SoCo Chat

Sonoma County residents are already seeing the positive effects of Measure O, the quarter-cent sales tax that voters approved in 2020 for behavioral health and homelessness services. The funding is helping to ensure that the county’s most vulnerable residents have access to mental health, housing and community resources. But the funding is not unlimited. Measure O has a sunset date of 2031 and will require renewal at the ballot box. Nolan Sullivan, SonomaCounty’s Director of Health Services, talked to SoCo Chat about the impact of Measure O, and the importance of keeping the funding source.

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.

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.

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.

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.

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