Summerfield Cinemas Is Becoming a Planet Fitness

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It’s pretty much official: One of Santa Rosa’s last indie movie theaters, Summerfield Cinemas across from Howarth Park on the east side of the city, is being replaced by a new outpost of the Planet Fitness gym chain, according to the Press Democrat. “The decision dealt a blow to a growing chorus of cinema buffs and community members who have joined in support of Summerfield Cinemas,” the paper reports.

Neighbors on nearby streets were notified a few months ago about the potential takeover, and started pushing back. They even held a protest outside the theater on Wednesday, braving this crazy heat to fight for arthouse cinema. But by the next day, Santa Rosa’s city “zoning administrator” had reportedly approved the gym-conversion permit.

The Press Democrat reports:

The approval marked another sign of the end of an era for the theater, operated for the past 14 years under the business umbrella of the Tocchini family.

“We put all our love and care into that space since 2010 and before that,” said Dan Tocchini. “It’s sad. No question about that.”

Reached Thursday afternoon, Tocchini was informed by a reporter the conversion had been approved. He had already been put on notice by the new owners of the Lakeside Shopping Center that a decision was imminent.

Tocchini said he’d yet to receive formal notice requiring the theater to close and he planned to continue operating “until we have to leave.”

More from the PD:

The Summerfield theater in its current form dates back to the 1980s, but some cinema buffs can remember watching movies there as early as the late 1960s.

About 30 people, including the theater’s manager and other cinema staffers, rallied outside Summerfield on Wednesday to drum up support ahead of the hearing. The group launched an online petition in early June that had been signed by more than 1,300 people and even purportedly reached famed Hollywood director Quentin Tarantino, who wrote that he saw the 1994 comedy “Clerks” there during a trip to the area.

Stefan said he wasn’t surprised the permit was approved but he hoped the growing opposition would make the new property owners reconsider their plans. He vowed to keep the campaign going and indicated that members are considering appealing Thursday’s decision and thinking of other ways to keep pressure on the owners.

“If the community is overwhelmingly against it, it could be putting this Planet Fitness organization into a very negative light if they choose to demolish this beloved landmark,” he said.

A new, exciting summer season at the Green Music Center

Sponsored content by the Green Music Center

This new season features indoor-outdoor concerts from popular artists including pop music sensations Colbie Caillat and Gavin DeGraw; American music icons The Beach Boys; chart-topping country artist Niko Moon; Reggae/Pop legends UB40; and singer and songwriter; businesswoman, author, television celebrity, and two-time Latin Grammy Award winner, Chiquis. Concerts take place in Weill Hall with seating both in the hall and on the outdoor grass and terraces of Weill Lawn. Lawn tickets for most performances are $30 (kids 12 and under are half off).

Making its return to Summer at the Green is Global Roots Sonoma, a world music festival that connects Sonoma County to the globe. Global Roots Sonoma features multiple stages, food trucks, family activities, and artist workshops. This year’s lineup includes performances by Lila Downs, Dakhabraka, Caña Dulce y Caña Brava, Canzoniere Grecanico Salentino, Sam Reider & Jorge Glem and more.

Summer at the Green will also host two summer arts festivals this summer. Festival del Sole returns to the Green with international stars including violinist Viktoria Mullova, cellist Nina Kotova, pianist Olga Kern, violinist Pinchas Zukerman and the Zukerman Trio, Tenor Joseph Calleja, as well as a screening of the film performance of Sibylle Szaggars Redford’s The Way of the Rain: Hope for Earth featuring Robert Redford, who will be present for the screening. PianoSonoma’s chamber music festival will include performances by pianoSonoma’s artists in residence led by acclaimed pianist Peter Dugan.

View the full Summer at the Green lineup, and buy tickets at GMC.Sonoma.edu.


July 4 fireworks
Back with a bang. Photo by @brennanspark-201

4th of July Fireworks Spectacular

Santa Rosa Symphony
Transcendence Theatre Company
Thursday, July 4 at 7:30pm
Tickets $40-75

The biggest fireworks display in Sonoma County returns with a bang! This family-friendly celebration featuring Sonoma County’s own Transcendence Theatre Company and Santa Rosa Symphony in an evening of show tunes and patriotic classics, followed by a spectacular post-concert fireworks show! 

Supported in part by Exchange Bank and Sonoma-Cutrer Vineyards


UB40 Red Wine Tour logo
UB40 is turning 45.

UB40 Red Red Wine Tour with special guest Inner Circle

Sunday, July 28 at 7 p.m.
Tickets $40–$75

UB40 is one of the most successful and influential British groups of all time, with more than 100 million albums sold, and more than 50 charting singles in the UK, including their trademark global #1 hits “Red Red Wine” and “(I Can’t Help) Falling in Love With You”; and U.S. Top 10s “Here I Am (Come and Take Me)” and “The Way You Do The Things You Do.” The reggae/pop legends set the stage for their highly anticipated 45th Anniversary celebrations this year.

Supported in part by Balletto Vineyards and Oliver’s Market.


Summer at the Green 2024 logo
The 2024 summer concert season has something for everyone.

Colbie Caillat & Gavin Degraw

Friday, August 9 at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets $40–$75

Grammy Award-nominated multi-platinum singer and songwriter Gavin DeGraw’s inimitable voice and soulful style boldly bloomed on his platinum-certified full-length debut, Chariot. It included the gold single “Follow Through,” as well as both platinum hits, “Chariot,” and “I Don’t Want To Be.” 

Colbie Caillat is a 2X Grammy Award-winning, 5X Grammy Award-nominated singer/songwriter whose catalog has amassed over 15 billion global streams. Her debut album Coco hit #5 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums chart and is certified 3X Platinum, while her Platinum-selling follow-up album Breakthrough landed at #1 on the Billboard album chart.

Supported in part by The Press Democrat and Willow Creek Wealth Management.


The Beach Boys logo
The Beach Boys are one of the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful bands of all time.

The Beach Boys

Wednesday, August 28 at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets $30–$110

For more than six decades, The Beach Boys’ music has been an indelible part of American history. Their brilliant harmonies conveyed simple truths through sophisticated, pioneering musical arrangements. The Beach Boys transcended their music and have come to represent Californian culture. They provided fans around the world with a passport to experience love, youthful exuberance, and surf culture. The Beach Boys are one of the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful bands of all time, with over 100 million records sold worldwide.

The Beach Boys are led by lead singer and critically acclaimed chief lyricist Mike Love, who, along with longtime member Bruce Johnston, musical director Brian Eichenberger, Christian Love, Tim Bonhomme, Jon Bolton, Keith Hubacher, Randy Leago and John Wedemeyer continue the legacy of the iconic band.

Supported in part by Redwood Credit Union and Sonoma-Cutrer Vineyards.


Whitney Houston
An official and authorized symphonic celebration of the works of Whitney Houston.

The Voice of Whitney
A Symphonic Celebration

Sat, Sep 7 at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets $35–$115

The Voice of Whitney: A Symphonic Celebration is an original tribute concert celebrating the “most awarded female artist of all time” (Guinness World Records), Whitney Houston. This dynamic production celebrates the singer’s astounding musical legacy with new, original orchestrations of her sweeping catalog performed live. From her legendary Super Bowl XXV performance of “The Star Spangled Banner” to timeless hits “I Wanna Dance With Somebody,” “Higher Love,” “I Will Always Love You,” and “How Will I Know,” among many others, audiences will be immersed in the world of Whitney as the evening weaves through her iconic songbook, film performances, intimate home videos, and rare never-before-seen photos and footage.

This official and authorized production is a collaboration between Pat Houston and the Estate of Whitney Houston, Park Avenue Artists, and Primary Wave Music. For the first time ever, the performance will showcase the original master recordings of Houston’s voice.


Movies at the Green

Supported in part by Sonoma State University Involvement and Sonoma State Alumni Association

Brought to you by Bank of America

Lawn tickets only $5 per person | 12 and under free

Finding Nemo & Finding Dory—Sat, July 6 at 5 p.m. | 6:45 p.m.

Barbie—Sat, July 20 at 5 p.m.

Guardians of the Galaxy—Sun, August 11 at 5 p.m.

IF—Sat, September 28 at 5 p.m.

View the full listing of performances including UB40, Colbie Caillat and Gavin DeGraw and more at GMC.Sonoma.edu or call 707.664.4246.

green music center

About the Green Music Center

Nestled in the foothills of Northern California’s esteemed Wine Country, the Green Music Center (GMC) at Sonoma State University is a focal point for arts in the region. It is comprised of the spectacular 1,400-seat Weill Hall, an acoustically exceptional venue with a modular rear wall that opens to terraced lawn seating, providing picturesque views of the surrounding countryside, and the 240-seat Schroeder Hall, a cathedral-like recital hall designed specifically to accentuate instruments, organ and voice in a small, intimate setting. The Green Music Center presents year-round programming of top classical, contemporary, jazz, and world music artists and is home to the Santa Rosa Symphony.

View a complete listing of the Green Music Center’s upcoming events at GMC.Sonoma.edu.

Weill Hall | Schroeder Hall

Green Music Center | Sonoma State University
1801 East Cotati Ave, Rohnert Park, CA 94928

‘The Prom’ is held in Sonoma

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Pop quiz: When the press calls you a narcissist, causing your new Broadway show to close on opening night, and you need to find a do-good thing to save your career, should you: a) build houses with Habitat for Humanity, b) end world hunger, or c) “help” a lesbian high-schooler in Indiana go to prom?

If you are Broadway diva Dee Dee Allen (Daniela Innocenti Beem), fading star Barry Glickman (Tim Setzer), chorus girl Angie Dickenson (Chelsea Smith) and Julliard-trained ex-sitcom star turned waiter Trent Oliver (Jeremy Berrick), there’s only one answer. Hitch a ride with a touring production of Godspell (non-equity, of course), as you’ve got a PTA meeting to crash!

Based loosely on the real incident where a small-town PTA canceled prom rather than allow same-sex dates, The Prom (music & lyrics by Chad Beguelin, book by Bob Martin, music by Matthew Skylar, directed/choreographed by Jonathen Blue and music direction by Dr. Christina Howell), now playing at Sonoma Arts Live through July 28, is a chaotic trainwreck of funny silliness with a surprisingly non-schmaltzy heart that’s impossible not to smile at.

Sure, on opening night, there were a few foibles, such as inconsistent sound levels and some sloppiness in the large production numbers. Every time the lights in the house went up or down, the audience was blinded, and there was a disconcerting moment when the cast sang behind the audience, which was overwhelming in that space. But the cast seemed to be having so much fun that those things didn’t matter much.

Beem’s Allen was spot-on, and it was oddly logical for Smith’s Angie to be wearing a Roxy Hart costume offstage. Julia Holsworth’s PTA president, Mrs. Greene, was surprisingly nuanced, and Emma Sutherland’s Kaylee’s overt confidence was compelling. However, the standouts of this show were Hannah Passanisi’s Emma (the aforementioned high schooler) and Setzer’s Barry.

Passanisi plays Emma with a grounded stability and quiet dignity that allows her to avoid any of the angsty pitfalls the script could easily fall into.

Setzer’s Barry could have been just a stereotype. However, the truthfulness of the pain Setzer displays when Barry’s emotional scars start to show and the honesty of his performance lends his big fabulousness a poignancy that keeps it from becoming kitschy.

If you’re looking for a fun night with big songs, big laughs and big egos, order a corsage and call a limo—you’re going to The Prom.

Sonoma Arts Live presents ‘The Prom’ through July 28 on the Rotary Stage at Andrews Hall in the Sonoma Community Center, 276 E. Napa St., Sonoma. Thurs – Sat, 7:30pm; Sun, 2pm. $25 – $42. 707-484-4874. sonomaartslive.org.

Califerno: Report Reveals What Extreme Heat Costs the State

A blistering California heat wave through the Fourth of July holiday could be topped off by the hottest temperature ever recorded on Earth.

That kind of extreme heat has led to more deaths than wildfires and cost billions of dollars over a decade, according to the state insurance department.

Following through on a mandate from 2022, a new report from the department looked at seven extreme heat events in the state from 2013 to 2022 and found they took the lives of several hundred Californians.

The events also had a total economic impact of $7.7 billion in the form of lost wages and productivity, agricultural and manufacturing disruptions, power outages, infrastructure damage and more.

California’s top 20 deadliest wildfires, dating back to 1933, killed a total of 312 people, according to Cal Fire. The death toll from the extreme heat events identified by the Insurance Department was higher—estimated at nearly 460 in a first-of-its-kind report the department released recently. And it is likely that the toll was actually greater, at nearly 4,000 in a decade, a 2019 Los Angeles Times analysis showed.

Michael Mendez, an assistant professor of environmental planning and policy at UC Irvine and author of Climate Change from the Streets, agreed that the toll is most likely higher, because extreme heat’s effects can be hard to designate and quantify.

“It’s really important to understand that heat is a silent killer,” Mendez said. Yet extreme heat “requires the same amount of speed in action that large disasters get, such as wildfires,” he added.

One of the main goals of the report is to provide data that can help inform and lead to action by policymakers, governments, businesses and the insurance industry.

There is little to no insurance coverage available for some effects and costs of extreme heat, such as lost wages for workers, power outages for residents and businesses, and damage to railways, according to the report.

Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara and the department are under pressure to tackle the insurance availability and affordability issues that have plagued the state because some insurers have stopped renewing or writing new homeowner policies here, citing wildfire risk as a big factor.

The report also follows years of warnings about extreme heat and other effects of climate change by other state entities, such as the Legislative Analyst’s Office, and lawmakers’ efforts to address them.

The 92-page report, which assesses the insured and uninsured costs of heat and recommends quick action and changes, was mandated by a bill Lara sponsored that was signed into law in 2022, whose main goal was to establish an extreme heat ranking system. That system, CalHeatScore, is being developed now by the state Environmental Protection Agency with help from other state agencies, and is set to roll out next year.

The effects of extreme heat are disproportionately borne by low-income communities, older adults and outdoor workers, the report also found.

Black, Native American and Hispanic Californians had the highest rates of deaths, respectively, compared with Asian and white California residents, during the events examined by the report. That’s why the report’s authors—the Insurance Department, with input from the state’s Climate Insurance Working Group, and a consultant it hired to produce the report—call for equity when thinking about extreme heat policies and programs by considering the needs of vulnerable populations, including elderly people living alone, and outdoor and indoor workers.

Besides the hundreds of deaths, the report showed that extreme heat resulted in more than 5,000 hospitalizations, almost 10,600 emergency department visits, more than 138,000 outpatient visits and nearly 344 adverse birth outcomes.

Kathy Baughman McLeod is chief executive of Climate Resilience for All, a global non-governmental organization dedicated to addressing extreme heat for vulnerable communities. She is part of the working group, and said the data from this new report could be used to help with the “normalization of insurance products related to heat.”

“We could use this data to create forecast-based insurance products that pay out when the forecast for the heat wave comes,” she said.

Baughman McLeod would know—she has worked with insurers on creating new insurance products, such as insurance that helps replace women’s income in India when they’re unable to work on extremely hot days because the products they sell might spoil or their work hours are reduced. She also helped create insurance for coral reefs in Mexico.

Meanwhile, the effects of extreme heat on health and life insurance are not known yet. Adrita Bhattacharya-Craven, director of health and demography at global insurance think tank The Geneva Association, said the Insurance Department’s findings align with some of her organization’s findings on health, climate and insurance, especially the disproportionate effects on the elderly and vulnerable populations. She said there is hardly any climate-sensitive data on mortality or morbidity when processing insurance claims, except for deaths from wildfires or possibly extreme heat.

“For example, a medical professional is likely to report a stroke as just a stroke, without specifying that it was induced by prolonged heat exposure,” Bhattacharya-Craven said. “There are no tools to consistently capture such information right now… In the long run, we need to map vulnerability with more granularity.”

The report also recommends the planting of more trees, which could help provide shade, help health outcomes, reduce energy needs and more. It also calls for cooling systems for dairy cows—important because California is the largest dairy producer in the nation.

A few of the recommendations are already happening in some fashion. The state’s Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board recently approved a rule requiring employers to reduce the risk of extreme heat for warehouse, restaurant and other workers. After a long delay, it’s set to take effect in August. Recently, the federal OSHA proposed a rule, years in the making, that tells employers how they should protect indoor and outdoor workers from heat when temperatures reach two thresholds: 80 degrees and 90 degrees.

As extreme heat events become more common, Baughman McLeod said the report’s findings are just a first step. She explained that the systems around addressing extreme heat aren’t adequate, but that the findings from the report should lead policymakers and others to act with urgency.

“We can’t do this quickly enough,” she said, adding that “the world is watching what California does.”

Rock Out with Kristen Tanner

Last week, I interviewed the local rock band Echolyptus. I continue this rock series this week with the Santa Rosa Mineral and Gems Society. Founded in ’76, the bicentennial year, this society’s open membership currently includes over 100 dues paying rockhounds. I spoke with gem fancier and membership chair Kristen Tanner about the local rock scene.

CH: By way of opening remarks, what can you say about our geology?

KT: I think it is fascinating that we have so many types of rock in this area and California

because we are on all of these fault zones. Correspondingly, all of these little mountains around

us have markedly different sediments—obsidian, chert and jaspers. There is agate beach and

moonstone beach, and jade beaches. You can even find fossils! We organize field trips to private land to surface collect or mine them with simple hand tools.

CH: An upshot to earthquakes, I guess!

KT: Yes. And it is the volcanic deposits in this area that are part of what makes our local soil so rich for gardening and cultivation.

CH: In addition to periodic field trips, you also have a monthly meeting?

KT: Yes, it is the first Wednesday at seven o’clock at Franklin Park. We generally have society

business and refreshments, a speaker, a lottery for rock specimens and rock equipment, and

member suiseki—which is the Japanese art of displaying rocks. Our recent speakers have included an expert in local jades, an expert in volcanics, and one on gold prospecting and gold

mining.

CH: Sounds rockin’. You’re at Franklin Park because you are currently between clubhouses?

KT: Yes. We lost our shop at the end of ’23. It contained rock saws, trim saws, grinders,

polishers—everything needed to take a rough rock and polish it into a gemstone. I myself like

to purchase rough rocks—Montana agates, Mexican agates, opals and turquoise—and make cabochons.

We also have tools for fitting gems into jewelry, including metal smithing and metal casting equipment. We also teach classes on how to use this equipment. It’s all in storage right now. We are a nonprofit, so we are currently looking for an old workshop or funky warehouse of 1 to 2 thousand square feet at below market rate for a long-term lease.

The Santa Rosa Mineral and Gems Society is looking for a new home. One can also help by attending their annual fundraising 47th Annual Gem & Mineral Show on Oct. 19 and 20 at the Santa Rosa Veterans Memorial Building, 1351 Maple Ave., Santa Rosa. More info at srmgs.org/gemshow.php.

Never Too Late — To Dine

Wher to Eat Late in Sonoma & Napa Counties

Three years ago, a Reddit user going by “EextraNasty” posted this question on the “r/santarosa” subreddit: “Why does everything close at 9pm?”

They went on to lament a perceived dearth of “late night food options around town that aren’t chains, drive throughs [sic] or food trucks” and a litany of other misgivings (the city’s size and relative lack of offerings compared to other similarly-sized cities, breweries that prematurely close at 9pm) and concluded with a trifecta of queries that surely underscore the frustrations of many locals: “Is it just me? Are there some secret spots that aren’t well known? What gives?”

The answers are No, Yes and various factors involving Covid, the economy, staffing woes, a generational decline in alcohol consumption and probably somebody named Steve (as always).

Life-long locals may recall the heyday of independently owned diners and cafes in the ’80s and ’90s that served espresso up until and often past midnight, like Santa Rosa’s erstwhile Cafe This and Christine’s Cafe, or for more exotic fare, the truck stop-adjacent Zoya’s 24-Hour Café, which served borscht from dusk till dawn in Petaluma. Sure, such places were the domain of swing-shift workers, beatniks and vampires, but who else would one wanna hang with?

Meanwhile, Wine Country is mounting a late night comeback, EextraNasty. Here’s a partial listing of where we stand, heading northerly from the storage facility that replaced Zoya’s (RIP)…

Petaluma

Speakeasy
139 Petaluma Blvd. N., Suite B
Open 5 to 10pm, Sun and Thurs; 5pm to 12am, Fri and Sat; Brunch from 10am to 4pm, Sat and Sun

An international tapas bistro offering a variety of small plates made from local ingredients and featuring live music at its sibling spot, The Big Easy, just across the alley.
speakeasypetaluma.com

Kapu Bar
132 Keller St.
Open 4 to 10pm, Wed and Thurs; 4pm to 1am, Fri and Sat, 4 to 10pm on Sun

A tiki bar that provides Polynesian, Hawaiian and fusion dishes. The vibrant atmosphere and campy cocktails make it an excellent spot for a fun, themed evening.
kapubar.com

Sonoma

HopMonk Tavern
691 Broadway
Open 11am to 9pm (Mon – Thur, Sun), 11am to 10pm (Fri – Sat)

Like its sib location (see the Sebastopol location below), this tavern offers American dishes and beers, live music and a large outdoor beer garden.
hopmonk.com/sonoma

Napa

Bounty Hunter Wine Bar & Smokin’ BBQ
975 First St.
Open daily 11am to 8pm, Sun through Thur

11am to 9pm, Fri and Sat

This wine bar and BBQ spot offers a variety of smoked meats, including beef brisket, pulled pork and their signature beer can chicken. The restaurant features an old-West theme and an extensive wine list, with over 40 wines by the glass, as well as tasting flights and artisan beers.
bountyhunterwinebar.com

Tarla Mediterranean Grill
1480 First St.
11am to 9:30pm, Sun through Thu; 11am to 10pm, Fri and Sat

Serving a sophisticated menu of Greek and Turkish fusion cuisine. The restaurant is perfect for enjoying cocktails and meze at the bar, or a full meal at one of their intimate tables. Their dishes are designed to satisfy discerning palates with a refreshing change of cuisine.
tarlagrill.com

Rohnert Park

Simmer Claw Bar
595 Rohnert Park Expressway
Open daily 11am to 10pm

“Where East Meets West: Viet-Cajun Seafood Delights”—SCB is known for its Vietnamese-Cajun fusion cuisine, which features seafood boils, crawfish, crab legs, or, from the family menu, “The Whole Shabang!” which includes 2lbs of crawfish, 1lb of clams, 2lbs of shrimp, 1lb of mussels, plus potatoes, corn and sausage. simmerclawbar.com

Bistro 101

288 Golf Course Drive W.
Daily 7am to 12am

Located at Graton Casino, this late-night diner offers sandwiches and burgers as well as steak frites, braised short ribs and sauteed Pacific salmon. Pro tip: The house always wins. gratonresortcasino.com

Sebastopol

HopMonk Tavern
230 Petaluma Ave.
Open 11am to 9pm, Mon through Thur, and Sun; 11am to 10pm, Fri and Sat

The original HopMonk location features a rustic setting with a large outdoor beer garden and live music. A variety of American dishes and an extensive beer selection are featured on the menu.
hopmonk.com/sebastopol

Santa Rosa

Jackson’s Bar and Oven

135 Fourth St.

11:30am to 9pm, Sun through Thur; 11:30am to 10pm, Fri – Sat

This “bar and oven” (as opposed to the usual “grill”) provides comfort food with a sophisticated twist (brick chicken, anyone?), using seasonal ingredients to craft their dishes.

jacksonsbarandoven.com

Belly Left Coast Kitchen & Taproom

523 Fourth St.

Open 11am to 10:30pm, Mon through Thur; 11:30am to 11pm, Fri and Sat; 10am to 9:30pm, Sun

Offering a variety of modern American dishes, including both large entrees and small plates that are ideal for sharing. They are known for their extensive beer selection and a welcoming atmosphere for casual dining. Note: The kitchen closes at 9:30pm throughout the week and 8:30pm on weekend nights.

bellyleftcoastkitchenandtaproom.com

Russian River Brewing
725 Fourth St.
Open daily 11am to 10pm

Known for beers like Pliny the Elder, this brewery offers a limited menu of pizza bites, appetizers and sandos. RRB is the go-to spot for beer enthusiasts. (Last call for food is 9pm. Also check out the 700 Mitchell La., Windsor, location for a more extensive menu but slightly earlier last call for food time—8:30pm.)
russianriverbrewing.com

The Goose & Fern

116 5th St.

11:30am to 11pm, Fri and Sat; 11:30am to 10pm, Sun

The Goose & Fern is a cozy British pub where one can tuck into a cracking plate of fish and chips whilst sampling a top-notch range of pints. The pub’s laid-back vibe makes it the perfect spot for a good natter over some smashing grub and drinks.

thegooseandfern.squarespace.com

Haku Sushi

518 7th St.

Open daily 10am to 12am

Haku Sushi offers meticulously crafted sushi rolls boasting names like “Bazinga!” and “Twilight Zone,” as well as bento boxes and other Japanese dishes. Pro tip: The owners have another restaurant nearby—Han Bul Korean BBQ—with similar hours.

haku-sushi.restaurant-info.us

Healdsburg

Lo and Behold Bar + Kitchen
214 Healdsburg Ave.
11:30am to 12am, Thur through Mon

Serves global comfort food and crafted cocktails in a cozy and welcoming setting. There is a lush garden patio, a cozy lounge and a lively bar area. Sometimes, one just needs confit beef brisket tacos (FYI, the kitchen closes at 10 pm).
loandbeholdca.com

Celebrating the Sebastiani Theatre at 90

On April 7, Sonoma’s revered Sebastiani Theater “officially” turned 90 years old, and the ole gem on the Square has never looked better.

Following a birthday celebration on that day to commemorate the first movie shown there (it was Fugitive Lovers starring Robert Montgomery, and the admission price was 30 cents), the celebration continues throughout the year with a varied array of films, concerts and other planned excitement, including some fundraising for some much-needed upgrades,

Theater manager Roger Rhoten became involved with the Sebastiani in or around 1986, before taking it over alongside his wife, Diana, in 1991. Rhoten says the 90-year anniversary is “a real milestone, and just thinking of all the wonderful things that have taken place in this theater over the years is pretty amazing.”

As locals know, the Sebastiani has always been primarily a movie theater that also did the off live performance. Rhoten says while the theater had always done things that way in the past, “maybe it was 80% film and 20% concerts or live performances and now, over the last five years or so, that’s really flipped over to the opposite,” with more live performances than films.

While the dark cloud that hangs over movie theaters has only worsened over the past few years (Sonoma’s only other movie theater, Prime Cinemas, had its final curtain in April of 2023), Rhoten says he feels fortunate that “we have a great community that supports us in whatever we do.” He adds, “We’re lucky to have the sort of space we have with a stage and lights where we can do more live events and programs.”

Jocelyn Vick, president of the Sebastiani Theatre Foundation board, says while the theater is beautiful as is, some much needed upgrades are on the horizon. According to Vick, first up are some major ADA improvements that have been allowed to slide due to the historical significance of the theater but are well overdue. “There’s technically eight levels to the theater from the stage, and all of those need better accessibility and ramps,” she says, adding that there needs to be better seating as well as easier bathroom access for all patrons.

Another need for the theater is the ability to sell beer and wine. Vick notes that venues must sell food besides candy and popcorn in order to get a beer and wine license. And to do that, a kitchen and a three-hole sink is needed. “If you’ve ever taken a tour of the theater, you know how limited space is,” Vick says. “I always say that the dressing rooms are so small you have to go outside to change,” she adds with a laugh.

Another issue is that distributors and companies that provide first-run feature films require a theater to show said film all weekend long. If the Sebastiani has a live event, they won’t be able to secure the film, so a second screen is needed. However, Rhoten says that the planned addition won’t affect the larger main theater. “We’re looking to add a second screen in the back, so that way, if we get a first-run film, we can just move it there if there’s another event,” he explains.

On the positive side, the Sebastiani’s partnership with the Sonoma International Film Festival has recently resulted in brand-new seat cushions for the theater, which were donated by the fest.

The theater has always prided itself on being a community center, with the upcoming schedule being an excellent example of that.

This summer, a variety of attractions for young, old and everyone in between are booked at the theater. Weekdays, through July 20, the annual Performing Youth Arts Camp is being held. Attendees are focusing on acting, Shakespeare, all kinds of dancing, juggling, puppetry, arts & crafts, costume creation, storytelling… The list is a long one.

Vick feels a particular affection towards the performing arts aspect of the Sebastiani. It was an annual performance of Witchy-Poo at the theater that introduced her daughter to tap dancing, igniting a passion for dance that continues to this day. That excitement and connection also caused Vick to invest personal time and energy into the theater.

“I got involved because my daughter was so excited, and it launched a whole love of dance,” Vick effuses. “Kids who started at Witchy-Poo are on Broadway now.” This includes Ellen Toscano, aka “The Singing Auctioneer,” who gave back to the Sebastiani, where she got her start as the auctioneer at the 90th anniversary event.

In the upcoming months, adults will also have their choice of entertainment. The Sebastiani is hosting two candlelight concerts in July. Vivaldi’s Four Seasons takes place Thursday, July 18 at 6:30pm, before giving way to an evening devoted to the songs of Coldplay at 9:30.

Later in the summer and into the fall, one can catch such diverse acts as the Valley of the Moon music festival (family friendly and free, Sunday, July 28); Celeste Mancenelli’s one woman show, Crying on the Camino (Saturday, Aug. 10); multi-platinum spoken word/poet/musician Mary Lambert (Aug. 17); and local Pink Floyd cover band Pete Floyd (Friday, Sept. 20), just to highlight a few.

When asked what they would like to see upon looking ahead to the big 100 for the theater, both Vick and Rhoten comically suggest being excited if they can just be there. Adds Rhoten, “This is just a great community gathering place, and the community comes together for all sorts of fun and entertainment. I’d like to see that continue.”

Vick echoes that sentiment, saying, “I’m excited for the community involvement and to keep bringing things to Sonoma for families and the community to enjoy and to be inspired by.”

The Sebastiani has endured many changes over the years, and many more are on the horizon. A functioning non-profit, they accept donations at any time. They also offer several options for their “Movie Lover’s Club” as another means of support.

Visit them online at sebastianitheatre.com.

Making Change: Denominations of choice

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It has been a long time since Americans got out of our election system, what we need to preserve our democracy and set the country up for success. As it is presently designed, the system lacks the three essential features that sustain any healthy organization: innovation, accountability and competition.

Other than that, shit is working just great, thank you very much.

The first thing we need to do is restructure how people are elected to the House and Senate, two legislative bodies also known as the Most Expensive Clown Shows in the World. What we have learned is that it is impossible to govern effectively when there is only one thread of ideas that voters in the primary elections agree on: “Whatever you do, do not work with the ‘other side.’ Do not work to reach consensus.”

Do not work with “them.” Do not negotiate. Do not deal effectively with complex trade-offs involving our country’s and the world’s supremely complicated problems. In other words, do not do the job that taxpayers deserve. But we’ll pay you anyway, not to do your job out of our pockets through the tax system. And we’ll cover your health care and all costs related to not doing your job.”

Wow, what a deal it would be to have that kind of… er… job! In contrast, I have never held a position in a for-profit company or nonprofit organization where I was paid on purpose not to do the job I was hired to do.

Most people agree that choice is good, and the more choices, the better. Choice works in cereals and running shoes but doesn’t seem to exist in elective offices. In this country and across the globe, Americans have been champions of a free market economy and full representative democracy. The benefits of this twin system program have been widespread, with some exceptions, due to how well these ideas complement each other.

One-half of the twins, the free market system, continues to contribute results, innovation and accountability. Restaurants that suck go out of business and are replaced. Bad products disappear quickly. Bad leaders and managers also disappear, for the most part. We get all those online and text-based surveys because businesses know that the price of a shit reputation resulting from poor performance is that the business dies, sure as hell.

Not so in politics. In the next clever installment, we will explore ways to clean up the mess and rebuild democracy.

Craig Corsini lives and writes in San Rafael.

Free Will Astrology, July 17

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ARIES (March 21-April 19): Have you ever been given a Starbucks gift card but then neglected to use it? Many people fail to cash in such freebies. Believe it or not, there are also folks who buy lottery tickets that turn out to have the winning number—but they never actually claim their rewards. Don’t be like them in the coming weeks, Aries. Be aggressive about cashing in on the offers you receive, even subtle and shy offers. Don’t let invitations and opportunities go to waste. Be alert for good luck, and seize it.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): The coming weeks will be a favorable time to enhance your relationship with food. In every way you can imagine, be smart and discerning as you plan and eat your meals. Here are ideas to ponder: 1. Do you know exactly which foods are best for your unique body? 2. Are you sufficiently relaxed and emotionally present when you eat? 3. Could you upgrade your willpower to ensure you joyfully gravitate toward what’s healthiest? 4. Do you have any bad habits you could outgrow? 5. Is your approach to eating affected by problematic emotions that you could heal? 6. Are you willing to try improving things incrementally without insisting on being perfect?

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Hybridization could be a fun theme for you in the coming weeks. You’re likely to align yourself with cosmic rhythms if you explore the joys and challenges of creating amalgamations, medleys and mash-ups. Your spirit creatures will be the liger, which is a cross between a lion and a tiger, and a mule, a cross between a horse and a donkey. But please note that your spirit creatures will not be impossible hybrids like a giroose (a cross between a giraffe and a moose) or a coyadger (a cross between a coyote and a badger). It’s good to be experimental and audacious in your mixing and matching, but not lunatic delusional.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): In 1986, Cancerian singer-songwriter George Michael released his song, “A Different Corner.” It was a big hit. Never before in British pop music had an artist done what Michael accomplished: wrote, sang, arranged and produced the tune, and played all the instruments. I foresee the possibility of a similar proficiency in your near future, Cancerian—if you want it. Maybe you would prefer to collaborate with others in your big projects, but if you choose, you could perform minor miracles all by yourself.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): In the Biblical allegory of Noah and the Ark, God warns Noah about an impending flood and commands him to build a giant lifeboat to save living things from extinction. Noah obeys. When the heavy rains come, he, his family and many creatures board the boat to weather the storm. After 40 days and nights of inundation, they are all safe but stranded in a newly created sea. Hoping for a sign of where they might seek sanctuary, Noah sends out a dove to reconnoiter for dry land. But it returns with no clues. A week later, Noah dispatches a second dove. It returns with an olive leaf, showing that the Earth is drying out and land is nearby. Dear Leo, your adventure isn’t as dire and dramatic as Noah’s, but I’m happy to tell you it’s time for you to do the equivalent of sending two doves out to explore.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): According to an ancient Chinese proverb, “An ant on the move does more than a dozing ox.” I will add a corollary: An ant may be able to accomplish feats an ox can’t. For instance, I have observed an ant carrying a potato chip back to its nest, and I doubt that an ox could tote a potato chip without mangling it. Anyway, Virgo, this is my way of telling you that if you must choose between your inspiration being an ant or an ox in the coming days, choose the ant. Be meticulous, persistent and industrious rather than big, strong and rugged.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): “If it sounds too good to be true, it always is,” said stage magician Ricky Jay. I only partially agree with him. While I think it’s usually wise to use his formula as a fundamental principle, I suspect it won’t entirely apply to you in the coming weeks. At least one thing and possibly as many as three may sound too good to be true—but will in fact be true. So if you’re tempted to be hyper-skeptical, tamp down that attitude a bit. Open yourself to the possibilities of amazing grace and minor miracles.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): What is the largest thing ever sold in human history? It was a 530-million-acre chunk of land in North America. In 1803, the French government sold it to the American government for $15 million. It stretched from what’s now Louisiana to Montana. Here’s the twist to the story: The land peddled by France and acquired by the U.S. actually belonged to the Indigenous people who had lived there for many generations. The two nations pretended they had the right to make the transaction. I bring this to your attention, Scorpio, because the coming weeks will be an excellent time for you to make a big, important purchase or sale—as long as you have the authentic rights to do so. Make sure there are no hidden agendas or strings attached. Be thorough in your vetting.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): An antiques dealer named Laura Young bought a marble bust of a distinguished man at a thrift store in Austin, Texas. Later, she discovered that it was over 2,000 years old and worth far more than the $35 she had paid for it. It depicted a Roman military leader named Drusus the Elder. I foresee similar themes unfolding in your life, Sagittarius. Possible variations: 1. You come into possession of something that’s more valuable than it initially appears. 2. You connect with an influence that’s weightier than it initially appears. 3. A lucky accident unfolds, bringing unexpected goodies. 4. A seemingly ordinary thing turns out to be an interesting thing in disguise.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): My childhood friend Jeanine used to say, “The best proof of friendship is when someone gives you half their candy bar. The best proof of fantastic friendship is when they give you even more than half.” And then she would hand me more than half of her Snickers bar, Milky Way or Butterfinger. In accordance with astrological omens, I invite you to give away at least half your candy to those you care for in the coming days. It’s a phase of your astrological cycle when you will benefit from offering extra special affection and rewards to the allies who provide you with so much love and support.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): If you’re a teacher, it’s a favorable time to enjoy a stint as a student—and vice versa. If you’re a healthcare worker trained in Western medicine, it’s an excellent phase to explore alternative healing practices. If you’re a scientist, I suggest you read some holy and outrageous poetry, and if you’re a sensitive, introverted mystic, get better informed about messy political issues. In other words, dear Aquarius, open a channel to parts of reality you normally ignore or neglect. Fill in the gaps in your education. Seek out surprise and awakening.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Jane Brunette, a writer I admire, uses the made-up word “plurk” to refer to her favorite activity: a blend of play and work. I have always aspired to make that my core approach, too. I play at my work and work at my play. As much as possible, I have fun while I’m doing the labor-intensive tasks that earn me a living and fulfill my creative urges. And I invoke a disciplined, diligent attitude as I pursue the tasks and projects that bring me pleasure and amusement. I highly recommend you expand and refine your own ability as a plurker in the coming weeks, Pisces. (Jane Brunette is here: flamingseed.com.)

Rivertown Revival After Dark & More

Petaluma

Rivertown Nights

Friends of the Petaluma River presents Rivertown Revival: After Dark!, 5 to 10pm, Friday, July 19 and Saturday, July 20, at Steamer Landing Park, 6 Copeland St., Petaluma. This reimagined evening festival promises a (literally) cooler experience amidst Petaluma’s warm summer, featuring music, food, drinks, local art, acrobatics and $5 weddings (some may recognize at least one officiant as the Bohemian and Pacific Sun editor). Friday’s lineup includes Wreckless Strangers, The Sam Chase & The Untraditional, Tru Lyric, Abracadabra Trip, Sierra Camille, and Bourbon Street Brass Band. Saturday’s Rivertown Revue showcases Sean Hayes, Pete Delaney, Jessica Malone, LaiddBackZach, Josh Windmiller, Aki Kumar, Simoné & The Smokey Edges and the Sonoma County Pomo Dancers. Both nights offer additional performances and chill vibes from the Abracadabra Bus. “Our goal is to create a magical evening event for our community, with the cooling Petaluma breeze enhancing the experience,” says FOPR founder Elizabeth Howland. Attendees are encouraged to bring a chair or blanket to enjoy the festivities. Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the door, or $40 for a two-day pass and available at rivertownrevival.com.

Sebastopol

‘Go Fish’ at Rialto

Celebrate the 30th anniversary of the seminal lesbian classic Go Fish at 7pm, Saturday, July 20, at Rialto Cinemas, 6868 McKinley St., Sebastopol. This special event, co-sponsored by Willows Workshop Horror Filmmaking Camp, features a brand-new 4K restoration of the film and an on-stage conversation with co-writer and star Guinevere Turner and LGBTQ film historian Jenni Olson. Go Fish, a pivotal piece of New Queer Cinema, captures the vibrant Chicago lesbian community. The film follows the romantic journey of hip Max (Turner) and crunchy Eli (V.S. Brody), aided by college professor Kia (T. Wendy McMillan), semi-closeted Evy (Migdalia Melendez) and the promiscuous Daria (Anastasia Sharp). Go Fish addresses themes from coming out to bisexuality, showcasing the unique responsibilities of queer filmmakers. Originally premiering at the 1994 Sundance Film Festival, Go Fish was made on a minimal budget over several years. Despite this, it became a landmark in LGBTQ cinema, reflecting its culture at the height of “lesbian chic.” Tickets are available at the cinema’s box office and online at rialtocinemas.com/coming-soon/go-fish-seb.

Novato

Toad Mode

Another 30th anniversary! Toad The Wet Sprocket celebrates the three decades of their platinum-selling album, Dulcinea, with a U.S. tour. Known for hits like “Fall Down” and “Something’s Always Wrong,” the album has become a cornerstone of their live performances. And they’re bringing a weekend of them to Novato’s Hopmonk Tavern at 6pm, Friday, July 19 and Saturday, July 20, as part of the Cookout Concert Series. Tickets are available online at hopmonk.com/livemusic (FYI: the Saturday show has sold out by press time). The venue is located at 224 Vintage Way, Novato. And, in case one is wondering, the band takes its name from an off-handed, surrealist remark made by Eric Idle in a Monty Python sketch.

Mill Valley

Garlin & Blue

The Rachel Garlin Band brings celebrated storytelling and songwriting to Sweetwater Music Hall on Sunday, July 21. San Francisco-based singer, songwriter, playwright and LGBTQIA+ community member, Garlin will perform selections from her discography as well as songs from a musical stage play in development, “The Ballad of Madelyne & Therese,” a tale of forbidden love between two women in 1940s New York City. Garlin has invited longtime friend Lila Blue to open the concert. Blue, a 24-year-old non-binary and queer folk musician from Brooklyn, was once Garlin’s student and is now a collaborator. Their return to the Bay Area promises an evening featuring remarkable songwriting and a celebration of the LGBTQIA+ community. Doors open at 7pm, and the show starts at 8 on Sunday, July 21, at the Sweetwater Music Hall, 19 Corte Madera Ave., Mill Valley. Tickets are $20 in advance (via sweetwatermusichall.com) and $25 at the door.

Summerfield Cinemas Is Becoming a Planet Fitness

It’s pretty much official: One of Santa Rosa’s last indie movie theaters, Summerfield Cinemas across from Howarth Park on the east side of the city, is being replaced by a new outpost of the Planet Fitness gym chain, according to the Press Democrat. “The decision dealt a blow to a growing chorus of cinema buffs and community members who have...

A new, exciting summer season at the Green Music Center

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Sponsored content by the Green Music Center This new season features indoor-outdoor concerts from popular artists including pop music sensations Colbie Caillat and Gavin DeGraw; American music icons The Beach Boys; chart-topping country artist Niko Moon; Reggae/Pop legends UB40; and singer and songwriter; businesswoman, author, television celebrity, and two-time Latin Grammy Award winner, Chiquis. Concerts take place...

‘The Prom’ is held in Sonoma

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Califerno: Report Reveals What Extreme Heat Costs the State

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Rock Out with Kristen Tanner

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Never Too Late — To Dine

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Celebrating the Sebastiani Theatre at 90

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Making Change: Denominations of choice

It has been a long time since Americans got out of our election system, what we need to preserve our democracy and set the country up for success. As it is presently designed, the system lacks the three essential features that sustain any healthy organization: innovation, accountability and competition. Other than that, shit is working just great, thank you very...

Free Will Astrology, July 17

Free Will Astrology: Week of June 26
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Have you ever been given a Starbucks gift card but then neglected to use it? Many people fail to cash in such freebies. Believe it or not, there are also folks who buy lottery tickets that turn out to have the winning number—but they never actually claim their rewards. Don’t be like them in the...

Rivertown Revival After Dark & More

Petaluma Rivertown Nights Friends of the Petaluma River presents Rivertown Revival: After Dark!, 5 to 10pm, Friday, July 19 and Saturday, July 20, at Steamer Landing Park, 6 Copeland St., Petaluma. This reimagined evening festival promises a (literally) cooler experience amidst Petaluma’s warm summer, featuring music, food, drinks, local art, acrobatics and $5 weddings (some may recognize at least one officiant...
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