What's happening this week in Sebastopol?
Tree lightings, city council meeting, craft fairs and more
Senior Saunters: Ragle Ranch
Tuesday, Dec. 3, 10 am to 12 pm, at Ragle Ranch Regional Park. Meet at the gazebo. Free.
Senior Saunters are low-impact hikes designed to connect older adults with beautiful parks and each other. Ragle Ranch Regional Park provides glimpses of many different habitat types, including the Atascadero Creek riparian and wetland habitats. Enjoy this gentle two-mile saunter and get to know other friendly, older adults. Explore plant and animal life along some of Sonoma County’s most accessible and beautiful trails. This is a free program, but parking in the park is $7. No registration required.
Sebastopol City Council Meeting
Tuesday, Dec. 3, 6 pm, at the Sebastopol Youth Annex, 425 Morris St., Sebastopol. Free.
If the election is certified by the Sonoma County Registrar of Voters in time, a new mayor, new vice mayor and newly elected councilmember will take their seats. If not, Mayor Diana Rich and Councilmember Neysa Hinton's current terms will extend for one more meeting. The council will hear presentations on the Climate Action Committee and a police audit update, and will consider an electronic device policy and approval of contracts for the community development director and public works director.
Lawyers in the Library
Wednesday, Dec. 4, 5 pm to 7 pm, at Sebastopol Regional Library, 7140 Bodega Ave., Sebastopol
Local volunteer attorneys offer free legal information and referrals for general law matters. These lawyer consultations will last up to 20 minutes. Sign-ups are first come, first served in person and begin at 4:30 pm, which is 30 minutes before the program begins.
Dining Out For Life Sonoma County
Thursday, Dec. 5, at participating restaurants in Sonoma County.
You’re invited to Food For Thought’s biggest and most delicious fundraiser of the year, Dining Out For Life Sonoma County, on Thursday, Dec. 5. It’s simple: dine out at one or more of 65 participating restaurants who will donate 25 to 100 percent of their daily sales on Dec. 5 to Food For Thought. See list of participating restaurants.
Sebastopol Holiday Tree Lighting
Thursday, Dec. 5, 5 pm to 8 pm, in the Sebastopol Town Plaza, 6908 Weeks Way, Sebastopol. Free.
The Sebastopol Chamber of Commerce's annual Holiday Tree Lighting celebration. Featuring Santa Claus, holiday trivia and cartoons on the big screen, music, ballet, Peacetown’s Love Choir, hot cocoa and cider, a goat petting station, and more.
Jingle Bell Rock at the Barlow
Friday, Dec. 6, 5 pm to 8 pm, in the Barlow, 6770 McKinley St., Sebastopol. Free.
Kick off the holiday season with a festive celebration at The Barlow. Bring your family and friends to enjoy an evening full of holiday cheer, featuring live music by jazz favorite The Billie Holiday Project (music starts at 6 pm), Christmas tree lighting at 6:30 pm, and ballet performance by Sebastopol Ballet at 5:30 pm. Snow Hour – experience the magic of falling snow! Shop unique gifts from local artisans. Kids’ activities. Wine and beer bar—enjoy drinks with a portion of sales benefiting The Lost Church.
Goddess Crafts Faire
Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 7-8, 11 am to 7 pm, at the Sebastopol Community Cultural Center, 390 Morris St., Sebastopol. $7-$20.
The Goddess Crafts Faire features exquisite handmade crafts from local and regional women. There will be non-stop entertainment all weekend long with dancing, singing, poetry, a drum circle and more at the Sebastopol Cultural Community Center. Learn more.
Bijoux:15th Annual Fine Arts & Crafts Sale and Open House
Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 7-8, 11 am to 5 pm, at 583 Harrison St., Sebastopol. Free.
Handcrafted works by local artists. Unique and special – always creative!
Holiday Art and Maker’s Market
Sunday, Dec. 8, 11 am to 4 pm, at Sebastopol Center for the Arts, 282 S. High St., Sebastopol.
Come out and celebrate the season at our Annual Holiday Art + Makers Market at SebArts. On Sunday, Dec. 8, SebArts is bringing the community together for a day full of creativity and fun. Discover an amazing selection of work from local crafters, artists, and artisans—perfect for unique gifts or just treating yourself. Enjoy tasty food, live music, and the opening reception of the popular Member’s Show in the gallery to make the day even more festive. Enjoy a joyful day of art, culture, and connection!
Advanced Wilderness First Aid
Sunday, Dec. 8, 12 pm to 2 pm, at Ragle Ranch Regional Park. Meet at the gazebo. $15.
Bumps, bruises, and bites, oh my! Advance your wilderness first aid skills while exploring Sonoma County’s beautiful parks. Staff are thrilled to take you out and teach you how to best prepare for your adventures and respond to unexpected situations. Whether you are a seasoned outdoors person or just starting to hit the trails, there will be something for everyone. The cost is $15 for Sonoma County residents and $17 for out-of-county attendees. Register here.
Author Visit with Henry Michalski: Torn Lilacs
Sunday, Dec. 8, 2 pm to 3 pm, at the Sebastopol Regional Library, 7140 Bodega Ave., Sebastopol.
Come to the Sebastopol Library for a conversation with Henry Michalski, author of Torn Lilacs: A True Story of Love, Defiance and Hope. Set during the dark days of WWII, Henry Michalski describes the heart-wrenching story of his parents’ survival. In epic, cinematic scenes, the reader is transported to the vast regions of Siberia and Kazakhstan in Central Asia.
Sebastopol Community Sing-Along: The Popular Songs of Christmas
Sunday, Dec. 8, 3 pm to 4 pm, at the Sebastopol Methodist Church, 500 North Main St., Sebastopol. $10 donation.
Open community singalong, under the acoustic dome of Sebastopol Methodist Church. Sing the popular songs of Christmas: Let It Snow, Deck the Halls, Silver Bells, Winter Wonderland, Jingle Bell Rock, Feliz Navidad, and more. Led by pianist and organist Andy Darrow and song leader Nancy Berger. Free admission, but a $10 donation is encouraged to benefit future music programs. Lyrics songbook provided.
Lead with Love! Inter-Church Food Pantry Benefit Concert
Sunday, Dec. 8, 4 pm to 5:45 pm, at Community Church of Sebastopol, 1000 N. Gravenstein Hwy., Sebastopol. $10 or more donation.
All are invited to raise the roof in song at the second annual “Lead with Love” benefit concert to raise funds for the Sebastopol Area Inter-Church Food Pantry! Featuring amazing singers/composers/musicians/song leaders Benjamin Mertz and Melanie DeMore. Each will share solo songs as well as a few with backup by Joyful Noise Gospel Singers and also lead some with audience participation. No tickets are necessary but do come early (doors open at 3:30 pm) because last year sold out and folks had to be turned away. The Inter-Church Food Pantry, on the property of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Sebastopol, provides both shelf-stable and fresh foods to all who are in need.
Graton Holiday Lights & Tractor Parade
Sunday, Dec. 8, 4 pm to 8 pm, in Graton’s New Town Square.
Come to the first Graton Holiday Lights and Tractor Parade. 4 pm: Doors open, ornament making, kids activities, holiday treats potluck (please bring a holiday treat to share with your community). 5:30 pm: Lighted tractor parade, hubbub club. 6 pm: Tree lighting and gratitude. 6:30 pm: carols, bonfire, merriment.
PEEK INTO NEXT WEEK
The Old World Carolers: Angels & Minstrels
Sunday, Dec. 15, 3 pm, at Sebastopol United Methodist Church, 500 N. Main St., Sebastopol. $10 donation.
A special early music concert with acappella carols from 12th-16th century England, France, Germany, Catalonia, Spain, and Bulgaria. The second half includes early carols familiar to many in our country, and lyrics are provided for those who want to sing along. The concert benefits World Central Kitchen and Methodist charities, and donations are tax-deductible. With fun and surprises, all ages are welcome.
Want us to feature your event in “What’s happening this week in Sebastopol?” Submit your events to the Sebastopol Community Calendar. This is one of the many resources I use to put this column together.