Letters to the Editor: January 4, 2016

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Letters to the Editor: January 4, 2016

Doublespeak?

The late Winsor activist Bill Patterson once told me that politicians these days are trying to get us to believe that black is white and white is black. Nowhere is this more true than on our local board of supervisors. Lynda Hopkins talks about progressivism (“Redwood Empire Fights Back,” Dec. 21) as though she herself demonstrates progressive characteristics. Before we make up our minds on that one, let us talk about money in politics.

Hopkins was quoted in the Press Democrat saying, “I think that the whole idea that money buys influence is a false argument.” Another female Democrat by the name of Hillary Clinton was asked on Meet the Press if she thought Goldman Sachs expected anything in return for the $675,000 she was paid by them for giving three speeches. Her reply was “Absolutely not.”

On the other side of the coin you have David McCuan, political science professor at Sonoma State University. He states quite simply, “Money is influential.” Donald Trump was quoted in the Wall Street Journal as saying, “As a businessman and very substantial donor to very important people, when you give, they do whatever the hell you want them to do.” At a rally in Iowa last year Trump said, “When I call, they kiss my ass, OK?” Anybody who does not have their head completely buried in the sand knows that on this issue Trump and McCuan are the truth tellers and Hillary and Hopkins are the ones blowing smoke. If telling the truth constitutes a tenet of progressivism, then Hopkins doesn’t quite fit the bill.

How could there be anything progressive about buying your way into office on the backs of the growth machine? Keep in mind here that the growth machine is directly responsible for a large percentage of our environmental problems. Follow the money, people. Contemplate the conundrum of a politician with two degrees in environmental science accepting campaign donations from four of the most environmentally destructive forces in the history of Sonoma County. That would be realtors, developers, the wine industry and the Sonoma County Farm Bureau.

So here we have a politician rallying against Trump who is sponsored by a bunch of Donald Trump wannabees. Looks like you were right, Bill! If this demonstrates what neo-liberals are going to look like from now on, then maybe Hopkins could best be described as a “neo-progressive.”

—Doug Haymaker

Santa Rosa

Face the Music

Thank you, Tom Gogola, for your “U.S. Blues” article (Dec. 21) and this one that starts with Jimi (“Trumpets,” Dec. 28). Yes, black lives matter to art and music in America! Thank God!

—MusicLoverRP

Via Bohemian.com

Methinks you are confusing the death of the Democratic Party with the death of democracy (“Trumpets,” Dec. 28). Democracy is alive and well, thank you very much. So sorry that your idea of what democracy is depends on which side wins the election.

—Chris Sholes

Via Boehmian.com

Write to us at le*****@******an.com.

BottleRock’s 2017 Lineup Is Here

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The 5th annual BottleRock Napa Valley festival, set for May 26 through 28, 2017, has unveiled its full lineup, including headlining artists Foo Fighters, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, and Maroon 5.
The three-day event, which also boasts wine, food, beer and more, will feature over 80 bands and musicians performing this year, and the full lineup is below. Festival passes go on sale at 10AM PST tomorrow, Wednesday, Jan 4, 2017 at BottleRockNapaValley.com and eventbrite.com.
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Dec. 29: Countdown to Terror in Santa Rosa

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Dec. 29: Countdown to Terror in Santa Rosa

Seems like every holiday has a slasher film to go with it, from bloody Valentines to black Christmases. While New Year’s Eve typically doesn’t get much attention from horror filmmakers, the Roxy’s CULT film series has dug up two films to ring in the new year. First up, the series screens Terror Train, in which a masked killer stalks Jamie Lee Curtis aboard a train during a New Year’s Eve costume party. That’s followed by New Year’s Evil in which a killer (somehow) strikes at the stroke of midnight in each time zone across the country during a fatal New Year’s. Thursday, Dec. 29, at Roxy 14 Cinemas, 85 Santa Rosa Ave., Santa Rosa. 7pm. $10. 707.525.8909.

Jan. 1: Walk It Off Around the North Bay

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Jan. 1: Walk It Off Around the North Bay

One of the North Bay’s most popular outdoor traditions is to start each New Year’s off with the refreshing and rejuvenating First Day Hike in the many parks and wilderness spots the region has to offer. There’s no excuse to not get out and get active this Jan. 1, as the Sonoma Coast, Armstrong Redwoods, Jack London State Park, Surgarloaf Ridge and many other places are hosting docent-led walks. There’s even a Christmas bird count happening on the first, hosted by Madrone Audubon Society for the 50th year in a row. Sunday, Jan. 1, at various locations.

Jan. 2: Beyond Ballroom in Petaluma

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Jan. 2: Beyond Ballroom in Petaluma

Dancing doesn’t always have to be a waltz. If you’ve ever wanted to break out of the mold and try on a new routine for size, Petaluma’s international folk dance class kicks off this New Year with instructor Carol Friedman. The classes include folk dances from all over the world, including Serbia, Turkey, Bulgaria, Greece and Israel. The evening starts with a beginner lesson so all skill levels can participate and each class promises fun and exercise while you experience an assortment of world music. Classes run every Monday through April, starting on Jan. 2, at Hermann Son’s Hall, 860 Western Ave., Petaluma. 7pm. $65 for all classes, $7 drop-in. carolfriedmanfolkdance.blogspot.com.

Jan. 3-5: Strange Love in Yountville

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Jan. 3-5: Strange Love in Yountville

Playwright Harold Pinter’s dramas are marked by his often understated tension, examining characters on the fringe with provocative and intricate dialogue that reveals deeper motivations than what’s on display. Such is the case with ‘The Lover’, a one-act look at modern marriage seen through the eyes of a married couple openly dealing with extramarital affairs. The Lover gets a limited run from the Valley Players in an intimate theater setting that’s sure to produce laughs and tears on Tuesday, Jan. 3, through Thursday, Jan. 5, at the Napa Valley Performing Arts Center at Lincoln Theater, 100 California Drive, Yountville. 7pm. $20. 707.944.9900.

Sanctuary Santa Rosa?

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Sanctuary Santa Rosa?

On the eve of Noam Chomsky’s call to Obama to pardon the undocumented, Maria de los Angeles (pictured, at right) was one of about 30 artist-activists who participated in a march and protest on Dec. 22 in Santa Rosa. The event was a so-called suitcase action, in which activists demanded the city declare itself a sanctuary for the undocumented in light of recent suggestions from the incoming administration that the country is headed for a brutal round of deportations and the end of the Obama-era Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) program.

De los Angeles is a DACA Dreamer who now finds herself in the crosshairs of anti-immigration zealotry. She helped organize the event last Thursday and describes it as a success, as she highlights that it “was not necessarily a protest,” but more of a gathering for performance artist-activists to push the city to declare itself a sanctuary city. The designation has no legal or official import and simply indicates that a city or town won’t participate or sanction federal raids against undocumented immigrants within its borders.

Before heading back to Brooklyn, where de los Angeles works as a university professor, she says city leaders here pledged to have a conversation, at least, about sanctuary status in Santa Rosa, and she notes that newcomer city councilman Jack Tibbetts attended the rally-performance. Outgoing mayor John Sawyer is still on the council (he was replaced by Chris Coursey by a vote of the council); right after the election, Sawyer issued a statement of support for undocumented immigrants, but, as the Press Democrat noted, he stopped short of endorsing the call for Santa Rosa to join some 40 other cities around the country that have made the pledge to protect their most vulnerable citizens. Now there’s a petition urging the city to join the movement.

“I am a dreamer,” says de los Angeles. “I am concerned.”

She says the only way for her to become a U.S. citizen in short order is to get married, and that’s not a priority for her. Deportation would mean the loss of her university job, not to mention the loss of a community that has sustained her and other Dreamers.

“I grew up here undocumented. I’m undocumented and I have many friends, too, who are undocumented. Local support for sanctuary cities is very important because, nationally, everything is on the line.”

Letters to the Editor: December 28, 2016

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Letters to the Editor: December 28, 2016

Let’s Fight

I appreciate what our brave 5th District supervisor said in last week’s cover article (“The Redwood Empire Fights Back,” Dec. 21). The section “Fightin’ Lynda Hopkins” describes her as having “come out swinging against Trump,” who she says has “essentially declared war on progressivism.”

Hopkins advocates that we not play “nice,” but that we should “move aggressively against the next president.” She is especially troubled “by Trump’s positions on immigration and climate change.” Hopkins advocates that we “fight Trump-led deportation, should it come to pass.” Yes, our cities and county should declare themselves to be sanctuaries, which we are asking the Sebastopol City Council to do.

—Shepherd Bliss

Sebastopol

You People

The same people who whine about the government overreaching are the same clowns supporting gun control laws that would effectively confine lethal force to the police and military, but don’t “progressives” hate cops too?

—Christopher Donnellan

Via Bohemian.com

Unneighborly

I live in a rural residential area and I have seen cannabis growers move in to a very close family neighborhood and construct an eight-foot fence all around the little neighborhood lot and house they bought. Only thing missing are the armed guards.This is not kid-friendly or neighborly. Usually one guy lives on these properties as a guard or watchman. These are neighborhoods. We don’t want big industries next door. We want neighborhoods where people live, have kids, know each other and are a community. Many of the grow sites destroy community. They are not usually families, just a caretaker watchman and a big “Keep Out” fence.

—Maetreyii Ma

Via Bohemian.com

Meatless in 2017

The coming New Year’s resolution should be pretty obvious, particularly when it comes to diet: 2017 will go down in history as the year when plant-based meats revolutionized the food industry.

A dozen start-ups, led by Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods, are creating plant-based burgers and other meats that are more delicious, convenient and healthy than the old-fashioned animal-based variety. They are backed by tech-industry pioneers like Microsoft founder Bill Gates, Google principals Sergey Brin and Eric Schmidt, and PayPal co-founder Peter Thiel. Even animal meat behemoth Tyson Foods has announced a $150 million venture capital fund to explore and invest in these products.

Let’s make this New Year’s resolution about exploring the rich variety of delicious, convenient, healthy plant-based dinners, lunch meats, cheeses, milks and ice creams available in every supermarket.

—Steven Alderson

Santa Rosa

Write to us at le*****@******an.com.

Best Bubbles

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Best Bubbles

Anyone who can’t get enough of the pop and whoosh sound of sparkling wine (what we call domestic wines made in the Champagne style) being opened should arrange for a tour of a sparkling bottling line. Bam! bam! bam! go the bottles, as a machine cracks steel caps off them one after the other. Splat! splat! splat! go the plugs of yeast against the Plexiglas enclosure. Yesteryear’s yeast, having worked hard and seen better days, then fallen into slumber in a comfortable curve in the bottle, is ejected by roiling pressure built up over time.

Next, that old yeast is replaced with a small dose of reserve wine and sugar. In brut sparkling wine, it’s just enough to balance the high acidity and effervescence of the sparkling wine, and should taste sweet. Now topped with a proper cork, cage and fancy hat of foil, the sparkling wine is crystal clear, haunted only by the essence of yeast in its characteristic aroma, transforming mere fresh fruit and fizz into something worth contemplating and celebrating.

The theme for this year’s Bohemian holiday sparkling wine roundup was simple: to find the favorite, the best by consensus in a blind tasting (bottles were wrapped in foil—and yes, Stett, the foil was recycled) of the fizzy stuff, mostly from established local producers, and mostly easily found by last minute party-going shoppers on the shelves of better markets.

It was simple, until I mucked it up with a few more categories: “Fancy,” “Midnight Toasting,” “Brunch” and, even more confusing, “Friendly.”

THE FAVORITES

Domaine Chandon Étoile Carneros Brut ($40) This otherwise steely and austere wine, flavored with the sharp fruit of apples marinated in lemon juice, also shows rich aromas of toasted almonds. A fine, balanced wine for toasting, I said, but on balance, Bohemians scored it tops, some of them finding the most evocative phrases to describe it: “the lover,” it’s an “up all night” wine that “would go well with eggs” in the morning. Take it under advisement. ★★★★

Iron Horse 2012 Ocean Reserve Green Valley of Russian River Valley Blanc de Blancs ($50) Tart, lean and salty, even before this wine’s oceanic ambitions were revealed, the Iron Horse Reserve smells only faintly of toast and buttery richness, like a shortbread cookie that’s just come home after years at sea. For each bottle purchased, Iron Horse gives $4 to National Geographic’s Ocean Initiative to protect marine areas—not a bad move if you want to continue pairing this fantastic fizz with seafood. Although only four tasters were still reporting at the end of the tasting, the lightweights having become distracted or bowed out, this serious sparkler enjoyed one of the best consensus approvals. Over several past vintages, this bottling has become my reliable favorite of Iron Horse’s offerings—make no mistake, it’s much more than just another bubbly with a charitable label. ★★★★½

Schramsberg 2012 North Coast Blanc de Noirs ($41) A five-star wine in my book, but not everybody agreed. Like toasty crust on a lemon cream pie, the aroma suggests sweet dessert, but fine carbonation and zippy acidity scours the palate, leaving a lingering notion of sparking apple cider—the non-alcoholic alternative to champagne kind—and baked golden apple. If you don’t already know about Schramsberg, it’s a very safe bet for a “fancy” bottle of North Coast sparkling wine that anyone will love. OK, not everyone. ★★★★

THE FANCY TOASTING WINES

Breathless North Coast Blanc de Noirs ($30) Wood spice and clove on the nose, a pinch of yeast and a hint of wet plaster that reminds me of some single malts, with a barley-alcohol overtone to the melon rind and grapefruit juiciness. Toasting wine. ★★★½

Korbel California Brut ($13.99) Korbel does a fantastic job for the price. This is the kind of all-around pleasing sparkler that wine critics might describe as “surprisingly complex,” trying to walk back the high score they gave a domestic wine in a lineup of more expensive bottles. Lean, lemony and balanced with shouts out from yeast and lemon cream, this reliable sparkling wine should never be overlooked for its ubiquity. ★★★★

Iron Horse 2012 Classic Vintage Brut ($44) From estate vineyards in the cool Green Valley of Russian River Valley appellation, this fizz was slow to lose its sulfury aroma, ending up hinting at Tom and Jerry cocktail, with a tart, lychee fruit finish. ★★★★

THE FRIENDLY BUNCH

Iron Horse 2012 Green Valley of Russian River Valley Brut X ($50) Steel biscuit: it’s not a band you might have seen at the Phoenix in the ’90s, it’s the aroma descriptor this slightly toasty but austere wine brings to my mind. And its juicy white grapefruit flavor brings brunch to mind. ★★★½

Gloria Ferrer 2007 Royal Cuvée Carneros Brut ($37) A fine, but not socks-knocking-off vintage of this extra-aged wine. The usual complement of shortbread
cookie, warm pillow and grilled sourdough inform the aroma,
while a light infusion of red berries, as in a sparkling water, and tangy citrus brighten up a teeny bit sweet finish. ★★★

Gloria Ferrer Carneros Blanc de Blancs ($47) A very Chardonnay sparkling wine, rich with golden toast, baked pear tart. For fancy toasting in the company of moderate imbibers. ★★★★

Breathless North Coast Blanc de Blancs Brut ($29) Steely, with notes of apple and marshmallow, a lingering sweetness, scoury acidity and medium to large bubbles. Citrus and candied pineapple with a dusting of old yeast keeps it interesting. This was my favorite of a recent lineup of Breathless wines. Toast! ★★★★

Breathless North Coast Brut ($25) Everybody, including Robert Parker, has noted that this brut is almost a rosé, with its pinkish hue. A platinum-strawberry blonde, red fruited sparkler with tangy red fruit flavor, this earned the comments “baby shower wine,” “heartbreak” and “chick movie night” from some Bohemians. You get the idea—a fun, can’t-go-wrong bubbly. ★★★

THE BETTER WITH ORANGE JUICE MIXERS

Gloria Ferrer Carneros Blanc de Noirs ($22) Hard to say why this didn’t win more fans, with its initially complex, vintage aroma, but some thought it turned
quickly flat and sour, with a bitter aftertaste. ★★½

Domaine Chandon Rebecca Minkoff Limited Edition California Brut ($24) On the plus side, this could take the place of a budget Prosecco, but most tasters found this sulfurous wine, showing notes of sea foam, egg white and Sweetarts, to be superficially foamy but fall flat, without a lot of flavor payoff. The packaging conceit of these bottles, one in black, the other white, is a partnership with a designer of ladies’ handbags, whose apparently hotly coveted motif is essentially an “X” in a box. For some, this might be another plus; to others it may look phone-in and vapid. Try in bubbly-based cocktails. ★★½

Pop It Off

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Pop It Off

Allow us to be the first to say goodbye to 2016. With old acquaintances—both forgotten and remembered—we’ll take a cup o’ kindness yet, and we’ll start with these New Year’s Eve parties around the North Bay. From delectable dinners to cabaret shows and blowout concerts, here’s a selection of ways to ring in 2017.

Happy New Year,
Charlie Brown

Kids love New Year’s Eve as much as the rest of us, but staying up late is not their strong suit. Instead, take them to the Charles M. Schulz Museum for a fun afternoon of crafts and games, with a big balloon drop and root beer toasts at noon and 3pm. Hey, it’s New Year’s somewhere. 2301 Hardies Lane, Santa Rosa. 10am to 4pm. $5–$12. 707.579.4452.

Mischief Masquerade

The North Bay Cabaret never fails to surprise in its eclectic monthly variety shows, and master of ceremonies Jake Ward is pulling out all the stops for this New Year’s Eve spectacular. Attendees to the masquerade are encouraged to dress the part, eye masks included, and the night’s elegance will be matched by the entertainment. Burlesque, belly dance and circus and sideshow acts all come together for a night of dazzling feats, with DJs spinning until 2am and Champagne at midnight. There’s even a raffle with proceeds benefiting Syrian refugees through local nonprofit the Schoolbox Project, which provides education and support to refugee children and families. Whiskey Tip, 1910 Sebastopol Road, Santa Rosa. 8pm. $20–$25 (21 and over). mischiefmasqueradenye.brownpapertickets.com.

Bubble Ball

The Luther Burbank Center for the Arts is getting into the New Year’s Eve game this year, debuting its own showcase of local music, wine, beer and more in the first annual Bubble Ball. Dance the night away with popular local bands like Wonderbread 5, Kingsborough and the Pat Jordan Band, while sipping (or chugging) the best local brews and vino, and tasting local culinary masters. A general admission ticket gets you a little bit of everything, including the Champagne toast. The night
also benefits Greenacre Homes
in its quest to serve Sonoma County youth with special needs. 50 Mark West Springs Road, Santa Rosa. 8pm. $95 (21 and over). 707.546.3600.

Rivertown Ball

Each summer, the popular Rivertown Revival turns downtown Petaluma into a wonderland of DIY arts and local music. This year, the folks behind the revival, including the North Bay Hootenanny and Second Octave Entertainment, turn their eyes to New Year’s Eve and premiere the Rivertown Ball. Tobias “the Mystic Man” Weinberger of the vaudeville-on-wheels Traveling Spectacular hosts, San Francisco soul-powered band Monophonics headline, and Marin’s El Radio Fantastique and Sonoma County’s ragtag Oddjob Ensemble fill out the lineup. All the while, aerialists and sword swallowers roam, and libations from Lagunitas and Sonoma Cider fuel the fun. The Rivertown Ball also benefits Friends of the Petaluma River, and proceeds will help keep the watershed vibrant. Petaluma Veterans Memorial Hall, 1094 Petaluma Blvd. S., Petaluma. 8pm. $70; $55 for designated drivers (21 and over). rivertownrevival.com.

New Year’s Eve
at Barndiva

The Healdsburg culinary destination has a motto: Eat the View. For New Year’s Eve, the view is looking particularly delicious, as Barndiva’s restaurant and bistro offer two separate menus of elegant dining in a festive and fun atmosphere. In the restaurant, a six-course meal of classic favorites features scallops and short ribs with special wine pairings available. In the relaxed bistro setting, the music gets pumping as you choose between beef fillets and roasted sole before working off the calories with a dance or two. Reservations are recommended. 231 Center St., Healdsburg. 707.431.0100.

New Year’s Eve at Spoonbar

Whether you want an amazing dinner to start the night’s fun, or a spot for late-night cocktails to wrap up your New Year’s Eve, Spoonbar has what you’re looking for. First up, a decadent four-course meal boasts luxurious caviar, truffle ravioli, seared black bass and roasted lamb loins on the menu. After the meal, DJs get the dance party going while photo booths and other fun activities keep spirits high. If you show up after 10pm, you can still partake in the dessert bar and sip on handcrafted cocktails before a glittering Champagne toast rings in the new year. Spoonbar,
219 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg. 6pm, dinner; 10pm, party. $125 dinner; $55 party. 707.433.7222.

Petaluma Museum’s
Gala Concert & A Night
in Vienna

Sky Hill Cultural Alliance and the Petaluma Museum Association present their eighth annual gala concert and dance with classical flair and marvelous entertainment. First up, the historical museum and library hosts members of the San Francisco Symphony in concert. Violinist Yun Chu, cellist Shu-Yi Pai and viola player Nancy Severance have been performing in the gala since the series’ inception, and this year they are joined by North Bay mezzo-soprano Karen Clark for a program of awe-inspiring artistry and music. After the show, it’s time to dance the night away, as the action moves to nearby Hermann Sons’ Hall for “A Night in Vienna,” featuring many traditional Austrian dishes and desserts, and waltzes performed by a live orchestra. This black-tie-optional event toasts New Year’s in stellar fashion. Gala concert happens at 20 Fourth St., Petaluma, 6pm. $50–$70. “A Night in Vienna” happens at 860 Western Ave., Petaluma. 8:30pm. $150. 707.778.4398.

New Year’s Party
in Sebastopol

After a year of vitriol and anger on all sides of the spectrum, Sebastopol wants to ring in the new year with an emphasis on peace. The party at the Sebastopol Community Center will offer lots of live music and drink, but there will also be thoughtful moments during the celebration to reinforce the feeling of love and togetherness that the west Sonoma County town has come to embody. Onstage, R&B funk masters Soul Fuse and laidback rockers the Rhythm Rangers, winners of the 2016 NorBay Music Award for best Americana and Country band, co-headline the night. Other local favorites like Levi Lloyd, Buzzy Martin, Sarah Baker and Mr. Music and the Love Choir also contribute to the positive vibes. Amid the dancing, a full bar will warm the belly and
a peace ceremony led by shaman and author Francis Rico will
warm the heart. 390 Morris St., Sebastopol. Doors at 7:30pm.
$18–$25. 707.823.1511.

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Ramekins New Year’s
Eve Celebration

The culinary school in Sonoma goes for the Hollywood glam this New Year’s Eve, so dress in your red-carpet best and enjoy an all-inclusive array of delicious bites, beer and wine, Champagne toasts and live music by the French Disconnection.
450 W. Spain St., Sonoma. 8pm. $125. ramekins.com.

Brian Culbertson
at Blue Note

Since opening last October, Napa’s Blue Note Jazz Club, which occupies the first floor of the historic Napa Valley Opera House, has gotten busy bringing world-class talent to one of the North Bay’s most intimate stages. This New Year’s, Blue Note welcomes multi-instrumentalist Brian Culbertson for two nights, including a New Year’s Eve celebration. Culbertson is best known as the founder and champion of the Napa Valley Jazz Getaway. He is also known across the country for his 16 self-produced solo albums and collaborations with everyone from Barry Manilow to Bootsy Collins. Join Culbertson for a jazzy New Year’s on Dec. 30–31. 1030 Main St., Napa. Friday, 7pm and 9:30pm; Saturday, 7:30pm and 10:30pm. $55 and up. 707.880.2300.

Red Tie Affair

The Westin Verasa in Napa is seeing double and throwing not one, but two parties to ring in 2017. First up, a dinner party at La Toque offers a Champagne reception before a sumptuous six-course dinner with a sommelier wine-pairing option. After the meal, the Red Tie Affair kicks off next door at Bank Café and Bar, with dancing and cocktails leading up to the Champagne toast. 1314 Mckinstry St., Napa. Dinner at 7:30pm; after-party at 9pm. $75 and up. 888.627.7169.

Rockin’ Country New Year

If formal attire is not your forte, Napa also has a denim-appropriate affair with a rollicking night of country rock at Silo’s. Live music from the Cripple Creek Band gets the boots stomping for two shows. Special desserts, party favors, bubbly and down-home fun culminate in two ball-drops, one for each coast. 530 Main St., Napa. 7pm and 10pm. $45–$75. 707.251.5833.

A Night in Paris

The Napa Wine Train is a popular attraction for wine and travel enthusiasts, and this New Year’s Eve event travels all the way across the sea for a night of Parisian delights. Sparkling wine awaits you at the station, and a decadent four-course meal is served while the sights of the Napa Valley pass you by during the three-and-a-half-hour ride. Once you return to the station, DJs get a dance party started
and a cabaret club atmosphere brings Paris to California.
1275 McKinstry St., Napa. Reception at 5pm; train departs at 7pm. $299 and up. 800.427.4124.

Speakeasy New Year’s Eve

Wine country public house Goose & Gander’s annual New Year’s bash includes two dinner seatings, cocktails and authentic ragtime music by Bob Ringwald before DJ Rotten Robbie spins vinyl in an after-party perfect for flappers
of any era. 1245 Spring St.,
St. Helena. Dinner at 5pm; after-party at 9pm. $40 admission to the party. 707.967.8779.

The Chris Robinson Brotherhood

A popular sight in the North Bay, the psychedelic rock and roll family that is the Chris Robinson Brotherhood largely operates somewhere in the wilds of Marin County that Robinson has dubbed “Unicorn, California.” This past year saw the brotherhood release their acclaimed roots-rock album Anyway You Love, We Know How You Feel, and now the former Black Crowes frontman and his bearded band of merry men take over Terrapin Crossroads on New Year’s Eve, with two nights of jams and joy. The brotherhood flies the freak flag Dec. 30–31, 100 Yacht Club Drive, San Rafael. Friday, 8pm; Saturday, 9pm. $40; $75. 415.524.2773.

New Year’s Eve Stand Up Comedy Showcase

Osher Marin JCC’s seventh annual New Year’s Eve event boasts more laughs than you can shake a bottle of Champagne at. This show always sells out in advance, and for good reason: the stellar lineup of performers and festive atmosphere is the perfect way to countdown to midnight. This year, the showcase outdoes itself with five comedians on the bill. Hosting the show is New York City native Jeff Applebaum, who has spent over 20 years making crowds laugh in his adopted hometown of San Francisco. His clean comedy sets the mood for the night, and the laughs keep coming from comedian and radio/TV host James P. Connolly, New Age optimist Karen Rontkowski, award-winning comedian Lamont Ferguson and the lovely Jason Love. A selection of cocktails, beer and wine start the party,
and a midnight toast wraps it up. 200 N. San Pedro Road, San Rafael. Pre-show party starts at 7:30pm. $35 and up. 415.444.8000.

Mademoiselle Kiki’s European Cabaret

The alter ego of Bay Area performer Moana Diamond, Mademoiselle Kiki transports audiences to Paris for a night of sultry entertainment and partying. In an intimate Cabaret-style nightclub setting, the mademoiselle leads the Chez Kiki Orchestra in interpreting the music of Edith Piaf and others while burlesque dancers and others take your breathe away with dazzling performances. There’s also a VIP pre-party for those wanting to get started early, and a Cabaret after-party keeps the dancing shoes on until 2am. Harmonia Wellness & Social Club, 2200 Marinship Way, Sausalito. Pre-party starts at 7pm. $30 and up. 415.332.1432.

Letters to the Editor: January 4, 2016

Doublespeak? The late Winsor activist Bill Patterson once told me that politicians these days are trying to get us to believe that black is white and white is black. Nowhere is this more true than on our local board of supervisors. Lynda Hopkins talks about progressivism ("Redwood Empire Fights Back," Dec. 21) as though she herself demonstrates progressive characteristics. Before...
Read more

BottleRock’s 2017 Lineup Is Here

The 5th annual BottleRock Napa Valley festival, set for May 26 through 28, 2017, has unveiled its full lineup, including headlining artists Foo Fighters, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, and Maroon 5. The three-day event, which also boasts wine, food, beer and more, will feature over 80 bands and musicians performing this year, and the full lineup is below. Festival passes go on sale...
Read more

Dec. 29: Countdown to Terror in Santa Rosa

Seems like every holiday has a slasher film to go with it, from bloody Valentines to black Christmases. While New Year’s Eve typically doesn’t get much attention from horror filmmakers, the Roxy’s CULT film series has dug up two films to ring in the new year. First up, the series screens Terror Train, in which a masked killer stalks...
Read more

Jan. 1: Walk It Off Around the North Bay

One of the North Bay’s most popular outdoor traditions is to start each New Year’s off with the refreshing and rejuvenating First Day Hike in the many parks and wilderness spots the region has to offer. There’s no excuse to not get out and get active this Jan. 1, as the Sonoma Coast, Armstrong Redwoods, Jack London State Park,...
Read more

Jan. 2: Beyond Ballroom in Petaluma

Dancing doesn’t always have to be a waltz. If you’ve ever wanted to break out of the mold and try on a new routine for size, Petaluma’s international folk dance class kicks off this New Year with instructor Carol Friedman. The classes include folk dances from all over the world, including Serbia, Turkey, Bulgaria, Greece and Israel. The evening...
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Jan. 3-5: Strange Love in Yountville

Playwright Harold Pinter’s dramas are marked by his often understated tension, examining characters on the fringe with provocative and intricate dialogue that reveals deeper motivations than what’s on display. Such is the case with ‘The Lover’, a one-act look at modern marriage seen through the eyes of a married couple openly dealing with extramarital affairs. The Lover gets a...
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Sanctuary Santa Rosa?

On the eve of Noam Chomsky's call to Obama to pardon the undocumented, Maria de los Angeles (pictured, at right) was one of about 30 artist-activists who participated in a march and protest on Dec. 22 in Santa Rosa. The event was a so-called suitcase action, in which activists demanded the city declare itself a sanctuary for the undocumented...
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Letters to the Editor: December 28, 2016

Let's Fight I appreciate what our brave 5th District supervisor said in last week's cover article ("The Redwood Empire Fights Back," Dec. 21). The section "Fightin' Lynda Hopkins" describes her as having "come out swinging against Trump," who she says has "essentially declared war on progressivism." Hopkins advocates that we not play "nice," but that we should "move aggressively against the...
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Best Bubbles

Anyone who can't get enough of the pop and whoosh sound of sparkling wine (what we call domestic wines made in the Champagne style) being opened should arrange for a tour of a sparkling bottling line. Bam! bam! bam! go the bottles, as a machine cracks steel caps off them one after the other. Splat! splat! splat! go the...
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Pop It Off

Allow us to be the first to say goodbye to 2016. With old acquaintances—both forgotten and remembered—we'll take a cup o' kindness yet, and we'll start with these New Year's Eve parties around the North Bay. From delectable dinners to cabaret shows and blowout concerts, here's a selection of ways to ring in 2017. Happy New Year, Charlie Brown Kids love...
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