COMING UP

Renowned Mexican Journalist, Novelist in Special Event

Renowned Mexican journalist and novelist Elena Poniatowska reads from her works and discusses her life as a journalist at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 15 in Darwin 103. Now 75 years old, this remarkable writer and political activist - a diminutive woman of French-Polish and Mexican heritage - is recognized by all Mexicans as their "voice." Already the recipient of numerous literary and journalistic awards, Poniatowska is credited with inventing the interview genre in Mexico and is known for her portrayal of the common people, those who often live without resources or protection by their government. She also meets with Spanish students at noon in Schulz 3001 on Thursday and at the Sonoma County Library in Santa Rosa on Friday, Nov, 16 at 5:30 p.m. At these events, she reads excerpts from various works, including a novella, Lilus Kikus, which satirizes the traditional role for girls as they grow up in Mexican, or Western, society. SSU sessions are sponsored by the Center for Culture, Gender & Sexuality, the Departments of Chicano and Latino Studies, Modern Languages & Literatures, and History and by President Rubén Armiñana. For further information, contact Elizabeth Martinez, 4-3161.

Former Black Panther Explores "New-Age Racism"

Elaine Brown, former chairperson of the Black Panther Party, explores the idea of "New-Age Racism" at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 14 in the Cooperage. Admission is free. The age of the Black Panther Party, and their militant civil-rights tactics have long since passed, but Brown, author of two books on the African American Civil Rights Movement, says "rampant racism still remains, and fortunately, what also remains is a desire to banish it from our society." She says "American Blacks have embraced, adopted and accepted 'New-Age Racism' - the popular view of Blacks as inherently criminal and responsible for their oppressed status - thereby absolving 'the system' of primary responsibility for failing blacks." Brown explores this idea by deconstructing the history of racism, gender oppression and class disparity to find the root cause of the problem and encouraging young people to join in the realization of the vision of eliminating these societal ills." Associated Students Productions and Residential Life are the sponsors of this free event. For more information, call 4-2382 or visit www.sonoma.edu/as/asp.

The Decameron Revisited's Social Satire Chronicles
Humanity "Warts and All," Nov. 8-18

Chronicling humanity "warts and all" is the mission of a new adaption and re-invention of Giovanni Boccaccio's 14th century classic The Decameron. "The Decameron Revisited" comes to the Evert B. Person stage in nine performances from Nov. 8-18. The Decameron is a novel which has gained much interest of late because it deals with how to find pleasure and happiness in difficult times. The material is lively and ribald for a mature audience and the stories are similar to The Canterbury Tales. 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 15 is faculty/staff night. Seating is limited. Reserve tickets in advance through the Center for Performing Arts box office, Monday through Saturday, noon-5 p.m. Phone 4-2353 or visit www.sonoma.edu/performing Arts/events. Tickets are general, $12; faculty,alumni, staff, $10; and students/seniors, $8.

Sudden Oak Death for Non-Scientists

Sudden Oak Death for Non-Scientists is the subject of a lecture from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 10 at the Fairfield Osborn Preserve. This field examination of Sudden Oak Death Syndrome for the landowner and oak lover is conducted by Lisa Bell, Sudden Oak Death Program Coordinator for UC Cooperative Extension. Cost is $15 per person. Advanced registration is required. For registration and information, call 795-5066 or visit http://www.sonoma.edu/org/preserve/natprogs.shtml.

More events...

WHERE COMMUNITY AND CLASSROOM MEET: THE SONOMA COUNTY WOMEN'S ORAL HISTORY PROJECT Dr. Michelle Jolly (History) discusses her work with the Sonoma County Women's Oral History Project in "Where Community Classroom Meet: The Sonoma County Women's Oral History Project." Jolly has been gathering oral histories of the women's movement in Sonoma County from 1965-1985. In particular, she will talk about the challenges and rewards inherent in a project that tries to unite the concerns of community members, student participation, pedagogy, and her own research interests in women's history. Social Science Brown Bag Series. Noon-1 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 6. Stevenson 2011. 4-2112.

"THE ROLE OF RELIGION IN WAR" Rashmi Singh, Professor of Peace Studies, explores the issue of religion and war. War and Peace Lecture Series. 4-5:15 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 6. Warren Auditorium, Ives 101. 4-4115.

THE BIG CAT SHOW Trainers Rob and Barbara Dicely of Leopards, Etc. lead discussions and answer questions about the five different species of big cats scheduled to appear: a king cheetah, a cougar, a snow leopard, an ocelot, and a lynx. Many of the cats appearing are endangered or at risk due to the fur trade hunters. 7 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 13, Cooperage. 4-4129.

SCIENCE VS. RELIGION: IS THERE A CONFLICT? - Dr. Henry Shreibman and a guest presenter focus on the controversy around the issue of science versus religion and examines some of the key tenets from different religious traditions that have been at the core of the debate between religion and science. Associated Students Productions Religion and Spirituality Lecture Series. 7 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 14. Student Union Multi-Purpose Room. 4-4129.

"THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE HERE" Sixteen contemporary artists explore the concept of "place" - whether it is a familiar place fondly remembered, a place seen from afar but never visited, or a place that exists only in the artist's imagination - through painting sculpture, photography, video, and sound. Nov. 1-Dec. 9. University Art Gallery. 4-2295.