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CEO/Executive Editor Dan Pulcrano NORTH BAY BOHEMIAN [ISSN 1532-0154] (incorporating the Sonoma County Independent) is published weekly, on Wednesdays, by Metrosa Inc., located at: 847 Fifth St., Santa Rosa, CA 95404. Phone: 707.527.1200; fax: 707.527.1288; e-mail: editor@bohemian.com. Member: Association of Alternative Newsweeklies, California Newspaper Publishers Association. Subscriptions (per year): Sonoma County $75; out-of-county $90. Thirdclass postage paid at Santa Rosa, CA. FREE DISTRIBUTION: The BOHEMIAN is available free of charge at over 1,100 locations, limited to one copy per reader. Additional copies may be purchased for one dollar, payable in advance at The BOHEMIANâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office. The BOHEMIAN may be distributed only by its authorized distributors. No person may, without permission of the publisher, take more than one copy of each issue.The BOHEMIAN is printed on 40% recycled paper.

Published by Metrosa, Inc., an affiliate of Metro Newspapers Š2011 Metrosa Inc.

Cover design by Kara Brown.

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BOHEMIAN

Rhapsodies Cody’s Story A last bit of holiday hope

BY LAURIE STERNER AND STEVE THRASHER

B

ecause we feel we have no more hope left, and because we feel it would be an injustice not to tell his story, we hope that you will read about Cody Cordellos, who lives right here in Sonoma.

Cody is going to be 27 this month, but he has never climbed a tree, played baseball or even had a tight hug. He lives with epidermolysis bullosa, also known as EB, an extremely painful and debilitating skin disease that causes his skin to break and blister at the slightest touch. Cody was born with dystrophic EB, which is just as similar and painful to having third-degree burns over your entire body 24 hours a day, seven days a week, but with no healing or relief. Over the years, his skin has repeatedly rubbed off, causing disfigurement. The disease eventually leads to skin cancer and early death.

Cody is unable to do many of the things an average person his age can do, but he recently acquired one thing that he so longed for: his independence.

Throughout his life, Cody has bounced around from one home to another. Until almost four years ago, Cody was living in an older, very rundown trailer on the back of someone’s property.

In 2008, Cody moved to a nice little apartment, and for the very first time in his life gained the independence he so longed for.

Needless to say, it has been an enormous commitment to make the monthly rent payments. There have been fundraisers to raise money for Cody’s expenses, but there just isn’t enough to cover it all.

Cody was served with eviction papers at the beginning of December, and by the end of the month, he will have to leave. He has nowhere to go. Cody has been on a waiting list for almost four years for Section 8 housing. We hope that you can find it your heart to help. Even if it can’t be you, maybe you know of someone who would be willing to help.

Donations can be made to Cody Cordellos c/o the Butterfly Fund, P.O. Box 235, El Verano, Calif., 95433.

Open Mic is a weekly feature in the Bohemian. We welcome your contribution. To have your topical essay of 350 words considered for publication, write openmic@bohemian.com.

Put a Little Love in Your Heart

Many poor folks in the world haven’t yet found the real meaning of Christmas. So many people are lost, lonely, downtrodden, weak and weary. Some are weak in their bodies, weary in their flesh; others are weak in their minds; and yet others are weak in body, mind and spirit. There are the trampled-on, the poor, the persecuted, the hungry; those who are victims of war and crime and exploitation; those who nobody wants and for whom nobody cares; those who have so little in the way of worldly goods, who are lacking in food, clothing and shelter—even the basic necessities.

Then there are others who do have material goods and who appear to have it together in the eyes of the world They’re weary and heavy-laden with problems, stress, fears and phobias; those who appear to be rich and increased in goods, but who are found wanting; those who wear a smile on their face, yet ache inside; those who are engulfed in a sea of emptiness. We can spread a little more love and light and cheer!

“Lift up your fellow man, lend him a helping hand. Put a little love in your heart.”

TED RUDOW III Palo Alto

Housing in Crisis A recent segment on 60 Minutes showed abandoned homes in Cleveland being bulldozed after vandals had stripped them. Abandoned houses bring down property values, the justification for the destruction. Banks foreclosed on the homes, refusing to lower the principal so homeowners could stay.

Then they walked away seemingly without penalty or consequence.

I don’t understand how they can do it. And they are not held accountable. Again! Banks were key players in creating the economic meltdown, including the housing bubble.

To allow them to get away with this is unconscionable.

We have a crisis of homelessness in this country, and these houses are being ripped down. Communities are shredded and people are forced out. There are many similarly empty homes in Sonoma County. Common sense and compassion lead me to say, “Let’s put people in those houses and let them pay what they can.” What do we have to lose?

MOSS HENRY Santa Rosa

Rethinking the Pellini Corner Maybe we should provide scientists, engineers, tech leaders and art/science innovators funding incentives for running for political office. Phil Harriman, Robert Porter, Ned Kahn, Dale Dougherty, Bill Seidel, Dan Smith and many other local residents may have more gumption, practical ideas and solutions for local and regional issues than many of our elected officials.

Too bad we can’t find a way to purchase the old Pellini Chevrolet property in Sebastopol and put it into the hands of the innovators mentioned above for a training and demonstration facility with dormitories and a learning environment for youth. The ongoing projects could be on display for all to see. A fun place to play, make and show! With a well thought-out financial plan, it might be possible to issue a corporate or even municipal bond to purchase and build a facility that attracts visitors from outside the region. If a stable income stream can be developed over time, it can then support a bond. Could an Exploratorium North with a Maker Place attract a growing revenue stream and enliven our economy?

DANIEL OSMER Sebastopol

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Remembering the Hungry Yesterday as I was driving around, I saw an incident that left me brokenhearted.

It was Tuesday, the day garbage is collected. Bent over in front of one of the cans was a frail, white-haired man digging through the garbage. As I passed by him, he put what he found into his mouth and was chewing it.

My question to you, reader, is what should I have done instead of crying?

I’m still in tears as I type this.

LUCIA MUSSO Santa Cruz

Write to us at letters@bohemian.com.

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NORTH BAY BOHEMIAN | DECEMBER 21–27, 2011 | BOHEMIAN.COM

THIS MODERN WORLD

7

THE

Paper

Leilani Clark

NORTH BAY BOHEMIAN | DECEMBER 21–27, 2011 | BOHEMIAN.COM

8

SWEPT OUT Imelda Mateos is a supporter of AB 889; ‘Domestic workers historically haven’t been heard,’ she says.

Maid in America Why haven’t industry-wide standards been extended to California’s domestic workers? BY LEILANI CLARK he Help, a hit film released this past summer, deals with discrimination and bad behavior toward AfricanAmerican maids in 1960s Mississippi. Movie audiences were shocked by the treatment of women who worked for homeowners, earning a pittance, with

T

no workplace protections and no recourse against vengeful, rude or racist employers. But times have changed since then. Right?

Not really, says Esmeralda Montufar, a domestic worker living in Sonoma County.

“We’re not given vacation pay, and we’re not given workers’ compensation,” says Montufar.

“As a bare minimum, we want

protections on our work and as human beings.”

As the president of ALMAS, a women’s action and solidarity alliance based at the Graton Day Labor Center, Montufar has spent two years campaigning for AB 889, a domestic workers’ bill of rights. Authored by California assemblymembers Tom Ammiano and V. Manuel Perez, the bill follows similar legislation enacted by the state of New York in 2010.

If passed, it would grant nannies, housekeepers and attendants to the elderly and disabled the right to rest and meal breaks, limited overtime pay and workers’ compensation benefits to those who work fewer than 52 hours over a three-month period. (Inhome supportive services workers are excluded from the bill.)

“Domestic workers historically haven’t been heard,” says Imelda Mateos, referring to the exclusion of domestic workers from the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938. Back then, Southern lawmakers intentionally excluded domestic workers and farm workers—then predominantly African-American—from laws providing federal minimum wage and overtime protections. Fastforward 73 years, and despite a 1974 amendment that extended coverage, many domestic workers still don’t have these rights.

“If the bill passes, at least employers will have more consideration in regards to us,” says Mateos, a domestic worker who moved to Sonoma County from Oaxaca four years ago.

“Right now, people experience a lot of abuse from their bosses.”

Montufar relates a story about arriving at a regular housecleaning job to a note on the door stating that her services would no longer be needed, with no notice given.

Others have had to work 24-hour shifts with no time allotted for a full night’s sleep.

“I speak about my experience because I think about the other women, too,” explains Montufar.

“I don’t want anyone else to be in a situation like that—it’s an ugly feeling. What happened to me was bad, but things way worse happen to other women.”

Critics of the bill say that it could make care for the elderly and disabled prohibitively expensive, pricing out care for people who most need it. Speaking on KQED’s Forum last August, Jordan Lindsey, director of policy and public affairs for the California Association for Health Services at Home, argued that more time should be spent finding a balance between the needs of the individuals and the needs of caretakers.

“If this was a bill just about the

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;As a bare minimum, we want protections on our work and as human beings.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an industry thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s never had any laws protecting it before,â&#x20AC;? says Maureen Purtill, an organizer at the Graton Day Labor Center, who has been participating in conferences in Sacramento. â&#x20AC;&#x153;By having a law that protects domestic workers, even on ďŹ ve or six points, it could have the side effect of a cultural shift, where we start to think of them as real workers and value the labor force.â&#x20AC;?

Assembly Bill 889 moves to the Senate ďŹ&#x201A;oor in late January; it may gain even more traction due to the Obama administrationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Dec. 15 announcement of a plan to extend minimum wage and healthcare protections to home healthcare workers across the nation, the majority of which are womenâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;92 percent, according to administration statisticsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;and immigrants. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Immigrants that come to this countryâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;we come and we go, and thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just kind of how it is,â&#x20AC;? says Montufar. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But this kind of law is good, and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be there for the people who come next, so that this work is recognized.â&#x20AC;?

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A free Christmas meal is offered by the Santa Rosa Seventh Day Adventist Church on Monday, Dec. 26, noon to 4pm. All Santa Rosa residents are welcome to attend. 840 Sonoma Ave., Santa Rosa. 707.578.8883.

In San Rafael, the St. Vincent de Paul dining room serves a free Christmas meal from 11am to 1pm.

820 B St., San Rafael. 415.454.3303.

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The Rotary Club of Sebastopol Sunrise hosts its free dinner with toys and warm clothing on Sunday, Dec. 25, from 1pm to 4pm at the Sebastopol Community Church.

1000 Memorial Hwy. N., Sebastopol.

707.634.4929.

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Free holiday meals are available this week. In Sonoma County, the Redwood Gospel Mission hosts its annual all-day Christmas feast at the Santa Rosa Fairgrounds on Friday, Dec. 23, with a hot turkey dinner, a free haircut, a warm coat and a medical evaluation. 707.578.1830.

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Time will be allotted for audience questions (and venting). The event promises a no-host bar and desserts afterward. The conversation rolls on Thursday, Dec. 29, at the Dance Palace.

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overtime exemption, I think weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d be having a different discussion,â&#x20AC;? said Lindsey. â&#x20AC;&#x153;However, this is a bill about overtime exemption, along with sleep time, along with some rather strange provisions about kitchen use.â&#x20AC;?

Those that support the bill, like the California Domestic Workers Coalition, say the ultimate goal is to set clearer, industry-wide standards because the current rules are complicated, confusing and leave domestic workers vulnerable to abuses by bad employers.

NORTH BAY BOHEMIAN | DECEMBER 21â&#x20AC;&#x201C;27, 2011 | BOHEMIAN.COM

10

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limate science needs our spare change.

If we were trudging the gaslight sidewalks home tonight in a Dickens novel, and we only had a few coins left in our pockets for charity, that tattered group of holiday supplicants elbowing each other to reach us with uplifted tin cups would force us to make a difficult choice. Which one gets our shilling?

I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t help thinking of Dickens when, even if I can sneak past the ubiquitous bell-ringers in Santa costume, I get home to emails and letters from nonproďŹ ts, each one like a needy street urchin begging, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Choose me!â&#x20AC;?

No matter how tempting it is to select the cutest and most pathetic-looking beggar from the lot, the present climate crisis demands we be tough; while big money buys distorted science and owns the media that disseminates it, small change is well-spent when it goes into the tin cup that beneďŹ ts climate.

My top choice on a national level: the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS), which â&#x20AC;&#x153;combines independent scientiďŹ c research and citizen actionâ&#x20AC;? to improve planetary conditions and comes with a four-star rating from Charity Navigator, earned by only 4 percent of nonproďŹ ts. The UCS has landed the distinction ďŹ ve years in a row, which means they are careful spenders. My top choice on a local level: Climate Protection Campaign in Sonoma County, working â&#x20AC;&#x153;to inspire, align and mobilize action in response to the climate crisis.â&#x20AC;?

These two personal favorites happen to be short-listed with Philanthropedia, a Menlo Park agency that ranks nonproďŹ ts by how much work they accomplish.

On Philanthropediaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s list of the top 15 climate-based nonproďŹ ts in the Bay Area, the UCS came in ďŹ rst and Santa Rosaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nine-yearold Climate Protection Campaign ranked ninth, even in the company of well-funded and decades-old national giants such as the Sierra Club and the Natural Resources Defense Council.

Right now, climate science is out on the proverbial sidewalks seeking alms for the earth.

Because of the many millions spent by the ruling 1 percent in their efforts to distort science (which is a for-proďŹ t endeavor), it appears that we of the 99 percentâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; albeit needy and cold as the dickens ourselvesâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;are the only source of support for two critical, planet-saving efforts: ďŹ rst, the continuing scientiďŹ c research on climate and climate-related public health; and second, activism that puts climate-research data into the hands of individuals, communities and policy makers who can take responsible action.

Happy holidays, and while you make your way through the countless and clamoring requests for charity, kindly toss your shilling into the cup marked â&#x20AC;&#x153;Climate Science.â&#x20AC;?

For more, visit www.ucsusa.org and www.climateprotectioncampaign.org.

11 NO RTH BAY BO H E M I AN | D EC E M BE R 21-27, 201 1 | BOH E MI A N.COM

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Order your fresh, local holiday crabs live or cooked Jumbo

Crabs, 2lbs

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget our smoked salmon!

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COLD LANG SYNE Popping the cork is much sweeter when what billows out afterward is made right up the street.

Corked for Good Rating the local bubbly for New Year’s Eve

BY JAMES KNIGHT

O

ur annual holiday sparkling wines roundup is back by popular demand—the demand being, that is, the hopeful queries of Bohemian staffers with visions of foil-wrapped bottles dancing in their heads. This year, the theme is brut, local brut. It would seem a necessary good that “Champagne” is exempt

from the kind of moral considerations that have us soul-searching over the provenance of every pullet’s corpse, and the words “carbon footprint” rarely add cheer to a hearty toast. Then again, it doesn’t hurt to buy local when you’re buying bubbly—especially when it can be as full of finesse and roiling possibility as any in the world. Besides, we broke

the rules with a blanc de blancs—and why not, it’s the holidays, dammit.

Same as last year, wines were awarded one to five stars based on our reviewer’s opinion, but listed in order of preference of the rabble; i.e., the thirsty Bohemians on a recent afternoon.

Trader Joe’s North Coast Brut NV ($9.99)

The sleeper hit of the session, relatively unnoticed until the unveiling of the bottles.

Charmingly, some tasters wanted to know if there was something “wrong” or unsophisticated about liking it. Fear not, for this méthode champenoise blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir was produced at Hopland’s Rack and Riddle, a custom crush where wineries that lack the facilities to produce sparkling wine have theirs made—including locals like Robert Hunter, my personal favorite boutique sparkling, although not included in this tasting. The Trader Joe’s has a fruity hint of dried raspberries, a hint of yeastiness and a detectable dosage of sugar. One taster called it the “gingerbread of Champagnes”; another said it tasted “like New Year’s Eve Champagne.” Drink up; it doesn’t keep its charm the next day. ++++ Gloria Ferrer Blanc de Blancs 2006 ($28) The aroma reminded us of butter cookies, animal crackers and lemon chiffon; the mousse is wellconstructed and fine, the flavors, lemonyapple—or kombucha.

Yet there’s enough steely austerity that it’s anything but cloying on the finish.

As usual, the Gloria Blanc de Blancs is sure to please a crowd. +++++ Mumm Napa Brut Prestige NV ($22) Yeasty, lemoncream-pie and lime aromas, with mouth-filling, but aggressive, scoury bubbles; a hint of wine-soaked oak.

This was the first on the list, so to avoid bias it was reinserted later in the tasting. ) 14

NORTH BAY BOHEMIAN | DECEMBER 21–27, 2011 | BOHEMIAN.COM

Timm Eubanks

Dining

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Champagne ( 13

Happy New Year

14

2 FOR FOR 1 ENTREE ENTREE o orr BUFFET* LLUNCH Upur Nchase CHof 2B UFFE12.31.11 T.331.11 * with purchase drinks. drinks. Exp: 12 Holiday H oliday W Wine ine SSpecial* pecial* Buy B uy 2 glasses, glasses, receive receive entire entire bottle bot tle The Bay View Restaurant at The Inn at the Tides

December 31, 2011 MENU Caramelized Apple, Bermuda Onion & Spring Hill Cheese Tart

( of fer valid (offer v a li d o on n aany ny w wine ine by by the the glass, glass, aatt M endocino location) location ) Mendocino

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arugula salad with basil oil ĂŠtoile RosĂŠ

Maine Lobster Thermidor golden chanterelle mushrooms, bourbon cream sauce 2009 Acacia Chardonnay Sangiacomo Vineyard

INTERMEZZO Passion Fruit Sorbet

409 Mendocino Ave, Downtown Sa Santa anta Rosa Rosa 707.579.5999 70 7.579.5999 ccross ros s sstreet t re et 5th 5t h

Breast of Pheasant ragoĂťt of artichoke, brandy sauce 2008 Domaine Chandon Carneros Pinot Noir

Mustard-Crusted Rack of Lamb cauliflower tempura, glazed root vegetables, lamb jus 2007 Beaulieu Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon

Royal Whisky Chocolate Mousse Cake whisky ganache, chocolate glaze Veuve Cliquot Yellow Label Demi-Sec Midnight Toast ~ Dancing (DJ) Party Favors No-Host Bar: 7pm Dinner: 8pm ~ Music to 1am $

125 per person, plus tax and gratuity

reservations: 707.875.2751 or email: reservations@innatthetides.com

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Surprisingly, many scored it lower on the second go-around, although several increased their scores and compliments: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Tastes like Champagne should taste.â&#x20AC;? ++++

Iron Horse Classic Vintage Brut 2006 ($33) Among the most dynamic bottles of this lineup, the Iron Horse has lively top-palate bubble action, while thirstquenching acidity dives deep down on the back end.

The austere ďŹ&#x201A;avors are hard to pin down, but it sports classic, vintage aromas of autolyzed yeast or, as one Bohemian put it, â&#x20AC;&#x153;monkey ďŹ zz.â&#x20AC;? ++++ J Vineyards Late Disgorged Vintage Brut 2001 ($90) Something of a surprise in contrast to what I remember of previous vintages that I made a staple of holiday entertaining last year, this lean, assertive brut has an integrated, nutty, creamy aroma with overtones of lemony custard and a vibrant core of very bright acidity. An excellent brut that could go up against champagne-from-Champagne champagne; but be advised that the searing acidity was too much for some, one taster going so far as to describe it as â&#x20AC;&#x153;sour and cruel.â&#x20AC;? ++++ Domaine Carneros Brut CuvĂŠe 2007 ($26) Fine bubbles, lively and gentle, aromas of lemon custard and cider, with a hint of fresh-baked sourdough and sweet, glazed almonds on the dry, ďŹ rm ďŹ nish. In general, it didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t leave much of an impression one way or the other

on the group, except for inspiring several non sequiturs: â&#x20AC;&#x153;hand-walled Stilton caveâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;liquid mummy.â&#x20AC;?

On a second tasting, I liked this quite a bit. ++++ Korbel Natural NV ($13.99) â&#x20AC;&#x153;Natural,â&#x20AC;? in this case, refers not to the wineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s organic provenance, but to a dry style of brut. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a misnomer, anyway, as this bronze-hued, full-bodied sparkling has a healthy dosage.

Apples and apple brandy showed up in most tastersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; notesâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;apple bottom jeans in anotherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s; Belgian beer, in mine. The aroma is fruity, a little herbal and hoppy, and the ďŹ nish nicely balanced. Unusual among the California Champagne giantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s offerings, this Korbel is grown locally, and has been served at presidential inaugurations for the past thirty years +++ Gloria Ferrer Brut NV ($20) A pale yellow hue, with faint strawberry scent and essential bubbly â&#x20AC;&#x153;brutiness.â&#x20AC;?

One taster cryptically noted, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Fuzzy, like a petulant kitten.â&#x20AC;?

This brut has no defect but for its fresh simplicity and anonymity; itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s got a zippy core of pink grapefruit, a clean and roiling mousse, so save this one for midnight on New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eve, when everyone whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s drunk already needs something to zap their palate awake, and anyone who drinks only a little will ďŹ nd that a half bottle still has adequate effervescence for Sundaymorning mimosas. +++

Our selective list of North Bay restaurants is subject to menu, pricing and schedule changes. Call first for confirmation.

Restaurants in these listings appear on a rotating basis. For expanded listings, visit www.bohemian.com.

COST: $ = Under $12; $$ = $13-$20; $$$ = $21-$26; $$$$ = Over $27

Rating indicates the low to average cost of a full dinner for one person, exclusive of desserts, beverages and tip.

SONOMA COUNTY Barndiva California cuisine. $$-$$$. Delicious food with outdoor seating great for balmy summer nights. Lunch and dinner, Wed-Sun; brunch, Sun. 231 Center St, Healdsburg.

707.431.0100.

Bear Korean Restaurant Korean. $$.

Authentic Korean home cooking in informal setting.

Exciting array of side-dish condiments add extra oomph.

Lunch and dinner daily.

8577 Gravenstein Hwy, Cotati.

707.794.9828.

Borolo’s Original Pizza Pizza $. Classic, California and European pizza combos beyond the ordinary. Borolo’s uses organic mozzarella, locally sourced produce and milled flour. Salads are made to order, with homemade dressings, and the pizza is baked in a stone oven. Takeout and delivery.

Lunch and dinner daily.

500 Mission Blvd, Santa Rosa.

707.539.3937.

Bovolo Italian/ Mediterranean. $-$$.

Slow Food from Northern California-sourced ingredients.

Fabulous made-in-house pork sandwiches, pizzas and salumi, Lunch and dinner daily.

106 Matheson St, Healdsburg.

707.431.2962.

Carmen’s Burger Bar American. $. Excellent and innovative burgers with a Mexican flair. Beef comes fresh daily from Pacific Market next door. Lunch and dinner daily; breakfast, Sat-Sun. 1612 Terrace (in Town and Country center), Santa Rosa. 707.579.3663.

Carneros Bistro & Wine Bar Californian. $$$$. As fancy as foie graschestnut froth parfait for dinner, as simple as huevos rancheros for breakfast, and all superb. Breakfast, lunch

and dinner daily; brunch, Sun. 1325 Broadway, Sonoma.

707.931.2042.

Central Market California cuisine. $$$. Fish is the thing at this airy spot that features local and sustainable foods.

Lots of pork dishes, too–and they’re insanely good. Dinner daily. 42 Petaluma Blvd, Petaluma. 707.778.9900.

French Garden French. $$$-$$$$. The French Garden serves classic French and California cuisine focusing on seasonal and sustainable foods, much of it grown on its own farm; also, a casual bar with small plates. Dinner, Wed-Sun; brunch, Sun. 8050 Bodega Ave, Sebastopol.

707.824.2030.

JoJo Sushi Japanese. $-$$. Hip downtown eatery features fresh sushi, sashimi, teriyaki, and innovative specials. Lunch and dinner, Mon-Sat. 645 Fourth St, Santa Rosa. 707.569.8588.

Mike’s at the Crossroads Burgers. $. All kinds of burgers imaginable; fries Friday only, no shakes, da Jets. Lunch and dinner, MonSat. 7665 Old Redwood Hwy, Cotati. 707.665.9999.

Mombo’s Pizza Pizza. $. The crust is thin and the toppings eclectic. Delivery.

Lunch and dinner daily.

1800 Mendocino Ave, Santa Rosa. 707.528.FAST. 560 Hwy 116 N, Sebastopol.

707.823.7492.

Roberto’s Restaurant Italian. $$. Reliable home-style Italian cooking. Dinner, TuesSun. 4776 Sonoma Hwy, Santa Rosa. 707.539.0260.

Rocker Oysterfeller’s American. $$-$$$. Friendly, warm service in a spot whose menu is thick with local, organic ingredients.

Dinner, Wed-Sun; brunch, Sun. 14415 Coast Hwy 1, Valley Ford (at the Valley Ford Hotel).

707.876.1983.

sushi. $$$. An overpriced coffee shop with a tiny sushi bar. Breakfast and lunch daily; dinner, Wed-Sun. 2200 Airport Blvd (in Sonoma County Airport), Santa Rosa. 707.542.9400.

Sonoma-Meritage Martini California-French. $$$. The menu, which changes daily, is well-rounded with plenty of options, thanks in no small part to the fresh seafood bar. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Wed-Mon; brunch, SatSun. 165 W Napa St, Sonoma.

707.996.5556.

Sushi Tozai Japanese. $$.

Spare, clean ambiance and some of the freshest sushi you’ll ever eat. Lunch and dinner, Tues-Sun. 7531 Healdsburg Ave, Sebastopol. 707.824.9886.

Sumptuous Holiday Menu Food to Go

Tai Yuet Lau Chinese. $$.

Relax

while we cook for you!

Complete menu options: www.pearsonandco.com 2759 Fourth Street, Santa Rosa 707.541.3868

Syrah California-French. $$$. Sophisticated cuisine in restaurant or indoor courtyard.

Seasonally changing menu and inventive desserts. Lunch, MonFri; dinner daily. 205 Fifth St, Santa Rosa. 707.568.4002.

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Prime Rib with Port Reduction Sauce Medley of Roasted Root Vegetables Sweet Potato & Yukon Potato Gratin Old Fashioned Yorkshire Pudding Appetizer Platter Baby Potatoes Stuffed with Crab Mini Crab Cakes Puff Pastry with Apple & Brie

&2%% 7) &) s 2%.4 /52 30!#% &/2 9/52 .%84 0!249 45%3$!9 )3 &2%% -!4% $!9 10oz cup free all day

Atmosphere is nothing to write home about, but the food will bring you back. Lunch and dinner, Mon-Sat; dinner, Sun. 941 Golf Course Dr, Rohnert Park. 707.545.2911.

We will be closed Dec 24 to Jan 3

Thai Issan Thai. $$. Popular full-spectrum Thai restaurant.

Lunch, Mon-Sat; dinner daily.

208 Petaluma Blvd N, Petaluma. 707.762.5966.

Comics must preregister for spots. Contact matebar@guayaki.com

Thai OrchidThai. $-$$.

Rich Thai food made with crisp, fresh ingredients, reasonably priced. Lunch and dinner daily.

1005 Vine St, Healdsburg.

707.433.0515.

Tres Hombres Mexican. $-$$. Excellent food in Petaluma’s Theater District, and a fun place to hang before or after a flick.Lunch and dinner daily; brunch, Sat-Sun. 151 Petaluma Blvd S, Petaluma.

707.773.4500.

Truc Linh Vietnamese. $.

Your basic Vietnamse fare, prepared to perfection. Great for light meals. Lunch and dinner, Tues-Sat. 810 McClelland Dr, Windsor.

707.838.6746.

Underwood Bar & Bistro European bistro. $$. The Underwood’s classy bistro menu and impressive bar belie its rural setting. Lunch and )

16

Start the year off right. With a good laugh.

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First Wed of each month, first one is Jan 4, 2012 ;ffij fg\e Xk -1(, J_fn K`d\ .Æ0gd $5 cover

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at the

Bluewater Bistro Located at 21301 Heron Drive Bodega Bay, 94923 BodegaHarbourGolf.com 707-875-3513 Reservations Recommended

December 31st 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM

LIVE Music Special Menu Full Bar Panoramic Ocean views Amazing sunsets

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Sky Lounge Steakhouse & Raw Bar American/

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Dining ( 15

with surprisingly competent cozy French favorites like escargot and chicken Cordon Bleu. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. 7330 Redwood Blvd, Novato. 415.898.4233.

Keller brother creation with a distinctly Parisian bistro ambiance, offering French classics. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. 6540 Washington St, Yountville. 707.944.8037.

Zazu Cal-Euro. $$$. Perfectly executed dishes that sing with flavor. Zagat-rated with much of the produce from its own gardens. Dinner, Wed-Sun; brunch, Sun. 3535 Guerneville Rd, Santa Rosa. 707.523.4814.

Citrus & Spice Thai/

Bounty Hunter Wine

Californian. $$. Thai meets California, with fresh fruit accents, light herbs and spices, and a great mango-duck summer roll. Lunch and dinner, Mon-Sat. 1444 Fourth St, San Rafael. 415.455.0444.

country casual. $$. Wine shop and bistro with maverick moxie for the wine cowboy. Premium bottles for sale, also. Lunch and dinner, Tues-Sun; open late, Thurs-Sat. 975 First St, Napa.

707.255.0622.

M A R I N COUNTY

Fradelizio’s Italian. $$.

dinner, Tues-Sat; dinner only, Sun. 9113 Graton Rd, Graton.

707.823.7023.

Arigatou Japanese Food to Go Japanese. $.

Cheap, delicious and ready to go.

Lunch and dinner daily. Miracle Mile Plaza, 2046 Fourth St, San Rafael. 415.453.8990.

Avatar’s Indian-plus. $.

Fantastic East-meets-West fusion of Indian, Mexican, Italian and American, with dishes customized to your palate. Lunch and dinner, MonSat. 2656 Bridgeway, Sausalito.

415.332.8083.

SEBASTOPOL GALLERY

Nov 14– Jan 7 Holiday Reception: Dec 3, 5–7pm 150 N. Main St. Sebastopol, Ca 95472 707-829-7200 info@sebastopol-gallery.com

Llewellyn Exhibiting a diverse selection of unusual antique, modern and contemporary artworks.

A Fine Art Gallery

Bay Thai Thai. $. Fresh Thai food with curries that combine the regions classic sweet and tart elements. Some of the best fried bananas to be found. Lunch and dinner, MonSat; dinner, Sun. (Cash only.)

809 Fourth St, San Rafael.

415.458.8845.

Benissimo Ristorante & Bar Italian. $$. Hearty and flavorful food in authentic neighborhood-style Italian restaurant. Lunch and dinner daily. 18 Tamalpais Dr, Corte Madera. 415.927.2316.

Open Wed thru Sun, 11 to 5pm 144 Petaluma Blvd North, Petaluma 707.781.7070 calabigallery.com

Boca South American. $$$-

William O’Keefe Bruce Wolfe William Cutler William O'Keefe Sandra Oseguera Valerie Brunmeier

Intuitive Readings ~ Palmistry fine art and antiques

707.887.2373 6525A First Street, Forestville, CA Call today to advertise! 707.527.1200 sales@bohemian.com

$$$$. Enjoy flavorful and rich regional fare in the rustic décor of an Argentinean ranch.

Lunch, Mon-Fri; dinner daily.

340 Ignacio Blvd, Novato.

415.833.0901.

Bubba’s Diner Homestyle American. $-$$. Comforting Momma-style food like fried green tomatoes, onion meatloaf and homey chickenfried steak with red-eye gravy in a restaurant lined with cookbooks and knickknacks.

Open breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. 566 San Anselmo Ave, San Anselmo.

415.459.6862.

Chez Pierre FrenchItalian-American. $$. A former Denny’s turned Parisian bistro,

Locally sourced northern Italian dishes with a Californiacuisine touch. The house red is a custom blend from owner Paul Fradelizio. Lunch and dinner daily. 35 Broadway Blvd, Fairfax. 415.459.1618.

Marin Brewing Co Pub food. $-$$. Excellent soups, salads, pub grub and awardwinning pork-beer sausage.

Lunch and dinner daily.

1809 Larkspur Landing Circle, Larkspur. 415.461.4677.

Mountain Home Inn American. $$-$$$$. Great summer sandwiches with a view atop Mt Tamalpais.

Breakfast, Sat-Sun; lunch and dinner, Wed-Sun. 810 Panoramic Dr, Mill Valley.

415.381.9000.

Sol Food Puerto Rican. $.

Flavorful, authentic and homestyle at this Puerto Rican eatery, which is as hole-inthe-wall as they come. Lunch and dinner daily. Two San Rafael locations: 732 Fourth St. 415.451.4765. 901 Lincoln Ave. 415.256.8903.

Yet Wah Chinese. $$.

Can’t go wrong here. Special Dungeness crab dishes for dinner; dim sum for lunch.

Lunch and dinner daily.

1238 Fourth St, San Rafael.

415.460.9883.

N A P A COUNTY Alexis Baking Co Cafe. $-$$. Alexis excels at baked goods and offers killer breakfasts and sensible soup’n’-salad lunches. 1517 Third St, Napa. 707.258.1827.

Angèle Restaurant & Bar French. $$$. Thoroughly French, but not aggressively so. Lunch and dinner daily.

540 Main St, Napa. 707.252.8115.

Bouchon French. $$$. A

Celadon Global comfort food. $$. Relaxed sophistication in intimate neighborhood bistro setting by the creek. Superior wine list.

Lunch, Mon-Fri; dinner, MonSat. 500 Main St, Ste G, Napa.

707.254.9690.

Checkers California. $$.

Perfect casual spot for dinner before the movie. Try the panéed chicken and butternut squash ravioli. Lunch and dinner daily. 1414 Lincoln Ave, Calistoga. 707.942.9300.

Fazerrati’s Pizza. $-$$.

Great pie, cool brews, the game’s always on. Great place for post-Little League. Lunch and dinner daily. 1517 W Imola Ave, Napa. 707.255.1188.

Fujiya Japanese. $$-$$$.

Good, solid sushi. The Fujiya Deluxe combo is a standout.

Lunch and dinner, Tues-Sat. 921 Factory Stores Dr, Napa.

707.257.0639.

La Toque Restaurant French-inspired. $$$$. Set in a comfortable elegantly rustic dining room reminiscent of a French lodge, with a stone fireplace centerpiece, La Toque makes for memorable special-occasion dining. The elaborate wine pairing menus are luxuriously inspired. Dinner, Wed-Sun. 1314 McKinstry St, Napa. 707.257.5157.

Redd California cuisine. $$$$$. Rich dishes balanced by subtle flavors and careful yet casual presentation. Brunch at Redd is exceptional. Lunch, Mon-Sat; dinner daily; brunch, Sun. 6480 Washington St, Yountville. 707.944.2222.

Ubuntu Vegetarian. $$$$. Some of the most remarkable specimens of high-end vegetables and fruits available on a restaurant plate.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. 1140 Main St, Napa.

707.251.5656.

Most reviews by James Knight. Note: Those listings marked ‘WC’ denote wineries with caves. These wineries are usually only open to the public by appointment.

Wineries in these listings appear on a rotating basis.

SONOMA COUNTY Adobe Road Winery Award-winning Cab, Pinot, Zin, Cab Franc, Syrah and Petite Sirah. Their tasting room is located in Petaluma at the Racers Group Porsche race headquarters. 1995 S. McDowell Blvd., Petaluma. 707.939.7967.

Arista Winery Nothing big about the wine list, just style-driven, focused wines. 7015 Westside Road, Healdsburg. Tasting room open daily, 11am–5pm.

707.473.0606.

Armida The wines are original, and there are three mysterious geodesic domes on the property. Plus: bocce!

2201 Westside Road, Healdsburg. Open daily, 11am–4pm. 707.433.2222.

Arnot-Roberts Some fresh pepper on that Syrah?

Duo of chums craft spicy, savory lower-alcohol wines from cool climates in funky backstreet cellar. 6450 First St., Forestville. By appointment only. 707.820.1383.

Arrowood Winery Most of Arrowood’s wine is done in the Bordeaux style of France.

14347 Sonoma Hwy., Glen Ellen. Tasting room open daily, 10am–5pm. 707.935.2600.

Atascadero Creek Winery Produces mostly red wines and specializes in small lots of single-vineyard Pinot and Zin. At West County Wine Collective in Pizzavino707, 6948 Sebastopol Ave., Sebastopol. Friday– Sunday, noon-6pm, $12 fee.

707.829.9500.

Audelssa Audelssa’s wines are indeed as dramatic, dry and rugged as the location suggests. 13750 Arnold Drive, Glen Ellen. Tasting room open Friday–Sunday, 11am–5pm; Monday–Thursday and vineyard estate visits, by appointment. 707.933.8514.

Balletto Vineyards Some of the best values from

the Russian River Valley, in Chard and Pinots both Gris and noir. Being out of the touring loop, it’s generally a low-key place that picks up a bit on weekends. 5700 Occidental Road, Santa Rosa. Open daily, 10am–4pm. 707.568.2455.

Camellia Cellars Like owner Chris Lewand, the wine is just so darned approachable and easy-going. Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon are most consistently strong.

57 Front St., Healdsburg.

Open daily, 11am–6pm.

888.404.9463.

Chateau St. Jean Winery Take the educational tour and sample both reserve and premier wines on acres of vineyard with gardens and gourmet food. Famed Riesling and rare Malbec.

8555 Sonoma Hwy., Kenwood.

Open daily, 10am–5pm.

707.833.4134.

Christopher Creek The tasting room is a small, woodpaneled anteroom stocked with bins of wine. There are no fountains, Italian tiles or anything not having to do directly with the business of sampling wines made on the premises. Chard and Cab shine.

641 Limerick Lane, Healdsburg.

Open daily, 11am–5pm.

707.433.2001.

Claypool Cellars “They call me Mister Knowitall, I sup the aged wine.” Sup on Primus frontman’s Purple Pachyderm Pinot Noir and Rhone-style Fancí Blend in wine country’s cutest caboose, a must-see for rock and wine fans alike. 6761 Sebastopol Ave., Sebastopol. Open SaturdaySunday, 1–5pm. 707.861.9358.

Cline Cellars Look for single-vineyard designate Zinfandels–gorgeous fruit bombs. 24737 Hwy. 121, Sonoma. Open daily, 10am– 6pm. 707.940.4000.

Clos du Bois With picnicking area, friendly staff and knickknacks galore, Clos Du Bois is a reliable treasure. 19410 Geyserville Ave., Geyserville. Open daily, 10am– 4:30pm. 800.222.3189.

Downtown Wine Casual spot with LP records on the turntable and relaxed vibe, founded by surfer-skater turned winemaker. Offers an eclectic range of wines from delicate, Thai-cuisine–inspired Banyan whites to rustic, brambly Hobo reds inspired by the open road. Folk Machine and Branham Estate Wines, too. Don’t skip the refreshingly dry Santa Lucia Highlands Riesling. Ramble on in.

132 Plaza St., Healdsburg.

Open Thursday–Monday, 11am to 6pm. Tasting fee, $5.

707.473.0337.

Gourmet au Bay Seafood takes to wine even better than water. Wine bar and retail shop offers flights served on custom wooden “surfboards,” artisan cheese and cracker plate, and liberal bring-your-own picnic policy. Cold crab cakes and sparkling wine at sunset on the bay? Sounds like a date.

913 Hwy. 1, Bodega. Wine surfing, $8. 707.875.9875.

Inspiration Vineyards The colorful pastoral depicted on the label does exist, but this small, family-owned labor of love is sensibly located in the Pinecreek Business Park.

Stylish tasting room; Chard, Cab and Blanc. 3360 Coffey Lane, Ste. E, Santa Rosa. Daily 11am–4:30pm. $10 tasting fee.

707.237.4980.

Iron Horse Despite the rustic tasting room, Iron Horse produces sparkling wine and Pinots for the elite. A brilliant view for winetasting.

209786 Ross Station Road, Sebastopol. Open daily, 10am–3:30pm. 707.887.1507.

Meeker Vineyard You might expect Meeker to be more slicked-out, what with its big-time Hollywood origins (co-owner Charlie Meeker is a former movie executive). But that’s clearly not the case. 21035 Geyserville Ave., Geyserville. Open Monday–Saturday, 10:30am– 6pm; Sunday, noon–5pm.

707.431.2148.

Paul Hobbs Winery Unfiltered and unfined wines,

Sojourn Cellars Complex but lissome Sonoma Valley Cab is the star at comfortable tasting salon just off the Sonoma Plaza that’s as comfortable as a living room. No need to fear sit-down, appointment-only tastings; just focus on Sojourn’s lawn chair logo and relax. 141 E. Napa St., Sonoma.

Complimentary tasting by appointment. 707.938.7212.

Thumbprint Cellars Vegan wines named Arousal, Threesome and Four Play; but it all started out innocently enough. Downtown lounge offers curvaceous bar, hookah-den-styled booth, and seasonal nosh.

102 Matheson St., Healdsburg.

Open 11am to 6pm Sunday– Thursday, to 7pm Saturday.

Tastings $5–$10; with food pairing, $10–$20. 707.433.2393.

Two Amigos Wines One of the “Vino Brothers” is a famous television commercial actor, but they look alike in plastic nose and Groucho glasses disguises.

Goofy theme and good wine.

Vito’s Vino Bianco is a rich Roussanne; Guido’s Vino Rosso a successful California Sangiovese. 25 E. Napa St., Sonoma. Open daily, 11am– 6pm. 707.799.7946.

Woodenhead Damn good wine. Pinot, Zin–yum, yum, yum. 5700 River Road, Santa Rosa. Open Thursday– Monday, 10:30am–4:30pm.

707.887.2703.

MARIN COUNTY Bacchus & Venus A trendy place for beginners and tourists. Great place to learn the basics. 769 Bridgeway, Sausalito. Open daily, noon– 7pm. 415.331.2001.

Pey-Marin Vineyards A Marin wine adventure where cow country meets conifer forest, at the historic, hospitable Olema Inn. Discover razor-lean “Shell Mound” Marin County Riesling, opaquely purple, yet eminently food-friendly “Punchdown” Syrah, and more. 10000 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., Olema.

Open daily from noon to 4pm. $12 fee. 415.663.9559.

Point Reyes Vineyards The tasting room features many varietals but the main reason to go is for the sparkling wines. Open Saturday–Sunday, 11am–5pm.

12700 Hwy. 1, Point Reyes.

415.663.1011.

Ross Valley Winery In existence since 1987, the Ross Valley Winery produces Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc and Zin port wines. 343 San Anselmo Ave., San Anselmo. Open Tuesday– Sunday, 1–7pm. 415.457.5157.

Tam Cellars Spacious wine bar quietly distributes the soul-salve of the ages and, like its soul mate the coffee shop, passes the laptop test. Cheese plates, wine flights and comfortable seating arrangements make a nice place to convene with the companion or flat screen of one’s choice. Wine shop features international, eclectic selection at fair prices. 1803 Larkspur Landing Circle, Larkspur. Open Monday–Wednesday, 4–9pm; Thursday–Saturday, 4–10pm.

415.461.9463.

and envision it to be a retaildestination winery. The wines are quite good. 4089 Silverado Trail, Napa. Open daily, 10am– 5pm. 707.253.1400.

Ceja Vineyards To Ceja Vineyards’ motto, “Vinum, Cantus, Amor,” and when there’s wine, song and love, there’s dance. Founded by one-time field workers, the Mexican-American-owned winery celebrates culture and wine at this sleek downtown lounge. Wine flights, light bites and one of the few full-bodied rosés “con huevos” in the county. On Saturdays, free salsa lessons and dance party spice up the night. Bailamos!

1248 First St., Napa. Sunday– Friday, noon–6pm, Saturday, noon–10pm; free salsa class starts at 7:30pm. Tasting fees vary. 707.226.6445.

Domaine Carneros

Tasting room is a white barn lit by skylights and often staffed by the owner’s wife or mother. 333 Silverado Trail, Calistoga. Open Thursday– Sunday, 11:30am–4:30pm.

707.942.5854.

Inspired by Taittinger’s Château de la Marquetterie of Champagne, this house of premium sparkling wine is a hard-to-miss landmark on the Carneros Highway. Enjoy a private Balcony Package for special occasions or taste sparkling and still wines paired with artisan cheese and caviar with the masses. Luxury bubbly Le Rêve offers a bouquet of hoary yeast and crème brûlée that just slips away like a dream. 1240 Duhig Road (at Highway 12/121), Napa. Wine flights $15; also available by the glass or bottle. Open 10am–5:45pm. 800.716.2788.

Beaulieu Vineyard

Eagle & Rose Estate

NAPA COUNTY August Briggs Winery

History in a glassful of dust– Rutherford dust. Somethingfor-everyone smorgasbord of solid varietal wines, plus library selections of flagship Georges de Latour Cab back to 1970. 1960 St. Helena Hwy., Rutherford. Daily, 10am–5pm.

Tastings $15–$20; Reserve Room, $35. 707.967.5233.

Beringer Vineyards (WC) This historic winery offers some seven daily tours for nominal fees, most of which end gratefully with a glass and a spin through the underground wine-aging tunnels. Open daily, 10am– 6pm (summer hours).

2000 Main St., Napa.

707.963.7115.

Black Stallion Winery Owned by a pair of Midwest liquor-distribution barons who hired a capable winemaker

(WC) Tours of this small winery are led either by the winery owner or the winemaker himself. 3000 St. Helena Hwy. N., Napa. By appointment.

707.965.9463.

On the Edge A key stop for devotees of the cult to Charbono. 1255 Lincoln Ave., Calistoga. Open daily, 10am– 5:30pm. 707.942.7410.

Taste at Oxbow Discover refreshing white varietals Albariño and Vermentino in stylish setting across from Oxbow Market, then move on to Pinot Noir from Carneros pioneer Mahoney Vineyards; Waterstone Wines, too.

708 First St., Napa. Sunday– Thursday, 11am–7pm; Friday– Saturday, 11am–9pm. Tasting fee $10. 707.265.9600.

17 NORTH BAY BOHEMIAN | DECEMBER 21–27, 2011 | BOHEMIAN.COM

Wineries

fermented with native yeasts.

3355 Gravenstein Hwy. N. (Highway 116), Sebastopol. By appointment. 707.824.9879.

NORTH BAY BOHEMIAN | DECEMBER 21–27, 2011 | BOHEMIAN.COM

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ADIOS, 2011! La Santa Cecilia open a blowout night with comedian Gabriel Iglesias and get-down heroes Ozomatli at the Uptown Theatre in Napa.

New World 2012!

Spend New Year’s Eve with the brightest stars of the North Bay

BY ANNA FREEMAN

I

t was a year of wars ending, royals marrying, people occupying and icons passing. Now it’s to time to bid farewell to 2011 and begin the most anticipated year of the century. Will 2012 mark the end of the world, or just the beginning of an exciting new world? Whatever the outcome, celebrate 2012 in style with the best of the North Bay. Here are tons of ways to dance, sing, eat, drink, laugh and generally amuse ourselves as we wrap up 2011.

Sonoma County

Reserve a spot at Safari West for a wild New Year’s Eve adventure with KZST’s Brent Farris as he hosts this year’s Romp with the Beasts. For $100, guests can dine, dance, drink and encounter furry friends; or, for $500, two adults can do all of the above and spend the night with wild animals and wake up to breakfast and Champagne in a luxury safari tent.

Live it up like there’s No Tomorrow at the Arlene Francis Center in Santa Rosa. Start 2012 grooving to the incredible sounds of Sabin Cloud & Orestes (3rd FIST), Paul Timberman (Dirty Diamonds), $ymon, Club Trev, Coyolxauqui Aztec dancers and others, all for only $20.

The Moonlighters headline a big-band swing party at Russian River Brewing Company. Listen to great jazz and jitterbug your way into the New Year at one of downtown Santa Rosa’s wellknown hip hangouts, all for the cost of great brew.

Up at River Rock Casino, three wheel spins during the night could net you $10,000 or $100,000. Enjoy the sounds of highly acclaimed Hotel California as they play all your favorite Eagles hits. Supper is served at a prime-rib buffet for only $19.99. Plus drinks, party favors and all the gambling your heart desires.

Welcome to the New World at the Sebastopol Community Center. A $40 admission gets you Frobeck, the Love Choir, Mr. Music, David and

19

Nothing is sacred in the offbeat and thoroughly twisted world of the famed satirical songwriter Tom Lehrer. Nonstop laughs are a given as a local cast performs his songs in ‘Tomfoolery’ at the Cinnabar Theater. Lehrer’s dry sense of humor and good-natured take on life are more relevant now than ever; laugh you way into the New Year for $25–$35. The show opens New Year’s Eve and runs through Jan. 22.

Finish out an amazing year early in the evening at the beautiful Petaluma Historical Museum. Petaluma’s own Elizabeth Walter and members of the San Francisco Symphony play three centuries of classical masterpieces by Handel, Chopin, Dvorák and others, starting at 7pm. The setting makes this New Year’s Eve gala a deal at $30.

Have a rockin’ New Year’s Eve with the Tubes at the River Theatre in Guerneville. Go back in time to the early ’80s when jobs were plenty, music was bouncy and hair was big. The opening band even features Huey Lewis’ bad-boy bassist Mario Cipollina; tickets are $30.

DJ Hope brings Las Vegas Style to Santa Rosa at the Chrome Lotus. Three rooms, 6,000 square feet and two bars make for a fun, open-forum, blacktie optional New Year’s Eve celebration. Enzyme Dynamite and DJ E20 also perform. Drink, dance, shoot pool and celebrate for just $25.

Party big-city style as Antix Events takes over the entire Doubletree Hotel in Rohnert Park with four music areas spanning 22,000 square feet. Ten DJs playing everything from Top 40 to mashups, house, hip-hop, electro and backbeat lounge tracks.

Hotel rooms include two to four tickets; dress shoes and dress

HIGH-HO Poor Man’s Whiskey rave it up at Hopmonk Tavern.

shirt required. Tickets are $40; $140 VIP. Sebastopol’s Hopmonk Tavern features a night of high-octane hootenanny with Poor Man’s Whiskey and their upbeat performances, zany stage antics and infectious songs. Acoustic and electric instruments weave tales of everyday life inviting the audience to become a part of each show. Enjoy and evening of great beer and good fun for just $30.

Join the Cloverleaf Ranch as it hosts a New Year’s Eve gala at the Fountain Grove Inn, supporting Rotary Summer Camp for abused children and the Elder Care Expo for families caring for aging loved ones. For $75 per person, Korbel Champagne will pour and a no-host bar will be available. Dance, eat and participate in the silent auction to round out a night of giving back for a generous start to 2012.

The legendary Elvin Bishop and his band, along with Sonoma

County’s own Pat Jordan Band and Piece of My Heart featuring Julie Medeiros, will headline the Last Day Saloon in Santa Rosa.

This fun-filled night of blues and alternative rock includes a balloon drop, Champagne toast and snacks (special dinner menu available with reservations) for $50.

At Aubergine in Sebastopol, join the Vintage Ball with Uncle Wiggly, Hand Me Down and Chango B for $20–$25. . . . Over in Cotati, Levi Lloyd and the 501’s take over the Tradewinds Bar. . . . The French Garden in Sebastopol swings with Honey B and the Pollinators for $25 and an optional four-course dinner beforehand for $75. . . . The Mystic Theatre in Petaluma features Tommy Castro for $51–$56. . . .

Out near the coast in Valley Ford, Rocker Oysterfeller’s hosts a réveillon dinner for $75. . . . At Guerneville’s Main Street Station enjoy Brulee Jazz with ) 20 a Twist for $15 or $25

NORTH BAY BOHEMIAN | DECEMBER 21–27, 2011 | BOHEMIAN.COM

Children of all ages will bring in the new year at the Charles M. Schulz Museum, and there are two chances to toast the New Year with friends of the Peanuts gang.

At noon (the “other” 12 o’clock), watch the up/down balloon drop and toast with root beer; at 3pm, ice cream is added for a root beer float toast. Lots of crafts and more kid fun at the Charlie Brown New Year celebration.

Linda LaFlamme, the Phil Lawrence Band, Teresa Tudury, Moonbeams, Dances of Universal Peace with Tui and friends, plus a Drum Circle and a sacred ceremony at midnight.

NYE Events ( 19

20 NORTH BAY BOHEMIAN | DECEMBER 21–27, 2011 | BOHEMIAN.COM

per couple. . . . and Santa Rosa’s Sixth Street Playhouse features Sandy and Richard Riccardi in an All-Comedy Cabaret reminiscent of SNL for $20–$50. . . . and the Ledson Hotel in Sonoma has the Jess Petty Duo until midnight with no cover charge.

Marin County Get ready for some gut-busting action as the Best of the San Francisco Comedy Competition cracks up the Marin Center in San Rafael. Every type of joke is fair game as this variety show makes us laugh ’til it hurts for only $30.

Eight years running, Mark Pitta hosts the 142 Throckmorton Theatre New Year’s Eve Annual Bash in Mill Valley. Music by Danny Click and the Americana Orchestra, comedy by Mike Pace, and year-end musings by Mort Sahl come together with food and bubbly to make for a cerebrally pleasurable $65 New Year’s Eve. Imagine the 85’s opening a show with hits by artists like Berlin, Pat Benatar, the Clash, the English Beat, Duran Duran, the Eurythmics, the Fixx and others.

Then, the ultimate Tom Petty tribute band, Petty Theft, shows up to rock the rest of the night.

A musical dream? Nope, its real, and it all happens on New Year’s Eve in San Rafael at George’s Nightclub for $35–$40.

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Marin County-based band Hot Buttered Rum play the Palm Ballroom in San Rafael for a New Year’s Eve spectacular. See the band as they prepare for their first studio recording in 2012. In addition, festival favorite New Monsoon perform from their latest album, Live from Texas. All ages are welcome at this lively show for only $30.

Andonis Quartet plays Horizons in Sausalito. . . . The Barge in Sausalito features Rhythmtown Jive. . . . Osher Marin JCC in San Rafael hosts a Stand-up Comedy Showcase

featuring Rick Overton for $30– $35. . . . The Presidio Yacht Club in Sausalito swings in the new year with Lonestar Retrobates for $15. . . . 19 Broadway Nightclub in Fairfax holds a New Year’s Eve Extravaganza with Chrome Johnson and Honeydust for $23.

Napa County Kick off 2012 at the Uptown Theatre in Napa with an amazing show featuring Ozomatli.

Groove all night to the eclectic combination of hip-hop, salsa, dancehall, samba, funk, and Jamaican reggae. Guests La Santa Cecelia and comedian Gabriel Iglesias round out this music, dance and comedy extravaganza for $50–$85.

Travel into the New Year with the Napa Valley Wine Train.

This event adds color by hosting a Black, White and Pink Ball.

This sensational gala will raise money for local breast cancer patients beginning at 7pm with a multicourse meal while winding its way through the beautiful Napa Valley Wine Country. Upon returning at 11pm, the party continues until 1pm with music and dancing. Tickets are $235 or $50 for the afterparty only.

Westin Verasa Napa and La Toque host its over-the-top Black and White Party, which includes a delicious five-course dinner at La Toque and a Vintage Hollywoodthemed Ball held at the Westin Verasa Napa. Tickets are $75, and $195 with dinner. Music, dancing and Champagne caps an elegant evening on the town.

At Silo’s in Napa, enjoy the silky smooth vocals of Terry Bradford in two shows, at 7pm for $75 and 10pm for $100. . . .

Domaine Chandon in Yountville hosts a Carnival New Year’s Eve celebration for $75 . . . . Shake your groove thing at the Napa Valley Marriott & Spa Boogie Ball for $75 . . . . And Silverado Resort and Spa offers dancing, Champagne and a midnight balloon drop for $40.

S A N TA R O S A

C O TAT I

Helpful Transients

What About the Jews?

With three all-ages shows under its belt already in this week alone, the Transient Lounge is swiftly establishing itself as an important new venue along Santa Rosa’s landscape. It’s not all spiked belts and leather jackets this Christmas, though, as the dingy warehouse off Santa Rosa Avenue hosts the Reggae Food Drive benefiting Redwood Empire Food Bank. The Decoyz, Counter Culture and Trevor Lyon supply the upstrokes— you supply the canned food. (The dispensary down the street supplies the . . . well, you know.) It’s good vibes for a good cause on Friday, Dec. 23, at the Transient Lounge. 400 E. Todd Road, Santa Rosa. 9pm. $10. No phone.

While everyone else gathers beneath Christmas trees and exchanges presents, you know the old line about how Jews spend Dec. 25: with Chinese food and a movie. Congregation Ner Shalom is just bright enough to turn this annual, somewhat dreary routine into a special event with Chinese Food and a Movie, benefiting the Jewish Community Free Clinic. Including havdalah, dinner and a screening of Danny Boyle’s Millions, the night is a perfect way to gather for those who usually hit up the not-so-great Chinese buffet in town—or who just want to check out the old Cotati Cabaret building. It’s all kosher on Sunday, Dec. 25, at Congregation Ner Shalom, 85 La Plaza, Cotati. 3–7pm. $5–$25. 707.664.8622.

P E TA L U M A

Go, Gaffey, Go

SHOO-WOP The Coverlettes stir up some Christmas jive on Dec. 21 at 142 Throckmorton. See Concerts, p28.

Movin’ Uptown

David Allen Studio

Unless you happen to drop by on a jam night, you’re more likely to see Phoenix Theater manager Tom Gaffey outside sweeping up than on his theater’s stage. But for the last 20 years, Gaffey has occasionally borrowed the spotlight—usually with an apple, or a broom, in hand—and it’s always a joyous event. This week, his band Thus the Buzz play with Adobe Road and the Neal Carson / Dallas Myers Band, and the timing is perfect for anyone who grew up at the Phoenix, left town and is back visiting family. For what is the Phoenix, after all, if not family? Be there on Friday, Dec. 23, at the Phoenix Theater.

201 E. Washington St., Petaluma.

8pm. $8. 707.762.3565.

S A N TA R O S A

One of the worst-kept secrets for lunch in Santa Rosa is the SRJC’s Culinary Arts Center, which offers delicious creations, courtesy of students, for cheap. The place fills up quickly, which for late-coming, billsavvy diners means dejection. But alas! Under the direction of program director and chef Michael Salinger, the SRJC culinary arts program is moving to its new, relatively humongous location next year. Four times the size of its current location, it’s already causing a buzz and it’s not even open yet. The program hosts a holiday fundraiser for the move with food, wine and holiday cheer on Wednesday, Dec. 21, at the Culinary Arts Center.

458 B St., Santa Rosa. Noon–2pm. $25.

707.576.0279.

—Gabe Meline

21 NO RTH BAY BO H E M I AN | D EC E M BE R 21-27, 201 1 | BOH EMI A N.COM

Crush CULTURE

The week’s events: a selective guide

NORTH BAY BOH EMI A N | DEC E M BE R 21-27, 20 1 1 | BO H E M I AN.COM

22

CALL ME BABY For $395, you too can not saddle your offspring with a childhood of schoolyard taunts.

No Dur

At the onset of childbirth, whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in a name?

BY JESSICA DUR

G

rowing up with a three-letter, one-syllable last name that in our cultural lexicon basically means â&#x20AC;&#x153;No shit, Sherlockâ&#x20AC;? has not been easy. Look at the byline up there: Dur. Marriage always seemed like my likeliest ticket out of this last name, until I went and fell in love with Michael Grossman, whose own

schoolyard traumas trump mine. Once weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d tied the knot, he told me earnestly, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want you to become a Gross Man.â&#x20AC;? (Phew.)

So we each kept our own ďŹ&#x201A;awed names, not thinking much about it. Until, that is, the day we saw those two lines on a stick.

When it comes to passing on one or both of our surnames to our coming offspring, we agree on one thing: weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d rather not. Sure, we are

motivated by a shared family name we both like, but we also want to spare our child the teasing we both endured. For those Grahams and Smiths and Millers out there, those whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve never been snickered at during roll call, you might not understand. But when it comes to our precious baby, we are prepared to be exacting. Even shallow.

And why not? According to Evonne Lack on BabyCenter.com, there are scores of pitfalls to keep in mind when naming your baby.

Some are rather obvious: steer clear of embarrassing initials (Zachary Ian Trump? Think again), and eccentric spellings that lend themselves to mispronunciations. Others are more far-fetched, like considering your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s future email address.

Frances Atkins may be a ďŹ ne name, but beware the humiliation of fatkins@gmail.com.

Turns out that naming oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s baby is so fraught with potential mistakes that it doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t necessarily end at birth. According to a recent study conducted by YourBabyDomainName.com, 8 percent of American parents regret their choice of name. The biggest reason? Thinking theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve chosen something unique, only to ďŹ nd four other Madisons in their daughterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s play group.

So what does a parent with namerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s remorse do? Increasingly, it seems, they simply change their childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s name. The Huffington Post cites a family who started calling their daughter Isadora when she was four, because theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d found Sophie to be too popular. New parents, take heed: you might want to steer clear of Sophia and Aiden, the top baby name picks of 2011, followed closely by Emma and Isabella, Jackson and Mason.

What about the kids? Children often decide to change their own names, parentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; wishes be damned. In my ďŹ rst year of teaching, I met Hailey Getchell, a rambunctious, red-haired 14year-old who loved writing about cats and hated sitting still. â&#x20AC;&#x153;As I got older, I met more and more people with my name,â&#x20AC;? she told me recently, â&#x20AC;&#x153;and I started to feel much less unique.â&#x20AC;?

So after brief ďŹ&#x201A;irtations with names like McHailey and Kitty, the ninth grader formerly known as Hailey ) 24

NORTH BAY BOHEMIAN | DECEMBER 21â&#x20AC;&#x201C;27, 2011 | BOHEMIAN.COM

Arts Ideas

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NORTH BAY BOHEMIAN | DECEMBER 21â&#x20AC;&#x201C;27, 2011 | BOHEMIAN.COM

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announced that her new name was Kisa (a respelling of the Finnish word for kitty) and steadfastly refused to respond to anything else.

Five years later, her parents still arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t used to it. (â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think she should make an exception for her parents,â&#x20AC;? her father Chris tells me. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think I have a right to call her Hailey.â&#x20AC;?)

While changing oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ďŹ rst name might annoy parents, last name changes are fraught with deeper complications. Surnames are, after all, signiďŹ ers of our cultural and ethnic heritage, connecting us to a vast network of people with whom we share lore, genes, and possibly meals. By opting out of our surnames, are we opting out of our family identities?

My husband and I are aware that rejecting Grossman could seem, to some, like a rejection of his fatherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fatherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s heritageâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; instead of the far less meaningful rejection of its unfortunate word pairing. Because, letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s be honest, when it comes to names, aesthetics are paramount. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hard to imagine Anna Mae Bullock and Robert Zimmerman, the given names of two of the greatest rock stars of the 20th century, as anything other than Tina Turner and Bob Dylan. And doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Ernesto Lynch lack the romantic ring of Che Guevara?

Years ago, Nikki and her husband C (yep, just the letter) went through a similar battle upon discovering they were expecting. C didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t feel connected to his last name, which was passed on to him by an adopted father whom he never saw after the age of two. So they decided to ďŹ nd a family name that they liked, â&#x20AC;&#x153;something that sounded â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;like us,â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;? says Nikki. But trying to pick a name out of thin air proved harder than it seemed. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We had a huge list of possibilities,â&#x20AC;? she tells me, â&#x20AC;&#x153;but then began to question if we really wanted a rootless name.â&#x20AC;?

Likewise, my bird-loving husband rejected Sparrow (thanks, Johnny Depp), Crow, Finch and a host of other thematically linked choices. Of

course, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s always the option of combining syllables from both our last namesâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;a tactic that, for us, yielded Durman and Mandur, nearly as unsavory as anagramming our last names, which turned up such gems as Drumongrass and Drugransoms.

Nothing felt right. Until, like Nikki and C, we moved away from our fathersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; names entirely and considered our matrilineal heritage. Nikki and Câ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s decision to take his motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s maiden name, Chappelle, did initially incur some hurt feelings. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My husbandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s brothers were especially bothered,â&#x20AC;? says Nikki, â&#x20AC;&#x153;since they too were adopted, kept the name, and in turn passed it on to their sons. But, as time passed, they got over it, and now no one even bats an eye.â&#x20AC;?

It turns out that Michaelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s maiden name is Taylorâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;cute, unpretentious, easy to pronounce, virtually un-makefun-able, and, yes, very normal.

So far, this is the most promising lead on our ever-shortening quest.

Of course, picking the name was only half the battleâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;now weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got to make it official. Not only does this involve ďŹ ling a few innocuous forms with the county court clerk and attending a court hearing, but it also comes with a hefty $395 price tag. And, despite the fact that itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a wholly personal decision, we are required to publish an Order to Show Cause for Change of Name in a general circulation newspaper once a week for four consecutive weeksâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; so that anyone who opposes our decision has time to ďŹ le a written objection. If all goes smoothly, we could be the Taylors by the end of February, just in time for our Leap Day due date.

No matter what name we choose, ultimately our child will have to forge an identity all its own. And hey, given our example, should we be surprised when our 13-year-old decides to become Drum-on-grass Taylor someday?

stories fell ďŹ&#x201A;at at A.C.T.

Exeunt Five theatrical disappointments of 2011

BY DAVID TEMPLETON

T

he best thing about being a superior theater troupe is that, over the years, your patrons come to expect innovation, creativity, quality and excellenceâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;and word spreads.

The worst thing about being a superior theater troupe?

The very same thing, of course. Once high expectations are built, the easier it is to disappoint people.

Here are my top ďŹ ve theatrical disappointments of 2011. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Tales of the Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; (A.C.T.) Armistead Maupinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s celebrated chronicle of San Francisco in the 1970s is one of the best-loved books in the country. American Theater Conservatory is one of the ďŹ nest companies on the planet.

And Jeff Whitty (Avenue Q) is one of the funniest, sharpest playwrights working today. So how

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25

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NORTH BAY BOHEMIAN | DECEMBER 21â&#x20AC;&#x201C;27, 2011 | BOHEMIAN.COM

Stage

in the world did last Juneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s musical adaptation of Tales turn into such a clunky, amorphous misďŹ re? The show originally seemed on a sureďŹ re trajectory to Broadway.

The result, wildly inconsistent and mostly bland and uninvolved, was easily my biggest disappoint of the 2011 theatrical season. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Bellwetherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; (Marin Theatre Company) Some shows are a victim of their own good advertising.

Marin Theatre Companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bellwether,

by Steve Yockey, was promoted as a â&#x20AC;&#x153;fairy tale for adults,â&#x20AC;? with hinted-at promises of an Orphean odyssey to the underworld.

Fascinating in its conceptâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;a little girl disappears from her pictureperfect neighborhood, and all hell breaks looseâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;the play sounded so good. And in the end, it was only . . . interesting. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Ring of Fireâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; (Sixth Street Playhouse) After kick-starting a local trend with the superb Always . . . Patsy Cline and its energetic follow-up Hank Williams: Lost Highway, Sixth Street Playhouse stumbled with the incoherently scripted Johnny Cash tribute Ring of Fire. Though gamely performed by a talented cast, the show suffered in comparison to its much better predecessors. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Macbethâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; (Marin Shakespeare Company) Shakespeareâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s brilliant horror story, so rich with compelling characters, was reduced to a silly, mostly ridiculous cartoon, complete with bafflingly comical â&#x20AC;&#x153;spiritsâ&#x20AC;? rolling their eyes and making hilarious (not scary) faces as they popped up all over the stage. Some good acting was wasted on this goofy, misguided triďŹ&#x201A;e. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Kiteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bookâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; (Sixth Street Playhouse) Rewrite, rewrite, rewrite. After being seduced by promises of a rousing, swashbuckling romance, those are the words I found myself chanting silently as I watched Sixth Street Playhouseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not-ready-for-opening-night drama about highwaymen and corrupt politicians. Though writer Robert Caisley has some ďŹ ne ideas to explore here, the play needs much more work, and plenty of trimming, before itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ready to ride again.

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NORTH BAY BOHEMIAN | DECEMBER 21–27, 2011 | BOHEMIAN.COM

26

BY RICHARD VON BUSACK

T

he worst thing to be said about The Adventures of Tintin is that Andy Serkis’ voice isn’t quite what elder ex-kids associate with Captain Archibald Haddock. Paul Frees dubbed the voice of that bibulous captain when the French TV series of the 1950s came to the United States, and his saltwater baritone is distinctive in the memory with a catarrh-rich raspiness, a throat-clearing “arrrr,” possibly the result of too much exposure to fog or grog.

Apart from this quibble, everything is terrific. John Williams’ smallscale jazz theme accompanies Saul Bass–style silhouette animation of Hergé’s characters during the titles, then comes the motion-capture animation; justly maligned for its essential wigginess, the technique works here delightfully.

Jamie Bell voices the famed cub reporter with the frontal cowlick. At the flea market, Tintin purchases a model of the famous man-of-war of 1676, the HMS Unicorn. The purchase turns out to be hazardous.

Tintin’s wallet is pinched by a pickpocket, and he’s menaced by a needle-nosed Russian named Ivan Sakharine (Daniel Craig).

Soon, Tintin discovers a secret message inside the ship model, and the ball begins rolling. Tintin is knocked out and shanghaied aboard a rusty freighter. Haddock, Tintin and dog Snowy survive an openboat ordeal, a plane crash and a desert crossing. The seas get heavy, the sky is afire with lightning, trussed cannons slam across the decks.

The action comes to a carnival finale involving a trained falcon and an out-of-control motorcycle.

If Tintin as a character is undynamic, he’s at least the steadfast center of a world of peculiar men and uncanny adventure. Spielberg and producer Peter Jackson have made this holiday film much in the mood of the comics, and yet without stodginess. Suffused with antique charm, The Adventures of Tintin is also a really ripping yarn.

‘The Adventures of Tintin’ is in wide release.

Film capsules by Gary Brandt and Richard von Busack.

GOLDEN GOLD DEN GLOBE GLOB BE

The Adventures of Tintin (PG; 107 min.) Directed by Steven Spielberg (produced by Peter Jackson) and presented in not always glorious CG. But RVB liked it. See review, p26.

Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (R; 158 min.) David Fincher directs the English-language version of the hit 2009 Swedish film, based on the first in Stieg Larsson’s “Millennium series.”

Co-stars Daniel Craig and Rooney Mara, as Lisbeth. (GB)

Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol (R; 132 min.) More capers and treachery in the fourth installment of the spy franchise Tom Cruise rebooted 15 years ago. Brad Bird (The Incredibles) directs, his first live-action. (GB)

Shame (NC-17; 101 min.) The world of a young New Yorker with a sex addiction starts unraveling when his troubled younger sister moves in. At the Rafael Center and Summerfield Cinemas. (GB) Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (R; 127 min.) Big-screen version based on John le Carré’s 1974 novel stars Gary Oldman as George Smiley, British intelligence officer searching for a double agent in the organization’s top levels. With Colin Firth too! (GB) War Horse (PG-13; 146 min.) At the onset of World War I, a Devonshire boy’s horse is sold to the cavalry for the war effort, and shipped to the front in France. Based on British author Michael Morpurgo’s 1982 novel and directed by a busy Steven Spielberg. Opens Christmas Day. (GB)

We Bought a Zoo (PG; 123 min.) The memoir of Benjamin Mee, father and widower who finds his life radically changing after he buys a country estate—and, with it, a zoo— is brought to the screen by director and screenwriter Cameron Crowe (Jerry Maguire, Almost Famous). Stars Matt Damon and Scarlett Johansson. (GB)

ALSO PLAYING Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked (G; 87 min.)

Hawaiian shirts get digitized in this third installment of the Chipmunks franchise, when Alvin and co. find

Arthur Christmas (PG; 97 min.) Santa’s second son, Arthur, comes to the rescue when the Claus crew neglect to deliver a gift in this animated film from producers of Wallace & Gromit series. With the voices of Jim Broadbent, James McAvoy and Hugh Laurie. (GB)

The Descendants (R; 115 min.)

Matt King (George Clooney) is forced to reconnect with his kids after his wife suffers a boating accident in Hawaii. With Jody Greer, Matthew Lillard and Beau Bridges. (GB) Happy Feet Two (PG; 117 min.)

Elijah Wood, Pink, Robin Williams et al. provide the voices for Mumble and his family in the further adventures of . . . (GB)

Hugo (PG; 127 min.) Hugo, a young boy sent to live with his uncle who maintains the clocks at a railway station, searches for the missing part, the key to the heart, of the automaton his clockmaker father had found before his death. Directed by Martin Scorsese in an adaptation of Brian Selznick’s novel The Invention of Hugo Cabret. (GB)

J. Edgar (R; 137 min.) Clint Eastwood’s biopic takes on a halfcentury of histor. Leonardo DiCaprio plays J. Edgar Hoover, founder of the FBI. Protected from the world by his mother (Judi Dench) and his secretary (Naomi Watts), Hoover emerges for lunches, dinners and the racetrack with longtime companion Clyde Tolson (Armie Hammer). (RvB)

The Prince and the Showgirl in 1956 recounts his week spent with the bombshell while her husband Arthur Miller is out of town. Stars Michelle Williams as Marilyn. (GB)

New Year’s Eve (PG-13; 118 min.)

Like his previous film, Valentine’s Day, Garry Marshall’s latest depicts through a series of vignette’s the various states of the union of a group of couples in New York on New Year’s Eve. With Halle Berry, Robert De Niro, Abigail Breslin, Hilary Swank et al.

(GB)

Puss in Boots (PG; 90 min.)

Puss in Boots (based on the Shrek character) goes wrong where prequels usually do, by changing the nature of the characters we love in the name of fleshing them out. Naturally, though, there are some lovely sequences. Features the voices of Anotonio Banderas (as Puss), Salma Hayek, Zach Galifianakis and Billy Bob Thornton.

(RvB)

The Sitter (R; 82 min.) Comedy from David Gordon Green (Pineapple Express) stars Jonah Hill as a jobless underachiever roped into babysitting the scamps next door. Misadventure ensues. (GB) Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn, Part 1 (PG-13; 115 min.)

The Muppets (PG; 120 min.)

low-comedy franchise swiping the title from the late-’80s Brady Bunch reunion film. (GB)

106 min.) An assistant on the set of

NORTH BAY MOVIE TIMES

NOMINEE BEST ACTOR

MICHAEL MICH HAEL FASSBENDER FASSBENDER BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS

CAREY CA AREY MULLIGAN MULLIGAN

Ritchie directs the sequel to his 2009 hit, with Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law reprising their roles. Holmes’ archenemy Moriarty’s here, played by the excellent Jared Harris. Also stars Rachel McAdams and Stephen Fry. (GB)

The first part of the adaptation of Stephanie Meyer’s final book in her hugely popular Twilight series brings the gang back for Christmas.

The second part is due November 2012. (GB)

My Week with Marilyn (R;

CRIT CRITICS TICS S’ CHOICE AWARD AWARD

Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows (PG-13; 128 min.) Guy

Melancholia (R; 130 min.)

Doomsday, precipitated by a planet on a collision course with Earth, gets the Lars von Trier treatment in the maverick director’s latest. Co-stars Kirsten Dunst, Kiefer Sutherland and Charlotte Gainsbourg. At Summerfield Cinemas. (GB) The first Muppet movie in 12 years co-stars Amy Adams and Jason Segal (who also wrote the script), who must rally the Muppet gang to save Muppet Theater from the evil oil magnate (Chris Cooper). (GB)

BEEST ACTOR BEST M MICHAEL F A AS SSBENDER FASSBENDER DRAMA

NEW MOVIES

N O M I N E E

themselves on a desert island after too much partying on a cruise ship.

Good subtitle. With Jason Lee and David Cross. (GB)

SANTA RO ROSA OSA EXCLUSIVE ENG ENGAGEMENT GAGEMENT Summerfield Cinemas C 522-0330 0330 D 25 (707) 522STARTS SUNDAY ST TAR A TS SUNDA AY, DECEMBER

A Very Harold and Kumar Christmas (R; 90 min.) Yet another

Young Adult (R; 94 min.)

The director and screenwriter of Juno team up again for Young Adult, starring Charlize Theron as a children’s book writer coming unraveled. (NB)

SonomaMovieTimes.com | MarinMovieTimes.com | NapaMovieTimes.com

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27 NORTH BAY BOHEMIAN | DECEMBER 21–27, 2011 | BOHEMIAN.COM

Film

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Music

NORTH BAY BOHEMIAN | DECEMBER 21–27, 2011 | BOHEMIAN.COM

28

Concerts SONOMA COUNTY Day After Christmas Soul Funk Bash Sunday Gravy’s second annual event features danceable backbeats and winter coat drive. Dec 26, 7pm. Free.

Aubergine, 755 Petaluma Ave, Sebastopol. 707.829.2722.

Journey to the Center of Sonoma County Sound

We Have Something For Every Music Lover!

J Banjo J Fiddle J Mandolin J Bass 㾎 J Guitar J Saxophone J Clarinet J Flute J Drums J Percussion J Keyboards J Dulcimer J Celtic Harp 㾎 J Harmonica J Music Book 㾎

J Recorder J Pan Pipes J Rain Stick J Bamboo Flute J Kazoo J Tule J Bo J African 㾎 Drums J Nose Whistle 㾎 J Microphone J Headphones J Mallets J Sticks 㾎 J Picks J Harmonium

Instrument Sales & Rentals Repairs • Books How-to Videos & Lessons from REAL MUSICIANS!

Barley & Hops Tavern Fri, Jen Tucker. 3688 Bohemian Hwy, Occidental. 707.874.9037.

Gaia’s Garden Dec 21, Celtic Jam. Dec 22, Sally Haggard Showcase. Tues, Jim Adams. 1899 Mendocino Ave, Santa Rosa. 707.544.2491.

Hopmonk Sonoma Dec 23, Bobby Jo Valentine.

691 Broadway, Sonoma.

707.935.9100.

Hopmonk Tavern Dec 22, Random Rab and Juke Joint with Delphi Solstice Celebration. Dec 23, Ugly Christmas Sweater Party featuring live music by 8th Grader, Frankie Boots and Eli. Mon, Monday Night

Dec 21, Blue Merle. Dec 22, Greenhouse. Dec 23, David Thom Band. 1280 N McDowell Blvd, Petaluma. 707.778.8776.

Last Day Saloon Dec 23, Sweet Leaf annual X-Mas party with Seeds of Hate and Inner Edge. Wed, 7pm, North Bay Hootenanny’s Pick-Me-Up Revue.

120 Fifth St, Santa Rosa.

707.545.2343.

Main Street Station Dec 21, John Moreno. Dec 22-23, Susan Sutton. Dec 25, Kit Mariah’s Open No Mic Christmas Party. Dec 26, Willie Perez. Dec 27, Greg Hester and friends. 16280 Main St, Guerneville. 707.869.0501.

Mc T’s Bullpen Dec 22, Conrad Diehl Band.

16246 First St, Guerneville.

707.869.3377.

Murphy’s Irish Pub Dec 22, Dawn Angelosaunte and Tony Gibson. Dec 23, Gentlemen Soldiers. Wed, 7:30pm, trivia night. 464 First St E, Sonoma. 707.935.0660.

Seated, dinner version of holiday show with Paul Rogers, Austin de Lone, Tim Eschliman and Ken Jacobs of Rhythmtown-Jive, Greg Dewey and Blake Richardson. Dec 21, 8pm. Sausalito Cruising Club, 300 Napa St, Sausalito.

The Coverlettes

Just check this list: J Ukulele 㾎

Lagunitas Tap Room

Dec 22, Old Jawbone and special guests. Dec 23, Blend, Christmas Edition. Dec 26, Day After Christmas Soul Funk Bash (see Concerts).

755 Petaluma Ave, Sebastopol.

707.829.2722.

Dec 23, Sugar Foot. 2777 Fourth St, Santa Rosa. 707.545.8530.

Christmas Jug Band

People’s Music

Aubergine

Flamingo Lounge

MARIN COUNTY “The World’s Greatest Music Store”

Wed, Brainstorm.

6957 Sebastopol Ave, Sebastopol. 707.829.2062.

Saxophonist Dave Koz spreads a smooth-jazz Christmas with trumpeter and producer Rick Braun, Jonathan Butler and Candy Dulfer. Dec 22, 8pm. $39-$69. Wells Fargo Center, 50 Mark West Springs Rd, Santa Rosa. 707.546.3600.

Bring toys and cans for Christmas food drive and listen to Counter Culture, Inner Riddim, Ancient Mystic and Decoyz. Dec 23, 9pm. Transient Lounge, 400 Todd Rd, Santa Rosa. 707.583.9080.

Jasper O’Farrell’s

Jazz. 189 H St, Petaluma.

707.778.6060.

Dave Koz

Reggae & Ravioli

Edutainment. Tues, 7:30pm, Open mic night. 230 Petaluma Ave, Sebastopol. 707.829.7300.

J Gong J Bodhran 㾎 J Dumbek J Indian Drum J Rattle J Shaker J Tambourine J Shakeree J Mark 㾎 J Strings J Sheet Music 㾎 J Kalimba J Tuner 㾎 J Metronome J Slide J Hoytus

J Chris J Cowbell J Cleaner J Swabs J Autoharp J Cases J Jews Harp J Cords 㾎 J Straps J Shakers J Alastair J Reeds 㾎 J Eggs J Frogs 㾎 J Laughter J Pins J Oil J Charts 707-823-7664 J Expertise 122 N. Main St • Sebastopol 㾎 J Advice www.peoplesmusiconline.com J Ruth

Three gals with 1960s-style holiday show. Dec 21, 8pm.

142 Throckmorton Theatre, 142 Throckmorton, Mill Valley.

415.383.9600.

Tia Carroll Richmond blues/R&B powerhouse performs. Dec 24, 7:30pm. Servino Ristorante, 9 Main St, Tiburon.

415.435.2676.

Clubs & Venues SONOMA COUNTY Aqus Cafe

STILL SMOOTH Hometown rapper-turned-crooner

Dec 22, Hundred. Dec 23, Accordion Babes. Sun, Sunday

Eli plays the Ugly Christmas Sweater Party at the Hopmonk Tavern on Dec. 23. See Clubs, above.

Northwood Restaurant Thurs, 7pm,Thugz. 19400 Hwy 116, Monte Rio. 707.865.2454.

Dec 21, Sanctuary Lost, Dehlingers, Absolute Zero, Mirrors. Dec 23, Adobe Road, Thus the Buzz, Neal Carson/ Dallas Meyers Band.

201 Washington St, Petaluma.

707.762.3565.

The Rocks Bar & Lounge Dec 22, Counter Culture. Sat and Fri, Top 40 DJs hosted by DJ Stevie B. 146 Kentucky St, Petaluma. 707.782.0592.

Society: Culture House Wed, Gallery Wednesday, DJs and art curated by Jared Powell. Thurs, Sultry Salsa night. Fourth Friday of every month, Kaleidoscope. Live art and DJs. Sun, Rock â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;nâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Roll Sunday School. 528 Seventh St, Santa Rosa, No phone.

Toad in the Hole Pub Mon, Open mic with Phil the Security Guard. 116 Fifth St, Santa Rosa. 707.544.8623.

Tradewinds Dec 21, Tim Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Neal. Dec 22, Bobby Voltage and Floydian Slip. Thurs, DJ Dave.

8210 Old Redwood Hwy, Cotati. 707.795.7878.

Osteria Divino Dec 21, Duo Gadjo. Dec 22, Noam Lemish Trio. Dec 23, Ken Cook Trio. Dec 24, Vernon Bush Choir. Dec 27, Norris Clement.

27 Caledonia St, Sausalito.

Periâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Silver Dollar Dec 21, Whiskey Pills Fiasco. Dec 22, Markâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Jam Sandwich. Dec 23, Jon Korty and friends. Dec 24, Gabe Diamond Trio. Mon, acoustic open mic. Dec 27, Agents of Change. 29 Broadway, Fairfax.

415.459.9910.

Rancho Nicasio Dec 23, Rancho Allstars featuring Allegra. Dec 24, gospel Christmas Eve dinner show with Kingdom Travelers.

Town Square, Nicasio. 415.662.2219.

Sausalito Seahorse Dec 21, Marcelo and Seth. Dec 22, Liza Silva y Voz do Brasil.

Dec 23, Lumanation. 305 Harbor View Dr, Sausalito.

Servino Ristorante Dec 22, Lori Carsillo. Dec 24, Tia Carroll. 9 Main St, Tiburon.

415.435.2676.

Sleeping Lady Dec 21, Biambuâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Groove Room Jam. Dec 22, Tony Furtado and

Stephanie Schneiderman.

Dec 23, Don Gallardo and friends. Dec 27, Tommy Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Mahoney Trio. 23 Broadway, Fairfax. 415.485.1182.

Southern Pacific Smokehouse Dec 22, Beautiful Losers. Wed, Philip Claypool and friends.

224 Vintage Way, Novato.

415.899.9600.

NAPA COUNTY Calistoga Inn Wed, open mic. Thurs, Reggae DJ night. Fri, Old-school DJ night. Sat, DJ night.

1250 Lincoln Ave, Calistoga.

707.942.4101.

Downtown Joeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Dec 23, Levi Lloyd & the 501 Band. 902 Main St, Napa.

707.258.2337.

Siloâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Dec 21, Jef Madnick. Dec 23, Tim Hockenberry. Dec 24, Wesla Whitfield and Mike Greensill.

Wed, 7pm, Jam session.

530 Main St, Napa. 707.251.5833.

Uva Trattoria Dec 22, Dan and Margarita.

Dec 23, Jack Pollard and Dan Daniels. Wed, Gentlemen of Jazz. 1040 Clinton St, Napa.

707.255.6646.

29 ALL DOOR TIMES 9PM

Best Music Venue / Best Place for Singles to Meet THUR ) DEC 22 ) 9PM ) NO COVER

JEREMY KNUDSEN PRESENTS 4TH THURSDAY HIP-HOP NIGHT FRI ) DEC 23 ) 9PM ) $10

REGGAE XMAS BASH WITH

HYAH SLYCE PLUS SPECIAL GUEST

SAT ) DEC 24) 10PM ) $5

CARIBBEAN HAITIAN NIGHT WITH MAC MARLEY, MYSTIC MAN & LAKAY

FRI ) DEC 30 ) 9PM ) $10

Dec 21, the Coverlettes (see Concerts). 142 Throckmorton, Mill Valley. 415.383.9600.

Georgeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Nightclub Dec 23, Eddie Neon Christmas Blues Blowout with special guests. 842 Fourth St, San Rafael. 415.226.0262.

Iron Springs Pub & Brewery Dec 24, Cozy Winter Music Series with Slowpoke-a Jack Pribble. 765 Center Blvd, Fairfax. 415.485.1005.

19 Broadway Club Dec 21, Buddy Owen and Rayner Brock. Dec 23, Miles Schon and Lara Johnston.

Dec 24, CaribbeanHaitian Night with Mac Marley, Mystic Man and Lakay. Dec 25, Erika Alstrom with Dale Alstromâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

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TOMMY CASTRO BAND PLUS DAVID JACOB-STRAIN THUR 1/12 â&#x20AC;˘ 7:30PM DOORS â&#x20AC;˘ $21 ADV/$24 DOS â&#x20AC;˘ 21+ WORLD/REGGAE

BACKYARD BOOGIE TOUR 2012

J BOOG FRI 1/20 â&#x20AC;˘ 7:30PM DOORS â&#x20AC;˘ $24 ADV/$26 DOS â&#x20AC;˘ 21+ AMERICAN SURFROCK

DICK DALE JIMMY DALE ON DRUMS PLUS THE PYRONAUTS SUN 1/22 â&#x20AC;˘ 7:30PM DOORS â&#x20AC;˘ $23 ADV/$25 DOS â&#x20AC;˘ 21+ ACOUSTIC/FUNK/ROCK

Wells Fargo Center

142 Throckmorton

Breakfast â&#x20AC;˘ Lunch â&#x20AC;˘ Dinner BBQ â&#x20AC;˘ Pasta â&#x20AC;˘ Steak

SAT 12/31 â&#x20AC;˘ 8:00PM DOORS â&#x20AC;˘ $51 ADV/$56 DOS â&#x20AC;˘ 21+ BLUES

Dec 23, Christmas toy and can food drive reggae show. Thurs, Reggae Night. 400 Todd Rd, Santa Rosa. 707.583.9080.

MARIN COUNTY

McNearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Dining House

SWAMP THANG FIVER BROWN

Transient Lounge

Dec 22, Dave Koz and Friends Christmas (see Concerts).

50 Mark West Springs Rd, Santa Rosa. 707.546.3600.

DONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T FORGETâ&#x20AC;ŚWE SERVE FOOD TOO!

San Franciscoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s City Guide

Brian McKnight Multimillion-selling singer and producer sits in for a holiday show at the jazz club. Dec 21-23 at Yoshiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s SF.

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FRI 1/27 â&#x20AC;˘ 7:30PM DOORS â&#x20AC;˘ $26 â&#x20AC;˘ 21+ BLUES/FOLK/JAM

Hanin Elias

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MELVIN SEALS & JGB

Alec Empireâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s token super-vixen from Atari Teenage Riot strikes out on her own. Dec 22 at Hemlock Tavern.

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SAT 1/28 â&#x20AC;˘ 7:30PM DOORS â&#x20AC;˘ $13 ADV/$15 DOS â&#x20AC;˘ 18+ SUBLIME TRIBUTE BAND

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PLUS BOBBY JO VALENTINE

Dan the Automator Architect of Dr. Octagon, Deltron 3030 and Gorillaz plays DJ set at Holiday Ball. Dec 22 at Rickshaw Stop.

Plastic Fauxno Band Over two hours of John Lennon hits from tribute band.

Dec 23 at Great American Music Hall.

Tony! Toni! TonĂŠ Without Raphael Saadiq, Oaklandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s R&B heroes soldier on in style. Dec 23-24 at Yoshiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Oakland.

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More San Francisco events by subscribing to the email letter at www.sfstation.com.

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WED 2/1 â&#x20AC;˘ 7:00PM DOORS â&#x20AC;˘ $16 â&#x20AC;˘ 21+ FOLK/AMERICANA

THE WOOD BROTHERS PLUS SARAH AND

CHRISTIAN DUGAS No Children Under 10 Allowed For All Ages Shows

23 Petaluma Blvd, Petaluma

707-765-2121 www.mcnears.com

NORTH BAY BOHEMIAN | DECEMBER 21â&#x20AC;&#x201C;27, 2011 | BOHEMIAN.COM

Phoenix Theater

Jazz Society. 19 Broadway, Fairfax. 415.459.1091.

NORTH BAY BOHEMIAN | DECEMBER 21–27, 2011 | BOHEMIAN.COM

30

!

W O N E T VO

Best Pizza?...No Contest! Best Cartoon?...Now that’s another Story!

Music

AS Z Z !!

I S P A S O’ TM YEARS B M IS W MO HRFTER NE Win

TH H C O B UG O HR

A One hundred dollars ED C or UN O AT One hundred NN A S ERSlices!

T INN W

LAST LIVING ROSE PJ Harvey’s record takes getting used to; then, love ensues.

Go to our web site for THE details!

www.mombospizza.com The LOUNGE SUGARFOOT

FRI DEC 23 & FRI DEC 30 GREAT DANCE

SAT , DEC 24 CHRISTMAS EVE, NO BAND SUN DEC 25

CHRISTMAS BUFFET

IN THE TERRACE GRILLE, 12PM–4PM $ 27 95 adult, $1295 kids, kids 4 and under free

BUFFET RESERVATIONS: 707.523.4745

SAT DEC 31

Wed, Dec 21 8:45–9:45am Jazzercise 10am–12:15pm Scottish Country Dance Youth & Family 5:45–6:45pm Jazzercise 7–10pm Singles & Pairs Square Dance Club

NEW YEAR’S EVE

Thur, Dec 22 8:45–9:45am Jazzercise 5:45–6:45pm Jazzercise

ELECTRIC AVENUE

Fri, Dec 23

PARTY!

CALL: 707.545.8530 EXT “0”

CHECK US OUT ONLINE: BARSPACE.T V

SIX NIGHTS A WEEK OF LIVE ENTERTAINMENT $5 FRIDAYS / $10 SATURDAYS

Happy Hour Mon-Fri 4–6pm $ 4 ~ Single Liquor Well Drinks, Draft Beer, House Wine -> Ã>Ê-Õ `>ÞÃÊn« ÊUÊ >À> iÊ7i`ÊEÊ/ ÕÀÊ « q£Ó> 7iÃÌÊ >ÃÌÊ-Ü }Ê/ÕiÃÊn« } «

8:45–9:45am Jazzercise

Sat, Dec 24 8–9am Jazzercise 9:15–10:15am Jazzercise Mon, Dec 26 8:45–9:45am Jazzercise 5:45–6:45pm Jazzercise 7–10pm Scottish Country Dancing Tues, Dec 27 8:45–9:45am Jazzercise 5:45–6:45pm Jazzercise 7:30–9pm African and World Music Dance

SANTA S ANTA ROSA’S RO SA’S FAVORITE FAVO R ITE RESORT, R ESO RT, S SONOMA O NOMA C COUNTY’S O U NT Y ’ S B BEST E ST V VALUE A LU E

Santa Rosa’s Social Hall since 1922

70 7- 5 4 5 707-54 5-853 - 8 5 3 0 eexx tt.. 7 727 27 www.FlamingoResort.com w w w.Flamin g oResor t.c o m

1400 W. College Avenue • Santa Rosa, CA 707.539.5507 • www.monroe-hall.com

Cruel Nature

Why PJ Harvey’s ‘Let England Shake’ is the best album of 2011

BY LEILANI CLARK

I

t took about 10 listens until I was ready to love PJ Harvey’s eighth studio album, Let England Shake.

At first, the record seemed excessively peculiar, verging on irritating. Harvey’s voice swings like a pendulum, nearly childlike at times, then soars up into high-pitched, controlled wails.

Coupled with off-kilter rhythms, this was off-putting. The album was like an aching tooth—but I couldn’t stop returning to poke at it, listening to one song, and then another, rarely making it through the entirety, not yet grasping that I was peering into the belly of a masterpiece.

But like a many-storied old structure, it’s all about finding a

way to crawl through a cracked window, to enter into the glorious, cob-webbed histories held in its deeps. Let England Shake offers rewards for persistence; though it’s tempting to walk away, doing so eliminates the chance of basking in the glimmering moments, the autoharps and the saxophones, the rousing, folkinspired chants that get the blood pumping. All of this is present, along with poetic tales of war and terror; an unflinching exploration of war, nationalism, death and transition; and the staring into the abyss that comes with living in a complicated, violent, frenzied, swollen world.

“The West’s asleep, let England shake, weighted down with silent dead,” sings Harvey, on the album’s title track—and with that, the lyrical floodgates open, allowing a flood of chilling images. On “The Words that Maketh Murder,” Harvey sings of soldiers falling like lumps of meat, of quivering flesh and flies swarming “everyone,” all told from the perspective of a returning soldier plagued by images of death and destruction. “I’ve seen and done things I want to forget,” he says, ending with a repeated refrain taken verbatim from Eddie Cochran’s “Summertime Blues.”

The day after she won her second Mercury Prize, for Let England Shake, this past November, Harvey told the Guardian that the album’s origins, in part, arose from her own sense of impotence in the face of horrific events that happen across the world on a daily basis.

If the role of the artist is to absorb human nature in its darkest form and regenerate the soils of life into something altogether new, illuminating, emotional and quite possibly beautiful, than Harvey has flown above and beyond the call of duty. She’s produced a work of art to stand the test of time, reminding the listener of our particular place in history and our responsibility to bear witness, and not to forget.

Galleries SONOMA COUNTY Arts Guild of Sonoma Through Jan 1, “Holiday Invitational and Member’s Show.” 140 E Napa St, Sonoma.

Wed-Thurs and Sun-Mon, 11 to 5; Fri-Sat, 11 to 8. 707.996.7648.

Buddha’s Palm Tattoo Gallery Through Jan 6, “Down the Rabbit Hole,” with works by Ricky Watts. 313 Main St, Sebastopol. Tues-Wed and FriSat, noon to 8; Sun, noon to 4.

707.829.7256.

Charles M Schulz Museum Through Jan 29, “The Flipside of Schulz’s Art: More Than Peanuts,” original drawings by Charles Schulz. $5-$8. Through Apr 2, “Hit the Road, Snoopy!” featuring the beagle’s most famous road trips. 2301 Hardies Lane, Santa Rosa.

Mon-Fri, noon to 5; Sat-Sun, 10 to 5. 707.579.4452.

City Hall Council Chambers Through Dec 23, oil paintings

by Mark Jacobson. 100 Santa Rosa Ave, Ste 10, Santa Rosa.

707.543.3010.

Finley Community Center Through Dec 22, Intertwined Artists Group show on mirrored objects. 2060 W College Avenue, Santa Rosa. Mon-Fri, 8 to 7; Sat, 9 to 1. 707.543.3737.

Gaia’s Garden Through Dec 23, Caren Catterall, fine art intaglio prints.

1899 Mendocino Ave, Santa Rosa. Lunch and dinner, MonSat. 707.544.2491.

Gallery of Sea & Heaven

Hammerfriar Gallery Through Feb 2, “Group Show,” with new works by Andre Cisernos-Galido, Jerry Cohen and others. 132 Mill St, Ste 101, Healdsburg. Tues-Fri, 10 to 6.

Sat, 10 to 5. 707.473.9600.

Institute of Noetic Sciences Through Jan 12, “Errant Horizons,” an exhibition of paintings by Catherine J Richardson sponsored by Lucid Art Foundation.

101 San Antonio Rd, Petaluma.

415.669.7585.

Llewellyn Current show features bronze figurative sculpture by Bruce Wolfe; also, paintings by William O’Keefe, William Cutler and Sandra Oseguera.

6525-A First St, Forestville.

707.887.2373.

Local Color Gallery Through Dec 31, “Celebration” with small paintings and holiday gifts by gallery artists.

1580 Eastshore Rd, Bodega Bay. Daily, 10 to 5. Closed Wednesdays. 707.875.2744.

Occidental Center for the Arts Through Jan 7, “Inside/Out Gallery Show” with various artists. Graton Road and Bohemian Highway, Occidental.

Oddfellows Lodge Through Dec 28, “The Lesters Store,” curated arts, antiques and design pop-up store.

21021 Geyserville Ave, Geyserville. 415.572.8232.

Pelican Art Through Jan 7, “Small Works” with various artists. 143 Petaluma Blvd N, Petaluma.

Open Tues-Thurs and Sat, 11 to 6; Fri, 11 to 8; SunMon by appointment only.

707.773.3393.

Petaluma Mail Depot

Through Dec 31, “Make Yourself at Home,” exhibit of unusual home and garden accessories.

312 South A St, Santa Rosa.

Wed-Sat, noon to 5 and by appointment. 707.578.9123.

Through Jan 10, “The Year in Review,” featuring portraits by Murray Rockowitz. 40 Fourth St, Petaluma. 707.762.8150.

Graton Gallery

Through Jan 1, “Esse Quam Videri,” with Harley. 6671 Front St, Forestville. Thurs-Mon, 11 to 6. 707.887.0799.

Through Jan 16, “A Picture Is Worth 500 Words (or Less),” watercolors by Sally Baker paired with poetry and prose.

9048 Graton Rd, Graton. TuesSun, 10:30 to 6. 707.829.8912.

Quicksilver Mine Company

RiskPress Gallery Through Dec 29, sculptures by Stephen Fitz-Gerald.

Reservations Advised

DIN N E R & A SHOW

7345 Healdsburg Ave, Sebastopol. No phone.

T HE R ANCHO ALLSTARS Dec 23 FEATURING ALLEGRA Fri

Riverfront Art Gallery Through Jan 8, “Weaver’s Dream,” featuring paintings and scarves by Karen Spratt.

Through Jan 8, “Patagonia and Atacama Desert,” with photographs by Lance Kuehne.

132 Petaluma Blvd N, Petaluma.

Wed, Thurs and Sun, 11 to 6. FriSat, 11 to 8. 707.775.4ART.

Russian River Resort Through Dec 31, Solo showing of Mark Lifvendahl’s paintings.

16390 Fourth St, Guerneville.

707.869.0691.

Sat

Dec 24

Great Dance Music 8:30pm O UR 5TH A NNUAL GOSPEL C HRISTMAS EVE DINNER SHOW

T HE KINGDOM T RAVELERS

7:00pm

A L L YO U C A N E AT C R AB F E E D W EE K E N DS

Dec 23–24 & 30–31

(RESERVATIONS REQUIRED)

Fri

Dec 30

FAUX NEW Y EAR’S EVE

Sat

THEIR 9TH ANNUAL NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY!

BUTCH WHACKS AND THE GLASS PACKS

Party Favors, Champagne Toast 8:30pm

Dec 31 THE ZYDECO FLAMES Party Favors, Champagne Toast 9:00pm

Sebastopol Center for the Arts Through Dec 31, “Annual Members Show,” featuring works by current SCA members in various media. 6780 Depot St, Sebastopol. Tues-Fri, 10 to 4; Sat, 1 to 4. 707.829.4797.

Sonoma County Museum

Coming in January

JAN 6: JAN 7: JAN 8: JAN 14: JAN 15: JAN 27:

MIRACLE MULE RUBBER SOULDIERS THE OFFSHOOTS STOMPY JONES HOUSTON JONES JEB BRADY ’S BAND 415.662.2219

Through Jan 22, “Singgalot,” Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition on history of Filipino Immigrants in America. Through Feb 5, “Customized: The Art and History of the Bicycle,” with bicycle innovations, art bikes, regional history and more.

425 Seventh St, Santa Rosa.

Tues-Sun, 11 to 4. 707.579.1500.

Sonoma Valley Museum of Art Through Jan 1, “Sonido Pirata,” curated exhibit dealing with the phenomenon of pirated music. Free-$8. 551 Broadway, Sonoma. Wed-Sun, 11 to 5.

707.939.7862.

On the Town Square, Nicasio www.ranchonicasio.com

T THUR HUR –DEC –DEC 22 22 W WEEKLY EEKLY E EVENT VENT JJUKE UKE JOINT J O I NT

GHETTO G HET TO FFUNK/BOOGIE U N K / B O O GI E B BREAKS/GYPSY R E A K S / GY P S Y D DOODLE O O D LE

RANDOM R ANDOM RAB RAB B ((SOLSTICE SOLSTICE CELEBRATION) CELEBRAT TION )

+ DELPHI DELPHI (GODDESS (GODDESS ALCHEMY ALCHEMY P PROJECT) ROJECT) YE YEKRALAM KRALAM $15/ $ 15/ D DOORS OORS 10PM/21+ 10PM /21+

FRI F RI – D DEC EC 23 23

BOOZE B OOZE P PIRATE IR ATE P PRESENTS R E SE NT S ALT/INDIE/ROCK A LT/ INDIEE/ ROCK

7TH 7 TH ANNUAL ANNUAL

UGLY U GLY XMAS XMAS S SWEATER WEATER PA RTY PARTY

+8 8TH TH G GRADER, RADER, FR FRANKIE ANKIE B BOOTS. OOTS. ELI ELI $10/DOORS $ 10 / DOORS 8 8:30PM/21+ : 30PM /21+

MON M ON – DEC DEC 26 26

WEEKLY W EEKLY EVENT EVE VENT WBLK W BLK D DANCEHALL ANCEHALL MASSIVE MASSIVE P PRESENTS R E SE NT S

MONDAY M ONDAY N NIGHT IGHT EEDUTAINMENT DUT TAINMENT WBLK W BLK & S SPECIAL PECIAL G GUEST U E ST

DJJ S D SMOKY MOKY

$3 R $3 RED ED S STRIPES T R I PE S A ALL LL NIGHT N I G HT $$5/LADIES 5/ LADIES FREE FREE B4 B4 11PM/DOORS 11PM / DOORS 10PM/21+ 10PM /21+

TUES T UES –DEC –DEC 27 27

WEEKLY W EEK EKLY E EVENT VENT BILL B ILL DECARLI DECARLI PRESENTS PR E S E N T S ANYTHING A NY THING GOES GO E S

OPEN O PEN MIC MIC NIGHT NIGHT

FFREE/DOORS R EE / D O O R S 7 7PM/ALL PM /ALL AGES–10PM AGES–10PM

WED W ED – DEC DEC 28

HOPMONK H OPMONK PRESENTS PR E S E N T S SSTAND TAND UP UP COMEDY COMEDY

THE T HE BIG BIG FFAT AT Y YEAR EAR EEND ND KISS KISS OFF OFF COMEDY COMEDY SHOW SHOW XIX XIX

TAP ROOM

& Beer Sanctuary Listen to Live Local Music while you knock back a frosty beer & a sandwich in the Tap Room

WILL W ILL DURST, DURST, JOHNNY JOHNNY STEELE, STEELE, D DEBI EBI DURST DURST A AND ND MICHAEL MICHAEL BOSSIER, BOSSIER, M MARI ARI MAGALONI MAGALONI & ARTHUR ARTHUR GAUS GAUS $$20/DOORS 20 / DOORS 7:30PM/18+ 7: 30PM /18 +

THUR T HUR –DEC –DEC 29 29 W WEEKLY EEKLY E EVENT VENT VE JJUKE UKE JOINT J O I NT BURLESQUE/CABARET/VARIETY BUR LESQUE/ CABARET/ VARIET Y

THE T HE E ELLUSION LLUSION B BELLY ELLY D ANCE TRO UPE DANCE TROUPE

$3 $ 3H HAMMS…CAUSE AMMS…CAUSE WE WE GET GET HAMMY! H A M MY ! $8/DOORS $ 8 / DOORS 1 10PM/21+ 0PM /21+

F FRI RI – D DEC EC 30 30

Steele Lane Community Center

OPPOSING O PP O S I N G M MEDIA E D IA P PRESENTS R ESE NT S SSTAND TAND UP UP COMEDY COMEDY

Through Dec 22, paintings

by Mary Louise Anderson.

415 Steele Lane, Santa Rosa.

Mon-Thurs, 8 to 7; Fri, 8 to 5.

707.543.3282.

XMAS XMA S OPPOSING OPPOSING M MEDIA EDIA R RIFF IFF + ADAM ADAM A ARAGON, RAGON, S STEVE TEVE THOMAS/JOE THOMAS/JOE K KROL ROL FFREE/DOORS REE/ DOORS 7PM/18+ 7PM /18 +

Tin Barn Vineyards Through Dec 31, “Thanks Any/Way: A Photographic Exploration of Gratitude.”

21692 Eighth Street East, Ste 340, Sonoma.

707.938.5430.

Come see us!

Wed–Fri, 2–9 Sat & Sun, 11:30–8

Brewery Tours Daily at 3!

Towers Gallery Through Dec 31, “Nouveau Holiday,” featuring various artists. 240 N Cloverdale Blvd, Ste 2, Cloverdale.

707.894.4331. )

32

1280 N McDowell, Petaluma 707.769.4495

w w w.L AGU N ITAS.com

SAT S AT – DEC DEC 31 31

HOPMONK H OPMONK PRESENTS PR E S E N T S

FFOLK/BLUEGRASS/COUNTRY OLK / BLUEGRASS/ COUNTRY

NYE C CELEBRATION ELEBRATION

POOR P OOR MAN’S MAN’S WHISKY WHISKY Y + DAVID DAVID LUNING LUNING

$30/DOORS8:30PM/21+ $3 0 / DOORS8 : 30PM /21+

NORTH BAY BOHEMIAN | DECEMBER 21–27, 2011 | BOHEMIAN.COM

Arts Events

31

Lunch & Dinner Sat & Sun Brunch

NORTH BAY BOHEMIAN | DECEMBER 21–27, 2011 | BOHEMIAN.COM

32 Arts Events MARIN COUNTY Elsewhere Gallery Through Dec 31, “Wearable Art,” featuring the fine art jewelry of five local artists.

1828 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Fairfax. Daily, 11 to 6.

415.526.2855.

Gallery Bergelli Through Jan 31, “Winter Group Show,” featuring works by gallery artists Bryn Craig, Willam DeBilzan and others.

483 Magnolia Ave, Larkspur.

415.945.9454.

Marin Arts Council Gallery Through Dec 31, “Winter Show 2011,” featuring the artwork of Alma Isabel de la Melena Cox, Ami Diallo and others.

906 Fourth St, San Rafael.

Marin MOCA Through Jan 15, “Agent of Change” featuring work of late Bay Area sculptor and activist Mary Tuthill Lindheim. Novato Arts Center, Hamilton Field, 500 Palm Dr, Novato. Wed-Sun, 11 to 4. 415.899.8200.

O’Hanlon Center for the Arts Through Dec 29, “Animalia Spirit,”with totems and shamanistic emblems juried by Diana Marto. 616 Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley. Tues-Sat, 10 to 2; also by appointment.

415.388.4331.

Painters Place Through Jan 14, “Painters Place,” paintings by Christin Coy and Richard Lindenberg.

1139 Magnolia Ave, Larkspur.

415.461.0351.

Red Barn Gallery Through Jan 6, “Grounded: A California Indian Life,” art by Miwok/Pomo artist Kathleen Rose Smith. 1 Bear Valley Rd, Pt Reyes Station. 415.464.5125.

Seager Gray Gallery Through Jan 14, “New Paintings,” featuring the work of Leslie Allen. 23 Sunnyside Ave, Mill Valley. Tues-Sat, 11 to 6, Friday-Saturday 11 to 7,.

Sunday 12 to 5. 415.384.8288.

NAPA COUNTY Di Rosa Through Feb 11, “Looking at You Looking at Me,” featuring the photography, video and other media selected from the di Rosa collection by curator Robert Wuilfe. 5200 Carneros Hwy, Napa. Wed-Fri, 9:30 to

( 31 3. Sat, by appointment only.

707.226.5991.

Downtown Napa Through April 2013, “Momentum: Art that Moves (Us),” second annual interactive public art exhibition ARTwalk. Free. First Street and Town Center, Napa.

707.257.2117.

Napa Valley Museum Through Jan 30, “Napa Valley: The People and the Landscapes,” featuring the photographs of Vi Bottaro. An evening with Bottaro, Jan 20 at 5:30. 55 Presidents Circle, Yountville. Wed-Mon, 10 to 5.

707.944.0500.

Comedy Dakaboom Former local boys Ben McLain and Paul Peglar come screaming back from the bowels of Hollywood for thirdannual comedy show. Dec 26 at 5pm and 8pm; Dec 27 at 7:30pm. $12. Kenwood Depot, 8910 Sonoma Hwy, Kenwood.

707.833.5155.

142 Throckmorton Theatre Tues at 8, Tuesday Evening Comedy Mark Pitta hosts ongoing evenings with established comics and up-and-comers. $15-$20.

142 Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley. 415.383.9600.

Events A Charlie Brown Christmas with David Benoit Holiday favorites and Vince Guaraldi-penned Peanuts classics. Thu, Dec 22, 8pm. $30-$35. Napa Valley Opera House, 1030 Main St, Napa.

707.226.7372.

Field Trips Healdsburg Walking Tours Take insider’s peek around town. All walks are easy and last 90 to 120 minutes. Daily at 9, history tour; at 11, specialty

foods sampler; at 2, chocolate; at 4, burritos; at 8, ghost tour.

Meet at fountain at downtown plaza. Reservations required.

Ongoing. $20-$30. Downtown Plaza, Healdsburg Avenue and Matheson Street, Healdsburg.

707.484.6249.

Sonoma County Frontrunners LGBTQ folks are invited to get some fresh air and exercise at Spring Lake. All ability levels and genders are welcome to run or walk every Sat at 8:30.

Meet at main parking lot. Sat, 8:30am. Free. Howarth Park, 630 Summerfield Rd, Santa Rosa. 707.548.5249.

Film Vintage Film Series Through December, classic films on the big screen. Dec 21 at 1, “A Christmas Carol.”

Through Dec 21. Sebastiani Theatre, 476 First St E, Sonoma.

707.996.9756.

Food & Drink Civic Center Farmers Market

SANTA-BOOM Ben McLain and Paul Peglar bring their comedy duo Dakaboom to the Kenwood Depot on Dec. 26–27. See Comedy, adjacent.

Sun at 10am, “Eat Local 101” provides walking tour with information, cooking advice and ideas inspired by locally grown foods. Thu, 8am-1pm and Sun, 8am-1pm. Marin Civic Center, 3501 Civic Center Dr, San Rafael. 800.897.3276.

Cellars, 1119 State Lane, Yountville. 707.944.1986.

Corte Madera Farmers Market Wed, noon-5pm. Town Center, Tamalpais Drive, Corte Madera.

415.382.7846.

French Garden Farm Market Enjoy produce from restaurant’s farm, along with freshly baked breads and pastries from their kitchen.

Every Sun, 10 to 2. Free. French Garden, 8050 Bodega Ave, Sebastopol. 707.824.2030.

Friday Night Bites Interactive classes with tastes every Fri at 6. $75. Fri. Cavallo Point, 601 Murray Circle, Fort Baker, Sausalito.

888.651.2003.

Goosecross Cellars Enjoy themed food and wine pairings Tues-Wed, noon to 3. $10. Tue-Wed. Goosecross

Healdsburg Farmers Market Sat, 9am-12pm. Healdsburg Farmers Market, North and Vine streets, Healdsburg.

707.431.1956.

Indian Valley Farmers Market Organic farm and garden produce stand every Wed, 10 to 3. Bring your own bag. Wed. College of Marin, Indian Valley Campus, 1800 Ignacio Blvd, Novato. 415.454.4554.

Santa Rosa Farmers Markets Oakmont Drive and White Oak, Santa Rosa. 707.538.7023. Sat, 9am-12pm. Veterans Memorial Building, 1351 Maple Ave, Santa Rosa. 707.522.8629.

Sonoma Farmers Market Depot Park, First St W, Sonoma.

Fri, 9am-12pm. Sonoma Plaza, First St E, Sonoma.

707.538.7023.

SRJC Culinary Arts Fundraiser SRJC program celebrates upcoming move from Seventh Street to Mendocino Avenue by holding a fundraiser of food, wine and holiday cheer. Wed, Dec 21, 12pm. $25. SRJC Culinary Arts Cafe & Bakery, 458 B St (in the Brickyard Center), Santa Rosa.

707.576.0279.

Tasting at Tam Wed at 6, women’s wine club. $15. Wed. Tam Cellars, 1803 Larkspur Landing Circle, Larkspur. 415.461.9463.

Wine & Cheese Tasting Sample decadent flight of four wines paired with four specially chosen Sonoma County artisan cheeses. Every Sat-Sun at 11, 1 and 3. Sat-Sun. $20-$25. BR Cohn Winery, 15140 Sonoma Hwy (Highway 12), Glen Ellen. 707.931.7924, ext 123.

Wine Spectrum Wed at 5, wine and cheese

pairing. Thurs, 5 to 8, singles night. Ongoing. Wine Spectrum, 123 Fourth St, Santa Rosa.

707.636.1064.

Winemaker Nights Thurs, 6 to 9, taste new releases and meet the makers.

Thu, 6-9pm. Stave Wine Lounge, 1149 First St, Napa.

707.259.5411.

For Kids Bay Area Discovery Museum Ongoing, “Animal Secrets.”

Hands-on art, science and theater camps, art studio, tot spot and lookout cove adventure area. Wed-Thurs at 10 and 11, music with Miss Kitty. $5-$6. Fri at 11, aquarium feeding. Ongoing.

Admission: $8-$10. Bay Area Discovery Museum, Fort Baker, 557 McReynolds Rd, Sausalito. ) 415.339.3900.

34

33 NO RTH BAY BO H E M I AN | D EC E M BE R 21-27, 201 1 | BOH E MI A N.COM

Tired of the Drive?

Take a Break from Your Kitchen

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34 Arts Events Calistoga Library Storytime with “Library Grandparent,” Mon and Thurs at 2:30. Bilingual storytime for ages three and up, second and fourth Wed at 10:30. Ongoing.

Free. Calistoga Library, 1108 Myrtle St, Calistoga.

707.942.4833.

Central Library Babytime, Tues at 10:15.

Storytime for toddlers, Tues at 11. Preschool storytime, Fri at 11. Tue-Fri. Free. Central Library, Third and E streets, Santa Rosa.

707.545.0831.

Chops Teen Club Hang-out spot for Santa Rosa teens ages 12 to 20 offers art studio and class, open gym, tech lounge, cafe, recording studio and film club. Hours for high schoolers: MonThurs, 3 to 9; Fri, 3 to 11; Sat and school holidays, noon to 11. For middle school kids: Mon-Fri, 3 to 7; Sat and school holidays, noon to 7. Film club meets Tues at 4. Ongoing.

Membership, $5-$10 per year. Chops Teen Club, 509 Adams St, Santa Rosa.

707.284.2467.

Free Children’s Kwanzaa Celebration Free admission to museum and special performances by African Roots of Jazz, with E.W. Wainwright, at 11am and 1pm.

Dec 26, 9am to 4pm. Bay Area Discovery Museum, Fort Baker, 557 McReynolds Rd, Sausalito.

415.339.3900.

( 32

Readings Coffee Catz Fourth Thursday of every month, 6pm Sebastopol Great Books discussion group 707.829.5643.

6761 Sebastopol Ave, Sebastopol.

Habitat Books Third Wednesday of every month, 6:30pm poetry reading series $5 donation.

205 Second St, Sausalito.

415.331.3344.

Northpoint Coffee House Third Wednesday of every month, 7pm Sunset Poetry by the Sea open mic and readings 1250 Bridgeway, Sausalito.

415.331.0777.

Point Reyes Books Fourth Monday of every month Spanish book group 11315 Hwy 1, Pt Reyes Station.

415.663.1542.

Theater A Christmas Carol Dickens classic reenacted.

Dec 22-23, 8pm and Sat, Dec 24, 3pm. $18-$20.

142 Throckmorton Theatre, 142 Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley. 415.383.9600.

Holidays Chanukah & Festival of Lights Interfaith holiday event on Chanukah’s origins and observations with menorah lighting and refreshments. Thu, Dec 22, 6:30pm. $5. Journey Center Gallery, 1601 Fourth St, Santa Rosa. 707.578.2121.

Chinese Food & Movie Screening of Danny Boyle’s “Millions,” Hanukkah candle lighting and Chinese dinner benefiting Jewish Community Free Clinic. Sun, Dec 25, 3pm.

Congregation Ner Shalom, 85 La Plaza, Cotati.

Liberate the Light Solstice Celebration Including dances of universal peace with Tui and drum/chant circle and gongs with Sahar. Fri, Dec 23, 7pm. $15. Sebastopol Community Cultural Center Youth Annex, 425 Morris St, Sebastopol.

The BOHEMIAN’s calendar is produced as a service to the community. If you have an item for the calendar, send it to calendar@bohemian. com, or mail it to: NORTH BAY BOHEMIAN, 847 Fifth St, Santa Rosa CA 95404. Events costing more than $65 may be withheld. Deadline is two weeks prior to desired publication date.

Museum Mondays Children ages one to five and their families are invited to enjoy storytime, arts, crafts and museum activities. Fourth Mon of every month, 10am. Free-$5.

Charles M Schulz Museum, 2301 Hardies Lane, Santa Rosa.

707.579.4452.

BY ROB BREZSNY

For the week of December 21

ARIES (March 21–April 19) In the fictional world of the wizard Harry Potter, muggles are people who have no magical powers. Because of their deficiency, certain sights may be literally invisible to them, and certain places inaccessible. I’m going to boldly predict that you, Aries, people will lose at least some of your muggleness in the coming year. A part of your life where you’ve been inept or clueless will begin to wake up. In ways that may feel surprisingly easy, you’ll be able to fill a gap in your skill set or knowledge base.

TAURUS (April 20–May 20)

On Jan. 15, 1885, Wilson Bentley photographed his first snowflake.

Over the course of the next 46 years, he captured 5,000 more images of what he called “tiny miracles of beauty.” He was the first person to say that no two snowflakes are alike. In 2012, Taurus, I suggest that you draw inspiration from his example. The coming months will be prime time for you to lay the foundations of a worthy project that will captivate your imagination for a long time—and perhaps even take you decades to complete.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20)

In her memoir Blood, Bones & Butter: The Inadvertent Education of a Reluctant Chef, Gabrielle Hamilton suggests my horoscopes were helpful to her as she followed her dream to create her New York City restaurant, Prune.

“I killed roaches, poisoned their nests, trapped rats, stuffed their little holes with steel wool and glass shards,” she wrote, “while my girlfriend . . . walked through the place ‘purifying’ it with a burning sage smudge stick and read me my Rob Brezsny horoscopes in support.” I would love to be of similar service to you in the coming months, Gemini, as you cleanse whatever needs to be cleansed in preparation for your next big breakthrough. Let the fumigation, purgation and expiation begin!

CANCER (June 21–July 22)

In 1992, 30,000 Americans signed a petition asking the governor of Hawaii to change the name of Maui to “Gilligan’s Island.” Fortunately, the request was turned down, and so one of the most sublime places on the planet is not now named after a silly TV sitcom. I’m urging you to avoid getting swept up in equally fruitless causes during the coming months, Cancerian. You will have a lot of energy to give to social causes and collective intentions in 2012, but it will be very important to choose worthy outlets that deserve your intelligent passion and that have half a chance of succeeding.

LEO (July 23–August 22) The Palace of Versailles once served as home for French kings and their royal courts, and was the hub of the French government.

To this day it remains a symbol of lavish wealth and high civilization. Set on 26 acres, it has 700 rooms, 67 staircases, 6,000 paintings and 2,100 sculptures. The grounds feature 50 fountains and 21 miles of water conduits. And yet the word “Versailles” means “terrain where the weeds have been pulled.” Prior to it being built up into a luxurious center of power, it was a marsh in the wilderness. I nominate it to be your inspirational image for the coming year, Leo: a picture of the transformation you will begin.

VIRGO (August 23–September 22)

A guy named George Reiger is a certifiable Disney freak. He has covered his skin with 2,200 tattoos of the franchise’s cartoon characters. If you plan to get anything like that much thematic body decoration in 2012, Virgo, I recommend that you draw your inspiration from cultural sources with more substantial artistry and wisdom than Disney. For example, you could cover your torso with paintings by Matisse, your arms with poems

by Neruda and your legs with musical scores by Mozart.

Why? In the coming months it will be important for you to surround yourself with the highest influences and associate yourself with the most inspiring symbols and identify yourself with the most ennobling creativity.

Lectures Sebastopol Senior Center Talks and events. Free unless otherwise noted. Mon at 2:30, help for caregivers. Tues at 1, beginning conversational Spanish class. $6; at 1:30; at 2, intermediate conversation Spanish class, $6. Wed at 5, qigong, $6. Thurs at 11:15, yoga, $6. Ongoing. Sebastopol Senior Center, 167 High St, Sebastopol. 707.829.2440.

Astrology

FREE WILL

KWAZEE E.W. Wainwright leads a free Kwanzaa

celebration Dec. 26 in Sausalito. See For Kids, above.

LIBRA (September 23–October 22) In the classical Nahuatl language of the Aztecs, the word teocuitlatl literally meant “god poop.” It was used to refer to gold, which was regarded as a divine gift that brought mixed blessings. On the one hand, gold made human beings rich; on the other hand, it could render them greedy, stingy and paranoid. So it was potentially the source of both tremendous bounty and conflict. I suspect that in 2012, Libra, you will have to deal with the arrival of

a special favor that carries a comparable paradox. You should be fine—harvesting the good part of the gift and not having to struggle mightily with the tough part—as long as you vow to use it with maximum integrity.

SCORPIO (October 23–November 21)

What spell would you like to be under in 2012? Be careful how you answer that; it might be a trick question. Not because I have any interest in fooling you, of course, but rather because I want to prepare you for the trickiness that life may be expressing in your vicinity.

So let me frame the issue in a different way. Do you really want to be under a spell—of any kind? Answer yes only if you’re positive that being under a spell will help you manifest your biggest dream. And please make sure that whoever or whatever is the source of the spell is in the service of love.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22–December 21) The Environmental Working Group wrote the Meat Eater’s Guide to Climate Change and Health. It concluded that if every American avoided eating cheese and meat one day a week, emissions would be lowered as much as they would be by removing 7.6 million cars from the roads. This is the kind of incremental shift I urge you to specialize in during 2012, Sagittarius—whether it’s in your contribution to alleviating the environmental crisis or your approach to dealing with more personal problems. Commit yourself to making little changes that will add up to major improvements over the long haul.

CAPRICORN (December 22–January 19) Suzan-Lori Parks is a celebrated American playwright who has won both a Pulitzer Prize and a MacArthur Fellowship grant. During the time between November 2002 and November 2003, she wrote a new short play every day—a total of 365 plays in 365 days. I think you could be almost as prolific as that in 2012, Capricorn. Whatever your specialty is, I believe you will be filled with originality about how to express it. You’re also likely to have the stamina and persistence and, yes, even the discipline necessary to pull it off.

AQUARIUS (January 20–February 18) Pigeons are blessed with an extraordinary ability to find home, even if they’re hundreds of miles away.

They have an internal compass that allows them to read the earth’s magnetic field, and they also create a “map of smells” that gives them crucial clues as they navigate. A team of scientists performed some odd experiments that revealed a quirky aspect to the birds’ talent: if their right nostril is blocked, their innate skill doesn’t work nearly as well. (It’s OK if their left nostril is blocked, though.) What does this have to do with you? Well, Aquarius, you’ve been like a homing pigeon with its right nostril blocked, and it’s high time you unblocked it. In the coming months, you can’t afford to be confused about where home is, what your community consists of or where you belong.

PISCES (February 19–March 20)

One of Alexander the Great’s teachers was Aristotle, who was tutored by Plato, who himself learned from Socrates.

In 2012, I’d love to see you draw vital information and fresh wisdom from a lineage as impressive as that, Pisces. In my astrological opinion, you need much more than a steady diet of factoids plucked from the internet and TV. You simply must be hungry for more substantial food for thought than you get from random encounters with unreliable sources. It will be time for you to attend vigorously to the next phase of your lifelong education.

Go to REALASTROLOGY.COM to check out Rob Brezsny’s Expanded Weekly Audio Horoscopes and Daily Text Message Horoscopes. Audio horoscopes are also available by phone at 1.877.873.4888 or 1.900.950.7700.

35

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Visa/MC accepted. Gretchen 707.478.3952

Pampering Foot Treatment $25 Women love Jessie Jing`s Pampered Feet Center. 1 hr. only $25. 707.526.1788 jessiejingsmassage.com

By Joe, CMT. Relaxing hot tub and pool available. Will do outcalls. 707.228.6883

g Psychics

Call

SPIRITUAL

Connections

Finding inspiration and connecting with your community

The Journey Center: A Place for Transformation Resources for your spiritual journey (contemplative prayer/meditation practices, workshops/retreats, spiritual direction, art gallery, reading room, bodywork). 1601 Fourth Street, Santa Rosa www.journeycenter.org 707.578.2121 Prayer Collage/Vision Board Class Create a visual picture of your hopes and dreams for the year using magazines, words, and other art mediums. Wed, Jan. 4, 7:00-9:30 pm, Journey Center, 707-578-2121, www.journeycenter.org

Self Realization Fellowship Santa Rosa Meditation Group Schedule: 24/7 VM 707.523.9555 795 Farmers Lane #22 www.srf-santarosa.org

707.527.1200 x206 today!

PSYCHIC PALM AND CARD READER Madame Lisa. Truly gifted adviser for all problems.

827 Santa Rosa Ave. One visit convinces you.

-Appt. 707.542.9898

Share your organizationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s inspiration with over 123,000 Bohemian Readers monthly!

707.527.1200 sales@bohemian.com

Unity Church of Santa Rosa Sunday School & Service 10:30am - Non-traditional. Inter-denominational. A spirituallyminded community. 4857 Old Redwood Hwy 707-542-7729 www.UnityofSantaRosa.org Sunday, Dec 25, 10:30am - Christmas Day Service: This cozy Christmas service will include story, song, and a deeper connection with your inner child.

Sunday, Jan 1, 10:30am - Burning Bowl Ceremony: Burn away the old and welcome the new!

Mahakaruna Buddhist Meditation Center Offers ongoing classes for all levels of practice and interest.

NEW CLASS! How To Become A Friend To The World A series of Commentaries & Meditations Exploring Love & Compassion from a Buddhist Perspective: Tues & Wed evenings - Dec 13 through Jan 28. 7:30â&#x20AC;&#x201C;8:45pm. Eveyone is welcome. $10 donation requested per class.

Prayers for World Peace: Sun - 10:30â&#x20AC;&#x201C;11:45am Everyone is welcome.

304 Petaluma Blvd, N, Petaluma 707.776.7720 www.meditateinnorcal.org.

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We provide treatment for: Heroin, Oxycontin and Vicodin using Methadone. s 3UBUTEX 3UBOXONE AVAILABLE s 0ROVIDING 4REATMENT SINCE s #ONFIDENTIALITY ASSURED s -EDI#AL ACCEPTED

Sonoma County Libraries CLOSED

Napa Meditation class:

From Fri, Dec 23, 2pmâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;Mon Jan 2. Reopen Tues, Jan 3.

Book drops closed. No materials be will be due. No fines will accrue. For more info www.sonomalibrary.com

Universal Love and Compassion.

Mondays from 7:00 to 8:30pm at Jessel's Studio Gallery.

We will explore Buddhism and the spiritual path, and what it means in our lives. The classes are $10 drop in; no commitment is needed, and they are open to both beginning and more experienced meditators. For information, call Mike Smith at 415.717.4943 or www.meditationinnorcal.org

PEACE IN MEDICINE IS NOW OPEN IN SANTA ROSA

Jessel Gallery is at 1019 Atlas Peak Road, Napa, 707.257.2350. www.jesselgallery.com

Adoptable Photography Exhibit Through Jan, Napa Humane Society launches traveling exhibit to show faces of adoptable animals. Alexis Baking Co, 1517 Third St, Napa, 707.255.8118.

1061 North Dutton Ave @ West College Ave. Santa Rosa CA 95401 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Great Prices! Visit our online menu at www.PeaceinMedicine.org

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We sell boxes, packaging and other moving supplies

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Donate Your Auto 800.380.5257

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We do all DMV. Free pick up- running or not (restrictions apply). Live operators- 7 days! Help the Polly Klaas Foundation provide safety information and assist families in bringing kids home safely.

707-546-0000 707-578-3299

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Video Recording & Editing Professional HD video camera work, lights, audio recording, editing, custom labeled DVDs, uploading to YouTube.

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Sonoma County Museum Through Jan 22, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Singgalot.â&#x20AC;? Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition on history of Fillipino Immigrants in America. Tues-Sun, 11 to 4. 425 Seventh St, Santa Rosa, 707.579.1500