COYOTE Calendar: September 24-September 30

Welcome to the COYOTE Calendar. Here are this week's handpicked events, just for you.

Thank you to everybody who guessed which venue appeared most on this calendar! Many of you guessed Local Economy, which was also my thought before I crunched the numbers but it turns out we were all wrong! The answer was Omnivore Books. This did make me want to make a COYOTE Calendar bingo game (sex party, obscure academic talk, puppets, an event not technically in the Bay Area, Reo reveals a personal secret in the event listing, etc). This week we also cracked that 500 total venues number (shoutout to the San Jose Chamber of Commerce). But since nobody got the answer I didn't get to give out any of these hella cute little prints I made recently:

Alas! I shall bring them to the next COYOTE event.

It's sea otter awareness week so get out there and be aware of some sea otters! This weekend is the California Native Ways Festival in Berkeley, Maker Faire in Vallejo, Oktoberfest in Walnut Creek, The River + Redwoods Film Festival in Monte Rio, the San Francisco Electronic Music Festival and the Re:Vision film festival in San Francisco, and Illo Mart in San Jose. Cute little art project fans can check out Art Vending Machine Weekend, and X-Files lovers (or haters) can go see a parody of the show for the stage. And if you appreciate iconic, all ages, inclusive venues then check out at least one of the 924 Gilman benefit shows running through the weekend.

There are also a ridiculous number of great book talks and literary events this week, not all of which I could fit in here, so check out the Oakland Review of Books calendar and the Same Page SF Substack if that's your jam. Also, just to make this policy both clear and public: I don't feature any events that clearly use AI art to illustrate flyers or websites. Don't ask me to! I won't do it!

This week we've also got COVID-safe kink, making art with maíz, haunted dolls, and more. We'll post new events each Wednesday. Go forth and enjoy!

• Raiz de Maiz Workshop 〰️ Conoce tus maízes as you learn about the stories, mythology, and symbolism around maíz and make a woven mat, coaster, or small basket base out of corn husks. Este taller práctico está dirigido a adultos. 〰️ 1-2pm 〰️ Oakland Public Library: Brookfield Branch 〰️ FREE 〰️ more info
• Tribal Co-Management, Landback, and Indigenous Cosmology 〰️ How do you balance the needs and traditions of Indigenous tribes with the desires of conservation advocates? It's not always a happy or even trusting relationship, even if both parties care deeply about the land. In this talk, Kevin K. Washburn (Professor of Law at UC Berkeley) will talk about "the dramatic improvement in these relationships in recent years, and the reasons such trust is well-placed and should continue to grow." 〰️ 3:30-4:30pm 〰️ UC Berkeley 〰️ FREE 〰️ more info
• Pond Scum Night in the East Bay 〰️ Bring your latest jar of pond scum (you've got one of those, right?) and come look at it under the microscope with a bunch of micronerds. If you don't happen to have any pond scum on hand, never fear, you can always look at other people's and you're in for hydra, duckweed, daphnia, protists, and more. 〰️ 5:30-7:30pm 〰️ Merritt College, Oakland 〰️ FREE 〰️ more info
• This Death is Not One 〰️ In 2017 scholar Jasbir K. Puar published a book called The Right to Maim, which laid out the brutal logic of Israel's violence against Palestinian bodies. Unfortunately, in the wake of the ongoing genocide, the book is more relevant than ever. See Puar talk about the first translation into Arabic of one chapter of the book, published with new drawings, a new introduction, and a new postscript that specifically speaks to "new vectors of living and dying under settler-colonialism, and how maiming, in fact, speaks of extermination." 〰️ 5-7pm 〰️ UC Berkeley 〰️ FREE 〰️ more info
• THE LAST COHO Opening Reception 〰️ Coho salmon were once plentiful in the Russian River watershed. But these days you'll count yourself very lucky to see one. Photographer Kaare Iverson's new exhibit combines large-scale salmon portraiture with documentary photography to highlight rehabilitation and habitat improvement programs that could bring this iconic fish back. Refreshments will be served! 〰️ 6:30-8:30pm 〰️ David Brower Center, Berkeley 〰️ FREE 〰️ more info
• Steph Lau's Medusa's Pet Rock 〰️ I don't put a ton of kids’ book events on here (should I do more?), but this one caught me because I think the book idea is hilarious and very smart: "Medusa’s always been the odd one out: the monster in the classroom, the kid who can’t tame her snake-laden hair, and yes, the girl who perhaps accidentally zapped a few too many class pets. But there just might be a class pet that even Medusa can enjoy, one who will teach her how monstrously wonderful it is to be seen—by being herself." Cute right? Come see author Steph Lau read from the book, and talk about the joys of making a villain the hero of her own story. 〰️ 6:30-8pm 〰️ Mrs. Dalloway’s Literary and Garden Arts, Berkeley 〰️ FREE 〰️ more info
• Killing Me Softly: Sadistic Care 〰️ "Could sadism be aligned with ethics and practices of care? How might certain forms of care, nurturance, and affirmation be deployed to sadistic effect in scene?" This is the first of several Folsom adjacent events on the calendar this week, and one that offers a great framework to bring to the festivities to come. Led by Athénaïs Nin, this one is for intermediate and advanced players. 〰️ 7-9pm 〰️ Filthy Studios, Oakland 〰️ $25-90 sliding scale 〰️ more info
• How to be Disabled in wartime: Ukrainians tell their stories 〰️ Russia's war on Ukraine continues, and with it disproportionate impacts on disabled folks. In this talk you'll hear from these Ukrainians directly. "From new, inclusive cultural practices on the ground in wartime Ukraine, to the migration stories of disabled Ukrainians now living in Poland, the Netherlands, Romania, and elsewhere, the talk will explore disabled people’s strategies of survivance, solidarity, and disability justice during wartime." 〰️ 9:30-11am 〰️ Disability Cultural Community Center, Berkeley 〰️ FREE 〰️ more info
• Dekada Dance Party 〰️ Celebrate 10 years of San Francisco's Filipino Cultural Heritage District, SOMA Pilipinas, with a dance party, delicious food, raffle prizes and more. This is a fundraiser at heart, because like most cultural institutions in the Bay Area SOMA Pilipinas is facing "rising costs, displacement, and local and federal divestment from our cultural institutions." Your ticket gets you appetizers and beverages (both alcoholic and non). 〰️ 5-8pm 〰️ SOMArts Cultural Center, SF 〰️ $100 〰️ more info
• Film Screening | Queer Home on Film: A Shorts Program 〰️ If you want to get into your feels, check out this series of short films and archival footage "that highlight the beauty, grief, joy, and community found in the spaces queer and trans people call home." This is connected to the current exhibition on at the GLBT Historical Society, "Where We Made Room," and after the screening there will be a discussion between artist and curator Aleo Landeta and filmmaker Jenni Olson. 〰️ 6-8pm 〰️ GLBT Historical Society, SF 〰️ $10 〰️ more info
• The Trial of Mark Zuckerberg 〰️ If you've ever wanted to scream "guilty!" a lot of times, this might be a good chance. Described as "a boisterous, cathartic celebration of working-class solidarity and power" this mock trial will document Mark Zuckerberg’s most notable injuries to the working class to a jury made up of experts like Alex Hanna, Fred Turner, Jaz Brisack, and a "mystery juror." And if you enjoy that, you'll enjoy the hosts of the event's new book Against Tech Oligarchy 〰️ 7pm 〰️ Gray Area, SF 〰️ $35 (sliding scale) 〰️ more info
• Vintage Sex Books: A Reading and Conversation Across the Decades 〰️ What does a sex manual from the 1940's have to say? Now you can find out, as certified sexologist Myisha Battle takes you through one from her own collection to read along and "compare the book's perspectives on sex, relationships, gender, and pleasure to what we know today." And if you happen to have a vintage sex book in your collection, bring it with you! There will be a show-and-tell portion (of the books, not the sex acts they describe). 〰️ 7-8:30pm 〰️ Black Bird Bookstore and Cafe, SF 〰️ FREE 〰️ more info
• Short Kings Big Dreams 〰️ Okay I don't put Sacramento stuff on the calendar very often (even though there is a lot of fun stuff happening out there, particularly punk shows) but three different people sent me this one so I couldn't resist. Short kings (defined by the organizers as under 5'8", please debate that cutoff in the comments if you feel strongly about it), it's time to ride. This is your night, and I hope you have an incredible time. 〰️ 7-10pm 〰️ Lock & Key, Sacramento 〰️ FREE with RSVP 〰️ more info

• Green Movie Night - "Fighting Fire With Fire" 〰️ As we enter into fire season in the Bay Area, it’s time to once again think about what kinds of management techniques actually make people safer! This screening includes two films: "California: Fighting Fire With Fire" and "Your Home Can Survive a Wildfire.” You’ll also hear from fire experts within the Contra Costa fire management world. 〰️ Unity, Walnut Creek 〰️ 7-9:30pm 〰️ FREE 〰️ more info  
• Scam Awareness and Prevention 〰️ The scams are out here scamming hard right now! Fake event invites, phishing calls claiming someone you know is in jail, AI agents impersonating famous authors, it's a mess. If you want to get some practical tips for identifying scams, protecting yourself, and what to do if you get targeted, this is for you. Run by the SF Mayor’s Office for Victims’ Rights, you'll also learn what kinds of resources the city can offer if you wind up the victim of a scam. 〰️ 2-3pm 〰️ SFPL Visitacion Valley 〰️ FREE (but registration required, call 415-355-2848 to save your spot) 〰️ more info
• Perverts Put Out Folsom Friday 〰️ There is nothing hotter than protecting your community from deadly disease! Come hear people do perverted things with words to prepare yourself for a less word-heavy form of perversion at Folsom this weekend. Poetry, erotica, editorial, fiction, and more! 〰️ 😷 COVID SAFE: masks required & provided 〰️ 7-9:30pm 〰️ 1286 Folsom Street, SF 〰️ $20-40 sliding scale, NOTAFLOF* 〰️ more info
• Momentum 〰️ This is one of those events where I have to Google every other word trying to figure out how to write the description. No phones at this event that is an anime club experience but also involves maid cosplay and features makeovers (unclear to me if all makeovers will be in service of maidmaxxing). Anyway, I am pretty sure you're supposed to dress as a maid for this one, but I'm afraid I'm going to accidentally wind up creating a Babadook situation so do your own research. 〰️ 8pm-1am 〰️ DNA Lounge, SF 〰️ $20 advance, $28, then $40 at the door 〰️ more info
• Pier 80 Party People Precursor 〰️ I mentioned at the top that the Bay Area Electronic Music Festival is happening this weekend, and if you want to kick that off with an oontz oontz party, this is the one. Wiggle your butts, meet fellow EDM enjoyers, and get ready to oscillate all weekend. 〰️ 9pm-2am 〰️ El Rio, SF 〰️ $5 〰️ more info
• Dolly Day 〰️ In case you feel that you did not yet celebrate Dolly Parton enough, and need a pseudo-official, city government-endorsed celebration, this one is for you. It's not actually clear to me what is going to happen at this event — the website still has "Live Performances, TBA" listed. But I can promise at least a handful of people dressed in rhinestones and ready to sing along. 〰️ 12-3pm 〰️ Union Square, SF 〰️ FREE 〰️ more info

• Family Farm Day - Fall Harvest 〰️ This one is almost sold out, so if you're interested, hop to it and get your tickets now. Hang out with goats, sheep, chickens, and ducks and then enjoy some of the rewards from the fall harvest at Slide Ranch, one of the North Bay's most gorgeous spots. 〰️ 9:30am-1pm 〰️ Slide Ranch, Muir Beach 〰️ $45 〰️ more info
• Woodworking 101 〰️ Begin your woodworking era with this intensive class that will get your started with hand and power tools, project planning, material selection, assembly techniques and finishes. There's nothing more fun than a bandsaw! And even if you don't have a project in mind, being comfortable with these tools can be really fun and useful. Wear natural clothing and closed toed shoes, and bring water and a snack. 〰️ 10am-1:30pm 〰️ Chimera Arts and Maker Space, Sebastopol 〰️ $134.24 + $10 materials fee 〰️ more info
• Harvest Festival 〰️ Warring harvest festivals on this calendar! This one features a performance by the Sonoma County Pomo Dancers, which is super special, alongside tortilla-making, a salsa competition (the eating kind), a real apple press, tacos, community partners, harvest displays, DJs, and more. 〰️ 10am-2pm 〰️ Bayer Neighborhood Park & Garden, Santa Rosa 〰️ FREE 〰️ more info
• Occidental Pride 2026 〰️ Someone was taking down posters for this pride event around West County, which is deeply uncool! Don't be like that. Instead, be the kind of person who goes to this lovely local pride event, which usually features gorgeous horses and a lot of heartfelt love. Plus, cop-free! We simply love to see it. 〰️ 2-8pm 〰️ 2nd and Main, Occidental 〰️ FREE 〰️ more info
• Celebrate a Clean Bay with EBMUD 〰️ If you've ever wondered what an EBMUD water treatment plant looks like on the inside, you're in luck! Get a rare tour of the Main Wastewater Treatment Plant in Oakland, and see how wastewater gets processed and reused for all sorts of crucial purposes around town. 〰️ 10am-2pm 〰️ EBMUD Main Wastewater Treatment Plant, Oakland 〰️ FREE 〰️ more info
• Soda Pack 〰️ Cute little queer market alert! Hang out, have a coffee, meet some local makers, and get a head start on your holiday shopping. I love these kinds of little magical markets and have found so many perfect gifts at them. We're entering peak gift market season as the holidays start to creep up, and I'm already thinking about how to tell you about them all. A map maybe? This is my scheming face. 〰️ 11:30am-3:30pm 〰️ Hasta Muerte Coffee, Oakland 〰️ FREE (but buy some stuff) 〰️ more info
• Rodeo Music and Art Market 〰️ Another cute market! This one is bigger, and features DJs, live music, flash tattoos and tooth gems, vinyl, art, fashion, food and more. Over 40 vendors, a kids’ play area, community nonprofits, face painting, a photobooth! This is the good stuff. 〰️ 11am-5pm 〰️ Lefty Gomez Field, Rodeo 〰️ FREE 〰️ more info
• SOULOVELY FOREVER FESTIVAL 〰️ For the last 15 years, Soulovely has been creating spaces for dance, joy, liberation, and soulful connection. Come through and celebrate that hard work at this event featuring performances from Nzuri Soul and Medusa. Good vibes all around. 〰️ 2-7pm 〰️ 7th West, Oakland 〰️ $28+ 〰️ more info
• Bay Area Trans Senders Meetup 〰️ Join this lovely group of trans/gender expansive climbers for an afternoon of both top roping and bouldering. Beginners and all ages welcome, whether you're flashing v11's or a little bit afraid to get off the ground. Bring your curiosity, supportive vibes, and callouses. I’m calling this t4top-outs in my head. 〰️ 3-5pm 〰️ Pacific Pipe, Oakland 〰️ $20 NOTAFLOF 〰️ more info
• EL GRITO VIVE 2026: Commemorating the Legacy & Resistance of Grito de Lares 〰️ ¡Puerto Rico no se vende, Puerto Rico se defiende! "On September 23, 1868, in the hills of Lares, a dedicated group of armed Puerto Rican rebels rose up against Spain, took the city of Lares, planted their flag, and proclaimed independence and the abolition of slavery." Through poetry and music, this event celebrates that legacy, and honors the ongoing resistance to U.S. colonialism and imperialism in Puerto Rico and beyond. All proceeds benefit La Torre Sofia Coop Project, a cooperative housing project in Puerto Rico. 〰️ 7-9pm 〰️ La Peña Cultural Center, Berkeley 〰️ $11.97+ 〰️ more info
• FOLSOM FLORALS: SMELL THE ROSEBUD 〰️ Folsom is known for many things. Smelling great is not one of them. But that doesn't have to be the case! This is for the fancy gays, who want to bring together "floral design, queer art, leather, food, wine, music, and performance, all in support of affordable, queer-affirming mental health care." Hang out on a patio, enjoy drag performances, and deck your leather out in flowers. Some proceeds go to Queer Life Space. 〰️ 1-6pm 〰️ Chartreuse by Roje, SF 〰️ $75+ 〰️ jo.my/rosebud26
• Ask the Hospice Experts: End-of-Life Planning Q&A 〰️ Anybody who has dealt with this will tell you that you should really, really, really think about end-of-life planning before you are forced to think about end-of-life planning. And yet, so few people do. But you can! And you can start with this event hosted by death doula Rachael Hawk and experts from Pathways Hospice. "Following a brief introduction on end-of-life planning, our panel of hospice professionals will demystify care options, explore how to navigate difficult family conversations, and gently tackle practical preparation." 〰️ 2-4pm 〰️ Oakland Public Library: Dimond Branch 〰️ FREE 〰️ more info
• Corn and Bean Mosaic Art 〰️ This is the second corn-based art event on the calendar, which is how you know it's officially September. Come make a colorful mosaic out of corn kernels and beans, while learning about the importance of these crops, their role as 2/3 of the Three Sisters, and their importance to both Indigenous peoples and modern agriculture. 〰️ 11am-noon 〰️ Emma Prusch Park, San Jose 〰️ $16 for residents, $20 for non residents 〰️ more info

• Between the Threads: Batik as Character, Cosmos, and Creation 〰️ Even if you've never heard of batik, you've probably seen textiles created with this Indonesian technique in your travels through the world. At this talk, two batik artists will talk about not just the form, but how the form has offered "a link to the intangible realm that allows for certain representations to be continued as a methodology of cultural regeneration and certain energies that can only manifest themselves if the creator of the art form has found an inner balance." 〰️ 9am-2pm 〰️ Hillside Club, Berkeley 〰️ FREE 〰️ more info
• Bay Area Queer Zine Fest 〰️ This is one of my favorite events every year! Zines are the way, and this gathering of glorious zine queers never disappoints. Come through and get some little booklets that could change your life. 〰️ 😷 COVID SAFE: masks required 〰️ 11am-5pm 〰️ Oakland Asian Cultural Center 〰️ Oakland 〰️ FREE 〰️ more info
• The Sweet Spot Season 5 Finale! 〰️ I am developing a theory that the shorter the event description, the better the party is going to be. Here's what they say about this one: "Honey Drippin' ~ Rhythm Flowin' ~ Hive Thrivin' ~ Soul Vibin'!! Wrapping up the way we do...big energy, unapologetic queer joy & a whole lot of love!" That's it, and that's probably all that's necessary. 〰️ 3-8pm 〰️ Hella Bees, Oakland 〰️ $0-17.85 〰️ more info
• Folsom Street Fair 〰️ It feels a little bit silly to put this on the calendar, since I suspect that if you want to go to the Folsom Street Fair... you already know about it. But it would also feel weird to not put it on the calendar? So here it is, in all its glory. Be cool, be safe, hydrate, look out for one another, and always remember that "there is no future without each other." 〰️ 11am-6pm 〰️ Folsom Street, SF 〰️ FREE 〰️ more info
• Folsom Street Fair After Party 〰️ There are a lot of Folsom Street Fair after parties, and quite frankly if you're going to Folsom you might already know which ones you're most interested in. But just in case, here's an option for you, featuring the iconic Brooke Candy and Violet Chachki. Get tickets now if you want in on the meet and greet. 〰️ 9pm-2:30am 〰️ DNA Lounge, SF 〰️ $27 advance, $40 day of 〰️ more info
• The Bay vs The Billionaires 〰️ We all know that the billionaire class wants us dead, and is working very hard at making that so. But what can we actually do about their tactics of mass surveillance, genocide and apartheid, decimation of services, and general contributions to life becoming more and more impossible to live with dignity and safety? This talk features several artists, activists, journalists, and more asking (and, perhaps, even answering) "how can we draw strength from each other and build power?" 〰️ 4pm 〰️ SF Mime Troupe Studio 〰️ $10-50 suggested donation NOTAFLOF* 〰️ more info
• Haunted Doll House: Paranormal Play Date 〰️ For you sickos who love to be scared, I honestly can't think of anything much scarier than this: "Remember that teddy bear you lost years ago? Well… he still remembers you. Your adventure begins when we give you a flashlight and a doll to be your companion. Together, you’ll journey through the DollHouse, meeting quirky characters, interacting with their make believe worlds, and taking part in a treasure hunt that will lead you to the Dolls’ final game: The Haunted Tea Party!" I am going to have nightmares just from working on this event description. 〰️ 12pm or 4pm 〰️ Gregangelo Museum 〰️ San Francisco 〰️ $124.56 〰️ more info

• How We Get Free: A Haymarket Books 25th Anniversary Event 〰️ An iconic indie press only turns 25 every so often, so the heavy hitters are out in full force for this celebration of 25 years of Haymarket Books: Angela Y. Davis, Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor, Sarah Haley, and Ula Y. Taylor are all on hand for a book launch of the second edition of How We Get Free: Black Feminism and the Combahee River Collective and a conversation about the legacy of the radical black feminist organization. 〰️ 7pm 〰️ Henry J Kaiser Center for the Arts 〰️ Oakland 〰️ $20-$250 〰️ more info
• The Science and Psychology of Gemstones: Diamonds & More 〰️ If you know me you know I love a good rock! Come learn from gemologist Tristan Griffey-Jones about how some of the best rocks (gemstones) form, how experts identify them, what the difference between natural, synthetic, and imitation stones is, and more! Plus, "infamous gemstone thefts and scandals!" I repeat, gemstone scandals! This is the only true crime I am interested in. 〰️ 6:30-8:30pm 〰️ Nob Hill , SF 〰️ $39.19 〰️ more info
• LitLounge: Queens of Zines (Where Books, Authors & Cocktails Converge) 〰️ As Antonio Gramsci once said: "The old world is dying, and the new world struggles to be born: now is the time of zines." Okay that's not quite right but I do feel confident that Gramsci would have loved zines so I'm going with it. Meet COYOTE favorite Janelle Blarg and fellow DIY divas Ariel Gore and Thien Pham and hear "stories from the golden age of the photocopier, an honest look at why people still make things by hand, and a lively argument for the ephemeral." 〰️ 6-9:30pm 〰️ Saint Joseph's Arts Society, SF 〰️ $10 〰️ more info
• Tananarive Due with Leigh Bardugo: Mazywood 〰️ I'm a big Tananarive Due fan so this one was a no-brainer to pull out of all the incredible book events this week. Her new book, Mazywood, follows "the grandson of a famous Black actress who returns to his grandmother’s cabin retreat in the California mountains only to encounter the legacy of her rage born in Old Hollywood." As he tries to understand the secrets buried at the cabin, he begins to understand that there's something very sinister lurking outside Mazywood, and it's on the hunt. Sounds cool, right? I've already ordered my copy. 〰️ 7pm 〰️ The Booksmith, SF 〰️ FREE 〰️ more info

• Author Talk: Kristina Wong 〰️ Hear "performance artist, comedian, actor, writer and former elected official" Kristina Wong read from her book Auntie Kristina's Guide to Asian American Activism, which gives young readers a blueprint for how to "love their bodies, fight for social justice, and be proud of the history that's made them who they are." At this event Wong will also be highlighting the work of a local "Young Rebel" who embodies that activism. This one is great for your rebellious but socially conscious teen. 〰️ 4:30pm 〰️ Alameda Public Library, Main Branch 〰️ FREE 〰️ more info
• People vs Palantir 〰️ Join the famous Raging Grannies at this action in front of the Palantir office, aka home to some of the most evil shit the tech industry is up to. Please go to this so I can justify adding Palantir as a venue in my database! There will be live music, dancing, and singing. "Palantir is on a Highway to Hell and we got the lyrics!" 〰️ 5:30-6:30pm 〰️ Palantir, Palo Alto 〰️ FREE 〰️ more info
• Elders of Time: Art & Science at the Nevada Bristlecone Preserve 〰️ Bristlecone pines are some of the most unassuming trees you'll ever see — little, scraggly guys who don't really seem all that important. And then you learn that these trees are thousands of years old. At this event you'll hear three people who have thought deeply about these trees talk about the mind bending science, philosophy, and art that they inspire. Anne Heggli will explain her research using high-resolution climate data; Jonathon Keats will discuss his land art piece "Centuries of the Bristlecone;" and Adam Csank will present on his studies on "bristlecone time." Leave feeling very, very young. 〰️ 7:30-9pm 〰️ The Interval at Long Now, SF 〰️ $28.52 〰️ more info
• Can You Spot An AI-Generated Book?: AI Literacy Workshop 〰️ Many retailers (like Amazon) are currently flooded with AI books. Even libraries aren't immune to the scourge. But as the scammers get smarter, it gets harder to figure out which books are real, and which ones are evil garbage nonsense scams. At this event, you'll learn the tells and how to figure out which books are written by actual humans and which ones are spit out by the slop machine. Human books forever! 〰️ 1-2pm 〰️ San Jose State University 〰️ FREE 〰️ more info

• From Beaks to Cheeks: What Pigeons Can Teach Us About Your Face 〰️ What does an orthopedic surgeon know about pigeons? Turns out quite a lot, because a pigeon's beak isn't all that different from your cheekbones. At this talk, UCSF Director of the Oral & Craniofacial Sciences Master of Science Program (a real mouthful... or beakfull... if you will... okay sorry I'm almost done with this calendar I promise) will talk about how comparing pigeon breeds can help scientists to understand our own evolution, and what the beautiful and unfairly maligned pigeon can teach us about the rules governing human facial variation. 〰️ 7:30-8:30pm 〰️ Terra Linda High School, San Rafael 〰️ FREE 〰️ more info
• Rick Steeves: How to See the World 〰️ There is nothing more endearing than watching someone having a genuinely good time learning something new, or experiencing something for the first time. And beloved PBS host Rick Steeves is a master of this particular genre. At this event Steeves will talk about his decades of travel, and "make the case that travel is about more than just seeing the world. Travel is about understanding it. And maybe, just a little, about understanding ourselves too." 〰️ 7:30pm 〰️ Luther Burbank Center for the Arts, Santa Rosa 〰️ $39-59 〰️ more info
• Covering Protests: Legal Rights, Real Risks, and Lessons from the Field 〰️ Covering protests has always been risky, and has only gotten more so as police forces around the country become more and more militarized, and the government (both federal and local) decides to crack down on any form of dissent. At this talk, hear First Amendment litigators and frontline student journalists speak about the practicalities of doing this work, how to prepare, what to expect, and how to protect yourself. And if you want to cover a protest for COYOTE, let us know! 〰️ 2pm 〰️ UC Berkeley 〰️ FREE 〰️ more info
• Anti-Flock Data Scraping! with Wyatt 〰️ While it may be true that, as Audre Lorde says, "the master's tool will never dismantle the master's house," those tools can be useful to understanding how the master works. At this workshop you'll learn how to use Python to scrape data as part of a larger effort to track Flock in city council agendas across the country. This is a four-class workshop, so make sure they all work for you. Bring your own laptop. 〰️ 6-8pm 〰️ Tamarack, Oakland 〰️ FREE 〰️ more info
• Reclaiming Our Economy and Democracy from AI 〰️ The anti-AI events will continue until AI is defeated, so here's another one! This is a great primer on the big picture stuff: "what we even mean when we talk about ‘AI,’ whether we’re in an AI bubble, the impacts of AI, whether we should be afraid of AI, and who’s behind the AI hype." Featuring the best people possible to answer those questions: Alex Hanna, co-author of The AI Con, Wendy Liu, author of Abolish Silicon Valley, and Tamara Kneese, author of Notes Toward a Digital Workers’ Inquiry. 〰️ 7pm 〰️ Medicine for Nightmares, SF 〰️ FREE 〰️ more info
• Finding the Future of Transit in San José 〰️ Not all conversations about the future of transit have to be about huge, expensive projects like high speed rail or station renovation. Sometimes, it's all about resource allocation, driver training, and adopting (or not) new technologies. At this session, experts and practitioners from the Mineta Transportation Institute, SPUR, Caltrain, and VTA will discuss these smaller levers to pull to build the future of transit in San Jose. 〰️ 12-1:15pm 〰️ San Jose Chamber of Commerce, San Jose 〰️ FREE 〰️ more info

You can see all of COYOTE's past calendar picks here. If you have an event you'd like to see on a future COYOTE Calendar, email us at calendar@coyotemedia.org. If you attended and enjoyed any of these events, we'd love to hear about it in the comments!

*NOTAFLOF = No One Turned Away For Lack Of Funds