SoCo Chat

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SoCo Chat, where we will be discussing all things concerning the County of Sonoma. This is where you will have a chance to hear directly from leaders within our county government, listen in to some in-depth discussions about critical issues facing our community as well as hear a variety of tidbits, tales and historic anecdotes about this wonderful place we call home.

County of Sonoma


    • May 16, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 24m AVG DURATION
    • 122 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from SoCo Chat

    Episode 68 - In conversation with Sonoma County First District Supervisor Rebecca Hermosillo

    Play Episode Listen Later May 16, 2025 17:32


    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.

    Episode 67- Beyond Snacks: Vending Machines That Could Save a Life

    Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2025 19:30


    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.

    Capitulo 67- Más allá de los aperitivos máquina expendedora que podría salvar una vida

    Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2025 24:22


    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.

    Capitulo 66 - Visualizando un nuevo Centro de Gobierno

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2025 17:02


    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.

    Episode 66 - Envisioning a new County Government Center

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2025 18:41


    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. 

    Episode 65 - In conversation with Fourth District Supervisor James Gore

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2025 36:23


    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.

    Capitulo 65 - En conversación con el Supervisor del Cuarto Distrito, James Gore

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2025 19:37


    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.

    Episode 64- Standing with Immigrant Families

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2025 26:08


    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.

    Capitulo 64- Apoyo a las familias inmigrantes

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2025 26:08


    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.

    Capitulo 63 - El cambio que se puede ver: Una conversación con el Sargento Juan Valencia de la oficina del alguacil del Condado de Sonoma

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 10, 2025 21:09


    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. 

    Episode 63 - Change You Can See: A Conversation with Sonoma County Sheriff Eddie Engram

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 10, 2025 24:03


    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.

    Capitulo 62 - El Viaje del Agua: De la Naturaleza a Tu Grifo con Sonoma Water

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2025 19:19


    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.

    Episode 61 - In conversation with Emma Diemert, Supervising Animal Control Officer for Sonoma County Animal Services

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 27, 2025 14:32


    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.

    Capitulo 61 - En conversación con Lupe Garcia-Torres, Representante Servicios de Animales del Condado de Sonoma

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 27, 2025 17:39


    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.

    Capitulo 60- Clasificación: Una inmersión profunda en la gestión de residuos

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 27, 2025 33:03


    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

    SoCo Chat Roundtable 5

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 20, 2025 29:51


    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.

    SoCo Chat Español Mesa Redonda 5

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 20, 2025 25:34


    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.

    Episode 59- Sonoma County Fair: Changes, Challenges and a New CEO

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 13, 2025 19:13


    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.

    Capitulo 59- Feria del Condado de Sonoma: Cambios, retos y un nuevo Director General

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 13, 2025 27:31


    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.

    Capitulo 58 - Virus de invierno: Por qué los casos están aumentando y cómo mantenerse seguro

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 7, 2025 36:34


    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. 

    Episode 58 - Winter Viruses: Why Cases Are Rising and How to Stay Safe

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 21, 2025 25:33


    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.   

    Episode 57- Voices of Change: The Homelessness Coalition's Mission to End Homelessness

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 14, 2025 22:46


    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.

    Capitulo 56- Apoyando la Recuperación de los incendios de LA: Lecciones y Reflexiones

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 7, 2025 21:45


    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.

    Episode 56- Supporting LA Firestorm Recovery: Lessons and Reflections

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 7, 2025 21:45


    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.

    Capitulo 55 - De las cenizas a la abundancia con los jardineros maestros del condado de Sonoma

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 30, 2025 32:46


    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.

    Episode 55 - From Ashes to Abundance with Master Gardeners of Sonoma County

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 30, 2025 26:12


    Out of the ashes of the devastating Glass Fire, something extraordinary is blooming in Sonoma County. Join us as we dive into an inspiring story of resilience, renewal and community, to discuss a once-devastated space that has been transformed it into a vibrant and edible paradise for children — a symbol of hope, healing and sustainability. Here to talk about it is Pat Decker, Master Gardener Volunteer and Mimi Enright, Department Program Manager at the Sonoma County UC Cooperative Extension.

    Episode 54- Sorting it out: A deep dive into waste management

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 23, 2025 19:45


    Our topic today is garbage. And I don't mean that derisively. We're actually talking about the waste that we produce and throw out, where it should and shouldn't go, and how it gets there. Here to help answer our questions is Leslie Lukacs, Executive Director of Zero Waste Sonoma.

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

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 18, 2025 35:02


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 16, 2025 20:26


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 16, 2025 31:18


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 9, 2025 22:45


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 9, 2025 29:05


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 20, 2024 2:37


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 20, 2024 2:53


    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 50-: Mejoras en el hogar: Programa de Independencia Energética del Condado de Sonoma

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 12, 2024 25:21


    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 50- Home improvements: Sonoma County Energy Independence Program

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 12, 2024 19:56


    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 49- Susan Gorin reflects on the highs – and a few lows – of her 12 years on the Board of Supervisors

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 5, 2024 40:33


    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 49- Susan Gorin reflexiona sobre los altos - y algunos bajos - de sus 12 años en la Junta de Supervisores

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 5, 2024 33:53


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 20, 2024 13:12


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 20, 2024 18:41


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 14, 2024 31:55


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 14, 2024 20:56


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 8, 2024 27:39


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

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 8, 2024 16:26


    SoCo Chat Roundtable 4

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 31, 2024 25:37


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 24, 2024 27:09


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 17, 2024 19:45


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 11, 2024 19:34


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 10, 2024 15:55


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 3, 2024 20:48


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 26, 2024 37:54


    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

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