The 707

DA Rodriguez just published her ‘Report to the People’ outlining the accomplishments of her office in 2024, giving insight into the workings of our local justice system. Sonoma County District Attorney Carla Rodriguez in her office in Santa Rosa. photo credit: Michelle Marques What are the biggest challenges facing law enforcement in Sonoma County, and what kinds of crimes are keeping our District Attorney's office busy? KRCB’s Michelle Marques gets answers directly from DA Carla Rodriguez in this compelling interview. Rodriguez has just published her 'Report to the People,' a comprehensive overview of the DA's office's work in 2024. As we talk through the report, you’ll learn more about the work it takes to help victims get justice. This episode offers a clear and honest account of how the DA's office serves our community, empowering you with knowledge about the local justice system. Guest in this episode: Sonoma County District Attorney Carla Rodriguez Resources mentioned in this episode: District Attorney's Report to the People Suggestions for guests or topics? Email [email protected]

From urgent community concerns to debunking common myths, this episode brings you essential insights from Los Cien's recent Immigration Update. Sunny Noh, Executive Director of Legal Aid of Sonoma County, speaks at the Immigration Update photo credit: Michelle Marques In May 2025, Los Cien hosted an Immigration Update in Rohnert Park. During this episode, host Michelle Marques explores the rapidly changing federal immigration policies that are directly impacting our neighbors. Hear firsthand about the urgent concerns bubbling up from the immigrant community, get clarity on common misconceptions, and, most importantly, learn what concrete actions to take right now to offer support. The show highlights the work of local organizations dedicated to protecting and serving immigrants. Guests in this episode: University of San Francisco Professor Bill Ong Hing, Founding Director of the Immigration and Deportation Defense Clinic Sunny Noh, Executive Director of Legal Aid of Sonoma County Jacqueline Brown, Immigration Legal Director for the Sonoma County Secure Families Collaborative and the Director of the Immigration and Deportation Defense Clinic at University of San Francisco Cristal Lopez Pardo, Family Resource Center Manager at Corazon Healdsburg Renee Saucedo, Program Coordinator for ALMAS Libres Resources in this episode: Los Cien Suggestions for guests or topics? Email [email protected]

Hear directly from a dedicated AIDS activist on the realities of living with and advocating for those with HIV in Sonoma County, and a public health nurse who breaks down the trends and how to stay healthy. Sonoma County is facing a concerning rise in new HIV diagnoses. This vital episode brings together host Michelle Marques with Miranda Patrick, Senior Public Health Nurse for Sonoma County DHS, and Nicole Price, a dedicated AIDS Activist and Advocate, to address this critical issue head-on. Learn about the current trends in HIV transmission within the county, understand the importance of getting tested, and discover the steps individuals can take to stay healthy. Nicole shares her powerful advocacy and insights, while Miranda provides crucial information on available resources and support systems within Sonoma County. Guests in this episode: Miranda Patrick, Senior Public Health Nurse at Sonoma County DHS Nicole Price, AIDS Activist and Advocate Resources in this episode: Sonoma County Department of Health Services Suggestions for guests or topics? Email [email protected]

From California's wildfires to emergency responses worldwide – the potential of this innovation is massive photo credit: NASA/Brandon Torres-Navarrete NASA researchers and CAL FIRE chiefs test PAMS in Monterey County Imagine fighting wildfires from the air around the clock, even when smoke and darkness limit visibility. This episode delves into a groundbreaking project by NASA's Advanced Capabilities for Emergency Response Operations that's making this a potential reality. We explore their successful initial validation of a new, portable airspace management system (PAMS) designed to provide reliable air traffic control for firefighting aircraft in low-visibility conditions – a major hurdle in current wildland fire response. Hear directly from NASA researchers and a representative from CAL FIRE about this innovative technology tested in a mountainous region of Northern California and its potential to revolutionize aerial firefighting and monitoring, ultimately enhancing safety and effectiveness. This tech also has applications for various emergency responses around the world. Guests in this episode: Carol Carroll, Deputy Associate Administrator for NASA’s Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate, Washington D.C. Dr. Min Xue, ACERO project manager at NASA’s Ames Research Center Deputy Chief Marcus Hernandez, Office of Wildfire Technology Research and Development Resources in this episode: NASA Demonstrates New Wildland Fire Airspace Management System CAL FIRE Research Development and Innovation Suggestions for guests or topics? Email [email protected]

From California's wildfires to emergency responses worldwide – the potential of this innovation is massive photo credit: NASA/Brandon Torres-Navarrete NASA researchers and CAL FIRE chiefs test PAMS in Monterey County Imagine fighting wildfires from the air around the clock, even when smoke and darkness limit visibility. This episode delves into a groundbreaking project by NASA's Advanced Capabilities for Emergency Response Operations that's making this a potential reality. We explore their successful initial validation of a new, portable airspace management system (PAMS) designed to provide reliable air traffic control for firefighting aircraft in low-visibility conditions – a major hurdle in current wildland fire response. Hear directly from NASA researchers and a representative from CAL FIRE about this innovative technology tested in a mountainous region of Northern California and its potential to revolutionize aerial firefighting and monitoring, ultimately enhancing safety and effectiveness. This tech also has applications for various emergency responses around the world. Guests in this episode: Carol Carroll, Deputy Associate Administrator for NASA’s Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate, Washington D.C. Dr. Min Xue, ACERO project manager at NASA’s Ames Research Center Deputy Chief Marcus Hernandez, Office of Wildfire Technology Research and Development Resources in this episode: NASA Demonstrates New Wildland Fire Airspace Management System CAL FIRE Research Development and Innovation Suggestions for guests or topics? Email [email protected]

Explore Fix It Fairs in Sonoma County as volunteers put policy in practice, while building resilience. photo credit: courtesy of Zero Waste Sonoma Lamp repair at a Fix It Fair Every discarded item has a story, but what if that story didn't end in the landfill? This episode explores Zero Waste Sonoma's vital work in diverting waste through comprehensive recycling and composting efforts, and their proactive approach to waste reduction. Program Manager Sloane Pagal shares the philosophy behind their initiatives. Hear from the community of people who repair and mend broken items at Fix It Fairs in Rohnert Park and Forestville. These organizations and volunteers are repairing everyday items like lamps, bikes, and clothing, demonstrating a powerful alternative to our throwaway culture and building a more sustainable Sonoma County. Guests in this episode: Sloane Pagal, Program Manager at Zero Waste Sonoma Alejandra Warren, Plastic Free Future Steve Griffith, Fix It Fair Organizer Emily Melville, SRJC Fashion Studies Faculty and Program Coordinator Community Bikes Chef’s Sharpening GSM Mobile Repair Additional reporting by Kathryn Nelson Resources in this episode: https://zerowastesonoma.gov/ https://www.reusealliance.org/ https://plastic-free-future.org/ Suggestions for guests or topics? Email [email protected]

Journey with us to see how community colleges are shaping the next generation of skilled professionals. photo credit: Michelle Marques Carpentry students during a class at SRJC Petaluma Campus This episode investigates the role of community colleges in providing relevant and impactful career education. We'll examine specific examples at Santa Rosa Junior College's Petaluma and Santa Rosa campuses, touring their Construction Training Center to see hands-on building skills in development and exploring the technological advancements fostered in their STEM education labs. How do these types of programs cater to a diverse community, including those already in the workforce seeking to upskill or transition into new fields? Listen to hear insights into the evolving landscape of vocational training. Resources: santarosa.edu Guests in this episode: Vanessa Luna, Dean of Instruction and Enrollment Management at Santa Rosa Junior College Petaluma Campus Victor Tam, Dean of Science, Technology, Engineering, Agriculture, and Mathematics at Santa Rosa Junior College Suggestions for guests or topics? Email [email protected]

Ever wonder what happens when a flock of sheep parades through a California town? KRCB's Michelle Marques captures the sound of sheep at the Transhumance Festival. photo credit: Tiffany Fulgoni What does it sound like to reconnect with the land? Find out in this episode exploring Petaluma's annual Transhumance Festival, a celebration reviving the age-old practice of moving livestock seasonally. We delve into the festival's core themes – land stewardship, connection to tradition, and mindful waste management – through engaging insights and an interview with organizer Sarah Keiser. But the true highlight is an immersive audio journey, capturing the sounds of the sheep trotting along the pavement, interviews with neighbors and volunteers along the route, and festival fun as the flock makes its way from the Petaluma Fairgrounds to Steamer Landing Park, bringing this unique tradition to life. Guests in this episode: Sarah Keiser, Executive Director of Wild Oat Hollow Maria Wnorowski, Community Engagement Program Manager at Sonoma Resource Conservation District Van Goat Sue Conley, Co-founder of Cowgirl Creamery Gradina – The Balkan Music Ensemble Additional reporting by KRCB’s Noah Abrams Resources in this episode: sassyandgrassy.com Suggestions for guests or topics? Email [email protected]

More than just adoption, explore the vital services that strengthen the bond between pets and their families in Sonoma County. photo credit: Michelle Marques The Humane Society of Sonoma County off of Highway 12 More than just a shelter, the Humane Society of Sonoma County is a lifeline for animals and their human companions. Join us as we tour their facility, witnessing the life-saving work in their surgical suite, the inspiring youth programs fostering future animal lovers, and the vital low-cost services that strengthen the bond between pets and their families. This episode explores the Humane Society's deep connection to the community and their unwavering commitment to animal welfare. Guests in this episode: Priscilla Locke, Director of Development & Communications Kathy Pescar, Youth Services Coordinator Neville Hormuz, Interim Executive Director Melina Stambolis, Veterinary Operations Supervisor Suggestions for guests or topics? Email [email protected]

Feel like a kid again as we explore “birdhouses” at a new art installation in Glen Ellen, featuring 12 enormous birds crafted of bamboo. photo credit: Michelle Marques Donna Dodson and Andy Moerlein, aka The Myth Makers, pose near one of their bamboo sculptures. Take a walk on a rainy day to a field where a pair of enormous birds, crafted entirely from bamboo, are being erected. It’s an exhibit called "Winged Wonders" at Sonoma Botanical Garden featuring 12 bird sculptures. This immersive episode captures the sounds of the installation, featuring the work of The Myth Makers. We discuss the interplay of nature and art, the ephemeral beauty of bamboo, and the sense of awe and whimsy these sculptures inspire. Journey into a world where art takes flight. Guests in this episode: Donna Dodson, artist Andy Moerlein, artist Jeannie Perales, Executive Director – Sonoma Botanical Garden Resources: https://www.themythmakers.org/ https://sonomabg.org/ Bird sounds in this episode courtesy of Jack Hines, https://www.eartothewild.com/ Suggestions for guests or topics? Email [email protected]