What's happening this week in Sebastopol?
Science Buzz Cafe, a Grateful Dead Cookbook, Barlow Sip & Shop, Old World Carolers, Nitemare Before Christmas, and more
Science Buzz Café: Chaz Peling, “The Future of the Electric Power Grid”
Monday, Dec. 8, 6 pm, at HopMonk (in the Abbey), 230 Petaluma Ave., Sebastopol. $10.
After 40 years advocating for and creating off-grid solar electric power, Chaz is retiring. But he is not done yet and has a lot to say about his four decades of solar service and community activism. What is the future of the current PG&E power grid that is 40 to 70 years old? What do we do in West County if the electric grid fails for an extended period? How can the citizens of West County produce their own local electric power?
Poetic Medicine: December Session
Tuesday, Dec. 9, 4 pm to 5:30 pm, at the Sebastopol Center for the Arts, 282 S. High St., Sebastopol. $15.
The practice of poem-making offers a means to express the metaphors and meaning of the joys and suffering we experience in ourselves and bear witness to in others. Poetry can be a salve for the heart and soul. It is a way of speaking what is true in our hearts and is often difficult to access without a creative spark. You do not have to be a “poet” or even a “writer” to allow words and feelings to pour through your pen. Registration required. Register here.
Sebastopol Planning Commission
Tuesday, Dec. 9, 6 pm, at the Sebastopol Youth Annex, 425 Morris St., Sebastopol. Free.
The commission will discuss amendments to the zoning code to comply with changes in state laws and align with the housing element of Sebastopol’s General Plan. These amendments encourage higher-density development near jobs and transit by enacting an overlay zone for workforce housing; clarify development standards for higher-density housing and for accessory dwelling units (ADUs); and encourage housing for first-time homebuyers by authorizing the separate sale of ADUs as condominiums. See agenda and documentation here.
Film: The Librarians, a film about censorship
Tuesday, Dec. 9, 6:30 pm, at Rialto Cinemas Sebastopol, 6868 McKinley St., Sebastopol. $15.25.
In Texas, the Krause List targets 850 books focused on race and LGBTQia+ stories, triggering sweeping book bans across the U.S. at an unprecedented rate. As tensions escalate, librarians connect the dots from heated school and library board meetings nationwide to lay bare the underpinnings of extremism fueling the censorship efforts. Despite facing harassment, threats, and laws aimed at criminalizing their work, the librarians’ rallying cry for the freedom to read is a chilling cautionary tale. Q&A to follow with director Kim Snyder. Co-presented by OutWatch. Get tickets.
Luther Burbank Experiment Farm Work Day
Wednesday, Dec. 10, 9 am to 12 pm, at the Luther Burbank Experiment Farm, 7777 Bodega Ave., Sebastopol. Free.
Join a cadre of enthusiastic volunteers in preserving and maintaining the Luther Burbank Experiment Farm every Wednesday from 9 am to noon. We need volunteers across the spectrum of gardening, leading tours, showing people around the cottage, selling items at the cottage gift shop, and more. All skill and ability levels welcome.
Spanish Music & Movement (for ages 6 and under)
Wednesday, Dec. 10, 10:30 am to 11 am, at the Sebastopol Regional Library, 7140 Bodega Ave., Sebastopol. Free.
Spanish Music & Movement is a tour of culture, language, and fun. This presentation is not for sitting—your family will be active characters in these adventures, participating with colorful scarves, instruments, and animals as you move to the sound of language. This program is presented in Spanish, but even if you are not fluent Spanish speakers, see the language come alive through the animated and energetic activities designed for children under 6 and their families.
Copperfield’s presents ‘Dead in the Kitchen: The Official Grateful Dead Cookbook’ with Gabi Moskowitz and Mike McClure
Wednesday, Dec. 10, 7 pm to 8 pm, at Copperfield’s Books, 138 N. Main St., Sebastopol. Free.
Attention all Deadheads! Copperfield’s Books welcomes Santa Rosa native and award-winning food writer Gabi Moskowitz to Sebastopol in celebration of her vibrant new cookbook, Dead in the Kitchen: The Official Grateful Dead Cookbook. She will be joined in conversation by screenwriter and host of the Guess the Year podcast, Mike McClure. Attend a reading and memorable conversation featuring tasty bites from the book. Audience Q&A and book signing to follow the discussion. Register.
Rialto Big Screen Classics: It’s A Wonderful Life
Thursday, Dec. 11, 1 pm, at Rialto Cinemas, 6868 McKinley St., Sebastopol. Free.
George Bailey has so many problems he is thinking about ending it all—and it’s Christmas. As the angels discuss George, we see his life in flashback. As George is about to jump from a bridge, he ends up rescuing his guardian angel, Clarence, who then shows George what his community would look like had he never lived.
Medicinal Mixology: The Art of Botanical Bitters
Thursday, Dec. 11, 5 pm to 7 pm, at Gather, 122 N. Main St., Sebastopol. $150.
Explore the intersection of herbalism and craft cocktails in this hands-on workshop with chef and herbalist Kim LaVere, owner of Land + Local. Learn how botanical bitters bring balance, complexity, and wellness to both drinks and daily rituals. Reserve your spot.
Native Plant Garden Volunteer Day at the Laguna Environmental Center
Friday, Dec. 12, from 9 am to 12 pm, at the Laguna de Santa Rosa Foundation, 900 Sanford Road, Santa Rosa. Free.
Get your hands dirty for a good cause—volunteer in the native plant garden and help pollinators thrive. Snacks provided. Register.
Holiday Card Linocut Workshop with Kelly Autumn
Saturday, Dec. 13, from 10 am to 3 pm, at the Laguna de Santa Rosa Foundation, 900 Sanford Road, Santa Rosa. $116.49
Celebrate the season with creativity in this fun and beginner-friendly linocut printmaking workshop. Start with a short nature walk around the beautiful Laguna campus to gather inspiration, then head into Heron Hall to begin sketching and designing your own holiday card. You’ll learn to carve and print a 4” by 6” inch block using water-soluble inks, creating a small series of hand-printed cards to share or keep. Whether you’re new to printmaking or looking to expand your skills, this cozy, hands-on class offers a festive and supportive space to create something special. Class meets rain or shine. Get tickets.
Met Opera Live in HD 25-26 Season: Andrea Chénier
Saturday, Dec. 13, 10 am, and Wednesday, Dec. 17, 1 pm and 6:30 pm, at Rialto Cinemas, 6868 McKinley St., Sebastopol. $23.95 - $31.95.
Umberto Giordano’s “Andrea Chénier” explores the French Revolution through the story of a young poet and his passionate love for a beautiful young aristocrat. The opera is set against the backdrop of the revolution’s turmoil, where the characters’ actions reflect the social injustices and the growing unrest of the time. The opera’s narrative is based on the life of the real poet André Chénier, who was executed during the French Revolution. Following their celebrated recent partnership in Giordano’s “Fedora,” Piotr Beczała reunites with soprano Sonya Yoncheva as Chénier’s aristocratic lover, with baritone Igor Golovatenko as the agent of the Reign of Terror who seals their fates. Get tickets.
The Barlow’s 4th Annual Holiday Sip and Shop
Saturday, Dec. 13, 1 pm to 4 pm, in The Barlow Market, 6770 McKinley St., Sebastopol. $25.
Attend a festive afternoon of sipping, shopping, and supporting local makers. Rain or shine, they’ll be celebrating. Grab a friend and make a day of it at The Barlow. Get tickets.
Handel’s “Messiah” Sing-Along Concert
Saturday, Dec. 13, 3 pm to 4 pm, at the Sebastopol Methodist Church, 500 N. Main St., Sebastopol. $10.
For the 31st year in Sebastopol under conductor John M. Maas, enjoy the holiday tradition of a sing-along “Messiah,” with its rousing “Hallelujah” chorus, in the acoustic dome of Sebastopol Methodist Church. The string quartet of Rob Powell, Margaret Thornton, Ellen Watson, and Tom Fattaruso, and trumpet player Todd Higgins provide accompaniment. Lead vocals by Melinda Moreaux, soprano; Sadie Sonntag, alto; Greg Hoff, tenor; and Benjamin Mertz, bass.
Rainbow Girls and Anna Moss Holiday Show
Friday, Dec. 12, 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm, at Sebastopol Community Cultural Center, 390 Morris St., Sebastopol. $44.
The Rainbow Girls are back with another fantastic holiday show. It’s always a not-to-miss event, so grab your tickets today and come join the fun. Get tickets.
Improv Duos + Mixed Nuts
Saturday, Dec. 13, from 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm, at Music to My Ears Theater, 104 N. Main St., Sebastopol. $23.18.
Enjoy the work of two improve duos: Jerry Ruoti (BATS Improv) and Susie Sargent (Un-Scripted Theater Co) and brothers in comedy, brothers in life Josh Jobrack (StandProv) and Dylan Pereira (Creature Comedy). Add ZipLine’s Laura Wachtel in the second half for scenes and shenanigans, with a bunch of input from the audience. Get tickets.
Sebastopol Carbon Conversations Fundraising Brunch
Sunday, Dec. 14, 9:30 am to 11:30 am, at the Sebastopol Grange, 6000 Sebastopol Ave. (Hwy. 12), Sebastopol. $25-$100.
Come to a fabulous sticky-bun french toast (or gluten-free french toast), fruit, coffee and tea brunch, socialize and, at 10:30 am, enjoy a short presentation about the past and future of Carbon Conversation. Let us know via email if you need a gluten-free option for brunch. Tickets, which are tax deductible, must be purchased ahead of time. All funds raised will go towards Sebastopol Carbon Conversation activities. Get tickets.
Songs for Creative Revolution
Sunday, Dec. 14, 3 pm to 5 pm, at the Sebastopol Center for the Arts, 282 S. High St., Sebastopol. $15.
Join four Bay Area singer-songwriters, Karen Joy Brown and Katie Phillips, former bandmates of Sonoma County’s beloved Bootleg Honeys, along with Cassidy Frost and Bridget Boyle for an afternoon of original songs that beautifully sing the unsayable and unapologetically confront internal and external obstacles to personal and artistic freedom. This “All Songs Considered”style performance and discussion explores the stories and creative process behind the songs. This unique songwriter-in-the-round experience will leave listeners feeling inspired and empowered to incite their own creative revolution. Get tickets.
The Old World Carolers in concert: Christmas in Old Europe
Sunday, Dec. 14, 3 pm to 4 pm, at the Sebastopol United Methodist Church,
500 N. Main St., Sebastopol. Suggested donation of $10 at the door.
Dressed in clothing of the 19th century, The Old World Carolers have been performing since 1985, building a repertoire of hundreds of songs from throughout Europe. This performance marks their 40th year in Sebastopol. Including favorite singalongs and the haunting Ukrainian “Nova radist’ stala.” This is a benefit for Doctors Without Borders.
Nitemare before Christmas: a dark holiday burlesque
Sunday, Dec. 14, 4 pm and 7 pm, at HopMonk (in the Abbey), 230 Petaluma Ave., Sebastopol. $32-$42.
The annual Nitemare Before Christmas Burlesque & Cabaret Holiday Spooktacular will leave you laughing, swooning, and begging for more. Don’t wait—our seats sell out quicker than elves sneaking cookies from the kitchen. Bring cash! We love lavishing our dancers with monetary support and absolutely encourage tipping at our events. There are two shows: one at 4 pm and one at 7 pm. Sparkly and spooktacular performances by Velvet Thorn, Whiskeyed Hips, Shirree Amour, Bastet Bombshells, SweetBeatPetite, Rainbow Shimmy, Rubi Revolver and more. 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. Submitting your event to the community calendar doesn’t guarantee that your event will make it into “What’s Happening this Week,” but it means that I will see it and consider it.
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