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.

When a young person enters the juvenile justice system, what happens next can shape their future. Vista Academy, a partnership between Circuit Rider Community Services and Sonoma County Probation, provides a structured alternative to juvenile hall. Rob Izzo, CEO of the Santa Rosa nonprofit, explains how the program works to reduce re-arrest rates, prevent gang involvement, and help young people build skills, confidence, and stronger decision-making habits. The conversation also explores Circuit Rider’s broader work, from Aggression Replacement Training to college-readiness and outdoor leadership programs that support underserved youth across Sonoma County.

What should Sonoma County residents know about this year’s respiratory virus season? Dr. Michael Stacey, Sonoma County’s new interim health officer, shares the latest information on COVID, flu and RSV cases in Sonoma County, clears up confusion on the new vaccine guidance for children and discusses where you can find trustworthy health information. Plus, learn about the spike in toxic mushroom poisonings and what foragers need to know to stay safe.

The Sonoma County Animal Shelter currently has about 90 dogs — lots of them puppies — and 30 cats in need of adoption. Shelter Supervisor Emma Diemert shares practical tips for adopting, introduces a few of the pets currently looking for homes, and offers guidance on how you can keep your animals safe over winter during frosty nights and stormy weather. Plus, learn how fostering a pet can make a big difference without a full-time commitment.

When CalFresh benefits ran out during the federal shutdown, thousands of Sonoma County families suddenly struggled to put food on the table. Allison Goodwin, CEO of Redwood Empire Food Bank, shares what her nonprofit is doing to meet the need – and how you can help ensure everyone in our community has enough to eat.

Cuando se agotaron las prestaciones de CalFresh durante el cierre federal, miles de familias del condado de Sonoma se vieron de repente en apuros para poner comida en la mesa. Jessica Hernández, directora de programas del Redwood Empire Food Bank, nos cuenta qué está haciendo su organización sin ánimo de lucro para satisfacer las necesidades, y cómo puedes ayudar a garantizar que todos los miembros de nuestra comunidad tengan suficiente para comer.

Federal budget cuts could have significant impacts in Sonoma County, affecting everything from housing and health care to infrastructure and social services. The Board of Supervisors will host a special meeting on Oct. 14 to explore ways the County can act to fill in the gaps. Deputy County Administrator Peter Bruland describes what’s at stake.