Category Archives: Events

Sonoma Supports Standing Rock Sioux

Approximately 300 people turned out in force at Sonoma Plaza on Tuesday night November 15 in a show of solidarity with the Standing Rock Sioux tribe and their ongoing blockade of the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL). For well over an hour, hundreds of passing drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians signaled their support with horns, waves, and enthusiastic cheers. Local politicians, civic leaders, and media were prominent in the crowd, as were people young and old chanting, “What Do We Want, NO Pipeline” and “Protect the Water, You Can’t Drink Oil”.Sonoma Protest in Support of the Standing Rock Sioux

The peaceful protest was just one among hundreds of other events held all over the world as part of an international “day of action”. The Sonoma protest was locally organized by Continue reading Sonoma Supports Standing Rock Sioux

Economics of Happiness – short film

A powerful new film that cuts deeply to the heart of the global crisis. Magnificent!”  – David Suzuki, environmentalist

“This passionate film presents a clear and articulate vision of what a shift in the scale at which we do things would look like…Very timely and powerful.” – Rob Hopkins, Co-founder of the Transition Network

Local Futures is now sharing a free, shortened version of the award-winning documentary film The Economics of Happiness. This 19-minute abridged version brings us voices of hope of in a time of crisis.  Cut down from 68 minutes to less than 20, it provides an introduction to the concept of localization – a systemic alternative to corporate capitalism – and shows how it addresses the serious problems caused by economic globalization.

Continue reading Economics of Happiness – short film

Transition Streets – Comes to Sonoma

Do You Know Your Neighbors? Evidently 43% of Americans do not, according to Pew Research.

TRANSITION STREETS  is a pilot program recently launched by Transition Sonoma Valley to see if we can begin to change that, making Sonoma a better, more resilient place to live in the process.

We believe that no amount of nonsense or political gridlock can hold back neighbors who know and care about one another, who want to improve their community, and are ready to work together to make a difference for the better.

Transition Streets is based on a very innovative and successful program first developed by Transition Towne Totnes, a town in the UK about a three-hour drive southwest of London.

Continue reading Transition Streets – Comes to Sonoma

PRMD Winery Events Public Hearing

The proliferation of public wine tasting venues and events on agricultural land has provoked substantial backlash in both Sonoma Valley and Healdsburg’s Dry Creek Road area over the past few years. Some larger wine facility proposals have also drawn substantial neighborhood opposition.

The hot-button issue of winery events will be discussed by the Sonoma Valley Citizen’s Advisory Commission in a public workshop at the Sonoma Veterans Center on Jan. 27.

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Image: The Drunkenness of Noah by Giovanni Bellini (1515)

MARCH TO SONOMA PLAZA FOR CLIMATE ACTION

On the eve of the critical United Nations COP21 Climate Summit in Paris (Nov 30 to Dec 11), concerned citizens all around the world will be coming together for a week of marches and demonstrations to ensure that world, national and local governmental leaders understand that people demand action to stop the increase of carbon in the earth’s atmosphere.

Transition Sonoma Valley and the Earth Care Committee of the First Congregational Church of Sonoma are co-hosting a local “Global Climate March” around the Plaza on Sunday, November 29. Beginning at 12:00 noon, a pre-march rally in Burlingame Hall (252 W. 252 W. Spain Street), will convene for making posters and signs and receiving actionable items before the March kicks off at approximately 12:30 p.m.

Everyone is welcome including senior citizens, students, children, grandchildren and pets, for the march from Burlingame Hall around the Plaza before congregating near the sidewalk at the intersection of Broadway and Napa Street for a public witness in support of sustained political action on behalf of the environment.

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Download the Press Release >>

Protecting and Preserving Sonoma Valley

Protecting and Preserving Our Beautiful Sonoma Valley: What Needs To Be Done?

An Evening of Dialogue with Richard Dale Executive Director Sonoma Ecology Center, and Dave Koehler Director Sonoma Land Trust

November 13 – Burlingame Hall 7:00PM  <add to calendar>

As population, housing, and commercial development have increased, there has been consequent challenge to the Sonoma Valley. Bio-diversity in agriculture has been sacrificed and now California’s sustained drought has placed further stress upon the environment of this special valley.

You are invited to bring your questions and opinions to this evening of dialogue with two thoughtful leaders whose organizations are working to respond to such environmental issues as water supply and quality, protection and purchase of open space, access to public lands, biodiversity, the challenges to the wildlife corridor in the Valley, energy source and use, and climate change.

These issues affect your quality of life and that of your children and grandchildren. What should we do to sustain this valley for the future? How can we ensure the preservation and restoration of waterways, natural habitats for animals and the protection of our natural heritage and public lands? How can we preserve open space? And how can you best join these efforts?

Download the Flyer >>

Harnessing the Economy

In a talk entitled Harnessing the Economy to Fight Climate Change: Carbon Fee and Dividend, Dr. Peter Joseph will address why he believes that the quickest and most efficient way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is to put a meaningful price on carbon through adoption of a carbon tax (fee) combined with a re-distributive dividend policy.

Dr. Joseph has been invited by the Earth Care Committee of The First Congregational Church (FCC) United Church of Christ in Sonoma to engage the public on this timely and critical subject on Tuesday evening, October 20th at 7:00 pm in Burlingame Hall, on the FCC campus, located at 252 West Spain Street.

Continue reading Harnessing the Economy

Russian River – ALL RIVERS – May 29

THE VALUE OF AN AMERICAN WATERSHED©

* * Back in Sonoma by Popular Demand * *

Screening at Sonoma’s Burlingame Hall, May 29

Those not able to attend previous screenings of The Russian River: ALL RIVERS The Value of an American Watershed in venues throughout the north bay, will have another chance to catch a Sonoma Valley showing on Friday, May 29 at 7:00 pm. Shown in February to a packed crowd at Sebastiani Theatre, and in March to a sold-out crowd at Andrews Hall,  the film will be presented on a free-will donation basis at Burlingame Hall on the campus of First Congregational Church (FCC) located at 252 West Spain Street. Doors will open at 6:30 pm, and guests will be seated on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Sponsored by Transition Sonoma Valley and the Earth Care Committee of FCC, this showing of the highly acclaimed documentary will also feature a post-film Q & A with Continue reading Russian River – ALL RIVERS – May 29

Community Resilience Challenge

Pass it on, the Challenge is spreading. During the month of May, thousands of people across the country will take coordinated, grassroots action to build resilience in their communities. Together, we’ll show the world what’s possible when communities come together to get things done. Will you join us?

Last year we collectively helped register over 16,000 actions as part of the Community Resilience Challenge! Way to stand up and be counted!!

The Community Resilience Challenge is organized around four themes: Continue reading Community Resilience Challenge

Celebrate Sonoma’s Mexican heritage: past and present!

Make room in your calendar for a Cinco de Mayo fiesta!

This Sunday, May 3rd, La Luz will be bringing the party to the plaza from 12 – 5pm in celebration of Cinco de Mayo. This event will be free of charge and open to the public.

Traditional food will be offered by local vendors as community members come watch the entertainment that ranges from Mexican folkloric dances to mariachi music.

Bring your family and friends and join in on the festivities!

For more information >>