SoCo Chat

Charles M. Schulz – Sonoma County Airport continues to see expansion with new airlines, parking and rental car options for travelers. Southwest Airlines launched service from the airport in April, and Delta Air Lines will begin offering service this year. With the airport on track to see another record-setting year, longtime airport manager Jon Stout sits down with SoCo Chat to talk about current...

The County of Sonoma has a new top administrator, and he’s hitting the ground running. In this episode of SoCo Chat, County Executive David Guhin discusses the County’s budget challenges and looks ahead to major initiatives on the horizon. Drawing on his background as an engineer and systems thinker, Guhin shares his approach to leadership – and why collaboration with community partners will be ke...

Getting to a County office isn’t always easy. But what if services came to you? Sonoma County has launched Open Doors Mobile Services, a new program delivering food assistance, health resources, and family support directly into local communities. In this episode, Human Services Director Angela Struckmann explains how the program works, who it’s designed to reach, and why bringing services on the r...

The first five years can shape a lifetime. Angie Dillon-Shore, executive director of First 5 Sonoma County, examines the impact of early childhood investment and explains how Measure I, the 2024 voter-approved sales tax, is helping families and young children across the county. Learn how these programs work, who they serve, and how you can connect to resources that help Sonoma County kids thrive.

In January, Rebecca Hermosillo wrapped up her first year on the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors and stepped into a new role as Chair of the Board. In this episode of SoCo Chat, Hermosillo reflects on lessons from her first year in office and outlines her priorities for the year ahead. Join us as we explore her views on some of the big decisions facing the County, from budget challenges and road...

When a young person enters the juvenile justice system, what happens next can shape their future. Vista Academy, a partnership between Circuit Rider Community Services and Sonoma County Probation, provides a structured alternative to juvenile hall. Rob Izzo, CEO of the Santa Rosa nonprofit, explains how the program works to reduce re-arrest rates, prevent gang involvement, and help young people bu...

What should Sonoma County residents know about this year’s respiratory virus season? Dr. Michael Stacey, Sonoma County’s new interim health officer, shares the latest information on COVID, flu and RSV cases in Sonoma County, clears up confusion on the new vaccine guidance for children and discusses where you can find trustworthy health information. Plus, learn about the spike in toxic mushroom poi...

The Sonoma County Animal Shelter currently has about 90 dogs — lots of them puppies — and 30 cats in need of adoption. Shelter Supervisor Emma Diemert shares practical tips for adopting, introduces a few of the pets currently looking for homes, and offers guidance on how you can keep your animals safe over winter during frosty nights and stormy weather. Plus, learn how fostering a pet can make a b...

When CalFresh benefits ran out during the federal shutdown, thousands of Sonoma County families suddenly struggled to put food on the table. Allison Goodwin, CEO of Redwood Empire Food Bank, shares what her nonprofit is doing to meet the need – and how you can help ensure everyone in our community has enough to eat.

Cuando se agotaron las prestaciones de CalFresh durante el cierre federal, miles de familias del condado de Sonoma se vieron de repente en apuros para poner comida en la mesa. Jessica Hernández, directora de programas del Redwood Empire Food Bank, nos cuenta qué está haciendo su organización sin ánimo de lucro para satisfacer las necesidades, y cómo puedes ayudar a garantizar que todos los miembro...

Federal budget cuts could have significant impacts in Sonoma County, affecting everything from housing and health care to infrastructure and social services. The Board of Supervisors will host a special meeting on Oct. 14 to explore ways the County can act to fill in the gaps. Deputy County Administrator Peter Bruland describes what’s at stake.

Open Doors es una nueva iniciativa que facilitará más que nunca que las personas obtengan ayuda con alimentos, vivienda, cuidado infantil y mucho más. Nick Yañez, director de desarrollo de programas del Departamento de Servicios Humanos del condado de Sonoma, explica cómo funciona y por qué podría transformar la forma en que las personas se conectan con los servicios en nuestra comunidad.

Open Doors is a new initiative that will make it easier than ever for people to get help with food, housing, child care and much more. Angela Struckmann, director of the Sonoma County Human Services Department, explains how it works and why it could transform the way people connect with services in our community. 

El Centro de Justicia Familiar del condado de Sonoma empodera a las víctimas para que puedan vivir libres de violencia doméstica y abuso. Es un modelo de colaboración que une al gobierno, las agencias policiales y las organizaciones sin fines de lucro para brindar servicios integrales a las víctimas a través de un único punto de acceso.  Itzel Tafolla Pérez, navegadora de servicios de la agencia d...

Sonoma County’s Family Justice Center empowers victims to live free from domestic violence and abuse. It is a model ofcollaboration, uniting government, law enforcement agencies and nonprofits to deliver comprehensive services to victims through a single point of access.  Marsha Lucien, its executive director, explains how the Santa Rosa agency protects the vulnerable, stops violence and restores...

Durante más de 40 años, el Centro La Luz ha ayudado a las familias latinas del valle de Sonoma a alcanzar sus sueños, conectándolas con la educación, la atención médica y las oportunidades económicas. Leonardo Lobato, director ejecutivo de la organización sin fines de lucro de Sonoma, describe los desafíos que estas familias locales enfrentan cada día y cómo La Luz está evolucionando para ayudarla...

For more than 40 years, La Luz Center has helped Latino families in the Sonoma Valley attain their dreams by connecting them to education, health care and economic opportunity. Leonardo Lobato, executive director of the Sonoma nonprofit, describes the challenges these local families are facing every day – and how La Luz is evolving to help them thrive.

Our guest is Eddy Cumins, the General Manager of the Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit system (SMART). This regional agency began passenger rail service in 2017 and now operates trains along a 45-mile corridor between Marin and Sonoma counties, stretching from Larkspur in the south to Windsor in the north. More than 4,700 riders are now taking the train every weekday. We speak with Eddy about the fut...

The Living Room is a haven for women, children and their pets in times of need, providing shelter, food and safety when they have nowhere else to turn. Alethea Larson, executive director of the Santa Rosa nonprofit, explains the role of this important community resource.

The Living Room es un refugio para mujeres, niños y sus mascotas en momentos de necesidad, que les proporciona alojamiento, comida y seguridad cuando no tienen ningún otro lugar al que acudir. Joanna Vicente, coordinadora de cuidado bilingüe/bicultural de The Living Room de Santa Rosa, explica la función de este importante recurso comunitario.

Today we are joined by Fernando Torres, Community Worker and representative of CRLA in Santa Rosa. California Rural Legal Assistance, or CRLA, is a nonprofit organization that provides free legal services to rural and low-income communities in California. Join us as we learn about the various support programs they offer and how to protect your legal rights.

Hoy nos acompaña Fernando Torres, Trabajador Comunitario y representante de CRLA en Santa Rosa.  California Rural Legal Assistance o CRLA por sus cifras en inglés, es una organización sin fines de lucro que brinda servicios legales gratuitos a comunidades rurales y de bajos ingresos en California. Quédense con nosotros porque vamos a aprender sobro los diversos programas de apoyo que ofrecen y com...

In this episode, we sit down with Hector Velazquez Executive Director from the Sonoma County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce to talk about the power of connection, cultural leadership, and economic opportunity. Learn how the Chamber supports Hispanic entrepreneurs, strengthens local partnerships, and builds a more inclusive business community in Sonoma County.

En este episodio, conversamos con Héctor Velázquez director ejecutivo de la Cámara de Comercio Hispana del Condado de Sonoma sobre el poder de la conexión, el liderazgo cultural y las oportunidades económicas. Descubre cómo la Cámara apoya a los emprendedores hispanos, fortalece las alianzas locales y fomenta una comunidad empresarial más inclusiva en el condado de Sonoma.

Más de la mitad de los niños del condado de Sonoma vivirán separados de uno de sus padres antes de cumplir los 18 años. Ayudarles a obtener el apoyo financiero que necesitan es la misión del Departamento de Servicios de Manutención Infantil del condado de Sonoma. Alberto Botello y Dora Muro, supervisores del departamento, desmitifican el proceso de abrir un caso, establecer la paternidad y acceder...