Explore with Gore

n this episode of Explore with Gore, Supervisor James Gore sits down with Santa Rosa Mayor Mark Stapp for a wide-ranging conversation about the city’s past, present and future.

Mark talks about what drew him to public service, what he has learned during his time as mayor, and where he believes Santa Rosa stands today. The conversation covers some of the issues that matter most to residents, including infrastructure, public safety, homelessness, housing, downtown revitalization and economic development.

James and Mark also discuss the relationship between the City and County, regional projects and partnerships, and the challenges and opportunities that come with being the largest city in Sonoma County.

Looking further ahead, Mark shares his vision for what Santa Rosa could look like years from now and why he believes the city has made more progress than its reputation sometimes suggests.

In this episode of Explore with Gore, Supervisor Gore sits down with Ron Calloway, Chair of the Mark West Area Municipal Advisory Council, to talk about how a community shaped by wildfire has come together and built something stronger.Ron shares the story of Mark West before and after the fires, how residents found their voice, and the role the MAC has played in connecting the community with Sonoma County. They talk about new sidewalks, parks, schools, fire protection, local businesses, housing and the growing sense of connection among neighbors.The conversation also looks ahead at what's next for Mark West, from Firewise efforts and the County's General Plan update to trails, parks and creating a community where young families can put down roots.At the heart of it all is a simple idea: communities are built one brick at a time, and Mark West is a powerful example of what can happen when people show up, work together and keep moving forward.

What does it take to keep agriculture thriving in Sonoma County? In this episode of Explore with Gore, Supervisor Gore sits down with Agricultural Commissioner Andrew Smith for a wide-ranging conversation about the county’s agricultural past, present and future.

Andrew explains what the Agricultural Commissioner actually does, how Sonoma County’s agricultural landscape has evolved from the prune belt and cattle operations to today’s world-renowned wine industry and emerging crops, and what the annual Crop Report tells us about the health of local agriculture. They also dig into some of the biggest challenges facing farmers and ranchers, including water, land use, changing markets, workforce issues and conflicts between agricultural operations and neighboring communities.

Looking ahead, James and Andrew explore what Sonoma County needs to do to keep agriculture viable for the next generation — from protecting agricultural land and supporting livestock and crop production to investing in processing, cold storage and other infrastructure that can strengthen the local food system.

From what we can grow here to where agriculture is headed next, this episode offers a deeper look at one of the industries that has shaped Sonoma County and continues to shape its future.

Supervisor Gore sits down with Alma Bowen, Executive Director of Nuestra Comunidad, to reflect on the experience of the 2017 Tubbs Fire and how it helped inspire a new vision for community resilience in Sonoma County. Alma shares her journey from working as a 911 dispatcher during the fires to leading an organization focused on making sure residents are prepared, informed, and empowered before the next emergency strikes.

James and Alma discuss what it means to be “prepared, not scared,” why emergency preparedness is about more than having supplies on hand, and how being prepared can make a difference not only during a disaster but also in the recovery that follows. They explore Nuestra Comunidad’s work with seniors, people with disabilities, youth, and underserved communities, including helping residents understand evacuation zones, sign up for emergency alerts, navigate technology, and build personal preparedness plans.

The conversation also highlights the NC Resilience Hub and the importance of building strong neighborhood connections before a disaster happens. Alma and James reflect on how far Sonoma County has come since 2017, the work that remains, and why community resilience depends on all of us taking steps to prepare. They close with practical reminders for everyone: know your evacuation zone, sign up for alerts, make a family emergency plan, and get your go bag ready.

In this episode of Explore with Gore, Supervisor James Gore sits down with Larkin O’Leary, founder and Executive Director of Common Ground Society, to talk about disability inclusion, belonging, and what it means to “be the one” in our community.

Larkin shares the personal story that led her to create Common Ground Society after navigating the challenges of raising a child with a disability. What started as one family’s experience grew into a mission to make Sonoma County a place where every child, person, and family feels understood, accepted, supported, and fully included.

James and Larkin talk about the importance of connection, the everyday barriers that people with disabilities and their families can face, and why so many of those challenges go unnoticed until they affect us personally. They also discuss Common Ground Society’s work with families, schools, businesses, and community organizations—including inclusive spaces, emergency preparedness for people with access and functional needs, and efforts to reduce the isolation many families experience.

At the heart of the conversation is a simple message: you don’t have to wait for someone else to step up. Be the one.

Learn more about Common Ground Society and find out how you can help build a community where everyone belongs.

Public education affects every resident of Sonoma County—even those without children in school. In this episode of Explore with Gore, Supervisor James Gore sits down with Dr. Amie Carter, Superintendent of the Sonoma County Office of Education, to discuss the state of education across the county, the challenges schools are facing, and the innovative programs preparing students for the future.

They explore everything from declining enrollment, school consolidations, and student mental health to career technical education, third-grade literacy, adult education, and the critical role of community partnerships. Dr. Carter also explains what the Sonoma County Office of Education does—and just as importantly, what it doesn't do—and why supporting public education is a shared responsibility.

Whether you're a parent, educator, employer, or simply invested in the future of Sonoma County, this conversation highlights why strong schools create stronger communities and how everyone can play a role in student success.

Building a Stronger Sonoma County: Roads, Resiliency & the Future of Public Infrastructure

Every day, thousands of people drive county roads, cross bridges, board buses, fly out of the Sonoma County Airport, recycle their waste, and visit public buildings—without giving much thought to the people who keep it all running. Behind the scenes, one department is responsible for much of the infrastructure that powers daily life in Sonoma County.

In this episode of Explore with Gore, Supervisor James Gore sits down with Johannes Hoevertsz, Director of Sonoma County Public Infrastructure, for a behind-the-scenes look at one of the County's largest and most essential departments. Johannes oversees everything from county roads and bridges to transit, the Charles M. Schulz–Sonoma County Airport, county facilities, waste management, water systems, fleet operations, capital projects, and real estate—services that impact the daily lives of Sonoma County residents.

Their conversation explores what it takes to keep Sonoma County running, from maintaining roads and responding to storm damage to planning for future infrastructure needs. Johannes shares what it was like stepping into leadership during the devastating 2017 firestorms, how those experiences reshaped the County's approach to emergency preparedness and resiliency, and why rebuilding after disasters often requires patience while waiting for state and federal reimbursement.

James and Johannes also discuss the County's efforts to strengthen emergency communications, manage waste and composting programs, invest in public facilities, and balance competing infrastructure priorities with limited funding. Along the way, Johannes reflects on the biggest challenges—and the greatest rewards—of leading a department responsible for many of the essential services residents rely on every day.

Whether you're curious about why road repairs take time, how the County prepares for emergencies, or what goes into planning infrastructure for future generations, this episode offers an engaging look at the people and projects working behind the scenes to build a stronger, more resilient Sonoma County.

Sonoma County Airport has come a long way over the past two decades. In this episode of Explore with Gore, Supervisor Gore sits down with Airport Manager Jon Stout to talk about the airport's transformation from a small regional facility with limited commercial service into a growing transportation hub that connects Sonoma County to destinations across the West and beyond.Jon shares the story behind attracting new airlines and routes, the investments that helped modernize the airport, and the important role it plays in supporting our local economy, tourism industry, and quality of life. We also discuss what's next for the airport and the opportunities that lie ahead as Sonoma County continues to grow.It's a fascinating conversation about leadership, long-term planning, and one of Sonoma County's great success stories.

Sonoma County is home to one of the most diverse and expansive regional park systems in California, offering everything from rugged coastline and redwood forests to rivers, mountains, and community parks.

In this episode, Sonoma County Supervisor James Gore sits down with Regional Parks Director Bert Whitaker to discuss the past, present, and future of Sonoma County's parks. Bert reflects on his journey from lifeguard to park director, shares some of his favorite places in the park system, and talks about the experiences that shaped his decades-long career in parks and recreation.

The conversation explores how Sonoma County's parks have grown over the years, the challenges and opportunities of maintaining a world-class park system, and what it means to "right-size" parks for future generations. James and Bert also discuss the importance of stewardship, ensuring that existing parks remain safe, accessible, and enjoyable while continuing to meet the needs of a growing community.

The episode also highlights exciting projects along the Russian River, including expanded public access in Cloverdale, Geyserville, Healdsburg, and beyond, as well as the partnerships helping bring these community assets to life.

Whether you're a hiker, cyclist, paddler, outdoor enthusiast, or simply someone who values Sonoma County's natural beauty, this conversation offers an inside look at one of the county's greatest public assets and the vision guiding its future.

Could another major wildfire happen in Sonoma County—and are we more prepared today than we were in 2017?

In this episode of Explore with Gore, Supervisor James Gore sits down with Marshall Turbeville to discuss how wildfire risk has changed across northern Sonoma County and what communities are doing to prepare for the future.

The conversation explores lessons learned from the 2017, Kincade, Walbridge, and Glass fires, along with the major changes made to evacuation planning, emergency coordination, and fire response systems over the past decade. They also discuss the growing role of vegetation management and prescribed fire in reducing fuel loads and creating healthier, more resilient landscapes.

From defensible space and community preparedness to regional collaboration and long-term fire resilience, this episode looks at how Sonoma County is adapting to a new era of wildfire—and what residents can do to stay prepared.