What's happening this week in Sebastopol?
Art, gardening, death, AI, the Rialto's 25th Anniversary, the library book sale, and much more

Sebastopol Center for the Arts After-school Art Classes
Classes start this week. See their offerings for kids and teens in art, music, ceramics and more here.
Exhibit: Fresh Perspectives for a New Year
Monday, Jan. 13, 2 pm to 4 pm, at Sebastopol Area Senior Center, 167 N. High St., Sebastopol. Free.
Perspectives Gallery at the Sebastopol Area Senior Center is holding its opening reception for its latest gallery display: ‘Fresh Perspectives for a New Year.'
Intro to Yoga Workshop
Monday, Jan. 13, 3:30 pm to 5 pm, Intro to Yoga WorkshopRadiate Yoga Studio, 961 Gravenstein Hwy. S., Sebastopol.
Curious about yoga? Here’s your chance to learn the basics in a safe and supportive environment at Radiate Studio. Taught by experienced local teacher Kate Harding.
Science Buzz Cafe: Life and the Meaning of Death
Monday, Jan. 13, 6 pm to 7:30 pm, at Hopmonk Tavern, 230 Petaluma Ave., Sebastopol. $10.
This philosophical conversation between Dr. Ofer Zur and Larry Robinson, MA, will focus on Western and Buddhist cultural beliefs, practices and attitudes toward death and dying. Participants will be invited to briefly share their thoughts on what they would wish for the end of their lives. It does not advocate or recommend any action; it only invites participants to think and reflect.
Rialto Cinemas Silver Anniversary Party
Tuesday, Jan. 14, 7 pm, Rialto Cinemas, 6868 McKinley St., Sebastopol. $26.50.
Raise a glass with friends to toast 25 years of Rialto Cinemas. Catered reception by Field & Farm. Reception at 7 pm, presentation at 8 pm. Get tickets.
Friends of Sebastopol Library Book Sale
Wednesday through Saturday, Jan. 15-18, at Sebastopol Regional Library, 7140 Bodega Ave., Sebastopol. Free.
Sale includes adult/children/teen books. Most books are bargain-priced at $1, even the newest fiction. Most children and teen books are 25-50 cents. The sale is open to all. Proceeds help the Sebastopol Library continue its mission of providing great reading, wonderful free programs and fantastic services to West County. Cash or check, please. Opening night is Wednesday, Jan. 15, 5 to 8 pm; all day bargains, Thursday, Jan. 16, 10-6 pm; half price day, Friday, Jan. 17, 10 to 6 pm; $5 per bag day, Saturday, Jan. 18, 10 to 2 pm.
Weaving for the Home: Basics & Beyond
Thursday, Jan. 16 to March 6, 9:30 am to 12:30 pm, at Sebastopol Center for the Arts282 South High St. Sebastopol. $325.
In this 8-session class, open to all levels, new weavers will experience the complete process of setting up the loom, from designing to finishing, then weave a sampler or a simple project. Experienced weavers will design and weave a project for the home choosing the appropriate pattern, colors and materials. Consider weaving table linens, dish towels, pillows, a rug, a throw, a lap blanket, etc…your choice with the guidance of an experienced teacher. Reserve your spot.
A Community Meeting discussion on the future of Many Rivers
Thursday, Jan. 16, 7 pm, Many Rivers Books and Tea, 130 S. Main Street, Sebastopol. Free.
After a 22-year run, Rob Schmidt and Stuart Goodnick, the owners of Many Rivers Books & Tea on Main Street, are retiring. Long-time patrons of the store, Grady Kallenbach and Karl Frederick are working to keep the store going. However, they need financial support from the community if the store is to “survive and thrive.” Join Many Rivers staff and Joysong Collective for a discussion of how to save this precious community resource. You can also donate to their GoFundMe.
Sonoma AI Tech Meetup
Thursday, Jan. 16, 4 pm to 6 pm, at The Punchdown in The Barlow Sebastopol. Free.
Have some food and wine and hear three exciting talks about developing with AI platforms, tools, unstructured data, and generative AI. Meet the folks involved in a new meetup among people in the area working in tech, called Sonoma AI. They’ll be bringing in speakers from the general area, including SF and the South Bay. Talks will include data science, machine learning approaches, AI applications, ethical considerations and so on. Through these events, the group will also help support people looking for jobs, companies looking to hire, internships, and so on.
Pruning Classes at Harmony Farm Supply
Saturday, Jan. 18, 9 am to 11 am or 12 pm to 2 pm, at Harmony Farm Supply & Nursery Sebastopol, 3244 Gravenstein Hwy. N., Sebastopol. Free.
Fred Frey and Kamala Dionne from Vintage Tree Care will be teaching a hands-on fruit tree pruning class at Harmony Farm Supply. Participants will learn basic tree anatomy and how it relates to proper tree structure, weight management and fruitwood distribution in a given species. Pruning tool handling and use will be covered, as well as basic ladder use as it applies to fruit tree care. If weather permits, this will be an outdoor, hands-on workshop, so dress appropriately. You must register in advance by calling (707) 823-9125 to reserve a spot. Attendees will receive a discount coupon for related supplies.
Community Gardening Workshop
Saturday, Jan. 18, 11 am to 12 pm, at Sebastopol Regional Library, 7140 Bodega Ave., Sebastopol. Free.
Learn about gardening all year long while creating a beautiful and delicious library landscape. All ages.
Fiber Arts/Sewing: Fabric Swap & DIY Sewing
Saturday, Jan. 18, 1 pm to 3 pm, at Chimera Arts and Maker Space, 6791 Sebastopol Ave., Sebastopol. Free.
Swap fabric and work on sewing projects together—bring fabric, yarn, notions, and craft materials to donate. Pick up new-to-you fabric, yarn, notions, and craft materials. Hang out and work on a project that you bring with you. Ask a sewing teacher about your project if you need some help or advice. Meet other creative people and talk about cool stuff that you’re into. Cash donations for Chimera Arts & Makerspace are encouraged, but not required. Reserve your spot.
Water Is Love: Ripples of Regeneration
Sunday, Jan. 19, 3 pm to 5 pm, at Sebastopol Grange, 6000 Sebastopol Ave., Sebastopol. $10-20
Come to this community viewing of a poignant documentary that delves into the intricate relationship between communities and their water sources. Learn about water challenges faced by communities worldwide and witness inspiring stories of resilience and regeneration. Followed by a panel discussion. Get tickets.
Crab Feast & Fun at the Annual Forestville Crab Feed
Saturday, Jan. 18, 6 pm at Holy Ghost Hall, 7960 Mill Station Road, Sebastopol. $70.
Come to the Forestville Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Crab Feed, the tastiest night of the year. Bring your appetite and your friends for a feast of fresh crab, pasta, salad, and bread. Plus, we’re turning up the excitement with a silent auction and a raffle packed with prizes. Call 707-481-3565 to grab your tickets before they’re gone.
Not So Open Mic for Women
Sunday, Jan. 19, 1:30 to 3:30 pm, at Coffee and Moore, 6761 Sebastopol Ave., Sebastopol. Free
This event is an open mic to flip the script of the 98% male performer norm. Join Katie Phillips and Karen Joy Brown, formerly of the Bootleg Honeys, starting Nov. 3, every 1st and 3rd Sunday from 1:30-3:30 pm at Coffee & Moore in Sebastopol for afternoons of critic-free women’s performances, where veterans and newbies can share original music or covers with a supportive, listening crowd. Women and men are both welcome in the audience.
See What’s Happening Sonoma County for more music listings.
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.
I'm still laughing about your caption to the image from "The Seventh Seal". After reading it I tried to imagine which one would be Larry Robinson.