The Dangers of Comfort and Compromise

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The Dangers of Comfort and Compromise

I am writing in response to Don Erikson’s essay on last week’s Open Mic page, in which he advocates finding common ground as well as avoiding topics of race and politics to better get along with those who disagree with us. Although I find his sentiment laudable and well-intentioned, I believe it to be ultimately harmful and wrong.

First, the left and right are NOT equally at fault for the current division in our country, as Mr. Erikson implies. There is no radical left; there is a socially responsible left that crusades for the needs and welfare of all people and the environment. However, there is a radical right, manifested in an increasingly nationalistic, white supremacist Evangelical Christian movement with the GOP that is steadily moving toward fascism and is gaining power and political influence.

We have a national affinity for comfort and convenience. Hence, many liberals are reluctant to stand up to the various outrages we are witnessing from the right. We are cautioned against “making things worse” and to wait for the “right time” to make changes (BTW, when is the right time??). It’s so much easier to avoid conflict and find common ground that upsets no one. This is a doubly seductive stance because not only is it comfortable but seems so much more evolved and enlightened than the messiness of conflict. Glossing over the pressing and critical issues that confront us is actually facilitating evil under the guise of getting along that neatly fits into our comfort zone.

I do not disparage Mr. Erikson or those sharing his view, which is commendable yet flawed. Compromises made by the left will not be reciprocated by the right.

This is a time to defend the principles we profess to believe in, which include calling out and fighting against that which is harmful to our people and environment. In the words of the late, great John Lewis: “Get in good trouble!” Let’s make things better and not be afraid of the trouble that is an inevitable part of the struggle for what is right—our country deserves it.

Christopher Newhard lives in Cazadero.

Art of Living from the Romans

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Art of Living from the Romans

When we complain how our education system doesn’t prepare young people with the skills they need for real life, we usually mean pragmatic things reflecting the fluctuating needs of the marketplace and innovations in technology.

But the most useful skills in the world are useless if you can’t manage life itself.

Two thousand years ago, a manual was written containing some of the most timeless wisdom ever committed to parchment. Penned by a disciple of Epictetus (pronounced epic-TEET-us), a second-century Roman philosopher, the book encourages one to cultivate a detached attitude towards life, withstand adversity and pursue the highest virtues. 

It was lately given a freeform interpretation by Sharon Lebell under the title The Art Of Living: The Classical Manual On Virtue, Happiness And Effectiveness, and it is the one self-help book everyone should own, consisting of pithy tidbits to read each morning before venturing forth into the world. Here are a few examples: 

  • As you think, so you become.
  • First say to yourself what you would be, and then do what you have to do.
  • Regardless of what is going on around you, make the best of what is in your power, and take the rest as it occurs.
  • Attach yourself to what is spiritually superior, regardless of what other people think or do. Hold to your true aspirations, no matter what is going on around you.
  • Most of what passes for legitimate entertainment is inferior or foolish and only caters to or exploits people’s weaknesses. Avoid being one of the mob who indulges in such pastimes. Your life is too short, and you have important things to do.
  • There is only one way to happiness, and that is to cease worrying about things which are beyond the power of our will.

As you can see, the crux of Epictetus’ thought centers around the simple premise of taking responsibility for that which you can control and letting go of all that which you can’t. In the middle of the 20th century, this notion would become the foundation of the branch of psychology known as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

But perhaps most interesting is the context in which this wisdom was expounded. While Epictetus was writing his practical maxims, Rome was in steep decline with a thousand-year dark age on the horizon. And yet here we are two millennia later, still reading Epictetus’ wisdom, thereby proving the truth of his words, that the timeless realm of the soul really does transcend the rise and fall of empires.

Notes from the Set of (Not) a Werewolf Film

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Notes from the Set of (Not) a Werewolf Film

When news editor Will Carruthers offhandedly suggested I write a dispatch from the set, he had no idea I had been keeping a production diary.

Films are what I do when I’m not newspapering, and this particular film, presently titled Wolftone, is a bit of Gen X angst spun as a rom-com but with fangs and fur.

It’s a werewolf movie that takes pot shots at Herman Hesse’s Steppenwolf (not a werewolf book, mind you), horror genre idioms, but mostly my generation’s commitment to not aging gracefully, the (de)evolution of traditional relationships and how second chances are seldom on our own terms.

Some might say this is a vanity project (I write, direct and star), but I’d like to think I’m taking one for our Team X, saying what a lot of us have been thinking. Trust me, this is not a flattering piece of material. But I am stoked to join the ranks of such quasi-contemporaries as B.J. Novak (congrats on Vengeance!), as well as ancient writer-director-actor antecedents—from schlocky Ed Wood to artiste Orson Welles.

As culture writer Andrew Bloom wrote when mulling the spectrum between Wood and Welles, “all art contains a piece of the author’s soul, from cinema’s highest highs to its lowest lows, and that fact connects everyone with the foolhardy impulse to try to make good on the impulse to create.”

I agree with Bloom wholeheartedly and I applaud all artists, however they heed the call—filmmakers in particular. And by “filmmakers” I mean all those hearty souls participating in every aspect of production. These are precisely the kind of people with whom you would want to venture into deep space. You have no idea where you’re going and if you’ll ever get home, but the hope is to eventually share something amazing everyone can someday see for themselves.

Films are impossible but not implausible, which is why they still happen. 

And so far as one’s aesthetic ambitions will lead where they may, the drive to make these cinematic monsters necessarily derives from a collective spirit. And that, ultimately, belongs to the audience. Over flickering fires to cinematic streams, movies and their progeny are how our culture best reflects itself.

But culture ain’t what it used to be. We exist in atomized algorithmic-driven niches now. The blockbusters and water-cooler attractants of yore have given way to an amazing glut of “content,” nearly as many shows as subscribers. 

So, why make independent films in this climate? As Quentin Tarantino reminds his casts and crews when goading them into a final take: “We love making movies.” 

That’s why.

‘Bohemian’ and ‘Sun’ editor Daedalus Howell is directing his second feature film. Find him at daedalushowell.com.

‘Drowsy Chaperone’ Awakes in Sonoma

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‘Drowsy Chaperone’ Awakes in Sonoma

“I hate theater.”

No, that’s not the long-suspected confession of a theater critic. It’s the opening line from the Sonoma Arts Live production of The Drowsy Chaperone, now running through July 31.   

That line, followed by a litany of complaints about modern theater (shows are too long, actors shouldn’t interact with the audience, Elton John, etc.), is uttered in darkness by a disembodied voice. The lights come up on a gentleman (Tim Setzer) sitting in a comfy chair next to a record player, surrounded by Broadway musical cast albums.  

The “Man in Chair” is feeling a little blue and usually finds solace by escaping into the fantasy world of Broadway. After first considering an escape to River City, IA via The Music Man, he decides to return to the decadent world of the 1920s, as presented in the classic Broadway musical, The Drowsy Chaperone (an entirely fictional show). As he plays the soundtrack, the characters from the show appear in his apartment and the audience is treated to a play-within-a-play, which is an amalgam of showbiz musicals of the time.

Broadway star Janet Van De Graff (Maeve Smith) seeks to give up the stage to marry the man she loves (Stephen Kanaski), much to the chagrin of her producer (Pat Barr). Under pressure from an investor and his gangsters (Rick Love, Kaikane Lavilla), the producer schemes to break things up by having a Latin Lothario (Andrew Smith) seduce Janet. Will love win out in the end? Need one ask?

The Man in Chair provides running commentary throughout the show, which also includes a staid butler (Sean O’Brien), a harried best man (Jonathen Blue) and, of course, a drowsy chaperone (Daniela Innocenti Beem).

Despite its opening line, Chaperone is a love letter to musical theater. There’s singing, dancing, comedy, colorful period costuming by Rebecca Valentino and just a wee bit of heart. Director Michael Ross shows a sure comedic hand in guiding his cast in threading the needle between loving parody and outright spoof.

Talented North Bay regulars populate the large cast, with Setzer the calm but bitingly amusing center of the on-stage storm. Sherrill Peterson’s band delivers the music, Maeve Smith and Dani Beem deliver the vocals, and the entire cast delivers in the Liz Andrew-choreographed numbers.  

The Drowsy Chaperone delivers a lightweight escape for all. 

‘The Drowsy Chaperone’ runs through July 31 at Andrews Hall in the Sonoma Community Center, 276 E. Napa St., Sonoma. Thurs–Sat, 7:30pm; Sun, 2pm. $25–$37. 866.710.8942. Proof of vaccination with ID and masking are required to attend. sonomaartslive.org

Look Within—Finding Meaning in Darker Moments

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Look Within—Finding Meaning in Darker Moments

Hello, loves! It’s been far too long—how does this find everyone? 

I’ve been away from “Look” for myriad reasons. Before I return to my usual programming, which has evolved from fashion to highlighting the unique and inspiring human beings of Marin and Sonoma counties, I want to dedicate this week’s column to a topic very meaningful to me: how we are doing.

I, for one, am not really okay. Since late 2019, things haven’t felt okay, right up to this moment. I’m sitting on my balcony, riddled with another bout of Covid, despite my two vaccines and a booster, listening to a festival in downtown Oakland and feeling like an alien on planet Earth. The steady drip of bad news—inflation, the tsunami of technology and the disintegration of our government—are enough to leave anyone (me) feeling like the American dream we were promised probably never existed, or, if it did, is dying an ugly death on the table. 

Mental health is tenuous, connections are difficult. Loneliness tints eyes locked to social media feeds a shade of washed blue. Things like meeting a stranger at a coffee shop—things I used to take for granted—are out of sight in my rear-view mirror. 

I don’t know if things will ever return to the way they were. I’m only 30, and lately it’s seeming like the more years I accrue, the emptier my head gets. It’s hard to predicate anything with the youthful self-assurance all my years of philosophy and poetry gave me during college. Life feels much bigger, much more unruly, though it was all the philosophers and poets were writing about.

There are days when things feel a bit too much. There are days when I feel myself wrung out like a sponge, searching for a drop of humanity left. 

For anyone, anyone at all, who is feeling this way, I offer this Frederick Nietzsche quote, which gives me solace and even a sense of meaning during the darker days: 

To those human beings who are of any concern to me I wish suffering, desolation, sickness, ill-treatment, indignities—I wish that they should not remain unfamiliar with profound self-contempt, the torture of self-mistrust, the wretchedness of the vanquished: I have no pity for them, because I wish them the only thing that can prove today whether one is worth anything or not—that one endures.

Next week, space willing, we will return to our usual programming. For this week, for those struggling with the weight of the world, may we endure. 

Love always and to the best of my abilities, 

Jane

Jane Vick is an artist and writer based in Oakland. She splits her time between Europe, New York and New Mexico. View her work and contact her at janevick.com.

Oakland Artist Adia Millett Creates Nature-Inspired Work

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Oakland Artist Adia Millett Creates Nature-Inspired Work

Napa County’s di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art welcomes the public to “Force of Nature,” the result of Oakland-based artist Adia Millett’s six-month intermittent residency, spent wandering the landscape, collecting materials and sound samples, and exploring the boundaries between language, figure and abstraction.

Through a range of media, from sound installation to painting and textile, Millett’s work in “Force of Nature” follows the concept of human as a natural force, using “a process of taking things apart, removing, replacing, cutting, pasting, sewing and building.” Evoking the power of human creativity, Millett suggests that “humans, like earthquakes, fires or floods, are also forces of nature.”   

Millett is originally from Los Angeles. She received her MFA from California Institute of the Arts and, in 2001, moved to New York City for the Whitney Museum Independent Study Program, after which she completed the Studio Museum in Harlem’s residency program. Her 2019 solo exhibition, “Breaking Patterns,” shown at the California African American Museum, was a well-received body of work.

Her work weaves African American experiences into an ongoing conversation and investigation into identity and collective history. Millett seeks and follows the tenuous yet perpetual interconnectivity between all living beings—the ties that bind and unite.

In her own words:

“Fragmented, constructed and reassembled, I shed light on the multifaceted and complex parallels between the creative process and the nature of personal identity. My paintings feature abstracted, geometric shapes that imply movement—colorful forms expand and collapse freely among glittery backgrounds with hints of landscape and structural objects such as rooftops, windows and doors. While the textiles draw on the domestic and artistic traditions of quilt-making, they are pieced together, combining culturally diverse fabrics.

While my work pays homage to the past through the use of repurposed fabrics and historical iconography, its bright atheistic imagery is informed by the future. The art reminds us of the importance of renewal and rebuilding, not only through the artistic process, but also through the possibility of transformative change.”

Millett has also exhibited at the Craft and Folk Museum in Los Angeles; the New Museum of Contemporary Art, New York; the Museum of Contemporary Art, Atlanta; the Santa Monica Museum of Art; and the Contemporary Art Center, New Orleans. 

IN THE STUDIO Adia Millett working on one of her pieces. Photo courtesy of the artist.

In her collaboration with di Rosa, a unique communion between artist and institution, Millett tuned in to the land, using sun, water, air and earth, “elements that birthed us and keep us alive” as both mirrors and signposts to produce a body of work exploring our ancestral connection to the rhythms and matter of the natural world. 

Pieces like Solar Serpent, inspired by Millett’s observation of a baby rattlesnake, create a bridge between the natural force of the human and non-human rhythms. Millett’s work can act as a reminder that we are not unique in our movements, patterns and changes.

“The countless creatures I witnessed living on the land, including a baby rattler, became mirrors,” Millett said. “We are able to see ourselves in other living beings. As they navigate the land, so do we. I imagine the young snake using its senses to transition from the challenges of one season to another. Here the triangle-shaped painting, not only integrated the shades of red to symbolize fire, but blue, green, yellow and gold, for the water, air and earth. Like the snake, we move, shed and thrive.” 

Executive director Kate Eilertsen indicated the center was delighted with Millett’s special appreciation for the land surrounding di Rosa. 

“Di Rosa was thrilled to work hand-in-glove with Millett, a nationally-recognized artist whose vivid paintings and textiles have garnered widespread praise, by granting her unprecedented access to our site,” said executive director Kate Eilertsen. “Her reverence for the strange beauty of our landscape—scarred by fire and drought and yet insistently teeming with life—is profoundly inspiring.” 

“Force of Nature” is on view now through Oct. 30, with accompanying programming throughout, including a talk on Saturday, Aug 20, from 2:30-4pm with artist Adia Millett and curatorial associate Twyla Ruby and a free Force of Nature Family program on Saturday, Oct. 29 from 1:30-3:30pm, offering different activity stations inspired by the exhibition. 

Di Rosa will be commemorating its 25th anniversary all year long with a series of special events, ranging from artist talks and films to concerts and theatrical performances. On Dec. 3, the festivities will culminate with a 25th Anniversary Celebration Gala honoring Eleanor Coppola and Lynn Hershman Leeson for their extraordinary lives in the arts. A complete listing of 25th anniversary events can be found on the gallery’s webpage.For more information on this show and di Rosa programming, visit www.dirosa.org. Learn about Millettt’s work at www.adiamillett.com.

CULTURE CRUSH—Mentalist magic, Comedy and More

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CULTURE CRUSH—Mentalist magic, Comedy and More

Sausalito 

Mentalist Magic

Join the Sausalito Center for the Arts for a night of food, drink and magic with mentalist Jay Alexander at the Sausalito Pop Up Magic Show! A master magician, mentalist and comic,  Alexander has appeared on the Today show, TEDx talks, MTV and Good Morning America. His recurring “Mind Tricks Live!” show at San Francisco’s Marrakech Magic Theater is rated the #1 show on both Yelp and TripAdvisor. This week, North Bay residents can see this hit show, full of wonder and mind-boggling magic, closer to home. The Sausalito Pop Up Magic Show is Aug. 4 at the Sausalito Center for the Arts, 750 Bridgeway, Sausalito. Tickets $250. Seating is limited. Tickets to this event include a year of free membership to the center.  www.sausalitocenterforthearts.org 

Petaluma

Petaluma Music Festival 

Produced by a non-profit organization, the Petaluma Music Festival is held each year to raise money for music in Petaluma’s public elementary and secondary schools, ensuring that students have access to an education in the arts. Since 2008, the nonprofit has donated over $400,000 to Petaluma school music programs. This year’s lineup includes 14 musicians, including Dirty Cello, Rainbow Girls, La Gente SF and The Happys. The festival will also feature  booths for meet and greets with artists, merchandise for sale, beers from Lagunitas Brewing Company and Two Rock Brewing Company, and food from local vendors. This is a chance to support music in schools. This year, the festival will be held Saturday, Aug. 6 at the Sonoma-Marin Fairgrounds, 175 Fairgrounds Dr, Petaluma. Gates open at 11:30am, and music runs until 9:30pm. Tickets start at $60. www.petalumamusicfestival.org 

Rohnert Park

Renegade Orchestra

An unconventional Bay Area orchestra is performing in a Rohnert Park redwood grove next week. Renegade Orchestra describes itself as “throwing out all the old conventions of a quiet, sleepy, stuffy show of musicians locked in straight jackets of tradition.” This 18-piece ensemble pairs a set of virtuosic orchestra musicians with a hard-driving rhythm section. Renegade will perform work by Nina Simone, Miles Davis, the Mamas and the Papas, and Donna Summer. This concert from a lively orchestra is set to get toes tapping and hips moving. An added bonus: The show will be held outdoors amidst redwood trees. Fresh air and fresher music. The Renegade Orchestra performs at the SOMO Village, 1100 Valley House Dr, Rohnert Park, on Aug. 7. Show starts at 7pm. Tickets $25-30. www.somovillage.com 

Kenwood

Larry Omaha 

Comedic legend Larry Omaha comes to Deerfield Ranch Winery for a night of wine and laughs. Omaha’s comical stories about his youth have been hailed by the Los Angeles Times as “refreshing, funny and universal.” An Indigenous Humanistic Native stand-up comedian born on the banks of the Missouri River, Omaha’s childhood was spent fighting flood waters, snakes and coyotes on the Midwestern plains. He has many television, film and performing credits, and is best known as the voice of Nightwolf in Mortal Kombat. The winery, in the heart of Sonoma Valley, is an award winning, organic winery. Bring a picnic and get ready to laugh! Omaha is performing at Deerfield Ranch Winery, 10200 Sonoma Hwy, Kenwood on Saturday, July 30. 7pm-8:30pm. Tickets $35. www.crushersofcomedy.com 

—Jane Vick

CPAC Takes Wing in Leonard Gershe’s Butterflies are Free

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CPAC Takes Wing in Leonard Gershe’s Butterflies are Free

One may recognize Leonard Gershe’s Butterflies are Free, written and set in 1969, from the film adaptation starring Goldie Hawn. The Cloverdale Performing Arts Center (CPAC) has a production of this running through July 31.

Loosely inspired by the early life of blind Harvard-educated lawyer Harold Krents, the story follows a day in the life of young, blind and motivated Don Baker. Don is one month into a two-month sabbatical from his overprotective mother (Athena Gundlach). Living on his own for the first time, he meets next-door neighbor Jill (Shannon Sawyer), whom he falls for instantly. 

Predictably, mother shows up to find the two unclothed and seemingly sharing an apartment. Mama Baker scares the young Jill with a nightmare scenario of life with a blind man, which leads her back into the arms of her friend Ralph (Christopher Johnston).

There is much to like here. Few local directors have Amy Lovato’s calm competency. Regardless of script shortfalls, she always delivers a professional, engrossing play. 

Gundlach, Johnston and Hamilton Lee are well cast. Gundlach’s Mrs. Baker is a force with which to be reckoned. Hamilton-Lee’s Don is grounded and moody, with wit presented more as keen sarcasm than humor. Johnston is loudly over-the-top in the best possible way. Sawyer, however, tends to play at a surface level and never finds depth in her character, making the play’s finale even more troublesome.

There are two elephants in this room. The first is blindness being portrayed by a sighted actor. Cloverdale is a house that always strives to do things equitably with an eye to advance all populations, and thoughtfully brought in a vision consultant (Jonathan Jose Esparza) to advise the cast. Whether casting a sighted actor was the correct decision is not for a sighted reviewer to make.

The second elephant is to be expected from a play written by a man in the ’60s: casual misogyny. The “happy” ending of this play is in reality the fallout of emotional bullying. It’s unfortunate that this wasn’t addressed, as it could have been a teaching moment for all. 

Butterflies are Free is an evenly directed, well-cast, and well-costumed play. Just be prepared to leave modern sensibilities at the door (and for gawd’s-sake, leave cell phones at the door, too).

‘’Butterflies are Free’ runs through July 31 at the Cloverdale Performing Arts Center, 209 N. Cloverdale Blvd., Cloverdale. Saturday, 7:30pm; Sunday, 2pm. $12 -$25. Special Club 99 performance Thursday, July 21, $50. Recommended for viewers aged 13 and up due to mature language and brief sexual content. 707.894.2219. cloverdaleperformingarts.com

Sampling North Bay Wines on ‘the Boulevard’

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Sampling North Bay Wines on ‘the Boulevard’

A fine harvest of wine experiences for every taste can be found along “the Boulevard,” that is Petaluma Boulevard, running roughly north and south through downtown Petaluma. 

Wine has long been a part of the Petaluma weekend life. The town is the perfect distance up from San Francisco for a stop along the routes to other wine locales up the road or further along the bay.

“Can you say some of the geeky stuff you said about geology?” I ask at the bar of Black Knight Vineyards’ downtown Petaluma tasting room (155 Petaluma Blvd N). 

Sonic Youth plays on the house speakers as proprietor Lexine Black pours out a flight for my wife (I’m not much of a drinker). Black was a geologist before making wine professionally with her father. “So [Black Knight Vineyards is] on Taylor Mountain, which is an extinct volcano that last erupted three and a half million years ago,” she says, speaking about the vineyard property in Bennett Valley.

“[That vineyard] is pumice, volcanic, ash, lots of petrified woods and loamy clays, which are all soils that vines respond really well to.” She adds, “They have a good porosity to permeability [ratio]. So they retain water without giving wet feet and vines, which makes them rot.” 

More than a waypoint along the highway, Petaluma is a recognized winegrowing region in its own right, with the official AVA appellation of “Petaluma Gap,” which straddles southern Sonoma and northern Marin counties. Brooks Note Winery (426 Petaluma Blvd N), which produces its wine along the Boulevard north of downtown, specializes in wines from the Gap.

“The wind is really what was the defining factor when they drew the wines of the [Petaluma Gap appellation]. AVAs are basically drawn by soil maps,” Reed Kinnek, assistant winemaker, tells us. “[Here the wind blows] always the same direction.” The wind, it turns out, is what has the greatest impact on grapes from the Petaluma Gap.

Describing the unique way the appellation was defined, Kinnek tells us that surveyors “put up little devices to measure the wind speed you know, and all these different locations.” 

Really this whole Boulevard thing is about the vibe. And the vibe-iest wine place in town is still La Dolce Vita Wine Lounge (151 Petaluma Blvd S).

“At La Dolce Vita, we endeavor to create a place for people to experience ‘the sweet life,’ whether that’s touring the world via our selection of international wines, or as simple as enjoying prosciutto and melon paired with a locally-made rosé [on the patio] in the warm summer breeze—we hope you find your ‘sweet life’ here,” says owner Sahar Garhai.

This is a delightful nook of a wine bar, located in the Theatre Square along the Boulevard, where one can chat with refinement to the background hum of Felinni’s 8 1/2 on the discrete movie screens placed about. Garhai and staff are intuitively either friendly or reserved as the customer requires. 

The fact that any number of classic movies are playing in the background is a perfect example of the unique atmosphere of each of these locations. 

Black Knight takes its name from the game of chess, much loved by the family who runs the winery. The tasting room doubles as a chess space; each coffee table has a lovely chess set ready to play. A magnetic set hangs mounted on a wall. Black promises they love to see two kids sitting down to a game, “just not at the bar.”

Avinage (15 Petaluma Blvd N), a wine shop next to the Mystic Theater, offers a chance for one to quickly grab a favorite bottle. “Avinage focuses on European-style wine from around the world, featuring small producers that farm organically and use low intervention techniques in the cellar,” says Damien Carney. “We don’t yet have a tasting license, but we should have in-store tastings by mid-summer.”

So there you have it, a four tasting stroll through the heart of Petaluma, the city right at the very start of wine country, welcoming eclectic tastes along the river that was once the main travel hub of the North Bay. Now a tourist hub, let this be the constant: fabulous wine to drink.

Sonoma and Marin Locations Make Work Cool

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Sonoma and Marin Locations Make Work Cool

While coworking spaces were certainly around before the pandemic, the number of  professionals working remotely or from home has increased dramatically over the past two and a half years.

This has led to a surge in the popularity of coworking spaces, which prior to the pandemic were primarily utilized by entrepreneurs and small business owners.

Post pandemic, working from home isn’t just for entrepreneurs anymore. With every type of professional, from government employees and sales professionals to high level managers and “almost retired, but not quite yet” retirees working a few consulting hours, there has been a continued growing demand for more and better spaces to work from in Sonoma and Marin counties.

Those wondering why those who are allowed to work from home would prefer to pay for a shared office space instead of actually working from home aren’t alone. Here are the most common responses we got from those we spoke to who work from coworking spaces in Sonoma and Marin.

– Need a more professional environment, and an excuse to get dressed and get out of the house every day (aka don’t fall prey to the pajama pant work day)

-Don’t have a home office

-Have a partner who is also working from home or a stay-at-home parent partner, making it difficult to focus on work (a few said coworking spaces have “saved their marriage”!)

-Crave social interaction/working from home can be isolating/want to see other humans

-It’s simply more convenient (fresh coffee is always ready, comfortable chairs and different workspaces/desk options, printer is available and conducive to their professional needs, meeting rooms available for client meetings, walking distance to cafe or restaurant for meetings, high speed wifi that doesn’t cut out during Zoom calls, etc.)

Keller Street CoWork (Petaluma)

Located just a 5-10 minute walk from much of downtown Petaluma. Flexible hot desk memberships, make yourself comfortable at any open table, desk, etc. or purchase a membership that comes with a dedicated desk, and access to two conference rooms, four phone booths and a kitchen/coffee station.

Monthly memberships run from $300-$400/month for unlimited hours/usage (hot desk or dedicated desk), but Keller also offers less expensive options for those who don’t need a full space, such as day passes ($30/day) and 10 day passes ($200).

What we love most about this space:

– Freshly brewed drip coffee + Nespresso espresso machine always available

– Ability to book group meeting or conference rooms included in membership

-Regular social networking events such as Happy Hour Fridays, Stretch Labs and more

-Fun social extras such as a downstairs ping pong room, a keg on tap, etc.

-Walking distance to markets, restaurants and cafes

-Flexible day pass and lower package options

Things to know:

-While there is plenty of free parking available near this space, there are two and four hour limits, so it’s necessary to move your car at least once a day. 

Address: 140 Keller St., Petaluma

Website: www.kellerstreetcowork.com

SOMO Cowork (Rohnert Park)

Slated to open in the next several months, SOMO is currently in the final stages of construction. The space will feature 65 private offices, 24 designated desks, 80 flexible desks (for hot desk members), six flexible membership offices, six phone booths, four huddle/Zoom rooms and a podcast room. 

Members can have complimentary coffee, flat and sparkling water, and will be able to fuel up with healthy snacks at the SOMO Cowork Cafe. The space is also taking the “healthy workspace” concept to a new level, with plans for health and wellness focused features and amenities such as massage and maternity rooms, a Peloton bike room, a Zen Garden workstation and showers under way. 

The SOMO Cowork offices are located in SOMO Village in Rohnert Park, just  .5 miles from the Cotati SMART train station. The space is slated to open by late August/early September. 

Address: 1500 Valley House Dr., Rohnert Park

Website: www.somocowork.com

CoLab (Santa Rosa)

Located just a few blocks from 4th Street in the heart of downtown Santa Rosa, CoLab offers a convenient location, as well as plenty of space for both those in search of flexible hot desk memberships plus those seeking a permanent dedicated desk space in a shared office environment. The CoLab building is also home to a handful of local business offices or headquarters.

CoLab memberships include affordable and flexible community memberships and monthly packages that start at $35 for a day pass (but allow the member to add on additional days for $20/day) or $199/month for a “Collaborative Membership,” which includes 10 day passes/month.

Regular monthly coworking membership rates are $299/month and include unlimited use of the space, seven days/week. Monthly memberships also include a certain number of hours’ use of meeting rooms/conference rooms by appointment. 

CoLab access hours are Sunday through Saturday from 5am–midnight.

What we like best about this space:

-Free sparkling water and coffee

-Ability to book group meeting rooms included in membership

-Plenty of space and different options for where to sit as a flexible hot desk member

-Located just blocks from downtown Santa Rosa and plenty of restaurants (Indian, Vietnamese, Mexican, American, bistro, etc.), cafes, markets and the Wednesday night Santa Rosa market

-Affordable day pass and lower monthly plan options

-Dedicated/private parking lot (with passes to display in car for members)

-Dog friendly

Address: 427 Mendocino Ave., Suite 100, Santa Rosa

Website: www.colabconnect.com

CraftWork (Healdsburg)

Situated in downtown Healdsburg, CraftWork has served as a shared workspace, office space and gathering space for local professionals since early 2020. The space features a lobby (complete with a fireplace and cozy seating), a large open space with flexible and dedicated desks/seating, two meeting/conference rooms, two phone booths and a handful of private offices. 

Monthly “Bohemian” memberships  (use any open desk space at open tables/desks) at CraftWork cost $300, while a dedicated desk is $450/month, day passes are $35/day and packages of 10 half-days are $200. 

All monthly memberships include use of meeting rooms (a certain number of hours is included in membership) by reservation, attendance at entrepreneurial events and social mixers, and printing services.

CraftWork is open to members (who have full monthly memberships) from 6am to midnight, seven days a week.

What we like best about this space:

-Free sparkling water

-Free snacks are always available (nuts, granola bars, chocolate, etc.)

-Freshly brewed (local) coffee and access to an espresso/cappuccino machine, where members can make their own espresso, steam milk, etc. 

-Access to an outdoor patio, where members can have coffee or lunch or take phone calls

-Walking distance to everything in downtown Healdsburg (tons of restaurants)

-Ability to book group meeting rooms included in membership

-Regular social networking events that include food and/or drinks and which are well attended (i.e. the management here works hard to ensure that events are successful and that people connect with each other on a regular basis)

-Walking distance to everything downtown Healdsburg has to offer: restaurants, cafes, bars, shops, etc.

-The space is dog friendly

Address: 445 Center St., Healdsburg

Website: www.craftworkhbg.com

Trailhead Coworking (Mill Valley and Corte Madera)

Located off of East Blithedale Avenue in Mill Valley and with another location in Corte Madera,  Trailhead Coworking offers private offices and shared work spaces. Coworking memberships come with access to phone booths and/or conference rooms (to take calls or hold meetings), and shared workspaces feature electronic stand-up/sit-down desks. 

Monthly memberships ($450) are for dedicated desks in a shared space. There are also private offices available for rent. 

What we like best about this coworking space:

-Collaborative, supportive and social environment

-Responsive ownership/management

-Privacy and comfort features such as privacy dividers for desks and stand-up/sit-down desks

-Walking distance to Whole Foods and fitness studios (Mill Valley location)

What Trailhead Coworking doesn’t offer:

-Hot desk memberships 

-Day passes or packages of day passes 

Address: 650 E Blithedale Ave., Suite M, Mill Valley

Website: www.trailheadmarin.com

Venture Pad (San Rafael)

Venture Pad is located in the heart of downtown San Rafael, at the corner of B St. and Julia St., within one block of a paid public parking lot.

Venture Pad offers flexible daily, weekly and monthly membership packages, as well as both private offices and shared spaces. Amenities at Venture Pad include 500 MBPS Wi-Fi, a kitchen (where members can prepare lunches, keep things refrigerated, etc.), four meeting rooms and three phone booths. 

Members can choose a month-to-month membership that automatically renews each month or purchase single day, five-pack or 10-pack day pass options. All memberships include 10 hours of meeting space access per month.

At $435/month for a flexible hot desk membership, this is one of the more expensive options on this list for a regular monthly coworking space membership (that doesn’t come with a dedicated desk). However, with day passes at $25/day and packages of five day passes for $100 and 10 for $150, 

Venture Pad provides some great affordable options for those who may not want to spend $400+ a month or who don’t want or need to use a space five days a week.

What we like best about this coworking space:

-Within a few blocks of lots of different businesses (restaurants, cafes, banks, theaters, etc.)

-Flexible membership options

-Free coffee, espresso, water, tea

-Kitchen to prepare lunches

-Dog friendly 

– Venture Pad spearheads or is involved in a lot of different community initiatives and events. They host four active Meetup groups (one for startup founders), as well as events related to social justice, climate change, sustainability and more. The space also hosts a monthly Lunch and Learn event series for space members.  

Address: 1020 B St., San Rafael

Website: www.venturepad.works

The Livery CoWork (Sebastopol)

Surrounded by downtown Sebastopol businesses and services and adjacent to ample free public parking, the Livery offers a variety of membership options, all with high-speed fiber internet, access to meeting rooms, front desk support, community support and networking, kitchen access, and bottomless tea and Retrograde coffee.  Common areas feature sit-stand hot desks with ergonomic chairs, bistro tables and a lounge complete with sofa and armchairs. Private spaces include state-of-the art ventilated ROOM phone booths, focus rooms, and limited dedicated offices. Memberships start at $200 per month. Day passes are also available. 

What we love most about this space:

-Stylish-this is an industrial space with plenty of natural light and greenery, art by local artists, and a tech-equipped community table custom milled by a local artisan with lumber from a redwood tree that once grew on Mill Station Road.

– Leafy balcony with comfortable outdoor seating

– Bottomless Retrograde coffee and Numi teas

-Weekly yoga classes and “Third Thursday” learning labs free to members

-The space is available 24/7 to monthly members

Address: 6940 Burnett St., Sebastopol

Website: www.livery135.com/the-cowork

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