Democrats haven't had much reason to break open the bubbly on the first Tuesday in November in quite a few years. In fact, for the entire 21st century, those of the left-leaning persuasion have tended to shed more tears than sparkling wine on election night. But this year looks to be different and the mood at Democratic headquarters throughout the North Bay is quite ebullient. Just call up the Sonoma County Democratic Headquarters in Santa Rosa and ask about their plans for the night of Nov. 4. "It's going to be the party of the century," enthuses a volunteer, so enthusiastic that his name is lost to the phone line. "Be there or be square!" By contrast, the Sonoma County Republican headquarters reports that they will not be hosting a public event this year—at all. But we're not calling it yet; Nov. 4 is still agonizing days away. About that Sonoma County Dems bash, it's slated for Nov. 4 from 8pm at the Flamingo Hotel, Fourth Street at Farmers Lane in Santa Rosa. We hear tell that there will be a television or two available, as well as refreshments and a no-host bar. Donations are always warmly welcomed. Contact them at 707.575.3029.

Meanwhile, Marin GOP shakers perhaps have sturdier stock portfolios and are gamely planning a public event for supporters. They modestly invite, "Come join us for what will hopefully be a night of celebration," at the Harbor Point Tennis and Swim Club, 475 E. Strawberry Drive, Mill Valley. There will be a no-host bar and some light food. For details, call 415.456.4391.

The Marin Democratic Party hosts a party at its headquarters from 8pm with large-screen TVs, food, "like-minded" Marinites and more. 1344 Fourth St., San Rafael. Free; donations, yes please. 415.455.5400. Also in Marin, the Grassroots Leadership Network hosts an election-night party at its offices and will be open all day to help voters with last-minute questions and concerns. Translation services are available in Spanish (415.451.4530, ext. 306) and Vietnamese (415.491.9677). The party is from 6pm to 10pm. 30 N. San Pedro Road, San Rafael. 707.451.4350.

Back on the ebullient side of things, the Napa Democratic Party promises "an election night we'll never forget!" from 5pm at the Napa Elks Club, 2840 Soscol Ave., Napa. 707.257.1208. We were unable to raise the good folks of the Napa GOP on short deadline, and had a frightening conversation with the person listed as the contact point for the Progressive Democrats of Napa; apparently, that chapter has lapsed.

In nonpartisan circles, KRCB public media broadcasts a live feed off election coverage at the Raven Theater, 115 North St., Healdsburg. 707.433.6335 and Sonoma State university invites students and public alike to watch events unfold from 5pm with speakers and a student panel at the Intercultural Center Gallery, Student Union, 1801 E. Cotati Ave., Rohnert Park, 707.664.2382.

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