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Dear Readers,I want to thank every person whosent condolences about the death oftwo of my favorite women on earth:Lucy & Janet. It‘s very kind of you.Death of someone you love is nevereasy. As Janet said, “It’s hardest onthose left behind.” There’s been anavalanche of family deaths the lastthree years, but I know as well asanyone that death is part of life. Itseems to be cascading through somany of our lives these days. Thehardest part is getting past the feelingof loss and on to the task of living.But life does shine its bright lightevery morning when we wakeand asks us to face another day ofaccomplishment. It’s one of the fondmemories I have of visiting Janet rightbefore she died. She loved watchingDancing with the Stars and I askedher why. “Because the people meetpersonal challenges and accomplishgoals,” she said. It’s one of our commonvalues we hold dear.Being back east for two weeksdisassembling Janet’s home, gaveme plenty of time to better knowmy parents through their home,possessions and friends. I’ve beenthere so much these last months that Ihave a sense of familiarity as if it weremy other home.What impressed me most was thatthe people I met, both Janet’s friendsand others on my path, were verysimilar to people I know here. Weoften think that moving far from ourknown turf is painful and frightening,but what strikes me is that the onlydifference is the terrain, climate, andarchitecture. People are the sameeverywhere if you seek out those whoshare your value systems.That got me thinking enough towrite this month’s cover story. A lotof what’s going on across the planetis people defining what they do anddo not like, what they believe in, howthey live their lives, and because of theeconomy, what’s important to themand what is trivial.The abundance we knew for thelast few decades just doesn’t exist anymore. Money it tight, jobs are scarceand people are being forced to reevaluatewhat’s important and what’snot. That crosses into politics andspirituality as well as money.Life is always full of challenges tomeet, decisions to make, and pathsto choose. The only thing that iscertain is that we will experience theconsequences of our choices over time.The older we get, the more we knowfor certain how life-altering even thesmallest choice can become. If there’sone truth, it’s that life goes on as longas we are alive. We can choose joy if wemake it our top priority.2 - www.sonomacountygazette.com - 9/2/10

Dear Vesta,The people who were arrested forthrowing starfish and tiny crabs on hotcoals at Doran Park should be thrownon hot coals themselves.I’ll bring the coals.Buddy HackettGuernevilleVesta,I want to send out thanks toyour community of readers for thewonderful response to our appealfor help for the Interchurch Pantry ofSebastopol as we struggled to meetthe needs of the hungry in Graton,Occidental, and Sebastopol.We received upwards of $2000 fromindividual donors, $500 from theSebastopol Kiwanis Club, another $500from Evergreen Sebastopol IOOF. Weare further delighted by the generousgift of $5000 from the Semilla Fundof the Community Foundation ofSonoma.At the time this letter goes to presswe have very little information aboutthe history of the Semilla Fund orthe identity of its donors, other thanthey have established a great trackrecord of contributing money to nonprofitsand local charities through theCommunity Foundation, particularlyto school projects and food distributionagencies.We at the Interchurch Pantry doknow that by August 23, 2010 we havereceived the help we asked for in Julyand August. Thank you, West County!!Cecile Lusby and all theVolunteers of Interchurch PantryHello Fellow Soccer Players, Parentsand Coaches:I just received an email from a goodfriend of mine in Belize, he is thechairman of the Cayo Sports Councilin Belize. He is trying to put togetherteams to keep these kids out of troublein this very poor country that has beenhit hard by the lack of tourists the lastfew years.I was fortunate to visit Belize severalyears ago while my son played soccerthere. There are so many kids thatwant to play the game but they are indesperate need of equipment, shoes,shin guards, uniforms, balls etc.I am putting together as muchequipment as possible and will sendto him ASAP. If you have ANYTHINGthat you would like to donate, pleasesend me an email and I will add it tothe boxes. If there is soccer club thathas sets of old uniforms that can bedonated, they will all be put to gooduse!You can reach me at lizs@bauergeotech.com, or 292-1584.Thank you very much!!!Liz SchallertDear Editor,Wine country was on our list ofupcoming vacations and we werelooking forward to planning a trip nextspring. However after discovering andreviewing information regarding thelawsuit of Clay Green and the Estateof Harold Scull vs Sonoma County,and realizing that you people had tobe hauled into court and forced intodoing the right thing, we are takingyou off our list of places to visit. Wedo this because if, by some tragicaccident, something were to happento one or the other of us, we have nofaith in your system recognizing and/or supporting our needs.Disappointed, Stephanie Bader &Cathy HemlerTucson, AZDear Disappointed,Well - “you people” is a broad term -we have a larger homosexual populationthan most states and plenty of people whoreside here in comfort. The Clay Greencase involved domestic abuse and even thecounty said they could have done a betterjob. Some lessons are learned the hard way- but they are learned nonetheless. So Claygoes home with $600,000. for abusing hiselderly life partner. He came out OK andthe system learned a lesson.Dear Vesta,I read the article, “Hereos & Villians”in your August Gazette and feelinspired to share my point of viewon the subject of environmental careand maintenance. I have owned andrun a farm-stay since 1999, so havehad the opportunity to meet manyvisiting tourists who are excited toexplore Sonoma County. Whereas Iam invested in offering them “a goodtime”, I also feel a deep commitmentto maintaining the well-being ofmyself, my land and houses, andthe surrounding countryside andcommunity I consider my home andfamily. I balance the desire to be agood host with the well-being of thewhole in mind. Interestingly, whenI fail to do this I find I am spoken torudely, or my house is treated poorly,or the maintained-for-visitors gardenis damaged unnecessarily. I cannotknow if those same people went outand also left their trash along the riveror roasted starfish on an open fire,LETTERS cont’d on page 59/2/10 - www.sonomacountygazette.com - 3

LETTERS cont’d from page 3but my guess is those who trash ona small scale are more likely to do soon a larger scale. So, it is my intent toraise the standards of my own senseof well-being; to expect and inviterespect for myself and my home, totake the opportunity to role model thisself-care in hopes that when my guestsdrive up the driveway and into mycommunity and beloved countryside,they will care for it. Cleaning up afterthem is all well and good, but I believethe long-lasting solution lies in ourhearts. Well-being begets well-being.Sincerely,Christine ColeFull House FarmForestville Community FundI fell in love with the mural onthe Forestville Club right from thebeginning. So when a communityminded citizen applied to theForestville Fund in 2009 for a numberof projects, including a mural on oneof the town’s walls, I was excited atthe prospect, as were many of us onthe Community Fund Committee.(That’s the group of 10 Forestvilliansrepresenting schools, seniors, youth,environment, the arts, long timeresidents and newer neighbors wholook over the yearly applications andmake recommendations for funding tothe FPA Board.)$2,000 was requested for the muraland, after approving the design ofthe muralist the applicant found, thegrant was awarded for $2,000. At thetime of the approval, permission wasgiven the artist to put up a sign askingfor community donations so that shecould recuperate more for her time andtalent. The Board had no problem withthat, wishing her the best. The artistsubsequently applied for 2010 funds,however other projects were chosenwith the diminished funds available.When you think about it, almost allcharitable agencies are experiencing adownturn in donations and I can onlyimagine art is suffering as well. I thinkthe mural outside the Pharmacy hascharm and we all should appreciate itas well as the time and skill it took tocreate. I for one will contribute to theartist’s endeavors and ask anyone elsewho thinks it improves DowntownForestville to give a dollar, or $5 oreven a $20 too. It disappears so fastanyway, and if you share a little ofwhat you have, every time you driveby the mural you can say to yourself,“I helped make that happen!” No onecan take away that good feeling you’llget from contributing, but you arenot going to remember that Latte (orwhatever else you bought for $5) afterlunch, guaranteed!Saying that, I do support the decisionmade by the Forestville CommunityFund Committee what to fund for 2010,even though I felt bad for the artistthat she had so underestimated whatit would take to complete. But this isabout what she left behind, and that’sa bit of charm. Thank you Rose foradding to our town and I hope manywill step forward and help you feelbetter about your efforts on our behalf.Lucy Barnett HardcastleForestville Community FundCommittee Chair 2010Hello Vesta,Last year, you published a pieceI co-authored about PreservationRanch vineyard conversion project. Iwould like to convey another highlycontroversial vineyard conversionstory in NW Sonoma County that isapproaching final EIR stage, with adistinct twist: it is located on an ancientKashaya Pomo archaeological districtincluding village site and campsites,including one of the few remaininggrassland sites (not yet converted tovineyards) that still support nativebasketry plants in traditional Kashialands in the area of Annapolis (SonomaCounty).(I have available) an informative opedessay, “Erasing Redwood Forestsand Native American History,” writtenby Professor Peter Schmidt, Universityof Florida, Dept. of Archaeology andAnthropology, about the cultural andarchaeological resources of the site,and the threat posed by the vineyardproposed by Spanish corporate winerygiant Codorniu (Artesa of Napa),“Fairfax” conversion in Annapolis.Professor Schmidt independentlyprepared the essay in response to adraft Environmental Impact Report(prepared by CALFIRE) on a proposedvineyard conversion of nearly 200 acresthat is located in what Prof. Schmidtconcludes is a sensitive archaeologicaldistrict eligible for national registration(village and campsites). He recentlyinterviewed two of the elder Kashiawho still speak the language and hastheir support.Peter BayeAnnapolis, CAEditor’s note:Peter Baye, Ph.D. is a coastal plantecologist who lives in Annapolis. We arehoping for an expanded article from Peter,perhaps for the October issue.LETTERS cont’d on page 69/2/10 - www.sonomacountygazette.com - 5

LETTERS cont’d from page 5Hi Vesta,How about a PSA on the front pageof September’s Gazette, in big boldletters: SLOW DOWN!It’s back to school time, and manyparents are speeding through theschool zones to get their children toschool, then get themselves to work.It would help to suggest to people toleave an extra ten minutes early, anddrive safely.The school crossing guards are atserious risk of injury; and it is reallyastonishing to learn that the ‘speeders’are PARENTS!All the best,Salmon SueAn Open Letter to Supervisor EfrenCarrilloDear Mr. Carrillo,Our most dear and charminglypersistent champion for all of us,Lenny Weinstein, asks that youbecome a member of the CDCRestroom Task Group. We think it isa good suggestion and although yourtime and commitments are taxed andtaxing there is here an opportunity.That opportunity is through yourpresence, force, and leadership youcan get this group off the dime (or theproverbial “S--- or get off the pot”.)This group needs movement, and apositive one, and you can provide it.The prospects are such that afterseven and half years it should now nottake much to help them to see theirduty to prompt resolution.We are strongly in support of atleast one Public WC (restroom) on thepurchased Caltrans property adjacentto the Guerneville Plaza. Also weequally strongly recommend that anysuch restroom undergo a competitivearchitectural design process so that aselected design shall be a noteworthy,innovative, and positive addition tothe village-scape of Guerneville.At this point it should be a simplematter to state that you are supportiveof such an approach and location andthat you desire the Group to promptlymove forward.Also kindly yours,Lloyd GuccioneQuynh Nhu LeEditor:There are two very important issuesgoing on in the deaf, hard of hearing,deaf/blind and later-deafenedcommunity that need media coverage.6 - www.sonomacountygazette.com - 9/2/10LETTERS cont’d on page 7

8 - www.sonomacountygazette.com - 9/2/10LETTERS cont’d from page 7peace in the world visible, especiallynow as we witness the high cost of ourwars in Iraq and Afghanistan. I do notknow of any other way to honor thelives lost and injured on all sides ofsuch wars than to continue to pray andact to create a more peaceful world. Ipray for the day when no young manor woman loses their lives in any war.We honor each one killed in the warseach Friday evening at 6:30 p.m. with atoll from our church bell.Please help us create a visualprayer for world peace right here inForestville. Paper cranes can be sentto 6550 Covey Road, Forestville, CA95436 or dropped through the mailslot of the church office if you wouldlike to lend a hand. Thank you verymuch!Pastor Carol (Carol Carter,pastorcarol@forestvilleumc.org)Editor:The Grand Jury report on the GratonCommunity Services District, whilewell-intentioned, was filled witherrors and misrepresentations. It wasbased on 2 complaints, and from thenature of the questions and “findings”,it is apparent who the complainantswere. One is not even a ratepayer. Theofficial (and longer!) GCSD responsewill be posted on our website (www.graton.org) no later than September 30.I might note that this is the secondtime in 5 years that the Grand Juryhas investigated the GCSD, and hasnever found any basis for bringingcharges. I suspect they are being usedfor political purposes; unfortunately,at great expense to the GCSD.There have been no “oops” eventsduring the existence of the GCSD. OurBoard is probably more well-informedand educated about Wastewater issuesthan most Boards or politicians abouttheir areas of involvement.To address the issue of our redwoodgrove, had GCSD planned to simplyuse the soil to filter our wastewater,we could have just planted grass! Theredwood grove was never intendedto be used as a means of filtrationthrough soil, but as method of evapotranspiration.We were aware of theclay layer, which is one reason whywe chose redwood trees, which haveshallow roots. The other reason isthat each mature redwood transpires(breathes) out 500 gallons of water aday. (This is one reason why, when anarea is deforested, desertification oftenbegins.) Our Grove is functioningperfectly; the GCSD chose not to spendover half a million dollars to prove ourpoint through an EIR, instead utilizingour existing capabilities within thelimits imposed by the North CoastRegional Water Quality Control Board.Contrary to what the GrandJury wrote, all GCSD plans andtechnologies are Title 22 (Clean WaterAct) certified, and have been usedsuccessfully in other communities. Ithink people conveniently forget thatall Board members must be ratepayers;so we are mindful of the rates we ALLhave to pay! And since some Boardmembers are on a fixed income, weare extremely mindful that part of thelong term health of our community iseconomical, which is one reason whywe chose to go with low-tech treatmentthat is much less costly. That has beenthe purpose of local control all along:to find the most cost-effective way tomeet constantly changing and morerestrictive regulations. Although ourrates are very high, in reality they arelower than any other alternative wouldhave given us, including staying withthe Sonoma County Water Agency, orbecoming part of a regionalized plan.The GCSD was shocked andappalled to see personal andunfounded attacks against Mr. RobertRawson, our General Manager, as partof the Grand Jury Report. We considerourselves incredibly fortunate to haveMr. Rawson at our side. His quick andbrilliant mind is a huge advantageto Graton, for which he chargesdiscounted rates and actually donatesa great deal of his time!Upcoming mandated regulationswill deal with endocrine disruptersin wastewater. Hopefully people areno longer flushing medications to getrid of them; but there are enormousquantities of hormones and otherendocrine disrupters in the urinethat gets flushed. Tests have shownthat the best way to get them out ofthe wastewater is to hold the waterin a pond for a couple of weeks. SinceGraton’s Waste Water TreatmentFacility is based on ponds, we are mostif not all the way there.The use of chlorine for disinfectionwill be banned in the near future.The GCSD has been searching for aneconomical alternative for years, andare currently planning to use thermalpasteurization for disinfection.An important aspect which neverseems to get mentioned is that ourplans and methods are designed tokeep our water in our watershed, andif possible, in our aquifers. Peopleread this without realizing what thatmeans: If we as a community pumpall the water out of our aquifers,they go dry, as do our wells. The costof installing a water infrastructuredelivery system and purchasing waterfrom SCWA or some other entitywould cost Graton a fortune, and makeour wastewater issue look like smallpotatoes financially!Jane Eagle, PresidentGraton Community Services DistrictLETTERS cont’d on page 9

LETTERS cont’d from page 8Editor,My name is Jared Dreyfus and I amproud to announce my candidacy forthe Palm Drive Health Care DistrictBoard of Directors.I am an attorney and mediator, and athirteen-year resident of West County.I have demonstrated my interest inthe hospital by serving on the hospitalAuxiliary since 2004 and the Palm DriveHealth Care Foundation Board since2005, including service as President.During these years the Foundationhas raised more than a million dollarsfor the hospital. I was also closelyconnected to the Foundation’s part inrelocating the helipad at the hospital.I have served on other governingboards over the years including: TheSan Francisco Neighborhood LegalAssistance Foundation; The WestPoint Inn Association, which operatesand preserves a historic inn on Mt.Tamalpais, two private schools andJustHealth, a non-profit advocating fora just health care system.My direct involvement in thehospital’s affairs has given meconsiderable knowledge regarding thehospital operations, its problems andits tremendous promise. I believe thiswill give me a head start on our workto resolve the problems and realize thepromise. Thank you for consideringme to help build the future of healthcare in West County.Thank you, Jared DreyfusBy Betsy LivingstoneYou’ve seen the big white barn fromthe driveway into the Wells FargoCenter. You’ve seen it from the RiverRoad exit off 101 or when driving eastfrom 101 on Mark West Springs Road.Years ago, it was the heart of a farm.Soon Sutter Hospital’s earth moverswill be tearing up the land where theold barn stands. It’s in the way. Can itbe saved?Meanwhile, a small and lovelyfarm with its farm stand sellingorganically grown vegetables – onAirport Boulevard just north and eastof the freeway – needs a barn. TierraVegetables has long made do with atiny farm stand that must be partlydisassembled and put back up daily;it’s been doomed by Caltrans’ roadwideningproject. Tierra has never hada proper sales space, storage space,event space or office. The old whitebarn would be perfect.Fairy tale ending: Sutter has giventhe barn to Tierra Vegetables! There’sjust one catch: Sutter hasn’t offeredto help move the barn, and it’s goingto be very expensive to move it. Yetthe experts have said it’s do-able.The biggest obstacle to this fairy-taleending coming true is the need to raisea lot of money in a big hurry.Public support will be the key. Talkit up; visit Tierra Vegetables and takea walk through the fields and buysome good food at the stand. Watchfor announcements of fundraising(barnraising!) events in the fieldto enjoy while supporting local,sustainable agriculture. The folks atTierra Vegetables are passionate inwhat they do, and they believe thisfairy tale will come true.9/2/10 - www.sonomacountygazette.com - 9

Defined by our ValuesBy Vesta CopestakesLike many of our readers, I’m in theage group when we are sandwichedin between children and parents.As we move through the years, theyoung end of the spectrum is filledwith grandchildren, while the old enddrops off. Life has a way of gettingour attention during these passages.What we once thought of as infinitelyimportant becomes insignificantwithin the grand scheme of things. It’sa good time to take a look at what wevalue…what is really important…andwhat sustains our lives in meaningfulways.Parents tell their children to stepback and get perspective when makingimportant decisions. My favorite…don’t make life-altering choices whenyou are emotionally charged. Butchildren rarely listen. Imperativesdrive youth. Desire is a hormonalforce that goes beyond lust and love toinclude the desire for new experiences,challenges, relationships…the nextmountain to climb. It’s exciting tobe young. There’s no time to pauseand ponder the consequences of ouractions over the long-term.The Weight of ObligationResponsibilities are what weighus down. We buy a car, a house,furniture, tools for work and play, andalthough they enable us to accomplishour goals, they also carry the weightof obligation. Each person and thingwe add to our lives, the heavierresponsibility becomes. It’s why somepeople choose to be homeless. Theysimply don’t want to be accountable forand to anyone. That may be an extremefor most of us, but the footloose andfancy-free life becomes a fantasy thatis impossible to achieve with eachincreased obligation.Getting PerspectiveI recently attended my step-mother’smemorial in New Hampshire. I wasthere for two weeks, working withmy sisters to end the life that mynow-deceased parents had built overmany decades. Their home, the objectswithin it, and the people who cameby to visit were threads in the fabricof the life they had created withintheir community. I fell in love withmy parents all over again as I touchedthe objects of their lives and conversedwith the people who cared about them.These were the identifiers of what myparents considered valuable.My sisters and I had the task ofemptying the house, deciding if wewanted to take anything home with us,what to give away and what to throwaway. As the professional assessor ofthe estate deduced, there was little ofany material value beyond the houseitself. My parents fit comfortably intoa middleclass life. They both workedand saved enough that they couldretire without suffering financially.They were frugal to a fault, usedeverything until it literally fell apart,rarely bought new, and recycledevery object that passed through theirhands…whether it was recycling trashor giving away useful objects to peoplewith greater need.But they were also generous. Janet’soffice was scattered with thank younotes from organizations and people towhom she had given money and time.We had instructions that everythingthat could not find a home was to be putin a yard sale that would benefit two ofJanet’s favorite charitable causes…theFriendly Kitchen that feeds homelesspeople and Zonta International, anorganization of professional womenwho work to make life better forwomen across the planet.Sorting through my parents’ physicallife made me re-examine my own. Iwatched my two sisters grapple withtheir own approach to discardingsomeone else’s possessions from “let’sget a dumpster” to “do we HAVE torecycle EVERYTHING?” As I stoodin this simple house I saw how verymuch I had adopted my parents’values as my own. I relate to how theylived, how they prioritized their time,the value (or lack of value) they placedon material possessions.What’s RIGHT for Each of UsIt’s not that one value system is moreright than another. We each find ourown values in very much the sameway we find a religion or spiritualitythat fits comfortably. The people weknow and love are as much a reflectionof our values as the possessions weown and how we prioritize our time.What’s interesting is looking at ourown lives to see what the environmentwe create says about who we are.As the global economy continuesto falter, we are being forced to restructureour lives from the place wecall home to the car we drive. Lost jobsmake any job start to look good. Carsthat are fully paid for look better thanones with monthly payments and highinsurance premiums. Low rent for a10 - www.sonomacountygazette.com - 9/2/10VALUES cont’d on page 9

VALUES cont’d from page 10roof over our heads looks better thana high mortgage and property taxes.It’s all a matter of living a life that wecan comfortably sustain rather thanone that places so much pressure on usthat we crumble under the weight.Balancing Heart vs. MoneyA friend who employs more than40 people looks at his workforce andsees that he could lay off four andstay profitable instead of just breakingeven. But these four people are notnumbers. They have families, expensesand lives to maintain. He weighs theneeds of his company vs. the needs ofthese individuals and waits, hopingthe economy improves.Heart plays a huge part in thedecisions we make, as does long-termthinking.Evolving SolutionIf the economy continues to remainin this state long enough, people willrestructure their lives in the very sameway that creatures evolve to adaptto changing environments. If thiseconomy is temporary, we can hold onto our normal ways until it gets better.But if it continues this way – or getsworse – then we need to look at ourdaily lives with new focus. If we valuehappiness and personal fulfillmentwe’ll find ways to lessen financialburdens so our hearts are light enoughto enjoy life. We can still go out todinner and buy new things that giveus pleasure if we keep our financiallife in balance. In the long run, this isalso what will sustain the economy.Time has a way of bringing ourattention to what is most important.Whether young or old, there’s alwaysanother opportunity to take a freshlook and make necessary changes ifwhat we value most is life itself.Why I’m a LionBy Don CanardoSight conservation is the main focusof Lions Clubs throughout the worldand the Gravenstein Lions takes thisto heart. Not only have we suppliedthe Sebastopol schools with eye testingequipment; no child who needs glasseswill go without. If our school nursesknow of a child who needs glasseswho cannot afford them, we makesure they get them.We are currently in the processof building a mobile eye testing vanthat will be manned by volunteeroptometrists, where we will give freeeye screenings. We hope to finishoutfitting it soon and have it availableat local events. There is a greatpersonal feeling when something youdid brings joy to others. That is whyour motto is “We Serve.”31 years ago a local bank mangerinvited me to a lunch with hisLions Club, and I’ve been involvedever since. I have made many greatfriendships and been involved in evenmore worthwhile projects, both in SanFrancisco and here in Sebastopol.This past weekend, the GravensteinLions participated in Relay for Life.Our Club ran as the Luminaria forthe event, camped out and raisedover $3,000 for the American CancerSociety.For more information about Lions,don’t hesitate to call me at 829-5291.The Gravenstein Lions Club meets fordinner on the 2 nd and 4 th Wednesdaysat 7pm at the Masonic Lodge acrossfrom Safeway. Feel free to stop by andsee what we are all about.Don’t be put off by people who know whatis not possible. Do what needs to be done,and check to see if it was impossible onlyafter you are done. - UnknownWine to Feed the HungryDeLoach Vineyards has launcheda 2009 new release Chardonnayunder the “Vinthropic” label withall proceeds dedicated to supportinghunger relief programs by theRedwood Empire Food Bank.All the proceeds from the Vinthropicwine sales will be donated to theREFB with the goal of contributingat least 60,000 meals this year tohelp end hunger in Sonoma County.At a recent reception at DeLoachVineyard’s winery in Santa Rosa,guests purchased some 70 cases of thenew release.The wine is available for $15 a bottleat the DeLoach Vineyards tasting roomon Olivet Road in Santa Rosa and thenew Taste of Terroir tasting salon inHealdsburg. It is also available onlinenationally at the DeLoach Vineyardsweb site, www.deloachvineyards.com.A discounted price is also available forretailers and restaurants wishing tosupport the cause.The Redwood Empire Food Bankprovides food support for 70,000people in Sonoma County every monthand is the primary food resource forpantries and other hunger programsin Mendocino, Lake, Humboldt andDel Norte counties.9/2/10 - www.sonomacountygazette.com - 11

FARMS cont’d from page 1TRIBES cont’d from page 1“Age ain’t nothin’ but a number. But age is other things too. It iswisdom, if one has lived one’s life properly. It is experience andknowledge. And it is getting to know all the ways the world turns, sothat if you cannot turn the world the way you want, you can at leastget out of the way so you won’t get run over. “ Miriam MakebaFarmland of Local Importance” bythe Federal Farmland Mapping andMonitoring Program which aidspolicymakers in analyzing land useimpacts on agricultural resources.The Sonoma County AgriculturalPreservation and Open Space Districtpermanently protects the diverseagricultural, natural resource andscenic open space lands of SonomaCounty for future generations. Since1990, the District has protected morethan 83,000 acres. Agricultural andopen space lands have been protectedthrough a 1/4-cent sales tax approvedby voters in 1990 and reauthorized in2006. For more information, pleasevisit www.sonomaopenspace.orgdiscussion on Culture and Art, withEric Wilder, and craft workshopsincluding Pine Nuts with CeceliaDawson. Crafters will set up along thePetaluma River on Water Street, at theApple Box featuring craft tables andworkshops and the joint backyard ofJungle Vibes and Lalas Creamery willoffer conversations and presentationsfrom Native American Elders andsinging and dance performances ofyoung Indians.There will be tribes coming from allover to sell their arts and crafts andjewelry,” according to organizers, EricWilder, Michelle Baynes. The programis part of Sonoma Arts Council’s 2010program and all proceeds will go tothe artists.Honoring PomoPeople & Culture12 - www.sonomacountygazette.com - 9/2/10By Sandy EastoakSebastopol’s historicfirst annual PomoHonoring Monthoriginated with a showlast fall at SebastopolGallery. When Pomodancer ArmandoWilliams saw SandyEastoak’s NativeAmerican imagery, he wasinspired to collaborate onart honoring his peopleand culture. Otherartists in the galleryenthusiastically voted tofeature this art in theirOctober 2010 rotation: “Imagining thePomo Way.”As news about their project spread,Armando and the artists discovered awidely shared longing for knowledgeand reconciliation. At their suggestion,the Sebastopol City Council declaredeach October to be Annual PomoHonoring Month, thus creating acity-wide festival, with Pomo danceperformances, participation bydowntown businesses, educationalevents, and other opportunities forcelebration and learning.Sebastopol Gallery’s show runsfrom September 20 through November13, with eight artists “Imagining thePomo Way.” Ceramic artists Chris Boydand Connie Robeson, plein air painterSterling Hoffmann, pastel artists BertKaplan and Teri Sloat, water mediapainters Sandy Eastoak and Susan St.Thomas, and sculptor Rebecca Loveoffer their interpretations of Pomodancers, medicine plants and animals,stories, history, places, and love of theland.In addition, two 1924original Edward Curtisphotographs of Pomowomen on the RussianRiver will be shownby generous loan by afriend of the gallery, JohnOmaha. There will be areception at SebastopolGallery on Saturday,October 2, 5-7 pm, withNative American flutemusic by Albert Tenaya.The gallery, at 150 NorthMain, is open daily 11-6.There are four otherart shows. ChristineCobaugh’s new photographs of Pomodancers and artisans are showing atEast West Cafe, October 1 throughNovember 30. Portraits by Pomo artistJohnny Clay will be at Slice of Life,October 1 through 31. Art by Pomoyouth will be shown at Sprint CopyCenter, October 1 through 31. Fabricart and watercolor studies by SandyEastoak will be at Peace in Medicine,October 1 through 31.Another important part of PomoHonoring Month will be Pomohistory, culture, and crafts booths atthe Farmers Market, particularly onOctober 10th, when there will be anIndian Taco booth and a Pomo danceperformance at noon.More events for the First AnnualPomo Honoring Month are listed atwww.sebastopol-gallery.com/pomoproject.htmlwith further informationabout the artists. Events are also listedat www.pomo-honor.org, along withbackground about the overall visionand future goals of the project.

A Very Good Year forPalm Drive HospitalBy Mike Lieb, Interim CEOSome pretty remarkable things havehappened at Palm Drive Hospital inthe past year, and I wanted you in thecommunity, who have supported usthrough thick and thin, to be able torejoice with us in our accomplishments.Our patient satisfaction scores areoff the charts. Patients rank us amongthe top hospitals in Sonoma County.We’re out of bankruptcy and movingquickly to expand hospital servicesand upgrade our equipment.Last August, the hospital’s Boardof Directors brought in Brim, aprofessional hospital managementcompany, to operate Palm DriveHospital. I think the Board and thecommunity can be proud of whatwe’ve accomplished together.We are the smallest hospital in thecounty, but patients like us better thanthe big guys, according to a surveyby the federal Department of Healthand Human Services. For example, 80percent of Palm Drive patients saidthey would definitely recommend thehospital to family and friends in the70s for the larger hospitals in SantaRosa.Seventy-four percent of Palm Drivepatients rated the hospital a 9 or a 10,where 10 is the highest possible score.This is significantly higher than thelarger hospitals in our region.We are moving quickly, butthoughtfully, to expand and upgradeservices for our community. We haveobtained certification as a PrimaryStroke Center, meaning that we havedemonstrated to national evaluatorsour ability to quickly and accuratelydiagnose, treat and rehabilitate strokepatients. This is a tough certificationto obtain, and Kaiser is the only othercertified primary stroke center inSonoma County.We are expanding our physicaltherapy and rehab unit into new,larger quarters in order to provideadditional therapies to patients andoffer a therapist-supervised gym andwellness classes to the community.We are also considering movingthe Palm Drive Medical Center intolarger offices. We are installing anElectronic Medical Record system tofacilitate patient care and billing, andwill be recruiting new physicians andsurgeons.In the fiscal year 2009, which endedJune 30, 2009, the hospital had anoperating loss of $3.6 million, meaningwe were spending $3.6 million moreto care for patients than we werereceiving for services rendered topatients. Our preliminary, unauditedfigures for the 2010 fiscal year, whichended June 30, 2010, show we had anoperating loss of $1.1 million. That’sa $2.5 million improvement in justone year. In 2009, our average cash onhand would have lasted about one day.Our average for fiscal year 2010 was22 days. The average for all Californiahospitals is 10 days.To me, this means we’ve had aproductive year and a good start on apartnership. There is still a lot of goodwork to be done. I want to thank allof you who have supported us throughthese difficult times, and I’m hopefulthat next year will bring even betternews for our community.The Lucky Stars:Women Cycling for ChildrenBy Stephanie ThatcherOur all-women-from-West-Sonoma-County cycling group will be riding inthe 2010 Levi Leipheimer King RidgeGranFondo event on October 9.thWe have been working to raisemoney for two local non-profits: WestCounty Health Centers, and CazaderoCommunity Club. We thought itwould be great to use our participationin the event to create donations forthese groups to help meet the needsof under-served children and youth inthe West County.We just received our first sponsor for$2500 from Redwood Empire Disposal!Now we are working hard to findmore corporate and private sponsorsto reach our total goal of $10,000 tosupport these great organizations.The event is coming soon! If youare a Gran Sponsor ($3000) or MedioSponsor ($1500), we must receiveyour approval and logos by Sunday,September 5, to get the jerseys made.All sponsors donating by October 1: wewill post a “Thank You for Donatingto the Cazadero Community Club andWest County Health Centers” sign,with your name on it, in the center ofCazadero during the week of 10/9/10for the big event. For information,contact sthatcher@orcasnetwork.comor call 707 865 2484, ext. 155.Wine Country CatsGala Under the Stars on September 18thFeline Rescue of NorthernCalifornia, Inc., a young, trulyamazing, full spectrum rescueorganization, will host its secondannual “Wine Country Cats” galaunder the stars at the magical gardensof the Geyserville Inn September 18.In addition to supporting an extremelyworthy cause, the event promisesgourmet food, wines from a numberof the region’s top wineries and asilent auction featuring art work fromexciting, well known local artists.Feline Rescue’s “keys to success” areits dedicated volunteers, a network ofloving foster homes in the North Bayand the ability to reduce expenseswhile maintaining the higheststandards of care.In the past year, Feline Rescue alsohas substantially expanded its effortsto respond to calls for help outside itscore area, especially for cats who areinjured, ill, special needs and orphaned“bottle babies.” Feline Rescue is oftenable to step in and help after otherprograms have been unable to provideservices.All income from the Wine CountryCats benefit event will go to provideaffordable spay and neuter services tolow income residents and to bilingualeducation programs to reach thispopulation. Tickets are $38 and canbe purchased via the website www.feline-rescue.com or by calling 707 8947878. Seating is limited.Feline Rescue is a federal 501(c)(3) and Californiaqualified charitable organization. Contributionsare tax deductible, as provided by law, and can bemailed to Feline Rescue, PO Box 215, Cloverdale,CA 95425.9/2/10 - www.sonomacountygazette.com - 13

Riverkeeper ParkThe Old Grove Festival is a uniqueopportunity to d enjoy great music in amagical setting. The performances takeplace in the Redwood Theater, built inthe 1930’s and consisting of a stonestage and rows and rows of woodenbenches set in a natural amphitheatresurrounded by huge redwoods.This year’s Festival takes placeon September 24 and 25 with twooutstanding concerts. On Friday,September 24, Laurie Lewis and TomRozum with their band the RightHands will present their Grammywinningbrand of bluegrass musicwith “Hoedown in the Redwoods.”Then on Saturday, the Forest Theatregoes Hawaiian with the incomparablemaster slack key guitarist and singerLedward Kaapana presenting “Alohain the Grove.” Hawaiian music fans canenhance the experience with a “GreatHawaiian Feast” while watching aPolynesian dance troupe opening theconcert.Saturday afternoon’s daytimemusical experience in the Grove willbe the Russian River Revue, featuringpopular local performers Jim Ocean,the Mightly Chiplings, The FargoBrothers and The Thugz.Further information andreservations are available at http://www.oldgrovefestival.org.The Old Grove Festival is presentedby the non-profit organizationStewards of the Coast and Redwoodsto support their education andstewardship programs as well ascontinued advocacy for all state parks.14 - www.sonomacountygazette.com - 9/2/10By Betsy LivingstoneThe approach – down a wideconcrete industrial-looking drivewaybetween Sonoma Nesting Companyand the old bridge in Guerneville – isnot promising. At the bottom of thedriveway you may encounter a pileof trash – sometimes left behind byillegal overnighters and gathered upby faithful volunteers. A large buttemporary sign next to an openingin the trees tells you that you havearrived at Riverkeeper Park.But then! You enter the glade andfind yourself drawn in on broad,soft pathways of woodchips underarching branches of walnut, willow,box elder and redwood. Suddenly it’squiet – in the hush you can hear thebirds chattering high in the trees, thesoft sounds ofbreezes and yourown crunchingfootsteps. Gardensof native floweringplants and shrubsdisplay theirnatural beauty inthe dappled light.Soon, the signand trash pilewill be replacedby a handsomegateway andkiosk as befits thislittle-known, butdestined-to-be apopular gem of apark. It will havea children’s playarea, spots for groups to gather and forindividuals to wander and meditate,a river overlook, and lots of learningabout the nature of the River and itsriparian corridor. A paved, wheelchairaccessiblepath is included in the plan.Every Wednesday morning, VictoriaWikle and her band of hard-workingvolunteers gather to attack the goals ofthe day, which might be to clear andsheet-mulch a weed-choked patch ofground, or to create more pathways orperhaps a new garden where weedsformerly ruled. They dig, they water,they trundle wheelbarrows and cartsfull of soil, newspaper mulch, tools,and what have you. They shovel,they plant, they water, they sweat. Bynoon, they are enjoying a refreshingdrink and reviewing the morning’ssatisfying work.Victoria doesn’t look like apowerhouse organizer and laborer, butdon’t let the gray hair and ready smilefool you. What she has accomplishedthrough the Riverkeeper programin five years is amazing, though shewill deflect the credit to others. In herwords:“The property was over-run byinvasive non-native plants, garbageand drug users making it a communitynuisance. There was a barely passablenarrow trailfor the 440-footlength of riverfrontage. The trailwent throughthe willowschoked by weedsincluding 40-foottall,thornyblackberry vines.It looked like areal challenge.We have beenworking steadilyfor five years toconvert the siteto an educationalfacility. We havea regular group oftrained volunteersand two paid staff. A landscapearchitect has developed plans for 11interpretative stations. Meanwhile wecontinue to work, learn, make friendsand have fun.”Victoria and her accomplice, JulieCross, look around at what they haveachieved and an expression of wonderappears on their faces. They are excitedabout the latest project, a bioswale tocollect rain runoff from the drivewayand return it, filtered, to the river viathe soil and plants.

25 Years of Soothing HeatStarting from a humble backyardfacility made from a recycled chickencoop, Osmosis, has now deliveredmore than 200,000 highly therapeuticcedar enzyme baths over the past25 years. We intend to celebraterigorously at our up coming party onSunday September 12th.Since opening in 1985, Osmosis hasgrown to become an internationallyknown retreat sought out by visitorsfrom around the globe as well as ahealing nexus in our West Countyneighborhood.Sukiya Living, a magazine forJapanese garden aficionados, recentlyidentified the meditation garden asone of the most authentic Japanesegardens in the US.In addition to our emphasis on healthand wellness, Osmosis has alwaysplaced a high priority on reducing thespa’s impact on its environment. Lastyear we added constructed wetlandsthat recycle 100% of all gray watergenerated for use in landscaping andthermal solar collectors now generate80% of hot water used at the spa.Osmosis has also been instrumentalin founding the Green Spa Network. Anational membership organization ofover 140 spa professionals dedicated toadvancing sustainability in all aspectsof their spa operations. Osmosis isa major employer in the Sebastopolarea, with a staff of nearly 100 peoplewho have built a strong sense ofcommunity. Osmosis has made morethan a thousand donations of giftsand services to local schools and nonprofits.Please join us to celebrate our 25thanniversary on Sunday September 12th4 to 8 pm by reservation, $25 per person.Don’t miss this splendid opportunityto celebrate this community milestonewith friends and neighbors, wanderthe grounds, enjoy fine food and winefrom leading local providers, sampleenzyme foot baths and hear a numberof fine musicians. Call 823-8231 forreservations.Travel the Worldwithout Leaving HomeThe 11 th Annual Sonoma CountyBook Festival is happening onSeptember 25, from 10am to4pm inCourthouse Square in downtownSanta Rosa. Admission is Free.The Festival brings award-winninginternational authors sharing theirinsights about the hot spots we readabout, the issues and people we wantto know more about, along withdozens of other acclaimed writers,poets, children’s and young adultauthors, entertainers and exhibitors.The Sonoma County Book Festival,the oldest general interest book festivalin Northern California welcomes theentire family to a full day of literature,poetry and fun.Free Valet Bike Parking will beprovided by the Sonoma CountyBicycle Coalition.Authors, Poets, FunOne prominent writer who willappear is Abraham Verghese, authorof the best-selling novel and book-clubfavorite Cutting for Stone. Find himat 12:45pm in the downtown publiclibrary’s Forum Room.A sampling of poets reading theirwork throughout the day on the MainStage are Melissa Stein, Iris Dunkle,Katherine Hastings and ThomasCentolella. A Teen Poetry slam withcash prizes will be held at Café-Azulfrom 3-5 pm.A special children’s area will featurechildren’s authors reading from theirbooks, children’s book exhibitors andentertainers. Paws for Reading willbring its popular reading dogs, whichare trained to allow children to read tothem. Carnival of Chaos will presentthe Mark and Dre Show, that combinesverbal humor with physical stunts.Storytellers and a Laura Ingalls Wilderperformer round out the children’sactivities. A “Young Adult” featureat the Book Festival includes a paneldiscussion by Young Adult authors.Visit www.socobookfest.org fora schedule of the days’ events, acomplete list of presenters and moreinformation about the Book Festival.Young musicians …apply for Norton Buffalo music grants.Young musicians – under-30-years-old – from the Valley, who have thetalent, passion and determined drive to study and pursue their musicalgoals, can apply for a $1,000 grants from the Norton Buffalo MemorialMusic Fund.Applications, along with Norton Buffalo Memorial Harmonica and MusicFestival tickets, are available at Sonoma Valley Music, 521 Broadway,Sonoma, or, along with more information about the NBMM Fund, contactJim Corbett (Mr. Music) at (707)823-5849, or e-mail at JimCorbett22@comcast.net.9/2/10 - www.sonomacountygazette.com - 15

15 Years of TaikoIn 1995 Bruce, Paula and ArnoldShimizu were inspired to start theSonoma County Taiko group. Withthe hard work of dedicated Taikoplayers and the help of world classteachers such as Seiichi Tanaka andthe San Francisco Taiko Dojo, KennyEndo, Tiffany Tamaribuchi andSacramento Taiko Dan, Tosha Kiyonariand members of Kodo. Taiko is amulticultural, community-based, nonprofitorganization. Classes are offeredto people of all ages and abilities andthe group performs throughout thecounty at schools, festivals, communityevents and private shows.On October 2, Taiko will beperforming along with three otherTaiko groups at the SpreckelsPerforming Arts Center in RohnertPark. The title of the concert isTomodachi which means friends. Therewill be two performances: a matineeat 2:00 and an evening performanceat 7:00. If you haven’t attended a TaikoDrumming concert you have missedsomething very exciting. To learnmore about Taiko you can visit www.sonomacountytaiko.org For ticketinformation for the concert call 1-800-838-3006 and select event 96854 or askfor additional information.16 - www.sonomacountygazette.com - 9/2/10Years of effort by a coalition ofCounty of Sonoma Departments, lawenforcement agencies, and communitybased organizations culminated inapproval of a new Family Justice Center(FJC) by the Board of Supervisors.The FJC model is designed to reducethe number of places that victims ofdomestic violence, sexual assault,and elder abuse must visit in order toreceive needed services.Currently, in Sonoma County,victims of these crimes may have tovisit 23 different locations in order toaccess law enforcement, prosecutors,probation officers, victim advocates,medical professionals, counseling, andservices needed following the incident.The FJC will provide a wraparoundservice delivery model, with allavailable resources coordinated ina centralized location. The FamilyJustice Center model results in morehumane, collaborative, and successfuloutcomes for victims, and often leadsto a marked decrease in domesticviolence homicides.Completion of the Family JusticeCenter’s new home will begin this Fall.In the meantime, advocates are alreadyat work using the model. In the 3months between program launch April1 st and the end of June, 600 victimsreceived assistance and 1000 referralswere made for assistance.The Laguna Trail project wasapproved for the Fifth District thismonth, with construction expected tobegin soon. In the works since 2001,this 2.4 mile network of trails traversesalong the Laguna Santa Rosa beginningat Occidental Road, along the Lagunaand through Santa Rosa’s Kelly Farmand Sebastopol’s Laguna preserve.The trails include a multi-use trail,and pedestrian only hiking trail. ThisAgricultural Preservation and OpenSpace District project, partially fundedby a $500,000 California CoastalConservancy Grant, will be managedby the Regional Parks Department, Itwill extend over Santa Rosa’s Alpha,Brown, and Stone Farm properties asfunding becomes available.Our Planning Department begantwo new efforts in August. CodeEnforcement Penalty Relief will runfor 6 months, ending on February 1,2011. If your property has unpermittedstructures, improvements, or additions,you can visit PRMD to determine thecosts of permitting. There is a “nojeopardy” program in place, whichmeans that you can visit PRMDstaff, and discuss your unpermittedconstruction. No records will be keptof your conversation, and you will beable to decide whether to continue theprocess after you understand the cost.Taking advantage of this programcan ensure that building projects are upto current standards, and potentiallysave you thousands of dollars in civilpenalties. This program does notapply to violations currently on recordfor your property, but for new permitapplications to correct unpermittedconstruction.If you’ve been considering adding onto your home or business property, it justbecame easier. Beginning in August,payment of impact fees for parks,affordable housing, traffic, and schoolscan now be delayed until issuance of anoccupancy permit. Previously, these feeswere an up front cost to homeowners andbuilders before the permit could be issued.Building permits typically allow up to threeyears for project completion, and now thesecosts can be paid at the end of your projectrather than at the beginning.And you can now take out most owner/builder permits online at the PRMD site.Coming to our Board on September 28 that 2:30 p.m. will be proposed regulationsfor vacation rental homes. We have beenworking with vacation rental managers,home owners, and neighbors for over ayear now on the proposed ordinance. Youcan find out more about this proposal at theCounty of Sonoma PRMD Web site in thepink “What’s New?” box.I celebrated Gang PreventionAwareness Week by getting thoroughlytrounced in a boxing exhibition at SantaRosa Plaza. The match highlighted thework of Double Punches Boxing Club,which provides an outlet through the sportof boxing for young people who tend toavoid team sports and have shown littleself-confidence and academic success.My opponent, Enrique Gutierrez, aprofessional boxer and Golden Gloveschampion, took it easy on me and for that Iam truly thankful.Between the Sonoma Countyand the Gravenstein Apple fairs,thousands experienced the best that ourcommunity has to offer. Agriculture,horticulture, and family fun…whatbetter way to spend a day? I can tell youthat going to the Fair is more pleasantthan participating in a boxing match…but both were worth doing.

Congratulations! You are brilliant!Yes, you are absolutely brilliant fornot buying a house a few short yearsback when house prices were peakingand it felt like it would never end. Eventhough rates were low and you couldhave done it, you just thought it wasthe wrong time to buy. As you waited,the housing bubble burst and the pricesstarted coming down and your friendsjumped on the band wagon but you(being brilliant) waited still. After twoyears of price corrections and ratesstaying low, you still were not convincedand you waited some more.In the past year, we have seen houseprices come down a bit in some areas,stabilize in others and come up a tinybit in other areas while the interest rateshave come down to the lowest they havebeen in recorded history and you are stillon the fence. In order to maintain yourbrilliance, you need to buy a house andshow everyone you were right. When allof you brilliant people get off the fenceand decide that now is the best time tobuy, that is when the housing marketwill start to come back. What we neednow is not brilliance but confidence.Sure, I am poking fun a bit. Somepeople may not have been in a positionto buy a house at the peak becauseprices were just too high. Some peoplewere just not willing to get caught up inthe frenzy. I came into this business atthe tail end of 1989 just as the housingmarket was peaking. I helped peopleget into houses at the peak, on the waydown, at the bottom and as it rose again.The same thing happened this time,I have been helping people get intohomes at every stage of the game andI have learned a few things. If you buya house for the long term, you usuallycome out OK no matter what part of thecycle you bought your home. The bestthing I learned was……You can only see the bottom of themarket from your rear view mirror.I am reminded of the story of areligious man whose neighborhoodwas flooding. The water was lappingat his front steps and the neighborcame in a 4 wheel drive truck and theman said “God will save me” and sentthe truck away. When the water wasin his living room, a boat was sent andhe said “God will save me” and sentthe boat away. Then the house wasalmost underwater and the man wason his roof and a helicopter was sentand the man said “God will save me”and sent the helicopter away. As thehouse was going under and the manwas being swept away, God appearedand the man said “why have youforsaken me?” and God said….. I senta truck, a boat and a helicopter, whatmore did you want?So what’s my point? My point isthat the people who bought a houseat the peak were not stupid and thepeople who waited were not brilliant,no one has a crystal ball. A house canbe an excellent investment but thatis not all it is. A house is a home andshould always be looked at as a longterm investment and now is a goodtime to buy since it is affordable andrates are so low. I am not sure if thisis the helicopter or the boat that I amsending but I know for sure it is notthe truck and my money is leaningtowards helicopter so grab a hold andlet’s go for a ride.Please email or call me with any realestate and mortgage related questions.I am happy to answer you and it maybecome the topic of a future article.Hans Bruhner is a branch managerfor First Priority Financial. Hans islicensed by the CA DRE # 01085398and NMLS 243454. If you have aquestion, please contact him at(866) 385-1650 or hans@hansblog.comPortals or Passages: Sculpture JamOn September 11 and 12, from 10am to 3pm, Jammers (volunteer sculptors)will be making new sculptures for downtown Sebastopol. This year’s theme ispassages, or portals. So, come to the plaza; find sculptors at work in the grassyarea.The event is sponsored by the Sebastopol Center for the Arts. SusandraSpicer, Dave Furger, Beth Hartmann, Monty Tate, Sara Schomp, Sam Cagle, andWalter Harvest are some of the artists you’ll see at work. The artists volunteertheir time and fund the work.Attention, ContractorsA PG&E whole-house residentialbuilding retrofit incentive program isconducting a pilot in Sonoma Countyin conjunction with the PG&E rebates.It is a program targeted at creatingnew jobs and putting contractorsback to work to retrofit 13,000 homesby 2012. This new incentive programforms the basis of the countywideretrofit program in development bythe Sonoma County Regional ClimateProtection Authority.This incentive program is part ofa local government building retrofitprogram that will provide contractorsupport, market outreach and leadgeneration, Web marketing support,and additional resources to transformthe market demand for energyupgrade services using the wholehouseapproach.For ore information, pleasecontact: Chris Cone, Sonoma CountyCommunity Climate Action Plan/Energy Efficiency ImplementationManager, Climate ProtectionCampaign. (707) 889-1328 cell,(707) 525-1665 x118 office, ccone@climateprotectioncampaign.org.9/2/10 - www.sonomacountygazette.com - 17

Life’s a Joy!Free?High Quality ChildcareBy Wendy ZieglerWendy Z’s Preschool, (License493007432), a new preschool in Petaluma,is offering one FREE WEEK. Enroll bySeptember 30th. 6 spaces only: ages 2 to 5.At $5 per hour this equals $200.Hi, I’m Wendy Zeigler, Director. Myenriched in-home setting emphasizeskinder-readiness through the Arts andNature Study. With 20 years experience,I intuit each child’s growing dailyneeds. Children = Creativity. My roleis to “catch the magic” with them, asthey explore subjects including art,music, reading, puppetry and science.Parents, I’d love to give you a tour.You can reach me at 707-762-1312.Email: wendyzcompany@yahoo.com.18 - www.sonomacountygazette.com - 9/2/10Stroke and Chinese MedicineI am writing on this topic becauserecently I have been around two peoplewho have told me their story on stroke.One day I went into Whole Foodsfor breakfast when a gentleman fromEngland began talking to me abouthis 57-year-old wife who was in thehospital. It seems that the night beforeshe complained of a severe headacheand they went to the hospital at midnightand without any tests they sent her homeand told her to take an aspirin and go tosleep. At 4 am she woke up and had asevere stroke. She was taken back to thehospital and is now in intensive care. Thisis a case for everyone to learn from, I dobelieve that if they gave her an MRI theywould have seen something and maybehad her spend the night for observation.There are several symptoms to lookforpre-stroke: trouble walking, troublespeaking, paralysis, numbness, troubleseeing and a sudden severe headache.The other woman is in my art group,also late 50’s and when coming homefrom the market and she was takinggroceries into the house and realizedthat her leg was not moving right. Sinceshe was fairly young she continued tounload her groceries and went inside.Later, she too suffered a stroke, whichshe has spent four years recoveringfrom. I do believe from both of thesewe can see that someone needs to takeimmediate action when things don’tseem right and also insist on some tests.Both the prevention and the recovery ofa stroke can be treated efficiently withacupuncture and herbs. The results cantake place after only three treatmentsand Chinese Medicine seems to use bothhead points and body points to achieveresults. Threatments to prevent stokesare based on the moving of Qi and Bloodwhile treatments after focus on treatingthe symptoms to improve recovery.The two reasons for strokes areIschemic and Hemorrhagic. TheIschemic results from a lack of blood andsufficient oxygen. Hemorrhagic is whena blood vessel breaks and the blood leaksinto the tissue. Both of these are treatablewith acupuncture. The first one ChineseMedicine invigorates the blood andremoves blood stasis by tonifying the Qiand notifying the Yin. The second oneis done by clearing the Wind, loweringthe blood pressure and clearing the heatto stop the bleeding. The Hemorrhagichas three different stages: the acutestage is with headache, dizziness,vomiting, partial paralysis and impairedconsciousness. Symptoms can include,rigid neck, deviated mouth, flushed faceand fever. The recovery stage is the nextstage and takes place over months andtreatment can be started several daysafter the stroke. It can help to regain astable condition for the person and canhelp them regain body movement. Thethird stage is Sequela stage, which isafter six months and can involve someparalysis and speech difficulties.In Chinese Medicine, all these stagescan be treated with acupuncture andherbs. The treatment would be to removewind and heat, calm emotional stress,move Qi stagnation, nourish the Yin andremove Blood stasis. However, my realpurpose in writing this article is to tryand help people prevent strokes by notonly getting treatments that move theQi and Blood but also to pay attentionto the way that they eat, avoiding friedfoods, keeping your weight down, thuslowering your cholesterol, being carefulwith cigarettes and alcohol consumptionand treating your body like your temple.In the Ischemic stroke twoor three daysprior to paralysis, the symptoms areheadache, dizziness, numbness, fatigueand difficult speech. Please be aware ofany difference that you are experiencingand make sure you get things checkedout professionally. I believe some of usare a bit older and don’t think along theselines but this could happen to anyone ofus and can happen at any time.Prevention can be several things:control high blood pressure, loweryour cholesterol, don’t smoke, controldiabetes, maintain a healthy weight,eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables,exercise regularly, drink alcohol inmoderation and make sure that youget some alternatives treatments tokeep your Blood and Qi moving. All ofthese mentioned, including high bloodpressure can be controlled with herbsand acupuncture and someone doesnot need to take western drugs to getresults. Please do no think of ignoringyour symptoms when you have higherblood pressure and are sometimes dizzy.You must do something to control this;otherwise at 45years old you could havea stroke.Marcy Basel is in private practice inSebastopol and has been working withacupuncture and chinese herbs for overtwenty years. She can be reached @ 707-824-8747 for questions and appointments.

The POWER of the Intentions...Conscious and UnconsciousIntentions are a very powerful forcein creating one’s life. In addition, theyare a very powerful force in a family oreducation setting.Ronda Britten, author of FearlessLiving, says that the definition of aword is essential if you want clear andeffective communication. I agree.So, the definitions for the wordINTENTION are as follows:1. An act or instance of determiningmentally upon some action or result.2. The end or object intended;purpose.3. Purpose or attitude toward theeffect of one’s actions or conduct.Intentions can be both consciousand unconscious. A consciously heldintention might be: I intend that I amvery fit! If you consciously held thisintention, then you’d probably take upan exercise program and eat nutritiousfood on a regular basis.I believe we have “unconscious”intentions as well. An “unconscious”intention is one that you aren’t reallyaware that you hold. It’s the type ofintention that just “lives” within yourbody. You just “know” it at a very deeplevel. One might be: I love my childrenunconditionally.Parents and children are veryconnected on the physical, emotional,mental and spiritual level. Therefore,that which a parent thinks consciouslyor unconsciously can greatly affect thelife of a child.Sometimes, when there is achallenge going on within the familyor classroom, you might want to take alook at the conscious and unconsciousintentions you may be holding. Justbeing aware that you can consciouslyset an intention to shift things, can bevery inspiring!Sometimes, a negative intention foryourself or your child can get set inplace subconsciously. For example, ifyour child has had numerous times oftipping over a glass of juice or milk,you might come to think of him/heras always spilling their drink. Nextyou begin to expect spilling to occur.This is one way a negative unconsciousintention can be created. In this situation,you could consciously begin to hold adifferent intention such as: “Joey eatsso carefully.” It’s amazing how such asimple change can shift things.I invite you to step back from yourlife and observe the “self-talk” that goeson regarding your child(ren). Do youhave any “programs” that run in yourthinking about your children...or evenyour life? Could this thinking be anunconscious intention in the making?It’s not always easy to be objective.However, it’s an interesting exploration.I invite you to consider consciouslyholding an intention for yourchild(ren) or yourself for a higher levelof good. Practice seeing your intentionmaterialize. Observe any changes thattake place. Some examples of suchintentions are as follows:• I intend that helping my child withhis/her homework is easy andeffortless.• I intend that my child and I haveopen communication.• I intend that our children enjoy eachother.When one consciously holds anintention, it’s amazing how theUniverse begins to brings thingstogether to make it happen. Years ago Iwas teaching a class and an 8-year oldchild did an intention board. She puton it her dream dog! Three monthslater, that dog came into her life.Intentions are powerful. Experiment!Know - deeply know - what you desireand see what manifests! Intentions canwork in all areas of your life. The trickypart is that it’s our human nature tocontradict such positive intentionswith negative thinking. So, this canbe an excellent exercise in managingone’s thinking!Sharon Ann Wikoff is a credentialed elementaryteacher, EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique)practitioner and a long-time student of AgelessWisdom. She is passionate about supportingindividuals, children and adults in living life,reaching their fullest potential. Her website iswww.SharonAnnWikoff.com She can also bereached at (707) 543.6355 or directly at (707)820.4212.Singalongs in GuernevilleBy Jim and Holly VickGuerneville will soon hear the sound of voices raised in song, when the OldFashioned Sing-Alongs get going. All are invited to join in singing Broadwayand Hollywood songs, and to bring “whatever kind of voice God gave you, andbring your friends, too.” Movies, words and music will be furnished.The new group starts Friday, September 17th at 1:00pm and every fist andthird Friday thereafter at the Russian River Senior Center in Guerneville.Call Jim or Holly at 869-0124 to hear more about it and to sign up for thisafternoon of free fun. We start with “Oklahoma!”9/2/10- www.sonomacountygazette.com - 19

20 - www.sonomacountygazette.com - 9/2/10Help us Help the HorsesSadie’s Haven Horse Rescue & SanctuaryBy Roger SmithThis is a story about compassionand caring.Because of the economic downturnthat Americans face these days, horseshave become victims. They are beingneglected and/or simply abandonedat an alarming rate. In one case, forexample, two horses were transportedto a remote location and unloadedfrom a trailer. They were then tiedto a fence without food or water.Other horses are brought to boardingfacilities where the first month feeswere paid and then the owner is neverheard from again.Then there is the heart-wrenchingreality of horse slaughter. In 1998, thevoters of the State of California passedProposition 6, the Prohibition of HorseSlaughter and Sale of Horsemeat forHuman Consumption Act of 1998,by the greatest popular vote marginof any proposition in California’shistory. That was certainly a start, butunfortunately it didn’t go far enough.You see, horsemeat is considered tobe a delicacy in Europe and Asia. Sothere is quite a demand. The moneythat can be made has resulted in thedevelopment of a black market inCalifornia that specializes in providinglive horses to slaughter houses inMexico and Canada. There the horsesare slaughtered and the meat is shippedoverseas. The demand is so great thata large group of individuals knownas “Kill Buyers” now scour auctionyards. They even pose as legitimatepeople looking to adopt a horse. TheKill Buyer is the first stop on a longtrail of tears for the horses that fallvictim. Next, these condemned horsesare transported, under absolutelydeplorable conditions, to the slaughterhouses to meet their end. At theslaughter house they are subjectedto methods developed for cattle nothorses. As a result, most of the horsesare not dead but are simply stunnedand conscious, as the dismemberingprocess begins. Believe me, your heartwould cry out in grief, at the crueltyof it all, if you were to see a mare(female horse) and her little foal (baby),quivering with fear, as they wait theirturn in the kill box.But, there is an answer. A deeplycompassionate individual by the nameof Vicki Sims understood the plightthat the horses of California face. InNovember of 2009, she spearheaded thecreation of a new non-profit, charitycalled Sadie’s Haven Horse Rescueand Sanctuary located in southwestSebastopol.Vicki Sims, Denise Sousa and theothers at Sadie’s Haven Horse Rescueand Sanctuary have many years ofexperience in the care of horses forgood physical and psychologicalhealth. They excel in the specializedcare of horses that have beenneglected, abused and/or abandoned.Their goals include educating thecommunity about the plight of thesehorses, through tours and day campprograms, with special considerationfor underprivileged children and teens.They also offer kids opportunities tocomplete their schools’ communityservice requirements.When I spoke with Vicki Simsrecently she said, “we frequently,encounter horses that are very old, orhave some physical or mental disability.If it were not for our efforts, many, ifnot all, of these horses would findthemselves heading for the slaughterhouses in Texas or Canada via the blackmarket. They would end up on dinnerplates overseas where horsemeat isconsidered to be a delicacy. Since theseequines had dedicated their lives tous, in activities associated with bothwork and pleasure, certainly we needto stand behind them in their hour ofneed.”I have personally witnessed thehorses that they have saved from thedinner plate. They find loving homesfor some of the horses that they haverescued via their adoption program.Other horses, that have been cast asideas useless by their former owners, havea permanent home at their sanctuary.However, the folks at Sadie’s Havenneed our help. They depend entirelyon public donations and sponsorsto fund their noble effort. Withouthelp they cannot succeed. Theyneed donations of Money, hay, feed,medications and supplies. In addition,they need volunteers to assist themin the daily care of the horses in theircharge. Please find it in your heart tohelp these people help the defenselesshorses by making a donation to theireffort today.You can visit Sadie’s Haven online atwww.sadieshaven.com. You can alsocontact them by phone at 707-206-1892.Vicki Sims’ email address is: vicki@sadieshaven.com.SavingYouthBy Marilee EckertSince 1982, CCNB has providedthousands of at risk youth in MarinCounty with education, skills and asense of belonging to something biggerthan themselves while preserving andnurturing rapidly dwindling naturalresources.Conservation Corps North Bay hasbeen hard at work making SonomaCounty a better place to live for the pastyear. In response to increases in gangs,juvenile crime and unemploymentin Sonoma County, CCNB opened itsdoors here last year. In that short time,they’ve enrolled more than 30 youth intheir natural resources managementand community recycling programs.CCNB has already celebrated thehigh school graduation of 11 of thoseSonoma youth and changed their lifetrajectories. They’ve also restored 16acres of wildlife habitat, constructed14 miles of trail, and diverted 60,381pounds of recyclable materials fromlandfill in Sonoma County.This summer CCNB also expandedits popular Project ReGenerationsummer youth program to SonomaCounty. Twenty sixth-to-ninth gradersparticipated in this program with itsunique combination of environmentalservice, education, and outdoorrecreation.CCNB does it by joining forceswith local land management agenciesand businesses, such as the SonomaCounty Water Agency, SonomaCounty Agricultural Open Space andPreservation District, Sonoma CountyRegional Parks and the SonomaEcology Center, to provide trainingand mentorship opportunities toyoung people. Youth learn green skills,teamwork and gain valuable workexperience while getting the educationthey need to thrive in today’s jobmarket.Since 1982, CCNB has providedthousands of at risk youth in MarinCounty with education, skills and asense of belonging to something biggerthan themselves while preservingand nurturing rapidly dwindlingnatural resources. As of publicationdate, CCNB will have celebratedits commitment to Sonoma Countywith the official opening of its newbase at 365 Blodgett Street, Cotati, onSeptember 1. For more informationcall 707-202-3069 or visit www.conservationcorpsnorthbay.org.Marilee Eckert is Executive Director ofCCNB can be reached at 707-303-3069 ormeckert@conservationcorpsnorthbay.org.

My September GardenGetting Ready for BedBy Betsy LivingstoneIt’s September in the garden and weare all thinking: Wait! – what aboutSummer? Oops - our chilly summeris slipping away already. But we lookforward to our “Indian Summer,”an important time to focus on what’sgoing on with the plants, the soil,the climate. Well, climate is anotherstory. But we are starting to thinkabout winter, even as the tomatoesare ripening at last, and the leaves arestarting to fall.I have three garden goals forSeptember: mulch, mulch, and mulch.I know I probably should have startedearlier, but now I’m getting that Fallfeeling and thinking of the mulch asa blanket. Many of the perennialsand shrubs are going dormant nowand they need that rest (dormant =sleep) from making and feeding leaveswhile the roots grow and get comfy inthe soil in readiness for next spring’sgrowth.Mulch is helpful in the garden inso many ways. Remember, soil isalive. Healthy soil is full of millionsof naturally occurring microbes perteaspoon! So when we protect the soil,we protect the life that makes plantspossible. The most important part of aplant is the part we can’t see.Mulching under and around plantsinsulates the roots from the intenseheat of late summer and early fall, andfrom freezing in winter. And, if we’vegiven them a late-summer soak to keepthem looking good - or at least alive -the mulch will help to hold the water inthe soil, and reduce drought stress aswe all wait for the late fall rains. Whenit does rain, the mulch will capture itso it doesn’t run off down the street. Inthe bigger picture, less runoff meansparticulates and pollutants gettingfiltered through plants and soil, notflowing into the creeks and rivers.A good 3-to-4-inch blanket of cleanmulch will help prevent germinationof the weed seeds that always lurkin the soil (trust me, they are there).Less weeding next year - yay! Whenmulching under plants, be sure toleave a little air space around the stemsto deter unhelpful bugs and fungi.Over time, the mulch breaks downinto soil while preventing the soilunderneath – which typically hasmore clay and less organic material- from developing a hard crust. And,as it keeps the soil soft and alive, itremoves the necessity for turning itover next year. As you keep applyingorganic mulch through the seasonsand years, the soil keeps getting moreand more friendly to plant roots,helpful microbes, and other creatureswho share the habitat, such as birds,butterflies, children and gardeners.Finally, a mulched garden looksgood. Clean, soft and healthy. Inharmony with nature and not at warwith her.Mulching is favorable for newplantings, too. Fall is a great time forplanting perennials and shrubs sothat their root systems can get soakedand stay moist as they establishthemselves in the soil before timefor spring growth. Lots of our localnurseries have sales in the fall, and thelocal chapter of the California NativePlant Society holds its annual sale onSaturday, October 9, a popular sourceof unusual and appropriate plants -and also free advice in their care - forour summer-dry, winter-wet climate.Live on the Plaza!Come Explore Sebastopol!By Karla SamplesWant to mingle with your neighborsand fellow business owners in a funoutdoor venue? Sebastopol’s 2010Business and Community Fair, “Liveon the Plaza!” happens on Thursday,October 7 from 4 to 7 pm. Sponsorsand Booth Applications beingaccepted now.Produced and sponsored bythe Sebastopol Area Chamber ofCommerce, this free event willshowcase local businesses andnonprofits while providing a socialand networking opportunity forSonoma County residents.Local food and beverages will beincluded (of course!) and a contestcalled “Explore the Plaza” will offerfabulous prizes. A variety of liveentertainment will round out the fair.It’s not too late to sign up to marketyour company to the public. Vendorspace is only $150.00 for Chambermembers and $250.00 for nonmembers.Sponsorships are $350 andinclude lots of added publicity.For more information, go to www.sebastopol.org, or contact Karla at707-823-3032 ext 102 or at events@sebastopol.orgRancho Bodega Historical Society AnniversaryCome hear historical stories from the Rancho Bodega area: Russian River toEstero Americano on Thursday, Sept. 23, at the Bodega Bay School. 1200Canon St., Bodega Bay. Guest storytellers will include Rancho Bodega ol’timers and students of the Bodega Bay Elementary School. Join in and tellyour favorite stories! Keep the history of Rancho Bodega ALIVE!Refreshments will be served. INFO: Robin Rudderow (707) 875-90239/2/10 - www.sonomacountygazette.com - 21

Russian Riverfest 2010Supports Riverkeeper ProgramBurke’s Canoes on the Russian Riverin Forestville will again host this year’s19th annual Riverfest on Saturday,September 25th from 4:30 to 7:30pm.The festival celebrates our River withthe bounty of the harvest season,offering an outstanding gourmetdinner with fresh, local & organicproduce, world class Sonoma Countyorganic wine & beer, great live musicsilent auction, fun kids’ activities andmore.“This year we have lowered ticketprices from $45 to $20 (recessionspecial!) in hopes of bringing in morepeople and making the event morefun,” said Kate Wilson of Riverkeeper.“We won’t have as many speakers asin previous years and will focus moreon music, food and socializing, alongwith fun kids’ activities.”Advance tickets are $20 beforeSeptember 20, and $25 at the door.Students are $10, kids 12 and underfree. Tickets are available onlineat www.russianriverkeeper.orgor by calling 707-433-1958.Sponsorships are also available for$150, $300, $600, $1000. Tickets andsponsorships are tax deductible, lessvalue of food and wine.About the Russian RiverkeeperRussian Riverkeeper, originallyFriends of the Russian River, activelypursues conservation and protection ofthe River’s mainstem, tributaries andwatershed through public education,citizen action, scientific research andexpert advocacy. Riverkeeper adoptedthe WaterkeeperAlliance’s frameworkof advocacy and enforcement tosteward the Russian River, includingthe hiring of a full time “Riverkeeper”(Heealdsburg’s Don McEnhill) andacquisition of a boat to closely monitorthe River.As an advocacy organizationRiverkeeper has taken legal actionagainst polluters when necessaryto protect the River. For example,Riverkeeper led the fight to stop toxicdischarge into an old riverside gravelpit that leached pollutants into theRiver, called for mandatory waterconservation to respond to our currentdrought, has pursued enforcementof sediment controls at constructionsites and sought increased agencyenforcement region-wide. Mostrecently, Riverkeeper settled one of thelargest pollution cases in the watershedafter years of inaction by regulators,leading to major investments inpollution controls and a healthierRiver.22 - www.sonomacountygazette.com - 9/2/10Wash Your Car Responsibly - or Not At All!A dirty car should be sported like abadge of honor: “I conserved waterby not washing my car.” It may alsobe an unwitting act of environmentalkindness: it’s one less car washed ina driveway or street – a seeminglyinnocent chore that unfortunatelysends toxins straight to our creeks.Is car washing bad for theenvironment? It depends on how it’sdone. Car washing in the drivewayor street mixes soapy water with dirt,oil, gasoline, exhaust residue, andbrake pad dust from your car. Thisnasty concoction then flows downthe gutter and into the storm drain.Unlike household wastewater whichgoes to sewers or septic systems and istreated before being reused or releasedinto waterways, car wash water from“at home” car washing goes to thestorm drain and into the local creekor river – untreated. The toxins harmfish and plants in our waterways anddamage our aquatic ecosystems. Even“biodegradable” or “environmentallyfriendly”car soap poses problems: asthe soap degrades, it uses up oxygenneeded by aquatic life.How can you have a clean ridewhile still protecting the environment?You can clean your car by regularlywiping the exterior with a wet clothor paper towel without soap, or use“waterless carwash” products whichare now available. If your car reallyneeds a wash, take it to a commercialcar wash facility, which is required byFederal law to drain the wastewaterinto the sewer system to be treated.Commercial car wash facilities alsohave high-pressure nozzles and pumpsthat minimize water use. Many alsorecycle and re-use the rinse water.If you must wash your car athome, follow these steps for the mostenvironmentally-responsible wash:• Choose vegetable- or citrus-basedsoap that does not contain phosphates,chlorine, nitrates, or ammonia.• Wash your car on your lawn orover gravel so that the washwater canbe absorbed and neutralized in soilinstead of flowing into the storm drainsystem.• If you have to wash on thepavement, divert the water into nearbylandscaping, grass, or gravel withrolled up towels or a length of hose.• Vacuum car mats or shake them intoa trash can, not onto the pavement.• Don’t use acid-based wheel cleanersor engine degreasers.• Use a spray nozzle with an automaticshut off nozzle.• Wring sponges and wash rags intobuckets, not onto the pavement.• After you’re done washing, sopup remaining sudsy puddles withtowels.• Empty buckets into sinks or toiletsso the dirty wash water goes to thesanitary sewer system.Thinking about a car washfundraiser for your school, church orsports group? Unfortunately, while carwashes may help organizations, theyhurt our waterways. Instead, considerasking a local commercial car wash ifyour group can sell coupons or tokensto their establishment. The car washcompany may even give your groupa special rate and/or help publicizeyour fundraiser. Or check with a localself-serve car wash business and askto use one of their stalls to conduct thefundraiser.If you must raise funds with a carwash, follow the same rules for homecar washing above, and select a sitewhere the wash water can soak intograss, gravel, or be diverted to nearbylandscaping. If your only choice isto have the car wash on pavement,contact your municipality or countyto find out if you are allowed to sealthe storm drains for your carwash, orto discuss other options. The Countyof Sonoma Storm Water Programhas details on how to block off astorm drain inlet and make and use acarwash kit on their website at http://www.sonoma-county.org/prmd/sw/pp-home-carwash.htm. In MendocinoCounty, call the Recycling Hotline (707468-9704) for more information.This article was authored by Eydie Tacatawith the City of Rohnert Park on behalf ofthe Russian River Watershed Association.RRWA is an association of local publicagencies in the Russian River Watershedthat have come together to coordinateregional programs for clean water, fisheriesrestoration and watershed enhancement.

Pet Care Without ToxicsDear EcoGirl: I love my pets. Howcan I protect them from fleas and tickswithout using toxic materials? Signed,Pet LoverDear Pet Lover: Thank you for yourgreat question. Yes, very often folkswill grab mainstream pet care productswithout even realizing that they can betoxic, and thus potentially put both petsand people at risk. Pet products suchas collars, sprays, shampoos, dips, anddusts can contain neurotoxic pesticidesthat harm the neurological systems ofanimals and humans, even in smallamounts. Studies have linked thesechemicals to a wide variety of healthproblems, from tremors and hyperactivityto cancer and neurological disease.Children are especially vulnerable,because their systems are still developingand they interact closely withpets. Additionally, it’s estimated thathundreds, even thousands, of pets havebeen injured by pet care products.Remember, just because a product’sfor sale doesn’t mean it’s safe, evenwhen used as directed.To Protect Your FamilyHere are some ways that you can helpkeep your family safe:• Understand the risks of the pet productsyou’re using or considering. Readlabels carefully, and take warnings seriously.Especially avoid products withthe keywords “Danger” or “Warning,”and don’t use flea collars with TCVP,propoxur, or carbaryl. For brand namespecifics, go to www.greenpaws.org andclick on “Product Guide.” Also, see theEPA’s concerns about Frontline andAdvantage at www.thedailygreen.com/environmental-news/latest/is-frontlinesafe-0318.• Phase out your use of toxic pet products.First eliminate organophosphatesand carbamates, particularly aroundpeople or animals who are pregnant,young, ill, or elderly. Never allow childrento apply toxic products on pets.• For emergency help with a pet orhuman poisoning, call the NationalPoison Help Line at (800) 222-1222.Also report the incident to the EPA’sNational Pesticide TelecommunicationsNetwork at (800) 858-7378 or www.npic.orst.edu.• Dispose of toxics properly. For moreinformation, see www.recyclenow.org orcall (707) 565-3375.• Encourage stores to stop carrying themost toxic products. For an easy action,see www.greenpaws.org.© Copyright, Patricia Dines, 2010.Less-Toxic ApproachesLuckily, there are less-toxic ways tocare for your pets. For example:• Physical measures. You can oftencontrol fleas by bathing, brushing, andcombing your pet. Use a gentle nontoxicflea shampoo and a flea comb.• Vinegar. After bathing, rinse yourpet with diluted apple cider vinegar;fleas don’t like the smell. (Test a smallamount first to get the right dilutionlevel.) You can also add a tablespoonof apple cider vinegar to your dog’swater bowl.• Protective nutrition. Healthy petsare more able to repel bugs. Feed themnatural pet food and consider addingimmunity boosters to their meals,including brewer’s yeast (1/2 teaspoon),grated garlic (dogs only, 1 cloveper 30 pounds), safflower oil (1 tsp), orpowdered seaweed (1 tsp).• Essential oils. Buy natural essentialoils (not synthetic), and put a few dropson your pet’s collar. Good optionsinclude: lavender (repels mosquitoes,ticks, and fleas), peppermint (mosquitoes),lemongrass (ticks), and citronella(fleas, dogs only). Also consider lemon,cedar, eucalyptus, and neem. You canmake combinations, such as blendingequal parts of rosemary, thyme, lemon,citronella, and tea tree oil.• Carpet and furniture treatments.Establish a regular pet sleeping area,and launder pet bedding in hot waterevery couple of weeks. Vacuumregularly in areas that pets frequent;immediately discard the vacuum bag toeliminate flea eggs. To deter fleas, flies,and ants, combine two cups of naturaldiatomaceous earth (not the poolproduct) with one cup each of bakingsoda and cornstarch. Sprinkle on carpetsand furniture, let sit for 1 to 2 hours,then vacuum. (Consider steam-cleaningbeforehand.) Flea Busters also offers alow-toxicity home treatment using aboron-based salt. www.fleabusters.com,(800) 6NO-FLEA.• Yard care. Mow often in areas thatpets frequent. Consider getting beneficialnematodes, which are non-toxic andfeed on flea larvae. They’re availablelocally at Harmony Farm Supply, (707)823-9125, www.harmonyfarm.com.For more pet care information andideas, see Home Safe Home, by DebraLynn Dadd, and www.care2.com (thendo a search, say for “cat fleas”). You canalso find natural products and books athealth food stores and online.The blunt truth about the politics of climate change isthat no country will want to sacrifice its economy inorder to meet this challenge, but all economies knowthat the only sensible long term way of developing is todo it on a sustainable basis. - Tony Blair9/2/10 - www.sonomacountygazette.com - 23

The Art Movie HouseSummerfield Cinemas:Formerly Known as Rialto CinemasBy Windy SwindtSummerfield Cinemas is the newname for the art movie house formerlyknown as Rialto Cinemas, and as newtheater managers take over the facilitythey have vowed to keep the artsalive at the multi-complex located offSummerfield Road in Santa Rosa.During a routine inspection it wasdiscovered that the walls neededextensive repairs to become moreearthquake safe. The repairs areexpected to take approximately 2months to complete, which willmove the new Summerfield Cinemasopening to November. With the delayin opening the Summerfield complex,plans to smooth the transition forart and independent film goerswill include an interim move to theexisting 3rd Street Cinemas, located at620-3rd Street in Santa Rosa. The 3rdStreet complex will offer free coffee topatrons of the arts and add tables andchairs into the lobby to create a coffeehouse atmosphere. Theater patronswill be treated to free popcorn andcoffee through September.In addition to the structural repairsof Summerfield Cinema, new seatingand equipment upgrades will takeplace at the same time. According tomanaging partner Dan Tocchini, “Wefeel we can help make the transitiona smooth one for art movie fans byoffering an upgraded temporarylocation while we make sure that theexisting art house is a structurally safebuilding. We appreciate the public’sconcern for the arts and look forwardto providing an ongoing run of filmsthat past Rialto attendees becameaccustomed to.”24 - www.sonomacountygazette.com - 9/2/1024th Wine Country Film FestivalDeerfield Ranch Winery in Kenwood& 3rd Street Cinemas in Santa Rosa Sept 15 - 20There are five categories of film:The Arts in Film, World Cinema, USCinema, Cinema of Conscience (socialand political themes) and EcoCinema(films about the planet).The 4th Revolution, a powerfuldocumentary about the successful usesof renewable energy systems in smallAdam Scott and Brittany Snow are invited toThe Vicious Kind. Sept 17th at 3rd StreetCinemas followed by a party at Christy’sWine Country’s original andlongest running film festival bringsinternational, independent and artfilms to Sonoma County September15 - 20. Presenting the best moviesfrom around the globe the FilmFestival opens with Ben Affleck’s newcrime thriller The Town WednesdaySeptember 15th. The film starsAffleck, who co-wrote and directedthe movie, and Jon Hamm, JeremyRenner, Chris Cooper, Rebecca Halland Blake Lively. The Town screensat 8pm under the stars at DeerfieldRanch Winery, 10200 Sonoma Hwy inKenwood. The Music Lesson screensat 6:30PM in the winery’s Grand Roominside the cave. Admission is $25VIP (includes a glass of wine) and $15general. Rocket Cafe Catering sellsdinner and theater concessions. Pleaseno outside food, wine or beverages.Chairs are provided.The Film Festival’s director andfounder, Stephen Ashton, traveledaround the world scouting for moviesthat screened at other film festivals atCannes, Berlin, Toronto, Sundance andVenice. He found the best of the bestand invited them to screen here. Mostof the movies selected for the programwill not be seen again in our localtheaters.By Melissa HathewayRialto Cinemas, whose lease at 551Summerfield Road ends this month,will be taking their show on the roadto Santa Rosa’s 6th Street Playhousein historic Railroad Square.“It is a terrifically mutuallybeneficial arrangement,” proprietorKy Boyd said. “We will be renting daysand nights from the Playhouse thatwould otherwise normally be dark. Itprovides us with a venue to continueto bring unique events like the secondseason of London’s National TheatreLive programs as well as many ofthe special events that the Rialto hasheld, such as the Jewish Film Festival,towns, cities and countries screensat 3rd Street Cinemas in DowntownSanta Rosa, Sat Sept 18th, followed bya discussion with the head of LongtaleFilms, Omar Kaczmarczyk, and localgreen leaders.Don’ miss Mahler on the Couch(Sept 18th at Deerfield) by father andson team Percy and Felix Adlon. Itwill be the film’s second worldwidescreening coming straight fromToronto. The Adlons will be in personfor a discussion after the film. PercyAdlon will give a Master Class onPoetic Cinema, his trademark style,also on Sept 18th at Christy’s inDowntown Santa Rosa. Other films byPercy (at 3rd Street Cinemas) includeSalmon Berries starring KD Lang andBagdad Cafe.In the Cinema of Conscience category,save the date for Balibo Conspiracy,the thrilling true story about fivejournalists who were murdered inEast Timor and the subsequent coverup. The film stars Anthony LaPagliain a tour de force performance. Aforum “Censorship and a Free Press”led by Sonoma State professor PeterPhilips founder of the CensorshipProject precedes the movie, SundaySeptember 19 at Deerfield.Tickets are available day of show ateach film festival venue (cash only) oron line.For complete program detailsfilms,dates, times, venues - visit www.winecountryfilmfest.com.Rialto on the Roadand the Sonoma County LibraryFoundation’s Chocolate and Cinemaevening. Additionally, we will be ableto present some short-run and one-offpresentations of the kinds of films webuilt our reputation here in SonomaCounty on.”Confirmed presentations at the 6thStreet Playhouse include the London’sNational Theatre’s six-play series, aswell as a bonus encore presentationof Helen Mirren in Phédre, the2010 Jewish Film Festival, and theSonoma County Library Foundation’sChocolate and Cinema event.

Sarah’s Forestville KitchenGreg Hallihan is noted for startingtwo successful restaurants in Sonomaand has a reputation as a creative chef.Greg has now found his home in theheart of downtown Forestville wherehe has refurbished the old ForestvilleInn located at 6566 Front Steet. Thishistoric building has served as asoldier’s barracks, a brothel, a poolhall, an antique shop, a leather shopand a hotel. In the mid 1970s thebuilding was turned into a MexicanRestaurant which enjoyed a goodreputation for many years. In Mayof this year Greg opened SARAH’SFORESTVILLE KITCHEN. The newrestaurant is offering gourmet levelcuisine at affordable prices. In thischallenging economy Greg wantsto provide a family restaurant withgood value for your money whilemaintaining a culinary experience thatcompares with the best of them.The venue is home style cookingsimilar to “slow food” but the menuitself is eclectic, drawing elements oftastes and cooking styles from a varietyof sources. As example they offer aspicy curry dish that can be vegetarianor include chicken or prawns; a NorthCarolina beef brisket; New Orleansgumbo; Italian truffle pasta, southernfried chicken, steaks, house smokedpork chops and Thai prawn salad withmango lime sesame dressing.Greg uses local meat and produceincluding bread from the NightingaleBakery, Meyers Meats which have nohormones or antibiotics, and eggs andproduce from local organic suppliers.The restaurant is featuring a varietyof these dishes in a new specialSunday night menu. SUNDAY ATSARAH’S FORESTVILLE KITCHENoffers a complete meal that includessoup or salad for $9.95. The menu willinclude three choices that may differfrom week to week, such as Greg’sRed Gumbo, the Curry Dish, or “TheBurger” along with a new offering,SARAH’S GRILLED PIZZA.Sarah’s Forestville Kitchen opensat 7:30 a.m. and serves breakfast until11:30. The breakfast menu is extensive:eggs and omelets of many styles $7.25to $8.75, house made corned beef hash$9.75, pancakes, French toast and crepes$6.76 to $9.75, steak or pork chops andeggs $11.75 to $12.75 and biscuits andgravy for $5.75. There is a Kid’s Menufor children eleven and under for $3.25or $3.75. On Sundays there is a Brunchthat is served from 8:00 a.m. until 2:00p.m. On this menu, Eggs Benedict isadded to the regular egg dishes alongwith Triple Berry Pancakes. You canalso order Shrimp and Jalapeno CheeseGrits, Hanger Steak, Cobb Salad,Asparagus and Steak Salad, Gumbo,and burger or sandwiches. The pricesstart at $7.25 with many option below$10.00 and the Grilled Rib Eye Steakand Eggs at $14.75. For a leisurelybrunch you can start with a glass ofChampagne, a Mimosa, a Bloody Maryor Screw Driver for $5.75 or a Latte orCappuccino for $3.75.Along with the cocktails justmentioned there is wine by the glassthat ranges from $5.75 to $8.50 andfive different draft beers for $3.75. Youcan also get Coors Lite and St. Paulinon-alcoholic beer for $3.00. Juices are$2.25, soft drinks $2.25. If you bringyour own wine for dinner the corkagefee is $5.00 with a waiver of the corkagefee on Wednesday nights.DAYS & HOURS OF BUSINESS:Sarah’s Forestville Kitchen servesbreakfast from 7:30 a.m. until 11:30a.m. and begins the lunch menu at11:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. Dinner isserved Wednesday. Thursday, Fridayand Saturday from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m.The Sunday supper special menu at afixed price of $9.95, (Sunday at Sarah’sForestville Kitchen) is also served 5:00to 9:00.p.m.The Restaurant is at 6566 Front Streetin Forestville. The phone numberis 707 887-1055. They are closed onMonday and Tuesday. I can give youa little tip. Greg and staff are workingin the restaurant between the 2:30lunch break and the 5:00 p.m. dinner. Ifyou want something simple that theyhave available they will help you. Forexample, one day I had a delicious, oldfashioned strawberry shortcake – justlike mother used to make, and a cupof coffee during their off hours. It is afriendly place. CASH ONLY.The Laguna FoundationGarden Art GalaThe Laguna Foundation will hold its seventh annual fundraising gala onSunday, September 12 from 3 to 6pm. The Garden Art Gala will be held at thebeautiful Vine Hill House in Sebastopol with views of the Laguna and the SantaRosa Plain. Supporters of the Gala will enjoy fabulous local food paired withlocal premium wines. A silent auction of original works of garden art and rareand special wine lots combined with a live auction of getaways and luxuriousadventure experiences will also be part of the day’s event. Ticket information isavailable at www.lagunadesantarosa.org, or by calling 527-9277 ext. 107.“One of the delights of life is eating with friends, second tothat is talking about eating. And, for an unsurpassed doublewhammy, there is talking about eating while you are eating withfriends.” - Laurie Colwin ‘Home Cooking’9/2/10 - www.sonomacountygazette.com - 27

You Need Parks!Parks Need You!Annadel: 2 days of events for everybody!A two-day festival taking placeon September 11 and 12, the festivalfeatures a variety of recreationalactivities at Spring Lake Regional Parkand Annadel State Park, showcasingsome of the amazing outdooropportunities we have in SonomaCounty.California State Parks and SonomaCounty Regional Parks are teamingup for this event. The festival’s purposeis to share the value of supportinglocal, regional and state parks withmoney and time. Our communitycan continue to keep parks open,safe and clean by paying park fees,purchasing a park pass or makinga donation. An investment of yourtime can help maintain and improveparks. Proceeds from this event willfund trail improvements in the parks.Park representatives will be availableto share opportunities to get involvedwith these projects.The event will kick off with timedrunning and mountain bikingevents on Saturday. Sunday willbe underscored by equestrian andyouth activities including “The GreatOutdoor Treasure Hunt” - a nontimedexploration of Spring Lake andAnnadel that is fun for the wholefamily. All events start and finish atthe large festival area in Spring Lake’sOak Knolls picnic area, which willfeature guest speakers, live music andoutdoor retail exhibitors. There is a$6 per car parking fee at Spring LakeRegional Park.Annadel 2010 is a collaborationbetween California State Parks,Sonoma County Regional Parks,the Sonoma County AgriculturalPreservation and Open Space District,Bike Monkey LLC, Fleet Feet of SantaRosa, REI Santa Rosa and the SonomaCounty Horse Council.Saturday, September 11 Events:Mountain Bike XC Challenge -Annadel State Park (9:00am - 1:00pm)The Mountain Bike XC Challengeoffers participants a timed technicaland challenging route covering thelength of the park on this 24-milecourse. Participants will start as agroup taking Canyon Trail all the wayto Lake Ilsanjo, and finish descendingon the well-known and very technicalRough Go Trail. What’s in-between willbe disclosed on the day of the event.A shorter option will be available forintermediate and beginner riders.Registration for this event costs $68,and includes an event t-shirt, finisher’smeal and a cold beer.12 Mile Run - Spring Lake toAnnadel and back (9:30am - 1:30pm)Participants will start shortly after themountain bike challenge and follow adifferent course that takes you throughsome of these parks’ most beautifulareas. You will start with an ascentup Rough Go Trail and finish on thesmooth descent of Canyon Trail beforereturning to the Spring Lake stagingarea. Registration for this event costs$68, and includes an event t-shirt,finisher’s meal and a cold beer.Sunday, September 12 Events:Outdoor Gear Expo at Spring LakeRegional Park (9:00am - 3:00pm) Theoutdoor gear expo is the “big gig” atSpring Lake Regional Park on Sunday.Come and check the cool new outdoorgear and gadgets! This is a free event.Poker Ride at Annadel State Park(9:00am - 1:00pm) Horse riders enjoya leisurely 6.5 mile, 3-hour ride inAnnadel State Park around scenic LakeIlsanjo. Experience shaded fern-linedredwood canyons, oak woodlands,grasslands and meadows. Ride at yourown pace, but be back in time for thespecial Cowgirl Catering lunch at thestaging area. First prize for a winningpoker hand is $50 from the SonomaCounty Horse Council. Additionalprizes are a surprise! Registration forthis event costs $40 and includes lunchand an event t-shirt.The Great Outdoor Treasure Huntin Annadel State Park (9:00am -1:00pm) Sponsored by REI Santa Rosa,The Great Outdoor Treasure Hunt isan activity for friends and familiesto come experience Annadel StatePark in a fun orienteering-style event.Participants will check in and collect amap with directions to various checkpoints within the park, then navigateto the check points and collect markers.Included is a brown-bag lunch and rechargestations along the trails. Prizeswill be given randomly to participants,and a medal and t-shirt are alsoincluded. There is no registration feefor this event.28 - www.sonomacountygazette.com - 9/2/10“SK8 Park” Dreams!Grouchy, disabled and 66 years old,I’m a most unlikely “Skater Girl”.Not understanding their side, I oncestereotyped most skateboarders asdim-witted scofflaws determined torun me down, tear up streets and slaminto innocent cars.Now, thanks to the inspiring,multi-generational team (ages 13 to60-something) endeavoring to createa high-quality “Cloverdale SkatePark,” I’ve learned so much aboutthis California-born extreme sportand global industry that I’ve becomea dedicated member of their subcommitteewhich is part of our city’s“Youth Master Plan” headed by Vice-Mayor Jessalee Raymond.For everyone’s safety and enjoyment,including the youngsters, residentsand businesspeople who may have hadan “encounter”, we want to see skatersoff our streets, curbs, railings, etc.,and using a safer facility specificallydesigned for their graceful, free-style,low-cost, wildly popular sport.We just need to raise $1 million+ tomake it happen.That’s why the first big “SK8 Park”fundraiser is happening September25 th at Cloverdale’s renowned CitrusFairgrounds!From 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., this familyfriendlyevent will feature skatingdemonstrations, prizes, tasty food andsix truly fabulous bands with diversestyles that will appeal to everyone.Tickets are only $10, or drop to $8when you bring a non-perishable fooditem for donation.Helmets are both mandatory andprovided to all minors so that, whenaccompanied to the event by a parentor guardian, they can enjoy their ownspecial skate area.To promote the cause, Jessalee andI wore our “Don’t Hate the Skate,Donate” tees ($10!), featuring JulioGomez’s great design, to a recent CityCouncil meeting.Cool.About 6 years ago, from what Ican tell, Cloverdalian Carol Figoni— along with a few officials, parentsand kids hoping to create more youthrecreation choices — began workingtoward this ambitious project which,it may surprise you to know, isnewly incorporated into Cloverdale’s“Economic Development Plan”.That inclusion makes sense whenyou look at the equipment, clothing,retail and media empires built aroundthe sport and “X Games” stars, likethe fabulous Tony Hawk or Cara-BethBurnside (yes, yes, “girls” skate!), plusall the jobs, taxes, affordable recreation,even charitable contributions, theygenerate.If you’re a Cloverdalian, and yourfirst reaction to skateboarders isnegative, come to one of our meetings.For information on the schedule, aswell as lots of up-to-date information,check us out on Facebook: CloverdaleSkate Park-Let’s Make it Happen!If you live elsewhere, follow alongas we realize our “SK8 Park Dream.”You’ll be reassured.Of course, as one of our fellow subcommitteemembers and long-timeskater, 22 year-old Tony Gonzalez,points out: “There is always a ‘badapple’ who doesn’t follow the rules.”Just like some politicians and proathletes,huh?Then, too, as another volunteer,Nancy Turpin-Lucas, reminds us:“The skaters of today are our leadersof tomorrow.” So, we and they needto find the kind of common ground aSkate Park can provide.Certainly, the youngest subcommitteemembers are contributingas much to the project as we adults.Often more! Their enthusiasm andwillingness to try new things seem tobe not just an outgrowth of their youthbut also of the physically demandingsport they love so much.When Tony points out that, inskateboarding, “The only color is underthe board,” or describes the joy andpeacefulness he experiences from his“passion,” it makes you want to jumponto one of the things to experiencewhat it’s all about!We hope to see you and your familyand friends on the 25 th .Meanwhile, a tip of the board to ALLour Skate Park volunteers for the greatwork you are each doing to makeCloverdale an even better and saferplace for us all.Carol Russell is Mayor of Cloverdale.She can be reached atincloverdale@comcast.net.

It will be a great day whenEducation gets all the money itwants and the Air Force has to holda bake sale to buy bombers!!! As ourlandscape fills with placards trollingfor your vote, please take the time tostudy or ask what each one of them isabout. So many things are so importantalthough one that resonates with meis the sustainability of our EducationSystem. September arrives and I amhoping we might get to add to our 3days of summer.Cinnabar Concert in the Garden(Petaluma) - Benefit for COTS Join us inone of Petaluma’s most beautiful privategardens as Nina Shuman, conductsthe Cinnebar orchestra in aconcert of lush romanticism.Soprano Carrie Hennessey andclarinetist, Larry London willmake guest appearances. Saturday,Sept 11, 2010 3:00 pm food, 4:30 pmconcert. Tickets: $25 Gen. $20 Seniors65+, $15 Under 30. Food: PetalumaPaella, Wine & Beer, Chicken andshrimp paella $10 http://www.cinnabartheater.org Keeping OurHeads Above Water: A Free COTS- and Petaluma People ServicesCenter-Sponsored Conference forHomeowners and Tenants FacingFinancial Difficulties. 11 a.m. to 3p.m., Saturday, October 2 (lunchprovided)San Antonio HighSchool500 Vallejo StreetPetaluma,CA A host of experts will beavailable to discuss options to solvefinancial problems: dealing withdebt (including bankruptcy, paymentplans and debt consolidation); guerillabudgeting (finding money where youdidn’t know you had it and slashingexpenses you didn’t know you couldcut); increasing income by homesharing;identifying public resourcesfor which you may qualify; reducingstress and finding support.What a great and different event wehave here! Perfectly Picked . . . ApplePie Workshops from Orchard toOven Sunday, September 12 @ 11 a.m.and 3 p.m. Sunday, September 19 @11 a.m. Petaluma, CA- On September12th and 19th, the quest to make theperfect apple pie begins in an appleorchard in picturesque Two RockValley. Come out to the farm for anintimate tour of Olympia’s Orchard’s500 organic and heirloom apple treesat the peak of ripeness, and farmsteadapple pie making workshop! Learnfirst-hand from Kathy Tresch, farmer,apple expert and owner of Olympia’sOrchard, about growing and caringfor heirloom and organic apples. Aftera tour of the orchard, where you willpick apples that go into your pie, chefand food writer Meloni Courtway,will teach you the secrets of makingthe perfect pie crust. While your takehome pie is baking in the outdooroven, enjoy a slice as it was meant tobe made, perfectly picked from theorchard to the oven, with a paringof local wine or sun-brewed iced tea.Join us for one of three unique ApplePie Workshops and on-the-farmcooking experience using the freshestof ingredients at the source. A $48workshop fee includes apple farmtour, hands on pie making courseon the farm, apple pie tasting and apersonal take home pie to share withfamily and friends. Workshop to beheld at Olympia Apple Orchard in TwoRock Valley which sits on 2000 acreswithin the acclaimed Joe Tresch Dairy,one of the first organic dairies in thestate of California. To register on-linevisit http://orchardtooven.eventbrite.com or www.TwoRockRanch.com formore information. Workshops areapproximately 3 hours. Space limited.Brought to you by Event Farmer andTwo Rock Ranch. Daily Acts Sat Sept11 10AM to 4PMWater Harvestingin a Permaculture Paradise Sun Sept19 th 10AM to 1PMLiving in Placehttp://www.dailyacts.org/ PetalumaBounty Farm Work Day, Sept 11 th ,9AM 55 Shasta Ave, Petaluma http://www.petalumabounty.org/ There arealways a plethora of events in Petaluma,check out the Phoenix Schedule athttp://www.thephoenixtheater.com/calendar/ The Mystic Theatre is sucha fabulous Venue, the Cinnabar is acool theatre with great line-up andjust hanging around the eclectic townof Petaluma will find you digging onsomething!Heritage Salvage will be raising theDachee Pyramid on the Fall Equinox,September 23 rd ! The Pyramid Party,the party that always gets to the point!Blessings to you all, the Bugster“The shortest and surest way to live with honor in theworld is to be in reality what we would appear to be; allhuman virtues increase and strengthen themselves by thepractice and experience of them.” - Socrates9/210 - www.sonomacountygazette.com - 29

Summer is a busy time in BodegaBay. The higher the temperaturein Sacramento, the more crowdedHighway One becomes. The pelicansare back; the quail have hatched. Wewill even have a very short, very limitedsalmon season. All of these wonderfulthings attract visitors. Although wewelcome them and this is a good thingfor merchants, residents often find theincreased population a bit difficult. Forexample, crossing the road in front ofthe Grange Hall to get to the Boat Housebecomes a contest in which the mostagile survives and those who movemore slowly, often just give up and goelsewhere. We would like to see thischange. It is even more important nowthat school has started again. ManyGrange Hall activities involve childrenand their safety is paramount.How many years have we askedCalTrans for at least a crosswalk? Isthis request just buried with our eagerefforts to establish a walkway throughBodega Bay? After countless hoursspent with CalTrans, Parks, and Trailrepresentatives, the effort is boggeddown. We continue to hope but are losingfaith as we see the County continuing toallow new construction in the setbacksalong Highway One which could haveeasily supported a walk/bikeway.We are happy that the fireworkshappened this year. In past years wehave had to cross our fingers thatenough coins would be deposited inthe containers around town to makethem possible. We are grateful for theefforts of Tammy Salas to assure thecelebration would happen. Traditionsare important.“The Birds” remains identified withBodega Bay. In Europe, especially inGermany, wherever you travel andidentify your home as being BodegaBay, they eagerly want to know if theSchoolhouse is still there, and if TheTides is really a restaurant. Most of ushave been asked by travelers to directthem to the sites of the film. This year, asin several past years, Tippi Hedren onceagain was at The Tides, to keep the beatgoing, and to talk with interested peopleabout the filming of the Hitchcockmovie. Apparently one of the toughestjobs is to explain what black and whitephotos really are (although Netflix hasintroduced a new generation to thecharm of black and white movies).Art is an important part of our life inBodega Bay. We are blessed with manyexcellent local artists who continue togrow and produce even more interestingpaintings and pottery. We are alwaysinterested to see the most recent showsat the Local Color gallery and pleased tosee the more intense colors and differentstyles Jody Shipp is now using.The Heritage Gallery, too, isundergoing changes. Now the curator,Dan Rohlfing, is spending time upat the new Smith and Kirk Gallery.Alongside the sparkle of Ms. Kirk’swork, his older California paintings andhis knowledgeable commentary on thepaintings he has on display make a visitvery worthwhile. The change in displaylighting also brings out new aspects ofhis historic paintings and makes thegenius of the painters more evident.A community, like Bodega Bay,depends heavily on good lawenforcement. We are fortunate in thatrespect. In addition to the presence ofthe Park Service and the Coast Guard(as needed) and the California HighwayPatrol, we enjoy the constancy of thepresence of a resident deputy from theSheriff’s Department. We have a greathistory of our deputies being involvedin the community, like Fish Fest, Grangeactivities and other public events. Wewelcomed deputies Murphy, Bonesand now Gregg. We are especially gladthat Deputy Gregg is now a resident ofBodega Bay. Welcome.The Bodega Bay Grange continues toserve as a focus for community events—serving as the home of Fisherman’sChapel, the meeting place for censustakers and the home of the Fisherman’sMarketing Association. In additionto the special events, like the recentdances (and chili cook-off and yodelingcontest), there are the community wideraffle (for scholarships) to be heldOctober 7 at the Grange Hall, and thePTA booksale which was August 7-8and Aug. 14 and 15.It is never too earlyto say thanks to all the volunteers whokeep Bodega Bay going.Summer is a composite of fog andsun. It is often windy (but that isgreat for kites). It’s a time when youmust acknowledge that humans can’tcontrol the weather but we CAN learnto treasure whatever it is. It is a time tofeed the hummingbirds, play with yourkids on the beach and ENJOY OURSUMMER (even as it extends into fall.)We are lucky to live here.You can do something really easyto help our local economy that createslots of fun. Become a community hostfor, or a participant in, DINE OUTSEBASTOPOL.All you need to do is spend a coupleof hours on a Wednesday evening at adesignated Sebastopol Area restaurantof your choice, with other diners, manyof whom you will already know. Youreffort will benefit a local business - arestaurant you like or want to try out -and the City you love.I started DINE OUT SEBASTOPOLin January 2009 after noticing that somerestaurants were near-to-empty in thisdifficult economy. I wanted to help ourlocal businesses by encouraging folks,who were becoming ever more cautiousabout their expenses, to treat themselvesto a fun night-out. I asked four otherSebastopol community members tohelp me help our local restaurants stayin business by taking one Wednesdaynight per month as a Community Host.The 2009 event was very successful.Featured restaurants experiencedanywhere from 6 to 46 additionalpatrons on a Wednesday evening. In2010, the program was turned over tothe Chamber of Commerce to expandthe list of community hosts from theoriginal volunteers.The host’s responsibility is simple.First, you contact the Chamberof Commerce and schedule yourWednesday evening and your venue.Then, promote your event to your inviteelist. Remember to ask participants to letyour local restaurant know they plan toattend. On your night, show up at 6 PMand greet arriving diners until 8 PM,welcoming friends and meeting new“locavores.”DINE OUT is all about communitybuildingand supporting our localbusinesses by encouraging friends toeat out. Volunteer to be a host and addyour name to this list: Sue Ungewitter,Sebastopol’s Citizen of the Year;Fire Chief John Zanzi; Senior CenterExecutive Director Terry Kelley; andFifth District Supervisor Efren Carrillo.You are the vital link to this program’ssuccess – contributing only two hoursof time for a fun night out on the town.For more information to host orto attend a DINE OUT, contact theSebastopol Area Chamber of Commerceat 823-3032 or dineout@sebastopol.org.Sarah Glade Gurney is Mayor ofSebastopol. She can be reached atsarahcouncil@yahoo.com.Summer’s Cold ShoulderSebastopol is only 15 miles from thePacific Ocean, which gives us a distinctweather pattern with a definite oceaninfluence. Our summers are normallyslightly cooler and foggier than ourinland counterparts, but this is gettingridiculous. If someone had told methat this cold and fog would havelasted well into August I would haveshrugged it off as nonsense. Yet herewe are, and I am wondering if summertook its own vacation this year.Historically, July and August are thehottest months in Sebastopol. However,this year has been more than 7 degreescooler than the 50-year averagemaximum temperature. I am sure thecold is felt most by businesses that relyon sunny weather. Seasonal businesseslike mine, Honeymoon Frozen Yogurtin Sebastopol, don’t like cold weather.But I know that late cold often meanslate heat, as I remember last year’swarm October and November, and ourIndian summers here in California.I hear different theories about whatcould be causing this chilly weather. Inthe past, cold years have followed theeruptions of Mt. St. Helens and manyothers. This would make the recenteruptions of the Eyjafjallajökul volcanoin Iceland a likely culprit.I have also been told to get used tothis type of weather because of climatechange, but this cold has been a moreabrupt and extreme shift than I wouldhave ever expected. Regardless of thecause, we do know that it has resultedin a low-pressure trough off the coastwhich is allowing coastal weather toreach farther inland.Maybe I should have seen it comingwhen I didn’t get any cherries on mytree this year. Those late heavy springrains that knocked off all the blossomsshould have been a sign.NOTE: Irony, irony, read all about it.The day after I wrote this article wasa scorcher. At one point, the big clockin downtown Sebastopol read 111degrees!30 - www.sonomacountygazette.com - 9/2/10

If you didn’t get to this year’sForestville Town Expo on August 26 thyou truly missed a great event. Therewere many activities, food, informationand entertainment, representing thehard working and talented individualsthat make West County so wonderful.For those of you that I had theopportunity to talk to, it was a pleasure.For those I missed, I’m already lookingforward to next year.Some of my favorite booths wereKirsten’s Krafts, selling a wideassortment of adorable Scrabble Tilependants. My son is proudly sportinga mummy necklace to school today!Marilyn Webster of Whimsy and Teahad beautifully crafted scarves and tablelinens on display. Aioli’s served pastaand salad and Off the Track Café gaveaway cookies and drinks. Russian RiverVineyards served wine samples and,though I didn’t get a taste, Dominique’sSweets and Mama Tina’s Ravioli surelooked yummy. Someone from ShearGlory was doing face painting for thekids and we got to enjoy bluegrassmusic from the Mighty Chiplings, fourlocal young men, Marshall and DavidThiessen, Adrian Shader and JesseFichman. I can’t mention everyone, butI was impressed by the number andvariety of businesses represented.This fun-filled event was sponsored bythe Forestville Chamber of Commerce.If you’d like to get involved, they meetthe first Wednesday of every month(except December when they meet onthe 2 nd Wednesday) at 5:30 at Food ForThought. Thank you to Leslie and themembers for making this event possible.FUMCIn March 2009 the Forestville UnitedMethodist Church, thanks to a grantmonies, opened The Landing, an afterschool youth program for students. Itserved as a safe gathering place for about30 youth on Tuesdays and Thursdays.The kids received homework help,snacks, creative art opportunities,chances to play games with friends andtalk with adult mentors. The programwas made possible by the generoussponsorship of the church and hours ofvolunteer time by community members.The church is seeking a new director forthe program, partners to serve on theBoard of Directors and volunteers onTuesday and Thursday afternoons. Ifyou are interested in helping in anywayto open The Landing for this school year,please contact Pastor Carol Carter atpastorcarol@forestvilleumc.org or callher at 887-1047. Without communityhelp, this vital program will no longerbe available for our kids.Student Snippets:The El Molino Tennis Team is sellingCupcakes for Courts, to earn $35000to redo the aging courts on campus.They will be holding a silent auction onOctober 2 nd . Check it out!The Music Department is looking fora flatbed truck for it’s wonderful Jazzband so it can participate in variousparades around the county. This is anopportunity for the school to show offits talented students and class act musicprogram. If you are able to help, pleasecontact the school as soon as possible.Forestville School and Academy is offto a good start with some new teachers,great programs, and happy studentsexcited to learn. The Academy actuallyhas a waiting list for students wantingto come to the school!Here’s a clever way the community isworking together: El Molino Pharmacyhas flu shots available for $25 with $5off each shot going to Forestville School!Get yours today!There are lots of great thingshappening for our children, thanksto the teachers and staff that give ofthemselves every day! Thank you!Hollydale Club Happenings:September 4 th – The Taylor AtkinsMemorial Scholarship Fundraiser atthe Hollydale Club. Reggae singer andtoaster from Birmingham England,PATO BANTON and the NowGeneration brings their show to us,one week after playing the IRIE Feston the Queen Mary. We are privilegedto welcome this Grammy-nominatedmusician who has performed withnumerous artists including Robin &Ali Campbell of UB40, Sting, and SteelPulse’s David Hines.Pre-sale $25 ($30 at the door). Mailto the Clubhouse at P.O. Box 215Forestville, CA 95436. Limited tickets.Doors open 5:00, Dinner 6:00, Pato 8:00Info. 887-0330.Please let me know if you have anevent or information you’d like to seein this column. Until then, I’ll see youAround Forestville!Hawaiian LionGolf Tournamentto Benefit El MolinoHigh SchoolWith all proceeds to go to El MolinoHigh School, golfers are invited to puton their Aloha shirts and come outto the Windsor Golf Club on Friday,September 17, 2010. Tickets for golfand dinner are $150 per player andalso include green fees, cart, rangeballs, golf clinic, snacks and beverages.For the dinner only, tickets are $50 perperson. There will be a live and silentauction, and raffle prizes as well.This year’s festivities will honorHerman Hernandez for all his years ofservice to the El Molino community.Checkin begins at 11am, shotgunat 1pm, followed by reception anddinner at 6pm. For tickets and furtherinformation, call Craig at 707-481-1566,or Len at 707-318-7112.Saying So-longto SullyBob Sullivan was born in Berryville,Arkansas September 26, 1932. He diedAugust 10, 2010. He leaves behind hispartner Suzie Baxman, 6 children andhis beloved cat Nina. Sully grew upin Santa Paula, CA graduating fromSanta Paula High School in 1950. Hewas a proud Army veteran servingin the 625th Field Artillary Battalionduring the Korean War.Sully retired after working as a longhaul truck driver for many years. Hemoved to Monte Rio several years agoeventually relocating to Villa Grandewhere he died last week.Sully leaves behind several friendsin the Russian River area who misshim very much, none more than hisbeloved friends at the Rio Theater (alsoknown as the “city council”). Theywould spend many mornings solvingthe world’s problems over coffee.A memorial was held at the RioTheater in Monte Rio on August 22.9/2/10- www.sonomacountygazette.com - 31

A few of the maples in my gardenare starting to turn colors; one Eastcoast variety is gorgeous with severalsections of vibrant red, mixed in withthe still-verdant summer green. Andall along Bohemian Highway, the localbig-leafed maples are starting theirtransmutation from green to yellow.What a gorgeous time to call westSonoma County our home!Harmony / Salmon Creek SchoolThe playground build last monthwas a huge success, as I’m sure you’venoticed. Again, much thanks to ourgenerous donors from all walks. Thefinalization of mulch and border won’thappen until one last piece of the areagets installed—a ‘space net’ climberyou may have seen in Howarth Park.As seems to be the case in this dayand age, bureaucracy keeps whatshould be a slam-dunk (the companyis doing install for us) from happeningsmoothly. Keep your fingers crossed.Onward—the recently completedsoccer field is officially the “JoeyNegri Field, donated in memory of BobThieriot.” You might wonder, “howwill the public get to know of thiscommemoration?”At some point in the not too distantfuture, our school and communitywill (hopefully) be able to boast ourvery own Patrick Amiot sculpture,with signage attached, and area at thebase for children to tile with mosaics.A group of parents and the actingSuperintendent have been workingwith the School Board to iron out allthe details, and minimize the drama ofwhat appears to me to be another greatfeature for the Occidental area.If you’re not aware of PatrickAmiot’s work, he’s the Sebastopollocal who uses reclaimed items forhis sculptures. His work is on displayon Florence Avenue and at manyarea schools, including our closestneighbor, Oak Grove School in Graton.It’s very kid friendly, eco-friendly, andjust whimsical and fun. Trivia: Amiotmakes it a point to use reclaimed itemsfrom the area in which his pieces areinstalled. Very cool!Courage CampaignIf you’re like me, living in way-outWest County, you don’t always feel themost connected to world affairs. Youmight feel very strongly about an issue,but just figure “what kind of differencecan I really make?” Well here’s youropportunity to change all that, at leastif you’re someone who believes in theinjustice of Proposition 8.On September 19, at 4 p.m., theGabriels will be hosting a fundraisingevent / dinner. The primary purpose isto bring some of our close friends andcommunity together for a great afternoonof delicious food and drinks. We will beintroducing the wonderful work of theCourage Campaign, which we think isa fantastic organization, and one thatwe strongly support. In particular, theCourage Campaign has been doing someincredible civil rights work as it pertainsto gay men and women in California andacross the country and we are proud to bepart of this effort.We will be featuring a very special guest:Cleve Jones. Cleve Jones is a pioneeringequal rights activist who was featured inthe film “MILK” and is the creator of theAIDS Memorial Quilt. He is the SeniorAdvisor to The Courage Campaign andThe Courage Campaign Institute, an onlineorganizing network that empowers morethan 770,000 grassroots and ‘netroot’activists to push for progressive changeand equality.I believe that we are pioneers in ourgeneration’s civil rights movement. Nowis a defining moment for equal rights inour country, much as the 1960’s were forour parents. If you’re interested in moreinformation, or to come to the event, emailme at: benjamynn@me.com.Occidental Community CouncilA quick reminder: this wonderfulgroup meets the third Saturdayof every month, at 10:30am at theCommunity Center. As Occidental isnot an incorporated town, but part ofunincorporated Sonoma County, wetend to not get as much attention or‘governance’ as many communities.This group helps to bridge the gap andperforms many great services for thecommunity. Come check it out.Enjoy the last bit of summer!32 - www.sonomacountygazette.com - 9/2/10Grand Jury Report Response byJane Eagle, GCSD board member“The Grand Jury report on the GratonCommunity Service District (GCSD),while well-intentioned, containederrors and misrepresentations. Therehave been no “oops” events during theexistence of the GCSD. The Grand Juryreport states, “the redwood trees had alayer of clay just below their roots whichimpeded successful filtration. “ Had theGCSD simply planned to use the soilto filter our wastewater, we could havejust planted grass!“The redwood grove was neverintended to be used as a means offiltration through soil, but a method ofevapo-transpiration. We were awareof the clay layer, which is one reasonwhy we chose redwood trees, whichhave shallow roots. The other reasonis that each mature redwood transpires(breathes out) 500 gallons of water aday. (This is one reason why, when anarea is deforested, desertification oftenbegins.)“Our Grove is functioning perfectlyand is utilized to the extent that theNorth Coast Regional Water ControlBoard allows. To convince them that theredwood grove is capable of handlingmuch more treated sewage water, theGCSD would have to spend over halfa million dollars to prove our pointthrough an EIR.“We plan to build a tertiary treatmentplant that will utilize low-cost and lowtechmethods that will allow us to keepGraton water in the Graton area, theAtascadero/Green Valley water shed.This will position us to sell the tertiarytreatedwater to local wineries andgrowers for the benefit of all ratepayers.It’s an investment in Graton’s future.“The future espoused by the GrandJury report would have us shippingour secondary treated water off to aregional treatment plant costing Gratonmuch more than our locally ownedfacility, and which would allow othercommunities to sell Graton water. Thiswould mean that not only would wedeplete our ground water but that othercommunities (read developers) wouldprofit from the use of our water.“And, no, the new tertiary treatmentplant will not cost the ratepayers $7million, as the Grand Jury report infers.All but a million will come from grantsand loans for low-income communities.The redwood grove will still be utilizedto absorb excess water and create ahealthy, local environment. The GCSDnurtures a community that protectsand maintains a healthy environmentand acts responsibly for the future of itscitizens.“The GCSD response will be postedon our website www.graton.org bySeptember 30.”Note. This is the first in a series of responsesto the Grand Jury report.Graton Day 2010Graton Day attendees this year willbe “Celebrating Harvest”, September18th from 2 to 7, on Bowen Streetbetween Graton Road and ShirleyStreet. A return to traditional valueswith old-fashioned games and a“bring-your-own-setting” communitypotluck, the event will feature zucchiniand pie contests, street dancing, sackraces, beanbag and horseshoe tossing,and, of course, the Pet Parade! For moreinformation, call Judy Christensen 829-0636 and John Roehl at 827-3206.The Graton Green Group will providean opportunity to the community,especially the children, to pitch in theirideas for the design of the Graton Park.Marianne Campbell is offering a $250challenge to be matched that day. Bricksales count toward the challenge, andoffer everyone the opportunity to puttheir name in the new park!Bees in the Garden!Forest Raipale installed new residentsin the community garden last month- Italian honey bees. Noted for theirgentleness, the bees arrived at theirnew environs about 11 p.m. in the backof Forest’s truck. Hopefully, they willdiscover the local charms, and becomehappy Gratoneers soon. Thank you,Forest!New Art at Centro Laboral!Esteban Fernandez contributed“rooster art” at Graton’s labor center,based upon the design of center’s“Worker’s Brew” coffee label. Muy bien,Esteban!

The Most Wonderful Time of theYear? Well, at least is it for parents.Some might even say that the “true”Mother’s Day IS the first day of school.So, okay folks; school has started!That’s right, Guerneville Elementary, ElMolino and Santa Rosa Junior Collegeare now in session. So this means slowdown during your morning commute;there are children walking, biking andskating to school. And not to mention,the big yellow school bus; did youknow you could get a $1000 ticket forpassing a school bus when the red“STOP” sign is open? So give yourselfan extra 10 minutes if at all possible; ifit saves a life, it’s worth it.Guerneville’s Wright Park gets aFacelift. Freshly reopened is the DrakeRoad Wright Memorial Playgroundwith brand new and AWESOMEequipment. The 20-something-yearoldequipment (that yes, yours trulyplayed on at one time) was removedand taken to its final resting place.However, what remains of the oldstructure is the frame for the swingsand “Peli” the bouncing pelican, whohas been entertaining children for over50 years. The new additions includea climb and slide structure withclimbing nodules positioned on theside of the structure (because kids aregonna climb there anyway, might aswell make it easy), a 7-8-foot tall rockclimbing structure that was hauled inby way of a crane, the ultimate merrygo-round(you just have to come see it),a super vortex spinning thingy that’llwhip any good-sized lunch out of theadventurous child, a zig-zag balancingboard, new swings, a brand new sandbox area with a water structure (toensure an extra fun and messy time atthe park), a small climbing structureappropriately named “Pride Rock”(yes, it closely resembles the verysame Pride Rock from Disney’s “TheLion King”), and (coming soon) anAdventure House designed specificallyfor little people.On Saturday, August 28 th , the RussianRiver Park and Recreation Districtemployees and volunteers openedthe chain link fence and — well intothe evening — children poured in andplayed endlessly at the new park. Parkrules are still the same (NO BOOZE!Dawgs, etc.), and rest assured, thisnew “Mom Spy” won’t hesitate inprotecting this new amenity wheneverthe “suspicious” activity commencesat night.Jazz & Blues Season. Yep folks: theRussian River Jazz & Blues Festival isthis month. Check out OmegaEvents.com for the line-up and to buy ticketswith a credit card. You can also buyyour tickets at the Chamber Office.The Jazz Festival is Saturday, Sept.11 th and the Blues is Sunday, Sep. 12 th .Remember, this festival is for locals, too!Why No Farmers Market. I’ve beengetting a lot of calls and commentsregarding the Guerneville FarmersMarket, especially why we don’t haveone. Well, it’s pretty simple: insurance.When I first took on the project fouryears ago, I was lucky enough to havethe coat-tails of the Sonoma CountyFarmers Market Association to tagalong to, especially as far as insurancegoes. But then the next year, I had toget my own and since it’s rare that Ihave $600 just lying around, I thoughtto jump under the umbrella of a nonprofitand did so through the Chamber.The Chamber was a pillar of supportfor the Farmers Market and it wouldnot have made it as far as it did withoutthe Chamber.So what I learned is: 1. One personcannot run the market alone but theinsurance wouldn’t allow an assistant;2. You need insurance gearedspecifically for Farmers Markets thatdoes not require each vendor to beindividually insured (as far as I know,no other Farmers Market requiresthat); 3. Just because a vendor saysthey’ll be there doesn’t mean theywon’t drive by and see one vendorset-up and then keep driving; 4. Justbecause there are inquiries by a selectfew local individuals doesn’t meanthere’s a need for a farmers market;5. However, the biggest lesson I’velearned is that it just wasn’t my cupof tea. So bottom line, if you want afarmers market here, take a page fromwhat I learned and try to do a betterjob than me; you might actually besuccessful.Well kids, it’s homework time forthis local-yokel. Have an awesomeSeptember and “wake me up when itends.”-Green Day.Monte Rio Tennis – USTAMore than a dozen folks showedup at the beautifully renovatedMonte Rio Tennis Courts on August14th for some preliminary discussionabout programs, groups and eventsat the courts. A representative fromthe US Tennis Association, MicheleSkipwith, was on hand to talk aboutvarious ways in which USTA canparticipate to further the game inour community. A loosely formedcommittee will help to organize someevents that will “launch” the courtsto the public during the AnnualAutumn Faire on Sunday, October10th. Demonstration games, youthprograms and other tennis-relatedactivates will be planned for that day.If you are interested in participatingin tennis teams, or helping get theword out about great tennis in MonteRio, contact me at the MRRPD officeat (707) 865-9956.Speaking of the Autumn Faire(Sunday, October 10th, noon to 5pm atthe Monte Rio Amphitheater complex),not only will there be tennis eventsbut there will also be tours of thecommunity garden, as well as toursof the Youth Center (where meetingscan be held and where our very ownMary Black of Russian River Pilatesleads individual and small specializedPilates classes). There will also belive music, good food, arts and craftvendors and many other things for thewhole family to enjoy. And, the eventis free to everyone. Contact me if youare interested in being a volunteer orvendor (707) 865-9956.Friends of Monte RioLocal volunteers Rhian Miller, MikeMurphy, and Peter Andrews filedpapers for a “Friends of Monte Rio”,501(c)(3)non-profit corporation andhas recently received the approvedincorporation papers. Go Friends!This group will focus on raisingfunds for various programs and areaneeds. They are still very much in thepreliminary organizational phase, buta first meeting of volunteers was heldrecently with more to come. If you areinterested in being a part of Friendsof Monte Rio, please contact Peter at865-9517 or come meet the Friends attheir first public meeting at the MonteRio amphitheater Sunday, Oct 10 at11am just before the annual MRRPDAutumn Faire begins.Russian River Car ShowAs of this writing this event has notyet occurred. However, I can tell youthis much: despite the constant battlebetween the need for events and thecost for planning them, this eventwas on the verge of being well done,well attended and with a balancedbudget. The expectation of 70 to 80car entries is sure to be met. Manythanks to the event sponsors: RussianRiver Getaways, Rio Villa BeachResort, Don’s Dogs, Rio Theater,Sophie’s Cellars, Ferns Market &Deli, Community First Credit Union,The Highland Dell, The Blue Heron,the Pink Elephant, Bartlett’s Market,Northwood Golf Club, Baxman Fire,Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary and theVillage Inn & Restaurant. And forthose not confirmed by this date, thankyou, too!On a somewhat personal note….Monte Rio School gets started thisschool year with a New Face who isalso a new addition to the community.My sister-in-law Julie LaPlante, recenttransplant from Minnesota (read:MinneSNOWta), has been hired as apart time office clerk and the staff arevery pleased to have her. Julie hasalways loved this part of the countryand after the past several Minnesotawinters, she couldn’t be happier thanto be among the redwoods and riverand working at our local school. I amthrilled to have her so near at hand.There is nothing better than to haveyour family close by.As always, send me any news itemsor announcements to dawnebell@comcast.net.Archives of Columns on GazExtra! at:www.sonomacountygazette.com9/2 - www.sonomacountygazette.com - 33

Summer DazeAs summer winds down, we’reenjoying beautiful, sunny, hot days(finally!) here in our little enclave.Colorful flowers bloom in ourcommunity garden; dogs frisk aboutin the dog park; children frolic on theplayground, splash around in the RioNido Roadhouse’s pool, play on thegrass, and wolf down hot dogs andpopsicles, while adults relax in comfyAdirondack chairs sipping chilledmargaritas.Spring CleaningDespite budget cuts, we successfullypulled off our Annual Spring Clean Up(um … in July!), thanks to local activistJennifer Ostrom (for organizing);Rio Nido Lodge owner Dennis Judd(for the site); North Bay Corporationexecutive Pam Davis (for dumpstersand logistics); Roadhouse owner BradMetzger (for coffee and donuts); and anenergetic crew of volunteers, includingJohnny Ethridge and Fred Beehler. Youwouldn’t believe what people hauledout of our creeks!“Beautification Vigilantes”on the Loose!We’ve also had an epidemic ofindividuals performing random actsof kindness and beauty. CarolynThompson coaxed the scraggly rosebushes by the neglected fountain atour entrance to bloom beautifully allsummer long. Others regularly paintover graffiti, and contribute time, labor,and materials towards sprucing up ourPee Wee Mini Golf (open Fridays andSaturdays during summer from 6-9p.m. for 50 cents per game!).National Night OutOn Aug. 3 rd , neighbors gathered atthe Rio Nido Roadhouse for NationalNight Out – a celebration promoted as“America’s Night Out Against Crime.”Sponsored by Rio Nido HomeownersAssociation (RNHA) and the Roadhouse,the event featured a delicious assortmentof potluck dishes from neighbors, alongwith free hamburgers, hot dogs, andiced-tea. Big thanks to Brad Metzger andDoug Misner for organizing this event.Rio Nido Task Force MeetingOn Aug. 7th our Task Force metwith the Community DevelopmentCommission’s Kathleen Kane to discusshow we’d like to see Rio Nido prosper,and obtaining redevelopment funds.Also present were new RedevelopmentManager John Haig, Russian RiverRedevelopment Oversight Committeemembers Justin Lacey and AmberTwitchell; Dennis Judd; and about 25neighbors. The Task Force formed inDecember 2009 to improve the qualityof life in Rio Nido. NEXT MEETING:August 18 th, 11 a.m. at the Roadhouse.That evening, around 20 children andparents met in the picnic area to roastmarshmallows, make s’mores, and playmini golf. The Marshmallow Roastwas followed by a kids’ movie on thebig screen. Thank you, Domenic andSuzanne Farnocchia (for hosting); SusieMarkell (for operating the mini golf),and the RNHA (for sponsoring).Pancakes and ArtOn Aug. 8 th , the RNHA hosted adelicious Pancake Breakfast, whichwas enjoyed by over 100 neighborsand visitors … especially those whosampled the mimosas. Long-time RioNidan John Colonico sure can mix thosedrinks! Afterwards, we showcased localtalent at the Rio Nido Arts Festival,including: Edward Garcia, VincinzaGregori, Bruce Fossum, Don Wilson,Patty Bird, Matt Bedford, Tom Azevedo,Beverly Bird, Rebecca Lichau, SenecaRising, and Moire Martin.BBQ Hoedown at theRoadhouseCowboys and cowgals had a ripsnortin’good time at the Roadhouse’s1 st Annual BBQ Hoedown on SaturdayAug. 21 st . The Roadhouse outdiditself in providing great grub anddrinks, country music from RockabillyMac, plus a straw maze, sack races,watermelon eating contest and piñatasmash for the kids. We love theRoadhouse!Is It Labor Day Already?We can’t wait for the RNHA’s BBQSunday, Sept. 5th with delectable chicken,tasty chili and sweet and scrumptiousdesserts prepared by the TechnologyHigh School to tempt our taste buds.Food served 4-8 p.m. ($8 adult, $5 child);Music, dancing mini golf, and children’stalent contest 5-9 p.m.For photos of recent events, see: http://www.flickr.com/photos/russianriverrattina/34 - www.sonomacountygazette.com - 9/2/10I do have something timely for you.The hard-working folks at the CampMeeker History Project are organizingan “End of summer” Ice Cream Socialfor Sunday, September 5 from 1-4 p.m.at the basketball court in front of theDistrict Office. Check your mailboxfor the newsletter from the CampMeeker Rec & Park Board. It includes aquestionnaire from the History Projectfolks. So fill out that questionnaireand send it in, then head on down to theIce Cream Social and tell your stories!What’s going on in Camp Meeker?The Camp Meeker Supper Clubcontinues its explosive growth. As youread this, the last supper club was justa couple of days ago, and featured thechef from Boone. This after previoussupper club chefs included MarkMalicki (formerly of Café St. Rose), MarkMiller (currently of the Underwood Barand Bistro), and Lata Pagare (currentlycooking her delicious Indian foodanywhere and everywhere). Thatis first-class dining, my friends, and theword is out. Most of the hundredsof people who have enjoyed theseLooking out of the open windowsof my cozy cyber-hut, I am happy tofeel the warmth! The beautiful SkyGarden is producing much deliciousproduce, with overflow available FREEat the Cazadero General Store. Thenew community market across fromthe garden is a big hit, with a varietyof vendors attending weekly from 10a.m. to 1 p.m.! The lure of homemadetamales, fresh goat cheese, lotions andpotions, tye-dye, home-spun yarn andjewelry is hard to resist.As the Montgomery ElementarySchool begins the new school year,they will continue their after-schoolprogram with Sandra Harra from 3 to5:15 p.m. All would like to welcomenew science teacher Becky Strode, whoattended MES and is a graduate of UCDavis. Several field trips are planned,including the kindergarten-to-secondgraders who will visit the Von RennerRanch to harvest apples and presstheir own cider. Miss Swarz’s third-tofifth-graders will tour Kule Loklo, theMiwok Village in Point Reyes and thenative American Museum in Novato.meals are from outside Camp Meeker– but being the welcoming sorts weare, this bothers us locals not a whit –we LIKE having our friends over fordinner! That being said, plans are in theworks for a “locals only” supper clubto be held at St. Dorothy’s. You caninvite your friends, but all those dangheathens from St. Elsewhere will justhave to watch, unless they can wanglean invitation from one of y’all.Then there is the Smart Meter thing.Suffice to say the Bad Guys are onthe doorstep, ready to pounce with aSmart Meter for your house as soon asyou turn your back. If this bothersyou, your first line of defense is tofind that piece of paper those helpfulcitizens have been passing out. Put iton your dumb meter – it says clearlyand unambiguously that you arerefusing to give PG&E permission toput a Smart Meter on your house. Thatmight prove a deterrent to PG&E asthey contemplate being on the wrongend of a class action suit – then againit may not. Keep yourself informed.Me, too - tell me your news!The next meeting of the CazaderoCommunity Club is Tuesday,September 7 at 7 p.m. at the CazFirehall. Join your neighbors inplanning great events which benefitthe entire community. There will bea Chili Cookoff on Saturday, October2, also at the Firehall. Enter and getbragging rights for your special recipe!Please call Maureen Berry at 865-9455for entrance info. Come and sampleand vote for the best!The Annual Holiday Crafts Faire isscheduled for Saturday, November 13,from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Firehall.A great place to support your localcraftspersons and get some holidaygifts, have lunch and visit with friends.Happy September birthdays toGeorge Juilly, Vanessa Alexanderturning 29, Jessica Shepard turns 24,my musical friend Dave Caplan hittingthe big 60, Rose Orlando-Griggs whowill be 23, Colin Desmond turning 17,Jessica McBain celebrating number 28,and Kaity Berry who will be 17.Enjoy the warm weather, be firesafe!

We Can’tWait!The Jenner Creek bridge washed outmore than five years ago, deprivingthe local fire department’s truck fromsafely accessing Highway 1, a criticallifeline to major emergencies along theSonoma coast. The fire truck has beenremoved from the Jenner CommunityClub annex and is currently stationedeast of Duncan Mills, which addstwenty minutes to the vehicle’semergency response time. In thosetwenty minutes, a small fire can engulfa home, minor injuries can become lifethreateningmedical situations, andstorm damage can endanger homes,businesses, and lives.The environmental and countypermitting, bridge design, andengineering are complete, but if wedon’t begin bridge construction bySeptember we could LOSE $371,000that’s already pledged to us byFEMA. This is a critical projectthat impacts public safety, the JCC’songoing commitment as a publicvenue for educational and communityprograms, and our reputation asa safe, welcoming, and fun touristdestination.It is imperative to have the annexaccessible and operating so volunteerscan respond rapidly to emergencies.We need your tax-deductible gift tohelp us reach our goal. 100% of yourdonations go directly to building thebridge.Please visit the donation page onour web site - www.jenner-cc.org/donate/ - or you can send a check,made payable to the MRFSF (with“Jenner Bridge” written in the memoarea), to Jenner Community Club,ATTN: Bridge Committee, PO Box 1,Jenner, CA 95450. The Monte Rio FireServices Foundation (MRFSF), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is serving asour fiscal sponsor. Your contributionis tax-deductible to the extent allowedby law.This bridge connects us to our coast,to each other, and to a safe future forour community. Let’s build our bridge.Thank you.David Kenly, JCC President707-865-2771 / bridge@jenner-cc.org9/2/10 - www.sonomacountygazette.com - 35

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BODEGA BAY FIREIt has been a busy summer here in theBodega Bay area of the Sonoma Coast.Emergency incidents are on the rise-soplease be extra careful.Weed abatement inspections are infull swing, so please do not wait to cutyour grass as we are about to enter thevery critical part of the fire season. Donot hesitate to contact us if you haveany questions or concerns.We were honored to host a communitymeeting here at the fire station for5 th District Supervisor Efren Carrilloon August 18 th . We look forward tofuture meetings with a focus on publicsafety and future [sustainable] fundingsources. A special thanks to former 5 thDistrict Supervisor Eric Koenigshoferand Gourmet Au Bay for their generousdonations to offset the recent Countypurchase of a house for the residentdeputy post here in Bodega Bay.The District is working to create astrategic plan that will guide us in ourfuture endeavors. Like many of you weare struggling with increased costs withdeclining revenue. Our basic goal is tosearch high and low for other revenuesources before coming back to the voteror in reducing services. It should benoted that reducing services and askingthe voters for more money are actionsof last resort.We are all very saddened by thepassing of Tommy Burke. Tommy wasa huge supporter of the Fire Districtand of the Bodega Bay Volunteer FireDepartment before us. Tommy madeour current fire station location possibleby splitting off a portion of his ownland. Always caring. Always generous.Always willing to help. Tommy will bemissed by all of us.FORESTVILLE FIREFire safety tipsThe Forestville Fire Districtresponded to three fires in the last twoweeks that serve as excellent remindersof some basic fire safety issues.Two of the fires were a directlyresult of the storage and cleaning ofoil or stain soaked rags. In one case,oil or stain soaked rags were left piledon a wood cabinet in a garage. Theresulting early morning fire causedsignificant damage to the garageand its contents, including two cars,with smoke damage throughout theremainder of the house. In the othercase the placing the oil or stain soakedrags in a dryer, after being washedseveral times, resulted in a dryer firewhich caused minor damage to thedryer.The third fire was a result ofdisposing fireplace ashes in agrassy area. Even though we haveexperienced fog and drizzle in themornings our afternoons still warmup causing our very flammable grassfuels to dry out quickly. In our caseas the winds picked up and the suncame out in the early afternoon thepile of ashes, disposed of in the priorevening or early morning, served as asource of ignition for a small grass firethe briefly threatened two structures.Fireplace and barbeque ashes shouldbe disposed of in a metal container andplaced away from other combustiblesincluding decks and plastic garbagecans.This is good practice even ifyou have not used your fireplace orbarbeque in some time. Thoroughlysoaking the ashes with water is alsoacceptable but they still should not bedisposed of near combustibles.Fortunately all of the fires werecontrolled quickly and there were noinjuries.Final budgetThe Forestville Fire District Boardof Directors will hold a public hearingbefore approving their Final Budgetfor Fiscal Year 2010/11 at their regularBoard Meeting beginning at 6 pm onSeptember 14, 2010 at the ForestvilleFire Station. As always the public iswelcome to attend.GRATON FIREGroundbreaking CeremonyLast Thursday, August 26 th , we heldthe groundbreaking ceremony forthe new fire station to be located onHighway 116, just across from DuttonVineyards. It has been 20 years sinceour Board of Directors identified anew station as a priority. The currentbuilding started as a train depot over70 years ago; it was never designed tobe a fire station. When the Del DavisTree Farm became available, we finallyhad the perfect location. After fouryears of designing, approvals, andidentifying funding... it has becomea reality. The new fire station will becompleted by Spring 2011. Please visitthe www.gratonfire.com website oftenas we will be posting pictures of theprogress.Siren SurveyBy now, everyone who lives withinour fire district should have receiveda survey postcard in the mail. TheBoard of Directors is specificallyinterested in getting feedback fromthe community it represents on thenoon siren test each day. A group ofcitizens has suggested that it shouldbe turned off. The noon siren has beenpart of Graton for 60 years; let us knowif you would like to see it continue ornot. Please send back your card bySeptember 15 th . Thank you.Gas and water shut-off valvesDo you know where and how toshut off the utilities to your house orapartment? Take the time now, so thatyou know exactly what to do in anemergency. You may think earthquakeswould be the most likely emergency;however, we have responded to homeswhere people have broken pipes withtheir cars, motorbikes, and even a lawnmower.Typically, utilities are located towardsthe front of your property; allowingeasy access to the meters. Water valveswill be a smaller pipe coming out of theground with a round handle, similar toa hose bib. Turn the knob clockwiseuntil it stops. Sometimes it may bea handle style. When the handle is“in-line” with the pipe, the water isflowing. Turn the handle 90 degrees,so that it is perpendicular to the pipeto shut the water off.Natural gas is delivered througha slightly larger pipe, normallygrey in color. Just as it comes out ofthe ground and before the pressureregulator box, you will notice a small,round valve. When on, the valve isin-line with the pipe. A quarter-turneither direction will turn the gas off.However, you will need a tool to dothis. We highly recommend that youbuy an inexpensive gas wrench (or usean old adjustable wrench) and tie it tothe pipe. Most propane tanks have ashut-off round knob. Turn the knobclockwise until it stops. REMEMBERallof the pilot lights on your gasappliances will go out when you turnthe gas off. Call PG&E or your gascompany to relight them.You should also know where yourelectrical panel is and how to use it.Label all of your circuit breakers now;this will save you much grief in theyears to come. At the top of the panel,is a single switch that will turn off allof the power at once. If you still havefuses, have an assortment on hand;always replace a blown fuse with thesame size. If there is a problem withyour electricity, such as a smoking outletor burning smell, turn off the powerimmediately, call 9-1-1, and PG&E.RUSSIAN RIVER FIREIn August, the Russian River FireDistrict welcomed Engineer StephanMercieca and Firefighter/ParamedicJason Clopton as our newestemployees. Engineer Mercieca willbe assigned to “B-shift” and comesto us from Cazadero Fire Departmentwhere he has been a volunteerfirefighter for several years. FF/PClopton will be assigned to “C-shift”and has experience from ForestvilleFire District and King AmericanAmbulance in San Francisco.Recently, our new ambulance wasplaced in service. The ambulance wasmade by Leader Emergency Vehiclesand built on a 2009 Ford Chassis. TheBoard and Staff of RRFD would like toextend our thanks to the Russian RiverRedevelopment Oversight Committeefor their efforts to secure funding forthis purchase. Thank You!Groundbreaking Ceremony for the new Graton Firehouse on Hwy 1169/2/10 - www.sonomacountygazette.com- 39

Wheelof Lightwww.starwatcher.com(707) 887-1820Rio OleskySEPTEMBER 2010By now most of us are feeling theenergy generated by the transitingT-square involving Saturn, Jupiter,Uranus and Pluto. We have addressedthe challenges presented by thisalignment in previous columns – theopportunity to create some new andexciting activities, the need to takeresponsibility for the choices and thenecessity of getting rid of attitudes andbehaviors that are rigid, authoritarian,fear based and controlling. It certainlysounds interesting, but it can also bevery difficult and stressful. One waythat I have been experiencing thisalignment is by paying attention to ‘theflow’.The flow is a term that people useto describe a state of being in whichwe are in synch with what is going onaround us. We’ve all had the experienceof being in the right place at the righttime. Doors of opportunity, fulfillingrelationships, positive reinforcementand recognition just seem to come ourway wherever we are. That’s being inthe flow. It’s as if the universe is smilingon us, often for several days or weeksin a row. Right now I am not feeling theflow. Or, rather, it seems to be coming atme rather than with me. Several clientsin the past few weeks have shared withme that they feel incredibly excited,inspired, courageous and energized(Jupiter and Uranus in Aries), whilesimultaneously feeling burdened withincreased responsibility, guilt or fear(Saturn in Libra). Many people arefeeling the pinch financially throughloss of job, foreclosure of or theneed to make fundamental changesin their orientation to life (Pluto inCapricorn). You may feel bombardedby confrontations, power strugglesand the push-pull of hurrying to dosomething exciting only to crash into awall of resistance. It’s as if the flow isthree converging streams of energy, allcoming together at a single point in timeyet running in three different directionsand at three entirely different rates.One piece of good news is thatthis month Saturn finally movesaway from its opposition to Uranus,which has been with us on and offsince October 2008. This is also thefinal month of Saturn squaring Pluto.So much of feelings or experiencesof being limited, stuck or involvedin ongoing power struggles maylighten up. The overall impact of thisalignment, however, will continue tobe worked with and worked throughfor at least two years to come.So how do we deal with thisalignment that seems like the ultimatecosmic push-pull? For one thing,don’t try to control it. Try not to feeloverwhelmed with what may feellike limitless choices compounded bylimited time, energy and resources.Have a plan. Saturn likes things tobe defined and goal oriented. GiveSaturn its due. That will provide asense of direction or directions that wewould like to accomplish. Be creative.This is a great time to try somethingnew. That could mean starting anew activity or it could mean doingsomething familiar in a new way.Hopefully, the big picture goal and thenew, exciting activity will coincide. Bepatient. Several of the components ofthis alignment are impulsive and canget edgy when they meet resistanceto their intentions. They may tend togive up and move on to a differentactivity and wind up spinning theirwheels and accomplishing nothing.Be willing to let go of parts of our lifethat have become stagnant or boringeven if they feel comfortable and safe.We may have established a need fora certain person, activity or situation,but it has long ceased to actuallyprovide a sense of accomplishment,meaning or satisfaction. If we dig deepenough, we are likely to challengelong-held, traditional behaviors oreven a core sense of identity which iscounter to who we really are.The challenges right now areenormous. The letting go may feelexcruciating. But the potential tocreate a new self and a new realityfor the self to function in is limitless.Don’t be afraid as that will only lead tostuckness. Have courage and realizethat the energy to work throughour difficulties and challenges is athand. This is a time to make major,significant changes in our lives. Ifenough of us do that in a real andmeaningful way, it is just possiblethat a new concept and definition ofconsensus reality will be emerging afew years down the line.40 - www.sonomacountygazette.com - 9/2Aries: The full Moon inAries on the 23 rd could bringchallenges. Your sensitivityand emotions will beheightened. However, youcould feel stifled in yourattempts to release them. Or,if you do express them, you may feel as ifno one cares or is providing any emotionalsupport. Growth for you comes fromcomplimenting your increased emotionalself-awareness with an improving abilityto be emotionally self-nurturing.Taurus: Your aestheticsensibilities and creativeinspiration are stimulated,especially in early month. Inaddition, you could feel youself drawn to some type ofhumanitarian service. Eithercreativity or service could, in turn, leadto a greater ability to be more vulnerableand open in a significant relationship. Thatopenness, if it is matched by your partner,could lead to a sense of transformation forboth yourself and the relationship.Gemini: This is a time tofocus on personal issuesand your inner life. Inearly month, spend timereviewing your relationshipto yourself as well as thoseclosest to you. Later in themonth is time to refine relationships withfamily members. You could also focus ondoing things in your home that enablethings to function more efficiently.Cancer: It’s time fornew beginnings in yourwork. Changing jobs, evenindustries, or simply startinga new project or developinga new attitude could bepart of the energy packagefor you this month. These changes, maycause you to feel exposed and vulnerable,especially if you make them in an overtand obvious manner. Focus on the changeand excitement of something new can helpovercome feelings of insecurity or selfconsciousness.Leo: When the Sun entersLibra on the 22 nd , it activatesthe transiting T-square andtightens the web of energy.Many of these challenges foryou will be mental, either interms of your state of mindor your relationships. Growth for you thismonth comes from creating new ways ofexpressing yourself so that the stability youlike as well as the changes you are goingthrough, receives the proper amount oftime and energy.Virgo: Your analyticalmind, always present andstrong, is at a peak levelthis month. This is great forproblem solving, but notthat useful in dealing withemotional or psychologicalissues. The new Moon in Virgo on the 8 th ,however, provides both the energy and theimpetus to become more tuned in to yourinner being and right brained, intuitiveinformation. Growth comes from balancingthe information.Libra: Lighten up inearly month. Take sometime for youself even it’sfor something relativelysuperficial. You may havebeen under a great dealof stress for a while andalthough getting a makeover or buying somenew clothes won’t solve any problems, thattype of activity could help bring balance toyour life. Later month brings some energyto focus on financial matters.Scorpio: The twoplanets of creativityand relationship, Venusand Mars, transit intoScorpio this month. Theseevents should increaseyour desire for a deep,meaningful, emotional connection as wellas an increased need for sexual activity.They could also increase your drive anddesire for creative expression. Growth foryou this month comes from integratingyour masculine and feminine energies innew ways.Sagittarius: Earlymonth could continue tobring challenges in thefinancial aspect of yourlife. Financial setbackscould be exacerbated bythe necessity of lettinggo of even more of your material security.Late month, however, can bring a returnto a more spiritual way of perceiving andliving. This will allow more of your innateoptimism and generosity toward others tocompensate for any sense of loss.Capricorn: As usual,you are right in the thick ofthe challenging T-square.Growth for you this monthcomes from letting goeven more of your needto control a situation or itsoutcome. Surrendering the need for controlcan bring the awareness of spiritual support.Work at becoming more receptive to others.Developing more nurturing skills will makeit easier to let go of control.Aquarius: This monthmay provide a slightrespite from some ofthe stress you’ve beenfeeling. Your co-rulers,Saturn and Uranus, leavetheir opposition in earlymonth. You may start to feel as if the twodichotomous parts of your nature, the needfor control and stability (Saturn) and theneed for friendship and freedom (Uranus)can finally be satisfied without negativelyimpacting each other.Pisces: Your social,romantic and artisticnatures are stronglyenhanced this month. Inearly month, powerfulfeelings of devotion andcompassion combine to bring relationshipsto a higher level of functionality. This isfollowed by desire to physical activity thatcould be anything from dance to sexuality.Growth for you this month comes frombeing willing to share parts of yourself inwarm, loving and creative ways.

Summer’s almost gone (althoughclimate change delayed it till lateAugust), and most vacations are over.Worldwide 3.5% of all CO 2emissionscome from air travel, and vacation travelby automobile travel also substantiallyincreases our carbon footprint. Fightglobal warming when you offset yourCO 2emissions from travel at http://wwwcarbonfund.org/. One of thebest resources for offsetting emissions,this site also calculates your carbonfootprint and has tips for reducing it.Their motto is, “Reduce what you can,offset what you can’t.” To automaticallyoffset your emissions from home energyuse, sign up to have PG&E offset themon your bill at http://www.pge.com/climatesmart/. Most homes will payless than $5 a month.Here are some easy ways to reduceyour carbon footprint:• Save 27 gallons of gas—and 513pounds of CO 2—a year by not idlingfor 10 minutes a day—not to mentionsaving wear and tear on your car’sengine. The basic rule of thumb is toturn off your engine if you’re idlingmore than ten seconds; it takes less gasto restart your engine than you willwaste by idling.• Replace one incandescent light bulbwith a compact fluorescent lamp (CFL).If every home in the U.S. replacedjust one light bulb with a CFL, thesavings in one year would light morethan 3 million homes and eliminategreenhouse gas emissions equal to thatof about 800,000 cars.• Unplug appliances with clocks andelectronics — laptops, cell phonechargers, TVs and DVDs, etc. — whenthey aren’t in use. “Vampire energy” or“phantom power,” the energy drawnby electronics and appliances that areturned “off” can amount to 20% ofyour monthly energy bill. One TV usesas much energy in 20 hours “turnedoff” as it does when you watch it forfour hours. Americans pay more than$3 billion a year for energy they aren’tusing, which adds up to a lot of fossilfuel and CO 2emissions.• School lunches using pre-packageditems cost more, use precious resources,and add to landfill. Save money andhelp the planet by buying in bulk andpackaging your own portions (seeEco-Girl’s column in last month’sGazette for how-to tips). Buy reusablecontainers and lunch bags or boxesat www.reuseit.com. You will quicklysave more than they cost. Reusit.com has helped customers eliminatenearly 900,000 disposable items whilecontributing $200,000 to environmentalorganizations.Help homeless students. Approximatelyone million students arehomeless. Staples and DoSomething.org are holding their 3 rd annual DoSomething 101 School Supply Drive.Until September 18 th drop off schoolsupplies at Do Something bins at anyStaples store. Working to get youngpeople involved in social action, http://www.dosomething.org/, is usingthe power of the web, TV, mobile,and pop culture to create a climate ofvolunteerism and activate two millionteens in 2011. A great feature is seedgrants for teens’ social action projects.Teens playing more than 20 videoarcade-style games and two games thatraise awareness about social action havealso raised more than $50,000 dollars(donated by sponsors) at http://www.gamesthatgive.net/charities/do_something.Here’s another game that helpsfeed the hungry. Take a break and doa mitzvah while playing a multiplechoicegame at www.freerice.com.Subjects include famous paintings,world geography, chemistry, math,and foreign languages, as well as theiroriginal vocabulary game, which canbe played on many levels and is greatpreparation for tests such as the SATand GRE. For every correct answer,sponsors donate ten grains of riceto the World Food Bank—over 81billion grains have been donated sofar. Paradoxically, at a time when theneed is greatest and people have lessdisposable income to give, the numberof grains donated—which doesn’t costthe player anything—is down, 50% thelast two months.Feed the hungry at home, too.Donate canned foods and other staplesto the Redwood Empire Food Bankby dropping them in barrels at manylocations around the county. Go tohttp://www.refb.org/givefood2.htm#3 or call 707-523-7900 for moreinformation. You can also donate money.The food bank can provide $4 worthof food for every $1 in cash donated.Through 146 charitable organizations,the Food Bank provides food for 70,000people every month, including children,seniors, and working families.Watching the RippleOne of the first things we learnedabout in physics (I think it was physics)was “cause and effect” or what I call“the ripple.“There’s no escape, no dodge, andrarely a successful cover-up: everythinginfluences something else. I just wish wecould more personally guide the focus.But, like a following sea or anundertow, age is an inexorable forcethat just moves in on us, on a quiet,silent, relentless path. Then, there it is!We begin to notice another difference.We notice our aging, outside of ourselves.For some, it is a slow realization; forsome, an Aha! But either way, it is thereto see: cause and effect, the impact ofour changing selves on those around us.Do you remember the first time youcaught a loved one’s unguarded lookof concern? The children for whom mybrow would tighten with worry, nowworry about me, my future, my safety.I believe that I have taken my“circumstances” fairly in stride – newthumb joints, a brush with the bigC, worn out this-and-that with theresultant chronic aches & pains, and allthe clever little compensations.But this other pain is sometimes acruel surprise -- this reversal of rolesand anxiety; the spectre of “eldercare” written on our children’s faces.However loving or willing or graciousthey are about it, we wind up on theirworry list, and that hurts.The new challenge arrives requiringa delicate balance: some of us just don’tknow how to be “gracefully dependent! “We have to learn to be sensitive andknow the difference between appreciationand resentment when help is offered.We have to get used to the fact that weneed it.Of course, there is help, and there is…Help.There is that smothering, controllingkind; and there is the inquiring,thoughtful kind that you can say yes-- or no -- to. There is that patronizingkind; then there is the loving, gentlekind. It can be a new dilemma, alongwith all he other ones.One thing is certain: it is here to stay,it’s the ripple effect of that other force,and there is no stopping either.It’s all about control - sharing it,losing it, seizing it, managing it. Notabusing it. It is about thoughtfully andgracefully embracing still another oneof life’s realities. (And, wouldn’t it begreat if we could always embrace life’srealities thoughtfully and gracefully ?)The subtle way the roles reverse,the gradual transition of priorities, theinevitable transfer of power - these canbecome proofs of the job we’ve done.It was a slam-dunk long ago that ourchildren should trust us! Aha! Now Imust practice what I preached.A dance has begun with new musicand new steps; and if I trust the armsaround me (and the love), perhaps Ican dance gracefully - even enjoy a newfeeling of lightness, of shared burden,of new ways for doing and feeling.Getting older clarifies some thingsfor us that we may not have seen orrealized would evolve until … later.Well, later is here, and it’s best we getwith the program so that we participatein the ripple - not just let it roll up andover us, engulfing our initiative, drivingour personality, making our choices, andsetting us up to be someone else’s bigtrouble.Perhaps to gain new peace we haveto give up some of our old assumptivepostures - and a little power. Selfdeterminationand reasonabledependency are not necessarilymutually exclusive. Think about it.Make it work better - notice the details.It’s new turf for them, too.Zoë Tummillo is a Business & MarketingConsultant/Trainer/Commercial Writer,dba COMMUNICATION CONCEPTS,in private practice since 1974. Inaddition to Commercial work, shewrites “Senior Momentum: A Seriesof Situations”; and essay memoirsof growing up first generation ItalianAmerican: “Pieces of My Path”. Tocontact her -- email: writingservice@earthlink.net Phone:707-869-17269/2/10 - www.sonomacountygazette.com - 41

CLOVERDALE ~ 707-894-9454 ~ cloverdaleartsalliance.orgFridays to Sept 3 LAST of the season! ~ 5:30-9:00 pm, Downtown PlazaTHEN: 17th Annual Street Celebration Car & Motorcycle Show -Sep. 10 - Sep. 11, Downtown Blvd. and Plaza Area with a Sock Hop Friday eveningdowntown Cruise, Sock Hop in Plaza.7 pm to 10:00pm. Car and Motorcycle Showon Saturday 11:00am to 4:00pmCOTATI ~ 707-795-5508 ~ cotati.orgThursdays to Sept 16 ~ 4:30-7:30 pm, La Plaza Park, W Sierra & Old Redwood Hwy.FRENCH GARDEN ~ 707-824-2030 ~ frenchgardenrestaurant.comSundays ~ 10:00-2:00, 8050 Bodega Avenue, SebastopolNATURE: Events OutdoorsAudubon Society Outings ~ 8:00 am.All welcome. ~ 707-546-1812 ~ audubon.sonoma.netSept 4 ~ Ragle RanchSept 9 ~ Shollenberger ParkSept 15 ~ Point ReyesSept 18 ~ Bodega BaySept 29 ~ Spring LakeSept 11 ~ Hike Pepperwood Preserve ~Guided group walk. Families welcome! Free.9:00 am, 3450 Franz Valley Rd, Santa Rosa~ 707-542-2080 ~ pepperwoodpreserve.orgSept 12 ~ Hike Tolay Lake ~ 5-milemoderate. 10:00-2:00, Tolay LakeRegional Park, Lakeville Hwy at CannonLn, Petaluma ~ RSVP: 707-565-2730 ~sonomacountyparks.orgWORK DAYSSept 4, 18 ~ Foss Creek Restoration~ Training, tools, gloves, water &refreshments provided. Heavy raincancels. 8:30-11:30 am along Foss Creekat North St, Healdsburg ~ 707-433-1958 ~russianriverkeeper.orgSept 18 ~ LagunaKeepers Workday ~Snacks are on us; Bring gloves, water, &friends! Heavy rain cancels. 9:00am–Noon,Duer Creek, 5344 Occidental Rd ~ 707-527-9277 ~ lagunafoundation.orgSept 25 ~ Russian River Cleanup ~ Join usfor a fun day of hard work clearing garbagefrom the Russian River ~ 707-887-2303 ~russianrivercleanup.orgGEYSERVILLE ~ 707-812-4947 ~ geyservillecc.com3rd Thursdays to Oct 21 ~ 5:00-Sundown, Geyserville Inn, 21714 Geyserville AveGUALALA ~ 707-884-3726 ~ mcfarm.org/gualala.htmlSaturdays to Nov 6 ~ 10:00-12:30, Community Ctr, 47950 Center St.HEALDSBURG ~ 707-431-1956 ~ healdsburgfarmersmarket.orgTuesdays to Oct 26 ~ 4:00-6:30 pm, Plaza & Center StreetsSaturdays to Nov 27 ~ 9:00-Noon, North & Vine Streets (one block west of thePlaza)OCCIDENTAL ~ 707-793-2159 ~ occidentalfarmersmarket.comFridays to Oct 29 ~ 4:00-dusk, Downtown OccidentalPETALUMA ~ 707-762-0344 ~ petalumafarmersmarket.comSaturdays to Oct 30 ~ 2:00-5:00 pm, Walnut Park, corner of Petaluma Blvd S/ D St.ROHNERT PARK ~ 707-588-3496 ~ rpcity.org/index.aspx?page=630Fridays to Sept 24 ~ 5:00-8:00 pm, 500 City Center DrSANTA ROSA ~ santarosafarmersmarket.blogspot.comWednesdays & Saturdays year-round ~ 8:30-Noon, Veterans Bldg, 1351 Maple AveSEBASTOPOL ~ 707-522-9305Sundays to Nov ~ 10:00-1:30, Downtown Plaza, corner Petaluma & McKinley Aves.WINDSOR ~ 707-838-1320 ~ windsorfarmersmarket.comThursdays to Aug ~ 5:00-8:00 pm, Windsor Town GreenSundays to Dec 19 ~ 10:00-1:00, Windsor Town Green42 - www.sonomacountycalendar.com - 9/2/10Tolay Day-Use Orientation ~ 707-565-2041~ sonoma-county.org/parks/pk_tolay.htmSept 12 ~ 10:00-11:00 am, PetalumaVeterans Memorial. 1094 Petaluma Blvd SSept 29 ~ 6:00-7:00 pm, Santa Rosa VeteransMemorial, 1351 Maple AveSept 18 ~ Full Moon Hike ~ 4-mile moderateto-strenuous.$5-$15 by donation. Meet7:45 pm, Shell Beach parking lot. ~ Registeronline: stewardsofthecoastandredwoods.org/ecoadventures.htmSept 25 ~ Hike Jenner Headlands ~Strenuous 5-mile roundtrip. 10:00-3:00.RSVP: JHHikes@sonomalandtrust.orgOct 3 ~ TASTE ~ Rare varieties of apples,pears, & local cheeses. $5-$20. 1:00-4:00pm, The Bishop’s Ranch, 5297 WestsideRd, Healdsburg ~ 707-544-4582 ~ caff.org/northcoast.shtml3rd Mon ~ Audubon Society GeneralMeeting ~ The public is invited to thesefree programs. (No meeting June, July, Aug,& Dec.) 7:30 pm, First United MethodistChurch, 1551 Montgomery Dr, Santa Rosa~ 707-546-7492 ~ audubon.sonoma.netFri ~ Tour Bodega Marine Laboratory ~2:00-4:00 pm. 2099 Westside Rd, BodegaBay ~ 707-875-2211 ~ bml.ucdavis.edu2nd & 4th Sun ~ Green Heart ~ DanKerbein leads discussions with guests onsustainability issues. 3:00-5:00 pm, KOWSFM 107.3 Occidental ~ kowsradio.comPepperwood Foundation Classes ~ $5-$25.3450 Franz Valley Road, Santa Rosa ~ RSVP:800-838-3006 ~ pepperwoodpreserve.orgSept 11 ~ Stargazing, 7:30-11:00 pmSept 25 ~ Pomo & Miwok Basketry, 9:00-3:00Oct 2 ~ Spirit Creek Day ~ Handsoneco-centric activities. Free. 1:00-5:00pm, Center for Spiritual Living, 2075Occidental Rd, Santa Rosa ~ 707-544-2673~ spiritcreekstewardship.orgWed ~ Russian Riverkeepers ~ 8:30-11:30am, 16153 Main St, Guerneville (below thepedestrian bridge) ~ Victoria 707-865-2474~ russianriverkeeper.org2nd Wed ~ Armstrong Redwoods TrailCrew ~ Meet 9:00 am, MaintenanceShop, 17000 Armstrong RedwoodsRd, Guerneville ~ 707-869-9177 ~stewardsofthecoastandredwoods.org4th Wed ~ Sonoma Coast Trail Crew~ 707-869-9177 or rherrick@mcn.org ~stewardsofthecoastandredwoods.org1st Sat ~ Santa Rosa Creek Cleanup ~10:00-Noon, Pierson St Bridge at W 6th St.~ firstsaturdaycleanup.org2nd & Last Sun ~ Point Reyes WorkParties ~ 9:00-1:00. Contact Theo Michaels,415-464-5223 ~ nps.gov/pore/index.htmRESOURCESFairfield Osborn Preserve ~ 6543 LichauRd, Penngrove ~ 707-664-3416 ~ sonoma.edu/org/preserveMendocino Land Trust ~ 330 N FranklinSt, Suite 7, Fort Bragg ~ 707-962-0470 ~mendocinolandtrust.orgSonoma County Regional Parks ~ JohnRyan, 707-565-2041 ~ sonoma-county.org/parks/volunteerSonoma County Trails Council ~sonomatrails.orgSonoma Land Trust ~ 707-544-5614 x2 ~sonomalandtrust.orgState Parks~ calparks.org ~ parks.ca.gov~ stewardsofthecoastandredwoods.org

Classes • Workshops • SeminarsSept 8 ~ Canning ~ Sebastopol HardwareCenter, 660 Gravenstein Hwy N ~ 707-823-7688 ~ sebastopolhardware.comSept 10 ~ Gardens in Eden ~ Nurturing theland of the Pomo, Miwok & Wappo. $10.6:00 pm, Dwight Center at PepperwoodPreserve, 3450 Franz Valley Rd, Santa Rosa~ 707-542-2080 ~ pepperwoodpreserve.orgSept 13 ~ Bhutan: Kingdom on the Cusp ofChange ~ with Karma Singye Dorji. $5. 7:00pm, Gualala Arts Center, 46501 Gualala Rd~ 707-884-1138 ~ gualalaarts.orgSept 14 ~ Evolutionary Leadership forSustainability ~ with Kathia CastroLaszlo, Ph.D. and Alexander Laszlo, Ph.D.$0-$40. 6:00 pm, Institute of Noetic Sciences(IONS), 101 San Antonio Rd, Petaluma ~RSVP: favors.orgSept 15 ~ Culinary Alchemy ~ Spices,herbs & tonics for rejuvenation. Free. 6:00-7:30 pm, Bauman College, 10151 MainSt, Ste 128, Penngrove ~ 800-987-7530 ~baumancollege.orgSept 17 ~ What is Homeopathy?Shirley Gillotti, RN, MS. Free. 6:00-8:00 pm, Center for Inner Health &Stillness, 424 8th St (between A & B),Suite A, Santa Rosa ~ 707-829-5676 ~centerforinnerhealthandstillness.comIntroduction to Beekeeping ~ Free. RSVP:Beekind Honey Shop & Beekeeping Supply~ 707-824-2905 ~ beekind.comSept 18 ~ 10:00-1:00, Community Center,Youth Annex, SebastopolSept 26 ~ Noon-3:00, Subud Center,SebastopolSept 25 ~ Plein Aire for Guys ~ Guidance& materials provided. Donations welcome.10:00-2:00, with Annie Murphy Springer,Watercolor Artist & Instructor ~ 707-876-3211 ~ anniemurphyspringer.comSept 27 ~ The Right to Vote ~ Charlie Hittoutlines the shocking history of votingin America. $5. 7:00 pm, Gualala ArtsCenter, 46501 Gualala Rd ~ 707-884-1138 ~gualalaarts.orgSept 30 ~ Basic Library Internet ~ Learnto use the library catalog & databases.10:00-11:00, Rohnert Park-Cotati RegionalLibrary, 6250 Lynne Conde Way ~ RSVP:707-584-9121 x5 ~ sonomalibrary.orgONGOINGMon ~ Intermediate Hebrew ~ 5:45 pm.Info: 707-869-3273 ~ rrjc.orgMon ~ Pilates Mat Classes ~ Withcertified instructor Mary Black. $12/class(sliding scale). 9:00-10:00 am, Monte RioCommunity Ctr, 20488 Hwy. 116 ~ 707-865-9230 ~ russianriverpilates@gmail.comTue ~ Needlecraft Sessions ~Donation requested. 10:00-1:00, TheLegacy, 781 Gravenstein Hwy S (nearMcDonald’s), Sebastopol ~ 707-823-7520 ~sebastopolseniorcenter.org/legacy.htmTue & Thu ~ Relationship Classes ~Enliven intimacy, desire, & fun in yourlong-term relationship. For couples &singles. $10-20. Tue 4:00 pm, Thu 5:30pm, Sebastopol. ~ RSVP: 707-827-1660 ~lovingforkeeps.comTue & Sat ~ Yoga ~ with Kathleen Hardy.Sliding scale fee. Tues 6:00-7:00 pm, & Sat9:30-11:00 am. Monte Rio Community Ctr,20488 Hwy 116, Monte Rio ~ 707-865-9956~ mrrpd.orgWed ~ Face Yoga ~ with Magick. Heal toxicemotional patterns to help you look & feelvibrant. $16. 7:00-8:15 pm, Yoga StudioGanesha, 138 Weeks Way, Sebastopol ~ 707-327-7940, magick@magicktarot.comThu ~ Science Buzz Café ~ Discussions ofscience & technology. $4. 6:30 pm. Location:Coffee Catz, 6761 Sebastopol Ave; or FrenchGarden, 8050 Bodega Ave ~ 707-292-5281 ~sciencebuzzcafe.org1st & 3rd Thu ~ How to Listen to &Understand Opera ~ 12-session DVDcourse presented by Prof. Robert Goldberg.$3/$5. Apr-Sept, 7:00-9:00 pm, CloverdaleCenter for the Arts, 105 E First St ~ 707-894-4410 ~ cloverdaleartsalliance.org1st Sat ~ Law of Attraction CoachingGroup ~ Tools, support, & encouragement.$10+ by donation. 9:30-12:15, GlaserCenter, 547 Mendocino Ave, Santa Rosa ~707-824-0554 ~ edwardmills.comCPR & First Aid Classes ~ American RedCross, 5297 Aero Drive, Santa Rosa ~ 707-577-7600 ~ arcsm.orgThese pagesare full ofOPPORTUNITIESto meet wonderfulpeople!LITERARY EVENTSFall Book Sales ~ sonomalibrary.orgSept 3-4 ~ Guerneville Library, 14107Armstrong Woods Rd ~ 707-869-9004Sept 15-18 ~ Sebastopol Library, 7140Bodega Ave ~ 707-823-7691Sept 13 ~ In the Deep Heart’s Core ~ TerryEhret & Friends present an evening of poetry,prose & photography. 7:00 pm, QuicksilverMine Co, 6671 Front St, Forestville ~ 707-887-0799 ~ quicksilvermineco.comSept 17 ~ Meet the Author ~ Will Fellows& Helen P. Branson, “Gay Bar: The Fabulous,True Story of a Daring Woman & Her Boys inthe 1950s.” Reading, signing, refreshments.7:00 pm, River Reader Bookstore, 16355Main St, Guerneville ~ 707-869-2240,riverreader@gmail.comSept 18 ~ Odd Month Reading ~ EmceeJeane Sloane. Theme: The Last of theSummer. Free & open to the public.2:00-4:00 pm, Cloverdale Library, 401 NCloverdale Blvd ~ Linda, 707-484-4153 ~redwoodwriters.orgSept 18 ~ Open Mic Poetry Circle ~ Hostedby Mike Tuggle. Very short stories & poems.All welcome. 11:00 am, River ReaderBookstore, 16355 Main St, Guerneville ~707-869-2240, riverreader@gmail.comSept 19 ~ Third Sunday Salon ~Healdsburg Literary Guild ~ Sonoma tattooartist, ceramicist, painter, and poet ShotsieGorman. 2:30 to 4:30 pm. Free. Affronti’s,235 Healdsburg Ave, Healdsburg ~ OpenMic during the second hour.Sept 20 ~ Meet the Author ~ VincenzaScarpaci discusses Italian influence onAmerican life. 7:00-8:30 pm, SebastopolLibrary, 7140 Bodega Ave ~ 707-823-7691 ~sonomalibrary.orgSept 25 ~ Sonoma County Book Festival~ Free. 10:00-4:00, Old Courthouse Square,Santa Rosa ~ 707-537-8783 ~ socobookfest.orgSept 27, Oct 4, 18, 25 ~ Writer’s Sampler~ Lively, homework-free workshops forwriters. $15/per; 4/$50. 7:00-9:00 pm,Sebastopol Center for the Arts, 6780 DepotSt ~ RSVP: 707-829-4797 ~ sebarts.orgONGOING1st Mon ~ UUCSR Writers ~ Open to alllevels. Monthly except Sept, 4:00-6:00 pm,‘Green Room,’ Unitarian UniversalistCongregation Santa Rosa, 547 MendocinoAve ~ 707-568-5381 ~ uucsrwriters.blogspot.com2nd Tue ~ Center Literary Café ~ Featuredspeaker, followed by open mic. Bringprose or poetry to share. By donation. 7:00-9:00 pm, Healdsburg Senior Center, 133Matheson St ~ Cynthia Helen, 707-696-1111,centerliterarycafe@gmail.comWed ~ Life Stories Class ~ Try our kind& encouraging class. No age requirement.Free. 1:00-3:00 pm, Healdsburg SeniorCenter, 133 Matheson St ~ 707-431-3324 ~ci.healdsburg.ca.us3rd Wed ~ WordTemple ~ KatherineHastings hosts poetry interviews, readings,& reconstructions. 7:00-8:00 pm, KRCB 91.1FM ~ wordtemple.com3rd Thu ~ Writer’s Forum ~ Explore thecraft and business of writing. $15 at the door.7:00-9:00 pm (except Dec & Jan), PetalumaCommunity Center at Luchessi Park, 320No. McDowell Blvd ~ theWriteSpot.usAlternate Fri ~ Writing Group for Adults~ All writing levels invited to polish yourprose with Chester Aaron. Fees $10-$20;donated to Occidental Center for the Arts.Alternate Fridays, 1:00-3:00 pm, Occidental.RSVP: 707-874-9392 or chgarlic@comcast.net1st & 3rd Sat ~ Finding your Voice ~A women’s writing workshop. Writingexercises, sharing works, & feedback. $15each; 11:00-1:00. Contact Lee Meryl Senior,707-869-2407, leesenior@comcast.net2nd Sun ~ Redwood Writers Club ~Monthly meeting. Sept speaker: DonnaLevin. $5/$8. Light refreshments. 2:30-5:00pm, Flamingo Hotel, 2777 4th St, SantaRosa ~ 707-578-8938 ~ redwoodwriters.org2nd Sun ~ Westword ~ Salon withfacilitator Gor Yaswen. Smoke- & fragrancefreemeeting. $1.00 donation. 4:00 pm,Sebastopol Center for the Arts, 6780 DepotSt ~ 707-829-1549 ~ sebarts.org3rd Sun ~ Healdsburg Literary GuildSalon ~ Featured reader followed by openmic. Free & open to the public. 2:30-4:30pm, (New location!) Affronti Restaurant,Healdsburg Ave, Ste 105 ~ 707-433-7119,healdsburgliteraryguild@gmail.com3rd Sun ~ Poetry Reading & Open Mic~ Featured reader, followed by open mic.Hosted by poet Sher Christian. $1-$10 bydonation. 12:30-1:30 pm, Coffee Catz, 6761Sebastopol Ave, Sebastopol ~ 707 829-6600~ lusciouspoetry.typepad.comBook Discussion Groups ~ Bring a brownbag lunch, book, & banter. ~ sonomalibrary.org/bookgroupMeet the Author ~ Every week, everymonth, every year, authors appear toread & discuss their work. Attend ourfree author events at any of our stores. ~copperfieldsbooks.comProject Censored ~ The news that didn’tmake the news. ~ projectcensored.orgTiny Lights ~ A Journal of PersonalNarrative: annual essay contest, biannualjournal, quarterly “Flash in the Pan”postings, monthly online writers exchange~ tiny-lights.com9/2/10 - www.sonomacountycalendar.com - 43

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIESAnimals ~County Shelter ~ 1247 Century Ct, SantaRosa ~ 707-565-7116 ~ theanimalshelter.orgSadie’s Haven ~ Horse Rescue &Sanctuary, 2951 Thorn Road, Sebastopol~ Vicki SimsWhitney, 707-206-1892 ~sadieshaven.comChildren ~Active 20-30 Sebastopol ~ 707-536-3252 ~sebastopol2030.comArt for Kids ~ at Petaluma Arts Center.Jonna Ramey, 707-762-5600 x110 ~petalumaartscouncil.orgCASA ~ Court-Appointed SpecialAdvocates ~ 707-565-6375 ~ sonomacasa.orgChildren’s Village ~ 707-566-7044 ~thechildrensvillage.comCultural Homestay International ~ SherChristian, poetrytalks@neteze.com ~ayp.chinet.orgSocial Advocates for Youth ~ 707-544-3299x226 ~ socialadvocatesforyouth.orgEmergency ~American Red Cross of Sonoma &Mendocino Counties ~ 707-577-7600 ~arcsm.orgBlood Bank of the Redwoods ~ 707-545-1222 ~ bbr.orgCamp Meeker Volunteer Fire Department~ 707-874-3660 ~ campmeeker.orgFood Pantries ~Food For Thought ~ 6550 Railroad Ave,Forestville ~ 707-887-1647 ~ fftfoodbank.orgInterchurch Food Pantry ~ 500 RobinsonRd, Sebastopol ~ 707-823-2483 ~ststephenssebastopol.orgRedwood Empire Food Bank ~ SummerLunch Program ~ 707-523-7900 x34 ~refb.orgSt. Andrew’s Food Program ~ Susan Lowry,707-579-9793 ~ standrews-redwoods.orgMedical/Social Services ~Drug Abuse Alternatives Center (DAAC)~ 707-544-3295 ~ daacinfo.orgHelping American Veterans Endure(HAVE) ~ 707-887-0250 ~ have-vets.orgThe Living Room ~ Daytime shelter forhomeless women & children ~ 707-321-0976 ~ thelivingroomsc.orgMemorial Hospice ~ 707-778-6242 or 707-568-1094 ~ stjosephhealth.orgWest County Community Services ~Mary Northey, 707-869-0654 x1004 ~westcountyservices.orgMisc ~Community Radio ~ KGGV 95.1Guerneville “The Bridge” ~ 707-869-1131~ kggv.blogspot.comVolunteer Center of Sonoma County ~707-573-3399 ~ volunteernow.orgSchools ~El Molino Boosters ~ Debbie Moore, 707-829-2402 ~ elmolinoboosters.comForestville: Cathy Mabry, 707-887-9743.Guerneville: Elaine Carlson, 707-869-2864x112.Seniors ~Council on Aging ~ Michele Leonard, 707-525-0143 x147 ~ councilonaging.comJewish Family & Children’s Services ~1360 N Dutton Ave, Ste C, Santa Rosa ~707-303-1501 ~ jfcs.orgSebastopol Area Senior Center ~Dean Brittingham, 707-829-2440 ~sebastopolseniorcenter.orgMEETINGS that Matter1st Mondays ~ Monte Rio Recreation &Parks District ~ 6:00-8:00 pm, 20488 Hwy116, Monte Rio ~ 707-865-2487 ~ mrrpd.org1st & 3rd Mondays ~ Petaluma City Council~ Open Session at 7:00 pm, 11 English St ~707-778-4360 ~ cityofpetaluma.net/cclerk/council.html4th Mondays ~ El Molino Boosters ~ 6:00pm, El Molino High School, 7050 Covey Rd,Forestville ~ elmolinoboosters.comTuesdays ~Noon Toastmasters ~ 11:30 am, Center forSpiritual Living, 2075 Occidental Rd,Santa Rosa ~ 707-836-8876 ~ toastmasters.orgRussian River Rotary ~ 6:30 pm, HighlandDell Lodge, 21050 River Blvd, Monte Rio ~707-869-0808 ~ russianriverrotary.orgSanta Rosa City Council ~ 4:00 pm, CityHall, 100 Santa Rosa Ave ~ 707-543-3039 ~ci.santa-rosa.ca.usSonoma County Board of Supervisors~ Public comment 2:00 pm, 575Administration Dr, Room 102A, SantaRosa ~ 707-565-2241 ~ sonoma-county.org/board/index.htmSonoma County Water Agency ~ 8:30 am,575 Administration Dr, 102A, Santa Rosa~ 707-565-2241 ~ scwa.ca.gov1st Tuesdays ~Cazadero Community Club ~ 7:00 pm,Fire Hall, 5980 Cazadero Hwy ~ NatashaPehrson, mayawrld@sonic.netSebastopol City Council ~ 5:00 pm, CDA6:00 pm, Sebastopol Youth Annex, 425Morris St ~ 707-823-1153 ~ ci.sebastopol.ca.us/citycouncil.shtml2nd Tuesdays ~Bodega Volunteer Fire Department ~ 7:30pm, McCaughey Hall, 17184 Bodega Hwy,Bodega ~ bodegafire.orgForestville Fire Protection District ~ 6:00pm, Forestville Fire Station, 6554 MirabelRd ~ forestvillefire.org44 - www.sonomacountycalendar.com -9/2/10Forestville Water District ~ 5:30 pm, 6530Mirabel Rd, Forestville ~ 707-887-1551 orfwd@sonic.netIndependent Order of Odd Fellows ~ 7:30pm, Odd Fellows Hall, Hwy 116 & Covey,Forestville ~ Jim McCray, 707-528-7471 ~ioof.orgRussian River Historical Society ~ 6:30 pm,Monte Rio Community Ctr, 20488 Hwy116, Monte Rio ~ russianriverhistory.orgSonoma County Networking Association ~6:00 pm, location varies ~ Carol, 707-527-75632nd & 4th Tuesdays ~ Active 20-30Sebastopol ~ 6:30 pm. 2nd Tue, GratonRidge Cellars, 3561 Gravenstein Hwy N; 4thTue, Hopmonk Tavern, 230 Petaluma Ave ~707-536-3252 ~ sebastopol2030.com3rd Tuesdays ~ACLU ~ American Civil Liberties Unionof Northern California, Sonoma CountyChapter, 7:00 pm, Peace & Justice Center,467 Sebastopol Ave, Santa Rosa ~ 707-765-5005 ~ aclusonoma.orgNorth Coast Mac Users Group ~ $5 fornon-members. 7:00-9:00 pm (except Sept),Rohnert Park Senior Center, 6800 HunterDr, Suite A ~ ncmug.orgRussian River Fire Protection District~ 7:00 pm, 14100 Armstrong WoodsRd, Guerneville ~ 707-869-9089 ~russianriverfire.orgSebastopol City Council ~ 7:00 pm,Sebastopol Youth Annex, 425 Morris St~ 707-823-1153 ~ ci.sebastopol.ca.us/citycouncil.shtml4th Tuesdays ~ Salmon Creek WatershedCouncil ~ 6:30pm, Salmon Creek School,1935 Bohemian Hwy, Occidental ~ DavidShatkin, dshatkin@sonic.net1st Wednesdays ~Forestville Chamber of Commerce ~ Allwelcome. 5:30 pm, Food for Thought, 6550Railroad Ave, Forestville ~ 707-887-1111 ~forestvillechamber.orgPetaluma Progressives ~ 7:00 pm,Copperfields Books, 140 KentuckySt, Petaluma ~ 707-763-8134 ~progressivefestival.orgRussian River Sportsmens Club ~Board Meetings. 25150 SteelheadBlvd, Duncans Mills ~ 707-865-1847 ~russianriversportsmensclub.comSonoma County Alliance ~ 7:30 am,Santa Rosa Golf & Country Club, 333Country Club Dr ~ 707-525-8377 ~sonomacountyalliance.com2nd Wednesdays ~In-Home Support Services ~ Care Givers’support meeting. 5:00 pm, GuernevilleRegional Library, 14107 Armstrong WoodsRd ~ sonomacounty-ihsspa.orgPetaluma Pedestrian & Bicycle AdvisoryCommittee ~ 6:00 pm, City Hall, 11English St ~ cityofpetaluma.netProgressive Democrats Sonoma County ~6:30 pm, French Garden Restaurant, 8050Bodega Ave, Sebastopol ~ pdsonoma.org3rd Wednesdays ~County Bicycle & Pedestrian AdvisoryCommittee ~ 7:00-8:30 pm, SonomaCounty Transit, 355 West Robles Ave,Santa Rosa ~ 707-585-7516 ~ sctransit.com/bikes/bikecommittee.htmForestville Historical Society ~ Sept-May, 7:00 pm, Forestville School LibraryConference Rm, Highway 116 at TravisRd ~ Ron Davis, 707-823-2921 ~ sonic.net/ForestvilleSonoma County Area Agency on Aging~ Advisory Council meets 1:00-3:30 pm,3725 Westwind Blvd, Santa Rosa ~ 707-565-5950 ~ socoaaa.org4th Wednesdays ~Association of Fundraising Professionals~ 11:45 am, Volunteer Center of SonomaCounty, 153 Stony Circle, Classroom A,Santa Rosa ~ 707-838-9996 ~ afp-wcc.orgRedwood Stitchers ~ a chapter of theEmbroiderers’ Guild of America. 10:00am, Luther Burbank Art & Garden Center,2050 Yulupa Ave, Santa Rosa ~ RoseNorris, 707-544-8016 ~ ega-gpr.org1st Thursdays ~Americans for Safe Access ~ SonomaCounty Chapter, 5:00 pm, Dept. of PublicHealth, 625 5th St, Santa Rosa ~ Sarah,510-251-1856 x322 ~ safeaccessnow.orgSweetwater Springs Water District ~ 6:30pm, 17081 Hwy 116, Ste B, Guerneville ~707-869-4000 ~ sweetwatersprings.com1st & 3rd Thursdays ~ PRMD PlanningCommission Meetings ~ 1:00 pm, Permit &Resource Management Department HearingRoom, 2550 Ventura Ave, Santa Rosa ~sonoma-county.org/prmd3rd Thursdays ~Gold Ridge Resource Conservation District~ Board Meeting 6:00-8:00 pm, 14775BThird St, Occidental ~ 707-874-2907 ~goldridgercd.orgHispanic Chamber Mixer ~ 5:30-7:30 pm,location varies ~ 707-575-3648 ~ hcc-sc.orgRussian River Redevelopment OversightCommittee ~ 6:00 pm. Odd months:Veteran’s Hall, 1st & Church, Guerneville.Even months: Monte Rio CommunityCenter, 20488 Hwy 116, Monte Rio ~sonoma-county.org/cdc/rrrocmain.htmSanta Rosa’s Bicycle & Pedestrian AdvisoryBoard ~ 4:00-6:00 pm, City Hall Annex, 90Santa Rosa Ave ~ 707-543-3334 ~ ci.santarosa.ca.us4th Thursdays ~ Sebastopol ChamberMixer ~ 5:30-7:00 pm, location varies. ~ 707-823-3032 ~ sebastopol.orgLast Fridays ~Early Bird Breakfast Club ~ Sonoma CountyFarm Trails. $10 non-members. 8:00 am,Hampton Inn, 8937 Brooks Rd, Windsor ~RSVP: 707-837-8896 ~ farmtrails.comGoLocal Morning Mixer ~ 7:30-9:00am; Location varies. ~ 707-888-6105 ~sonomacounty.golocal.coop1st Saturdays ~ AGV WatershedCouncil Meeting ~ 10:00-Noon. Info& location, Jean Redus, 707-823-2006 ~atascaderogreenvalleywatershed.net3rd Saturdays ~ Occidental CommunityCouncil ~ 10:30 am, YMCA CommunityCenter, 3920 Bohemian Hwy at Graton Rd ~occidental-ca.org

RESOURCES for LIVING211 ~ A complete directory of social servicesin Sonoma County. ‘2-1-1’ on your phone ~211wc.orgAlcoholics Anonymous ~ The onlyrequirement for membership is a desire tostop drinking. Find a meeting: 707-544-1300~ aa.orgAl-Anon ~ Support to friends & families ofalcoholics. Mondays, 7:30 pm & Saturdays,9:15 am. Russian River Senior Center, 15010Armstrong Woods Rd, Guerneville ~ 24-hourInformation Line, 707-575-6760Body Work Clinics ~ $10-$30. Appointmentrecommended.Asyrah’s Garden ~ Acupuncture,chiropractic, massage. Tue 2:00-6:00 pm; Fri9:00-1:00. 8996 Graton Road ~ 707-823-2866 ~asyrahsgarden.comHealing Moon Acupressure ~ Women’sherbs, Wed 11:00-1:00; Self-care, Thu 11:00-Noon. Downtown Sebastopol. AndreaPellicani, 707-525-8673 ~ andreapellicani.comPeace in Medicine ~ Acupuncture &Chinese Herb. Tue 1:00-3:00 pm. 6771Sebastopol Ave, Sebastopol ~ 707-823-4206 ~peaceinmedicine.orgRobin Kannin, L.Ac. ~ Acupuncture. Tue,3:00-6:00 pm; Thu, 1:30-4:30 pm. SongbirdCommunity Healing Center, 8280 OldRedwood Hwy, Cotati ~ web.mac.com/robinkannanSebastopol Community Acupuncture ~Tue-Fri 9:00-7:00 pm, Mon & Sat to 1:00 pm.876 Gravenstein Hwy S #7 ~ 707-823-2217 ~sebastopolcommunityacupuncture.comBreast Screening ~ Radiation-Free, Pain-Free. Info: 2nd Thursdays 5:30-6:30 pm,Thermography Center of Sonoma County ~707-655-5880 ~ thermography-sc.comCarousel Network ~ Information &support for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome,Fibromyalgia, Lyme Disease & Co-Infections.2nd Saturdays, 2:00-4:00 pm, Palm DriveHospital, 501 Petaluma Ave, Sebastopol ~Dale Miller, 707-829-1594 ~ cndsinfo.netCommunity Housing Opportunities West ~provides emergency shelter, food, & supportservices to homeless men & women ~ 707-823-1640 ~ westcountyservices.orgChronic Illness ~ Self-management supportgroup & education series. Tuesdays,2:00-3:30 pm, Palm Drive Hospital, 501Petaluma Ave, Sebastopol ~ 707-526-7026 ~palmdrivehospital.comCo-Dependents Anonymous (CODA) ~The only requirement for membership is adesire for healthy & loving relationships ~codependents.orgCommunity Toxics Collections ~ Tuesdays,4:00-8:00 pm, locations vary. Free to SonomaCounty residents. Bring ID. Info & RSVP:707-795-2025 ~ recyclenow.orgCounseling ~ Professional & caring mentalhealth services to assist with the challengesof life. $30 per session. Assistance available.Mon-Fri, 9:00am-8:00pm, Family ServiceAgency, 751 Lombardi Ct #C, Santa Rosa ~707-545-4551 x210 ~ familyservicesonoma.orgDay Labor ~ Protect workers’ rights …andyours. Don’t hire off the street!Graton ~ 2981 Bowen Street ~ 707-829-1864 ~gratondaylabor.orgGuerneville ~ Suzanna Mayo, 15873 RiverRd ~ 707-591-5518, zannamayo@yahoo.comHealdsburg ~ 405 Grove St ~ Martha Nuñez,707-433-6652 ~ chdcorp.orgDisability Services & Legal Center (DSLC)~ Sonoma County’s primary resource forpeople with disabilities since 1976. *NewAddress* 521 Mendocino Ave, Santa Rosa ~707-528-2745 (voice) or 707-528-2151 (TTY) ~disabilityserviceandlegal.orgFamily & Friends Group ~ Cope withthe impact of addiction in a healthy way.Free. Tuesdays, 6:30-8:00 pm, Drug AbuseAlternatives Center, 2403 Professional Dr,Santa Rosa ~ Lynne Burke, 707-544-3295 x352~ daacinfo.orgFood Addicts in Recovery ~ Caring,supportive group facing addictive behaviorwith food. Mondays, 7:00 pm, SebastopolCommunity Church, 1000 Gravenstein HwyN ~ foodaddicts.orgGamblers Anonymous ~ Open to anyonewho has a desire to stop gambling ~ Diane S,707-318-4173 ~ gamblersanonymous.orgHeadaches? ~ Education & support. Family& friends welcome. Free. 4th Wednesdays,5:30-7:30 pm, Palm Drive Hospital, 501Petaluma Ave, Sebastopol ~ 707-823-8511Healing Clinic ~ Try out different healingmodalities & find the healers that resonatewith you. Sliding scale. 2nd & 4th Tuesdays,7:30-9:00 pm, Songbird Community HealingCenter, 8280 Old Redwood Hwy, Cotati ~707-478-7274 ~ songbirdcoop.comHealth Screenings ~ Free. 1st Saturdays, PalmDrive Hospital, 501 Petaluma Ave, Sebastopol~ 707-823-8511 ~ palmdrivehospital.comHealthy Sonoma ~ Provides state-of the artweb-based assessment & improvement toolsto strengthen & build a healthier community.~ healthysonoma.orgHIV Therapy Group ~ Dinner & therapysessions on Mondays, 5:00 pm at St. Andrewsin-the-RedwoodsEpiscopal Church, 20329Hwy 116 at F St, Monte Rio ~ 707-865-0834 ~standrews-redwoods.orgIntentional Community ~ 2nd Sundays,3:00 pm, Tour & potluck dinner. Green ValleyVillage, 13024 Green Valley Rd, Sebastopol ~707-824-9647 ~ greenvalleyvillage.comMilitary Families ~ Resources for ALLActive Duty Military, National Guard,Reserve, & family. American Red Cross,Sonoma & Mendocino Counties ~ 707-577-7600 ~ arcsm.orgOvereaters Anonymous ~ for people whodesire to stop eating compulsively. Thursdays,6:00 pm, Russian River Counselors, 19375Highway 116, Monte Rio (across fromNorthwood) ~ sonomacountyoa.orgRussian River Empowerment Center ~ asafe, supportive haven for those who want totranscend serious & persistent mental illness.A West County Community Services project.Hours: Tue-Fri 11:30-5:00. *New Address:16390 Main St, Guerneville ~ 707-604-7264 ~westcountyservices.orgUnited Against Sexual Assault ~ UASAfacilitates healing and promotes theprevention of violence by providingcounseling, advocacy, intervention, andeducation. 835 Piner Road, Suite D, SantaRosa ~ Business: 707-545-7270 ~ 24/7 CrisisLine: 707-545-7273 ~ uasasonoma.orgVeterans’ Group ~ ‘One-stop-shop’ forall Veterans & their family members.2nd Thursdays, Noon-3:00, GuernevilleVeterans Memorial Building, 1st &Church St ~ John Uniack, 707-869-9459 ~sonomacountyvetconnect.orgWalk-In Clinic ~ Free medical care foranyone in need, without regard to ethnicity,race, or religion. Jewish Community FreeClinic, 490 City Center Dr, Rohnert Park ~707-585-7780 ~ jewishfreeclinic.orgWatchers of Weight (WOW) ~ Supportfor healthy eating & weight loss goals.Membership $10/Weekly meeting$5. Wednesdays, 5:30 pm, Monte RioCommunity Center, 20488 Hwy 116, MonteRio ~ 707-865-9956 ~ mrrpd.orgSpiritualitySept 10 ~ Rosh HaShana ~ Potluck feast,music, singing, dancing with RussianRiver Jewish Community. Gather 4:30 pm,Armstrong Woods, Grove picnic area ~Sonia Tubridy, 707 869-3273 ~ rrjc.orgSept 18 ~ Sound & Ascension ~ Re-calibrateto joy & spiritual activation with intentionalsound. $5-20 by donation. 7:00-9:00 pm,Songbird Community Healing Center, 8280Old Redwood Hwy, Cotati ~ 707-478-7274 ~songbirdcoop.comSept 19 ~ Mabon (Fall Equinox) Ritual ~All ages; clean & sober event. By donation.Potluck. Gather 5:30 pm, Subud Hall, 234Hutchins Ave, Sebastopol ~ 707-484-7786 ~northbayreclaiming.comONGOINGSun ~ Temple of Isis ~ 2:00-4:00 pm,Private or guided meditation. 3:00 pm,Non-denominational program. 4:00 pm, Tea& discussion. Isis Oasis Sanctuary, 20889Geyserville Ave, Geyserville ~ 707-857-4747~ isisoasis.orgSun ~ Worship Services ~ 8:30 am,Contemporary; 10:30 am, Traditional.Forestville United Methodist Church, 6550Covey Rd ~ 707-887-2020 ~ forestvilleumc.orgSun ~ Worship Services ~ 9:00 am ChristianEducation; 10:00 am Worship. GuernevilleCommunity Church, 14520 ArmstrongWoods Rd ~ 707-869-2514 ~ uccwebsites.net/guernevillecommunityca.htmlSun ~ Worship Services ~ 9:00 am Choirpractice. 11:00 am, Worship. MetropolitanCommunity Church of the RedwoodEmpire, 16219 First St, Guerneville ~ 707-869-9882 ~ mccre.org2nd Sun ~ Mandala Dance ~ The 21 Praisesof Tara. Ages 15+. $5-15 by donation. 4:15-7:15 pm. RSVP for location: Bonney, 707-887-2210, bonneym@sonic.net ~ taralotuscircle.orgTues & Weds ~ Meditation Classes ~ Dropinclasses. $10 by donation. 7:30-8:45 pm,Mahakaruna Buddhist Meditation Center,304 Petaluma Blvd N, Petaluma ~ 707-766-7720 ~ meditationinnorcal.orgThu ~ Christian Bible Study ~ Themessages of the New Testament. Guided byPastor Paul. 7:00 pm, Open Door ChristianChurch, 16 5th St at B, downtown Petaluma~ 707-762-3873 ~ opendoorpetaluma.orgThu ~ Collective Meditation ~ connectin silence, contemplation, & stillness.Optional potluck afterward. 6:30-7:15pm, Dhyana Center, 7740 Atkinson Rd,Sebastopol ~ 707-827-3456 ~ dhyanacenter.comThu ~ Many Rivers Books & Tea ~ Speakerson a topic for self- inquiry. $5 by donation.7:30 pm, 130 S Main St #101, Sebastopol ~707-829-8871 ~ manyriversbooks.comFri ~ Noon Time Meditations ~ 12:00-1:00 pm, Compassion Kadampa BuddhistCenter, 120 North St, Healdsburg ~ 707-293-8096 ~ meditationinhealdsburg.org3rd Fri ~ Sonoma County Pagan Network ~Featured speaker & potluck dinner. 7:00 pm,Luther Burbank Art & Garden Center, 2050Yulupa Ave, Santa Rosa ~ scpagans.org9/2/10 - www.sonomacountycalendar.com - 45

46 - www.sonomacountycalendar.com - 9/2/10Gardening with the past in mindI had the great good fortune tospend a few days volunteering in thewonderful gardens at Wimpole Hallnear Cambridge this past month. (www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wimpole/) Thisdynamic National Trust propertyincludes a lovely house full of antiquesand amazing architectural ornaments,huge park lands with paths and viewsfor miles, a working farm with a rarebreeds animal conservation program,a lovely formal parterre garden, and ,my favorite, the walled garden. I waswelcomed by volunteer coordinatorRuth, who made special arrangementsfor my “short-stay” volunteering, andgiven a comprehensive garden tour byJanet, a full time volunteer for 30 years!Gardening in an historic propertylike Wimpole must be done with anawareness and respect for the past,as well as a practical present-dayapproach. Whenever digging is doneon the property, new evidence isuncovered which helps to give a morecomplete picture of the evolution ofthe property’s buildings and gardens.Janet told me that they have difficultymaintaining one area of the parterregarden because it is located on the siteof the old castle dating from the 1300s,where rock foundations and poor soilstill cause poor plant growth. Anotherproblem area in the garden was oncethe site of an enormous Victorianconservatory: knocked down whenit when out of style, the foundationsare only shallowly buried beneath thelawn: recent attempts at growing arose garden were unsuccessful becauseof the rubble beneath the soil.I was lucky enough to be assignedto work in the gorgeous bordersoutside the Walled Garden (known atthe Apricot borders for the espalieredapricot trees which line the red brickwall) with Emily, who has been thevolunteer in charge of this area for3 years. 140 yards long and 10 feetdeep, this is a mixed perennial andshrub border full of year-round color,textures, and movement: magnificent!And it has all been newly createdwith the majority of the plants grownby volunteers from seed, divisions,and cuttings. Many of the plants arefamiliar to us: roses, Mexican feathergrass (Stipa tenuissima), penstemon,all kinds of sages, and my favoritegrass, Stipa gigantea, has been plantedin groups for its light, wind-drivenmovement across the face of morecolorful plantings.However, there are a number of plantsincluded in these wonderful bordersthat I rarely see used in Californiagardens. Eryngiums (commonlyknown as sea holly) have bold, brightblue flower heads which contrast withtheir silvery foliage: these are toughperennial Mediterranean plants whichwill grow well in California: see thephoto above. I suspect people are putoff by their spines, but why not try afew in a place where you don’t haveto get too close? Varieties of manydifferent sizes are available as seed,and perhaps if you look hard you canfind plants as well.Another tough drought tolerantplant which we perhaps don’t useenough is the wormwood family, theArtemesias. I love my ‘Powis Castle’variety which forms a beautiful finetextured mound of silvery foliage allsummer long. ( Be sure to cut it backhard in the early spring, or it becomesvery leggy.) I saw a beautiful varietycalled ‘Lambrook Mist’ which hasexcellent tall yellow flower spikes: Ihope to get some seed soon and try itfor myself.Why not try some of their Englishfavorites in your garden this year?Do you have a gardening questionyou would like to ask? Or a photo toshare? Send your questions and photos(jpg) to Gail at bluehilldesign9@aol.com.

GARDENERS CALENDARGardening Demonstrations ~ GailFanning, Blue Hill Garden Design. Free.10:30 am, Bassignani’s Nursery, 1841Gravenstein Hwy S, Sebastopol ~ 707-829-2455 ~ bluehilldesign.shorturl.comSept 4 ~ Ornamental GrassesSept 18 ~ Fall Vegetables Now!Sept 4, 25 ~ Plant Sale ~ Perennials &Unusuals, from $1! Rain does not cancel.Donations welcome. 9:00-2:00, WillowsideSchool Nursery, 5299 Hall Rd, Santa Rosa ~Jan, 707-569-4724 ~ oakgroveunionschools.orgOpen Gardens ~ 10:00-5:00. Demos:10:00 & 2:00. Russian River Rose Co, 1685Magnolia Dr, Healdsburg ~ 707-433-7455 ~russian-river-rose.comSept 5 ~ Iris DaySept 19 ~ Perfume Launch PartySept 11 ~ Growing and Using MedicinalHerbs ~ Free gardening workshop. 10:30-12:30, Harvest for the Hungry Garden, 1717Yulupa Ave, Santa Rosa ~ 707-566-7937 ~harvestgarden.orgSept 14 ~ Container Gardening & UsingBulbs ~ $10. 7:00-8:00 pm, Luther BurbankHome & Gardens, Santa Rosa Ave atSonoma Ave, Santa Rosa ~ RSVP: 707-524-5445 ~ lutherburbank.orgSept 18, Oct 3 ~ Organic Garden Tour ~Thousands of varieties of rare & endangeredfood, medicinal, & ornamental plants. $10by donation. 10:00-11:30 am, OccidentalArts & Ecology Ctr, 15290 Coleman ValleyRd, Occidental ~ 707-874-1557 x201 ~ oaec.orgSept 18 ~ Tour Three Ox Farm ~ Picnic,taste , & learn about sustainable familyscalefarming. $10 by donation. 1:00-5:00pm. 2827 Blucher Valley Rd, Sebastopol ~707-544-4582 ~ caff.org/northcoast.shtmlSept 19 ~ Tour MuRefuge Gardens ~ The“Fifth Season,” native plant dormancy.9:30-Noon ~ RSVP: 707-829-9178 or afsp@sonic.netSept 25 ~ Composting Workshop ~Master Gardener Lyle Bullock. 10:30-12:30,Sebastopol Library, 7140 Bodega Ave ~ 707-565-2608 ~ sonomamastergardeners.orgSept 30 deadline ~ 2011 Sonoma CountyMaster Gardener Training Program ~ 707-565-2608 ~ sonomamastergardeners.orgONGOING2nd Tue ~ Sonoma County Orchid Society~ Hobbyists & professionals alike arewelcome to learn, share and have fun! 6:45pm, Veterans Memorial Building, 1351Maple Ave, Santa Rosa ~ 707-795-0235 ~sonomaorchids.com3rd Tue ~ California Native Plant Society~ Join us for guest speakers & presentationsof floral interest. Monthly except July& Aug, 7:30 pm, Luther Burbank Art &Garden Center, 2050 Yulupa Ave, SantaRosa ~ aprileowens@yahoo.com ~ cnpsmb.org4th Tue ~ Redwood Empire Bonsai Society~ Demonstration, discussions, peruse thelibrary. Monthly except July & Dec. 7:30pm, Veterans Building West Room, 1351Maple Ave, Santa Rosa ~ 707-942-4036 ~rebsbonsai.orgWed ~ Cultivation Class ~ Drop-inworkshop exploring all aspects of growing.Different topic each week. Free. 6:00-7:00pm, Peace in Medicine, 6771 SebastopolAve, Sebastopol ~ 707-823-4206 ~peaceinmedicine.orgWed ~ OAEC Garden Volunteer Day ~Come garden in one of the oldest certifiedorganic gardens in California! Drop-in,rain or shine, 10:00-5:00. Occidental Arts& Ecology Ctr, 15290 Coleman Valley Rd ~707-874-1557 ~ oaec.orgSat ~ Gardening Workshops ~ SonomaCounty Master Gardeners. Free. Saturdays,10:30-12:30 at area Libraries. ~ 707-565-2608~ sonomamastergardeners.org1st Sat ~ Tour Green String Farm ~ $5by donation. Noon-1:30 pm, 3571 OldAdobe Rd, Petaluma ~ 707-778-7500 ~greenstringfarm.comLast Sat ~ West County Community SeedBank ~ Share seed saving techniques,plants & seeds, ideas & information.Monthly except Nov & Dec. 10:00-1:00.Location varies. ~ Sara, 707-829-5234 ~westcountyseedbank.blogspot.comMaster Gardeners Sudden Oak Death ProgramsOn September 11, from 10:30am to 12:30pm at the Guerneville Library, theSonoma County UC Master Gardeners will present an educational programabout Sudden Oak Death. How to identify it? Can it be prevented? Can it betreated? These and other questions will be covered.The Guerneville Library is located at. The information will be presented againon November 16 at 7:30pm at the California Native Plant Society public meetingin Santa Rosa, and on November 20 at 10:30am at the Sonoma CommunityCenter in Sonoma.Sept 26 ~ Garden Party ~ Water, weed, plantthe Cross & Crown iGrow Model Garden.9:30-1:30, 5475 Snyder Ln at SouthwestBlvd, Rohnert Park ~ igrowsonoma.orgiGROW ~ seeks to improve the health ofSonoma County residents by increasingaccess to healthy food ~ igrowsonoma.orgMaster Gardeners Training – Apply Soon!The program will lead off witha lecture on sustainability. Plantpathology, tree culture and IntegratedPest Management (IPM) will betaught, followed by a hands-on classon planting and pruning fruit trees atSRJC’s Shone Farm. Master Gardenertrainees will learn about water, weedand vertebrate pest management,entomology and sudden oak death.SRJC faculty will offer horticulture,plant ID and classification, andgrowing vegetables for the homegarden. Composting and vermiculture,plant propagation, perennials andshrubs will be taught, as well as nativeand habitat gardening.Applicants must be Sonoma Countyresidents and upon acceptance paya $275 fee for classes and materials.Financial assistance is available.Applications are due Sept. 30. 565-2608www.sonomamastergardeners.org.9/2/10- www.sonomacountycalendar.com - 47

SENIORSFamily RESOURCESAdoptive Parent Support Group ~ Guestspeakers. Brown-bag dinner. Childcareprovided. 3rd Wednesdays, 5:30–7:30pm, Parents Place, 1360 N Dutton Ave,Ste C, Santa Rosa ~ 707-571-2048 ~parentsplaceonline.org/SonomaBabysitting Courses ~ for 11-to-15 yearolds. American Red Cross of Sonoma &Mendocino Counties, 5297 Aero Drive,Santa Rosa ~ 707-577-7600 ~ arcsm.orgBookmobile ~ Free, high-qualitybooks to persons in rural areas notserved by libraries ~ 707-520-4536 ~sonomacountybookmobile.orgBreastfeeding Support ~ Advice,questions, problems; rent or buy abreast pump or other nursing supplies,information on classes & support groups.~ sonoma-county.com/health/ph/mcah/breastfeeding.htmCar Seat Safety Program ~ Children incars must ride in an approved child safetyseat until both 6 years old and 60 lbs. Lowcostseats & installation help at River toCoast Children’s Services ~ 707-869-3613 ~rccservices.orgEnvironmental Discovery Center ~ atSpring Lake Park. Free admission w/ paidparking. Hours: Wed-Sun, Noon-5:00 pm ~707-539-2865 ~ sonoma-county.org/parks/edc.htmKindergym ~ Play time for your kinder sixmonths to three years old. $4 per session.Multi-child discounts.Mon & Tue ~ River to Coast Children’sServices, 9:45-12:20, Guerneville Vets Hall,First & Church Streets ~ 707-869-3613 ~rccservices.orgWed & Fri ~ Sebastopol CommunityCenter, 11:00-noon, 390 Morris Street ~ 707-823-1511 ~ seb.orgMusic & Movement ~ The Orff approachintegrates song, speech, creative movement,instruments, drama. Ages 4-10. 6-weeksession, $75. Wischemann Hall, 460 EddieLn, Sebastopol ~ Director Janet Greene,707-632-5526 ~ orffmusicandmovement.comOpen Your Heart to a Waiting Child ~Considering foster parenting? Free infoseminar. Family, Youth, & Child Servicesoffice, 1747 Copperhill Pkwy, Santa Rosa ~Rita Jacobs, 707-565-4274 ~ sonoma-county.org/human/foster1.htmParent Pack ~ Free online supportcommunity provides resources & a socialoutlet for the parents of Sonoma County(moms & dads!) since 2005. ~ sonoma.ca.theparentpack.orgParents Place ~ Social networks, guidance& counseling for parents & children. Earlychildhood mental health & post-adoptionservices. 1360 N Dutton Ave, Ste C, SantaRosa ~ 707-571-2048 ~ parentsplaceonline.org/SonomaPregnancy Counseling Center ~ You don’thave to feel scared, alone, or confused abouta possible pregnancy. Free & confidentialservices. ~ pccsonomacounty.orgSanta Rosa, 750 Mendocino Avenue ~ 707-575-9000Rohnert Park, 1331 Medical Center Drive ~707-588-9176River to Coast Children’s Services ~ Childcare assistance for families & providers,Kindergym, car seat program, familycounseling, more! Serving west SonomaCounty. 16300 1st St, Guerneville ~ 707-869-3613 ~ rccservices.orgRussian River Children’s Choir ~ Singersages 6-14. Thursdays, 4:15-5:00 pm,Guerneville Community Church, 14520Armstrong Woods Rd ~ 707-869-3273 or707-865-2702 ~ riverchoir.orgSonoma County Moms ~ Community forMoms including: resource sharing, Moms’Night Out, online forum, playdates ~sonomacountymom.comStorytime at the Library ~ Stories, songs,& fingerplays for children ages 2-5, with acaregiver. Free! ~ sonomalibrary.orgMondays ~ 11:00 am, Northwest, 150Coddingtown Center ~ 707-546-2265Tuesdays ~ 10:00 am, Petaluma, 100Fairgrounds Dr ~ 707-763-9801Tuesdays ~ 10:30 am, Cloverdale, 401 NCloverdale Blvd ~ 707-894-5271Tuesdays ~ 11:30 am, Windsor, 9291 OldRedwood Hwy, Bldg. 100 ~ 707-838-1020Wednesdays ~ 10:30 am, Sebastopol, 7140Bodega Ave ~ 707-823-7691Wednesdays ~ 11:00 am, Guerneville, 14107Armstrong Woods Rd ~ 707-869-9004Teen Clinic ~ Free & confidential pregnancytesting, counseling, birth control, STD testing& treatment, emergency contraception. Noappointment needed! Mon-Tue-Thu, 2:30-5:30 pm. CASA, 6570 1st St, Forestville ~707-887-0427 ~ wchealth.org48 - www.sonomacountycalendar.com - 9/2/10Sebastopol Area Senior Center ~ 167 NHigh St (next to the Library) ~ 707-829-2440 ~ sebastopolseniorcenter.orgSept 7 ~ 12:30 pm, Birthday Party GalaSept 16 & 23 ~ 1;00-5:00 pm, AARPDriver Safety Class, $14Sept 21 ~ 10:00 am, Living With ChronicIllnessSept 10 ~ 2:00 pm, Feldenkrais MethodThurs ~ 9:00-Noon, BirdwatchingClass. Gay, 823-4929Sept 17 ~ Broadway Sing-Along ~and Hollywood too. Hopefully, thefirst of many! Russian River SeniorCenter, 15010 Armstrong Woods Rd,Guerneville ~ Holly or Jim, 707-869-0124Tue ~ Resistance Training ~ Move It orLose It. $6. 11:15-Noon, Sebastopol AreaSenior Center, 167 N High St ~ 707-829-2440 ~ deborahshemesh.comFri ~ Therapeutic Chair Yoga ~ Effectivecomplementary therapy for commonailments. $5. 10:00-11:00 am, RussianRiver Senior Center, 15010 ArmstrongWoods Rd, Guerneville ~ Mary Northey,707-327-8996, mnorthey@gmail.comRESOURCESCouncil On Aging ~ Services thatpromote well-being & maintainindependence, since 1966. 30 KawanaSprings Rd, Santa Rosa ~ 707-525-0143~ councilonaging.comElder Financial Protection Network~ Free, confidential call to reportsuspected elder abuse: 1-888-436-3600(24 hours) ~ bewiseonline.orgSeniors-At-Home ~ Resources to live– safely, healthily, independently – inyour own home. 1360 N Dutton Ave,Ste C, Santa Rosa ~ 707-571-8533 ~SAHSonoma.orgSonoma County Area Agency onAging ~ Transportation resources;health & social services; home &community-based services; affordablehousing options. 3725 Westwind Blvd,Suite 101, Santa Rosa ~ 707-565-5950 ~socoaaa.orgSENIOR CENTERSClasses, gatherings, legal services, fieldtrips, meals, & more!Cloverdale ~ 311 N Main St ~ 707-894-4826 ~ cloverdaleseniorcenter.comHealdsburg ~ 133 Matheson St ~ 707-431-3324 ~ ci.healdsburg.ca.usRussian River ~ 15010 ArmstrongWoods Rd, Guerneville ~ 707-869-0618~ westcountyservices.orgSanta Rosa ~ 1208 Fourth St ~ 707-542-1228 ~ santarosaseniorcenter.orgSebastopol ~ 167 N High St (nextto the Library) ~ 707-829-2440 ~sebastopolseniorcenter.orgSENIOR LUNCHES Seniors age 60+ and their Families. $4by donation. Noon. Reservations requested.Council on Aging ~ councilonaging.comCloverdale ~ Mon to Fri ~ Cloverdale Senior Center, 311 N Main St~707-894-4826Guerneville ~ Tue to Fri ~ Russian River Senior Center, 15010Armstrong Woods Rd ~ 707-869-3998Healdsburg ~ Mon to Fri ~ Healdsburg Senior Center, 133 Matheson St,707-433-7515Sebastopol ~ Mon to Fri ~ Sebastopol Area Senior Center, 167 N High St~ 707-829-8381Windsor ~ Mon to Fri ~ Vinecrest Senior Apts, 8400 Hembree Ln ~ 707-838-9261West County Community Services ~ westcountyservices.orgForestville ~ Tue & Thu ~ United Methodist Church, 6550 Covey Rd atCenter ~ 707-887-2020Occidental ~ Mon & Wed ~ St. Philip the Apostle Church, 3730Bohemian Hwy ~ 707-869-0654Families are welcome to bring their family elders andjoin us for lunch. Please call and make reservationsso we can prepare your meals. Donations accepted.

Children & FamilyMeet the Authors ~ 4:00 pm, Copperfield’sBooks, 140 Kentucky St, Petaluma ~ 707-762-0563 ~ copperfieldsbooks.comSept 9 ~ Andrew Jacobson & Adam JayEpstein, “The Familiars”Sept 15 ~ Ellen Hopkins, “Fallout”Walt Disney’s ALADDIN ~ $15-$32.Spreckels Performing Arts Center, 5409Snyder Ln, Rohnert Park ~ 707-588-3400 ~spreckelsonline.comSept 11 ~ 1:00 pm, 8:00 pmSept 12 ~ 1:00 pm, 6:00 pmOct 2-3 ~ Family Overnight ~ Suitablefor families with children of all ages. $10adult; $5 child; $25 family. Sat 2:00-SunNoon, Pepperwood Preserve, 3450 FranzValley Rd, Santa Rosa ~ RSVP: 800-838-3006 ~ pepperwoodpreserve.org4th Mon ~ Museum Mondays ~ Activitiesfor children ages 1-5 with a caregiver. $5children; adults free before 11:00 am. 10:00-Noon, Charles M. Schulz Museum, 2301Hardies Ln, Santa Rosa ~ 707-579-4452 ~schulzmuseum.orgSept 18 ~ Dennis Hysom & Friends ~The award-winning Wooleycat twists onrhymes, fairy tales & fables. $5. 10:00 am,Sebastopol Center for the Arts, 6780 DepotSt ~ 707-829-4797 ~ sebarts.orgYouth GroupsAuditions ~ Santa Rosa Symphony YouthEnsemble. By appointment. ~ 707-546-7097 x220 ~ santarosasymphony.comAlternate Thursdays ~ WYGOUT (West-County Youth Group OutreachUnderstanding Teens). 6:00-8:00 pm, The Landing at Forestville UMC, 6550Covey Road ~ 707-736-6061 ~ wygout.orgFridays ~ Bodega Bay Union Church ~ 5:00-9:00 pm, 1320 Bay View Street,Bodega Bay ~ 707-875-3559 ~ bodegabaychurch.orgFridays ~ Russian River Counselors ~ 5:00-7:00 pm, 19375 River Rd, Monte Rio(across from Northwood) ~ 707-865-1200 ~ rivershrink.comSundays ~ Methodist Church ~ Six area fellowships meet 5:00-7:00 pm, FirstUnited Methodist Church, 2150 Giffen Ave (at Stony Point), Santa Rosa ~ 707-887-2020 ~ forestvilleumc.orgSundays ~ Occidental Community Church ~ 6:00-7:30 pm. Contact Pastor PeteMunson, 707-874-3501, occ1876@comcast.net9/2/10 - www.sonomacountycalendar.com - 49

Sept 19 ~ Chris Bramble Band ~ 1:00 pm,Hopmonk Tavern, 230 Petaluma Ave ~chrisbramble.comSept 19 ~ Harmonica Festival ~ $20/$25.Proceeds benefit the Norton BuffaloMemorial Music Fund. Noon-9:00 pm,Sonoma Veterans Memorial Hall, 126 1st StW ~ Jim Corbett, 707-823-5849Pianist Seth Montfort ~ Standard &unusual fare.. $10 per concert; $50monthly pass. The Composers’ House,16375 4th St at Mill, Guerneville ~ 707-604-7600 ~ sfconcerto.orgMUSIC for Everyone!FREE Backyard Concerts ~ 6:00 pm (5:30doors), KRSH Station House, 3565 StandishAve, Santa Rosa ~ 707-588-0707 ~ krsh.comSept 2 ~ C.T. CruisersSept 16 ~ Honey Island Swamp BandSept 3, 17 ~ Blues Burners ~ Blues, funkysoul, & good old rock-n-roll! 7:00 pm, Papa’sTaverna, 5688 Lakeville Hwy, Petaluma ~707-769-8545 ~ bluesburners.comSept 3 ~ Dreamfarmers ~ Real people,playing real songs, on real instruments. 4:20pm, Lagunitas TapRoom & Beer Sanctuary,1280 N McDowell Blvd, Petaluma ~Randall, 707-829-7577 ~ dreamfarmers.comSept 5 ~ JGB, Moonalice, Jug Dealers,Thugz, DJ Trtl! Vendors, art, light show.All-ages. $25 general; 12-under Free. 1:00-10:00 pm, Monte Rio Amphitheater, 9925Main St ~ mrrpd.orgSept 8 ~ Lara Downes, Pianist ~ CinnabarSummer Music Festival. $15-$25. 8:00 pm,Petaluma Historical Museum, 20 4th St ~707-763-8920 ~ cinnabartheater.orgSept 11 ~ Cinnabar in the Garden ~Cinnabar Summer Music Festival. Proceedsbenefit COTS. $15-$25. 4:30 pm (3:00reception), 200 Queens Lane, Petaluma ~707-763-8920 ~ cinnabartheater.orgSept 11 ~ Elvin Bishop ~ River Theater,16135 Main St, Guerneville ~ 707-869-8022Sept 12 ~ Arann Harris & the Farm Band~ Pesticide-free music. 3:00-6:00 pm,Hopmonk, 230 Petaluma Ave, Sebastopol ~myspace.com/greenstringfarmbandSept 16 ~ Swinging Dog Tail ~ Acousticduo, Josh Yenne & Shawna Miller. 5:00pm, Bluewater Bistro, 21301 Heron Drive,Bodega Bay ~ 707-544-8623 ~ myspace.com/swingingdogtailJR&F ~ Jake Richmond & Friends ~ 707-865-5009, goragg@comcast.netSept 17 ~ 9:30 pm, Tradewinds, 8210 OldRedwood Hwy, CotatiSept 18 ~ 9:00 pm, Forestville Club, 6500Front StSept 19 ~ 6:00 pm, Rio Nido Roadhouse,14540 Canyon 2 RdOct 2 ~ 9:00 pm, Trio, 16225 Main St,GuernevilleSept 18 ~ Big B & His Snakeoil Saviors ~Hot licks for hip hicks. Lessons followed bydancing! $15. 7:00-11:00 pm, Monroe Hall,1400 W College Ave, Santa Rosa, California95401 ~ snakeoilswing.comSept 18 ~ Marshall, Bolt, & Harr ~Music in its natural state. 7:00 pm, Gaia’sGarden, 1899 Mendocino Ave, Santa Rosa ~mbhmusic.comSept 18 ~ Under the Radar & Barbwyre~ Modern bluegrass. 8:00 pm (7:30 doors),Sebastopol Center for the Arts, 6780 DepotSt ~ Kevin, 707-824-1858 ~ socofoso.com50 - www.sonomacountycalendar.com - 9/2/10Moonshiners ~ bluegrass, old time,& folk music ~ myspace.com/sonomacountymoonshinersSept 19 ~ 10:00 am, Windsor Farmer’sMarketSept 28 ~ 4:00 pm, Healdsburg Farmer’sMarketSept 25 ~ Earlefest ~ Dave Alvin, JamesMcMurtry, The Belleville Outfit, St.Peterbilt, Three at Last, Tone Bent. $20/$25.Noon-7:00 pm, Earle Baum Center, 4539Occidental Rd, Santa Rosa ~ 707-523-3222~ earlefest.comSept 25 ~ Ives Quartet ~ Presented byRedwood Arts Council. Under-12 notadmitted. $25. 8:00 pm, Occidental Centerfor the Arts, 4008 Bohemian Hwy at GratonRd ~ 707-874-1124 ~ redwoodarts.orgSept 25 ~ Jubilee Klezmer Ensemble ~Joyous & celebratory music. $7-$15. 7:30pm, Sebastopol Center for the Arts, 6780Depot St ~ 707-829-4797 ~ sebarts.orgREGULAR GIGSMon—Fri ~ Touch ~ public-affairs analysis& commentary with Milo. 5:00-6:00 pm,95.1 FM KGGV “The Bridge” ~ 707-869-1131 ~ kggvfm.orgTue ~ Out of the Blue ~ Old Timey Swing!7:00 pm, Main Street Station, 16280 MainSt, Guerneville ~ UpOutOfTheBlue.comWed—Sat ~ Aqus @ Night ~ Liveentertainment. 7:00-9:00 pm, Aqus Café,189 H St, Petaluma ~ 707-778-6060 ~aquscafe.com2nd & 4th Wed ~ Phat Chance Quartet~ Classics & Standards. Cover $2.7:00-10:00, Main Street Station, 16280Main St, Guerneville ~ 707-869-0501 ~mainststation.com3rd Wed ~ Songwriters Competition~ 7:00 pm (6:30 signup), Aqus Café,189 H St, Petaluma ~ 707-778-6060 ~westcoastsongwriters.orgThu ~ Rhythm Cats ~ Rockabilly & Swing.7:30-10:30 pm, TRIO, 16225 Main St,Guerneville ~ therhythmcats.netThu ~ THUGZ ~ ‘Grateful’ jams. All ages;no cover. 7:00-10:00 pm, NorthwoodRestaurant & Bar, 19400 Hwy 116, MonteRio ~ 707-235-6444 ~ thethugz.net3rd Thu ~ Midnight Sun ~ Reggae,Ska, Calypso. Red Rose Café, 1770Piner Rd, Santa Rosa ~ 707-573-9741 ~midnightsunmassive.comFri ~ Pazzo Party ~ Dance party withDJ Dro (official DJ to the Golden StateWarriors), 10:30 pm to 1:30 am, Pazzo,132 Keller St, Petaluma ~ 707-763-3333 ~webepazzo.com2nd Fri ~ Pipe Organ ‘Mini’ Recitals ~Launch your weekend with an enjoyable1/2 hour of organ music. 6:00 pm, Churchof the Incarnation, 550 Mendocino Ave,Santa Rosa ~ BethZucchino@aol.comSat ~ Rockin’ at the Roadhouse ~ Eat,drink, & Rock! Cover $5-$10. 6:00-10:00pm at Rio Nido Roadhouse, 14540Canyon Two ~ 707-869-0821 ~ blog.rionidoroadhouse.comOpen Mic & JamsOPEN MICMon ~ French Garden Restaurant ~ 6:00-9:00 pm. 8050 Bodega Ave, Sebastopol ~707-824-2030 ~ Paul, lifeart44@gmail.comTue ~ Hopmonk Tavern ~ 8:30 (7:30 signup).Free. All ages. 230 Petaluma Ave,Sebastopol ~ 707-829-7300 ~ hopmonk.comWed ~ Aubergine ~ 7:00-11:00 pm. 755Petaluma Ave, Sebastopol ~ 707-849-9758 ~aubergineafterdarkandcafe.comThu ~ North Light Books & Café ~ 6:00-8:15 pm. 550 E Cotati Ave, Cotati ~ 707-792-4300 ~ northlightbook.netAlternate Thu ~ The Casino ~ 9:00 pm.17000 Bodega Hwy, Bodega ~ 707-876-3185Sun ~ Smiley’s ~ 8:30-11:00 pm. 41 WharfRd, Bolinas ~ 415-868-1311 ~ coastalpost.com/smileys2nd & Last Sun ~ Main St Station ~Hosted by Kit Mariah. 6:30 pm. 16280Main St, Guerneville ~ 707-869-0501 ~mainststation.comJAMS~CHOIRSTue ~ River Choir ~ 7:30-9:45 pm,Guerneville Community Church,Armstrong Woods Road ~ 707-869-0516 ~riverchoir.orgWed ~ Love Choir ~ 7:30, Subud Center,234 Hutchins Ave (at 116), Sebastopol ~707-823-5849 ~ lovechoir.orgWed ~ Vox Populi ~ $10. 7:00-9:00 pm,Sebastopol Community Ctr, 390 Morris St~ Mark, 707-887-1424, montyrio@comcast.net1st & 3rd Wed ~ Celtic Sessions ~6:30 pm, Main Street Station, 16280Main St, Guerneville ~ 707-869-0501 ~mainststation.com1st Thu ~ Traditional Irish Seisuin ~ 7:00pm, Aqus Café, 189 H St, Petaluma ~ 707-778-6060 ~ aquscafe.comAlternate Thu ~ Open Session Night~ 5:30 pm, Ruth McGowan’s Brewpub,131 E 1st St, Cloverdale ~ 707-894-2932 ~ruthmcgowansbrewpub.comSat ~ Old-Time Jam ~ 2:00-5:00 pm, CoffeeCatz, 6761 Sebastopol Ave, Sebastopol ~707-829-66002nd Sun ~ Celtic Jam ~ 4:00-6:00 pm,Redwood Café, 8240 Old Redwood Hwy,downtown Cotati ~ Roxanne Oliva, oliva@thegrid.net

EVENTS of InterestSept 3 ~ Summer Nights | RailroadSquare ~ Evening of outdoor dining &wine tasting, art & music. $15 = 15 tastings& GoVino glass. 6:00-9:00 pm, Fourth St,Downtown Santa Rosa ~ snrrs.comSept 3, 4 ~ Remembering Harmony ~ $10by donation. Four shows from 6:30-10:00pm. Occidental Center for the Arts, 4008Bohemian Hwy at Graton Rd ~ RSVP: 707-874-9392 ~ occidentalcenterforthearts.comSept 4-5 ~ Flea Market ~ Bodega BayGrange Hall, 1370 Bodega Ave, Bodega Bay~ 707-875-3616 ~ bodegabaygrange.orgSept 5 ~ Fry Your Head ~ Chili Contest& Festival. Music, drinks, old-fashionedice cream. $10. Noon-6:00pm, JennerCommunity Center, 10398 Hwy 1 ~ 707-865-9116 ~ jenner-cc.orgSept 9 ~ Soulcycler ~ Writer-photographerRick Gunn presents words & images froma bicycle journey around the world. $10.7:00-9:00 pm, Wells Fargo Ctr, 50 MarkWest Springs Rd, Santa Rosa ~ 775-339-1344 ~ soulcycler.comSept 11-12 ~ Art In The Park ~ 60+ localartists, food, music! 10:00-5:00, WalnutPark, 310 D St at Petaluma Blvd S, Petaluma~ 707-793-2113 ~ www.petalumaarts.orgPiano Festival ~ Play for cash prizes.All ages. $5 entry fee. Noon-4:00 pm ~petalumapete.comSept 11 ~ Pelican Art Gallery 143 PetalumaBlvd N, Petaluma ~ 707-773-3393Sept 12 ~ Piano Store of Sonoma County,5755 Redwood Dr, Ste 100, Rohnert Park ~707-588-8653Sept 11-12 ~ Sculpture Jam 2010 ~ Plaza,downtown Sebastopol ~ sculpturejam.orgRelay For Life ~ One day, one night, onecommunity, one fight! 24 hours: Sat 10:00am thru Sun 10:00 am. Find your localteam: RelayforLife.orgSept 11 ~ 6975 Montecito Blvd, Santa RosaSept 25 ~ 333 Casa Grande Rd, PetalumaSept 15 ~ The Great Porn Debate ~ RonJeremy vs. Harmony Dust & Craig Gross.$5/$15. 7:30 pm, SSU Cooperage, 1801 ECotati Ave, Rohnert Park ~ 707-664-2382 ~sonoma.edu/as/aspSept 18 ~ Much Ado AboutSebastopol ~ Renaissance Faire! $5-$12. 11:00-5:00, Ives Park, Sebastopol ~muchadoaboutsebastopol.orgSept 18-19 ~ Belly Dance Bazaar ~ Aweekend of Middle Eastern dance, music,& wares. $10. Sat 11:00-9:00; Sun 11:00-6:00.Sebastopol Community Cultural Center,390 Morris St ~ Deborah, 707-799-9859,deborah@northbaybellydancebazaar.comSept 23 ~ Rancho Bodega HistoricalSociety 20th Anniversary ~ An eveningof historical storytelling 6:30 pm at theBodega Bay School, 1200 Canon St., BodegaBay. Refreshments will be served. ~ RobinRudderow (707) 875-9023.Sept 25 ~ Healdsburg Arts Festival ~Art, crafts, food & wine, entertainment &activities to benefit Healdsburg Center forthe Arts. 10:00-5:00, Healdsburg Plaza ~707-431-1970 ~ healdsburgcenterforthearts.comSept 26 ~ Hand-Car Regatta ~ Expositionof mechanical wonders! 11:00-6:00, DepotPark, Fourth & Wilson Sts, Santa Rosa ~handcar-regatta.comSept 26 ~ Progressive Festival ~Featured guest Alice Walker at PetalumaProgressives’ 13th annual event. Free.Noon-5:00 pm, Walnut Park, 310 D Stat Petaluma Blvd S ~ 707-763-8134 ~progressivefestival.orgONGOINGTue ~ Bullfrog Pond Bicycle Cruise ~Departs 10:00 am, Stumptown Cycles,14028 Armstrong Woods Rd, Guerneville ~Paddy, 707-869-9665Wed ~ Shoot Days ~ 4:00-7:00 pm, RussianRiver Sportsmens Club, 25150 SteelheadBlvd, Duncans Mills ~ 707-865-1847 ~russianriversportsmensclub.comWed ~ Square Dancing ~ with the Singles& Pairs. All ages! $5 per week. 7:00-8:45pm, Monroe Hall, 1400 W College Ave,Santa Rosa ~ Carroll Albertson, 707-538-1929, singles-pairs@sbcglobal.netThu ~ Dance Fusion Brazil ~ Live music.$12. 7:30, Sebastopol Community Center,390 Morris St ~ Leah Weiss, 707-874-2782 ~artsguaracyana.comThu ~ Santa Rosa Folk Dancers ~ 1:15-3:15 pm, Willowside Hall, 5299 Hall Rd,Santa Rosa ~ For schedule: 707-546-8877 orbacherelsa@comcast.net1st Friday Night Sky ~ Free; donationsappreciated. 5:00-7:00 pm, SRJCPlanetarium, 1501 Mendocino Ave, SantaRosa ~ 707-527-4372 ~ santarosa.edu1st Fri ~ RAGS ~ River Area Gal Society.No judgment, no agenda, just laughs! 6:00-8:00 pm, location varies ~ rivergals.comSat, May to October ~ Historic DowntownWalking Tours ~ Free. Meet at 10:30 am,Petaluma Museum, 20 Fourth St, Petaluma~ 707-778-4398 ~ petalumamuseum.com2nd Sat ~ Russian River Sisters Bingo ~Proceeds benefit local non-profits. 7:00 pm(6:00 doors), Odd Fellows Hall, 16219 FirstSt, Guerneville ~ rrsisters.org3rd Sat-Sun ~ Climb Aboard! featuredaircraft. $5 general, 12-under Free. 10:00-4:00, Pacific Coast Air Museum, 2230Becker Blvd at Laughlin, Santa Rosa ~ 707-575-7900 ~ pacificcoastairmuseum.orgLast Sat ~ Sebastopol Walks ~ Get out &explore Sebastopol on foot. A Chamber andiWalk event. Meet 9:00 am in SebastopolPlaza ~ 707-823-3032 ~ sebastopol.orgSonoma County Pride ~ is not just oneweek in June. Check our website for eventsall year! ~ sonomacountypride.org9/2/10 - www.sonomacountycalendar.com - 51

Visual Artsto Sept 30 ~ Carole Watanabe ~International master painter & colorist.Michel-Schlumberger Wine Estate, 4155Wine Creek Rd, Healdsburg ~ 707-433-7427~ michelschlumberger.comWarren Bellows came to SonomaCounty because he loves the landscape,the weather and the experience ofTuscany. But he needs roots withinthe culture that he resides in, and heis a Northern California native. WhenWarren moved to Sonoma Countyhe had been painting for only a fewyears. The teenaged Warren aspiredto be an artist, but as he matured andbegan fending for himself, he tookthe path of healer – first as a pre-medstudent in college and eventually as anacupucturist.The journey from Bishop O’DowdHigh School in Oakland to artistoutside of Sebastopol is fodder formy much-desired novel – not to berevealed in a column of the Gazette.But the fact that Warren is a healer isunquestionable.He began painting when hedreamed that he should be painting.Being the healer and teacher forothers, he needed to start nurturinghimself. Warren turned to painting asa spiritual medium for expressing hisinner complexities. He studied underthe Denver artist, Quang Ho. We are allbeneficiaries of Warren’s self-healing.The first paintings in Sonoma Countywere of the ocean and the ruggedshorelines of Carmet, Shell Beach andother local haunts. Then surfaced thetrees and the hills. Warren’s paintingsare uniquely his own but greatlyinfluenced by his painting muses -Joseph Turner, Rembrandt, Caravaggio- and his local surrounds. He presentedhis works at Christopher QueenGalleries in Duncans Mills amongstother like-minded artists who drawon dramatic lighting of nature on thelandscape and the human figure.While Warren embraces nature asthe portal to the heart, his mind hastaken him in another direction. HisQuantum Worlds series is a combinationof traditional landscape and moderntechnology. Art magazines oftenenlarge a small portion of a painting todemonstrate the brush stroke in detail.Quantum Worlds takes this practice toan extreme by magnifying a couple ofsquare centimeters into a few squarefeet.Warren BellowsThe corner of a tree can transforminto a landscape of science fiction withcolors and shapes undetected in theoriginal subject. Quantum physicsis based on uncertainty and is oftendescribed as a silly scientific concept.Warren’s Quantum Worlds convey thesame attributes and simply bring asmile to my face.But selecting a spot and expandingthat spot is mechanical and flat.The next progression is to producethis sensation directly with paint.Combining the abstract image withthe depth of layered paint onto canvasbrings together the organic aspectof painterliness and the imaginativestructure of the mind. This is thechallenge that is working throughWarren’s brain and into his hands.The paintings are fantastic – thereis no other word to use. Where elsecan you look at a painting from allfour orientations and see somethingmoving every time? These paintingsare the Parallel Worlds – anotherconcept consistent with modernphysics. Bringing together nature,herbal essences, acupuncture andhow the world works, these paintingsare “visual herbal interventions” forthe lucky person who can experiencethem.Warren is no longer showing ina local gallery. If you want to takein these unusual creations, you willneed to visit his studio. Fortunately,Warren participates in Art Trails whichhappens October 9-10 and 16-17. If youcannot wait until October, visit www.wbellows.com.52 - www.sonomacountycalendar.com - 9/2/10“Cyclisk” art project by Mark Grieve andIlana Spector, along Santa Rosa Avenueto Sept 6 ~ MirrorrorriM ~ HealdsburgCenter for the Arts, 130 Plaza St ~ 707-431-1970 ~ healdsburgcenterforthearts.comto Sept 10 ~ Gen Zovich ~ Landscapes.Steele Lane Community Center, 415 SteeleLn, Santa Rosa ~ 707-543-3282 ~ ci.santarosa.ca.usto Sept 10 ~ Karen McKenzie ~Mixed-media suspended wood panels.Moshin Vineyards, 10295 WestsideRoad, Healdsburg ~ 707-433-5499 ~moshinvineyards.comto Sept 12 ~ The Box Show ~ 150 variationsfrom a humble box. Gallery Route One,11101 Hwy One, Suite 101, Pt Reyes Station~ 415-663-1347 ~ galleryrouteone.orgto Sept 12 ~ Showin’ on the River ~Juried fine art painting & drawing show.Riverfront Art Gallery, 132 PetalumaBlvd. N, Petaluma ~ 707-775-4278 ~riverfrontartgallery.comto Sept 18 ~ Coming Home ~ Bert Kaplan,pastels. Sebastopol Gallery, 150 North MainSt ~ 707-829-7200 ~ sebastopol-gallery.comto Sept 19 ~ Art of the Doll ~ Petaluma ArtCenter, 230 Lakeville St at E Washington ~707-762-5600 ~ petalumaartscouncil.orgto Sept 19 ~ Heat Wave ~ Featuring PeteJuliana & Sher’ Morris Tice. First StreetGallery, 105 E First St, Cloverdale ~ 707-894-4410 ~ cloverdaleartsalliance.orgto Sept 24 ~ Treasures, Intertwined--AnArt Group, & Painting, Abstract ArtistsGroup. Finley Community Ctr, 2060 WCollege Ave, Santa Rosa ~ 707-543-3737 ~ci.santa-rosa.ca.usto Sept 26 ~ Beauty & the Beasts ~Mylette Welch, Marsha Connell, AnnMartin Garland & Suki Diamond. GratonGallery, 9048 Graton Rd ~ 707-829-8912 ~GratonGallery.comto Sept 26 ~ One Across the Bow ~ WilliamSmith, works on paper. Quicksilver MineCo, 6671 Front St/Hwy 116, Forestville ~707-887-0799 ~ quicksilvermineco.comto Sept 26 ~ Paint & Ink ~ Rik Olson, withTom Killion, Susan Gonzales. ReceptionSept 4, 1:00-4:00 pm. Local Color Gallery,1580 Eastshore Rd, Bodega Bay ~ 707-875-2744 ~ localcolorgallery.comto Oct 2 ~ Masters of Today ~ Featuredartist: Sachal. Pelican Art Gallery, 143Petaluma Blvd N, Petaluma ~ 707-773-3393~ PelicanArt.comto Oct 8 ~ Postwar Modernism of the West~ Calabi Gallery, 144 Petaluma Blvd N,Petaluma ~ 707-781-7070 ~ calabigallery.comthru Oct ~ Street Pole Sweaters ~ Apartnership project between the Cityof Santa Rosa’s Downtown Program &Cast Away Yarn Shop ~ 707-543-3059 ~santarosaartsdistrict.comUPCOMINGDA Bishop @ Quercia GallerytSept 3 to Oct 31 ~ Shadow Boxing ~ Newpaintings by D.A. Bishop. Reception Sept5, 3:00-6:00 pm. Quercia Gallery, 25193Highway 116, Duncans Mills ~ 707-865-0243 ~ quercia-gallery.comSept 5 to Oct 30 ~ New Possibilities ~Reception Sept 11, 4:00-7:00 pm. GalleryOne, 209 Western Ave, Petaluma ~ 707-778-8277 ~ petalumagalleryone.comSept 7 to Oct 29 ~ Brian Catlett ~ Paintings.Reception Sept 17, 4:00-6:00 pm. Santa RosaCity Hall Council Chambers, 100 SantaRosa Ave, Ste 10 ~ 707-543-3010 ~ ci.santarosa.ca.usSept 9 to Oct 23 ~ Within a CulturalContext ~ works by Eduardo Carrillo.Reception Sept 9, 4:00-6:00 pm. SRJC ArtGallery, 1501 Mendocino Ave, Santa Rosa~ 707-527-4298 ~ santarosa.edu/art-gallerySept 10 to Oct 3 ~ Photography Showcase ~Reception Sept 10, 5:00-7:00 pm. HealdsburgCenter for the Arts, 130 Plaza St ~ 707-431-1970 ~ healdsburgcenterforthearts.comSept 10 to Oct 29 ~ Remembering Harmony~ Former & current students of HarmonySchool. Fridays, 4:00-7:00 pm, OccidentalCenter for the Arts, 4008 Bohemian Hwy ~707-874-9392 ~ occidentalcenterforthearts.com

Visual Arts cont’dSept 11 & 12 ~ 25th Fall Open Studios ~ 14artist with prints, paintings, mixed media,Print making will open their studios tothe public. Sat. 11:30 to 7:00 pm, ReceptionSat. 11th 4 - 7pm; Sun 11:30 to 5:00 pm.3840 Finley Ave., bldg 32, Santa Rosa. GregBrown 707-695-1929Sept 11 to Oct 3 ~ Painting is Not Dead~ Heidi Endemann, oil on linen. ReceptionSept 11, 5:00 pm. Gualala Arts Center, 46501Gualala Rd ~ 707-884-1138 ~ gualalaarts.orgSept 11 to Oct 17 ~ 22nd Annual Artistryin Wood & Bob Stocksdale: A Life atthe Lathe. Members Preview Sept 10,5:00-7:00 pm. Sonoma County Museum,425 7th St, Santa Rosa ~ 707-579-1500 ~sonomacountymuseum.orgSusan St. Thomas @ Sebastopol GallerySept 13 to Nov 5 ~ Charles Eid ~Multimedia graphic arts. Reception Sept22, 4:00-6:00 pm. Steele Lane CommunityCtr, 415 Steele Ln, Santa Rosa ~ 707-543-3282 ~ ci.santa-rosa.ca.usSept 15 to Nov 7 ~ Early Fall Show ~Photography by Sharon Feissel & JeremyJoan Hewes. Reception Sept 18, 5:00-9:00pm. Riverfront Art Gallery, 132 PetalumaBlvd. N, Petaluma ~ 707-775-4278 ~riverfrontartgallery.comSept 16 to Oct 23 ~ Mapworks: the Mapas Art, & Land, Water, & Air, new work byJennifer Hirshfield. Reception Sept 16, 6:00-7:30 pm. Sebastopol Center for the Arts,6780 Depot St ~ 707-829-4797 ~ sebarts.orgSept 18 to 30 ~ Calabash! Preview ~ ACelebration of Gourds, Ar,t & The Gardenbenefiting Food for Thought. QuicksilverMine Co, 6671 Front St, Forestville ~ 707-887-0799 ~ quicksilvermineco.comSept 20 to Nov 13 ~ Imagining the PomoWay ~ in celebration of Pomo MonthReception featuring Albert Tenaya andPomo singer Armando Williams, October2, 5-7 pm. Sebastopol Gallery 11am to 6pmdaily at 150 N. Main Street in Sebastopol.Sept 22 to Nov 14 ~ Buy the Running Foot~ Emerging artists purchase show space bythe foot. Reception Sept 25, 5:00-7:00 pm.First Street Gallery, 105 E First St, Cloverdale~ 707-894-4410 ~ cloverdaleartsalliance.orgARTrails 2010Sept 25 to Oct 22 ~ Preview Exhibit~ Reception Sept 25, 6:00-8:00 pm.ArtSpace404, 404 Mendocino Ave, SantaRosa ~ 707-579-2787 ~ artscouncilsc.comSept 28 to Oct 24 ~ Preview Exhibit ~Reception Oct 3, 2:00-5:00 pm. GratonGallery, 9048 Graton Rd ~ 707-829-8912~ GratonGallery.comOct 9-10 & 16-17 ~ Open Studios ~ 10:00-5:00 ~ 707-579-2787 x109 ~ artrails.orgOct 1 to Nov 7 ~ El Día de Los Muertos~ 10 th annual celebration. Petaluma ArtCenter, 230 Lakeville St at E Washington ~707-762-5600 ~ petalumaartscouncil.orgONGOINGFri-Sat-Sun to Sept 26 ~ Art in the Garden~ Graton Gallery, 9048 Graton Rd ~ 707-829-8912 ~ GratonGallery.com1st Fri ~ Healdsburg Art Walk ~ 15galleries! Music, art, food, wine. May-Dec,4:00-7:00 pm, Downtown Healdsburg ~707-433-6935 ~ healdsburg.com‘Teenth’ Fri ~ Knitting Clinic ~ Help,advice, & sharing the enjoyment ofknitting. 11:30-4:30, Artisans’ Co-Op,17135-A Bodega Hwy, Bodega ~ 707-876-9830 ~ artisansco-op.com1st Sat ~ Art in Action ~ learn aboutvarious arts - up front and personal. 11:00-5:00, Artisans’ Co-Op, 17135-A BodegaHwy, Bodega ~ 707-876-9830 ~ artisanscoop.com2nd Sat ~ Cartoonist-in-Residence ~ Meet,watch, & talk to a different cartoonist. 1:00-3:00 pm, Charles M. Schulz Museum, 2301Hardies Ln, Santa Rosa ~ 707-579-4452 ~schulzmuseum.org2nd Sat ~ Petaluma Art Walk ~ Paintingdemos, jewelry specials, live entertainment,refreshments, great art! 4:00-7:00 pm,Downtown Petaluma ~ Linda, 707-773-3393~ petalumadowntown.com/petalumaart.aspxCarport* Gallery ~ 15098 Old River Rd,Guerneville ~ 707-869-8129 ~ carportarts.comFar West Trading Co ~ 9060 Graton Rd,Downtown Graton ~ 707-823-4880 ~farwesttradingcompany.comFrame of Mind ~ 6671 Hwy 116, Forestville~ 707-887-8530 ~ frame-of-mind.bizRussian River Art Gallery ~ 16200 FirstSt, Downtown Guerneville (on the Plaza) ~707-869-9099 ~ russianriverartgallery.comSmith & Kirk Gallery ~ 1785A Hwy One,Bodega Bay ~ 707-875-2976 ~ smithandkirk.comWest County Design ~ 14390 HwyOne, Valley Ford ~ 707-876-1963 ~westcountydesign.comNEXT Deadline:Sept. 179/2/10 - www.sonomacountycalendar.com - 53

BENEFITSOld Grove Festival Ticket Information - This is a ticketless eventNote: This is a ticketless event, which means that your name will be on a reservationlist at the gate. Please bring your email receipt for verification. Tickets are limited andnon-refundable; however, they are transferable. Email info@oldgrovefestival.org tochange the name on your reservation.Online Sales - Tickets are available for purchase through our new online paypal systemfor no additional fees. PayPal takes Visa, Mastercard, AMEX and Discover cards. Youdo not have to sign up for paypal to use this system.By Mail - Please include show, price level and number of tickets (include email/phonenumber) Mail to: Stewards, P.O. Box 2, Duncans Mills, CA 95430In Person - Tickets can be purchased at the Stewards office at Armstrong RedwoodsState Natural Reserve. Please call (707) 869-9177 for hours and directions.54 - www.sonomacountycalendar.com - 9/2/10Sept 4 ~ Cuban Night ~ Lessons & dancingto live music by BATACHA. Send the ElsieAllen H.S. Drama class to the 2011 “FringeFestival” in Edinburgh Scotland! $25. 7:00-11:00 pm, Monroe Hall, 1400 W CollegeAve, Santa Rosa ~ monroe-hall.comSept 4 ~ Dance Marathon for Life ~Dance, sing, laugh… but don’t sit down!A benefit for the American CancerSociety. 10:00 am to 10:00 pm, SebastopolCommunity Cultural Center, 390 Morris St~ dancemarathonforlife.orgSept 4 ~ Pato Banton ~ Taylor AtkinsMemorial Scholarship World-MusicFundraiser & BBQ. $25 pre-sale only.6:00 pm dinner, 8:00 pm show. HollydaleCommunity Club, 10250 Field Lane,Forestville ~ 707-887-0330 ~ hollydaleclub.orgSept 7 ~ Dine & Donate ~ Portion ofproceeds benefit PEP Housing. Dempsey’sRestaurant & Brewery, 50 E Washington St~ 707-762-2336 ~ pephousing.orgSept 10 ~ Benefit Auction ~ Refreshmentsfrom Patisserie Angelica, Diane AlbrechtCatering, Pacific Market, more. $20/$25.7:00-10:00 pm (preview 10:00-4:00),Sebastopol Center for the Arts, 6780 DepotSt ~ 707-829-4797 ~ sebarts.orgSept 11 ~ A Hundred Sets of Hands ~ Anevening benefiting the Ceres CommunityProject. $75-$100. 6:00-9:30 pm, LynmarEstate, 3909 Frei Rd, Sebastopol ~ RSVP:707-829-5833 x4 ~ ceresproject.orgSept 12 ~ Garden Art Gala ~ Fabulousfood & wine, live & silent auction. Allproceeds benefit the Laguna de Santa RosaFoundation. $75. 3:00-6:00 pm, Vine HillHouse, 3601 Vine Hill Rd, Sebastopol ~lagunafoundation.orgSept 12 ~ Grandparents’ Day ChampagneBrunch ~ All proceeds go to the SaturdayAfternoon Club Scholarship Fund. $25.11:00-1:30, Saturday Afternoon Clubhouse.430 10th St, Santa Rosa ~ 707-548-4243 ~saturdayafternoonclub.orgSept 18 ~ Wine Country Cats ~ Gourmetfood & wine, silent auction. A benefitfor Feline Rescue. $38. 4:30-8:30 pm,Geyserville Inn, 21714 Geyserville Ave ~RSVP: 707-894-7878 ~ feline-rescue.comSept 19 ~ The Best Seat in the House ~Music & dancing; food & drink; raffle. Abenefit for Pegasus Theater Company. $15.6:00-9:00 pm, Rio Nido Roadhouse, CanyonTwo Rd ~ pegasustheater@yahoo.comOld Grove Festival ~ $5-$25.Armstrong Redwoods SNR, 17000Armstrong Woods Rd, Guerneville ~stewardsofthecoastandredwoods.orgSept 24 ~ 7:00 pm (5:00 gate), Hoedown inthe RedwoodsSept 25 ~ Noon (11:30 gate), Russian RiverRevueSept 25 ~ 7:00 pm (5:00 gate), Aloha in theGroveSept 24 ~ Tinis for Tatas ~ RedwoodEmpire Active 20-30 Club’s Santa RosaBar Crawl for Sutter Hospital’s BreastCancer Center. Start at Christy’s (Checkinand starting point) 96 Courthouse Sq.$25 get you tickets, a t-shirt, appetizers& fun! Questions? eventmarketing@brownpapertickets.com 707-953-5034Sept 25 ~ Russian RiverFest ~ Dinner,music, wine & beer. A benefit for RussianRiverkeeper. $20/$25; 12-under free.4:30-7:30 pm, Burke’s Canoe, 8600River Rd, Forestville ~ 707-433-1958 ~russianriverkeeper.orgSept 25 ~ Taste of Petaluma ~ 10 taste tix,map, menu, tote. A benefit for CinnabarTheater. $50/$60. 11:30-4:00, Helen PutnamPlaza, 139 Petaluma Blvd ~ 707-763-8920 ~tasteofpetaluma.orgSept 26 ~ Music in the Vines ~ Afundraiser for Disability Services & LegalCenter (DSLC). $45/$55. 1:00-5:00 pm,deLorimier Winery, 2001 Highway 128,Geyserville ~ RSVP: 707-528-2745 x314 ~disabilityserviceandlegal.orgSept 26 ~ Dinner & Auction ~ Proceedsbenefit Palm Drive Health Care District.$150. 4:00 pm, French Garden Restaurant,8050 Bodega Ave, Sebastopol ~ 707-823-8312 ~ palmdrivehealthcarefoundation.orgOct 2 ~ Climate Event ~ Garden tours,presentations, dinner, auction. Fundraiserfor Climate Protection Campaign. 3:00-6:30pm, Quarryhill Botanical Gardens, 12841California 12, Glen Ellen ~ 707-525-1665 ~climateprotectioncampaign.orgOct 3 ~ Calabash! ~ A Festival of Gourds,Art and the Garden to benefit Food forThought, Sonoma County AIDS Food Bank.$40/$45. 1:00-5:00 pm, 6550 Railroad Ave,Forestville ~ 707-887-1647 ~ fftfoodbank.orgOct 3 ~ Harvest Fair Run/Walk ~ 1-5-10K.All ages. Race entry fee includes ‘afterparty’& entry to Harvest Fair. Proceedssupport the YMCA Financial AssistanceFund ~ Dawn, 707-545-9622 x3122 ~scfymca.orgGive Back Tuesdays ~ Support the healthof the Russian River Resort Area just byenjoying food & drink! Proceeds benefitlocal causes. Tuesdays, 5:00-8:00 pm atRainbow Cattle Company, 16220 Main St,Guerneville ~ 707-869-0206 ~ queersteer.comSave-the-Date!Oct 23 ~ Ghoulwill Ball ~ gire.orgOct 24 ~ Pacific Mozart Ensemble ~oliverranchfoundation.orgAttending benefits…benefits everyone!

Performing Arts& Live Theater!THEATERto Sept 5 ~ Rent ~ $20/$26. Fri-Sat-Sun8:00 pm, Raven Theater, 115 North St,Healdsburg ~ 707-433-6335 ~ ravenplayers.orgto Sept 5 ~ The Comedy of Errors ~ SonomaCounty Repertory Theater SebastopolShakespeare Festival 2010. $0-25. Thu-Fri-Sat-Sun, 7:00 pm (5:30 gate) Ives Park, 7400Willow St at Jewell ~ 707-823-0177 ~ therep.comto Sep 12 ~ Annie ~ $15-$39. Thu-Fri-Sat 8:00 pm, Sat-Sun 2:00 pm. 6th StreetPlayhouse, 52 W 6th St, Santa Rosa ~ 707-523-4185 ~ 6thstreetplayhouse.comSept 3 to 26 ~ The Oldest Profession ~$20. Fri-Sat 8:00 pm; Sun 4:00 pm. PegasusTheater Company, Rio Nido Lodge, 4444Wood Rd ~ 707-583-2343 ~ pegasustheater.comSept 9, 10, 11 ~ Chautauqua Revue ~ $8-$35. 8:00 pm, Occidental Arts & EcologyCtr, 15290 Coleman Valley Rd ~ 707-874-1557 ~ oaec.orgSept 10, 11, 24, 25 ~ Take Me Out to theBallgame ~ Petaluma Readers Theatre& artssonoma. $15. 7:00 pm (Sept 11 4:00pm), Petaluma American Little LeagueBall Field, 299 Maria Dr ~ 707-765-2007 ~petalumareaderstheatre.comSept 17 ~ 6th St Improv ~ Best ofSonoma County Improv show. $14 or10/$100. 8:00pm, 6th Street Playhouse,52 W 6th St, Santa Rosa ~ 707-523-4185 ~6thstreetplayhouse.comSept 22 to Oct 24 ~ Fat Pig ~ Tom falls forHelen - bright, funny, sexy… & fat. $15-$25.Thu-Fri-Sat 8:00 pm; Sept 17, 24 2:00 pm.Sonoma County Repertory Theater, 104 NMain St, Sebastopol ~ 707-823-0177 ~ therep.comSept 23 to Oct 9 ~ To The Actors (A LosActores) ~ $10-15. Thu-Fri-Sat 8:00 pm,The Imaginists Theatre Collective, 461Sebastopol Ave, Santa Rosa ~ 707-528-7554~ theimaginists.orgFILM & TVSept 3 ~ Hunchback of Notre Dame ~ TheLon Chaney silent classic with live music &real church bells! $10. 8:30 pm (7:00 food),St. Vincent de Paul Church, 35 Liberty St,Petaluma ~ petalumafilmfest.org2010 Jewish Holy Days ~ KRCB TV-22 ~707-584-2035 ~ krcb.orgSept 5 ~ 11:00 pm. Arabs, Jews, & the NewsSept 8 ~ 8:00 pm. 18 Voices Sing Kol NidreSept 9 ~ 10:30 pm. The New BeginningSept 7 ~ Health, Money, Fear & the Madas-HellDoctors ~ 9:00 pm, KRCB TV-22 ~707-584-2035 ~ krcb.orgSept 9 ~ Food, & Good Food ~ Two specialprograms on KRCB Public Television 22.7:30 pm. ~ 707-584-2035 ~ krcb.orgSept 12 ~ Film: Sharkwater ~ Free. BYOsnacks, drinks, blankets, etc. 7:00 pm,Jenner Community Center, 10398 Hwy 1 ~jenner-cc.orgPetaluma Film Series ~ $4 by donation.Refreshments avail. 7:30 pm, Aqus Café,189 H St at 2nd, Petaluma ~ 707-765-0888 ~petalumafilmseries.comSept 12 ~ Five Factories: Worker Control inVenezuelaSept 26 ~ The 11th Hourto Dec 3 ~ Sonoma Film Institute ~Admission $2-$6. Fri 7:00 pm & Sun 4:00pm. SSU, Warren Auditorium, Ives Hall,1801 E Cotati Ave, Rohnert Park ~ 707-664-2606 ~ sonoma.edu/SFIto Dec 8 ~ Petaluma Cinema Series ~classic, foreign, & independent films.Tickets $5 + parking. Wednesdays 6:00pm Lecture; 7:00 Film; Discussion to 10:00.SRJC Petaluma, 680 Sonoma MountainPkwy ~ petalumafilmfest.orgLast Wed ~ Movie Night ~ TransitionSebastopol presents films on issuesof Peace, Justice, & Sustainability. Bydonation. 7:00 pm, French GardenRestaurant, 8050 Bodega Ave, Sebastopol ~transitionsebastopol.orgSept 24 to Oct 17 ~ Travels With My Aunt~ $10-25. Fri-Sat 8:00 pm, Sun 2:00 pm.Cinnabar Theater, 3333 Petaluma Blvd N,Petaluma ~ 707-763-8920 ~ cinnabartheater.orgOct 1 to 24 ~ The Sugar Bean Sisters ~Romance, murder, & alien abduction.Fri-Sat-Sun 8:00 pm, Raven Theater, 115North St, Healdsburg ~ 707-433-6335 ~ravenplayers.orgOct 1 to 24 ~ Who’s Afraid of VirginiaWoolf ~ $15-$32. Thu-Fri-Sat 8:00 pm,Sat-Sun 2:00 pm. 6th Street Playhouse,52 W 6th St, Santa Rosa ~ 707-523-4185 ~6thstreetplayhouse.com9/2/10 - www.sonomacountycalendar.com - 55