Jan. 16: Gold and Rust in Novato

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Singer and songwriter Lauren Shera has long been inspired by her home state of California, but she left the Golden State for the epicenter of country music, Nashville. Now an emerging star who has performed alongside the likes of Shawn Colvin and Jason Mraz, Shera’s latest album is a heartfelt farewell and ode to California. Gold and Rust is a meditative and elegant work of American folk and country-tinged rock that looks at the creative impact her family and childhood surrounding had on the young performer, who has also spent time at Chicago’s famed Old Town School of Folk Music. This week, Shera makes her way back to the West Coast, touring in support of Gold and Rust, and appearing on Friday, Jan. 16 at HopMonk Novato, 224 Vintage Way, Novato. 8pm. $12. 415.892.6200.

Jan. 16-17: WInter Hoot in Santa Rosa

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It’s been frickin’ freezing out there the last few weeks, and, frankly, I’ve had enough. This weekend, I’m going to warm myself with fiery music and fierce drinks at the Winter Hoot Fest. Hosted by Josh Windmiller and the North Bay Hootenanny, who are trying to finance themselves into becoming a genuine nonprofit organization, this two-day benefit show is a who’s who of popular North bay folk and rock bands. John Courage, Three Legged Sister, Manzanita Falls, the Crux, the Bad Apple String Band, Pine Street Ramblers, Royal Jelly Jive, Mr. December, Kristen Pearce, the Sam Chase, Snake Walk and others are all slated to perform. The fest keeps the cold away on Friday and Saturday, Jan. 16–17, at the Arlene Francis Center. 99 Sixth St., Santa Rosa. 6pm. $10–$20. Northbayhootenanny.com.

Jan. 17: Orbison Returns to Napa

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Country-Western singer Wiley Ray was a big Roy Orbison fan, but he never thought of pursuing a tribute career to the famed “Pretty Woman” crooner. That was, until Wiley stunned a crowd at a karaoke bar with a rendition of Orbison’s biggest hit, and was encouraged to go the next step. Wiley brings the beautiful rockabilly and memorable country tunes to a new generation of fans with his fully realized stage show, Roy Orbison Returns. Complete with costumes and a set list of hits, Wiley and company explore Orbison’s 30-plus year career and the lasting effect the late songwriter has had on music history. You’ll swear Roy Orbison has returned on Saturday, Jan. 17, at the Uptown Theatre, 1350 Third St., Napa. 8pm. $25–$45. 707.259.0123.

In Vinum Medicine?

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In the narrow field of memorable winery mottos, it’s tough to beat Ravenwood’s “No Wimpy Wines.”

More entertaining is their line of translated variations on the theme, such as, “Nullum vinum flaccidum,” in Latin. But my favorite was a winner of Ravenswood’s annual employee T-shirt contest for harvest, 2003: “Thanks to resveratrol, Joel can work another harvest!”

he joke was both gently wry—winemaker Joel Peterson, although past master of Zinfandel, is no dotager—and timely. Researchers at Harvard Medical School had just published a study linking resveratrol, a polyphenol found in red wine, to a longer lifespan—for yeast, worms and flies. In 2006, they concluded that fat mice on a rich diet lived longer when dosed with resveratrol. Others found that resveratrol-revved mice were better able to run pointlessly on a treadmill. And who doesn’t aspire to more of that?

Naysayers nagged that you’d have to chug dozens of cases of wine to get the same dosage given the mice. The dietary supplements industry sprang to the rescue: as noted in the Bohemian (Jan. 19, 2011), consumers were “spending anywhere from $17 to $44 for 60 capsules of resveratrol.”

Then in May, 2014, a long-term study of senior citizens in Chianti, by Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, concluded that a high-resveratrol diet had no effect on whether individuals developed life-threatening diseases or not.

Headlines went from “Is Resveratrol the Magic Bullet?” to “Resveratrol Is No Help at All.” Depressing narrative? Cheer up—with a glass of wine. Or two. In 2010, another study concluded that people who abstain from drink entirely might end up with shorter lifespans—not only as compared to moderate drinkers, but heavy drinkers as well.

Anybody can tell you, of course, that there’s little harm and probably some benefit to a habit of moderate wine consumption—they just won’t make headlines. If you’re still waiting to be told whether to drink red or white, hedge your bets and go with pink.

So fresh off the vine, it’s got to be good for you (I am not a doctor; please consult with your physician and/or sommelier before starting any heavy drinking program), Martin Ray Winery’s 2014 Russian River Valley Rosé of Pinot Noir ($18) enjoys the palest hue of a pink rose and evokes happy memories of frozen cheesecake and pink bubblegum. Strawberry, bubblegum flavors repeat on the palate, finishing crisp but with a bit of sweet viscosity. Have it with a mild cheese, like Point Reyes toma. Sure, it’s a wimpy wine, but we mice don’t mind at all.

Lighten Up

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No groundbreaking scientific study or trendy rumor has yet managed to undermine the status of breakfast, “the most important meal of day,” as far as we’re concerned.

And yet the face of the all-American breakfast is rapidly changing, as heavy, greasy pancake stacks and bacon manifestations make room for greener, lighter and more healthful meals. Versatile and ever trend-sensitive, the breakfast was the first meal to introduce smoothies, oatmeal and omnipresent kale, and it just keeps getting better for you—and better tasting.

The North Bay has certainly given way to earthy, natural, energetic morning starters in recent years, and although the cholesterol-laden breakfast still lurks, more healthful options are gradually taking over.

Slice of Life An endless menu lists lots of gluten-free options, and the breakfast section is elaborate and inviting. A vegetarian morning icon, the tofu scramble ($7.50), is especially good here, Simple and satisfying, it’s full of flavor, courtesy of spices, sautéed onions and mushrooms—and it’s customizable, too,
with additional vegetables. 6970 McKinley St., Sebastopol. 707.829.6627.

The Spinster Sisters This local staple is charming after dark, but the breakfast macro bowl ($14) justifies a morning visit. When quinoa, red cabbage, kale, pickled carrots, mushroom broth and other goodies mingle with a decadent poached egg, nurturing comfort is born. Pricey, but utterly delectable. 401 South A St., Santa Rosa. 707.528.7100

Backyard The farm-to-table spot is well-known for its dinner and lunch, but the weekend brunch features some superstars too. The shiniest of them is the Alive and Healing Tempeh Scramble ($12), which, in fact, isn’t a scramble at all; it’s a feast of mushrooms, leeks, onions, potatoes and pungent kimchi, served with crispy toast. Alive and healing, indeed. 6566 Front St., Forestville. 707.820.8445.

Native Kitchen & Kombucha Bar The organic, biodynamic and seasonal menu is served all day, but the sweet corn cakes ($13) are perfect for breakfast. Served with quinoa, marinated kale and house made salsa, they provide an energetic starter, and prove that breakfast can survive without an egg. 110 Petaluma Blvd. N., Petaluma. 707.559.3750.

Juju’s In the Middle East, starting your day with hummus totally makes sense, as the rich, delicious paste is packed with iron, vitamin C and other energy- and wellness-promoting features. This small, welcoming place has some of the best hummus in the county—a bowl of it is perfect for a late, lazy breakfast ($7 with a pita bread). 3375 Old California Way, Napa. 707.226.6537.

Andaz Farmers Table Though it’s part of the Hyatt group, the Andaz manages to feel local. The generally organic breakfast menu doesn’t hurt, either. The Skyhill Farm goat-milk yogurt ($9), served with grapes and granola, hits the sweet-yet-lightweight spot perfectly. More healthful than a Belgian waffle, more luxurious than veggies. 1450 First St., Napa. 707.687.1234.

Comforts The sunny restaurant serves plenty of decadent breakfast temptations, but veggie lovers and calorie counters should consider the kale bowl ($12.50). Brimming with roasted squash, barley and quinoa, topped with two eggs and decorated with pumpkin seeds and currants, it easily outshines the heavier items on the menu. 335 San Anselmo Ave., San Anselmo. 415.454.9840.

Letters to the Editor: January 14, 2015

Yes to Walmart

As a long time Walmart associate who has had a successful career with the company, it’s frustrating to read opinion articles written by people who don’t know my company or don’t have any real base of experience to speak from (“No to Walmart,” Jan. 7, 2015).

On behalf of my associates and our customers, I want to correct the record.

We believe we have an opportunity and a responsibility to support local farmers. Walmart is the largest purchaser of local produce in the United States and sources $4 billion from 1.2 to 1.4 million small- and medium-sized farmers, including many in California.

We have highly ambitious environmental stewardship goals. For the second year in a row, Walmart was confirmed as the largest on-site green-power generator in the country by the EPA Green Power Partnership. This year, we pledged to increase our supply of renewable energy globally by 600 percent by the end of 2020.

Our average, hourly wage for full-time associates in California is $13.31, and we offer a variety of benefits, including quality healthcare starting at $21 per pay period for associate-only coverage, company-funded 401(k), 10 percent merchandise discount, education assistance and bonuses based on store performance.

Walmart creates jobs in California. We employ more than 81,000 associates in California and created approximately 3,000 jobs last year throughout the state. In Rohnert Park, expanding my store would mean an additional 85 jobs created.

Ultimately, expanding the Rohnert Park Walmart is good for our customers who currently shop in our store and want to save time and money.

Since 1992, the Rohnert Park Walmart has proudly served area customers, provided quality jobs and supported local farmers. After 23 years, the fact is it’s time to make a change that will benefit our customers and our community.

Rohnert Park

This Tiny World

I’m writing in response to the letter from James Bowden (Jan. 7, 2015) regarding the need to allot more space to This Modern World. I could not agree more with Mr. Bowden’s request. Reading the strip verges on being painful. I very much appreciate your carrying TMW, which is far and away the principal reason I pick up the Bohemian each week. I suspect I am not alone. Despite your editor’s note, I find it very difficult to imagine there is not another inch or two in your paper that cannot be found and allocated to TMW. How about, for example, shrinking the font used for the “Rhapsodies & Rants” headline?

Healdsburg

Editor’ note: We’ve heard you, and Tom Tomorrow will soon be bigger.

A Prince of Peace

Every December, millions of people around the world celebrate the birth of Jesus, the prince of peace. In a not-so-distant past, another prince of peace, Martin Luther King Jr., motivated by Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, carried on the work to ensure that everyone could live with dignity in peace. Since before it was a national holiday, there has been an annual event in Santa Rosa to celebrate the life and work of Dr. King.

In light of continued struggle for civil rights for all and the need for uniting our society, the theme for this year’s event is a quote from Dr. King: “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, what are you doing for others?” Middle and high school students will be giving speeches inspired by this quote. Performances include, choral music, the Pomo Youth Dance Group, Sky-I with an original tribute to the youth. There is also a special children’s program in a separate room for ages four to eight.

The community is invited to this free family event at the Santa Rosa High School Auditorium, Sunday, Jan. 18, 5–7:30pm.

Santa Rosa

Gagged Press

We join the rest of the world in mourning the brave staff of the magazine Charlie Hebdo, gunned down by religious fanatics for defending freedom of the press. Meat-industry fanatics in the United States have devised a more subtle means of stifling freedom of the press. The states of Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, North Dakota and Utah have enacted “ag-gag” laws that impose criminal penalties on investigators seeking to expose animal abuses and safety violations in factory farms. According to an Associated Press report in yesterday’s papers, four members of an animal protection organization were charged with violating Utah’s ag-gag law. They sought to document the daily transport of thousands of pigs from the infamous Circle Four factory farm in Cedar City, Utah, to the Farmer John slaughterhouse in Los Angeles.

Ag-gag laws are clearly unconstitutional and are being challenged in federal courts. Assaults on press freedom need to be confronted wherever they rear their ugly heads, even when they assume the legitimacy of a state law.

Santa Rosa

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

Community Portraits

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Immerse yourself in local culture this month at Chroma Gallery in Santa Rosa with a figure art show celebrating the human form. The exhibit features the works of the Thursday Night Drawing Group, a cohort of more than 30 artists, and is on display through Jan. 29.

The collection spans a variety of styles and media, including everything from two-minute gestural drawings of nudes, to detailed, fully clothed painted portraits completed over many hours. There are dozens of works to view and appreciate in this intimate peek inside the artistic process, and certainly an insight in to how local art is cultivated in our community.

For those who are doers rather than observers, and serious about practicing the art of figure drawing, the group is held Thursdays, 6pm–9pm, with the request of a $15 contribution. If you’re looking for a more lighthearted drawing event, Friday Night Drawing Meet-Up runs every second Friday starting Feb. 13 from 6:30pm to 9pm. These no-experience-necessary events feature 15-minute poses by attendees who volunteer as clothed models, with breaks to enjoy the live music, light refreshments and meet other participants. Bring your own sketchbook, supplies and donation.

Chroma Gallery, 312 South A St., Santa Rosa. 707.293.6051. chromagallery.net

Emission Accomplished

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Seizing on his newfound power as freshly installed member of the U.S. House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, North Bay congressman Jared Huffman on Tuesday introduced the Gas Tax Replacement Act of 2015, an ambitious plan to reset the formula through which federal highway-infrastructure dollars are collected.

Huffman’s office reports that the linchpin of his bill would replace the two longstanding federal taxes now slapped on a gallon—18.4 cents for gasoline, 24.4 cents on diesel—with a “life-cycle assessment-based carbon tax.”

Huh? That’s a fancy way of saying that gas would now be taxed based on its aggregate carbon emissions as it went from being a lowly pool of oil stuck underground to a gallon of high-test at your nearest gas station.

The fuel taxes collected by the feds roll into the Highway Trust Fund, which is used to support transportation projects and upgrades. About half of California’s state transportation budget comes out of the Highway Trust Fund, about $4 billion on average a year since 2011, reports Huffman in a release announcing the bill Tuesday.

Of that, Huffman’s office notes that almost $300 million a year goes to highway and transit projects in the Bay Area.

But that’s not enough, says Huffman. The Highway Trust Fund is “chronically underfunded” in an era of crumbling roads and aging public transportation networks. His bill, he says, would ensure that it’s sufficiently funded.

Huffman notes that “the federal gas tax hasn’t been updated in 20 years and has routinely faced insolvency. In 2014, the Highway Trust Fund nearly went insolvent, requiring Congress to pass a short-term fix stabilizing the fund.”

Generally speaking, Huffman’s plan would set the tax on gas and diesel based on where the fuel came from and how it was produced. Gasoline produced using “dirtier” drilling methods, such as shale extraction, would be met with a higher tax, for example. Gasoline with a biofuel component would be taxed at a lower rate.

The bill would leave it to the Environmental Protection Agency to develop these so-called life-cycle assessments for gas or diesel. His bill sets an initial tax of $50 per metric ton of carbon dioxide emissions tallied along the way to a righteous and welcome $2 gallon at the pump.

The underlying idea behind Huffman’s push is pretty clear: support long-overdue transportation-infrastructure upgrades while taking steps against the end of the word at the hands of climate change.

Huffman’s bill comes as it’s ever more clear that he’s seen as a rising star in the Democratic Party. He was named to the aforementioned transportation committee and the House Democrat leadership also brought him into the fold as an assistant whip to Minority Leader Steny Hoyer.

A report on Monday in the Marin I-J featured beaucoup quotage from a Knowledgeable Professor that Huffman’s clearly on the rise in the House of Representatives. His ascendancy comes at an interesting time, since just last week Sen. Barbara Boxer, the longstanding senator from the North Bay, said she wouldn’t be seeking a fifth senate term in 2016.

Huffman was quick out of the box with a tweet that said he would not run for Boxer’s seat.

Next Door Neighbors

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One need not have seen Lorraine Hansberry’s 1959 play A Raisin in the Sun to appreciate the setup in Bruce Norris’ brilliant 2012 Pulitzer- and Tony-winning comedy-drama Clybourne Park.

Taking place immediately following the events of Hansberry’s play, Clybourne—running through Jan. 25 at 6th Street Playhouse—is a clever, insightful, frank and frequently shocking examination of the racial divide in America. Hansberry’s play, which gave many theater-going white folks their first glimpse into the lives of Africa-American families, takes place in a poor, Southside neighborhood of Chicago, where the black Younger family is preparing to move to a house they’ve just purchased in the all-white neighborhood of Clybourne Park. At the end of the play, Karl—a representative from Clybourne Park—visits the Youngers, attempting to bribe them into selling the house back, which they ultimately refuse to do.

In Clybourne Park, grippingly directed for 6th Street by Carl Jordan, the action takes place in the house the Youngers have purchased. The house is half-empty, its contents packed into cardboard boxes here and there—effectively staged on the nicely detailed set by Ronald Krempetz—as its white residents Bev (Jill Zimmerman) and Russ (Mike Pavone) are fixing to move out of the area. When Karl (Jeff Coté) appears, having just come from the Youngers, Russ is committed to keeping the black family out.

The escalating conflict, which pulls in the young minister Jim (Chris Ginesi) and Karl’s deaf, very-pregnant wife Betsy (Melissa Claire), takes place in the presence of Russ and Bev’s longsuffering housecleaner Lena (Serena Elize Flores) and her husband Albert (Dorian Lockett), who gradually insert their own opinions about the callous racism they are witnessing.

Then, in the play’s boldest move, the story leaps 50 years ahead. The Younger’s home is now condemned, soon to be demolished following years of drug-enhanced neglect in the once depressed, now gentrifying neighborhood.

The same supremely strong and flexible cast appears again, now as contemporary characters, gathering at what remains of the house to discuss the details of what kind of house can be built on the same spot. The witty dialogue is riveting, raw and real, as the characters reveal the prejudices still lurking below the surface, demonstrating with humor and candid transparency that the more things change, the more they remain the same.

Rating (out of 5): ★★★★

Hard Core

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There are a lot of reasons why going to the gym is tough, but for me, right at the top of that list has to be the music they play.

When I’m pumping iron, I don’t want a pop star singing about having fun or breaking up. I need something a little harder, a little darker. Basically, I want someone screaming at me while guitars shred through the sky and drums pound like thunder. I want some heavy metal. Here are the most hardcore songs to set your workout to.

Black Sabbath, ‘Paranoid’ Let’s start right at the beginning. Black Sabbath defined the genre of heavy metal with their fast, downtuned rock and roll, and “Paranoid” perfectly encapsulates the concept of metal with its fiery riffs and searing solos from guitarist Tony Iommi and piercing vocals from the Oz man himself, Ozzy Osbourne.

Judas Priest, ‘Painkiller’ If Sabbath defined the genre, Priest put it on the road of insane guitar work and glass-breaking vocals. This song, about a metal messiah with wings of steel who saves mankind from the eternal suffering of death, is all-out power and speed. Next time you feel a muscle cramp coming on, just call out for the “Painkiller.”

Metallica, ‘Motorbreath’ Really anything from Metallica’s first three albums is going to give you an insane workout, but I personally have always like this shorter gem from the band’s earliest days. It’s got the faster-than-light guitars of James Hetfield and Kirk Hammett (and even faster solos), the double-time drums and the anthemic vocals all adding to the intensity. Play this song on your next trip to the treadmill, and set that thing to “extreme.”

Pantera, ‘Strength Beyond Strength’ This song is perfect for doing reps or lifting weights. Pantera is known for their extreme metal, and their 1994 album, Far Beyond Driven, finds them at their most severe. This song starts fast right out of the gate before entering a surprisingly groovy fast-slow dynamic.

Amon Amarth, ‘Guardians of Asgaard’ No metal list of any kind should omit something from the icy lands of Sweden. Thus come Amon Amarth, and their so-called Viking rock. This song is not only the second Asgard reference in the Bohemian in as many weeks, it’s also a growling yet melodic tribute to the thunder gods that features ferocious duel vocals and double bass drum.

Dethklok, ‘Thunderhorse’ Don’t dismiss Dethklok just because it’s a cartoon on Adult Swim. This band is the real deal when it comes to shredding, courtesy metal aficionado-turned-animator Brendon Small and company, and this early song of theirs never fails to get the blood pumping.

Jan. 16: Gold and Rust in Novato

Singer and songwriter Lauren Shera has long been inspired by her home state of California, but she left the Golden State for the epicenter of country music, Nashville. Now an emerging star who has performed alongside the likes of Shawn Colvin and Jason Mraz, Shera’s latest album is a heartfelt farewell and ode to California. Gold and Rust is...

Jan. 16-17: WInter Hoot in Santa Rosa

It’s been frickin’ freezing out there the last few weeks, and, frankly, I’ve had enough. This weekend, I’m going to warm myself with fiery music and fierce drinks at the Winter Hoot Fest. Hosted by Josh Windmiller and the North Bay Hootenanny, who are trying to finance themselves into becoming a genuine nonprofit organization, this two-day benefit show is...

Jan. 17: Orbison Returns to Napa

Country-Western singer Wiley Ray was a big Roy Orbison fan, but he never thought of pursuing a tribute career to the famed “Pretty Woman” crooner. That was, until Wiley stunned a crowd at a karaoke bar with a rendition of Orbison’s biggest hit, and was encouraged to go the next step. Wiley brings the beautiful rockabilly and memorable country...

In Vinum Medicine?

In the narrow field of memorable winery mottos, it's tough to beat Ravenwood's "No Wimpy Wines." More entertaining is their line of translated variations on the theme, such as, "Nullum vinum flaccidum," in Latin. But my favorite was a winner of Ravenswood's annual employee T-shirt contest for harvest, 2003: "Thanks to resveratrol, Joel can work another harvest!" he joke was both...

Lighten Up

No groundbreaking scientific study or trendy rumor has yet managed to undermine the status of breakfast, "the most important meal of day," as far as we're concerned. And yet the face of the all-American breakfast is rapidly changing, as heavy, greasy pancake stacks and bacon manifestations make room for greener, lighter and more healthful meals. Versatile and ever trend-sensitive, the...

Letters to the Editor: January 14, 2015

Yes to Walmart As a long time Walmart associate who has had a successful career with the company, it's frustrating to read opinion articles written by people who don't know my company or don't have any real base of experience to speak from ("No to Walmart," Jan. 7, 2015). On behalf of my associates and our customers, I want to correct...

Community Portraits

Immerse yourself in local culture this month at Chroma Gallery in Santa Rosa with a figure art show celebrating the human form. The exhibit features the works of the Thursday Night Drawing Group, a cohort of more than 30 artists, and is on display through Jan. 29. The collection spans a variety of styles and media, including everything from two-minute...

Emission Accomplished

Seizing on his newfound power as freshly installed member of the U.S. House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, North Bay congressman Jared Huffman on Tuesday introduced the Gas Tax Replacement Act of 2015, an ambitious plan to reset the formula through which federal highway-infrastructure dollars are collected. Huffman's office reports that the linchpin of his bill would replace the two...

Next Door Neighbors

One need not have seen Lorraine Hansberry's 1959 play A Raisin in the Sun to appreciate the setup in Bruce Norris' brilliant 2012 Pulitzer- and Tony-winning comedy-drama Clybourne Park. Taking place immediately following the events of Hansberry's play, Clybourne—running through Jan. 25 at 6th Street Playhouse—is a clever, insightful, frank and frequently shocking examination of the racial divide in America....

Hard Core

There are a lot of reasons why going to the gym is tough, but for me, right at the top of that list has to be the music they play. When I'm pumping iron, I don't want a pop star singing about having fun or breaking up. I need something a little harder, a little darker. Basically, I want someone...
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