North Bay CA 2023-24 by PRIDELY

NORTH BAY | CA | 2023-24

1 The Science of Laughter 2 Street Food Delights 4 Good Eats 6 Event Calendar 14 Money With A Twist 18 Community Resources 20 Service Directory

The The Science Science of of Laughter: Laughter: Why Why We We Love Love to to Chuckle Chuckle Laughter is often called the best medicine, and for good reason. It’s a universal language that transcends borders and cultures, bringing joy and connection to people worldwide. But have you ever wondered why we love to chuckle so much? In this article, we’ll explore the fascinating science of laughter, the benefits it brings, and why it’s such a fundamental part of the human experience.

The Biology of Laughter: A Brainy Affair When you laugh, your brain releases a cocktail of feel-good chemicals. Endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, flood your system, creating a sense of euphoria and reducing stress. Laughter also triggers the release of dopamine, a continued on page 10

neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward. This chemical rush is why we often feel so good after a hearty laugh.

The Social Glue: Connecting Through Chuckles Laughter isn’t just about feeling good; it’s also a powerful social tool. Evolutionary scientists believe that laughter evolved as a way for early humans to bond and strengthen social bonds. When we laugh with others, it signals trust and positive interaction, reinforcing social connections.

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Street food is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. It’s the sizzle of skewers on a grill, the aromatic spices wafting through the air, and the sizzling woks that create an irresistible symphony of flavors. Here are some of the world’s most beloved street food traditions: 1. Thailand: Mango Sticky Rice ~ In Thailand, street food is a way of life. You can’t visit without savoring pad Thai, a stir-fried noodle dish bursting with flavors. And don’t forget to indulge in mango sticky rice, a sweet and fragrant dessert that’s the perfect balance of creamy and chewy. 2. Mexico: Tacos and Elote ~ Taco stands are a staple in Mexican street food culture, offering an array of fillings like al pastor, carne asada, and carnitas. Pair your tacos with elote, grilled corn slathered with mayonnaise, continued on page 16

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Restaurants Valley Seasonal Mediterranean-inspired fare in a polished restaurant featuring a terrace & a wine bar. 487 1st St W, Sonoma, CA 95476 Phone: (707) 934-8403| Web: www.valleybarandbottle.com

Gott’s Roadside Member of an area fast-food chain with indoor-outdoor seating showcases gourmet burgers & tacos. 933 Main St, CA-29, St Helena, CA 94574 Phone: (707) 963-3486| Web: www.gotts.com

Sandrino Pizza & Vino Quaint pizzeria for creative pies, craft beer & Italian wine in a cozy tile-and-wood setting. 45 Caledonia St, Sausalito, CA 94965 Phone: (415) 729-9166| Web: www.sandrino.co

Have a restaurant you’d like us to feature? Send in a recommendation for your favorite restaurant to be added to our list. Be sure to mention why you think they are worthy of being featured and include a link to their website.

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Lighthouse Café

The Plaza Bistro

Casual spot offering an American breakfast/lunch menu with Danish options. 1311 Bridgeway, Sausalito, CA

Warm, brick-lined space in a historic building for Mediterranean & Italian fare & ample wine. 420 1st St E, Sonoma, CA

The Charter Oak

La Casa Restaurant & Bar

Seasonal, family-style Californian fare served in luxe, brick-walled quarters with an outdoor patio. 1050 Charter Oak Ave, St Helena, CA

Opened in 1967, this Mexican venue offers Jalisco cuisine in a warm, traditional space with a patio. 121 E Spain St, Sonoma, CA

Willi’s Wine Bar Charming roadhouse cottage with a cozy patio offering Eclectic small plates & local wines. 1415 Town and Country Dr, Santa Rosa, CA

Della Santina’s Rustic Italian fare crafted in a homey, family-run trattoria with a greenery-filled courtyard. 133 E Napa St, Sonoma, CA

The Red Grape Easygoing, family-run pizzeria with brick-oven pies, salads & pasta dishes, plus a charming patio. 529 1st St W, Sonoma, CA

B&V Whiskey Bar & Grille Rustic-chic hangout in a former creamery offering hearty burgers, plus beer & whiskey flights. 400 1st St E, Sonoma, CA

LaSalette Modern takes on Portuguese dishes are served at this intimate spot with wood-fired oven & terrace. 6757, 452 1st St E Suite H, Sonoma, CA

Shige Sushi Tokyo-born chef serves sushi at this Japanese dinner locale. 19161 Sonoma Hwy, Sonoma, CA

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EVENTS 2023-24 Nov 4-5 Wine & Food Affair Kick off your Wine and Food Affair weekend experience at Alexander Valley Vineyards on Friday evening with our award-winning wines accompanied by light appetizers. Get full details at wineroad.com.

Nov 11 Veterans Day Parade Petaluma proudly hosts the largest Veteran’s Day Parade north of the Golden Gate. The event is dedicated to the men and women who set aside their civilian pursuits to serve our nation’s cause, defending our freedom and preserving American heritage. Details at petalumaveteransparade.com.

Nov 21 Petaluma’s Annual Holiday Food Fair The Petaluma Holiday Food Fair is an indoor farmer’s market in the ballroom and courtyard of Hotel Petaluma where folks can purchase directly from local food artisans to prepare for thanksgiving and beyond. It is free to attend, but tickets and reservations are required. Donations at the door are appreciated for a raffle of different prizes. Visit eventbrite.com.

Dec 2-3 Luther Burbank Holiday Open House The lovely Luther Burbank Home and Gardens will be decked out in Victorian-style decor for the holidays. Enjoy festive music, spiced tea, and cookies. Listen to carolers and let the kids make some festive crafts. Learn more at lutherburbank.org.

Jan 13-14 2024 Winter Wineland Join us for 2 glorious days along the Wine Road for our 30th Anniversary Winter WINEland …The perfect winter escape…taste current vintages, multiple varietals grown in Sonoma County, and experience the beauty of Winter in Sonoma County. Details at wineroad.com.

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EVENTS 2024 Feb 10 2024 Lake Sonoma Steelhead Festival Celebrate the return of the Steelhead Trout with fun activities for the whole family, beer, wine, food trucks, and live music! Don’t miss out on lots of family-oriented activities, and fantastic fun. Visit lakesonoma.org for details.

Mar 20-24 2024 Sonoma International Film Festival An intimate celebration of unforgettable cinema, world-class food and fine wine on Sonoma’s historic plaza. The Sonoma International Film Festival features over 90 hand-selected films screened in intimate venues within walking distance of Sonoma’s historic plaza. Learn mroe at sonomafilmfest.org.

Apr 20 IPA10K, Brewfest & Beer Mile After a traditional toast, runners embark on a scenic journey through the beautiful landscape of The Barlow. The post-race Brewfest is a celebration of craft beer excellence, complete with top brewers, culinary delights, live music, and the Beer Mile races including the exciting and entertaining Beer Mile Invitational featuring the world’s fastest beer milers. Visit ipa10k.com.

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the phenomenon of contagious laughter. When someone near you starts laughing, you can’t help but join in, even if you’re not sure what’s so funny. This contagious nature of laughter is thought to be linked to our mirror neuron system, which activates when we observe someone else’s actions or emotions. In essence, when we see or hear laughter, our brains mimic it, compelling us to laugh along.

The Health Benefits: A Chuckle a Day Keeps the Doctor Away Laughter isn’t just about feeling good; it also offers numerous health benefits. Here are some of the ways laughter can boost your well-being: Stress Reduction: Laughter reduces the production of stress hormones like

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cortisol, promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety. Pain Relief: Laughing triggers the release of endorphins, which can temporarily alleviate pain and discomfort. Improved Immunity: Regular laughter has been linked to enhanced immune function, helping the body fight off illnesses. Better Mood: Laughter can elevate mood and combat feelings of depression by increasing the release of dopamine. Strengthened Relationships: Sharing laughs with friends and loved ones fosters stronger social

bonds and increases feelings of connectedness.

The Laughter Perscription: Make Time for Chuckles Incorporating laughter into your daily life is a simple yet effective way to improve your well-being. Here are some tips to get your daily dose of giggles: Watch Comedy: Enjoy a funny movie, stand-up comedy show, or your favorite sitcom to trigger laughter. Spend Time with Funny Friends: Surround yourself with people who have a good sense of humor and enjoy sharing laughter. Laughter Yoga: Join a laughter yoga class or practice laughter exercises at home to reap the benefits of intentional laughter.

Find Humor in Everyday Life: Seek out the humor in everyday situations and don’t take life too seriously. Share Funny Stories: Share funny anecdotes and jokes with friends and family to create laughter-filled moments.

Embrace the Chuckles Laughter is a powerful and joyful force in our lives. It connects us, reduces stress, and brings a myriad of health benefits. So, the next time you find yourself in the midst of hearty laughter, remember that you’re not just having fun—you’re also giving your brain and body a much-needed boost. Embrace the chuckles, share a joke, and let laughter light up your life. After all, as the saying goes, laughter truly is the best medicine!

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EVENTS 2024 May 24-26 BottleRock Now evolved into a major music festival with a stellar artist lineup and an equally impressive culinary stage. Held outdoors over three days in late May at Napa Valley Expo, it’s a short walk from Downtown Napa. Tickets and details at bottlerocknapavalley.com.

Jun 3 Sonoma County Pride Festival Sonoma County Pride Celebration spans three days of events and activities designed to appeal to a large diversity of tastes as well as to invite our neighbors from the entire bay area to join the weekend fun. Our festival will be returning to the fabulous downtown Santa Rosa on Courthouse Square. Get details at www.sonomacountypride.org/festival.

Jun 14-16 Country Summer Music Festival Northern California’s largest country music festival, the weekend includes more 20 country artists across two stages on the grassy, five-acre Carnival Field at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds. State-of-the-art staging and sound are enhanced by two 16-foot video walls, showcasing the talents of country music’s hottest stars. Concessions serve beer, wine, spirits and Wine Country food alongside an array of festival activities. Details at countrysummer.com.

Jun 22 Taste of Sonoma You’ll taste wines from 100+ wineries, refuel at complimentary food trucks and relax at themed lounges. The lineup will also include a walk-around wine tasting, guided wine seminars, garden tours, beer garden, premium wine experiences and more! Taste of Sonoma, produced by Sonoma County Vintners, is one of Sonoma County’s most highly anticipated events of the year. Learn more at tasteofsonoma.com.

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Money with a Twist: Fun Financial Tips

THE “HOW TO” OF FINANCE FUN Finance may not always be the most exciting topic, but it doesn’t have to be boring either. Today, we’re going to turn the tables on traditional finance articles and make managing your money a bit more enjoyable. Get ready for some financial tips that are informative and fun!

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GAMIFY YOUR SAVINGS: TURN SAVINGS INTO A GAME Saving money can feel like a chore, but what if you turned it into a game? Challenge yourself to save a certain amount each week or month, and then reward yourself when you hit your goal. It could be a treat, a special outing, or even a guilt-free splurge. Gamification can make saving more exciting and motivating.

SPICE UP YOUR BUDGET: MAKE IT VISUAL Budgeting doesn’t have to be dull spreadsheets and numbers. Create a visual budget using colorful charts or graphics. Visualizing your financial goals and progress can make budgeting more engaging and help you stay on track.

DIY FINANCIAL ART: GET CREATIVE WITH MONEY Express your financial goals through art or crafts. Create a vision board with images and quotes that represent your financial dreams. Crafting can be a therapeutic and creative way to visualize your financial future. continued on page 19

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cheese, and chili powder—a taste explosion in every bite. 3. India: Samosas ~ Indian street food is a flavorpacked paradise. Try chaat, a savory snack that combines crispy fried dough with chickpeas, yogurt, and tangy chutneys. For something heartier, try samosas - deep fried pastries filled with spiced potatoes are a must-try. 4. Vietnam: Banh Mi ~ Vietnamese street food offers a fresh and aromatic experience. Sample a steaming bowl of pho, a fragrant noodle soup infused with herbs and spices. Or grab a banh mi, a delectable sandwich filled with grilled meats, pickled veggies, and a burst of fresh herbs. 5. Greece: Gyros & Souvlaki ~ Greek street food is a Mediterranean delight. Indulge in a gyro, a pita wrap filled with tender slices of roasted meat and topped with tzatziki sauce and veggies. For a quick bite, grab a souvlaki skewer, often made with succulent marinated chicken or pork. 6. Japan: Takoyaki & Okonomiyaki ~ Japan’s street food scene offers a unique blend of tradition and innovation. Try takoyaki, octopus-filled dough balls drizzled with savory sauces. Or savor okonomiyaki, a savory pancake loaded with toppings like cabbage, pork, and mayo.

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7. Morocco: Tagine & Harira Soup ~ Moroccan street food is a sensory explosion. Taste tagine, a slowcooked stew that combines tender meats, vegetables, and aromatic spices. And don’t miss harira soup, a hearty tomato and lentil soup that’s a Moroccan comfort food staple. 8. United States: Hot Dogs/Pretzels ~ Street food isn’t limited to international flavors. In the U.S., you can’t beat the classic charm of a hot dog cart or a soft pretzel stand. Add your favorite toppings and sauces for a taste of American street food tradition. Exploring global street food culture is like taking a whirlwind tour of the world’s flavors and traditions. Each street vendor, food cart, or bustling market stall offers a unique opportunity to savor authentic dishes and connect with locals. Whether you’re strolling through the vibrant streets of Bangkok or sipping soup in a Moroccan medina, street food is an adventure waiting to be devoured. So, grab a plate, dig in, and let your taste buds take you on a journey you’ll never forget! N O R T H B AY | C A | 2 02 3 -24 |

NORTH BAY LGBTQI FAMILIES Building community and advocating for families with LGBTQIA+ parents, caregivers, and children in Sonoma County, California and the surrounding areas of the North Bay. NBLGBTQIFAMILIES.ORG LGBTQ CONNECTION - NAPA - SONOMA LGBTQ Connection, an initiative fueled by youth and other emerging leadership, fosters a healthier, more vibrantly diverse and inclusive community. Each year, LGBTQ Connection engages 3,500 LGBTQ people, their families and community, and trains 500 providers from local organizations across Northern California to increase the safety, visibility and well being of LGBTQ residents. LGBTQCONNECTION.ORG | (707) 582-1227 CALIFORNIA LGBTQ H&HS NETWORK The California LGBTQ Health & Human Services Network is an LGBTQ-specific program of Health Access, bringing together more than 60 non-profit providers, community centers, and researchers to advocate collectively for state level policies and resources that will advance LGBTQ health. CALIFORNIALGBTQHEALTH.ORG | (916) 497-0923 SONOMA COUNTY PRIDE The mission of Sonoma County LGBT Pride is to promote equality for all. Working with community leaders we work to support the non-profit community and to preserve and educate the community about the rich LGBT history of Sonoma County. SONOMACOUNTYPRIDE.ORG TRANSGENDER NORTH BAY - SONOMA COUNTY PRIDE Free male to female support group, for those 18 and older. (707) 494-6983

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4. THE FINANCIAL PLAYLIST: MAKE MONEY GROOVY Create a financial playlist of songs that motivate you to save, invest, and achieve your financial goals. Play it while you work on your budget or go for a run. The power of music can make financial tasks feel more enjoyable. 5. MONEY CHALLENGES: TURN SAVING INTO A COMPETITION Challenge your friends or family to a money-saving competition. Set a goal and see who can save the most in a month. The competitive spirit can turn a mundane task into an exciting race to financial success. 6. FINANCIAL FICTION: READ MONEY-THEMED NOVELS Pick up a novel that incorporates financial themes into its plot. Whether it’s a financial thriller like “The Big Short” or a classic like “Rich Dad Poor Dad,” reading can educate you about money while providing entertainment. 7. FINANCIAL PODCASTS: LEARN WHILE YOU LAUGH Listen to financial podcasts that combine money advice with humor. There are podcasts out there that make financial education both informative and entertaining. Finance doesn’t have to be a dry and dreary subject. With a little creativity and a sense of adventure, you can turn money management into an enjoyable part of your life. So, whether you’re gamifying your savings, or creating financial art, remember that making finance fun is not only possible but also a great way to stay motivated on your path to financial success. Cheers to a brighter financial future! N O R T H B AY | C A | 2 02 3 -24 |

ANIMAL ADOPTION & SHELTER Humane Society of Sonoma County..................................................... 8 BOTANICAL GARDEN Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens...................................................7 FLOORING North Coast Tile & Stone ................................................................ 3, 13 MORTGAGE LENDER Supreme Lending....................................................................................7 TILE North Coast Tile & Stone ................................................................ 3, 13 WINES La Crema Winery.................................................................................. 9

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EVENTS 2024 Jul 12-21 Festial Napa Valley World-class performances in iconic Napa Valley settings and beyond. Innovative year-round programming featuring renowned artists and emerging talent. Inspiring arts education opportunities for all. Join us and celebrate the power of the arts to connect, inspire, and transform. Visit festivalnapavalley.org.

Aug 17-18 Cotati Accordion Festival Also offering an exceptional variety of music for people of all ages, fine beers, premium wine tasting, and specialty food vendors, this is the place to be. Learn more at cotatifest.com.

Sep TBD Sausalito Annual Chili Cook-Off Whether you like it hot or not, you can’t say no to a hearty bowl of chili. Join local chefs and come out to Sausalito’s 44th Annual Chili Cook-Off at Dunphy Park. At this dog-friendly event, you can enjoy an unlimited tasting of some of the best chili in Marin County. For those who can handle the heat, there is a chili pepper eating contest and a best hot sauce contest to test your spice limits. Details at sausalito.gov.

Oct TBD Sonoma County Harvest Fair It’s a wine country harvest extravaganza with three days of wine tasting with more than 100 wineries, wine sales, food pairing, craft beer and cider tasting, chef demonstrations, workshops, and the World Championship Grape Stomp. Enjoy live music, a classic car show, a pumpkin patch, harvest games, and more. Details at harvestfair.org.