Rohnert Park Ravings by Don Gibble — July 2020

Last year the Green Center inside Sonoma State hosted the Transcendence Theatre Company for the 4th of July celebration and it was amazing. It's obviously not happening this year. The good news is that the Transcendence Theatre Company is offering, free of charge, a thrilling night of heart exploding performances that is over nine years in the making. “Don't Stop Believin' ” is the musical journey of a lifetime that has been created to empower you to believe in yourself. Be blown away by Broadway artists performing a dynamic range of songs from musicals including “Les Miserables”, “Wicked”, “Rock of Ages” and more. It's online. July 10 through 19th 730pm. Visit www.bestnightever.org for more information.

The Rohnert Park City Council took up the issue of fireworks for the upcoming July 4th holiday at their regular meeting. City Manager, Darrin Jenkins, asked Public Safety Chief Tim Mattos to prepare a presentation and make recommendations concerning continued sales of fireworks in Rohner Park from a Public Safety aspect. He provided three options for the council to consider. First was a complete ban, a one year ban or continued sales with additional restrictions on the sale and use within city limits. Staff recommendation was to ban the sale and use of fireworks. The chief outlined factors he considered in making his recommendation. They were the recent history of wildfires. Sebastopol and Petaluma banned the sale of fireworks this year.

Reading Cinemas Rohnert Park has launched the Reading Cinemas Eat at Home program. Through this new program, cinema guests can take their at-home movie experience to the next level with popcorn and more goodies available via pickup or delivery. For more information visitwww.ReadingCinemasUS.com/RohnertPark . Like I said in my film/theater column the Reading theater will hopefully open July 17th. Very exciting.

One of my favorite Rohnert Park people is Mickey Zeldes from the Rohnert Park Animal Shelter. I call her every month to see which adorable dogs she has for adoption. She wasn't there when I called but I was lucky to have Taylor answer my call. Taylor is 20 years old and she's from Pasadena. She has worked with Mickey for 2 years and loves her job. She is studying biology anthopology but will always work with animal shelters one way or another. She said there are two adorable dogs for adoption. A pit bull and German Shepherd. The services by appointment include bringing in a stray animal, reclaiming your lost pet and owner surrender of your pet. Call 707 584 1582 with any questions.

I want to wish all of you a fun and safe 4th of July!