SoCo Chat

SoCo Chat Special- Reflections on 2017 Tubbs Fire and lessons to share in aftermath of LA firestorms Jan 18, 2025

Today, we are bringing you a special segment of SoCo Chat, one focused on the fires that have been sweeping through parts of Los Angeles these past 10 days. To many of us here in Sonoma County, images of these fires have brought back many heart-breaking reminders of what we went through.

These are hard memories. But they come with valuable and hard-earned lessons, which many of our local leaders, including the two we have with us today, have been asked to share with our counterparts in Southern California. We thought it would be timely to reflect on these lessons and remind our listeners – including those who are perhaps new to Sonoma County – what we can and should be doing to prepare for the next wildfire.

Joining us is Jeff DuVall, director of the Sonoma County Department of Emergency Management and Pamela Van Halsema, Communications Program Specialist for Sonoma Water but, is joining us in her capacity as a survivor of the 2017 fire and a leader involved in the rebuilding of Santa Rosa’s Coffey Park Neighborhood.

Episode 53- On fires in Southern California, support for the immigrant community and priorities for the new year Jan 16, 2025

We have as our special guest today Sonoma County Supervisor Lynda Hopkins who just last week was elected to serve as chair of the Board of Supervisors for 2025.

Capitulo 53- Incendios en SoCal, apoyo a la comunidad inmigrante y prioridades para el nuevo año Jan 16, 2025

Matt Brown nuestro director diputado de comunicaciones tuvo la oportunidad de conversar con la supervisora Lynda Hopkins quien este año es la presidenta de la Junta de Supervisores del Condado de Sonoma.

La Supervisora Hopkins cuenta con personal bilingüe en su oficina que hoy nos acompaña para recopilar lo que compartió en su entrevista. Lupe Catalan, representante de campo de la oficina del quinto distrito nos dará resumen de la entrevista, además los comentarios sobre la resolución de apoyo para la comunidad inmigrante, y algunas de las metas que quiere lograr la Supervisora Hopkins este 2025

Episode 52- Behind the scenes of Public Infrastructure: roads, bridges and more Jan 09, 2025

Our topic today is public infrastructure. By that, I mean the roads, bridges, airport and county-owned properties that we all use every day but may not know how they are built and maintained.

Here to help address our questions is Johannes Hoevertsz, Director of Sonoma County Public Infrastructure.

Capitulo 52- Detrás de escena de la infraestructura pública: carreteras, puentes y más Jan 09, 2025

Nuestro tema de hoy es la infraestructura pública. Con esto me refiero a las carreteras, puentes, el aeropuerto y las propiedades del condado que todos usamos diariamente, pero que quizás no sabemos cómo se construyen y como se mantienen.

Para ayudarnos a responder a nuestras preguntas, nos acompaña Johannes Hoevertsz, director de Infraestructura Pública del Condado de Sonoma.

SoCo Chat Special: Happy Holidays Dec 20, 2024

We want you to know we’re taking a little two-week break for the holidays. But we didn’t want to let 2024 come to an end without telling you how much we have appreciated all the love and support we have received since launching this podcast earlier this year.

We’ll be back in the new year with more episodes, but we want to wish you all a very Happy Holidays!

SoCo Chat especial: Felices Fiestas Dec 20, 2024

Queremos dejarles saber que vamos a tomar un pequeño descanso de dos semanas durante la temporada decembrina. Pero no queríamos dejar que el 2024 termine sin expresar nuestro agradecimiento por todo el cariño y apoyo que hemos recibido desde el lanzamiento de este podcast a principios de año.

Regresaremos en el nuevo año con más episodios, mientras tanto queremos desearles unas muy felices fiestas.

Capitulo 51-Mejoras en el hogar: Programa de Independencia Energética del Condado de Sonoma Dec 12, 2024

Hoy vamos a hablar sobre un programa del Condado que puede ayudarle a financiar una serie de mejoras para su hogar o negocio, como un nuevo techo, ventanas, un sistema de energía solar y mucho más.

Episode 51- Home improvements: Sonoma County Energy Independence Program Dec 12, 2024

Today we will learn about a County program that can help you pay for many improvements to your home or business – things like a new roof and windows, a solar energy system, and much more. A lot of people don’t know that this program exists.

If you’re thinking about tackling some home improvement projects, you will want to stick around and listen.

Episode 50- Susan Gorin reflects on the highs – and a few lows – of her 12 years on the Board of Supervisors Dec 05, 2024

We have the privilege of having with us today, Supervisor Susan Gorin, who has represented the First District on the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors for the past 12 years.

Supervisor Gorin decided early on that she would not be running for re-election to a fifth term in office but would instead be retiring at the end of this month. So, we are so honored to have her here today to look back on the many highs and a few lows of her time in office.

Capitulo 50- Susan Gorin reflexiona sobre los altos - y algunos bajos - de sus 12 años en la Junta de Supervisores Dec 05, 2024

La Supervisora cuenta con personal bilingüe en su oficina que hoy nos acompaña para recopilar la carrera de la Supervisora Gorin y lo que compartió en su entrevista. Demos la bienvenida a Zaira Enriquez representante de campo y Lupe Alvarez asistente administrativa ambas del equipo del primer distrito.

Episode 49- Compassionate Response in Crisis: Understanding Sonoma County’s mobile support Nov 20, 2024

Mobile Support Teams are teams of mental health professionals who respond to emergency calls that do not involve law enforcement. Our guest today is Wendy Tappon, a program manager in the County’s Department of Health Services, who oversees the Mobile Support Team program.

Capitulo 49- Respuesta compasiva en situaciones de crisis: Apoyo móvil del Condado de Sonoma Nov 20, 2024

Los equipos de apoyo móvil son equipos de profesionales de la salud mental que responden a llamadas de emergencia que no involucran a las fuerzas del orden. Nuestra invitada de hoy es Dalia Villagómez con el Departamento de Servicios de Salud.

Capitulo 48 - Concienciación sobre el VIH y el SIDA: Los esfuerzos del Condado de Sonoma en materia de salud pública Nov 14, 2024

Nuestra invitada de hoy es Martin Rivarola, Gerente de Programas, de la División Salud Publica, Departamento de Servicios de Salud del Condado de Sonoma, para hablar de lo que está haciendo la División de Salud Pública del condado de Sonoma para concienciar sobre esta enfermedad contagiosa.

Episode 48 - HIV & AIDS awareness: Sonoma County’s public health efforts Nov 14, 2024

Our guest today is Miranda Patrick, a public health nurse who specializes in sexually transmitted infections, and who is particularly focused on HIV, to discuss what the Sonoma County Public Health Division is doing to raise awareness about this communicable disease.

Episodio 47 - Conteo de boletas: una actualización del Condado de Sonoma sobre los resultados de las elecciones de 2024 Nov 08, 2024

Episode 47 - Counting ballots: An update from Sonoma County Registrar of Voters, Deva Marie Proto, on 2024 election results Nov 08, 2024

SoCo Chat Roundtable 4 Oct 31, 2024

Today we’re having one of our occasional SoCo Chat Roundtables. It’s sort of a lightning-round update if you will on a number of items and stories happening here at the county.

And to help us with that discussion we have three members of our Central Communications team today. Joining us are Matt Brown, our Supervising Communications Specialist, Karina Garcia, our bilingual communications specialist, and Ted Appel, another of our communications specialists.

Episode 46- Managing our most precious resource in a changing climate, with Grant Davis, General Manager of Sonoma Water Oct 24, 2024

Today, we are going talk about water. Many of us take it for granted that water will start flowing every time we turn on the faucet. But do you really know where your water comes from, and how it gets to our homes? Today’s guest is Grant Davis, general manager of Sonoma Water, and he will explain all of that and much more.

Episode 45 - Healing and surviving domestic violence, abuse and trauma Oct 17, 2024

Our topic today is a difficult but important subject because it’s one of the few domestic issues that we don’t really talk about very much – at least not publicly. And that is the issue of domestic abuse.

Helping us with that discussion is Madeleine Keegan O’Connell, Chief Executive Officer of the YWCA Sonoma County.

Episodio 44- Seguridad en nuestros parques: Cambios en los parques regionales del condado de Sonoma Oct 11, 2024

Nuestro tema de hoy es el sistema de Parques Regionales del Condado de Sonoma y cómo garantizamos la seguridad de los visitantes de los parques al tiempo que protegemos el entorno natural.

La Junta de Supervisores ha votado recientemente cambiar la designación de los guardaparques de agentes de la paz a funcionarios públicos. En la entrevista de hoy, hablaremos con Sargento Juan Valencia.

Episode 44- Safeguarding our parks: Changes to Sonoma County Regional Parks Rangers and law enforcement Oct 10, 2024

Our topic today is the Sonoma County Regional Parks system, and how we ensure the safety of park visitors while also protecting the natural environment as well as public access to the many programs and resources that our parks provide.

The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors recently voted to change the designation of Regional Parks rangers from peace officers to public officers. Here to help us all understand more about this change is Sonoma County Sheriff Eddie Engram.

Episode 43- How elections work in Sonoma County and why your vote is secure Oct 03, 2024

Today we’re going to be talking about the upcoming Presidential Election. We will be discussing the voting process itself, what goes on behind the polling centers and, most important, why voters can trust the security of our voting process. And joining us for that discussion, we have Deva Marie Proto, Sonoma County's Clerk-Recorder-Assessor and Registrar of Voters.

En conversación con Lideres Latinos del Condado de Sonoma, Parte IV- Mesa Redonda Sep 26, 2024

Hoy continuamos la conversación con una plática de mesa redonda con dos/tres invitadas representando a diversas organizaciones y posiciones de liderazgo en nuestro condado. Vamos a profundizar en un nuevo informe que revela algunas ideas sorprendentes sobre cómo les va a las mujeres y las niñas en el condado de Sonoma.

Tenemos como invitadas a Ana Horta: Gerente de Participación Comunitaria de la Ciudad de Santa Rosa y Teresita Fernández: empresaria, dueña la Michoacana, Sonoma

Episode 42- What’s powering Sonoma County A conversation about Sonoma Clean Power, our local public electricity provider Sep 24, 2024

Back in 2014, when Sonoma Clean Power was formed, it became one of the first public power generation providers in the state. Now celebrating its 10-year anniversary, Sonoma Clean Power has in the past decade directly supported the development of more than 195 megawatts of new renewable energy and storage facilities in California, including 6 megawatts of solar projects in Sonoma and Mendocino counties. Here to talk with us is Miles Horton, legislative policy and community engagement manager for Sonoma Clean Power, and Claudia Sisomphou, public affairs and advocacy manager for Sonoma Clean Power.

En conversación con Lideres Latinos del Condado de Sonoma sobre la herencia hispana, Parte III: Sep 19, 2024

En reconocimiento al Mes de la Herencia Hispana, continuamos nuestro conversatorio con algunos de nuestros líderes latinos y latinas dentro del Condado. Hoy hablaremos con Melissa Valle, Directora de la Oficina de Equidad del Condado de Sonoma.

In conversation with Latino Leaders with the County of Sonoma featuring Hispanic Heritage, Part III Sep 19, 2024

In recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month, we are continuing our discussion with some of our Latino and Latina leaders within the County. Today, we will be speaking with Melissa Valle, interim Director of Sonoma County’s Office of Equity

En conversación con Lideres Latinos del Condado de Sonoma sobre la herencia hispana, Parte II: Sep 13, 2024

Nuestro invitado de hoy es Rafael Rivero, especialista en desarrollo económico del departamento de Desarrollo Económico de la Ciudad de Santa Rosa, quien también representa el consejo asesor latino del Luther Burbank Center de Santa Rosa y nos trae una invitación especial.

Episode 41- In conversation with Jennielynn Holmes Sep 10, 2024

Our guest today is Jennielynn Holmes who is the Chief Executive Officer of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Santa Rosa.

En Conversación con Lideres Latinos del Condado de Sonoma- Parte uno Sep 05, 2024

En unos días da inicio el mes de celebración de la herencia hispana y tenemos mucho por festejar aquí en el condado de Sonoma.

Para hablar sobre lo que está haciendo en condado para apoyar a la comunidad latine, elevar oportunidades dentro de los departamentos del condado e incrementar los servicios a la comunidad de habla hispana tenemos como invitada a Maria Christina Rivera ejecutiva del condado de Sonoma.

In Conversation with Sonoma County Latino Leaders - Part 1 Sep 05, 2024

In just a few days the month of celebrating Hispanic heritage begins and we have a lot to celebrate here in Sonoma County.

To talk about what the county is doing to support the Latino community, elevate opportunities within county departments and increase services to the Spanish-speaking community we have as our guest Maria Christina Rivera, County executive for Sonoma County.

Episode 40 - Una plática dura pero sincera sobre el suicidio Sep 05, 2024

Fabiola Espinoza, Analista de Planificación y Evaluación de Programas del Departamento de Servicios de Salud del Condado de Sonoma, habla sobre el suicidio y prevención, incluidos los recursos disponibles para quienes los necesitan.

Episode 40- A hard but honest discussion about suicide Sep 05, 2024

Today’s episode hopes to offer an important conversation involving suicide and suicide prevention. To talk to us about this painful yet necessary topic we welcome back Melissa Ladrech., the Mental Health Services Act Coordinator for the Sonoma County Department of Health Services.

On average, there are 73 deaths by suicide each year in Sonoma County, making it the ninth leading cause of death for our county. The Sonoma County suicide rate of 14.3 per 100,000 residents is even higher than the California rate of 10.5.

Episode 39 - The Opioid Epidemic Aug 29, 2024

A conversation with Substance Use Disorder Services Manager for the County of Sonoma, Will Gayowski, who discusses the underlying causes of opioid addiction and how we can address this epidemic.

Episodio 39 - La Epidemia de Opioides Aug 29, 2024

¿Cuáles son las causas subyacentes de la adicción a los opioides y cómo podemos abordar esta epidemia? Una conversación con Especialista del Programa Manejando Bajo la Influencia, Laura Gomez, División de Salud Conductual del Condado de Sonoma.

Episode 38- Sonoma County Commission on the Status of Women Aug 22, 2024

Our guest, Janice Blalock, former commissioner of the Sonoma County Commission on the Status of Women, joined us as we dug into a new report that reveals some surprising insights into how women and girls are faring in Sonoma County.

Episode 37 - In conversation with Sonoma County Supervisor Lynda Hopkins Aug 15, 2024

Talking about goats, otters and other highlights of West County life.

Episode 36- Sonoma County Law Library Services Aug 08, 2024

In today’s interview, we talked with Nikolaos Pelekis, Sonoma County Law Library Manager, who oversees the Law Library. He discusses the amazing services provided including passport services, lawyers in the library and how to get a state park pass on loan. Listen in to hear all the amazing details.

Episode 35- In conversation with Angela Struckmann Aug 01, 2024

In this episode we talk about the County’s safety net. When people fall on hard times, the Sonoma County Human Services Department is there to soften their landing and help them get back on their feet.

Our guest is Angela Struckmann, who oversees the County’s safety net services as director of the Human Services Department.

Episode 34- "The Greatest Fair on Earth" Jul 25, 2024

We talk with Becky Bartling, Chief Executive Officer of the Sonoma County Fair, on what’s new and exciting at this year’s event.

Capítulo 34- "La feria más grande del mundo” Jul 25, 2024

Hablamos con Hugo Mata, Tesorero de la Junta de directores del Centro de Eventos de la Feria del Condado de Sonoma, sobre la feria, incluidas las novedades y entretenimiento de este año.

Episode 33- Youth mental health awareness Jul 18, 2024

Our topic today is youth mental health. Our nation’s Surgeon General called our mental health crisis among children the “defining public health challenge of our time”. To talk to us about this problem, we are pleased to welcome back Melissa Ladrech, who is Mental Health Services Act Coordinator for the Sonoma County Department of Health Services.

Capítulo 33- Concienciación sobre la salud mental de los adolecentes Jul 18, 2024

Nuestro tema de hoy es la salud mental de los adolescentes. El Cirujano General de nuestro país calificó nuestra crisis de salud mental entre los niños como el «reto de salud pública más importante de nuestro tiempo». Para hablarnos de este problema, nos complace dar la bienvenida de nuevo a Fabiola Espinosa, Analista de Planificación y evaluación de Programas de Servicios de Salud Mental del Departamento de Servicios de Salud del Condado de Sonoma.

Episode 32- How does the County spend your tax dollars? Jul 08, 2024

Today’s topic is the spending of your taxpayer dollars here in Sonoma County. We’re going to look into how the County makes its decisions concerning funding and how it puts together the County’s roughly $2.5 billion spending plan, which was recently approved. Our special guest today Sonoma County Supervisor David Rabbitt, the chair of the Board of Supervisors.

‘Listo Condado de Sonoma’ Parte IV: Listos. Preparados. Adelante. Jul 03, 2024

Hoy es la última entrega de nuestra serie de cuatro partes sobre prevención y preparación para incendios forestales “Listo Condado de Sonoma”. Hoy en nuestro segmento final, hablaremos con la Gizela Carranza del Programa de Preparación Comunitaria, del Condado de Sonoma para analizar cómo USTED puede estar preparado, cuando ocurre un desastre.

‘SoCo Ready’ Part IV: Ready. Set. Go. Jul 02, 2024

Today is the final installment of our four-part wildfire prevention and preparedness series “SoCo Ready”. In our final segment, we will be discussing what you can do to protect yourself and your family when that evacuation order comes. To help us with that we have as our guest today, Dr. Nancy Brown who is Community Preparedness Program Manager for the County of Sonoma.

‘SoCo Ready’ Part III: Creating a zone of protection around your home Jun 27, 2024

This is the third in our special four-part series this month on wildfire prevention and preparedness. Today we speak with Caerleon Saffard, program manager for Permit Sonoma FEMA grants program on how YOU can best prepare your home including how to manage your landscaping, create defensible space and take other steps to protect your residence if and when a fire comes your way.

‘Listo Condado de Sonoma’ Parte III: Creando una zona de protección alrededor de su casa Jun 27, 2024

Esta es la tercera parte de nuestra serie especial de cuatro partes sobre prevención y preparación para incendios forestales. Hoy nos acompañan Miguel Hernandez Inspector de Incendios del departamento de Permisos y recursos del condado de Sonoma, y nuestro enfoque es en cómo USTED puede preparar mejor su hogar, incluido cómo administrar su paisajismo, crear un espacio defendible y tomar otras medidas para proteger su residencia en caso de que se presente un incendio.

Episode 31- En conversación con supervisor James Gore Jun 25, 2024

Hoy tenemos el gran honor de tener como invitado al Supervisor del Condado de Sonoma, James Gore, que representa al Cuarto Distrito, que se extiende desde el norte de Santa Rosa hasta el límite con el Condado de Mendocino.

Episode 31- In Conversation with Supervisor James Gore Jun 21, 2024

Today we have the great honor to have as our guest Sonoma County Supervisor James Gore, who represents the Fourth District, which extends from north Santa Rosa to the Mendocino County line.

‘SoCo Ready’ Part II: Preparing our wildland areas Jun 20, 2024

Today, we offer you the second in a special four-part series this month about wildfire awareness and preparedness. Joining us today is the vegetation management coordinator of the Sonoma County Ag and Open Space District, Kim Batchelder.

‘Listo Condado de Sonoma’ Parte II: Preparar nuestras zonas forestales Jun 20, 2024

Hoy les ofrecemos la segunda parte de una serie especial de cuatro sobre preparación y concienciación ante los incendios forestales. Hoy nos acompaña el coordinador de gestión de la vegetación del Distrito de Agricultura y Espacios Abiertos del condado de Sonoma, Kim Batchelder.

SoCo Chat special- SoCo Ready Part 1 Jun 13, 2024

“SoCo Ready” series seeks to arm you with the information and resources you need to be ready for this year’s fire season, which, in many ways, has already begun. For our first segment, we will be offering an overview of what this fire season looks like. To help us with that, we have as our guest today Jeff DuVall, Director of Sonoma County’s Department of Emergency Management.

SoCo Chat especial- Listo Condado de Sonoma Parte 1 Jun 13, 2024

Esta serie “Listo Condado de Sonoma” busca brindarle la información y los recursos que necesita para estar preparado para la temporada de incendios de este año, que, en muchos sentidos, ya ha comenzado. Para nuestro primer segmento, ofreceremos una descripción general de cómo es esta temporada de incendios. Para ayudarnos con eso, hoy tenemos como nuestro invitado a Jorge Rodriguez, Gerente del Programa Comunitario de Alerta y Aviso del Departamento de Manejo de Emergencias del Condado de Sonoma.

Episode 30 - In conversation with Supervisor Chris Coursey Jun 06, 2024

Today, we talk with Third District Supervisor Chris Coursey, who represents about 100,000 people who live in central Santa Rosa, the Roseland and Moorland areas, and east Rohnert Park.

Episode 29 - Summer 2024 Road Paving Preview May 30, 2024

In this episode we’re joined by Janice Thompson, Deputy Director of Sonoma County’s Department of Public Infrastructure, to learn more about the upcoming road paving season, the process for choosing road projects, how projects get funded and much more.

Episode 28- The final safety net May 23, 2024

One of the roles of County government is to maintain a “safety net” that cushions the blow for people who have fallen on hard times. We are joined by Jennifer Hainstock, who is here to tell us a little about the services her office provides – and perhaps more importantly, how you can avoid needing her services.

SoCo Chat Roundtable 3 May 10, 2024

A conversation about the County of Sonoma's coordination and participation in the recent Tierra de Rosas groundbreaking ceremony and Cinco de Mayo Festival in Roseland, as well as changes to the County's policy on vacation rentals.

Capítulo 27 - Cuidar nuestra salud mental May 03, 2024

Fabiola Espinoza, Analista de la Ley de Servicios de Salud Mental del Departamento de Servicios de Salud del Condado de Sonoma, habla de los servicios disponibles en el sistema de salud mental del condado.

Episode 27 - Taking care of our mental health May 03, 2024

Melissa Ladrech, Mental Health Services Act Coordinator for the Sonoma County Department of Health Services, talks about services available in the county’s mental health care system.

Episode 26- Hitting the books in Sonoma County May 02, 2024

Today we are hitting the books, more specifically the system that manages our books, the Sonoma County Library. In today’s interview, we will be talking with Erika Thibault, Sonoma County Library director, who oversees the Sonoma County library system.

Capítulo 25- La justicia penal en el condado de Sonoma Apr 25, 2024

Hoy hablamos sobre el sistema de justicia penal aquí en el condado de Sonoma y tenemos como invitada a Tatiana Lopez, directora de la division de victimas de la fiscalia. Y nos acompaña un invitado muy especial en el estudio!

Episode 25- Criminal Justice in Sonoma County Apr 25, 2024

Today we will talked about the criminal justice system here in Sonoma County, and we have as our guest Carla Rodriguez, the Sonoma County District Attorney. And a very special guest joins the set!

Episode 24- Tierra De Rosas groundbreaking Apr 25, 2024

In today’s interview, we will be talking with Ray Tovar, a Community Development Associate with the County’s Community Development Commission who will be talking about the ground breaking and what is planned at that site.

Capítulo 24- Comienzo de las obras en Tierra de Rosas Apr 25, 2024

En la entrevista de hoy, hablaremos con Ray Tovar, asociado de desarrollo comunitario de la Comisión de Desarrollo Comunitario, quien hablará sobre el comienzo de las obras en Tierra de Rosaslo y que se planea en ese sitio.

Episode 23- Equity and Sonoma County Apr 18, 2024

In today’s episode we talk about Sonoma County’s equity initiatives with our guest Alegria De La Cruz, Director of the Sonoma County Office of Equity.

Capítulo 23- Equidad y el condado de Sonoma Apr 18, 2024

En el capítulo de hoy hablamos de las iniciativas de equidad del Condado de Sonoma con nuestra invitada Alegría De La Cruz, Directora de la Oficina de Equidad del Condado de Sonoma.

Special Episode- Sonoma County Shake Out Apr 12, 2024

Today, we’re talking about earthquakes and how to prepare for them. Joining us in that discussion is none other than our friend Nancy Brown, Sonoma County’s Community Preparedness Program Manager.

Episode 22 - Sonoma County’s transition to zero-emission public transit Apr 11, 2024

Today’s discussion is with Sonoma County's Transit Systems Manager, Bryan Albee, who discusses the history of Sonoma County Transit, transitioning its fleet to all-electric buses, and the future of public transportation in Sonoma County.

Episode 21 - Sonoma County Fire Memorial Apr 11, 2024

Meet the new Director of Creative Sonoma, Tara Thompson, who discusses the forthcoming Sonoma County Fire Memorial to be installed at Nagasawa Community Park in Santa Rosa.

Episode 20- Adapting to climate change in Sonoma County Apr 04, 2024

We are joined by Barbara Lee, director of the county’s Climate Action and Resiliency Division, to tell us a little more about the work she and her team are doing to help the county reduce the impacts of climate change and adapt to its effects.

Episode 19- The Civil Grand Jury: A community watchdog Apr 04, 2024

We are joined by Sharon DeBenedetti, who chairs the Sonoma County chapter of the Civil Grand Jurors' Association of California, and Ron Chestnut, who trains people to serve on the Civil Grand Jury.

Episode 18- In conversation with Tina Rivera, director of Department of Health Services Mar 28, 2024

Director Rivera goes in-depth on racism, health disparities, homelessness as well as bookkeeping issues surrounding DEMA, the operator of several past and present homeless shelters and alternative care sites in Sonoma County

Episode 17 - Flying STS in 2024 and beyond Mar 28, 2024

Our guest Jon Stout, manager of Charles M. Schulz - Sonoma County Airport, talks about all the fantastic updates at our local airport. Prepare for takeoff.

Episode 16- Helping our furry friends Mar 21, 2024

In today’s episode we learn how you can help the animals at the Sonoma County Animal Shelter find homes, foster homes or volunteer to get them home-ready. Featuring Brian Whipple, operations manager for Sonoma County Animal Services.

Episode 15- Hope and healing through music Mar 15, 2024

Liana Whisler, retired correctional lieutenant with the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office, discusses an innovative new program at the Sonoma County jail that is teaching incarcerated persons how to compose and perform classical music.

Episode 14- In conversation with Supervisor Susan Gorin Mar 15, 2024

Susan Gorin, who represents the 1st District on the Board of Supervisors, talks about fire dangers, Los Guilicos Village in Sonoma Valley, the future of Sonoma Developmental Center and other key issues facing her district.

Episode 13- Exploring the beauty of Sonoma County’s park system Mar 07, 2024

Bert Whitaker, Director of Sonoma County Regional Parks , takes SoCo Chat listeners on a stroll through the latest changes and activities available in our regional park system

SoCo Chat Roundtable 2 Mar 07, 2024

A conversation about a new recording studio at Juvenile Hall, relief funding during emergency events, a new satellite office in west Sonoma County, mussel dogs and much more.

Episode 12- What’s the difference between 2-1-1 and 9-1-1 Mar 01, 2024

Jennifer Lake, community impact director from 2-1-1 Sonoma County, talks about the information and resources available to the public when they call 2-1-1 - especially during times of crisis.

Capítulo especial - Recursos para los trabajadores agrícolas Feb 29, 2024

Gerente de programas de diversidad de la Junta de Desarrollo Económico del Condado de Sonoma, Marcos Suárez, anticipa la Feria de Recursos para Trabajadores Agrícolas que tendrá lugar este domingo, 3 de marzo, de 1:30 p.m. a 4 p.m. en la Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe en 8400 Old Redwood Highway en Windsor.

Special Episode - Farmworker resources Feb 29, 2024

Business Diversity Program Manager, Marcos Suarez, of Sonoma County's Economic Development Board previews the Farmworker Resource Fair taking place this Sunday, March 3, from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church at 8400 Old Redwood Highway in Windsor.

Episode 11- The person behind the scenes Feb 23, 2024

A conversation with Marcie Woychik, chief deputy clerk for the Board of Supervisors, who discusses the highs, lows and unpredictable moments behind running the public meetings of the Board

Episode 10- Looking out for local businesses Feb 23, 2024

Ethan Brown, executive director of Sonoma County’s Economic Development Board, discusses the economic outlook for local businesses and explains how EDB is changing to better meet the needs of the community.

Episode 9- Keeping up with storm impacts Feb 16, 2024

In conversation with Johannes Hoevertsz, Sonoma County’s Director of Public Infrastructure.

Episode 8- Back to planning the future Feb 16, 2024

Tennis Wick, director of Permit Sonoma, discusses the upcoming revision of the county’s general plan and new ways to get the public involved.

Episode 7- The challenge of counting the homeless Feb 10, 2024

Michael Gause, manager of the county’s Ending Homelessness Program, discusses the annual Point in Time homelessness count in Sonoma County, and what we are learning from it.

SoCo Chat Roundtable Feb 10, 2024

A conversation about recent Sonoma County news including storm damage, county staff vacancies and Avelo’s expansion at the Sonoma County airport.

Episode 6- Sonoma County at its roots ft. Agricultural Commissioner Andrew Smith Feb 03, 2024

Agricultural Commissioner Andrew Smith discusses avian flu, the latest crop report and his department's role in protecting Sonoma County agriculture

Episode 5- Woman in Charge ft. Sonoma County Administrator M. Christina Rivera Feb 02, 2024

Sonoma County Administrator M. Christina Rivera reviews her first 12 months as the county’s top administrator while discussing career opportunities – including her own journey – at the county.

Special Episode- Turn around - Don’t drown: Preparing for winter storms with Jeff DuVall, director of Sonoma County’s Department of Emergency Management Feb 02, 2024

A series of storms are moving across the region, bringing the possibility of flooding, power outages, road closures and mudslides.

In this episode, Jeff DuVall, director of Sonoma County’s Department of Emergency Management, discusses how residents can prepare for such emergencies as well as what the county does to prepare for and help during times of crisis.

Episode 4- On COVID and cold season – A conversation with Dr. Tanya Phares, Sonoma County’s new Health Officer Jan 26, 2024

Meet Sonoma County's new Health Officer, Dr. Tanya Phares, who discusses the latest data and strategies to keep us safe and healthy during cold and flu season, as well as an update on the COVID-19 endemic.

Episode 3- Where are the workers? – A discussion about the county’s high vacancy rate Jan 23, 2024

On today's podcast, we interview Human Resources Director, Janell Crane to discuss the high number of staff vacancies the County is facing and the impact this reduction in workforce is having on the county’s ability to serve residents.

Episode 2- An inside look at Sonoma County elections Jan 23, 2024

Today's episode discusses Sonoma County elections with Deva Marie Proto, Sonoma County’s Clerk-Recorder-Assessor and Registrar of Voters.

Episode 1- What’s in store for 2024? A conversation with Supervisor David Rabbitt, Chair of the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors. Jan 22, 2024

For the inaugural podcast episode, we kick off by interviewing Supervisor David Rabbitt, who represents Second District, which covers much of the southern portion of Sonoma County. He currently serves as the Chair of the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors.

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