Brad Onishi – a former Christian nationalist and author of Preparing for War, as well as podcast host of Straight White American Jesus” will share insights alongside other esteemed panelists about this rising issue of concern in our society today. This event, hosted by Wake UP Sonoma, will address the impact of the Christian Nationalist movement on American Democracy, what it means for our future as well as some hopeful take away ideas and messages about what we can do.Other PanelistsPeter Coyote – Activist, author, Buddhist PriestRev. Dr. David Vasquez-Levy – President of Pacific School of Religion in Berkely – Progressive activistNEW – Jared Huffman – US representative for California’s 2nd congressional district (if schedule allows)Moderated by Rev. Dr. Curren Reichert – Local Pastor, progressive church leader and activistBrad has been a guest speaker on many state and national stages and forums. You can hear an interview with him here on NPR’s Fresh AirTracing the rise of Christian nationalism, from Trump to the Ala. Supreme Court : NPRDon’t miss this opportunity to hear from experts and engage in meaningful dialogue about the challenges we face. Let’s stand together for democracy and equality!When: September 7th, 6-8 PM Where: Burlingame Hall, 252 W Spain St, Sonoma, CATickets: https://mynorthbaytickets.com/events/stop-project-2025Complementary wine from the following wineries will be served:Sixteen 600, Jambe De Bois, Treasure IslandAs a Human Rights organization, Wake UP Sonoma sees Project 2025 as a threat to human and civil rights, and as part of our mission and vision, we strongly oppose it and hope to continue to provide education and information about this important topic. We see this is very much a threat to our Democracy.
WE BELIEVE INCIVIC AND CORPORATE TRANSPARENCYFOSTERING DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSIONACTIVATING FOR DEMOCRACY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE Your donations are important as part of these efforts. We hope you can help us give back to the community through your donations!Donate — Wake Up SonomaOnward!Wake UP SonomaEducate, Activate, Advocate
The 38th. Annual Art for Life fundraiser kicks off Aug. 22This year the event will be a hybrid event as the auction will be up online along with a Gallery Showing at the Santa Rosa Arts Center.
This event is not just about art; it’s about making a meaningful impact in the lives of those in need. We invite you to join us and become a part of this incredible cause by registering to bid on stunning artworks that will be up for auction.
IMPORTANT DATES Gallery ShowThursday, August 22 – Sunday, August 25th.Santa Rosa Arts Center 312 A Street, Santa Road Gallery Hours: 11am-3pm
ONLINE AUCTION Opens online Thursday, August 22nd. through Tuesday, August 27th at 8:00pm
Sonoma County Pride (SCP) would like to address concerns raised in a circulating petition regarding violence and discrimination faced by Black, Brown, and Indigenous individuals at the hands of law enforcement. We appreciate the valid concerns expressed about the inclusion of Law Enforcement Departments at our Pride Parade and Festival.
At SCP, we prioritize the safety, well-being, and inclusion of all LGBTQ+ community members. We honor the legacy of Stonewall and Marsha P. Johnson, a trans woman of color who led the 1969 riots against police harassment and brutality. It is crucial to continue uplifting their courage while recognizing the ongoing struggle for justice and equality. In response to the petition calling for the exclusion of law enforcement from our events, we want to emphasize that we are actively listening to our community. Through open dialogue, education, and collaboration, we aim to create Pride events that are safe, inclusive, and empowering for all. SCP has engaged in workshops and valuable conversations addressing this issue, including at the 2021 Consolidated Association of Pride, Inc. (CAPI) conference, and with other Pride committees and community members.
Leading up to our 2024 Parade and Festival, SCP engaged in meaningful discussions with community members, advocacy groups, and individuals, including petition signers. We have also been engaging with law enforcement and community leaders about their role in Pride events. SCP initiated conversations with law enforcement prior to the Parade / Festival to address community concerns and explore potential changes to their presence at our events.
Since 2018, SCP has experienced a positive relationship with the Santa Rosa Police Department, working collaboratively to promote a safe and inclusive environment at our events. We believe that improvements come from respectful discourse, collaboration, and commitment. We will hold community meetings before and after the 2025 Pride event to discuss topics such as police presence, diversity, and equity, and to plan for the involvement of Law Enforcement in our future Pride events.
Historically, SCP has donated a minimum of 25% of our net proceeds each year to local nonprofits supporting the LGBTQI+ community, totaling over $19,000 last year. This year, we are allocating these funds towards hosting community conversations, in order to cover costs for rental spaces, mediators, trainers, workshops, scholarships, and related activities. We are developing guidelines to address the concerns raised about police presence at our events. Our goal is to create safe spaces for all LGBTQ+ community members, particularly those historically marginalized and disproportionately targeted by systemic violence and discrimination.
We will keep you informed about developments and planned activities, and we encourage you to continue sharing your thoughts, ideas, and experiences with us as we work towards a more inclusive and uplifting Pride celebration.
Thank you for your continued support and for being a vital part of the Sonoma County Pride community. With love and solidarity, The Board of Directors Sonoma County Pride
Sonoma County Pride is an all-volunteer organization dedicated to promoting equality for all. Our mission is to support the non-profit community and educate about the rich LGBTQ+ history of Sonoma County.
Join us for eventsthroughout the month of August, from book clubs to the annual Teen Film Festival premiere. All events are free and you don’t need a library card to attend; registration is required for select events. See some of our August events below!
Kids
Bilingual Yoga for KidsImprove physical and mental well-being with these fun yoga classes led by Sara Gagnon. For ages 2-12. Join the fun at three libraries: Northwest Santa Rosa, Rohnert Park Cotati, and Rincon Valley.
Magician Mike Della Penna– Rescheduled show!Celebrate the magic of reading on Thursday, August 1, at 1:00 pm with this funny and interactive show for children at the Healdsburg Library.
Teens
Teen Film Festival PremiereJoin us at the Rohnert Park Cotati Library on Wednesday, August 28, at 6:30 pm for the Teen Film Festival premiere! After you walk the red carpet, enjoy an in-person screening of the winning films with popcorn and refreshments, followed by an awards ceremony.
Sound Studio BasicsLearn how to use sound studio hardware and software, then get started recording a song, podcast, or story using GarageBand! Advance registration required. Maximum of three participants. At two libraries: Central Santa Rosa and Rincon Valley.
Adults
Book ClubsBuild community and explore new perspectives at one—or more!—of ourbook clubs. From memoir to mystery, we’ve got something for everyone. Wherever you live in Sonoma County, there’s a book club near you, or check out a virtual book club!
Thank you for being a member of the Sonoma County Library community. Visit us online or in person at one of our branches. Be sure to check out open jobs at Sonoma County Library here. Questions? Please call your local library branch or click here to send us a message. Eventos en agosto Únete a los eventosdurante todo el mes de agosto, desde clubs de lectura hasta el estreno anual del festival de cine para jóvenes. Todos los eventos son gratuitos y no se necesita una tarjeta de la biblioteca para asistir; se requiere inscripción para eventos seleccionados. ¡Conoce algunos de nuestros eventos de diciembre a continuación!
Niños
Yoga bilingüe para niñosMejora el bienestar físico y mental con estas divertidas clases de yoga dirigidas por Sara Gagnon. Para edades de 2 a 12 años. Únete a la diversión en tres bibliotecas: Northwest, Rohnert Park Cotati y Rincon Valley.
Mago Mike Della Penna–¡espectáculo reprogramado!Celebra la magia de la lectura el jueves 1 de agosto a la 1:00 p.m. con este espectáculo divertido e interactivo para niños. En la Biblioteca de Healdsburg.
Jóvenes
Estreno del Festival de Cine para Jóvenes¡Únete a nosotros en la Biblioteca Rohnert Park Cotati el miércoles 28 de agosto a las 6:30 pm para el estreno del festival de cine para jóvenes! Después de caminar por la alfombra roja, disfruta de una proyección en persona de las películas ganadoras con palomitas de maíz y bocaditos, seguida de una ceremonia de premiación.
Conceptos básicos del estudio de sonidoAprende a utilizar el equipo y el programa de un estudio de sonido y luego comienza a grabar una canción, un podcast o una historia con GarageBand. Se requiere inscripción.Máximo tres participantes. En dos bibliotecas: Central Santa Rosa y Rincon Valley.
Adultos
Clubs de lecturaForma una comunidad y explora nuevas perspectivas en uno (¡o más!) de nuestros clubs de lectura. Desde memorias hasta misterio, tenemos algo para todos. Dondequiera que vivas en el condado de Sonoma, habrá un club de lectura cerca de ti, ¡o visita un club de lectura virtual!
Gracias por ser miembro de la comunidad de Bibliotecas del Condado de Sonoma. Visítanos en línea o en persona en una de nuestras bibliotecas. Asegúrate de consultar los trabajos disponibles en la Biblioteca del Condado de Sonoma aquí. ¿Preguntas? Por favor llama a tu biblioteca local o haz clic para mandar un mensaje.
Si deseas cancelar los correos electrónicos que recibes de nosotros, haz clic aquí ó infórmale a un miembro del personal de la biblioteca. Esto no afectará tu espera o avisos de vencimiento de préstamos de libros..If you would like to unsubscribe from our email newsletter, please click here or inform a library staff member. This will not impact your hold or overdue notices.
Don’t miss the LGBT Green Valley Growers Hydrangea Tour! Important Event Coming Up for You:SPECIAL EVENT LGBT Green Valley Growers Hydrangea Tour SPECTACULAR GUIDED TOUR!
When: Wednesday July 17th, 9:30 to noon Cost: $10 Members | $20 Non-Members (Space is limited; max 25 folks can attend) Go HEREto register, or call our front desk at 707-829-2440 (Meet up details provided once you register)
Jerry Bolduan and his husband, Paul Gussenhoven, have invited us to their famous Hydrangea Flower Farm! We will take a walking tour of his property (it has some stairs and bumpy terrain). Jerry tells fascinating stories while touring this active business, a shady green oasis near Graton on Cherry Ridge Road. They grow over 16,000 hydrangeas plants with more than 200 varieties, and their flowers have been featured in Martha Stewart’s magazine.
Freshly baked sticky buns and fresh coffee are included!
(Photos are from last year’s sold out event.)
Join the LGBT+ “Ideas Committee”! We want to hear your ideas and things you’d like to see. Email Scotty if you would like to join HERE
Scotty KingLGBT+ Liaison The RAINBOW CONNECTIONSebastopol FUN Senior Center 707-829-2440 front desk707-827-8426 Scotty’s voice mailscotty@sebastopolseniorcenter.org
Senior Lesbians in Community (SLIC) Look at their smiles! They are finding community like never before by creating talent shows, singles’ potlucks, picnics, restaurant meet ups, and more. You need to attend these Monday meetings to find out the rest of their activities.When: 1st and 3rd Mondays, 1:30-4:30 PMCost: $2 to cover rental fees Where: Wischemann Hall, 465 Morris Street, Sebastopol We ask that all attendees become members of the Sebastopol Area Senior Center to support our LGBT programs. Become a member at the Sebastopol Senior Center in person or go HERE
Senior Lesbians in Community (SLIC) What We’re About We are lesbians 60 years and older creating supportive, inclusive community for lesbians in Sonoma County. We meet in person in Sebastopol on the first and third Mondays every month- once for discussion of relevant topics of interest, and once for fun social events. In between these two monthly general meetings, members often post various other events or discussion groups at other locations that are open to all interested members… i.e. movie night, spirituality, concerts, living with disabilities, activism, games, aging, singles, etc.
We are dedicated to creating fragrance-free events that are safe and accessible to all. A number of us have severe environmental sensitivities. Please don’t wear scented products when you come to our events SLIC now has their own rotating leadership, with a steering and Ideas committee. They host potlucks, art receptions, spiritual talks, singles meet-ups, volunteer opportunities, and other fun stuff. We can’t list them all here. Please attend their Monday meetings to find out more and get on their email list!
Plan to arrive about 15 minutes early to allow time for parking, check-In, and schmoozing. We will begin promptly at 1:30 PM. Email for more information information: seniorlesbianconnections@gmail.com Join their “MeetUp” group here: https://www.meetup.com/slic11/Gay Guys Heart Circle Group1st Monday of each month, 1:30 to 3:30 Richard Applegate and Scotty King are leading a Heart Circle, in-person, at the Sebastopol FUN Senior Center.
WHAT IS A HEART CIRCLE? Our Heart Circle is a group of men who share, one at a time, how they are feeling. Each person speaks from the heart. No one interrupts and all listen respectfully. It is not a discussion group.
It is not for us to offer advice, to comment or to “fix” anyone. Just be aware that what you say is from your heart, genuine and expresses your real feelings.
Complete and total confidentiality within the group is assumed as a given ground rule.
It is absolutely fine to say nothing if you don’t feel moved to do so. Simply ‘being there’ to witness and hold space for others is equally important.
You do not need to worry about “getting it wrong” — speaking from the heart is a skill we can all develop over time, learning from each other and noticing our heart felt feelings.
Richard and Scotty would both love to have you join us! It’s free for members of the center, or only $5 (which helps the center keep the lights on). We meet in a beautiful space with lots of windows.
OPTIONAL: You might also want to come enjoy a good lunch before hand at the Harvest Cafe (in the Senior Center). ($12 for soup or salad, beverage and a main entree, a great deal!) Lunch is served in our beautiful sunny dining room starting at 11:30 AM every weekday, and goes till 1:30 PM Find our weekly menu HERE
WHERE: Sebastopol FUN Senior Center 167 N High Street Sebastopol The Rainbow Connection is the LGBT+ community of the Sebastopol Senior Center.Our Board of Directors made a commitment to fly the rainbow flag every day and dedicates our Center as a safe and supportive space for all LGBT+ folks. We commit to supporting all LGBT+ folks in our area by providing space for fun and educational events. All of our LGBT+ activities are sponsored under the umbrella of the Sebastopol Area Senior Center. Our LGBT+ Mission is “To foster pride, connectedness, belonging, diversity and inclusion for all LGBT+ adults by providing educational, social, and recreational opportunities in the continuing pursuit of a fulfilling and healthy life. We co-create this through active volunteerism at activities.”
When Scotty King started this blog three years ago, he included all of his LGBT+ friends and allies here in the Sonoma County area, and we have added many more folks as we have grown. We now have 997 folks on our list. We produce this blog to let you know of the LGBT programs we offer here at Sebastopol Senior Center, and activities in the broader community as well. We bring folks together for Potlucks, Panel discussions, Friendship mixers, our “Senior Lesbians in Community” (SLIC) group, Gay Men’s Connection Group, our monthly free LGBT Movie Night, Dances, Day trips, Garden tours, Pride Events & Parades, Art tours and Walking Groups. If this email was forwarded to you, please GO HERE TO SUBSCRIBE
Registration Information: Most activities and events are free for members of the Sebastopol Area Senior Center, unless otherwise noted. For some activities, we require pre-registration or RSVP, as noted. Please becoming a member of the Sebastopol Area Senior Center to keep these important programs going in perpetuity!Become a MemberClick Here to Donate to LGBT Programs (write “LGBT” in the comment section)
Gay Men’s Connection Group1st Monday of each month (unless a holiday) 1:30-3:30 PM Location: Sebastopol Area Senior Center 167 N High St, SebastopolWeekly Gay Guys Walk at Spring LakeWeekly on Wednesdays at 9:30 AM Location:Howarth Park 630 Summerfield Road Santa Rosa (rain cancels)Gay Guys Monthly MixerLast Friday of Month 4 – 5:30 PM at Chevy’s Bar in Santa Rosa 24 4th St, Santa Rosa $4+ Drinks and Food Senior Lesbians in Community (SLIC)Happens Every 1st & 3rd Monday, 1:30-4:00 PM Location: Wischemann Hall 465 Morris St, Sebastopol
LGBT Community Lunch Tableat the Harvest Cafe at the Sebastopol Area Senior Center Weekly every Wednesday, 11:30 AM $10 for members; $12 for non-members (includes starter, entree, and beverage)
The Sebastopol Senior Center relies on the support of this community. You can help us offer programs and services, including our LGBT+ activities. Donate online, or call 707-829-2440, stop by the center, or mail a gift. If you want to direct your gift to our LGBT+ activities, just put LGBT in the comment section when you make your gift online, in the memo on your check or let us know if you call in your gift. Your gift will help us continue our services All donations are tax deductible as allowed by law to non-profit Tax ID: 23-7043925.You can also support our future by including us in your will, making the senior center a beneficiary of life insurance, investment or bank accounts. We have a group of Trailblazers who have done so. Thank you for your consideration. This community keeps us going!Other Community NewsMEN!
Sign up for this Sonoma County gay men’s potluck group: Golden Guys An informal gathering of gay men for an afternoon potluck usually on the second Sunday of each month. To receive the emails of the time and location of these monthly events, contact David ~ david.laudon@sbcglobal.net.
The Billys A community of open-hearted gay, bi, queer and trans men throughout the North Bay who gather for monthly potlucks in Sonoma County and join together for in-person in Gatherings a few times a year in rural Northern California. Go HERE to sign up for their emails.
California Men’s Gatherings California Men’s Gatherings (CMG) fosters a safe, supportive, welcoming community where men challenge themselves to develop their emotional, spiritual, social, intellectual and physical lives—with as much fun as possible along the way! GUYS who want to watch gay themed movies together online and discuss them, get on this email list.You can be watching films together with the CMG. go HERE to sign up.TIME TO GO BOWLING!“Intro The Sonoma County Pride Bowling League is a fun weekly event for the LGBTQ+ community. The league is split into 2 parts: September through December January through May Bowling is on Tuesdays & starts at 6:35PM at Double Decker Lane in Rohnert Park.
“Members of the Sonoma County Pride Bowling League had an amazing time attending and tabling at the first annual Rohnert Park Pride. It was an amazing time celebrating pride, eating great food, sharing libations, and listening to fantastic music. We look forward to participating next year too! Happy pride!
Don’t forget that Sonoma County Pride Bowling is coming back this September (details below).
League Details • Inclusive & Welcoming Weekly Space • 16-week Season • $25/Week • Week 16 Fun Tournament
Interest Meeting (Virtual) July 23, 2024 at 6:30pm Link to be shared on social media in early July
Sign-Up Meeting (In-Person) August 27, 2024 at 6:30pm Bowlero/Double Decker Lanes 300 Golf Course Drive, Rohnert Park
League Bowling Starts September 3, 2024 at 6:30pm Bowlero/Double Decker Lanes 300 Golf Course Drive, Rohnert Park”
More information HEREFree Movies at Our Local Rialto Movie Theater!6868 McKinley St, Sebastopol, CA 95472 Phone: (707) 525-4840Free Matinees for Adults To see the Free Matinees movies coming up, click HERE
JAWS Thursday, July 11 1pm
THE UMBRELLAS OF CHERBOURG Thursday, August 8 1pm
GIANT Thursday, September 12 1pm
WAIT UNTIL DARK Thursday, October 10 1pm
NOBODY’S FOOL (1994) Thursday, November 7 1pm
THE BISHOP’S WIFE (1947) Thursday, December 12 1pmFREE LEGAL HELP:Elder Law clinic at Empire law school They draft simple estate planning documents for FREE or a very reduced price. Elder Law Clinic 725 College Ave, Santa Rosa, CA 95404 707-546-4000
Legal Aid of Sonoma County, FREE “Elders 60 years old or older with safety or legal issues (707) 340-5610″
Attorneys for HIRE: Tate Birnie 707-823-8593 www.birnielaw.com Janice Sternfeld 707-284-8698 Margaret Brothers 707-623-9561 Erica Copenhaver 707-867-0787 (Spanish speaking) Victoria Maxwell 707-277-1045Join the Sebastopol WalksNot specifically a LGBT activity, but very welcoming to all and very fun! See the calendar below, just show up at 9 AM at the gazebo downtown (across from Whole foods). JOIN THESE LGBT HIKES! LGBT National Senior Hotline 888-234-7243 HOURS Mon – Fri: 1 PM – 9 PM/pacific time Sat: 9 AM – 2 PM/pacific time https://lgbthotline.org/senior-hotline/
The Night Belongs To You at the Twilight T-Dance, the signature event of Gay Wine Weekend! COMING UP IN 2 WEEKS Reserve your tickets now for the gay event of the season – the Twilight T-Dance at the prestigious La Crema Winery estate. Join us for a night of celebration under the Sonoma sky, dancing to the sounds of DJ Blackwell. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to dance, connect, and celebrate community in a setting that promises unforgettable memories and lasting friendships. Act swiftly to bask in the enchantment of Sonoma Wine Country – reserve your place today and prepare to create cherished memories that will endure for a lifetime!
GAY WINE WEEKEND COMMENCES IN 2 WEEKS!FRIDAY, JULY 19
THE VIP OPENING RECEPTION Friday, July 19th. 3:00pm-6:00pmVintner’s Resort, Host Hotel Event CenterSponsored by the Russian River Valley WineGrowers Association THIS EVENT IS FOR BOTH MAGNUM & VIP PASS HOLDERS AND VINTNER RESORT HOTEL GUESTS and SPONSORS
OVER 15 REGIONAL WINERIES WILL BE POURING THEIR BEST FOR YOU AS YOU ARRIVE IN TOWN. UNWIND AND RELAX WHILE MEETING OTHER GAY WINE WEEKEND GUESTS AT THIS VIP OPENING RECEPTION. FOR PASS HOLDERS YOU CAN PICK UP YOUR PASSES AT THE RECEPTION. AFTER THAT YOUR PASSES WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE FRONT DESK OF THE HOTEL. MEET YOU THERE!
WINEMAKER DINNERS OF GAY WINE WEEKEND FRIDAY, JULY 19TH
There are a limited number of seats available at some of ourFriday evening Winemaker Dinners. Grab them while you can and experience an evening of food & wine in some of the most beautiful Sonoma County Wine Country settings.
STILL IN NEED OF A HOTEL ROOM…THERE ARE A LIMITED NUMBER OF ROOMS AVAILABLE AT OUR HOST HOTEL,
STAY AT OUR HOST HOTEL AND BE WHERE ALL THE ACTION TAKES PLACE FROM THE VIP OPENING RECEPTION TO THE SUNDAY DRAG QUEEN BRUNCH & WINE AUCTION. ALL SHUTTLES DEPART FROM THE HOST HOTEL THROUGHOUT THE WEEKEND! CALL DIRECTLY AND MENTION GAY WINE WEEKEND 707-575-7350
Important Event Coming Up for You:SPECIAL EVENT
Look at their smiles! They are finding community like never before by creating talent shows, singles’ potlucks, picnics, restaurant meet ups, and more. You need to attend these Monday meetings to find out the rest of their activities.When: 1st and 3rd Mondays, 1:30-4:30 PMCost: $2 to cover rental fees
SLIC now has their own rotating leadership, with a steering and Ideas committee. They host potlucks, art receptions, spiritual talks, singles meet-ups, volunteer opportunities, and other fun stuff. We can’t list them all here. Please attend their Monday meetings to find out more and get on their email list!
Gay Guys Heart Circle Group1st Monday of each month, 1:30 to 3:30
“Intro
6868 McKinley St, Sebastopol, CA 95472
