Keelyn Walker, right, peeks from under a lion costume while Brook Szczekocki greets guests arriving for a Chinese New Year celebration at the Veteran's Memorial Building in Santa Rosa on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2015. The Redwood Empire Chinese Association hosted the event honoring the year of the Ram. (Jeremy Portje / For The Press Democrat)

Events to Celebrate Year of the Monkey in the North Bay

The Chinese will welcome the Lunar New Year starting Feb. 8, and the unpredictable Year of the Monkey promises to be a lot more fun than the last 12 months of the steady, surefooted Goat. Occupying the 9th position on the Chinese Zodiac, the Monkey is curious, mischievous, clever and playful. Those born in the […]
Mensona Kennel Club: This weekend at the Lyttle Cow Palace at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds, watch a few dozen smart dogs take part in agility trials. This entertaining event is free to attend, and takes place 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Find out all the details at mensona.org. (PD FILE)

Things To Do This Week In Sonoma County

  Tuesday, Feb. 2 Jessica Lea Mayfield: Singer-songwriter. 7:30 p.m. Tuesday. HopMonk Tavern, Sebastopol. $10-$12. 829-7300, hopmonk.com. Wednesday, Feb. 3 ‘West Side Stories’: Five-minute true stories live onstage. 7:30 p.m. Wednesday. Sonoma Portworks, Petaluma. $8. westsidestoriespetaluma.com. Thursday, Feb. 4 ‘Into the Woods’: Live musical opens at 7:30 p.m. Thursday; closes Feb. 14. Person Theatre, Sonoma […]
Seaside Chowder with fish, mussels, squid, shrimp, potatoes, bacon, cream, at Seasdie Metal Oyster bar in Guerneville, California on Wednesday, January 13, 2016 (Alvin Jornada / The Press Democrat)

Where to Find the Best Clam Chowders on the North Coast

In New England, a bowl of award-winning chowder can be found around every corner. But honestly, there are not many worthy of the honor. Most arrive at the table in the midst of a perfect storm: either so thick that your spoon stands at attention, or so overcooked the clams taste like rubber bands, if […]