Monday, April 27, 2026

Heads up for pet parents: An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial fee just to be seen to x-rays, surgery, medicine, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could get up to 90% cash back on your vet bill with this pet insurance plan.*

Life-saving creativity in action: At Santa Rosa’s Safari West, keepers bottle‑fed goat milk from a Coke bottle to keep a newborn giraffe alive. The calf is improving and may stay on bottles for months -- learn about his progress.

Grant-funded downtown upgrades: Crews are working at B and Third by Santa Rosa Plaza, adding a right turn lane and repairing the signal. Expect changes into July. Separate from mall drive lane plan -- see what's planned and when.

Spring garden events roundup: Learn lavender basics today at 12:30 p.m. with Susan Kegley and the Santa Rosa Garden Club. The Sonoma County Master Gardeners succulent sale happens May 2 at 402 Tucker Street -- check out the full lineup.

The bill everyone over 50 should double check: Car insurance. If you've been on the same plan for years, you're probably paying way more than you need to. It's an easy bill to forget about, but switching could save you up to $1,000 this year. Case in point: I shopped around and ended up cutting my premium to ~$60 a month - see how much you could save.*

Retirees are making moves: After gold's best year in nearly five decades, more folks than ever are moving part of their savings into precious metals. Not all of it... just enough to hedge against inflation. AHG put together a free guide that explains how it works -- grab your copy here.*

Kid Energy, Meet Science: Whether you need a morning of hands-on discovery or a post-nap wiggle zone, Children's Museum of Sonoma County packs playful exhibits and an outdoor exploration garden that keeps little brains busy and sneakers dusty. Perfect for locals looking to swap screen time for curious, real-world tinkering.

Treat yourself to momo magic: Need a midweek reset that tastes like comfort and adventure at the same time? Darbar Kitchen turns out Indian and Nepalese favorites like fragrant biryanis, fluffy naan, and snackable momos that hit the spot, whether you’re grabbing takeout before binge-watching or corralling friends for a low-key downtown dinner.

Screen-free backup plan: Need a last-minute birthday save or a screen-free bribe? The Toyworks, right over in Sebastopol, packs a wall-to-wall trove of board games, STEM kits, artsy projects, plush and classics from Playmobil, Melissa & Doug and more, with real humans who’ll steer you to the good stuff so you can be the hero.

The slower you walk, the more it works: Tai Chi walking is trending online. Turns out it's centuries old — slow deliberate steps, paced breath, attention on the body. Thirty minutes a day burns fat, lifts your mood, and builds balance. No gym, no treadmill, no pounding on the joints. Take the quick quiz to see if it fits, then use code BASELOCAL for a discount on the coaching plan. *See how it works →

Your homeowners insurance has a blind spot: It covers your house if a tree falls on it. It doesn’t cover your furnace when it quits in January, your AC when it dies in July, or your water heater when it starts leaking on a Tuesday. Those are all classified as "normal wear and tear," and they're 100% on you. American Home Shield can help fill that gap for ~$1/day (even if your appliances and systems are really old).*See what it covers →

Selling your house doesn't have to take months: If you need to sell quickly — because you're downsizing, relocating, or just ready to close this chapter — Liz helps seniors sell their houses fast. As-is. No repairs, no showings, no drawn-out back-and-forth. You pick the closing date. *See how it works →

Unknown-number calls aren't random: Scammers don't just pick numbers out of a hat. They pay data brokers a few bucks and get everything they need to harass you, trick you, rob you, or steal your identity outright. Incogni removes all of your personal info from these data broker sites and keeps an eye out to make sure it stays gone for good. *Get protected →

For women who've been feeling off for years: The fatigue, the weight creeping up, the mood swings, the sleep that won't hold. Turns out most of those "it's just aging" problems are actually caused by hormones, and proper HRT can get you back to feeling like yourself. The catch? You can't get it without a full hormone panel and a doctor who understands what those numbers mean. Most women never get either, but Hone Health gives you both. *See how it works →

🌱 Springtime Volunteering @ Petaluma Bounty Community Farm | Wednesday (4/29) at 9:00 AM – Volunteer for spring dirt therapy at Petaluma Bounty, our farm-powered food security project strengthening the local food system. We’ll weed, plant, and care for the land, then smugly feel useful, rested, and slightly taller. Help feed neighbors, and sign up at Calendly.com/PetalumaBounty.

🎷 Healdsburg Jazz Spring Jam Fundraiser @ Foley Family Community Pavilion | Friday (5/1) at 5:00 PM – Whether you’re here to bid big or just boogie, Healdsburg Jazz christens the new Foley Family Community Pavilion with a fundraiser that sparkles. Go all in with dinner, auction, dancing, and drinks for $285, or dance party with dessert buffet and two drinks for $60.

🌹 59th Annual Spring Rose and Arrangement Show & Sale @ Luther Burbank Art & Garden Center | Saturday (5/2) at 7:00 AM – Time to humble-brag about your backyard at the 59th Rose and Arrangement Show, open to novices, experts, and pruning-curious neighbors. After morning judging, admire the winners, then nab new beauties at the rose sale from Russian River Rose Co., and Alexander Nurseries.

🎉 May Fete Parade & Fair @ University Ave to Heritage Park (Rohnert Park) | Saturday (5/2) at 10:00 AM – Palo Alto’s May Fete Parade is back, saluting the everyday heroes who skip capes in favor of sunscreen, coffee, and carpool spreadsheets. Recruit PTA pals, scout troops, and that neighbor with a truck, then build a float or march, and sign up before procrastination wins.

🐶 Bark in the Park @ Rohnert Park Community Center | Saturday (5/2) at 11:00 AM – Leash up your four-legged roommate and head to Rohnert Park Community Center for a free afternoon of animal demos, pet vendors, and snacks and sips for sale. Contests include Best Trick, Treat Toss, Look-A-Like, and Best Dressed, so pre-register and let the tail-wagging begin.

📚 Santa Rosa Zine Fest 2026 @ Northwest Santa Rosa Library | Saturday (5/2) at 12:00 PM – Dust off your inner teen archivist and wander downtown Santa Rosa for an outdoor zine fest with local makers, artists, and kindred creatives. Expect hands-on crafts, live screen-printing, and workshops that prove stapled paper, strong opinions, and community still beat your algorithm.

🎉 Opening Day @ Walnut Park (Petaluma) | Saturday (5/2) at 12:00 PM – Dust off your tote bag and head to Walnut Park for opening day, back May 2. Farmers, food, artisans, and live music return, band TBA. Come for peak produce and friendly faces, stay for the people-watching, fresh bread, and your weekly steps.

This Italian Mediterranean vineyard estate spans 18.6 acres equidistant from Glen Ellen and Bennett Valley, overlooking a 1-acre hobby vineyard and 70 olive trees. Over 6,000 square feet comprise a single-level main home, a guesthouse, wine cellar, and artist's cottage. A barn with a 1-bedroom guest suite, outdoor kitchen, pizza oven, infinity pool, and spa pairs with sweeping sunset views.