Petaluma
Common Ground
Connecting Across Differences: Building Understanding brings together people of different faiths, backgrounds and perspectives for an afternoon devoted to dialogue, mutual understanding and shared humanity. Featured speaker Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib, a Gaza-born Palestinian-American writer and peace advocate, draws on personal experience and his work with the Atlantic Council to explore the possibilities of understanding across deeply held differences. The afternoon opens with music by Rachel Valfer and Faisal Zedan of the Qadim Ensemble, followed by Alkhatib’s presentation and a community conversation. Organizers hope to create a welcoming space where participants can ask questions, consider unfamiliar perspectives and recognize common ground without setting aside their own convictions. 12:30pm, Sunday, Oct. 18, at Lucchesi Park Community Center, Petaluma. Free; advance registration required. bit.ly/connecting-across-differences.
Sonoma, Marin & Napa
No Kings Returns
The nationwide No Kings movement returns to the North Bay on Saturday, Oct. 17, with an added emphasis on voter registration and early voting ahead of the Nov. 3 general election. Organizers are calling No Kings: Vote Early a day of nonpartisan voter participation, encouraging attendees to make voting plans, help neighbors register and return completed ballots. Gatherings are planned throughout Sonoma, Napa and Marin counties. The events combine public demonstrations with practical election information and opportunities to participate in the democratic process. Saturday, Oct. 17, at locations throughout Sonoma, Napa and Marin counties. Free. Locations, times and registration at nokings.org.
Novato
All in the Family
Presented with the Novato Historical Guild and local history museums, the fourth annual Novato Family History Day celebrates the city’s heritage and the families who helped shape it. Descendants of the Grossi dairy ranching family, the Gages of Gage Lane fame and Camilo Ynitia, original owner of Rancho Olompali, will share their stories, alongside descendants of longtime schoolteacher Lulu Sutton. Local radio personality and community organizer Dario D’Arrigo adds his family’s history to the mix. The gathering also features community organizations, free books for children courtesy of School Fuel and family history kits in English and Spanish. 10am–1pm, Saturday, Oct. 17, at Civic Green, Sherman Avenue between City Hall and the Scott House, Novato. Free. novatohistory.org.
Santa Rosa
Watchmen
The Sonoma County Commission on Human Rights hosts a community forum examining Flock cameras and automated license plate readers (ALPR), bringing together public officials, law enforcement and privacy advocates for a moderated discussion. Panelists include Sonoma County Sheriff Eddie Engram, Supervisor Lynda Hopkins, Santa Rosa Police Chief John Cregan, Rohnert Park Public Safety Director Rick Navarro and Oakland Privacy researcher Mike Katz-Lacabe, alongside city councilmembers from Santa Rosa, Rohnert Park and Sebastopol. The gathering offers residents an opportunity to hear different perspectives on surveillance technology, public safety and privacy, with questions accepted in advance or during public comment. Spanish interpretation will be provided, and a Zoom option is available for those who prefer to participate remotely. 6pm, Monday, Oct. 19, at Sonoma County Fairgrounds, Saralee & Richard’s Barn Room, 1350 Bennett Valley Rd., Santa Rosa. RSVP, Zoom access and questions: lnk.bio/socoflockforum.
