Five Things You Need to Know This Week: March 14-20

1. A special Rohnert Park-Cotati Governing Board meeting this Tuesday, March 14, starts at 7 p.m. at Lawrence E. Jones Middle School. With the slew of budget cuts we face this is a must meeting for all parents in Rohnert Park. Come out and voice your concerns!

2. One show and one show only people! This Thursday the Rancho Cotate Band and Choir will present "Around the World in 80 Minutes." The music ensemble will perform a show inspired by different cultures and time periods via rhythm and song. The show starts at 7 p.m. at . Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for youth or senior.

3. Speaking of hot shows at Spreckels, Wild Oats opens this Friday! Spreckels and the Odyssey Theater present Wild Oats by James McLure and directed by Carl Hamilton. It starts weekend engagements with an 8 p.m. showing this Friday, along with another 8 p.m. show Saturday. Wild Oats is an old west comedy that's a spoof of the frontier and its wild legends.

4. Foxtrot Dance Party! On Saturday March 19, some serious dancing is going on at The Ballroom! From 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., the local dance studio will host lessons. From 8:30-10 p.m., the dance opens up! Prices are a reasonable — $10 per person ($8 for seniors). Come on down and get your trot on!

5. The weather looks a bit wet this week. The forecast calls for showers with some sun peeking out mid-week followed by more showers. Don’t forget your rain boots and an umbrella! But make sure to keep an eye out for the sun so you can plan to get outdoors at least one day this week!

- The direct use of force is such a poor solution to any problem, it is generally employed only by small children and large nations.

            ~David Friedman