Out, About & Around the County -- December 1, 2020
COTS fundraiser to help the homeless
The Committee on the Shelterless (COTS) in Petaluma is having a virtual fundraiser, The COTS Hour, on Dec. 3. COTS runs many programs, including an emergency shelter, a number of permanent supportive housing efforts, and homelessness prevention. COTS, first established in 1988, is a non-profit organization. The COTS Hour will give viewers an inside look at COTS’ life-saving programs, and will introduce you to a client whose life has been changed by your support. Virtual broadcasts on Dec, 3 will take place at 8 a.m., 12 p.m., or 7 p.m., on YouTube, Facebook, and at www.cots.org.Info/Registration: give.cots.org/event/cots-hour-at-home-2020/e299752
Laguna Foundation events
“Working the Lands of the Laguna Watershed,” will be the topic of an online panel discussion Dec. 3, 5-6:15 p.m. Featured panelists Misti Arias of the Sonoma Ag + Open Space District, Doug Beretta of Beretta Family Dairy, and Stuart Schroeder of SRJC’s Shone Farm will discuss the role of working lands, family farming, and critical connections to the natural lands in the Laguna de Santa Rosa. On Dec 9, 2-3 p.m., “Kayaking the Laguna” will be the topic. When does the Laguna fill with enough water? What are the best conditions and how can you track them? What routes are recommended? During this webinar, Community Education Manager Allison Titus will discuss the Laguna’s critical role in slowing floodwaters to the lower Russian River as well as share resources, tips, and tricks for exploring the Laguna by boat. Registration required for both events.
Info/Registration: www.lagunafoundation.org
The aging journey
Lewis Richmond discusses his book, Every Breath, New Chances on Dec. 3, 7 p.m., presented (virtually) by Copperfield’s Books. Aging is a journey, and for many men, the decline in virility and power can be a tough pill to swallow. When these fall away, how do we make sense of who we are? What does it mean to be a man? Richmond shows readers how to turn toward the changes associated with aging and to reevaluate losses and transitions as new avenues for self-discovery, renewal, and growth, empowering readers to compassionately embrace next steps and spiritual preparations for their final decades of life. Free.Info/Registration: www.copperfiedsbooks.com
Cinnebar’s Spectacular musical revue
Cinnabar’s Young Repertory Theatre presents Spectacular, opening virtually on Dec. 4, 7:30 p.m., and showcasing 36 of Petaluma’s most talented 8-18 year-olds in a fast-paced and fun variety show. Chock-full of musical theater’s most beloved hits and peppered with jokes and skits, viewers will enjoy numbers from Mary Poppins, Legally Blond, Peter Pan, Dear Evan Hansen, Sweet Charity, Pippin and more. The driving force behind this production comes from the students themselves, kids who use the theater arts as their primary means of expression, and their desire to create and perform. Show dates are Dec. 4-13, 7:30 p.m.Info: www.cinnabartheater.org
Take-home art projects from SVMA

During non-COVID times the Sonoma Valley Museum of Art normally hosts holiday art-making sessions for the public, called Holiday Make-in. But this year they are offering free take-away art kits – a Holiday Take-In! Come by the museum, curbside, Dec. 5 or 6, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., and bring home a holiday art project that is colorful, joyful and easy to make. Create gifts for your family and friends or for yourself. There are a variety of projects to choose from, including folded paper starts, vine wreath weaving, painted clay ornaments, 3-D paper snowflakes, embossed foil holiday cards, and carved mini stamp bookmarks.
Info: www.svma.org, 939-7862, 551 Broadway, Sonoma.
Wildflower seed giveaway
Sonoma County Winegrowers are holding a Sip & Seed wildflower seed giveaway at participating wineries in Sonoma County Dec. 5 and 6, in honor of the late Saralee Kunde, who gave away thousands of daffodil bulbs to local landowners to plant along roadways and fences. Go to www.sonomawinegrape.org or email seeds@sonomawinegrape.org and choose your winery pick-up location. You will get follow-up instructions as well as information on special wine offers for the holidays. Participating wineries include Alexander Valley Vineyards, Acorn Winery, Dry Creek Vineyard, Kunde Family Winery, and Sonoma-Cutrer.Info: seeds@sonomawinegrape.org
Learn to draw Charlie Brown
On Dec. 10, 4-5 p.m you can learn to draw Good ol’ Charlie Brown. Cartoonist Robert W. Pope will demonstrate drawing Charlie Brown facing front and in profile to show the visual discrepancies between perspectives. Plus, learn to draw Charlie Brown in his baseball uniform and several more iconic poses. For over 15 years, Pope has specialized in bringing many favorite characters to the comic book page, including Peanuts, Scooby-Doo, Bugs Bunny, Batman, and many others, and has contributed to several of the new Peanuts comic books. This event is online. $10 Members / $15 General. Advance registration required.Info/Registration: www.schulzmuseum.org, 284-1272
Virtual beast romp at Safari West

Safari West is holding a virtual fundraiser, “Romp With the Beasts,” on Dec, 12, 5-6 p.m., an evening of digital delights, including an online auction and a full evening of wildlife, wonder, and surprises. And because it’s virtual, Safari West will be able to bring the magic and majesty of this unique animal preserve to kids anywhere on the globe. Safari West is funded and operated by the Safari West Wildlife Foundation, with generous support provided by the Manitou Fund. The Foundation makes it possible for thousands of underserved children to experience nature up close and personal every year.