Kincade Fire Compliance Report Shows PG&E Addressing Deficiencies

PG&E is mostly keeping up with maintenance and repairs of its utility lines and infrastructure in Sonoma County.

There are discrepancies, however, between its inspection results and a court-appointed monitor, five years after it was found to be responsible for starting the Kincade Fire, according to the independent monitor’s report made public last week.

The court-approved monitor, Filsinger Energy Partners, completed its second annual compliance report to Sonoma County’s district attorney in June and showed hundreds of deficiencies that the utility company has largely cleared over the past year.

PG&E was placed under the five-year stipulated judgment to report its own inspections to the independent monitor, which also performed its own inspections, after the utility was determined to be responsible for starting the Kincade Fire in October 2019 that burned 77,000 acres, destroyed 374 structures and injured four people.

The fire, which was caused by equipment on a transmission tower near Geyserville that broke in high winds, caused the largest evacuation in Sonoma County history of nearly 200,000 people, according to District Attorney Carla Rodriguez’s office.

In its second annual report, the monitor’s inspectors frequently noted issues in PG&E’s distribution infrastructure that were not stated by its own inspectors, mentioning an issue about 22% more often than PG&E inspectors. The report said the issues did not qualify as “deficiencies” under the stipulated judgment, which are defined as violations of the specific commitments in the judgment, but they were noted for PG&E’s consideration.

‘I appreciate PG&E’s efforts thus far to remedy any deficiencies discovered by the Monitor and am looking forward to continued progress and cooperation going forward.’

— Sonoma County District Attorney Carla Rodriguez

The most frequent discrepancies were when the monitor noted an issue with a conductor having a section that was energized and exposed, or had visible damage. And the monitor’s inspections found 21% higher the rate noted for that category than PG&E’s.

It also found non-exempt equipment at an inspection location 12% more often than PG&E and damaged hardware components 11% more often.

The report said that the utility was following through with its agreement to create 100 jobs in the county and could exceed that number by the time the agreement is up in 2027. It has so far filled 44 new positions in the county.

Also, the report by the independent monitor found that PG&E was largely responsive over the last year to addressing hazards and deficiencies in the field, such as overgrown trees and faulty equipment. It corrected four issues the monitor identified as “immediate safety hazards.” Two were related to uprooting trees, one was for a broken branch hanging above a primary conductor and another was related to vegetation contacting a primary conductor.

The monitor reviewed 214 miles of inspections performed by PG&E and found the utility had addressed 128 out of 131 identified deficiencies. Fixes for the outstanding three are in progress.

Only one of the 51 transmission lines inspected was found to have a deficiency, which is being addressed, the report said.

Just two issues were found in a review of the utility’s 1,087 distribution components that the monitor said PG&E had already fixed.

Rodriguez said the compliance agreement and her office were bringing accountability for the 2019 fire.

“I appreciate PG&E’s efforts thus far to remedy any deficiencies discovered by the Monitor and am looking forward to continued progress and cooperation going forward,” she said.

PG&E said in a statement that it was on track to meet its commitments made in the stipulated judgment.

“Ongoing and expanded efforts to address the growing threat of wildfires are detailed in our Wildfire Mitigation Plan, and include undergrounding and system hardening, increased situational awareness and intelligence, asset management and inspections including using advanced tools and technology like drones, and vegetation management and patrol,” said a statement from PG&E spokesperson Lynsey Paulo.

The company has also made required donations over the past year to several nonprofit organizations that were impacted by the fire and entered into an agreement to start a fire safety training program at Santa Rosa Junior College.

Needtobreathe plays Summer at the Green

The past four years have been especially productive for Needtobreathe, considering the band has released three albums in that span, while also leaving quite a few extra songs in the vault. They’re currently touring, with a scheduled stop at the Green Music Center’s Summer at the Green in Rohnert Park, Aug. 24.

Keyboardist Josh Lovelace says the wealth of music reflects where Needtobreathe is at after more than 20 years as a band.

“It’s us dealing with our baggage and the things we have in our lives, in our human experiences (as songwriters), but also just being comfortable enough to be vulnerable with the other guys in the band creatively and also just spending time together. We actually enjoy each other’s company,” Lovelace said in a recent phone interview.

“Everybody’s just in a good space, where we love the band, we love making music, but we don’t have to. It doesn’t feel like as much of a job as it has sometimes,” he noted. “We’re enjoying it enough to let that fruitfulness come out, which is really cool. We don’t have to do this for a job. We’re very fortunate that we get to, but the drive for success or fame or notoriety, we’re all at a place in our lives where we’ve checked off a lot of boxes.”

The mood in Needtobreathe is especially striking within the big picture of the band’s career. For large chunks of time, conflict existed, specifically between founding members, chief songwriters and brothers Bear (lead singer, guitar, keyboards) and Bo Rinehart (guitar).

Both Rinehart brothers are talented songwriters. And that became a problem within Needtobreathe as the group began making albums, initially making an impact on the Christian rock scene with their first two CDs, Daylight (2006) and Heat (2007), before breaking through to mainstream rock in 2009 with the band’s third album, The Outsiders.

By the time Needtobreathe notched their first top 10 album on the Billboard magazine album chart with the 2011 album, The Reckoning, the dynamic between Bear and Bo Rinehart had grown toxic. Rather than pushing them to write better songs, the competitive nature of the songwriting was corroding the brothers’ relationship and the dynamic within Needtobreathe as a whole.

The Rineharts eventually agreed their relationship as brothers was more important than bickering over songs, and they sought to de-escalate their writing relationship. For a time they succeeded, and Needtobreathe notched two top-5 albums in 2014’s Rivers in the Wasteland and 2016’s Hard Love. But the issues returned, and in April 2020, Bo Rinehart left Needtobreathe.

Today’s more positive, creativity-driven atmosphere within Needtobreathe, Lovelace said, shouldn’t be mistaken for a lack of motivation or ambition.

Caves, the band’s latest album, is evidence enough of that. Lovelace said that with this album, he and his bandmates hope to elevate Needtobreathe to where they consistently headline arenas and will be able to tour at that level for some time to come.

The current headlining tour includes a mix of dates at festivals, outdoor amphitheaters, large theaters and music halls. So the band, which also includes bassist Seth Bolt, drummer Randall Harris and guitarist Tyler Burkum, appears to be closing in on that goal. And Caves is intentionally meant to translate to the biggest concert stages.

“When we went into the (Caves) record cycle, I think we all intentionally said to each other we want to make a record that feels anthemic and feels big,” Lovelace said. “I guess our next dream as a band after 20 years and nine records is we want to be an arena band. We want to play more arenas. We want to do more of those kinds of shows where we can bring in our production, and we can bring in more lights. We love that part of our job, the creative of the live thing.”

Caves represents a contrast—and perhaps a return to form—after their 2022 album, Into The Mystery, that scaled back on the Needtobreathe sound.

Into The Mystery was ‘Let’s make it as simple as we can,’ kind of using the tools we had at the moment,” he explained. “I think we love painting with all kinds of different colors and palettes, and so this (Caves) is kind of going for it in some ways, throwing the whole kitchen, not just the kitchen, but the entire house, at the project.”

Work on Caves began when the band convened at a house/studio in Utah to write and do some preproduction and really accelerated last summer as Needtobreathe toured.

“We ended up in that early season in Utah, that was two years ago that we started this thing and had no idea what was going to happen with it,” Lovelace said. “We were like, ‘Are these songs for a record, or are they going to be for an EP or several releases?’ We had no idea we were starting something as special as Caves. We started writing on the road and we were out (touring in summer 2022), and it’s funny how that works as you’re writing and you’re recording. It just kind of comes together in a very organic way.

“It’s because the people that are creating it are humans going through life, and those things kind of blend in with your experiences and create this thing that kind of feels more cohesive than you ever intended it to be, as you’re going through it in a timeline sort of way. I think that’s what happened with this. We just kind of lived life together, and it created this beautiful thing that we couldn’t have planned if we’d tried,” he continued.

Further recording followed at Pachyderm Studios near Minneapolis before Needtobreathe declared Caves finished. Now Lovelace and his bandmates are ready to take the new songs to the live stage.

“We’re playing a bunch of new stuff, which is always fun,” Lovelace said. “It will be fun to step on stage and play with new energy and add new things to the set.

“There are definitely some fans that have been around from the beginning,” he noted. “So we’ll (also) get to play some of those songs that started our career. I think it’s going to be really fun. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a new fan, there’s going to be something for everybody.”

Needtobreathe plays Summer at the Green at 7:30pm, Saturday, Aug. 24. The performance takes place at Weill Hall + Lawn, with tickets ranging from $40 to $120. The Green Music Center is located at 1801 E Cotati Ave., Rohnert Park.

Behind The Scene: Alex Shapiro

Let me start by naming a double handful of the best venues and show series on the scene—Railroad Square Music Fest, Jake Ward’s Sexy Sexy Star Wars, The Arlene Francis Center, The Lost Church, River Town Revival, Balanced Breakfast, SOMO Village Productions and my own North Bay Fashion Ball.

What do they all have in common besides the vital color they add to our community? It would be production lynchpin Alex Shapiro, one of North Bay’s most in-demand day-of trouble-shooters. He is the best. And it’s high time to spotlight a key player whose name is rarely on the posters or marquee—this scene’s M.V.P.

CH: Alex, I have already named “overall production manager” among your venue jobs and skill sets. Can you complete the list?

AS: Host, promotor, pipe and drape, cables, sound set-up, ticket-taker, bartender, stage manager, go-for, stage builder, roadie, janitor, set decorator, sound guy, logician, photographer, sound recordist, camera operator, filmmaker and I can even hop on stage and play a song.

CH: Wowie. As I said, you can do it all—with humility and grace. I have even seen you landscaping a venue and putting up posters on the day of an event. Whatever needs to be done, you are the king of gaps. Alex, on the day of a big show or festival, when little fires start up and everyone is losing their minds, you are known for your slow and methodical calm. What is your secret?

AS: I get calm by focusing on the most important task at hand. And then moving on to the second most important task and so on. And what task I don’t get to, I don’t worry about because I have already covered the most important task first. The other things tend to be incidental, and the audience won’t miss them.

CH: Besides the bread … or bread crumbs, why do you help the scene so much?

AS : Music and art make the world a better place. They expand the perspective of people who participate. So, I want to help and collaborate to make the most music and art available. And it creates a place and platform for my own art.

Learn more about Shapiro. The following QR code Linktrees to his music—grungy soul with EDM attacks, his vast scene photography and his film-making—including the music video he directed for cookie-fueled chanteuse Gabby LaLa with Eats The Fish Productions. Hire him to make beautiful things happen.

Homeless From Hedge Funds

Today, a person who works full-time and earns a minimum wage cannot afford a safe place to live almost anywhere in the country.

With half of all renter households now spending more than 30% of their income on housing, millions are one emergency away from homelessness. According to federal data, last year over 650,000 Americans experienced homelessness on a given night—a 12% increase from 2022. Nearly half sleep outside.

Research confirms what should be obvious: unaffordable housing and homelessness are intertwined. A lack of adequate health care and social safety net supports further compound the problem.

Hedge funds and private equity firms have also driven up housing costs since gaining control over a greater share of the market. Blackstone alone owns and manages over 300,000 units, making it the nation’s largest landlord. This financialization of housing treats a basic necessity and fundamental human right as just another commodity.

Cities and states face complex challenges in responding to homelessness. But experts have long documented that the real solution is affordable housing and supportive services, not punishment. Housing those in need ultimately costs less than imprisoning them, both financially and morally.

Guaranteed income programs offer a promising and cost-effective solution. Denver’s innovative, no-strings-attached cash assistance to 807 unhoused participants helped increase their access to housing within one year, while decreasing nights spent unsheltered and reducing reliance on emergency services.

Congress must also do more to invest in all those who call America home.

Currently, only one in four eligible households receive federal rental assistance. Housing rights organizations like the National Homelessness Law Center recommend that Congress invest at least $356 billion on measures like universal rental assistance, expanding the national Housing Trust Fund, and eviction and homelessness prevention.

It will take a broad-based movement to achieve these goals and counter the Court’s latest cruelty against everyone who struggles to get by in America. But the impacts of housing are just as wide-ranging and consequential—from our health to education, security, economic mobility and even our dignity.

Farrah Hassen, J.D., is a writer, policy analyst and adjunct professor in the department of political science at Cal Poly Pomona.

Your Letters, 8/21

Trump Pump

I have been around Marin long enough to remember the Pacific Sun being a voice for the Vietnam antiwar movement. As a conscientious objector, I gave up a lot resisting that worthless war. Today, the Pacific Sun has become what our parents were when they supported endless wars.

Democrats like (Open Mic) Craig Corsini are apologists for the military industrial complex that has captured the Democratic Party/NeoCon Republicans for decades. Trump is the first candidate in my lifetime to resist the deep state mix of Big Tech, Pharma, Military industrial complex and CIA/FBI/NSA control of our government. Support freedom, real change and real democracy. Support Trump.

Tim Peterson

San Anselmo

Gavel Gazing

The SCOTUS has allowed a single applicant to question the legitimacy of Harris as the Democratic nominee, which could be a way to lay the groundwork to question the legitimacy of this year’s election.

How could the Trump Court allow any individual to question the legitimacy of the electoral process? How could this unique example not label the issuer as a subversive, an insurrectionist or even a traitor?

A peaceful, respectful transition of power is the hallmark of a developed, mature people and their government.

Gary Sciford

Santa Rosa

Autumn Arts Preview

A Seasonal Snapshot

It’s been a pleasure to steward this section of the paper (as well as all the others). And though I love all my children, this one is perhaps my favorite.

The arts require so much more attention and support because the powers-that-be treat them like a sickly child abandoned on the steps of our civic institutions. No matter—we’ll coddle and swaddle the mewling infant in the pages of the North Bay Bohemian and give them the love and attention they deserve (and maybe someday, they will grow up and buy advertising).

As for the following selections, there’s no secret sauce, algorithmic mojo, rhyme and/or reason or evil agenda informing them. Nor are they random. It’s unscientific, certainly not democratic and selected by criteria so idiosyncratic as to be worthless to describe apart from “Did you send me a press release?” And if you did, was my name spelled correctly or at least in a new and inventive way? Let’s proceed.

Walks on the Wild Side

Get that corvid curiosity in check with Crow, Raven, and Jay: A Literary Bird Walk, led by the ever-knowledgeable Rebecca Lawton. On Sunday, Oct. 6, from 8:30 to 11am, explore Oona-pa’is (Sonoma Mountain) as Lawton weaves tales of avian lore and Jack London’s wild bird musings. Expect to cover one to three miles, depending on the bird action. Binoculars are a must, sturdy shoes are wise, and don’t forget the layers—October mornings can be crisp. Rain cancels. Meet at Jack London State Historic Park, 2400 London Ranch Rd., Glen Ellen. Tickets are $10, plus parking.

The Petaluma Poetry Walk is back for its 27th year, turning downtown Petaluma into a lyrical labyrinth on Sunday, Sept. 15, from 11am to 8pm. Expect over two dozen poets, from current California poet laureate Lee Herrick to local legends like Terry Ehret. Eight venues, including Hotel Petaluma Ballroom and the Phoenix Theater, will host 45-minute sessions, blending poetry with music and dance. Grab a bite at the Petaluma Cheese Shop or Aqus Café while wandering. Don’t miss this free literary marathon that’s as much a community celebration as it is an art form. Full schedule at petalumapoetrywalk.org.

More Fall Lit in our Sept. 11 edition.

Seeing Things

Art for Life returns for its 38th year, transforming the Santa Rosa Arts Center into a hub of creativity and compassion from Aug. 22 to 27. The annual art auction benefits Face to Face, which supports over 500 people living with HIV/AIDS in Sonoma County. The gallery showing is from 11am to 3pm, Aug. 22 to 25, with an online auction running until 8pm, Tuesday, Aug. 27. The Artist & Sponsor Reception on Sunday, Aug. 25, from 3 to 5pm is the perfect time to meet the artists. Bidding is all online. Visit f2f.org/art-for-life-2024 for more information.

Catch the volcanic vibes at Gale S. McKee’s The Sky is Falling, opening 1 to 4pm, Saturday, Sept. 14, at Fulton Crossing Art Gallery. McKee’s mixed-media works channel the explosive beauty of Iceland’s volcanic eruptions with a blend of acrylic, glass and metal that practically smolders off the canvas. While there, swing by Studio B9 for The American Car: A Family Portrait, where McKee dives into vintage car culture with equal fervor. Both exhibits run until Dec. 1, so don’t miss the chance to see the world—or at least these two—through McKee’s fiery lens. 1220 River Rd., Fulton.

Check out Studio Obsessions, a solo show by Barrie Sterling, at the Finley Community Center, which continues through Sept. 8. This exhibit showcases dynamic abstract paintings that span from 2018 to 2024. Sterling’s work blends bursts of color and texture with moments of realism, highlighting her technical mastery and creative exploration. The Person Senior Wing provides a beautifully lit, air-conditioned space—perfect for cooling off while enjoying some stunning art. Free admission, Monday through Friday, 8am to 6pm. 2060 W College Ave., Santa Rosa. ArtbyBarrie.com.

Well Sung

Reeta Roo’s Love Songs for the Earth and Creation will be performed at the Occidental Center for the Arts on Sunday, Sept. 22, with shows at 3 and 7pm. This Roo Tunes Revue highlights her best choral compositions from the past 35 years, featuring a choir of 30 accomplished local singers under the direction of Gage Purdy and Crystal McDougall. Proceeds benefit OCA. Tickets range from $20 to $50, and early purchase is recommended as both shows are expected to sell out. 3850 Doris Murphy Ct., Occidental. Tickets at occidentalcenterforthearts.org.

Powerhouse duo SUSU, featuring Liza Colby and Kia Warren, returns to Sonoma for their third electrifying performance at Sebastiani Theatre on Saturday, Sept. 7. Described as “modern-day tummlers set to seduce, spiritualize, and slay with their unique blend of variety and rock ’n’ roll” by their PR machine, SUSU brings their NYC edge to the stage at 7pm. Portland’s J. Graves opens with their intense dance-punk vibe. Tickets are available at sebastianitheatre.com or the box office, 476 1st St. E, Sonoma.

The John Brothers Piano Company brings a unique blend of early jazz, stride and swing, with a sound that has evolved through the inspiration of their audience. From their humble beginnings performing sidewalk street shows to gracing stages at major festivals like Outside Lands and the Monterey Jazz Festival, this dynamic band has built a loyal following. Catch them at 8pm, Saturday, Aug. 31, at Big Easy in Petaluma, 128 American Alley. Free.

Singer-songwriters Michael Capella, Al Haas, Chris Samson and John Roy Zat come together for an evening of storytelling and song at Words & Music By—Songwriters In The Round on Thursday, Sept. 5. These seasoned Bay Area singer-songwriters will take the stage at The Lost Church Santa Rosa, offering an intimate performance that blends music with the stories behind their songs. The event is a benefit for The Lost Church, with tickets at $25. Doors open at 6pm; show runs from 7 to 9:30pm, with one intermission. 576 Ross St., Santa Rosa. bit.ly/songwriters-lostchurch.

Speaking of storytellers, Lucinda Williams brings her raw, powerful act to Napa’s Uptown Theatre on Friday, Aug. 23, at 7pm. Fresh off her new memoir, Don’t Tell Anybody the Secrets I Told You, and her latest album, Songs From a Rock and Roll Heart, Williams continues to captivate with her masterful songwriting and unmistakable vocals. Despite recovering from a stroke, she delivers some of the best work of her career in this 16th studio album. Catch her live at 1350 Third St., Napa. Tickets available at bit.ly/lucinda-uptown.

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Send press releases directly to editor Daedalus Howell via dh*****@*****ys.com.

The Frog Days of Summer…And More

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Glen Ellen

‘Ribbit Exhibit’ Extended

In some truly uplifting current news, Sonoma Botanical Garden has announced the extension of the Ribbit Exhibit, the North Bay’s most beloved frog-themed exhibition. For those who have yet to attend this rather splendorous artistic installation, now is the perfect time to leap at the opportunity. Hop on by the botanical garden sometime soon to take in the playful, sprawling sculptures of over 20 frogs, all of whom boast a unique name and story. The Ribbit Exhibit will run until Sept. 29, after which one can only assume the frogs will be toad away. So, come on out to the Ribbit Exhibit before it croaks its final croak! And before anyone (else) asks, the answer is no—guests are not allowed to kiss the frogs in the hope of finding an amphibious prince (I already asked). The frogs and their gardens are located at 12841 along Highway 12 in Glen Ellen, and they welcome visitors daily from 10am to 5pm. To learn more about this ribbeting exhibit, visit sonomabg.org.

Sausalito

What’s Kula ‘Anela A-Boat?

Sausalito’s Tamalpais Outrigger Canoe Club is hosting its 29th annual Kula ‘Anela race later this month in what’s sure to be Marin’s most exciting (and buoyant) racing event of the season. Those racing their boats will begin their adventures at the base of the north tower of the Golden Gate Bridge, then continue to paddle through the bay and loop all the way around Angel Island before coming back to shore once more. The Tamalpais Outrigger Canoe Club’s Kula ‘Anela race day begins bright and early on Saturday, Aug. 24 with an 8am registration. For more information about Sausalito’s Kula ‘Anela race, registration, afterparty or to pre-order a poke lunch, visit tamoutrigger.org.

Novato

Treasured Trash

The fall “Trash to Treasures” Flea Market is back at it again, which means Novato is officially kicking off Marin County’s opportunities for holiday shopping with some thrift and style. Everyone and their grandmother is invited to come on out to this entirely free and unique indoor community flea market to browse and buy second-hand treasures to one’s heart’s content. And don’t worry—there will be plenty of food and other goodies available for purchase at the flea market too, especially since so much shopping can work up quite the appetite. The fall “Trash to Treasures” Flea Market is set to take place from 9am to 2pm on Saturday, Sept. 28. This event is hosted by and located at The Margaret Todd Senior Center at 1560 Hill Rd. in Novato. For more information, call 415.899.8290 or email no*******@****to.org.

Santa Rosa

SoCo Record Sale Arrives

The Sonoma County Record Sale is coming, and with it over 30 local vendors who are all set to sell thousands of records to local and transient musical enthusiasts alike. Attendees of all ages are welcome, including canine companions who measure their age in dog years. Alongside the vendors and good vibes, guests can also expect food and beer. Early bird entry begins at 11am, with tickets costing a staggeringly modest $5 (in this economy?). The Sonoma County Record Sale is taking place from noon to 6pm on Sunday, Aug. 25 at the Shady Oak Barrel House, located at 420 1st St. in Santa Rosa. More information about the record sale and other events at the Shady Oak Barrel House can be found at shadyoakbarrelhouse.com.

Film review: ‘Widow Clicquot’ fuses past and present

In Albert and David Maysles’ documentary, Grey Gardens, Little Edie Beale in a melancholy aside confides to the camera, “It’s very difficult to keep the line between the past and the present. Do you know what I mean? Awfully difficult.” The Beales, mother and daughter, didn’t keep that line. While their East Hampton manse rotted, the past consumed them in a vortex of passivity and psychological decay. 

The past and the present also fuse together in Thomas Napper’s Widow Clicquot. Filmed in somber tones and autumnal hues, the director, with editor Richard Marizy, moves deftly back and forth in time. But Barbe Nicole Clicquot’s (Haley Bennett) memories of her late husband François (Tom Sturridge) don’t paralyze her. After his unexpected death, she inherits the Clicquot family vineyards and sets out to save the imperiled estate by implementing new approaches to viticulture.

An epilogue confirms that, at the turn of the 19th century, the titular widow revolutionized the craft of making champagne. The Veuve Clicquot brand still sparkles at dinner tables two centuries later. And while a sequence shows Barbe stewing and brewing up new vintages in flasks and beakers—Madame Curie as an oenophile—that final on-screen note means to compensate for a gap in the narrative. According to the Veuve Clicquot website, Madame Clicquot’s innovations led to “the first known vintage champagne; the invention of the riddling table; the first known blended rosé champagne.”

Widow Clicquot glides over these didactic details. The screenplay, by Erin Dignam, invents lyrical and melodramatic sketches of the truncated life the Clicquots shared as a couple. In recounting their intimacies, the audience begins to see what sustained and inspired Barbe in the years following François’ death.

As newlyweds scantily clad in bed, they describe the wine they’re drinking to each other. Barbe begins the exchange, “Floral. Like our rose garden. In June, after a rain shower. And burning leaves and twigs …” François completes her thought with the words, “And the apple orchard when the trees are at their tallest.” This flirtatious exchange ends in laughter. The Clicquots delighted in each other’s minds and imaginations as well as their bodies. 

On another occasion, Barbe encounters François while he caresses and sings to the planted grape vines. Reluctantly, she joins him in song. Enraptured, he sinks happily down to the ground, indifferent to the mud that dirties his clothing and skin. Their marriage was also an apprenticeship, with him a hands-on teacher divulging the secrets of his trade and she a willing, adept pupil.

These summery scenes filled with billowing white curtains and shimmering sunlight are juxtaposed with scenes suffused in darkness. A severe black dress and veil that wholly swallow her up replace Barbe’s white negligee. Her long braids of hair reappear coiled and wound up tightly around the top of her head. François, once naked in bed, now lies unclothed on a cold mortuary table in preparation for his burial.

Without spelling out his particular brand of madness, the doomed François appears to have struggled with both addiction and depression. Widow Clicquot is initially framed as a great cinematic love story, un amour fou, until François’ instability upends the marriage. After his death, she faces the future with a resolute sense of practicality. Barbe revisits the past, but isn’t haunted by the memory of her husband. A haunting implies a feeling of stasis caused by an assertive ectoplasm that forces the living to stay fixed in place. She emerges from the wreckage of her marriage not embittered but emboldened.

Bennett appears on-screen in every scene of the movie. Widow Clicquot isn’t her first starring role, but it provides her with an opportunity to carry a feature film in which a solitary woman dismantles the patriarchy. In the same way that Florence Pugh and Anya Taylor-Joy destroyed their male rivals in Lady Macbeth and The Witch, respectively. As Barbe, Bennett’s voice is maternal, conciliatory and also unwavering. All of the character’s defiance resides in her eyes and posture. She stands still with a perfectly straight back, closing her eyes ever so slightly before glowering with the same degree of ferocity that Charlotte Rampling so easily summons up.

‘Widow Clicquot’ is now playing at the Orinda Theatre and is available to stream.

Nancy Pelosi speaks truth about power in new book

When House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi and her husband attended the Bob Dylan and Willie Nelson show at Shoreline Amphitheatre a few weeks ago, they sat in section 102. I sat in 101.

The Pelosi entourage arrived right before Dylan came on. The sun remained just above the horizon, prompting dozens of peaceful, joyous fans to stand up and snap photos of the Pelosis. The poignant moment seemed a testament to humanity and life itself, since earlier that same morning I had just read the first 34 pages of Pelosi’s new book, The Art of Power.

In harrowing detail, the opening chapters described the October night in 2022 when a deranged far-right conspiracist broke into the Pelosi home in San Francisco armed with a hammer and twist-ties. The attacker told Paul that Nancy was his intended target because she was the “leader of the pack” against Donald Trump. He later bludgeoned Paul over the head three times, nearly killing him. Thankfully, Paul survived, but more than a year later, Nancy’s husband still suffers from headaches and dizzy spells.

Trump, along with his offspring and several high-profile Republicans, reacted with jokes about the attack. Some of them are still cracking jokes.

In The Art of Power, Nancy writes that her house remains a target thanks to Republican-led ecosystems of hate speech and conspiracies. Similar behavior is on the rise outside the homes of elected and appointed officials throughout the country.

“Amid this poisonous rhetoric, I also do not hear serious, sustained calls by the other side saying that threats of political violence and personal demonization are unacceptable,” Nancy writes.

When she speaks to young people about running for office, especially to young women, too often she hears a reluctance to put their families in harm’s way.

“What they most often mention now as their greatest fear is the attack on Paul—and that something like that could happen in their own homes,” she writes. “We cannot ask people to serve in public life if the cost is risking the safety of their families and those they love.”

Speaking of safety risks, the congressional leader provides many details about Jan. 6 in The Art of Power. The mob of Trump supporters chanted “Hang Mike Pence” as they ransacked the hallways of the Capitol. Many also chanted “Where the fuck is Nancy?” During the insurrection, 138 officers from the Capitol and DC Metropolitan Police were injured and 15 were hospitalized.

Rioting Trump fans hit officers on the head with lead pipes and sprayed them with chemical irritants. They beat officers with stun guns, fists, sticks and clubs. One officer sustained two cracked ribs and two smashed spinal discs. Another was stabbed with a metal fence stake.

And this: Assuming they would not survive the violence, many congressional staff and even members of the vice president’s own security detail called their families to tell them goodbye.

“Watching the insurrection, which Trump had instigated, begging him to provide the National Guard—as we did and which he refused to send—and taking into account my own worries about the basic security of Vice President Mike Pence, hiding inside the Capitol complex, and the important role he had to play, I knew we had to prevail,” Nancy writes.

Prevail they did, although 121 Republicans, including Kevin McCarthy and Steve Scalise, couldn’t admit out loud that Trump lost Arizona, so they voted against the certification of that state’s electoral votes. Even after a violent mob defecated inside the Capitol and smashed everything in its path, some Republicans still sided with the mob.

The chapter about Jan. 6 is titled “That Our Flag is Still There.” Even as rioters waved Confederate flags and wore “Camp Auschwitz” T-shirts, Old Glory still flew on the Capitol after the insurrectionist mob was removed and Congress played its constitutional role in certifying Joe Biden’s win in the 2020 election.

Following Bob Dylan’s set at Shoreline Amphitheatre, Willie Nelson headlined the evening with a huge American flag behind him. Approximately 17,000 joyous and peaceful fans cheered him on. Dylan, 83, and Willie, 91, have done more to keep America great than any flag-clutching MAGA malcontent. I’m glad Nancy and Paul Pelosi were alive to witness the show.

Free Will Astrology: Week of Aug. 21

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ARIES (March 21-April 19): Some centenarians testify they have lived more than a century because they smoked many cigarettes, drank a lot of booze and ate a steady diet of junk food. Should the rest of us adapt their habits? Of course not. The likelihood of remaining healthy while following such an unsound regimen is infinitesimal. Just because a few lucky people miraculously thrived like that is not a sound argument for imitating them. I bring this to your attention, Aries, because the coming weeks will be an excellent time to upgrade your commitment to healthy habits. If you’ve been waiting for the right time to love your body better, this is it.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Taurus stage magician Doug Henning had lavish ambitions. They served him well as he became a star performer in theater and on TV. “If I produce a 450-pound Bengal tiger,” he said, “it’s going to create a lot more wonder than if I produce a rabbit.” That’s the spirit I invite you to embrace in the coming weeks, Taurus. The cosmos is authorizing you to expand your understanding of what you can accomplish—and then accomplish it. Dream bigger dreams than you have previously dared.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): The color of planet Earth is predominantly blue with green, brown and white mixed in. And for people all over the world, blue is more often their favorite color than any other. Why? In part because blue typically evokes peace, tranquility, security and stability. It’s often used in therapeutic environments, since it makes us feel more at ease about expressing our feelings. I bring these thoughts to your attention, Gemini, because you are entering a blue phase of your cycle. It will be a favorable time to harvest the benefits of relaxing and slowing down. You are more likely to feel at home with yourself and accept yourself just as you are.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Harvard Business School professor Gerald Zaltman, born under the sign of Cancer, says that 95% of our buying choices originate in our subconscious minds. Behavioral psychologist Susan Weinschenk believes 90% of all our decision-making is unconscious. But I propose that in the coming weeks, you increase the amount of conscious awareness you bring to sorting out your options. Cosmic energies will conspire in your favor if you do. You will receive unexpected boosts and generate creative enhancements if you resolve to rouse more lucid analysis and careful thoughtfulness.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): A wealthy hedge fund manager named Raj Rajaratnam paid Leo singer Kenny Rogers $4 million to perform at his epic birthday party. But the night turned nightmarish for Rogers when Rajaratnam insisted that he sing his hit song “The Gambler” over and over again. Finally, after 12 repetitions, Rogers refused to do more. I wonder if you, too, might soon have to deal with a situation that’s too much of a good thing. My advice: Make sure all agreements between you and others are clear and firm. Get a guarantee that you will receive exactly what you want, and don’t do more than you have promised.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Now and then, zoologists decide that their classifications of species need to be revised and refined. For example, three subspecies of soft-furred, teardrop-shaped hedgehogs in Southeast Asia were recently elevated to distinct species of their own. They are no longer considered to be subspecies of Hylomys suillusbut, but are now named H. dorsalis, H. maxi and H. peguensis. I bring this to your attention, Virgo, because I suspect that you, too, are ready for an upgrade to a new category all your own. It’s time for you to claim greater sovereignty. You will be wise to define how distinctive and unique you are, to distinguish yourself from influences that are superficially like you.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): When mega-famous artist Pablo Picasso was asked how he felt about NASA landing people on the moon in 1969, he said, “It means nothing to me. I have no opinion about it, and I don’t care.” I invite you to use his statement as one of your power mottoes in the coming weeks. Now is an excellent time to identify the experiences, influences, events and people about which you have absolutely zero interest. Once you do that, I predict you will have a rush of clear revelations about the most interesting experiences, influences, events and people you want in your future.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): The ancient Chinese philosopher Lao-Tzu made an observation that could serve as your watchword in the coming months. “Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength,” he wrote, “while loving someone deeply gives you courage.” In my astrological opinion, Scorpio, you are now primed to embody and express these states with unique intensity. If you embrace the inspiring challenge of loving deeply and being loved deeply, you will reach new heights of strength and courage.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Many musical instruments must be constantly adjusted to ensure they stay in tune. This usually means that the note A above middle C vibrates at 440 cycles per second—with all other notes tuned in relation to it. Having sung in bands for years, I have seen how guitarists, bass players, violinists and even drummers have to continually attend to their tuning during performances. Imagine the diligent finesse it takes to keep an entire orchestra of many instruments in tune with each other. I suspect that one of your jobs in the coming weeks, Sagittarius, will have similarities to this kind of management and coordination.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Dancing is always good for you, but it will be extra healthy and energizing in the next four weeks. I hope you will be inspired to dance as often as possible, even if you just do it alone in your kitchen or bedroom while listening to music that moves you. Do you need rational explanations for why this is a good idea? OK, here are the hard facts: Dancing reduces stress, raises serotonin levels, enhances well-being and is excellent physical exercise. Here’s another motivational reason: Dancing literally makes you smarter. Scientific research clearly says so (tinyurl.com/SmartDancing). Furthermore: In the near future, you will be in a playful, sexy, exuberant phase of your astrological cycle.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): “Quo signo nata es?” is the Latin expression for “What’s your sign?” Did anyone in ancient Rome ever say that? Probably not, since it’s a modern idiom. However, astrology was very popular in that society and era. According to scholar Rhianna Padman in her essay “Astrology in Ancient Rome,” Romans “believed that the specific positions of celestial bodies at the moment of a person’s birth could greatly impact their life and character.” Back then, Thrasyllus of Mendes was a prominent astrologer who became a key advisor to Emperor Tiberius. Anyway, Aquarius, I bring “Quo signo nata es?” to your attention so as to inspire the following assignment: Update all your old favorite things. Put new spins on symbols and ideas that have served you for a long time. Take the best parts of your traditions and transplant them into the future.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): The coming weeks will be an excellent time to declare amnesty about all matters affecting your close alliances. Dissolve grudges, please. Tussle less, play more. Relax your demands and expectations—and nicely ask your companions to relax their demands and expectations. If possible, forgive others and yourself for everything; failing that, forgive as much of everything as feels right. You might even convene a ritual in which you and your intimate collaborators chant the following affirmation: “We are gleefully free to reimagine and reinvent the ways we fit together!”

Homework: What ideas are you allergic to? What feelings make you sick? Can you immunize yourself against them? Newsletter.FreeWillAstrology.com

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