What makes the lazy days of summer even better? A concert in the park, of course! Have you checked out the musical offerings in your community? We share why this is a great summer tradition for families (page 22). If a summer vacation is also on your agenda this month, we imagine you’ll welcome our money-saving travel tips (page 18).
For summer birthdays or any time of year, we also share great ways to celebrate close to home with local venues you may not have considered. From the artistic to the athletic, active to laid-back, check out these creative party place ideas (page 14).
We can’t forget dads this month as Father’s Day approaches. Make bedtime reading pop-themed with our list of books showcasing interesting father figures (page 24). For the youth who’ve outgrown story time, college catalogs may be the reading material of choice these days. Dads and moms can help teens investigate reasons community college may be something to consider (page 10)
From concerts to parties to vacations, June can be a lot. Let our humor columnist remind you that enjoying the ordinary is just as important as hunting the extraordinary this season (page 34)!
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Astaple of Native diets throughout the region, succotash was a brothy, long-simmered dish consisting primarily of two critical ingredients: dry corn (hulled by steeping in wood ash lye) and dry beans.
Upon this savory background was layered an ever-varying array of fish, shellfish, meat, roots, nuts, fruits, and leaves. English cooks, also from a broth-cooking culture, viewed this important dish as a conceptual relative of their own oat-based pottage and adopted the hulled-corn-and-beans duo without alteration, applying their own flavorings and garnishes.
Over the centuries, the ingredients were altered gradually to suit contemporary conditions, making a full transition from the hunted and gathered foods of the Wampanoag to the barnyard and kitchen-garden stuff of the English. This plant-based succotash is Paula Marcoux’s interpretation of a really early English autumnal version. We think it’s a great dish to consider for Father’s Day, as well!
8 ounces dried cranberry beans (or Jacob’s cattle beans or other similar beans), soaked and cooked until just tender
Salt
Optional add-ins:
2 turnips, peeled and chopped
2 carrots, peeled and chopped
1 acorn squash or other winter squash, seeded and sliced
A few handfuls of chopped cabbage, collards, or turnip greens
2 leeks or onions, sliced
A few handfuls of chopped lettuce, spinach, endive, chicory, or arugula (or a combination)
Tender strawberry or violet leaves
1 cup ground walnuts, chestnuts
Freshly ground black pepper
Few chives or scallions, chopped
Calendula petals
Fresh mint or parsley
Directions:
In a large soup pot, stir together the corn, beans, and salt.
Add the optional turnips, carrots, squash, cabbage or other winter greens, and leeks or onions, and simmer until they are almost tender, about 10 minutes. (Add oil, if needed.)
When the above are nearing tenderness, add the leafy greens (lettuce, spinach, endive, chicory, or arugula), strawberry or violet leaves, ground nuts, and pepper, and simmer for a few minutes more.
Stir in the chives or scallions, calendula petals, and mint or parsley. Serve immediately.
Wild Child
Little kids relish the opportunity to use their outdoor voices. And they will get a chance at the Child in the Wild: Family Fun Day. Sponsored by the Sonoma Land Trust and the Santa Rosa Southeast Greenway Campaign. The afternoon includes a schedule of activities for kids of all ages, from dance groups, bounce houses, hula hoops, face painting, nature activities, and more. Bilingual event. The event will be held Sunday, June 1, Noon–4 p.m., at Howard Park in Santa Rosa. See tinyurl. com/3jujcuuk for more information.
MLK Community Festival Celebration of Diversity and Inclusion
Mendocino Urchin Festival
Join chefs, educators, experts, and adventurous palates for all things purple sea urchin as sustainability takes center stage for the 4th Annual Urchin Festival. Long a major producer of sea urchin in the U.S., Mendocino County celebrates this delicacy and its intertwined ocean existence with a host of events in coastal Mendocino including a sake pairing, sea harvesting, coastal adventures, and special lodging packages. Enjoy events such as an educational walk at Van Damme State Beach, an interpretive tidepool talk at MacKerricher State Beach, open house at the Urchin Ranch, and more. Various times. Friday–Sunday, June 13–15. Mendocino Coast multiple locations. View the full three-day schedule of events at urchinfest.com.
Sonoma County
Juneteenth Celebration
The 55th Annual MLK Community Festival Celebration of Diversity and Inclusion, marks Juneteenth, “the oldest known celebration commemorating the ending of slavery in the U.S.” According to sonomacountyjuneteenth.com, “Marteal Perry founded Santa Rosa’s Juneteenth Celebration in 1954. Mrs. Perry worked tirelessly for the underserved of Santa Rosa. She represented the community on clean water issues, child welfare and many other social issues. She was a staple in the Santa Rosa community.” Enjoy vendors of food, clothing, arts and crafts, and more. 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Saturday, June 14. Old Courthouse Square. Fourth St. and Santa Rosa Ave., Santa Rosa. Learn more at sonomacountyjuneteenth.com or email Sonomacountyjuneteenth@gmail.com.
Urchin Festival
Child in the Wild: Family Fun Day
Car Show and Cruise-in
Peggy Sue’s All American Car Show & Cruise is an annual event that celebrates pre-1976 classic American cars, hot rods, and customs. Car enthusiasts from all over the region come together to show off their vehicles, participate in competitions, and cruise around downtown Santa Rosa. Event includes a Show & Shine at the Sonoma County Event Center, a drive-in movie, a pin-up contest, and a raffle. Friday–Saturday, June 6–7. Sonoma County Event Center at the Fairgrounds, 1350 Bennett Valley Rd., Santa Rosa. Find costs and a schedule of events at cruiseforpeggysue.com
An Astrophysicist Goes to the Movies
Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson’s latest tour, An Astrophysicist Goes to the Movies — Part II, is derived from an entirely different set of films than Part I. From The Wizard of Oz and Mary Poppins to 2001: A Space Odyssey, Harry Potter, and A Bug’s Life, this entertaining and enlightening review of all the science that our favorite movies got wrong combines with some of the stuff they got right. It incorporates the latest films as well as some classics that you may not have known had any science in them at all. 7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 5. Luther Burbank Center for the Arts. 50 Mark West Springs Rd., Santa Rosa. Find tickets at tinyurl.com/y9aehwfp
Potter the Otter Pop-Up Exhibit
Dive into the world of Potter the Otter: A Healthy Adventure with a free, interactive exhibit designed for families with children 5 and under. Enjoy hands-on fun, story-based activities, and health-themed adventures based on the beloved book series. 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Free lunches for kids served daily at Noon. Free admission. (Exhibit entry separate from Museum admission.) Monday–Friday, June 9–August 8. Coddingtown Mall. 733 Coddingtown Center, Santa Rosa. See details at cmosc.org/events/pottertheotter
Peggy Sue’s All American Car Show & Cruise
Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson’s
Community College
Nine Reasons It May Be the Best Choice
By Pam Molnar
Many people overlook the opportunity to attend community college, assuming that it is just for those who aren’t accepted to “real” colleges. The truth is, community colleges might be the best fit and deserve a stop on your college tour list. Here’s why:
Affordability. According to a College Board report in 2021, the average community college tuition and fees are $3,800. Other factors, including books and room and board, are not included in that number. If we want to compare apples to apples, the average cost of tuition and fees in a public, in-state four-year college averages $10,390. Community college is almost a third of the cost.
Smaller
Class Sizes. Not everyone is successful in a large
auditorium-like setting. Community colleges have smaller class sizes and allow for more hands-on learning experiences and better relationships with professors. In addition, many night classes are taught by people in their field vs. a professor who has not been in the field for several years. These adjunct professors are also helpful in opening doors for future employment.
Opportunity to Explore
Options. It’s hard to know what you want to do with the rest of your
Notable Graduates of Community College
Halle Berry: Actor; Cuyahoga Community College
John & Jim Belushi: Actors; College of DuPage
Eileen Collins: Astronaut; Corning Community College
Guy Fieri: Food TV Host; American River College
Morgan Freeman: Actor; Los Angeles City College
Tom Hanks: Actor; Chabot College
Steve Jobs: Co-Founder and CEO Apple; Reed College
George Lucas: Filmmaker; Modesto Jr. College
Jackie Robinson: MLB Star; Pasadena City College
Aaron Rodgers: NFL Star; Butte College
Arnold Schwarzenegger: Actor and Former Governor of CA; Santa Monica College
Amy Tan – Author; San Jose City College
life at age 18. Community college allows a student to try introductory classes without committing to room and board, and all the expense of entering a four-year college. With smaller departments, students at community colleges may have the opportunity to shadow another student to see if that field of study is really what they want to do.
Close to Home. Community colleges are closer to home, which means less commuting time and no extra room and board. This is especially important for students who need help with family either physically or financially. It is also an easier transition for those students who need a little more time to adjust
to post-high school life and are not ready to move away from home yet.
Flexibility. The class times at a community college, especially general education classes, are offered during the day or at night,
Community
colleges have smaller class sizes and allow for more hands-on learning experiences and better relationships with professors.
as well as some weekend and online classes. This allows students the ability to work a full-time job or tend to other responsibilities. Some
community colleges offer off-site classes in local libraries or other small campus buildings, so students don’t have to drive to the main campus.
Extracurricular Activities.
Community colleges have many of the groups you will find at a four-year college — athletics, theater, honor societies, clubs, leadership opportunities, and study abroad. The average size of a community college is 5,000 students. When compared to the tens of thousands of students at universities, community colleges have less competition to fill these positions.
Gateway to University.
Community college is a great solution for students whose GPA
I S Y O U R C H I L D R E A D Y F O R K I
N D E R G A R T E N ?
California law requires children entering TK or kindergarten to have these immunizations:
Diphtheria, Pertussis, and Tetanus (DPT)
Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR)
Varicella (Chickenpox)
Hepatitis B
Polio
falls just under the acceptance requirements of their dream four-year institution. Community colleges near larger universities often have transfer agreements, meaning they work together to provide a sequence of classes that gives the student a better chance of transfer acceptance after graduation. Many of these programs are referred to as 2 + 2 programs.
Scholarships. Community college means community involvement. Many local businesses offer scholarships to students at the
Community colleges might be the best fit and deserve a stop on your college tour list.
college in their community with the hopes of recruiting some of these students to work for them in the future. Transfer scholarships are also available to students who choose to go to four-year colleges after graduation.
All They Need. Dozens of careers only require a two-year degree, so attending a four-year university is not the only road to success. Indeed.com shared a list of 25 in-demand careers you can get with an associate’s degree which include web developer ($81,148), dental hygienist ($98,577) respiratory therapist ($103,987), MRI technician ($121,473), and air traffic controller ($130,420). ❖
Pam Molnar is a freelance writer and mother of three who is a proud graduate of a community college.
Party Local!
Celebrating Birthdays Close to Home
By Beth Rush
From action-packed adventures to creative experiences, here are some local ideas to help you keep your child’s birthday celebration close to home …
Trampoline Parks. If your kid likes to bounce off the walls, a trampoline park is a dream come true. These venues usually offer wall-to-wall trampolines, foam pits, balance beams, and dodgeball courts. It’s a great way to burn off energy and keep kids laughing the whole time.
Climbing Gyms. Indoor rock climbing gyms are a thrilling yet safe environment for party guests to test their limits. Many offer party packages with beginner-friendly walls, harnesses, and supervision, so everyone can join in.
Art and Craft Studios. A birthday celebration in an art studio
can be fun for creative kids. Think pottery painting, collage-making or DIY jewelry. And everyone goes home with their handmade creation!
Nature-Based Adventure
Parks. California is home to some beautiful parks with trails and creeks. Pack a picnic, plan a scavenger hunt, and let nature do the rest. It’s a low-cost way to celebrate your little one. Consider a short hike on an engaging trail that’s no more than a mile long.
Inclusive Play Centers. When planning your child’s birthday party, it’s important to think about inclusivity. Look for playgrounds or
indoor centers designed for all abilities. These venues feature sensory-friendly zones, adaptive equipment, and welcoming environments where every child can play and feel part of the fun. Plus, inclusive play areas are a fantastic way for little ones to develop their social skills and physical capabilities.
Escape Room Challenges. Older kids and tweens might enjoy putting their problem-solving skills to the test with an escape room. These puzzle-based adventures encourage teamwork and critical thinking and make for a unique birthday twist.
Cooking or Baking Classes. A hands-on culinary experience adds deliciousness to any party. Kids can decorate cupcakes, make their own mini pizzas, or attempt simple recipes in a group setting guided by an instructor.
Animal Encounters. Whether it’s a petting zoo pop-up or a visit to a local farm, animal experiences are always a hit. Children can learn, interact and get up close with their
favorite furry friends. The B. Bryan Reserve is a fantastic place to see African animals in California.
Dance Studios. A party with fun music and simple choreography can be a blast. These venues often customize the experience based on age and energy level, making it accessible for everyone.
Science Centers. Interactive science centers bring out curiosity. With hands-on experiences and cool demonstrations (maybe even a slime station!) this kind of celebration is perfect for budding scientists.
Mini Golf Courses. Mini golf offers fun competition. Many courses have shaded picnic areas for cake and gifts afterward.
Indoor Sports Arenas. From soccer to basketball and laser tag, sports complexes can be a high-energy venue for a child’s party.
These spaces usually offer private party rooms and flexible packages to suit all skill levels.
Themed Picnic Parties. Pick a theme — like pirates, fairies, or superheroes — and set up a festive picnic in one of the county’s scenic regional parks. Add some themed games, a dress code, and a
piñata, and you’ve got an outdoor celebration everyone will remember. Music and Jam Studios. Does your little one dream of being a rock star? Music studios that offer jam studios or mini-performances let kids play real instruments, sing karaoke, and even write songs together.
With so many unique and exciting options, planning the perfect celebration doesn’t have to be stressful. Regardless of your little one’s interests, there’s a local spot that can bring their dream day to life. ❖
Beth Rush is the green wellness editor at Body+Mind, a health and wellness brand. She covers topics like sustainable healthcare and ways human health
Vacation Money Savers
Budget-Conscious Travel Tips for Families
By Rebecca Hastings
Sitting in front of my computer I was ready to find the perfect vacation for my family. I knew it needed to be fun and exciting. I wanted it to be memorable. It needed to have something everyone would enjoy. A quick Google search and I had 1,375,283 results. The possibilities seemed endless. Until I remembered my bank account.
While I had saved some money, it wasn’t enough to simply follow wherever my Google search led. I needed to be strategic about what we chose and how much money we spent on our vacation.
Forbes reports that 46 percent of people are likely to change their travel plans due to inflation. Top changes include traveling during the off-season,
changing destinations, and choosing less luxurious lodging.
The big question is: how do you create magical family vacations while spending less? Even with a smaller budget, you can travel with your family.
Location, Location, Location. It’s like the real estate mantra; location makes a big difference in price. If you have your heart set on a trip to Paris,
consider another area of France or Europe. For something domestic, shift your sights from a summer at Disney to family-oriented parks with less demand.
Beach and lakefront spots are at a premium in the summer for good reason. But you may be able to find something in the mountains that has a great pool instead. The key is your willingness to explore options.
See if any places you want to visit offer discounts for veterans, EMS workers, nurses, or teachers.
Also, don’t dismiss international travel. Sometimes international locations can be more affordable than domestic. Consider a variety of options and see what works best for your family’s needs. Think outside the box when deciding where to go.
Book at the Right Time. Travel prices fluctuate all the time. While we can predict some trends, considering when you book your vacation can have major savings.
For busy travel times like holidays, you should book early or last minute to maximize savings. The few weeks leading up to a holiday are typically the most expensive, with price variation that can go into the hundreds of dollars.
Find the Discounts. Places offer a wide variety of travel discounts, many of which you may not even think of. Consider looking for discounts for everything from flights and lodging to tickets and dining.
Many credit cards offer member benefits with reduced rates for hotels and special events. Additionally, you may have airline miles you completely forgot about. Cashing them in for a family vacation can be the perfect money saver.
Other often overlooked discounts are through employers and directly from businesses. Some employers have special savings programs they offer as a benefit. Contact your human resources department to see if your company participates. Even if you don’t have an employer-sponsored discount program, with some advanced planning you can check individual companies or even discount warehouse stores for options.
See if any places you want to visit offer discounts for veterans, EMS workers, nurses, or teachers.
More Money-Saving Family Travel Tips
• Rent a condo or a house instead of a hotel room. In addition to more space, you will have a kitchen. This allows you to bring and make food. Even if you just made cereal for breakfast each day instead of eating out, you could save hundreds of dollars over the course of a week.
Use These Tips as Your
Foundation. These are great starting places, but your travel savings can grow from there. Savings can be found in places you wouldn’t expect when you build upon them. It will take extra work, but that extra effort may be the very thing that makes it possible to have a wonderful vacation with your family that fits your budget.
• Look for unusual kid discounts. Whether it’s at your hotel, restaurants, or events, many places offer discounts for kids on certain days or at certain times. Do an internet search for “kid discounts + (insert location).” You can find everything from kids eat free days to discounted or free tickets for good grades. Just be sure to call to confirm
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with the business and bring anything you need (like a report card).
• Bring the pricey stuff. When you travel with kids you’re bound to need some essentials like sunscreen or swim diapers. Tourist areas offer these items, but at a much higher price than you would get at home. Bring things like sunscreen, bug spray, sunglasses, swim diapers, and beach towels to prevent expensive emergency purchases.
• Consider different types of trips. Not every vacation needs to involve boarding a plane for a tourist destination. Great options for families include camping/glamping, farm stays, multi-stop road trips, volunteer travel, and train trips.
• Check for dining packages. A dining plan at a theme park, for example, can allow you to get a meal and drink every hour or two. You can purchase one or two dining plans and share the food throughout the day with the whole family, saving you from purchasing meals and snacks for everyone individually.
• Make a souvenir and snack budget before heading to parks or destinations. It can save money to let everyone pick one snack while you’re out but make a meal back at your rental. Or you can purchase themed souvenirs online for theme park trips ahead of time. Buying favorite character T-shirts from a discount store offers big savings from purchasing on-site. ❖
Rebecca is a published author and former teacher passionate about authenticity, faith, and family. In real life, she can often be found typing words, driving her kids places, or wherever there is chocolate. Connect with her at RebeccaHastings.net and on Instagram.
Now accepting registration for 2025-26 school year!
We are getting ready for school...are you?
Santa Rosa City Schools looks forward to being part of your your child’s education. Begin online registration for the 25-26 school year on the SRCS website at srcschools.org
Required Items
Shot Records
Proof of Age
Proof of Residence
Dental Exam by Grade 1
¡Ya aceptamos solicitudes de inscripción para el año escolar 2025-26! ACEPTAR* INVOLUCRAR* EMPODERAR
Nos estamos preparando para la escuela... ¿y usted?
Santa Rosa City Schools espera ser parte de la educación de su hijo(a).
Puede comenzar el proceso de inscripción en línea para inscribir a su hijo(a) en una escuela durante el año escolar 2025-26 por medio del sitio web de SRCS: srcschools.org
Documentos necesarios
Historial de vacunas
Comprobante de edad
Comprobante de residencia
Chequeo dental para el primer grado
srcschools org
707-890-3800 x80418
25-26 SCHOOL YEAR
We are getting ready for school...are you?
Santa Rosa City Schools looks forward to being part of your child’s education Our dynamic programs and electives will prepare your child for success during school--and beyond
To register for the 25-26 school year, visit the SRCS website at srcschools org
ACEPTAR* INVOLUCRAR* EMPODERAR
Nos estamos preparando para la escuela... ¿y usted?
Santa Rosa City Schools espera ser parte de la educación de su hijo(a) Nuestros programas dinámicos y cursos optativos prepararán a su hijo(a) para el éxito en sus estudios--y más allá
Puede inscribir a su hijo(a) en una escuela para el año escolar 2025-26 por medio del sitio web de SRCS: srcschools org
Documentos necesarios
Historial de vacunas
Comprobante de edad
Comprobante de de residencia
Expediente escolar o boleta de calificaciones
PARA EL AÑO ESCOLAR 2025-26
Outdoor Concerts
6 Reasons to Make Music a Summer Tradition
By Cherie Gough
Make the most of beautiful weather and longer summer days by attending free outdoor concerts in your neighborhood. They’re low key (shorts and flip-flops) and parking is plentiful in most cases. Here are six reasons to make outdoor summer concerts your family’s new summertime ritual.
1. Get together with friends with little to no planning. A simple text message serves as the invitation. No one has to host. A potluck picnic is a simple way to share a no-fuss meal. Some venues may have food trucks on site for ultimate convenience.
Play outside with the family. Avoid being couch potatoes this summer. Most concerts are held at a park, so bring along your favorite ball or Frisbee and find an open space to play. Make it a special event by adding glow sticks or
bubbles. You’re sure to meet people or bump into neighbors.
Visit the playground if your kids need to climb. Some venues even offer games and bounce houses to keep children happy and active at the event. While the music is playing, it’s natural to get up and dance as a family.
3. Neighborhood concerts build community. People of all ages gather together, reminiscent of the piazzas in Italy where time slows, conversations flow, and
people share food and smiles. In our super busy, over-scheduled lives, it’s important to schedule some down time. It’s good for the kids to see grandparents dancing together and enjoying life — and for older folks to see young families playing together in a positive way.
In our over-scheduled lives, it’s important to schedule some down time.
4. Share your love of music with your kids. Summer concerts offer a wide variety of musical genres, everything from ’80s rock and bluegrass, to Zydeco and Big Band. Sharing music with your kids allows you to tell stories and share a piece of your youth with them. It also offers an opportunity to watch live musicians, point out different instruments and sounds, or just boogie and be silly together.
5. Enjoy the beauty of nature together. When was the last time you ran around outside, observed clouds, watched the sunset, or enjoyed a dinner picnic as a family? There are many health benefits to being outdoors, taking your shoes off, and walking barefoot in the grass. What parent wouldn’t relish some time away from screens?
Outdoor summer concerts are totally free! So, what are you waiting for? ❖
Cherie Gough is a writer and mom of two who loves to celebrate life’s little moments. Find her on IG @ cgoughwrites.
Books About Dad
Titles You’ll Completely Adore
By Pam Moore
My dad taught me how to ride a two-wheeler and float on my back. He taught me how to drive a car, how to check my oil and tire pressure, and how to haggle with a car salesman. He also taught me the pleasure of getting lost in a book, something I watched him do regularly.
If you’re in the mood for a novel featuring an awesome dad, these won’t let you down.
1. All the Light We Cannot
See by Anthony Doerr. Set in Europe during World War II, the story focuses on two characters and how their paths eventually converge. When Marie-Laure goes blind at the age of 6, her father, Daniel, builds her an exact replica of their Paris neighborhood in miniature, so she can navigate independently. When the Nazis invade France years later, Daniel flees to the
safety of an uncle’s coastal fortress with Marie-Laure on his back.
Unbeknownst to Marie-Laure, they are smuggling a sought-after jewel her father took from the museum where he worked before their exile.
Meanwhile, in Germany, the Nazis have plucked young Werner from his orphanage because of his incredible aptitude for radio repair. Initially thrilled for the opportunity, Werner is soon horrified by the atrocities he witnesses in the Hitler Youth Academy. Eventually, he is tasked with following the activities of the
French Resistance, an assignment that nudges him ever closer to Marie-Laure's hiding spot.
The beautiful prose and masterful storytelling beg you to ask yourself what you would do in the same circumstances, while compelling you to keep turning pages.
2. Everything I Never Told
You by Celeste Ng. Though it appears the story is set in motion with the mysterious death of teenage Lydia, it actually begins before she
If you’re in the mood for a novel featuring an awesome dad, these won’t let you down.
is even born. In this mystery-meetslove-story-meets-tragedy, Ng peels back layers of family history that led to the unfortunate series of events precipitating Lydia’s demise.
Born to Chinese immigrant parents, her father, James, grows up in the 1950s with a longing to assimilate into U.S. culture. He hopes to fulfill that longing by marrying the blue-eyed, blonde-haired Marilyn. Marilyn, however, is desperate to forge a path as a doctor, a dream that is derailed when she and James start a family.
This is the story of failed dreams, expectations, and desires of a family who, despite their love for each other, are strangers to one another.
3. The Light Between Oceans by M. L. Stedman. Set in Australia just after the first World War, this is the story of Tom, his wife, Isabel, and the baby they find
alone in a rowboat washed up on the shore of the desolate island where Tom works as the lighthouse keeper.
After surviving the horrors of the war, Tom enjoys the predictable life he shares with Isabel and wants nothing more than to make her happy. Despite his misgivings, he gives in to Isabel's desperate wish to keep the baby. Tom must grapple with the reality of what they took from another family when they claimed the baby they found as their own.
Tom is caught in a moral dilemma that will keep you turning the pages way after your bedtime. This is a book about truth, love, and loyalty that you should not read without tissues nearby.
4. The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein. This touching story is told from the perspective of the protagonist’s dog. Garth Stein does such an
excellent job of letting the dog tell the story, it never even feels weird that a dog is the one giving you all the details. (And, no, I am not the kind of person who shares a bed/ hamburger/kiss with her dog. I don’t even have a dog.)
Enzo, the dog, is a shrewd (if biased) observer of human nature.
He is also fiercely loyal to his owner, Denny, who is a race car driver, a mechanic, and an all-around stand-up guy.
Through Enzo’s loving eyes, we watch Denny face loss and the unimaginable challenges thrown at him in the wake of that loss. In this unputdownable tale of friendship, loyalty, life, and death, we also see how Denny uses the wisdom he’s gleaned from racing to steer his life.
With Father’s Day this month, it’s a great time to read a book about dads together! ❖
Pam Moore is an award-winning
June Calendar of Events
Kick-off to Summer Reading
Free lunch available to children ages 0–18 years. Families are welcome to enjoy lunch, stay to
FREE Child in the Wild. Multicultural family celebration. Featuring Sonoma County Pomo Dancers, Redwood Empire Chinese Dragon Dancers, bounce house, face-painting, nature activities, and more. Noon–4 p.m. Howarth Park (lower lawn). 630 Summerfield Rd., Santa Rosa. sonomalandtrust.org/ events/child-in-the-wild
Spring Celebration. Featuring Santa Rosa Ballet students celebrating the beauty of spring. $15–$25. Ages 3 and under: free. Admission includes beverage and treat. 3 p.m. Friedman Event Center. 4676 Mayette Ave., Santa Rosa. santarosaballet.com.
Monday 2
FREE Shavuot Ice Cream Party. Bring the family to hear the Ten Commandments LIVE and enjoy a dairy buffet with lasagna, NY blintzes, eggplant parmesan, and more. 5 p.m. Chabad Jewish Center of Petaluma. 205 Keller St., Ste. 101, Petaluma. RSVP required: tinyurl. com/2uwxp64t.
Tuesday 3
FREE Luther Locals Live Tuesdays. New bands weekly. All Ages welcome. Bring low-back lawn chairs or blankets. Local eats, craft beers, and Rodney Strong Vineyards wines for purchase. No outside food or beverages permitted. Tuesdays. 5:30–7:30 p.m. LBC Pavilion. Luther Burbank Center. 50 Mark Springs Rd., Santa Rosa. lutherburbankcenter.org.
FREE Tuesdays in the Plaza. New bands weekly. Shop food vendors, and farm fresh produce. Tuesdays. 6–8 p.m. Healdsburg Plaza. Healdsburg
Ave. & Matheson St., Healdsburg. Full schedule: tinyurl.com/5n7p2re3
FREE Santa Rosa Taco Tuesday Rides. Family-event. All cyclists welcome to roll through downtown Santa Rosa (8-miles round trip). Taco trucks selling taco and drinks. Tuesdays. Meet-up: 5:30 p.m. Pedals
Sunday 11:00 Forestville School 11:00 School of Rock 1:00 Gas Money 1:00 Ryan Woodard Band 5:00 Sol Horizon 5:00 The Blues Burners Band Sorry – No Pets or Coolers! Volunteers needed – please email if you would like to join in the fun: Forestvilleypvolunteers@gmail.com w www.Forestvilleyouthpark.org
crafts. 4:30–7:30 p.m. La Plaza Park. Old Redwood Hwy. & W. Sierra Ave., Cotati. Full schedule: tinyurl. com/4uv3wb2p
Thursday 5
FREE Sound Studio Basics. Ages 13 and up. Record a song or podcast in GarageBand, learn basic studio hardware and software. Thursdays. 10–10:30 a.m. (Excludes June 19.) Rincon Valley Library. 6959 Montecito Blvd., Santa Rosa. Santa Rosa Central Library will host this event Tuesdays, starting June 3, 10–10:30 a.m. Registration required: tinyurl.com/mw9rzs8n
Pacific Air Museum Hot Dog Thursday. Family event on the field among the airplanes and helicopters. $10. First Thursdays. 11:30 a.m.–1:30
p.m. One Air Museum Way, Santa Rosa. pacificcoastairmuseum.org
FREE Pride Family Movie
Screening. For kids in grades K–6. Enjoy snacks, make friendship bracelets, in a welcoming space. 2–4 p.m. Roseland Library. 779 Sebastopol Rd., Santa Rosa. Other Sonoma Library branches will host this event. View movie schedule: tinyurl.com/ yhde3582.
FREE Summer Night on the Green Concert Series. New bands weekly. Food vendors, farm fresh produce, family lawn games. Thursdays. Street Fair: 5 p.m. Live music: 6 p.m. Windsor Town Green. 9291 Old Redwood Hwy., Windsor. Full schedule:
Friday 6
Peggy Sue Car Show. June 9: 3–7 p.m: Music, food, and drive-in movie (TBD) at sundown. June 10: Classic car show. 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Live music: 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Admission $10. Free: ages 12 & younger. Parking: $10. Sonoma County Fairgrounds. 1350 Bennett Valley Rd., Santa Rosa. (Cruise-on June 10, 5:30–8:30 p.m. in downtown Santa Rosa.) cruiseforpeggysue.com
FREE Friday Night Live at the Cloverdale Plaza. New bands weekly. Food, drinks, local artisan crafts. Fridays. Street Fair: 6 p.m. Live music: 7–9:30 p.m. Downtown Plaza. 1st & 2nd Streets, Cloverdale. Full schedule: tinyurl.com/5n6vc6j4.
Saturday 7
FREE Guided Tours at Armstrong Woods. Docent-led. Learn about the redwoods, people, plants, and animals. Starts 10 a.m. (1-2 hrs.) Armstrong Redwoods. Meet: picnic tables in front parking lot. 17000 Armstong Wood Rd., Guernville. Registration required: tinyurl.com/5n8ds6e9
Lavender Labyrinth & Daze Event. Tour flower fields, walk labyrinth, visit ducks, and explore organic farming. Shop honey, duck eggs, flowers, and produce. $15–$20. Kids 12 and under: free with adult. Fridays: 6–9 p.m. Saturday/Sundays: 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Bees & Blooms. 3883 Petaluma Hill Rd., Santa Rosa. Registration required: beesnblooms.com
FREE Rialto Cinemas Weekend
Family Matinees. Screening of The Triplets of Belleville. Rated PG. Matinees held first Saturday and Sunday of the month. June 7–8: 11 a.m. Rialto Cinemas. 6868 McKinley St., Sebastopol. rialtocinemas.com/ sebastopol
FREE 65th Annual Forestville
Youth Park BBQ. BBQ chicken, beans, steak, and oysters. Live music, vendor, and craft booths. No pets or coolers. Proceeds benefit the Youth Park. June 7–8: 11 a.m.–8 p.m. Parade: June 7: 10 a.m. 7045 Mirable Rd., Forestville. forestvilleyouthpark.org
Sunday 8
Family Day Program. Activities teach children about the solar system and the sun. Ages: 12 & under with at
least one adult chaperone per family. $9.44–$13.65. State Park parking fee required. 12:30–3 p.m. Robert Ferguson Observatory. 2605 Adobe Canyon Rd., Kenwood. Registration required: tinyurl.com/ycy6pj8e
FREE 3rd Annual Lectura Fest! Celebration of reading, music, and culture. Family-friendly afternoon including live performances, face painting, hands-on activities, photo booth, food, and more. 1-4 p.m. SR Central Library. 211 E. St., Santa Rosa. tinyurl.com/32w3s8x4
Monday 9
FREE Potter the Otter: A Healthy Adventure Grand Opening. Interactive pop-up exhibit based on the book. Free lunch for kids served daily at noon. Ages: 5 and
JARDÍN DE ABAJO
under. 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Runs through Aug. 8. Coddingtown Mall. 1300 Coddingtown Center, Santa Rosa. (Near the fishtank.) cmosc.org/events/ pottertheotter.
FREE Wine Country Zoological. Grades K–6. From alligators to kangaroo joeys, meet amazing creatures. Animals rotate, so every visit brings a new experience. Tickets handed out 30 minutes before the event. All must be present to receive one. First come, first served. 10:30–11:30 a.m. Cloverdale Library. 401 N. Cloverdale Blvd., Cloverddale. Other Sonoma Library branches will host this event. View schedule: tinyurl. com/4jpa4afc
FREE Lunch at the Library. Children ages 0–18 years. Families
welcome to stay to play and read together. Mondays–Fridays. Noon–12:30 p.m. (Excludes June 19.) View schedule & locations at Sonoma County Library branches: tinyurl. com/3294m8ty
FREE Monday Movie Matinee at the Library. Ages: 0–18 years. Popcorn included. All films rated G or PG. Children ages 8 and under must be with an adult. Mondays. 12:30–2:30 p.m. (Excludes June 19.) Rohnert Park Library. 500 City Center, Rohnert Park. tinyurl.com/3dx722kf
Tuesday 10
FREE Magic & Juggling with James Chan. Kick off the 2025 Summer Reading Program with a magic show and juggling by a 17-year-old prodigy. Grades K–6. Tickets handed out 30
minutes before the event. All must be present to receive one. 10:30–11:30 a.m. Petaluma Community Center. 320 N. McDowell Blvd., Petaluma. Other Sonoma Library branches will host this event. View schedule & locations: tinyurl.com/58hdja8v.
FREE Tuesday Family Movies on the Green. Outdoor film screening. June 10: Moana 2. June 17: Inside Out June 24: Toy Story. Bring blanket or low-back chair. No blankets on lawn before 4:30 p.m. Note: there is no shuttle for this event. Movie begins 15 minutes after sunset. Windsor Town Green. 9291 Old Redwood Hwy., Windsor. tinyurl.com/247yuvhj.
Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson, An Astrophysicist Goes to the Movies – Part II. Dr. Tyson explores the
SANTA ROSA SYMPHONY
Beginners to Advanced Musicians Elementary through College Ages Join an orchestral program that has been training young musicians for over 50 years! Schedule Your Appointment Now! Submit your audition request and learn about our programs at: srsymphony.org/Education/Auditions
science (right and wrong) in films from The Wizard of Oz to Harry Potter and other classics. $58.41–$295. 7:30 p.m. Luther Burbank Center. 50 Mark Springs Rd., Santa Rosa. Tickets: tinyurl.com/3zuew8n9
Wednesday 11
Blippi: Join the Band Tour. Blippi and Meekah explore music with live musicians, dancing, and favorite Blippi hits. $41.30–$138.52. Lap passes available day of the show, in-person at the ticket office for ages 2 and under. Show: 6:30 p.m. Luther Burbank Center. 50 Mark Springs Rd., Santa Rosa. Tickets: lutherburbankcenter.org
Thursday 12
Broadway’s Best Night Ever. A musically theatrical event celebrating
Sonoma County community through song and dance. $35–$175. June 13: Family Night: Youth attend for 1/2 price. June 14: Latine Heritage Night. June 12–15, 19–22. Gates open 5 p.m. Showtime: 7:30 p.m. Sonoma Field of Dreams. 151 1st St. W., Sonoma. Tickets: tinyurl.com/4zr8sdun
Friday 13
Cirque Ma’Ceo. Acrobatics, aerial, dance, and equestrian arts to the acoustic beats of Spanish guitar. $40–$70. Ages 3–12: $25. June 13: 7 p.m. June 14: 4 and 7 p.m. June 15: 1 and 4 p.m. Sonoma County Fairgrounds. 1350 Bennett Valley Rd., Santa Rosa. Tickets: cirquemaceo.com
FREE Fridays Party on the Plaza. New bands weekly. Food, drinks, and
local artisan crafts. June 13, 20, 27: 5–8 p.m. Rohnert Park Library. North Parking Lot. 500 City Center. Full schedule: tinyurl.com/345uxukx
FREE Outdoor film screening of Disney’s Toy Story. Bring chairs, blankets, picnic. Individually purchased food and drink items available. Arrive 15 minutes prior to show. Movie starts: 8:15 p.m. LaPlaza Park, W. Sierra and Old Redwood Hwy., Cotati. tinyurl.com/6djy2788
Saturday 14
FREE 55th Annual MLK/ Juneteenth. Live entertainment, Zumba, arts, crafts, basketball tournament, vendor/food booths, and more. 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Old Courthouse Square. Santa Rosa. sonomacountyjuneteenth.com
FREE 61st Annual Bear Flag Celebration & Chicken BBQ. Live music. Food/drink items available. 11 a.m.: flag changing ceremony. Chicken BBQ: 1–4 p.m. Sonoma Plaza. 453 1st. St. E, Sonoma. tinyurl.com/8b2ksyfd
Second Saturday Cartoonist. Meet, watch, and talk to Martin Hsu, Asian American artist and character designer for Nickelodeon and Disney TV Animation. Cost included with Museum admission. $5–$12. Ages 3 and under: free. Discounts available. 1–3 p.m. Charles Schulz Museum. 2301 Hardies Ln., Santa Rosa. schulzmuseum.org/martin-hsu
Sunday 15
FREE Father’s Day at the Museum. Fathers and ages 3 and younger get free admission. All others: $5–$12. 10
a.m.–5 p.m. Charles Schulz Museum. 2301 Hardies Ln., Santa Rosa. schulzmuseum.org.
Thursday 19
Sonoma-Marin Fair. $14–$55. Ticket includes carnival and concert. Add’l fee for parking. June 19–22. 11 am.–11 p.m. Gates close: 10 p.m. Sonoma-Marin Farigrounds. 175 Fairgrounds Dr., Petaluma. cityofpetaluma.org/2025fair.
Saturday 21
FREE Sonoma 10th Anniversary Walkathon Last Mile. Celebrate 10 years of Cancer Support Sonoma. Donations accepted. Local food vendors. 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Sangiacomo Vineyards. 21543 Broadway, Sonoma. RSVP: cancersupportsonoma.org.
FREE Cotati Music Festival. Spike Sikes and His Awesome Hotcakes heads line-up of 5 bands. Bring blanket or low-back chairs. No dogs. Individually purchased food/drink items available. Noon–6 p.m. La Plaza Park. Old Redwood Hwy. & W. Sierra Ave., Cotati. Full schedule: tinyurl. com/y5j53xcx.
FREE RioFest 2025. Kids Corner, live music featuring: Pride & Joy, Monte Rio Kids Ensemble, and more. Food, drinks, and shop local artisan crafts. Noon–6 p.m. Monte Rio Amphitheater. 9925 Main St., Monte Rio. friendsofmonterio.org
Saturday 21
Russian River Rodeo. $8.60–$17. Ages 4 & under: free. Discounts available for qualifying guests. Tickets
not sold at the gate this year. Food/ drinks available for purchase. No dogs. June 21–22. Gates open: noon. Rodeo: 1 p.m. 23450 Moscow Rd., Duncan Hills. Tickets: russianriverrodeo.com.
Sunday 22
Sunday Fundays. Coincides with exhibit of giant bamboo birds. Enjoy live bird shows, birding walks, crafts, yoga, games, and more. Member: free. Non-members: cost included with Museum admission. $8–$15. Ages 4 & under: free. 1–4 p.m. Sonoma Botanical Garden. 12841 Hwy. 12, Glen Ellen. tinyurl.com/47ks2cdm.
Sebastopol Family Dance. All ages welcome. Easy, fun, folk dances from the U.S. and British Isles, taught by dance leader. $5–$10/adult, $10–20/ family. Fourth Sundays. 2–4:30 p.m.
FREE Movies on the Courthouse Square. Outdoor film screening. June 23: Lilo & Stitch. June 30: El Libro de la Vida (The Book of Life). Food/drinks available for purchase. Bring chairs/ blankets. Preshow entertainment: 6 p.m. Movie starts at dusk. Old Courthouse Square, Santa Rosa. downtownsantarosa.org
Friday 27
FREE Teen Pride Book Club. Grades 7–12. Book copies available at the reference desk. Didn’t finish the book, you’re still able to join. Drop-ins/ allies welcome. Snacks provided. 4–5 p.m. Sebastopol Library. 7140
Performing Arts
Bodgea Ave., Sebastopol. tinyurl. com/4wxdvx8a
Country Summer Music Festival. Sam Hunt, Gabby Barrett, LANCO Lily Rose, and more. $85–$280. Runs thru June 29. Sonoma County Fairgrounds. 1350 Bennett Valley Rd., Santa Rosa. Full schedule: countrysummer.com.
Monday 30
Museum Mondays for Little Ones. Ages 1–5: $10 per child; free for up to 2 adults per child, before 11 a.m. Ages 3 and under: free. Last Monday of the month. 10 a.m.–noon. Charles Schulz Museum. 2301 Hardies Ln., Santa Rosa. schulzmuseum.org/ museum-mondays
Summer Balance
Enjoying Ordinary
By Rebecca Hastings
Tand Extraordinary Days
he day was wide open before us.
We weren’t tethered to packing lunches and getting to the bus stop. No longer slaves to homework calendars and after-school activities. It’s summer. We should celebrate! My mind began racing with ideas. We could go to that new science museum. Or the movies. No, save those for a rainy day. Hmmm … the beach? The park? A picnic at the park followed by ice cream at the beach? There was no shortage of possibilities.
My kids appeared relaxed, basking in their new-found freedom. I, on the other hand, was busy figuring out how to make the first day of summer magical. And then I tripped over the laundry pile on my way to feed the dogs.
Looking around I saw all the things that still had to be done. Beds to be made, dirty dishes, work email notifications on my phone. School may have ended, but real life hadn’t. There was a tug-of-war in my head between the magic I expected to create and the real-life responsibilities.
I’d developed an expectation that life was a great big Instagram feed of who I am, but also who I want to be, who I think others want me to be, and who I can never be. With all the headlines telling me how to “Create a Magical Summer,” I began running faster on a hamster wheel demanding perfect memories for my kids.
But just like I am never going to be 5 foot 8 and size 2 (no matter how high the heels and how tight the
Spanx), I can’t entertain my kids 24/7. Even the thought is exhausting. Kids need to see that there is balance between fun and normal, or better yet, a melding of the two. If I want them to grow up to be more than consumers of this beautiful world, I need to give them the chance to live in and contribute to it. And this means doing things that don’t make the Instagram feed. I look around and see them. One is plugged into an audiobook, one is playing a video game, and one headed outside to scooter. They are content for the moment, so I permit myself to be content, too.
We can find moments of magic in ordinary hours.
The day is just a day, but magical simply because it exists. There will be laundry to fold, and they will help. But if we do that right after lunch we can grab an ice cream and head to the park. We can find moments of magic in ordinary hours.
It’s not my job to entertain my kids. And they shouldn’t be entertained all day anyway. We can, however, find ways to have fun in real life. To have beach days and home days. To have chore times and break times. To do nothing and to do something amazing. ❖
Rebecca is a published author and former teacher passionate about authenticity, faith, and family. Connect with her at RebeccaHastings.net and on Instagram.
