What's happening this week in Sebastopol?
Important city council meeting on fire consolidation, a new abstract art show at SebArts, Sirens Winter Gala and more

Graton Town Square Planning Meeting
Monday, Feb. 3, 5 pm to 7 pm at Graton Day Labor Center, 2981 Bowen St., Graton.
Review major events calendar, Q&A, stakeholder mapping and activation brainstorm, breakouts, opportunity to join action groups. Bring ideas and questions. From public arts and programming for kids to vendor markets and concerts, this advisory session to help seed a larger “Graton Vision” Town Hall meeting in a couple months.
Belly Dance Bliss
Tuesday, Feb. 4, 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm, at Subud Hall, 234 Hutchins Ave., Sebastopol. $24.
Belly Dance Bliss is a way to move your body in a fun and uplifting way, without judgment and perfectionism! This class is open to all levels of dancers. You will experience a dynamic warm-up, leg and core toning, balance and posture practice, veil work, zill work, lead-follow-style improv, and a full-body stretching cool-down. All movements are low impact. Ages 16 and up. Reserve your spot.
Sebastopol City Council Meeting
Tuesday, Feb. 4, 6 pm, at Sebastopol Youth Annex, 425 Morris St., Sebastopol. Free.
The city council will hear the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report. The council will also make the final decision on whether the Sebastopol Fire Service should consolidate with Gold Ridge Fire District—a process that’s been eight years in the making. Find the agenda and supporting documentation here.
West County Sewer Treatment Meeting
A Zoom meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 5, 4-6 p.m.
People living in Forestville, Graton, Occidental and lower Russian River communities are invited to attend the second meeting of a stakeholder committee created to better understand community concerns related to west Sonoma County sewer treatment. The committee will meet virtually Wednesday, Feb. 5, 4-6 p.m. PLEASE REGISTER IN ADVANCE at https://bit.ly/stakeholder-meeting-2. Participants will be provided with a direct link to the meeting upon registration.
Intro to Social Square Dancing
Wednesday, Feb. 5, 7 pm to 8:30 pm, at Wischemann Hall, 465 Morris St., Sebastopol. Free.
Looking for a hobby/distraction/place to find joy? Modern Social Square Dancing is fun to learn and fun to dance with the Redwood Rainbow's supportive community of square dancers. Our caller teaches and sings to a wide variety of music with short breaks during the evening. You'll be dancing the very first night! Give it a try just for fun. The first three classes are free. LGBTQ+ and friends. Learn more.
Free Matinee: Casablanca
Thursday, Feb. 6, 1 pm, at Rialto Cinemas, 6868 McKinley St., Sebastopol. Tickets are free at the box office.
Rick Blaine (Humphrey Bogart) owns a nightclub in Vichy-controlled Casablanca, frequented by refugees desperate to escape German domination. Despite the ever-present human misery, Rick manages to remain uninvolved in World War II now raging across Europe and Northern Africa. But all that changes when Ilsa Lund (Ingrid Bergman) walks through the front door of Rick’s club–Rick must now choose between a life with the woman he loves and becoming the hero that both she and the world need.
Sonoma Chocolatiers Tasting and Learning Experience
Thursday, Feb. 6, 4 pm to 5:45 pm, Sebastopol Regional Library, 7140 Bodega Ave., Sebastopo1. $29.
Enjoy this delicious and informative chocolate experience with Sonoma Chocolatiers. David Gambill opened his organic, handmade chocolate shop in Sebastopol 17 years ago. David is focused on sourcing from environmentally friendly and fair-trade growers/producers. He will talk about the history of chocolate, the sourcing and varieties of chocolate, the nuances in flavor, and of course, there will be a chance to taste some of his amazing chocolate. Get tickets.
Sebastopol Chamber of Commerce Mixer
Thursday, Feb. 6, 6 pm at Horse & Plow Winery, 1272 Gravenstein Hwy. N., Sebastopol. Free.
Come to the Sebastopol Chamber of Commerce’s next business/community mixer! Enjoy drinks, appetizers, a raffle and more. All are welcome. Bring biz cards.
Rage Club
Thursday, Feb. 6, 7:30 pm, to 9:30 pm, at Soft Medicine Sanctuary, 186 North Main St., Sebastopol. $34.
Transform your relationship with anger. Learn to use it consciously to create boundaries, declare what you want, and find your aliveness. Rage Club is a radical space where you have full permission to explore your anger—as ugly, loud, resentful, immature, or scary as it might be. This introduction is an experiential training. You will transform your relationship with your anger so it benefits your life and the lives of those around you. See our article on this event. Get tickets.
Copperfield’s Presents — Accidental Shepherd: How a California Girl Rescued an Ancient Mountain Farm in Norway
Friday, Feb. 7, 7 pm to 8 pm, at Copperfield's Books Sebastopol, 138 N. Main St., Sebastopol. Free or $33.20 with signed book.
Copperfield’s Books is delighted to welcome Liese Greensfelder to Sebastopol for the launch of her memoir, Accidental Shepherd: How a California Girl Rescued an Ancient Mountain Farm in Norway. A summer job turns serious when a young woman takes the reins on a remote farm—and learns far more than how to herd sheep. Discussion followed by a Q&A and book signing. Buy the book and reserve your spot.
Saffron & Love: A Valentine’s Persian Cooking Experience
Saturday, Feb. 8, 9 am to 12 pm, at Viva Mexicana, 841 Gravenstein Hwy. S., Sebastopol. $152.
Come to this unique Valentine’s Day event where you can learn how to cook delicious Persian dishes with your loved one! This in-person event will be held at the cozy Viva Mexicana restaurant in the heart of Sebastopol. Get ready to immerse yourself in the rich flavors of Persian cuisine while enjoying a fun and interactive cooking experience. Whether you’re a cooking enthusiast or just looking for a memorable Valentine's activity, this event is perfect for couples and friends alike. Get tickets.
Blind Wine Tasting Competition at Naidu Wines
Saturday, Feb. 8, 12 pm to 3 pm, at Naidu Wines, 2567 Blucher Valley Road, Sebastopol. $55.
Come to Naidu Wine’s Annual Blind Wine Tasting Competition where you will sample six mystery wines, each served “blind.” Can you decipher the varietal, pinpoint the region, and uncover the tasting notes of each pour? It’s your chance to showcase your wine knowledge (or simply have fun guessing). The three top tasters will be awarded special prizes! Get tickets.
Driven to Abstraction
Saturday, Feb. 8, 2 pm to 4 pm, Sebastopol Center for the Arts, 282 S. High St., Sebastopol. Free.
Come to the Driven to Abstraction Exhibition at the main SebArts Gallery. This show has 83 fantastic works, all centered around unique styles of abstraction. This show is free to the public. The exhibit runs from Feb 8 to Mar 16, and the opening reception is Saturday, Feb 8, 2-4 pm.
Reception and Valentine’s Trunk Show at Sebastopol Gallery
Saturday, Feb. 8, 2 pm to 6 pm, Sebastopol Gallery, 150 N. Main St., Sebastopol. Free.
Reception for Nature of Love, featuring the natural forms in Michelle Hoting’s fine art jewelry. This exhibit runs from Feb. 4 through March 29. Plus don’t miss their trunk show on Feb. 8. Meet the jewelers in person at Sebastopol Gallery on North Main Street. Find your perfect gift for Valentine’s Day and special occasions to come. Featuring work by Shelly Rae, Doña O., Michelle Hoting, Alison Morse, Patricia Reilly, Alison Marks, Joann Lustig, Barbara Harris, Stacy Low, and Luann Udell.
Sirens Prohibition Winter Gala
Saturday, Feb. 8, 7 pm to 11 pm, at Sirens Studio at Sebastopol Subud Hall, 234 Hutchins Ave., Sebastopol. $34.
Get ready to transport back to the roaring 20s and celebrate in style. Dress in your finest vintage attire and prepare to dance the night away to live jazz music. See amazing burlesque dancers and gamble your funny money for real prizes. Indulge in delicious cocktails and mouthwatering bites as you mingle with fellow party-goers. This in-person event promises to be an unforgettable evening filled with laughter, dancing and good company. 21 and up. Get tickets.
PEEK INTO NEXT WEEK
❤️Very Short Love Stories Deadline: Feb. 11❤️
How did you find somebody to love? Tell us how it happened way back when or just recently. Keep it short — 125 words or less. Send your little love story to “sebastopoltimes@gmail.com” with the subject line “Love” by Feb. 11 at the latest. We’ll gather your love stories in a special heart-filled article for Valentine’s Day on Friday, Feb. 14.
Valentines in Paris w/SonoMusette
Friday, Feb. 14, 7:30 pm, $160 per table! Limited number of tables available at a special “Early Bird” price of $150.
Drift down the Seine with SonoMusette for a romantic evening this Valentine’s Day. Cabaret seating (table for two) includes: glass of Champagne and dessert. Featuring Parisian singer Mimi Pirard, SonoMusette authentically recreates the moody and evocative sound of the Paris music scene of the Mid-20th Century. SonoMusette’s renditions of these timeless French classics provide a freshness and excitement that is contemporary, yet faithful, to the spirit and tradition of the original artists. Get tickets.
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.