Here’s a very cool series of events called Fresh: Summer Nights in Sonoma produced by SOS, Sonoman’s Offering Support. Every Thursday night from 4 to 8 p.m. come for an easy, relaxing evening — wood fired pizza, wine, food for kids — outdoors in the courtyard of The General’s Daughter, 400 West Spain Street. Each week there is a different charity or school that benefits from the funds raised. On Thursday, June 13, the benefit dollars go to El Verano Elementary School. Please call 933-0450 for details. My grandsons Anthony and Jimmy attend that school and they will put the funds raised to good projects. You can learn about Sonoman’s Offering Support by checking them out on Facebook

Get ready for Gay Wine Weekend in Sonoma June 14-16. I’ll be in front of City Hall in the Plaza at 4 p.m. to welcome the folks who are participating, and the City of Sonoma will be flying the Rainbow Flag from the balcony of City Hall. For more information contact Mark Volger at mark@outinthevineyard.com. June is also LGBT Pride Month and Gabe Kearney from the Sonoma County Stonewall Democrats will speak at the Sonoma Valley Democrats’ General Meeting, on Monday, June 24, 6:30 p.m., Seven Flags Club House, 300 International Boulevard, in the Seven Flags Mobile Home Park, off Watmaugh Drive in Sonoma. The Stonewall Democrats’ mission is to advance equal rights for all people, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression. Everyone is invited and there is no charge to attend. Please bring a potluck snack to share. For more information contact Beth Hadley atbethh@sonic.net.

It’s officially Hula Mai Day in Sonoma on Friday June 14. Share The Aloha Spirit as Hula Mai presents its annual Hula on the Plaza from 5-7 p.m. in the Grinstead Amphitheater. This is Hula Mai’s gift to the people of Sonoma, a spectacular show of authentic Hula, Chant and Hawaiian music. You can call 938-3162 for more information.

The very next day, on Saturday, June 15, is the Annual Native Sons of the Golden West’s Chicken BBQ. Included in the day’s events is the most stellar reenactment of the Bear Flag Revolt directed by George Webber. Do not miss this event right in the Plaza where the Republic of California was born. I can’t tell you all how excited I am to be once again a member of this stellar troop of actors. Bring the kids and see live history reborn.

Sonoma’s Quilts For the Troops, Benefit Dinner and Dance, is Saturday June 15, at Father Roberts Hall, 6-11 p.m., 369 3rd Street West, Sonoma. For more information contact Irene Morgan at 307.3433 and sonomairene@yahoo.com. This dance features local favorites Showcase the Band with that true country sound.

Stay with the high road all ways, in life and in politics. For 15 years I have held the office of Sonoma City Council Member and I am a far better public servant than ever before. Please join me and your community every Tuesday evening through October at the Farmers Market in Sonoma Plaza from 5:30-7:30 p.m. where I hold my Office Hours. You can find me on the west side of the horseshoe. It’s an amazing scene, full of life, local color, organic produce, foods and music to just round things off. It’s very well run and family safe for all ages.

During my last week on the Mornings In Sonoma show my friend Irma Kay brought on the Laura Benward, who I think is the most wonderful singer/guitarist in Sonoma Valley. She sang “Suzanne” written by Leonard Cohen. It touched my heart. Check out the whole set of lyrics but I will include my favorite part to share with you all.

And Jesus was a sailor
When he walked upon the water
And he spent a long time watching
From his lonely wooden tower
And when he knew for certain
Only drowning men could see him
He said “All men will be sailors then
Until the sea shall free them”
But he himself was broken
Long before the sky would open
Forsaken, almost human
He sank beneath your wisdom like a stone

- Frederick Douglass

I figured I’d start with a quote this week. It’s certainly true for me.

Lots going on for sure with the KSVY 91.3 Morning Show. New host Stevie Brunolli is settling in and the new hours for the show (7-9 a.m.) are settling in, too. For myself I am adjusting to a new morning schedule. I see clearly how much a creature of habit I am. but I am keeping a flexible mind frame. I want to thank Jessica Terwilliger for her kind and heartfelt letter. I was not the first host of the morning show and certainly will not be the last. I continue to support The Common Bond Foundation and I plan on using my skills to ensure its success. Stay tuned to this column as we move through the days and nights together.

On Monday June 3 the Sonoma City Council issued a proclamation in honor of Gay Wine Weekend. Sonoma being a LGBT friendly city is proud to fly the Gay Rainbow Flag from City Hall June 14-16.

Friday, June 14 is officially Hula Mai Day in Sonoma. Share the Aloha Spirit as the dance group Hula Mai presents its annual Hula on the Plaza from 5 p.m. in the Grinstead Amphitheater. This is Hula Mai’s gift to the people of Sonoma, a spectacular show of authentic hula, chant and Hawaiian music. You can call 938.3162 for more information.

The very next day, Saturday June 15, is the 51st annual Native Sons of the Golden West’s Chicken BBQ. Included in the day’s events is the most stellar reenactment of the Bear Flag Revolt, directed by George Webber. Do not miss this event right in the Plaza where the Republic of California was born.

Solo Flight is a celebration of local musicians and singers  showcasing a dozen soloists, all women of Vox Populi, accompanied by the Davedjohn Quartet featuring guitarist David Farrell and the piano stylings of Cliff Zyskowski. Also on the Solo Flight program: the debut of V.I.M.H. (Voices In My Head), a men’s chorus with Mark Dennis. Dancing is encouraged throughout the evening with the Davedjohn Quartet and the final leg of our flight will be dancing to the music of Mark Larson, John Arntz, Ed Dufault and a few surprise appearances from other local musicians. Tickets are on sale $12 in advance or $15 at the door. You can purchase tickets from Tiddle E. Winks, 115 E. Napa St.;  Nails By Elaina, 566 First St. W.; and also Ed Dufault at 322-5273. Says Ed on his experience with this effort: ‘ I am stoked to be involved with this show because we are coming together, mostly baby boomers, with our creative energy and we still can get it going. Most of us met through Vox Populi so that is a creative nexus, so to speak. I don’t know what I would do without it!

Sonoma’s Quilts For the Troops, Benefit Dinner and Dance, is Saturday June 15, at Father Roberts Hall, 6-11:00 p.m., 369 3rd Street West, Sonoma. For more information contact Irene Morgan at 307.3433 and sonomairene@yahoo.com. This dance features local favorites Showcase the Band with that true country sound.

Next week I am hoping to delve into my council philosophy on what agenda items should be heard at council meetings. Stay cool, love well and shop local.

At the same time I am restarting the Bear Flag Social Club and will begin again to work on shows, events, weddings, everything from Baptisms to Memorial services. If you have a great idea share it with me and together we can breathe life into it and make it happen.

On May 27 at Sonoma Veterans Memorial Park our community celebrated the 55th Annual Memorial Day Observance. It was a large outpouring of support for all the men and women who have served in the military, served their country. Devoid of politics, full of love and devotion, Sonoma served Memorial Day’s purpose by providing a very large community gathering weaving together the memories of the past, present and praying for peace in the future. I want to extend a heartfelt thanks to the American Legion Post  487 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1943 for their carefully thought-out program. A big thank you to the Rotary Club of Sonoma Valley for their complimentary “All American Picnic” after the event. All in all, a very special day for all of us.

This is from the City of Sonoma’s very special City Clerk Gay Johann: “I am asking your assistance in helping us fill two vacant positions on the Mobilehome Park Rental Review Board.  We recently advertised the vacancies but did not receive any applications. Commission Application forms are available at Sonoma City Hall or on the web at Sonomacity.org to anyone you know who may be interested and meet the qualifications. Completed forms should be turned in here at City Hall, to my attention.  I realize the Board rarely meets but we really want to keep it intact should the need arise to have a meeting. The two positions we are trying to fill are: 1) Voting Boardmember – may not be a park tenant or lessee. 2) Park Resident Alternate (nonvoting member). Thanks for your assistance.”

This is in as well, from Sonoma Police Chief Bret Sackett: “I would like to introduce you to the new SPD K-9, “Dickie.” He is a one-and-a-half-year-old German Shepherd (with some Belgian Malinois in his background as well). He has Hungarian Lines, but was imported out Holland, and has been in the United States for about a month. As a reminder, Deputy Jeff Sherman was selected as the department’s K-9 handler. Jeff has been working in Sonoma for about three years and recently moved to Sonoma.  His family has ties to Sonoma. Jeff and Dickie will start their five-week Narcotic Detection School on May 31, which will be followed by another five-week Patrol school.  We anticipate this dynamic duo will be ready for patrol in mid-August. There’s no doubt he’s going to be a great addition to the SPD/Valley Team. Once Dickie is ready for prime-time, we’ll introduce him to the Council, then to the public!’ I can’t wait and I will give you all a head’s up when it’s going to happen. You can watch at home on CH 27!”

It’s Hit the Road Jack time once again. Sunday June 2nd brings this wonderful 10K or 2.2 Mile Run/Walk that supports schools in Sonoma and healthy activities too. Check in and race day registration opens at 6:30 a.m. on Sonoma Plaza. The course will start and finish in the historic Plaza. This is a USATF certified 10K race. Fees include a T-Shirt and post-race refreshments. For more information go to hittheroadjack.org

SAVE THE DATE: Sonoma’s Quilts For the Troops, Benefit Dinner and Dance, Saturday June 15th, Father Roberts Hall, 6-11:00 p.m., 369 3rd Street West, Sonoma. For more information contact Irene Morgan at 707-307-3433 and sonomairene@yahoo.com. More information in the weeks ahead.

In closing I want to share how I close out each day with my nightly blessings. I cross my hands over my heart, look skyward and say aloud: Blessings on my children Chandra, Shoshana, Moses and Eden, blessings on my wife Jewel, blessings on myself, blessings on my grandchildren Anthony, Jimmy, Penelope, Nicolas, Jacob, and Rebecca and her baby boy. Blessings on those who shelter the homeless, feed the hungry, care for the sick, steer the political ship and those that are not onboard yet.” I say a blessing for those family and friends that have passed on and a blessing for those who come to mind that really need one. I close with a blessing on us all. Amen.

Also, check out the Sonoma Veterans Park Association, Preserving a Place of Honor. On Saturday May 25, at 8:30 a.m. you can join veterans and their community to lay flags on graves of veterans buried in Sonoma. Meet up at Sonoma Veterans Building. I would also request that when given the opportunity upon meeting a veteran that you say a simple heartfelt thanks, and welcome home.

The Friends of Sonoma Valley Library completed its Spring 2013 book sale on Saturday and when all was said and done they grossed about $10,400. Amazing! I want to say thank you to all of those volunteers that helped, from donating books through sorting and working the sale itself. And a big thank you to the library staff and all those who spent their money so wisely. You all made this possible.

Save the date at the Sonoma Valley Grange on Saturday, June 22 for the Whole Hog Solstice Soiree. Doors open at 6 p.m., dinner at 7 p.m. Tickets are $45. Remember, the March Spring Fling sold out quickly. You can buy your tickets early by contacting Michaelacker@sbcglobal.net 939.6488 to reserve a ticket. This event is absolute fun.

I had the honor of leading the beautiful 2013 Sonoma Valley Historic Race Car Festival through the Plaza and on into Sebastiani Vineyards and Winery this past Saturday. It was sponsored by Speedway Children’s Charities Sonoma Chapter, to the benefit of Sonoma Valley Education Foundation and Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau. There was a long and delicious list of participating Sonoma Valley Wineries and Sonoma Valley restaurants.  Speedway Children’s Charities is the official charity of Sonoma Raceway. The mission of Speedway Children’s Charities is to care for children in educational, financial, social and medical need in order to help them lead productive lives.  The Sonoma Chapter of SCC has distributed more than $4.3 million to qualified Sonoma County youth groups since 2001. Much of the funds distributed by Speedway Children’s Charities are raised at special events held throughout the year. I am a very proud member of the Charities board and our efforts in raising $4.3 to the total benefit of local children in need is a real part of Sonoma Speedway and local businesses. A profound relationship in these times of real want and need.

From James second chapter a quote that fits so well here: “What does it profit, my brethren, if a man says he has faith but has not works? Can his faith save him? If a brother or sister is ill-clad and in lack of daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what does it profit? So faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead. But some will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I by my works will show you my faith.” Very, very cool. Thanks for the enlightenment my brother, Peadar Dalton.

The lyrics from the superior Chambers Brothers tune come to my mind. After over five years as the host of the Mornings in Sonoma Show on KSVY 91.3 FM the time has come to evolve into my next gig. This host gig was perfect fit for me, and I am fortunate to have had such a long run. I will continue to be an active member of this station and do the bookings for the morning show in addition to co-hosting Que Pasa Sonoma with Leslie Tippell on Wednesday’s from 2 to 3 p.m. My last morning show will be Friday May 31, so catch this wave while you can. Let’s turn it over to the Chambers Brothers for now. My column will continue here in The Sun, God willing.

‘Now the time has come (Time)

There’s no place to run (Time)

I might get burned up by the sun (Time)

But I had my fun (Time)

I’ve been loved and put aside (Time)

I’ve been crushed by the tumbling tide (Time)

And my soul has been psychedelicized (Time)’

Amen my Sisters and Brothers- Ken

-Buddha

Lisa Leeb spoke the above words at the SOS Mother’s Day Brunch in beautiful Burlingame Hall. Join Sonoma Overnight Support and help give homeless parents and their children a chance to rebuild their lives. One hundred percent of the proceeds raised will be used to create an affordable Transitional Housing program for families of the Sonoma Valley. There are people in need in our community and we are fortunate to have the shelter, its staff and volunteers to serve them. For more information you can go to sonomaovernightsupport.org.

The second Farmers Market was as well attended as the first, and the evening was just as lovely. Next Tuesday local favorite The Windup Monkeys will be playing at the Palm Tree at 6 p.m.; the market opens to cow bells at 5:30 p.m. The Windup Monkey’s feature Sue Albano, Dave Hinkley, Levi Chavoya and Nick Cordellos.  Come visit me at my office hours from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on the West Driveway of the Sonoma Plaza Horseshoe. It’s a total example of good American values.

Save the date: of Sunday, May 19 for the Sonoma Classical Music Society’s showcase of the Ives String Quartet at Jacuzzi Family Vineyards Winery at 3 p.m. You can go to sonomaclassical.com for tickets and more information. Please check Wally Brightman’s Sonoma Sunrise show from 7 to 8 a.m. each weekday on KSVY 91.3 FM.

From my Relay For Life friends: “Long story short, we are suddenly in need of a new Logistics Chair with just three months to go! We have a subcommittee to help, but we need a leader. Email Jo at relayjo@gmail.com or Jackie Lyons at jackielyons5@gmail.com or call 935.5238. We would be eternally grateful for your help.” Relay For Life is an amazing event in Sonoma so if you have logistic talent you can put it use for the greater good.

The First Annual Sonoma Little League Carnival, a fundraiser for new equipment and scoreboards, is this Sunday May 19 at 11 a.m at Hughes and Teeter Little League Fields in Sonoma. Bring your friends, bring your family and join us for all the fun: Jumps, Extreme Air, Dunk Tank, Games, BBQ, Raffles and much more. Tickets are available at the gate. It does not get more American than Little League.

Vox Populi plays concerts on Monday, May 20, at the Sebastiani Theatre and May 22 at the Sonoma Community Center. The great band Plan B will be there as well. For more information go to Voxpopulisonoma or SVBO.org.

Friends of Sonoma Valley Library will host the Spring 2013 Book Sale this Thursday-Saturday, May 16-18 from 10 a.m. till 5:30 p.m. Students: Your first book is free. This event has my highest possible rating!

Nel Benningshof from Health Care for All – California will present a short documentary, “The Healthcare Movie,” and lead a discussion about health care in California at the Sonoma Valley Democrats’ next general meeting, on Monday, May 20, 6:30 p.m. in  the Seven Flags Club House, 300 International Boulevard, in the Seven Flags Mobile Home Park. HCA is a statewide, non-partisan organization of volunteers who work actively to get single payer legislation passed in California. Please bring a potluck snack to share. For more information contact Beth Hadley at bethh@sonic.net.

Head’s up: Sonoma’s Quilts For the Troops benefit dinner and dance returns Saturday June 15, this year to Father Roberts Hall, 369 3rd Street West. For more information contact Irene Morgan at 307.3433 or sonomairene@yahoo.com. weeks ahead.

A wise person once said … “There comes a time in life, when you walk away from all the drama and people who create it. You surround yourself with people who make you laugh, forget the bad, and focus on the good. So love the people who treat you right, pray for the ones who don’t.Life is too short to be anything but happy. Falling down is a part of life, getting back up is living.” Amen, Brothers and Sisters

This Sunday past I was a Tamale Cook Off judge for Sonoma Valley Schools on Cinco de Mayo. I tasted over 21 samples of tamales and I will now take a well-deserved tamale break. I had the honor of sitting between two of the Grand Ladies of Sonoma Valley, Kathleen Hill and Ligia Booker. My main contact was Lucie Szakallas, a stellar organizer and mom from Sonoma Charter School. A great crowd of over 900 folks gathered at Cornerstone Sonoma to participate in a true family event. The dancers of Ballet Folklorico Quetzalan brought tears to my eyes. They celebrated the rich culture, music, costumes and dance of Mexico with dancers from our elementary and middle schools, the high school and adults. Here is the list of winners. People’s Choice: Picazo Café. Most Creative: Chef Eric Magnani. Traditional:  Big 3 at The Fairmont. Amateur First Place:  – Regina Baker.  Amateur Second Place:  A tie between the team of Bob Aguirre and Sam Rivera, and Marbella Mondragon. I will be back next year for sure.

Congratulations to Troy and Lauren Taylor for being honored for operating the best Baskin-Robbins store in America. There are over 2,000 Baskin-Robbins shops in the U.S. They have been in business in Sonoma for over 25 years and share the credit with their staff members Robin Ward and Ashley Weikert. Way to go Sonoma!

Save the date of Sunday May 19 or the Sonoma Classical Music Society’s showcase of the Ives String Quartet at Jacuzzi Family Vineyards Winery. You can go to sonomaclassical.com for tickets and more information. Please check Wally Brightman’s Sonoma Sunrise show from 7 to 8 a.m. each weekday on KSVY 91.3 FM.

From Sonoman Howard Egger- Bovet: “Picture yourself in your seat, in the dark, and the curtain rises. The magic of lighting creates the morning as a salutation is sung and the hotel, that gives so much, awakens. The breeze, waves. The sun. It begins in the rooms, at breakfast, on the grounds, in the lobby and on the beach. It begins between two families, and the hotel staff. Together. Torn.  In love and in pain. In belief and betrayal. In reality and dreaming. Dreams of the world. Dreams of the heart.  Wanting to belong. This awaits the audience of ‘Ohana.’  The journey to bring “Ohana” to the stage has begun, with your help. Please go to our website: Ohanathemusical.virb.com, and the linked Kickstarter page, and give what you can to reach our Kickstarter Campaign goal: $5,000 by May 30. Or Spread the word! Or both.” Lets support Howard in this adventure.

From my Relay For Life friends, “Long story short, we are suddenly in need of a new Logistics Chair with just three months to go! We have a subcommittee to help, but we need a leader. The person just needs to be willing to help, and work hard. They can email Jo at relayjo@gmail.com or Jackie Lyons at jackielyons5@gmail.com or call 935-5238. We would be eternally grateful for your help.” The Relay For Life is an amazing event in Sonoma so if you have logistic talent you can put it use for the greater good.

Sonoma Homecare is looking to build the team of caregivers in Sonoma Valley. Currently interviewing and growing the team is exciting as we reach our five-year anniversary.  Job roles can be: Assisting with Daily Living(ADL), Driving Personal Care and Grooming. medication reminders, meal cooking and planning, shopping and driving to appointments, exercise, reading, housekeeping, laundry and animal Care. If this is something that interests you please fill out application online at Sonomahomecare.com or contact: 938,7371. These are solid local jobs so please contact them.

Good job everyone and I, for one, am staying tuned in.

Welcome to the school of rock! This Mac-size practice space is your own recording studio. If you want to learn to play an instrument, write music, or record a song, join George Koehler on Thursday April 25, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. GarageBand has everything you need. You can learn how to download any song you want, (there are millions available) from the Internet, place it in GarageBand, and then arrange it for your own fun, vocal or instrumental. Please bring your Apple Laptop and earphones if you have them. RSVP to cafemac@me.com.

Staying in the Plaza is always a good idea, and this Friday, April 26 is the City of Sonoma Arbor Day Celebration from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Participating in the events are the City of Sonoma, Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau, Sonoma Birding’s Tom Rusert, who will receive the Rotary Club Conservation Award, Supervisor Susan Gorin, Stephan Stubbins  of the Transcendence Theater Company, Crescent Montessori School, and poems and music. A beautiful Chinese Pistachio Tree will be planted. Be a part of planting a tree in the Plaza!

The Sonoma Community Center’s Third Annual Trashion Fashion Show plus the Grand Re-Opening of Andrews Hall is this weekend. Tickets are available online at SVBO.org. There will be an Artist’s Reception following each show. More information is available at Sonomacommunitycenter.org or by calling 938-4626×1. The definition of ‘Trashion’ is when art, ecology, and haute couture get together and put on a great show. See you there.

Save the Date: The Sonoma Valley Hospital’s Woman’s Health Fair is Saturday, May 4, from 9 a.m. till Noon at Ramekins. Admission is free. For more info  call 935.5238, and check out next week’s column.

Anthony Fanaro, my grandson, a fourth grader at El Verano Elementary School, describing his favorite fruit for Kid Scoop News. ‘The cherry is the best fruit. A cherry is an embrace of nature like no other embrace. There are many kinds of cherries. Cherries make me feel relaxed, I mean, awesome!’ The young man has talent. I’ll ask him if he wants to take over his old Grandpa’s column soon.

“Spring Sprout and Renewal” is the theme for the semi-annual Grange Flea Market on Saturday and Sunday, May 4 and 5, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Grange Hall, 18627 Sonoma Highway. Celebrating re-emergence, the market will feature local arts and crafts, café lunch by local chefs, fresh pies by the Sonoma Valley Teen Services, tarot and hand reading, live music, as well as great flea market finds. To volunteer call Mike at 939-6488. Vendor tables are still available.

This Saturday, April 27 come to the Community Summit & Open House at Sonoma Garden Park, 19996 Seventh St. E. and learn what you can do to help Sonoma Garden Park survive and thrive. There will be a  free Gardening Workshop on Spring Food by Sonoma County Master Gardeners, and a Plant Sale featuring vegetable starts, California natives, drought-tolerant plants and more. Check in with the Harvest Market, too. The Sonoma Garden Park is a project of the Sonoma Ecology Center. For more information on all that the Sonoma Ecology Center does for Sonoma Valley go to Sonomaecologycenter.org.

- Native American Proverb

Earth Day is here in Sonoma Valley on Saturday, April 20. See Page 16 for a list of what’s happening but remember, it’s up to you to get involved and carry the spirit forward. For kid and family friendly events go to grapejuicekids.com. I will be doing the welcome at the Plaza on Saturday afternoon, but events start at 9 a.m.

From 9 a.m. to noon, join a volunteer event to give something back to beautiful Sonoma Valley: a Citizen Science biochar event at Sonoma Garden Park; a Sonoma Creek cleanup at Maxwell Farms Regional Park; a weeding work-party at Van Hoosear Wildflower Preserve; a help-the-park event at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park. Then reward yourself and have a good time at the community celebration held on the downtown Sonoma Plaza from 1 – 5 p.m. Go to sonomaecologycenter.org for more information on the events above. Organizer Howard Cohen deserves a lot of recognition for his efforts and expertise in planning events.

The Epicurean Connection is creating a special Earth Day Menu featuring produce from Sonoma Heritage, Oak Hill Farm, Paul’s Produce, and Spectrum Farms  from 10:00 AM to 10:00PM. They will be also contributing a special Fava Leaf Pesto for the Day on the Plaza Earth Day Event.

The Sonoma Music Festival is coming to the Sebastiani Theatre on Friday April 19 with the Tommy Thomson All-Star Band, The Pine Needles and the Sean Carscadden Quartet. On  Saturday, it will be Frobeck, Creation and Big Brother & the Holding Company. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. both days. This is a benefit for the Sebastiani Theatre Foundation and Pets Lifeline and only $25 per day. You can order online at sebastianitheatre.com. SUN 91.3 FM host Leslie Tippell will introduce the bands. What a wonderful way to wrap up Earth Day, with stellar music and dancing.

“The Reconnection: Heal Others, Heal Yourself,” the work of Dr. Eric Pearl is being presented by Patrice Fistor-Jaehing at the Yoga Community on Friday, April 19, 7:45 p.m. There is no charge to attend. Our local contact for this work is Keala Gerhard at kealamui1@hotmail.com or 808.878.8560. The Yoga Community is located at 577 Fifth St. W. Find out more at Yogacommunity.net.

Quarter Acre Farm is offering ‘What To Grow When’ for kids 5-8 years old on Sunday April 21 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Its time for the kids to be in charge of the backyard! Andrea of Quarter Acre Farm will lead kids in a demonstration of what vegetables to grow each season in there own backyard. Kids and parents will learn the basics of what they can grow to create a tasty backyard year round. Reservations are required so please go to quarteracre.sonoma@gmail.com or through Brown Paper Bag tickets. All classes are held at The Stone House 147 E. Spain St.

On Saturday April 27 at 1 p.m., the SV Library invites young children and their families to an afternoon of fun with Mariele: Bilingual Music and Storytime. Mariela is a native of Chile who performs and sings with young people throughout Europe and the Americas. Celebrate spring rhythms, songs, instrument, and stories in Spanish and English. This program is free of charge and will be held at the SV Regional Library, 755 W. Napa St. For more information call Clare O’Brien at 996-5217 x1112.

From Victor Frankel by way of Carol Peccorini: “Between stimulus and response there is a space and in that space there is choice, in choice there is power and freedom.”

Transition Sonoma Valley and Sonoma Ecology Center in partnership with Sonoma County Regional Parks, City of Sonoma, and dozens of local businesses, organizations and government agencies, will be celebrating Earth Day Sonoma followed by a “Day on the Plaza” Community Celebration on Saturday, April 20, 2013 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Join volunteers from throughout the world who will be participating in Earth Day, a global effort to raise environmental awareness, by getting involved in a variety of stewardship projects in Sonoma Valley from 9 a.m. to noon. The Day on the Plaza festivities follow, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

The morning stewardship projects include: Biochar Citizen Science Project and at Sonoma Garden Park, 19996 Seventh Street East. Free bags of biochar and compost will be distributed, plus a short presentation on what biochar is and how it can be used. Datasheets and instructions will be passed out along with the bags of material. At Van Hoosear Wildflower Preserve, volunteers are needed to help remove non-native invasive weeds. Interested? RSVP to Connor Ross at 996.0712 x102. Another volunteer outing: Creek Clean Up at Maxwell Farms Regional Park, Maxwell Farms Regional Park, 100 Verano Avenue. Help pick up trash from Sonoma Creek and adjacent areas. Volunteers should wear layered, comfortable clothing and be prepared to get clothes dirty and feet wet. Trash bags and gloves provided, RSVP required; children must be accompanied by an adult.

The afternoon festivities on the Plaza begin promptly at 1 p.m. with an opening ceremony led by sound healer Patricia Everette, followed by a “Sonoma style” community picnic where people are encouraged to bring food and beverages to share and enjoy. On a donation basis, food offerings will also be available from locals in the culinary community including Isa Jacoby, artisan bread baker Mike [the bejkr] Zakowski, Sheana Davis from The Epicurean Connection and representatives from Slow Food Sonoma and Cittaslow. The public is encouraged bring their own reusable, plates, utensils and beverage containers. Walking or riding bikes to the Plaza is highly encouraged and the Green Team will be on hand to provide public trainings on how to recycle and ensure that we have a zero waste event.

Musical performances with include PlanBe and the afternoon will end out with a Closing Ceremony by Teressa Rousseau from Earthdance Circle. To learn more about how you

can volunteer in the morning stewardship projects, visit Sonoma Ecology Center’s website at www.sonomaecologycenter.org. To participate in the afternoon community celebration, email Howard Cohen at rightsideman@gmail.com, or see our Facebook Event page at tinyurl.com/d6vzynr, or visit Transition Sonoma Valley’s web page transitionsonomavalley.org/earth-day-2013

There’s a ‘Tasty Tomato Talk’ at the Stone House, 147 E. Spain St. on Sunday, April 14, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. taught by Andrea from Quarter Acre Farm. Learn the ABC’s of successfully growing the most delicious at home. Space is limited so you must make a reservation by going to Quarteracre-tomato.brownpapertickets.com

Every Monday on the Mornings in Sonoma show, my co-host Wally Breitman and I start the week off with our first guest from the SV Ministerial Association. I love the quote “love beyond behavior.” The context was the second greatest commandment, “Love thy neighbor as thyself,” and the fact that you indeed cannot love your neighbor if you don’t love yourself.  If relationships are to be successful, one must “love beyond behavior,” understanding others’ weaknesses and showing them that your love goes beyond simply the way they act.

On Easter Sunday my family took a walk on the Fryer Creek Bicycle and Pedestrian Trail. The day was a super Sonoma lovely day made for walking and talking. I want to say loud and clear that the trail was absolutely spotlessly clean. No litter whatsoever. Each and every dog enjoying the trail was on leach. No cigarette butts, no dog poop. The creek was gurgling its beautiful Spring tune and periodic big, fat raindrops splashed down on everything. Big compliments to our citizens and our Sonoma Public Works Department.

At Monday’s Sonoma City Council meeting we voted unanimously 5-0 on giving our support to Gay Marriage. The public input was overwhelmingly in favor of full rights for all citizens. I am more than encouraged about how our current council is working together for you the citizens that elected us. Please pay attention as we go through our budget process, the structuring of the results from our goals sessions, and our council meetings and the meetings of our commissions. Information, as well as contact details for councilmembers, commissioners and city staff, can be easily found at sonomacity.org. Contained in this newspaper is a very important Guest Opinion by Sonoma City Manager Carol Giovanatto. (Page 10). Please read it.

Day On the Plaza: Earth Day Sonoma 2013! Transition Sonoma Valley and the Sonoma Ecology Center, along with many other local organizations, business and citizens will be gathering to create a fun and engaging community spirited celebration to honor the Earth on April 20, 1 to 5p.m. on Sonoma Plaza. Kicking off the day, The Ecology Center plans a volunteer-based workday at multiple sites from 9 a.m. to noon that will lead up to a community picnic on the Plaza featuring great local food, work and play shops, conversations, music, yoga and much more. Join our event page at www.facebook.com/TransitionSV or email Howard at right sideman@gmail.com to learn more about how you can get involved. This going to be one heck of a happening and you don’t want to miss it! Join in and be a volunteer.

Your calendar is getting full, but there is always room for more. The Sonoma Music Festival is coming to the Sebastiani Theatre on Friday April 19 with the Tommy Thomson All-Star Band, The Pine Needles and the Sean Carscadden Quartet. On Saturday April 20 it will be Frobeck, Creation and Big Brother & the Holding Company. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. both days. This a benefit for the Sebastiani Theatre Foundation and Pets Lifeline and only $25 per day. You can order online at sebastianitheatre.com.

For all the amazing activities for kids go to grapejuicekids.com. You won’t be disappointed.

A special guest will be coming to Sonoma Valley, Mr. David Cobb. Move To Amend and Sonoma Valley Peace and Justice are pleased to bring David Cobb to Sonoma CA. for a presentation on bringing an end to Corporate Personhood. Move to Amend is a coalition of hundreds of organizations and tens of thousands of individuals committed to social and economic justice, ending corporate rule, and building a vibrant democracy that is genuinely accountable to the people, not corporate interests. We call for an amendment to the US. Constitution to unequivocally state that inalienable rights belong to human beings only, and that money is not a form of protected free speech under the First Amendment and can be regulated in political campaigns. Join us on Monday April 8, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Little Theater at Sonoma Valley High School campus. A $5-$10 donation is requested and no one will be turned a way for lack of funds. For more information call -269.0984.

Hot tips this week from your Mayor: Ninth annual Faces of Change Golf Tournament, April 8, benefiting El Verano Elementary School. A great partnership between the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn and the school… Praxis Peace Institute presents ‘Israel/Palestine: A Report’ featuring Sonoma resident Kenny Walter. Topics are what is really happening today in Israel and Palestine and what is the U.S. role in Israel and how it is impacting a peace process? The event will be at Murphy’s Irish Pub, 464 First St. E. from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. It is $5 at the door and more information can be found at praxispeace.org.

Hold close all those you love and please tell them you love them. Blessings on us all.