North Bay Bohemian

SERVING SONOMA & NAPA COUNTIES | DECEMBER 9-15, 2015 |ɄɄɄ Ɔ ɄɄƌɄɄVOL. 37.31

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847 Fifth St., Santa Rosa, CA 95404 Phone: 707.527.1200 Fax: 707.527.1288 Editor Stett Holbrook, ext. 202

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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. It is a legally adjudicated publication of the county of Sonoma by Superior Court of California decree No. 119483. Member: Association of Alternative Newsweeklies, National Newspaper Association, California Newspaper Publishers Association, Verified Audit Circulation. 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 numerous locations, limited to one copy per reader. Additional copies may be purchased for one dollar, payable in advance at The BOHEMIAN’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.

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nb that could change if El Niño shows up as predicted, p15.

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Santa Rosa Seafood Raw Bar and Grill D I N ING P 10

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Mother and Son, in a Box FI LM P 2 3 Rhapsodies & Rants p6 The Paper p8 Dining p10 Wineries p13 Swirl p14

Cover Feature p15 Culture Crush p19 Arts & Ideas p20 Stage p22 Film p23

Clubs & Concerts p24 Arts & Events p27 Classified p31 Astrology p31

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BOHEMIAN

Rhapsodies Support Your Local Busker I have been busking in Sonoma County, from Healdsburg to Petaluma, for more than 10 years. Buskers usually play music with a case open or something else for tips. Buskers do not panhandle by asking for money and have a little more entertainment value than a panhandler.

The recent acquisition of Safeway by Albertsons has increased corporate

anti-panhandling and loitering rules as evidenced by new signs. I have talked to the manager at Safeway in Sebastopol, and he understands the difference between buskers and panhandlers, and has allowed buskers with some restrictions. I have thanked him for his support and appreciation of Sonoma County’s rich music culture.

But recently there have been complaints about buskers. I do not understand how during the one-minute walk from the car to the store some music could be a problem. But the manager is getting

THIS MODERN WORLD

complaints. He is reconsidering his stance about buskers and the corporate rules. Since I get many compliments, I have the feeling the manager is hearing only complaints.

If you enjoy the culture brought to you by buskers, please fill out a customer comment card so the manager can have a more balanced understanding of how the customers feel.

Andy’s Market, Fiesta Market and Oliver’s Market are all busker-friendly, and some have a sign-up process for

By Tom Tomorrow

musicians and nonprofits, which shows their appreciation of buskers as part of the community.

STEFAN BOYA (KELTAZZ) Sebastopol

Save the Trees I was born and raised in Santa Rosa and have recently returned to my hometown after a 30-year hiatus. I adore the trees and how much they add to the local flavor. I must strongly urge the city not to cut down the trees in Courthouse Square. There is plenty of parking (covered no less) at the mall, and walking a few blocks seems a small price to pay for having the majesty of the redwoods grace our downtown.

DEBRA ROBERTS Via Bohemian.com

Time to Reflect I was disappointed by Jonah Raskin’s Open Mic (Nov. 25), because he does not take the opportunity to discuss the larger context of war and violence around the world. Instead, he focuses on the recent violence in Paris as if that is all the suffering there is, just as the Western media does. I fear this exclusion continues to feed first world insularism (as 9-11 did). I can appreciate Mr. Raskin’s love of France, his friends, the culture, but when he ignores the larger context of violence and suffering around the world, there is a huge cost.

Why do we wait until Paris to express our grief and sadness when Syria, Yemen, Afghanistan, Iraq, Africa all suffer?

Let’s talk about the ancient cultures being lost in those countries. And now France joins the United States, Great Britain and Germany in bombing these countries and adding to the suffering.

We must find other tools besides bombs and guns to stop violence and suffering.

I hope Mr. Raskin will raise his voice to all of that.

TERRA FREEDMAN Santa Rosa Write to us at letters@bohemian.com.

The difference between the backyard and the world

Not a Sewer Agriculture, development imperil clean water in Napa Valley BY CHRIS MALAN

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etween Jan. 19, 2014, and Feb. 7, 2015, St. Helena failed to properly maintain its wastewater treatment plant, and 5 million gallons of partially treated wastewater surged from a torn holding pond and contaminated groundwater and nearby wells. The San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board is considering a mandate to compel St. Helena to upgrade its wastewater treatment plant to meet new requirements, or face more penalties.

From 2014 and 2015, the city of Calistoga’s Dunaweal wastewater treatment plant released elevated levels of pollutants into the Napa River in violation of its National Pollution Discharge Elimination Systems permit. In addition, Calistoga’s wastewater treatment plant utilizes effluent storage ponds adjacent to the river that have been percolating into the river for years. The infrastructure of this problematic facility, which has operated under a cease-and-desist order for the past year, has not been able to handle the sewage load of its current population and has necessitated emergency discharges into the river. Yet the city has approved extensive new resorts and housing developments despite public protests.

The Napa River is home to a unique assemblage of fish. The Environmental Protection Agency listed the Napa River as polluted in 1988 due to pathogens, nutrients and sediment, and the health of the river continues to decline due to higher temperatures and lack of sufficient flows. Groundwater that historically connected with the river is already compromised by over-extraction and drought.

Complicating recent wastewater treatment violations by valley municipalities, Calistoga and Napa violated clean water and potable water laws at their water treatment facilities this year because they failed to manage water flowing from the Conn Creek and Kimball Creek watersheds that were full of contaminates such as nitrates and phosphate. Phosphate is a byproduct of industrial fertilizers applied to grapevines. Invasive plant growth and algae are plaguing our waterways due to contaminates such as phosphate. Some species of algae are harmful to humans and can form lethal toxins. According to the National Marine Fisheries Service, algae toxins probably killed the dolphin that made its way into the Napa River this summer.

The Napa River is not a sewer. This needs attention by all.

Chris Malan is the executive director of the Institute for Conservation Advocacy, Research and Education, and chair of the North Coast Stream Flow Coalition.

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.

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THE

Paper AFFORDABLE GROUSING Part of the battle to find permanent housing is getting housing officials to respond to phone calls.

Housing Hangup Can someone at HUD please answer the phone?

BY HEATHER SEGGEL

‘

Y

ou seem to be in good spirits.”

I’ve been hearing this comment, or variations on it, as I call around to homeless shelters to find a place to live. “At least you’ve got a sense of humor” is another comment I get. It’s a strange consolation for someone who needs a home as winter approaches. You can’t laugh that off.

When I was recently, and abruptly, booted from the room I rented in Santa Rosa, I had to

scramble for a place to go, and ended up in yet another shortterm spot.

I haven’t found anything that’s affordable, so I am in the same place—even though it’s long past time for me to vacate.

I knew I’d never find long-term housing in Sonoma County.

Despite growing up here, I am not a winery scion or otherwise agriculturally enriched. I don’t qualify for low-income housing, because my income is too low.

But I was on a waiting list in Mendocino County, where I had

lived for nine years, and, as far as I knew, was nearing the top and close to getting a Housing Choice Voucher from the feds.

I recently received a letter that asked me to confirm my ongoing interest in the program and was devastated to learn that, because I moved out of the area, I haven’t been advancing up the list.

I started to call around to shelters. The people working at them know the best last-ditch solutions for the homeless. It serves their interests to help people stay housed, since demand

at the shelters is so high.

Each shelter told me the same thing: The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) can make this right. You just need to talk to someone at the agency.

I have tried, but connecting with HUD has proved no less impossible than connecting with a safe, affordable apartment in Santa Rosa. First I tried to email the agency. It seemed easier to write everything down, in hopes it would make sense to the person who read it. The reply indicated that whatever read my email was not a person, since all I received was a list of other waiting lists.

So I wrote again, and left a message with HUD’s San Francisco field office. In return, I got the same list of lists. Another call: no reply.

So I headed to HUD’s “complaint portal,” and complained. I was given a different phone number with the suggestion that I call it.

That number led to an outgoing message that prohibited callers from leaving a message. It referred me instead to two extensions, each of which prompted me to leave a message, then disconnected the call when I tried to do so.

As far as I can make out, HUD is actually just a desk somewhere with no humans attached. I sent a barrage of tweets to HUD secretary Julián Castro, which netted me nothing.

I dearly want to unpack. Much of the trauma I felt when I was homeless 10 years ago stemmed from being unable to connect with my day-to-day self. I like to draw badly, do half-assed yoga, garden and cook weird food, but to live in someone else’s space means my mere existence often feels like a violation. This is not how I envisioned middle age.

Now I’m waiting to hear back from someone who may know yet another phone number for HUD. Castro still hasn’t responded to my Tweets.

I’m not holding my breath. I’ll only be able to laugh about all this once it’s well behind me.

Heather Seggel is a freelance writer.

She is accepting housing leads at hlsegg@hotmail.com with gratitude.

Shutdown

Ban Drags On

A critical component to fund a Larkspur SMART train extension moved forward in the U.S. Congress as lawmakers agreed in early December to authorize the Small Starts program at $11 billion over six years. There’s $20 million pledged by President Obama in the transportation authorization bill earmarked for the Sonoma-Marin Area Transit system that would extend rail tracks by two miles, from San Rafael to Larkspur.

Crabbers headed to the Steele Lane Community Center in Santa Rosa on Dec. 3 to find out when the state would lift the closure on the Dungeness and rock crab fisheries because of high levels of the potentially fatal domoic acid.

But the entire spending package might go out the window, and the SMART dollars with them. A government shutdown looms as Democratic lawmakers grapple with multiple radical right-wing riders dropped into an omnibus appropriations bill to fund the government. The transportation authorization bill that passed earlier this month included SMART dollars, but now that it’s time to appropriate the money, Republicans have threatened a shutdown.

“They’ve thrown the kitchen sink at the Democrats,” says Rep. Jared Huffman, D-San Rafael. After months of negotiations, Huffman says, the party “threw it out the window and offered a deal to Democrats that was basically every radically ideological agenda [item] that they could dream up.” The GOP riders would ban Syrian refugees; amend the Dodd-Frank Act; pollute the Clean Air Act; wreck Obamacare; defund, demonize and otherwise delegitimize Planned Parenthood; whittle away at the Endangered Species Act . . .

House Democrats sent the bill back to the GOP to scrub the extremism.

“It’s been flatly rejected by us, so now—having had the goal posts moved—we are really not quite sure where this goes in the next few days,” said Huffman late last week.

He was cautiously optimistic. “It’s wait-and-see time, but we don’t have to wait too terribly long. We’re at the 11th hour.”

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The news was unsatisfying. “I don’t know when we will reopen,” said California Department of Fish and Wildlife director Charlton Bonham.

He assured the crabbers that there would be constant testing going on through the month, and that Fish and Wildlife was “seeing good trends, but very highly elevated hot spots.”

In order to open the fisheries, state officials need to see average levels of domoic acid in crab viscera drop to below 30 parts per million for two weeks running. The levels are generally abating, but one Dungeness in the Channel Islands area had just been sampled at 1,000 ppm.

News of the very “hot” crab elicited a round of agitated murmurs from the room full of crabbers, which included Don Marshall, a member of the Pacific Coast Federation of Fishermen’s Associations.

LAW OFFICES

“I agree, and the fleet agrees as a whole, that public safety is the main concern,” Marshall told the legislative panel comprised of Healdsburg lawmakers State Sen. Mike McGuire and Assemblyman Jim Wood.

Marshall advocated for a uniform opening of the Dungeness season when it was safe to do so, and strongly rejected any consideration to open state waters based on local test results. “The crabs don’t abide district lines,” Marshall said as he urged lawmakers and officials to “approach this matter with extreme caution. We are in uncharted waters.”

Marshall is selling Christmas trees to get through the holidays.

—Tom Gogola

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Dining WORD OF MOUTH Santa Rosa Seafood Raw Bar and Grill has become a popular dining destination

in spite of its lack of an online presence.

Ocean Fresh Popular Santa Rosa Seafood finally opens long-promised restaurant BY FLORA TSAPOVSKY

I

t’s hard to imagine a place atmospherically further from the sea than the parking lot of the new Santa Rosa Seafood Raw Bar and Grill.

And yet there it is, off a busy central avenue, across the street from a tire shop. The restaurant, unimpressive on the outside yet surprisingly chic and cozy on the inside, is a daughter business of the nearby Santa Rosa Seafood

store, a local institution of sorts that specializes in fresh, locally sourced fish and seafood, and ships across the country.

The location, perfect for picking up fish for dinner but less appealing for a night out, has one clear advantage, though: the sign promising a restaurant “Coming Soon” was highly visible long before opening. It worked.

Since opening in September, the restaurant has been buzzing, despite having “zero online

presence,” as the waiter proudly noted. Indeed, the restaurant’s website still urges visitors, “Please stay tuned for our grand opening!” Santa Rosa Seafood relies on its food alone.

The kitchen fulfills the promise successfully, if not seamlessly.

The ambition is visibly there, as the menu is long, varied and elaborate, listing such classics as fish and chips and fried calamari, along with raw offerings, hearty entrées and cocktails. Daily lunch

and dinner specials are available too. From the specials menu, the Tokyo shrimp ($7), battered jumbos served on wakame salad and fiery red “volcano” sauce, was a classy and fun appetizer.

The shrimp was delicious, if not very Japanese, and the crunchy wakame was so good that we immediately ordered more.

We shouldn’t have. The ahi tuna poke ($14) came with that very same salad. This was the appetizer that stole the show, transporting us away from a cold winter day among mid-city concrete to a sunny beach hut far away. The simple, clean-tasting cubes of tuna were very fresh and came accompanied with wakame, white rice and two dipping sauces: the “volcano” sauce and a black sesame soy sauce. This was a combination I could have nibbled on forever, playing with proportions of rice, tuna and sauces.

After such a glamorous opening, we were excited about the entrées. The calamari steak ($16) sounded intriguing but turned out to be a flat patty of wan flavor, battered in egg and resting on rice, zucchini and fingerling potatoes.

The grilled swordfish ($20), with black bean purée and mango salsa, was better. The swordfish was juicy and properly flaky, and the mango kick complemented it nicely, but the purée threatened to overwhelm the flavor of the fish.

It’s clear that the kitchen staff is precise and knowledgeable.

Every individual ingredient we tried, from a simple potato to the heavenly tuna, was prepared and cut exactly right. When it comes to execution, however, it isn’t always smooth sailing. Santa Rosa deserves a destination seafood place. Give Santa Rosa Seafood Raw Bar and Grill a couple of months to focus and narrow the menu down to absolute winners, and it could become that place.

Santa Rosa Seafood Raw Bar and Grill, 958 Santa Rosa Ave., Santa Rosa. 707.579.3474.

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.

S O N OMA CO U N TY Brody’s Burgers & Brew American. $. This family restaurant serving (cheap!) beer is not to be confused with a bar. Big burgers made with quality ingredients and a kidfriendly casual dining room.

3135 Cleveland Ave., Santa Rosa. 707.526.4878.

Casino Bar & Grill California. $. Chef Mark Malicki is a true Sonoma County star, serving up an always-changing menu of locally sourced, inspired creations at this decades-old rustic roadhouse.

Unpretentious, creative, and affordable, Casino is a whispered. 17000 Bodega Hwy, Bodega. 707.876.3185.

Earth’s Bounty Kitchen & Wine Bar California. $-$$. Look for locally sourced dishes like the County Line Farm baby kale salad, bacon-wrapped local black cod and a Stemple Creek burger. Lots of pastries and deli items for take-out too. 5755 Mountain Hawk Way, Santa Rosa. 707.827.9700.

Flipside Bar & Burger American. $$. A fun and casual place with good burgers that have everything from the classic fixin’s to the more avant garde toppings. 630 Third St, Santa Rosa. 707.523.1400.

Healdsburg Bar & Grill American. $-$$.

Gourmet burgers and potent cocktails. It ain’t fancy, but it’s awfully good, with topnotch ingredients and low prices. 245 Healdsburg Ave, Healdsburg.

707.433.3333.

La Gare French. $$$. Dine in an elegant atmosphere of Old World charm. 208 Wilson St, Santa Rosa. 707.528.4355.

Pack Jack’s Barbecue. $$. A casual spot to get some good BBQ-ed grub, Pack

Jack’s is anticipated to once again be serving up authentic BBQ for a good price after a long, lamented closure due to fire. 963 Gravenstein Hwy S, Sebastopol. 707.823.9929.

Rosso Pizzeria & Wine Bar Pizza. $-$$. Friendly, plentiful staff at outstanding and creative pizzeria.

Excellent and affordable wine list. Creekside Center, 53 Montgomery Dr, Santa Rosa.

707.544.3221.

Sazon Continental. $$.

Excellent, family-owned Peruvian restaurant with authentic recipes, innovative dishes and the to-diefor chicha morada. 1129 Sebastopol Road, Santa Rosa.

707.523.4346.

Terrapin Creek Cafe

Yao-Kiku Japanese. $$-$$$. Fresh sushi with ingredients flown in from Japan steals the show in this popular neighborhood restaurant. 2700 Yulupa Ave, Santa Rosa. 707.578.8180.

MA R I N CO U N T Y Casa Mañana Big burritos a stone’s throw from the perfect picnic spot: Perri Park. The horchata is divine. 85 Bolinas Rd, Fairfa.

415.454.2384.

Ciccio Italian. $$. A woodfired oven churns out simple pizzas and seasonal entrees often made with ingredients from the restaurant’s own gardens. 6770 Washington St., Yountville. 707.945.1000.

Easy Street Cafe American. $.Take a gander at the extensive list of Easy Street specials and get a spot by the window to watch Red Hill shoppers wander by 882 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, San Anselmo. 415.453.1984.

American. $$$. A casual Michelin-star cafe specializing in both local and international comfort foods. Fresh seafood dishes and inventive meat based menu items make for well-rounded fare. If they have the game hen, get it! 1580 Eastshore Road, Bodega Bay. 707.875.2700.

Jennie Low’s Chinese.

Tides Wharf Seafood. $$. This famous backdrop for Alfred Hitchcock’s ‘The Birds’ offers an ocean-view for every seat in the house.

Fresh seafood straight from the bay. Try the clam chowder.

835 Coast Hwy 1, Bodega Bay. 707.875.3652.

Paradise Bay American.

Tolay California. $$-$$$.

Sonoma County cuisine is the specialty, with entrees focusing on local wild and farmed foods. 745 Baywood Drive In the Sheraton Sonoma County, Petaluma. 707.283.2900.

Trio Eclectic. $$. Home cooking using sustainable, seasonal local ingredients. Live music nightly. 16225 Main St, Guerneville. 707.604.7461.

Willi’s Seafood & Raw Bar Seafood. $$.

Delicious preparations of the freshest fish and shellfish. 403

Fine Dining For Wild Birds

71 Brookwood Ave., Santa Rosa 707.576.0861 Mon–Sat 10am–6pm, Sun 11am–4pm • www.wbu.com/santarosa

Birdseed • Feeders • Birdbaths • Optics • Nature Gifts • Books

$$. Light, healthy, and tasty Cantonese, Mandarin, Hunan, and Szechuan home-style cooking. Great selection, including vegetarian fare, seafood, and noodles.

Vintage Oaks Shopping Center, Rowland Ave, Novato.

415.892.8838. $$. For tasty standards and vegetarian items. Also get a delicious curry here. 1200 Bridgeway Ave, Sausalito.

415.331.3226.

Phyllis’ Giant Burgers Hamburgers. $. Come with a hearty appetite for an oldfashioned patty. 924 Diablo Ave, Novato. 415.456.0866.

2202 Fourth St, San Rafael.

Lunch and dinner daily.

415.456.0866.

Robata Grill & Sushi Japanese. $$. Mmm. With thick slices of fresh sashimi, Robata knows how to do it. The rolls are big winners. 591 Redwood Hwy, Mill Valley. 415.381.8400.

Sweetwater Cafe California. $$. A casual, musically influenced ambience with fresh and ) tasty food. A large

12

3883 Airway Drive Ste 145, Santa Rosa 707.528.3095 www.chloesco.com M–F, 8am–5pm

3AM EVERY DAY! DINE-IN OR DELIVERY

es alades Quinoa & Roasted Carrot Garden Niçoise French Green Lentil Orchard Harvest Full Catering Menu Available Salade Verte

Native Peruvian Cuisine Lomo Saltado Empanadas

Exquisite Ceviche & Paella

522 7th Street, Santa Rosa 707.324.9548 laperlasr.com

707.52NYPIE

7 0 7. 5 2 6 . 9 7 4 3

www.NEW-YORK-PIE.com 65 Brookwood Ave, Santa Rosa

11 N O RT H BAY B O H E M I A N | D EC E M B E R 9 -1 5, 2 0 1 5 | B O H E M I A N.COM

Dining

Healdsburg Ave, Healdsburg.

707.433.9191.

Dining ( 11 Santa Rosa Original Certified Farmers Market Where It’s Always Fresh, Local and Fun. Happy Holidays!

menu includes favorites such as huevos rancheros, French toast, chicken and steak sliders and fried apple pie. 19 Corte Madera Ave., Mill Valley.

707.388.1700.

Tommy’s Wok Chinese. $-$$. Tasty and filling Chinese fare without the greasy weigh-down. Nice vegetarian selections, too. 3001 Bridgeway Ave, Sausalito. 415.332.5818.

N A PA CO U N T Y French Blue American.

Saturdays & Wednesdays 8:30–1pm at Wells Fargo Center for the Arts

Fumé Bistro & Bar California cuisine. $$$.

California bistro fare that nearly always hits the mark. 4050 Byway E, Napa.

707.257.1999.

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$$. Trendy but equally casual, French Blue has a menu filled with expertly prepared fish and meat, along with light breakfast dishes. 1429 Main St, St Helena. 707.968.9200.

e to ov

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12

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Your vision… my resources, dedication and integrity…

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Holidays!

DINE WITH US OVER THE

Relish Chef Christopher Ludwick’s AwardWinning Farm to Table Menu WINE BAR * COMFORT FOOD DELI • ESPRESSO * CATERING WOOD FIRED PIZZA

707.827.9700 EARTHSBOUNTYKITCHEN.COM 5755 MOUNTAIN HAWK WAY SANTA ROSA, CA

Suzanne Wandrei

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cell: 707.292.9414 www.suzannewandrei.com

Serving Holiday Chef ’s Specials

Fri– Sun in Dec

BEST INDIAN RESTAURANT Keep us your top vote!

Gillwoods Cafe Diner. $-$$. Classic hometown diner, specializes in the homemade.

1313 Main St, St Helena.

707.963.1788. 1320 Napa Town Center, Napa. Breakfast and lunch daily. 707.253.0409.

JoLe California. $$$. Casual familial vibes with adventurous interpretations of already loved dishes. Crab cocktail, pork shoulder, and a burger with truffle-flavored cheese.

Maximize your experience by trying the tasting menu.

1457 Lincoln Ave, Calistoga.

707.942.5938.

Neela’s Indian. $$. An authentic Indian restaurant, Neela’s serves traditional and tasty Indian dishes ranging from the novice favorite chicken masala to lamb kabab sliders. Oh, and Neela was on Food Network’s Chopped–and won! 975 Clinton St, Napa.

707.226.9988.

SMALL BITES

Ramen for Here Ramen Gaijin is staying in Sebastopol.

The popular Sebastopol ramen shop was eyeing a move to a space in Santa Rosa’s Railroad Square, but owners Matthew Williams and Moishe Hahn-Schuman secured a favorable lease with building owner Stephen Singer and now have ambitious plans in the works.

The other big news is that, as of Dec. 10, beer, sake and wine will flow again after a four-month dry spell. After moving into Forcetta-Bastoni earlier this year, Williams and Hahn-Schuman applied to transfer the faltering restaurant’s liquor license to their business, but the process was mired in red tape and the state blocked liquor sales until outstanding issues were resolved. ForcettaBastoni has since closed, and Ramen Gaijin is the sole occupant of the downtown Sebastopol space. Beer, wine and sake will be available at the bar and lounge, but not ramen. No spirits for now.

Meanwhile, the ramen restaurant will close for as long as a month over the holidays for remodeling aimed at streamlining the kitchen, retooling the bar and taking care of building-maintenance issues.

Once the renovations are complete, the bar will offer an izakaya menu, Japanesestyle bar snacks like yakitori and small plate dishes made to go with drinks. There are also plans to hire a beverage director who will create an ambitious cocktail program (think Japanese whiskey-based cocktails and more sake).

Longer term, Williams says he and Hahn-Schuman are looking to bring in a sushi chef to open a 10-seat omakase-style sushi bar at the counter space in the middle of the restaurant. They also have plans to make their excellent noodles available for wholesale.

In the meantime, toast Ramen Gaijin’s commitment to stay with a beer and bowl of shoyu ramen. 6948 Sebastopol Ave., Sebastopol. 707.827.3609.—Stett Holbrook

Norman Rose Tavern NORTH INDIAN CUISINE

707.538.3367

52 Mission Circle Santa Rosa (at Hwy 12 and Mission Blvd)

LOCAL, HORMONE-FREE MEATS 12yrs strong in Sonoma County

American. $$. More than just suds ‘n’ grub–though that’s the name of the happy hour– this old-fashioned hangout with dark wood and rustic touches does pulled-pork nachos, wild boar burgers, osso bucco and crab-potato tots right. 1401 First St, Napa.

707.258.1516.

Ristorante Allegria Italian. $$. Inside a historic 1916 building lies this Italian restaurant with music, candlelight and a robust menu. 1026 First St, Napa.

707.254.8006.

Siena California-Tuscan. $$$$. Sophisticated, terroirinformed cooking celebrates the local and seasonal.

875 Bordeaux Way, Napa.

707.251.1900.

Wineries

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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 Cline Cellars Great variety, easy on the wallet, and fun for the whole family: Pick out a gorgeous fruit bomb Zinfandel, have a picnic, feed the ravenous fish, and get historical at the California Missions Museum. Or just wrap your palate in Cashmere.

24737 Hwy. 121, Sonoma. Daily, 10am–6pm. 707.940.4000.

Freeman Vineyard & Winery Rundown, trashed—this little winery had seen better times when the Freemans found it. With a spotless crush pad and new horseshoe-shaped cave, it’s giving back the love. Pinot Noir from top West County vineyards.

1300 Montgomery Road, Sebastopol. By appointment only. 707.823.6937.

Hart’s Desire Wines Brash Zinfandel and sensuous Pinot Noir from the label with the come-hither eyes. Brick walls plastered with art, participatory painting, and a jukebox also entertain in this old warehouse shared with Christi Vineyards and J. Keverson Winery. 53 Front St. (Old Roma Station), Healdsburg.

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

707.433.3097.

Michel-Schlumberger Highly recommended, but by appointment only. The family has been making wine in France for 400 years. Wellknown for Chardonnay.

4155 Wine Creek Road, Healdsburg. 707.433.7427.

Old World Winery Meaning, a simpler time when grapes were trodden under bare foot and wine was made the natural way? Yes. Fun fact: the small, family-owned winery was the original Williams-Selyem location. 850 River Road, Fulton. Thursday– Sunday 11am–5pm or by appointment. Tasting fee $5.

707.578.3148.

Preston Vineyards Ask many locals which is their favorite winery, more than a few will tell you they’re huge fans of quirky Preston. Limited picnicking facilities, organic vegetables and homemade bread for sale. On Sundays, the bread is fresh and the Italianstyle jug wine, Guadagni, flows. 9282 W. Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg. Open daily, 11am– 4:30pm. 707.433.3372.

Roadhouse Winery Dudes abide at this casual, fun spot. Pinot, Zin, Grenache are hot. 240 Center St., Healdsburg. Daily 11am–7pm.

707.922.6362.

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.

Heidrun Meadery This is not your fæder’s mead: flower varietal, regional, méthode champenoise sparkling mead on a farm made for the bees. 11925 Hwy. 1, Point Reyes Station. By appointment only, Monday– Friday. 415.663.9122.

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.

NAPA COUNTY Bennett Lane Winery The old trope “beer-drinking NASCAR fans vs. Chardonnaysipping highbrows” runs out of gas at a winery that sponsors an annual NASCAR race and has its own car, emblazoned with grapes. A Roman emperor who appreciated hearty vino as much as a good chariot race

inspired Maximus White and Red “feasting wines.”

3340 Hwy. 128, Calistoga.

707.942.6684.

Chimney Rock Winery International beverage man Sheldon S. “Hack” Wilson built this winery in a Cape Dutch style. Now owned by the Terlato Group, produces distinctive Bordeaux-style wines. 5350 Silverado Trail, Napa. Daily 10am to 5pm. $20–$30. 707.257.2641.

Frog’s Leap Winery A good story is nearly as important as good wine; Frog’s Leap does a neat job on both. As you wind through the vineyard, the frog pond and the rustic 1884 winery, your tour guide finds bottles along the way, like Easter eggs. Dry-farming, who knew, can produce a beverage more thirst-quenching than water. 8815 Conn Creek Road, Rutherford. Daily, 10am–4pm.

Tastings, $20; tours Monday– Friday, $20. 707.963.4704.

Goosecross Cellars Taste Sauvignon Blanc in friendly barrel room bar; your choice of goose or snow leopard on the label.

Goosecross partners with charities and nonprofits. 119 State Lane, Yountville. By appointment, 10am–4:30 pm. Tasting fee $20–$25.

707.944.1986.

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Robert Mondavi Winery Blessed are the wine tasters at namesake winery of the icon of Napa icons. The smart money takes the tour. 7801 St. Helena Hwy., Napa. Daily, 10am–5pm.

Signature Tour, $30; familyfriendly Discovery Tour, $20.

888.766.6328.

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Patz & Hall The spotlight is on the dirt farmers who make it all happen at this respected house of Pinot and Chardonnay. 21200 Eighth St. E., Sonoma. Thursday– Monday, 10am–4pm.

Appointment required for seated tastings, 10:30am, 1pm and 3pm; recommended for walk-up bar. Tasting fee, $25–$50. 707.265.7700.

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serving our full dinner menu ! a complimentary toast at midnight for all diners !

DOWNTOWN GRATON

call for reservations 707-823-7023

Celebrate Tradition

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Only made 3 times a year!

Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter

Papa Bastoniâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

PANETTONE Made from a secret family recipe 6285'28*+ Ă&#x160; 6(('(' %$6721, 6:((7 )5(1&+ Ă&#x160; 6/,&(' /2$9(6 5<( Ă&#x160; :+2/( *5$,1 Ă&#x160; :+($7 :+,7(

Award winning bread since 1900

Call to order, shop here or your local retailer

FRANCO AMERICAN BAKERY 202 W 7th Street, Santa Rosa 707.545.7528 Mon, Tue, Thur, Fri 8:30â&#x20AC;&#x201C;4:00 Sat 8:00â&#x20AC;&#x201C;2:30, Closed Wed and Sun

)HDWXULQJ D 8QLTXH 6HOHFWLRQ RI +ROLGD\ 'HVVHUWV )LQH 3DVWU\ 2XU 6LJQDWXUH +ROLGD\ 3ULQFHVV &DNH BĂťche de NoĂŤl &KULVWPDV %UHDG :UHDWKV 6ZHGLVK /LPSD %UHDG &KULVWPDV .ULQJOH StĂśllen )HVWLYH +ROLGD\ &RRNLHV 5XVWLF )UXLW 7DUWV 0F.LQOH\ $YH 6HEDVWRSRO Â&#x2021; 7RZQ &RXQWU\ 'U 6DQWD 5RVD Â&#x2021; YLOODJHEDNHU\ZLQHFRXQWU\ FRP

New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eve Dinner Party THE BAY VIEW RESTAURANT AT THE INN AT THE TIDES

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Chilled Seafood Antipasto

paired with Domaine Chandon ĂŠtoile RosĂŠ

Strawberry Risotto

paired with 2013 Petroni Vineyards Estate Chardonnay, Sonoma Valley

Surf and Turf

paired with Beaulieu Vineyards Reserve Tapestry, Napa Valley

Royal Strega Tower

paired with Ruggeri Prosecco RESERVATIONS:

800.541.7788 800 | Highway One, Bodega Bay | www.innatthetides.com

East of Amigos Come for the Merlot, stay for the lobster feed at Merriam Vineyards

BY JAMES KNIGHT

M

idway into a tour of Merriam Vineyards, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m shown the spacious tasting room, which is appointed like an upscale country boutique.

I learn that the estate vineyard was bound for organic certification from the very start in 2003. And proprietor Peter Merriam tells me how he came to love the great wines of France, because thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what they put on the shelves on the East Coast, where heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in business. But Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m looking around, wondering: whereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the paint-by-numbers, Tuscan-style villa?

This winery is actually â&#x20AC;&#x153;New Englandâ&#x20AC;&#x201C; styled,â&#x20AC;? and it turns out that Merriam never actually moved to wine country, although heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been visiting Healdsburg since 1982, when his school buddy Tom Simoneau (for years, â&#x20AC;&#x153;the Wine Guyâ&#x20AC;? on KSRO) trekked out here. After harvest, however, Merriam heads back to New England, like a snowbird in reverse. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m an East Coast kind of guy,â&#x20AC;? Merriam says with a shrug. A self-described outdoors enthusiast, the native Mainer sticks to where thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a reliable snowpack.

That East Coast business? Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s actually the winery itself, which Merriam runs from the Boston area, visiting Sonoma County nearly once a month. Formerly, he ran a â&#x20AC;&#x153;package store,â&#x20AC;? which is what they call off-sale wine and liquor shops back there, while his wife, Diana, was on the board of a large, family-run New England supermarket chain.

Enough of the story, how is the wine? Well, a sign that boasts â&#x20AC;&#x153;94+ points Robert Parkerâ&#x20AC;? for the 2010 Rockpile Cabernet hangs on a wall in the cellar, so thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s something. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll advocate at least as many points for the 2013 Bacigalupi Chardonnay ($50), an excellent rendition from this treasured vineyard that splits the cream from the apple, with not too much butter in between.

While the 2013 Estate Pinot Noir ($40) is warm and jammy, look for the cool 2015 rosĂŠ next year, with chalky acidity and light, strawberry and rose aromas. Instead of straight-up, toasty oak, the 2014 FumĂŠ Blanc ($28) smells like toasted almonds and none of the grassiness of the fruity 2014 Sauvignon Blanc ($20).

Slightly charred, but not too much, the 2011 Estate Merlot ($30) displays all the graphite and dark, red berry fruit that you might want in a Merlot. With less than I expect from a Cab Francâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;in the sense of less is moreâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;the accessible 2010 Dry Creek Valley Cabernet Franc ($45) wows with perfumed red berry fruit and notes of sweet blonde tobacco.

Merriam Vineyards, 11654 Los Amigos Road, Healdsburg. Daily, 10amâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;5pm. Tasting fee, $10. Dog-friendly. 707.433.4032.

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R E K A RAINM All eyes to the sky as a once-in-a-generation El Niño gathers strength

BY MARIA GRUSAUSKAS

A

much-belated El Niño is coming—the first in 18 years—and it may be the strongest since 1950, when oceanographic monitoring began.

“It’s right on schedule,” says Nate Mantua, a climate scientist for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Southwest Fisheries Science Center.

By November, “temperatures in Southern California [were] about 5 degrees Celsius warmer than normal, or almost 10 degrees Fahrenheit warmer than normal,” says Mantua. “Local waters are 5.5 degrees Fahrenheit above average,

or in the low- to mid-60s, depending what the wind is doing.”

There were hopes for droughtbeating rain last winter, but instead we got the opposite: barely three inches of rain fell in Santa Rosa between January and

March of this year. Petaluma got about four inches of rain over that same period.

It was the Great El Niño Fizzle, sparked by the promise of increased ocean temperatures but extinguished by the trade winds which, in an El Niño event, need to slacken so all that warm water will slosh back to our side of the Pacific.

While there are no sure things, this year looks different. Surfers are psyched for a wave-generating El Niño. Organizers of Half Moon

Bay’s Titans of Mavericks bigwave surf contest have already been printing T-shirts that say “El Niño Is Coming,” and coastal residents are rightly excited for larger than average swells in the coming months.

The oceans are warming, the trade winds have already died down, and the usually bone-dry Atacama Desert in northern Chile and southern Peru is blooming—a telltale sign that El Niño is upon us. There’s just one thing: if El Niño was, in fact, a boy

) 16

N O RT H BAY B O H E M I A N | D EC E M B E R 9 -1 5, 2 0 1 5 | B O H E M I A N.COM

16 El Niño ( 15 child gathering strength inside the womb of the Pacific, his sonogram would be atypical, to say the least. Admittedly, there’s that unmistakable band of warm water bulging along the equator— El Niño’s hallmark—but there are also large masses of warm water, creatively dubbed “the warm blob,” extending, as we have never seen before, from the coastal United States and Mexico to as far north as Alaska.

“We’ve got this incredible warming of the higher latitudes of the Pacific Ocean,” says Mantua, “and ocean temperatures have been record-high for the last two years. That makes this year unlike anything in our historical record.”

El Niño was on everyone’s mind on Dec. 3 when State Sen. Mike McGuire and Assemblyman Jim Wood held a hearing at the Steele Lane Community Center in Santa Rosa to talk about the ongoing shutdown of the California Dungeness and rock crab fisheries. Both species are victims of the blob, which spurred an algae bloom this year of unprecedented proportion that toxified the crab with high levels of domoic acid.

The backdrop at the big crab meeting was what scientists and elected officials are calling the emergent “new normal” in the Pacific Ocean. Though nothing is certain in these weird new waters, “if El Nino shows up in force as predicted, the blob will dissipate,” said Catherine Kuhlman, executive director for ocean and coastal policy at the California Ocean Protection Council.

Kuhlman cited a litany of unpleasant blob-related trends at the crab conference that included many marine mammal deaths—sea lions are taking a hit—and unusual species’ washing up on the beaches.

“The ecosystem is shifting in response to the climate,” Kuhlman told the committee and packed room of commercial crabbers who had journeyed from around the state for the event.

Kuhlman warned that, despite whatever benefit a wicked winter El Niño might have on breaking

READING THE SIGNS Warm bands of water have already amassed near the equator, evidence that El Niño weather

patterns are likely.

up the blob, “it’s highly likely that we will have more of the algae blooms” in coming years.

“We don’t know if it’s climate change, the blob or El Niño, but the oceans are changing, and they are changing fast,” said Eric Sklar, who sits on the California Fish and Game Commission.

The anomalous blob is raising many questions about climate change and our future— including what this year’s El Niño winter will be like. Warmer oceans mean stronger storms and increased odds of aboveaverage winter precipitation.

But just how much rain is the boy-child planning to bring us?

It is enough to replenish our parched land? Will it unfold

slow and steady like applause or come in fits and torrential downpours, unleashing landslides, floods and hurricaneforce winds, like the ones that tormented California’s not-sodistant past?

“We know that no two El Niño events in the past have been the same,” Mantua says, “even though a lot of attention is being put on what happened in [the] 1997–98 and 1982–83 [El Niños], because of similarities in the strength of this event to what those two events had. But there is no guarantee that we’ll see a repeat of all of the things that might stand out in people’s memories. Odds are there will be some surprises.”

Even with advanced

technology—which includes some 70 buoys moored in the depths between Japan and the California coast—climate prediction is a field riddled with unknowns, probabilities and conservative estimates. The saying goes, climate is what you predict and weather is what you get. But one thing is certain: it’s going to rain this winter. Possibly a lot.

And maybe in a way Northern California hasn’t seen in decades.

Stormy Past In early January 1982, a giant storm sat over the Bay Area and much of the California coastline.

The rain began to fall during the last quarter of the NFL

championship game between the San Francisco 49ers and the New York Giants, pouring through the night and into the next day.

It was one of the most notorious California weather events of the 20th century, reports the Western Regional Climate Center (WRCC), a repository of historical climate information which uses data from the National Weather Service. The center reports that the ’82 storms brought “high wind, heavy rain and heavy snowfall across all of California.

This led to direct wind damage, higher tides, immediate flooding to coastal and valley locations, mudslides in coastal mountain areas, record snowfall in the Sierra mountains, and resulting

spring snowmelt river flooding.”

The ’82–83 El Nino left lots of wreckage, along with record rains and snowstorms: “Thirty-six dead, 481 injured, $1.2 billion economic losses, including 6,661 homes and 1,330 businesses damaged or destroyed,” reports the WRCC. They still talk about the weather events down in hard-hit Santa Cruz, especially scientists in the South Bay who beheld its wrath. “All you saw were trees sticking out and cars and pieces of houses, and it was right after Christmas, so there were Christmas decorations, and there were 10 people buried under it all,” says Gary Griggs, professor of earth and planetary sciences at UC Santa Cruz, where he’s

and continue through January and February, periods of active storm development at the same latitude as Central and Southern California have sent storms barreling into the West Coast, says Mantua. This happened in the ’82–83 and ’97–98 El Niño years, but we have also had lots of storms like this in some non–El Niño years, he points out.

One concern is that the ominous warm blob could potentially add fuel to storms as they develop in their breeding ground between Hawaii and the Aleutians. “When we have big storms that do develop and move across that water,” Mantua says, “they’re going to have strong winds and they’re going to evaporate a lot of water off that surface. They’re going to cool that warm blob, but in the process, they’re going to fuel themselves up. So I do think that our storms are going to be warmer and stronger than they otherwise would be without that vast area of warm water.”

Coupled with elevated sea levels typical of a warmer ocean, the more direct westerly wave approach of El Niño winters delivers an extra blow, and potentially vast flooding.

Thirst for Rain El Niño isn’t synonymous with rain, though four out of the last six strong El Niños brought wet winters to California, Mantua says. But NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center is calling for “increased odds” of a wet winter in Northern California; there’s a one-in-three chance, and a less than one-in-three chance for a dry winter. And while the odds for a wet winter increase in Southern California, the Gulf Coast and Florida, there’s just a 5 to 10 percent shift in the odds for a wet winter for the central and northern coast, Mantua says. “It’s pretty subtle,” he says, “but that is the nature of climate forecasting.”

Would a wet winter end the drought?

“While the precipitation outlook suggests good news for California, one season of above-average rain and snow is unlikely to ) 18 erase four years of

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HIGH WATER EVERYWHERE If the deluge comes, Russian River communities will likely feel the brunt of the storms.

taught since 1968. He was the first geologist on the scene the morning after the storm. “One woman survived,” recalls Griggs.

“She grabbed onto a tree as it went through her house at one in the morning.”

More recently, in the winter of ’97–98, massive flooding claimed 17 lives in California. East Palo Alto was one of the hardest hit cities in the Bay Area, as the San Francisquito Creek overflowed and damaged a reported 1,700 homes. Many were trapped inside, as all that surrounded the exteriors were lakes of muddy water after a steady month of rain.

Those were El Niño years, which is a level this winter doesn’t need to create dire consequences. “You don’t have to have an El Niño year to have a really devastating winter,” says Griggs.

According to a study published in the Journal of Coastal Research, about 76 percent of the storms between 1910 and 1995 that caused significant erosion and structural damage along the California coast occurred during El Niño years. We still don’t really know why it happens, but when the trade winds—which normally blow toward the equator from the northeast and southeast—die down, it allows the warm water in the western Pacific to flow back toward the coast of South America and then up the coast.

“The first thing it does is change the climate on opposite sides of the Pacific,” says Griggs.

That means drought in places like the Philippines, New Guinea and parts of Australia, as well as heavy rainfall in the eastern half of the tropical Pacific. Some of these shifts are already happening, according to Mantua.

“Right now, the Atacama Desert in southern Peru and northern Chile is blooming,” Mantua says.

“They’ve had lots of rainfall the last couple of months, and that’s a part of the world that has some of the driest deserts on earth in the absence of these El Niño periods.

It can go years without any appreciable rain at all.” Mantua notes that the same is true for the Galápagos Islands.

During El Niño winters, which typically peak in December

El NiĂąo ( 17

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drought,â&#x20AC;? says Mike Halpert of NOAAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Climate Prediction Center. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The drought outlook shows that some improvement is likely in Central and Southern California by the end of January, but not drought removal. Additional statewide relief is possible during February and March.â&#x20AC;?

The â&#x20AC;&#x2122;82â&#x20AC;&#x201C;83 and â&#x20AC;&#x2122;97â&#x20AC;&#x201C;98 El NiĂąo months did bring lots of rain to the area, so there is hope that this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s El NiĂąo might be the drought-buster. The headlinegrabber from â&#x20AC;&#x2122;98 was in parts of Marin County, which got up to 90 inches of rain that year. Many cities and towns up and down the coast, and inland, experienced a doubling, or more, of their annual rainfall averages in â&#x20AC;&#x2122;97â&#x20AC;&#x201C;98, according to data from the National Weather Service. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There was good snowpack in the Sierra, and if we had a repeat of those kind of winters, it would deďŹ nitely put a dent in the drought,â&#x20AC;? says Mantua. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wipe out all of our water-supply deďŹ cit, it wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t recharge all of the ground water thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been pumped out in the last four years and the last dozens of years, but at least it would help reďŹ ll reservoirs and recharge our soils and get a snowpack established again in the mountains.â&#x20AC;?

El NiĂąo was identiďŹ ed by ďŹ shermen in Peru and Ecuador as far back as the 1600s, not so much for its weather patterns as for its negative impacts on ďŹ shing. The warm waters shut down nutrientrich upwelling, halting the plankton bloom and subsequently breaking the entire food chain.

But El NiĂąoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s warm water can also mean weak upwelling in local waters too, which could mean poor reproduction this year for Dungeness crab, which are also being plagued by the blobâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s algae bloom of toxic domoic acid.

The warm water isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t great for PaciďŹ c salmon either, Mantua says, which thrive in cold, upwelled water high in nutrients and a productive plankton community that includes lipid-rich copepods and other crustaceans like krill.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;During these warm periods we know that it can be stressful for top predators, including salmon, seabirds, sea lions and seals,â&#x20AC;? says Mantua. Salmon released from hatcheries, which produce most of the salmon caught off the coast of California, are usually ďŹ shed after theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been in the ocean for two or three years, Mantua says, â&#x20AC;&#x153;so it doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have such a big impact on the season that youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re in, but two or three years down the road.â&#x20AC;?

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s like all earthquakes arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t the sameâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;all floods arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t the same, and all El NiĂąos are not the same.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Similar to past El NiĂąo years, blueďŹ n tuna, opah or moonďŹ sh, and bonitoâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;marine life typical off the coast of Southern Californiaâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; are all currently swarming area waters.

Since the last El NiĂąo, the Bay Area has experienced almost two decades of relatively mild winters, and Griggs points out that only a small portion of todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s residents were even here to experience the full wrath of an intense storm season. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s like all earthquakes arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t the sameâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;all ďŹ&#x201A;oods arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t the same, and all El NiĂąos are not the same. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m not sure if people fully understand that,â&#x20AC;? says Griggs. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think, in terms of ďŹ&#x201A;ooding, what people are doing is trying to clean out storm drains and get sandbags ready and make sure your roof gutters are clean, which helps the water get out faster.â&#x20AC;?

Even so, â&#x20AC;&#x153;You canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t stop sea levels from rising and you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t stop the waves from coming.â&#x20AC;?

Additional reporting by Tom Gogola.

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HOLIDAY HEARTTHROB The ever-popular Chris Isaak plays his favorite Christmas tunes along with his own hits at the Uptown Theatre in Napa, Dec. 13. See Clubs & Venues, p26.

PENNGROVE

M I L L VA L L E Y

SEBASTOPOL

N A PA / S E B A S TO P O L

For Linda

New Drug

Love Story

American Music

Ask any longtime Sonoma County musician, and they’ll tell you: Linda Ferro is always happy to help, and the Linda Ferro band is a selfless and supportive staple at fundraisers and benefits. Last September, Ferro suffered a stroke, so her friends are stepping up this week for a benefit concert on her behalf. The lineup includes recent Norbay Music Award winners Spencer Burrows and Kris Dilbeck from funk group Frobeck, as well as Bohemian Highway, Levi Lloyd, the Pulsators and others, with a silent auction.

It all goes to help Ferro recover. The concert kicks off on Saturday, Dec. 12, at Twin Oaks Tavern, 5745 Old Redwood Hwy., Penngrove. 1pm. $15. 707.795.5118.

Discovered in the rainforests of West Africa, the iboga shrub produces a substance called ibogaine, hailed as an aid in breaking addiction to heavy drugs like heroin. It’s gained popularity in the West, and this week, the Ibogaine for the World benefit concert boasts clinical researchers, addiction psychiatrists and other experts speaking before North Bay favorite Mark Karan hits the stage with Robin Sylvester (RatDog), Danny Eisenberg (the Mother Hips) and Jim Bogios (Counting Crows). Benefiting Addiction Interruption Resources, the show happens on Saturday, Dec. 12, at Sweetwater Music Hall, 19 Corte Madera Ave., Mill Valley. 5:30pm. $22 and up. 415.388.1100.

‘Autism in Love,’ a documentary by firsttime director Matt Fuller, follows four autistic adults as they navigate romantic relationships and personal challenges while trying to live normal, productive lives.

Critics are calling the film emotionally affecting and thought-provoking, and now, Community Cinema, Independent Lens and the Rialto Cinemas team up to offer two free screenings as part of the Indie Lens Pop-Up series, which matches insightful films with engaging community talks.

Autism in Love screens Monday, Dec. 14, at Rialto Cinemas, 6868 McKinley St., Sebastopol. 1pm and 7pm. Free.

707.525.4840.

There’s no other band like the Blasters.

Formed by brothers Phil and Dave Alvin in Los Angeles circa 1979, the high-energy rock-and-roll outfit was influenced by bluesmen like T-Bone Walker and came up with ’80s punk icons like Black Flag. Whether sweating it out at cramped honky-tonk bars or lighting up stages at swanky dance halls, the Blasters still pump out catchy rockabilly blues. This week, they make two pit stops in the North Bay, playing at 8pm on Tuesday, Dec. 15, at City Winery in Napa (1030 Main St.; $20–$25; 707.260.1600) and at 7:30pm on Wednesday, Dec. 16, at HopMonk Tavern in Sebastopol (230 Petaluma Ave.; $20; 707.829.7300).

—Charlie Swanson

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Arts Ideas IMAGINE IT A Trump-esque CEO (Brent Lindsay, right) and his army of inflatable dolls hunt for the immaculate Star Child in

new play from the Imaginists.

The Star Child Santa Rosa’s Imaginists theater creates new worlds on the stage BY CHARLIE SWANSON

I

n this art form, people hold on to old success stories and old models,” says Brent Lindsay, “and I just want to punch right through that.”

‘

As co-founder of Santa Rosa’s experimental theater company the Imaginists, Lindsay and his partner, Amy Pinto, regularly push the boundaries of live theater with original works that are often subversive and challenging.

The Imaginists’ latest offering is also one of their most outof-this-world productions. The Eternal Return of the Cosmic Star Child from the Songbook of the Invisible Sky is an interstellar operetta that takes inspiration from the nativity story and dials into current-day issues of xenophobia, spirituality and refugees for an intensely stirring musical that runs Dec. 10–20.

Conceived of by Lindsay five weeks ago, and directed

by Lindsay and Pinto, the new

production is a collaborative effort with musical director and songwriter Charlie Davenport (Rags, Secret Cat) and experimental Santa Rosa band Snake Walk.

Lindsay plays the King Herod– like role of a CEO who’s after the miracle-born Star Child. The cast—which includes longtime Imaginists ensemble performers Rae Quintana, Amanda Artru, Quenby Dolgushkin as the protective Magi, and Katrina Dolgushkin as the motherly

Mira—sing from four platforms under circling spotlights while the audience sits in the round.

“I love working with Brent because he’s so open and allows everybody to reach his or her potential,” says Davenport, who makes his Imaginists debut in this show. “And because it’s all written so quickly, it feels so current. Plus it’s gorgeous to look at. It’s like candy to watch.”

With the live band belting out original music that ranges from heavy guitar rock to sublime synthesizer atmospheres, the cast brings this bizarre songbook to life in a nontraditional way.

“You want to make it complex enough that it keeps growing, not shrinking, not going dormant,” Lindsay says. “For me, I want to make theater where people have to come a second time. That’s what I want. The second time is almost always when people come up to me and tell me they loved it.”

A Santa Rosa native, Lindsay credits his love of theater with his old Analy High School drama teacher Amy Glazer, now a professor at San Jose State University and a well-known Bay Area director. “She changed my whole perception,” says Lindsay.

“I think what she did to me was she said, ‘With disciple, this art form can be really exciting.’”

After high school, though, live theater in the North Bay of the 1980s didn’t offer Lindsay much excitement. He moved east and attended the North Carolina School of the Arts, where he met Pinto in 1986 when they were both enrolled in the theater department.

After five years in New York City, where, among other gigs, Lindsay worked for the Living Theatre founder and off-Broadway force of nature Judith Malina, he and Pinto found themselves on a farm in southern Delaware.

21

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The Eternal Return of the Cosmic Star Child from the Songbook of the Invisible Skyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; runs Thursdayâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;Sunday, Dec. 10â&#x20AC;&#x201C;20, at the Imaginists, 461 Sebastopol Ave., Santa Rosa. All shows 8pm. $5â&#x20AC;&#x201C;$25. 707.528.7554.

OMG

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In 1994, they formed the experimental ensemble theater company KITUS (Knights of Indulgence Theatre United States), and, says Lindsay, conned the company into coming out west. They landed in Truckee and took over the scene there from 1997 to 2001, when KITUS disbanded. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We were all hitting 30 to 35 years old,â&#x20AC;? says Lindsay. â&#x20AC;&#x153;And we were going, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;What are we doing?â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;?

After that reality check, Lindsay and Pinto came to the North Bay, settled in Healdsburg and founded the Imaginists in 2001 as a small company and theater school. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know that I knew I was going to be here,â&#x20AC;? says Lindsay. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I knew there was something interesting about returning here and putting something in place that wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t here for me.â&#x20AC;?

Ten students at the school turned into 40, then turned into waiting lists. Many of those original students, like Quenby and Katrina Dolgushkin, have now grown up alongside Lindsay and Pinto, and are regular members of the company today.

The Imaginists moved to their current location in Santa Rosaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s South A Street arts district in 2009, and for the last six years have been attracting diverse crowds and gaining national and international attention for their works. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The main focus is to get people to share their story,â&#x20AC;? Lindsay says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We build shows around themes and ideas, but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s always about people pitching in. For young people, to build up from their creative voice is really exciting.

We try to look for interesting ways to keep young people excited about theater, showing them that theater can be whatever you want it to be. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s empowerment in imagination.â&#x20AC;?

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Stage

any of our Christmas stories are tales of tribulation, from Jimmy Stewartâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s contemplated suicide in Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a Wonderful Life to Tim Allenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s accidental killing of Santa in The Santa Clause. Even Charlie Brownâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s seasonal affective disorder becomes a kind of wistful melancholia with enough piano jazz.

Polar Bears is inspired by the true events that followed Templetonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s divorce from and the untimely death of the mother of his two young children, and how he endeavored against incredible odds to keep the spirit of Christmas alive. Through funeral arrangements and grief and an array of misunderstandings (including the inspiration for the title, which will put a lump in your throat), Polar Bears reminds us that our childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s belief in Santa may not be the best measure for our belief in ourselves as parents.

Well-directed by local theater veteran Sheri Lee Miller, the collaboration must have been akin to a protracted psychotherapy session. Though overcompensation is the modus operandi of many a divorced dad, Templetonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s story, conveyed with myriad voices, including those of his children and even his own father, approaches the neurotic.

Templeton is a writer ďŹ rst and an actor secondâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;not a distant second, but enough that the latter sometimes has to play catch up with the former. At worst, Templeton has a tendency toward recitation, which, at nearly two hours of live performance, is a feat in itself. But at his best, he eschews ďŹ delity to his text and speaks truly to the emotion of the moment.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s like heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s talking to a friend about one of the most challenging periods of his life. (Full disclosure: I consider myself one among Davidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s many friends.)

Templetonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hindsight, however, is not through rose-tinted glassesâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more like a microscope whose slide is smudged around the edges with Vaseline, which affords it a kind of Golden Age of Hollywoodâ&#x20AC;&#x201C; style nostalgia, despite the rigorous self-examination. Polar Bears may not restore your belief in Santa Claus, but it will restore your belief in parenthood.

Thus it stands to reason that writer and performer (and Bohemian theater critic) David Templeton would yoke his yuletide monologue Polar Bears to a similar strategyâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;â&#x20AC;&#x153;tragedy plus time equals comedy,â&#x20AC;? as they say. But Templeton isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t pursuing comedy so as much as catharsis.

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Polar Bearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; plays Thursdayâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;Saturday at 8pm and Sunday at 5pm through Dec. 20 at Main Stage West, 104 N. Main St., Sebastopol. $15â&#x20AC;&#x201C;$27 (Thursday-evening performances are â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;pay what you willâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;). 707.823.0177. mainstagewest.com. Not recommended for those who believe in Santa Claus.

Eric Chazankin

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22

ONE-MAN SHOW David Templetonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Polar Bearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; is an autobiographical heartbreaker.

Ghosts of Xmas Past 12/11â&#x20AC;&#x201C;12/17

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Mother and son imprisoned in a shedâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; a happy ending awaits BY RICHARD VON BUSACK

B

ased on one of those stories you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t even want to think about, Room is adapted from Emma Donoghueâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s novelâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;which, in turn, is sourced from the real-life ordeals of women kidnapped and imprisoned in makeshift dungeons. In this story, Joy (Brie Larson) and Jack (Jacob Tremblay) are in their own world; they have to be, given how they are walled up in a windowless 10-by-10-foot shed in an Akron, Ohio, backyard. Jack is ďŹ ve and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Joyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s seventh year in captivity. Not knowing her rapistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s name (Sean Bridgers), she calls him â&#x20AC;&#x153;Old Nick,â&#x20AC;? as in Satan.

Larsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s impressively focused acting never lets you blink. Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bonded in a tight inner circle with the superb young Tremblay.

Whenever director Lenny Abrahamson has the two together, he never goes wrong. He handles even the risky and macabre portions of the storyâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;such as the scene of the monster, Nick, whining to his prisoner that heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been laid off and has suffered unemployment for the past six months.

The truth is that Jack is relatively happy. He treats the room like Pee-weeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Playhouse. Every piece of furniture has a name. Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s satisďŹ ed at being the complete focus of a motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s attention. But the love and tears this movie has drawn from national audiences eludes me; the ďŹ lmâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s turn toward healing and therapy comes on so quickly that it seems indecent.

Even performers like William H. Macy and Joan Allen (as the parents of the kidnapped Joy) canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t transcend the simple melodramatic roles theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re cast in. And the direction is even ďŹ&#x201A;atter for the various police, doctors, lawyers and journalists who come out to help get Joy back into the world. The clean suburbs and the orchestrated score insist on a happy ending for the kind of story that never ends joyously. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Roomâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; is playing at Summerfield Cinemas, 551 Summerfield Road, Santa Rosa. 707.522.0719.

labels s 100 dealers & a cafe on 1 level! l s a huge place to browse! s toys &

shop

To ski is grand.

To

divine!

Get a lift, find a gift!

Enjoy nostalgic and inspiring holiday shopping!

Antique Society oon Sebastopolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Antique Row

2661 Gravenstein Hwy So. (Hwy 116) 3%"!34/0/, s 777 !.4)15%3/#)%49 #//0%. $!),9 #!&% /. 3)4%

dolls s pottery & art s architectural items s

Room with No View

s every era & style s jewelry s furniture s fruit

turned upside down in â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Room.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;

N O RT H BAY B O H E M I A N | D EC E M B E R 9 -1 5, 2 0 1 5 | B O H E M I A N.COM

Film

23

ANIMAL HEALING ARTS

24 N O RT H BAY B O H E M I A N | D EC E M B E R 9 -1 5, 2 0 1 5 | B O H E M I A N.COM

Classical Ballet School Santa Rosa Youth Ballet Company

Music Concerts SONOMA COUNTY

5409 Snyder Lane, Rohnert Park

Dec 18 at 7pm, Dec 19 at 2pm & 7pm, & Dec 20 at 2pm Tickets: $30 General, $28 Seniors, $25 Youth (12 & under) For Tickets & Information: 707.588.3400 / santarosadancetheater.com

Lunch & Dinner Sat & Sun Brunch

Fireside Dining 7 Days a Week

D I N N E R & A S H OW Fri R ANCHO DEBUT !

11 Dec DIRTY CELLO

Bluegrass and Blues 8:00 / No Cover

D K CHRISTMAS Dec 12 A WILLIE C A NCE L E Sat

8:30

CHRISTMAS ROCK Nâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ROLL DANCE PARTY! 5:00

Dec 18 STOMPY JONES Sat

with The Sherrie Phillips Band

#2

9 ..01 /,

Dec 13 JOHNNY ALLAIRâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S Sun

Fri

Zepparella the All-Female Zeppelin Powerhouse

Dance Lessons!

Swing and R&B 7:45 Crab Feed & Dance Party!

Dec 19 MIKE DUKE, ANNIE

SAMPSON, ANGELA STREHLI AND THE BROADSIDES BAND

8:00 / No Cover

Dec 20 SANTA & MRS. CLAUS Sun

2:00â&#x20AC;&#x201C;3:30

TIM CAINâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S

FAMILY CHRISTMAS SING ALONG 4:00â&#x20AC;&#x201C;5:00

9TH ANNUAL GOSPEL CHRISTMAS EVE Dec 24 WITH THE PRIESTHOOD Thu

DINNER AND SHOW 7:00 or JOIN US FOR CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER

5:00â&#x20AC;&#x201C;9:00

Reservations Advised

415.662.2219

On the Town Square, Nicasio www.ranchonicasio.com

Mark Karan & Friends Ibogaine For the World Addiction Interruption Resources Benefit

.-$&02 #-&+ .-$&02 !

3&1

"&%

9 ..01 /, 9 All Ages )301

9 ..01 /, 9

0*

9 ..01 /, 9 ++ ).51 !

Hard Working Americans

feat. Todd Snider, Dave Schools (Widespread Panic), Neal Casal (Chris Robinson's Brotherhood) with Front Country & Jerry Joseph 3- 9 ..01 /, .-

9 ..01 /, ! *1$.3-2

The Christmas Jug Band

)30

9 ..01 /, 9 !

Brixx Pizzeria Dec 12, Mike Saliani. 16 Kentucky St, Petaluma.

707.766.8162.

Nick Loweâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Quality Holiday Revue

The official after-party of the Cup features Zion-I, Lafa Taylor, dance performance by Luna Moon and more. Dec 12, 9pm. $25. Annie Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Music Hall, 120 Fifth St, Santa Rosa.

707.542.1455.

Lowe and his band Los Straitjackets bring their contemporary Christmas tunes to Napa to spread some holiday cheer. Dec 12, 8pm. $55-$65. City Winery Napa, 1030 Main St, Napa.

707.260.1600.

B&V Whiskey Bar & Grille

The Robert Cray Band

Dec 10, John Pita. Dec 11, Clay Bell. Dec 12, Ricky Alan Ray. Tues, Wavelength. 133 Fourth St, Santa Rosa. 707.578.1826.

With an unmistakable growl and instantly recognizable riffs, the intense metal band out of Arizona comes to town for a night of hardcore rock, with Thought Vomit and Vile Riot Villains opening. Dec 11, 7:30pm. $20-$22. Phoenix Theater, 201 Washington St, Petaluma. 707.762.3565.

MARIN COUNTY Hard Working Americans A four-night concert and toydrive residency from rock and roll supergroup that includes Todd Snider, Dave Schools, Neal Casal and others. Dec 15-18. $42-$45. Sweetwater Music Hall, 19 Corte Madera Ave, Mill Valley. 415.388.1100.

Holiday Pops: Winter Wonderland 0*

9 ..01 /, 9 ! !

Dec 9, Tracy Rose and friends.

Dec 10, Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Bunchovus. Dec 11, Miss Moonshine. Dec 16, Bruce Gordon & the Acrosonics. Tues, the American Alley Cats. 128 American Alley, Petaluma.

707.776.4631.

Emerald Cup After-Party

Soulfly

SPRECKELS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

and the Pastiche Players.

Dec 12, 7pm and Dec 13, 3pm. $5-$15. Calistoga Art Center, 1435 North Oak St, Calistoga.

707.942.2278.

The Big Easy

Hear beloved holiday classics and traditional carols performed by the Marin Symphony, Marin Symphony Chorus, and Marin Symphony Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Chorus.

Dec 15, 7pm. $20-$45. Marin Center Veteransâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Memorial Auditorium, 10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael.

415.473.6800.

Kitka The womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vocal ensemble performs â&#x20AC;&#x153;Wintersongs,â&#x20AC;? a treasure trove of seasonal music from a wide variety of Eastern European folk traditions. Dec 12, 8pm. $10$28. Osher Marin JCC, 200 N San Pedro Rd, San Rafael.

415.444.8000.

NAPA COUNTY

American roots, blues and soulman performs with his full band. VIP packages available.

Dec 11, 8pm. $35-$75. Uptown Theatre, 1350 Third St, Napa.

707.259.0123.

Clubs & Venues SONOMA COUNTY Aâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Roma Roasters

Dec 11, fundraiser for the family of Carlos Lopez. Dec 12, DJ Hi-C. Tues, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Reggae Marketâ&#x20AC;? DJ night. 400 First St E, Sonoma.

707.938.7110.

Cellars of Sonoma

Chroma Gallery Dec 11, Vivaldiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;Four Seasonsâ&#x20AC;? with Richard Heinberg String Quartet. 312 South A St, Santa Rosa. 707.293.6051.

Dry Creek Kitchen Dec 14, Steve Moon and Miles Wick Duo. Dec 15, Jim Adams and Tom Shader. 317 Healdsburg Ave, Healdsburg.

707.431.0330.

Dec 11, Solid Air. Dec 12, Mike Z and the Benders.

95 Fifth St, Santa Rosa.

707.576.7765.

Flamingo Lounge

Andrews Hall

French Garden

Dec 12, Holiday Soul Vocal Concert. Sonoma Community Center, 276 E Napa St, Sonoma.

707.938.4626.

Dec 11, Haute Flash Quartet.

Dec 12, Honey B & the Pollinators. 8050 Bodega Ave, Sebastopol. 707.824.2030.

Annie Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Music Hall

Glaser Center

Dec 10, 5pm, Ribbon-cutting party. Dec 11, BASSLOV3 party with DJ Lady Char and DJ Minxâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;D. 120 Fifth St, Santa Rosa. 707.542.1455.

Dec 13, 3pm, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Got Nog?â&#x20AC;? with Occidental Community Choir.

547 Mendocino Ave, Santa Rosa. 707.568.5381.

Aqus Cafe

Dec 12, SRJC Symphonic Band and SSU Symphonic Wind Ensemble. Dec 13, 3pm, the Pacifica Quartet with Orion Weiss. 1801 East Cotati Ave, Rohnert Park, 866.955.6040.

Dec 10, Jammin in the Parlor.

Dec 11, Wisp and Willows.

Dec 12, the Farallons. Dec 13, 2pm, Kenneth Roy Berry. Dec 16, West Coast Songwriters Competition. 189 H St, Petaluma. 707.778.6060.

Arlene Francis Center Dec 10, Sleepwalk Sunday with Andrew Maurer and Old Earth. Dec 11, Banjo Babes showcase with the Stringtown Ambassadors. 99 Sixth St, Santa Rosa. 707.528.3009.

Dec 11, Stax City. Dec 12, Salsa Band. 2777 Fourth St, Santa Rosa. 707.545.8530.

Green Music Center

Green Music Center Schroeder Hall Dec 11-12, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Early Music Christmas: In Sweetest Joyâ&#x20AC;? with Crica 1600. 1801 E Cotati Ave, Rohnert Park, 866.955.6040.

The Weight NYE Celebration with Moonalice

Holiday Revels

Barley & Hops Tavern

Healdsburg Community Church

www.sweetwatermusichall.com 19 Corte Madera Ave, Mill Valley CafĂŠ 388-1700 | Box Office 388-3850

Music and merriment for the whole family features Eric Bolton, Marielle Coeytaux, Carl Sherrill and Vocal Color

Dec 10, Ricky Alan Ray. Dec 11, Jen Tucker. Dec 12, Gypsie Cafe. 3688 Bohemian Hwy, Occidental. 707.874.9037.

Dec 11, Healdsburg Community Band Holiday Concert. Dec 13-14, a Christmas Collage with the Healdsburg Chorus. 1100

University Ave, Healdsburg.

707.495.5620.

25

HopMonk Sebastopol

707.829.7300 230 PETALUMA AVE | SEBASTOPOL

OPEN MIC NIGHT

EVERY TUES AT 7PM WITH CHRIS WED DEC 9

Dec 11, Chris Hanlin. Dec 12, Clay Bell. Dec 13, Glen Phillips with Megan Slankard. Soldout. 691 Broadway, Sonoma.

707.935.9100.

THU DEC 10

MUSION

+ DJ DRAGONFLY, BEAT MANTRA $10/DOORS 8:30/SHOW 9:30/21+

WAYNE THE TRAIN HANCOCK

+ DEREK IRVING AND HIS COMBO $15â&#x20AC;&#x201C;20/DOORS 7:30/SHOW 8:15/21+

Lagunitas Tap Room

Main Street Bistro Dec 10, Levi Lloyd & the 501 Band. Dec 11, Vernelle Anders.

Dec 12, Jess Petty. Dec 13, Pocket Canyon Ramblers.

16280 Main St, Guerneville.

707.869.0501.

Mc Tâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bullpen Dec 11, the River City Band. Dec 12, Always Elvis. Dec 13, George Heagerty & Never the Same.

16246 First St, Guerneville.

707.869.3377.

Murphyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Irish Pub Dec 11, One Eyed Reilly. Dec 12, Mostly Simply Bluegrass.

464 First St E, Sonoma.

707.935.0660.

Mystic Theatre Dec 11, Collie Buddz and Hirie.

Dec 12, Poor Manâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Whiskey and Mr December. 23 Petaluma Blvd N, Petaluma. 707.765.2121.

Newman Auditorium Dec 11, Santa Rosa Junior College Jazz Combos. SRJC, 1501 Mendocino Ave, Santa Rosa. 707.527.4249.

Occidental Center for the Arts Dec 11-12, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Got Nog?â&#x20AC;? with Occidental Community Choir. 3850 Doris Murphy Ct, Occidental. 707.874.9392.

Petaluma Historical Library & Museum Dec 13, 3pm, A Santa Rosa

3/21/16 Masters of Illusion As seen on TV!

SAT DEC 12

Dec 12, the Miles Wick Trio.

25 Matheson St, Healdsburg.

707.431.2800.

Dec 12, 2pm, Eight Belles with Ashley Allred. 1899-A Mendocino Ave, Santa Rosa.

707.525.1963.

2/10/16 Merle Haggard

+ DJ ZACK DARLING $10/DOORS 7/SHOW 8/21+

Hotel Healdsburg

Last Record Store

Become a Member to Get Your Tickets NOW!

LILA ROSE RACHEL LARK

HopMonk Sonoma

Dec 9, Sound of Sirens. Dec 10, Patrolled by Radar. Dec 11, Sweet Plot. Dec 13, Soulshine Band. Dec 16, the Rhythm Drivers. 1280 N McDowell Blvd, Petaluma. 707.778.8776.

5 NEW SHOWS: ON SALE DEC 18!

SUN DEC 13

PATCHY SANDERS

3/23/16 Vince Gill

$10â&#x20AC;&#x201C;12/DOORS 7/SHOW 7:45/21+

MON DEC 14

MONDAY NIGHT EDUTAINMENT WITH

HEARING THE MUSE Erin Inglish plays the Banjo

DJ JACQUES & DJ GUACAMOLE

Babes Showcase Dec. 11 at the Arlene Francis Center in Santa Rosa. See Clubs & Venues, adjacent page.

WED DEC 16

$8/ LADIES $5 B4 11/DOORS-SHOW 10/21+

3/29/16 Elvis Costello

THE BLASTERS

$20/DOORS 7/SHOW 7:45/21+ Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Chorus Christmas.

20 Fourth St, Petaluma.

707.778.4398.

Dec 15, Arkaik with Wrvth and Damascus. 755 Petaluma Ave, Sebastopol. 707.829.2722.

Redwood Cafe

St Francis Solano Church

Dec 11, Dream Farmers. Dec 12, Jon Gonzales and family.

Dec 13, 11am, Richard Torres.

Dec 13, 6pm, Irish jam session.

8240 Old Redwood Hwy, Cotati.

707.795.7868.

Rio Nido Roadhouse Dec 12, the Thugz annual holiday party. 14540 Canyon 2 Rd, Rio Nido. 707.869.0821.

Roseland Community Library Dec 12, 1pm, Santa Rosa Symphony Youth Ensemble.

779 Sebastopol Rd, Santa Rosa.

Rossiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 1906 Dec 9, Ricky Ray Band with dance lessons. Dec 11, Rubber Soul dinner show. Dec 13, Sweet Potato 5. Dec 16, the Lonestar Retrobates with dance lessons. 401 Grove St, Sonoma. 707.343.0044.

Ruth McGowanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Brewpub Dec 11, Kevin Russell & His So Called Friends. Dec 12, the Sticky Notes. Sun, Evening Jazz with Gary Johnson. 131 E First St, Cloverdale. 707.894.9610.

755 After Dark Dec 12, the Know Nothings farewell show with Wolf King.

WWW.HOPMONK.COM Book your m next event with us, up to 250, kim@hopmonk.com 9/30/16 Emmylou Harris

Dec 13, MusicWorks! Sonoma presents Christmas in Sonoma.

469 Third St W, Sonoma.

707.290.9175.

DECEMBER

Stout Brothers

+65Âť; -69.,;ÂŻ>, :,9=, -66+ ;66

Dec 10, the Sam Band. Dec 11-12, DJ Dave. 527 Fourth St, Santa Rosa. 707.636.0240.

4J5LHYÂťZ +PUPUN /V\ZL

)YLHRMHZ[ Â&#x2039; 3\UJO Â&#x2039; +PUULY -90 Â&#x2039; 74 +669: Â&#x2039; 9,..(, 73<: /090,

Twin Oaks Tavern Dec 9, Timothy Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Neil Band.

Dec 10, the Thugz. Dec 11, the Soul Section. Dec 12, 1pm, Linda Ferro benefit. Dec 12, 8pm, the Sorentinos. Dec 13, 5pm, Blues and BBQ with Raymond Victor Band. Dec 15, PaintNite. Dec 16, the Roadhouse Ramblers. Mon, Blues Defenders Pro Jam. 5745 Old Redwood Hwy, Penngrove.

707.795.5118.

Wells Fargo Center for the Arts Dec 13, 3pm, Symphony Pops: A Very Merry Holiday Pops. 50 Mark West Springs Rd, Santa Rosa. 707.546.3600.

MARIN COUNTY Belrose Theater Second Wednesday of every month, Ragtime ) jam. Thurs, open

26

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-9(52 +,(5 :(44@ 7,;,9 (5+ 16,@ ;6.,;/,9 (.(05 :<5 Â&#x2039; 74 +669: Â&#x2039; /07 /67 (5+ -632 *(30-6950( 966;: 79,:,5;:!

12/22 Dave Koz Christmas Tour 2015 12/23 Brian Setzer Orchestra 12th Annual Christmas Rocks! Tour

JANUARY 2016

1/10

JE Media, Inc presents

Psychic Medium John Edward 1/27 Wellington International Ukelele Orchestra

5(/26 (5+ 4,+0*05, -69 ;/, 7,673, 73<: +<:;05 ;/64(:

5V *OPSKYLU <UKLY [V (SS (NLZ :OV^Z 7L[HS\TH )S]K 7L[HS\TH

^^^ TJULHYZ JVT

707.546.3600

wellsfargocenterarts.org

N O RT H BAY B O H E M I A N | D EC E M B E R 9 -1 5, 2 0 1 5 | B O H E M I A N.COM

Dec 9, Lila Rose and Rachel Lark. Dec 10, Musion with DJ Dragonfly. Dec 12, Wayne the Train Hancock with Derek Irving & His Combo. Dec 13, Patchy Sanders. Dec 16, the Blasters.

230 Petaluma Ave, Sebastopol.

707.829.7300.

N O RT H BAY B O H E M I A N | D EC E M B E R 9 -1 5, 2 0 1 5 | B O H E M I A N.COM

26

Music ( 25

music with Musae. 201 Esperanza, Tiburon.

mic night. 1415 Fifth Ave, San Rafael. 415.454.6422.

Osteria Divino

Benissimo Ristorante & Bar Thurs, Fri, live music. 18 Tamalpais Dr, Corte Madera.

415.927.2316.

Dance Palace Dec 12, Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play. 503 B St, Pt Reyes Station. 415.663.1075.

Fairfax Library Dec 9, classical guitar with Joseph Bacon. 2097 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Fairfax.

415.453.8092.

Fenix Dec 11, Top Shelf. Dec 12, the Platters Revue. Dec 15, Lovinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Harmony. Wed, Pro blues jam.

919 Fourth St, San Rafael.

415.813.5600.

Georgeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Nightclub Dec 12, DJ Jorge. Thurs, California Flight Project. Sun, Mexican Banda. Wed, Georgeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Jazz Time jam. 842 Fourth St, San Rafael. 415.226.0262.

HopMonk Novato

Sebastiani Theatre

Vintage Film Series individual movie admission $9 Sun, Dec 20 matinee

Adam y Eva en la Tierra by Karima Muyaes, 1987

5FOUI 4U 4BOUB 3PTB t 5VFo4BU o 707 t calabigallery.com

â&#x20AC;&#x153;THE SANTA CLAUSEâ&#x20AC;? (1985) Mon, Dec 21, 7pm

â&#x20AC;&#x153;WHITE CHRISTMASâ&#x20AC;? (1954)

SEBASTOPOL GALLERY

FINE ART Â&#x2039; CRAFTS Â&#x2039; JEWELRY

by Local Sonoma County Artists

Check website for listings Movies call 707.996.2020 Tickets call 707.996.9756 SONOMA sebastianitheatre.com

150 North Main St. Â&#x2039; Sebastopol Â&#x2039; CA 11am - 6pm daily Â&#x2039; 707-829-7200 www.sebastopol-gallery.com

Panama Hotel Restaurant Dec 9, Lip Sticks with Paula Helene. Dec 10, Wanda Stafford. Dec 15, Swing Fever.

Dec 16, C-JAM with Connie Ducey. 4 Bayview St, San Rafael.

415.457.3993.

Dec 9, Stickyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Backyard. Dec 10, Markâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Jam Sammich.

Dec 12, Sucker MCs. Dec 13, Tom Finch Trio. Dec 15, Waldoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Special. Dec 16, the Elvis Johnson Soul Revue. . 29 Broadway, Fairfax.

415.459.9910.

Rancho Nicasio Dec 11, Dirty Cello. Dec 12, a Willie K Christmas. Dec 13, Johnny Allairâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. 1 Old Rancheria Rd, Nicasio. 415.662.2219.

Rickeyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Iron Springs Pub & Brewery Dec 9, Kate Gaffney Band. Dec 16, Shut-Ins xmas concert.

765 Center Blvd, Fairfax.

415.485.1005.

Dec 10, Neck and Neck. Dec 11, Generation Esmeralda. Dec 12, Wobbly World with Freddy Clarke. Dec 13, salsa with Karabali. 305 Harbor View Dr, Sausalito. 415.331.2899.

Marin Center Showcase Theatre

Smileyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Schooner Saloon

Dec 11-12, Mayflower Chorus presents This Shining Night.

10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael. 415.499.6800.

19 Broadway Club Dec 9, Great Spirit Band. Dec 10, Miles Ahead Group. Dec 11, open space fundraiser with Olive & the Dirty Martinis. Dec 12, Kehoe and the Mother Truckers. Dec 13, Setchko, Meese & Lipincott. Dec 15, Walt the Dog. Dec 16, Xâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s for Eyes. Mon, open mic.

17 Broadway Blvd, Fairfax.

415.459.1091.

Mon, Kimrea and the Dreamdogs. Tues, open mic.

757 Bridgeway, Sausalito.

415.332.1392.

Old St Hilaryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Landmark Dec 13, 4pm, Medieval Holiday

Terrapin Crossroads ec 10, Peter Rowan. Dec 12, Scott Law and friends. Dec 14, Grateful Mondays with Stu Allen and Scott Law. Dec 16, Wilco Wednesday tribute night.

100 Yacht Club Dr, San Rafael.

415.524.2773.

Unity in Marin Dec 16, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Path Withinâ&#x20AC;? musical journey with Christine Tulis and Kem Stone. 600 Palm Dr, Novato.

Periâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Silver Dollar

Dec 9, open mic night with John Turley. Dec 12, the Pine Needles and Black Cat Bone.

Dec 16, open mic night with Karen Behaving Bradley.

224 Vintage Way, Novato.

415.892.6200.

No Name Bar

Opening Today!

Dec 9, Deborah Winters. Dec 10, J Kevin Durkin. Dec 11, Emma Callister. Dec 12, Ian McArdle Trio. Dec 13, Jeff Densonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Open Sky. Dec 15, Ken Cook. Dec 16, Jonathan Poretz. 37 Caledonia St, Sausalito. 415.331.9355.

Sherrie Phillips Band. Dec 12, Ibogaine for the World benefit concert with Mark Karan and friends. 19 Corte Madera Ave, Mill Valley. 415.388.1100.

Dec 11, Phillip Percy Pack.

Dec 12, Lilan Kane and James Harman. Dec 13, 13 Strings.

250 Entrada Dr, Novato.

415.883.9477.

Sausalito Seahorse

Dec 11, the Mosswoods. Dec 12, Bad Apple String Band.

Sun, open mic. Mon, Epicenter Soundsystem reggaae. 41 Wharf Rd, Bolinas. 415.868.1311.

Spitfire Lounge Second Thursday of every month, DJ Romestallion.

Second Friday of every month, DJ Beset. 848 B St, San Rafael.

415.454.5551.

St Vincentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Chapel Dec 12, 2pm, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Holidays in Harmonyâ&#x20AC;? with Novato Music Association Chorus. 1 St Vincentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Dr, San Rafael.

Studio 55 Marin Dec 12, Mike Greensill and Wesla Whitfield. 1455 E Francisco Blvd, San Rafael.

415.453.3161.

Sweetwater Music Hall Dec 11, Zepparella and the

NAPA COUNTY Cameo Cinema Dec 13, 1pm, St. Helena Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Chorus Christmas concert. 1340 Main St, St Helena. 707.963.3946.

City Winery Napa Dec 9, David Wax Museum with Marty Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Reilly. Dec 13, VOENA: Voices of the Season. Dec 15, the Blasters with Gamblers Mark. Dec 16, Paul Barrere and Fred Tackett. 1030 Main St, Napa. 707.260.1600.

Downtown Joeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Brewery & Restaurant Dec 10, Jimi James. Dec 11, Levi Lloyd & the 501 Band. Dec 12, Jinx Jones. 902 Main St, Napa.

707.258.2337.

Napa Valley Performing Arts Center Dec 13, 3pm, Sing Napa Valleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Messiah. 100 California Dr, Yountville. 707.944.9900.

River Terrace Inn Dec 10-11, Timothy Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Neil. Dec 12, Smorgy. 1600 Soscol Ave, Napa. 707.320.9000.

Siloâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Dec 10, JourneyDay and Belle Mouraille. Dec 11, Christmas Jubilee with Maria Bartolome and Brian Coutch Band. Dec 12, Jimi Hendrix tribute with Ralph Woodson. Dec 13, 4pm, NVJS presents Charles Hamilton Quintet. Dec 16, Christmas show with the Deadlies duo. 530 Main St, Napa. 707.251.5833.

Uptown Theatre Dec 13, Chris Isaak. 1350 Third St, Napa. 707.259.0123.

Uva Trattoria Dec 9, Justin Diaz. Dec 10, Trio Solea. Dec 11, Jack Pollard and Dan Daniels. Dec 12, Jackie and friends. Dec 13, Duo Gadjo. Dec 16, Le Jazz Hot. 1040 Clinton St, Napa. 707.255.6646.

Arts Events Dec 11 Art Works Downtown, “Small Works Exhibition,” a wonderful opportunity to find affordable, quality artwork for the holiday gift-giving season. 5pm.

1337 Fourth St, San Rafael.

415.451.8119.

Desta Art and Tea Gallery, “The Way of Art,” featuring paintings, bronze sculptures and jewelries from local Bay Area artists. 6pm. 417 San Anselmo Ave, San Anselmo.

415.524.8932.

Madrigal Family Winery, “Celebrate the Holidays,” art installation in the tasting room features Bay Area oil painter Kay Carlson. 6pm.

819 Bridgeway, Sausalito.

415.729.9549.

Napa Valley Museum “Trashed and Treasured,” features work from Recology’s significant collection of alumni artists.

6pm. 55 Presidents Circle, Yountville. 707.944.0500.

1108 Gallery, “Community Artists Group Show,” abstract works from Nina Bravo and Mark Parker join other local artists in a showing. 5pm. 1108 Tamalpais Avenue, San Rafael. 415.454.1249.

Dec 12 Art Museum of Sonoma County, “Inside Magnolia Editions: Collaboration & Innovation,” an

Galleries SONOMA COUNTY Arts Guild of Sonoma Through Dec 27, “Holiday Invitational Show,” guild members get festive with these holiday-inspired works.

140 E Napa St, Sonoma. WedThurs and Sun-Mon, 11 to 5; Fri-Sat, 11 to 8. 707.996.3115.

Atlas Coffee Company Through Dec 30, “Upland & Plain,” Richard Ciccarelli’s exhibit of oil paintings offers

experimental collection of renowned works from the top-notch Oakland printmaking company.

6pm. 505 B St, Santa Rosa.

707.579.1500.

Marin Museum of Contemporary Art, “ThirtySix Views of the Bay Bridge,” David Garnick’s series of photographs exhibits in the main gallery, with Gale S McKee’s “The American Car: A Family Portrait” in the Ron Collins Gallery.

5pm. 500 Palm Dr, Novato.

415.506.0137.

Opera House Collective, “Maxfield Bala Solo Show,” the rising Bay Area artist creates vivid illustrations with imaginative figures drawn in a complex fine line style. 6pm. 145 Kentucky St, Petaluma. 707.774.6576.

Sebastopol Gallery, “First Looks and Second Chances,” assemblage works from Rebeca Trevino Assemblage paintings from James Reynolds show together.

4pm. 150 N Main St, Sebastopol. 707.829.7200.

Dec 13 Gallery Route One, “Time As We Know It,” photographs from West Marin’s Marna Clarke joins a “Wild Book Show” that features Dylan Yvonne Welch and drawings by Vickisa. 3pm. 11101 Hwy 1, Pt Reyes Station. 415.663.1347.

amazing looks at Taylor Mountain and the Llano de Santa Rosa. 300 South A St, Santa Rosa. 707.526.1085.

Charles M. Schulz Museum Through Dec 13, “Celebrating 65 Years of Peanuts,” see how your favorite characters developed and changed in this installation celebrating 65 years of Peanuts comics.

2301 Hardies Lane, Santa Rosa.

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

Chroma Gallery Through Dec 27, “Four Seasons:

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Sonoma County Landscapes,” paintings by Brooks Anderson, Thomas Creed and Donna DeLaBriandais capture nature’s beauty in their own unique styles. 312 South A St, Santa Rosa. 707.293.6051.

Gallery One Through Dec 30, “Deck the Walls with Red,” juried multimedia group show revolves around the color red.

209 Western Ave, Petaluma.

707.778.8277.

Graton Gallery Through Dec 13, “Double Vision,” paintings and more

by Bruce K Hopkins and Susan Shore, with guest artists. 9048 Graton Rd, Graton. Tues-Sat, 10:30 to 6; Sun, 10:30 to 4.

707.829.8912.

Healdsburg Center for the Arts Through Dec 31, “Holiday Gift Gallery,” a winter wonderland of art from over 50 regional artists is on display through the holiday season. 130 Plaza St, Healdsburg. Daily, 11 to 6.

707.431.1970.

Orpheus Wines Tasting Room Through Dec 20, “clear eyes, full hearts, can’t lose,” Marin artist Jamie Weinstein creates visual commentary on the everyday world. 8910 Sonoma Hwy, Kenwood. 707.282.9231.

Petaluma Historical Library & Museum Through Dec 27, “Artists & Artisans of Petaluma,” photographer Gary Kaplan exhibits stunning portraits of twenty four Petaluma artists in their studios, accompanied by a piece from each artist. 20 Fourth St, Petaluma. Wed-Sat, 10 to 4; Sun, noon to 3; tours by appointment on Mon-Tues.

707.778.4398.

Use your Mobile Device to Locate Ours – introducing

Redwood Cafe Through Dec 30, “Monthly Art Exhibit,” the cafe welcomes local artists to display on their walls. 8240 Old Redwood Hwy, Cotati. Open daily.

707.795.7868.

Sebastopol Center for the Arts Through Dec 31, “Annual Members Show,” eclectic and inclusive exhibition displays members’ multimedia works that are available

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Visit sctransit.com to learn more.

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to purchase. 282 S High St, Sebastopol. Tues-Fri, 10 to 4; Sat, 1 to 4. 707.829.4797.

Sonoma Community Center Through Dec 27, “Ephemeralities,” Ceramic works by artist-in-residence, Xia Zhang. 276 E Napa St, Sonoma. Daily, 7:30am to 11pm.

707.938.4626.

University Art Gallery Through Dec 13, “Linear Equations,” artists Mari Andrews, Marc Katano and Sabine Reckewell offer up works revolving around the line as an artistic element. Sonoma State University, 1801 E Cotati Ave, Rohnert Park. Tues-Fri, 11 to 4; Sat-Sun, noon to 4.

707.664.2295.

MARIN COUNTY Bay Model Visitor Center Through Dec 26, “Art & the Environment,” exhibit of oil paintings by Bay Area environmental impressionist George Sumner promotes conservation. 2100 Bridgeway, Sausalito. 415.332.3871.

Falkirk Cultural Center

former host of CBS’s “The Late Late Show” is back in the North Bay. Dec 10, 8pm. $50-$85.

Uptown Theatre, 1350 Third St, Napa, 707.259.0123.

A Merry Scary Krampusnacht Live, improvised scenes and games inspired by the holidays awaken your festive spirit and leave your belly burning from wicked laughter. Dec 12, 8pm. $10. Arlene Francis Center, 99 Sixth St, Santa Rosa, 707.528.3009.

New Wrinkles Musical Revue Rita Abrams, Morris Bobrow and Gerald Nachman serve up the pains, perils and poignancies of aging in clever sketches and songs. Dec 13, 4 and 7:30pm. $30-$45.

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

Silliness at Its Best With Dan Goodman, America’s favorite buffoon. Dec 9, 5:30pm. Free. Napa Valley Performing Arts Center at Lincoln Theater, 100 California Dr, Yountville, 707.944.9900.

Dance

Through Dec 20, “Fall Juried Exhibit,” annual show displays works by many local artists.

1408 Mission Ave, San Rafael.

415.485.3438.

Fiesta Flamenca

O’Hanlon Center for the Arts

Marin Ballet’s Nutcracker

Through Dec 19, “Art of the Spirit: Epiphany,” eclectic exhibit is juried by Rosemary Ishii MacConnell. 616 Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley.

Tues-Sat, 10 to 2; also by appointment. 415.388.4331.

Marin celebrates the Holiday Season with its own beloved full-length Nutcracker. Dec 1213, 1 and 5pm. Marin Center’s Vetarans Memorial Auditorium. $26-$42. 10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael 415.473.6800.

Throckmorton Theatre

Petaluma Holiday Folk Dance Pary

Through Dec 27, “Sherry Williamson Solo Show,” the artist and architect’s work includes ceramics, sculpture and mono type prints. 142 Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley.

415.383.9600.

Toby’s Gallery Through Dec 31, “10,000 Buddhas Project,” new paintings from Amanda Giacomini’s project. 11250 Hwy 1, Point Reyes Station.

Comedy Craig Ferguson Popular standup star, actor and

With Caminos Flamencos and friends. Dec 13, 6:30pm. Fenix. $15-$20. 919 Fourth St, San Rafael 415.813.5600.

Old and new recorded favorites is followed by Da! Mozhem performing Balkan and international music. Dec 14, 7pm. Hermann Sons Hall, 860 Western Ave, Petaluma 707.762.9962.

Posada Navideña Ballet Folklórico De Sacramento presents the folk culture of Mexico and its unique customs and traditions during this Christmas production and traditional Posada celebration. Dec 11, 7pm. Wells Fargo Center for the Arts. $5-$10. 50 Mark West Springs Rd, Santa Rosa 707.546.3600.

The Story of the Nutcracker

Grand Menorah Lighting

Miss Sara’s Ballet School’s “The Story of the Nutcracker.”

Dec 13, 11am and 2pm. Marin Center Showcase Theatre. $20$25. 10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael 415.499.6800.

Celebrate the festival of lights with hot Latkes, jelly doughnuts, grand raffle, live music and dancing. Dec 13, 5pm. Free. Whole Foods Market, 790 De Long Ave, Novato, 415.878.0455.

Events Christmas Antique Show Over 70 booths of vintage and antique jewelry, beautiful antique china, silver, glass, porcelain, pottery, and linens are perfect for collectors and decorators. Dec 12-13. $6.

Marin Center Exhibit Hall, 10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael, 415.499.6800.

Community Caroling in Petaluma Everyone is invited to join in the caroling with a group strolling downtown Petaluma.

Meet at the museum to grab a song sheet. Ages seven and up. Dec 12, 5pm. Free. Petaluma Historical Library & Museum, 20 Fourth St, Petaluma, 707.778.4398.

The Emerald Cup Preeminent outdoor medicinal cannabis competition features over 200 vendors, workshops, guest speakers and live music from Rebelution, Antique Beats, Collie Buddz and others.

Dec 12-13. $55-$100. Sonoma County Fairgrounds, 1350 Bennett Valley Rd, Santa Rosa, theemeraldcup.com.

Fairfax Craft Faire A wide variety of local vendors will be selling sustainable crafts and products. Enjoy live music, baking contest and apple cider. Dec 12, 11am. Free.

Fairfax Pavilion, 142 Bolinas Rd, Fairfax.

Freya Lodge Holiday Arts & Craft Fair Shop for high quality items made by Sonoma County artists,with Scandinavian baked goods, Norwegian waffles, coffee and a light lunch available for purchase.

Dec 12, 11am. Sons of Norway Hall, 617 W Ninth St, Santa Rosa.

Goddess Crafts Faire Community celebration of the coming of winter through women’s art, music and dance.

Dec 12-13, 11am. $5-$13.

Sebastopol Community Center, 390 Morris St, Sebastopol, 707.874.3176.

Happy Birthday Jesus North Bay Cabaret’s holiday variety bash features Jaime DeWolf, burlesque, acrobatics, storytelling and more. Dec 11, 7pm. $15-$20. SOMO Village Event Center, 1100 Valley House Dr, Rohnert Park.

browsing through amazing artwork and colorful crafts from over 30 local artists with crafts for kids and a holiday ornament extravaganza.

Dec 12-13. Free. Muir Beach Community Center, 19 Seascape Dr, Muir Beach, 415.388.8319.

Occidental Holiday Crafts Faire Over 35 local and regional artists, raffle, fabulous food and baked goods. Dec 12-13.

Free. Occidental Community Center, 3920 Bohemian Hwy, Occidental.

Hawaiian Holiday Craft & Bake Sale

Sonoma Ceramics Holiday Sale

Shop for unique Hawaiian holiday gifts, delicious homemade goodies and enjoy mini-plate lunches. With music

by Kani’olu and Faith Ako and hula performance. Dec 12. St Patrick’s Parish Center, 409 Magnolia Ave, Larkspur.

The talented artists at Sonoma Ceramics offer all types of ceramic items at a range of prices. Get some beautiful handmade gifts or just check out the studio. Dec 12-13, 11am.

Free. Sonoma Community Center, 276 E Napa St, Sonoma, 707.938.4626.

Holiday Book & Bake Sale Books and baked goods go together in this annual event hosted by River Friends of the Library. Dec 9-12. Guerneville Library, 14107 Armstrong Woods Rd, Guerneville, 707.869.9004.

Holiday Boutique A fun day for friends and family with dozens of local vendors offering one-stop holiday shopping. Dec 12, 10am. Free.

Dry Creek Inn Krug Center, 198 Dry Creek Rd, Healdsburg, 800.222.5784.

Holiday Celebration at Marin Country Mart Fun, family friendly day includes festive live music, kids’ activities, and the best seasonal produce and goods from local farms. Dec 12, 9am. Marin Country Mart, 2257 Larkspur Landing Circle, Larkspur.

Holiday Pop Up Shop View handmade artisan wares and shop for one-of-a-kind gifts. Dec 12, 10am. Free. ener-gy Fitness Studio, 450 First St E, Sonoma, 707-227-6985.

Holly Jolly Holiday Fundraiser A day of Christmas-themed films, music, food and more is fun for the whole family.

Dec 12, 5pm. $6-$8. Spreckels Performing Arts Center, 5409 Snyder Lane, Rohnert Park, 707.588.3400.

Muir Beach Holiday Arts Fair Enjoy the scenery while

Tam Valley Winter Magic First, enjoy breakfast with Santa and then play in the Snowstorm in Tam Valley with games, food, music and 20 tons of snow. Dec 12, 9:30am. $15. Tam Valley Community Center, 203 Marin Ave, Mill Valley, 415.388.6393.

is presented by Independent Lens and Community Cinema.

Dec 14, 1 and 7pm. Free. Rialto Cinemas, 6868 McKinley St, Sebastopol, 707.525.4840.

Beyond the Divide Documentary looks into how, after years of controversy, a symbol of peace united war veterans and peace activists in Montana. Dec 10, 7pm. $1.

Peace & Justice Center, 467 Sebastopol Ave, Santa Rosa, 707.575.8902.

Just Eat It Screening of this food waste documentary benefits St. Helena Food Pantry and comes with a complimentary glass of wine. Dec 15, 5:30pm. $10.

Cameo Cinema, 1340 Main St, St Helena, 707.963.3946.

Movie Sing-Along Sing your little heart out as you watch “The Sound of Music” with all the cookies and hot chocolate you can handle.

Dec 12, 7:30pm. $5. Clear Heart Gallery, 90 Jessie Lane, Petaluma, 707.322.0009.

Food & Drink

Winter Market

Breathless Holiday Party

Holiday fun for all features pop-up shops, live music, mulled cider and treats. Also includes special Christmas Circus shows. Sat, 5pm. through Dec 26. Marin Country Mart, 2257 Larkspur Landing Circle, Larkspur.

Learn how to lop off the top of a bottle of bubbly with a sword, enjoy wine and food pairings and meet the Breathless winemakers. Dec 12, 1pm. Free. Breathless Wines Tasting Room, 4001 Hwy 128, Geyserville, 707.433.8400.

Field Trips Candlelight House Tour The popular Napa self-led tour returns to showcase the varied architectural beauty of the historic homes around downtown. Dec 12, 3pm. $35$45. Fuller Park, Jefferson and Oak streets, Napa, 707.255.1836.

Film Autism in Love Documentary about how adults with autism find and manage romantic relationships

Educational Tasting: Champagne Learn what to pour and get the best prices for holiday fests and feasts. Limited seating. Thurs, Dec 10, 7pm. $35. Bergamot Alley, 328-A Healdsburg Ave, Healdsburg, 707.433.8720.

Fresh Starts Chef Event Renowned chef and cookbook author John Ash presents ideas for holiday dining to make the most of North Bay wine and local bounty. Dec 10, 6:30pm. $60. Next Key Center, 1385 N Hamilton Pkwy, Novato, 415.382.3363, ext 213.

Sip, Savor & Shop You are invited to taste critically acclaimed wines, sample savory treats and shop festive gift boutiques. Dec 13, 10am. Free. Beringer Vineyards,

Center, 426 Eighth St, Petaluma.

Viola’s Italian Christmas Table

Turning the Tides

Discover the traditions and trends in Italian cooking with a menu prepared by native Umbrian Viola Buitoni. Dec 15, 6:30pm. $85. Cavallo Point, 601 Murray Circle, Fort Baker, Sausalito, 415.339.4700.

Lectures August Wilson: Insight on the Playwright Marin Theatre Company artistic director Jasson Minadakis speaks on the playwright’s work and its impact. Dec 15, 7:30pm. Free. Marin City Library, 164 Donahue St, Marin City, 415.332.6157.

Contemporary Classics Book discussion group led

by Patricia Holt examines “Leaving the Atocha Station”

by Ben Lerner. Dec 15, 6:30pm. $20. Point Reyes Books, 11315 Hwy 1, Pt Reyes Station, 415.663.1542.

Here Comes the Bollywood Bride Talk looks at the evolution of the role of marriage in popular Indian films of the present day.

With pre-talk reception. Dec 10, 6:30pm. $10-$15. History Museum of Sonoma County, 425 Seventh St, Santa Rosa, 707.579.1500.

Lose a Pound Per Day

Come meet local underwater invertebrates and explore their coastal habitat. Learn about how tide pools are in jeopardy because of our rising sea level, and discover the ways that we can combat this challenge.

Dec 12, 11:30am. Bay Model Visitor Center, 2100 Bridgeway, Sausalito, 415.332.3871.

Readings Book Passage Dec 9, 7pm, “David Brower” with Tom Turner. Dec 10, 7pm, “The Women of San Quentin” with Kristin Schreier Lyseggen. Dec 11, 7pm, “The Free Brontosaurus” with David Berkeley. Dec 12, 4pm, “Wish You Were Here” with Bob Roberts. Dec 12, 7pm, A Southern Sampler with various authors. Dec 13, 1pm, “Building the Golden Gate Bridge” with Harvey Schwartz. Dec 13, 4pm, “The Wild Edge of Sorrow” with Francis Weller. Dec 15, 7pm, “ Better Than Fiction 2” with various authors. Dec 16, 7pm, “Guittard Chocolate Cookbook” with Amy Guittard. 51 Tamal Vista Blvd, Corte Madera 415.927.0960.

Dance Palace Dec 11, 6:30pm, Poetry Reading with JP Weingarten and Brian Kirven. 503 B St, Pt Reyes Station 415.663.1075.

Zero Waste Marin answers questions about how to reduce household waste and save money. Dec 10, 7pm.

Free. Corte Madera Library, 707 Meadowsweet Dr, Corte Madera, 707.924.6444.

Depot Bookstore & Cafe

One Hundredth Anniversary Lecture Series

Dec 12, 5pm, “Pie Town Revisited” with Arthur Drooker, includes pie-tasting. Free. 401 Miller Ave, Ste. A, Mill Valley 415.388.3569.

Sonoma Community Center presents lecture featuring three lifelong Sonoma residents as part of the historical building’s centennial celebration. Sun, Dec 13, 3pm. by donation. Sonoma Community Center, 276 E Napa St, Sonoma, 707.938.4626.

Ready, Set, Rain Tank Repair Annual model-site workday features rainwater and greywater expert Cagney Pisetsky showing you how to install a first-flush rain tank system while performing winter garden maintenance.

Dec 12, 10am. Free. Cavanagh

Dec 12, 12pm, “Varda: The Life and Times of Jean Varda” with Elizabeth Leavy Stroman. 87 Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley 415.383.2665.

The Image Flow

Petaluma Arts Center Dec 11-12, 7:30pm, Two Holiday Classics reading, Petaluma Readers’ Theatre presents Truman Capote’s “A Christmas Memory” and Dylan Thomas’ “A Child’s Christmas in Wales.”

230 Lakeville St, Petaluma 707.762.5600.

Point Reyes Books Dec 12, 7pm, “West Marin Review, Volume 6” with local authors. 11315 Hwy 1, Pt Reyes Station 415.663.1542.

San Rafael Library Dec 14, 6:30pm, Great Books

Reading & Discussion Group, with Professor Timothy Guile. srpubliclibrary.org. 1100 E St, San Rafael.

Sweetwater Music Hall Dec 13, 1pm, “Hippie Chick” with Jay Blakesberg. Free. 19 Corte Madera Ave, Mill Valley 415.388.1100.

Theater A Christmas Carol

hearts of families of all ages this holiday season. Dec 1220. $18-$22. Marin Theatre Company, 397 Miller Ave, Mill Valley, 415.388.5208.

Little Women: The Musical Thomas Chapman directs award-winning actress Rebekah Pearson of Santa Rosa in the Broadway musical based on the classic novel by Louisa May Alcott. Through Dec 20. $12-$26. Spreckels Performing Arts Center, 5409 Snyder Lane, Rohnert Park, 707.588.3400.

New stage version of the famous Dickens story of Ebenezer Scrooge comes to life for the whole family this holiday season. Through Dec 20. $15-$37. 6th Street Playhouse, 52 West Sixth St, Santa Rosa, 707.523.4185.

Miracle on 34th Street

The Eternal Return of the Cosmic Star Child from the Songbook of the Invisible Sky

Polar Bears

The Imaginists perform their all-new interstellar operetta, inspired by Pink Floyd and ancient astrology. Dec 10-20. $5-$25. The Imaginists, 461 Sebastopol Ave, Santa Rosa, 707.528.7554.

The Great American Trailer Park Christmas Musical Lucky Penny Productions presents an all-new and hilarious holiday romp that looks at Christmas antics in a Florida trailer park. Through Dec 19. $27-$38. Lucky Penny Community Arts Center, 1758 Industrial Way, Napa, 707.266.6305.

It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play Beloved American holiday classic of idealistic George Bailey’s fateful Christmas Eve comes to captivating life as a live 1940s radio broadcast.

Through Dec 20. $10-$25.

Raven Theater Windsor, 195 Windsor River Rd, Windsor.

The Ladies of the Camellias Ross Valley Players perform this funny farce about two famous theater divas embroiled in competitive productions. Through Dec 20. $14-$29. Barn Theatre, Marin Art and Garden Center, 30 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Ross, 415.456.9555.

The Little Prince Based on the classic story, this fantastic journey and the resonant life lessons within it will delight and warm the

CRITIC’S CHOICE

This holiday classic of the People vs Kris Kringle never fails to warm hearts and spreading seasonal joy. Through Dec 13.

Cloverdale Performing Arts Center, 209 N Cloverdale Blvd, Cloverdale, 707.829.2214.

New one-man play from “Bohemian” contributor David Templeton is a heartwarming holiday tale of fatherhood, death and Santa Claus.

Through Dec 20. $15-$27. Main Stage West, 104 N Main St, Sebastopol, 707.823.0177.

Santaland Diaries Stage version of the David Sedaris memoir recounts an out-of-work slacker who decides to become a Macy’s elf during the holiday crunch. Through Dec 13. $10$25. Studio Theatre, 6th St Playhouse, 52 W Sixth St, Santa Rosa, 707.523.4185.

White Christmas Classic Christmas musical rings in the season with Roustabout Theater’s Apprentice Program.

Dec 12-20. $16-$26. Wells Fargo Center for the Arts, 50 Mark West Springs Rd, Santa Rosa, 707.546.3600.

Winnie the Pooh Christmas Tale H-Town Youth Theatre presents this very special and enchanting musical, an annual holiday tradition. Dec 11-20. $10-$15. Raven Theater, 115 North St, Healdsburg, 707.433.3145.

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.

Emerald Standard Santa Rosa cannabis competition is biggest yet The first year that the Emerald Cup was held at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds in Santa Rosa, people were anxious to attend. Now in its 12th year, the Emerald Cup has become the world’s largest and most respected outdoor organic cannabis competition.

This year’s Cup, happening Dec. 12–13, will be the biggest yet with great music, top-tier speakers and panels, hands-on workshops, on-site physician recommendations and more than 200 vendors.

The list of guest speakers includes politicians Fiona Ma, state Board of Equalization member, and Assemblyman Ken Cooley, as well as entrepreneurs, cannabis cultivators and a host of scientists and lawyers. There will also be plenty of entertainment, as Santa Barbara rootsreggae rockers Rebelution and Oakland’s worldly electronica outfit Beats Antique headline the Healing Harvest Music Hall with a host of other exciting acts. There’s even some “cannabis comedy” slated for the event, and the whole weekend wraps up with the awards ceremony.

The Emerald Cup takes place on Saturday– Sunday, Dec. 12–13, at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds, 1350 Bennett Valley Road, Santa Rosa. Saturday, 11am to 10:30pm; Sunday, 11am to 7:30pm. $55–$100; 18 and over. theemeraldcup.com.—Charlie Swanson

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Astrology

BY ROB BREZSNY

For the week of December 9

ARIES (March 21–April 19) “Happiness sneaks through a door you didn’t know that you left open,” said actor John Barrymore. I hope you’ve left open a lot of those doors, Aries. The more there are, the happier you will be. This is the week of all weeks when joy, pleasure and even zany bliss are likely to find their ways into your life from unexpected sources and unanticipated directions. If you’re lucky, you also have a few forgotten cracks and neglected gaps where fierce delights and crisp wonders can come wandering in.

TAURUS (April 20–May 20)

What state of mind do you desire the most? What is the quality of being that you aspire to inhabit more and more as you grow older? Maybe it’s the feeling of being deeply appreciated or the ability to see things as they really are or an intuitive wisdom about how to cultivate vibrant relationships. I invite you to set an intention to cultivate this singular experience with all your passion and ingenuity. The time is right. Make a pact with yourself.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Like Metallica jamming with Nicki Minaj and Death Cab for Cutie on a passage from Mozart’s opera The Magic Flute, you are redefining the meanings of the words “hybrid,” “amalgam” and “hodgepodge.” You’re mixing metaphors with panache. You’re building bridges with cheeky verve. Some of your blends are messy mishmashes, but more often they are synergistic successes. With the power granted to me by the gods of mixing and matching, I hereby authorize you to keep splurging on the urge to merge. This is your special time to experiment with the magic of combining things that have rarely or never been combined.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) I hope you can figure out the difference between the fake cure and the real cure. And once you know which is which, I hope you will do the right thing rather than the sentimental thing.

For best results, keep these considerations in mind: The fake cure may taste sweeter than the real one. It may also be better packaged and more alluringly promoted.

In fact, the only advantage the real cure may have over the fake one is that it will actually work to heal you.

LEO (July 23–August 22) There’s a sinuous, serpentine quality about you these days. It’s as if you are the elegant and crafty hero of an epic myth set in the ancient future. You are sweeter and saucier than usual, edgier and more extravagantly emotive. You are somehow both a repository of tantalizing secrets and a fount of arousing revelations. As I meditate on the magic you embody, I am reminded of a passage from Laini Taylor’s fantasy novel Daughter of Smoke & Bone: “She tastes like nectar and salt. Nectar and salt and apples. Pollen and stars and hinges. She tastes like fairy tales. Swan maiden at midnight. Cream on the tip of a fox’s tongue. She tastes like hope.”

VIRGO (August 23–September 22) I bought an old horoscope book at a garage sale for 25 cents. The cover was missing and some pages were water-damaged, so parts of it were hard to decipher. But the following passage jumped out at me: “In romantic matters, Virgos initially tend to be cool, even standoffish. Their perfectionism may interfere with their ability to follow through on promising beginnings. But if they ever allow themselves to relax and go further, they will eventually ignite. And then, watch out! Their passion will generate intense heat and light.” I suspect that this description may apply to you in the coming weeks. Let’s hope you will trust your intuition about which possibilities warrant your caution and which deserve your opening.

LIBRA (September 23–October 22) “The secret of being a bore is to tell everything,” said French writer Voltaire. I agree, and add these thoughts: To tell everything also tempts you to wrongly imagine that you have everything completely figured out. Furthermore, it may compromise your leverage in dicey situations where other people are using information as a weapon.

So the moral of the current story is this: Don’t tell everything! I realize this could be hard, since you are a good talker these days; your ability to express yourself is at a peak. So what should you do? Whenever you

speak, aim for quality over quantity. And always weave in a bit of mystery.

SCORPIO (October 23–November 21)

Ducks are the most unflappable creatures I know. Cats are often regarded as the top practitioners of the “I don’t give a f---” attitude, but I think ducks outshine them. When domestic felines exhibit their classic aloofness, there’s sometimes a subtext of annoyance or contempt.

But ducks are consistently as imperturbable as Zen masters. Right now, as I gaze out my office window, I’m watching five of them swim calmly, with easygoing nonchalance, against the swift current of the creek in the torrential rain. I invite you to be like ducks in the coming days. Now is an excellent time to practice the high art of truly not giving a f---.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22–December 21) My old friend Jeff started working at a gambling casino in Atlantic City. “You’ve gone over to the dark side!” I kidded. He acknowledged that 90 percent of the casino’s visitors lose money gambling. On the bright side, he said, 95 percent of them leave happy. I don’t encourage you to do this kind of gambling in the near future, Sagittarius. It’s true that you will be riding a lucky streak. But smarter, surer risks will be a better way to channel your good fortune. So here’s the bottom line: In whatever way you choose to bet or speculate, don’t let your lively spirits trick you into relying on pure impulsiveness. Do the research.

Perform your due diligence. It’s not enough just to be entertained. The goal is to both have fun and be successful.

CAPRICORN (December 22–January 19) Ancient Greek philosopher Epicurus was a pioneering thinker whose ideas helped pave the way for the development of science. Believe nothing, he taught, unless you can evaluate it through your personal observation and logical analysis. Using this admirable approach, he determined that the size of our sun is about two feet in diameter. I’m guessing that you have made comparable mis-estimations about at least two facts of life, Capricorn. They seem quite reasonable, but are very wrong. The good news is that you will soon be relieved of those mistakes. After some initial disruption, you will feel liberated.

AQUARIUS (January 20–February 18) Aquarian inventor Thomas Edison owned 1,093 patents. Nicknamed “the Wizard of Menlo Park,” he devised the first practical electrical light bulb, the movie camera, the alkaline storage battery and many more useful things. The creation he loved best was the phonograph. It was the first machine in history that could record and reproduce sound. Edison bragged that no one else had ever made such a wonderful instrument. It was “absolutely original.” I bring this to your attention, Aquarius, because I think you’re due for an outbreak of absolute originality. What are the most unique gifts you have to offer? In addition to those you already know about, new ones may be ready to emerge.

PISCES (February 19–March 20)

Here’s an experiment that makes good astrological sense for you to try in the coming weeks. Whenever you feel a tinge of frustration, immediately say, “I am an irrepressible source of power and freedom and love.” Anytime you notice a trace of inadequacy rising up in you or a touch of blame or a taste of anger, declare, “I am an irresistible magnet for power and freedom and love.” If you’re bothered by a mistake you made, or a flash of ignorance expressed by another person, or a maddening glitch in the flow of the life force, stop what you’re doing, interrupt the irritation and proclaim, “I am awash in power and freedom and love.”

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.

31 N O RT H BAY B O H E M I A N | D EC E M B E R 9 -1 5, 2 0 1 5 | B O H E M I A N.COM

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