Sonoma County Vine Hill Vineyard Conversion

Loopholes & Bad Apples

By Stephen J. Fuller-Rowell

Jane E. Nielson, Ph.D.

Bulldozers scraped the trees off another parcel on Highway 116 north of Sebastopol in October for another vineyard. In a letter to West County newspapers, Supervisor Efren Carrillo expressed outrage at this flouting of environmental rules and regulations. Even as Chair of Sonoma County Board of Supervisors, there was little he could do to immediately halt this recent devastation, other than calling in the District Attorney after the fact.

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OCCUPY Sonoma County Movement

OCCUPY?

Why Not?

By Bill Wadsworth

Has the gridlock in Washington and Sacramento got you wondering if our democracy is functioning? Want to witness democracy really working? Roundup your mate and kids or, if single, all your friends and head down to the Santa Rosa City Hall. The time doesn’t matter. This democracy demonstration, Occupy Santa Rosa, is happening 24/7. Take your blankets and spend the night, which I did the first night and it’s a hoot, or just go for an hour or two. There were 900 Occupy rallies around the globe on October 15 and the Santa Rosa rally was the sixth largest turnout in the nation, just under 3,000.

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State Wide Septic System Regulations Meeting

November 2^nd - Public meeting 

with State Water Resources Control Board 

AB 885 – Statewide Septic System Regulations

 In response to AB 885 (2000), the State Water Resources Control Board has finally issued a new public review draft policy for statewide regulation of Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems (OWTS, commonly referred to as septic systems). The draft policy is very different from earlier versions and better in many respects. Among other things it allows local agencies to develop their own regulatory program to address local conditions and needs. It imposes performance criteria on owners of existing OWTS within 600 feet of an “impaired” waterway, but the policy puts the Regional Water Boards, not the County, in the enforcement role for those requirements.

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OCCUPY Update: Sonoma County Persective

Marine Down in Police Attack on Occupy Oakland

By Shepherd Bliss 

Marine Scott Olsen made it through two tours in Iraq without an injury, but back home in the United States he was critically wounded by a police riot. Heavily-armed police injured Olsen and other unarmed citizens on Oct. 25 when they attacked the non-violent Occupy Oakland.

Olsen, 24, had his skull fractured by a police projectile and is experiencing traumatic brain swelling. He apparently sustained the most serious injury nationwide among occupiers and is at risk for brain damage.

Olsen’s roommate and buddy Keith Shannon, who served with him in Iraq, rushed to Highland Hospital, as did other friends. The hospital described him as being in a “serious but stable” condition. He apparently had been unable to say his surname and was sedated on a respirator. “They are waiting for a neurosurgeon to examine him to see if he needs surgery,” Shannon told the press.

“He doesn’t agree with the way the banks aren’t regulated, the way they drove the economy in the ground,” Shannon added. Olsen apparently wants people who think that they are above the law—like bankers—to be brought to justice for their crimes.

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Sonoma County Alcohol Ordinance Workshop

New standards for the sale of alcohol at bars, restaurants, and supermarkets located outside city limits are being considered by the Sonoma County Planning Commission.

PRMD staff introduced the standards and zoning ordinance amendments at a recent Commission hearing and has scheduled a workshop to discuss the changes on Tuesday, November 8th at 2 pm in the PRMD Hearing Room, 2550 Ventura Avenue, Santa Rosa.  Staff from the Department of Health Services and the Sheriff’s Office participated in drafting the proposal and will be available at the workshop.  The Planning Commission will consider the matter again at a hearing December 15.

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Mosquito tests Positive for West Nile

Adult Mosquito Sample from Western Santa Rosa 

Tests Positive for West Nile Virus 

The Marin/Sonoma Mosquito and Vector Control District (District) announced today that an adult mosquito sample from western Santa Rosa has tested positive for West Nile virus. Vector control technicians will check all known mosquito breeding sources in the area, as well as search for new sources. The District will place additional mosquito traps in surrounding areas.

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Russian River Estuary Project Receives Grant

National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Grant 

Received for Russian River Estuary Study 

The Sonoma County Water Agency (Water Agency) in cooperation with the University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) has received a $59,760.00 grant from the Board of Directors of the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (Foundation) to support research and assessment of federally listed coho salmon, steelhead and Chinook salmon in the Russian River watershed. Specifically, the grant will fund the placement of equipment to track fish implanted with passive integrated transponder tags – small electronic devices used to identify individual fish – as they enter the Russian River estuary. The work is part of a larger effort to monitor survival, growth and habitat selection as fish move through the estuary. The data gathered from the tags will help define the role of the Russian River estuary in shaping native salmonid populations.

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Red Cross Trick-or-Treat Tips

Local Red Cross Offers “Trick” to 

Safety this Halloween Follow 

the “Lucky 13” 

 Ghouls and goblins will take over the night. But even scary creatures need to be safe and celebrate Halloween right. Halloween’s greatest hazards aren’t vampires and villains, but falls, costume mishaps and automobile collisions. American Red Cross, Serving Sonoma, Mendocino & Lake Counties, is helping all families to have a safe Halloween so Red Cross by providing these tips, the “Lucky 13.”

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Sonoma County Water Quality Objectives

Public Workshops for the Proposed 

Water Quality Objectives Update Amendment

Below is the Public Notice for the workshops on the scope of the proposed Water Quality Objectives Update Amendment currently being developed by staff from the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board.  The first workshop will be held at the Regional Water Board's regularly scheduled November 3, 2011 meeting in Santa Rosa.  The second  workshop will be held on November 8, 2011 in Weaverville.

The Staff Report and proposed Basin Plan amendment language will be released in early November. Once the document is released,  a Notice of Availability announcing the opening of the public comment period for these documents will be announced.

More information on this project can be found on the North Coast Regional Water Board's website located at:http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/northcoast/ 

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Occupy Santa Rosa - First Week

Occupy Santa Rosa’s First Week 

Contrasts with Wall Street’s Moral Principle

By Shepherd Bliss

The inspiring grand opening of Occupy Santa Rosa on Oct. 15 was a great success. I was energized from the moment I saw and felt the surprisingly large crowd, which turned out to be some 3000 around City Hall.

Many aspects of that historic occasion were impressive. People were genuinely joyous to be together, as well as angry at the 1% who rule the United States, extracting their excessive wealth from the labor of the rest of us and the Earth’s natural resources. Yes, it is a class conflict, started by the 1%, which the 99% is finally mobilizing to struggle against. This has been building for a long time—locally, nationally, and internationally.

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Occupy Movement - Perspective

The Larger Purpose of the 

Occupy Wall Street Movement 

A Personal View 
by Fred Krueger 


 Last weekend I participated in the local Occupy Santa Rosa event. The turnout was impressive. In a city of 150,000 people, at least 3,000 local citizens filled the grassy area in front of City Hall and them marched to City Center before returning to City Hall. Protester signs addressed upwards of a hundred issues, including unjust home foreclosures; corporate greed over human need; the growing numbers of hungry people; the rising levels of poverty; the export of manufacturing jobs to Asia; skyrocketing college tuition; threats to the post office; government misinformation about Iraq; the malfeasance of big banks; growing inequalities in wealth; duplicity in the global financial system; corporate disinformation about global climate change; the XL Keystone pipeline from Canada; unregulated campaign contributions; the polarization of government, etc., etc.

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California Native Plants

By Louise Lacey
Thinking about the idea of growing native plants? There’s no better time than right now. And native plant nurseries have stock for sale to encourage your passion.

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South Santa Rosa gets Upgrades

Federal Recovery Act 

dollars help fund sewer upgrades, 

road improvements in South Santa Rosa 

On Monday, October 17th, construction crews began street repairs in the South Park area of Santa Rosa. The repair and repaving job is the final task in a project that included upgrading and replacing more than 6,000 feet of sewer lines and laterals.

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Aerial Photos at Petaluma Airport

Visions From Above Aerial 

Photography Exhibit at Petaluma Airport 

Visions From Above, a one day reception and sale of prints created by leading aerial photographers from around the world takes place at the Petaluma Municipal Airport, Saturday, October 29, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. This free event is sponsored by the Lagunitas Brewing Company, which is providing its renowned India Pale Ale for event attendees, by the Professional Aerial Photographers Association, the Petaluma Arts Center, Warren Percell Studios and Aerial Archives.


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Timber Harvest Workshop for Watersheds

Timber harvest workshop to present process for protecting watershed and streamlining permitting Using light-touch timber harvest practices to streamline permitting will be the subject of a free half-day workshop hosted by the Mattole Restoration Council (MRC) and Sonoma Land Trust. To be held Thursday, November 17, from 1–5 pm at the Finley Community Center (2060 West College Avenue, Santa Rosa), this workshop will present the success of MRC’s Program Timberland Environmental Impact Report (PTEIR), a process that simplifies timber harvest permitting — making it quicker, simpler and cheaper — in exchange for landowners using lower-impact practices, such as selective harvest, wider riparian buffers and old-growth protection. This workshop is designed for foresters, agencies, nonprofits, members of the general public and students.

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North Bay Organizing Project

On Sunday, October 23, from 3pm-5pm., the North Bay Organizing Project will hold it’s first-ever Public Meeting at the Santa Rosa High School Auditorium. At this meeting, more than 700 people will come together to demonstrate their collective power, celebrate accomplishments, and continue to advance action in current campaigns on issues including the local law enforcement accepting Mexican Government issued Matricular IDs and the prioritization by city and county officials and other stakeholders supporting the building of the “Community Connector” Bicycle Pedestrian Bridge over Hwy 101. 


These specific issues were targeted at NBOP’s issues assembly in February and advanced by the Immigration Task Force and the Transit Equity/Neighborhood Development Task Force. Public officials responsible for each of these issues that impact the people of Sonoma County will attend and respond to our specific strategies that will address each of these issues.

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Sonoma County Community Garden Summit

Growing Together 

Sonoma County Community Garden Summit 

Saturday, November 5th from 1 pm to 5 pm 

First United Methodist Church 1551 Montgomery Ave. Santa Rosa 

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Disability Tech Expo at Sonoma County Fairgrounds

THE SIXTH ANNUAL DSLC TECH EXPO & MORE 2011 

Featuring State of the Art Assistive Technology Sponsored by Disability Services & Legal Center October 22nd, 11am to 3pm at the Grace Pavilion, Sonoma County Fairgrounds 1350 Bennett Valley Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95404. Free admission Introducing the latest technology for seniors and people with disabilities senior citizens; health professionals; veterans; caregivers; community based agencies; businesses/employers.

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Sonoma County Resources for Living

Sonoma County offeres a wide variety of services, organizations, clubs, groups and passionate people who help our residents to sustain life in our home. The following are resources that to use to enhance your life. 

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Leadership in Sustainability celebrates community leaders

2011 Leadership in Sustainability Awards Dinner 

The “Leadership Institute for Ecology and the Economy” invites elected and appointed officials, community leaders, government and agency representatives, philanthropists, community advocates, and anyone interested in issues of sustainability to its third annual Leadership in Sustainability Awards Dinner on Saturday, November 5, 2011 at the Mary Agatha Furth Center in Windsor. The event recognizes and celebrates Sonoma County community leaders who have displayed remarkable achievements in creating socially, economically, and environmentally sustainable communities. At this year’s event, keynote speaker Jakada Imani will deliver a message highlighting the importance of advocating for and empowering underprivileged youth.

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Bicycles Around Sonoma County & Our History

Sonoma County Museum Celebrates 

Art & the History of Bicycles 

 Sonoma County Museum (SCM) presents an in-depth look at the development of the art and history of the bicycle and its relationship to Sonoma County. “Customized: The Art &  History of the Bicycle” exhibition covers over one-hundred years of the bicycle and its evolution as a human-powered vehicle. Focusing on the significance of the bicycle in northern California, the show traces regional innovations with respect to bicycle racing and mountain biking, political issues surrounding bikes and the green movement, and art bikes and other two-wheeled inventive creations.

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Dissent IS patriotic - Occupy Wall Street!

Sonoma County is coming out in support of Occupy Wall Street. Activists are taking time to occupy downtown Santa Rosa in an effort to support this world-wide movement to bring awareness to the destruction caused by greed and an imbalance in the income tax structure of our country.

The November edition of the Gazette will feature an Op-Ed by a Sonoma County resident who spends a fair amount of his time trying to bring awareness to issues that impact our lives and environment. below are photos of some of our friends who have participated in demonstrations and movements to raise awareness from political to environmental issues since the movement started back in the sixties.

THANK YOU everyone who has the time and takes the time. We have changed the world more than once through peaceful demonstrations.

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Shopping for a Good Cause in Sonoma County

I wrote this article last year at holiday shopping season but it disappeared off my web site - 

so I am re-posting it now to make sure shoppers can learn about this way to give twice. ~ Vesta 

Shopping for a Good Cause 

By Vesta Copestakes

 There are two reasons we are concentrating on good causes this holiday season – one is simply because our world is being economically challenged, so need is more rampant than in the past. And another is because it’s the time of year when people tend to look beyond their own needs toward the needs of others. That’s a good thing any time of year, but we’ll take advantage of the current generosity of spirit right now.

  Our list of readers’ favorite non-profits is a great opportunity to make a donation to a good cause and get a tax deduction in the process. For people who need to give less to the IRS and more to something they believe in, this is a good time. 


 The following is more a list than a shopping experience, but the bottom line is that you can shop, come out with things you need – even gifts for the holidays, and the money you spend goes to support a homeless shelter, food for the hungry, care for the sick – it goes on and on. Whether you know the good cause or even care which one it is, try shopping at a thrift store and come away with treasures for very little money. The only difference between shopping here and a retailer that has new goods is that these are used. It’s called recycling!!! 

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Sonoma County MEETINGS: Groups, Clubs, Cities& More

Sonoma County has a group meeting for just about anyone with any interest, mission, motivation and project. Take a look through this list to find one that sparks your interest. There are so many opportunities to engage with others for a common cause.

UPDATES? Please send any changes and updates to vesta@sonic.net by mid-month for the following month THANK YOU!  Enjoy! 

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Sonoma County Dance Theater

Dancin’ with Nancy 

SoCo Dance Theater Fall Concert with Nancy Lyons 

In their second year on the main stage of Spreckels Performing Arts Center in Rohnert Park, SoCo Dance Theater is proud to feature a collaborative work between guest artist and veteran choreographer Nancy Lyons and dancers of the company. The cast of dancers is multigenerational, ranging from 20-60 years.

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Homeless Shelter in the Russian River Area

Be Part of the SOLUTION 

River Area Shelter and Downtown (RASAD) 

Task Group Schedules 2nd Community Meeting In July, County officials sought a permanent solution to address the needs of homeless people in the lower Russian River area. In response to this call to action, the Sonoma County Community Development Commission established the River Area Shelter and Downtown (RASAD) Task Group.

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Retirement Planning in Today's Economy

The New Face of Retirement Planning 

By David M. Wasley
(In conjunction with Lincoln Financial Advisors, a registered investment advisor) 

Retirement these days just isn’t what it used to be. A generation ago, many Americans spent their golden years pursuing mostly sedentary activities like fishing or golfing. Today’s retirees are redefining this phase. Retirement now often means traveling the world, giving back to the community through volunteer work or starting a little business. But can these activities be financed with today’s escalating retirement bills?

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Bodega Bay Well Project

Bay Flat Road Well Project 

My Opinion on the Board of Supervisors Hearing 

By David Kenly

Tuesday, September 27th, the date set for the rehearing and vote regarding Bodega Bay¹s Bay Flat Road Well Project (Application PLP09-0057), has come and gone.  Why the rehearing?  Because the public had not been notified of the original hearing as the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requires, as noted by Counsel for the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors.

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Project Censored releases 2012 Sourcebook

“Most journalists in the United States believe the press here is free. That grand illusion only helps obscure the fact that, by and large, the US corporate press does not report what’s really going on, while tuning out, or laughing off, all those who try to do just that. Americans—now more than ever—need those outlets that do labor to report some truth. Project Censored is not just among the bravest, smartest, and most rigorous of those outlets, but the only one that's wholly focused on those stories that the corporate press ignores, downplays and/or distorts. This latest book is therefore a must-read for anyone who cares about this country, its tottering economy, and—most important—what’s now left of its democracy.” — Mark Crispin Miller, professor of media ecology, NYU

Censored 2012: The Sourcebook for the Media Revolution, The Top Censored Stories and Media Analysis of 2010-2011 by Mickey Huff and Project Censored. In this volume, there are 500 pages of real news you can use, plus ample analysis that eradicates civil paralysis, and antidotes to our current Truth Emergency that will strengthen societal media literacy.


Former Project director Dr. Peter Phillips kicks off this year’s work with a dynamic introduction to understanding the NATO/US/military industrial media complex matrix of managed news and propaganda. Censored 2012 also once again proudly showcases the poignant and timely cartoons of Khalil Bendib. The Top 25 Censored Stories of the past year are not only announced, but this year, they are housed in Censored News Clusters that analyze the architecture of censorship in America by looking at the topical connections of the most commonly underreported stories. We go down memory lane with PC interns in Censored Déjà vu looking at past censored stories; endure the ubiquity of Junk Food News and News Abuse with professor Adam Bessie and Abby Martin of Media Roots; and highlight solutions for our many interconnected global problems with professor Kenn Burrows and the students of San Francisco State University in hopes to provide people with positive and proactive stories of change that are at the core of the media revolution. Media Democracy in Action is something Project Censored strives to achieve and we endorse and support many organizations with the same goals. This year, we proudly feature some of the best and brightest in that vein, both veterans and new comers to the scene. 


This year’s TRUTH EMERGENCY section looks at Understanding Propaganda in Theory and Practice. Censorship, framing, and spin are all tactics that act to shape the public mind in democratic cultures. Understanding these requires context. A Brief History of Propaganda is offered by Dr. Randal Marlin and provides a solid foundation for the following chapters; professor Jacob Van Vleet writes on Mass Psychological Manipulation and the theories of Jacque Ellul; Dr. Robert Abele pulls the veil off the US Propaganda Machine; The Impending Demise of Net Neutrality is explored by Dr. Elliot D. Cohen; and Dr. Anthony Dimaggio deconstructs the Tea Party and Manufactured Dissent.


The final section of this year’s book, PROJECT CENSORED INTERNATIONAL, focuses on Human Rights and the Right to Know and introduces the collaboration between Media Freedom Foundation/Project Censored and the Fair Share of the Common Heritage, explained by Mary Lia. This section includes the Media Distortion of Nonviolent Struggles by Dr. Cynthia Boaz; journalist Ann Garrison on the US in Africa; Establishing Ghetto Palestine with journalist Jon Elmer; professor Robin Andersen looks at HBO’s Treme, and the Fractured Press Coverage of Post-Katrina New Orleans; Margaret Flowers, M.D., illustrates the Corporate Control of the Message in US Health Care Reform; and renowned midwife and author Ina May Gaskin shows Censorship of the True State of Maternity Care in the US.


Here is a list of the top censored stories from chapter one this year:


Censored 2012: Stories of 2010-2011 
1. More US Soldiers Committed Suicide Than Died in Combat

2. US Military Manipulates the Social Media

3. Obama Authorizes International Assassination Campaign
4. Global Food Crisis Expands

5. Private Prison Companies Fund Anti–Immigrant Legislation

6. Google Spying?

7. U.S. Army and Psychology’s Largest Experiment–Ever

8. The Fairytale of Clean and Safe Nuclear Power

9. Government Sponsored Technologies for Weather Modification

10. Censored # 10: Real Unemployment: One Out of Five in US

11. Trafficking of Iraqi Women Rampant

12. Pacific Garbage Dump—Did You Really Think Your Plastic Was Being Recycled?

13. Will a State of Emergency Be Used to Supersede Our Constitution?

14. Family Pressure on Young Girls for Genitalia Mutilation Continues in Kenya

15. Big Polluters Freed from Environmental Oversight

16. Sweatshops in China Are Making Your iPods While Workers Suffer

17. Superbug Bacteria Spreading Worldwide

18. Monsanto Tries to Benefit from Haiti’s Earthquake

19. Oxfam Exposes How Aid Is Used for Political Purposes

20. US Agencies Trying to Outlaw GMO Food Labelling

21. Lyme Disease: An Emerging Epidemic

22. Participatory Budgeting – A Method to Empower Local Citizens & Communities

23. Worldwide Movement To Ban or Charge Fees For Plastic Bags

24. South Dakota Takes Extreme Measures to Be the Top Anti–Abortion State
25. Extension of DU to Libya

To preview the top censored stories online see
http://www.projectcensored.org/top-stories/articles/category/top-stories/
Additionally, here are some recent videos about our work taken by Media Freedom Foundation board member Abby Martin of MediaRoots.org. Project Censored celebrates its 35 years at Moe's Books in Berkeley, CA: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yge4kJaNfR0&feature=relmfu


Exclusive interview with Ralph Nader about Project Censored and current events: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vMobQqiYKI4&feature=channel_video_title


Censored 2012 is one of our greatest collaborative efforts consisting of 105 professors, hundreds of students, community members, and people from all around the world. We aim to expose media censorship and provide ways to be catalysts of the media revolution we need to restore the commons of human knowledge and education, establish and protect the right of the public to know what is going on in society, and work to maintain our democratic institutions– our culture of liberty. We hope you join us in these vital endeavors in critical times.


Thank you for your support.
Mickey Huff Director,
Project Censored/Media Freedom Foundation Associate Professor of History,
Diablo Valley College


Help celebrate the 35th year of the oldest media research organization in the US by donating $35 for a signed copy of Censored 2012, or simply pick up a copy for yourself, friends, or a local library or school for only $19.95 each ($22.95 w/shipping).

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One Bad Apple by Efren Carrillo

ONE BAD APPLE... 

by Efren Carrillo
In Sonoma County, most farmers and vineyard owners take the time, and incur the expense, to have their projects properly vetted by state and local regulators. This protects our community and environment, their interests, and ensures sustainability - which is a cornerstone of what makes Sonoma County special. Unfortunately, the actions of an individual can sometimes reflect badly on the farming sector, harming those who toil tirelessly to follow the rules.

This week, a bulldozer laid waste to the former Davis Tree Farm property on Vinehill Road at Highway 116 near Graton. Behind a stand of shielding eucalyptus trees, the machine ripped ground and uprooted hundreds of Christmas trees to clear the land. This began in the mist and continued as rain poured down with no apparent erosion control plan or protections. Downstream from the property is the Atascadero Creek and its dwindling coho salmon population.


When contacted, the bulldozer operator claimed not to need permits for this process as the intention was to replant the trees. Whether that is the case will be determined by authorities with the expertise to examine what the law requires and then to take appropriate enforcement action as a result. But, one need not wait for a legal determination before expressing outrage at the insensitivity and environmental depravity of this conduct.

In recent weeks, representatives of Paul Hobbs winery and the property owner, Del Davis, visited both the Planning Department and the Agricultural Commissioner's vineyard permitting section to find out what was required to convert this property to vines and clear up prior code violations on the property. 
Both departments confirmed that clear direction was given that conversion would require a Timber Harvest Plan (THP) from CalFire, an environmental review required with THPs, and a vineyard permit. 
The winery representatives and property owner were both put on notice of the required steps. And someone ordered a bulldozer.


This is not the first time that Paul Hobbs has been in the news for his aggressive pursuit of vineyard land. Recently, a great deal of news coverage was brought to bear over his acquisition of John Jenkel's property by legal, but questionable, means. While many people, including me, were appalled by this situation, there was little County regulators could have done to prevent that event. Later, we watched mature trees bulldozed to make way for vineyard following the property acquisition.

More alarming to me was the clear cutting of redwood stands on the Pocket Canyon property where Paul Hobbs maintains a residence. This activity took place mere weeks before the Jenkel incident. Today, stacks of redwood trunks remain on this property where trees once lived. Mr. Hobbs began the required process, and received a tentative THP from CalFire. Before completing the needed steps by obtaining a use and vineyard permit from the County of Sonoma- which would have required a public process- he pushed forward with his tree removal.

This most recent effort to skirt the regulations of CalFire and Sonoma County by ripping out trees at the Vinehill Road property must not be ignored. Mr. Hobbs confirmed that he is in escrow on the site. It appears to be a business decision - that fines are cheaper and more expedient than the regulatory process - that resulted in the bulldozer. It would take a huge leap of faith to give him or the property owner the benefit of doubt where this incident is involved, and Mr. Hobbs has not earned my faith.

Rather, Paul Hobbs has shown a blatant disregard for Sonoma County, its resources, his fellow vintners, and community sentiment. Many Sonoma County residents share my shock and disbelief. His disregard extends to the reputation of honest farmers and grape growers who obey the laws and contribute to our local economic health. His practices also offer reputable farmers a competitive disadvantage by unfairly skirting established rules.

Community outrage is appropriate.


With the many responsible grape growers in our community who embrace the shared environmental ethic that makes Sonoma County -and its wines- so unique, it makes little sense to support the product of one who so blatantly disregards our community values. I will never knowingly drink or purchase Paul Hobbs Wines. To me, his wines are unpalatable as they carry strong tones of environmental harm with overwhelming notes of arrogance. 


Efren Carrillo holds a degree in Environmental Economics and Policy from University of California-Berkeley

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Sonoma County Spirituality Calendar

The following is a list of spiritual gatherings that have been submitted to us for our calendar. If you would like your organization to be included, please e-mail your information to vesta@sonic.net - THANK YOU!

SPIRITUALITY & WORSHIP

SUNDAY ~
Apple Seed Friends Meeting ~ 10:00 am, West County Community Services Building, 477 Petaluma Ave at Walker, Sebastopol ~ 573-6075

Cazadero Community Church ~ 10:00 am, non-denominational Services with Pastor Dave Ramalia. Downtown Cazadero ~ 632-5798 ~ cazchurch.org

Contemporary Christian ~ Pastor Jesse Bradley. 10:30 am, Sebastopol Christian Church, 7344 Bodega Ave ~ 823-8242 ~ sebchristian.com

Fishermen's Chapel ~ All welcome for non-denominational services. 10:00 am, Grange Hall, 1370 Bodega Ave, Bodega Bay ~ 875-3616

Methodist Services ~ 8:30 am, Contemporary; 10:30 am, Traditional. Forestville United Methodist Church, 6550 Covey Rd ~ 887-2020 ~ forestvilleumc.org

Metropolitan Community Church ~ 9:00 am Choir practice; 11:00 am, Worship. 16219 First St, Guerneville ~ 869-9882 ~ mccre.org

Shambhala Meditation Center ~ All welcome. 10:00-12:30. 709 Davis St, Santa Rosa ~ 545-4907 ~ santarosa.shambhala.org

Temple of Isis ~ 2:00-4:00 pm, Isis Oasis Sanctuary, 20889 Geyserville Ave, Geyserville ~ 857-4747 ~ isisoasis.org

Unitarian Universalist ~ 9:15 & 11:00 am. 547 Mendocino Ave, Santa Rosa ~ 568-5381 ~ uusantarosa.org

United Church of Christ ~ 9:00 am Christian Education; 10:00 am Worship. Guerneville Community Church, 14520 Armstrong Woods Rd ~ 869-2514 ~ uccwebsites.net/guernevillecommunityca.html

1st SUNDAY ~ 
Meditation Workshop ~ Bring more value to your life! Free. 10:00-11:00 am, 341 N Main St, Sebastopol ~ 824-9690 ~ deborahshemesh.com

Universal Worship Service ~ w/Rev. Hamida Dides. Donations welcome. 11:00 am, Songbird Community Healing Center, 8280 Old Redwood Hwy, Cotati ~ 795-2398 ~ songbirdcenter.org

2nd SUNDAY ~ 
Lotus Circle ~ Mandala Dance of the 21 Praises of Tara. Ages 15+. By donation. 4:30 pm. RSVP for location: Bonney, 887-2210 ~ taralotuscircle.org

MONDAY ~
Laughter Yoga ~ By donation. 5:30 pm, Unity Church of Santa Rosa, 4857 Old Redwood Hwy ~ 542-7729 ~ UnityofSantaRosa.org

Sebastopol Collective Meditation ~ All welcome. 6:00-6:45 pm, St. Stephens Church, 500 Robinson Way, Sebastopol ~ karmendraji@yahoo.com

MONDAY & THURSDAY ~ 
Qigong ~ with Hrieth Anet Pezzi, RN. All welcome. Drop-in. $15 by donation. 6:15-7:30 pm, Center for Inner Health and Stillness, 424 8th St, Ste A, Santa Rosa ~ 829-5676 ~ centerforinnerhealthandstillness.com

TUESDAY &  WEDNESDAY ~ 
Meditation Classes ~ Drop-in. $10 by donation. 7:30-8:45 pm, Mahakaruna Buddhist Meditation Center, 304 Petaluma Blvd N, Petaluma ~ 766-7720 ~ meditationinnorcal.org

THURSDAY ~
Christian Bible Study ~ The messages of the New Testament. Guided by Pastor Paul. 7:00 pm, Open Door Christian Church, 16 5th St at B, downtown Petaluma ~ 762-3873 ~ opendoorpetaluma.org

>Collective Meditation ~ connect in silence, contemplation, & stillness. Optional potluck afterward. 6:30-7:15 pm, Dhyana Center, 7740 Atkinson Rd, Sebastopol ~ 827-3456 ~ dhyanacenter.com

Many Rivers Books &Tea~ Speakers on a topic for self-inquiry. $5 by donation. 7:30 pm, 130 S Main St #101, Sebastopol ~ 829-8871 ~ manyriversbooks.com

THURSDAY & SATURDAY ~
Qigong &Daoist Meditation ~ with Daoist Priest Michael Rinaldini. $8. Thu 6:00 pm & Sat 10:00 am. Sebastopol Community Ctr Garzot Building, 7985 Valentine Ave ~ 829-1855 ~ dragongateqigong.com

Last THURSDAY ~ 
Intro to Meditation ~ Different topic each month. $15. 7:00-8:30 pm, Songbird Community Healing Center, 8280 Old Redwood Hwy, Cotati ~ 795-2398 ~ songbirdcenter.org

FRIDAY ~ 
Noon Time Meditations ~ 12:00-1:00 pm, Compassion Kadampa Buddhist Center, 120 North St, Healdsburg ~ 293-8096 ~ meditationinhealdsburg.org

2nd FRIDAY ~ 
Taize Service ~ Practice chant & silence to lead us towards stillness. Potluck follows. Free. 7:00 pm, St Stephen's Episcopal Church, 500 Robinson Rd, Sebastopol ~ 324-6021 ~ numinacenter.org

3rd FRIDAY ~ 
Sonoma County Pagan Network ~ Featured speaker & potluck dinner. 7:00 pm, Luther Burbank Art & Garden Center, 2050 Yulupa Ave, Santa Rosa ~ scpagans.org

1st &  3rd SATURDAY ~ 
Healing Prayer ~ Member, International Association of Healing Rooms. By donation. 9:00-11:00 am, Vertical Call, 920 Bennett Valley Rd, Santa Rosa ~ 575-5956 ~ verticalcall.com

October 9 & 16 ~ Sukkot: the happiest holiday of the year @ Congregation Beth Ami, 4676 Mayette Ave., Santa Rosa. RSVP 707-360-3000. Oct. 9 workshop to learn about Sukkot 11am to Noon; Oct. 16 celebration…shake a lulavand enjoy refreshments and music. FREE and open to all. learn more at www.bethamisr.org.

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October Fun: Halloween and MORE!

These Opportunities for Fun Last All Month Long or are staged multiple times. Check their dates and plan ahead!

Self-Guided Rural Cemetery Tour (free) – at your convenience during daylight hours at the Santa Rosa Rural Cemetary (Franklin Avenue, Santa Rosa). Download the brochure of the Historic Trail and map at www.srcity.org\ruralcemetery. Call for more information 543-3292.

PUMKIN PATCHES

Petaluma Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze ($6 for ages 6+ til 6 pm, $9 after 6pm.) - is open every day in October from 10 am to 6 pm (weekdays) and 10 am to 10 pm Friday and Saturdays ( 550 Stony Point Road, Petaluma). Free activities include the Big Straw Mountain and the Petting Zoo. Pony rides, rock climbing, face painting, food vendors, etc. priced fairly. For more information, call 707-781-3132.

Petaluma Farmer’s Market Costume Swap (Free with donation) – From 2-5:30 pm every Saturday this month in Walnut Park (corner of Petaluma Blvd South and D Street), drop off a gently used costume and take home another one that is new to you! Adult & kid sizes available.

Gothic Double Feature ($15-$20) – at 8 pm Saturdays and Sundays, Oct 15 & 16, 22 & 23, at Main Stage West (104 North Main Street, Sebastopol) is not for kids under 8. The play, “We ♥ U, Nosferatu” and the 1922 Classic Silent Film,”Nosferatu” set to live music by Dave Mac Nab. For more information, call 707-823-0177

Muelrath Ranches Pumpkin Farm (3800 Walker Avenue, Santa Rosa) – The pumpkin patch is free and open daily through Oct.31: Mon-Thurs from 3-6 pm, Fri from 3-9 pm, and Sat/Sun 10 am – 6 pm. Come for Campfire in the Corral ($10) from 5-9 pm on Fridays and roast hot dogs and marshmallows, enjoy hot cider and cookies, and take a night time hay ride. Call 707-585-2195 to reserve your place on the hay ride and visit http://www.muelrathspumpkins.com/ for full information.

Adobe Pumpkin Farm (2478 E. Washington Street, Petaluma) is open every day in October from 10 am – 6 pm. Includes a costume shop (Thurs – Sun), gift shops, food vendors, a farmer’s market and various activities like pony rides, slides, hay rides, etc. priced up to $5 on the weekends. On Oct 22 & 23, farm animals, milking demonstrations and antique tractors take center stage. More details? (707) 763-6416.

Grandma’s Pumpkin Patch (free) – open daily from 10 am – dusk (17740 Healdsburg Ave, Healdsburg) features crafts, animals, a hay fort and corn maze. For more information, call (707)431-8058

Olufs Ranches Pumpkin Patch (free) – open every day in October (899 Shiloh Road, Windsor) – weekdays 1:00 pm-dusk; weekends 9:00 am-dusk – and features a maze, petting zoo, etc. 707-838-7588

McClelland’s Dairy & Pumpkin Farm - open every October Saturday and Sunday (6475 Bodega Avenue, Petaluma) features pumpkins for sale, a petting zoo and, for a reasonable fee, a tour of the working dairy farm at 1 pm ( $10 adults , $7 kids 3 and up, kids under 3- free). (707) 664-0452.

Great Peter Pumpkin Patch (free) – Open when the shop is open at Spring Hill Cheese (4235 Spring Hill Road, Petaluma) where you can taste pumpkin ice cream and sample cheese. In the patch, pet farm animals, ride a tractor, dig potatoes and of course – pick your own pumpkin. 707-762-3446.

Pick of the Patch (from $8 to a $15 all day pass) – open Oct weekends (Friday 12-7 pm; Sat/Sun 10 am-7 pm) where Petaluma’s drive-in movie theater once was (5495 Redwood Hwy S.). Besides pumpkins, find activities, snacks, jack-o-lantern-related retail items and a Halloween photograph area. 707-775-1520.

Scary HALLOWEEN

Wicked West Ghost Town and Haunted House (free) – Every evening of October beginning with Oct 2, you can do something related to Halloween at 472 Jose Ramon Avenue in Santa Rosa. This is a neighborhood undertaking with some of the structures made possible by Mead Clark Lumber.
Note - Different nights cater to different levels of “spookiness”.

From the 2nd through the 14th, bring the whole family to enjoy a light show set to Halloween-themed songs between 7:00 pm and 9:30 on school nights (Sundays through Thursday) and on the weekends (Friday and Saturday) until 10:30.

On October 13th, the entire Ghost Town is thrown open to children and their parents (no monsters) for a full evening of family adventure. Sponsored by MY GYM, kids in costumes and camera-wielding parents are the most frightening characters you’ll encounter. (6:30-8:00 pm).
   A bit more caution is in order from the 15th through the 31st however as the Haunted House Maze is only youngster-appropriate from 6:00 pm until 7:00 at which point those who dare its twisty corridors are guaranteed some terrifying face time with various creatures of the night. The Haunted Town and its Maze are open until 9:30 on school nights and 10:30 on Fridays and Saturdays.

Halloween - Past the “Children’s Hour” on October 31, all bets are off as the actors and special effects haunting the town and oddly disorienting hallways of the lumber mill are dead set on taking The Wicked West Ghost Town from its 2010 listing of 4th Best Haunted House in the Nation to one of the top three…..

“Frankenstein” returns to the stage ($20) – through October 30 for Sunday matinees (2 pm) and on weekend evenings at 8:00 beginning Friday October 7 and one Thursday (Oct 28), at the Sixth Street Playhouse (52 West 6th Street, Santa Rosa) thanks to the The Independent Eye troupe of actors and life size puppets. Billed as a “new vision of the classic”, this is a professional production that promises to be exceptional. Call 707-523-4185 or visit http://www.6thstreetplayhouse.com/guides/season-201112/invited-artists/frankenstein/.

Dr. Evils House of Horrors ($10) – known the rest of the year as J’s Amusement Park at 16101 Neely Road in Guerneville is thought by some to be Sonoma County’s Scariest Haunted House. Operated since 2001 by Mike and Tracie Skaggs, the proceeds from Halloween night are donated to a different charity each year. (This year the beneficiaries are Elves with Attitude & The Kidney Foundation.) Every Friday and Saturday from “dusk til done” in October, kids over 12 can be frightened by whatever evil lurks within the main house for a $10 donation while your younger children enjoy a free mildly spooky “fun house”.  On Halloween, a special trick or treat experience awaits the smallest of your family with short open walls to assure constant visual contact with mom and dad at all times. With consistently great reviews on yelp.com, hauntedbay.com and hauntworld.com, Dr. Evil’s promises a good time for every member of your family. Benefits Mill Street Thrift that helps people getting their lives back on track and the Guerneville Blanket Drive. For more information, call 707-206-1076

Hopper House of Horror. The old Victorian comes to life this time of year from October 18 through November 1st. Wednesday thru Saturday, dusk to 10 pm - until 11pm on Oct. 17-31st. $12-$15. 3785 Cleveland Ave. Santa Rosa. Info: 707-523-3728 http://www.BlindScream.com/


Slaughter Haunts: get lost in tunnels where your nightmares are REAL!. If you make it through you go right to the Slaughter House! Thurs ~ Sunday, 7-10pm through October 31. $9-$15 15 Copelans Street, Petaluma INFO: 332-6171 http://www.wix.com/neis18/slaughterhauntshome


Haunted Cornfield of Petaluma: Join Grandma Alma and hear her tell the tale of Deadman's F;at Thursd ~ Sunday, 7 ` 10pm through Oct. 31. $15 donation. 425 Rainsville Rd. Petaluma INFO: 707-763-3132 Best place for info is: http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=163653127833

Dragon's Head Inn: CLOSED FOR THE SEASON JUST SO YOU KNOW! http://www.dragonsheadinn.com/ This is high tech at its best! animatronics, special effects and more to make you really scared! If you can't handle the scare level, there's a Scare care area that is for the timid who still want to have fun! Nightly feature and coupons o the web site. Fridays and Saturdays from Oct 23 at  7 ~ 10 pm. and until midnight on the 30th and 31st. $10 donation benefits local children in need. 631 West Spain St., Sonoma INFO: 707-815-8695

Blind Scream and Doc’s Horrortorium ($7-30, depending) – The Manly Honda Superstore at
2770 Corby Avenue has turned its 12,000 square foot service bay over to professional Haunt Build & Design Specialist Drew Dominguez to create the 52nd haunted attraction of his career. Billed as “theatrical in nature”, this haunted house is open from 6 pm on Fridays and Saturdays and 11 other select days from Oct 7 through Halloween. Visit http://www.blindscream.com/calendar.html to be sure it’s open on the day you want to go and read the FAQs on the website (http://www.blindscream.com/faqs.html ) to determine how appropriate this experience may be for various members of your family. Call (707) 523-3728 for specific dates and times; and ticketing specials.


Can't get enough? Check out this web site for more Haunted Houses!
http://www.hauntedhouse.com/

Sixth Annual Tolay Fall Festival ($1 - 12 & under; $4 - 13 &  older) - October 13–16 & 19 –23 at Tolay Lake Regional Park, (5869 Lakeville Highway, just east of Petaluma) provides country-style family fun on weekdays 9am-3pm and on weekends 11am-5pm. Once your entry fee is paid, all activities are free and include a mind-boggling array of crafts, petting zoo, a maze, pumpkin seed-spitting contests, educational displays and demos, a haunted house and hay rides. Great food, too! Park free with a Parks Pass ($6 without a pass). For more details, call 707-565-2041 or to schedule a school field trip, 707789-9699. On-line, see http://www.sonoma-county.org/parks/pk_tolay_fallfestival.htm.

On Saturday October 8

Make a Halloween Monster Machine at the Build and Grow Clinic (Free) – 10:00 a.m. at Lowe’s in Cotati (7921 Redwood Drive). Expressly for kids where they can “create lots of funny monster combinations”. Call 707-242-5000 for details or sign up at http://www.lowesbuildandgrow.com/ChooseAClinic.aspx.

Visit a Glass Pumpkin Patch (Free) – 11:00 am – 5:00 pm both today and tomorrow, Sunday, 10/9– at FFT Antiques (2701 Gravenstein Hwy South, Sebastopol). Features blown glass demos and a chance to meet outstanding artists in this medium. Call 707-869-8280 for more information.

Pioneer Cemetery Tour – Guerneville. Two tours (1:00 or 3:00) hosted by the Russian River Historical Society and entitled ,“Remembering the Veterans of the Civil War”. Parking; $5.00 suggested donation. For details, call 869-3764 or 953-6074.

Crazy Pumpkin Art (Free with pumpkin purchase) – From 1-3 pm at Michael’s Craft Stores (2775 Santa Rosa Ave, Santa Rosa; and 1359 N McDowell Blvd, Petaluma) you and your 3-or-older offspring can design and take home the jack-o-lantern of your dreams. Call 707-591-9382 or 707-766-9418.

Sunday October 9

Paper Bats! (Free) - From 1-3 pm at Michael’s Craft Stores (2775 Santa Rosa Ave, Santa Rosa; and 1359 N McDowell Blvd, Petaluma) you and your 3-or-older offspring can design a whole flock of batty pals to take home – while supplies last. Call 707-591-9382 or 707-766-9418.

On Friday, October 14:

Kids’ Night Out ($18 Rohnert Park residents; $20 non-residents) – From 6:30-10:30 pm your 4-10 year old can join the “Monster Mash” at the Community Center (5401 Snyder Lane, Rohnert Park) for arts & crafts, games, snacks and a movie. Register by calling 707-588-3456 or at www.rpcity.org/recenroll

On Sunday, October 16:

Windsor Pumpkin Festival – From 10:00 am – 2:00 pm on the Windsor Green, enjoy the Kiwanis annual pumpkin pancake breakfast, face painting, pumpkin painting, scarecrow contest, giant pumpkin contest, pumpkin car races, parade of pumpkin desserts, and a costume parade for kids. This event is part of the Windsor Certified Farmers Market.

On Thursday, October 20:

Gothic Double Feature (pay as you will tonight only) – at 8 pm at Main Stage West (104 North Main Street, Sebastopol) is not for kids under 8. The play, “We ♥ U, Nosferatu” and the 1922 Classic Silent Film,”Nosferatu” set to live music by Dave Mac Nab. For more information, call 707-823-0177

On Friday, October 21:

Chop’s Halloween Costume Dance ($7- members; $10 – non-members) – Seasonal Fun 7-10 pm at Chop’s (509 Adams St., Santa Rosa) just for Seventh and Eighth Graders who are middle school students and have their photo i.d.! Check the website for dress code or call 707-284-2467

Pumpkin Bash Youth Overnight at the Y ($37 if pre-registered; $47 same day) – Kids aged 6 through 11 can sleep over at the YMCA (1111 College Ave, Santa Rosa) and enjoy swimming, movies, games, themed crafts and more! Check in is 7:00 pm on Friday evening and parent pick-up is 9:00 a.m. Saturday morning, October 22. Call 707-545-9622 for details and to sign up.

Jekyll & Hyde: The Musical ($26 adult; $24 senior/youth) – 8:00 pm this evening and tomorrow with a Sunday matinee at 2 pm at the Spreckels Performing Arts Center (5409 Snyder Lane, Rohnert Park) Details & tickets, call 707-588-3434
On Saturday, October 22:

Make Your Own Halloween T-Shirt (Free with purchase of a T-shirt) - From 10 am -noon at Michael’s Craft Stores (2775 Santa Rosa Ave, Santa Rosa; and 1359 N McDowell Blvd, Petaluma) you and your 3-or-older offspring can design and decorate your own fun scary spider T-shirt– while supplies last. Call 707-591-9382 or 707-766-9418.

Pumpkins on Pikes ($10; kids 5 & under, free) – From 2-10 pm, join other families at Tara Firma Farms (3796 I Street Ext, Petaluma) for grilled mini-burgers and pumpkin carving! Bring your own table service, carving supplies, camera and a dish to share. Call 707-765-1202 for more information.

Family Halloween Carnival ($5 at door) – From 4-7 pm all ages will enjoy the games, prizes, a haunted house, a jump house, face painting, an old fashioned cake walk, DJ music and more at the YMCA (1111 College Avenue, Santa Rosa). For the details, call (707) 545-9622.

The Mostly Magic Spooktacular Show ($15 adults, $10 kids 12 and under) – Magical Family Evening starting at 7:00 pm at the Community Center (5401 Snyder Lane, Rohnert Park) includes comedy, fire-eating, illusions and more! Tickets and information: 707-588-3456.

The Ghoulwill Ball ($89) – 7:30 – 11:00 pm at the Fountaingrove Golf & Athletic Club (1525 Fountaingrove Parkway, Santa Rosa) is themed “Ghosts of the High Seas” this year! KZST’s Debbie Abrams Emcees an evening of appetizers, full buffet, cocktails, a silent auction, door prizes and mystery entertainers as well as dancing to “Twice as Good”. Will your Pirate duds, gown or tux win the Costume Contest? Proceeds benefit Goodwill Industries of the Redwood Empire. 707-523-0550 ext 213 for more details or go to www.gire.org to purchase tickets online.

Petaluma Mother’s Club Fall Carnival & Costume Parade (free) – from 11:00 am until 2:00 pm at Kenilworth Junior High (800 Riesling Road, Petaluma). Bring the family and enjoy the 4H Petting Zoo, jumpy houses, bake sale, cupcake walk, magician, soccer demonstrations, wildlife from the Petaluma Wildlife Museum, music by James K., crafts and games for the kids. Costume Parade at noon.

On Tuesday, October 25:

Paper Pumpkins (Free with purchase) - From 10 am -noon at Michael’s Craft Stores (2775 Santa Rosa Ave, Santa Rosa; and 1359 N McDowell Blvd, Petaluma) you and your 3-or-older offspring can prepare to grace your home with ghoulish décor – while supplies last. Call 707-591-9382 or 707-766-9418.

On Wednesday, October 26:

Halloween Storytime for Preschoolers (free) – 2-5 year olds and parents/caregivers gather ‘round 11:30 a.m. at the Windsor Library (9291 Old Redwood Hwy – Building 100, Windsor) to hear not-very-scary Halloween stories, sing songs, learn fingerplays and complete a craft project to take home! Costumes encouraged. Call 707-838-1020 x6 to learn more.

Cloverdale Halloween Show (free) – for school-age kids and parents at 2 pm at the Cloverdale Library (401 N Cloverdale Blvd, Cloverdale).
Owen Baker-Flynn performs juggling, magic and comedy with a Halloween twist! Call for more information, 707-894-5271.

Pumpkin Carving Contest (free) – for grades 7-12 from 3:30-4:30 at the Rincon Valley Library (6959 Montecito Blvd, Santa Rosa). Contestants carve their pumpkins, library patrons vote for their favorites and prizes are awarded to the top three most popular! 707-537-0162
Family Story Night (free) – all ages gather at 6 pm at the Guerneville Library (14107 Armstrong Woods Rd) in costume to hear spooky and not so spooky Halloween stories. 707-869-9004

Halloween Visors (free with purchase of visor) – come to life when crafted for Halloween Fun from 6-8 pm at Michael’s Craft Stores (2775 Santa Rosa Ave, Santa Rosa; and 1359 N McDowell Blvd, Petaluma). Ages 3 and up. Make it and take it - while supplies last. Call 707-591-9382 or 707-766-9418.

On Thursday, October 27:

Halloween Crafts (free) – for ages five and up at 3:00 pm at the Sebastopol Library (7140 Bodega Ave, Sebastopol). Supplies provided. For more information, call (707) 823-7691 ext. 6.

Jeremy the Juggler’s Halloween Special (free) – begins at 4:00 pm at the Central Santa Rosa Library (211 E Street, Santa Rosa). Children 3-11, accompanied by a parent or caregiver, are invited to wear their costume in the Halloween Parade through the library. 707-545-0831

Magical Masks (free with purchase of mask) – decorated by you and your kids 3 and up from 6-8 pm at Michael’s Craft Stores (2775 Santa Rosa Ave, Santa Rosa; and 1359 N McDowell Blvd, Petaluma). Make it and take it - while supplies last. Call 707-591-9382 or 707-766-9418.

On Friday, October 28:

Free Ice Cream for Giants Fans – from Noon- 8 pm today, this Saturday (10/29) and this Sunday (10/30) at Cookies and Cream (17190 Bodega Hwy, Bodega). All Giants fans score big over Halloween Weekend and if you come in costume or your Halloween Orange and Black, expect an extra special treat! Look for the bright blue building across from the Post Office in the town of Bodega. (707) 377-4087

Scary Face Pancake (free for kids under 12) – One per child from 7 am to 10 pm at So Co IHOPs
(5312 Old Redwood Highway, Petaluma 707-792 9110; 6480 Redwood Drive, Rohnert Park, 707-586 3698; 2745 Fourth Street, Santa Rosa 707-579 4000 ; 1401 Fulton Road, Santa Rosa, 707-542 4467)

Halloween Clay Pot Event (free with purchase of 3” clay pot for 50¢) – from 6-8 pm at Michael’s Craft Stores (2775 Santa Rosa Ave, Santa Rosa; and 1359 N McDowell Blvd, Petaluma). Ages 3 and up make it and take it - while supplies last. Call 707-591-9382 or 707-766-9418.

Haunted Winery Party & Benefit ($15 in advance; $20 at the door) - 7 pm to 11 pm at Trione Vineyards and Winery (19550 Geyserville Ave, Geyserville) features The Pat Jordan Band and Crazy Famous, a silent auction, raffle, wine and food ($5 buys you a night-time nibbles plate). Proceeds benefit the Redwood Empire Food Bank and Geyserville School District. Get more information by calling 707-814-8100 or purchase tickets online at http://trionehalloweenbenefit.eventbrite.com/. 

Zombie Crawl – The “dead” stagger through Guerneville on Friday, October 28.  Meet up at the Rainbow Cattle Company at 7:00 pm (16220 Main Street) for the 8:30 “walk”.

Progressive Halloween Costume Contest – Another Guerneville fave for the grown ups.  Sign up at 7:00 pm Saturday, 10/29, at the Russian River Resort; contest at 8:30. At 10:00 pm, find the fun at Rainbow Cattle Company. Cross over to McT’s Bullpen at 11:00. Midnight moves the party to Trio (16225 Main Street). And the frights finish off at Jerry Knights River Theater.

Hallowmas –The inimitable Russian River Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence sponsor a night of Transformation, Ritual and Remembrance with Rev. Lisa Hamilton (Religious Science), Rev. Diana Wheeler (Night Ministries) and the Center for Sacred Studies from 7-9 pm at Guerneville’s own Sonoma Nesting Company (Main at Armstrong Woods Road). See www.rrsisters.org.

On Saturday, October 29:

“Boo!-Not-So Scary Stories” with Pam Brown (free) – for ages 2-6 at 11:00 am at the Rohnert Park/Cotati Library (6250 Lynne Conde Way, Rohnert Park.) Come in costume if you like and enjoy stories, songs and crafts! (707) 584-9121

Christopher Creek’s Fall Fest (free) – from 11 am – 4 pm at Christopher Creek Winery (641 Limerick Lane, Healdsburg) Wine tasting, bites to eat, treats, and a goblin or two. 707-431-8243

Annual All Hallows Cemetery Tour (free) – At 11 am, join the docent led tour of Two Rock Presbyterian Church Cemetary (7063 Bodega Avenue, Petaluma). Hosted by the Petaluma History Museum, donations are welcome. Wear layers and comfortable shoes for walking. Rain or Shine. (707) 778-4398

Halloween at Howath Park ($8 adults, $5 kids 12 and under) – Get your costume on and from noon til 3:00 pm, enjoy a spooky afternoon in the park (630 Summerfield Road, Santa Rosa) 707-543-3737

Howl-o-Ween Parade ($10/canine entry) – and doggie costume contest - noon til 2 pm in the Healdsburg Plaza where you can also enjoy kids’ games, raffles and face painting. Kids can enter the parade for free; all entry fees benefit the Healdsburg Animal Shelter. Sign up to be in the parade at the Healdsburg Dog House and the Healdsburg Animal Shelter. 707-431-3386

Halloween Event (free) – 1-3 pm at Michael’s Craft Stores (2775 Santa Rosa Ave, Santa Rosa; and 1359 N McDowell Blvd, Petaluma). Ages 3 and up join the costume parade, create trick-or-treat Duck Tape® totes or pails and get faces painted - while supplies last. Call 707-591-9382 or 707-766-9418

Petaluma Farmers Market Trick or Treat Costume Parade (free) - 2 pm to 5:30 pm at Walnut Park (corner of D St and Petaluma Blvd South, Petaluma). Treats and free crafts for kids in costume.

Chops Teen Club Halloween Carnival (free) – 8-11 pm at Chops (509 Adams Street, Santa Rosa) For dress code and details, call (707) 284-2467

Karaoke Night & Costume Party ($5) – benefits Mentor Me Petaluma - at Joe Hamer Hair Salon (18 Petaluma Blvd. North, Petaluma). Karaoke, dancing and cocktails. Doors open at 9 pm; Karaoke begins at 10 pm. Need more info? Call (707) 773-1735
On Sunday, October 30:

FUNTAZMAGORIA (free) – from 10-2 at the Children’s Museum of Sonoma County (1835 West Steele Lane, Santa Rosa). Wear your costume for the parade at 11:00 a.m., decorate a scarecrow, shadow play, and more ! Call (707) 546-4069 for details.

Halloween Crayola® Pumpkin Patch Event (free) - 1-3 pm at Michael’s Craft Stores (2775 Santa Rosa Ave, Santa Rosa; and 1359 N McDowell Blvd, Petaluma). Celebrate Crayola Style! Ages 3 and up - while supplies last. Call 707-591-9382 or 707-766-9418

Dance Journey’s Halloween Hafla ($8 in advance, $10 at the door) – 6 pm at Glaser Center (547 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa). Belly dancing and improv, food, drinks, rafffle tickets. Wear your costume and join the fun! Call (707) 238-2273 for more information

Monday, October 31 – Halloween!

The History of Horror Films (free) – 12:15 in Newman Auditorium (Emeritus Hall), Santa Rosa Campus, Santa Rosa Junior College

Petaluma Downtown Trick or Treat Trail (free) – from 3:30-5 pm over 60 Downtown Merchants “treat” costumed trick or treaters under 12. Follow the orange &black balloons. (707) 762-9348

Free Tasting for Trick or Treaters in costume (and over 21) from 11 am-5 pm at at Sbragia Winery
(9990 Dry Creek Road, Geyserville). 707-473-2992

Halloween at Rosewood Village Shopping Center (free) – from 4 pm to 6 pm at Rosewood Village Shopping Center (on the corner of Piner and Marlow, Santa Rosa). Face painting, balloons, costume parade/contest and trick or treating at local merchants for kids aged preschool to 6th grade.

Family Friendly Alternative to Trick or Treating($3) – from 5:30 to 8 pm at New Life Christian Fellowship (1310 Clegg Street, Petaluma ). Instead enjoy costume contests, cotton candy, a magician, jump houses, face painting and a family-oriented carnival. (707)765-0956 ext. 25.

Windsor Halloween Parade (free) – starts at 6:00 pm at Raley’s (Lakewood Shopping Center on Lakewood Drive, Windsor) and ends at the Community Center where all parade participants receive free hot dogs, sodas, chips and trick or treat bags of goodies. Led by a Windsor Fire Truck . For more info: 838-4531.

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