If you’re considering ways to pamper your partner (and yourself) this month, this edition is for you as we share Valentine’s Day tips for busy parents (page 20). We also have a recipe for gluten-free cookie mixes to make with the kids you love — and perhaps you and your spouse sneak a few from the plate, too (page 7)! The love theme continues with some simple crafting options surrounding this month’s favorite holiday (page 22).
Family Life continues to help parents prepare for next school year’s educational decisions with an article from the president and CEO of the
California Charter Schools Association (page 10). It’s never too soon to research which environment may best suit your child.
Speaking of benefiting students, are you aware of the CalKIDS Scholarship? Learn more about the scholarship accounts available to millions of California children to help pay for college or career training after high school (page 18).
Lastly, consider if the featured read in this month’s Book Break might be for your middle schooler: “Follow the Water” by Ellen Cochrane is the true story of a teenage girl’s survival in the jungle (page 30). Parents may enjoy it, too!
Features Editor Angel Jenkins angel@family-life.us
Production Manager
Donna Bogener production@family-life.us
Contributing Writers
Myrna Castrejón
Sarah Lyons
Kimberly McLeod
Billing Jan Wasson-Smith
Publishing Office P.O. Box 351
Philo, CA 95466 (707) 205 1539
Learn To Swim
Bake & Bond
Kid-Friendly Cookie Mixes
Valentine’s Day baking doesn’t have to be complicated to feel meaningful. For many families, it’s less about elaborate desserts and more about slowing down and spending time together in the kitchen — no screens, no strict schedules, just a simple, hands-on activity everyone can enjoy.
Raised Gluten Free’s seasonal Valentine’s Day cookie mixes were created for moments like these. Available in Vanilla Chip and Confetti Sugar Cookie, the vegan, certified gluten-free mixes are handcrafted in small batches and made to be approachable for young bakers. Clear, super-simple steps and playful, colorful illustrations encourage kids to take the lead, from mixing to scooping, while still delivering deliciously soft, chewy cookies every time. The mixes are also free from the top nine allergens, making them a worry-free choice for classroom treats, playdates, or sharing with friends and family. As a sweet extra, each box also includes cut-out Valentine’s Day cards on the back to continue sharing the love. The limited-edition cookie mixes are available at Target locations in Northern California and nationwide, plus online. Grab a box and follow the instructions on the right!
6 tablespoons melted butter (or vegan butter) 1 egg or ¼ cup applesauce
1. Ask a grown-up to preheat the oven to 350 F.
2. Mix together butter in a mixing bowl with a fork and egg (or applesauce).
3. Add dry mix and stir until combined.
4. Scoop dough onto 2 sheet pans with a tablespoon and handform until slightly flattened.
5. Ask an adult to put the pan in the oven and bake for 11-13 minutes. Let cool completely and enjoy!
Easy Frosting Recipe
Make your cookies extra special with a sweet frosting layer. Simply whisk together 2 cups of powdered sugar, ½ cup butter or vegan “butter,” 2 tablespoons non-dairy milk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Spread or drizzle on cookies and top with a heart-shaped strawberry.
Fungi Fest Celebrates Mushrooms
The first Russian River Fungi Fest is a celebration of the mushroom culture of West Sonoma County including a weekend of mushroomy markets, workshops, foraging expeditions, educational talks, mycelial networking, and more. The event will be centered in Guerneville, with satellite events happening all over West County. Saturday–Sunday, February 21–22, Russian River Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center, 16209 First St., Guerneville. For a full schedule and to purchase tickets, visit tinyurl.com/bdect58j.
Littles Enjoy Their First Concert
Peppa Pig: My First Concert is a fun, interactive introduction to a live orchestra for ages 18 months and older. Peppa and George learn all about the different sounds that instruments make together and enjoy some of their favorite music from the British animated series, performed by Southbank Sinfonia Youth Orchestra. They also get to discover some other exciting orchestral pieces perfect for children. Little piggies can join in with Peppa and her family and make music of their own. Wednesday, February 18 from 6–7:30 p.m. Luther Burbank Center for the Arts, 50 Mark West Springs Rd., Santa Rosa. Learn more at lutherburbankcenter.org/event/peppa-pig25
Fairytale Ball Seeks Tiny Dancers
Bring your favorite child to the Fairytale Ball, a whimsical event sure to delight participants and create lasting memories. Chaperones and kids, ages 3–12, will create a special memory through this fanciful theme as they dance to the music, visit with a special guest, and enjoy fun activities. Light refreshments will be served. Admission is $40 per adult/child couple. Saturday, February 28 from 4–6:30 p.m. Finley Community Center, 2060 W. College Ave., Santa Rosa. Pre-registration is required. Visit tinyurl.com/ mtnawveu for more details.
Fairytale Ball
Peppa Pig
Unleash Your STEM Creativity
Unleash your creativity while designing a marble maze out of everyday household items. Bring your junior scientists to enjoy a kids-only, interactive science hour. Adults can head out into Spring Lake Park for rejuvenating, kid-free time in nature. Activities are ideal for kids ages 6–12. Saturday, February 14 from 1–2 p.m. Environmental Discovery Center at Spring Lake Regional Park, 393 Violetti Rd., Santa Rosa. Registration required at tinyurl.com/6yh5rp5k
Save the Date for Citrus Fair
The annual Cloverdale Citrus Fair features everything you love about a small-town fair! Enjoy live music by local bands, a carnival with thrilling rides and games, a Friendly Farm Petting Zoo, and agricultural 4-H shows. Wine tastings showcase the region’s bounty, while art and photo exhibits highlight community talents. Special events include a parade, talent shows, and an evening of top-flight Hispanic music. Friday–Monday, February 13–16. Friday, February 13 is Senior Day; Seniors 62+ enter free. Monday, February 16 is Kids Day; Kids 12 and under enter free. 1 Citrus Fair Dr., Cloverdale. For full schedule, visit cloverdalecitrusfair.org
Libraries Host Valentine-themed Craft
Build a Valentine’s Day gingerbread house using festive candy, icing, and other tasty decorations at several area library branches. All materials provided. Tuesday, February 3, 4–5:30 p.m. at Windsor Regional Library; Wednesday, February 4, 4–5:30 p.m. at Northwest Santa Rosa Library. Thursday, February 5, 4–5:30 p.m. at Rohnert Park Cotati Regional Library. Friday, February 6, 4:30–6 p.m. at Roseland Regional Library. Tuesday, February 10, 1:45–3:15 p.m., Healdsburg Regional Library. Tuesday, February 10, 3–4:30 p.m., Forestville Community Library. Wednesday, February 11, 2:45–4:15 p.m., Healdsburg Regional Library. Thursday, February 12, 4:30–5:30 p.m., Petaluma Regional Library. Tuesday, February 17, 3:30–5 p.m., Sebastopol Regional Library. Learn more and register at tinyurl.com/2f5njsv7
Cloverdale Citrus Fair
Charter Choice
Alternative Schools Winning Support
By Myrna Castrejón
Charter public schools are free, open to all, and built on one simple promise: give every child — regardless of ZIP code, language, or income — a chance to thrive. These schools operate with the flexibility to meet students where they are, while being held to the highest standards for results. And the results speak volumes.
Just look at recent state test scores from the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CASPP). Once again, the results confirm what parents have long known — charter schools are helping historically underserved students thrive. In English, 49.7 percent of charter students met or exceeded standards, compared to 49.2 percent in non-charter schools. In math, 36.7 percent of charter students met
standards, compared to 37.9 percent statewide.
That might sound like just numbers, but behind every percentage point are thousands of children reading more confidently, solving tougher equations, and discovering that college is within reach.
In Los Angeles County, nearly 100 charter schools beat the county averages for low-income
“A new statewide poll shows 65 percent of California voters now support charter public schools …”
students — a population that is overwhelmingly Latino. Twenty of those schools ranked among the top 10 percent statewide, and six placed in the top 5 percent.
As Jonathan Slakey, California Charter Schools Association’s Managing Director of Education Data Analytics, noted, “Almost 100 charters in the LA area had students outperforming county averages with low-income students. This includes 20 charter schools where students are in the top 10 percent statewide for low-income students, and six schools where students are in the top 5 percent. This includes PUC Milagro Charter
Nestled atop a hill sits a country school that welcomes every child with warmth, kindness, and support. Our low teacherto-student ratio helps create a nurturing environment, further strengthened by structured lesson plans and our use of PBIS (Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports). We provide free daily meals as well as before and after school care. Through The Pathways Program all Cinnabar students have the opportunity to explore and learn from the natural beauty of our county with science based field trips throughout the year.
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— whose English learner, Hispanic, socioeconomically disadvantaged and students with disabilities all scored in the top 5 percent of test-takers statewide.
In San Bernardino, Orange, and San Diego, almost 200 charters had above average results with Hispanic students this year, including LaVerne Elementary Prep, in Hesperia, where Hispanic students scored in the top 5 percent statewide. Over 60 percent of Hispanic students met or exceeded English and Math standards in 2025.”
In Coachella, NOVA Academy achieved a 68 percent English proficiency rate, even though nearly
nine in 10 of its students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch.
These are stories of progress, not privilege. They are proof that when families are empowered to choose
“…charter schools are helping historically underserved students thrive.”
the right public school for their children — and when educators are trusted to innovate — the results are transformative.
And the momentum is growing. A new statewide poll shows 65 percent of California voters now support charter public schools, the highest
level of support, and that number is even stronger among parents of color. Despite the political noise, a majority — 53 percent — say their opinion of charters has stayed positive for years.
That’s because they see what’s happening in their own neighborhoods. They see children succeeding. California families have spoken, and they are saying yes — to quality, to opportunity, and to charter public schools. ❖
Myrna Castrejón has been the President and CEO of the California Charter Schools Association since January 2019. Innovate & Educate is an occasional column in which she explores statewide K-12 issues through a charter public school lens.
Grades TK-12
Sonoma, Solano, Napa & Marin Counties
1:1 relationship with a credentialed teacher
Our program is founded on the model of the educational team, which is the partnership between the student, parent or guardian, and the Pathways independent study teacher.
Charter School Guide
Cotati-Rohnert Park
Credo High School. Grades 9–12. Site-based. 1300 Valley House Dr., Ste. 100, Rohnert Park. credohigh.org.
Pathways Charter School. Grades K–12. Independent study with site-based learning center support. 150 Professional Center Dr., Suites C-F, Rohnert Park. pathwayscharter.org
Guerneville
California Pacific Charter Schools. Grades K–12. Online homeschool program. cal-pacs.org
Valley Vista Public Waldorf Charter School. Grades TK–8. Site-based. 730 N. Webster St., Petaluma. petalumacityschools.org/ valley-vista-public-waldorf.
Santa Rosa
Brinkley Elementary Charter School. Grades TK–6. Site-based. 4965 Canyon Dr., Santa Rosa. rvusd. org/o/binkley
Cesar Chavez Language Academy. Grades TK–8. Site-based. 2480 Sebastopol Rd., Santa Rosa. ccla.srcschools.org
Manzanita Elementary Charter School. Grades TK–6. Site-based. 1687 Yulupa Ave., Santa Rosa. rvusd.org/o/mes
program. 4600 Lavell Rd., Santa Rosa. markwestcharter.org
Northwest Prep Charter School. Grades 7–12. Site-based learning program & grades K–12. Home-study program: 2590 Piner Rd., Santa Rosa. northwestprep.pousd.org.
Olivet Elementary Charter School. Grades TK–6. Site-based. 1825 Willowside Rd., Santa Rosa. olivet.pousd.org.
Piner-Olivet Charter School.
Sebastopol Charter
Mark West Charter School. Site-based & independent homeschool
As families continue setting goals for the year ahead, California is reaffirming its commitment to young people through CalKIDS, the California Kids Investment and Development Savings Program.
Backed by a $2 billion statewide investment for more than 5 million children, CalKIDS is the largest education-focused asset-building effort in the nation, providing automatic scholarship accounts to millions of California children and students to help pay for college or career training after high school.
As families increasingly think about meaningful gifts over mindless spending and prepare for the opportunities a new school year brings, claiming a CalKIDS Scholarship
Account is a simple step with a lasting impact. Eligible children and students can receive between $175 and $1,500 in free scholarship funds, with no application, no essays, and no income verification required.
These funds are already set aside for children and students and can be used for qualified higher education expenses, making CalKIDS one of the most accessible scholarships available to California families.
“CalKIDS has been an amazing success, with nearly 1 million scholarship accounts already claimed
by California families,” said State Treasurer Fiona Ma, CPA, Chair of the ScholarShare Investment Board, which administers CalKIDS. “As we look ahead to the new year, families across the state still have
a CalKIDS Scholarship takes only a few minutes at CalKIDS.org.
a tremendous opportunity to claim scholarship dollars already set aside for their children and students, funds that can help lower the cost of college or career training and expand what’s possible for their future.”
More than 60 percent of public-school students in grades 2 through 12 are eligible for a CalKIDS Scholarship Account worth up to $1,500. When CalKIDS launched in 2022, the program awarded scholarship accounts to students from elementary school to high school, meaning current college students may also be able to claim and use their CalKIDS Scholarship funds today. Awardees can use their funds until age 26.
Additionally, 100 percent of newborns born on or after July 1, 2022 in California automatically receive a CalKIDS Scholarship Account worth up to $175. This includes an initial scholarship awarded at birth, with additional incentives available when families claim the account and link it to a ScholarShare 529 College Savings Plan where they can continue saving on their own.
CalKIDS Scholarships can be used for tuition and fees, required books and
supplies, computer equipment, and other qualified education expenses at accredited institutions nationwide making CalKIDS one of the simplest and most flexible scholarships students can claim in the year ahead.
To date, CalKIDS scholarship funds have been used by nearly 150,000 students toward their academic success at a college or career training program.
How Students
and Families
Can Claim a CalKIDS Scholarship: Claiming a CalKIDS Scholarship takes only a few minutes at CalKIDS.org
• For public school students, including those who are now college-aged, families will need the Statewide Student Identifier (SSID), a 10-digit
number found on school portals, report cards, or by contacting the public school the student attended during the 2021–22, 2022–23, or 2023–24 academic years.
More than 60 percent of public-school students in grades 2 through 12 are eligible for a CalKIDS Scholarship Account …
• For children born in California on or after July 1, 2022, families will need the child’s date of birth and the Local Registration Number, a 13-digit number found on the birth certificate.
Once an account is claimed, families can log in at any time to view their
scholarship balance, link it to a ScholarShare 529 account, learn how the funds can be used, and request a disbursement once the student is enrolled in higher education or career training.
CalKIDS reflects California’s long-term commitment to expanding opportunity, reducing education costs, and investing early in the success of its young people.
Families are encouraged to check if they have a CalKIDS Scholarship Account available by visiting CalKIDS.org. ❖
Administered by the ScholarShare Investment Board, and chaired by State Treasurer Fiona Ma, CPA, CalKIDS is designed to promote the pursuit of higher education statewide by empowering families to build assets, nurture savings habits, and raise their educational aspirations.
Pamper Your Partner
Valentine’s Tips for Busy Parents
By Sarah Lyons
When you become a parent, it seems like life can become very busy, very quickly. Trying to get enough sleep, juggling work and school, activities, and taking care of little ones often take center stage in the home. While balancing schedules and managing the household, parents must become more intentional about spending quality time with each other. Show your partner how much you love and appreciate them with a little extra pampering this Valentine’s Day. Here are some ideas that are meaningful but aren’t impossible for a busy couple.
Go to the spa. What could make your partner feel more pampered than a day at the spa? Offer to take care of the kids and send your partner off to the salon for a day of relaxing or get a babysitter and go as a couple. If a spa isn’t your partner’s thing, offer to take the kids while
he or she spends the day doing a favorite pastime. Your spouse is sure to come home rejuvenated.
Dinner in. When our children were young, a babysitter was not in the budget. My husband and I would put the kids to bed early once a week and either get take-out or cook a special meal at home.
No TV, phones, or electronics; just conversation and quality time together. For busy parents, a quiet night is a perfect way to unwind.
Date night. A date night is always a great way to connect. Plan a night on the town doing things that you and your partner enjoyed before you became parents. If hiring a babysitter isn’t an option and family
The demands of parenting can leave little time for romantic dates with your partner.
is unable to help, try swapping with another couple. Watch their children for them while they enjoy a date night one weekend, and they can watch your children the next weekend while you and your spouse go out on the town.
Surprise them. Let your significant other know you are thinking about them by sending a surprise to their workplace. Flowers are nice, but also try cookies, balloons, a homemade treat, or even mail a card with a special note to their workplace. You could also take them to lunch if their schedule allows.
Do their “job.” In most relationships, responsibilities are divided between the two people, whether intentional or not. As a way to pamper your significant other, do one of their “jobs” without them asking. For example, if your spouse always mows the lawn, do it for them. If your spouse usually does all the grocery shopping, offer to do it one evening.
Another idea is to let them have the “day off” and do all of their normal responsibilities that day.
Leave a note. If you want to make your partner feel special, leave them love notes. Simple and sweet notes like “Thinking of you,” “I love you,” or “Have a great day” will let them know you care. Have fun with it and try leaving notes in a coat pocket, in their coffee mug, in their car, or anywhere else you know it will surprise them.
You pick. If your relationship is anything like mine, we come to a compromise on what we would like for dinner, what movie to watch, or what activity we will do. Give your partner the chance to pick what you
will do the whole day. There can be no complaining about their choices, just focus on doing the activities your partner enjoys doing with you.
Show your partner how much you love and appreciate them with a little extra pampering this Valentine’s Day.
Pick up a fave. One of my favorite ways to let my husband know I am thinking about him is to just pick up a favorite of his while I am out. If I am at the gas station, I grab his favorite drink, gum, or candy. At the grocery store, I pick
up his favorite ice cream or snack. I rent a movie he likes, cook his favorite meal, or buy him a shirt with his favorite sports team logo. It doesn’t have to be an expensive gift, just something to let him know I was thinking of him while I was out. The demands of parenting can leave little time for romantic dates with your partner. This doesn’t mean that working on your relationship and making your spouse feel loved and appreciated isn’t a high priority. During the busy years of parenting, try these tips to show one another you care and keep your relationship going strong. ❖
Sarah Lyons and her husband, Justin, have been married for 20 years and have six children together.
• Connect & learn at community events & programming
• Use our WiFi, computers, printers & copiers
• Borrow AV equipment & DIY toolkits
• Get your high school diploma
Heart Art
By Kimberly McLeod
PValentine Crafts for Kids
aper rolls are one of my favorite recycled materials to craft with, and they’re the perfect recycled material to make hearts! Whether you shape the paper rolls into hearts and glue them down or use them for stamping, save those paper towel rolls for some fun, recycled heart crafts this Valentine’s Day.
Supplies Needed
• Paper rolls (paper towel rolls are perfect for this activity)
• Paint
• Paper
• Paint brushes
• A paper plate or paint palette
How to Make Paper Roll Stamped Hearts
1. First, bend the paper roll into a heart shape. If you cut the paper roll in half, use the end of the paper roll for stamping because it’s flat and will stamp flush to the page.
2. Add paint to your paper plate. Then stamp the paper roll into the
You now have lots of little paper roll hearts you can glue down to the page and make 3D art.
paint and then stamp onto your paper. Make lots of paper roll heart shapes on the page until you’re happy with how it looks.
3. Stamp in another color for variety.
4. Paint the inside of the hearts with a paint brush with the rest of the paint.
TRY THIS! Instead of stamping, shape the paper roll into a heart shape and then cut the paper roll into smaller pieces. You now have lots of little paper roll hearts you can glue down to the page and make 3D art.
Here are some more ideas of how to use paper roll heart stamping:
Make lots of paper roll heart shapes on the page until you’re happy with how it looks.
1. Make a card — use the paper roll hearts to stamp onto Valentine’s Day cards! You can stamp onto a full sheet of cardstock and then fold in half to make a card.
2. Make wrapping paper — roll out a large sheet of butcher paper and have kids stamp paper roll hearts on the paper. Use different colors. You can also use this to make a Valentine-themed table cloth.
3. Make collage art — Stamp with black paint instead, and allow the paint to dry. Once dry, use a marker to color in the different sections of each heart with a different color. You’ll get a fun collage art piece.
Don’t have paper rolls? You can achieve a similar technique using sponges or a heart cookie cutter. ❖
With a community of over 5 million followers across social media, author and mother Kimberly McLeod created The Best Ideas for Kids for busy parents, teachers, and childcare providers. The Best Ideas for Kids is a popular platform with DIY craft ideas, screen-free activities, recipes, and printable worksheets that keep kids entertained for hours!
February Calendar of Events
Pop in for Poppins Play
The beloved story of Mary Poppins soars to new heights in this Tony Award-winning musical, inspired by P.L. Travers’ timeless books and the classic Disney film. Set in Edwardian London, the tale follows the Banks family, whose mischievous children, Jane and Michael, have sent every nanny packing — until the mysterious and enchanting Mary Poppins arrives. With a blend of magic, common sense, and a touch of mischief, she transforms their world, teaching them lessons in love, family, and imagination. Bring your own water and snacks. Most programs happen rain or shine, but may be canceled during extreme weather. Opens Friday, February 6 from 7:30–10:30 p.m. 6th Street Playhouse, 52 W. 6th St., Santa Rosa. For more information, visit tinyurl.com/yc7whyr9
Sunday 1
Sonoma Botanical Garden–Bonsai & Blossoms. A wonderland of blooming miniature trees by the Redwood Empire Bonsai Society, highlighting the beauty of flowering bonsai. $8–$15. Ages 4 and younger: free. Open 10 a.m–5 p.m. daily. Sonoma Botanical Garden. 12841 Hwy. 12, Glen Ellen. sonomabg.org.
Tuesday 3
Thursday 5
FREE Valentine’s Day Gingerbread Houses. Teens only. Build a Valentine’s Day gingerbread house using festive candy, icing, and other tasty decorations. All materials provided. Advanced registration required. 4–5:30 p.m. Roseland Library. 470 Sebastopol Rd., Santa Rosa. Other Sonoma Library branches will host this event. View schedule & to register: tinyurl.com/4yzx7xb6.
FREE Babytime at the Library. Sing, bounce, tickle, and play. This program is designed for babies ages 0–18 months and their caregiver. 10:15–10:45 a.m. Windsor Regional Library, Bldg. 100. 9291 Old Redwood Hwy., Windsor. Other Sonoma Library branches will host this event. View schedule: tinyurl.com/d3ayjuc5.
Friday 6
Early Release Enrichment at Veronda-Falletti Ranch. For elementary school-aged children who have 1/2 days Wednesdays. Farm, nature, & art-based experiences,
Mary Poppins
snacks provided. Flexible fee minimum $25 per session. Wednesdays. Noon–5 p.m. Drop-off: Noon–1:45 p.m. Pick-up: 4:45–5 p.m Veronda-Falletti Ranch. 175 W. Sierra Ave., Cotati. Registration required: sandyloam.org.
Sensory Swim at the YMCA. For kids with sensory, motor or other developmental needs. Membership not required, $10 for a family swim pass (2 adults & any minors in the same household). Fridays. 2:30–4 p.m. & Sundays. 9–10:30 a.m. YMCA. 1111 College Ave., Santa Rosa. tinyurl.com/37z2kwws
FREE Sensory Craft & Create: Ocean in a Jar. Grades PreK-3. Hands-on activity where kids create a miniature ocean environment in
a clear jar to take home. 4–5 p.m. Rohnert Park Library. 6250 Lynee Conde Way, Rohnert Park. Other Sonoma Library branches will host this event. View schedule & to register: tinyurl.com/4tenn4mf
Mary Poppins. Tony Award–winning musical inspired by the classic book and film. $31.95–$48.95. Special ASL Feb. 28 at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays–Fridays. 7:30 p.m. Saturdays. 2 & 7:30 p.m. Sundays. (Feb. 15–22 only): 2 p.m. 6th Street Playhouse 52W. 6th St., Santa Rosa. Contact 6thstreetplayhouse.com to purchase tickets near stage. tinyurl.com/2hwcb238.
Saturday 7
FREE Historical Watson School Open House. Built in 1856, this
one-room school house served the community for over a century until closing in the late 1960s. Limited parking. Running Fence Watson School Historic Park. 15000 Bodega Hwy., Bodega. (Meet-up parking lot). tinyurl.com/ywuc8xrc.
FREE For the Love of Comics 2026. Grades 7–12. Teens create a comic from idea to finished product in this 8-week weekly class taught by local illustrator and graphic-novel author Gio Benedetti. Runs thru April 4 (no class Feb. 21). Supplies provided. Noon–1 p.m. Petaluma Library. 100 Fairgrounds Dr., Petaluma. Advanced registration required: tinyurl. com/33p63a8f
Masons All-You-Can-Eat Crab Feed. Adults: $75. Children 7-12
yrs: $37. Under 7 yrs: Free. Take-out available. Two seatings: 4:30 & 7 p.m. Sebastopol Masonic Center. 373 N. Main St., Sebastopol. tinyurl.com/ s9f892yy.
Great Sonoma Crab & Wine Fest. Silent and live auctions. $164 per person. Proceeds benefit Sonoma County Farm Bureau’s agricultural education activities. 4 p.m.: Reception & Silent Auction. 6:30 p.m.: Dinner & Live Auction. Santa Rosa Fairgrounds. 1350 Bennett Valley Rd., Santa Rosa. Tickets: sonomafb.org/crab-feed
Tuesday 10
FREE Sensory Friendly Afternoon. Exclusively for children with sensory processing differences and their families or caregivers. Enjoy hands-on exhibits in a safe, accessible
environment. Second Tuesdays. 1–5 p.m. Children’s Museum. 1835 W. Steel Ln., Santa Rosa. Pre-registration recommended: tinyurl.com/yewmb9t5
FREE Spanish First Chapter Book Club. Kids can read aloud, along, or listen. This month’s book is in Spanish. All ages and abilities welcome.
Spanish with English interpretation. 4:30–5 p.m. Roseland Library. 470 Sebastopol Rd., Santa Rosa. tinyurl. com/3mxedesu
Thursday 12
Swan Lake. World Ballet Company brings iconic ballets to life with 50 international dancers, 150+ radiant costumes, and breathtaking handcrafted sets. For ages 5 and older. $46.02–$93.22. 7 p.m. Luther Burbank Center. 50 Mark West Springs Rd.,
Santa Rosa. lutherburbankcenter.org/ event/swan-lake26
Hands on a Hardbody. A quirky, high-stakes musical based on real events, where 10 Texans compete to win a brand-new truck — funny, heartfelt, and unforgettable. $16–$44. Feb. 13–14, 20–21, 27–28: 7:30 p.m.. Sunday matinees: Feb. 15 & 22: 2 p.m.
Spreckels Performing Arts Center. 5409 Snyder Ln., Rohnert Park. tinyurl.com/2s43muhz.
Saturday 14
KOA Crab Feed. A chicken option available. Guests encouraged to bring a side dish or dessert. Price TBD based on market rate. Times to be announced. Petaluma KOA Resort. 20 Rainsville Rd., Petaluma. tinyurl.com/ yv2fns3x.
Bring Your Own Binoculars & Chair. Bring your Valentine to BYO Binoculars & Chair Night for a guided stargazing tour led by expert docents. $30–$35 (includes parking). You must have a ticket to attend. 7–9 p.m. Robert Ferguson Observatory. 2605 Adobe Canyon Rd., Kenwood. tinyurl. com/4ak966u7
Petaluma Prom – A Valentine’s Day Blast from the Past. Pick a decade, dress the part, and dance all night. No date required. $45-$50. Last year sold out fast. 7–11 p.m. Hall of the Above. 199 Petaluma Blvd., N. Petaluma. tinyurl.com/3e29xm3f.
Sunday
15
Bodega Bay Grange Crab Cioppino. All-You-Can-Eat crab. $95 per person. BYO Beer & wine $10 corkage.
Three seatings: Noon, 1:45, & 3:30 p.m. Bodega Bay Grange Hall. 1370 Bodega Ave., Bodega Bay. tinyurl.com/ mseh9m9t.
Sebastopol Rotary Crab Feed. All-You-Can-Eat crab plus clam chowder, dessert, & wine. Live music. No host-bar. $90. Two seatings: 5 & 7 p.m. Bar opens 4 p.m. Holy
Ghost Hall. 7690 Mill Station Rd., Sebastopol. tinyurl.com/4ybhsczj
Monday 16
FREE Family Hike @ Sugarloaf Ridge Park. Docent-led hike with two trail options: Pony Gate — Canyon Loop or Creekside Nature Trail. Donations suggested. Parking fee: $7–8. 10 a.m.–noon. Sugarloaf Ridge State Park. Meet up at: Visitors Center. 2605 Adobe Canyon Rd., Kenwood. RSVP required: sec.regfox.com/ family-hike-2162026.
Wednesday 18
Peppa Pig: My First Concert. A fun, interactive live orchestra experience for ages 18 months+, with Peppa & George and music from the series. $46.02–$69.62. 6 p.m. Luther Burbank March 6th - 15th Kid’s Street Theater
Center. 50 Mark West Springs Rd., Santa Rosa. lutherburbankcenter.org/ event/peppa-pig25.
Friday 20
Petaluma Rotary Club Crab Feed. $115 per person. Includes two free drinks. Live auction. 5:30–9:30 p.m. (Dinner starts at 6:30 p.m.) Petaluma Veterans Building. 1094 Petaluma Blvd. S., Petaluma. tinyurl.com/ ms69sdwx.
Saturday 21
FREE 1st Annual Russian River Fungi Fest. A weekend of mushroomy markets, workshops, foraging expeditions, educational talks, mycelial networking, and more. Donations suggested. Event will be centered in Guerneville with
satellite events happening all over west county. Feb. 21–22: 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Main Street, Guernville. tinyurl. com/3u975r4t
FREE Festival of Olives. Curated selection of artisanal olive oil, olive-inspired art, & olive centric vendors. Food/drinks available for purchase. 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Jacuzzi Family Vineyard. 24724 Arnold Dr., Sonoma. Admission is free, but RSVPs are encouraged: tinyurl.com/ eu8vvbpp.
Saturday 28
Annual Chili Bowl. Celebrate community, food, and clay with artisan bowls and hot chili from local chefs. Three sittings: 11:30 a.m & 1:30 p.m. ($35) 5 p.m. ($75). Sonoma Community Center. 276 E. Napa St.,
Sonoma. sonomacommunitycenter. org/chili-bowl
FairyTale Ball. Dance Party for ages 3–12 & their favorite chaperones. $40 per adult/child couple. Max 2 children per 1 adult chaperone (each child must be registered separately). Add’l adult: $15. Sign-up early as this event sells-out. 4–6:30 p.m. Finley Community Center. 2060 W. College Ave., Santa Rosa. Pre-sale tickets only: tinyurl.com/2wjyyb2u
YMCA Crab Feed Funraiser. Dinner, dancing, silent and live auctions, plus a raffle. $85/person. Ages 21 & up. 5–9 p.m. Friedman Event Center. 4676 Mayette Ave., Santa Rosa. tinyurl. com/bdhy8few
Survival in the Amazon Middle School Book Shares True Story
Ellen Cochrane’s “Follow the Water” is a captivating and incredible true story of survival for middle grade readers, perfect for fans of “Hatchet” and graduates of the I Survived series.
On Christmas Eve 1971, 17-year-old Juliane Koepcke and her mother boarded a plane in Lima, Peru, bound for their home at the Panguana Research Station deep in the Amazon. Twenty minutes from landing, the plane was struck by lightning, and Juliane hurtled two miles down through the rainforest canopy, crashing on the jungle floor.
She woke up the next day with a broken collarbone, missing her glasses and one shoe, but incredibly, miraculously, alive. Pulling on every bit of knowledge her rainforest-studying parents imparted to her, she journeyed through the danger-filled jungle for 11 days. She was the sole survivor.
Complete with sidebars that explore and explain the science that allowed Juliane to survive her fall, the diversity of life in the Amazon jungle, the natural history of Peru and much more, “Follow the Water” is a powerful and unforgettable true story of survival against all odds.
Ellen Cochrane writes immersive nonfiction for young readers that trusts their intelligence and their emotions. Her debut, “Follow the Water,” is an adventure that reads like a thriller and teaches how science lives in the world: weather, rivers, canopy, and the choices that keep us alive.
ISBN-10: 152352863X
ISBN-13: 978-1523528639
A longtime middle school teacher of English, English learners, Spanish, and Russian, Ellen brings classroom clarity and compassion to complex topics. She studied science writing at Johns Hopkins, is a certified California Naturalist, and previously wrote a syndicated column exploring the natural world. As a teen exchange student she lived in Lima, Peru, and traveled the same route into the jungle that frames Juliane’s story. ❖
Ellen lives in Sacramento, where she champions literacy, nature education, and conservation. A portion of proceeds from “ Follow the Water” supports the Panguana Foundation. For more information, visit EllenCochrane.com.
This disclaimer clarifies that the magazine is reporting news from the publishing industry and is not offering an endorsement or review of the books mentioned.
