Southern Sonoma Country Life

One of the Largest Day of the Dead Festivals in California Draws to a Colorful Close for 2017 — El Día de los Muertos, Petaluma

Photos by Frances Rivetti

"To Live in hearts we leave behind is not to die," 

— Thomas Campbell

As Halloween week reaches its annual crescendo with pumpkin carving, decorated homes and trick-or-treating on October 31st, let's not forget All Souls Day, November 2nd, a holy day set aside for remembering the dead. 

Here in Southern Sonoma County we are treated to a month long celebration of those we have loved and lost in the form of an extended All Souls remembrance — our Latin community's extraordinary El Día de los Muertos series of events. 

High profile Day of the Dead celebrations have kicked off at the start of October in Petaluma for the past 17 years and culminate with a bilingual story telling at the Petaluma branch of the Sonoma County Library, at 6.30 pm on November 1st.

The past couple of years have seen an annual procession with giant puppets, food, art, mariachi, performance and folklorish dance expand into downtown Petaluma with a vibrant, colorful and uplifting late afternoon/early evening extravaganza starting at the banks of the river at Water Street, on through town to the steps of the Historical Library and Museum on Fourth Street. 

This year's El Día de los Muertos events began with a grand opening celebration on Oct 1st at St. Vincent de Paul Church plaza. Activities throughout the month also included an artist reception and exhibition, poetry of remembrance, altar workshops, fantastic and inclusion traditional and modern altars in stores and businesses throughout downtown. 

If you've yet to experience El Día de los Muertos in Petaluma, be sure to look out for 2018 event highlights and make this a part of your October traditions. 

Local friends have staged their own altars commemorating lost loved ones in their homes. Whereas my Italian Catholic in-laws maintain small, discreet family altars year round with candles and photos of family members who have passed, El Día de los Muertos is more elaborate, with favorite foods and items that belonged to the people and pets being honored displayed amongst colorful flowers and linens during the month of Oct and early Nov.  

For more info on the annual El Día de los Muertos festivities in Petaluma, click here. 

Everyone is welcome to participate — here's a photo of my friend Erin, commemorating her dear dad, the late Ron Walters, longtime 'radio voice' and 'good egg' of Petaluma, who passed away earlier this year.  

 

Tasty Tacos & Other Mexican Favorites — Della Fattoria Downtown Petaluma Fundraiser for Undocumented Members of Our Sonoma County Community — Sat Oct 28th 11am to 5 pm

Don't miss the procession with giant puppets for the Petaluma celebration of El Día de los Muertos, starting at Water Street at 4pm on Sat Oct 28th and proceeding through downtown to the museum. 

This beautiful, ritual celebration from Mexico, Latin and South America invites the spirits of dead loved ones to visit us, the living, as honored guests. Day of the Dead is observed on Nov 1st and 2nd, reflecting the belief that death is a part of life — instead of sadness it is a time to remember and rejoice. 

The procession of giant puppets and an evening of food, folklorish activities and music is the largest parade of its kind outside of Mexico and a stunning experience. 

 

Temporary Housing & More — Support Undocufund — Essential Fire Relief in Sonoma County

If you've heard of Undocufund for Fire Relief in Sonoma County and would like to know more about who it helps and who is behind this vital, grassroots campaign, or, if you've yet to stumble across this tremendous community outreach, here are the basics:

Launched by a coalition of immigrant service providers and advocates, the UndocuFund for Fire Relief in Sonoma County provides direct assistance to undocumented victims of the Northern California fires. 

One hundred percent of all donations go directly to victim support. Click here to donate.

An estimated 28,000 undocumented immigrants live and work in Sonoma County. Unlike other victims of the fires that have devastated Sonoma County, undocumented immigrants do not qualify for assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Lack of immigration status, limited English proficiency, and fear of immigration enforcement will also impede their access to disaster-relief services, even when they are eligible.

Lack of familiarity or comfort with law enforcement, county departments, and financial institutions present additional barriers. Consequently, the fire victims will face significant challenges in meeting urgent needs and rebuilding their lives here in Sonoma County where the cost of living is very high.

The UndocuFund provides direct funding to undocumented immigrants and their families to help with expenses incurred directly as a result of the fires including but not limited to:

• Temporary housing
• Home repairs
• Essential household items
• Medical and dental expenses
• Tools and equipment required for work

• Clean-up items
• Repair of essential vehicle
• Moving and storage expenses
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Necessary educational materials (computers, school books, supplies)

Grantmakers Concerned with Immigrants and Refugees, a national nonprofit headquartered in Sebastopol, serves as the fiscal agent for the fund. GCIR and the other partners cover the fund’s administrative costs.

With a mission to provide direct support to undocumented children, families, and communities affected by the fires in Sonoma County, the UndocuFund is working now to develop the process for disbursing the funds to assist with expenses incurred as a direct result of the fires—from rent to medical expenses to tools required for work.

Click here to donate

FOUNDING ORGANIZATIONS

• Graton Day Labor Center
• North Bay Organizing Project
• North Bay Jobs with Justice

ADVISORY COMMITTEE

• Ana Lugo, North Bay Organizing Project
• Carlos Chavez, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Sonoma County
• Christy Lubin, Graton Day Labor Center
• Herman G. Hernandez, Sonoma County Office of Education Board Member
• James Gore, Sonoma County Supervisor, 4th District
• Jordan Burns, Santa Rosa Junior College Trustee
• Leticia Romero, Corazón Healdsburg
• Dra. Mariana G. Martinez, Santa Rosa Junior College Trustee
• Mariela Ventura, North Bay Jobs with Justice
• Ronit Rubinoff, Legal Aid of Sonoma County
• Una Glass, Sebastopol City Mayor
• Veronica Vences, La Luz Center

COMMUNITY PARTNERS

Community partners will help publicize the fund and identify eligible individuals and families. This is a working list of organizations involved as of October 19th. 

• Amazon Watch
• Bioneers
• California Domestic Workers Coalition
• California Human Development
• Community Action Partnership of Sonoma County
• Corazón Healdsburg
• Culture Strike
• Green Valley Farm and Mill
• Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Sonoma County
• KBBF 89.1 – Bilingual Broadcasting Foundation
• La Luz Center
• Latino Service Providers
• Legal Aid of Sonoma County
• Los Cien Sonoma County
• Migrant Education – Region 2
• Movement Strategy Center
• National Day Laborer Organizing Network (NDLON)
• Permaculture Skills Center
• Petaluma People Services Center
• Presente.org
• SoCo Wobblies
• United Farm Workers
• Urban Remedy
• VIDAS (Vital Immigrant Defense Advocacy and Services)
• Women’s Earth Alliance

Hawkwood Estates Speaker Series — Sunday Raincheck 'Til Spring

For anyone planning to attend the inaugural Speaker Series event at beautiful Hawkwood Estates in Chileno Valley this Sunday afternoon (Oct 29th), a benefit for the Petaluma Health Center, please note that given our regional focus on fundraising for the many needs within the community post wildfires, this event has been postponed until Spring of 2018. 

 

Fabulous Women of Petaluma Announce 2017 Festival of Trees Event at the Petaluma Hotel, Dec 1st & 2nd, 2017 — A Portion of Funds to be Directed to Sonoma County Wildfire Recovery Efforts

The Fabulous Women of Petaluma are excited to announce a partnership with the Petaluma Hotel. This year the theme of Festival of Trees is, "Tidings of Comfort and Joy."

"It is fitting for this event to be in the center of downtown Petaluma because it is a celebration of local businesses and charitable organizations.," says the Fabulous Women's Krista Gawronski. "This holiday collaboration will capture your heart. Each tree is decorated with love and creativity by nonprofits and generous merchants."

The Festival will be held on Friday night, December 1st, 2017 from 6:00-9:00pm and Saturday, December 2nd, 3-9:00pm. It has become a cherished tradition for the entire community and it entrance is free to all. 

Bundle up the family in Santa hats and Christmas sweaters and take in the joy of the season. Over the years, thousands of people have soaked up sufficient magic from this event to carry them from one year to the next. 

Locals turn out in droves for this Christmas auction with the hope of winning a beautiful tree for their home.  Listen to live Christmas music, enter the spectacular raffle, shop at the holiday market place, enjoy cocoa and delicious baked goods from the Sweet Shoppe and take family photos with Santa. 

The goal of the event is to provide a joyful and uplifting experience for everyone, culminating with “THE GREAT REVEAL" — all proceeds generated to support meaningful causes and local organizations.

Latest update from the Fabulous Women is that some of the funds raised will be directed toward organizations that support the wildfire recovery effort.

"It's exciting when Santa Claus and Petaluma Pete help announce the local grant winners," says Krista.

GRANT INFO:

This year, The Fabulous Women will select two local non-profits that fall into one of two categories: one focused on community  and one on youth. Charitable groups and nonprofits are invited to submit a request to be selected as one of this year’s Festival of Trees grant recipients.

All that is required is that your organization must be registered with the state of California as a non-profit, and that you email TheFabulousWomen@gmail.com with answers to these three questions:

1)  What is your mission statement?

2)  How do you serve our community or youth?

3)  How would the money from a grant from the Fabulous Women support you in upcoming projects or work in the community?

The deadline for submission is November 1st, 2017.  Do consider applying. Collaboration and unity are needed now more than ever. This festival gives everyone the opportunity to get to know the amazing service organizations that make our town special.

The Fabulous Women recognize the need to support one another and find courageous ways to help our community thrive!

If you have questions about grants, sponsoring the event, volunteering 

or decorating a tree, please contact: 

Krista Gawronski @ (707) 799-2153 

Melissa Becker @ (707) 782-0123 or Email us at: TheFabulousWomen@gmail.com.

 

Stay in touch with the Fabulous Women on their  holiday page:

https://www.facebook.com/FOTPetaluma16/

25 Acre Wild Woodland Quarryhill Botanical Gardens Reopens Saturday Oct 28th After the Fires with Free Admission Through 2017

Quarryhill Botanical Garden, the 25-acre wild woodland garden in Glen Ellen, will re-open to the public on Saturday, October 28 and will be free of charge, daily from 9 am to 4 pm (except major holidays) through the end of the year.

“Quarryhill miraculously escaped major damage from the devastating fires that ravaged our beautiful valley,” explains Quarryhill President and Executive Director Bill McNamara. “We want to share our tranquil garden with those who need a place to go for a peaceful, pastoral experience as the community unites to rebuild our beloved Valley of the Moon. Our hope is the garden will serve as a place for healing and refuge.”

The photo above is a typical fall shot of the garden and is how the garden looks now. The photo below was taken after the wildfires looking from the south end of the 65-acre property to the 25-acre wild Asian garden, a green oasis amongst a minimally charred landscape. 

Though the signature Quarryhill garden suffered little damage some acreage of the overall 65-acre Quarryhill property was scorched. Incredibly, the fire stopped at the fence lines of the Asian garden due to the fact that the garden is irrigated, making it more fire resistant. 

General garden admission will be waived through December 31, 2017. Docent-led tours will be reduced by 20%. All visitors do need to check in at the Visitors Center before entering the garden.

The gift shop will be open daily from 9 am to 4 pm. Quarryhill Botanical Garden is located at 12841 Highway 12, in Glen Ellen. For general questions, please call 996-3166 or go to http://www.quarryhillbg.org For information or to schedule a docent-led tour, call 707-996-6027 or contact ecorbin@quarryhillbg.org.

About Quarryhill Botanical Garden
A wild woodland garden inhabiting 25 acres of rolling hills above the pastoral vineyards of Sonoma Valley and featuring over 25,000 wild-origin plants from Asia in a naturalistic setting. Quarryhill is not only a modern-day ark of rare beautiful plants but also a place for peaceful recreation, where education and conservation are at the heart of its mission and run as deep as the tranquil ponds and seasonal waterfalls that surround it. Founded in 1987, Quarryhill is one of the pre-eminent Asian botanical gardens globally, featuring one of the largest collections of documented, wild-collected Asian plants in the world. 

Quarryhill Botanical Garden is a hidden gem and one of the most exotic and biologically diverse places in Sonoma Valley. 

Wildlife Rescue After the Fires

Wildlife Rescue of Sonoma County  received its first fire related patient, on Saturday, Oct 21st. A juvenile bobcat weighing only 3.4 pounds was transferred to the Sonoma County facility from Napa County.

"His paws were severely burned and he was suffering from advanced emaciation and dehydration as he could no longer care for himself," says Doris Duncan, executive director of Wildlife Rescue. Unfortunately, he died in their hands on the exam table, thirty minutes after admittance.

"Sometimes when animals like this are suffering so tremendously, the stress of being caught and brought in to care, is more than they can handle and they just check out," says Doris. 

Just when they thought the wildlife had made it out of the fires safely, staff at the center are now beginning to see and hear about its victims. "Most of us know from working with wildlife, that they must be as strong and skilled as an athlete training for the Olympics to survive in the wild," Doris explains. "And yes, they are born with strong survival instincts. This is what kept most of them from becoming trapped by the fires and perishing. They could smell the fires coming long before us and evacuated. This is what we explained over and over to our many supporters calling, who were so concerned about our wildlife living in the habitats that were overtaken by the firestorms."  Not all were so lucky.  Many of the younger and older animals are now displaced or injured from burns. Staff at the center are also concerned about them being able to feed and care for themselves with no food left or homes to live in amongst the thousands of acres burned. Please pay close attention to animals you may see when out on walks or hikes, getting up early or coming home late from work.    Here are signs of animals in need of rescue and care: Wandering around during the day Appearing lost or dazed Looking thin and or sickly Signs of injuries can be noticed like limping, dragging limbs, laying on their sides in the open or partially  hidden   Be vigilant and call the Wildlife Hotline at 707-526-9453 and report anything that concerns you. You will hear a recorded greeting but, do leave a message as the center has 21 shifts a week, staffed by experienced volunteers who are waiting to help. If you feel it is an emergency,  call 707-486-0226 and your concerns will be addressed immediately.

 

 

Sonoma County Art Trails Artist Relief Fund & Rescheduled Open Studios

      

Top to bottom, left to right: Michele Rosett, Karen Spratt, Phyllis Calvin Thompson, Marta Shannon

“Art is a line around your thoughts.” ~ Gustav Klimt

Sonoma County's much loved Art Trails has been rescheduled to weekends Oct 21st and 22nd, 28th and 29th. 

Art Trails artists are an incredibly caring group and members hope that you will visit the studios  that are open to show your support and help our community to heal through art.

Sseveral Art Trails artists  lost their homes, studios and/or their entire art inventory in the recent wildfires. An Art Trails Artist Relief Fund has been established.  Donations to this relief fund can be made on-line at   www.SonomaCountyArtTrails.org or www.SebArts.org. Be sure to click on the box for artists relief fund if you make a donation online.

Donations are welcome at many Art Trails studios (checks to be payable to SCA, with a notation on the check indicating Art Trails Artists Relief Fund); or mail checks  to Sebastopol Center for the Arts, 282 S. High St., Sebastopol, CA 95472.  

Most studios are open both weekends, except for the following:

Studios NOT OPEN either weekend: 11 Christine MacDonald, 14 Susan Miron, 17 Tom Berto, 25 Barbara Kelley, 26 Lisa Skelly, 28 Bill Gittins, 30 Anne Regan, 31 Char Wood, 32 Dannell Powell, 63 Valerie Adams, 67 Donna DeLaBriandais

Studios open Oct 21-22 ONLY:  34 Rick Blundell, 36 Jennylynn Hall, 39 Sargam Griffin, 58 Beverly Todd Rose, 81 Caro Pemberton, 100 Jay Blums, 106 Elizabeth Peyton, 147 Sherri Ortegren

Studios open Oct 28-29 ONLY: 6 Evan Garber, 8 Roxanna Ahlborn, 9 Ann Iverson, 62 Ralph Broussard,  134 Carol Peek

Status undetermined at this time: 4 Hugh Buttrum, 10 Sandra Lane, 15 Wayne Reynolds, 16 Caryn Fried,

Click here to download the updated Art Trails map. 

 

 

 

Exploring Ways to Help our Region Heal —Support The Sonoma County Resilience Fund & Source Local Wines

There is so much for all of us here in wine country to process in the coming weeks. Thanks to the extraordinary, super-human collective efforts of thousands of first responders, the wildfires that so have so cruelly ravaged our region are now under control.

What an incredible outpouring of help we've witnessed and/or been a part of this past week and a half. It seems a different world entirely since that sunny Sunday afternoon in fall, hours before tragedy swept through our region so cruelly unannounced.  

In talking with friends and neighbors, the shock and the numbness has yet to wear off. Many wonder how best to help? 

It's time for every one of us to start taking stock of ways in which we are able to continue to help rebuild after the devastation. We're not talking heroics, it's more about mindfulness as we move forward.

Our local businesses need us more than ever, especially those that have been directly impacted close to the fire zones and those that stepped up big time in the aftermath to feed the displaced and provide free or discounted services and products. 

We're all in it together. Every dollar you spend in wine country helps bolster the economy and ultimately the good people who continue to pull together. 

I'll be sharing ideas as they come my way, but to start with, if you're a wine lover, when you're out and about replenishing your wine stocks for fall and for the upcoming holiday season, please do make your purchases matter by selecting Sonoma grown and produced wines. 

There's no shortage of local wine on our favorite grocery store shelves, but you might consider buying by the case to boost sales in an appellation you're most fond of. 

Click here for a list of 285 Sonoma County wines listed by Sonoma County Vintners.

Donating to The Sonoma County Resilience Fund is another great way to reach those who need the help the most. This legitimate fund is being operated by The Community Foundation of Sonoma County. 

I think donating to local funds such as this is the best use of our regional dollar donations. Click here for The Sonoma County Resilience Fund page. 

 

 

 

 

Petaluma Talks — A New Speaker Series in Beautiful Chileno Valley — Join Me at the Inaugural Event, Sunday, Oct 29th, 2017

 

Hawkwood Estates, in Chileno Valley launches a new Petaluma Talks Speaker Series on Sunday, October 29th, 2017 from 3pm to 5pm.

I'm honored to be included in the inaugural Petaluma Talks Speaker event, speaking alongside three distinguished individuals sharing their unique perspective on their topic of expertise. 

Hawkwood Hill spans 200 acres of pastoral land. Established in 1993 as the region's premier equestrian facility, it's tailored grounds offer elegant gatherings for events of all sizes. 

This series is a benefit for the Petaluma Health Center. 

https://www.hawkwoodestate.com/