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Episode 84 – La Luz: Opening Pathways to Opportunity Sep 11, 2025

Show notes

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.

Episode 83 – On Track for the Future: SMART's Role in Connecting Sonoma County Sep 04, 2025

Show notes

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 future of rail in the North Bay, how SMART fits into the region’s transportation goals, and why this project matters — whether you ride the train every day or have yet to step on board.

Episode 82 – Exploring Sonoma County’s Shelter Gaps & Local Solutions Aug 28, 2025

Show notes

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.

Capitulo 82: Explorando deficiencias en materia de refugios y soluciones locales en el condado de Sonoma Aug 28, 2025

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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.

Episode 81 - California Rural Legal Assistance in Sonoma County Aug 22, 2025

Show notes

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.

Capitulo 81 - Asistencia Legal Rural de California Aug 22, 2025

Show notes

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 como proteger sus derechos legales.

Episode 80- Stronger Together: The Hispanic Chamber’s Role in Shaping Sonoma’s Economy Aug 15, 2025

Show notes

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.

Capitulo 80- Más fuertes juntos: el papel de la Cámara Hispana en moldear la economía de Sonoma Aug 15, 2025

Show notes

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.

Capitulo 79- Entender la manutención de hijos: Ayuda para las familias del condado de Sonoma Aug 07, 2025

Show notes

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 a herramientas de pago o apoyo legal. Tanto si recibe como si paga manutención, esta conversación está repleta de información útil para ayudarle a comprender sus opciones y proteger el bienestar de su familia.

Episode 79- Understanding Child Support: Help for Sonoma County Families Aug 07, 2025

Show notes

More than half of children in Sonoma County will live apart from one parent by age 18. Helping them get the financial support they need is the mission of the Sonoma County Department of Child Support Services.

Alberto Botello and Dora Muro, supervisors with the department, demystify the process of opening a case, establishing parentage, and accessing payment tools or legal support. Whether you're receiving or paying support, this conversation is packed with useful info to help you understand your options and protect your family’s well-being.

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