Romanesco’s sweet, nutty and earthy flavors shine in a comforting pasta dish. (UliAb / Shutterstock)
Romanesco: Is it broccoli? Is it cauliflower? Both?
Whatever its exact classification – and most experts agree it is a cousin of both broccoli and cauliflower, but a variety of neither – romanesco may be the most beautiful vegetable in the world. To be precise, it is a flower: Unharvested, it rises on tall stalks and opens into pale yellow blossoms. Its mesmerizing beauty is derived from fractals, identical repeating patterns, with the tiniest floret exactly the same as the largest and as the entire head itself. This mathematical precision is seen throughout nature in everything from snowflakes to seashells.
What this means to home cooks is that it is best to prepare this gorgeous vegetable in ways that highlight its appearance. Roast whole or separate the florets from the core and boil, braise or roast; they hold their shape well.
Romanesco is best from late fall to early spring, as its flavors sweeten and intensify in cold weather. Like broccoli, it has sweet, nutty and earthy flavors that shine in this easy, comforting pasta.
Romanesco’s sweet, nutty and earthy flavors shine in a comforting pasta dish. (UliAb / Shutterstock)
Roasted Romanesco Pasta with Celery, Green Olives and Feta
Makes 4 to 6 servings
1 head romanesco, individual florets separated
Olive oil
Kosher salt
2/3 cup celery vinaigrette (see below)
6 ounces gemelli or similarly shaped pasta
4 celery stalks, trimmed and cut into very thin diagonal slices
1/2 lemon
1 tbsp. capers, drained
3 ounces (3/4 cup) feta, crumbled
3/4 cup green olives, such as Picholine or Castelvetrano, pitted and halved
1 tablespoon freshly snipped chives
Heat the oven to 425 degrees. While the oven heats, make the celery vinaigrette (see below).
Put the romanesco florets on a small sheet pan, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, and toss gently to coat each piece in the oil. Set on the middle rack of the oven and cook until the florets are slightly tender but not mushy, about 12-15 minutes. Remove from the heat, place in a large bowl, and cover with a towel.
While the romanesco roasts, cook the pasta in salted water according to package directions. Drain the pasta, add to the bowl of romanesco, and set aside.
Pour a little olive oil into a medium sauté pan, set over medium heat, add the thinly sliced celery, and sauté until it just begins to soften, about 5 minutes. Squeeze in the lemon juice, season with salt, and add to the bowl.
To finish the pasta, add the capers, feta, green olives and half the vinaigrette to the bowl and toss gently. Divide among individual soup plates or shallow bowls, spoon the remaining vinaigrette on top, and enjoy right away.
Celery Vinaigrette
Makes about 2/3 cup
1 small shallot, minced
2 inner celery stalks, finely diced
Kosher salt
1/2 tsp. celery seed
2 tbsp. lemon juice
2 tsp. Dijon mustard
5 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
Put the shallot and celery into a small bowl or pint jar, season with salt, and add the celery seed. Pour in the lemon juice and set aside for about 15 minutes.
To finish, stir in the mustard and olive oil. Taste and add more salt if necessary.
Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve in Guerneville. (Mariah Harkey / Sonoma County Tourism)
Coast Redwoods love the water — the more, the better, it seems. They love soupy fog so thick it hangs like mist. They love rain that rushes off ridgelines in seasonal rivulets. And they especially love creeks and rivers that overrun their banks to flood flat valley floors, submerging the feet of the world’s tallest trees.
Foggy weather, plenty of rain, a broad-banked river that regularly floods? Check, check and check — Sonoma has a place like that.
“The Russian River was once coated with beautiful virgin redwood stands,” says Brendan O’Neil, an environmental scientist and Chief of Natural Resources for California State Parks’ Sonoma-Mendocino District. “The most famous of all was called the Big Bottom stands, in Guerneville. That area, because it’s so prone to flooding, ended up growing some of the finest redwoods in all of California.”
The name Big Bottom stuck (it refers to the alluvial floodplain upon which the town sits), but most of the massive trees are long gone, having been logged in the late 1800s and early 1900s, many destined for cigar boxes.
Not only do they appreciate a good soaking, but creekside groves also benefit from the loads of nutrient-rich sediment deposited by floodwaters. “If you look at the trunks of a lot of the giants in Mendocino and Humboldt counties, you see that they lack that taper that you generally see,” O’Neil says. “That’s because they have been buried so many times.”
Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve in Guerneville. (Mariah Harkey/Sonoma County Tourism)
Redwoods respond by sending out a whole new root system to tap into the fresh topsoil and, even more critically, by producing seeds: a relatively rare occurrence for the species, with fire being the only other trigger.
All redwoods, no matter where, react positively and immediately to water availability in the winter. “You can see trees start to swell when it rains. They store a lot of water in their bark and canopy. They’re essentially huge water pumps,” O’Neil says.
But these botanical marvels don’t only take; they also give. Their gravity-defying canopies are home to an entire ecosystem of living things, including other plants, fairy shrimp, salamanders and flying squirrels. In death, redwoods offer valuable habitat as well, and if they are so fortunate as to fall into a nearby waterway, they can provide hiding spots for spawning salmon.
Survivors of the logging boom face a new set of threats today, and predictably many relate to fog levels, rainfall patterns and river flows — natural factors that humans have interrupted through climate change, dams and other alterations to hydrologic regimes, O’Neil says.
“Not to sign off with a story of woe, but it’s something to think about: all the beautiful things we have in this world, and the challenges we face in how we manage them.”
Server Cerra Modar carries a tray of Russian River Brewing Co. 20th anniversary Pliny the Younger triple IPA for guest on the first day of the limited release at the brewpub in Santa Rosa, Friday, March 22, 2024. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)
Officially available at the brewery’s Santa Rosa and Windsor pubs from March 21 to April 3, the highly anticipated brew is already quietly on tap (or coming soon) to around 30 bars and restaurants in Sonoma and Napa counties.
As the brewery’s team is busy kegging the 2025 Pliny release to ship to select cities throughout the country, locals will have early access to the triple IPA this month, the brewing company stated in a recent Facebook post.
The Russian River Brewing Co. 20th anniversary 2024 Pliny the Younger triple IPA is filtered and ready for bottles and kegs in Windsor, Monday, March 18, 2024. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)
Once Pliny the Younger is released this spring, the Santa Rosa and Windsor pubs will be open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, with lines usually starting as early as 5 a.m. Guests will be limited to three 10-ounce pours and up to three bottles of Pliny the Younger.
The release of Pliny the Younger is usually shrouded in secrecy, adding to its allure. Russian River Brewing Co. has not posted a public list of locations where the beer will be available before its official release but shared a list with The Press Democrat of “most” of the places in Sonoma and Napa counties where the triple IPA will be available.
Natalie Cilurzo, co-owner of Russian River Brewing Co., said over email to The Press Democrat Thursday that while kegs of Pliny the Younger are being distributed around the country, the “lion’s share remains within California, with the heaviest concentration of accounts in the Bay Area.”
Kegs of Russian River Brewing Co.’s coveted, limited-release Pliny the Younger in 2025. (Courtesy Russian River Brewing Co.)
Some local bars and restaurants, such as Santa Rosa’s The Goose & Fern (116 Fifth St.), Trail House Cafe (4036 Montgomery Drive, Suite C) and Sonoma’s HopMonk Tavern (691 Broadway), have announced on social media that they will have Pliny the Younger on tap.
On Thursday, The Goose & Fern owner Clyde Hartwell said the pub will “definitely” have Pliny on tap in the next few days, shooting to have it available for Super Bowl Sunday. Other local bars and restaurants also are aiming to pour Pliny this Sunday.
Below is a list of local places where Pliny the Younger will be on tap. For more information on when they’ll be pouring, call or check the establishments’ social media.
Sonoma County locations for Pliny
The Goose & Fern, 116 Fifth St., Santa Rosa, 707-843-4235, thegooseandfern.com
Bird & The Bottle, 1055 Fourth St., Santa Rosa, 707-568-4000, birdandthebottle.com
Phoenix hosted Guy Fieri’s Flavortown Super Bowl Tailgate in 2023. This year’s event will be in Las Vegas. (Courtesy photo)
Celebrity chef and longtime Sonoma County resident Guy Fieri is bringing his signature high-energy tailgate party back for Big Game Weekend, this time taking over Mardi Gras World in New Orleans.
The third annual “Guy’s Flavortown Tailgate” kicks off at noon Sunday, offering football fans a mix of food, music and entertainment ahead of the biggest game of the year. The best part: general admission is $0. (But hurry up; tickets are going fast.)
“We’re talking a free event for over 10,000 fans, a real deal celebration of food, football and fun, right in the heart of the action,” Fieri said.
Since launching in Arizona in 2023 and taking over Las Vegas in 2024, the tailgate has cemented itself as a can’t-miss pre-game event. Each year, it draws thousands of fans and features appearances from sports and entertainment stars. Past editions have welcomed athletes like Eli Manning and Chad Johnson, alongside performances from Diplo, Flavor Flav and Dustin Lynch — some of whom are returning this year.
Phoenix hosted Guy Fieri’s Flavortown Super Bowl Tailgate in 2023. This year’s event will be in New Orleans. (Guy’s Flavortown Tailgate)Phoenix hosted Guy Fieri’s Flavortown Super Bowl Tailgate in 2023. This year’s event will be in New Orleans. (Guy’s Flavortown Tailgate)
This year’s lineup keeps the tradition alive, with Diplo back for his third consecutive set, blending country-inspired beats with his signature electronic sound. He’ll be joined by hype-man icon Flavor Flav and New Orleans rock legends Cowboy Mouth, ensuring nonstop energy throughout the event.
General admission is free, but requires registration. Premium ticket options offer an upgraded experience, with complimentary food or VIP access featuring exclusive perks. A special partnership ensures guaranteed entry for 2,000 military members and veterans.
Attendees can expect free food samples from “Guy’s partners,” such as Carnival Cruise Line and King’s Hawaiian, as well as Flavortown sauces, a variety of drinks and, of course, plenty of fried chicken.
In short, it’s got all the ingredients for a great pre-game party.
“Laissez les bons temps rouler,” said Fieri, meaning, “Let the good times roll,” in French.
Guy’s Flavortown Tailgate, 1380 Port of New Orleans Pl, New Orleans, Louisiana, guysflavortowntailgate.com
BlendCraft in downtown Petaluma serves date shakes which are famous in Palm Springs but rarely found outside of southern California. Photographed on Wednesday, November 13, 2024. (Crissy Pascual/Petaluma Argus-Courier)
David Ertmann, of downtown Petaluma’s BlendCraft, is a huge supporter of dates — both the fruit kind and the Valentine kind. His “The First Date” smoothie blends sweet dates with low-fat vanilla frozen yogurt, almond milk and fresh banana.
“We put our own twist on the classic Palm Springs date shake,” says Ertmann, who co-owns the cafe with his fiancée, Ashley Baker. “I think these might taste even better.”
The date shake, popular in southern California, can be enjoyed at BlendCraft in downtown Petaluma. Photographed on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. (Crissy Pascual/Petaluma Argus-Courier)
In a nostalgic move, Ertmann, who grew up visiting the Hadley Date Gardens near Palm Springs with his brothers, sources Medjool dates from the original Hadley family orchards in the Morongo Valley. The cold, creamy shakes have proven popular.
“We imagine couples coming in and sharing a shake,” says Baker. “I don’t know for sure if any first dates have happened over a date shake here, but I keep hoping it will happen eventually.”
Mac and cheese at Kin Restaurant in Windsor. (Heather Irwin/The Press Democrat)
The holidays are past, and spring is months away, so why not snuggle in with the most comforting food on earth? As kids, we may start with the blue box and bright orange powdered cheese, but the real thing — made with creamy cheese sauce, hearty pasta and all the add-ins you can imagine — is a dish for the kid in all of us.
Cozy Comfort
Underwood Bar and Bistro
Head to this Graton hideaway for bubbling elbow mac topped with toasted bread crumbs. Simple as that. Add pancetta to signal to everyone that you’re a gourmand to be reckoned with.9113 Graton Road, Graton. 707-823-7023, underwoodgraton.com
Fancy Pants
Stark’s Steak & Seafood
Who knew mac and cheese needed black truffles? But once you know, you know it works perfectly with this elevated version of the classic. It’s like wearing sweats with a bow tie—comfy and classy.521 Adams St., Santa Rosa. 707-546-5100, starkrestaurants.com
Three-way Smoker Combo with ribs, chicken, brisket and sides of mac and cheese and an okra/corn/cherry tomato sauté from Sweet T’s Restaurant + Bar in Windsor. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)
Loaded
Sweet T’s
House-smoked BBQ brisket, jalapeños, bacon, breadcrumbs, and cheesy mac drizzled with sweet barbecue sauce is a yeehaw for your face. More patriotic than a bald eagle.9098 Brooks Road S., Windsor. 707-687-5185, sweettssouthern.com
Something Completely Different
Kin
The Mac Daddy pizza is as ridiculous as it sounds: a pizza topped with an absurd amount of gooey mac and cheese. Unforgettable — but whether that’s in a good way or a bad way is up to you.740 McClelland Drive, Windsor. 707-837-7546, kinwindsor.com
Mac and cheese at Kin Restaurant in Windsor. (Heather Irwin/The Press Democrat)Portuguese Mac & Cheese at Tasca Tasca Portuguese Tapas Restaurant & Wine Bar in Sonoma. (Erik Castro/for Sonoma Magazine)
The Spicy One
Tasca Tasca
Hidden among the many tapas choices — fried piri-piri potatoes, steak tartare, empanadas — you’ll find Portuguese-style mac and cheese. Linguiça, a spicy pork sausage, is the secret ingredient that gives this small plate a smoky bump.122 West Napa St., Sonoma. 707-996-8272, tascatasca.com
Nuggets of Lobster
Speakeasy
Cheese and crustaceans are usually a no-go in my book, this version blends sweet lobster with cheddar, fontina, herby breadcrumbs, and crumbled bacon clinging to every surface of the bowl-like orecchiette pasta.139 Petaluma Blvd. N., Petaluma. 707-776-4631, speakeasypetaluma.com
In the need for more cheese? Here are more favorite places for mac and cheese in Sonoma County.
Robert Nieto, owners of Fleur Sauvage Chocolate, makes a chocolate box for his Valentines Day bonbon assortment Tuesday, January 16, 2024 in Windsor. (Photo John Burgess/The Press Democrat)
No holiday strikes fear into the hearts of men like Valentine’s Day (Friday, Feb. 14). In truth, all the Hallmark card expectations of romance, roses and chocolate can confound any couple. But fear not, because even at the eleventh hour, there are great food and dining options throughout Sonoma County for you and your sweet thing, your best gal pals, or even your little cherubs.
Just don’t wait too long to snap up these ideas, and may Cupid’s arrow find its mark.
Last minute
Say it with bacon: Order a bacon box from Sonoma County Meat Co. filled with four glorious pounds of piggy pleasure. Flavors include black pepper, applewood smoked, honey lavender salt and thyme, $89 (order online or in-store). 35 Sebastopol Ave., Santa Rosa, sonomacountymeatco.com
Chocolate creations, including a life-sized chocolate wine bottle, from Fleur Sauvage in Windsor. (Chris Hardy/Sonoma Magazine)
Chocolate: Sonoma County has plenty of amazing chocolate makers, including Fleur Sauvage, Volo Chocolates, Eye Candy and Sonoma Chocolatiers (you can find a complete list here). But if you want to go a little off-script, Santa Rosa’s quirky Steinhouse offers Belgian chocolate and a whole lot of other goodies. 631 Fourth St., Suite 18, Santa Rosa, steinhousechocolates.com
Bread baking classes: Central Milling’s Artisan Baking Center is the place to train your budding sourdough baker or pastry fanatic. Classes are taught by some of the best bakers in the biz, and you’ll reap the rewards with something hot from the oven after a single class. Register online. 1120 Holm Road, Petaluma, centralmilling.com/artisan-baking-center
OpenTable it: For you lazy Lotharios, OpenTable has a handy listing of local restaurants that still have Valentine reservations available. pdne.ws/3EpRHKL
Plan ahead (with some last-minute alternatives)
Macaron flavors by Patisserie Angelica include rose, pistachio, salted caramel, Meyer lemon, and blackberry in Sebastopol, on Thursday, May 1, 2014. (Beth Schlanker / The Press Democrat)
Patisserie Angelica Valentine’s desserts: Satisfy your sweetie’s sweet tooth with an eye-popping selection of treats, including chocolate truffles, macarons, chocolate-covered strawberries, a heart-shaped almond cake with praline buttercream and Valentine sugar cookies. You’ll also find single-serve desserts, party cakes and brownies in the pastry case from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday. 6821 Laguna Park Way, Sebastopol, patisserieangelica.com/valentinesmenu
Last-minute option: Patisserie Angelica also offers a cozy high tea with savory and sweet pastries, specialty teas and espresso drinks. It’s a charming, pinkies-up adventure, but not so fancy you can’t have a little fun. Reserve by phone at 707-827-7998.
Flamingo Resort & Spa:Three-course prix fixe dinner with lots of choices — steamed blue crab, grilled bavette steak, seared scallops, confit of trumpet mushrooms or a chocolate ganache tart. $132 per person; reservations required. Reserve on OpenTable. 2777 Fourth St., Santa Rosa, flamingoresort.com
Last-minute option: Grab tickets for the Flamingo’s live “Don’t Tell Comedy” shows every Thursday. Comedians are a secret until they take the stage — and you never know who will show up. Tickets at flamingoresort.com
Sushi By Scratch: A few reservations remain for the 17-course sushi omakase menu at this intimate dining destination in Healdsburg. Valentine’s experiences, Feb. 14-16, are $265 per person. Reserve on Tock. Located in The Matheson, 106 Matheson St., Healdsburg
Last minute option: Prebook a future date at this 10-seat experience for $185 per person. You’re thoughtful and thrifty.
Advance planning required
Sea Ranch Lodge: Head north for dinner or a weekend retreat at this wind-swept North Coast destination. Dinner overlooking the ocean includes Dungeness crab Louie, beef Wellington for two and molten chocolate cake for two. Reservations required. 60 Sea Walk Drive, The Sea Ranch, thesearanchlodge.com
Owners Marc-Henri and Maud Jean-Baptiste of Windsor’s Maison Porcella. (Kim Carroll/for Sonoma Magazine)
Maison Porcella: The French are experts in food, wine and love. Celebrate all three at Maison Porcella’s special Valentine’s prix fixe dinner featuring scalloped fish terrine with roasted cauliflower, duck with braised radicchio and white chocolate cake. $125 per person; reservations required. Tickets on Tock. 8499 Old Redwood Highway, Windsor, maisonporcella.com
Pascaline Bistro: There’s no choice but to get cozy at this intimate bistro. Four-course dinner includes Dungeness crab cakes, Mount Lassen trout and caramel passion fruitcake. Tickets are $137.19 per person; reservations required. Call 707-303-7151 or book on OpenTable. 1021 Hahman Drive, Santa Rosa, pascalinebistro.com
Farmhouse Inn: On Sunday, Feb. 16, bid adieu to Valentine’s weekend with a four-course dinner from executive chef Craig Wilmer and executive pastry chef Amanda Hoang. Each course will be paired with spirits from Foley Spirits. $185 per person, by reservation only. Reserve on Tock. 7871 River Road, Forestville, farmhouseinn.com
A dish at Farmhouse Inn restaurant in Forestville. (Joanne Chen/Courtesy Farmhouse Inn)
Jilly’s Roadhouse: Venture to the coast for a casual couple’s night at this new Route 1 roadhouse. Prix fixe menu includes crab soup, lemon-zest Brussels sprouts, creamy mashed potatoes, caper-crusted salmon or filet mignon and choice of tiramisu or strawberry cheesecake. $68 per person, wine pairing available. Call 707-756-0119 for reservations. 9960 Highway 1, Jenner
Valentine’s Momo Tasting: Learn to make Nepalese momo dumplings with chef Sonam Sherpa at Meadowcroft Wines tasting room in Sonoma. The class includes momo tasting with Meadowcroft wines. 2-4 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 15., $75 per person. Reservations required; reserve online. 23574 Arnold Drive, Sonoma, meadowcroftwines.com
Love and Peanuts Holiday Workshop: Kids (grades 1-6) can make Valentine crafts and treats from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 16, at the Charles M. Schulz Museum in Santa Rosa. $40 per child; advance registration required. Tickets are available online or by calling 707- 284-1272. 2301 Hardies Lane, Santa Rosa, schulzmuseum.org
A modern home perched on 2.7 hillside acres above Glen Ellen is currently listed for $1,850,000.(Sam Bennett Media / Sotheby’s International Realty)
A modern home perched in the hills above Glen Ellen is currently listed for $1,850,000. The one-bedroom, one-and-a-half-bathroom home sits on 2.7 acres and is described in the real estate listing as the property’s “second dwelling” to live in while building a dream home on the remaining acreage. While the stage is set for more construction, the existing 980-square-foot home is plenty dreamy.
Sweeping views are a nice start — visible through the wall of windows in the modern structure. A single sloped roof and stone cladding offer a contemporary feel.
Valley views from the great room of a modern Glen Ellen home. (Sam Bennett Media / Sotheby’s International Realty)Patio at the modern Glen Ellen home. (Sam Bennett Media / Sotheby’s International Realty)
French doors provide access to the deck with a glass balustrade for unfettered valley-gazing. Indoor finishes in grays and concrete deliver a sturdy but quiet counterpoint to the lush terrain that’s viewable from every spot in the house. Redwood cladding on the ceiling warms up the look further. The tiered yard has a paved deck with a spa.
The home includes a three-car garage on which a second-story guest house can be built. An RV hookup is available, too.
Modern amenities include radiant heated floors, remote-operated irrigation and lighting, business class internet and a sound system.
For more information on this home at 2205 Trinity Road in Glen Ellen, contact listing agent Amanda Shone, 707-338-8241, 707-933-1515, Sotheby’s International Realty Wine Country – Sonoma Brokerage,sothebysrealty.com
Pool and studio. (Ned Bonzi / Sotheby’s International Realty)
The New York Times recently featured a residential compound in an idyllic Wine Country setting, currently listed for $3,995,000. Set on 16.5 rolling acres, the secluded Healdsburg property boasts a main house, barn with studio loft and carriage house with guest suites.
Built in 1981 in a New England saltbox style, the estate contains a total of four bedrooms and five bathrooms. The main residence includes one bedroom and one-and-a-half bathrooms while the barn has a lofted bedroom suite and the carriage house has two ensuite guest bedrooms.
The simple geometry of the buildings is a sweet match for the grassy acreage with oaks and rock outcroppings. An acre of Cabernet Sauvignon vines anchors the countryside landscape.
Living room with a wood-burning fireplace. (Ned Bonzi / Sotheby’s International Realty)The surrounding grounds offer a lush setting to take in panoramic views. (Ned Bonzi / Sotheby’s International Realty)
The home’s interior has hand-hewn ceiling beams and a sizable stone fireplace in the living room. The primary suite on the second floor also has a wood-burning fireplace, as well as a separate office and a soaking tub in the bathroom. Successive double hung windows and French doors give immersive views into the vineyard.
The surrounding grounds offer a lush setting to take in panoramic views. Lots of tables and benches provide opportunities for alfresco wine tasting and slow food fun. There’s also recreation via a pool, pickleball court and bocce court. A combo fitness studio and game room is complete with a rolling door to access meadow views while playing ping pong or running on the treadmill.
For more information on this property at 2427 Mill Creek Road, contact listing agent Sheri Morgensen, 707-431-0777, 415-269-5634, Sotheby’s International Realty – San Francisco Brokerage, sothebysrealty.com
Black Panther memorabilia is on display for visitors to the True Black History Museum traveling exhibit at the Sonoma State University Student Center in Rohnert Park, Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024. (Chad Surmick / The Press Democrat)
Starting Saturday, Black History Month honors the culture and contributions of Black Americans while paying respect to their perseverance in the face of discrimination.
In Sonoma County, various nonprofits, museums, entertainment venues will host a number of events to celebrate the month. For more learning opportunities on the Black American experience from past to present, check out these books and movies recommended by local professors. To support local Black-owned businesses, check out our directory here.
‘A History of Black Characters in Comic Books’ exhibit, Feb. 3 – March 14
The Santa Rosa Junior College Multicultural Museum will open its exhibit, “Stereotyped to the Margins: A History of Black Characters in Comic Books,” starting with a reception from 2-4 p.m., Feb. 3, at the campus museum. Curated by Dr. Eric Atkinson of SRJC’s English department, the exhibit includes comic book artwork throughout the 1900s to present, with the purpose of examining culture and ourselves beyond monolithic viewpoints. Light refreshments will be served at reception. Exhibit extends through March 14.
‘Racial Healing in the Trump Era,’ Feb. 4, 5
Dr. Calvin Monroe will lead two separate discussions 0n “Racial Healing in the Trump Era” — from 6-7:30 p.m., Feb. 4, at Sawubona BLOC in Pioneer Hall, and from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m., Feb. 5, in the Bertolini Student Center.
Tyler Shahan teaches attendees how to paint an Addams Family-inspired painting during a Cluster Funk Studios event at Barrel Brothers Brewing in Windsor, Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023. (Abraham Fuentes / For The Press Democrat)
‘Master Peace & Mocktails,’ Feb. 12
Brittany Lee and Tyler Ann Shahan, owners of Cluster Funk Studios in Santa Rosa, will host a guided paint therapy session with music and mocktails from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Feb. 12, in the Bertolini Student Center.
‘Rooted in Resilience,’ Feb. 19
Clinical social worker Joseph Hancock will lead a discussion, “Rooted in Resilience: Celebrating Black History Through Healing and Wellness,” from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Feb. 19, in the Bertolini Student Center.
Soul Skate Night, Feb. 23
SRJC’s Black Student Union and Umoja community will present “Soul Skate Night” from 7:30-9 p.m., Feb. 23, at Cal Skate in Rohnert Park. For ages 17 and over. Free for the first 100 SRJC students and faculty who RSVP. Reserve a spot on Eventbrite.
6100 Commerce Blvd., Rohnert Park, 707-585-0494, calskate.com
Talks with Dr. AK Sterling, Feb. 25, 26
Public speaker and educator Dr. AK Sterling will lead two separate discussions during the final weekend of Black History Month. His first talk, “Why So Thirsty,” is from 6:30-8 p.m., Feb. 25, at the Sawubona BLOC in Pioneer Hall. The second talk, “Uncovering Capacity,” is from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Feb. 26, in the Bertolini Student Center.
Sonoma State’s The HUB Cultural Center will kick off Black History Month with a celebratory dinner and opening ceremony from 5-6 p.m., Feb. 4, at The HUB. hub.sonoma.edu
Black Panther memorabilia is on display for visitors to the True Black History Museum traveling exhibit at the Sonoma State University Student Center in Rohnert Park, Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024. (Chad Surmick / The Press Democrat)A visitor to The True Black History Museum pauses to watch a video about George Washington Carver while visiting the traveling exhibit at the Sonoma State University Student Center in Rohnert Park, Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024. (Chad Surmick / The Press Democrat)
True Black History Museum, Feb. 5
Sonoma State’s Associated Students and The HUB will sponsor the True Black History Museum from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Feb. 5, at Ballrooms B and C in the Student Center. The True Black History Museum is a traveling Black history exhibit with a collection of over 1,000 artifacts and documents dating from the 1700s to the 21st century.
Black Labor Reimagined, Feb. 12
Sonoma State professor Kim Hester Williams will give a lecture, “Black Labor Reimagined: The Practices of Resistance, Rest and Joy,” from noon to 1 p.m., Feb. 12, at Ballroom B in the Student Center. Williams will lecture on journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones’ The 1619 Project, which examines United States history with a focus on slavery and its continued impact on American life.
Black Joy Fest, Feb. 13
The HUB will host its third annual Black Joy Fest from noon to 3 p.m., Feb. 13, in the Seawolf Plaza. The celebration will include food, music, community resources and more.
BSU Presents: Love & Basketball Screening, Feb. 18
Sonoma State’s Black Student Union will host a screening of the 2000 film Love & Basketball starting at 6 p.m., Feb. 18, at The HUB.
Black History Month Cookout, Feb. 27
The HUB and Visionaries Inspiring Black Educated Scholars (VIBES) will host the college’s Black History Month Cookout from 6-8 p.m., Feb. 27, at the Seawolf Plaza.
Sonoma County Library BHM events
Local branches of the Sonoma County Library will host such events as lectures, workshops, film screenings and more. All events, virtual and in-person, are free to attend unless noted otherwise. sonomalibrary.org
Dream Together: MLK Tiny Art Workshop, Feb. 11
The Sebastopol Regional Library will host a Black History Month-themed art workshop from 3:30-4:30 p.m., Feb. 11, in its meeting room. For grades 4-6, children will create mini art pieces while they learn about Martin Luther King Jr. and his dream for a just and equal society. All materials will be provided. Registration encouraged, but not required. Register online.
Black History Month Film: The Gospel According to Andrè, Feb. 16
The Sebastopol Regional Library will host a film screening of the 2017 documentary, “The Gospel According to Andrè,” from 2-3:30 p.m., Feb. 16, in the meeting room. The film explores the life and career of fashion journalist André Leon Talley, who grew up in the segregated South and went on to work at Vogue. The screening event will include tea and popcorn.
Author Talks: I Am Nobody’s Slave with Lee Hawkins, Feb. 18
In a virtual event, the Sonoma County Library will present a conversation with journalist and Pulitzer Prize finalist Lee Hawkins about his memoir “I Am Nobody’s Slave: How Uncovering My Family’s History Set Me Free.” Hawkins will talk about his book’s examination of his family’s legacy post-enslavement, including their resilience in the face of trauma and systemic racism. The discussion will be held from 11 a.m. to noon, Feb. 18, over Zoom. Register online.
An undated photo shows Rosa Parks riding on the Montgomery Area Transit System bus in Montgomery, Alabama. Parks was involved with the 1955 Montgomery Bus Boycott that led to a federal court ruling against segregation in public transportation. (DAILY ADVERTISER / via AP)
Black History Month Film: The Rebellious Life of Mrs. Rosa Parks, Feb. 23
The Sebastopol Regional Library will host a film screening of the 2022 documentary “The Rebellious Life of Mrs. Rosa Parks,” from 2-3:45 p.m., Feb. 23, in the meeting room. The film explores the civil rights activist’s decades of work — beyond her role in the Montgomery Bus Boycott and diving deeper into her radical politics, organizing and lifelong dedication. The screening event will include tea and popcorn.
Santa Rosa BHM events
Talk with civil rights activist Peggy Preacely, Feb. 1
The Saturday Afternoon Club will host a public talk with civil rights activist Peggy Trotter Dammond Preacely from 7:30-9 p.m., Feb. 1, at its historic Santa Rosa clubhouse. Cosponsored with The Nubian Café Collective, the evening will give the public an opportunity to hear firsthand from the longtime activist, speaker and former Freedom Rider. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. Purchase tickets on Eventbrite.
Transit Equity Day free rides and celebration, Feb. 4
Transit Equity Day, Feb. 4, honors civil rights leader Rosa Parks and promotes the importance of safe, public transportation that’s accessible to all. Sonoma County’s bus transit agencies are partnering with NAACP Santa Rosa-Sonoma to observe the day, during which all bus rides on Sonoma County Transit, Santa Rosa CityBus and Petaluma Transit will be fare free.
Additionally, Santa Rosa CityBus will host a commemorative meetup to celebrate the day at 10 a.m., Feb. 4, at Santa Rosa’s downtown Transit Mall on Second Street. Kirstyne Lange, president of the local branch of the NAACP, and Santa Rosa mayor Mark Stapp will be at the event to honor those who have “helped advance equity in public transit and to discuss the future of public transit,” according to the City of Santa Rosa’s press release.
Cirque Kalabanté is storming into the Luther Burbank Center for the Arts in late February. (Courtesy Luther Burbank Center for the Arts)
Cirque Kalabanté performance, Feb. 19
Storming into the Luther Burbank Center for the Arts at 7:30 p.m., Feb. 19, is Cirque Kalabanté, a high-energy show of West African drumming, dancing and tumbling — think Cirque du Soleil on a kicky world beat, with the noise turned up to 11.
The troupe, which trains in Montreal, recently sold out shows in New York and arrives fresh from a monthlong tour in the Netherlands and the UK. Set in a fictional Guinean fishing village, the show knits together humor and tradition with jaw-dropping acrobatics and a live soundtrack that will bring the house down.
Tickets range from $35–$49, depending on seat choice, plus fees. Purchase tickets online or in person at the LBC box office.
‘The African American Journey Through Art’ Conversation, Feb. 23
The Museum of Sonoma County will host a panel discussion, “Reflected Truths, Refracted Realities: The African American Journey Through Art,” from 2-3 p.m., Feb. 23. Four Black artists will join the panel to examine truths and challenges of systemic racism intertwined with history and identity — and how their art mirrors those complexities of the Black American experience. Tickets are $10 per person and free for museum members. Register online.
425 Seventh St., Santa Rosa, 707-579-1500, museumsc.org
Petaluma BHM events
Dorian Bartley, of The doRiaN Mode, plays vintage jazz and blues music at the Petaluma Historical Library and Museum. This year’s annual Jazz Concert Celebrating Black History Month, featuring The doRiaN Mode, happens Feb. 7 at the Polly Klaas Community Theater in Petaluma. (Ashley Collingwood/for the Petaluma Argus-Courier)
The doRiaN Mode Jazz Concert, Feb. 7
Petaluma Blacks for Community Development will host its annual Jazz Concert Celebrating Black History Month starting at 7 p.m., Feb. 7, at the Polly Klaas Community Theater. The evening will feature Bay Area band The doRiaN Mode, winners in the 2024 North Bay Music Awards for Best Jazz Band. The doRiaN Mode, founded in 2013 by Dorian Bartley, specializes in vintage jazz, swing and early R&B. Tickets are $50 per person. Purchase tickets on Eventbrite.
‘Blacks in the Labor Force’ exhibit, Feb. 13 – March 30
The Petaluma Historical Library & Museum will host the exhibit, “Blacks in the Labor Force: Breaking Barriers, Building Legacies,” opening with a reception from 5-7 p.m., Feb. 13, and running through March 30. Petaluma Blacks for Community Development will present the exhibit, which honors Black labor leaders and highlights Black workers’ largely untold contributions to the economic development of the United States. Admission is free, donations appreciated.
Currently on exhibit through Feb. 15 at the Occidental Center for the Arts is ‘Get Up, Stand Up,’ part of the center’s annual Black History Month show. The exhibit features works by the center’s artists as well as from the Black history collection of Raynetta James, of Forestville, who lived through the Civil Rights Movement. There will be an artist reception with refreshments from 2-4 p.m., Feb. 2, at the art center. Winners from the center’s People’s Choice Awards will be announced at 3 p.m.
Santa Rosa rapper Damion Square who performs as D. Square, performs during Black 2 the Future at Hop Monk Tavern in Sebastopol, Saturday, Feb. 18, 2023. (Kent Porter / The Press Democrat) 2023
Black 2 the Future, Feb. 21
Local event promotion group Decolonized Mindz Entertainment will present “Black 2 the Future: Black History Month Community Awards & Performances” from 7-10 p.m., Feb. 21, at the Sebastopol Center for the Arts. Hosted by Damion Square, an SRJC alum, Bay Area hip-hop artist and founder of Decolonized Mindz, the evening will include awards recognizing outstanding individuals in the community as well as performances by Bay Area artists showcasing Black history and culture. Performers include rapper, poet and educator Kayatta; hip-hop and soul artist Erica Ambrin; singer/songwriter Audio Angel; rapper PaqGod and producer DJ Konnex. General admission is $15 and a cocktail table for two to three people is $50, plus fees. Purchase tickets on Eventbrite.
282 S. High St., Sebastopol, 707-829-4797, sebarts.org
Did we miss any local Black History Month events? Email them to reporter Maci Martell at maci.martell@pressdemocrat.com.
