What's happening this week in Sebastopol?
Fat Tuesday, Beekeeping, an important council meeting, Sonoma County Bluegrass and Folk Festival and more
Home Hazards and Fall Risk
Monday, March 3, 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm, at Sebastopol Area Senior Center, 167 N. High St., Sebastopol. $5-$10.
Most falls happen at home. Join members from the Goldridge and Sebastopol Fire Departments as they discuss the importance of home safety and preventing falls. $5 for members, $10 for non-members. RSVP required. Call 707-829-2440 to RSVP.
Gravenstein Union School Online Auction
Online through March 10.
Gravenstein Parents Association (GPA), a parent-run nonprofit, is having an online auction to raise money to support the enrichment programs at Gravenstein Elementary and Hillcrest Middle Schools. The auction runs through March 10 and features a fantastic array of items, from unique experiences to sought-after products, generously donated by local businesses and families. Go to the auction page.
New North Bay Men’s Circle starting
Tuesday, March 4, 7 pm to 9:30 pm, at 7775 Healdsburg Ave., Sebastopol. Optional donation.
Drop-in Open Men’s Group focused on supporting each other in the unique emotional journey of being a man. No commitment, just come as you are and when you can. Support, connection, shared experience, and a sense of camaraderie or call it brotherhood. Optional donation based at the door, sliding scale. Reserve your spot.
Discover Girl Scouts
Tuesday, March 4, 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm, in the multi-purpose room at Oak Grove Elementary, 8760 Bower St., in Graton. Free.
Girl Scouts prepares the next generation for a lifetime of leadership, friendship, and community stewardship. It’s an amazing experience for youth, but there are also many fun ways for parents/caregivers to get involved as well. This free event is for TK-5th grade girls and gender-expansive youth who want to join Girl Scouts. There will be a short informational presentation for parents while local Girl Scouts complete a craft project with youth attendees. Parents/caregivers must stay during the event. Girl Scouts who RSVP will receive a FREE Girl Scout Activity to take home and a goodie bag after you sign up for a local troop.
Sebastopol City Council Meeting
Tuesday, March 4, 6 pm, at the Sebastopol Youth Annex, 425 Morris St., Sebastopol. Free.
Get ready for a long council meeting with lots of meaty issues, including budget updates for the General and Utility Funds, approval of a new police chief and auditor contracts, creation of Measure U and utilities oversight committees, a proposed change to the council agenda setting process, plus a flag and media policy.
Sabbath Queen: Film & Director Q&A
Tuesday, March 4, 6:30 pm, at Rialto Cinemas, 6868 McKinley St., Sebastopol. $15.25.
Sabbath Queen, a feature documentary filmed over 21 years, follows Rabbi Amichai Lau-Lavie’s epic journey as the dynastic heir of 38 generations of Orthodox rabbis, including the Chief Rabbis of Israel. He is torn between rejecting and embracing his destiny and becomes a drag-queen rebel, a queer bio-dad and the founder of Lab/Shul—an everybody-friendly, God-optional, artist-driven, pop-up experimental congregation. Q&A with Director Sandi DuBowski, led by Rabbi (and former drag queen) Irwin Keller of Congregation Ner Shalom to follow screening. Get tickets.
Fat Tuesday with The Pulsators at HopMonk
Tuesday, March 4, 5 pm, at HopMonk Tavern, 230 Petaluma Ave., Sebastopol. Free.
Celebrate Fat Tuesday with HopMonk and The Pulsators. Last chance to raise a ruckus before Lent! Rooted in the fertile musical soil of the Sonoma County Wine Country, the Pulsators are a five-piece band that plays its own brand of music, a spicy blend of driving blues, New Orleans-funky R&B, rock steady reggae and rock-and-roll. Get tickets.
Intuition Cafe: Theory and Ethics with Laura Weisz
Wednesday, March 5, 6:30 pm, at Soft Medicine, 186 M. Main St., Sebastopol.
These gatherings are designed to be a safe and supportive place to explore your unique intuitive abilities. Each two-hour event will feature a rotating series of speakers on intuitive development topics, followed by one-to-one paired partner practice readings. The first session of this series will feature Laura Weisz and focus on foundational theory, exercises, and best practices that can be applied across levels of experience for connecting intuitively and bringing messages forward. All levels and modalities welcome! Reserve your spot.
Téada at HopMonk
Thursday, March 6, 8 pm, at HopMonk Tavern, 230 Petaluma Ave., Sebastopol. $20-$30.
A traditional Irish band with a truly worldwide reach, Téada has appeared as a frequent headliner at major music festivals throughout the US, Canada, Mexico, Europe, Africa, Russia, Israel and Australia. Spring 2022 brought the release of Téada’s sixth album on the Gael Linn label, featuring the brilliant vocals of Séamus Begley along with the band’s customary re-energising of rare tunes from the tradition. Get tickets.
Painting with Soft Pastels
Fridays, March 7-21, 10 am to 12 pm, at Sebastopol Center for the Arts, 282 S. High St., Sebastopol. 3 Sessions for $135
Explore the vivid world of soft pastel with master pastelist, James R. Reynolds. The class begins with a short demonstration and introduction to this vivid and flexible medium. Then students will begin a pastel painting of their own. Students will get individual attention in a supportive, friendly and non-judgmental atmosphere. Reserve your spot.
Chimera First Fridays Open House
Friday, March 7, 5 pm to 8 pm, at Chimera Arts and Maker Space, 6791 Sebastopol Ave., Sebastopol. Free.
After a two-month hiatus, Chimera Arts and Makerspace will resume its First Friday Open House series. Stop by to meet your local community of makers, get a tour of the facility, enjoy some fine libations and food, and hear some great local music. This month they are featuring Sebastopol native, Gabriel Wheaton, on his 5-string violin and looper pedals. Gabriel's music is lush and inspiring and heart-felt, drawing on his experience in classical, jazz, pop, and bluegrass genres. You can also have some fun with our hands-on activities and live demonstrations. Admission, demonstrations, tours and music are all free. Beer, wine and food are offered at a modest price.
Free E-Waste Recycling Event in Graton
Friday, March 7, 9 am to 5 pm, at the Graton Fire Department, 3750 Gravenstein Hwy., Graton. Free.
To make it more convenient for Sonoma County residents and businesses to dispose of their waste properly, Zero Waste Sonoma is partnering with Conservation Corp North Bay to conduct free electronics collection events. No appointment necessary for these events. All events held in the parking lot. Accepting: working and non-working TVs, office equipment, cell phones, tablets, microwaves, printers, computers, laptops, stereos, game consoles, cords, etc. For the safety of our staff, follow rules: 1. Remain in vehicle at all times. Just open your window to talk to the collection event staff. 2. Place materials in trunk of car or bed of truck, not on seats. Not accepting: appliances, batteries, and fluorescent lamps. Learn more.
Free Mattress Recycling Event
Saturday, March 8, 9 am to 5 pm, at the Graton Fire Department, 3750 Gravenstein Hwy. N., Graton. Free.
On Saturday, Zero Waste Sonoma, the Conservation Corps North Bay and the Mattress Recycling Council will host a free mattress collection event. No appointment necessary for these events. All events held in the parking lot. This event will continue, rain or shine. Please note: rain-soaked mattresses will not be accepted. Please cover mattresses while transporting. ACCEPTING: clean, dry mattresses (any size), box springs, futons. Limit of three units per vehicle. NOT ACCEPTING: Soiled or wet mattresses, futon frames, crib mattresses, dog beds, mattress toppers. Learn more.
Copperfield's Presents: Jeffrey House, Cider King|
Friday, March 7, 7 pm to 8 pm, at Copperfield's Books, 138 North Main St., Sebastopol. Free.
Copperfield’s Books welcomes local author Jeffrey House to Sebastopol in celebration of his autobiography, The Cider King: How I Ace’d It! Discussion followed by a Q&A and book signing. This event is free and open to the public. Enjoy a taste of ACE Cider at the event. Books will be available for purchase at the event. Learn more.
Marmalade Making Workshop with Merrilee Olson
Saturday, March 8, 10 am to 1 pm, at Gold Ridge Organic Farms, 3387 Canfield Road, Sebastopol. $85.
Join chef and food preservationist Merrilee Olson, founder of Preserve Farm Kitchens, at Gold Ridge Organic Farms for a hands-on workshop celebrating the vibrant flavors of Meyer lemons. With years of experience transforming farm-fresh ingredients into culinary treasures, Merrilee will guide you through the process of creating delicious marmalade from scratch. In this immersive 3-hour class, you’ll learn the secrets to achieving the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, and take home your own jar of handcrafted Meyer Lemon Marmalade plus your very own apple blossom pink apron, so you can experiment at home. Reserve your spot.
Sonoma County Bluegrass and Folk Festival
Saturday, March 8, 12 pm to 8 pm, at the Sebastopol Community Cultural Center, 390 Morris St., Sebastopol.
Come see Laurie Lewis and Kathy Kallick, Lonesome Ace String Band, Broken Compass Bluegrass, Late For The Train, Salty Sally, and Mission Blue. There will be workshops and jamming all day too. (We'll be posting an article on the festival tomorrow.) Get tickets.
Abstract Artist Panel
Sunday, March 9, 2 pm to 4 pm, Sebastopol Center for the Arts, 282 South High St., Sebastopol. Sliding Scale: $5/$10/$15/$20.
Join SebArts for an engaging discussion with local abstract artists, moderated by Cynthi Stefenoni, as they explore the creative processes, inspirations, and philosophies behind their work. This panel will delve into the complexities of abstract art, from the use of color and form to the ways in which abstraction communicates emotion and meaning. Whether you’re a seasoned art lover or a curious newcomer, this panel promises an enlightening conversation about the power of abstract art. RSVP to confirm your seat.
Curious about Honeybees: Introduction to Beekeeping
Sunday, March 9, 10 am to 1 pm, at Sebastopol Grange Hall, 6000 Sebastopol Ave. (Hwy. 12), Sebastopol. $30.
Three-hour lecture on basic beekeeping information: how to get started with bees, use of equipment and what to expect in your first year. Get answers to your questions. A must-have class if you are interested in keeping bees. Taught by Doug Vincent, owner and beekeeper of Beekind. Get tickets.
Mardi Gras continues at Furthermore Wines
Sunday, March 9, 1 pm to 4 pm, at Furthermore Wines, 3541 Gravenstein Hwy., Sebastopol. Free.
Mardi Gras continues at Furthermore Wines with Bourbon Street Brass Band. Let’s keep Mardi Gras going. No tickets required, just appear.
Sonoma County Seed Swap
Sunday, March 9, drop by between 3 pm and 5 pm, at the Sebastopol Grange Hall, 6000 Sebastopol Ave. (Hwy. 12), Sebastopol. Free.
Sonoma County Seed Swap, presented by Community Seed Exchange, Occidental Arts and Ecology Center and the Sebastopol Grange. You do not have to bring seed to participate. Bring seed you have saved, excess commercial seed, plants, and resources to share. Label your seed variety with date and details on how it was saved. Seed experts will be available for questions.
Acorn MusEcology Project presents Bell Weather II
Sunday, March 9, 5 pm, at the Sebastopol Community Cultural Center's Youth Annex, 425 Morris St., Sebastopol.
Directed by Sarah Dupre, the 22 members of the Acorn MusEcology Project choral ensemble continue to create and share music that explores our collective role as caretakers in our relationship with the Earth—with our animal and plant brethren and living systems—toward the rediscovery, healing, and reimagining of a vibrant planet beyond our own time. Get tickets.
BEYOND SEBASTOPOL
Samantha Rose, Giving Up the Ghost: A Daughter's Memoir
Friday, March 7, 7 pm, at Copperfield's Books, 140 Kentucky St., Petaluma. Free.
Former Press Democrat Reporter and Sebastopol resident Susan Swartz died by suicide in 2020. Her daughter, Samantha Rose, has written a memoir, Giving Up the Ghost: A Daughter’s Memoir, and will be giving a reading at Copperfield’s in Petaluma. See our article about the author here.
TEDxSonomaCounty
Saturday, March 8, 12:30 pm to 4:30 pm, at the Jackson Theater at Sonoma Country Day School, 4400 Day School Place, Santa Rosa. From $28.
Sebastopol’s own, Ross Halleck, Founder of Halleck Vineyards, will open the 2025 TEDxSonomaCounty event with an intriguing presentation on wine as part of a sacred ritual. Local shaman and musician, Jens Jarvie, will join Ross for this ancient yet also “uniquely Sonoma” experience. Enjoy this and 12 other dazzling speakers and performances that will leave you transformed. Learn more and get tickets.
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.