SoCo Chat

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.

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 ayudarlas a prosperar.

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.

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 como proteger sus derechos legales.

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 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.

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.

We are coming to you from the Hall of Flowers at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds for opening day of the 2025 Sonoma County Fair. Joining us for opening day is Matt Daly, the Chief Executive Officer of the Sonoma County Fair.

The Sonoma County Department of Health Services is one of the largest, most important County departments, touching everything from homelessness to pandemic response, to the opioid crisis. Behavioral Health, environmental health, public health, even the Sonoma County Animal Shelter all fall under this sprawling department. The director of the Department of Health Services, Nolan Sullivan, is five months into the job and he joins us to talk about his vision for the department.

La mayoría de la gente sabe que la Oficina del Sheriff del Condado de Sonoma se encarga de la aplicación de la ley en el condado. Sin embargo, es menos conocida la Oficina Independiente de Revisión y Difusión de las Fuerzas del Orden (IOLERO), una agencia independiente que supervisa la Oficina del Sheriff mediante la divulgación y la promoción de una mayor transparencia en las operaciones policiales. En este episodio, hablamos con el director de IOLERO, John Alden.

Most people know that law enforcement in the County is handled by the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office. What's less well known is the Independent Office of Law Enforcement Review and Outreach or IOLERO, an independent agency that oversees the Sheriff's Office through outreach and the promotion of greater transparency of law enforcement operations. In this episode, we speak with IOLERO Director, John Alden.

This weeks episode, we are doing something a bit different. We are taking SoCo Chat on the road, specifically to the Sonoma County Fairgrounds. We can already see preparations underway, which means that the Sonoma County Fair, a time-honored and cherished summer tradition, is almost here. To give us a preview of the upcoming fair, including what's new and exciting at this year's event, we have as our guest Matt Daly, Chief Executive Office of the Sonoma County Fair

En el capítulo de esta semana, vamos a hacer algo un poco diferente. Vamos a llevar SoCo Chat de excursión, concretamente al recinto de la Feria del Condado de Sonoma. Ya podemos ver los preparativos en marcha, lo que significa que la Feria del Condado de Sonoma, una tradición veraniega muy apreciada y con mucha historia, está a punto de comenzar. Y para hablar con nosotros, tenemos el placer de contar con un invitado muy especial ya que es el primer invitado en ser entrevistado tres veces en SoCo Chat Español. Hoy representando por segunda ocasión a la Feria del Condado de Sonoma, le damos la bienvenida a Hugo Mata.

On this weeks episode, we are talking about homelessness, an issue that is unfortunately prevalent in Sonoma County. Fortunately, there is a lot of support for homeless individuals including the Lived Experience Advisory and Planning Board, or LEAP. The board is comprised of diverse people with lived experience of homelessness, with an emphasis on racial and ethnic diversity. The purpose of the LEAP Board is to advise Sonoma County on homeless-related programs, policies and how to spend money targeted for homeless services. Here to talk about all of this is the Chair of the LEAP Board, Rebekah Sammet.

We're excited to welcome back a familiar face — Emma Diemert, the Animal Shelter Supervisor at the Sonoma County Animal Shelter. Emma joined us previously to discuss the incredible work being done at the shelter, and today she's back to focus on something extremely important this time of year: summer safety for our pets.

Our topic is HIV and AIDS, and what the Sonoma County Public Health Division is doing to raise awareness about this communicable disease. We covered similar ground in the fall, but it is an important topic, so we are revisiting it. As our guest today, we welcome back Miranda Patrick, a public health nurse who specializes in sexually transmitted infections and who is particularly focused on HIV.

Anyone who has ever watched a courtroom drama on TV will know that the right to an attorney is fundamental to our legal system. But not everyone can afford to retain legal representation. In those cases, the court will appoint a lawyer to represent a defendant and ensure a fair trial. That's when the Public Defender's office becomes involved.The office provides free legal services to defendants who are not financially able to employ their own counsel. It also provides support for immigrants facing deportation proceedings. Here to talk about this is the Sonoma County Public Defender, Brian Morris.

We're honored to have back with us Supervisor James Gore, who represents Sonoma County's Fourth District. We're looking forward to speaking with Supervisor Gore about a number of things including the outlook for the upcoming wildfire season as well as the latest on plans by the Koi Nation to build a resort-casino on a 68-acre plot of lain the Shiloh neighborhood, just outside Windsor.

Tenemos el honor de contar nuevamente con la presencia del Supervisor James Gore, quien representa al Cuarto Distrito del Condado de Sonoma. Vamos a conversar con el Supervisor Gore sobre las acciones y actividades que se están llevando a cabo en su distrito, incluyendo los últimos avances sobre los planes de la Nación Koi para construir un complejo turístico con un casino en una parcela de 68 acres en el vecindario de Shiloh, justo a las afueras de Windsor.

Supervisor Coursey represents District 3, which includes central Santa Rosa, the Roseland and Moorland areas, and east Rohnert Park. This year, he is also serving as board chair for SMART, the Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit district. We talk about this growing part of our regional transportation system, as well as some long-envisioned changes in south Santa Rosa that are finally coming to fruition. 

As we approach Memorial Day weekend, it marks the beginning of the summer season on the Russian River, and with it, a range of vital river safety programs aimed at keeping the public safe while enjoying river beaches. In honor of National Water Safety Awareness Month, this episode will dive into the timeline and details of these programs, running from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Our guest is Aquatics Supervisor from Sonoma County Regional Parks, Greg Desmond

En este capitulo, hablaremos sobre el agua. Muchos de nosotros damos por hecho que el agua comenzará a fluir cada vez que abrimos el grifo. Pero ¿realmente sabemos de dónde viene el agua y cómo llega a nuestros hogares?Nuestra invitada de hoy es la Gerente de Participación Comunitaria de los Parques Regionales del Condado de Sonoma, Lupe Navarro

We're very pleased to have with us Supervisor Rebecca Hermosillo — the County's newest supervisor and the first Latina to serve as County Supervisor for Sonoma County's First District. We speak about her first several months in office as well as her priorities for her term.

In today's episode, we are happy to share an interesting and unique project from the Sonoma County Department of Health Services Public Health Division. It's a rollout of new vending machines. But you can't get a Kit Kat or a bag of Doritos from these vending machines. Instead, they contain important health supplies. Joining us to talk about this initiative are Ryan DeHart, public health preparedness section manager, and Alyssa Hamilton, public health analyst.

En nuestro capitulo del dia, estamos felices de compartir un proyecto interesante y único del Departamento de Servicios de Salud del Condado de Sonoma, División de Salud Pública. Se trata del lanzamiento de nuevas máquinas expendedoras. Pero no puedes obtener un Kit Kat o una bolsa de Doritos de estas máquinas. En su lugar, contienen suministros de salud.Nos acompaña para hablar sobre esta iniciativa Viviana Martinez, Especialista en salud comunitaria, Preparación de salud pública del departamento de Servicios de Salud del Condado de Sonoma.

Nos honra contar con la presencia de Johannes Hoevertsz, Director del Departamento de Infraestructura Pública. Conversamos con él sobre los planes y la visión del Centro de Gobierno del Condado de Sonoma.

We are honored to have back with us Johannes Hoevertsz, Director of the Sonoma County Department of Public Infrastructure. We speak with Director Hoevertsz about the plans and vision for the Sonoma County Government Center. 

We are honored to have back with us Supervisor James Gore, who represents Sonoma County's Fourth District. We speak with Supervisor Gore about the actions and activities occurring within his district, including the latest developments about the future of the Potter Valley Project.

Vamos a conversar con el Supervisor Gore sobre las acciones y actividades que están ocurriendo dentro de su distrito, incluyendo lo último sobre el futuro del Proyecto Potter Valley.

On this weeks episode we're shining a light on the Secure Families Collaborative in Sonoma County - a community network dedicated to providing free, high-quality immigration legal services. Joining us is Margaret Flores McCabe, Executive Director for Secure Families Collaborative.

En este capitulo vamos a destacar al Secure Families Collaborative en el Condado de Sonoma y sus iniciativas que fomentan la equidad, el sentido de pertenencia y la justicia en nuestras comunidades.Nos acompaña Chandler Jordan, Director Interino de Recaudación de Fondos y Operaciones del Secure Families Collaborative.

Esperamos conversar con el Sargento Juan Valencia de la oficina del alguacil del Condado de Sonoma, sobre todos los cambios que han estado ocurriendo en su oficina durante el último año. 

In this episode, we speak with Sonoma County Sheriff, Eddie Engram, about all the changes that have been occurring within his office over the past year.

Hoy hablaremos sobre el agua. Muchos de nosotros damos por hecho que el agua comenzará a fluir cada vez que abrimos el grifo. Pero ¿realmente sabemos de dónde viene el agua y cómo llega a nuestros hogares? Nuestra invitada es: Cynthia De La Fuente, Especialista en Programas y Asuntos Comunitarios de la Agencia del Agua llamada Sonoma Water Cynthia nos explicará todo eso y mucho más.

Sonoma County's Animal Shelter is getting crowded and there are a lot of adorable animals looking for a loving home. As a special treat today, Emma Diemert, Sonoma County Animal Shelter Supervisor, has brought some of her furry friends with her. We'll meet these animals and find out more about adopting a pet.

El refugio de animales del Condado de Sonoma se está llenando y hay muchos animales adorables en busca de un hogar amoroso. Como un regalo especial hoy, Guadalupe Garcia-Torres del Refugio de Animales del Condado de Sonoma, ha traído algunos de sus amigos peludos con ella. Conoceremos a estos animales y descubriremos más sobre la adopción de mascotas.

Nuestro tema de hoy es la basura. Y no lo digo en tono burlón. En realidad, estamos hablando de los residuos que producimos y tiramos, adónde deben y no deben ir y cómo llegan allí.   Para ayudar a responder nuestras preguntas hoy nos acompaña Hugo Mata, Especialista Bilingüe en Divulgación y Asistencia técnicade para Zero Waste Sonoma

Today we're once again featuring a roundtable discussion where members of the county Communications Team and I will talk about some of the latest news out of the county, including recent press releases, stories out of SoCo Correspondent, the county's newsletter, as well as stories that have been in the news media of late. Joining me today are two of our county Communications Specialists, Matt Brown, Ted Appel and Karina Garcia, the host of SoCo Chat Espanol, the Spanish version of our podcast.

Esta semana comienza la primavera y estamos listos para días largos, soleados, y cálidos. Hoy llevaremos acabo una platica de mesa redonda con dos invitados sobre varios temas de interés. Estaremos platicando sobre un desafortunado incidente involucrando agentes federales en nuestro condado, la importancia de las vacunas contra la gripe y la gran noticia sobre el regreso de Charla Comunitaria. Le damos la bienvenida a Lupe Catalan, representante de Campo de la Supervisora Lynda Hopkins y a Gilbert Martinez, especialista en comunicaciones del departamento de comunicaciones centrales del condado de Sonoma.

Today, we are focusing on one of our favorite topics, the Sonoma County Fair. Yes, I know we're not even out of winter yet, but the urge to talk about the summer fair is calling us. We are very pleased to have as our guest, the new Chief Executive Officer of the Sonoma County Fair, Matthew Daly.

En este capitulo nos enfocamos en uno de nuestros temas favoritos: la Feria del Condado de Sonoma. Apenas estamos por entrar a la primavera y ya estamos pensando en diversión, pero la necesidad de hablar sobre la feria de verano nos llama. Representando por segunda ocasión a la Feria del Condado de Sonoma, le damos la bienvenida a Hugo Mata, que es Vicepresidente de la Mesa Directiva de la Feria del Condado de Sonoma.

Estamos en medio de la temporada de una “cuadremia” de virus invernales, todos los cuales están aumentando al mismo tiempo. En este episodio, el Dr. Enrique Gonzalez-Méndez, quien practicó como médico en el condado de Sonoma por más de 40 años, responde nuestras preguntas sobre la influenza, el COVID-19, el VSR, el norovirus e incluso la gripe aviar. 

We are in the midst of airborne virus season, which ranks right up there with tax season as most people's least favorite time of the year. In this episode, Sonoma County's Interim Health Officer, Dr. Karen Smith, answers our questions about influenza, COVID-19, RSV, norovirus and even bird flu.   

Today, we are diving into one of the most pressing issues facing our communities—homelessness. There's certainly a lot to be said about this issue, but the focus of our discussion today is one of the key groups that plays a central role in Sonoma County's effort to end homelessness in our community. That is the Sonoma County Homelessness Coalition.Joining us today is Andrew Akufo, Program Planning & Evaluation Analyst, for the Department of Health Services – Homelessness Services Division.

Hoy en SoCo Chat Español, nos sumergimos en el papel vital que desempeña este sistema conocido como "ayuda mutua" para ayudar a las comunidades a responder a estos eventos naturales catastróficos como los incendios forestales.También nos informa sobre los efectos de las recientes tormentas y la respuesta del Condado.

On today's episode of SoCo Chat, we dive into the vital role that this system known as “mutual aid" plays in helping communities respond to these catastrophic natural events like wildfires.We also give a quick update from him about impacts of the storms and the County's response.

De las cenizas del devastador incendio Glass está floreciendo algo extraordinario en el condado de Sonoma. Únase a nosotros para sumergirse en una inspiradora historia de resiliencia, renovación y comunidad, para hablar de un espacio en tiempos pasados devastado que se ha transformado en un vibrante paraíso comestible para los niños, un símbolo de esperanza, sanación y sostenibilidad. Rodolfo Milito, voluntario del programa de jardineros maestros nos hablará de ello.