What’s Happening in Sebastopol?

Improvising For Life
2025-01-08 14:00 - 2025-02-12 15:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Improv games will teach you how to be present, tap into your silly, imaginative, spontaneous, child-like self, stop worrying, and enjoy the present moment, which is all we have anyway! Join the Sebastopol Senior Center and DeAnna Lam, an avid improviser who played and performed as part of improvisational groups for more than 15 years, Sebastopol Dance Art Space 172 N Main St. This is a six-week series, for all ages! Please register with the Senior Center in advance. $48 for members, $60 for non-members.

Opening Reception for New Art Exhibit "Sonoma Impressions” Oil Paintings by Lenona Winter
2025-01-11 15:00 - 17:00 | Laguna Environmental Center, 900 Sanford Rd., Santa Rosa, CA, 95401, United States
Join the Laguna de Santa Rosa Foundation for the opening reception of our new art exhibit, “Sonoma Impressions” featuring oil paintings by Lenona Winter. The event will be held in the Heron Hall Gallery & Gift Shop at the Laguna Environmental Center. Come and immerse yourself in the beauty of Lenona Winter’s stunning artwork. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the magic of Sonoma County through her impressionistic paintings. See you there!
Exhibit Description: This exhibition of impressionistic oil paintings celebrates the breathtaking landscapes of Sonoma County. Scenes of its majestic coastline, golden summer hills, vibrant autumn vineyards, and serene natural vistas will be featured. Please note: “Sonoma Impressions” will be on display January 11 through April 25, 2025.
Artist Statement: It is a profound privilege to capture the inspiring landscapes of Sonoma County through my art. My paintings aim to share the region’s natural beauty while promoting its preservation. I am honored to showcase my work alongside a conservation organization like the Laguna de Santa Rosa Foundation.
The Gallery: The Heron Hall Gallery & Gift Shop exhibits three shows per year of local, nature-themed art. Sales support the Laguna de Santa Rosa Foundation and its mission to restore and conserve this Wetland of International Importance. Due to the multiple uses of Heron Hall, the gallery is open by appointment only. Please schedule a time to see the exhibit: gallery@lagunafoundation.org
Laguna Environmental Center, 900 Sanford Road, Santa Rosa, CA 95401
Free! Donations welcome. No RSVP necessary. Light refreshments provided.
https://OpeningReceptionLenonaWinter.eventbrite.com

'Fresh Perspectives for a New Year'
2025-01-13 14:00 - 16:00 | 167N. High St.Sebastopol Area Senior Center, 167 N. High St., Sebastopol, CA, 95472, United States
Perspectives Gallery at the Sebastopol Area Senior Center is holding our opening reception for our latest gallery display; ‘Fresh Perspectives for a New Year’. This event is free for all! Join us on Monday, January 13th from 2pm to 4pm.

Intro to Yoga Workshop
2025-01-13 15:30 - 17:00, 2025-01-20 15:30 - 17:00, 2025-01-27 15:30 - 17:00, 2025-02-03 15:30 - 17:00, 2025-02-10 15:30 - 17:00 | Radiate Yoga Studio, 961 Gravenstein Hwy S, Sebastopol, MD, 95472, United States
Curious about yoga? Here’s your chance to learn the basics in a safe and supportive environment at local Radiate Studio. Taught by experienced local teacher Kate Harding, this workshop is suitable for all ages and all levels. Even if you think you’re not flexible or strong enough for yoga, this class is right for you. Class size is kept small to allow for plenty of personalized attention and modifications. This is a one-time, three part series.

SBC # 536 Life and the Meaning of Death w/ Dr. Ofer Zur & Larry Robinson, MA
2025-01-13 18:00 - 19:30 | Hopmonk Tavern Sebastopol, 230 Petaluma Ave., Sebastopol, Ca, 95472, United States
This philosophical presentation will focus on western & Buddhist cultural beliefs, practices, & attitudes toward death and dying. Participants will be invited to briefly share their thoughts on what they would wish for the end of their lives. It does not advocate or recommend any action; it only invites participants to think and reflect.
Larry Robinson, MA: Retired psychotherapist, recovering politician and practicing potter; founder and producer of Rumi’s Caravan, a poetic performance ensemble dedicated to restoring the soul of the world through the revival of the oral tradition of poetry. I am a long-time student of Soto Zen Buddhist practice. The Metta Sutta, one of the core texts of Mahayana Buddhism, states that “One who has achieved the Way is free from the duality of birth and death.” This is not to imply immortality, but rather to understand impermanence as the fundamental nature of reality and to see birth and death as a continuum in the unending unfolding of life.
Ofer Zur, PhD: Psychologist, ethicist, has intimate relationships in facing death & studied attitudes and views toward worldwide For the most of my life as if every day is or may be my last day on earth. We etched on on my mother’s grave gravestone what she always told us: “Trees die erect.” An Inuit tale describes that when an elder can no longer contribute to the village they voluntarily venture out “onto the ice” so the polar bears will eat them, in turn the young villagers hunt the bear to provide continuing nourishment to their village – completing the circle of life. In our modern world 50% of medical costs are incurred in the last few years of life. Those of us who hang onto life at all costs, no matter the quality of life lived, could be considered as “eating the bear”.

Luther Burbank Experiment Farm Work Day
2025-01-15 09:00 - 12:00, 2025-01-22 09:00 - 12:00, 2025-01-29 09:00 - 12:00, 2025-02-05 09:00 - 12:00 | Luther Burbank Experiment Farm, 7777 Bodega Ave, Sebastopol, CA, 95472, United States
Join a cadre of enthusiastic volunteers in preserving and maintaining the Luther Burbank Experiment Farm every Wednesday from 9am to noon. We need volunteers across the spectrum of gardening, leading tours, showing people around the cottage, selling items at the cottage gift shop, and more! All skill and ability levels welcome.

Art Reception
2025-01-24 17:00 - 19:00 | The Livery CoWork, 6940 Burnett Street, Sebastopol, 95472
Art Reception & Show featuring artists from the Art Workshop of Western Sonoma County at The Livery CoWork
Join us on Friday January 24, 5:00pm-7:00pm at The Livery CoWork for a reception celebrating talented artists from the Art Workshop of Western Sonoma County. A new display of artwork from AWS members is now decorating the walls of The Livery CoWork, and we’d love for you to check it out. We invite you to visit us during a special reception to meet some of the artists and view their work.
This event is free and open to the public. Lite bites and refreshments will be provided. The Livery CoWork is located at 6940 Burnett St. in Sebastopol.

Atascadero / Green Valley Watershed Quarterly Gathering
2025-01-25 10:00 - 12:00 | Burbank Heights and Orchards Social Hall, 7777 Bodega Ave., Sebastopol, CA, 95472, United States
The Atascadero / Green Valley Watershed Council will host its Quarterly Gathering with Joe Sybrian, Beaver Dam Builder. Joe will tell us about his work with Swift Water Design in the mountains of California, Oregon, and beyond, and how to apply beaver-wisdom in our own watershed to restore our creeks. We invite you to gather with us, hear from local leaders, share stories, and help our watershed council thrive.
• Updates on our reviving council
• Circle group discussion
• Coffee provided
• Potluck snacks
• Free event

The Wildwoods w/ Terrier at Sebastopol Community Cultural Center
2025-01-25 19:30 - 23:00 | Sebastopol Community Cultural Center – Main Building, 390 Morris Ave, Sebastopol, Ca, 95472, United States
In the heart of Lincoln, Nebraska, The Wildwoods, a folk/Americana trio led by Noah and Chloe Gose, alongside bassist Andrew Vaggalis, deliver a musical journey through the soul of American roots. With accolades ranging from international songwriting competitions to standing ovations at festivals like Summerfest and FreshGrass, their latest release, “Foxfield Saint John” (2023), solidifies them as a force in the folk scene.
Opening the show is Terrier – a captivating folk duo, born from the unique confluence of Ben Morrison of The Brothers Comatose and Erika Tietjen of T Sisters. Partners in life and on stage, their musical journey together began during the challenging days of the pandemic, a time when creativity and resilience were needed most.
“The Wildwoods excel in transcending seemingly normal experiences into something poetic and beautiful” — Isabelle Turner, Tongue Tied Magazine

Science Buzz Cafe # 537 @ HopMonk - Cheetahs & Giraffes & Rhinos, OH My! with Denise Cadman, Biologist Associate Faculty at Santa Rosa Junior College – Teaching Biology for Over 30 Years
2025-01-27 18:00 - 19:30 | Hopmonk Tavern Sebastopol, 230 Petaluma Ave., Sebastopol, Ca, 95472, United States
For the last 3 exciting years Denise has worked as a guide at Safari West and the Foundation: Helping to broadcast live safaris to children in hospitals across the nation!
Safari West celebrated a 31-year anniversary last summer. There is a rich and interesting history describing the creation and evolution of the “Sonoma Serengeti”- a 400 acre preserve focusing on African mammals and an international bird collection. Safari West have almost 1000 animals in its care, representing nearly 100 species. The core mission of Safari West is conservation breeding and helping to maintain genetic populations of animals that are, or may become, imperiled in the wild. A portion of our revenue goes to support conservation organizations in other parts of the world. On site, a conservation biology program strives to enhance, protect and restore the landscape of native plants and animals that we share our home with.
Denise Cadman is a naturalist and educator who has lived in Sonoma County since moving here as a young child. She recently ended a 29 year career as an Environmental Specialist for the City of Santa Rosa. The position involved protecting and improving the quality of over 100 miles of creeks in Santa Rosa, in addition to managing 1500 acres of agricultural land irrigated with recycled water and natural areas managed to promote biodiversity in the Laguna de Santa Rosa; planting creek corridors, removing invasive species, conducting studies and performing long-term surveys on plants, birds and mammals.
conservation organizations in other parts of the world. On site, a conservation biology program strives to enhance, protect and restore the landscape of native plants and animals that we share our home with.

History of the Pomo Indians: a Free Talk by Docent Volunteer Laura Shafer
2025-01-27 18:30 - 20:00 | Sebastopol United Methodist Church, 500 North Main Street, Sebastopol, CA, 95472, United States
Did you ever wonder about who lived here before you? Come join the community as Docent volunteer Laura Shafer shares her knowledge of the Pomo Indians — some of the original people of Sonoma County. How did they survive? Did they thrive? What did they eat? Did they grow crops? What were their homes made of? Did they interact with the other local tribes? What happened when Europeans and Russians arrived? Where are they now? Learn about the Pomo Indians on the evening of Monday January 27th at a free talk. Light desserts and beverages will be provided. The talk will be held at 6:30 pm on Monday January 27th, at the Epworthian Hall in the United Methodist Church, 500 North Main Street, Sebastopol. This is a project by the Western Sonoma County Historical Society.

Colorful Dialogue
2025-01-28 10:00 - 2025-03-10 17:00 | Sebastopol Library, 7140 Bodega Ave,, Sebastopol, CA, 95472
An exhibit of collage and paintings by Amie Hill and Marilyn Sommer
January 28 through March 10, 2025
Reception with Artists, March 2, 3-5pm
Sebastopol Regional Library Forum Room
7601 Bodega Avenue
Sebastopol, CA 95472
(707) 823-7691

The Musers, The Familiar Strangers, and Joe Craven
2025-01-31 19:30 - 22:00 | Sebastopol Community Cultural Center – Main Building, 390 Morris Ave, Sebastopol, Ca, 95472, United States
The Musers, a dynamic folk trio known for their spirited harmonies and foot-stomping rhythms, will kick off the night with their blend of heartfelt originals and creative covers. The Familiar Strangers will bring their eclectic mix of Americana, swing, and roots music that promises to get you swaying and singing along. Closing the evening is the incomparable Joe Craven, a genre-defying multi-instrumentalist and storyteller whose energy and creativity will leave you in awe. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind showcase of local talent and world-class artistry!
Friday, January 31
Doors @ 6:30pm
Show @ 7:30pm
Sebastopol Community Cultural Center
390 Morris St, Sebastopol, CA 95472
TICKETS
$25 advance
$30 at the door (includes all fees)

NATURE OF LOVE
2025-02-04 08:00 - 17:00, 2025-02-04 10:00 - 17:00 | Sebastopol Gallery, 150 North Main Street, Sebastopol, 95472
NATURE OF LOVE, featuring the natural forms in Michelle Hoting’s fine art jewelry runs from Febrary 4 through March 29.
RECEPTION: Don’t miss our amazing trunk show on FEBRUARY 8TH, from 2-6pm. Meet our jewelers in person at Sebastopol Gallery on North Main Street. Find your perfect gift for Valentine’s Day and hspecial occasions to come.
Featuring work by Shelly Rae, Doña O., Michelle Hoting, Alison Morse, Patricia Reilly, Alison Marks, Joann Lustig, Barbara Harris, Stacy Low, and Luann Udell.
Reception for all

Driven to Abstraction
2025-02-08 08:00 - 17:00, 2025-02-08 10:00 - 2025-03-16 15:00 | Sebastopol Center for the Arts, 282 S High Street, Sebastopol, CA
Driven to Abstraction
Feb 8 – Mar 16
OPENING RECEPTION: Sat, Feb 8, 2-4 PM
Visit our Driven to Abstraction Exhibition the main SebArts Gallery. This show has 83 fantastic works all centered around unique styles of Abstraction. This show is free to the public.

Ned Kahn and the Texture of Emptiness: Early Works at the Exploratorium and Recent Projects at the Laguna, Sebastopol
2025-02-10 18:00 - 19:30 | Hopmonk Tavern Sebastopol, 230 Petaluma Ave., Sebastopol, Ca, 95472, United States
Ned’s work with Frank Oppenheimer, the founder of the Exploratorium and younger brother of J Robert Oppenheimer, inspired him to develop artworks intended to reveal the underlying physics of many natural phenomena.
Ned Kahn, a Sebastopol based environmental artist, will show videos of his early works at the Exploratorium and some recent projects and discuss how his kinetic artworks relate to recent discoveries about the Higgs Field and the nature of empty space. He will also show a video of his recently installed sculpture along the Laguna in Sebastopol. Ned Kahn’s work with Frank Oppenheimer, the founder of the Exploratorium and younger brother of J Robert Oppenheimer, inspired him to develop artworks intended to reveal the underlying physics of many natural phenomena. Two recurring themes in his work are how energy waves flow through fields and how vibration often requires a restoring force.
BRINGING SCIENCE, ECONOMICS & CURIOSITY BACK INTO CULTURE …
(707) 292-5281
daniel@economicbuzzcafe.com
Discover the Artist Within and Widen Your Horizon!

Science Buzz Cafe: Ned Kahn and the Texture of Emptiness
2025-02-10 18:00 - 19:30 | CA, United States
Ned Kahn, a Sebastopol-based environmental artist, will show videos of his early works at the Exploratorium and some recent projects and discuss how his kinetic artworks relate to recent discoveries about the Higgs Field and the nature of empty space. He will also show a video of his recently installed sculpture along the Laguna in Sebastopol. Ned Kahn’s work with Frank Oppenheimer, the founder of the Exploratorium and younger brother of J Robert Oppenheimer, inspired him to develop artworks intended to reveal the underlying physics of many natural phenomena. Two recurring themes in his work are how energy waves flow through fields and how vibration often requires a restoring force.

❤️Sebastopol Times’ Very Short Love Stories Deadline: Feb. 11❤️
2025-02-11 08:00 - 17:00
How did you find somebody to love? Tell us how it happened way back when or just recently. Keep it short — 125 words or less. Send your little love story to sebastopoltimes@gmail.com with the subject line “Love” by Feb. 11 at the latest. We’ll gather your love stories in a special heart-filled article for Valentine’s Day on Friday, Feb. 14.S0

Coffee with the Mayor
2025-02-11 16:00 - 17:00 | City Hall, 7120 Bodega Ave, Sebastopol, CA, 95472, United States
Mayor Stephen Zollman invites you to join him for “Coffee with the Mayor.” Ask questions, share your thoughts and ideas, and discuss issues that matter to you in this new monthly series. Local donuts and coffee will be provided. Bring your own recyclable or reusable cup.
Tuesday, Feb. 11, 4 pm to 5 pm, at City Hall, 7120 Bodega Ave., Sebastopol. Free.

Planning Commission Meeting
2025-02-11 18:00 - 21:00 | Sebastopol Youth Annex, 425 Morris Street, Sebastopol, CA, 95472, United States
Potentially interesting meeting about updating and reforming Sebastopol’s Zoning Code. See staff report.
Tuesday, Feb. 11, 6 pm to 9 pm, at the Sebastopol Youth Annex, 425 Morris St., Sebastopol. Free.

The Art of Spellcraft
2025-02-11 19:00 - 20:41 | A private studio in Sebastopol, Provided upon registration, Sebastopol, 95472
For three weeks starting Tuesday, Feb. 11, at 7 pm, experience The Art of Spellcraft with Phoenix LeFae. Working magic and creating spells is an art form. Learn how to cast your own spells for love, prosperity, health, protection, and more. Email to register.
Tuesday, Feb. 11, 7 pm, at Milk and Honey, 123 N. Main St., Sebastopol. $100.
