What's happening this week in Sebastopol?
Science Buzz Cafe, Sebastopol City Council meeting, springtime Sebastopol Walk, and the annual Easter Egg Hunt in Ives Park—plus wine, compost, marmalade and more
Science Buzz Cafe: A sense of history—Looking for America
Monday, April 14, 6 pm to 7:30 pm, in the Abbey at Hopmonk, 230 Petaluma Ave., Sebastopol. $10.
Science Buzz's planned presenter, Charles Ostman, PhD, is unavailable this week, but the show will still go on as an ‘open-mic,’ community-wide conversation on the founding of America and what it means now. What is Federalism and how can it help frame the current political and economic situation to enhance our understanding in an open and civilized dialogue? Come share your view—your thoughts and feelings. There will be a short presentation on “Prelude to the Founding of America” to kick off the conversation. Oh, and there are audio homework assignments here for those who wish to do a little prep beforehand.
Irish Music Class for All Instruments
Mondays, April 14 to May 19, 6 pm to 7:15 pm, at a private home. $150-$220 (sliding scale).
New 6-week session. Discover the hypnotic melodies, pulsing rhythms, and worldwide customs of traditional Irish music. We have fun, learn captivating tunes and are building a musical community with a common repertoire. We focus on learning by ear which is part of the tradition. Please bring a recording device to class. Suitable for intermediate or advanced instrumentalists. Instructor: Suzuki Cady Fee. Classes are held at a private home in Sebastopol. (Address provided upon signup). Sign up here.
Sebastopol City Council Meeting
Tuesday, April 15, 6 pm, at the Sebastopol Youth Annex, 425 Morris St., Sebastopol. Free.
The Sebastopol City Council will interview candidates for the Climate Action Committee; hear a presentation on the idea of merging the Planning Commission and Design Review Board; and consider applying for a $1,800,000 grant to the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District’s Matching Grant Program to naturalize a portion of Calder Creek through Ives Park. See the agenda and documentation here.
Sonoma County General Plan Meeting for Greater Sebastopol, Graton, and Occidental
Wednesday, April 16, 6 pm to 7:30 pm, at the Occidental Community Center, 3850 Doris Murphy Court, Occidental. Free.
Come to this local community workshop to share your vision for the future. Tell us what you love about your community and what needs to change.
Vieux Farka Touré
Wednesday, April 16, 7:30 pm to 9 pm, at the Sebastopol Community Cultural Center, 390 Morris St., Sebastopol. $35.
Often referred to as “The Hendrix of the Sahara,” Vieux Farka Touré is known for dazzling crowds with his speed and dexterity on the guitar, as well as his palpable charisma. With each new project, Vieux broadens his horizons, embraces new challenges and further entrenches his reputation as one of the world’s most talented and innovative musicians. Get tickets.
Marmalade Making Workshop with Merrilee Olson
Thursday, April 17, 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 Vintners Pour + Explore: Rosés & Aromatic Whites
Thursday, April 17, 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm, at Balletto Vineyards, 5700 Occidental Road, Santa Rosa. $76.66.
Join us for this exclusive wine tasting event, featuring a special selection of rosés and aromatic whites from over 30 wineries across Sonoma County. Discover wonderful wines that epitomize the essence of each winemaker’s individual style and Sonoma County’s distinctive vineyards. Celebrate springtime with a walk-around tasting of a curated selection of wines from each vintner, and enjoy light bites with a selection of cheese and charcuterie. Held in Balletto’s gorgeous event space. Get tickets.
Free Compost Giveaway
April 19, 9 am to noon, at the Sebastopol Youth Annex, 425 Morris St., Sebastopol. Free.
Free compost is available for pick-up—first come, first served. Bring shovels, buckets or bags, tarps, gloves, a pick-up truck if you’ve got one, and good spirits. Compost is certified USDA organic and CDFA approved. If you need help loading your compost, let the onsite volunteers know and they will help you. If you’d like to help others shovel their compost to keep the line moving, that would be greatly appreciated. This event is organized by the Sebastopol Climate Action Committee in partnership with Zero Waste Sonoma.
Sebastopol Walks: Trees In Spring—A Walk Around Town
Saturday, April 19, 9 am to 11:30 am. Meet in Sebastopol’s downtown plaza.
Join this walk and explore the trees of Sebastopol in mid-spring. Some species will be in full bloom. Many fruiting trees will be past bloom but with fresh leaves and young fruit. Even most evergreens have some fresh new growth (and probably pollen!) We will walk at a good pace through the neighborhoods of central Sebastopol, stopping at specific locations to identify trees in gardens and public spaces. A plant list will be provided. Walkers will be introduced to many tree species with a focus on vibrant spring features, and how each species fits into the urban forest of our town. We will cover 2 to 3 miles and will return to the Plaza by 11:30. Wear sunscreen, a hat and walking shoes. Bring water, a snack, and tissue if you have allergies. Leader: Virginia Anderegg.
Easter Egg Hunt in Ives Park
Saturday, April 19, 10 am at Ives Park, 7400 Willow St., Sebastopol. Free.
Every year the Kiwanis Club of Sebastopol hosts the Annual Easter Egg Hunt at Ives Park in Sebastopol. Children are invited to find treats and colored eggs. The Easter Bunny will be present and loves to pose with kids for photos. Get there early for lots of treats and surprise eggs. The free event starts at 10 am sharp. This year’s community sponsors and supporters include Sebastopol Cookie Company, Screamin’ Mimi’s, and The Toy Works.
Atascadero / Green Valley Watershed Council—Spring Watershed Gathering
Saturday, April 19, 10 am to noon, at the Lions Grove Picnic Area in Ragle Park. Free.
Come hear from Supervisor Lynda Hopkins about local issues affecting our watershed, followed by a Q&A. There will be a group discussion and then we’ll break into our new working groups. Potluck finger food and coffee. The Lions Grove Picnic Area in Ragle Park is located up the hill from the volleyball courts, in a grove of trees. (Rainy day back-up location is Burbank Heights & Orchards Social Hall.) Learn more on the project page of our website.
Save Miss Daisy's Wonderland—Healing Fair and Egg Hunt
Saturday, April 19, 12 pm to 4 pm, at 790 Hurlbut Ave., Sebastopol.
Come for a beautiful day of healing, nature, community, and play—featuring live music, intuitive offerings, a joyful (no sugar) egg hunt, and magical surprises for all ages. This event is part of an effort to support Miss Daisy and the land that continues to inspire transformation and connection for so many. Come dance, sing, and celebrate to save this healing land from foreclosure.
Earth Day Open House at the Laguna Environmental Center
Saturday, April 19, 12 pm to 3 pm, at Laguna de Santa Rosa Foundation, 900 Sanford Road, Santa Rosa. Free.
Celebrate Earth Day with the Laguna de Santa Rosa Foundation. Explore the Laguna’s natural beauty, learn about native plants, and enjoy a variety of activities for all ages. Bring your own picnic and relax in our scenic outdoor spaces. Take part in a guided tour of our native plant garden at 1 pm or 2 pm; visit our observation deck for birdwatching and photography; and let children explore the play area with a living willow tunnel. A nature-inspired craft station will also be available for kids. Be sure to stop by our native plant sale, where you can find beautiful, drought-tolerant plants perfect for attracting pollinators and supporting local ecosystems. Experts will be on hand to provide planting advice.
Community Sing with MaMuse
Saturday, April 19, 7 pm to 9 pm, at Soft Medicine Sanctuary, 186 N. Main St., Sebastopol. $27.54 online, $30 that day at the door.
Join in for an intimate and transformative song circle with MaMuse, where we’ll come together in song and story to explore resilience amid life’s uncertainties. We’ll sing simple, heartwarming songs, along with layered melodies, where all will be invited to join in. This experience is open to all ages, and no prior musical experience is necessary. Come with an open heart, ready to experience the power of music and story. Get tickets.
The Great Vigil of Easter
Sunday, April 20, 5:45 am to 7:15 am, at the Outdoor Sacred Space at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 500 Robinson Road, Sebastopol. Free.
Looking for an interesting and meaningful way to celebrate Easter in the Christian tradition? Consider coming to this dawn service at St. Stephen’s Episcopal. The Great Easter Vigil is an ancient service of darkness, light, fire, water, song, scripture, poetry, and Holy Communion.
Las Guaracheras
Sunday, April 20, 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm, at Sebastopol Community Cultural Center, 390 Morris St., Sebastopol. $15 – $65.
Put on your dancing shoes and get ready to move to the rhythm of this incredible all-women ensemble from Cali, Colombia. Las Guaracheras, a powerful Latin Music sextet, performs Afro-Caribbean rhythms such as salsa and music from the Pacific region of Colombia. Their compositions and lyrics revolve around the re-vindication and recognition of the role of women in the music industry—especially in the Latin Music scene in Colombia—and seek to express the power and strength of women as sources of love, hope, resilience and creativity. Bring the whole family. Get tickets.
PEEK INTO NEXT WEEK: Get ready to bloom with joy at Sebastopol’s most beloved springtime celebration — the 79th Annual Apple Blossom Parade & Festival! Mark your calendars for April 25-27 and prepare for a weekend bursting with color, community, and classic small-town charm. Get tickets at https://www.appleblossomfest.com.
See What’s Happening Sonoma County for more music listings.
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