On April 5, Sebastopol celebrates its entrance into the Cittaslow International Network as a designated “slow city.” But what exactly does that mean? Is it officially decreed that all residents must forevermore do everything in slow motion? Although that would actually be kind of cool, it’s not exactly true. Rather, Sebastopol joins 140 small towns (with a population under 50,000) in 24 countries already in the network, including Fairfax and Sonoma. To be approved, cities must support local products, promote “slow travel,” create human-friendly infrastructure and preserve the environment. With origins in Italy, and with principles borrowed from the Slow Food movement, the network pays close attention to the infrastructure of daily life. Join Mayor Guy Wilson to celebrate on Thursday, April 5, at Guayaki Mate Bar. 6782 Sebastopol Ave., Sebastopol. 7pm. Free. 707.824.6644.Worker’s World
New Economies
For those interested in learning more about worker ownership and entrepreneurship, the Praxis Peace Institute hosts an evening titled “Models for a New Economy.” With a mind toward alternative business models, the event focuses on businesses that are “living principled commitments to both customers and workers,” while creating “participative democracy and social transformation.” After opening remarks by Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey, speakers include Joseph Tuck, CEO of Alvarado Street Bakery; Kasper Koczab of the Network of Bay Area Worker Cooperatives; students and professors from Mondragón University and Gayle McLaughlin, mayor of Richmond. Find out more on Sunday, April 1, at Dominican University’s Guzman Hall. 50 Acacia Ave., San Rafael. 7pm. $15–$20. 707.939.2973.—Leilani Clark
