Southern Sonoma Country Life

A Smorgasbord of Sonoma County's Musical Talent — The Space Orchestra Performs a Tribute to Joe Cocker — Mad Dogs & Englishmen Plus The Soul Section, The Mystic Theatre, Petaluma, May 17 — A Benefit for Petaluma Music Festival

Don't miss this terrific bus load of our favorite local musicians at The Mystic Theatre, Petaluma, Friday, May 17th, 2019.  The Space Orchestra performs a tribute to Joe Cocker's legendary rock n roll classic, Mad Dogs & Englishmen with the added bonus of the rock, funk and soul of the Bay Area's The Soul Section — Doors 7:30pm / Show 8:30pm$25 in advance / $30 day of show. All profits to benefit the Petaluma Music Festival, Keeping Music in Our Schools. I recommend you click here to buy tix ahead of time, these shows generally sell out fast. 

Author Roger McNamee Brings His Book "Zucked: Waking up to the Facebook Catastrophe" to LiteracyWorks Lectures — Friday, May 10th, Copperfield's Petaluma

 

Event date: 

Friday, May 10, 2019 - 7:00pm

Featured Book: 

Zucked:Waking Up to the Facebook Catastrophe $28

Non-profit organization LiteracyWorks and Copperfield's Books presents as part of its Lecture Series Roger McNamee and his The New York Times’ bestseller about a noted tech venture capitalist, early mentor to Mark Zuckerberg, and Facebook investor, who wakes up to the serious damage Facebook is doing to our society - and sets out to try to stop it. Zucked is both an enthralling personal narrative and a masterful explication of the forces that have conspired to place us all on the horns of this dilemma. This is the story of a company and its leadership, but it's also a larger tale of a business sector unmoored from normal constraints, just at a moment of political and cultural crisis, the worst possible time to be given new tools for summoning the darker angels of our nature and whipping them into a frenzy.

AUTHOR: Roger McNamee has been a Silicon Valley investor for 35 years and co-founded successful funds in venture, crossover, and private equity. His most recent fund, Elevation, included U2's Bono as a co-founder. He holds a B.A. From Yale University and an M.B.A. From the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College.

This Event is FREE to attend.

Event Location: 

Copperfield's Books,

Petaluma Store

140 Kentucky Street

Petaluma

Click here for more info on LiteracyWorks.

Petaluma Gap Women Winemakers Auction Lot Purchased by Philanthropists Karen & Ted Davison at the Sonoma County Barrel Auction — Their “Never Before-Never Again” Wine will be used to Help Young Women Break Free of Life-Threatening Situations

Winemakers from the Petaluma Gap American Viticultural Area (AVA) fared well at the fifth annual Sonoma County Barrel Auction on Friday, May 3, raising more than $65,000 from eleven auction lots of “Never Before, Never Again” wine, each crafted from grapes grown in the Petaluma Gap.

Two of the lots were collaborative efforts, dubbed “The Battle of the Sexes.”  The men’s lot, comprised of Pinot Noir from Cline Family Cellars, Fogline Vineyards, Rodney Strong Vineyards, and Thirty-Seven Wines, brought in $8,000 while the women’s lot, devised of Pinot Noir from Bruliam Wines, Keller Estate and Trombetta Family Wines, bested the men with a winning bid of $9,000. 

Ted and Karen Davison, owners of a recreational boating service in Panama City Beach, Florida, purchased the women’s lot to raise money at exclusive events on board their tour boats.  Unique experiences, such as swimming with the dolphins or snorkeling the grass flats, are followed by on-board wine tastings; 100% of the money raised will be donated to Mercy Multiplied, a charitable organization that helps young women break free of life-threatening situations. 

Erica Stancliff, winemaker for Trombetta Family Wines, enthused, “We are thrilled that our auction lot was purchased again by the Davisons; this is the second year that they cast the winning bid. Only about 10% of winemakers are women and we are excited to be a part of the Davison’s plan to help these young women in dire need of support.”  Residents at Mercy Multiplied facilities include victims of sex abuse and trafficking, addiction, depression and eating disorders.

The Davisons choose unique wines that they think their guests will enjoy.  “In the Gap, the grapes are grown under windy, harsh conditions but result in the most elegant wines that are the soul of Sonoma County.  We think it is a good match to use them for fundraising to help these young women break free of their own extreme living conditions,” said Karen Davison.

Ted Davison added, “Jesslyn Jackson from Sonoma County Vintners introduced us to the Barrel Auction a few years ago, and now we try to come to Sonoma several times a year.  The wines just keep getting better, and the hospitality is from the heart.” The Davisons also support additional charities with wines purchased at the Barrel Auction, including Child Bridge, Global Effect and Special Operations Warrior Foundation.

It was a treat to have met Ted and Karen informally at an intimate invitation-only Barrel Auction preview dinner for members of the wine trade and media at beautiful MacRostie Winery and Vineyards in the Russian River a couple of days before the big auction, courtesy of Michael Carpenter's Sonoma-County based The Redd Collection. 

The couple was super down-to-earth and delighted to be back in Sonoma County. We spoke of the Petaluma Gap and of how supportive Ted and Karen are to the annual Women's Lot, women winemakers and winery owners in general and especially the good that their bid does in providing vital services to women in need. 

Also, note the newly revamped Petaluma Gap logo. Great looks, great work from our local winegrowers and makers! 

Truth Worth Telling: A Reporter’s Search for Meaning in the Stories of Our Times — Scott Pelley in Conversation with Pat Kerrigan June 5th Flamingo Resort & Spa Santa Rosa — A Preview Event for Upcoming Sonoma County Speaker Series

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 7PM
FLAMINGO RESORT & SPA, 277 4TH STREET, SANTA ROSA

You know him from 60 Minutes. Come meet SCOTT PELLEY, one of the most experienced and awarded correspondents in broadcast journalism in conversation with KSRO Host Pat Kerrigan. Pelley served as CBS News’ Chief White House Correspondent from 1997 to 1999, and as anchor of the CBS Evening News from 2011 to 2017. He has been reporting stories for 60 Minutes since 2004. His stories have accounted for half of all the major awards won by that broadcast show since he joined it.

Pelley reflects on his life as a journalist of the highest order, recounting incredible stories of the people and places he’s encountered over a 30-year career. He recalls such indelible moments as running south towards the World Trade Center on 9/11 to report from the scene, reveals private moments with presidents (and would-be presidents) who he’s known for decades, and chronicles hair-raising risks he’s made to report from the frontlines of America’s wars abroad.

It's on my calendar and I hope to see some familiar faces in the crowd. Maybe put together a Petaluma carpool if there are a few readers interested in attending? 

Pat Kerrigan began her broadcasting career in 1980 and is a fixture at KSRO, the newstalk radio station for the North Bay. When the wildfires hit the North Bay in October 2017, Pat was in the studio by midnight and spent the next 24 days on the air. She was the voice of Sonoma County when most other modes of communication were unavailable. Pat provided accurate information, comfort and compassion to the hundreds of thousands who ached to know what was going on. In 2018 the National Association of Broadcasters gave Pat its highest honor, the Marconi Award, for Radio Personality of the Year. KSRO also won Radio Station of the Year. Since then, Pat as expanded her morning show by an hour to accommodate the many issues involved as Sonoma County recovers from this unparalleled disaster. She understands the truth worth telling.

 

Click here for tickets and more info on the upcoming, fall season Sonoma County Speaker Series. 

 

$37 Ticket includes $26.99 copy of the book, Truth Worth Telling by Scott Pelley

$20 Plus one ticket (without book)

About the book: Pelley’s book Truth Worth Telling offers a collection of inspiring tales that reminds us of the importance of values in uncertain times. For readers who believe that values matter and that truth is worth telling, Pelley writes, “I have written this book for you.” The talk will be followed by a book signing. Book included in the $37 ticket.

 

Petaluma Police Department Steps Up with a Teen & Transitional Youth Mental Health Collaborative Discussion Featuring a Range of Sonoma County Services & Non Profits — May 15, Petaluma Community Center 7pm to 8.30 pm

Wednesday, May 15th 7:00 • 8:30PM

Location: 
Petaluma Community Center
320 McDowell Blvd

Teen & Transitional Youth Mental Health

It's encouraging that there is community dialog happening on this incredibly complex subject matter that impacts so many young people. Collaborating with several organizations that support mental health awareness in Sonoma county, the Petaluma Police Department is hosting a discussion on available resources, current trends and how we can ensure a healthy community.

Teen & Transitional Youth Mental Health Flyer

Architectural Digest-Worthy West Petaluma Vintage Gem On the Market For First Time in Over Half a Century

What makes a house an Architectural Digest-worthy home? This means something different for everyone when it comes to the dream home design world, be it mid-century modern open plan, a state-of-the-art beachside apartment, sleek, urban loft with dramatic city scape views, a charming, Victorian farmhouse or craftsman bungalow. That's the beauty of inspiring design.

In this particular case, I've been eyeing this elegant, wonderful two-story home on Sunnyslope Avenue in West Petaluma for many years of my morning dog walking routine, wondering what it looked like inside and how its unique style came about. It strikes me as an especially gracious home with an air of southern European elegance in its gorgeous, Northern California, heavily canopied, creekside setting. 

I was thrilled to finally get to look inside its fabulous front door when my husband, Timo started working with the home's long-time family members, who were readying their beloved late parents' property for sale for the first time in many decades.  

There's something extra special about this one-of-a-kind house, the front section which was added on to in the 60s from its original ranch style layout to accommodate a large and lively family. I love all of the harmonious period features and I hope that whoever the lucky buyers are will retain much of its original charm and character. 

Here's what Timo says about it in his new listing: Architecturally Unique Legacy Estate. Once in a Lifetime Opportunity to Own One of the Most Desirable Homes in West Petaluma. This 3,014 Sq Ft Light Filled Home Comprises; 4 Beds, 2 Baths, Conversation Room, 2 Fireplaces, Upstairs Master Suite, Large Family Room w/ Built in Bookcases, Open Kitchen & Dining Area, Bonus Office,Indoor/Outdoor Living w/ Large Patio Situated in a Grove of Redwood & Oak Trees with Seasonal Creek on a 16,416 Corner Lot.

He'll be holding it open both Saturday & Sunday of Mother's Day weekend, May 11th & 12th and the following weekend, May 18th & 19th 1pm to 4pm. 

Click here for the listing link. 

 

 

Herb Folk Seasonal Wellness Workshops — Vitality & Energy For Spring & Summer — May 4th, 1 - 4pm Tara Firma Farms

New on my radar for summer: Herb Folk Community Medicine

Clinic and Herb Shop

Opening June 2019 in downtown Petaluma

​

Herb Folk is a Sonoma County non-profit making holistic healthcare, providing accessible, affordable and empowering holistic community clinics, classes and workshops and locally sourced herbs, extracts and goods.

Learn how to naturally support your system during the Spring & Summer months with herbs, nutrition, self care & intention. Everyone who takes the spring season Herb Folk workshop by Seasonal Wellness Workshop at Tara Firma Farms, Petaluma, Saturday, May 4 from 1-4pm takes home a seasonal herb blend that may be used as a tea or herbal vinegar infusion. Proceeds benefit community clinics & charitable work. Click here to sign up. 

 

Adventure Into Another World With Off The Map Travel on the French Island La Reunion, Deep in the Indian Ocean Between Mauritius and Madagascar

In my search to share unique and original travel experience opportunities with my readers, I look for amazing adventures and locales that are not exclusively priced for just the multi-millionaire budget. This one certainly fits the bill as a once in a lifetime trip:

Off the Map Travel has introduced an adventure to “another world,” taking guests through prehistoric jungle scenery to spectacular volcanoes and a night sleeping under the stars in a clear bubble on La Reunion Island.

Deep in the Indian Ocean between Mauritius and Madagascar, La Reunion Island is the setting for the new “Like Nowhere Else on Earth” experience.

On this French island at the crossroads of African, Indian, European and Chinese cultures where English, French and Creole are spoken — and a place likened to Hawaii with its landscape and volcano-filled topography filled with overgrown trees, lush foliage and volcanoes, La Reunion offers a natural paradise where it’s easy to imagine dinosaurs roaming during the Mesozoic Era.   

Begin your island adventure with a helicopter flight over the cavernous ravines, moon-like volcanoes and lush forest before landing at Hiker’s Eden, a lodge retreat deep in the mountains. There you'll enjoy a Creole lunch cooked over an open fire followed by an on-land exploration upward through the area’s lava tubes and caves created by the island’s volcanic lava flow to a ziplining experience through the jungle.

The evening offers even more adventure. Just outside of the small village of Les Makes, 1500 meters above sea level and in the middle of the tropical forest, settle into one of four individual bubble accommodations where the night sky and surrounding wilderness form a natural outdoor blanket. Each transparent bubble provides a sleeping and relaxation space and is connected to a shared bathroom and lounge. “Picture Jurassic Park all around you,” commented Jonny Cooper, founder of Off the Map Travel.

“La Reunion is a dramatic land of fiery volcanoes, steep-sided jungle landscapes and starlit skies – off-the-beaten track and offering a taste of Creole culture with a splash of luxury,” Jonny Cooper continued. “It’s an area unmarred by tourism and filled with adventures.”

Off the Map Travel’s La Reunion “Like Nowhere on Earth” program is offered year-round, with the most popular travel months between May and October. Although the itinerary can be tailored to each guest, an example seven-night, eight-day itinerary with Off the Map Travel (www.offthemap.travel) is priced from $2465 USD per person, based on double occupancy (prices at the time of this writing).

Included in the price are:  daily breakfast; all transfers; accommodations in hotels and villas in the coastal town of Sainte-Gilles; one night in a see-through bubble; a tour into the lava caves; a jungle zipline and a heli-hiking experience to Hiker’s Eden with lunch. Flights are additional. 

For additional information, visit https://www.offthemap.travel/destinations/indian-ocean/la-reunion/.

Off the Map Travel

Off the Map Travel is a team of travel experts who work with experiences and destinations that allow people to explore hidden wonders of the world. Specializing in soft adventure and viewing of the Northern Lights, Off the Map Travel creates tailor-made itineraries that offer a distinctive vacation based on first-hand experience. Off the Map Travel vacations anticipate travelers’ needs with pre-planning and customization. Each bespoke itinerary is tailored to the ages of participants, creating experiences for families, groups, couples and singles that are comfortable and luxurious, with activity levels appropriate for all participants. www.offthemap.travel

For more information on tailor-made Off the Map Travel itineraries visit www.offthemap.travel; call 1-646-701-0041; email info@offthemap.travel or join in the conversation on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube or Pinterest

 

Petaluma Downtown Association Presents Butter & Egg Days 2019 — Saturday, April 27

                 

 

Saturday, April 27th Petaluma's annual Butter & Egg Days parade steps off at noon and marches through historic downtown in a festival of fun and activities from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.   Clover Sonoma leads the Clover Kids’ Parade, which precedes the main parade at 11:30am with a procession of preschoolers and primary grade youngsters and their families. __________________________________________________________________________________   Join the Cutest Little Chick Contest! Petaluma Egg Farm is excited to host the 35th annual Cutest Little Chick in Town Contest. It's always such a treat to see all of the creative and cute costumes and those darling little people all decked out in yellow! Contest judging takes place in front of Copperfield’s Book Store on Kentucky St. Check in 9:45. The contest will start at 10:15.

Friends of the Parade Button Discounts!
Spend $5 and save by shopping locally!

 

Discounts are  available from April 20th - 28th

at participating shops. 

To get the discount you must be wearing your button!

Buttons are available for purchase at the Petaluma Visitors Center, Lombardi's Deli, Raley's, Crown Hair Salon and Petaluma Market.

If that's not enough fun for one weekend, don't miss the open air Petaluma Antique faire, downtown  from 8 am to 4 pm.

Spring Events at McEvoy Ranch

Saturday, May 4th 
Spring hillsides are blooming and gardens are loving the sunshine after the long winter’s rains. McEvoy Ranch's Garden Manager, Patty Hawkley, makes the most of the bounty of the season by creating inviting wreaths placed around the Ranch. You can too! Join the team at McEvoy for this special spring wreath making workshop led by Francesca Perez of Francesca’s Flowers & Gardens in Santa Rosa. 

$150.00 Click here to register.

 

Sunday, May 12th
In honor of Moms everywhere McEvoy Ranch is setting aside normal tours and tastings for the day to celebrate moms with a special patio party.

What better way to celebrate Mom than surrounded by the beauty of an organic olive oil ranch and vineyard? Tear your Mom to this special Patio Party and enjoy a buffet of ranch nibbles, tickets for four wine tastings, live music, special sale prices on oil & natural beauty products and optional tours throughout the day. What a great way to celebrate, relax and soak up the sunshine and views.

 

$60.00 Click here to register.