Free Will Astrology, July 1

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ARIES (March 21-April 19): Archaeologists studying ancient wells have discovered that some weren’t finished in a single effort. Communities might dig to the current water table, use the well for years, then probe further down when water levels dropped or needs increased. This is a useful metaphor for you, Aries. As of yet, you don’t have the ability or tools to reach the deepest layers you aspire to reach. My counsel is to go as far as you can now and gather what you find there. Later, when you’re ready, you will build on what has come before.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): The doom‑and‑gloom wing of astrology is exhausting. The superstition that Mercury retrograde causes scrambled messages and dire mix‑ups is dull and misguided. The planet’s apparent backward motion, which is happening right now, shows up about three times every year like clockwork. It’s perfectly normal. In my view, Mercury retrograde isn’t threatening unless you obsess on the idea that it is, in which case, yes, your payment might go astray, and a friend may misunderstand you. But if cultivating relaxed clarity is more fun and productive for you than coping with fearful tension, treat the time between now and July 23 as a rich opportunity to refine, deepen and upgrade how you communicate.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): You Gemini readers have decreed that I must halt all musings about maddening, riddle-drenched ambiguity. You’ve delivered the message to me that you’re tired of wrestling with enigmas wrapped in paradoxes. Straightforward, plainspoken factualness is what you want. Well, OK. (Please remember that I don’t make this stuff up; I simply channel cosmic omens.) Maybe I’ll start obeying your orders next time. But first, I will advise you: 1. Unexpected gifts are coming from people and situations in transition. 2. Tough but friendly interventions will nudge you toward healthy course corrections. 3. Mysterious assistance is on its way.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): There are phases when the cosmic energies and I urge you to put others first—even tend to their pain before you tend to your own. But this isn’t one of those times. Right now, sacrificing yourself for the sake of others would obstruct the flow of righteous grace into your life. So then what is the most soul‑honoring path available? Here’s what I think: Summon your inventive brilliance and use it to imagine generous ways to care for yourself. Shower yourself with gifts, treats and blessings that delight you. Take the loving care you so deftly pour into other people and lavish it wholeheartedly on yourself.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Most fields of human endeavor work like this: A few people are truly brilliant, a handful are actively harmful and the majority fall somewhere between “not great” and “pretty good.” That’s true whether you’re talking about engineers, doctors, poets or astrologers. So it’s inadvisable to assume a physician is wise about your well-being just because they’ve logged 15 years on the job, or to trust your life direction to the first astrologer whose promotion catches your eye. In the coming weeks, dear Leo, discernment like this matters even more than usual. Let your natural hopefulness be balanced by sharp, thoughtful judgment. Don’t just challenge obvious authority. Put every so-called fact, spin, assumption and official line under your own clear-eyed review.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Architects designing spaces for collective use try to balance two human needs: to see expansively and also have safe places to retreat. Too much exposure creates anxiety; too much enclosure brings claustrophobia. The ideal is to provide both shelter and spaciousness. Let’s use this theme as a metaphor for your life during the coming months. You’ll be wise to create an equilibrium between engagement and privacy, between vastness and protection. Make it easy for yourself to observe the larger scene and also withdraw when needed.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Self-proclaimed “skeptics” love to sneer at astrologers, as if pondering what lies ahead were a violation of scientific purity. And yet economists, sports analysts, trend watchers and political commentators churn out shaky predictions every day. Honestly, those professionals of probability often create more confusion than those of us who read the heavens. Take weather forecasters, for instance: From Europe to Japan, their models routinely miss sudden floods and twisters and trigger more than a few false alarms. But do the debunkers brand them as charlatans? Of course not. Forgive the outburst, but I’m building to a key foresight: Every forecast, projection or vision that crosses your path over the next month will miss the mark—except for this one. So free yourself of their meddling.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Ethnobotanists describe how certain Indigenous traditions work with “teacher plants.” These are flora that offer not only physical benefits but spiritual instruction. They include psychoactive substances, but also ordinary plants approached with extraordinary attention. In the spirit of reinventing your education, Scorpio, I invite you to expand your understanding of who and what your teachers are. What ordinary elements of your daily life might offer wisdom if you engage them with deep respect? What situations at the edges of your awareness could bring lessons that enrich your perspectives? Now is an excellent time to seek new apprenticeships.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Western science and Western religions may disagree about how the universe began, but both place its birth in the distant past. Tantra and other spiritual paths, by contrast, propose that the universe is born afresh in every instant through the sacred, erotic interplay of God and Goddess. When humans approach love-making as an experimental sacrament, these traditions suggest, we can tune in to the union of those primordial forces and, in a sense, take part in the continual creation of existence. So, are you ready for a bit of world-making erotic play? The current astrological indicators say yes, you are.​

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): A common obstacle to healthy intimacy is the belief that a beloved ally should automatically know what you need, without you saying a word. I used to suffer from this delusion myself and worked hard to dissolve it. I no longer unconsciously assume that my companions are so attuned to me that they can always intuit my desires. But I know this bad idea feels romantic to many people, even though it can sabotage even the most promising bond. In the weeks ahead, Capricorn, I invite you to starve this fantasy. Your intimate world is ripe for a fresh infusion of lucid, straightforward honesty.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Your next few weeks will be sponsored by CoffeeBeer, the paradoxical elixir that both pumps up your energy and decompresses your defenses. You will be an exemplary role model for this innovative product because you will epitomize what occurs when a sensitive soul gets excited and mellows out at the same time. I also expect you will soon be exploring intriguing opportunities that become available to you because of your supercharged calm. Fortunately, you don’t need to drink actual coffee and beer together to make this happen. The cosmic forces will be conspiring to help you.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Finish this sentence, Pisces: “The one thing that really keeps me from being myself is _______.” Is it someone’s opinion, an old story about who you are, a fear of loss, a habit of over-pleasing, a secret shame or a belief that you’re “too much” or “not enough”? Whatever first pops into your mind is probably closest to the truth. Here’s your next step: Loosen the grip of this stressor by even just 20%. I bet your real self will feel relaxed enough to bloom more fully.

Homework: We’re halfway through 2026. How are your big projects progressing? https://tinyurl.com/zzz333xxx333

Sally Fourth, Celebrate Independence Day SoCo Style

There’s no sense trying to sugarcoat it—each day it becomes a little more challenging to be proud of America. 

While creating a running checklist of issues plaguing Our Great Nation would not only be a total bummer, it would probably have 50 new entries by the time this paper goes to press. 

Rather than spending the day slathered in jingoism and light beer, let’s try to find some fun things to do in and around Sonoma County that aren’t the standard BBQ and fireworks as America celebrates 250 years of existence. It’s been a good run.

Dawn Ranch in Guerneville, which is located at 16467 CA-116 and is California’s oldest resort, has quite a day planned on Saturday, July 4. Guests are of course invited to book a stay for the weekend. On the Fourth, they can partake in guided forest bathing sessions which are designed to foster mindfulness and connection among the towering redwoods. There’s also a yoga and sound bath session, with scent-making classes and art workshops further enhancing the sense of discovery.

“Glamping” at Dawn Ranch runs through October and offers a delightfully chill way to experience the property’s natural setting while keeping the comforts of a luxury visit. Glamping tents are outfitted with luxury finishes and personal firepits for marshmallow roasting and campfire sing-alongs with Fender guitars.

Also over in Guerneville, R3 Hotel (16390 4th St.) is keeping the Pride alive into July with an all-day queer celebration starting with the Guncle Sam Pool Party from noon to 6pm, July 4. This is a 21+ party with Los Angeles DJ Ryan Kenney, San Francisco drag icon Tila Pia, go-go dancers and poolside lounging. Following that, at 7:30pm, it’s fireWERK!, a subversive, adults-only LGBTQ+ burlesque show. 

This might be a good place to mention that fireworks are illegal for folks to buy or use in every Sonoma County city except Cloverdale, which seems to be really into freedom of choice over fire safety. Yet, each city in Sonoma County has also stepped up their Independence Day community events with several parades, higher altitude fireworks shows and even some laser and drone shows. Please insert obligatory note that pets really, really don’t like fireworks here, and please be safe. 

If this is getting a little too cranky for what has basically become a party weekend, one may hold their beer and head over to the Sonoma County Event Center at the Fairgrounds for a storied event that is back after a several year hiatus.

Yes, the “World Championship Pillow Fights” are back. And while no longer being held in Kenwood, the event is being done in conjunction with the Kenwood Fireman’s Association. If anyone is curious how World Champion level pillow fighting goes down, then they should buckle up.

Two competitors scootch out onto a long, metal pipe which is across a pit of mud. This same mud is often used to soak the contestants’ pillows in order for more clobbering capabilities. When the referee gives the signal, the two fighters engage, and the winner is the last person still sitting on the aforementioned pipe. The contest is tournament style, and the winner will be crowned World Champ. Boy, will their parents be proud.

OK, so, maybe pillow fighting over a mud pit is a little extreme for some. For the more chill at heart, Team Sugarloaf and Sonoma Ecology Center are teaming up for a nighttime Fourth of July hike to the summit of Bald Mountain (2605 Adobe Canyon Rd., Kenwood), one of Sonoma Valley’s tallest peaks. 

Once they crest the peak, hikers will have a huge, panoramic vantage point where 16 different fireworks displays will be lighting up the Bay Area. The hike is moderately difficult at 6.5-miles roundtrip and more than 1,500 feet of elevation gain. Anyone who makes the journey will be greeted with a mountaintop reception featuring hearty snacks, sweets, refreshing lemonade and water. Also present will be folks from the Robert Ferguson Observatory, who will be waiting at the summit with a telescope, offering a special opportunity for stargazing.

For our friends in the next valley over, a comprehensive listing of Napa area events can be found at visitnapavalley.com.

FUN SIZE Blasted Art Gallery on Tour

In Sonoma County art circles, going small may be the next big thing. Or at least it is for Bill Shelley and Chris Beards, the artists behind Blasted Art Gallery, who have resurrected their former Santa Rosa gallery in a new form: a portable, miniature exhibition space measuring just 16 inches high, 33 inches wide and 21 inches deep.

Its name, naturally, is FUN SIZE Blasted Art Gallery. Its first exhibition is called SCREAM. Actually, every artwork in it is called SCREAM. Twelve artists, one title, one tiny gallery and, according to the organizers, one collective response to “the avalanche of global, national, local and personal issues that confront us every day.”

That is a lot to fit into a box. Then again, that may be the point.

Blasted Art Gallery originally operated from 2017 to 2019 in Santa Rosa’s SOFA Arts District, where it presented exhibitions featuring Sonoma County artists before shifting online in 2020. With FUN SIZE, Shelley and Beards have not so much reopened the gallery as shrunk, reimagined and mobilized it. The result is less dollhouse novelty than conceptual art delivery system—a gallery that can travel in a car, appear in different cities and still contain a complete exhibition.

Shelley says scale itself was one of the sparks.

“One motivation was anytime you change the scale of a piece of art, it can change the whole meaning of it,” he notes.

The idea was not simply to ask artists to make small work. It was to ask them to think in miniature. The exhibition works at a 1-to-12 scale, with pieces under seven inches tall, creating a proportional world in which a five- or six-inch figure would stand in for a full-size gallerygoer. That framework forced participating artists to reckon with space, material and impact differently than they might on a normal gallery wall.

“We wanted to play with, with the idea of scale and also, present that challenge to local artists who may normally work at a medium to large size,” Shelley says, “to see what would happen if they worked very small.”

That answer, judging by the premise, is that the work gets louder. SCREAM is about compression: shrinking the object while enlarging the feeling. In a moment when morally horrifying news arrives hourly, the title is increasingly apt. Edvard Munch would agree.

The show’s official statement calls the gallery “a portable vessel for this chorus of 12 artists’ voices,” and that chorus includes Arminée Chahbazian, Art Moura, Bill Shelley, Britta Kathmeyer, Carlos Perez, Chris Beards, Jennifer Mygatt Tatum, Kathleen Youngquist, Keviette Minor, Kristen Throop, Nick Mancillas and Nicole Mathers.

“We wanted to have a diversity of voices coming together for this community scream,” Shelley points out.

The show will make three Sonoma County stops, covering north, central and south county. The grand opening is 5-7pm, Thursday, July 2, Rena Charles Gallery, 439 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg. It continues 5-8pm, Friday, July 3, Santa Rosa Arts Center, SOFA Arts District, 312 South A St., and 4-6pm, Saturday, July 11, Studio LZ Gallery, 429 1st St., Suite 130, Petaluma.

Artworks will be available for purchase, with prices ranging from $150 into the thousands. After that, FUN SIZE may keep traveling. Shelley and Beards are open to additional venues, perhaps proving that the smallest gallery in Sonoma County may have the longest legs.

In the end, the work may be miniature, but the emotional scale is full-size.

More information at instagram.com/blastedartgallery.

From kitchens to consoles: The world of food-themed gaming

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This article was contributed by ISF Media.

As seen in local news stories and on social media from the area, there are some fantastic food businesses to support in Sonoma and Napa Counties. Alongside delicious local wine to sip, food-loving locals have the top local treats to enjoy. However, when they’ve finished eating pizza in the North Bay and tried some of Northern California’s premier wines, many locals settle down for a food-themed gaming session. 

On prominent gaming platforms like mobile and console, there are standout food-themed games that continue to draw food fans. They’re fairly diverse, too. For example, some products are accurate cooking sims, others include a restaurant management element, and we’ve also seen the emergence of food-themed casino games. Essentially, for food-mad gamers, there are some enticing products to consider playing today. Below, we highlight just some of them. 

Venba is one of the finest options on PlayStation 

Consoles like the PlayStation 5 are remarkably powerful machines. As such, gamers have unbeatable graphics to explore and highly detailed games. In the food category, Venba is a title food-obsessed PS5 gamers are tucking into right now. In this one, players take on the role of an Indian mother who has uprooted her family to Canada in the 1980s. With traditional meals to get right and their favorite dishes bringing people together, this Indian-food-inspired release is a particularly interesting product to sample. 

Good Pizza, Great Pizza has been around for years 

For locals who know good pizza when they see it, Good Pizza, Great Pizza is a game worth downloading. This mobile hit tasks gamers with running their very own pizzeria, with orders to nail and customers to keep happy. Along the way, pizza shop owners have upgrades to make to their stores, new toppings to add to their menus, and more. Overall, if you’re a fan of pizza, then this pizza-themed favorite is worth looking at. 

Delectable delights like Sweet Bonanza are top casino products 

Alongside exploring offerings available to play on consoles and download on mobile devices, many gamers in this area also explore casino titles. Delectable delights like Sweet Bonanza are top casino products, with gamers being able to explore Pragmatic Play’s candy-themed masterpiece on a variety of reputable casino sites. The options don’t end there, though, with resources like Casino.com helping casino gamers find the best games from casinos that have been tested by the experts. For foodies who enjoy casino gaming, these titles are sure to pique their interest. 

Overcooked! 2 is popular on the Switch 

Whether you have access to a Switch or a Switch 2, Overcooked! 2 is one of the finest food-themed games on the platform. With players working together in unison to smash their way through a variety of recipes in a range of wild kitchens, this chaotic but extremely entertaining cooking-themed option is worth snapping up. 

Cooking Simulator VR is truly immersive

virtual reality headset

Virtual reality gaming is here to stay, and it’s getting even bigger and better. In the food genre, titles like Cooking Simulator VR are almost impossible to ignore for food fans. Coming with both a career and sandbox mode, players have to open a restaurant, master a range of dishes, earn money, and more. A title with fresh ingredients at your disposal and a diverse collection of stunning dishes to recreate for your discerning diners, Cooking Simulator VR is an exceptional virtual reality gaming experience to sample. 

Other leading food-themed games include Candy Crush Saga, Hungry Hearts Diner, Sara’s Cooking Party, Coffee Talk Episode 2: Hibiscus & Butterfly, Overcooked!: All You Can Eat, Battle Chef Brigade Deluxe, and Toca Kitchen 2. 

The editorial staff of the Bohemian was not involved in the creation of this content. The content is for general information and does not constitute the financial, medical or professional advice of this publication. Readers should consult qualified professionals regarding their individual circumstances. The Bohemian disclaims any liability for loss or damage resulting from reliance on this content.

Krushing It: ‘Backyard Concerts’ are Back

Sonoma County’s KRSH radio has always been one to give back to the community. Be it through giving voice to local charity and non-profit groups on-air; showing up at community events including art receptions, fundraisers and of course, music events; or putting on concerts for listeners and the Bay Area at large.

Their annual “Backyard Concert” series, which takes place in the radio station’s literal backyard (3565 Standish Ave., Santa Rosa), kicks off Thursday, June 25 and continues throughout the summer in the backyard and beyond. 

Mindi Levine, KRSH program director and host of the Mindi in the Morning show, has been putting together the lineup for the “Backyard Concert” series shows for the past two years. In looking at this year’s acts, she may very well have outdone herself with a vibrant mix of the best of local and Bay Area bands as well as national touring acts. All shows are free and all ages, with doors at 5:30pm and music at 6pm.

Levine takes great pride in creating these shows and says she seeks to “mirror the eclectic KRSH programming in terms of the sound and the types of bands that I book. This means striving for a balance of established acts, up and comers as well as a diversity of genres.”

Speaking to this, she notes, “In terms of ‘Sonoma grown’ artists, we feature bands that have a nice local following; sometimes they are headliners, and sometimes they’re more ‘up and coming.’”

When asked to expound on this, she says, “Some artists start out as openers and grow into headliners the following year, as is the case with Ellie James, who was an opener in 2024, and now she’s headlining and kicking off opening night.”

Indeed, the June 25 show will see Ellie James & the Electric Dream headlining with Onye and the Messengers slated to open. James’ music has an edgy quality that proves a nice addition to her more pop sensibilities while Onye and the Messengers’ afro-beat and global grooves assure ample time for warm-up dancing.

On Friday, July 10, the Backyard Concert series takes a field trip over to Santa Rosa’s Courthouse Square, where one of longtime county superstar Eric Lindell’s many band iterations, the aptly named Westside Summer League, will headline with fellow local mainstay Sebastian St. James Band opening the night.

Thursday, July 23, things are back at the KRSH backyard with arguably the biggest “get” of the KRSH backyard concert series, Teddy Thompson, who will be making his only Bay Area appearance at this show. Fellow touring act John Hollier & the Reverie kick this special night off with their folk-rock stylings.

Even though he retired from daily radio duties back in 2021, DJ and event producer Bill Bowker still gets on the mic Sunday for his Blues with Bowker show as well as Wednesday nights with Krush Americana. Forever unable to stop the music, Bowker presents the David Luning Band on Thursday, Aug. 6 with another “see them so you can say you saw them when” touring artist, Max Gomez.

Staying with the theme of KRSH specialty shows writ large, Thursday, Aug. 20, Big Dave’s Rockabilly Roadhouse presents Deke Dickerson & the Whippersnappers with Jinx Jones kicking things off. 

Like every great summer, at some point, the sun and fun must end. And this happens with a bang as the party moves back downtown to Courthouse Square with the annual Sonoma County Super Jam featuring The Pulsators. This event always has special surprise guests. At press time, confirmed musicians include Volker Strifler, John Courage, Willy Jordan, Audio Angel, Andre de Channes, Michael & Amy Berry, Anna Jae, Joe Campbell and more.

Levine recommends showing up before 5:30 doors for the ones in the actual backyard, as space is limited. Each week features a different food truck, beer via Moonlight Brewing and wine; all are cash only.

For more information, visit KRSH.com.

Restitution Ramp-Up: AB 2700 Aims to Close Compensation Gaps for Wildfire Survivors

Nearly nine years after the Tubbs Fire tore through Sonoma County, many wildfire survivors are still waiting to be fully compensated for their losses.

That’s the driving force behind California Assembly Bill 2700, legislation now moving through the State Senate after receiving unanimous approval in the Assembly. Introduced by Assembly Member James Gallagher and now carried by Assembly Member Joe Patterson, the bill directs the California Public Utilities Commission to assess compensation shortfalls for victims of utility-caused wildfires that occurred before July 12, 2019, including the Tubbs and Camp fires. The measure seeks recommendations for how those restitution gaps can be covered without shifting the burden onto ratepayers.

Among the bill’s advocates is Will Abrams, a Tubbs Fire survivor and organizing advocate with the Utility Wildfire Survivor Coalition, a grassroots organization representing wildfire survivors across California.

Speaking recently on The Drive 95.5 FM, Abrams described the legislation in straightforward terms.

“This is a bill to make sure that all wildfire survivors from the 2015 to 2018 fires, including the devastating 2017 North Bay fires, are going to be fully compensated for all of their losses,” he said.

According to Abrams, many victims remain far from whole despite commitments made during earlier settlement negotiations.

He noted, “Unfortunately, because of actions by PG&E, our trust has been severely undermined, and victims are well short of commitments made to get them fully compensated.”

AB 2700 emerged in response to those concerns. The bill requires the CPUC to evaluate compensation gaps stemming from utility-caused wildfires that occurred before July 2019 and recommend pathways to close those gaps without increasing costs for ordinary customers.

Abrams argues the issue is deeply personal. His family narrowly escaped the Tubbs Fire in October 2017.

“It was a very traumatic experience for me and my family, literally running through the flames while our house was on fire, two young kids at the time,” recalled Abrams.

He also believes utility companies should not be allowed to shift responsibility onto external factors.

“The same way if I started a bonfire in my backyard and was irresponsible on a red flag day, and it burned down my community, they would rightly hold me responsible for that fire and paying my victims,” Abrams said. “That same standard needs to be applied to PG&E.”

One of the coalition’s central arguments is that wildfire survivors were promised full restitution but have yet to receive it.

“The reason why AB 2700 is needed is because PG&E has been interfering with our restitution since the fires in many different ways,” Abrams explained.

The Utility Wildfire Survivor Coalition estimates that survivors remain roughly 30% short of expected compensation. Abrams said the organization’s rough calculations suggest approximately $6 billion is still owed, although complete figures have not been publicly disclosed.

Unlike many advocacy organizations, the coalition operates largely through volunteer efforts.

“Our organization is all volunteers,” Abrams said. “I’ve been advocating in this space on a completely voluntary basis, and there are just victims who wanna fight for justice, who wanna fight for fair compensation.”

The legislation has attracted bipartisan support. In May, the Assembly approved AB 2700 by a unanimous 76-0 vote before sending it to the Senate for further consideration.

Abrams believes the bill has implications beyond wildfire survivors alone.

“This isn’t just for fire victims,” he said. “We know here in Northern California, this affects all of us.”

He argues that unresolved compensation claims affect everything from housing recovery to insurance availability throughout wildfire-affected communities.

For Abrams, the broader goal is accountability.

“We stand together against these corporate interests, that we fix this so that we get fire victims paid, and we get something systemic in place so that going forward, their interests, the corporate interests, are aligned with our interests and the public,” he said.

More information about the Utility Wildfire Survivor Coalition is available at wildfiresurvivor.org.

Green Thumb: ‘The Secret Garden’ Planted by Cinnabar 

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Cinnabar Theater’s final show of the ’25/’26 season is the musical version of Frances Hodgson Burnett’s classic 1911 novel, The Secret Garden. Jane Erwin directed the production now running in Warren Theater on the campus of Sonoma State University in Rohnert Park through June 28. 

Adapted by playwright/lyricist Marsha Norman with music by Lucy Simon, it’s the story of 10-year-old Mary (Violet Spears), whose parents (David A. Bradbury & Katie Veale) die during a cholera epidemic. Mary’s sent to live with her uncle, Archibald Craven (Ben Sasnett), in his haunted English manor, Misselthwaite. There she meets young Dickon (Beckett Hepp) and her invalid cousin, Colin (Nathanael Koross). Mary finds the way into her late aunt’s secret rose garden, bringing renewal to it and Misselthwaite. 

This adaptation’s a little more mature, but the original is very much for children, so it’s fitting that the children are such strong actors. Koross’ Colin is lovably transparent, never becoming annoying or stereotyped. Hepp’s Dickon is fully grounded and relatable. Also, Hepp’s vocal training and professionalism became apparent when his mic failed. His projection was clear and audible despite the audio issue. 

Spears is simply amazing, from the consistent dialect work to the full commitment to dance and movement, to the grounded, realistic portrayal of a young girl trying to find her place. She is a powerhouse on stage.

Also under the umbrella of amazing is the set. Peter Crompton is known for works of art masquerading as sets, and this one is no exception. The watercolor quality of the world he created was furthered by April George’s effective lighting and gorgeous costumes by Donnie Frank. 

Unfortunately, that watercolor quality seemed to bleed into many of the adult cast’s performances. Nicole Stanley’s Martha and Jonathan Spencer’s Ben were both vibrant and charismatic. However, the rest, even when mic’d, were hard to hear over music director Brett Strader’s excellent (but loud) band. True, most of them were playing spirits, so the languid pacing and low stakes could have been characterization, but it also kept the “villain” of the story, Dr. Neville Craven (Zachary Hasbany), from ever becoming a true threat. There was also no sense of urgency in Syona Ayyankeril’s Lily, despite her spirit being pivotal to Archibald’s arc. 

Cinnabar’s The Secret Garden is a dreamy, beautiful show that, like Colin, needs something to lift it up.

Cinnabar Theater presents ‘The Secret Garden’ through June 28 at Warren Auditorium in Ives Hall at Sonoma State University. 1801 E. Cotati Ave., Rohnert Park. Fri–Sat, 7:30pm; Sun, 2pm. $23–$72 inclusive of parking fee. 707.763.8920. cinnabartheater.org.

Hunger Amid Abundance: Food Insecurity Grows in North Bay

For many people in Marin and Sonoma counties, the paycheck runs out before the bills are paid. That leaves tough choices, often forcing folks to slash their grocery budget.

“Joe” knows that math. Layoffs and the competitive job market have left the Marin resident with part-time employment to support a family of four, including two sons in elementary school. As food prices continue to rise, his family struggles with food insecurity.

Like hundreds of folks across the North Bay, Joe and his wife rely on a free neighborhood food pantry to supplement their grocery store purchases with fresh, nutritious food.

“Our table wouldn’t be empty, but it wouldn’t have a lot,” Joe said as he stood in line at the Peoples Inter-Cities Fellowship food pantry in Marin City. “Certain days, we wouldn’t have enough. It’s good that this is here.”

Marin and Sonoma counties rank among the wealthiest in California. Yet, one in five Marin residents are at risk of going hungry, said Will Dittmar, CEO of ExtraFood, a food recovery organization. In Sonoma County, it’s one in four.

Dittmar points to several factors contributing to a rise in food insecurity. Wages haven’t kept pace with the increasing cost of living. Food prices are up, reports the USDA. Consumers paid 2.9% more at grocery stores in April 2026 than in April 2025.

Meanwhile, summer has arrived, and school meals for children are gone until fall. Then there’s the Trump administration’s budget cuts that gutted food programs people depend on.

One such program, SNAP, the federal government’s largest initiative to combat hunger, has new work requirements beginning this month that may put people at risk of losing their benefits. Called CalFresh in California, it provides funds for grocery purchases to eligible low-income individuals and families.

“In Marin, an estimated 2,885 CalFresh recipients are anticipated to lose their benefits due to expanded work requirements that are burdensome and designed to reduce access to CalFresh,” said Michael McAlpin, spokesperson for the SF-Marin Food Bank. “For every meal the Food Bank provides, CalFresh provides nine.”

Nearly 6,000 Sonoma County residents on CalFresh will be subject to the new work requirements, likely impacting food security for community members, according to a May 29 memo from Sonoma County administrator David Guhin to the Board of Supervisors.

“We cannot food bank our way out of the hunger crisis that will be created by the federal cuts to CalFresh/SNAP,” McAlpin said.

Dittmar agrees. As the federal government reduces or eliminates food programs, more people are heading to the nonprofit food network. That pressure has created a new problem.

“What we are losing is a bit of the human touch, the ability to make sure these programs are as equitable and dignified as possible,” Dittmar explained. 

Among the issues that people with food insecurity face is access. A mother working two jobs has no time to reach a pantry before it closes. The homebound senior can’t get there at all. An immigrant family is afraid to ask for help.

Both counties rely on numerous organizations to break down barriers and feed those in need. In Marin, the SF-Marin Food Bank and ExtraFood anchor the response by supplying food to those nonprofits.

The SF-Marin Food Bank procures food from farms across California, distributors and wholesalers. Grocery stores donate quality food with cosmetic imperfections. Proteins and grains are purchased.

Working with 53 nonprofits across Marin, the Food Bank’s fresh groceries and staple goods reach about 5,500 Marin households, McAlpin said. People receiving support typically get bags of groceries including proteins, such as chicken and eggs, fresh produce and staple goods.

One of the Food Bank’s partners, North Marin Community Services in Novato, uses the donated food for a weekly food pantry that serves about 260 people. According to Kate Shilvock, vice president of operations, demand has increased. They’re working toward doubling capacity.

ExtraFood complements the Food Bank, using a different model for collecting and distributing food to 100 nonprofit partners in the county. By recovering fresh surplus food from grocery stores, farmers markets, restaurants, farms and even backyard gardens, last year it saved more than 1.37 million pounds of food that would have ended up in the landfill.

A team of 280 Marin volunteers quickly moves the fresh food—often within an hour of rescue—to the organizations that distribute it to the community.

At Community Action Marin, they use ExtraFood’s contributions to prepare breakfast, lunch and snacks for those enrolled in the early childhood meal program, serving healthy food to 600 children annually.

In addition to providing food to its partners, ExtraFood operates an innovative program, where a celebrated Marin chef cooks for people who need it most. Chef Heidi Krahling, founder of Insalata’s restaurant in San Anselmo, leads ExtraFood’s SOUPer Food Kitchen. Each week, Krahling and a group of volunteers create soups, stews and broths from rescued surplus ingredients. They produce about 600 meals weekly, distributed primarily to low-income seniors and homebound seniors.

“It’s a perfect example of how partners come together to transform food and provide it to people who now have access to really nutritious meals,” Dittmar noted.

In Sonoma County, food insecurity is also addressed through a network of organizations. The Redwood Empire Food Bank is the region’s largest food bank. ExtraFood expanded into the county in 2024, focusing on Sonoma Valley with a grant from the Sonoma Catalyst Fund. Programs include food recovery, gleaning produce from farms and backyards, and stocking community fridges.

“You don’t have to go through some enrollment process to access a community fridge,” Dittmar said. “You create a more equitable food access point that alleviates some of the demand around hours of operations for traditional food pantries and food programs.”

One of those fridges is at Sonoma Family Meal Unity Kitchen, which is also the valley’s largest recipient of ExtraFood deliveries. With donations from ExtraFood, the Unity Kitchen provides 300 hot meals—five days a week—and brings food to homebound seniors, said executive director Whitney Reuling.

Share the Bounty, ExtraFood’s gleaning program, sends volunteer teams into farms, orchards and backyards to harvest food. 

“The greatest opportunity for bringing more food into the system is by increasing our gleaning program,” said Kathy Carver, ExtraFood’s Sonoma expansion manager. “That is our emphasis right now.”

While food insecurity continues to grow in places of abundance like Sonoma and Marin counties, ExtraFood and the SF-Marin Food Bank have some simple asks for the community.

“Speak up about the inequity that exists in our area,” Dittmar said. “Speak up about the value of food recovery. Speak up about the charitable food system.”

For more information about ExtraFood, visit extrafood.org. SF-Marin Food Bank is at sfmfoodbank.org.

Rosie’s Stand, Protecting a Heritage Redwood

Great trees, and not the great houses, are the glory of our old neighborhoods. Their absence, by want of time and designated green space, is half the reason why our new high density housing developments are so alienating to the human spirit.

Canvasing his neighborhood for signatures for his petition, retired journalist Tom Murphy was nevertheless astonished by the near unanimity of his neighbors: They wanted the 70-year-old redwood at 721 Spring St. saved from destruction. (Of 115 neighbors he spoke to, 109 signed to deny the permit, three abstained and three were in favor of removal.)

Stories Murphy informally collected from his neighbors spoke to a depth of feeling for this familiar tree. Trees are dead capital—or that’s what the law says. But there is seemingly something more to them. It’s as if, in their graciously spreading green growth, large trees slowly acquire some limited personhood. That would explain the way people relate to them, live with them and grieve for them when they are cut down. 

The redwood at 721 Spring St. has even been given a human name by its protectors, “Rosie.” Rosie the redwood.

Perhaps I have crossed the line into mysticism. Putting that to one side, the Arbor Day City of Santa Rosa recognizes the vital importance of heritage trees in its very charter—citing a long list of aesthetic and economic benefits heritage trees confer. It further says that no heritage tree should be removed unnecessarily. 

Which is why it is shocking that this “statement of legislative intent” was ignored in the city planner’s letter approving of Rosie’s destruction. Subordinate code was cited—but not the intent for which that code was written and should be applied. What was cited was the decision of a professional arborist who believes that the tree could further damage the sidewalk. But Murphy notes that that arborist is also a professional tree remover—a clear conflict of interest.

Tom Murphy: In speaking with my neighbors, I’ve realized there is gross dissatisfaction with the high number of trees that have been removed without so much as a hearing in the past few years… Unfortunately, I suspect this is a citywide problem that should concern everyone who loves Santa Rosa’s trees.

Cincinnatus Hibbard: I understand you are seeking the professional assessment of an independent arborist (that has no tree felling business) and will appeal the decision  before the City Planning Commission and even the City Council if necessary.

We’ll immediately ask more about the reasoning, but we plan to file an appeal to the Planning Commission. Unfortunately, that is a costly step. People who wish to help may donate to our GoFundMe account at tinyurl.com/rosieredwood

The main reason the City names for removal is extensive damage to the sidewalk at the tree’s roots.

We ALL want the sidewalk fixed. Nobody should ever have poured a concrete sidewalk so close to a healthy redwood, knowing it would eventually rip through the sidewalk. The solution lies in moving the sidewalk a few feet away from the tree, not destroying the tree.

Final thoughts…

When anyone cuts down a heritage tree unnecessarily, they are cutting down our heritage. There is a clear, preferred and cheaper alternative to fix the sidewalk without destroying this beautiful tree.

Learn more: Tom Murphy is asking for lovers of redwoods and heritage trees to email the Santa Rosa Planning Commission at pl******@****ty.org. Also cc the director of planning, go*****@****ty.org, and Murphy himself at **@********ge.com. The subject line should include ‘Tree Removal at 721 Spring St.’

Punk Rock, Summer at the Seashore and Coup Redux

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El Verano
Punk Rock Holiday

Fireworks are optional when the guitars are loud enough. The El Verano Inn annual punk-rock throwdown returns on the eve of Independence Day with a three-band lineup drawn from some of Sonoma County’s most durable music circles. KC & the Clamps headline alongside Dirty Westside and S.U.A., whose members collectively trace through local outfits including BITE, The Randumbs, The Bodies, Tri-Polar and Half People. Expect fast songs, familiar faces and the sort of community-minded chaos that keeps local punk scenes alive long after the major labels lose interest. Bonus—no cover charge. 8:30pm, Friday, July 3, at El Verano Inn, 705 Laurel Ave. No cover. More information at the venue.

Petaluma
Summer at the Seashore

The Point Reyes National Seashore has long inspired photographers, naturalists and anyone in need of a little perspective, and Summer at the Seashore brings that inspiration indoors for a summer-long exhibition at Aqus Cafe. Featuring the work of photographers Jim Coda, Sarah Killingsworth and Leslie Curchack, the show explores the wildlife, landscapes and changing character of one of Northern California’s most beloved public lands. Beyond celebrating the seashore’s beauty, the exhibition also reflects on the environmental and cultural transitions unfolding there today, inviting viewers to consider both what is being preserved and what is evolving. Exhibition runs June 29–Oct. 4 at Aqus Cafe, 189 H St., Petaluma. Opening reception 5–7pm, Thursday, July 9. Free admission. More information at aqus.com.

Larkspur
The Coup Revisited

History doesn’t always stay in the past. Coup 53, the documentary by Taghi Amirani (edited by Marin’s own Academy Award-winner Walter Murch), returns to theaters at a moment when questions of regime change, foreign intervention and Middle East politics have reentered public debate. Part investigative thriller and part historical detective story, the film, now playing at Lark Theater, examines the 1953 overthrow of Iranian Prime Minister Mohammad Mosaddegh, revealing the covert roles played by British intelligence and the CIA in a coup whose consequences continue to reverberate today. Featuring actor Ralph Fiennes reading from long-suppressed intelligence transcripts, the film transforms archival research into gripping cinema. As current events once again cast a spotlight on the region, Coup 53 offers a timely reminder that today’s headlines often have deep historical roots. Plays through June 25 at Lark Theater, 549 Magnolia Ave., Larkspur. Times and tickets at larktheater.net.

Petaluma

World Cup Under the Stars

The road to the FIFA World Cup runs through Petaluma for one evening when Petaluma’s La Dolce Vita Wine Lounge and Taittinger (one of the last remaining independent, family-owned Champagne houses in the world) host an outdoor watch party for the USA–Turkey match. A giant projector screen transforms the adjacent Theater Square into an open-air stadium, while guests cheer on Team USA with glasses of Champagne and freshly shucked Tomales Bay oysters close at hand. A limited-edition FIFA World Cup commemorative bottle from Taittinger will also be available. For those looking to elevate the experience, reserved tables for four are available in the La Dolce Vita Wine Lounge with a $150 food-and-beverage minimum. International soccer, sparkling wine and summer evening vibes—an elegant way to watch the game. 6pm, Thursday, June 25, at La Dolce Vita Wine Lounge, 151 Petaluma Blvd. South, Petaluma. Kickoff at 7pm. Reserved tables available with $150 food-and-beverage minimum per table. More information at ldvwine.com.

Free Will Astrology, July 1

Free Will Astrology
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Archaeologists studying ancient wells have discovered that some weren’t finished in a single effort. Communities might dig to the current water table, use the well for years, then probe further down when water levels dropped or needs increased. This is a useful metaphor for you, Aries. As of yet, you don’t have the ability or...

Sally Fourth, Celebrate Independence Day SoCo Style

Dawn Ranch in Guerneville, located at 16467 CA-116 and California’s oldest resort, has quite a day planned on Saturday, July 4.
There’s no sense trying to sugarcoat it—each day it becomes a little more challenging to be proud of America.  While creating a running checklist of issues plaguing Our Great Nation would not only be a total bummer, it would probably have 50 new entries by the time this paper goes to press.  Rather than spending the day slathered in jingoism and...

FUN SIZE Blasted Art Gallery on Tour

Tiny Gallery, Big SCREAM.
In Sonoma County art circles, going small may be the next big thing. Or at least it is for Bill Shelley and Chris Beards, the artists behind Blasted Art Gallery, who have resurrected their former Santa Rosa gallery in a new form: a portable, miniature exhibition space measuring just 16 inches high, 33 inches wide and 21 inches deep. Its...

From kitchens to consoles: The world of food-themed gaming

The world of food-themed gaming
This article was contributed by ISF Media. As seen in local news stories and on social media from the area, there are some fantastic food businesses to support in Sonoma and Napa Counties. Alongside delicious local wine to sip, food-loving locals have the top local treats to enjoy. However, when they’ve finished eating pizza in the North Bay and tried...

Krushing It: ‘Backyard Concerts’ are Back

KRSH launches its free 'Backyard Concert' series on June 25, showcasing a vibrant mix of local bands and national touring acts.
Sonoma County’s KRSH radio has always been one to give back to the community. Be it through giving voice to local charity and non-profit groups on-air; showing up at community events including art receptions, fundraisers and of course, music events; or putting on concerts for listeners and the Bay Area at large. Their annual “Backyard Concert” series, which takes place...

Restitution Ramp-Up: AB 2700 Aims to Close Compensation Gaps for Wildfire Survivors

Proposed legislation seeks to close compensation gaps for California wildfire survivors, including Tubbs Fire victims.
Nearly nine years after the Tubbs Fire tore through Sonoma County, many wildfire survivors are still waiting to be fully compensated for their losses. That’s the driving force behind California Assembly Bill 2700, legislation now moving through the State Senate after receiving unanimous approval in the Assembly. Introduced by Assembly Member James Gallagher and now carried by Assembly Member Joe...

Green Thumb: ‘The Secret Garden’ Planted by Cinnabar 

Cinnabar Theater’s musical production of The Secret Garden features strong youth performances and striking set design.
Cinnabar Theater’s final show of the ’25/’26 season is the musical version of Frances Hodgson Burnett’s classic 1911 novel, The Secret Garden. Jane Erwin directed the production now running in Warren Theater on the campus of Sonoma State University in Rohnert Park through June 28.  Adapted by playwright/lyricist Marsha Norman with music by Lucy Simon, it’s the story of 10-year-old...

Hunger Amid Abundance: Food Insecurity Grows in North Bay

At ExtraFood’s SOUPer Food Kitchen, celebrity chef Heidi Krahling and volunteers prepare 600 meals weekly for low-income seniors and homebound seniors.
For many people in Marin and Sonoma counties, the paycheck runs out before the bills are paid. That leaves tough choices, often forcing folks to slash their grocery budget. “Joe” knows that math. Layoffs and the competitive job market have left the Marin resident with part-time employment to support a family of four, including two sons in elementary school. As...

Rosie’s Stand, Protecting a Heritage Redwood

Neighbors want "Rosie," a healthy 70-year-old redwood, saved from destruction but the City of Santa Rosa claims it has damaged the sidewalk.
Great trees, and not the great houses, are the glory of our old neighborhoods. Their absence, by want of time and designated green space, is half the reason why our new high density housing developments are so alienating to the human spirit. Canvasing his neighborhood for signatures for his petition, retired journalist Tom Murphy was nevertheless astonished by the near...

Punk Rock, Summer at the Seashore and Coup Redux

This week, Crush events include punk rock performances at the El Verano Inn, a Summer at the Seashore photography exhibit at Aqus Cafe in Petaluma and more.
El VeranoPunk Rock Holiday Fireworks are optional when the guitars are loud enough. The El Verano Inn annual punk-rock throwdown returns on the eve of Independence Day with a three-band lineup drawn from some of Sonoma County’s most durable music circles. KC & the Clamps headline alongside Dirty Westside and S.U.A., whose members collectively trace through local outfits including BITE,...
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