SoCo Chat

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.