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Climate Action Commission backs April 26 screening of Bernie Krause film at Sebastiani Theatre
Summary
The Sonoma City Climate Action Commission unanimously agreed to publicly support an Earth Day screening April 26 of Bernie Krause’s film at the Sebastiani Theatre, approving commission support for publicity, outreach and educational materials while noting possible costs if media filming requires payment.
The City of Sonoma Climate Action Commission voted unanimously March 24 to support an April 26 Earth Day screening of Bernie Krause’s film The Last of the Nightingales at the Sebastiani Theatre.
The commission approved a motion — mover and seconder not specified in the record — to publicly support the screening and related programing, which is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m., runs about 38 minutes and is planned as a free event for roughly 300 seats. The program will include a question-and-answer session with Krause if he is able to attend and a recognition of the Sonoma Ecology Center’s 35 years of work.
The support vote followed a presentation from Commissioner Fogelberg outlining the program, logistics and outreach plans. Commissioners discussed the opportunity to tie the event to local parks and green-scape messaging, distribution of takeaway materials, and the use of the commission’s name and city logo on printed outreach. Staff and volunteers plan to offer a staffed table in the theater lobby with flyers or take-home materials about local climate actions and programs.
During public comment, Ronnie Joe Grooms, identified himself as program director at KSBY, said Sonoma TV and KSBY could produce promotional material and conduct interviews but that Sonoma TV “may be looking for some remuneration for filming.” Staff told the commission that if outside media require payment for filming, the commission may need to seek donors or other fundraising to cover those costs; no specific funding source was identified at the meeting.
Commissioners discussed the labeling of the event on publicity materials. Staff advised against using the word "sponsor" where it implies payment obligations; commissioners agreed to describe the event as “supported by the Climate Action Commission” and to include the city logo with the commission’s name where appropriate.
Members also flagged partnerships with local nonprofits, including Sonoma Ecology Center, and said they want to invite multiple local organizations to participate at the event so it does not appear to favor a single nonprofit. The theater has agreed to make space available for posters and a lobby table; staff said printing costs were expected to be modest and could be covered from existing outreach funds but final quantities and costs were not specified.
The commission’s action formally records: motion to support the April 26 Earth Day recognition, including the screening and related outreach and discussion; mover: not specified; second: not specified; outcome: approved (unanimous voice vote with roll call confirming approval).
The commission asked staff and the Education & Outreach ad hoc to finalize promotional text and materials, coordinate with Sonoma Ecology Center and other nonprofits for outreach, and report back with specific printing and fundraising needs if media filming requires payment. No dates were set for any required fundraising; staff said they would notify commissioners if donors would be needed.
