Talking with Rabbi Ted

n the first segment, she’s a community organizer, whose passion is to serve our community’s most vulnerable. Meet Donna Waldman, Director and Co-founder of the Jewish Community Free Clinic in Santa Rosa. Her clinic operates 25 hours a week, and is manned by a dedicated workforce of doctors, nurses, translators and other staffers, who readily volunteer their time caring for those in need. Donna’s dedication is based on one critical principle: health care is not a privilege — it’s a human right. In the second segment, she was Born in Perth, Australia, and became a naturalized citizen in 2009. Meet Angela Emerick, Immigration Attorney — spirited fighter for the downtrodden, specifically those struggling to become United States citizens. For Angela the work she does is more than a job — it’s a labor of love.

Affordable Housing – a hot topic issue here in Petaluma. But can you define it? In the first segment, Ali Gaylord, Regional Director of MidPen Housing, says she can, and offers some number crunching to explain why her Foster City non-profit chose Petaluma, and how she believes MidPen can build 40 much needed rental apartments in the heart of our city. In the second segment, meet Clint Gilbert, President of the Board of the Petaluma Historical Library and Museum, who is passionate about Petaluma’s past, present and even its future. Hear why he calls our museum it a living, breathing library, where “History isn’t meant to be locked away in dusty books. It’s meant to be experienced.”

In the first segment, she has worked for some of the most prestigious media agencies, including television, newspaper, and electronic news. Now News Editor for the Petaluma Argus-Courier, hear from Kathryn Palmer, who has a passion for both copy and humanitarian relief. Last year, this newsmaker volunteered for Anti-Trafficking H.O.P.E, assisting survivors of both labor and sex trafficking. Why? Tune in and find out. Then, meet Leonard Thompson, Fire Chief for the City of Petaluma and the Rancho Adobe Fire Protection District, who, before moving to the North Bay, spent 35-years with the Los Angeles Fire Department. He is best known for navigating through the complexities of emergency services—spending nearly 40 years fighting to keep fire stations afloat.

Did you know that out of the approximately 1,132 community colleges in the United States, Santa Rosa Junior College was named one of the nation’s “Top 50 Community Colleges for Hispanics?” Did you know that this junior college has initiated a new student housing development to provide affordable housing on for approximately 360 students? Did you know that the man behind much of SRJC’s success once served as Special Assistant to Willie Brown, Speaker of the California Assembly, where he helped create legislation in higher education, mental health, small and minority business affairs and local government? Meet Dr. Frank Chong, and find out why he has made it his mission to make education accessible and feasible for all.

In the first segment, no job is too great, too abstract or out of reach for Elece Hempel. In fact, the more challenging, the better. From operating her own kiln to raise money for a cause, to working one on one with those in need. Is there anything she cannot do? A pathfinder, to be sure. Hear how she does it, and why. Speaking of pioneers, in the second segment, meet co-owner of Redwood Gymnastics, Eric Van der Meer. Find out how this native of the Netherlands landed in the North Bay, and built a gold medal empire in Petaluma.

This week on KPCA’s Talking with Rabbi Ted, Recording Artist Jim Stern takes the mic for a special show, “Hindsight is Always 2020.” In the first segment, Jim starts out the new year on a high note with CEO of Second Octave Entertainment, Morty Wiggins, for what promises to be an intellectual jam session you won’t want to miss. In the second segment, you might remember her as Petaluma’s former Mayor, but there’s nothing former about Pam Torliatt. Hear her thoughts on Petaluma’s past, present, and future.

In the first segment, it’s not quite a year old, and yet this grass roots team, spearheaded by 17 women, has made an indelible mark on its advocacy for inclusivity, diversity and equity in our community. Two representatives from TIDE, Sarah Seitchik and Paige Greene, sit down with Rabbi Ted to talk about milestones made in Petaluma City Schools. In the second segment, sudden life changes. Meet Andrea Rodgers—born and raised in Petaluma, and second-generation Director of Parent-Sorensen Mortuary. She talks about her passion for people to explain how, for nearly 30 years, she has made it her mission to comfort and console all in their most time of need.

In the first half hour, meet Kayleen Asbo. She holds four advanced degrees in mythology, psychology and music. She is a professor, lecturer, pianist and composer, who applies music, art and literature to illuminate and inspire. Find out why this artist and scholar has been described as a cross between Joseph Campbell, Leonard Bernstein and Wonder Woman. In the second segment, he’s been a jazz pianist, clinical psychologist, commercial real estate developer and now connoisseur of chocolate. Meet Randal Collen, who, after a lengthy string of occupations, now occupies his time solely on the legendary superfood. Hear how he successfully blended a dash of the past with a pinch of the present to craft a sweet and lucrative career.

He almost died, not once, but twice—both times, not only finding the strength to recover, but recognizing his purpose, and moving forward. Meet Stephan Weiss, father, husband, physician, psychotherapist, poet, and now photographer—on a mystical journey that has taken him to just about every corner of our state. Packed with only a lens and a pen, he centers on chance meetings with strangers, with one aim—to capture and celebrate their essence. Hear why he believes, “All lives are a sacred practice. Everyone has a story with meaning. Everyone has something to teach.”

In the first segment, hear from writer, editor and photographer, Michael Shapiro, who talks about his latest book, The Creative Spark, and his extraordinary interviews with more than 30 celebrities⁠—among them, Smokey Robinson, Lucinda Williams, Francis Ford Coppola, Melissa Etheridge and Jake Shimabukuro. In the second segment, Petaluma’s very own Vasanti Jayaswal⁠—acclaimed author and spiritual leader who shares her unique understanding of the presence of the feminine divine principle.

In the first half hour, meet Justin Mori. He’s a former student of Petaluma High School and recently appointed Principal. He returns to his roots with a strong background in education and administration. Hear why this Alum returned home to his Alma Mater. In the second segment, meet Chuck Fernandez, the new CEO of the Committee on the Shelterless (COTS), who talks about a defining moment that put him on a path to serve others – one that eventually led him to Petaluma.

In the first segment, meet Alvin Hirshen, Petaluma resident and author of newly released memoir, The Extraordinary Life of an Ordinary Man. From waiting tables in the Catskills (to pay for schooling), to becoming a Civil Rights and Anti-Poverty Attorney, and creating the first public/private partnerships in the Carter Administration. Hear from a son of Jewish immigrants, who shares his remarkable journey with candor, humor and wit. In the second segment, two women weigh in on one of the most contentious plans that continues to fuel debate in our city. Hear from Adriann Saslow and Eugenia Praetzel on the proposed Safeway gasoline station in Petaluma, and why they oppose it.

In the first segment, raised in Durban, South Africa, meet Rabbi Mordecai Miller, who talks about breaking barriers and a spiritual journey that brought him back to the United States, where he now serves Congregation Beth Ami in Santa Rosa. Hear why he believes the foundation of a strong and vibrant community is rooted in grit, wit and laughter. In the second segment, Carol Appel – leader, innovator, and affectionately called Sonoma County’s Welcome Wagon Maven. From Pilates to serving as Jewish Concierge of Sonoma County/Jewish Community Federation, she promotes physical and mental wellness, and has a track record for building sustainable communities. What’s her secret? She thinks outside the box.

In the first segment, meet painter and social activist, Carole Barlas. She’s a former dental hygienist, Professor of adult education and diversity trainer/consultant; served on the Petaluma on City Council, Petaluma Health Care District Board of Directors, and she is a founding board member of the Petaluma People Services Center. Carole talks about her commitment to her community, which she has called home for nearly 60 years. In the second segment, the power of storytelling. Hear from Shelley Bauer, daughter of Holocaust survivors, and member of the Sonoma County Story Project – Holocaust survivors and rescuers, survivors of other genocides and their descendants, who are committed to teaching moral and ethical responses to prejudice, indifference and hatred. Duty-bound to keep the memory of the Holocaust alive, Shelley speaks because her parents are no longer here to tell their own story of how they survived.

In the first segment, he’s a lawyer and City Councilman, who has called Petaluma home for nearly 30 years. Meet Dave King⁠—a plain talker and straight shooter, who doesn’t hold back when it comes to standing up and speaking up for the community he serves. You do not want to miss this frank discussion with Rabbi Ted. In the second segment, a social and religious slice of Petaluma history, shared by United Church of Christ Petaluma’s newest Pastor, Jason Hubbard. As an advocate for progressive religion, he shares the beliefs of his congregation⁠—be open, affirming and all inclusive. Be the church that embraces everyone.

In the first segment, meet Dennis Pocekay⁠—retired medical practitioner, educator and community activist. This former City Council candidate pulls no punches when it comes to politics. Despite losing the race, he still commands attention promoting harmony in Petaluma. In the second segment, he’s as versatile as the music he teaches. Hear from Brian Wilson⁠—Professor of Music Theory, Director of Jewish Studies, and Hillel Faculty Advisor at Sonoma State, who has spent decades orchestrating a sense of balance in and out of the classroom.

Rabbi Ted is back from vacation with a live broadcast featuring two well-known Petalumans. In the first half hour, he’s a Real Estate Agent, business manager, and founder of Petaluma-based golf management firm, CourseCo, where he leads a multi-million-dollar organization of more than 1200 employees at 33 golf facilities. What separates Tom Isaak from others? Health care and youth opportunities⁠—his two top priorities on and off the green. Then … meet Janice Cader-Thompson, life-long Petaluman, long-time community activist and environmentalist. She is also a former city council person, who demands transparency and accountability⁠—and not just from political leaders. Find out why she takes issue with a former Super PAC still operating in Petaluma.

After a break for Independence Day, Talking with Rabbi Ted is back with a brand new episode presented by special guest host Jim Stern, longtime recording engineer and member of B'nai Israel Jewish Center. Guest Host, Stern, a recording artist, producer, and a major force behind Berkeley-based Fantasy Records, spends the hour talking harmony⁠—and not just music. In the first segment, hear from two men who took a chance on restoring Petaluma’s landmark theatre, which has gone from burlesque house to concert hall. Manager Tom Gaffey and Concert Booker Jim Agius talk about why they are dedicated to preserving the Phoenix Theatre, and how they are using this setting as a resource to promote and encourage creativity, skill and confidence among Petaluma’s youth. In the second half hour, meet John Crowley, who discovered Petaluma by chance. As luck would have it, he found his niche in our quaint city, becoming co-owner of Aqus Café. He and his business partner nourish the soul through food, live music and dialogue.

In Rabbi Ted’s first segment, meet Peggy Sebera⁠—artist, group facilitator, participant in Women Eradicating Racism, and committee member of the Petaluma Community Relation Councils. Her motto? Find purpose, and prevail. In the second half hour… he’s a professional trombonist, played with The Black Eyed Peas, holds a PhD, and now Casa Grande High School’s newly appointed Principal. Hear from Dan Ostermann, and learn why students already say he’s music to their ears.

In the first segment, hear from David Perry, son of William J. Perry, the 19th U.S. Secretary of Defense. Like father like son, David talks about the founding of the William J. Perry Project, and why he carries on his father’s war against nuclear weapons. In the second segment, meet Celeste Chavez, Casa Grande High School graduate, class of 2019, and leader of Petaluma’s post-millennials battling climate change. She explains what sustainability means and why our future depends on it.

When it comes to tackling issues like equal access to health care, nutrition, clean water, shelter, education, clean energy, economic opportunities and employment, hear from two savvy city leaders who weigh in on Petaluma’s plan for a sustainable future. Starting at 10 am, Marie McCusker, Director Petaluma Downtown Association, whose role is to sustain Petaluma’s prominence. Always the eternal optimist, she promotes commerce, culture and creativity by thinking outside the box. Our city may be at a crossroads, but as long as all roads lead to Petaluma, Marie believes our prospects are endless. In the second half hour, Peggy Flynn, newly appointed Petaluma City Manager. Hear what she has to say about the City Council’s goals and priorities for the next two years, and why Petaluma’s promise rests on community participation and a new way of thinking.

Some cry foul when it comes to cows, but Petaluma’s Straus Family Creamery has a sustainable secret. Hear from its Founder and CEO, Albert Straus, about how his family-run farm has profited from going Green. He’s been honored for finding creative organic ways to feed his 300 cows, and hailed a hero for Carbon Farming⁠—converting manure to renewable energy. It not only fuels the farm’s machines, affectionally referred to as the Strauss Family “patty wagons,” it also generates enough electricity to power the Straus 500-acre farm. In the second half hour⁠—The power of healing through support. Hear from Mary Frances-Walsh, Executive Director of National Alliance on Mental Illness of Sonoma County, who talks about the critical need for comprehensive care, and why there is no shame in asking for help.

Hear from the man who co-authored Menachem Begin and the Israel-Egypt Peace Process, which examines the former Israeli Prime Minister’s battles with ideology and political realism in his desire to reach peace with Egypt in 1979. Dr. Ziv Rubinovitz, Teaching Fellow at Sonoma State University, shares his thoughts on what price freedom in the middle east, and US-Israeli relations in modern times. In the next half hour, hear from Tracy Perlich. She’s a Mom, works full time, and is best known as President of the Petaluma Tennis Association. But tennis isn’t her only passion. Find out why some call her Petaluma’s silent warrior.

Celebrate the first anniversary of Rabbi Ted Feldman's biweekly radio show with the Rabbi and his guests. His first guest, Erica Stuart, former 60 Minutes news reporter, talks about why she believes the fourth estate is under attack. Then, hear from KPCA’s Station Manager, Rob Tomaszewski, whose mantra is, let them all have air.

In the first half hour, Rav Yosef Garcia of Mesa, Arizona, co-founder of The Association of Crypto-Jews of The Americas, talks about how he grew up believing he was of one faith until a long-held family secret was finally disclosed. This former Altar boy reveals why his ancestors converted in order to survive. Then… hear from Henry Kaku of Petaluma, whose father enlisted in the United States Army, then was suddenly discharged and stripped of his citizenship. Kaku talks about the unconstitutional cruelty former President Roosevelt’s Executive Order 9066 unleashed not only on his family but thousands more⁠—the majority of whom were also American citizens.

His two distinguished guests: 1. Jill White, an Attorney with Collaborative Council of the Redwood Empire⁠—a group of professionals who work with clients to resolve disputes without going to court. Members of the Collaborative Council include, family law attorneys; civil, business, real estate, probate, and estate planning attorneys; mental health practitioners; neutral financial professionals; and other types of experts that may be involved in a Collaborative conflict resolution process. 2. Reb Irwin Keller, who celebrates more than a decade as Spiritual Leader for Ner Shalom in Cotati. An advocate for LGBT and HIV, Reb Irwin authored Chicago's Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Ordinance, which passed into law in 1989; and previously served as staff attorney and executive director of the AIDS Legal Referral Panel of the San Francisco Bay Area.

Meet Four Ordinary Women Doing Extraordinary Things on KPCA's "Talking with Rabbi Ted" In the first half hour, Rabbi Ted chats with Trisha Almond, Chair for Commission on the Status of Women, and Caitlin Quinn, also a member of the Commission on the Status of Women, and who also serves on the Board of Education for Petaluma City Schools. In the second half hour, he talks with two exceptional students from Casa Grande High School⁠—Lucía Garay and Cash Martinez⁠—both writers, social activists and advocates for human rights.

Guests include Sela and Stuart Nissenbaum, married for 47 years and celebrating Valentine's Day. Stuart is also President of the Board of Directors of B'nai Israel Jewish Center. The second segment guest is Matthew Harris, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources for Petaluma City Schools.

This week's guests are Kelly Bass Seibel, Director of Business Development and Partnerships at Petaluma Health Center, and Naomi Crawford, Petaluma Community Relations Council Coordinating Committee and community activist.

This week's guests are Matt Brown, editor of the Petaluma Argus-Courier, and Reut Porat, member of B'nai Israel Jewish Center.

This week's guests are Paula Dueweke, Fire Inspector for the Petaluma Fire Department, and Lou Zweier, an independent filmmaker and facilitator of empathy circles.

This week's guests are Father Bill Donahue of St. Vincent de Paul Church and Katherine Rinehart, Sonoma County Historian.

This week's guests are Rabbi Stephanie Kramer of Shomrei Torah and Farhad Mansourian, General Manager of the Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit Agency.

Rabbi Ted's two distinguished guests this week are award-winning author, Michael Shapiro; and Tashfeen Ekram, member of Petaluma’s Muslim community.

This week's guest is Faith Ross, founding member of Petaluma Blacks for Community Development and member of the Petaluma Community Relations Council Coordinating Committee. During the second segment, Rabbi Ted interviews Rev. Eric Dale, pastor of the Petaluma United Methodist Church.

This week's guests are County Supervisor David Rabbitt and Superintendent of Petaluma City Schools Gary Callahan.

This week's two guests: Jim Stern, a recording engineer and producer since 1978, who was one of the major forces in the creation of Berkeley-based Fantasy Records; and John Crowley, co-owner of Aqus, who has successfully turned his quaint Petaluma café into a popular community hub.

This week's two guests were Maggie Fishman, Santa Rosa Junior College Board President, and Rabbi Dovid Bush from Chabad of Petaluma.

Rabbi Ted's two distinguished guests this week are Rabbi George Gittleman of Santa Rosa’s Shomrei Torah, and the new Pastor of Unitarian Universalists Petaluma, Rev. Jeremiah Kalendae.

This week Rabbi Feldman welcomed Petaluma’s Chief of Police, Ken Savano, and Emily Charrier, the new publisher of the Petaluma Argus Courier.

After taking July off for sabbatical, Rabbi Ted is back and speaking with John Bertucci, the Executive Director of Petaluma Community Access, and Rabbi Steve Finley from Congregation Shir Shalom in Sonoma.

This week's guests included Grant Elementary School's new Principal, Amanda Grey, and Sip Sommer, Petaluma's history buff.

This week's guests included Rev. Daniel Green of St. John’s Episcopal Church and Rory Noguchi, Program and Communications Coordinator for BIJC.

This week's guests included Rev. Patrick Torbit from Elim Lutheran Church and Deb Dalton, Executive Director of Mentor Me.

This week's guests included John Kennedy and Elece Hempel.

Rabbi Ted Feldman sits down with Father Michael and Ken Kann. In the first half hour, they discuss Father Michael's 30-plus-year perspective of Petaluma and his role as leader of St. James Catholic Church. In the second half hour, Kenneth Kann shares his connection with Petaluma's Jewish community that spans decades. He talks about his devotion to Petaluma’s past, present and shares ideas concerning the community’s future.

Rabbi Ted Feldman speaks with Kevin Jones, Chair of the Sonoma County Human Rights Commission; Sam Tuttleman, a Petaluma resident and advocate (who played a critical role in drafting the “It Won’t Happen Here” declaration); and Abraham Solar, Director of Pastoral Outreach for St. Vincent de Paul Church, who works with Latino families living and working in Petaluma.