocative inventory in Oat Valley Vintage & Collectibles, which recently
relocated from the north end of town, to chat with owners Patty Mills, Linda
Johnson-Grey and Sherri Moore.
So Glad I Did!
As a retired business partner (and confirmed shopper), it quickly became
clear to me why this friendly trio and their store epitomize what makes the best
locally-owned stores such special places.
Their success offers some solid lessons in business development as well as
in partnerships. For example, in addition to sharing various day-to-day duties,
they honor the fact that their individual talents, interests and backgrounds mean
each “brings something different to the table”. Critically important management
responsibilities are divided accordingly. Patty, who’s also the respected C.B.O.
of the Cloverdale School District, navigates all things financial and Linda,
who describes herself as “lazy [sic] so I work smart and streamline!”, is the
organizational specialist while Sherri’s strengths lie in the “creative, visionary
and merchandizing” aspects.
Genuinely customer focused and committed to service, their mutual goal truly
is “to make customers happy”. The partners know our region’s antiques and
collectibles community and, as Patty explains: “There’s a real connection” among
vendors. So if Oat Valley or its sister store, Hopland’s Country Porch Antiques,
doesn’t have what you’re looking for they’re happy to suggest where to find it.
Try getting that kind of service at a Big Box.
Unsure of the value of your antique or collectible? These knowledgeable
professionals have a well-earned reputation for giving you the fair price and, if
uncertain of it, helping you locate an appraisal. After all, as all three agree, when
it comes to valuing antiques and collectables the very best advice is: “Research!”
Insider tip: From a spare part to a rare and much sought after item, if you’re
hoping to find something really special put it on the Customer Wish List so you
can be notified when one of their first-rate vendors locates it.
Now here’s my favorite Oat Valley story so far. One day a mom and daughter
happened to spot an old baby stroller there that looked just like one that had
been in the Dad’s family for generations--right down to its missing part! You
guessed it. They bought the stroller to surprise him with their precious find. As
Linda observes: “Antiques are history.” And sometimes it’s very personal.
You will be glad, too!
Whatever your taste, interests and budget, bet you’ll find at least one “Been
looking for that forever!” or “Perfect gift!” at Oat Valley Vintage & Antiques;
1215 So. Cloverdale Ave.; Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m., 7 days/wk., (Closed major
holidays.) Preview the shop’s typical treasures on Facebook. Contact: 894-4814
or [email protected].
One of the best things about Oat Valley is how unpressured and unpretentious
it is. No salesy drumbeat of “Finding what you’re looking for, Madam?” No
snooty nosed “Are you…huh-hummm…familiar with this artist? This period?
This price range??” Just a welcoming “Hello” (or words to that effect) and we’re
free to explore to our heart’s content. Nice.
I
had a farm in Sonoma .... well, actually Geyserville, and not exactly a farm, but
I still find myself quoting Isak Dinesen’s famous line, “I had a farm in Africa...”
which opens her masterwork, “Out of Africa”. And while Africa and Sonoma
County are arguably very different, there are still some similarities. I thought
of this recently as our long dry period briefly broke and then continued and we
began really yearning for rain. Dinesen did the same and mused that wherever
she might be in the world, she would always be wondering if it was raining in the
Ngong Hills. This month, my own experiences on the land focused on the Mystery of the
Escaping Goats here at Isis Oasis. Our normally docile trio of Nubian goats were
suddenly and repeatedly found cavorting - or at least standing and looking at
us curiously while occasionally nibbling a bit of grass - all over the place. This
soon developed into a routine. The human who spotted them first would then
sound the alarm by text message - how modern. Whoever was on hand then
would cheerfully call out words of, ah, encouragement while chasing the goats
back into the pen, then would fasten the gate, go back to whatever they were doing
- and.... wait for the next text. Various theories were put forward about the Great
Goat Escape(s), most of them involving the goats discovering a new ability to leap
over the fence or perhaps jump over it from the roof of one of their enclosures.
This theory necessitated removing some items, rearranging others, and generally
attempting to goat-proof the pen from the inside. All to no avail, and for a few
days, the sight of groups of would-be goat herders prancing across the property
was common. Yet no one ever actually saw the goats escaping. I was assured that
they could not get out of the gate, which was indeed latched, but I noticed that
whenever we did drive them back into the pen, they never used their supposed
new athletic abilities to jump back in. So I inspected the gate area and found a
few stray goat hairs, exactly where they would be if the goats were managing to
squeeze out. Seizing a nearby long-handled fruit picker, I wove it through part of
the fence where I thought they might be able to squeeze through and waited. And
waited. No more goat escapes. I felt like Hercule Poirot or Sherlock Holmes. But
maybe James Herriott is a better comparison!
Geyserville in March
This month, Geyserville is celebrating National Women’s History Month with a
number of the Geyserville Lodging Association members lodgings putting on a
Girlfriend Getaway promotion, with special offers for women wanting to escape
the city - or just escape. The official theme of this year’s special month is “Weaving
the Stories of Women’s Lives” - something that definitely needs time for reflection,
contemplation, and conversation - all of which can be provided by a getaway to
Geyserville. March 6th is the annual Wine Barrel Tasting along the Wine Road of Northern
Sonoma. Numerous Geyserville wineries and tasting rooms are participating. For
two weekends in March, March 6- 8 & March 13-15, the 2015 Barrel Tasting gives
wine fans the chance to taste a wine as its developing - and then buy it ahead of time
for delivery later. If you’d like to test your own palate’s prognostication skills, this
is your chance. The event costs $60 for a weekend ticket including Friday, Saturday,
and Sunday or $40 for Sunday only. Designated drivers pay just $10. Participating
Geyserville locations include Locals, Mercury/Ramazotti, Pedroncelli Winery,
and Route 128 Vineyards & Winery. While not all the participating wineries in
the Northern Sonoma area are offering food, most of the Geyserville participants
are providing snacks. For more information, call 800-723-6336 or email info@
wineroad.com.
Foodie Moment of the Month. Pech Merle winery celebrated its grand opening recently with an evening of
ribbon cutting, wine tasting, and noshes in its beautiful new tasting room tucked
between the Geyserville Volunteer Fire Department and Geyserville Mud. While
I was helping myself to possibly more than my fair share of the berry-adorned
mound of soft cheese, attendees had the chance to learn a thing or two about
the unusually named winery, inspired by French caves filled with prehistoric
paintings which fascinated winery owners Bruce and Cheryl Lawton during a trip
to France. An informal survey of the group indicated that the favorite wine of the
evening was the Cabernet Franc from winemaker John Pepe, who can occasionally
be found manning the tasting room himself. But just be sure not to call them Perch
Murl - the name is lighter and breezier than that, closer to Pesh Mel. C
ultivating Community
In Healdsburg we cultivate the land and we cultivate the tourists. We
are right smack in the middle of food and wine heaven with an overflow
of national accolades that keep coming in: 20 Best Towns to Visit, America’s Most
Romantic Small Towns, One of the 10 Best Towns in America. But we are also a small
town that cultivates and invests in our community, especially our youth.
Healdsburg Center for the Arts (HCA), ably
guided by board president Diana Jameson and
a host of dedicated volunteers, nurtures our
community in many ways. The 4th Annual Young
Artists Exhibition featuring art by students from
several area schools and the Healdsburg Center for
the Arts Education Program is on display at HCA
located at 130 Plaza St. HCA board member and
West Side School principal Rhonda Bellmer works
tirelessly on this annual young artist exhibit. If
you’d like a dose of inspiration and understand
the wisdom in giving our kids opportunities to
explore their creativity, I urge you check out this
exuberantly colorful and imaginative exhibit before
it closes on March 15. Eleven-year-old Jake Gordon,
from West Side School proudly commented at the
opening exhibition “my artwork was inspired by
Keith Haring,” who was an American artist and
social activist. I see a bright future ahead of you, Jake Gordon!
Another program HCA is participating in is the Healdsburg High School
Internship Program. Ivette Ramirez and Lizandro Mejia, art interns in their
junior year, are mentoring with professional artists Phyllis Rapp and Joey Manfre.
“I definitely learned more about the world of art as well as how each artist paints
and works differently,” said Ramirez. The students aren’t the only ones benefiting
from the internship program. “I volunteered to do this mentoring program because
I love to teach and these high school students stimulate and challenge me to think
differently,” exclaims Phyllis Rapp, an artist who focuses on mixed media and
collage (www.phyllisrapp.com).
Healdsburg Jazz
On February 25th, ten restaurants in Healdsburg participated in the annual
Healdsburg Jazz Festival fundraiser, Jazz on the Menu, benefiting jazz music
education programs in the local schools. The restaurants served special dishes
to accompany the live jazz combo during dinner. At BACI, husband and wife
owners Lisbeth Holmefjord and Shari Sarabi, worked fast and furious to feed the
packed restaurant and ensure all their guests had a great time. “We are happy to
say we raised $1850 for the Jazz on the Menu fundraiser,” said Holmefjord. The
“After-Party” was held at Costeaux French Bakery & Café with the Healdsburg
High School Jazz Band and the Ricardo Peixoto Quintet performing. The bakery
provided amazing desserts, too. Hats off to Costeaux owner Will Seppi for always
participating in these community fundraisers.
What Young Healdsburg Locals Are Up To
Hometown local Maria Gerstley, who is attending U.C. Berkeley, was recently
accepted into the Natural Reserve System’s prestigious new field studies program,
California Ecology & Conservation. She was selected as one of only 27 students
across the entire University of California campus system to participate. Instead of
being in the classroom they will experience a cross section of California habitats
ranging from rocky coast and freshwater marsh to oak savanna, conifer forest and
desert. “I’ll gain valuable field research skills and learning techniques for studying
plants, animals and ecological communities. Wahoo! Barefoot explorations and
restoring education towards hands-on learning,” said Gerstley.
Colby Groom, who survived two open-heart surgeries as a young boy, is
steadfastly working toward his one million dollar goal to support heart health. He
spent his 17th birthday on Feb. 6 flying to Charlotte, NC so he could speak at the
Charlotte American Heart Association Gala and present the organization with a
$10,000 check. Through the sale of Colby Red wine, he’s raised almost $700,000 to
support the work of heart nonprofits.
Lawrence Holmefjord-Sarabi, back from Singapore where he studied at a
prestigious music school, will be performing Rachmaninoff 3 with the Healdsburg
Philharmonia at the Raven Performing Arts Theater on May 30 & 31.
T
ime to plan your Spring Garden
Get the gardening magazines out, start searching through the seed
catalogs, it’s time to plan this years garden. What are you going to plant? Do
you like to try new varieties every year or do you like to stick with the tried
and true producers? I have heard from some eager diggers who have already
planted a few tomatoes, thinking that the frost is over and hoping the year’s first
tomatoes will come from their garden. If you are looking for local nurseries who
carry a wide selection of veggie starts you can start at Garrett Ace Hardware
in Windsor & Healdsburg, one of my favorite places to buy starts. The quality
is excellent and they have a vast selection with standard hybrid varieties for
those who like consistency and the crazy colorful heirloom varieties for those
who love to experiment. Garrett’s gets in a new selection every week. Starts
range from just a few days old to a few weeks old which gives you some planting
options. I find it is best not to buy all your starts at once. Get your soil amended
and ready to go and then shop around. New start varieties show up from now
through May, be sure to leave some spaces for those late finds.
Windsor Farmers Market
The Windsor Farmers Market opens on April 12th and Spring is when the
farmers will be offering veggie, herb and flower starts. These are the starts they
plant themselves that produce the beautiful produce they bring in the summer.
You can be assured the quality is high and they have been well taken care of. If
you are looking for tomatoes, Soda Rock Farms will be at the Market with tables
full of tomato plants. He grows only the biggest and the tastiest varieties, the
ones all the chefs are looking for. Russian River Valley Produce and Min Hee
Hill Gardens grow an assortment of starts, but especially peppers and squash.
Peppers are easy to grow and you can stick them in any where. Especially hot
peppers that grow to be a smaller adult plant and they are all the rage right now.
Peppers do like a little shade in the afternoons so plant them in the afternoon
shadow of something else like sunflowers or corn to prevent burning the shiny
skin. No matter what the variety of veggie start it is important to get them home
and get them in the ground right away. I have lost many starts by waiting a week
to plant. Sometimes even one day of low water or too hot of sun and a delicate
veggie start never seems to make it back to being a healthy plant again. I am all
about recycling and taking care of things so they last but now that I am older
I say pull it out and get a healthy one, I don’t have time anymore to doctor my
plants along. I digress.
Windsor Garden Club makes Windsor Smile
There is a group of hardworking folks at the Windsor Garden Club who
have planted bulbs all over Windsor Parks and they maintain a year around
Community Garden at the Town Civic Center on Windsor Rd. Driving through
Town this week I couldn’t help but smile. Bright yellow daffodils can do that
to you, like rays of sunshine bursting up out of the dry barren soils of winter.
Thanks to the gang at the Windsor Garden Club for all their volunteer work
making Windsor smile.
The Windsor Garden Club has a monthly Meeting and Social on the 3rd
Tuesday of each month at the Windsor Senior Center. The evenings include
free garden education from local garden experts. This month March 17th, they
have irrigation expert, David Nystrom from Fulton Creek Nursery sharing all
his secrets for irrigating your gardens and greenhouses. The short meeting starts
at 6:15 pm with a social gathering with tastes and the speaker begins at 7 pm.
GARDENERS: Please see the Gazette’s Cut-out-to-keep
Benefit for a Good Cause PLANT SALE calendar on page 59
- and our GARDENERS CALENDAR on page 58. Our complete
Guide to Local Gardening Businesses is also online at
www.SonomaCountyNurseries.com
S
prings Community Alliance Takes the Lead
In Promoting Change!
At the February SCA meeting Architect Michael Ross presented plans for a
“Plaza,” “Commons,” or “Hub” in the space between old Uncle Patty’s and the
Churchmouse. This isn’t a new idea. Ross noted its origins reach back twenty
years. Ross presented four large sketches outlining possible plaza configurations.
This project is being resurrected now as the Highway 12 reconfiguration is about
to begin.
Ross described the plaza as a place open to the sun and with landscaping,
trees, and planters to buffer the highway, it could become a community center.
Planters with widened and colored sidewalks could serve as areas where people
meet and chat. Overhead lights would offer space for evening gatherings, music,
and open markets. Artists and sculptors could add an environment with interest
for people of all ages. Ross stated that the plaza, together with the creation of a
“pedestrian boulevard” along Highway 12, might lead to the Springs becoming
a restaurant destination.
Following the presentation SCA members unanimously passed a resolution to
create the hub and provide support for the project. Questions remain regarding
implementation of the project. Among them are: How to get the County invested
in the project? How to engage the Sonoma Mission Inn? How to eliminate
nearby blight? How to raise funds? How to enjoin Cal Trans as a partner as road
construction begins in June?
Artist Michael Acker To Produce An Historical Work On The Springs
Michael Acker, Springs artist, announced that he is embarking on a new
project as author of a “History of the Springs: El Verano, Boyes, Fetters, and
Agua Caliente.” The work will be published as part of the “Images of America”
series that describes itself as a “history of neighborhoods, towns, and cities
across the country.” “We can’t wait to get started,” said Acker. This will be
a companion work to “Sonoma Valley” produced in 2004 by Valerie Sherer
Mathes and Diane Moll Smith of the Sonoma Historical Society. We can’t wait
to read Michael’s work!
Vacation Rental Issue Creates Major Brouhaha!
PRMD representatives clearly did not expect the turnout of so many angry
citizens when it announced a meeting about vacation rentals held at the La Luz
Bilingual Center. Parking was unavailable within three blocks of the meeting
room. The room overflowed with citizens wishing to voice their views.
PRMD is holding a series of County-wide meetings to seek citizens’ views.
The Board of Supervisors wishes to review current policies. They seek to study
the relationship between neighbors and vacation rentals. With illegal rentals
seeming to proliferate the Supervisors will look at ways to better enforce existing
ordinances. Specific issues to be investigated include neighbor notification, noise,
parking, events, health and safety, and loss of housing stock, among others.
In part or whole, here are some comments from the La Luz meeting…. “Who
wants commercial development in a residential neighborhood?” “Houses sit
empty when people are looking for a place to live.” “I’m a legal vacation landlord
paying taxes and meeting the rules!” “We travel. Sonoma is expensive. Renting
out helps us meet our expenses.” “Workers are being pushed out of their homes.
Sonoma is too expensive. We are losing diversity.” “Sonoma is changing! The
horse is out of the barn, ban vacation rentals!” (Applause!) Let’s keep an eye on
this one!
Additional PRMD meetings to be held March 9 – Villa Chanticleer Annex,
Healdsburg, 4 p.m.
Please Attend Important Meeting About the Future of the Sonoma
Development Center Saturday, March 14 – 10 a.m.!
Kathleen Miller, President of the Parents Hospital Association, asks all
Sonomans to attend this important meeting about the future of the SDC.
Attending will be State Senator Mike Maguire, Assemblyman Bill Dodd,
Assemblyman Jim Wood, and Supervisor Susan Gorin. In addition, leadership
from the Dept. of Developmental Services will attend together with staff from the
offices of Congressman Mike Thompson, Senator Lois Wolk and Assemblyman
Mark Levine.
T
From the idyllic to the horrific…
he Sonoma Garden Park got a makeover this fall and is now getting dressed
up in time for the very early spring we’re having (and what’s up with that?).
A new cement path that wraps the 6-acre demonstration farm maintained
by the Ecology Center makes the demonstration garden wheelchair accessible.
The parking lot has also been graveled and decorated with new beds containing
native plants. The upgrade has inspired overall improvements throughout the
park. Plus, these developments have a water conservation function. Come have a
look! The Garden Park is a demonstration garden open to the public. The Saturday
Harvest Market opens later this month for the season, a great way to pick up some
organic veggies for a song.
Far away from our peaceful valley, violence seems to be breaking all over the
world, even in Europe. Israel has been in the eye of the storm since its establishment;
while it is often portrayed as the victim of terrorism, the Palestinian experience
is seldom heard. Sonomans For Justice and Peace in Palestine (SFJPP) is showing
two films this month to shed light on that painful situation. In The Image shows
March 1, and The Stones Cry Out, the story of Palestinian Christians March 8, both
at 2 pm at the Community Center, and both are FREE.
Dick Ridenour and his partner Fran Dayan started the SFJPP five years ago
after attending a conference sponsored by Friends of Sabeel in Marin. “It opened
our eyes – widely,” said Fran, a retired psychotherapist who is the only Jew in
the group. Pictures of Cast Lead, Israel’s 2008-9 operation in Gaza, “showed how
badly Israel treated the Palestinians. We were shocked.
“I’m proud to be Jewish. This made me un-proud, to see how Israel was acting
in the name of the Jewish state.”
Together they formed a study group, and later the group decided to share this
information with the community.
Why? I asked them. Why would residents of this happy valley want to know?
“Like every other community that’s dependent on the usual media outlets,
everyone is familiar with the Israeli narrative,” said Dick, a retired social worker.
“What’s not known is the other side of the story.
“The US spends $3 billion a year to support Israel. If you criticize Israel you’re
labeled an ant-Semite. Congress is under the thumb of the American Israel Public
Affairs Committee (AIPAC), a large advocacy group that campaigns to keep the
news favorable to Israel.
“But Israel has moved so far to the right, it has been called an apartheid state.
The documentation is there. The War for Independence included widespread
ethnic cleansing of 750,000 Palestinians. Many people don’t know.
“In Gaza last year, what broke the ceasefire was Israeli arrest of seven members
of Hamas. The rockets were in response. We hear so much about the rockets. These
rockets are like fire crackers…”
“I think the Holocaust was so traumatic for the Jews,” said Fran, “they just don’t
trust anyone any more. But when Holocaust survivors come out against this, and
say enough is enough, when people sit down and talk about the pain of losing a
child, that’s universal. They become friends.”
Things are beginning to shift, Dick noted. “I feel that we are part of this process.
Public opinion in Europe has shifted dramatically. An internal memo from Israel
revealed that Europe, which is Israel’s biggest market, no longer sees Israel as a
favored nation.
“Now more and more students are saying they don’t want to go into the
military,” and an elite Israeli school, Israeli Arts and Sciences Academy, has
written a letter urging students not to go because “the army creates inequality,
perpetuates injustice and corrupts social values.”
The two films show the other side. For In The Image, Palestinian women were
given cameras by B’Tselem, an Israeli group of noted professionals, scholars and
statesmen, to document human rights violations in the Occupied Territories.
The Stones Cry Out tells the little known story of the persecution of Palestinian
Christians. Discussion follows the film showings.
Why should Sonomans go?
We may want to know what our tax dollars support.
Speaking of tax dollars, if you’re concerned about the future of the Sonoma
Development Center in Eldridge don’t forget the important meeting that will be
held there in the Wagner Building on March 14 beginning at 10 am.
Stephanie Hiller is a life coach and personal historian who lives in Sonoma.
T
hursday March 5th there are two important meetings affecting potential
opportunities for Roseland residents to have a better future for their
community. These important meetings will have an opportunity for
community members to interact with the elected officials responsible for local
governmental decisions affecting Roseland in the future. The first is at 9 am when
Sonoma County Supervisor Shirlee Zane hosts an “Affordable Housing Incentives”
workshop in the North Coast Builders Exchange at 1030 Apollo Way in south west
Santa Rosa. At the first meeting Santa Rosa Mayor John Sawyer will also be one of
the speakers along with Ms. Zane. Mr. Sawyer is now also a member of the Roseland
Annexation Committee for the city of Santa Rosa. This meeting will be discussing
how builders may be able to get more affordable housing built in Sonoma County.
This is relevant to Roseland residents because a number of housing projects in
Roseland, or nearby, are now working through the city of Santa Rosa planning
process for permits and entitlements to build.
Later that day from 6-8 pm at Roseland School multipurpose room on 950
Sebastopol Rd. the Sonoma County Community Development Commission is
hosting a community forum with the Advisory Group for the Roseland Village
Neighborhood Center Project. According to a meeting flyer distributed to community
members, “Plans for a Request for Preliminary Proposals for Development of the
Roseland Village property will be discussed.” For more information about the
meeting you can contact Beau Anderson or Mr. John Haig the Project Manager at
Phone: (707) 565-7508 or by email at Beau.Anderson@ sonoma-county.org or email
for Mr. Haig at [email protected]
On Monday Feb 23, 2014 the Sonoma County Community and Local Law
Enforcement Task Force Meeting received a report from a Community Engagement
and Healing subcommittee stating, “We strongly recommend that the Board of
Supervisors strongly support services in Roseland by investing in parks, libraries,
and programs for youth, etc.” This is an important local statement of support for
what many Roseland residents have been saying for decades. They need more parks
and places for children to play, such as a community youth center as well as their
own Library branch in Roseland. During previous meetings about the Roseland
Village project there have been a number of speakers mentioning these ideas.
At the Tuesday, February 17, 2015 meeting of the Roseland Village Task Group
from 3:00 PM-4:30 PM there was some discussion of these possibilities for
community public facilities to be located at the Roseland Village. An encouraging
note a staff member from the Santa Rosa Junior College was in attendance to hear
some of the discussions about ideas to possibly site an “Extension” or “Satellite”
branch of the Junior College at the Roseland Village. This would entail moving the
existing Southwest Santa Rosa branch Junior College facilities from South Wright
Rd. where they currently reside at a form elementary school site.
Omar Paz, the Student Trustee on the Santa Rosa Jr. College Board of Trustees is
also a member of the 15 person Roseland Village Task Group. He has been talking
with local educator Alex Templeton about the possibilities of including Sonoma
State University into a broadened proposal for a Roseland Community Center. Such
a community center could be built into the Roseland Village Plaza plan which has
already received taxpayer funding for a one acre plaza. There is an additional 6
acres of taxpayer owned land on the site with provision of $3.5 million of funding
for affordable housing to be built on site with infrastructure improvements.
County taxpayers have footed the bill for the demolition of the buildings previously
occupying the site of the Rose Bowl and the Alpha Beta/Lucky’s/Albertsons store.
The Dollar Tree store still on the site in a building shared with Furniture 2000 will
be allowed to stay for a short while longer as the county renegotiates the lease
while planning for future uses of Roseland Village. Roseland residents and other
supporters of the community are encouraged to make their viewpoints known both
the city and the county officials involved with the Roseland Village.
Other affordable housing in Roseland may be coming forward sooner than later
now the, “Housing Authority, by resolution, approved a commitment of funds
for a Further Advance in the amount of $2,300,000 to assist Burbank Housing
Development Corporation with development costs for Crossroads, a 79-unit
multifamily affordable rental housing development located at 1980-2010 Burbank
Avenue (the Project), contingent upon approval by the County of an additional 13
Project Based Section 8 Vouchers for the Project.” This occurred at the Monday Feb.
23 meeting of the Santa Rosa Housing Authority. The website can give you more
information about Roseland Area projects by the city of Santa Rosa. www.srcity.
org/departments/cityadmin/city_manager/roseland/Pages/default.aspx
I
love Spring! The daffodils are in bloom. The days are getting longer. And it’s time to come out from hiding in my house and see what’s happening in
sunny Santa Rosa! The good news is that that March is the perfect time to
reconnect with old friends and make new ones at events throughout our town.
Free Day at the Schulz Museum
Who hasn’t toured the Schulz Museum? If you haven’t, now is the time. Come
to the Schulz Museum from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm on Saturday, March 7th to help
celebrate the 150th anniversary of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. At 1:00 pm,
join cartoon historian Craig Yoe; Mark Burstein, president emeritus of the Lewis
Carroll Society on North America; and Malcolm Whyte and Andrew Farago of the
Cartoon Art Museum for a panel discussion of Lewis Carroll as a precursor to the
comics and the numerous appearances of his characters in comic book strips. It’s
a free day at the Schulz Museum. Isn’t it time for a visit?
Elsie Allen Crab Feed
Haven’t gotten enough of our wonderful Dungeness Crab here in Sonoma
County? Then head over to the Elsie Allen High School 10th Annual Project
Grad Crab Feed at the Center for Spiritual Living on Saturday, March 7th
from 6-9pm. This All-You-Can-Eat Fresh Dungeness Crab, Pasta, Salad & Bread
fundraiser will feature a raffle and silent auction benefiting the senior class Safe
& Sober Graduation Celebration. Also, the famous Elsie Allen Jazz Band will be
performing for your entertainment.
Arbor Day Tree Planting - Rincon Valley
Bring your family and celebrate Arbor Day on March 14th from 9:00am to noon
at the community tree-planting party and park beautification event at Rincon
Valley Community Park. Learn about what makes trees important to our natural
and urban environments, and what makes Santa Rosa a Tree City USA! Share
your favorite tree in our Instagram photo contest (details below). Arbor Day is the
birthday of the late famed botanist Luther Burbank, so expect cake!
The Arbor Day event is part of the City of Santa Rosa’s Park-A-Month volunteer
program, in which a different park each month is spruced up by neighborhood and
community volunteers. Families are welcome. In addition to planting trees, we’ll
be spreading mulch, picking up trash and other assorted tasks. All trees and tools
will be provided. Wear sturdy shoes as it will most likely be muddy outside. This is
a rain or shine event -- trees like the rain! Please contact Elaine Gutsch, Volunteer
Coordinator, (707) 543-3279, [email protected] for more information.
Sonoma County Restaurant Week
Need an excuse to go out to dinner the week of Monday, March 9th? Then join
in the fun of the Sonoma County Restaurant Week and celebrate the fine dining
opportunities in Sonoma County. Local food aficionados have the opportunity to
enjoy special prix-fixe menus from participating restaurants throughout Sonoma
County for the week. These three-course special dinner menus will be priced
at $19, $29, or $39. These prices are for one three course meal at a participating
restaurant. Continuing this year, participating restaurants will also offer a prixfixe lunch menu. The special 2-course lunches will be priced at $10, $15 and $20.
Each restaurant selects its own price point. Restaurants are encouraged to use
local ingredients and feature a local wine for Restaurant Week. For a listing of
participating restaurants, see www.sonomacountyrestaurantweek.org.
St. Patrick’s Day Run/Walk
Make Sunday, March 15th your lucky day! Join your neighbors at 3pm at
Julliard Park for a St. Patrick’s Day Run/Walk. Make it a fun filled afternoon
and don’t forget to come in costume. Maybe you’ll go home with the prize for the
most convincing leprechaun, the Best Wearing’ O’ the Green, or the Best Dressed
Team award.
This 5K chip-timed race is open to all ages and abilities and participants receive a
commemorative mug at the finish line! Stick around after the race for the post-run
celebration complete with a judged costume contest, live music from a local band,
activities and sponsor giveaways. Plus, all finishers get to fill their race mug with
Whole Foods root beer or a beer generously provided by North Coast Brewing
Company and Morris Distributing (for those 21 or older)!
All proceeds from the 5K benefit the Santa Rosa Recreation & Parks Scholarship
Fund. Scholarships from this fund are given to qualifying families who apply so
that they can participate in our recreation programs, including -- and most often –
swim lessons for children.
B
“Flowers always make people better, happier and more helpful; they
are sunshine, food, and medicine for the soul.” —Luther Burbank
urbank picked our area as his gardener’s paradise. In his footsteps, all avid
gardeners test and experiment. This year, we are testing the planting guide
in the Gardening by the Moon 2015 calendar. We want to grow more organics
from seed. Harmony Farms suggested this calendar fits Sonoma County’s long
growing season. These tips help kitchen gardeners who want to feed their families
fresh food.
• Each month lists garden activities to be done
• Suggests specific vegetables and flowers to start in flats or plant directly
• Suggests best days to plant specific types of edibles and flowers
• Gardening advice presented in a clear, easy to read format
• Gardeners can use this calendar to track when, where, what variety and results
Remember Cotati, like some of its more famous neighbors, draws chilly fog
draped summers. So bring a sweater when you visit and (if you live here) plant
San Francisco Fog tomatoes or Arctic varieties.
Have you sheet mulched your lawn?
If you live in Cotati, and still have a living lawn (not a brown dead one), check
with the City for their cash for grass. Last time I looked, they still approve and
help pay for water saving projects, when the projects convert lawns to low water
perennial landscape. One more chance to feed the bees, butterflies and birds.
International Women’s Day March 7 with Gather the Women
Women, network and experience “Body Love: Dream or Possibility” with
Michelle Minero, MFT and Dianna L. Grayer, Ph.D, MFT. Gather the Women
(GTW) North Bay, the local GTW Global Matrix event, takes place at Rohnert
Park Senior Center from 10AM - 4PM. Registration of $25 includes lunch.
Please reserve a space by calling Donna Ahlstrand at 707-235-6563 or email
[email protected]. Still time to volunteer or to donate auction items.
Inner journey is facilitated by Jan Boddie and Marystella Church of Vortex
Journeys. The vision of Gather the Women Global Matrix is a global sisterhood
that connects women through circles.
The Sitting Room presents Opening to Poetry, March 7 at 2:30PM
Three poets launch a Spring 2015 exhibit dedicated to the Sitting Room Poetry
Collection. Iris Jamahl Dunkle teaches writing and literature at Napa Valley
College. Her debut poetry collection, Gold Passage, won the Trio Award and
was published by Trio House Press in 2013. Her chapbooks, Inheritance and The
Flying Trolley. Rebecca Foust was the 2014 Dartmouth Poet in Residence and is
the recipient of fellowships from the Frost Place and the MacDowell Colony.
Her new poems are published in the Hudson Review, Massachusetts Review,
Mid-American Review, North American Review and Omniverse. Terry Ehret is
a former Sonoma County Poet Laureate. She teaches at SRJC and serves as coeditor of the Sonoma County Literary Update. Terry’s most recent book is Night
Sky Journey. For more details visit: www.sittingroom.org.
Fiesta for Cotati Annual Awards Dinner Saturday
March 14 from 6 – 9 PM
Hosted by Cotati Chamber of Commerce, this event includes a Mexican
buffet by Mi Ranchito for $25 per person, plus a No-Host Bar sponsored by
Friar Tuck’s Pub - featuring their delicious Margaritas. Please RSVP by March
9th. Call 795-5508 or [email protected].
Senior fitness classes paid by health insurance?
“Everything’s coming up roses…” for seniors in Cotati - Rohnert Park due to
the forward thinking of Jim McCarthy- Club Manager at 24-Hour Fitness. He’s
in the process of expanding available classes, adding two to three new classes
specifically for seniors.
Please email upcoming events and news by the 8th of the month before.
K
By Guest Columnist Katie Watts
atie’s Rose Musings
Did your sweetie surprise you with a bare root rose for Valentines Day?
Or perhaps you saw one at the store you had to have? Maybe you’re
reorganizing your yard?
To some of us, there’s no such thing as too many roses. But if you’re new to
growing roses, there are a couple of scraps of curious knowledge that can help.
Don’t dig out an old rose and immediately plop a new one in the same hole.
Roses can be the cats of the plant world: independent and spunky. And, generally
speaking, they don’t like each other much.
Put the bare root rose in a temporary home or a pot if you need to and fill the
hole back in. Let it mellow for six months to a year before you plant another rose
there. The new rose will have a much better chance.
The same thing can be true of roses planted near each other: touching branches
can die. In my front yard, “Polly” and “Hermosa” despised each other. Wherever
they touched, the branches browned and withered. Finally, I got rid of “Hermosa”
– she had spiteful thorns – and “Polly” was much happier.
If you got a late start pruning, or have just been extra busy, it’s not too late. (If
you’re really swamped, remember roses did quite well before pruning shears were
invented. You don’t have to prune. I’m not going to scold you. But if this gorgeous
weather we’re having has sent you into the garden with clippers, you can. Most
roses sold today are Hybrid Teas. These usually bear urn-shaped flowers in all
colors (except blue and black).
Prune out all dead wood, cutting at a 45-degree angle. Study the plant and
prune out any branches that cross. Then cut back the remaining branches onethird to one-half. You want to cut to an outside bud. If you look closely at a
rose branch, you’ll notice the small greenish or reddish bumps that indicate the
direction another stem or branch will grow. Yes, it’s okay to snip off thorns if you
have the time.
If you have a garden that includes what rosarians call “old garden roses,” there
are other pruning techniques that should be used. Old garden roses are roses
that existed before 1867. There are many different classes of OGRs and if you’re
interested, I’ll point you to Professor Google and/or your nearest library because
there’s way more than I can touch on in this article.
Often, though, when someone says, “Oh my grandma had this fragrant pink
rose,” they’re describing an old garden rose.
Almost all the earliest roses were once-bloomers, and many of these are grown
today. If you have a rose that blooms once a year – don’t prune it now. Wait until
after it blooms. If you do prune now, you won’t get much of a rose crop. Same
holds true for fruit trees. If you cut them back just before they flower, you’ve cut
off the buds. No buds, no flowers, no fruit.
Finally, for your trivia of the day, the reason there are no blue roses is because
they lack the delphinidin (blue) pigment. Some roses come fairly close, with
a lavender tone that ages to a gray such as the Hybrid Perpetual “Reines des
Violettes,” which dates to 1860.
Corned Beef & Cabbage Feed – March 15
Enjoy full plates of corned beef from Bud’s Meats and all the fixin’s’ from
1:00 to 5:00 pm at the Penngrove Clubhouse, 385 Woodward Ave. Proceeds help
maintain the Clubhouse and Penngrove Park. Tickets are at the door. Adults
$15.00, Children under 12, $5.00.
Changing Harm to Harmony – March 15
North Bay poets and non-profits will present an evening of poems, letters and
writings from the anthology, Changing Harm to Harmony: Bullies & Bystanders
Project, edited by Marin County Poet Laureate Joe Zaccardi. Non-profits Mentor
Me, Guided to Safety, and Severson Sisters will describe their work to reduce and
prevent bullying, and offer opportunities for the community to participate. Poets
will read: “Fat Kid”, “The Invisible Boy”, “Such a Pretty Face”, and “Perfect
Target”. You can also view the 4th Annual Youth Art Exhibit (March 1 – April
5). It’s Sunday, March 15th from 6:00-8:00 pm at the Petaluma Arts Center, 230
Lakeville Street, PTown. Admission is free; donations are encouraged to the
arts center or the non-profits. Contact: 707-762-5600 x101 or email VRichman@
PetalumaArtsCenter.org.
M
arch should come in like a lion and leave like a lamb. This year the lion
came in February. It had rough spots and local flooding but the mustard
is lovely and the birds are happy with the moisture we finally got. The tulips have
bloomed, and the “rhodies”’ got some of the moisture they so desperately needed.
February ended up as a busy month. Cabaret was, as usual, a great hit. The whole
community gets together and has fun putting on the show. Great credit should go
to Diana and Mike Bundy. What a gift they give to the community. They have good
supporters, too, like Sharon Corbett who made the curtains which improved the stage
(and which the children in any meeting find irresistible). The community shows its
support. All of the shows were sold out (even the extra one they squeezed in.)
February brought a few rough days; wind and power outages. PG&E tries
hard, but at one point more than 1700 homes were without power. If you call,
they notify you of power outages in your area (but their automated offer asked
whether I wanted to be notified of outages by e-mail—with no power...) They
are prompt in sending workers who are always polite and professional but can’t
seem to stop the power surges.
The lawsuit I suffered for three years is finally over. We convinced the jury, but
now the loser has deluged Yelp with negative comments. It makes you realize how
social media can be abused and how powerful it is. It is surprising that Yelp doesn’t
require complainents to sign their full name. Like other guaranteed rights, abuses
occur. Even the First Amendment does not protect defamation but it is a fine line.
Constitutional protections can be abused. Even in our system there are limits (no
crying “ Fire” in a crowded room) but disparaging a leader thousands worship as
holy is questionable( but probably not a violation in the US.)
Fortunately the Fish Fest planning is off to a splendid start. The art contest to
select the best design was won by John Hershey. The watercolor of the boats leaving
the harbor is lovely and just the right touch for the posters, tickets and shirts. John’s
excellent photographs can be seen in the new business, Best Vacation Rentals, (where
Local Color used to be). Kudos to Glynda Christian who put together the art contest.
Fish Fest is April ll (put it on your calendar.) A new web site which Linda McBee has
put together is good. Thanks go to those like Ms. Rooney and many others who do
the planning. It is always one of the highlights of the Spring season.
We are still hoping for a local hospital. Latest word is that an emergency facility
may be opening (details are still emerging). We hope that we may soon have some
medical facilities in West county. Some people oppose it, thinking that they can
take River Road to Sutter, Santa Rosa, but they, too, need to consider that roads
may be impassable or that they might be in Sebastapol or Bodega Bay when their
emergency developed. The Letters to the Editor are right on. Just because you don’t
have kids in school doesn’t mean that you don’t support the taxes which provide
the school for your community.
We live in a very diverse and well-informed community. Many of us have traveled
or lived (or both) in the Middle East and have great interest therein. Locally,
we may not agree on some issues but even our Republican friends are shocked
by the insults to our President by Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu (accepting
House Speaker John Boehner’s invitation without consulting the President) This
is an insult in the Middle East and a good example of “if you’re not sure of your
invitation, clarify or stay home.” We, who have friends in Lebanon, Syria, and
Palestine realize how important “face” is in these areas. One remedy might be a
total press blackout if he continues to ignore good manners (because it is quite
likely he will tout his “appearance “before the US Congress.)
Plans are advancing for the usual Fireworks in Bodega Bay. The planned date is July
3 with the pancake breakfast July 4. When we shop (or go to the bank or pharmacy)
outside our town, people always mention the Bodega Bay fireworks as a highpoint.
The Chamber of Commerce is to be commended for putting this together. Come out
and support the Hitchcock Film Festival (March 21) to be sure the fireworks continue.
Life in Bodega Bay is varied and wonderful. Take time to just observe what
you see. With a fixed window in the community center where we practice yoga
we observe the activity in the new park. We see quail, robins and one day a great
blue Heron came to observe. We watch dog walkers bring their dogs on leash,
look around and see no one, and let the dogs run. We have a good view of visitors
who are arguing; visitors who are loving and those who come only for the porta
potty. The new trail is much used, and the number of visitors to the bell tower has
increased. The public definitely uses this park.
April is a beautiful month. Time to plant; time to enjoy but NEVER time to
be bored.
C
an a vision change a community? Can a problem create an opportunity
that unlocks doors people didn’t even know were closed? Can one
thought, one simple idea, significantly impact over 40,000 people? The answer
might surprise you.
For example, the Petaluma Health Center is expanding into Rohnert Park and
opening up a new health clinic that will feature 15 dental chairs, 2 doctor pods,
a laboratory and a mental health provider.
This is a tremendous addition to our community. Our community members
will be able to seek medical, dental and mental health services locally. No more
going south to Petaluma or north to Santa Rosa in need of basic health and
human services. No more medical desert in Rohnert Park. A basic human need
is being met in Rohnert Park, one that will have huge implications in a variety of
different ways.
Along with health services the clinic brings jobs, approximately 130 new, well
paying jobs to Rohnert Park. Our city is lacking in the type of employment that
the health center provides. A few years ago the city commissioned an economic
study. The study identified that the city had a very low number of white collar
jobs in the area, exactly the kind of jobs that the health center will bring. We will
benefit greatly by having doctors, dentists, nurse practitioners, nurses, therapists,
and related vendors working in our city.
Having these higher paid workers shopping in our retailer establishments
means more money will stay in our community thereby increasing our businesses
economic prosperity.
Our new housing developments should see an increase in home sales as
people move into the area they want to work. As demand for housing increases
so to will our housing values and then property tax. Property tax increase will
also influence the amount of money the city receives to go towards the general
fund. This will allow the city to continue to provide necessary services in the
form of street repairs, increased public works projects, and increased levels of
public safety.
The increase in property tax funds also benefits the school district so it can
continue to provide quality education with a variety of diverse programs to its
students.
Furthermore, having mental health services in Rohnert Park allows those
whose hearts and minds are aching to get the help needed just to get through
the day. This will diminish someone from hurting themselves or others. It
enables citizens, from young adults cutting class and creating problems to adult
substances abusers, from going to jail. Our public safety officers will now have
a much needed component, mental health providers, supporting them on police
calls that have more to do with mental instability than crime.
And lastly, bringing in the clinic lifts Rohnert Park to another level as a
community. Without a health clinic we are not at the same level of health and
human service care as any other city in Sonoma County. For a city with 40,000
residents this was a shocking fact. Now we are taking a step up, we are lifting up
our boat in ways that some people might not be able to imagine.
This has been accomplished through a variety of people within the city and
county working on this effort together. The biggest thanks for bringing the
health center to Rohnert Park goes to the board of directors and executive team
of the Petaluma Health Center.
Their idea of opening up a new health clinic will greatly aid in changing our
city into a community that thrives.
A vision, a single thought can in fact greatly impact a community of 40,000.
Stay in touch all month long @
LIKE us on Facebook for NEWS UPDATES throughout the month
“Eco-Gardens” in Occidental
and Turning Waste Water Into Wool
O
ccidental, as quaint and unmarked by time as it appears from the outside,
has never been a static environment. Change comes through Occidental
quietly, affecting those who are watching for it. For as much of my childhood as
I can remember, I have been a member of the Occidental Community Council,
and even at age 5, I was watching for change. The year before I entered the public
school system, the old Salmon Creek campus closed its doors. Change. And then
it became the space it is today—the homes and offices and sweet little art gallery
where I used to volunteer—back when I had that kind of time. Change came
slowly at the old school, and for a while now, it has been creeping towards the
Community Center across the street.
In my 8th grade year, a group of interested individuals created a group fondly
known as THC, or Town Hall Committee. Our efforts at figuring out what to
do with the building were rather unsuccessful, but they began a conversation.
Sometime later, the Occidental Community Center Advisory Council was formed
at the request of the County Parks Department. Their mission is much the same
as ours was—to figure out what to do with the underused building. They have
created a great set of plans, which will be presented at a public meeting on June
13th in the gym at the Community Center. The time has not yet been determined.
They are requesting about $12,000 for the project—which may include expanded
programs managed by the YMCA, possibly relocating the local County Library,
possibly having classes offered by the SRJC at the center, and an extension of the
local senior services managed by the Community and Family Service Agency. I
just hope the figure out a way to regulate the temperature. If you’re interested,
the Advisory Council meets the first Tuesday of each month at 6:30 pm. You can
contact Steve Kay at [email protected] for more information.
“Change depends on reawakening to our interdependence with the natural
world” reads the home page of the Occidental Arts and Ecology Center’s website.
If you’re looking to change up your normal routine and get closer to nature, you
might want to consider a permaculture design course offered by the OAEC. You’ll
learn “how to design sustainable, regenerative systems in balance with your
home ecosystem.” Their spring class runs from March 21st to April 3rd. If getting
closer to nature isn’t your thing, but you would like to improve your workplace,
their Facilitation for Group Decision-Making is weekend workshop that “will
give you practical tools to enjoy more effective and participatory meetings in
your non-profit, your business or your community.” Later in the summer, the
OAEC is offering a workshop on healing, both spiritual and medicinal.
But before the summer sets in upon us, we have to get through spring, which is
arriving earlier than anyone expected. In the spirit of that, today I have donned
my blue and white plaid sundress, and am headed to Healdsburg to eat lunch
and see In the Next Room at the Raven Theater. Have a lovely spring!
Fools Occupy Occidental...again
Rain or shine, a flock of Fools will cavort through the sleepy town of
Occidental on Saturday April 4 as the annual FOOL’S DAY PARADE returns
for the 10th year. From noon on, madcap folk will be seen gathering at the
Community Center (corner of Bohemian Hwy @ Graton Rd.). Then, at 1 pm in
foolish formation they will frolic through town and down Bohemian Highway
to end up in the parking circle that fronts the Occidental Center for the Arts,
the sponsoring organization for this moment of mayhem. Rides, refreshments,
sponaneous entertainment and surprises will ensue. Local low power FM
station KOWS (107.3 FM) will be on hand to broadcast the demented din.
Evolved from the fertile noggin of Ramon Sender (aka Zero the Clown) in
1979; and re-invented by Kate Price in 2005, Fool’s Day has become Occidental’s
signature annual event. Supported by local merchants, permitted by the county,
and supervised by local fire fighters and a troop of volunteer monitors, it is a
safe and fun environment for children, who used to parade through town on
Halloween before Harmony School moved to Salmon Creek, leaving behind
what is now the home of the art center.
By Ann Maurice
In a previous issue of the Sonoma County Gazette, we discussed affordable
tertiary wastewater treatment for Occidental -- disinfected with ultra-violet,
discharged into Dutch Bill Creek in the rainy season, then disposed of on land
in the dry-season, roughly May-October.
Now consider transforming Occidental into an “Eco-Gardens”, proudly
landscaped and irrigated with its own treated wastewater. There are long
lists of wastewater tolerant plants. So now we can look for voracious water
consumers instead of drought tolerant plants. And all you lawn lovers can step
shamelessly up to the plate! Green lawns all summer, irrigated with wastewater
from Occidental’s own treatment plant -- a bountiful “Eco-Garden” -- building
on, and expanding the beautiful downtown landscaping installed so many
years ago..
But an “Eco-Garden” in
town won’t be enough to
dispose of Occidental’s 20,000
gallon a day production of
wastewater each and every
day in the dry-season!
Enter grass! Acre for acre
grass takes up an incredible
amount of water. It grows
and grows as you mow
and mow, absorbing and
transpiring gallons upon
gallons of water. Mountain
Shadows in Rohnert Park,
Northwoods Golf Course
in Monte Rio, and Windsor Golf Courses have all been irrigated with tertiary
treated wastewater for decades. What have golf courses got that we’ve also got?
GRASS! Acres and acres of grass, grass, grass!
How much grass would be needed to take up all of Occidental’s dry-season
flow? Only about 6 acres! Do we have 6 acres of pasture in and around town?
You betcha! Acres and acres of open grassland, around and near the town. Are
any grass owners in town willing to allow tertiary irrigation on their property?
What if the Sonoma County Water Agency (SCWA) offered them free turf? Free
water? Let’s ask them.
Sod uses about 1” of water per week. So simple arithmetic shows that 6 acres
of sod requires 6 times that amount, or 6 inches, or in other words, ½ acre foot
per week. And ½ acre foot = about 163,000 gallons. That’s per week! How much
wastewater does Occidental produce? Less than that --140,000 gallons per week
May-October. So-o-o… Bingo! 6 acres of sod, 6 acres of mixed pasture grasses,
is enough acreage to handle all Occidental’s dry-season wastewater flow!
2 acres here, 2 acres there…and the mowing? What about nature’s premium
mowers? Sheep! Around here, it is said that 1 acre of native grasses can feed
one sheep for a year. But irrigated pasture can support many more. Just select
the right mix of grasses, clover and forbs that keep sheep happy and healthy
-- grasses and herbs that thrive on tertiary wastewater irrigation -- and each
sheep will turn wastewater into up to 30 pounds of wool. Let sheep turn
wastewater into wool and take it to the wool mill in nearby Valley Ford to be
spun for use by local fiber artists, and the circle is complete!
Add a truck-fill station and free above-ground storage tanks for fire
protection, landscaping, and ???…. and we just might have resolved
Occidental’s wastewater disposal dilemma. Turn wastewater into wool,
beautify the town with new wastewater-tolerant plantings, provide wastewater
for fire suppression and Occidental’s wastewater will have been kept “close to
home“, in and near Occidental, right where it was generated in the first place.
Each year, blessed by King of Fools Zero the Clown, three new royals are
coronated. These worthies, having summoned the strength to wrench a
plumbers helper from the “Bucket of Muck”, are crowned inside a coronation
chamber and pronounced “King/Queen For Five Minutes. This year, OCA will
be putting on a BBQ ; and OPEN MIC SHOW in the auditorium at 2 pm! See
www.occidentalcenterforthearts.org for Open Mic Sign-up information.
Anyone can participate, but to sign up officially, participant, go to FaceBook
and join Occidental Fools Parade; or contact Steve Fowler at 707-874-1778. Let
the foolish fun begin!
G
reetings from the north end of the beautiful Sonoma Coast. The redwood
sorrel is in full bloom creating fields full of little yellow blooms that are
so bright and beautiful! Many of us have commented how we seem to
have more sorrel this year than recent memory. I wish there was a folk tale about
“the more sorrel you have the better the garden season”, but I know of no such
saying. No matter, it is time to start thinking about our gardens. This year once
again I am keeping it small with just a few new flower plantings, and hoping my
good friend’s plant big and bountiful gardens to share with us at the local farmers
markets. We are certainly blessed in our local counties as the farmer markets seem
to be active all year with good fresh veges and fruits, from local gardens, and tasty
treats. Our local market, the Sunday Community Market at the Fort Ross School, is
active most Sundays and has plenty of offerings. It is a feel good thing to support
your community by visiting these wonderful markets.
This month I want to highlight Stewarts Point Store. The history of the
Richardson family goes back to 1868 as ranchers, loggers, and business owners
with The Stewarts Point Store one of the longest and most active home town
grocery stores along the Sonoma Coast. While they still own the building and land
they have leased the gas station, store, deli, soon to open restaurant on the second
story, and camping opportunities to new owners, Coastal Hospitality Partners.
The store is very old fashioned with some original family belongings hanging
from the ceiling and the classic front porch with benches for those down home
conversations with news and ‘rumors’ of the local area. The campground is only
minutes away with canvas platform spaces, wood burning stoves, outdoor kitchen
and hot water showers. Visit their website for more information on the opening of
the restaurant and to make campground reservations at stewartspointstore.com or
call them at 707-785-2406. They are introducing 15 new signature sandwiches, new
baked goods, and more salads. The Restaurant at Stewarts Point will be open soon
serving soups, salads, Panini’s and pizza five days a week from 11:00 AM to 7:00
PM. This is a gem on our coast, and the campground and amenities can’t be beat.
A few other things to do and places to visit of course is Fort Ross State
Historic Park. March 1st the Fort Ross Conservancy is hosting a lecture and field
exploration on Edible and Medicinal Plants of Sonoma County. Tellur Fenner,
clinical herbalist/educator and owner of Blue Wind Botanical Medicine Clinic
and Education Center will lead the class. The tickets for this event are available at
Eventbrite. To find out the start time and more information visit www.fortross.org
How many of you have passed Fort Ross and noticed the beautiful little chapel?
Have you ever wondered about the story, the reconstruction and the current use
of this remarkable history? Join us for personal stories of the “Restoration of
the St. Nicolas Holy Trinity Chapel-History and Techniques, 1812 thru 1974”.
We are fortunate to have Maria Sakovich, a leading historian and independent
scholar on the Chapel, Bruce Johnson, local master craftsman who worked on
the reconstruction in 1970’s, and Deva Rajan, lead contractor in the construction
of the Chapel in the 1970’s under the leadership of California State Parks. The
event is March 28th at 10:30 am. Contact [email protected] for more
information or call 707-847-4777. We all know a lot about our wonderful redwoods,
but there is always more to learn. Join us April 4th for a presentation by the Save
the Redwood League sharing new updates, current research, and tidbits about our
amazing redwoods trees.
At the Gualala Art Center several events are taking place including an exhibit
opening of ceramics, fundraiser for our local medical clinic, music performances,
and art exhibit by our local children. Visit them at www.gualalaarts.org/Events/
index.html. At the Point Arena Lighthouse Scott Mercer will share census data of
the Gray Whale. Please visit the website at www.pointarenalighthouse.com/ for
date and times.
And last, wishing you all a good time as we celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day – a
little Irish quote:
Oh, the music in the air!
An’ the joy that’s ivrywhere Shure, the whole blue vault of heaven is wan grand triumphal arch,
An’ the earth below is gay
Wid its tender green th’-day,
Fur the whole world is Irish on the Seventeenth o’ March!
—Thomas Augustin Daly
T
he plum tree outside my back window had blossoms on it this morning.
This has happened for several years in a row now. It is spectacular, of
course, but I get kind of a bittersweet feeling when spring shows up in February.
I like warm weather and budding plants as much as the next guy, but I’d be
perfectly happy to bide my time through a few more weeks of cold, rainy winter.
It’s how things are supposed to be, groundhog or no groundhog. Mention of that
particular varmint always brings to my mind the greatest Buddhist movie of all
time, “Groundhog Day” starring Bill Murray. And you thought it was just a silly
comedy.
Speaking of karmic loops, Camp Meeker seems ever caught in one, doesn’t
it? We’re a bit out of phase with the outside world, undeniably. A decade or so
behind the technological times, for good and ill. Was it always thus? According to
some long-time Camp Meeker residents, the answer is “…and how”.
I had the pleasure of speaking to one such resident recently, songwriter Peter
Krug, who lived at 101 Market Street from 1970 to 1978. It was while Peter was
living here that he penned the immortal folk ditty “Looking for a Woman with a
Chainsaw”. It seems Peter was the lucky recipient of part of a cord of firewood,
unceremoniously dumped in his driveway one wintry day, and in order to get
on with the rest of his business he needed to get that wood cut up. Peter, being a
single guy at the time, passed the time during this menial labor by daydreaming
about the woman of his dreams – his dreams at the moment being someone
conversant in power tools who could help him with this current sweat-stained
task. Lo and behold, a song was born! And, well, things started to happen. As you
kids today might say, the song went viral. Might have taken a bit longer to do so
in those days of no YouTube (heck, this was before the entire dang INTERNET!
Before CD players, fer gosh sakes!), but it happened all the same. Doubt me? Just
google “looking for a woman with a chainsaw” and you will there a see that the
song has entered the folk canon. They’re playing it all the way up in the Yukon!
There are royalties! It’s been translated into French! Yes, it’s safe to say that Mr.
Krug (who now lives in Guerneville) is…”Big in Canada”. Apparently the farther
north you go, the more that song speaks to a man.
Peter’s other big hit (at least locally) was a lighthearted number entitled “I’m
Proud to be a Streaker from Camp Meeker.” Now here I will have to digress
and explain what a streaker is to anyone born after, say, 1975. We were a bunch
of wild and crazy kids back then, y’see, and it was a thing for a while to doff
one’s duds before running very very quickly (or “streak”) through some public
place. It was all the rage, I’m telling you! A guy streaked the Academy Awards!
That “Convoy” dude wrote a novelty song about it! And so did Peter, although
he borrowed the melody from Merle Haggard’s “Okie from Muskogee”. Boy
howdy, try that streaking stuff today and you might get hauled off by Homeland
Security and end up on the Sex Offender web pages. Don’t try this at home, kids!
Professional driver on a closed course!
Yes, things were different in Camp Meeker? You talk about your cell phones
– they didn’t even have bus service back then! No cable TV! If you climb to the
right vantage point up high, you can look across and still see some TV aerials
stuck way high in a tree. You see, kids, that’s how we used to watch TV. We got
three channels at best! And we liked it!
Okay, I know I’ve gone around the bend into old dufferhood. You will too, one
day, so let me enjoy myself. And keep your calendar open on Mother’s Day. You
just might have a chance to mix with some cool old duffers and dufferettes – and
you might just get a live rendition of “Streaker from Camp Meeker” from the
artist himself! Now don’t say I didn’t warn ya!
New Sebastopol Hospital Tours
Sonoma West Medical Center, formerly Palm Drive Hospital, will be offering
tours of the newly refurbished and renovated hospital beginning on March 14.
These tours will allow the public to visit areas of the hospital normally off limits
and also to see a typical private patient room.
“The only time the public can view some areas of the hospital is while the hospital
is closed. We think it is very educational for people to see what we are doing,” said
Raymond Hino, CEO of Sonoma West Medical Center.
Sonoma West Medical Center is moving quickly with the remodeling of Palm Drive
and continues to plan an opening April 27. It is the first major remodeling of the
hospital since 1976. When completed the 25 bed hospital will offer the full range of
services, with specialized medical services through physician institutes, an intensive
care unit, and an emergency room.
West County residents have expressed
particular interest in emergency services,
and remodeling of the Emergency Room
is nearly complete. The Emergency
Department will have a new approach
after the hospital’s anticipated April
opening, and will offer a “No Wait”
Emergency Room.
The goal will be to have every
emergency room patient seen by
a physician within five minutes of
coming in the door. Patients coming to
the Emergency Room at Sonoma West
Medical Center will receive immediate
and doctor directed attention.
Dr. Rodney Look, who pioneered the “no wait” concept at St. Helena Adventist
Hospital, will direct the Sonoma West Medical Center emergency room.
Look, a Harvard trained emergency room specialist and Sebastopol resident said,
“I am very pleased with the work that’s being done and our ability to serve the
community in a modernized setting. We plan to make this emergency room the best
in the area.”
The Sonoma West Medical Foundation, formerly the Palm Drive Health Care
Foundation, has led the drive to reopen the Sebastopol hospital, which closed its
doors a year ago and entered bankruptcy.
“Our Foundation Board members are impressed with the speed and the quality
of the work being done,” said Foundation President Gail Thomas. “Opening the
hospital in April has been our goal, and the Foundation authorized $500,000 toward
these improvements. We are pleased that the work is coming along so well and our
community will have a hospital. ”
Donor and family practice physician Harry Simms expressed his pleasure at seeing
the improvements. “While I now am in general practice, I have been an ER doc
and appreciate all the work going into creating this as a very special Emergency
Department. “
Other improvements for the Palm Drive facility include upgrades in patient rooms,
the Laboratory, the Imaging Department, and finally correcting the non-structural
earthquake work required that should have been done years ago,” Hino said
‘We are also upgrading some other spaces like the kitchen, pharmacy, and
respiratory therapy as well as the business office where we are re-carpeting, painting
and putting in new furnishings in preparation for our patient education center,”
Hino said.
Sonoma West Medical Center, Inc., located at 501 Petaluma Avenue in Sebastopol,
is a California public benefit corporation formed to reopen Palm Drive Hospital
under the Sonoma West Medical Center name. Raymond Hino, MPA, FACHE is the
Chief Executive Officer and has over 30 years of hospital administration experience
including 6 years as the CEO of Mendocino Coast Hospital in Fort Bragg. The 15
member board of directors of SWMC includes prominent business and health care
professionals and community leaders from the area, including Dr. James Gude, the
well-known telemedicine pioneer, John Balletto, owner of Balletto winery and Merry
Edwards, owner of Merry Edwards winery.
P
assion in the Garden
As anyone who visits Graton and parks down the street from the
Underwood Bar and Bistro knows, we have been growing a garden for a few
years – the Graton Community Garden. You may have walked past the big
lovely sign and depending on the season, gawked at the flowers and food, or
peered at the old cornstalks rustling above the cover crops. To the side of the
property across the lane from the Stone Creek Zen Center, a creek wanders in
a deep groove – freed of litter by periodic cleanouts by the garden organizers.
This creek and setback cannot be built on, to the relief of the wildlife that uses
this corridor. Yes, that probably was a fox family you saw slipping into the
undergrowth there after cocktails one night.
While the real estate market was becalmed, the land owners were kind enough
to allow the garden to bunk there for the time being. The Garden sprouted beds
of veggies, new friends, and dinner feasts on hand-painted rescue tables and
a commitment to keep a community garden in the village. A companion plant
became firmly entwined with Garden: the effort for a Graton Community Park.
Fundraising and community efforts by the Graton Green Group and others to
find a site for one or both have risen and simmered back over the last couple of
years. Still no permanent home was successfully claimed, despite a close miss
with the old Firehouse site.
Unless you live under a (long paid-for) rock, you are likely aware of the increased
heat under the ol’ real estate cauldron this Spring. Prices are up, inventory low,
and folks who’ve been waiting to make good on both long and short patience are
jumping their properties onto the market. And so opens our passion play.
On a Wednesday in February, the owners of the land that houses the
Community Garden announced that they were putting the property up for sale,
and let the garden organizers know. The organizers in turn immediately alerted
the burning souls who have been at the heart of the effort to find the Garden and
Park a permanent home. As with every community movement, there are usually
a few faithful and motivated folks who stand ready with a box of matches to
strike under our complacent seats. This time they did not need to set the whole
box on fire – word streamed out like a single flame. Amazingly, within 24 hours
$122,000 in pledges had been raised towards a very competitive offer. Alas, by
that Saturday – only three days later - as papers were being prepared, word came
in. Too late! The land had already had four offers and one had been accepted
hours before!
If you think the curtain falls now, you, my friend, don’t know the passions of
these townsfolk. Before the ink had dried on the buyer’s contract, a small group
of women in town had formed and presently stand with a firm and generous first
back-up offer. Their intent if given a chance is to purchase the property with a
good chunk pledged for the community’s use for a garden and park. If not, will
the new owners find a similar place in land and heart? Will they build homes for
new neighbors who also may yearn for this needed center? Either way, passions
for a place to garden and play run high! This was a call too close. Our fearless
match-holders and friends with happily-singed seats will surely not rest until
Graton has a place to grow together. For a walk-on or leading role in this play,
contact HolLynn D’Lil at [email protected], and she’ll connect you. Though
there are not many open places left in the heart of Graton’s neighborhoods, there
surely are plenty in its inhabitants.
Ready Your Bed
Meanwhile in the back yard, between pruning it’s not a moment too early to
start readying your garden beds for the Spring and Summer garden season. If
you’re not sure where to start, www.igrowsonoma.org is a good place. And if
you are not prolifically adept at starting your own seeds, let me let you in on
our valley’s best-kept secret: laze around pruning and prepping your soil, and
at the end of April, hie thee to the Graton Community Club’s Spring Flower
and Plant Sale. But be warned. I biked home with a few plants (OK, twice, I
went back for a few more), and ended up with a spectacular harvest of well over
100 lbs of jaw dropping tomatoes in several heirloom varieties. Prepare also to
feed your soul with flowers the size of small suns. More next month, meanwhile:
gratoncommunityclub.org
T
wo questions that I’ve been asked, often, since the holidays:
What’s happening with CVS?”
There’s no formal or official news yet. Previously, the Council was told that
permits would be pulled last October, right after the settlement of two lawsuits,
and the project would get underway.
As I write this March column, our community looks at the chain link fence, tall
weeds, boarded-up windows, graffiti, and expanse of asphalt. From the comments
I’ve received, folks are tired of this eyesore and the impression its new owner has
created that our downtown area is depressed.
Informal word from City Hall is that their people are talking to our people.
The developer plans to demolish the car dealership buildings, then build in
a compressed time line. Engineers are engaged; Caltrans is discussing ADA
improvements and “street-smart” crosswalks.
All eyes on this corner! This will be the biggest project in town since The Barlow
and it’s located, not on the edge of town, but rather at a key intersection.
“What’s with all the signs?”
As an elected who’s just completed a campaign [thank you, voters!], I’m sensitive
to sign issues. So, I respond, “WHICH signs do you mean?”
“Those red signs [about the Hospital] that we still see in so many front yards!”
A lot of people expected these signs to disappear last November 5, although
they weren’t technically campaign signs and weren’t subject to the same rules
about removal, so our landscape remains “littered” with them. Given what I’m
hearing, these signs may be detrimental now.
When I organized the campaign “Slow Down Sebastopol” with Chief Weaver
and a former Council Member, we worried about the efficacy of non-election signs.
Our plan: to have “Slow Down” signs go up and down seasonally, to promote
awareness of the safety of students in transit not to stay up indefinitely.
“Those sandwich board signs blocking the sidewalk!” These signs carry
different messages about: “courtesy” parking; business name, hours, and/or
services; special offerings, such as lunch menus or sales.
People want to walk two & three abreast on our narrow sidewalks. Lots of folks
want room for outdoor seating on our sidewalks. These signs cause problems.
“Signs taped on the buildings!” or “Signs hanging from awnings!” I believe
these refer to the vinyl signs identifying a [new] business. Eek! Rather than pay for
a “real” sign that conforms to City regulations, some business owners hang vinyl
signs or cover an old sign with vinyl. The message conveyed by these “temporary”
signs could be, without intention, one of expected failure.
I suggest our Downtown Association, Chamber of Commerce, and Design
Review Board consider these issues, related to present practices and conformance
with our Sign Ordinance, & bring forward ways to optimize our business’ future.
Mark Your Calendars
March 26-29 Sebastopol Documentary Film Festival
Move quickly because this exceptional event, bringing independent films to West
County, can sell out! Films are shown in several theaters at two venues – Center
for the Arts and Rialto – with so many great choices that it’s hard to decide.
Tickets and passes now on sale. Become a Festival Member for $40/single or
$60/dual for year-long benefits. Information at sebastopolfilmfestival.org.
Have dinner out before the show, ice cream after, or a walk in between.
March 31 Celebrate Sebastopol!
From 7-9 PM, gather at Guayaki Yerba Mate Bar to celebrate Sebastopol’s
recognition as a Slow City or, in Italian, “Cittaslow.” This evening will highlight
accomplishments and introduce upcoming projects, as well as honor donors and
volunteers working to keep Sebastopol green, local, friendly, and artistic.
Seen the orange window stickers and orange street banners? Make sure you
know what Cittaslow is about - you’ll want to get involved! Information at
cittaslowsebastopol.org. Confirm attendance, email [email protected].
April 4 SEB’s 3rd Annual Ukulele Festival
Bring your favorite ukulele or grab that old one in your closet. Come on down to
the Saturday workshops, jams, open mic, and performances, from noon to 7 PM at
the Sebastopol Cultural Community Center. Learn how to play “up the neck” or
with a group. Listen to Ben Ahn and other musical talents. $18/advance and $22/
door, at www.seb.org, People’s Music, and the Last Record Store.
Cittaslow Sebastopol
Celebrates 5 Years
Cittaslow
Sebastopol
presents
Celebrate Sebastopol! Tuesday, March
31, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. at Guayaki Yerba
Mate Bar, 6782 Sebastopol Ave. in
Sebastopol.
Cittaslow Sebastopol will be
celebrating 5 years of Sebastopol’s
recognition as a member of the
international network of Slow Cities
(Cittaslow = “Slow City” in Italian).
The event will be a celebration of
accomplishments and a preview of
upcoming projects – highlighting
their eco-tourism campaign for the
city. They will also be honoring their
Founding Donors and key community
members who have worked so
diligently on Cittaslow Sebastopol’s
projects. Refreshments will be served
and door prizes awarded.
Cittaslow Sebastopol’s purpose
is to preserve Sebastopol’s unique
town character by collaborating with
businesses, nonprofits, individuals,
and government agencies to create
activities and programs that keep
Sebastopol green, local, friendly and
artistic.
In the past five years, Cittaslow
Sebastopol has served the city by
working on initiatives designed to
boost economic vitality, calm traffic
and promote creative community
engagement. They frequently conduct
community surveys, allowing many
voices to be heard in the development
of their projects. Some of their projects
include community meetings in
preparation for the General Plan
Update, an Eco-Tourism Open House,
a Home Stay/Farm Stay Workshop;
painting murals on McKinley Street
during the Sebastopol Village Building
Convergence; piloting the Sebastopol
Ped Line, 3 color-coded, self-guided
walking tours; joining with Slow
Foods to create the “Gravenstein’s are
Coming” banners; and promoting local
produce, heritage, art, and culture.
For more information, go to
cittaslowsebastopol.org. Email info@
cittaslowsebastopol.org with questions
and to confirm attendance. See updates at
facebook.com/CittaslowSebastopol.
Irish Potato Supper at FUMC
D
owntown Cell Tower?
YOUR OPINION COUNTS! The public hearing before the Board of
Zoning Adjustment (BZA) about whether to approve a cell tower in downtown
Forestville is scheduled for Thursday, 3/19, at 1:45 in the Hearing Room of the
PRMD (Permit and Resource Management Department) at 2550 Ventura Avenue,
Santa Rosa 95403. It will begin with a staff report, followed by comments by the
applicant, representing Verizon; the hearing will then be opened for public comment
and will continue for as long as needed. Notices will be mailed to residents living
within 300 feet of the site. Meanwhile, public comments can be received before the
hearing date: contact Traci Tesconi / PRMD by email to [email protected], by mail at 2550 Ventura Avenue, Santa Rosa, CA 95403, or by telephone
(707-565-1903). For more info about the cell tower application and plans, go to
95436.org.
Roundabout?
The suit by Ramona Crinella against the County’s plan to construct a roundabout at
Mirabel and 116 has been dismissed by the Court; she has not appealed the decision.
Susan Upchurch, District Director for Supervisor Carrillo’s office, comments, “That
project [the roundabout] will likely move forward now.” Interestingly, on 2/10
Ramona sold the Crinella Ranch (60+ acres adjacent to the Town Square and Open
Space Park) to Silver Oak Winery. A concerned local, Lee Dido, while walking his
dog at the Downtown Park, happened to meet the new owners; he reports that they
seem very nice and eager to participate in downtown Forestville.
Chamber News
The annual Citizen Awards Dinner will be on Saturday, March 21, at Trappe
Hall. Citizen of the Year is Dave Franceschi; Volunteers of the Year are Carl and
Kathie Uebel; Business Person of the Year is Beth Thorp, Nightingale Breads.
Congratulations to these wonderful folks who contribute so much to our Town.
The celebratory dinner will be created and served by local restaurants. Tickets,
$55 each, are available at the Bank of the West and the Forestville Pharmacy.
Tiny Town Café and the Chamber had a joint mixer at the Café where the
original art for the new art banners on lampposts downtown was displayed.
A silent auction was held and generated $1,975 towards the next round of art
banners. Special thanks to Kevin, Monique, and Chip at Tiny town Café for
displaying the art and facilitating the wonderful reception; and to Pete Summers
and Leslie Zumwalt for spearheading the banner project.
100 Years Old
Ross Yeager, is turning 100 on March 29. A reception in his honor will be held
on Sunday, March 29, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Social Hall of the Forestville United
Methodist Church, 6550 Covey Road. Ross Yeager is the oldest living native of
Forestville having been born at home on Mirabel Road. He has lived his entire life
in West Sonoma County and has attended the Church of Christ on Covey Road his
entire life (He still attends every Sunday).
His maternal grandparents were born in Forestville in 1869 and 1871; his
paternal grandparents were married in Forestville in 1865. Happy birthday, Ross!
“May your days be filled with friendship, love, and joy.”
Good Hearts
A heartfelt THANK YOU to Heather Robertson-Ellis for collecting a wonderful
array of canned goods plus an amazing $970 cash at her cute store, The Service
Station, for the Forestville United Methodist Church’s Food Closet. Then, she
magnanimously matched the entire $970 for a total monetary contribution of
$1,940. Later, she explained that she and her husband met the match by forgoing
Christmas presents this year. Their extraordinary gift will make a huge difference
for up to 80 Forestville families. Food Closet’s all-volunteer force makes sure this
compassionate support is maximized in order to extend an even stronger lifeline
of food, hope and dignity.
Get a head start on St. Patrick’s Day celebrations! The Forestville United
Methodist Church invites all to an Irish Potato Supper on Sunday, March 15
starting at 6PM in the church’s Wiebe Hall.
Enjoy a baked potato with all the trimmings and a “green” dessert at no
cost – a free will offering will be accepted. But that’s not all….
The Forestville Strings will play gathering music during the dinner and
The Plaid Menagerie Celtic Band and Cori Wood will provide music after
the meal. There may an Irish jig or two – local dancers are being contacted.
And after an evening of Irish food and music you can go home with
some nice items if you’re the high bidder on our Silent Auction. Items
from Nightingale Bakery, Shear Glory Salon, Kozlowski Farms, The Service
Station, Jigar Wines, Canneti Roadhouse Italiana, Twist, Ideal Hardware,
Preston Farm & Winery, Dutton Estate Winery plus a picnic basket with
dishes, beach chair, portable cooler, music box, pottery, hanging pig planter,
pink leather carpenter’s belt, and a two person rubber boat with paddles,
motor and life jackets have already been donated! More auction items are
being obtained. Proceeds from the auction will benefit church programs.
Contact the church office at 707-887-2020 if you plan to attend so we can have
enough potatoes on hand for all.
More Info: Mike Mortensson, 887-2759 or handlebarsmike1367@sbcglobal,net
The Methodist Church is having its “Huge Rummage Sale” at the church on
March 7th, 8am-2pm. Sell-able items can be dropped off during office hours.
Please, no electronics or heavy exercise equipment. Coats needed. It’s a wonderful
way to get rid of stuff too good to throw out, pick up some real bargains plus help
the church on much-needed projects. It’s a win-win-win!
The Methodist Church also invites you to an Irish Potato Supper on Sunday,
March 15 starting at 6 pm in the church’s Social Hall.
Enjoy a baked potato with all the trimmings and a “green” dessert. No charge,
but donations accepted. But that’s not all…. The Forestville Strings will play
gathering music during the dinner and The Plaid Menagerie Celtic Band and
Cori Wood will provide music after the meal. There may an Irish jig or two –
local dancers are being contacted.
And after an evening of Irish food and music you can go home with some nice
items if you’re the high bidder on a Silent Auction. Proceeds from the auction
benefit church programs. Contact the church office at 707-887-2020 if you plan to
attend so they can have enough potatoes on hand for all.
Bits and Pieces
Hooray, the Barbeque is coming – 5/30-31! The Youth park wants to thank its
new BBQ sponsors: Terra Firma Global Partners, Cork’s, Nightingale Breads,
Brian Manly, Lisa & Todd Sheppard, CR Fedrick & Robert Fedrick, Suzanne
Ash, and Vesta Copestakes. There is still time to add your name as a sponsor!
Contact Robin Berardini, 484-1204. The headlining bands for the BBQ this year
are Foreverland – 14 piece tribute to Michael Jackson, on Saturday, May 30;
Wonderbread 5 – International Rock and Roll Party Machine, on Sunday, May
31. Visit www.forestvilleyouthpark.org for latest information.
Hollydale Club: Saturday, March 14, Corned Beef and Cabbage Feed, $15
donation, 6 pm. Everyone welcome.
Schools
Forestville School/Forestville Academy: The delightful musical “Chitty
Chitty Bang Bang” is being presented by students on 3/20, 21, 27 & 28 @ 7 pm;
and 3/22 & 29 at 2 pm. $8 adults, $5 students.
Forestville Education Foundation holds its monthly meeting on March 18, 6
pm, in the Faculty Lounge at the Elementary School.
El Molino High School: Tickets are available for the Sisters of Perpetual
Indulgence Bingo fundraiser on March 14th, benefitting El Molino. The theme is
“Beam me Up”. Tickets are available through the Sisters website. It should be an
entertaining event.
Spring sports are under way at El Mo. Come out and support the Lions as they
compete in baseball, softball, swimming, tennis, track, and volleyball. Check out
the El Molino High School web site for the schedule of all spring sports.
Mike Roan, P.E. Teacher, Leadership Instructor, and Athletic Director was
recently selected as the West Sonoma County Teacher of the Year by the
Sebastopol Rotary Education Foundation!
R
io Nidans and the Rotary Crab Feed
The 28th Annual Russian River Rotary Crab Feed was a memorable
evening. The Friends of Rio Nido (FRN) shared a long table with the Russian
River Chamber of Commerce members. There wasn’t an empty seat in the house
as this year’s crab feed was sold out. The venue took place at Shone Farm.
Senator Mike McGuire was in his element auctioneering and MC’ing the evening.
His positive energy and exuberant personality made the evening fun. Sightings
of many friends and community leaders in attendance added to the festive
environment. Herman Hernandez, President of the RR Rotary, was making his
rounds. It was great to see our Fifth District Supervisor Efren Carrillo there as
well as Vesta Copesakes, owner of the Sonoma County Gazette. Also, our very own
Rio Nidan, Christopher Magness of El Molino High was one of the participating
wait staff. Rio Nidans and FRN board members in attendance were: John Uniack,
Matt Malik, J. Mullineaux, Kim Holliday, Crista Luedke, Jennifer Ostrom, Ron
and David Keller, Troy and Linda Magness, Larry Tocmakidis and yours truly.
Looking forward to next year’s crab feed already.
Another Storm in February
The storm we just had last month packed a punch. Mother Nature was in a
mood and it showed. The rains came down real strong and were quite substantial.
I don’t mind the rain at all; we all know that we need the rains. It’s the winds
that blew my mind. It was like a small monsoon in my yard and we had to run
for cover a couple of times while checking on our home and property. Large
branches came down all over Rio Nido, denting cars and coming down near the
veggie garden and dog park. The power was out on several streets for as long
as 24 hours. We know that PG&E was working diligently to restore power to
our little enclave. Hoping for more rain but without the wind. Funny, speaking
with several neighbors this past month and we all seem to be on the same page...
SPRING is in the air... It seems everyone is ready as the cherry blossoms are
blooming, flowers are opening up everywhere and folks are ready for a little
warmer weather.
Community Involvement
If you take issue with people illegally camping and illegally squatting on
County land and the impact they have on the community – particularly on those
who live nearby – please call the Sheriff’s Central Dispatch (707-565-2121) and the
Rohnert Park Division of CHP (707- 588-1400; 888-422-4756) to lodge a complaint.
Additionally, send an email to: Charity Koch, our Community Resource Officer
([email protected]). It absolutely takes several residents voicing
their concerns to assure appropriate action.
Its definitely making a huge difference and is being addressed by our local law
enforcement. Thank you to all those who care.
Thanks to The Service Station
The Forestville Food Closet thanks Heather Robertson-Ellis of The
Service Station in Forestville for taking a seemingly simple step to help
Forestville families and produced tremendous results. In her cute store, filled with a wide array of giftable items, Heather set
out a collection container for canned goods and a container for monetary
donations for the Food Closet which operates out of the Forestville United
Methodist Church. She collected a wonderful assortment of canned goods
plus an amazing $970 cash! She magnanimously matched the entire $970 for
a total monetary contribution of $1,940. She rather sheepishly explained that
she and her husband met the match by forgoing Christmas presents this year. Their extraordinary gift will make a huge difference for up to 80 Forestville
families and households, helping them to make ends meet twice a month by
providing them more high protein food staples and fresh produce – high cost
yet the most health-giving foods that few low-income people can afford. The
all-volunteer force makes sure this compassionate support is maximized in
order to extend an even stronger lifeline of food, hope and dignity. For more information, please call (707) 887-2020.
Forestville Academy Mural, Street Art
The Mural and Street Art class at Forestville Academy was one of my favorite
electives. We learned about the different styles of graffiti lettering and the political
themes and symbolism in professional street art. We even took a field trip to the
Mission District in San Francisco to see the world-famous murals there. I was
amazed at the sheer scale of the paintings. The dedication of the artists must
have been immense.
Back at Forestville Academy we painted our own canvases with mini-murals.
Then we put them up altogether for a school mural. It’s great that we can
put professional ideas, like political symbolism, into art that kids are seeing.
Hopefully they’ll be on display for a year or so. Our experience in the Mural and
Street Art class was fantastic.
—Holly Stoufer, 8th grade student, Forestville Academy
Feeling the Love
Moving here has made a positive impact on my life. There are many wonderful
people who live in Rio Nido. The friendships I have forged here will last a lifetime.
Recently I celebrated my birthday. I was touched by my circle of thoughtful
and sweet neighbors and friends who made my birthday special. A shout-out
goes to: Pip and Donovan from Canyon 6; Ron and David from Sequoia Ave,
Matt and J from Bay Ave, Marco and Craig from Rio Nido Road, Troy and Linda
Magness from Willow Ave and Susie Frankel of Canyon 7. Thanks for making
my heart sing.
Pet of the Month:
Hi. My name is Ella (Kruella De Ville). I was
adopted by my two dads Ron and David of
Sequoia Ave on Mother’s Day last year. They
were told I was feral, but after meeting me
they adopted me anyway. Boy did I luck out. I
knew if I watched my P’s & Q’s, I could have
a good thing going here. Now I live in the lap
of luxury in Rio Nido. I am almost a year old
and love looking out my window at all the
interesting people and pets that walk by. My
sister is a Whippit/Beagle. We play together
all the time. Many thanks to our neighbor
Elena, for giving me my 15 minutes of fame!
Back row: Gracie Felciano, Cheyanne Van Wicklen, Holly Stoufer, Cierra Salgado, Janessa
Osorio, and Mrs. Carol Swanson. Front row: Angela Castillo and Brice Borchers.
A
s the days grow longer and we continue to have such beautiful weather, it
is very tempting to start pulling out of storage the outdoor furniture and
umbrellas! Ahhh, but wait, there is more rain in our forecast! The meteorologists
are predicting 20+ days of rain in the month of March! They are calling it
Miraculous March but all I have to say is groovy! Despite all the welcome rains,
the Russian River still is in a drought condition; we need everyone to continue
conserving water! Our fish, frogs, otters, beavers and birds in the River depend
on us! Check out this groovy website: www.russianriverkeeper.com. You will
see tips on how to make a difference, along with updated information regarding
the Grand Opening of the River Keeper Park in downtown Guerneville. Better
yet, come volunteer at the park on Wednesday mornings from 9:30 am – 11:30 am
and be sure to bring your gloves, water and wear sturdy shoes! It’s up to all of
us to protect the Russian River forever!
Wednesday, March 4th please join your Russian River Chamber of Commerce
at Community First Credit Union for their monthly mixer at 6pm; meet your
local business owners who keep the grooviness happening in Guerneville!
Friday, March 6th is the 1st Friday Artwalk which will feature plenty of art
and artists on our streets and in the venues along Main Street from 3pm – dark.
Check out the groovy old Bank Building as there may be a “soft opening” of its
newly restored spaces. The totem out front is a groovy sight, created by local artist
Brian Williams out of Cazadero. Need a pick me up? Visit the exuberant work
of Michelle Barnes who will be displaying at Coffee Bazaar. Also on Friday,
March 6th is the Forestville Wellness Center Open House from 5-7pm sponsored
by West County Health Centers. Be sure to join the very groovy Jennifer Neeley
in this celebration!
Saturday, March 7th is the 63rd Annual Corned Beef & Cabbage Dinner and
Raffle, brought to us by I.O.O.F. Redwood Lodge #281! The Odd Fellows are
sure to cook up some of the best corned beef at the Odd Fellows Hall beginning
with the first seating at 5pm. Come join us in remembering our dear Brother
Larry Vestal while supporting our local lodge! The raffle will be just as groovy
as ever and thank you Mark Buck, Country Tire, for your endless hours of
volunteering to this function every year!
Speaking of groovy organizations, it’s that time again for the Boy Scouts’ and
Cub Scouts’ Annual Pancake Breakfast and Silent Auction. Saturday, March
14th go on over to the Forestville United Methodist Church on Covey Rd to
enjoy pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage and OJ! They have an abundance of
groovy items that will be auctioned off. Saturday evening, March 14th be sure to
visit the Russian River Sisters at the Guerneville Veteran’s Hall for Beam Me
Up Bingo! Proceeds will be going to the El Molino High School Programs so
please help support our local youth.
If all of that isn’t enough to keep your groove going, Sunday, March 15th at 4:30
pm is a Community Gathering for Fun and Friendship at our local Mt. Jackson
Masonic Lodge located at Third and Church streets. They will be serving up
FREE hamburgers, hot dogs, beans, salads and beverages. Come on out to meet
new people, make groovy friends and learn about Mt. Jackson Masonic Lodge,
serving our community over the past 125 years!
Here is something very near and dear to my heart as I’m sure it is to yours
as well. Please join our groovy town at the Frank Lambert Sr. Memorial Poker
Tournament, a benefit for the Prostate Awareness Foundation. It will be held
on Sunday, April 14th at Buck’s from 2-6pm, but they need sponsor NOW! You
can sponsor a table and/or reserve your seat at a table NOW by phoning Mary
Agneberg at 707-529-1743 or go online to www.prostateawarenessfoundation.
org. Participants will raise critically needed funding for the Prostate Awareness
Foundation’s education and outreach programs! $60 buy in and $40 add-on. Visa
Gift Card Prizes for 1st-5th place finishers and consolation prizes for 6-12th place
finishers. Prizes for highest hand, aces cracked and bounty prizes! This tourney
is named to honor the memory of Frank Lambert Sr., a well-loved member of
the West County community who lost his battle with prostate cancer after many
years of fighting. We sure miss you Frank!
Well my groovy followers, I am out of page space so be sure to contact me at
Community First Credit Union if you have any groovy news you would like me
to share next month! Until then, keep on groovin Guerneville!
S
aturday morning yoga class was finishing and one of the students looked
out the big windows of the front of the Community Center and said
“What’s that tree?” Full of wonder, she pointed at the tree loaded with
big pink and purplish flowers.“Magnolia soulangeana,” responded a
gardening expert. It’s a distinctive tree, and it seems like there is one on every
block in Monte Rio.
I tend to think of it as the Monte Rio tree
because that’s where I first noticed them. And
it’s one of those things that, after you see your
first one, you start to notice them everywhere.
.
It’s an early bloomer, and seems to be going
off earlier this year, says Jamie Sandoval, a
local landscaper. While it looks like something
from Hawaii with blooms suitable for a lei, it’s actually a hybrid created by one
of Napoleon’s retired generals, Etienne Soulange-Bodin. A cross between two
other varieties of magnolia, liliflora and denudata, the tree grows well in a variety
of climates and it likes the well-drained soils that you get in a river flood plain.
Sometimes called a Tulip Tree or Saucer Magnolia, the tree’s flowers pop
before the leaf buds. Unlike the magnolias with the big white flowers set amid
the big green rubbery leaves, this tree is all flower for awhile. And then the
flowers fall and the leaves show up, making this a great backyard shade tree—
after you rake up all the flowers.
Vacation Rentals on Our Minds
The folks standing outside the Community Center on the afternoon of Feb. 18
weren’t thinking about trees; they were thinking about vacation rentals. About
70 people showed up to let County staff (and Supervisor Efren Carrillo) know
how they felt about the ordinance regulating vacation rentals. I think neighbors
of vacation rentals outnumbered the owner and manager contingent, and
neighbors seemed to have the same concerns that they did when the ordinance
was being hammered out—parking and noise from late-night partying. After
several years of being in effect, complaints have shifted to difficulties of the
enforcement process. The Board of Supervisors will hear recommendations from
PRMD staff after more input sessions like the one in Monte Rio. Check www.
sonoma-county.org/prmd/docs/vacrent/index.htm for more details.
Bagging the Baguette Biz
Her breadsticks graced the tables at the Village Inn. The chai tea spiced scones
were scrumptious. The focaccia and baguettes were delightful. But no more.
Dawn Bell (who used to write this column) is retiring from her baking business,
Casa LaBelle. She said the business had reached the point where the choice was
to quit or keep growing and expanding (and thus finding a place besides the
Village Inn to do her baking). She decided to bag it and return to writing while
continuing to book events at the Monte Rio Recreation and Park District.
Upcoming Events, etc.
Sunday, March 8 starts Daylight Savings Time.
Monte Rio School report cards should go out on March 6. If you didn’t like
the results, you can tell it to the school board, which meets March 12. Spring
break starts March 30th and classes resume April 6.
Tuesday the 10th the board of the fire district meets. Monday, March 16th,
the park district board meets at the Community Center. For a look at the full
schedule at the Community Center, check the park district calendar at http://
www.mrrpd.org/calendar.html
Friday, March 20 is Landpaths’ stewardship day at the Bohemia Ecological
Preserve. Check the Landpaths website at http://www.landpaths.org/ for
details and sign-ups.
If you want to do some general stewardship around town, go pull some ivy off
a redwood tree.
On Saturday, March 21, the Rio Theater will host a special presentation by
author Joe Jordan about William Castle, the filmmaker behind House on the
Haunted Hill and others of that genre. The book is Showmanship: The Cinema
of William Castle, and Jordan will show film clips along with his talk. This starts
at 2 p.m. and will cost $5
Fife Creek Restoration Update
Please see this story on www.SonomaCountyGazette.com for full details and photos of this project over time.
By Vira, The California Mermaid ® aka; Vira Burgerman
Our Bridge To Bridge Project runs from Highway 116 to Fourth Street in
Guerneville, behind the Post Office adjacent to West Sonoma Inn, the Woods
Resort, Dawn Ranch, Flavors and across from Safeway, with all above (except
Safeway), donating to our restoration efforts. None of these businesses flooded
during the last heavy storms due, at least in part, to our trash clean-up and
restoration work. Houses upstream weren’t so lucky when the Fife Creek waters
came up where no restoration work was done.
Later this month, you’ll have an opportunity to join us for a free native
plant workshop demonstrating the role of native plants along the creek, and
instructions on the creation of a bio swale. Following these practices will bring
back native habitat and native plants that create a buffer zone and help mitigate
flooding by allowing water to flow freely, and to sink into the earth instead of
running along its surface.
Friends of Fife Creek is on a mission to educate people about how to identify
and remove invasive plants such as ivy, non-native blackberry, vinca, and scotch
broom, to name a few. Our goal is to lead by example, and educate the public
about invasive plants that are choking out trees and our creek.
It’s important that people refrain from dumping yard waste into the creek and
tributaries. For those who don’t know, Sonoma County is now enforcing the
setback rules in an attempt to reduce the impact of damage caused by run-off.
We work on the creek on Thursdays, 10 AM till 2 PM. Even if you are not
available on Thursday, call Vira to get on the volunteer list for a day that might
work for you. And please, tour our Fife Creek any time and enjoy.
With the $2000 raised at our last fundraiser at Rainbow Cattle Company,
Friends of Fife Creek will purchase tools, a shed, native plants and project
signage, etc. Community Clean Water Institute is the fiscal sponsor for Friends
of Fife Creek. To make a tax deductible donation, contact Vira Burgerman ay
(707)484-8767 or email her [email protected].
T
here is one month until the official start of Spring! But the mild weather
and lack of rainfall would indicate a definite pre-Spring atmosphere! As
of today, we have received 41” more or less, which is a lot more than last year at
this time and would certainly welcome some more!
Please contact Cathy regarding the beautiful Sky Garden’s planting and
watering schedule. Her email is [email protected]
I am happy to congratulate the Cazadero Winery, owned by Ronita and Dave
Eggers, for being awarded 2 more Gold Medals at the San Francisco Chronicle
Wine Competition, which is widely recognized as the largest competition of
American wines in the world. Winemaker Eric DeMuth was involved with the
Gold Medal winner 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon. This is the 4th year in a row that
the Winery, which has historical wine growing roots from the 1920’s, has won 2
medals.
Stop by the Cazadero or Duncans Mills General Stores for a good variety of
everyday groceries and many locally grown and created products. We tried some
of the Duncans Mills Store’s ‘Cowboy Jerkey’, made on the premises and highly
recommended! Duncans Mills is unique – I can get my locally roasted coffee
beans at Gold Coast and cross the road and get a variety of teas at Mr. Trombly’s!
Raymond’s Bakery has reopened and their popular Friday live music and
Pizza Nights great time out!
Take advantage of Cazadero Supply’s 1st Saturday 15% Discount day for many
useful items for your house, garden and vehicle projects.
The Cazadero Community Church holds Sunday Services at 10 a.m. with a
potluck meal each 2nd Sunday. Bible study continues at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesdays
and Ed Laremore will speak on the 1st 4 Sundays in March. Sandi King will give
a talk on March 29th.
The Russian River Jewish Community celebrates the annual Passover Seder,
a feast of Freedom on Friday, April 3rd, 5 p.m. at the Monte Rio Community
Center. Ritual readings, music with the Jubilee Klezmer Ensemble and a
potluck feast make this a very festive event. All are welcome There is a donationplease call 632 5545 asap for reservations and more information.
I wish a Very Happy Birthday to Rose Abbott on the 10th, Nikki Canelis
on the 13th, Wyatt Parmeter on the 16th and Annie Austin turning 25 on that
date. William Grider will be 8 on the 24th, my dear friend and great poet Susan
Kennedy celebrates on the 31st, along with Taj Hart turning 34 also on that date.
We have many Spring celebrations coming up, including the wearing of the
green and the eating of the corned beef and cabbage on St.Patrick’s Day!
Enjoy Spring and whichever holidays you may celebrate!
BODEGA FIRE
On Saturday February 28 we
held
our
annual
appreciation
dinner where we recognized our
volunteer firefighters who responded
to 157 emergency calls in 2014 along
with saying thank-you to all our
community members who donated time
and efforts to support our department
over the last year. Community
members
donated
countless
hours whether it was serving on the
board of directors, volunteering at
one of our 5 annual fundraisers or
helping around the station.
We hope to see everyone in the
community on Saturday March
21st for our Polenta and Beef Stew
Fundraiser. Tickets available at the
door from 5-8pm. Dinner includes
Italian Polenta topped with Beef stew
and cheese. Served with salad and a
roll. Adults $14 Child $8. Event held at
McCaughey hall. 17184 Bodega hwy,
downtown Bodega.
2014 we received a $20,000 Grant from
Sonoma County Transient Occupancy
Tax (TOT). These funds were used to
upgrade McCaughey Hall which is
used as a community building, our
fundraising facility and is designated
as a community shelter in event of
a Disaster. Upgrades include: New
Double Pane Windows, New Energy
Efficient
Refrigerator,
Upgraded
electrical
wiring
and
eventual
connection of the building to the standby Generator at the new fire station.
We are pleased to announce that
we received notification that again in
2015 we will be receiving an additional
$20,000 grant from Sonoma County
TOT. We will use these funds toward
the continual upgrade of McCaughey
Hall. We plan to repave the parking
areas around the hall and post office.
Our website have received an
upgrade. Check it out at www.
bodegafire.org
Online you can see updated news,
upcoming fundraiser information,
recent emergency calls, board meeting
minutes, and more. You can also get
information about renting McCaughey
Hall for events and purchasing BVFD
Apparel.
BODEGA BAY FIRE
Are you ready for a disaster?
Bodega Bay CERT (Community
Emergency Response Team) can help.
We offer to help you put together your
Disaster Preparedness Kit for your
home and car. One that is customized
to meet your specific needs.
Make your New Year’s Resolution
one that can save your life and those of
your loved ones.
The Bodega Bay CERT team will
first meet with you for a consultation.
From that meeting, we learn how we
can best assist in completing your kits.
Most residents already have many of
the items for the kit, they just need
guidance on completing the assembly.
CERT will even go shopping for
the best prices/products and fully
assemble the kit. There are no extra
charges, rather only the direct cost of
the item. You give us the budget, we
do the shopping and assemble, then
deliver right to your home.
If you already have a Disaster Kit,
this is the time to check for expired
medications, foods, water and possible
corrosion for batteries, etc.
What are you waiting for? Call Patty
Ginochio, Director of Bodega Bay
CERT, at 707 331 6722 or email patty@
sonomaconcierge.com to schedule
your consultation.
ALL SoCo Fire Departments are WELCOME to JOIN this Column.
EM: [email protected]. I’m especially interested in learning what
our firefighters think of the rural reorganazrion.
Wheel of Light
Rio Olesky
starwatcher.com • (707) 887-1820
MARCH 2015
In the midst of all the challenging transits of the early 21st Century, there is a
ray of radiant light. Literally, in the sense that two planets, Jupiter and Uranus
and are aligning in a trine aspect in fire signs. This aspect actually started in
late February and continues through the first half of April. Trines are always
supportive in that they connect planets that are in signs of the same element.
This suggests that the manner in which the planets are expressing their energies
are in harmonious relationship. This connect is supported the first half of this
month when Mars moves into Aries and in the first week in April when the
Sun, in Aries, is conjunct Aries and trine Jupiter.
Fire is the creative element. Planets in fire signs express themselves with
dynamism and confidence. Fire is spontaneous, adventurous and instinctive.
The primary downside to fire signs is that they tend to be so radiant that
they may not register feedback from external sources. While the fire signs are
involved (sometimes overly self-involved) in their exciting projects, others may
feel overwhelmed. Especially with Jupiter and Uranus involved one might
also become excessive in whatever endeavor they choose. Impulsively inspired
words, actions or decisions could bring as much disappointment in the long run
as they bring elation in the moment.
Jupiter represents the principles of joy, optimism and expansion. As the ruling
planet of the fire sign Sagittarius, it is comfortable in the fire sign Leo at this
Aries: This is truly
your time. The qualities
that tend to be strong
for you – independence,
authenticity,
courage,
opportunities
for
new
3/21-4/19
beginning – are all present.
Structure and consistency are also present.
Growth comes from not getting carried
away with the flow of energy and being
too willful or arrogant. You can afford to
be humble in this time of abundance.
Taurus:
Some
unexpected challenges or
changes in early month
could give way to more
harmony and stability
4/20-5/20 starting in mid-month.
Growth comes from not
resisting the shifts early on as they can
lead to expanding the potential for
meaningful fulfillment later on.
Gemini:
Socially
exciting
possibilities
and intellectual flow in
early month could feel
blocked or confused
5/21-6/20 from mid-month on,
especially in public or professional
situations. Growth comes from
slowing down. Deepening your
analysis and understanding could
remove the blockages. Spending some
time engaged in self-analysis could
minimize the confusion.
Cancer: The new Moon
solar eclipse on the 20th
could bring some exciting,
if unexpected, changes
in the work situation.
6/21-7/22 Take advantage of the
possibilities by being open
and more courageous and direct than
may normally feel comfortable. New
opportunities could involve what you
are doing or doing familiar things in new,
creative and dynamic ways.
Leo: Travel, learning,
teaching and other forms of
consciousness development
are all highlighted for you
this month. A sense of
7/23-8/22 direction and the discipline
and sense of order is also available and
should help you to realize the potential
at this time. A dynamic combination:
creativity and groundedness.
Virgo: The full Moon
in Virgo on the 5th
brings more emotional
self-awareness and the
impetus to value and
8/23-9/22 express your feelings
more
than
usual.
Growth comes from taking some
time to familiarize yourself with your
inner space. Relationship fulfillment,
psychological clarity and increased
physical health could all result from
that point of attention.
Rio Olesky has been a professional astrologer since 1976. He is the author of A
Manual for the Modern Mystic and Astrology and Consciousness, He offers both
private readings as well as classes for both beginning and intermediate students.
Call Rio at 707-887-1820. Check out his website: www.starwatcher.com
time. Of the three fire signs, Leo may be the most playful and the most loving.
This is a time to do what you love and love what you do. Remember to find the
joy that is always available, feel it and share it.
Uranus represents change. Sometimes this can be rebellious change for the
sake of change. An adolescent type of doing whatever we choose regardless
of the consequences just to thumb our noses at traditional mores or authority
figures. In a more centered sense, Uranian change is born of inspiration and
leads to personal liberation. This type of change frees us from the confines
of being and doing what we are told if we don’t really fit into that structure.
Uranus can be inventive and experimental in its challenges to rigid tradition.
In that way Uranus helps to move us along in evolutionary development, both
individually and collectively.
The trine between Jupiter in Leo and Uranus in Aries can bring situations that
expand our lives with adventure and enthusiasm as new, perhaps unexpected,
opportunities come into our lives. These situations could take the form of a
trip, a new relationship, a new job or an investment prospect. This could also
be something as mundane as purchasing a new car or computer. Socially, this
could manifest as a new relationship with an old friend taking on a new and
more interesting dynamic. Personalize this transit by noting which houses in
your natal chart are being transited by these two planets.
Collectively, there may be unprecedented changes, even breakthroughs, in
international diplomacy. Nations that had previously been cool or even hostile
toward each other may find common ground for cooperation and mutual
benefit.
This is a time to expand ourselves, take some risk and take advantage of
exciting and challenging situations. Expanding our experiences, making
independent decisions and allowing ourselves to feel exuberant and free can
lead to increase of confidence that we can be who we are and create the lives we
truly want to live. Affirm our uniqueness with radiant joy and self-love.
Libra: Partnership is
highlighted for you this
month. This could take
the form of challenges
or unexpected changes.
9/23-10/22 It could also manifest
as
opportunities
for
something new and exciting. Two things
to keep in mind; one is that the energies,
and possibly the relationship may not last,
so be careful about becoming emotionally
involved too quickly. Second, focus on the
friendship factor rather than the romance
or the chemistry. That will extend the
situation and keep it beneficial.
Scorpio: This is a good
time to slow down. New
and exciting opportunities
at work could cause you
to get so caught up in the
10/23-11/21 moment that you loose
sight of the big picture.
Focus on becoming more technically
proficient in your craft in order to further
the potential and prolong the situation.
Trying out new health maintenance
protocols is another possible point of
focus.
Sagittarius:
How
much fun and delicious
opportunities is it possible
to experience? This month
could be a time for you to
find out. Growth comes
11/22-12/21 from not getting over
extended by trying out every situation
that comes along and looks promising.
Discernment may limit the quantity but will
expand the quality of whatever you choose
to take advantage of.
Capricorn:
If the
past
few
months
have been a time of
expansion of attitude
and opportunity, now
a good time to pause
12/22-1/19 is
and reflect on what’s
been going on. One of the most potent
experiences this year could manifest as
spiritual growth or emotional clarity.
Subtle stuff. By taking some personal
time you could explore the inner
dimensions of external experiences.
Aquarius:
New
ideas,
possibly
even
intellectual
breakthroughs, could
manifest this month.
1/20-2/18 The energies could
also take the form of
new dimensions of relationship with
family and friends. This could be an
exciting and dynamic time for you.
Growth comes from staying grounded
and keeping these situations and
opportunities going as long as you can.
Pisces:
Feelings
of confidence and
willingness
to
be
adventurous can open
the door to being
self-expressive
2/19-3/20 more
than
usual.
New
financial opportunities could present
themselves. Be patient and thorough
in researching them all before diving
in. They could be beneficial for now
or in the long run. Due diligence will
help you decide what degree of risk is
prudent.
52 - www.sonomacountygazette.com -
3/15
CommunityCalendar
All event sumbissions can be emailed to [email protected]
EventsforEveryone
Mar 5 ~ Clyde Gibb Memorial Firefighter’s
Appreciaton Night ~ $5. Petaluma Elks
Lodge #901; Info: 707-763-0901. Elks
Lodge, 2105 S McDowell Blvd, Petaluma
Mar 7 ~ Raise the Wage Floor Across
the Bay Area ~ 9a-12n. Christ Church
United Methodist, 1717 Yulupa, Santa
Rosa. FREE INFO: 707-346-1187 ~
northbayjobswithjustice.org
Mar 8 ~ Astronaut Lullabies ~ Live concert
planetarium
experience
featuring
astronomy-inspired “space music”. 3p
at SRJC Planetarium, Lark Hall; 1501
Mendocino Ave; Santa Rosa. Tickets:
$15 General: $10 Children 13 &younger,
Students with ID, and Seniors 60+.
Tickets:
astronaut-lullabies--mar8.
eventbrite.com
Mar 8-15 ~ The Mystical Art of Tibet ~
Monks of Drepung Loseling Monastery
will be at Sebastopol Farmers’ Market 8a2p. More info: PreserveTibetanArt.org.
Tibetan Gallery & Studio, 6770 McKinley
St #130 (in the Barlow), Sebastopol.
Mar 10 ~ NBBCC Business Showcase ~
FREE. 5-8p at Paradise Ridge Winery,
4545 Thomas Lake Harris Dr, Santa Rosa.
More info: eventbrite.com/e/nbbccbusiness-showcase-tickets-15641863234
Mar 10 ~ Affordable Home-ownership
Workshop
~
Burbank’s
Catalina
Townhomes in Santa Rosa and Habitat’s
Woodland Hills in Cotati. 6-8p, Finley
Center, 2060 W College Ave, Santa Rosa
INFO: Burbank Housing 707-526-9782
~ catalinatownhomes.com ~ Habitat for
Humanity 707-578-7707 ~ habitatsoco.org
Mar 11-14 ~ Salmonid Restoration
Federation ~ INFO: calsalmon.org
Mar 13 & 14 ~ Santa Rosa Fishing Tackle
- Duck Decoy, Sporting Collectible
Show ~ Sat 9-5, Sun 8-3 at Santa Rosa
Veterans Memorial Bldg, 1351 Maple
Ave, Santa Rosa. $5 admission INFO: Red
Johnson 707-539-3662; cell 707-888-7935 ~
redsshow.com
Mar 14 ~ IGNITE! “Enlighten Us, But
Make It Quick” ~ IGNITE talks are like
mini-TED talks: 5 min long, accompanied
by 20 images, and presented by
passionate people. Tickets: $18 at jccsoco.
org, $20 at door. 7-10p. Glaser Center, 545
Mendocino Ave, Santa Rosa
Mar 14 ~ A Celebration of Our Diverse
Heritage ~ 12-6p at Petaluma Historical
Library & Museum, 20 Fourth St.,
Petaluma. ~ PetalumaMuseum.com
Mar 15 ~ Sonoma County Environmental
Awards Dinner - Restoration; Helping
Nature Heal ~ 5-8:30p, Sebastopol
Community Center. Tickets $60. Student
tickets $25 until Mar 10. Purchase tickets
or sponsorships at envirocentersoco.
org/dinner/, or send check to SCCC, PO
Box 4346, Santa Rosa. INFO: Wendy at
707-544-4582, or [email protected].
Mar 15 ~ 19th International Day Against
Police Brutality ~ Courthouse Square
in Santa Rosa at 3p. Following short
speeches and a clinic, a group will
demonstrate against local police brutality.
Mar 19 ~ Not for Ourselves Alone ~
Pizza & Movie Night. Ken Burns movie
chronicling journey of women acquiring
right to vote. 4p. More info: 707-657-7090
or [email protected]
Mar 20 ~ Circus Waldissa - The Bridge ~
Advance Tickets: Summerfield Waldorf
School and Farm in Main Office and via
Brownpapertickets.com $15 adults, $8
children. Summerfield Waldorf School,
655 Willowside Rd, Santa Rosa INFO:
707-575-7194 [email protected] ~
circuswaldissima.com
Mar 21 ~ Robert Ferguson Observatory
Open House ~ Solar viewing 11a-3p,
Free. Star party 9-11p, $3, kids free. $8
parking. Sugarloaf Ridge State Park, 2605
Adobe Canyon Rd, Kenwood.
Mar 22 ~ Portuguese Celebration ~
History, customs, dance, music, food.
2:30p. Petaluma Historical Library
& Museum, 20 4th St, Petaluma. ~
PetalumaMuseum.com
Mar 23 ~ How the Internet Has Changed
Our Culture, World and Brains ~ 121p in Newman Auditorium, Santa Rosa
Junior College, Santa Rosa
Mar 23 ~ The Adventurous Life of Tina
Modotti ~ Seamstress, Actress, Lover,
Muse, Artist, Revolutionary. 9-10:30a in
Doyle Room 4245, SRJC, Santa Rosa
Mar 25 ~ 50th Anniversary Anti-War
Teach-In/SSU Social Justice Week ~ 10a8p at SSU, Rohnert Park.
Mar 28 ~ Forestville Easter Egg Hunt ~
10a. Forestville School. Info: Michael
Franceschi, Forestville Fire Protection
District, 707-887-2212 mfranceschi@
forestvillefire.org
Mar 28 ~ Restoration of the St. Nicolas Holy
Trinity Chapel: History and Techniques
~ Fort Ross history. Entrance fees apply;
special event fee, $5. Contact fortross.
[email protected] for more info, or
call 707-847-4777. 10:30a at Fort Ross
Conservancy, 19005 Coast Hwy 1, Jenner.
Mar 31 ~ Celebrate Sebastopol ~ Cittaslow
Sebastopol Celebrates Five Years of
Sebastopol’s recognition as a member
• Ticket price must be $20 or less, or be considered a Benefit for a Good Cause.
• We do not hold responsibility for errors or omissions.
• All ONGOING events are available online at www.SonomaCountyGazette.com,
search Calendar.
• Our Online Calendar is updated throughout the month and has the most up-todate event information.
of the international network of Slow
Cities. 7-9p at Guayaki Yerba Mate Bar,
6782 Sebastopol Ave, Sebastopol. More
info:
cittaslowsebastopol.org;
info@
cittaslowsebastopol.org.
Apr 4 ~ Fools Day Parade ~ 1p. Hub Bub
Club, coronation of King & Queen,
spontaneous entertainment, BBQ and
OPEN MIC SHOW @2 pm in auditorium
(check OCA website for sign-up details);
plus Lunapillar rides and more!! For
information, call 707-874-9392 or www.
occidentalcenterforthearts.org.
Apr 16 ~ Kids’ Brains - Creative learning,
Education and Performance ~ FREE.
9a-12n, Children’s Museum, 1835 W.
Steele Lane, Santa Rsa INFO: 707-5269196 ~ SuccessfulBrainFair.com
thru Apr 26 ~ The Many Faces of Petaluma
~ Local history told through displays and
oral histories by family and friends of
early settlers. Petaluma Historical Library
& Museum, 20 Fourth St., Petaluma. ~
PetalumaMuseum.com
Wells Fargo Center for the Arts ~ 50 Mark
West Springs Rd, Santa Rosa (707) 5463600 ~ wellsfargocenterarts.org
Mar 18 ~ The Teacher from the Black
Lagoon & Other Story Books by
TheatreworksUSA. 630p. $17 Adult $12
Child
Apr 14 ~ Dino-Light by Corbian Visual
Arts and Dance in collaboration with
Lightwire Theater ~ 630p. $17 Adult $12
Child
Apr 28 ~ Fancy Nancy The Musical
by Vital Theatre Company ~ Based on
the popular children’s books by Jane
O’Connor. 6:30p. $17 Adult $12
May 17 ~ Choo-Choo Soul with
Genevieve! ~ Genevieve and her beatboxing engineer, DC. 3p. $21 Adult, $16
Child
Sonoma County NOW ~ soconow.
org - [email protected] 707-545-5036
Mar 8 ~ International Women’s Day March on Washington for Equal Rights
Amendment
May 20 ~ Lunch at SRJC Cuilinary Cafe
and tour of SRJC Museum
Charles M. Schulz Museum &
Research Center ~ 2301 Hardies
Ln, Santa Rosa. Visit the Museum
website for a complete class schedule, or
call for fees and reservations at (707) 2841263. schulzmuseum.org
Every Mon ~ Museum Mondays for Little
Ones ~ Stories, movement games, arts,
crafts. 10a-12n ~ Thru September. Mar 6 ~ First Friday Film Series ~ West
Side Story (1961). Free for members/$5
for public. 7p
Mar 7 ~ FREE Day ~ 150th anniversary of
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. At 1p,
panel discussion of Lewis Carroll.
Mar 14 ~ Second Saturday Cartoonist Lela Dowling. 1-3p.
Mar 23-27 ~ Spring Break Classes for
Kids ~ Learn cartooning, animation, art.
Complete schedule: 707-284-1272.
Mar 29 ~ Alice’s Adventures in Film ~
Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland. Free
for members/$5 for public. 3p
Sonoma County Museum ~
425
Seventh St, Santa Rosa. (707) 579-1500 ~
sonomacountymuseum.org
Mar 5 ~ Museum Talk: The Art of Alison
Saar ~ 6-8:30p $15
Mar 9 ~ Claiming Citizenship: Ethnic
and Racial Communities at the PanamaPacific International Exposition ~ 6-8:30p
Free
Mar 12 ~ Film Screening: Hearing
Radmilla ~ 6-8:30p $8
Mar 26 ~ The Establishment of
Allensworth: Navigating Jim Crow
America ~ 6-8:30p $15
Mar 28 ~ Museum Talk: Citizens Creek, A
Novel ~ 1-3p. $15
Women’s History Month at SRJC
~ Free; open to the public at both SRJC’s
Santa Rosa and Petaluma campuses.
Mar 4 ~ Rita Lackey and Friends - Live
Music Concert ~ 12-2p, Bertolini Student
Activities Center, Elliott Ave, Santa Rosa.
Mar 5 ~ Iron-Jawed Angels (Film
Screening) ~ 1-2p, Mahoney Library
Reading Room, 600 Sonoma Mountain
Pkwy, Petaluma
Mar 9 ~ Women in the Chicano Civil
Right’s Movement ~ 1:30-3p, Doyle
Room 4245, Elliot Ave, Santa Rosa.
Mar 10 ~ She Built This City ~ 12-1:30p,
Call Room 656, 600 Sonoma Mountain
Pkwy, Petaluma.
Mar 11 ~ Do Your Parents Know . . . (that
you are Gay, Lesbian, Bi, Trans, uh . .
. Different?) ~ 1:30-3p, Doyle Library
Room 4245, Elliot Ave, Santa Rosa
Mar 24 ~ What is Rape Culture? ~ 12:302p, Center for Student Leadership, Room
4643, Elliot Ave, Santa Rosa.
Mar 25 ~ The Chicana Feminist
Movement ~ 9-10:30a, Call Room 656,
600 Sonoma Mountain Pkwy, Petaluma
FIND LINKS
& UPDATES at
SonomaCounty
Gazette.com
Easter Egg Hunts
Mar 28 ~ Forestville Community Easter
Egg Hunt & Coloring Contest ~
Forestville School, Hwy 116 downtown
Forestville. The egg hunt will kick off at
10 AM. There will be cookies and milk
for the egg hunters to enjoy. Coloring
contest forms are at Forestville School,
Bank of the West, Ideal Hardware,
Forestville Pharmacy and Forestville
Fire Department. INFO: 887-2212
Mar 28 ~ Rosebud Easter Egg Hunt ~
10am – 1pm: crafts and goodies too!
For more information, visit www.
churchoftheroses.org or call 707.542.4272
Church of the Roses 2500 Patio Court,
Santa Rosa
Apr 4 ~ Exchange Club of Santa Rosa
Easter Egg Hunt ~ 10a at Doyle Park
for kids ages 2-8 from 10am-11am.
Following the hunt will be a free raffle
for prizes. Meet under the oaks near the
dog park. 510 Doyle park Dr, Santa Rosa.
707-696-4355
Apr 4 ~ Glen Ellen Easter Events ~ Cohn
Winery invites you to join their family
for Kendall Cohn’s Easter Egg Hunt.
They will have Ultra Crepes Food Truck
there for delicious bits to purchase, and
complimentary face painting by Fairy
Dust Faces. Easter Egg Hunt schedule:
10-10:15 - Ages 0 to 3, 10:30-10:45 - Ages
4 to 6, 11-11:15 - Ages 7 and up. Free.
brcohn.com
Apr 4 ~ Glen Ellen Fire Egg Hunt ~
Gather at the fire station (13445 Arnold
Drive) on Friday at 2p to dye eggs, then
on Saturday morning at 10a hunt them
down on the field of Dunbar School.
More info at glenellenfire.org.
Apr 4 ~ Egg Hunt at Howarth Park ~
Children ages 5 and under bring your
favorite baskets and once again join in
the annual hunt for eggs at Howarth
Park! Visit or take a picture with the
bunny, pet baby farm animals and make
a springtime craft. 3 years and under
10am OR 10:45am, Ages: 4 and 5 year
olds 11:30am. Cost: $6 per child. Pre-sale
tickets are required and available at the
Finley Community Center.
Apr 4 ~ Monte Rio Easter Egg Hunt &
Games ~ Family Fun, bake Sale– Prizes.
The famous Monte Rio Bridge Egg Toss
(start getting creative and make your
raw egg drop devise before you come)
Egg Hunt starts at Noon bring your own
basket. Monte Rio Community Center,
20488 Hwy 116, Monte Rio INFO: www.
mrrpd.org
Apr 4 ~ Sebastopol Kiwanis Club Egg
Hunt ~ The hunt begins at 10am sharp
in Ives Park. Bring an Easter basket and
a camera to take a photo with the Easter
Bunny.
www.sebastopolkiwanis.org/
easter-egg-hunt/
Apr 4 ~ Spring Hills Eggstravaganza ~
Fun Easter activities for kids of all ages,
3-5p. Egg hunts to follow all 3 services
on Sunday (8:15, 9:30 & 11:15a). Spring
Hills Community Church, 3700 Fulton
Rd, Santa Rosa. www.springhills.org
Apr 4 ~ Petaluma Easter Eggstravaganza
~ Every year the Adobe Christian Center
puts on an Easter Eggstravaganza with a
massive egg hunt and tons of other fun
activities for the kids. Cost: $5 for the
entire family. 11a-12:30p at 2875 Adobe
Rd, Petaluma. adobecc.org
Apr 4 ~ Easter Fair at Petaluma Outlets
~ Free crafts and games, visits with the
Easter Bunny, Jubilee Jumps, prizes and
much more. Free! 707-762-0287. Petaluma
Blvd N in Petaluma. 12-3p
Apr 4 ~ Benefit Hunt at Francis Coppola
Winery ~ Bring the kids to search for
colorful eggs loaded with fun surprises
hidden within vines. Registration
required. 10a at 300 Via Archimedes in
Geyserville. ~ franciscoppolawinery.
com ~ 707-857-1400
2015 Relay For Life Kicks Off with ‘Dine
and Donate’ – and Free Ice Cream!
Circus Waldissima presents a
spectacle of arts: “The Bridge”
The 2015 American Cancer Society’s (ACS) Relay For Life isn’t until July 18th
but this year’s campaign kicks off with a “Dine & Donate Fundraiser on March
18th at Mary’s Pizza Shack in Sebastopol. “We’ve set a goal to raise $25,000 at
the 2015 Relay” noted Lyndsey Burns, ACS Community Manager, and “the Dine
& Donate is a way to start our effort to eliminate cancer. Mary’s will donate 20%
of the Dine-In, Take-Out or Delivery orders - all day/. Just present the Dine &
Donate flyer to Mary’s at 790 Gravenstein Highway North in Sebastopol.” Get
your flyer by contacting ACS at the Sebastopol Relay website: Www.RelayForLife.
org/SebastopolCA.
Meet with Relay volunteers and ACS staff starting at 6PM on March 18th to
learn how you and your friends can help with the 2015 event. There will be
information on the touching Ceremony for the hundreds of Luminarias made
during the day to honor or remember those affected by cancer. “So many people
have been impacted by cancer - as a patient, caregiver, family member or friend
- so making a luminaria has been a special way for many to fight back against
cancer” said Beth Canardo, Luminaria Chair, “Come join us in making luminarias
for Relay!”
“We want to honor cancer survivors
with special activities at Relay and
before so we hope to meet people who
beat this dreaded disease and who
can let us know the best ways for us
to recognize their efforts to survive
their personal cancer. Help us plan
VISIT www.
those activities by attending the March
RelayForLife.org/
18th Kickoff!” said Mitcho Thompson,
SebastopolCA
Survivor Chair.
to print THIS FLYER
Persons registering for Relay during
this Dine & Donate will get a certificate
for free ice cream from Screamin’
Mimi’s in downtown Sebastopol.
“The Sebastopol Relay Kickoff is the
start of a series of events where you
can learn more about Relay and get
involved. Visit with Relay volunteers
at the Apple Blossom Festival on
April 18-19, get some neat items at
the Relay Rummage Sale on June 13th
and, of course, enjoy the festivities at the Relay for Life on July 18-19” said Mike
Mortensson, Publicity Chair for the Relay For Life of Sebastopol.
Come and experience Sonoma County’s only circus complete with fire juggling,
tissue drops from outrageous heights, and trapeze acrobatics under an authentic
big top tent.
Summerfield Waldorf School students plan to astound and delight all ages with
an unparalleled variety show that bridges performance arts of all types. Students
are now painting large-scale set props, paying homage to our local Golden Gate
Bridge and setting the scene for the pageant. Others are forming a musical
ensemble of string, wind and percussion instruments. They will soon practice
tunes designed to sway the crowd’s emotions during the dazzling acts. A few
students may even break into song as the show goes on. Circus performers are
choreographing skits featuring dance, acrobats, trapeze, tissue, and teeterboard
demonstrations. Of course, the clowns are also gathering behind the stage,
planning mischievous interruptions and side shows!
The Circus corrals all of the artists together in the big ring with colorful
costumes, hysterical hijinks, and daring acts. The show follows a storyline
weaving a tale of a man who has lost himself in everyday life, but finds a light.
He follows the path of his past relatives which takes him back in time to the
1930’s and the building of the Golden Gate Bridge.
The students give a performance
with high entertainment value on par
with professional circus organizations.
Audience members find themselves
vacillating between holding their
breath and holding their sides. Shows
sell out quickly – purchase your ticket
today!
Advance Tickets available at the
Summerfield Waldorf School and
Farm in the Main Office and via
Brownpapertickets.com. (Adults: $15.
Children and Seniors: $8.)
Show times include:
Friday, March 20 at 7:00 pm
Saturday, March 21 at 7:00 pm
Sunday, March 22 at 2:00 pm
For additional information, contact:
Sieglinde or Don Basmajian
Summerfield Waldorf School and
Farm’s Circus Program
707-575-7194
[email protected]
www.circuswaldissima.com
ClassesWorkshopsSeminars
Science Buzz Café ~
Daniel@
sciencebuzzcafe.org ~ (707) 292-5281 ~
sciencebuzzcafe.org
Mar 4 ~ Economics Café: Adam Smith
~ Nils Michael Langenborg, PhD. 7p at
French Garden Restaurant, Sebastopol.
Mar 18 ~ Fungi Forever! ~ Paul Stamets,
PhD. 7p at French Garden Restaurant,
Sebastopol.
Apr 7 ~ John Tarling, PhD ~ Dynamic
Statistics & The American Dream: Three
Distinct Populations! 7p at Aqus Cafe,
Petaluma.
Petaluma Arts Center Classes ~
230 Lakeville St ~ petalumaartscenter.org
~ 707-762-5600
Mar 31 - May 5 ~ Stand-Up Comedy
Workshop ~ How to write and tell jokes.
Studio 35 Art Classes ~ 35 Patten St,
Sonoma. Details: studio35sonoma.com
Beginning Oil Painting with Dee
Dushkes ~ Mar 30, Apr 6, 13, 20, 27,
1-4p. Drop-ins welcome. $65 or $180 set
of three classes. $10 materials fee.
Still Life Watercolor with Robert Benson
~ Mar 8, 15, 22, 29, 11a-1:30p. 4 classes.
$75 for 4 classes.
Shodo: The Way of the Brush with
Tomiko Yabumoto – Mar 14 11a-2p.
Eastern Calligraphy and development
of writing and art forms. $50 with $15
materials fee.
Spray
Appliqué
Overlay
with
Maximillian Vasquez ~ Mar 16, 11a-1p.
$50 per class plus $10 materials fee.
Creative Drawing with Jane Antee ~
Mar 21, 28, Apr 4, 11, 18, and 25, 11a-1p
6 week expressive drawing course. $100
for series plus $28 materials fee.
Introduction to Encaustics with Judith
Williams ~ Apr 18 and 19, 11a-5p.
$300 for weekend workshop with $35
materials fee.
Thursdays Weekly Figure Drawing
~ Sketch from a model. 6-9p. $15
contribution. Friend Chroma Gallery on
Facebook to get updates. email: info@
chromagallery.net Chroma Gallery, 312
South A St, Santa Rosa INFO: info@
chromagallery.net ~ chromagallery.net
Fridays ~ Social Skills Group for Children
(age 7-8) ~ Helping adopted children make
friends and improve peer relationships.
Eight sessions, 4-5p. To sign up, contact
Liz Jimenez at 707-303-1509. JFCS office:
1360 N Dutton Ave, Suite C, Santa Rosa.
RSVP to 707-571-8131.
thru Mar 13 ~ French Classes at the
Alliance Française of Santa Rosa
~ Small classes at all levels $30/wk.
Tutoring available. Visit afsantarosa.org
or contact Lisa at [email protected].
thru Mar 26 ~ Bija Children’s Choir ~
Open to age 5-18. Every Thurs afternoon
at the Sebastopol Center for the Arts,
282 S High St. Register at bija-childrenschoir.com or email bijachildrenschoir@
gmail.com
thru May 5 ~ Weekly Comedy Workshop ~
Tuesday nights, new area of study begins
every 6 weeks. Blue Room, Sebastopol
Community Cultural Center, 298 Morris
St, Sebastopol. [email protected]
~ 415-877-4424 ~ 7-10p
Mar 7 ~ Introduction to Beekeeping ~
10a-1p. $5 BeeKind Honey Store, 921
Gravenstein Hwy South, Sebastopol
INFO: 707-824-2905 ~ beekind.com
Mar 7 & 10 ~ Free Yoga Workshop ~ Sat
1-2p Mudras for Meditation Workshop
FREE. Tue 7:15-7:45p Laughter Yoga
Club FREE. Both at Riverbed 14014
Armstrong Woods Rd, Guerneville
Mar 8 ~ Special Petaluma Contra Dance,
6:30-9:30p. Petaluma Womens Club.
518 B St, Petaluma. Admission $12; $7
financially challenged & young adults; $2
kids. More info at nbcds.org.
Mar 10 ~ Affordable Home-ownership
Workshop ~ Home-ownership basics plus
2 projects: Burbank’s Catalina Townhomes
in Santa Rosa & Habitat’s Woodland Hills
in Cotati. 6-8p at the Finley Community
Center, 2060 W. College Ave, Santa Rosa.
More info at burbankhousing.org
Mar 14 ~ Divorce Options ~ 9a-12p at
Collaborative Practice Center, 829
Sonoma Ave, Santa Rosa. Register at
DivorceOptions.eventbrite.com
Mar 15 & 29 ~ Sugar Panoramic Eggs ~
1-3p Circle of Hands, 6780 McKinley St,
Ste 120, Sebastopol INFO: 707-634-6140 ~
circleofhandswaldorfshop.com
Mar 17, 18, 19 ~ Dress-Up Doll ~ 9a-12:30p
Circle of Hands, 6780 McKinley St, Ste
120, Sebastopol INFO: 707-634-6140 ~
Mar 18 ~ Estate Planning for Same-Sex
Couples ~ Changing laws may affect
same-sex couples and their estate plans.
1-2:30p at Hospice by the Bay, 3554
Round Barn Blvd, Ste 207, Santa Rosa.
RSVP required: 415-526-5580
Mar 20 ~ Santa Rosa Contra Dance ~ 8-11p,
Monroe Hall, 1400 W College Ave, Santa
Rosa. $12 non-members; $10 members;
$7 financially challenged & young adults;
$2 kids. More info at nbcds.org.
Mar 20-22 ~ Alternatives to Violence
Workshop ~ 4p at Peace and Justice
Center, 467 Sebastopol Ave, Santa Rosa
Mar 21 & Apr 18 ~ Watercolor Class ~ Two
Watercolor painting classes. Watercolors
on the Fly: Mar 21 10a-12n. Watercolors
& Sketching in the Cottage Garden: Apr
18 1-3p. For both classes: Meet in Ranch
Parking lot at Jack London State Historic
Park, 2400 London Ranch Rd, Glen Ellen.
$35 for both classes; $20 per class: Reserve
in advance at jacklondonpark.com.
Mar 24 ~ Crucial Competencies for
Developing Global Leaders ~ Assess
your readiness to work in a global
environment.
5:30-7:30p.
Redwood
Credit Union, 3033 Cleveland Ave, Santa
Rosa Tickets: NCHRA Members $0/
General $35. nchra.site-ym.com/events/
event_details.asp?id=527853&group=
INFO: nchra.org 415-291-1992
beginning Mar 24 ~ Cultural History
of the Grateful Dead ~ Sonoma State
University’s Osher Lifelong Learning
Institute (OLLI). sonoma.edu/exed/
olli. People who are interested in OLLI
classes have the opportunity to hear
from the coming-semester’s instructors
at our Spring Course Preview.
Mar 10 ~ 3-5p ~ Villa Chanticleer for
Healdsburg courses
Mar 11 ~ 3-5p at Oakmont’s Berger Center
for Oakmont courses
Mar 26 ~ Latinos in the Workplace
- “Breaking Down Barriers” ~
Forum to help all employers provide
a safe, productive, enriching work
environment for Latino employees.
7-11:30a. Flamingo Conference Resort &
Spa, 2777 4th St, Santa Rosa. Register at
santarosachamber.com.
Mar 28 ~ Country Bunny ~ with
Monica Ashley. 1-3:30p. Circle of
Hands, 6780 McKinley St, Ste 120,
Sebastopol INFO: 707-634-6140 ~
Apr 7 ~ The 3 Myths That are Causing Your
Back Pain ~ Free, RSVP required. 7:159:15p. Sonoma Body Balance, 210 Vallejo
St, Ste C, Petaluma. Call 707-278-8718 or
register at sonomabodybalance.com.
BenefitsforaGoodCause
Mar 6 ~ Honk Voyage! ~ Fundraiser to
send Hubbub Club to Honk Fest West ~
6-12p. Six bands; all ages show. Tickets
$15 Aubergine’s, 755 Petaluma Ave,
Sebastopol
Mar 6-8, 13-15 ~ 37th Annual Barrel Tasting
Weekends ~ 11a-4p each day at multiple
wineries. $60 at door. Designated Drivers
are $5 (plus tax & service fees) at door.
Benefits Redwood Empire Food Bank.~
wineroad.com/events/barrel_tasting/11
Mar 7 ~ 63rd Annual Corned Beef and
Cabbage Dinner and Raffle ~ Redwood
Lodge #281 Odd Fellows. 1st Seating 5p,
2nd Seating 6:30p, Odd Fellows Hall, 16219
1st St, Guerneville. Tickets: Country Tire,
15290 River Rd, Guerneville or at door
Mar 8 ~ Benefit Roller Derby Scrimmage
~ Resurrection Roller Girls. Majority
of proceeds benefit Santa Rosa Charter
School for the Arts 8th grade class.
5-6:15p, $10. Cal Skate Rohnert Park,
6100 Commerce Blvd.
Mar 15 ~ 39th Annual Environmental
Awards Dinner ~ 5-8:30p, at the
Sebastopol Community Center. Tickets
$60. Student tickets (with ID) are $25 until
Mar 10. Purchase tickets or sponsorships
at
envirocentersoco.org/dinner/, or
send check to SCCC, PO Box 4346, Santa
Rosa, 95402.
Mar 15 ~ Penngrove Social Firemen
Corned Beef and Cabbage Feed ~
Proceeds help maintain Penngrove
Community Club and Penngrove Park.
Adults $15, Children under 12, $5. 1-5p.
Penngrove Community Clubhouse, 385
Woodward Ave, Penngrove. Tickets at
door. For info, contact Stanley Pronzini
707- 217-7161.
Mar 20 ~ Red Dragon Productions Benefit
Concert for Music & Memory Inc. ~
Doors open 7p, Music starts 7:30p. MUSIC
& MEMORY provides, enables those
struggling with Alzheimer’s, dementia
and other cognitive and physical
challenges to reconnect with the world
through music-triggered memories.
Sebastopol Community Cultural Center,
390 Morris St, Sebastopol. Tickets
available at People’s Music, Sebastopol
& The Last Record Store, Santa Rosa.
Advanced Tickets; $15. Door: $20.
Apr 11 ~ CASA Denim & Diamonds ~
CASA helps vulnerable youth. Music,
auctions, dining, wine pairings. 5-10p
at Vintners Inn and John Ash Event
Center, 4300 Barnes Rd, Santa Rosa.
RSVP by April 1 to 707-565-6375 ~ info@
sonomacasa.org
Sonoma Clean Power
Public Information Workshops
Sonoma Clean Power (SCP) is hosting a series of free public informational
workshops (held in English and Spanish) for the newest cities that will begin to
receive service from the not-for-profit public agency that is Sonoma County’s
default electricity provider.
The workshops will include an introduction to Sonoma Clean Power and an
opportunity for the community to ask questions. * Translators provided
March 10, 6-7:30 PM: Petaluma Community Center, 320 N. McDowell Blvd
March 14, 10-11:30 AM: Rohnert Park Community Center, 5401 Snyder Ln.
March 21*, 10-11:30 AM: Petaluma Community Center, 320 N. McDowell Blvd
March 26, | 6-7:30 PM: Cloverdale Performing Arts – 209 N. Cloverdale Blvd.
April 4*, 10-11:30 AM: Cloverdale Citrus Fair, 1 Citrus Fair Dr. (Camellia Room
April 18*, 10-11:30 AM: Rohnert Park Community Center, 5401 Snyder Ln.
May 16, 10-11:30 AM: Cloverdale Performing Arts, 209 N. Cloverdale Blvd.
Reservations requested. Please RSVP to: [email protected] or by
phone at 1 (855) 202-2139. For more information, visit sonomacleanpower.org.
GardenEvents&Classes
WORKSHOPS – DEMOS
Mar 5 ~ “Lessons Learned in My Garden”
~ talk by Master Gardener Dave Gould.
Presented by the Valley of the Moon
Garden Club. “Meet & Greet” 6:30.
Presentation 7p. Sonoma Memorial Vet’s
Bldg, 126 First St. W, Sonoma. $5.
Mar 8 ~ Tree Shaping Workshop ~ $20 fee
includes grafted maple of your own to
work on and take home with you. Bring
clippers, gloves. Reservations suggested.
2p. Info: 707-833-1161 ~ wildwoodmaples.
com ~ studiowildwood.com
Mar 12 ~ Beans ~ Steve Sando will talk
about his two books: Heirloom Beans:
Great Recipes for Dips and Spreads, Soups
and Stews, Salads and Salsas, and Much
More from Rancho Gordo (co-authored
with Vanessa Barrington) and The
Rancho Gordo Heirloom Bean Grower’s
Guide: Steve Sando’s 50 Favorite Varieties at
The Seed Bank, 199 Petaluma Blvd N. 7p
Mar 12 & 26 ~ Drop In Volunteer Day ~
Meet 9a in front of Straw Bale Barn next
to the Parking Lot of Sonoma Garden
Park. 19996 Seventh St E. Contact Mike
Zigler at 707-996-0712 x102 or mike@
sonomaecologycenter.org. 9a-2p.
Mar 19 ~ Water-wise Home & Landscape
~ Laura Allen, hosted by Petaluma’s
Daily Acts. The Seed Bank, 199 Petaluma
Blvd N. 7p
Mar 19 ~ Santa Rosa Garden Club Studio
Choo ~ Benefits Santa Rosa Garden
Club’s scholarship program at Santa Rosa
Junior College for horticulture and floral
design. Seating limited. Tickets: $25;
may be purchased by mailing $25 check
payable to: Santa Rosa Garden Club, PO
Box 251, Cotati, CA 94931. Include name,
phone, email contact info. 707-537-6885 ~
[email protected]
Mar 21 ~ Planning Your Organic Garden
~ What to seed, plant and grow for the
spring and the rest of the year. To register:
brownpapertickets.com/event/1280954
10a - 12:30p
Mar 21 ~ Taste the Rainbow! ~ Garden
Enhanced Nutrition Education Workshop
9a-3p at Salmon Creek Elementary
School in Occidental. Limited to 25
people. $35 includes lunch. Register by
Mar 12 at tiny.cc/gardenworkshop. For
more info, go to schoolgardens.org.
Mar 21 ~ Water for Wildlife Workshop ~
Class held outside; dress appropriately.
Bring a lunch. 10a-12n Advance
registration $20, $25 at door. Wild
Toad
Nursery
Wildtoadnursery.
com 3525 Stony Point Rd, Santa Rosa.
Registration: 707-529-5261 or Sabrina@
wildtoadnursery.com
Mar 21 & Mar 28 ~ Bee Installation ~
Installing a package of honeybees in your
hive. Free with RSVP 11a-12n Beekind
Store, 921 Gravenstein Hwy S. Sebastopol
INFO: (707) 824 -2905~ beekind.com
Mar 21 & May 9 ~ Live Bee Hive Inspection
~ Hands On. Bring Your Own Protective
Gear. Taught by Doug Vincent, Owner
and Beekeeper of beekind. 1-4p at
beekind Store, 921 Gravenstein Hwy
S. Sebastopol INFO: (707) 824 -2905 ~
beekind.com
Mar 23 ~ Kevin Sadlier: Organic,
Unique, & Unusual Plants For Our
Area & Climate ~ 1-3p. More info:
santarosagardenclub.com
Sonoma County Master
Gardeners’ Library Workshops:
Mar 7 ~ Drought Tolerant Design
10:30a-12:30p.
Healdsburg
Library, 139 Piper St. More info:
sonomamastergardeners.org.
Mar 7 ~ Catching Varmints ~
10:30a-12:30p at Windsor Regional
Library, 9291 Old Redwood Hwy, Bldg
100.
Mar 14 ~ Sudden Oak Death (SOD) ~
10:30a-12:30p. Guerneville Regional
Library, 14107 Armstrong Woods Rd.
Mar 14 ~ Conquering Gophers and
Moles ~ Learn how to fight garden
theft by moles and gophers. Sebastopol
Regional Library, 7140 Bodega Ave.
Mar 21 ~ Minimum Impact, Maximum
Output Gardening ~ Scientific practices
and horticultural philosophies that
address safe gardening. Rincon Valley
Regional Library, 6958 Montecito Blvd.
Mar 21 ~ Hydrangeas ~ Water saving
techniques,
fertilizing,
pruning
methods, varieties, propagating and
drying blooms.
DAILY ACTS WORKSHOPS
dailyacts.org ~ 707.789.9664
Mar 7 ~ Work Party: Cavanagh
Center Spring Cleaning ~ Cavanagh
Community Center, 426 8th St, Petaluma.
10a-2p.
Mar 14 ~ Empowering Students - Projectbased Learning with a Permaculture
Twist ~ Petaluma Community Center
– Lucchesi Park, 320 N. McDowell Blvd,
Activity Room, Petaluma. $15 General
Admission, free for students.
Mar 15 ~ Workshop: Winter Fruit
Tree Pruning Wizardry ~ Cavanagh
Community Center, 426 8th St, Petaluma.
$35 for Workshop
Harmony Nursery CLASSES:
3244
Gravenstein
Hwy.,
Graton.
707-823-9125. Register for classes at
harmonyfarmsupply.com
Mar 7 ~ Soil Health: Amendments,
Nutrients & Irrigation ~ Developing an
active biological eco-system for nutrient
delivery to the roots. 10a-12p, FREE.
Mar 14 ~ Gopher Trapping Workshop ~
Gregg Crawford. 10a-12p, FREE.
Mar 21 ~ Drip Irrigation ~ Basics of Drip
Irrigation. 10a-12p, FREE.
Spring is in the air! Let’s hope we continue to get some good rains to make
this year easier in the garden. But be prepared: now is a good time to get out in
the garden and check on the condition of your irrigation systems. Turn on your
sprinklers and drip lines and walk the yard to make sure they are all working
without leaks. Replace or repair nonfunctional parts, and add or subtract drip
lines if your plantings have changed.
Sonoma County Master Gardeners present a talk on Drought Tolerant Design
on Saturday, March 7th at 10:30 AM at the Healdsburg Regional Library. Check
out their website for the entire calendar of garden talks and events this spring.
My favorite approach for a drought
tolerant garden is to include many
evergreen native shrubs: Ceanothus
in its many forms (did you know
there is white flowering variety
called “Snowball”? Very pretty!) and
Ribes sanguineum (flowering currant)
are two of my favorites for early
spring color. A shrub is generally
much longer lived and more drought
tolerant than perennial plants, due
to its deeper root system and woody
structure. Shrubs are also usually
larger than perennials, so you need
fewer plants to cover an area. In
my Sebastopol garden Ceanothus,
Arcotostaphylos
(manzanita),
Baccharis (coyote brush), and
Rhamnus (coffee berry) are all well established in unwatered areas and thriving
after 10 or more years. With careful selection, you can choose smaller or larger
varieties depending on your garden needs. See the Mostly Natives Nursery
website for a good plant finder to help in your decision making.
Bare root fruit trees are in the nurseries now! Don’t pay high prices for fruit
again: grow your own! Apples, pears, and plums are naturals for Sonoma County,
and in warmer, protected areas you can try figs, apricots, and peaches. Check the
website at Urban Tree Farm to see their extensive list of bare root choices.
When contemplating your new orchard be sure to do your research ahead
of time: you will need to know the varieties that do best in our area: because
of our warm winters fruits that need a low number of chill days (150-200) are
recommended. Some apples, like Red Delicious, really don’t produce as well here
they do in colder climates. Fuji, Golden Delicious, and of course Gravensteins all
do well in our area.
Be sure to get a pollinator for your new fruit tree: although some trees are selffruitful, most will produce more fruit with a nearby pollinator (see your Sunset
Western Garden book for pollinator choices). Don’t have room for two trees?
Maybe your neighbor has a pollinator you can “borrow”!
Once you’ve made your bare root purchases, don’t be slow: get them in the
ground in a full sun location, as soon as possible to ensure the best rooting. And
be sure to soak the roots in water for four hours before planting, then:
1) Dig a hole as deep and twice as wide as the root mass; form a firm mound of
soil at the center of the hole to set the plant on: make sure the crown or graft—
where the roots meet the trunk—is above the soil level.
2) Backfill with soil with compost added, and water well.
3) Pound in a sturdy stake on the windy side and tie the tree to prevent it being
blown over before the roots have grown in.
4) Add a 4” layer of mulch to insulate roots and conserve water, but don’t let it
cover the crown or trunk of the tree.
You can find lots of great tips on planning and caring for your home orchard at
homeorchard.ucdavis.edu.
Gardening questions? Need help with plant selection or garden design? Send
me an e-mail at [email protected].
Plant Sale Dates 2015
Willowside School
Saturdays, 9 AM to 2 PM at 5299 Hall and Willowside Road in west Santa Rosa
March 7, March 28, April 18, May 9, May 30, June 20
A Variety Of Perennials: roses, salvias, abutilons, grasses including Mondo,
Trident maples, large deodar cedar trees, as well as a multitude of succulents
and small Chinese quince and elm trees. PRICE: $3 - 1 gal.
We have over 15 varieties of specialty Japanese maples, 3-6 feet tall $25-$35!! Please share this information with neighbors or co-workers. Rain does not
cancel. Questions? 707 569-4724
Men’s Garden Club
Friday, April 10 - 9 AM to 9 PM and Saturday, April 11 - 9 AM to 3 PM
Plant sale held at Coddingtown Mall. Approximately 50 varieties of
tomatoes, approximately 500 geraniums, and a great selection of succulents
and other plants that members have grown at Elsie Allen High School with the
help of the Ag students. All profits go to our scholarship program for Sonoma
County Students and to support the Ag dept. at Elsie Allen High School.
We will also be giving pumpkin and sunflower seeds to the kids for our
contest at the Heirloom Festival in Sept. All proceeds from our plant sales
go directly to Sonoma County students for scholarships at the college of
their choice. These are $1000.00 scholarships and first preference goes to the
students furthering their education in any form of agriculture.
Santa Rosa Junior College
Wednesday, March 11 - 10 AM to 2 PM
Wednesday, April 8 - 10 AM to 2 PM
Sunday, May 3 - 10 AM to 2 PM
Lark Hall greenhouse—same building as the
Planetarium! The Environmental Horticulture students
(and a couple of community volunteers) host
a monthly plant sale at SRJC. In February,
our program is collecting warm clothes for
our community’s needy. In March, we have a
canned food drive! Sonoma County Jail Nursery
Spring Plant Sales 9 AM to NOON
Saturday, April 11 and Saturday, May 9
2254 Ordinance Rd., Santa Rosa
Checks or Cash only, No Credit or Debit
Cards
The public is invited to purchase
vegetable
starts,
California
natives,
annuals, perennials, shrubs, groundcovers,
vines, fruit & ornamental trees from all of our 22 greenhouses. 10 Sonoma
County Master Gardeners will be on site to help you select appropriate plants
for your garden and answer your questions.
Plants are grown by inmates using compost, no fertilizers or pesticides.
100% of the sales support the inmate Nursery and Teaching Garden. We also
can build you a owl box, picnic table, or planting box.
Get more information and a plant list at our website: www.scoe.org/
jailindustries or call Rick Stern (707) 525-8310 or email [email protected]
Event is free but please bring a cart or wagon to carry your plants.
Santa Rosa Garden Club
Saturday, April 18 - 10 AM to 3 PM RAIN OR SHINE!
Luther Burbank Art & Garden Center 2050 Yulupa, Santa Rosa
Plants propagated by Santa Rosa Garden Club members—with emphasis
on drought tolerant plants including an outstanding selection of succulents
and perennials. Sale also includes an indoor “garage sale” with garden related
items and other fun finds.
Cut out this page and stick it to your fridge so
you don’t miss any of the great plant sales this
spring! Many of them support good causes
and greatly appreciate your business.
Windsor Garden Club
Sunday, April 19 - 10 AM to 2 PM
Teddy Bear Picnic Spring Plant Sale
Windsor Town Green@ McClellan and Market St
We will be featuring ornamental containers, succulent containers, veggie
starts and unique garden crafts.
Graton Community Club
Friday, April 24 and Saturday, April 26 9 AM to 4 PM
Corner of Graton Road and Edison Street (greater downtown Graton)
We will have a great
selection of organic, locally
grown, mostly heirloom
tomatoes.
We mostly
specialize in perennials,
succulents, some cactus
and a good variety of
locally successful plants.
Great selection, great
prices—and
grown photo courtesy of Russian River Rose Co., Healdsburg
locally in West County for
our show. We also have a nice selection of garden art and related items. We
uses these funds to provide scholarships (usually between $500 to $2000) to
West County students graduating from SRJC.
Green Thumb Garden Club
Saturday, April 25 - 9 AM to 2 PM
Annual plant sale held at the corner of Cloverdale Blvd and First Street in
downtown Cloverdale.
Members offer plants that they have grown or transplanted from their
own gardens, including tomato plants and other vegetable starts, succulents,
drought-tolerant transplants and an interesting variety of outdoor and house
plants. Check out the white elephant table for interesting gardening finds. This fundraising event goes toward scholarships for Cloverdale students
plus the civic projects our club sponsors in our city. Harvest for the Hungry Garden
1717 Yulupa Avenue, Santa Rosa (behind Christ Church United Methodist)
Harvest for the Hungry Garden is an all-volunteer garden that grows and
donates well over 20,000 pounds of food annually to several local food
programs. This yearly plant sale is widely anticipated by gardeners
throughout Sonoma County and is our only fundraiser of the year.
We offer thousands of organic vegetable starts, habitat plants, herbs
and locally grown flowering plants at this one-of-a-kind plant sale. We
have over 100 varieties of unique and delicious heirloom tomatoes,
including several bred right here in Sonoma County for local conditions,
50 varieties of hot and sweet peppers, and many unusual and tasty
varieties of eggplant, squash and cucumbers as well as annual and
perennial flowering plants suited for Sonoma County gardens. We will
also have special pointers about how to use water wisely during a dry
growing season.
Our Harvest for the Hungry Garden sale also features several unique
vendors who offer herbs, bee products and a plethora of wonderful
gardening supplies and native plants. Come early for the best selection!
Check out our website at www.harvestgarden.org.
www.SonomaCountyNurseries.com
Our Who, What & Where for Gardeners
Santa Rosa Iris Society
Sunday, April 26 - 10 AM to 5 PM
Potted iris sale in conjunction with iris show,
Luther Burbank Art & Garden Center, 2050 Yulupa Avenue, Santa Rosa.
Iris Show hours Sat. 1 PM to 5 PM, Sun. 10 AM to 5 PM
Saturday, September 5 - 9 AM to 3 PM
Bare root iris rhizome sale,
Luther Burbank Art & Garden Center, 2050 Yulupa Ave., Santa Rosa.
Tuesday through Thursday, September 8-10 11 AM to 8 PM
Bare root iris rhizome sale, booth at 5th Annual Heirloom Festival, Grace
Pavilion, Sonoma County Fairgrounds, 1350 Bennett Valley Rd., Santa Rosa.
Revenues help support the educational iris display garden at Luther
Burbank Art & Garden Center, and the American Iris Society Classroom Iris
Project in Sonoma, Mendocino, and Lake Counties.
Healdsburg Garden Club
Saturday, May 2 - 9 AM to 2 PM
Healdsburg Senior Living Community, 725 Grove Street 707-433-4877
Specializing in perennials, shrubs, vegetable starts, jumble sale and more! In
addition to the Jumble Sale, members bring to the sale extra goodies that they
love as a hobby (photograph note cards, bird houses, honey bee information)
as well as “fruits of their bounty” (bare roots, succulents, tree starts).
Funds
raised
at
the Plant Sale are
used for two student
scholarships
to
promote the interest
of amateur gardeners
attending high school,
Good
Gardener
Awards (Commercial
and
Residential),
support Beautification
Projects in the local
Healdsburg community, support field trips to regional gardens/botanical
habitats/residential estates/symposiums/educational endeavors, and our
monthly programs with speakers.
Redwood Empire Rose Society
Saturday, May 2 - 1 PM to 3:30 PM
Luther Burbank Art & Garden Center 2050 Yulupa, Santa Rosa
Roses for sale, including a limited number of plants of a new introduction of
a hardy, easy to grow grandiflora called “Anna’s Promise” and rose plants
grown by members of the Rose Society. We also offer companion plants for
your rose garden. Sale benefits the display Rose Garden upkeep at Luther
Burbank Art & Garden Center.
Occidental Arts and Ecology Center
15290 Coleman Valley Road, Occidental 874-1557
Spring Plant Sale (Two weekends)
April 4 & 5 - 9 AM to 5 PM (Tour on Sunday, April 5 at 1pm)
Summer Garden Plant Sale (Two Weekends)
May 2 & 3 - 9 AM to 5 PM (Tour on Sunday, May 3 at 1pm)
Open Nursery Weekends (Perennials Only)
May 16- June 28 (Tours on Selected Sundays— see website)
Fall & Winter Garden Plant Sale (Two Weekends)
August 15 & 16 - 9 AM to 5 PM (Tour on Sunday, August 16 at 1pm)
August 22 & 23 - 9 AM to 5 PM (Tour on Sunday, August 23 at 1pm)
Open Nursery Weekends (Perennials Only)
September 5 – November 1 (Tours on Selected Sundays— see website)
Milo Baker Chapter - California Native Plant Society
Saturday, October 10 9 AM to 1 PM
Santa Rosa Vet’s Memorial Building, 1351 Maple Ave, Santa Rosa
Featuring California Native Shrubs, Perennials, Bulbs and Seeds (books and
posters). Expert gardeners for cultural information. Sale funds scholarships at
the SRJC and SSU; public education about CA native plants
Colors of Fall Sale
Sunday October 25 - 10 AM to 2 PM
Featuring succulent topped pumpkins and Fall color pots.
SCMG Food Gardening Specialists
Food Gardening Specialists are Sonoma County Master Gardener
volunteers with extra training in food gardening. They offer an A-Z
approach, covering garden location, bed options, soil preparation, crop
selection, irrigation, pest control, maintenance and harvesting. For more
information call 486-2450.
Garden Sense
Sonoma County Master
Gardeners will teach
you how to use water
effectively in your
landscape. That might
mean replacing your
lawn with drought
tolerant plants, converting
your irrigation to drip,
amending your soil or making what you have now more water efficient.
These are all ways to live with drought and still garden. INFO: 829-9643.
YearRoundFarmFreshFood
Oakmont Certified Market ~ Saturdays from 9a to noon in the
parking lot at White Oak and Oakmont Drive
Petaluma East-Side Farmers’ Market ~ Every Tue | 10am to
1:30pm at Lucchesi Park, 320 N McDowell Blvd, Petaluma INFO: (415)
999-5635 Facebok page
Santa Rosa Community Farmers’ Market ~ Wed 9a - 1p, Sat 8:301. Veterans Bldg, 1351 Maple Ave, Santa Rosa. 707-237-5340 Please refer
to our Facebook page for updates
~ 522-8629
thesantarosafarmersmarket.com, Wed 8:30am to Noon, Sat 8:30am to
1pm Wells Fargo Center, 50 mark West Springs Rd., Santa Rosa
Santa Rosa Original Certified Farmers Market
Sebastopol Farmers’ Market ~ Every Sunday 10am-1:30pm,
Sebastopol Plaza ~ Weeks Way at Petaluma St & Healdsburg Ave,
across from Whole Foods Market INFO: sebastopolfarmmarket.org
Sonoma Valley Certified Farmers Market ~ Every Friday
morning 9am - 12:30pm, in the Arnold Field parking lot at 241 First St
West, Sonoma. svcfm.org ~ 707 538-7023
Seasonal Farmers Markets will be starting up again soon.
Stay tuned for our Monthly Calendar of where to purchase locally-grown
food in your home town.
Looking for a LOCAL Nursery? Landscaper? Garden Materials? Tree Service?
Garden Club? Pollinator Source? FIND them @ www.SonomaCountyNurseries.com
GetOutdoors
BY DATE
Mar 5 & 7 ~ Baby Bird Season New
Volunteer Orientation ~ Volunteer at
Native Songbird Care & Conservation
and help injured and orphaned
songbirds. Mar 5, 6-8p OR Mar 7,
10a-12n. Pre-registration required, space
limited. To register, call (707) 484-6502.
Native Songbird Care & Conservation in
Sebastopol ~ nativesongbirdcare.org
Mar 7 ~ Sonoma Coast Mushroom Forays
~ Seasonally available mushrooms. $60/
person (kids under 13, $30). Questions?
Julie: [email protected] ~ 530-8671865 ~ mycoventures.com
Mar 7 ~ Brunch on Bald Mountain
~ Strenuous hike to the top of Bald
Mountain along the trails. Tickets: $25/
person for adults; $10/children ages 10-17.
Rides to the top are an additional $25 per
person. Tickets: brownpapertickets.com/
event/1149469
Mar 7 ~ A Late Winter Herb Walk ~ 9a-6p
at California School of Herbal Studies
Garden, 9309 Hwy 116, Forestville. Tickets,
more info: sonomaherbs.org
Apr 4 & May 17 ~ Spring Backpacking Class
~ Two 2-hour classes: Apr 4, repeated
May 17, 10a-12p. Overnight backpacking
trip June 6-7. ~ ingasadventures.com/
backpacking-class ~ Sugarloaf Ridge State
Park, 2605 Adobe Canyon Rd, Kenwood.
Stewards of the Coast and
Redwoods ~ Volunteer, learn, or teach!
stewardscr.org or [email protected]
Mar 3, 10, 17, 21, 31 ~ California Naturalist
~ 6:30-9p, meet at Armstrong Redwoods
Volunteer Center, 17000 Armstrong Woods
Rd, Guerneville
Mar 7 ~ JVC Orientation ~ 9a-12p, Bodega
Bay FPD, 510 Hwy 1, Bodega Bay
Mar 7 ~ State Parks Volunteer Docent/
Stewards General Orientation – Session 2
~ REQUIRED for all new volunteers.
Mar 14 ~ The Art of Tracking: Seeing
Patterns on a Landscape.
Mar 21 ~ Geology of Sonoma Coast.
Mar 28 ~ Salmonids and Fishing on the
Russian River.
Pepperwood Preserve ~
2130
Pepperwood Preserve Rd, Santa Rosa. (707)
Mar 7 ~ Tannery Creek Hike ~ Tannery
591-9310 x204 ~ pepperwoodpreserve.org
Creek Canyon. 10a-12n easy hike. 12-1p
~ [email protected] Event Line: 707more challenging loop. Bring water, snack
524-9318. FREE unless otherwise specified.
and wear sturdy shoes. $10 adult, $5 under
Mar 6 ~ The Appreciation of Habitat ~
12. MUST RSVP. walks@bodegalandtrust.
6:30p Human Psychological Response to
org Carpools will be arranged.
Landscape. Dwight Center. FREE.
Mar 7 ~ Volunteer Workday ~ Various
Mar 7 ~ Wildflower Walk ~ 4-mile nature
outdoor projects. 9:30a-1p, RSVP to
walk. 10a-1p, Meet in the Ranch Parking
[email protected] or 707Lot of Jack London State Historic Park,
591-9310 ext 207.
2400 London Ranch Rd, Glen Ellen. $10
Mar 14 ~ Public Hike ~ Explore forests and
admission + $10 parking. Reserve at
grasslands. 9a-1p. Meet at Dwight Center.
jacklondonpark.com.
Mar 21 ~ Intro to
Lichens and Lichen
Identification ~ Fee:
$25. 9a-3p. Meet at
Dwight Center
Mar 28 ~ Wildflower
Walk ~ 10a-12p.
Free, Meet at the Red
Barn. Apr 4 ~ Trail Fun
101 ~ Bring your
family and learn fun
activities to do on
the trails. 10a - 2p.
$7.50
Wildflower Walk at Jack London Park Mar 7
Mar 14 ~ Mushroom Hike ~ $5/person and
parking fees apply. To register, email john@
sonomaecologycenter.org. 10a-12:30p at
Sugarloaf Ridge State Park, 2605 Adobe
Canyon Rd, Kenwood.
Mar 14 ~ Sugarloaf Volunteer Training ~
9a-1p. Email volunteer coordinator Susan
St. Marie for questions and to RSVP or you
can reach her by phone at 707-938-4827.
Mar 21 ~ Spring Hike and Picnic Lunch:
Calabazas ~ Exploration through the
Calabazas Creek Open Space Preserve.
Reservations required online. 9a-3p
Mar 28 ~ Wildflower Walk at Van
Hoosear ~ Registrations required online:
brownpapertickets.com/event/1224616.
10a-p
Apr 4 ~ Trail Fun 101 ~ Bring family and
learn fun activities to do on the trails. 1-3
miles at a slow pace. Children welcome; no
strollers. $7.50/participant. Registration:
Laguna de Santa Rosa ~ 900 Sanford
Road, Santa Rosa. www.lagunafoundation.
org
Mar 7 ~ Visual Journaling with the
Laguna ~ 10a-4p in Heron Hall. Register
at lagunafoundation.org/laguna_walks_
classes.shtml.
Mar 14 ~ All About Owls, Special Open
House ~ 10a-3p. FREE, no RSVP, donations
appreciated.
Mar 14 ~ Owls: Masters of the Night
~ Presentation with The Hungry Owl
Project. 3-4:30p in Heron Hall. $10 at door.
Mar 15, Apr 12, May 17 ~ Spring Birding in
the Laguna ~ 8:30a-12:30p in Heron Hall.
$40 per walk, $35 for all 3. Pre-registration
required.
Mar 27 ~ California Tiger Salamander
Terrestrial Ecology Workshop ~
8a-5:30p in Heron Hall. Pre-registration
lagunafoundation.org/news_
rpsworkshop.html.
Mar 28-29 ~ Rare Pond Species
Survey Techniques Workshop
~ Pre-registration required:
lagunafoundation.org/news_
rpsworkshop.html
Apr 23 ~ The Geologic History
of Laguna de Santa Rosa and
Coastal California ~ 7-8:30p in
Heron Hall. $10 at the door.
Landpaths ~ 618 4th St #217,
Santa Rosa ~ LandPaths.org
~ [email protected] ~ Preregistration required, Outings
Signups Mar 6 ~ Stewardship Workday
at the Fitch Mountain
Preserve ~ Fitch Mountain
Preserve: Villa Entrance, 908
Chanticleer Way, Healdsburg
“Trail Fun 101” at Pepperwood Apr 4
~ 9a-1p.
Mar 7 ~ Wondrous Woods &
Wed ~ Russian Riverkeepers ~ Wanted:
Splendid Streams ~ Rancho
cardboard & newspaper. 8:30-11:30a,
Mark West, 7125 St. Helena Rd, Santa Rosa
16153 Main St, Guerneville (below the
~ 10a-1p.
pedestrian bridge) ~ Victoria 865-2474 ~
Mar 14 ~ Spring Hike along Duvoul
russianriverkeeper.org
Creek at the Bohemia Preserve ~ Meet
at the Bohemia Ecological Preserve, 6773 1st WED ~ Willow Creek ~ Bring lunch.
Bohemian Hwy, just past Westminster
Own tools not required, but helpful!
Woods. 9a-12:30p
Heavy rain cancels. 10a-2p, Freezeout
Mar 14 ~ Workday at Riddell Preserve ~ 9aRd at Willow Creek Rd, Duncans Mills ~
1p, meet at Healdsburg City Corporation
landpaths.org
Yard, 550 Westside Rd, Healdsburg.
Mar 15 ~ Wildflower Exploration at the 2nd WED ~ Armstrong Redwoods Trail
Crew ~ Meet 9a, Maintenance Shop, 17000
Bohemia Ecological Preserve ~ 10aArmstrong Redwoods Rd, Guerneville ~
2p, Bohemia Ecological Preserve, 6773,
INFO: Pete Bidigare, Volunteer Mgr, 707Bohemian Hwy, Occidental.
869-9177 ext. 1# - [email protected]
Mar 18 ~ Willow Creek Permit Orientation
stewardsofthecoastandredwoods.org
~ 5:30-6:30p, Willow Creek (Freezeout
Flat), Freezeout Flat Rd, Duncans Mills.
2nd & Last SUN ~ Point Reyes ~ 9a-1p.
Mar 20 ~ Stewardship Workday at the
Contact Theo Michaels, 415-464-5223
Bohemia Ecological Preserve ~ 9a~nps.gov/pore/index.htm
1p, Bohemia Ecological Preserve, 6773
4th WED ~ Sonoma Coast Trail Crew ~
Bohemian Hwy, Occidental.
INFO: Pete Bidigare, Volunteer Mgr, 707Mar 20 ~ Welcome Spring Hike at the
869-9177 ext. 1# - [email protected] ~
Bohemia Preserve ~ 9a-1p
stewardsofthecoastandredwoods.org
Mar 21 ~ Sheep Shearing & Fiber at
Duckworth Ranch ~ southwest Sebastopol Thur ~ Fife Creek Clean-up in Guerneville
9:45a - 2p
~ Bring tools. Contact Vira for instructions
Mar 22 ~ Spring Equinox Celebration
(707) 484-8767 Brookside Ln in front of
~ Meet at Rancho Mark West - 7125 St.
West Sonoma Inn, 14100 Brookside Ln.
Helena Rd. 10a-2p
Mar 22 ~ Spring Family Picnic at 1st SAT ~ Marine Debris Monitoring &
Collection ~ Bring gloves, hat, dress in
Carrington Ranch ~ 10a-2p, Carrington
layers,
& bring water. 10a-Noon, South
Ranch, Coleman Valley Rd (near coastal
Salmon Creek State Park
end), Sonoma Coast.
Mar 25 ~ Saddle Mountain Morning Hike 1st SAT ~ Santa Rosa Creek Cleanup ~
~ 8-10a
10a-Noon, Pierson St Bridge at W 6th St. ~
Mar 25 ~ Stewardship Workday at the
firstsaturdaycleanup.org
Healdsburg Ridge Open Space ~ 9a-1p at
1st SAT ~ Pepperwood Preserve ~ Projects
Arabian Way at Bridle Path, Healdsburg.
include invasives removal, seed collection,
Mar 27 ~ Native Plant Nursery Stewardship
plant
propagation,
maintenance,
Workday at Bayer Farm ~ 1-5p at Bayer
infrastructure, habitat restoration. 9a-12n.
Farm, 1550 West Ave, Santa Rosa.
RSVP to Preserve Ecologist Michelle
Jensen, mjensen@pepperwoodpreserve.
org or 707-591-9310. 2130 Pepperwood
Preserve Rd, Santa Rosa.
WORK DAYS:
STEWARDSHIP
Mar 12 & 26 ~ Trail Clearing Day at
Sugarloaf ~ Meet at Visitor’s Center 9a.
Tools provided. To RSVP and ask questions
email
[email protected].
9a-1p at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park, 2605
Adobe Canyon Rd, Kenwood.
Mar 14 ~ Sugarloaf Volunteer Training ~
Email volunteer coordinator Susan St.
Marie for further questions and to RSVP
or call 707-938-4827.
1st SAT ~ Sonoma Coast Beaches ~ Bring
gloves, grabbers, lunch. We provide bags.
Meet 10a, Bodega Dunes Campground ~
Kerry Sorensen, 415-806-8764
1st SAT ~ Cemetery Meander ~ Apr-Aug.
Meet in cottage at Burbank Experimental
Farm, 9a. Walks are 2 hrs. $10 donation
suggested. Reservations. 829-1757, leave
name and number coming. Hwy 12/
Bodega Hwy at Gold Ridge Farm, 7777
Bodega Ave, Sebastopol ~ wschsgrf.org
EspeciallyforSeniors
Every Third Tue: Free Notary Public
to low income seniors. Call for
appointment 829-2440. Sebastopol
Area Senior Center, 167 North High
St, Sebastopol.
Mar 4 & 11 ~ Learn Pelvic Floor
Strengthening Exercises ~ $16
members, $20 non-members. Sign
up: 829-2440. 3-4p at Sebastopol Area
Senior Center, 167 N High St.
NEW Sports and NEW Venues
The 5th Annual Sonoma Wine Country Games--a series of sports competitions
for athletes 50+--takes place June 4 through 14, in Sonoma County, in the heart of
the scenic Northern California Wine Country.
The Games, sponsored by Council on Aging (COA) Services for Seniors, offers
20 different sports, from swimming to cycling, at venues throughout the county.
Early bird registration opens March 1 at winecountrygames.com.
“We are excited to again present this opportunity for these amazing older
athletes to compete and inspire others to become more physically active,” said
Marrianne McBride, President and CEO of COA.
This year, the Games will feature three new sports: petanque, lawn bowling,
and a 5K/10K walk/run. “The variety of sports, with their differing levels of
intensity, draws everyone from world-record breakers to recreational athletes,”
said Amy Crabb, COA Director of Development. “We strive to make them allinclusive for anyone interested in testing their skills against other athletes, or just
having fun.”
Participation also continues to grow. Almost 1,250 athletes took part in the
2014 Games, and COA expects more than 1,800 to register for the 2015 event,
with the added sports and increasing visibility of the competition. “Many of the
participants come from the Bay Area, but every year, we have more and more
people traveling here from all over the country,” said Leigh Galten, Sonoma Wine
Country Games Coordinator.
In 2014, competitors came primarily from California, but also from the states of
Arizona, Florida, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Mexico, Ohio, Oregon,
South Dakota, Texas, Utah and Florida.
This year’s theme, ‘Go for the Gold in Wine Country,’ embraces the Games’
identity as a celebration of athletic achievement set in a remarkably beautiful
place, the Northern California Wine Country, filled with plenty of sights to enjoy
during leisure time,” said Crabb.
Sports offered include archery, badminton, basketball, bocce, bowling, cycling,
golf, horseshoes, pickleball, racquetball, soccer, square dancing (a demonstration
sport), swimming, table tennis, tennis, track & field, volleyball, a 5K/10K walk/
run, lawn bowling, and petanque.
Partnering with Council on Aging to introduce the three newest sports to the
line-up are the Oakmont Lawn Bowling Club; Sonoma County Regional Parks
and the City of Santa Rosa Recreation & Parks Department (5K/10K walk/
run); and the Valley of the Moon Petanque Club. Lawn bowling will be held at
Oakmont Village. The walk/run will start in Howarth Park and loop around
Spring Lake Regional Park. Petanque will take place at Depot Park in Sonoma.
For more information about the 2015 Sonoma Wine Country Games, please visit www.
winecountrygames.com or call 707-525-0143 x121.
See our Complete Senior Activity Calendar,
complete with fitness classes and valuable
resources, at www.SonomaCountyGazette.com
Mar 11 ~ How Your Medications May
Be Affecting Your Health ~ 1p.
Sebastopol Area Senior Center, 167
North High St, 829-2440
Mar 13 ~ Learn Meditation
Techniques ~ 1p. Sebastopol Area
Senior Center, 167 N High St, 8292440
Mar 18 ~ Osteoporosis and Better
Bone Health ~ Sebastopol Area
Senior Center, 167 N High St., 8292440
Mar 19 ~ Free Phones to make it easy
for you again ~ California Telephone
Access Program. No obligations, no
requirements, other than doctor’s
signature. 1p. Sebastopol Area Senior
Center, 167 N High St., 829-2440
Mar 19 ~ FREE! Legal Consultations
~ Third Thursday of each month,
10a-12n. Call 707-571-8533 to
schedule an appointment.
Mar 26 ~ Dinner and Music Festival
~ 4-6p. Live music. Free. RSVP by
March 22. Sebastopol Area Senior
Center, 167 N High St.,829-2440.
Apr 11 ~ Community Passover Seder
~ 4-6p. $30. RSVP by April 7 or
[email protected].
Sebastopol Area Senior Center, 167
N High St, 829-2440
Tue ~ Spanish Classes ~ Starts Apr
1: Beginning Spanish 1:30-2:30p,
Intermediate Spanish 3-4p. Sign up,
class limited. 829-2440, Sebastopol
Area Senior Center, 167 North High St.
Wed ~ Harvesting Life Wisdom:
Empowering Seniors. 10:30a-12p.
Reservations Required ~ anita2@
jfcs.org ~ 707-303-1501
Wed ~ Wednesdays at the Hospice
House ~ Beginning Jun 11. Amanda
McTigue. 7-9p. Hospice of Petaluma,
416 Payran St, Petaluma. Free. Call
707-778-6242 for more info.
Wed ~ Bean Bag Baseball ~ 2:30p
Learn a new skill and get a little safe
exercise while doing it. Sebastopol
St, Sebastopol, 829-2440
Wed & Thu ~ Watercolor Painting ~
Berenice Iriks. Santa Rosa Senior
Center, Finley Park. Wed or Thu
1:30-4:30. $10/class, less if you join
Senior Center. More info: 543-3737.
Wed & Fri ~ Senior Sit/Stand/
Strength Class ~ INFO: 408-469-2715
~ Russian River Senior Center, 15010
INFO: keepmovingwithjosie.com
Thu ~ Collage Workshop ~ Russian
River Senior Center, Thu 1-2:30p,
for more info 869-0618. Materials
provided. Small donation. 15010
Armstrong Woods Rd, Guernville.
Thu ~ Santa Rosa Folk Dance ~
Willowside Hall, 5285 Hall Rd,
Santa Rosa. Elsa Bacher, teacher.
1-3p. Contact Sharon at 546-5467 or
[email protected].
Thu ~ Feldenkrais Matt Class ~ 9:4510:45 Floor exercises to minimize
height loss and help you stay strong
and tall while sitting and standing.
$8/class. Q? call 829-2440, Sebastopol
St.
Thu ~ Collage workshop ~ 1-2:30p.
Materials provided, bring items to
use if you want. Guerneville Senior
Center, 15010 Armstrong Woods Rd,
Guerneville. 869-0618
Thur ~ Chair Yoga by Deborah
Shemesh ~ 11:15a-12n $8 with 1/3
proceeds returning to the Senior
Center. INFO: Deborah Shemesh
deborahshemesh.com ~ Sebastopol
St, 829-2440
1st Thu ~ FREE Legal Consultations
~ 1/2-hour consultations with elder
law attorney Janice Sternfeld 10a-12n.
Call 707-571-8533 for appointment.
Fri ~ Finley Community Center
Senior Ballroom Dances ~ 1- 4p, $7
Fri ~ Beginning Line Dancing ~ $8 a
class. All levels welcome. Sebastopol
St, 829-2440.
2nd Thu ~ Primrose Support Group
~ Aug. 9: Mark Sandeen on Veteran’s
Benefits 2-3:30p. Primrose, 2080
Guerneville Rd, Santa Rosa. INFO:
707-578-8360 ~ primrosealz.com
4th Thu ~ Elders Salon ~
Nonhierarchical circle of peers.
6:30p, Sequoia Village Cohousing
Common House, 459 Sequoia Ln,
Sebastopol ~ transitionsebastopol.
org/About
Elders
Salon
or
earthelders.org
1st & 3rd Fri ~ Broadway SingAlong ~ and Hollywood too. Free.
Russian River Senior Center, 15010
~ Holly or Jim, 869-0124
3rd Wed ~ Book Club Meeting
~ 4:30p, Sebastopol Area Senior
Center, 167 N. High St, Sebastopol ~
707-829-2240
. . . like watching the grass grow
Things that one feels helpless to cause or prevent, things that boggle the mind
for their calamity, tragedies that unfold in slow motion are like that: like watching
grass grow.
There was a trend in filming at one time where the hero or heroine would be
running in urgent pursuit of good, or love, or evil and would suddenly switch
to slow motion, seeming to struggle against a hidden force. Then the technique
became ludicrous and comical with over-use; I haven’t seen it in years.
But, that’s how one can feel, for instance, reading a news article about how few
rhinos are left because a backward culture “needs” their powdered horn, believing
it is a hangover remedy. And I just read in the NY Times about a bird on the edge
of extinction because part of its body (believed to be an aphrodisiac) has been
harvested in yearly hunts, killing thousands.
Anything can blip into slow motion as the mind tries to grasp both the absurdity
and the frustration of such information, knowing one, alone, is helpless to stop
it. (It was interesting to see the blank stares I got introducing such subjects, and
hearing everything from “So what?” to “Well, there’s nothing I can do about it,” to
“It doesn’t matter.”)
I guess, like watching grass grow, it’s about trying to believe in the future (hard
to discern and slow...) and in some cases waxing philosophical about what comes
and goes; and, about what just takes a lot of time. (Evolution, comprehension, a full
and robust lawn...?)
Speaking of believing in the future, Spring did just arrive again – though out of
sync with most of my young years memories. We have another chance to cherish
the earth that we have inherited...and everything on and in it. Well, almost everything.
When we didn’t know so much about our environment, did we enjoy it more?
When we read about some of the atrocities of ignorance, don’t you sometimes
wonder if ignorance itself and innocence were better? (Better than owning up to
how we foul our own nests?) Must I now look at all the birds that visit my garden
and wonder which one might possess a gizzard or a beak that will be coveted
someday as a cure for, say, freckles or hammer toes? Then – Bang! – no more
Stellar Jays or Red-headed Woodpeckers? Good grief...is everything expendable?
(Don’t answer that.)
It doesn’t have to be grass growing. Choose your own nemesis: the kids, the air
pollution, the threat of terrorism, an undetected tumor... or a seedling planted three
years ago that has just passed the fence-top. They all increase slowly. All encroach
with slow, unobtrusive power, and any one can boggle the mind. At least the grass
invites some tenderness; a place to sit or lay and think, while watching it grow.
Fancy me suggesting that anyone “slow down” for any reason! Watch the
grass grow? Are you nutz? How do you slow down a generation operating at the
speed of light, even long enough to think about their speed? Think about something
that’s slow? Puhleez! (Ever get in a car with someone on a lovely day to just
drive around and see the beautiful scenery, then you can’t get them to slow down
enough to actually SEE IT?)
No, I’m not campaigning to slow everything down as slow as grass growing! Just
slow enough to catch our breath and differentiate; slow enough to do some
damage assessment, apply some quality control, restore some sanity and honor
the pause button.
Because I’m a pragmatist, my expectations are pretty conservative concerning
honoring more contemplation, expecting the reading of stable, actual print in
favor of moving pixels, or walking more instead of driving everywhere (and other
things, like those, that need some brakes).
Most pragmatists are also realists. DUH. My folks thought my generation was
going to crash and burn. I like to think I am much more tolerant! I’d settle for
noticing the grass.
Zoë Tummillo is a Business & Marketing Consultant, Trainer, Commercial Writer, dba COMMUNICATION
CONCEPTS, in private practice since 1974. In addition to Commercial work, she writes “Senior Momentum:
A Series of Situations”; “Pieces of My Path”©, essay memoirs of growing up first generation Italian American;
and Senior Momentum: Front And Center!©. To contact her: email: [email protected]
DINING WITH AUTHORS, MONDAY, March 9 6-8 PM
Gaia’s Garden, 1899 Mendocino Ave. Santa Rosa
For reservations: 544-2491 or [email protected]
Come with your questions and meet Michael Nagler.
The Nonviolence Handbook
- A Guide For Practical Action by Michael Nagler
REVIEW By Mercedes Mack, senior in Political
Science at Sonoma State University
Michael Nagler delivers core principles of
nonviolence and what is a powerful, wellrounded argument for the strength of nonviolent
means as an agent of lasting change.
A leader in the field of nonviolence,
founder and president of the Metta Center
for Nonviolence, and cofounder of the Peace
and Conflict Studies in UC Berkeley, Nagler’s
mastery of the subject shows in the way his
carefully selected research is presented.
Drawing from the lives of Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. Martin Luther King
Jr., principles of nonviolence are explained both in theory and application.
Referencing the many nonviolent movements of the 20th and 21st century,
Nagler addresses the real dynamics of power, and offers objective analysis
on the successes and failures of various strategies employed. A powerful theme is the connection between personal choices and
collective action. Nagler proposes Five Basic Training Practices for
Nonviolent Living in which practices can be established (including my
favorite: Be More Personal). The Handbook is a great back-to-basics
text for seasoned nonviolent practitioners or for new readers interested
in cultivating knowledge of nonviolence. I would not recommended the
Handbook for readers seeking a sustained analysis of any one specific
topic addressed in the Handbook. My copy of The Nonviolence Handbook is very loved - full of colorful
tabs, highlighting, annotations and post-its with thoughts and reflections.
As someone who, at the first time of reading, was interested in nonviolence
but did not have a deep understanding of its mechanics or philosophy, I
found Nagler’s Handbook to be a great place to begin. Now it is a text I will
refer to again and again as my knowledge grows.
The Search for a Nonviolent
Future: A Promise of Peace for
Ourselves, Our Families, and Our World
by Michael N. Nagler
REVIEW by Pallavi Vishwanath
“People who will not submit cannot be ruled.
They can be killed, but they cannot be ruled.”
Beginning by exploring the root cause of
violent incidents, and the negative forces that fuel
it, Nagler clearly shows how and why it is vital –
and possible for us to reconcile society through
nonviolence. The book effectively challenges
modern society’s institutions and assumptions
with rich examples of the nonviolent legacy that
collectively lay out a clear, convincing road to a long-term solution for
today’s many forms of violent disorder.
One of the world’s most widely respected peace scholar and activist,
Michael Nagler has been working on nonviolent intervention since the
1970s and has received global attention for his works on both nonviolence
and meditation. His unparalleled contribution to peace studies and
advocacy has furthered global progress by increasing awareness of
humanity’s potential for justice and peace.
This inspiring book is a must-read for anyone seeking to establish a
peaceful future. This book is easy to approach, and addresses common
forms of resistance to nonviolence. Nagler’s guidance towards the essential
shift in the individual and our view of the world is vital for anyone who
yearns to be a promoter and eventually a guardian of positive change.
LiteraryEventsforReaders&Writers
LITERARY EVENTS:
Mar 6 ~ Michael G. Nagler on the Search
for a Nonviolent Future ~ His two
books on creating change through
nonviolent means and building peaceful
communities. 6-8, $5 min. food purchase.
Dine with Local Authors at Gaia’s
Garden, 1899 Mendocino Ave, Santa Rosa
INFO: 707544-2491, [email protected]
Mar 11 ~ “Let It
Shine - the 6000
Year Story of
Solar
Energy”
~
Presentation
& book signing
by author John
Perlin. Sebastopol,
7p.
Sebastopol
Grange.
Santa
Rosa,
12n
at
Santa Rosa Junior
College
Mar 12 ~ Evening of Reading ~ Poet Donna
Emerson, writer Susanna Solomon. Meet,
talk to authors. 7p. Cloverdale Performing
Arts Center, 209 N. Cloverdale Blvd,
Cloverdale ~ 707-894-2214
Mar 29 ~ Celebration Book Launch for
Tania
Pryputniewicz’s
November
Butterfly ~ Poetry & poetry movies
featuring Sonoma County Artists. Free;
donations accepted. 3p at OCA, 3850
Doris Murphy Court, Bohemian at
Graton Rds. Further info: 707-874-9392 or
occidentalcenterforthearts.com.
WRITERS:
Directory of Sonoma County Writers ~
To be listed, send photo (jpg), 100-wd
bio, web and/or blog links, contact info.
E-mail to sonomacountyliteraryupdate@
gmail.com.
~
socolitupdate.com/
directory-of-writers/
Sitting Room Anthology 2015 ~ Theme:
“An overlooked female author.” Share
work by an author neglected, ignored,
or underestimated by the academy and
by the general reading public. Send to:
sittingroom.org/publish.html
Mar 6, 13, 20 ~ Write for Healing, Selfawareness and Spiritual Growth ~
Susan Hagen. Drop-in Fri, 10:30-12:30,
no reservation or experience needed.
Sonoma County Healing Academy
(SoCoHA),
6741
Sebastopol
Ave,
Sebastopol. Suggested donation $20.
Questions? Contact Susan Hagen at 707888-0849 or [email protected]. More
info: susanhagen.com.
Mar 8 ~ Take Your Work From
Inspiration to Publication ~ Pathways
to Publication. Workshops 9:30a-12:30p.
$30 per workshop for members, $40 per
workshop for nonmembers. Advance
registration required. ~ redwoodwriters.
org/workshops/
Mar 8 ~ Public Speaking for Writers
& Other Introverts ~ 3-5p with Betsy
Fasbinder. Flamingo Hotel, 2777 4th St,
Santa Rosa. Details: redwoodwriters.org
Mar 20 ~ “Pitch Fest Boot Camp,” The
Storytellers Expo. Do’s and don’ts of
pitching writing projects. FREE. 7-9p.
Bertolini Center, Santa Rosa Junior
College, 1501 Mendocino Ave, Santa
Rosa. Details: StorytellersExpo.com.
Mar 28 ~ Sonoma County Local Author
Showcase & Symposium ~ Central
Santa Rosa Library gathering of local
authors. FREE. 10:30a- 3p, 211 E Street,
Santa Rosa INFO: sonomalibrary.org
Invitation on Facebook
Apr 4 ~ Redwood Writers Open Mic ~
Theme: “Hard Times.” 10a-12n. Santa
Rosa Central Library, 211 E St, Santa Rosa,
(707) 545-0831. ~ redwoodwriters.org.
Apr 12 ~ Tips for Successful Essay and
Memoir ~ 3-5p. Flamingo Hotel, 2777
4th St, Santa Rosa. $5 for members,
$8 for nonmembers. More info:
redwoodwriters.org.
WriterSpeak ~ Be on WriterSpeak, 1/2hour talk show to promote your work.
Have a book, e-book, anthology, play
or screenplay to talk about. $125 fee to
cover production costs. Gary Carnivele,
707-225-1302 ~ [email protected]
Writers Forum ~ 3rd Thur of each
month. Petaluma Community Center
at Lucchesi Park, 320 North McDowell
Blvd, Petaluma. 6:30-8:30p, $10 at door.
TheWriteSpot.us
READERS:
Early Literacy ~ Events for children at
Sonoma County libraries. READ-TALKPLAY-SING programs at all library
branches. Schedule: sonomalibrary.org FREE BOOKS Bookmobile Schedule
freebookmobile.org Check us out on
Facebook: facebook.com/freebookmobile
707-520-4536. The Free Bookmobile adds
new events throughout the month. Be
sure to check online at FreeBookmobile.
org for the latest schedule additions! 3/14: Boyes Hot Springs / Fiesta Center 10
- 11:30 Am
3/14: Glen Ellen / Post Office 12 - 1 Pm
3/14: Kenwood / Kenwood Market 1:30 2:30 Pm
3/14: Roseland / Dollar Tree, Sebastopol
Rd 3 - 4:30 Pm
3/15: Larkfield / Larkfield Center 10 - 11:30
Am
3

/15: Santa Rosa / SR Marketplace,
Kawana Springs Rd 12 - 1:30 Pm
3/15: Cotati / Oliver’s Market 2 - 3:30 Pm
3/17: Geyserville 5 - 6:30 Pm
3/28: Freestone 9 - 10 Am
3/28: Valley Ford 10:30 - 11:30 Am
3/28: Bodega Bay / Vet Hospital 12 - 1 Pm
3/28: Jenner 1:30 - 3 Pm
3/28: Monte Rio 3:30 - 5 Pm
Bookmobile Donation Locations ~ Box up
the best of your collection and drop them
off at any of the locations below: Paul’s Empire Head Shop & Engine
Supply ~ 112 Roberts Ave, Santa Rosa
(546-4324) Exchange Bank ~ 136 Calistoga Rd, Santa
Rosa (539-1505) Exchange Bank ~ 6290 Commerce Blvd,
Rohnert Park (584-7300) Argent Bank ~ 201 North Main St,
Sebastopol (827-2265) Argent Bank ~ Inside G&G Market, 701-B
Sonoma Mtn Pkwy, Petaluma (781-2265) LITERARY cont’d on page 65
LITERARY cont’d from page 64
The Windsor UPS Store ~ 9048 Brooks Rd
South, Windsor (838-3853) Sonoma 76 Station ~ 195 West Napa St,
Sonoma (996-3555)
Copperfield’s Books Events ~
copperfieldsbooks.com. Mar 7 ~ Marie-Louise Phan-Le ~ Talking
Story: One Woman’s Quest to Preserve
Ancient Spiritual and Healing Traditions.
7p at Sebastopol Store, 138 N Main St.
Mar 9 ~ Elizabeth Collison ~ Some Other
Town. 7p at Sebastopol Store, 138 N
Main St.
Mar 11 ~ Dave Barry ~ Live Right and Find
Happiness. 7p at Flamingo Hotel, 2777
4th St.
Mar 12 ~ Steve Sando ~ Heirloom Beans:
Great Recipes for Dips and Spreads, Soups
and Stews, Salads and Salsas, and Much
More from Rancho Gordo. 7p at Petaluma
Seed Bank, 199 Petaluma Blvd. N.
Petaluma.
Mar 12 ~ Cara
Black ~ Murder
on the Champ
de Mars. 7p at
Montgomery
Village Store, 775
Village Ct.
Mar 13 ~ Olen
Steinhauer ~ All
the Old Knives. 7p
at Montgomery
Village Store, 775
Village Ct.
Mar 19 ~ Garry Wills ~ The Future of
the Catholic Church. 6p at Community
Church of Sebastopol, 1000 Gravenstein
Hwy N.
Mar 21 ~ Stephanie Kegen ~ Golden State.
7p at Healdsburg Store, 106 Matheson St,
Healdsburg.
Mar 27 ~ Dr. Gordon Frankie ~ California
Bees and Blooms: A Guide for Gardeners and
Naturalists. 7p at Sebastopol Store, 138 N
Main St.
Mar 27~ Mary Doria Russell ~ Epitaph: A
Novel of the O.K. Corral. 7p at Montgomery
Village Store, 775 Village Ct.
Mar 31 ~ Amanda McTigue ~ Going to
Solace. 7p at Montgomery Village Store,
775 Village Ct.
Events at Readers’ Books ~
130 E Napa St,
Sonoma ~ 707939-1779 ~ info@
readersbooks.
com ~ readers.
indiebound.com
Mar 5 ~ Mary
R e y n o l d s
Thompson reads
from her latest
book Reclaiming
the Wild Soul. 7p
Mar 25 ~ Kathleen
Hill’s Food Book Group. 7p
Mar 28 ~ Micaela Luque returns with her
second book Burning, Bleeding ~ 7p
Central Santa Rosa Library, 211 E St,
Santa Rosa
Mar 7 ~ Santa Rosa Symphony: String
Quintet Performance for the Whole
Family (all ages) 1p
Mar 24 ~ Brown Bag Book Discussion:
The Golem and the Jinni by Hele 12p or 1p
Mar 28 ~ Sonoma County Local Author
Symposium and Showcase 10:30a
Cloverdale Regional Library, 401 N.
Cloverdale Blvd, Cloverdale
Mar 4, 11, 18, 25 ~ AARP Free Tax
Assistance 4:30p
Mar 12 ~ Book Discussion: “The Fault in
our Stars,” by John Green 2p
Guerneville Regional Library, 14107
Armstrong Woods Rd. ~ 707-869-9004.
All Programs Free
Mar 12 ~ Book Discussion: “End of Your
Life Book Club,” by Will Schwalbe 12:30p
Mar 25, 28 ~ Readers’ Theatre ~ The
Interview by A.R. Gurney; Mom in Love
by Delia Ephron, Intervention by Mark
Lambeck, HOV-POW by Jeff Swan. 7p
Wed, 2p Sat
Healdsburg Regional Library, 139 Piper
St, Healdsburg
Mar 18 ~ Peter van Gelder Master of the
Sitar 2p
Northwest Santa Rosa Library, 150
Coddingtown Center, Santa Rosa
Quintet Performance for the Whole
Family (all ages) 2:30p
Quintet Performance 1p
Petaluma
Regional
Library,
100
Fairgrounds Dr, Petaluma
Mar 6 ~ Petaluma Arts Association
Annual Spring Library Show 10a
Mar 12 ~ Beginning Internet Class 10a
Rincon Valley Library, 6959 Montecito
Blvd, Santa Rosa
Mar 21 ~ Master Gardeners: “Minimum
Impact, Maximum Output Gardening:
People Safe and Earth Safe Garden
Practices” ~ 10:30a-12:30p
Rohnert Park Cotati Regional Library,
6250 Lynne Condé Way, Rohnert Park
Mar 17 ~ Book Discussion - The
Flamethrowers by Rachel Kushner 11:30a
Mar 17-28 ~ Sonoma County Library Art
Exhibit 2015 all day
Mar 26 ~ Coffee with the Director 8:30a
Sebastopol
Regional
Library
~
sonomalibrary.org/branches/Sebastopol.
html (707) 823-7691, 7140 Bodega Ave,
Sebastopol Mar 7 ~ Adult Reader’s Theater 2p
Mar 14 ~ Master Gardeners: Conquering
Gophers and Moles 10:30a-12:30p
Mar 21 ~ How to Make Illustrated Travel
Journals 10a
Mar 26 ~ Self Care is the Best Health Care
5:30p
Sonoma Valley Regional Library, 755
West Napa St, Sonoma
Mar 6 ~ Drop-in Computer Orientation
11a
Mar 7 ~ East Indian Music with Sitar Master
Peter van Gelder 2p
Mar 14 ~ Santa Rosa Symphony: Brass
Quintet 2:30p
Mar 26 ~ Book Discussion Group: Mr.
Penumbra’s 24-hour Book Store by Robin
Sloan. 2p
Windsor Regional Library, 9291 Old
Redwood Hwy, Building 100, Windsor
Mar 10 ~ Book Discussion: Dear Alice by
Alice Munro, 3:30p
Mar 11, 18 ~ Beginning Internet, 6p
Storytellers Conference & Expo
The StoryTellers Expo will take place in Santa Rosa on March 20-22 at the Santa
Rosa Junior College – Bertolini Center. The Expo will feature 2 days of sensational
speakers from New York and Hollywood, and a full day of pitching to a variety of top
agents, production companies, and publishers.
Some of this year’s Expo confirmed presenters include:
• Dale Brown – Author of over 25 books, 13 of which are NY Times Bestselling novels. Brown’s books have been translated into 11 languages and
distributed to over 70 countries. Clive Cussler calls Brown, “The best military
adventure writer in the country,” but readers and Presidents have called him,
the best action-packed thriller writer in the world.
• Steven Spatz – President of BookBaby, the world’s largest distributor of
E-books and printed self-published books.
• Mark Coker – CEO of Smashwords, the world’s largest distributor by title
count of indie e-books from self-published authors and small presses.
• Ellen Sandler –
Screenwriter, author, and playwright, Ellen was the
Executive Producer and Emmy-nominated head writer of “Everyone Loves
Raymond.” Ellen is one of the most experienced television insiders, having
created over 40 television pilots for most of the major networks.
• Michael Slifkin – CEO of Archstone Pictures.
• Victoria Wisdom – Agent of Oscar and Emmy-winning films and television,
such as “Red Violin,” “The Usual Suspects,” and “Criminal Minds.”
• Nancy Nigrosh – Former Gersh agent of Oscar-winners, Katherine Bigelow
(Hurt Locker) and Stuart Beattie (Pirates of the Caribbean).
As a special bonus, on Friday night, March 20th, Lagunitas Brewery is
sponsoring an “Open to the Public” free workshop/presentation on “How to
Pitch Your Projects.” At this event, publishers, agents, and producers will teach
writers the do’s and don’ts of pitching their projects.
Expo Schedule:
Friday and Saturday - 9am until 5pm - Classes and Presentations
Sunday - 10am until 3pm - Pitch Fest
Tickets are: $295 (Regular) and $395 (VIP)
For more information, or for media passes, please contact
Anne Jordan at [email protected].
TheaterFilmTV
LIVE THEATER
Staged Reading Series ~ Families: Then
and Now. 6p at 6th Street Playhouse
Studio Theater, 52 W 6th St, Santa Rosa.
FREE
May 3 ~ Ah, Wilderness!
LIVE THEATER happens in short runs all month long.
See REVIEWS of local theater productions online at
Broadway Under the Stars 2015 ~ Tickets
$42 to $129; discounts on tickets
purchased before May 1. Group tickets
available at discount for individuals and
organizations. More details: (877) 4241414. Portion benefits Jack London State
Historic Park. 2400 London Ranch Road
Glen Ellen. ~ transcendencetheatre.org
Oh What A Night - Jun 19-21, 26-28
Fantastical Family Night – Jul 17, 18
Rhythm of Life - Aug 7, 8, 14-16, 21-23
Gala Celebration Concert – Sep 11-13
Mar 13-22 ~ 13 Bells of Boglewood ~
Actors’ Theater for Children (ATFC),
1616 4th St, Santa Rosa. Info & tickets:
actorstheaterforchildren.com/events.
Mar 20-29 ~ Chitty Chitty Bang Bang ~
7p Mar 20, 21, 27 & 28; 2p March 22, 29.
Forestville School Multi-purpose room.
Tickets are $8 for adults, $5 for students, at
the door.
Curtain Call Theatre to stage
‘Separate Tables’ at Russian River Hall
“Separate Tables”, two plays by Terence
Rattigan, will be performed at Russian River
Hall in Monte Rio by Curtain Call Theatre. These two plays are set in a shabby genteel
hotel on England’s south coast. Except for the
two leads in each (which may be doubled)
the same characters appear in both. In Table
by the Window, a down-at-the-heels journalist
is confronted by his ex-wife, a former model
who provoked him to the violent act that sent
him to prison, destroying his future. Still in
love, they nevertheless go through another
terrible scene and it is the hotel manager,
Miss Cooper, who helps repair their broken
lives. In Table Number Seven, a ‘self-made’
army colonel without any true background
and education to which he lays claim, finds
solace with a spinster over the objections of
her ruthless, domineering mother. When a
sordid scandal threatens to drive them apart,
Miss Cooper again comes to the rescue.
Schedule of Performances:
March 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, 29;
April 3, 4, 5, 10, 11
Mar 20-28 ~ Oliver! ~ Analy Theatre Arts
students, Sebastopol community youth.
Tickets Presale; $12 General, $8 students/
seniors: brownpapertickets.com; 800-8383006 or at door: $15 General, $10 students/
seniors. ~ analyhighschool.org/theatre
Mar 21 - Apr 11 ~ Separate Tables ~ by
Terence Rattigan, directed by Michael
Tabib. Curtain Call Theatre 707-524-8739
for details and Reservations.
Mar 25 & 28 ~ Readers Theatre presents
Short plays: The Interview by A.R. Gurney;
Intervention by Mark Lambeck; Mom in
Love by Delia Ephron. 2p River Friends of
the Library, 14107 Armstrong Woods Rd,
Guerneville
Apr 3-19 ~ Arcadia ~ Comedy, mystery, love
story. Tickets: $25 adults, $15 ages 21 &
under, $9 seats April 3 for junior-high &
high-school students. Reserve seats online:
cinnabartheater.org. Cinnabar Theater,
3333 Petaluma Blvd N, Petaluma.
Carla Swartz and Bill Young in
“Table by the Window”.
Evening performances are all at 8PM; Sunday Matinees at 3PM.
Prices are $20 general; $15 Seniors and Students with ID
Two Fridays only are “Pay What You Can”
Gala Closing Night: Buffet dinner with wine & champagne, coffee & desserts.
$40 Donation.
Russian River Hall, 20347 Hwy 116, Monte Rio • (707) 849-4873
thru Mar 15 ~ Shining City ~ A ghost story
based around visits of a widower to a
therapist, claiming he has seen his dead
wife in their house. Thu, Fri, Sat 8p; Sun
5p. General $27; Senior $22; Student $15.
~ mainstagewest.com/plays/shining-city
thru Mar 15 ~ Beyond Therapy ~ by
Christopher Durang, performed by
Pegasus Theater Company. Fri, Sat 8p,
Sun 2p. First weekend Pay What You Can;
remaining shows $15. Graton Community
Club, 8996 Graton Rd, Graton. (707) 5832343 ~ pegasustheater.com
1st Wed ~ Real People, telling Real
Stories about Real Life ~ 1st Wed
every month at 7p at Sonoma Valley
Portworks. (613 Second St. Petaluma). ~
westsidestoriespetaluma.com.
1st Wed ~ Westside Stories ~ Tell stories,
hear stories. 7p at Sonoma Valley
Portworks, 613 Second St, Petaluma.
INFO, TICKETS: 707-477-4416
~
FILM & TV
Mar 19 ~ Not for Ourselves Alone ~ Pizza
& Movie Night hosted by Santa Rosa’s
branch of the American Association of
University Women. Ken Burns movie
chronicling journey of women acquiring
right to vote. 4p. More info: contact the
public policy committee at: 707-657-7090
or [email protected]
Mar 25-29 ~ 18th Annual Sonoma
International Film Festival ~ Over 100
films. Sonoma International Film Festival,
103 E. Napa St, Sonoma INFO: Ginny Krieger
707-206-4480 or [email protected]
Tickets: sonomafilmfest.org/film-festivalpasses.html
Windsor Independent Film Festival
Open for Entries ~ Inaugural Windsor
Independent Film Festival (WIFF)
accepting entries for May 30 event at
the Raven Theater in Windsor. Entries
accepted now thru May 1. Entry fees: $5–
$20 depending on category or deadline
submitted. Early Bird Deadline Mar
15, Regular Deadline Apr 15; Final
Deadline May 1. Tickets on sale on Apr
15, from $10-$35.More info: windsorfest.
com, Facebook at facebook.com/
windsorfilmfest, Twitter at @windsorfest.
The Russian River: All Rivers - the Value
of an American Watershed ~ Film focuses
on the complex, “boom and bust” history
of the Russian River and its watershed.
Mar 12, 7p. Smith Rafael Film Center, 1118
Fourth St, San Rafael
Films for the Future ~ Transition Sonoma
Valley is pairing up with the Center
for Sustainable Living of the Sonoma
Community
Center
(SCC).
Each
screening will include reception at 7p, the
film at 7:30, followed by conversations.
Tickets are $12, SCC members will
receive a 10% discount. Rotary Stage at
SCC’s Andrews Hall, 276 East Napa St. ~
sonomacommunitycenter.org
Mar 20 ~ The Russian River: ALL RIVERS
The Value of an American Watershed
~ Boom, Bust & Binge, A morning-after
water story.
Sonoma Film Institute ~ Warren
Auditorium, Ives Hall on SSU campus,
Rohnert Park. More info: sonoma.edu/sfi
or call (707)664-2606.
Mar 6 & 8 ~ Que Caramba es la Vida ~
Doris Dorrie, 2014, in Spanish w/English
subtitles.
Mar 13 & 15 ~ Zero Motivation ~ Hebrew
w/English subtitles) Satirical portrait of
female soldiers in Israeli desert outpost.
Mar 27 & 29 ~ Timbuktu ~ Conflict between
tribal people and Islamic Jihadists.
THEATER cont’d on page 67
Five Stars for
‘Still Alice’
Review by Don Gibble
It’s been awhile since a movie captured my heart the way that “Still Alice” did.
And to see it at a theater with such a fun and engaging staff as the Summerfield
in Santa Rosa made the experience that more special. With some five million
Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease, the warm, compassionate but bitingly
honest “Still Alice” will touch home for many people. The toll the disease takes
on the life of a brilliant linguistics professor is superbly detailed by Julianne
Moore who definitely deserved the Oscar she won for this performance. Written
and directed by Richard Glatzer and Wash Westmoreland, the screenplay is
faithful to Lisa Genova’s best-selling novel which has a fan base of its own.
Rather than focus on the destructive effect of the disease on relationships,
the drama dives deep into how one woman experiences her own deteriorating
condition, placing all the emphasis on Moore’s face and reactions, her vulnerability
seesawing with her strength. This insider’s account would be a tall order for any
actor to fill without resorting to sentimentality or falling into the obvious, but
she never loses control of the film for a second, with able support from Kristen
Stewart, Alec Baldwin, Kate Bosworth and Hunter Parrish as family members.
The involvement of the Alzheimer’s Association and executive producing names
like Maria Shriver and Trudie Styler offer legitimacy.
Alice Howland (Moore) is a vivacious, charming 50-year-old New Yorker, a
respected intellectual who is a precision communicator. Her loving husband,
John (Baldwin) calls her the smartest, most beautiful woman he’s ever met,
and their three grown chidren, Anna (Bosworth), Tom (Parrish) and aspiring
actress Lydia (Stewart), are, if not success stories, at least making their way in
life. Alice has it all, until she begins to forget words, which are her livelihood as
a Columbia linguistics teacher, and worse, starts to lose her bearings in familiar
places. She’s frightened enough to consult a neurologist who rules out a brain
tumor, but suggests early-onset Alzheimer’s, a rare form of the disease that
strikes people under 65.
Alice’s first reaction is to hide it, but after getting confused about a dinner
guest, she makes her husband privy to her fears. As her doctor tells them bluntly,
her disease is genetic and the chances of their children contracting it are 50
percent. It falls on the family like a bomb, especially when one of the kids tests
positive for the rogue gene. But this bad news is quickly sidelined by Alice’s own
mental decline as the disease makes terrible, swift progress. While her family
tries to cope with the situation, or miserably fails to do so, the cast’s ensemble
performance brings out there true colors.
Despite a two-hour running time, the drama is swift-moving, perhaps because
the viewer dreads the disease’s progression and wishes time would stop for poor
Alice. But it doesn’t stop, and step by step she descends the cognitive ladder, not
suffering so much as struggling to stay connected. Not all is doom and gloom
here. Another key scene has Alice invited to address an Alzheimer’s conference.
Her anxious preparations end in a triumphant monologue about her condition
that is truly touching.
This is a movie that needs to be seen in a theater and you can tell your friends
you saw one of the movies that won big at the Oscars.
You may be interested in learning about The Memories Project: (memoriesproject.com)
has served as an advocacy tool for Alzheimer’s awareness and for increasing support for
family caregivers.
THEATER cont’d from page 66
Apr 3 & 5 ~ The Young Girls of Rochefort ~
Jacques Demy’s Tribute to the American
musical, with Gene Kelly, Catherine
Deneuve and Francoise Dorleac.
Apr 10 & 13 ~ Kumiko, the Treasure Hunter
~ (David and Nathan Zellner, 2012,
in English and Japanese w/English
subtitles) w/Rinko Kikuchi.
Apr 17-19 ~ F For Fake ~ Orson Welles
explores the tenuous line between truth
and lies, art and illusion.
Apr 24 & 26 ~ Magician: The Astonishing
Life and Work of Orson Welles ~
(Chuck Workman, 2014) w/Orson Steven
Spielberg and Peter Bogdanovich.
Sonomans for Justice and Peace in
Palestine (SJPP) ~ The Sonoma
Community Center, Rm 110, 276 E. Napa
St, 2 blocks east of Sonoma Town Plaza.
Mar 8 ~ “The Stones Cry Out” ~
outstanding documentary chronicles
the history of Palestinian Christians
living in and around Bethlehem from the
“Nakba” of 1948 until today. 2p - FREE
but donations welcome.
Cinema Numina ~ Numina Center for
Spirituality & the Arts 707-815-1675.
The Church of the Incarnation, 550
Mendocino Ave, Santa Rosa
Mar 14 ~ 7p ~ “Steadfast Hope: The
Palestinian Quest For Just Peace” (2011).
Discussion of the Israeli-Palestinian
conflict.
~ meetup.com/CinemaNumina/
April 11 ~ 7p ~ “Lewd & Lascivious”
(2012). Documentary about how religious
leaders helped put an end to Police
brutality agaist the LGBTQ community
in San Francisco in 1965. ~ meetup.com/
Cinema-Numina/
Rialto Cinemas: Film listings: rialtocinemas.
com/index.php?location=sebastopol,
6868 McKinley St, Sebastopol. Summerfield Cinemas: Art, Independent
and Foreign Films. See website for current
schedule. ~ summerfieldcinemas.com ~
551 Summerfield Rd, Santa Rosa
The Clover Theater ~ Mainstream fare,
as well as art-house programming
including independent films and classics.
~ clovertheater.com ~ 707-894-6347
Community Media Center of the North
Bay (CMCNB TV) ~ Local television by,
for, and about the people of the North
Bay. Watch CMCNB TV streaming online
at communitymedia.org; on Santa Rosa
Comcast Cable Channels 26, 27, 28, &
30; and on AT&T U-Verse Channel 99.
communitymedia.org ~ 569-8785 ext. 325.
MONTHLY FILM EVENTS
Last Wed ~ Movie Night ~ Transition
Sebastopol presents films on Peace,
Justice, & Sustainability. By donation.
7p, French Garden Restaurant, 8050
Bodega Ave ~ transitionsebastopol.org
3rd Fri ~ Movie with a Meal ~ 6p meal;
movie 6:45. Popcorn, tea, sodas.
Donation $10 requested. Sonoma
Shambhala Meditation Center 255 W
Napa St, Sonoma. (415) 412-8570 susie@
ebenelink.com
“Timbuktu” is being shown March 27 and 29 at Warren Auditorium, SSU campus.
MUSICforEveryone
MUSIC by VENUE, DATE & BAND:
A Teenage Dream
“Big
Dave”
Gross’s
“Rockabilly Roadhouse” has
been a fixture on KRSH radio
for eight years. It’s a fun way
to start your Saturday. Using a
voice patterned after his early
deejay favorites, including
Cousin Brucie, the Wolfman,
and Murray the K, “to add a
little bit of manic zaniness,” he
says, Gross mixes “a variety of
music with an attitude.” This
includes rockabilly, novelty
songs, surf tunes and “retro
tidbits,” like old commercials
and TV show themes, for a
lively-paced show that “jogs
the memory banks.”
“I like the raw nature of the
rockabilly sound, but with
a straight-ahead rockabilly
show, I think people would
be bored to death,” he says,
during a recent interview at
his home.
Gross, born on Long Island, “when Danny & the Juniors had the #1 hit in the
U.S,” he says, was “weaned on 1950s rock n’ roll, collecting stacks of 45s, which
were my toys.”
In the 70s, starting in high school, he worked at a college radio station playing
San Francisco music, “heavily Grateful Dead-influenced,” he says. “I had long
hair and a beard and the whole routine.” He joined the Dead’s 15th anniversary
tour all the way to Alaska.
After graduating college in 1980, Gross moved to San Francisco (“the right
choice,” he says) where he did a lot of voiceover work and TV commercials, while
dabbling in comedy, including impersonations. Considering himself “a jokester
and prankster,” he created the online “Punmaster’s Music Wire” for many years.
Subscribers, including people like Dick Dale and Peter Noone, received music
news, trivia, and press releases. This “labor of love” ended a year ago, but may
return, Gross says.
While managing bands during the 90s, he began a “ten year tenure” as Harvey
Mandel’s manager after finding Mandel, who had “dropped below the radar,”
Gross says, living in a trailer, while struggling, playing no-name bars in Florida.
Gross booked him into some California gigs, including the Fillmore and Golden
Gate Park, leading to a reconnection with Mandel’s 60s band, Canned Heat,
including tours of Europe.
Gross’s long-term affinity for the Grateful Dead paid off after moving to Marin
County, and getting a job working as manager of their record division in the late
90s, leading to an RIAA-certified gold record for his work on their box set, “So
Many Roads.”
In 2002, Gross moved to Sonoma County to work at KRSH. His other, “more
laid-back,” current show, “Saturday Night Album Tracks,” is patterned on early
free-form, progressive FM radio, and includes original vinyl albums with back
history on the music and personnel.
Gross has a full-time career in radio advertising and marketing, and booking
relationships with music venues and festivals. For 23 years, he’s been a member
of the Recording Academy, enabling him to vote on Grammy Awards. He’s truly
a man who has parlayed his childhood dreams into a life in music.
Rockabilly Roadhouse is on KRSH, Saturdays at 9 a.m.
Saturday Night Album Tracks at 9 p.m.
Sundays at Schroeder ~ Schroeder Hall,
SSU’s Green Music Center. All tickets are
$25. gmc.sonoma.edu
May 10, 3p ~ Galician bagpiper Cristina
Pato and the Migrations Band
Cinnabar’s Sunday Concert Series ~
Underwritten by Michel Snethlage and
Barbara Howell. 7:30p at 3333 Petaluma
Boulevard N, Petaluma. Tickets: $26
advance, $30 at door. cinnabartheater.org
Mar 15 ~ The Ring of Truth Trio ~
Traditional Irish music.
Apr 19 ~ Red Hot Chachkas ~ Klezmer
band.
May 17 ~ Le Jazz Hot ~ Gypsy jazz.
Jun 14 ~ Amanacer Flamenco ~ Authentic
flamenco.
Green Music Center ~ Weill Hall, 1801
Cotati Ave, Rohnert Park. Tickets: gmc.
sonoma.edu.
Mar 4 ~ Instrumental Repertory Recital ~
2p Schroeder Hall
Mar 6 ~ Jérôme Mouffe, Guitar ~ 7:30p
Schroeder Hall
Mar 8 ~ Stewart Copeland and Jon Kimura
Parker ~ 7p Weill Hall
Mar 8 ~ Wind Power ~ 7:30p Schroeder Hall
Mar 10 ~ Concert Jazz Ensembles ~ 7:30p
Weill Hall
Mar 11 ~ Jazz Orchestra with Harold Jones
~ 7:30p Weill Hall
Mar 14 ~ Come My Children: Baltimore
Consort Family Show ~ 10a Schroeder
Hall
Mar 15 ~ Curtis Chamber Orchestra ~ 3p
Weill Hall
Mar 21 ~ Santa Rosa Symphony - Blaze of
Russian Glory ~ 8p Weill Hall
Mar 27 ~ Gil Shaham with Original Films
by David Michalek ~ 7:30p Weill Hall
Mar 28 ~ Audra McDonald ~ 8p Weill Hall
Mar 29 ~ Trio Ariadne Farewell Concert ~
7:30p Weill Hall
Ruth McGowan’s Brewpub ~ 131 E First
St, Cloverdale. No cover. 894-9610 ~
ruthmcgowansbrewpub.com
Every Sun ~ Gary Johnson Quartet. 6-8p Mar 6 ~ Greenhouse
Mar 7 ~ Mark & Cindy Lamier
Mar 13 ~ Out of the Blue
Mar 14 ~ J.P. Soden
Mar 20 ~ David Hamilton
Mar 21 ~ Mark McDonald
Mar 27 ~ John Roy Zat & Company
Mar 28 ~ Crosby Taylor
Santa Rosa House Concert Presents: 2015
Season Tickets. Info: HouseConcerts@
monitor.net
Mar 28 ~ The Rowan Bros ~ Lorin & Chris
with Master Cellist Doug Harmon
May 2 ~ The Sherpas Tom Kimmel, Michael
Lille & Tom Prasada-Rao
Rio Nido Roadhouse ~ Most events
begin 6p unless otherwise noted. 14540
Canyon Two, Rio Nido, 707-869-0821 ~
rionidoroadhouse.com
Mar 7 – The Pulsators $8
Mar 14 – The THUGZ $5
Mar 21 – Captain Paisley
Mar 28 – Organ Grinders (wedding event) Haute Flash Quartet
Janie “Wild Jane” Roberts
Mar 13 ~ Main Street Bistro, Guerneville,
Santa Rosa ~ 6:30-9:30p
Haute Flash Quartet
Mar 20 ~ Sebastopol Center for the Arts,
282 S High St, Sebastopol, 7:30p
Mar 28 ~ French Garden Bistro, 8050
Bodega Ave, Sebastopol, 7-10p
Doug Blumer and The Bohemian Highway
~ Acoustic rock.
Mar 13 ~ French Garden, Sebastopol
Mar 26 ~ Jamison’s Roaring Donkey,
Petaluma
Apr 3 ~ Fest-of-All, Sebastopol Grange
Benefit
May 1 ~ Redwood Cafe, Cotati
Michael Hantman ~ 12-string guitar classic
soft rock
Mar 6 ~ With Carol Shumate on bass guitar
6-9p. Piacere Restaurant, 504 Cloverdale
Blvd, Cloverdale.
Mar 10 ~ 6-9p The Blue Heron Restaurant,
Steele Lane, Duncans Mills
Mar 16 - 6-9p The Blue Heron Restaurant,
Steele Lane, Duncans Mills
Mar 28 - 6-9p Piacere Restaurant, 504
Cloverdale Blvd, Cloverdale
Mar 5 ~ Shea Breaux Wells Quintet ~
The Cloverdale Arts Alliance, 204 N.
Cloverdale Blvd. Tickets: $15 Cloverdale
Arts Alliance members, $20 nonmembers. Doors 7:30 p; music 8-10p ~
cloverdaleartsalliance.org/the-jazz-club/
Mar 6 ~ Four Shillings Short ~ Folk and
world music duo. $10 General; $5 Seniors
& Students. Occidental Center for the
Arts. Bohemian Hwy. at Graton Rd.,
Occidental. ~ occidentalcenterforthearts.
org. 707-874-9392. Wheelchair Accessible.
Mar 6 ~ Mamajowali at SCCC ~ seb.org/
event/2525636-mamajowali
Mar 6 ~ Santa Rosa Symphony Youth
Ensembles Concert III ~ Fifteen-year old
violinist Calvin Jin featured soloist. $17
general; $12 students/seniors available
Online santarosasymphony.com, by
MUSIC cont’d on page 69
MUSIC cont’d from page 68
phone 54-MUSIC (707-546-8742). 7p at
Weill Hall, Green Music Center, Sonoma
State University, Rohnert Park
Mar 7 ~ Santa Rosa Symphony String
Quintet ~ 1p. at Central Santa Rosa
Library, 211 E St; 2:30p at the Northwest
Coddingtown Library, 150 Coddingtown
Center Santa Rosa. FREE. More info:
Kiyo Okazaki at (707)545-0831 x.1536 or
[email protected]
Mar 7 ~ Cynthia Tarr & Band ~ Sonoma
Community Center’s Andrews Hall.
7:30p. Tickets at svbo.org, (707) 938-4626 x
1, or in person at the Sonoma Community
Center office, 276 East Napa St, Sonoma.
Mar 7 ~ Santa Rosa Symphony String
Quintet Performs for Free ~ 1p at Central
Santa Rosa Library, 2:30p at the Northwest
Coddingtown Library. For more info
contact Kiyo Okazaki at (707)545-0831
x.1536 or [email protected]
Other Santa Rosa Symphony Chamber
music ensembles: Sonoma Valley Library,
Mar 14, 1p & 2:30p: Healdsburg Library
Mar 28, 1p & 2:30p.
Mar 8 ~ Special Petaluma Contra Dance,
6:30-9:30p. Petaluma Womens Club.
518 B St, Petaluma. Admission $12; $7
financially challenged & young adults; $2
kids. More info at nbcds.org.
Mar 8 ~ Cora Allegro in Concert ~ A
mixed voice folkloric musical group.
2:30p at Petaluma Historical Library
& Museum, 20 Fourth St., Petaluma. ~
PetalumaMuseum.com
Mar 13 ~ Cheryl Wheeler at SCCC ~ seb.
org/event/2433759-cheryl-wheeler
Mar 13 ~ Steve Gillette & Cindy Mangsen
~ $12 General; $10 Seniors/Students. 7p.
Occidental Center for the Arts. Bohemian
Hwy. at Graton Rd., Occidental ~
occidentalcenterforthearts.org. 707-8749392. Wheelchair Accessible.
Mar 17 ~ Open Audition Night for Tenors
and Baritones ~ Cantiamo Sonoma, a
20-member a cappella chamber choir, has
an immediate need for tenors. We sing a
variety of repertoire from the Renaissance
to the present. Only seasoned sightsingers need apply. Audition at 7:15 p.m.
Please contact Carol Menke 707.542.0452.
Mar 14 ~ 15th Annual Bluegrass and
Folk Festival ~ Sebastopol Community
Cultural Center, Sebastopol. 1p. Tickets
on sale at local ticket outlets in Sonoma
County and cbaontheweb.org
St, Sebastopol. Tickets: People’s Music,
Sebastopol & The Last Record Store,
Santa Rosa. Advanced: $15. Door: $20.
Mar 20 ~ Booster House Concert - Mick
Moloney and Athena Tergis ~ Irish
music and music history. $20. Advance
reservations required. Contact: howard.
[email protected]
Mar 21 ~ Craig Corona: A Tribute to the
Music of John Denver ~ Club Gypsy,
162 N. Main St, Sebastopol. Info: 707-8613825 Tickets: brownpapertickets.com/
event/1264949
Mar 21 ~ The Red and Black Ball ~
8:30p. Monroe Hall, 1400 W College
Ave, Santa Rosa. Admission $5 at door.
marilynsmithrazzmatazz.blogspot.
com/p/razzmatazz-special-events-andparties.html
Mar 21 ~ Bija Children’s Choir presents
“Five Men In A Cart” ~ Sebastopol
Center for the Arts at 4 &7p. Tickets $10
adult/$6 child advance and $12/$8 door.
Advance reservations requested. More
info/tickets: bija-childrens-choir.com.
Mar 21-23 ~ Pianist Olga Kern and Santa
Rosa Symphony ~ Weill Hall at Sonoma
State University’s Green Music Center.
Tickets start at $20. Reserve by calling
(707) 546-8742, or purchase online at
santarosasymphony.com
Mar 22 ~ Dorothy Young Riess, organ ~
organ concert, Resurrection Parish, 303
Stony Point Rd, Santa Rosa, suggested
$15 donation ~ CreativeArtsSeries.com
for contact info, program listing
Mar 22 ~ Sebastopol Community Band ~
3p, $10 at door. Sebastopol Center for the
Arts, 282 S. High St, Sebastopol. Info: 707829-4797.
Mar 23 ~ West Coast Elvis Tribute
~ Sheraton Hotel in Petaluma, 745
Baywood Dr. ~ westcoastelvistribute.
com ~ 415-990-9039
Mar 26 ~ Final Fridays Music Mashup
~ Young People’s Music & Talent
Showcase. Ages 12-21. 6-9p at Sebastopol
St. Free.
Mar 28 ~ SRJC Symphonic Band ~ With
New Horizons Band. 7:30p in Burbank
Auditorium. Tickets: $4 Student/Seniors,
$8 General admission.
Mar 29 ~ Trio Navarro ~ Piano quintets
by Shostakovich & Taneyev. Tickets
Mar 14 ~ Healdsburg Community Band
~ Songs from the 1920s to the 1970s.
Tickets $10; children 12 and under free.
Tickets:
healdsburgcommunityband.
org, Copperfield’s Books in Healdsburg,
Stanroy Music Center in Santa Rosa, and
at door. More info: 707 433-7374.
Mar 19 ~ The Easy Leaves Duo ~ The
Cloverdale Arts Alliance, 204 N.
Cloverdale Blvd. $10 for Cloverdale Arts
Alliance members, $15 non-members.
7:30-9:30p. ~ cloverdaleartsalliance
Mar 20 ~ Santa Rosa Contra Dance, 8-11p,
Monroe Hall, 1400 W College Ave, Santa
Rosa. $12 non-members; $10 members;
$7 financially challenged & young adults;
$2 kids. More info at nbcds.org.
Mar 20 ~ Red Dragon Productions Benefit
Concert for Music & Memory Inc.
~ Doors 7p, Music 7:30p. Sebastopol
Trio Navarro
$8 at the SSU Student Center, online at
sonoma.edu/music/ or at the door. 2p in
Schroeder Hall at SSU, Rohnert Park.
Mar 29 ~ Mezzo-soprano Frederica von
Stade ~ Trio Ariadne’s farewell concert
with mezzo-soprano Frederica von Stade
and the Argento Chamber Ensemble.
7:30p in Weill Hall at Sonoma State
University, Rohnert Park.
Apple Blossom PARADE & Festival:
‘A Magical Time’ April 18 & 19
The 69th annual Sebastopol Apple Blossom Festival will take place on
Saturday and Sunday, April 18 & 19, 2015. “A Magical Time” is the theme of this
year’s event, hosted by the Sebastopol Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center.
Attractions will include the traditional Saturday parade and a third year of the
very successful Sunday Blues lineup of Live Performers from around the Bay Area.
“The 2015 theme, ‘A Magical Time’ captures the spirit of the orchards bursting
with the soft pink and white blossoms popping out all over the rolling hills of
Sebastopol. “It really is like someone
waves a wand over the trees for those
few spring months,” explains Teresa
Ramondo, Executive Director of the
Sebastopol Chamber of Commerce.
Great music is again in store for
both days. Saturday’s center stage
includes headliner McKenna Faith
and Forestville’s American Idol,
David Luning. On Sunday the
show gets serious as KRSH’s blues
aficionado Bill Bowker, presents an
afternoon of blues featuring the East
Bay’s ‘HowellDivine,’ followed by
legendary lady of the blues, Lady
Bianca. Curtis Salgado, credited
with inspiring John Belushi to create
the Blues Brothers, takes center stage
and will close out the afternoon with
soulful R&B to move the masses.
Food, Beer and Wine, two days of
entertainment and great food with
David Luning
international flavors added to family
favorites from corn dogs, to funnel
cakes and frozen yogurt. There will be Lagunitas beers on tap and a selection of
the area’s award winning wines to choose from.
The children’s area in the Rose Garden will be a special place for small
children with live animals and activities and a fun and games play area for the
tweens and older in the parking lot will be back across from the Art Center in
the Festival grounds.
Saturday’s parade begins at Analy High School at 10am. Festivities continue
both days at Ives Park in Sebastopol. Note gate fees and advance sales savings
on tickets this year: Adult admission, $12 day of and $10 in advance; Students
11-17, $8 day of and $6 in advance; 10 and under are FREE. Tickets are available
online and at local businesses. visit www.appleblossomfest.com for more info.
CONTINUING SHOWS
thru Mar 5 ~ Art of Artists 9 ~ Person Senior
Wing of the Finley Community Center,
060 W. College Ave. Behind the Finley
Community Center, Santa Rosa.
thru Mar 8 ~ Riverfront Art Gallery
new show ~ 132 Petaluma Blvd N,
Petaluma INFO: (707) 775-4278 ~
riverfrontartgallery.com
thru Mar 8 ~ Work & Play: The Eames
Approach ~ Design duo Charles and Ray
Eames, daughter Lucia, granddaughter
Llisa. Petaluma Arts Center, 230 Lakeville
St. More info: Events Page on the PAC
website at PetalumaArtsCenter.org
thru Mar 8 ~ Natural Beauty ~ Prints and
paintings by Rik Olson. At the Red Barn,
Point Reyes National Seashore.
VisualArts
CALL FOR ARTISTS:
Artisans Wanted ~ Casini Ranch Crafts
Fair ~ Apr 4, 12-4p at Casini Ranch,
22855 Moscow Rd, Duncans Mills. Free,
open to the public. Interested artists and
crafters, call Linda at 707-865-5500 or
email [email protected]
thru Mar 12 ~ 30 Years of SRJC
Printmaking: Prints by Art Faculty and
Staff ~ The Santa Rosa Junior College
(SRJC) Robert F. Agrella Art Gallery.
Gallery talk Feb 26, 12-1p. Santa Rosa
campus, 1501 Mendocino Ave. Free. ~
santarosa.edu/art-gallery
thru Mar 19 ~ Prelude ~ Guest artists: Joel
Bennett and Rene Dayan-Whitehead,
Paul Mauer. Artists Cloverdale Arts
Alliance Gallery, 204
N Cloverdale Blvd,
Cloverdale.
thru Mar 25 ~ Leslie
Curchack in Love with
the Earth ~ Photographs
at The Tea Room, 316
Western Ave, Petaluma
INFO: earthlovinglens.
com
Day on the Green Festival ~ Apply to the
Day on the Green Art Festival on Apr 25.
Application Deadline: Apr 4. The Call to
Artists will remain open until the show
is full. Benefit for Land Paths. Juried
Festival includes of $1,000 in award
prizes. More info: Kathleen McCallum:
[email protected]
Shows/GALLERIES
Sonoma County Museum ~ 425 Seventh
St, Santa Rosa. (707) 579-1500 ~
sonomacountymuseum.org
thru Apr 20 ~ Alison Saar: Thistle and
Twitch ~ Indivisible: African-Native
American Lives in the Americas.
Mar 6 ~ ArtWalk - Out and About
Guerneville ~ 3p to dark.
Mar 6-21 ~ Annual Spring Library Show ~
Reception Wed, Mar 11, from 5-7p. Helen
Putnam Community Room at the Petaluma
Regional Library, 100 Fairgrounds Drive in
Petaluma. ~ petalumaarts.org
Mar 7 ~ Zohreh Partovi - Colors of Spring
~ Painter and Collage Artist will exhibit
her work at Carport Gallery, 15098 Old
River Rd, Guerneville ~ (707) 869-8129
Mar 11 ~ Tapestries of Egypt ~ RSVP to
Calabi Gallery by telephone (707) 7817070 as seating limited. 7p at 456 Tenth
Street, Santa Rosa. ~ calabigallery.com
Mar 13, 14, 15 ~ 2015 “Fortune Cookie” Art
Experience! ~ You will receive a fortune
cookie; surprise inside. 12-5p. 2371
Gravenstein Hwy S, Sebastopol.
Mar 14 - Apr 5 ~ Youth Arts Exhibit
~ Over 75 young artists. More info:
PetalumaArtsCenter.org; 762-5600 x100.
“Foggy Morning” by Lucy Martin ~ Calabi Gallery thru Mar 28
Mar 15 - Apr 1 ~ Jacki Gail, macro
photography; Lynda Power, acrylics.
Russian River Art Gallery, 16357 Main
St. Guerneville.
Mar 21 ~ “Meet the Artist” Event ~ 2-4p.
Don Strimbu, photography; Jack Lutzow,
watercolors. Free. Studio 35, 35 Patten St,
Sonoma, ~ studio35sonoma.com
Mar 21 & Apr 18 ~ Watercolor Class ~ Two
Watercolor painting classes. Watercolors
on the Fly: Mar 21 10a-12n. Watercolors
& Sketching in the Cottage Garden: Apr
18 1-3p. For both classes: Meet in Ranch
Parking lot at Jack London State Historic
Park, 2400 London Ranch Rd, Glen Ellen.
$35 for both classes; $20 per class: Reserve
in advance at jacklondonpark.com.
thru
Mar
26
~
Pepperwood Preserve:
Paintings by Marsha
Connell
~
SRJC’s
Petaluma campus, 680
Sonoma
Mountain
Pkwy. Free. ~ santarosa.
edu/library/art/
mahoney/.
thru Mar 28 ~ Art
Inspired by the Natural
World ~ From traditional landscapes and
realistic depictions of flora and fauna
to abstracted evocations of the artist’s
emotional response to the natural world.
Calabi Gallery, 456 Tenth St, Santa Rosa. ~
calabigallery.com
thru Mar 29 ~ “Peoples” ~ Artwork from
pure representation of the body to the
essence of human experience. Sebastopol
Center for the Arts, 282 S High St,
Sebastopol
thru Apr 13 ~ Good Days and Bad Days:
Juxtapositions in Peanuts ~ Over 70
original comic strips highlighted by
contrasting episodes and emotions in
Peanuts. Charles M. Schulz Museum,
2301 Hardies Lane, Santa Rosa. ~
SchulzMuseum.org.
thru Apr 19 ~ Blum/Blum at Paul Mahder
~ Paintings by Gary Edward Blum; 3D
objects by Chris Blum. Paul Mahder
Gallery, 222 Healdsburg Ave, Healdsburg.
Wed-Mon 10a-5p. paulmahdergallery.com
thru May 31 ~ Third Time’s the Charm
~ Exhibit by 18 artists. Quercia Gallery,
Duncans Mills. Quercia-Gallery.com.
thru Jun 7 ~ Ghosting Schulz ~ Meet artists
who attempted to capture Schulz’s
indefinable line. Upstairs Changing
Gallery. 2301 Hardies Ln, Santa Rosa. ~
(707) 284-1263. ~ schulzmuseum.org/
May 2 ~ Sonoma Community Center
Spring Art Sale ~ benefits Ceramics
Department. 9a-5p. 276 East Napa St,
Sonoma ~ sonomacommunitycenter.org/
page115.html
May 16 ~ Art Workshop ~ “Paint
Impressionistic Gardens with Oil or
Acrylic.” SRJC, 9:30-4p. All Levels. ~
donnasfineart.
Egyptian tapestry: A Duck & Her Ducklings from the Atelier Ramses Wissa Wassef
Jessica Snowden
Jessica Snowden is your “every mother” of Santa Rosa. Tucked in a quiet
neighborhood with her husband, two teenagers and a couple of cats, there is only a
hint of what lies inside her home from the exterior - that hint being a hand painted
sign announcing that no normal family lives inside. Step through the front door
and you are greeted by the studio where Jessica creates her current offerings.
Jessica has always loved to draw, paint and craft. Growing up with an artist as
a mother, she is no stranger to trying something new. But like so many artists (or
people in general), Jessica did not make a straight line to successful painter. In high
school she aspired to be a fashion designer but enrolled at SRJC with a Business
Marketing major. Married and beginning a family, she and her husband moved to
Lakeport for a few years and life was all consuming. But a move back to Santa Rosa
and a gift of water pencils from her mother made a major shift in direction. Jessica
began experimenting and creating. She developed a line of gift products that
highlighted butterflies, animals and flowers on pill cases, boxes, small canvases
and jewelry. These treasures were sold at local boutiques for about 3 years until
Jessica started focusing on her paintings.
SoCo Coffee on 4th Street was Jessica’s first solo show. Comfortable with the
space and known to the owners since her book club met over coffee regularly,
Jessica asked if she could display her paintings of sunsets, sunrises and stars.
Last June the show was a complete success. Two paintings were sold and a new
enterprise was launched. Jessica downplays her marketing abilities but it is clear
that those years at SRJC were not lost in her art career progression. Jessica is now
preparing Looking to the Skies, a series of 150 paintings to be presented at the
Finley Community Center from March 31 to May 21, 2015. The Reception is Friday,
April 3 from 5 to 7 pm. The paintings are vibrantly colored and often in silhouette.
The messages (to me at least!) are calmness, life and whimsy.
If you wonder where else you may have seen Jessica’s name, Jessica has been
a longtime art instructor volunteer in Santa Rosa schools. She teaches at the
Community Center. This spring her classes are Intro to Treasure Hunting – an
experience in geocaching and Made to Wear – jewelry class for 7-13 year olds.
Google “geocaching” and learn about this family oriented, outdoor activity. Jessica
also works at the Sonoma County Library in the adult literacy program. Oh, and
did I mention that Jessica is mom to two teenagers?
Jessica believes that her art keeps her grounded and focused. The word
“progression” comes up in her conversation regularly. Life’s lessons are reflected
in the creation of art. There are no mistakes. Your creations are not like anyone
else’s. Accept that things start one way and something else comes out. Patience
yields the best results.
Plan to visit Looking to the Skies.