SoCo Chat

Latest Episodes:

Episode 100 – Protecting Your Vote: How Sonoma County keeps elections secure — with Registrar of Voters Evelyn Mendez Oct 08, 2026

Show notes

With only a month to go before a high-stakes election, the Sonoma County Registrar’s Office is in full gear preparing to administer a safe and secure election. Besides control of Congress, there are many other local races that voters in Sonoma County will see on their ballot. Unfortunately, misinformation about voter security is sowing doubt and making the job of running elections even harder. Evelyn Mendez, the Sonoma County Registrar of Voters, spoke with SoCo Chat about the upcoming election.

Episode 99 – Sonoma CART: Keeping animals safe when disaster strikes Sep 17, 2026

Show notes

When disaster strikes, Sonoma CART jumps into action to protect animals in Sonoma County. The volunteer-run nonprofit works alongside Sonoma County Animal Services and other local agencies to help evacuate, shelter and reunite animals with their owners during emergencies. Angie Martin, community outreach manager with the Sonoma Community Animal Response Team, joins SoCo Chat to explain the group’s role during a disaster, what you can do to prepare your animals for an emergency, and how you can support their work.

Episode 98 – The Need for Foster Parents in Sonoma County Aug 20, 2026

Show notes

Sonoma County urgently needs more foster families to provide safe, stable homes for children who cannot remain with their parents. In a new episode of SoCo Chat, Meg Easter Dawson, program development manager at Valley of the Moon Children’s Center, discusses the realities of fosterparenting, the support available to foster families, and the profound difference a caring adult can make in a child’s life. Learn who can become a foster parent, what to expect from the process, and how you can help create a brighter future for a local child in need.

Episode 97 – Conserving Sonoma County: A conversation with Ag + Open Space General Manager Misti Arias Jul 23, 2026

Show notes

Have you ever wondered how Sonoma County preserved its rural charm and sweeping landscapes? It didn’t happen by accident. As much of the Bay Area was urbanizing, visionary Sonoma County conservationists sought to protect the open spaces and farmlands that are vital to our character. Thus, Sonoma County Ag + Open Space was born. General Manager Misti Arias sits down with SoCo Chat to explain how the agency conserves open space and farmland and increases the quality of life in Sonoma County.

Episode 96 – Soaring to new heights: Charles M. Schulz – Sonoma County Airport Manager Jon Stout on changes at the airport Jun 26, 2026

Show notes

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 and future expansion.

Episode 95 – Taking the lead: New County Executive David Guhin on leading the largest workforce in Sonoma County May 07, 2026

Show notes

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 key to navigating the uncertainty ahead.

Episode 94 – Taking County Services on the Road: Inside Open Doors Mobile Services Apr 16, 2026

Show notes

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 road could make a real difference for residents across the county.

Episode 93 – Building Strong Starts: How Sonoma County Is Investing in Early Childhood — with Angie Dillon-Shore, Executive Director of First 5 Sonoma County Apr 02, 2026

Show notes

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.

Episode 92 – In conversation with Rebecca Hermosillo, chair of the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors Mar 20, 2026

Show notes

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 repairs to expanding support for mental health services and local immigrants.

Episode 91 – Vista Academy: An Alternative to Juvenile Hall in Sonoma County Feb 13, 2026

Show notes

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 build skills, confidence, and stronger decision-making habits. The conversation also explores Circuit Rider’s broader work, from Aggression Replacement Training to college-readiness and outdoor leadership programs that support underserved youth across Sonoma County.

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