Wide variety of pumpkins Inflatable Jumpers Corn-Kernel Pit & Slide Haunted guided trail Western Village Kids Activities & More Field trips Birthday parties
Halloween season is here and it’s time to consider how you’ll entertain the kids. Find a number of not-too-spooky events in this edition’s Halloween Happenings (page 22). Trick-or-treating together offers fun parent-child bonding, as do activities outside the home based on your child’s unique interests. More ways to help kids form connections can be found within (page 10).
When children dress up in costumes of careers they may wish to pursue — doctors, ballerinas, and the like — it is a great time to talk about goals. If you see a future lawyer in your child, this
edition explains how to set them on the road to law school (page 14).
Parents can further help children prepare for the future by addressing academic pressures, social anxiety, and less free time as extracurricular activities gear up during the school year. Medical experts discuss how parents can make these times less stressful (page 16).
While parents are making sure the kids are OK every day, this month is also a good time to consider your family’s emergency preparedness. Our guide outlines how to keep your family safe and calm during challenging times (page 18). Here’s to making life easier!
What better time to introduce little eaters to pumpkin soup than October?
Okinawans make this soup from kabocha, or Japanese pumpkin — a good substitute is acorn or butternut squash. The result is a silky, slightly sweet soup that takes about 20 minutes to whip up if you have an immersion blender or food processor.
You can also make this in a flash with canned pumpkin puree, which is usually a blend of pumpkin and orange squash. Considered a main dish, this soup is plant-based, vegan, and vegetarian. The recipe serves two, but can be doubled for a family of four, and can be paired with salads or sandwiches for a healthy Halloween meal or on any fall day. ❖
Source: The Blue Zones American Kitchen .
Cream of Pumpkin Soup
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 2
½ pound acorn or butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cut into large chunks
¼ cup chopped leeks (or onion)
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 3/4 cups unsweetened soymilk
1 teaspoon cumin seed
1 teaspoon dried turmeric
1 teaspoon salt, plus more if needed
1. Place a steamer tray into a pot with about 2 inches of water. Bring water to a boil and steam squash until soft, about 15 minutes.
2. In a soup pot, stir-fry leeks in vegetable oil until soft but not browned, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add soy milk, steamed squash, and spices and simmer for 15 minutes.
4. Blend all together with an immersion blender or in a food processor (in batches, if necessary) until smooth. Add salt to taste.
Discover Classics at Musical
Featuring spellbinding selections from Harry Potter, Hook, and Swan Lake — with the added fun of busting out a few ballet moves with North Coast Ballet California — this Santa Rosa Symphony concert is the perfect way for families to explore music together. The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, featuring narration by symphony violinist Bob Williams, introduces young audiences to the magic of storytelling through music. The Magical Melodies concert will spark wonder and inspire a love of classical music. Costumes are encouraged. Sunday, October 26 at 3 p.m. at Weill Halll/Green Music Center, 1801
E. Cotati Ave, Rohnert Park. Learn more and purchase tickets at srsymphony.org/event/magical-melodies
Celebrate Local Culture
The Museum of Sonoma County celebrates its 29th annual Dia de los Muertos exhibition with an unforgettable day of art, performances, food trucks, and ending with a low rider-cruise down Seventh Street. This vibrant celebration of local culture and community resources welcomes all of Sonoma County. The festivities are free and open to the public. Saturday, October 18 from noon to 4 p.m. on the Museum of Sonoma County campus, 425 Seventh St., Santa Rosa. All event details are at tinyurl.com/3sxk4k2m
Save at Consignment Sale
It’s time for “NorCal’s Best Pop-Up Children’s Resale Event,” Just Between Friends Bi-annual Children’s Consignment Sale is back. The largest in the North Bay, this event features gently-used clothing at 50-90 percent off retail prices. Save hundreds of dollars on clothes, shoes, books, toys, and all the baby gear you need for the next season of your child’s life. Friday, October 3 through Sunday, October 5 at Sonoma County Fairgrounds, 1350 Bennett Valley Rd., Santa Rosa. Get ticket prices and a full schedule at northbay.jbfsale.com.
Dia de los Muertos
Just Between Friends
Mark 75 Years of Peanuts!
Celebrate the 75th anniversary of the iconic comic strip with hands-on fun, Snoopy hugs, and more! Meet Snoopy, explore the exhibition “HA! HA! HA! HA! 75 Years of Humor in Peanuts,” learn to draw the characters with cartoonist Robert Pope, and hear about the new book, Snoopy, the Story of My Life: The Myth, the Legend, the Beagle! with author Andrew Farago. Enjoy a free mini chocolate chip cookie (Snoopy’s favorite!) (while supplies last). Peanuts -inspired costumes encouraged. Saturday, October 4, from 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Cost is included with Museum admission and free for Museum members. Charles M. Schultz Museum, 2301 Hardies Ln., Santa Rosa. For more information, visit tinyurl.com/3tn2uf4e.
Spend an Afternoon in Italy
Presented by North Bay Italian Cultural Foundation and Risorgimento, Festa Italiana di Santa Rosa is a celebration of Italy with food, history, and art in downtown Santa Rosa. Live Italian music throughout the festival. Food from Cibo Rustic Pizzeria and other vendors. Samples from more than 40 producers of Italian varietal wines from throughout California. In the kids’ corner, create arts and crafts, sing songs, and learn Italian phrases. Representing “la dolce vita in an urban winery,” the event is Sunday, October 26, from noon-4 p.m. at Santa Rosa Vintners Square, 1301 Cleveland Ave., Santa Rosa. Learn more at tinyurl.com/4sz6j9bs
Get Crafty at Art Show
S75 Years of Peanuts
hop local artisan makers and small business owners all in one place at the Harvest Festival® Original Art & Craft Show. Hundreds of handcrafted and mindfully curated arts and crafts featuring photography, fine jewelry, specialty food, blown glass, wood art, metalwork, vintage wares, and more. Friday, October 31, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday, November 1, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, November 2, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds Hall of Flowers, 1350 Bennett Valley Rd., Santa Rosa. For ticket details, visit harvestfestival.com
di Santa Rosa
Making Connections
Activities That Help Kids Bond
By Sarah Lyons
Children learn how to love, play, interact, and resolve conflict through the bonds formed with their parents.
As they mature, those skills grow through shared experiences with parents and peers. Here are some easy ways to strengthen the parent-child bond, and inspire kids to expand their horizons outside of home.
Discover what your child is interested in. If your child enjoys reading, sign up for a library reading program, or have a two-person book club of your own. If your child loves sports, make game night a family event and cheer on their team via a local little league. Or, form a family team and hone your athletic skills in the yard on weekends. If art is their forte, research learning opportunities at city museums and rec centers.
Incorporating your child’s interests into everyday tasks is also a bonding opportunity. Have a young foodie on your hands? A cooking class for kids leads to grocery shopping and meal prep together as a family. For the child enamored with nature, botanical garden experiences can prepare you for your own home planting.
Experiencing extracurricular activities with parents and peers teaches children life skills such as how to share, follow rules, and
manage conflict. Such playtime gives your child a safe place to share their feelings and express worries, too. “My son would always open up when we played catch. We had some great conversations playing together,” Angela Leever, mom of three, said.
Make moments count. For the busy parent, bonding can happen during spare moments. Amy Siebert, mom of two, suggests talking to your kids while you are in the car.
If your child loves sports, make game night a family event and cheer on their team via a local little league.
“We spend a lot of time driving between activities. That’s where our best conversations happen.”
If you truly enjoy activities together, a stronger bond will naturally form. “When they show interest in a sport, music, games, hobby, or even a TV show, I will find free time to do it together,” said Michelle Lyons, mom of three. “I have found that while they are doing something they enjoy they are more likely to talk about other things in their life.”
Communicate. Besides supporting and being part of their activities, parents can bond with children through targeted communication. It is likely your children know you love them but how often do you tell them? Saying I love you to your child has powerfully positive effects for them.
Try not just saying you love them, but tell them why. “I love you because you
Studio W Studio W
are so fun to be around” or “I love you because you care about others.” Words of affirmation give kids the self confidence they need to face the world, and understanding parents love them no matter what is especially important when a child is struggling. If your child makes a mistake, let them know you are there to love and support them through the challenges that they may face.
Put down your phone and talk to your child. Show them that they are your number one priority. If you have a task that needs to be done, ask them to let you finish it and when it’s complete, give your child your full attention.
If you have multiple children, it can be hard to spend one-on-one time with
When you support them in outside activities, they learn that their interests are a priority to you, too.
then really listen to the answers. Mom of three, Carrie Miller said, “Our most meaningful conversations happen before bedtime. It’s always worth the extra time, even when I’m tired from a long day.”
When you commit to making your child a priority, they will feel important and it will help to strengthen your relationship. When you support them in outside activities, they learn that their interests are a priority to you, too.
Most of these ideas are not profound or difficult to do, they just take a little planning and intentionality. Over time, without even trying, the bonds will be built and your child will have a foundation of love and support from not only their parents, but hopefully from the peers with whom they share common interests, as well. ❖
Sarah Lyons is a Midwestern mom of six kids, including triplets. She enjoys bonding with her kids over reading, sports, movies, and games. them. Set aside time to go on a “date” with each of your children so you can connect and check in with what they have going on. Ask them open-ended questions about their thoughts, their relationships, and their activities, and
Raising a Future Lawyer
How Parents Can Prepare Children for Law School
By Fiona Hall
Do you see glimpses of a great future lawyer in your child? Maybe they surprise you with their logical thinking or ability to quickly sum up a situation. Or maybe they have a love of justice and are quick to stand up for others.
It is important to encourage young minds to explore careers as soon as they show interest, and believe it or not, we need more lawyers in California.
The 2024 California Justice Gap Study by the California State Bar found Californians receive no or insufficient legal help for 85 percent of their civil legal problems, including housing, family and safety, consumer protection, and health care. According to the study, this is partly because
there aren’t enough attorneys to serve rural areas. Sonoma County itself is identified in the report as having rural areas at risk of becoming attorney deserts.
We are working to bridge this justice gap by educating law students at Empire College of Law in Santa Rosa, California. Empire is one of Monterey College of Law’s four community-based campuses offering evening classes so our students can
work during the day while earning their law degree at night.
We also offer a hybrid online option to reach beyond our local campuses. The school’s mission is to produce graduates who are dedicated to professional excellence, integrity, and community service. We achieve this in part by having local attorneys and judges as professors who bring
What matters most is strong reading, writing, and critical-thinking skills.
vast practical knowledge to the classroom. We strive to make law school accessible by keeping tuition low and accepting applicants with an Associate Degree.
If I’ve inspired you to think ahead, you’re probably wondering ways you could set your child on a path that keeps the door open for law school in the future. Monterey College of Law’s president and CEO, Lisa Sperow, and I suggest these natural starting points:
Build a Love of Reading and Writing Law students spend hours each week digesting dense legal opinions. The best preparation? Encourage a love of reading now. Whether it’s novels, biographies, or news articles, reading widely trains comprehension and focus. Pair reading with plenty of writing — journals, short stories, or essays — to strengthen their ability to express ideas clearly.
Parent tip: Ask your child to explain a story they’ve read in their own words. This practice mirrors the way
law students must distill complex information into clear and concise arguments.
Encourage Skilled
Communication A good lawyer isn’t just a sharp thinker but also a strong communicator. Debate team, mock trial or Model United Nations are excellent ways to practice speaking clearly and persuasively. But learning to listen is even more important. Lawyers must fully understand opposing arguments and learn what matters most to their clients. It takes empathy and strong listening skills to uncover this information.
Parent tip: At family meals, invite kids to take turns playing “devil’s advocate.” It’s a fun way to practice communication skills while learning
to reason and respect different points of view.
Expose Them to the Bigger Picture Lawyers work to solve problems that affect real people. Helping kids connect with their community early builds empathy and
A good lawyer isn’t just a sharp thinker but also a strong communicator.
perspective. Volunteering at a local food pantry, attending a city council meeting, or following an issue in the news can spark curiosity about justice and fairness.
Parent tip: Encourage your child to pick a cause that matters to them and
find a way to get involved. Passion fuels persistence and engagement.
Final Word for Parents There’s no single “pre-law” major. Law schools welcome students from philosophy to engineering. What matters most is strong reading, writing, and critical-thinking skills. In high school and college, classes in history, government, sociology, and economics provide especially strong foundations. Whether your child ultimately becomes a lawyer, or something else entirely, these skills will serve them for a lifetime.
Fiona Hall is Campus Dean at Empire College of Law in Santa Rosa, CA. If interested in learning more about legal education or Empire College of Law, visit montereylaw.edu/index-empire.html.
School Anxiety
Ways to Handle Academic Pressures
By Sabrina Renteria, MD; and Romina Kim, MD
As the school year progresses, increased academic pressures, heightened social anxiety and less free time as extracurricular activities gear up can lead to stress and even burnout. The Cedars-Sinai Newsroom sat down with medical experts to discuss stress and burnout symptoms and what parents can do to help.
What are some of the main causes of stress and burnout in children and teens?
Sabrina Renteria, MD: Some of the top causes of stress and burnout for this age group stem from academic pressures with high expectations and heavy workloads. High achievers, in particular, tend to overwhelm themselves with extracurricular activities in addition to their schoolwork, leaving insufficient time for rest and relaxation, which can be exhausting both physically and mentally. Additionally, social stress is often a contributing factor, especially
in the age of social media where kids are constantly online. Bullying, peer pressure and difficulties navigating social relationships can all lead to severe emotional distress.
What do stress and burnout look like in this age group?
Renteria: Burnout and stress in children and teens can manifest in various ways. This can look like snappiness or irritability, lack of energy, or tearfulness. Depression and withdrawing from friends and family can be common, as well. Children might even express frustration or that they feel like giving up.
Romina Kim, MD: Physically, stress can show up as things like headaches, gastrointestinal issues, unintended weight loss due to loss of appetite, tics, and other generalized pain. In severe cases, some patients can experience what’s known as functional neurologic disorder, which is characterized by physical symptoms that cause distress and impair function without a structural or neurologic abnormality. In these cases, while nothing seems to be physically wrong with the child, they may experience various physical manifestations, including the inability to walk, muscle weakness, or even seizures. With proper treatment, along with time and patience, most of these ailments are reversible.
How do doctors determine if a child’s physical ailment is stress-related, versus physiological?
Kim: It’s our role as doctors to do our due diligence. We always start by obtaining a detailed history from the patient and their family. This subjective information is our first step to piece together the puzzle. We also obtain objective data, such as physical exams, lab work, imaging studies, and more to help support a possible diagnosis. Once we narrow things down, we often bring in additional experts, such as our neurology or psychiatry teams to help us confirm the diagnosis and address the problem to get the patient firmly on a path to recovery.
What signs of stress or burnout should parents or guardians look for in their children?
Renteria: Parents know their children best and should look out for significant changes in their behavior and mood. If your child starts to have a drop in grades, is increasingly irritable, or constantly in a bad mood, those could all be signs they are under too much stress. Kids may also lose interest in their previously cherished pastimes or hobbies. Another red flag may be sleep issues, like trouble falling or staying asleep, or even sleeping too much.
Kim: When kids are burned out or feeling too much stress, they tend not to be able to cope with their emotions. Often, even the smallest inconvenience can trigger a big reaction. It’s important that parents don’t automatically dismiss what may be an unusual behavior for their child
as them just being a “moody teenager,” when there may be much more to it than that.
How can parents or guardians help their kids manage significant stress or burnout?
Renteria: It’s OK for kids to be active and busy, but it’s all about striking a balance. It is important to find the right amount of organized activity and free time to help promote social and emotional growth and development in your child. Parents can help children combat burnout by encouraging them to engage in physical activity, maintain a healthy diet, get enough sleep, establish a daily routine, set realistic goals, practice relaxation techniques, limit screen time, and seek professional help if needed.
Kim: By building an open, communicative relationship with their children early on, parents can create a foundation on which a child feels comfortable being able to talk openly about any stress or anxiety they’re experiencing. Another important thing for parents to remember: If they are not modeling good self-care and coping skills themselves, it is that much more difficult for their children to learn these habits. By setting an example of healthy balance for yourself, you can help set your kids up for success as well. ❖
Sabrina Renteria, MD, is a child and adolescent psychiatrist in the Cedars-Sinai Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, and Romina Kim, MD, is a pediatric hospitalist with Cedars-Sinai Guerin Children’s. Source: The Cedars-Sinai Newsroom
• Paid job training.
• Part-time.
• Health benefits.
• CalPERS retirement.
• Winter & Spring Breaks off.
• Summers optional.
• Paid sick leave, holidays, & vacations.
Ready for Anything
By Rebecca Hastings
OFamily Emergency Preparation Plan
ctober is National Fire Prevention Month, and the perfect time to consider your family’s emergency preparedness. Whether it’s a fire, power outage, snowstorm, hurricane, or other disaster, having a plan helps keep your family safe and calm. Here’s how to get started.
1. Make a Family Emergency Plan. Include:
• Escape routes from your home
• Meeting places (one nearby, one further away)
• Emergency contacts, including a friend or relative out of town
• Who’s responsible for what (grabbing pets, checking on grandparents, etc.) Don’t forget to write it down and practice it, even with older kids and teens.
2. Build a Go-Bag for Each Family Member. A well-stocked emergency kit means you’re ready to go if you need to leave quickly — or stay put without power for a while. Include:
• Water (one gallon per person, per day)
• Non-perishable food
• Flashlight + extra batteries
• First aid supplies
• Phone charger + power bank
• Prescription meds
• Important documents (copies of ID, insurance, etc.)
• Comfort items for kids: a favorite snack, small toy, or blanket
Make sure it’s stored in an easy-to-grab backpack or bin near your exit.
3. Talk About It (Without Scaring Them). Conversations about emergencies don’t have to be scary. Use age-appropriate language to explain that sometimes things happen, but being prepared helps everyone stay safe.
For Young kids: “We’re going to practice what to do if there’s an emergency like a fire or a flood, so we all know how to stay safe.”
For Tweens: “If you’re home alone and the power goes out, here’s where the flashlight is and what to do next.” Or “If there is a fire, your only job is to get out of the house and get help. Don’t try to put it out or get your things.”
For Teens: “If there’s an emergency when we’re not together, here’s how we’ll reconnect.” And offer a plan for where they should go or how to get in touch. Consider meeting places, trusted people to connect with, and other important information.
Keep the talks simple and revisit them regularly.
4. Sign Up for Alerts & Know
Local Resources. Many towns and school districts offer emergency text alerts. Sign up for local and national systems (like FEMA or weather apps), and know where to find reliable information.
Also helpful: Save emergency numbers in your phone so you recognize them.
Also, teach kids how to call 911 and give your address
5. Prepare for Special Circumstances. If you have infants, elderly relatives, or pets, think through their specific needs. Keep extra formula, diapers, or pet food in your kit. If someone in your home relies on medical equipment, contact your utility company about priority service during outages.
6. Quick Grab List: What Every Parent Should Have Ready …
Emergency contact sheet
Copies of important documents
Medications and extra glasses
Cash (ATMs might not work)
Spare keys
Chargers and power bank
Food and water
Flashlights and batteries
First aid kit
A calm, confident plan
Being prepared isn’t about worrying — it’s about feeling empowered. Take one step at a time, involve your kids, and give your family the peace of mind they deserve.
4-Week Preparedness Plan
Week 1: Make Your Emergency Plan. Start with the most important piece: what to do and how to stay connected.
Checklist:
Talk as a family about why being prepared matters (keep it age-appropriate). Choose two meeting spots: one near your home and one out of town.
Write down emergency contacts, including an out-of-area person.
Decide who handles what in an emergency (e.g., pets, checking on relatives).
Post your plan somewhere visible and review it with the whole family.
Practice a quick drill (fire escape, phone call plan, etc.).
Week 2: Build or Refresh Your Emergency Kit. This week is all about supplies — start with what you already have and build from there.
Checklist:
Check what’s already in your pantry or closets.
Pick up extra water (1 gallon per person per day for at least three days).
Buy or gather shelf-stable food
(granola bars, canned soup, fruit cups).
Add flashlight, batteries, first aid kit, phone charger, and power bank.
Include comfort items for kids (a toy, blanket, or snack they love).
Make sure you have supplies for babies, pets, or elderly family members.
Store your go-bag near your main exit.
Tip: Set a small budget each week — this doesn’t have to be expensive!
Week 3: Get Documents & Alerts in Order. Now that you’ve covered plans and supplies, it’s time to make sure you can access key information quickly.
Checklist:
Make copies of IDs, insurance cards, prescriptions, and birth certificates.
Store one copy in a waterproof pouch in your go-bag.
Take photos of documents and save them in a secure cloud folder.
Save emergency numbers in everyone’s phones (and write them down, too).
Sign up for local alerts through your town, school district, or FEMA.
Talk to your utility provider about priority service if someone has medical needs.
Week 4: Practice & Personalize.
With the basics in place, you’re ready to test your plan and tailor it for your family’s real life.
Checklist:
Practice your emergency plan — do a fire drill or pretend power outage.
Review your emergency contacts and update them as needed.
Add or replace expired items in your kit (batteries, snacks, meds).
Talk through “what if” scenarios with kids using simple, calm language.
Print and post your emergency plan in the kitchen or near the door.
Celebrate your progress as a family — you’re ready!
Bonus Tip:
Set a reminder to revisit your plan every six months. ❖
Rebecca is a published author and former teacher passionate about authenticity, faith, and family. In real life, she can often be found typing words and driving her kids places. Connect with her at RebeccaHastings.net and on Instagram.
Math and Reading Program
Pumpkins on Pikes. Live music, straw maze, games, pumpkin carving, & food. $40. Ages 6 & under (no pumpkin): free. Oct. 18–19, 25: 2–9 p.m. Tara Firma Farms. 3796 “I” St., Petaluma. Advanced tickets required: tarafirmafarms.com.
YMCA Halloween Carnival. Carnival, music, raffle prizes, & other kids’ activities. $5 Presale at Y Childcare sites, Y Membership Office/ Childwatch. All proceeds benefit the YMCA Financial Assistant Program. 3–6 p.m. YMCA. 1111 College Ave.,
Friday 24
FUNtazmagoria. Spooky, but not scary, activities. Live music, food trucks, crafts, & more. Costumes encouraged. Admission: $24. Ages 11 mos. & younger: free. Discounts available for qualifying guests. Oct. 24–26. Friday: 4–8 p.m.(Pumpkin Plop: 6 p.m.) Saturday & Sunday: 10 a.m.–2 p.m. (Pumpkin Plop: noon). Children’s Museum. 1835 W. Steel Ln., Santa Rosa. cmosc.org/events/ funtazmagoria
Saturday 25
FREE Halloween at Howarth. Children in costumes trick-or-treat throughout the park. Must register for 1 of 5 1/2-hr. slots: 11:30 a.m., noon, 12:30, 1, 1:30, & 2 p.m. Passes $7–$20. Carousel, train, & pony rides: add’l fee. 11:30 a.m.–3 p.m. Howarth Park. 630
Summerfield Rd., Santa Rosa. tinyurl. com/yf2ab23u.
FREE Farmer’s Market Pumpkin Festival & Costume Competition. Competitions: pumpkin decorating with wheels, pumpkin carving, & costume (no commercial kits). Competitions divided into 3 ages: 7 & under, 8–15, and 16–adult. Prizes. Registration: 8:30–9:30 a.m. Judging: 9:30–10:45 a.m. Healdsburg Farmer’s Market. 34 North St. & Vine, Healdsburg. See Pumpkin & Costume Competition for details: tinyurl. com/2j5ws4pb
FREE Witches & Wizards on The Water. Riverside trick-or-treat route, costume contest, selfies, rentals, & bring-your-own boats or boards welcome. 11 a.m.–3 p.m. The Floathouse Petaluma. 50 E.
Washington St., Petaluma. tinyurl. com/5977tcpb.
FREE The Soco Halloween Market. Family & pet friendly. Live music, food trucks. Noon–5 p.m. Old Court House Square, Santa Rosa. thesocomarket.com.
FREE Halloween Carnival with Dia de los Muertos Celebration. Deejay, haunted maze, exotic animals, community altars. Carnival game fees support Cotati-Rohnert Park 5th graders’ field trips. Food, local wine/beer, and non-alcoholic options sold. Noon–5 p.m. Rohnert Park Community Center. 5401 Snyder Ln., Rohnert Park. tinyurl.com/yfeab4kh.
The Great Pumpkin Float. Find a pumpkin in the pool & then decorate it. Games & prizes. Proper swim attire required. No costumes in pool.
$12 per child. Must register for 1 of 3 1/2-hr. slots: 2–2:30 p.m., 2:45–3:15 p.m. & 3:30–4 p.m. p.m. YMCA Pool. 1111 College Ave., Santa Rosa. Advanced registration required: scfymca.org
Sunday 26
Fall Colors Festival. Craft & food booths, student art exhibit, and car show. Benefits Geyserville Schools. 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Park & ride from 100 Remmel St. tinyurl.com/4472t97x.
Francis Ford Coppola Winery’s Kids Halloween Carnival. Wear your eerie-sistible costume for ghoulish games, creepy critters, Wheel of Deals, spooky décor & more. 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Ages: 13 & under: $15 + tax. Ages 14+ complimentary. Francis Ford Coppola Winery. 300 Via Archimedes, Geyserville. Tickets required: tinyurl. com/3mvwyce7.
Monday 27
Trick-or-Treat at Schulz Museum. Ages 1–5 come in costume & trick-or-treat all over the Museum. Craft your own pumpkin patch & watch It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown! Before 11 a.m: $10 per child & free for up to 2 adults per child. After 11 a.m.: regular admission applies. 10 a.m.–noon. (Trick-or-treating: 11 a.m.) Charles Schulz Museum. 2301 Hardies Ln. Santa Rosa. Registration: tinyurl.com/3stut4a5
Thursday 30
FREE Kids Halloween Tennis Party. Come in costume & enjoy a movie, food, drinks, & candy. All welcome. 4 p.m. Sonoma Community Tennis Non-profit Facility. 17000 Arnold Dr., Sonoma. Email for more details: sonomatennis@icloud.com
FREE Spooky Little Block Party. Costume contest, a market of local vendors. Lark’s Parking Lot. 5–9 p.m. 16251 Main St., Guernville. web.russianriver.com/events
FREE Trick-or-Treat Cotati
Candyland. The City of Cotati & local businesses hand out candy. 2–5 p.m. For map of merchants, meet at LaPlaza Park. 201 W. Sierra Ave., Cotati. tinyurl.com/44kb5x8j.
FREE Petaluma Halloween
Trick-or-Treat. Ages 10 & under. Over 75 downtown merchants give out treats. Download trick-or-treat map from website or just look for signs in shop windows. 3–5:30 p.m. Downtown Petaluma. petalumadowntown.com/ trick-or-treat-trail
FREE Mallo-O-Ween at Santa Rosa Plaza. Visit participating stores marked with an “Official Trick-or-Treat Spot” sticker. 3–6 p.m. 1071 Santa Rosa Plaza, Santa Rosa. simon.com/mall/santa-rosa-plaza
FREE Downtown Trick-or-Treat. Come in costume & bring the family downtown for an afternoon of trick-or-treating at local businesses. 4–6 p.m. Downtown Cloverdale. tinyurl.com/34nv6wjv.
FREE Trick-or-Treating at Coddingtown Mall. Costume
Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, Wednesdays In October
contest, free candy throughout the center, deejay, haunted house experience, arts & crafts, face painting, & more. 5–7 p.m. Coddingtown Mall. 733 Coddingtown Center, Santa Rosa.
October Calendar of Events
Experience Harvest Season
SRJC Shone Farm welcomes the community to experience its outdoor learning laboratory and campus during harvest season. A family-friendly event, Shone Farm Fall Festival is open to the public and includes an animal meet & greet; you-pick pumpkins, apples, & sweet potatoes; vegetable & flower farm stand; hay rides; fall photo station; & more. Tickets are $5 with ages 2 and under admitted free. The event is Saturday, October 11, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Shone Farm, 7450 Steve Olson Ln., Forestville. Visit tinyurl.com/4wnfa46u for tickets or more details.
Wednesday 1
FREE Get Your Content On TV Library Workshop. Grades 7–12 & adults. Learn how to showcase your G/PG photos, videos, podcasts, & music on the library’s TV channel & YouTube. Wednesdays. 12:30–1:30 p.m. SR Central Library. 211 E. St., Santa Rosa. tinyurl.com/bdfwmpxt.
Early Release Enrichment at Veronda-Falletti Ranch. Provides farm, nature- & art-based experiences, snacks provided. TK & Kindergarten:
FREE Get Creative @ The Phoenix. Grades 7–12. Crafting supplies, information about library resources, & volunteer opportunities. First Wednesdays. 4–5 p.m. Phoenix Theater. 201 Washington St., Petaluma. tinyurl.com/3nvd3pyz.
Thursday 2
Just Between Friends Kids’ & Maternity Consignment Sales Event. The largest of its kind in Northern CA. Admission: $4–$25. Platinum passes $79–$130. General admission tickets available online: free. Oct. 3–5: 8 a.m.–8 p.m. Oct. 4: 8:30–9 a.m. (sensory). Oct. 4: 9 a.m.–3 p.m. (free admission). Sonoma County Fairgrounds. 1350 Bennett Valley Rd., Santa Rosa. View full details: northbay. jbfsale.com.
Shone Farm Fall Festival
Into the Woods. Based on the Tony-award winning musical by Stephen Sondheim & James Lapine. $16–$44. Oct. 3–4, 10–11: 7:30 p.m. Oct. 5 & 12: 2 p.m. Spreckles Performing Arts Center. 5409 Synder Ln., Rohnert Park. Tickets: spreckelsonline.com
Pacific Air Museum Hot Dog
Thursday. Family event on the field among the airplanes & helicopters. $8–$10. First Thursdays. 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Pacific Coast Air Museum, 1 Air Museum Way, Santa Rosa. pacificcoastairmuseum.org.
FREE Sensory Craft & Create at the Library. For Preschool–3rd Grade. An interactive sensory workshop where young creators craft their own sensory boards. 3–4 p.m. Forestville Library. 7050 Covey Rd., Forestville. Other Sonoma Library Branches will host this event. Full schedule: tinyurl.com/4a9u8kcw.
Hispanic Heritage Month Craft at the Children’s Museum. Pop-up crafts. Bilingual program. $18. Ages 11 mos. & younger: free. Discounts available for qualifying guests. 12:30–2:30, p.m. Oct 3, 10, 17. Children Museum. 1835 W. Steel Ln., Santa Rosa. tinyurl.com/4jnnpruy.
FREE Book Buddies. Grades TK–3. Reading program that pairs students in grades TK-3 with a teen buddy to read together. Children may read in any language. Wednesdays. 4–5:15 p.m. Windsor Regional Library. Bldg. 100. 9291 Old Redwood Hwy., Windsor. tinyurl.com/3wbmcmfk.
Saturday 4
FREE Annual Chilly Billy Fun Run & Hot Rod, Motorcycle
Show. Proceeds support Polly Klaas Foundation. 8:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. BBQ: 12:30–3 p.m. Penngrove Park, 11800 Main St., Penngrove. tinyurl.com/ ppv7u3ms.
Celebrating 75 Years of Peanuts! Snoopy hugs, hands-on fun, cartooning, author talks, & free cookies (while supplies last). Costumes encouraged. Cost included with Museum admission. $7–$15. Ages 3 & under: free. Discounts available for qualifying guests. 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Charles Schulz Museum. 2301 Hardies Ln., Santa Rosa. tinyurl. com/yc3vh598
WEILL HALL, GREEN MUSIC CENTER Francesco Lecce-Chong, conductor
Explore Music. Spark Wonder. Make Memories.
Food, drinks, & artisan crafts sold. Oct. 4–5: Noon–8 p.m. St. George Church. 7311 College View Dr., Rohnert Park. stgeorgefestival.wixsite. com/sgoc.
FREE Rialto Cinemas Matinees. Screening of Ghostbusters. Food/ drinks available for purchase. Family matinees held the first Saturday & Sunday of the month. Oct. 4–5: 11 a.m. 6868 McKinley St., Sebastopol. rialtocinemas.com/sebastopol
Monday 6
FREE Baby Village. Share joys & struggles of motherhood, pregnancy through postpartum. Hosted by Better Beginnings for Babies, facilitated by doula/lactation specialist. 10:30–11:30 a.m. Healdsburg Library. 139 Piper St.,
Featuring spellbinding selections from Harry Potter, Hook and The Sorcerer’s Apprentice PLUS! Our first-ever Swan Lake dance-along!
Snoopy Family Concert Series underwritten by Victor and Karen Trione, and Irene Sohm
BUY YOUR TICKETS TODAY!
Healdsburg. Other Sonoma Library branches will host this event. View schedule: tinyurl.com/5yzy2z25.
FREE Spanish Family Storytime. Ages 0–5 years. Learn & practice early literacy skills with your child. 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Roseland Library. 779 Sebastopol Rd., Santa Rosa. Similar events held at other Sonoma Library branches. Full schedule: tinyurl.com/ bdrhk3p8.
Circle Time with Alya. Pre-K program featuring songs, dancing, & storytime. Bilingual program. Cost included with Museum admission: $18. Ages 11 mos. & younger: free. Discounts available for qualifying guests. Mondays. 2–2:30 p.m. Children’s Museum. 1835 W. Steel Ln.,
Friday 10
FREE Studio Ghibli Movie Series. Featuring beloved animated classics. Snacks provided. Second Fridays. Runs thru April 2026. 3:30–5:30 p.m. Cloverdale Library. 401 N. Cloverdale Blvd., Cloverdale. tinyurl. com/bdfnt4en.
Flynn Creek Circus presents The Bridge. A rurally based, award-winning circus bringing international talent to the North Bay. Tickets sold by chair, table, or bench, regardless of age. $23–$190. Beer, wine, & light concession sold. Family shows: 7 p.m. Calistoga Fairgrounds. 1435 N. Oak St., Calistoga. Tickets: flynncreekcircus.com.
FREE Family Music Matinee. Tailored for young kids, teens, & families, hosted by Healdsburg Jazz. Noon–1 p.m. Luther Burbank Center. 50 Mark West Springs Rd., Santa Rosa. tinyurl.com/mryveypa.
FREE Petaluma Pride Festival. All-ages festival with live music, kids’ activities, food, drinks, & local
artisan crafts. Bring a picnic, blanket, or chairs & enjoy the day. Noon–5 p.m. Sonoma-Marin Fairgrounds. 175 Fairgrounds Dr., Petaluma. visitpetaluma.com.
Sunday 12
Clo Cow Half Marathon, 10K & 5K. Run thru rural Sonoma farm country. $65.15–$104.56. $10 off for youth younger than 18. Half marathon: 7:30 a.m. 10K: 7:35 a.m., 5K: 7:45 a.m. Start/finish line, located on Kentucky St. between ‘B’ St. & Western Ave., Petaluma. clocowhalf.com
Abundance: Farmers of the Future Harvest Festival. Connect with local farmers, enjoy fresh produce, learn about agriculture, family activities, & live music. $5–$20. Family 4-pack: $20.
FREE Sensory Friendly Afternoon. Exclusive to families of children ages 0–12, with special needs. Hands-on exhibits, art studio. Safe, accessible environment. Bilingual program. Second Tuesdays. 2–5 p.m. Children’s Museum. 1835 W. Steel Ln., Santa Rosa. Register in advance: tinyurl. com/4pt4jvms.
Wednesday 15
FREE Academic Talent
Search Sonoma. College-prep program helping income-eligible, first-generation students succeed in college. Access fee waivers for college
applications, the SAT/ACT, & AP testing. 4:30–5:30 p.m. SR Central Library. 211 E. St., Santa Rosa. Registration encouraged: tinyurl. com/2j2hd6yy.
FREE Taking Phones Slowly. Together. Designed for caretakers of elementary students navigating when to introduce technology & how to do it with care. 5:30–6:30 p.m. Presented by Healthy Petaluma Blue Zone Project. 8 Fourth St., Petaluma. Registration encouraged: eventbrite.com/o/ healthy-petaluma-115601236571
Friday 17
FREE Stewards 40th BBQ Birthday Bluegrass Bash. Celebrate with live music, complimentary BBQ hot dogs, snacks, & non-alcoholic drinks.
3:30–6:30 p.m. BBQ: 3:30–5 p.m. Armstrong Redwoods (picnic Area at the back of the park). 17000 Armstong Wood Rd., Guernville. RVSP required: stewardscr.org/events/2025-stewards-4 0th-birthday-bbq-bash
FREE Forestville Movies in the Park. Screening of Goosebumps Bring your own low-back chairs & blankets. No pets. Last movie of the year. Gates & concession stand open: 6 p.m. Movie: 6:30 p.m. Baseball Field. Forestville Youth Club. 7045 Mirable Rd., Forestville. forestvilleyouthpark.org.
Saturday 18
FREE LumaFest. El Día de los Muertos Community Celebration. Cultural Mexican music, dance, arts
FREE Día de los Muertos Celebration. Cultural Mexican music, dance, arts & crafts, & food. Cantina Garden for those 21+. 1-6 p.m. Old Court House Square. Santa Rosa. tinyurl.com/3hmr8aj8.
Knights of Columbus Pasta Feed. Dinner, silent auction, live concert by the Marian Sisters of Santa Rosa. $20 pp. Proceeds benefit the Marian Sisters. 6–9 p.m. St. Francis Solano Parish Hall. 469 3rd St. W., Sonoma. Tickets: givebutter.com/2025MSSR
Public Star Party. Astronomical topics & telescopes open for viewing. Entry: $12–$17. Ages 6–12: $6. Ages 5 & under: free, but still requires a ticket. Parking $10. 7–10 p.m. Robert Ferguson Observatory. 2605 Adobe Canyon Rd., Kenwood. Tickets: rfo. simpletix.com.
FREE Museum of Sonoma County Block Party & Resource Fair. 29th Annual Día de los Muertos: local culture and community resources, food trucks. Fair ends with 7th St. lowrider cruise. Noon–4 p.m. Santa Rosa Museum. 425 Seventh St. Santa Rosa. museumsc.org/events.
Flynn Creek Circus presents The Bridge. A rurally based, award winning circus bringing international talent to the North Bay. Tickets are sold by chair, table or bench, regardless of Ages of attendees. $23–$190. Beer, wine & light concession sold. Family Shows: Sebastopol Grange. 6000
FREE Social Media: What It Is & How to Reel It In. Social media brings risks for middle schoolers. Learn tools for caregivers & students with Healthy Petaluma Blue Zone Project. Attend in person or online. Translator, snacks, & free childcare provided. 5:30–6:30 p.m. Blue Zones Project Petaluma. 8 Fourth St., Petaluma. Registration encouraged: eventbrite.com/o/ healthy-petaluma-115601236571.
Friday 24
FREE Petaluma Movies in the Park. Screening of Ghostbusters. Bring blanket or low-back chair. Food/ drinks sold. Last movie for the year. 6 p.m. Lucchesi Community Center. 320 N. McDowell Blvd., Petaluma. visitpetaluma.com.
Sunday 26
FREE Festa Italian di Santa Rosa. Family-friendly celebration of Italian music, games, & culture. Sample Italian wines & specialties (fee). Noon–4 p.m. D’Argenzio Santa Rosa Vintners Square. 1301 Cleveland Ave., Santa Rosa. nbicf.org.
Snoopy Family Concert Series. Music from Harry Potter, Hook, & Swan Lake with Conductor Maestro Francesco. Enjoy The Sorcerer’s Apprentice from Disney’s Fantasia, narrated by Symphony violinist Bob Williams. Costumes encouraged. $13–$23. 3 p.m. Weill Hall. Green Music Center. 1801 East Cotati Ave., Rohnert Park srsymphony.org/event/ magical-melodies.
Haunted Humor
A Nightmare on My Street
By Cheryl Maguire
Lights illuminated our new house, bags of candy brimmed a colossal bowl, and my husband donned a Doctor Who costume.
The doorbell rang. Our first trick-or-treaters arrived. Cinderella and Superman said in unison, “Trick-or-treat.”
Superman pointed at my husband and announced, “Look he is dressed as Harry Potter.”
For the next hour, a stream of eager children gathering candy appeared at our door and identified my husband as Harry Potter. And then I had a strange encounter.
The doorbell rang. A young couple stood before me. I searched for their child, but I was unable to locate one. The young man said, “Trick-or-treat.”
Could they be in high school? The man had a beard, and the woman’s
hair was swept up into a high pony. They held their pillowcases, awaiting their treats.
The young man sensed my hesitation because a smirk appeared across his face … a subtle reminder that the first word he uttered was “trick.”
I didn’t want to be the house that got egged, toilet papered, or decorated with shaving cream so I begrudgingly dropped a full-size candy bar into each of their pillowcases. The young man accessed whatever the current mode of teen communication is, sharing a message with countless friends; something along the lines of, “House No. 100 is giving out mad candy. And be sure to check out the weird dude dressed as Harry Potter.”
As a result, we received an influx of similar looking teens and our candy supply was running dangerously low. We panicked. What if we ran out?
Our new house would be marked like Hester Prynne with a scarlet A on her dress. It was almost 8 p.m. so we dared to turn off all the lights and waited. Every sound we heard we wondered if we were under attack. Finally the noises died down, and we felt somewhat relieved.
“Well that isn’t what I expected,” I said.
“Me neither. I mean Harry Potter doesn’t even look anything like Doctor Who.”
“No I meant the non-costumed teens invading for candy.”
“Yeah, they were a little old for that. When I was a teen, we just went around egging or spraying shaving cream at houses.”
Okay, I didn’t expect to hear that either.
Next year I’m going to try to prevent some of these adolescents from freeloading off my candy intended for fledgling children decked out in elaborate costumes. Near the doorbell there will be a sign declaring: ONLY ring the doorbell if …
1. You are dressed in a REAL costume. T-shirts and jeans do NOT count.
2. Due to your age, you are unable to obtain a driver’s license, a job, grow facial hair, or purchase candy yourself at a store.
Don’t worry, I know what you are thinking. My intricate preparations will also include a fully stocked closet of cleaning supplies.
Cheryl Maguire holds a Master of Counseling Psychology degree. She is married and is the mother of twins and a daughter. Her writing has been published in The New York Times, National Geographic, and many other publications. You can find her at Twitter @CherylMaguire05.
