Women’s Spaces Radio Show of 12/20/2021 with host Elaine B Holtz and first guest Celeste Austin on Tribute to Vince Harper and Lament for County Black Leadership Exodus; and second guest Susan Jensen on Small Businesses Coping with Covid and Reining in Holiday Gift-Giving, has been uploaded to the web archive. The show was broadcast in the North SF Bay and streamed worldwide over Radio KBBF 89.1 FM on Monday 12/20/2021 at 11 AM, repeats at 11 PM on KBBF, and then repeat broadcasts in Petaluma and streamed worldwide over Radio KPCA 103.3 FM on the following Wednesday 12/22/2021 at 11 AM.
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1. Our first guest Celeste Austin is accompanied by her partner Linda Jackson. Celestereads a tribute she wrote for Vince Harper, the beloved Sonoma County community leader who just passed away, and who worked almost 30 years for Community Action Partnership of Sonoma County. Celeste also reads a piece called We Are Here, which she wrote as a statement of her feelings about racism and the fact that black members of our community in vital leadership positions are leaving our community.
About our Guest Celeste Austin: Celeste is a local activist in Sonoma County, especially in helping women and children from entering homelessness. She has worked many years at The Living Room in Santa Rosa, Celeste is presently employed by the InterFaith Shelter Network (IFSN) in Sonoma County. She is a member of Sonoma County Blacks United.
About our Guest Linda Jackson: Linda is a Registered Nurse in Sonoma County.
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2. Our second guest Susan Jensen, as a small business owner, gives her perspective on how the small businesses are doing coping with the pandemic restrictions. Susan and her mom Elaine talk a bit about some of the changes the family is making this year to celebrate Christmas and the joy of giving without being overwhelmed in consumerist excesses.
About our Guest Susan Jensen: Susan is a partner in the ownership of Economy Plumbing in Santa Rosa. She is the daughter of our host Elaine B. Holtz, and the mother of two children and grandmother to two more. Susan is an avid Soccer player and plays with a local team. She lives with her husband David Jensen in Santa Rosa.
December 24, 1951 (1998) – Marsha Gomez, activist, used pottery and sculpture from her Choctaw ancestry to teach and further demand rights for indigenous women of many cultures, achieved NGO status for indigenous women in the United Nations, began the Foundation for a Compassionate Society with a group of about 20 artists.
December 25, 1806 (1875) – Martha Wright, called the first Woman’s Rights Convention in Seneca Falls in 1848 with her sister Lucretia Mott, Elizabeth Stanton and others, president of women’s conventions in 1855 in Cincinnati, Saratoga, and Albany, a founder of the American Equal Rights Association in 1866, continued working for equal suffrage during Civil War.
December 25, 1821 (1912) – Clara Barton, founder and president of American Red Cross, 1881-1904.
The 2021 Peace & Justice Center’s Annual Awards Online Ceremony of 11/13/2021 can be viewed online at the Center’s youtube channel:https://youtu.be/cwoTmx6CjRE
The Opening and Closing Theme song The Woman in Your Life is You is done with permission of the Composer and Singer Alix Dobkin ((August 16, 1940 – May 19, 2021) Alix Dobkin death was just announced – Thank you for all you did for Lesbians to be recognized and Women to be honored. May you rest in peace. See our Interview with Alix Dobkin on 12/1/2014 at and our Memorial to Alix Dobkin on 11/24/2021 .
The Woman in Your Life is You by Alix Dobkin from the album Living with Lavender Jane (2010 Women’s Wax Works) – www.alixdobkin.com Swing Low Sweet Chariot, sung by Etta James, from the album All American Gospel ( 2012 X5 Music Group).
Happy Xmas, The War is Over. Sung by: Sarah McLachlan, from the album Winter Song (2006 Arista Records LLC A Unit of Sony BMG Music Entertainment).
Let there Be Peace by Becky Hobbs from the album Songs from the Road of Life (2011 Beckaroo Records)
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For music purchasing opportunity, supporting the artists:
Women’s Spaces Radio Show of 11/1/2021 with host Elaine B Holtz Commentary on Sonoma County Losing Officials to Racist Behavior, and on the Hunger Striking Santa Rosa Sunrise Movement Climate Activist Youth Ema Govea in DC; and guests Shekeyna Black and Audrianna Jones on the Annual Peace and Justice Center Awards Ceremony Saturday November 13 and the SOFA Winterblast on Saturday November 6, has been uploaded to the web archive. The show was broadcast in the North Bay and streamed worldwide over Radio KBBF 89.1 FM on Monday 11/1/2021 at 11 AM, repeats at 11 PM on KBBF, and then repeat broadcasts in Petaluma and streamed worldwide over Radio KPCA 103.3 FM on the following Wednesday 11/3/2021 at 11 AM.
Commentary on Sonoma County Losing Officials to Racist Behavior, and on the Hunger Striking Sunrise Movement Climate Activist Youth Ema Govea from Santa Rosa
Sonoma County Peace & Justice Center Annual Awards Ceremony on Saturday November 13
1. Commentary by our host Elaine B. Holtz: Joining me in the Studio is Shekeyna Black, Executive Director for the Peace and Justice Center here in Sonoma County California. Also joining me via telephone is Audrianna Jones, Board Member of Peace and Justice Center of Sonoma County, this year’s recipient of the Russ and Mary Jorgensen Courage of Commitment Award. and we will be talking about their P&J Annual Awards Presentation that is happening on Saturday, November 13, an online event. We will also let folks know about the annual Winterblast happening this Saturday November 6th in the SOFA Artist District of Santa Rosa.
The Sunrise Movement of Sonoma County, the youth who have been vocal about the peril Climate Change presents for their future, and who marched through the devasted wildfire aftermath in California, will be the recipient of the Center’s Youth Peace and Justice Award. I am so glad the Climate Activist youth are being recognized. Just featured in the news of Al Jazeera and the Press Democrat was 18-year-old Ema Govea from Santa Rosa who is on a hunger fast to protest the lack of action on Climate Change in Washington, DC, with other members of the Sunrise Movement since October 20, 2021.
There was a disturbing article in the Press Democrat on October 29, 2021, talking about the exiting of officials due to racial basis. A special shout out to the paper for putting this on the front page and addressing the issue which I know is alive and well in Sonoma County. As I read the article and thought about some of the harassment these officials of color experienced which is causing them to leave Sonoma County, I could not help but reflect on the Presidential Election where 61,825 Sonoma County voters voted for Mr. Trump who was out front with his racism and is facing several law suits by women against him for various violations against them and still people voted for him. What does that say about those who voted for him? To me it has opened the flood gates for this type of behavior which has trickled down to our county. Seems like more than ever folks not only have permission to be raciest but to express those feelings and thoughts which the consequences are, we are losing qualified individuals in our county because of it.
Just a thought: More of us need to know the history of the Holocaust that happened in Nazi German. What is important to know and see is that is how low folks can go with racism and we need to be careful because it can happen here just like it has happened there and in many other countries. Humans need humanity and I am a believer it is taught, you know the saying, “Children Live What They Learn.”
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2. Our guests Shekeyna Black and Audrianna Jones talk about the Annual Peace & Justice Awards Presentation. This year the event is online on November 13, 2021 at 7 PM. This event is a major fundraiser for the Center. RSVP for the event and donations can be made through links at the Center’s website www.pjcsoco.org, where you can read descriptions of the awards and the online auction. The winners of this year’s awards are listed below:
Peace & Justice Activist of the Year Award: Peace & Justice Activist of the Year Award: D’mitra Smith
Russ and Mary Jorgensen Courage of Commitment Award: Audrianna Jones
Unsung Hero Award: Mary Munat
Community Organization Award: Graton Day Labor Center/ALMAS
Youth Peace & Justice Activists Award: Sunrise Movement Sonoma County
Audrianna shares her path to volunteering for the Peace & Justice Center and leading up the Donation Drive for the Homeless there. Audrianna completed a special program provided by Boards and Commissions Leadership Institute (BCLI), six-month program of training and preparation for serving on local and regional boards and commissions. It provides the tools, skills, and support to help emerging leaders from low-income and underrepresented communities obtain seats on strategic boards and commissions and then pass policies that advance racial and economic equity. The program aims to give community members and advocates with not just a voice, but also a vote on important decisions. The County must have noticed and has recently hired Audrianna for a position at the Sonoma County Housing Authority.
Shekeyna describes the awards, including the Russ and Mary Jorgensen Courage of Commitment Award to be awarded to Audrianna Jones, for her steadfastness in the Donation Drive for the Houseless. The auction items can be viewed and bid on at https://www.32auctions.com/PJCauction2021
Shekeyna also announces the annual SOFA Winterblast this coming Saturday evening, November 6 from 5 to 9:30 PM. The festivities occur in the South of A street artist district, and the SOFA round-the-block parade of decorated couches begin at the Peace and Justice Center’s office at 476 Sebastopol St. in Santa Rosa, Come and enjoy the open studios, galleries, cafes, food and drink, live music and theater, and street entertainment.
About our Guest:Shekeyna Black is the Executive Director of the Peace & Justice Center of Sonoma County. The nonprofit organization has been serving the community for 37 years as a resource for social justice. Also, she is enthusiastic about creative arts; especially the key roles that music, theatre, and dance play in our lives. Additionally, she recently started working for a local theatre company, 6th Street Playhouse in Santa Rosa.
About our Guest: Audrianna Jones has been a Board Member of the Peace and Justice Center of Sonoma County since 2018 with an ignited passion for helping others that she has been refining in her thirties. It started with a two-year journey of feeding the houseless community where she discovered needs for additional paid social worker positions and outreach. On the board she is uplifted by local activists who comb the community for bugs in nonprofits and community resources, responding with activism that includes all voices. She is trained in racial and social justice from the Boards and Commissions Leadership Institute and as a Crisis Counselor through Verity. Audrianna recently started a new position at the Sonoma County Housing Authority as a Community Development Specialist.
Herstory Events: Instead of the History of individual women I thought it would be a good idea to remind us how far we have come and some of the changes that were made giving women more independence and a voice, therefore for the next few months this segment will include:
40 Basic Rights Women Did Not Have Until The 1970s
Financially, there were many things that women could not do without their husbands and taking out a credit card under their name was one of them. Legally, banks could deny women credit cards until 1974 with the passing of the Equal Credit Opportunity Act. The applications from women who tried to take a credit card out under their name received the stamp of “denied” or told them to get their husband’s signature on the form. If the woman were not married, the bank would still request she bring a male, such as her father or brother, who could co-sign the application.
39. Women Could not Legally Get an Abortion for Any Reason
Legal abortion is not only a hot topic today, but it has been a hot topic for decades. In fact, women were not able to legally have an abortion for any reason until 1970 when a college student from Texas known as “Jane Roe” decided to challenge the law. She claimed that she had to right to abortion in her own state. Roe went up against Dallas County District Attorney Henry Wade in Texas’ Federal Court. While the case started in 1970, it didn’t end until 1973 in Roe’s favor with the Roe Vs. Wade case stating states which ban abortions are unconstitutional.
38. They Could not Celebrate International Women’s Day
By the time, the 1970s rolled around, women all over the world were tired of being treated as second-class citizens. They started to demand equal treatment across the globe and in every aspect of their lives. This call included being able to celebrate themselves. While International Women’s Day history started in the early 1900s, no one acknowledged the date in the United States. It all changed in the mid-1970s and further improved in 1980 when then President Carter stated that the States would celebrate International Women’s week, including International Women’s Day, which is March 8th.
Saturday, November 6, 2021, 5:00 to 9:30 PM, SOFA Winterblast, SOFA round-the-block parade of decorated couches begin at the Peace and Justice Center’s office at 476 Sebastopol St. in Santa Rosa. Come and enjoy the open studios, galleries, cafes, food and drink, live music and theater, and street entertainment.
Until November 29, 2021: View Video of the NOW Sonoma Chapter’s Special Online Presentation which occurred on Friday, October 29, 2021. to honor LGBTQIA+ History Month. NOW Sonoma County Chapter hosted two members of the Lesbian Archives of Sonoma County and one of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. The video of the presentation is available to see until 11/29/2021 . Request viewing by emailing infor@nowsonoma.org .
The Opening and Closing Theme song The Woman in Your Life is You is done with permission of the Composer and Singer Alix Dobkin ((August 16, 1940 – May 19, 2021) Alix Dobkin death was just announced – Thank you for all you did for Lesbians to be recognized and Women to be honored. May you rest in peace. See our Interview with Alix Dobkin on 12/1/2014 at and our Memorial to Alix Dobkin on 11/24/2021 .
The Woman in Your Life is You by Alix Dobkin from the album Living with Lavender Jane (2010 Women’s Wax Works) – www.alixdobkin.com Hey Mr. Politican, sung by Ellen Buckstel, from the album Daddy’s Little Girl (2008 Ellen Bukstel).
Singing for our Lives, sung by Holly Near, from the album And Still we Sing Outspoken Collection (Holly Near)
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For music purchasing opportunity, supporting the artists:
Women’s Spaces Radio Show with host Elaine B. Holtz presenting a Memorial for Alix Dobkin (1940-2021) and guest Shekeyna Black on the Peace and Justice Center of Sonoma County has been uploaded to the web archive. The show was broadcast in the North Bay and streamed worldwide over Radio KBBF 89.1 FM on Monday 5/24/2021 at 11 AM, repeats at 11 PM on KBBF, and then repeat broadcasts in Petaluma and streamed worldwide over Radio KPCA 103.3 FM on the following Wednesday 5/26/2021 at 11 AM.
Read description of the show and bios of the guests, see links referenced on the show and the playlist, on its archive page at:
Memorial to Songwriter/Singer Alix Dobkin (1940-2021)
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Featuring
Click the Name to access the Segment below
1. Shekeyna Black, Executive Director, Peace & Justice Center of Sonoma County
2. Memorial to Alix Dobkin (1940-2021), Songwriter/Singer, who embraced Feminism and helped Lesbians to be recognized. She honored all women with her performances and her albums.
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1. Our guest Shekeyna Black shares the goings on with the Peace and Justice Center of Sonoma County to fulfill its mission “to inform, support and energize the Sonoma County community to create peace and social justice through active nonviolence.” The Donation Drive for the Houseless begun last year is continuing to collect clothes every Tuesday from 3 to 5 pm, and Shekeyna does a shout out to the faithful volunteers accomplishing this action. The Center is still closed due to the pandemic restrictions, but folks can keep up with activities through subscribing for free to their weekly newsletter and by reading the monthly Peace Press available for free online at its website. The Center is looking for new boardmembers, so give Shekeyna a call at the Center. On the PJC’s Nominations webpage you can nominate a person or group for one of 5 different categories for its annual Awards Dinner in November. The Peace and Justice Center is a good way to get involved to help the community.
About our Guest:Shekeyna Black is the Executive Director of the Peace & Justice Center of Sonoma County for a year, after 2 years as their Center Coordinator. She grew up in Los Angeles County and moved to Sonoma County in 1986 to attend Sonoma State University where she earned a degree in Theatre Arts. She went on later to earn another Bachelors degree in Organizational Management and a Masters in Entertainment Business. She is passionate about music as a way to connect people from diverse backgrounds. Shekeyna was the Director of Entertainment for the publication Upbeat Times for 10 years until its closing its doors last year.Additionally, she has her own business called A Miracle Production that produces bands, concerts, festivals and events. She does bookings and publicity for shows at Redwood Cafe in Cotati. Shekeyna is the mother to four adult kids.
Our second segment is a Memorial to Alix Dobkin (1940-2021), who passed away on May 19th. Alix Dobkin composed and performed the song The Woman in Your Life is You, that opens and closes Women’s Spaces Radio Show, which Alix so generously gave the permission to do. Our host Elaine B. Holtz interviewed Alix Dobkin on December 1, 2014, and we play that interview today on the show, as well as some of her songs. She discusses what was happening in 1972 when she composed that song, which she considered a gift, and discovered Feminism as an antidote to Patriarchy.
May 25, 1889 (1975) – Lillie Mae Carroll Jackson, pioneer civil rights activist, organizer of the Baltimore branch of the NAACP, she pioneered the tactic of non-violent resistance.
May 25, 1887 (1943) – Sue Shelton White, Tennessee suffragist, attorney, and general counsel who participated in National Woman Party’s Washington demonstrations, burning an effigy of President Wilson in front of the White House on Feb. 9, 1919. She helped write Tennessee’s first married women’s property bill, an old age pension act, and a mother’s pension act.
Sunday, June 20, 2021 5ist Annual MLK/Juneteenth Celebration of Diversity and Inclusion in Sonoma County, this year by zoom. Before the pandemic it has been held at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Park in Santa Rosa. The zoom event is free, family oriented and open to the public. Registration will occur at www.sonomacountyjuneteenth.com
The Opening and Closing Theme song The Woman in Your Life is You is done with permission of the Composer and Singer Alix Dobkin ((August 16, 1940 – May 19, 2021) Alix Dobkin death was just announced – Thank you for all you did for Lesbians to be recognized and Women to be honored. May you rest in peace. See our interview on 12/1/2014 at . The Woman in Your Life is You by Alix Dobkin from the album Living with Lavender Jane (2010 Women’s Wax Works) – www.alixdobkin.com A Woman’s Love byAlix Dobkin from the album Love & Politics, A 30 Year Saga (2010 Alix Dobkin)
Lesbian Power Authority by Alix Dobkin from the album Living with Lavender Jane (2010 Women’s Wax Works)
Women’s Spaces Radio Show with host Elaine B. Holtz and guest Shekeyna Black on the Peace and Justice Center of Sonoma County has been uploaded to the web archive. The show was broadcast in the North Bay and streamed worldwide over Radio KBBF 89.1 FM on Monday 12/14/2020 at 11 AM, repeats at 11 PM on KBBF, and then repeat broadcasts in Petaluma and streamed worldwide over Radio KPCA 103.3 FM on the following Wednesday 12/16/2020 at 11 AM.
Read description of the show and bios of the guests, see links referenced on the show and the playlist, on its archive page at:
1. Shekeyna Black, Executive Director, Peace & Justice Center of Sonoma County
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Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz
We have a new President-Elect Joe Biden and Vice-President-Elect Kamala Harris, sealed by the Electoral College, yet which withstood the withering legal challenges of over 50 lawsuits by the losing party that included support by 126 Republican Congresspersons, in spite of violating their oath to the Constitution, and a Supreme Court decision to give us confidence in the security of our democratic electoral process. The candles are being lit for Hanukah to remind Jews and non-Jews alike of the unforeseen resources that appear in times of need. And a solar eclipse of this new moon helps us appreciate how all connected we are with the universe.
Discussion with Featured Guest:
1. Shekeyna Black shares some of the ways her family is dealing with the pandemic restrictions and election shenanigans by limiting the amount of time devoted to news shows to keep the spirits up. Since the Peace and Justice Center (PJC) was such a hub of community activities, the closure of the meeting space has brought up a sense of grieving and loneliness, but hope for new vaccine developments will bring the community together physically again. In the meanwhile, the Peace Press has stopped its print edition but is available online. Audriana Jones recently joined the Board of Directors and brings experience as Dining Room Manager of St. Vincent de Paul in downtown Santa Rosa in serving the homeless and hungry. PJC is at present sponsoring a Donation Drive for the Homeless to collect sleeping bags, blankets, jackets, socks and gloves. Donation revenue has been greatly reduced, as for most non-profits, but the Center is confident that many more years will be added to its 36 year history of being present in Sonoma County. Consider becoming a member on the Donation page of the PJC website.
About our Guest: Shekeyna Black is the Executive Director of the Peace & Justice Center of Sonoma County for a year, after 2 years as their Center Coordinator. She grew up in Los Angeles County and moved to Sonoma County in 1986 to attend Sonoma State University where she earned a degree in Theatre Arts. She went on later to earn another Bachelors degree in Organizational Management and a Masters in Entertainment Business. She is passionate about music as a way to connect people from diverse backgrounds. Additionally, she has her own business called A Miracle Production that produces bands, concerts, festivals and events. She does bookings and publicity for shows at Redwood Cafe in Cotati. She is the Director of Entertainment for the publication, Upbeat Times. Shekeyna is the mother to four adult kids.
Guest Links:
Peace & Justice Center of Sonoma County websitewww.pjcsoco.org
Herstory Events: December 14, 1961 – President’s Commission on the Status of Women is established to examine discrimination against women and ways to eliminate it.
December 14, 1985 – Wilma Mankiller is sworn in as principal chief of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma – the first woman in modern history to lead a major Native American tribe.
Herstory Birthdays:
December 13, 1903 (1986) – Ella Baker, organizer, tried to develop local leaders for civil rights campaigns but found male leaders in the NAACP quite unwilling to delegate power, helped lead the Southern Christian Leadership Conference until Dr. King took over, worked with the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party.
December 16, 1901 (1978) – Margaret Mead, renowned cultural anthropologist, author, lecturer. Quote she is famous for: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed individuals can change the world. In fact, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
December 17, 1853 (1945) – Harriet Taylor Upton, joined suffrage movement in 1890 when converted by Susan Anthony, became treasurer of the National American Woman Suffrage Association, testified in Congress, managed suffrage campaigns and ratification drive in Ohio, held positions in the Republican Party, defeated for Congress at age 70.
Sonoma County 2020 Women’s Suffrage Project’s 19th Amendment Centennial Series has occured with online presentations from Tuesday, August 18 to August 26, 2020. Visit the Project’s YouTube channel main site for the 19th Centennial Series recordings of online presentationss at www.youtube.com/channel/UCqynwJCqhLMtPtjdDdsdQdQ
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The Women’s Vote Centennial Initiative is a collaboration of women-centered institutions, organizations, and scholars from across the US, works to ensure that this anniversary, and the 72-year fight to achieve it, are commemorated and celebrated throughout the United States. www.2020centennial.org/.
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August 26 – November 8, 2020 online video available, Petaluma’s Participation in the Women’s Suffrage Movement, Petaluma Library and Historical Museum The Petaluma Museum Association’s suffrage exhibit has been rescheduled. For details visit
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January 25, 2020 through (extended!) January 24, 2021, From Suffrage to #MeToo at Museum of Sonoma County. Please note: Fee is required for entry to museum. For more information, also for Covid precautions taken at museum, visit https://museumsc.org/suffrage-metoo/
The Opening and Closing Theme song is with permission of the Composer and Singer Alix Dobkin: The Woman in Your Life is You by Alix Dobkin from the album Living with Lavender Jane (Women’s Wax Works) – www.alixdobkin.com
My Vote, My Voice, My Right sung by Roy Zimmerman from the album The Faucets on Fire (2016 Roy Zimmerman).
Made For These Times, sung by Earth Mama from the album Herstory (Released March 4, 2019 Rhm).
Women’s Spaces Radio Show with host Elaine B. Holtz and guests Gail Simons on Masking Up as Covid Surges and Amie Windsor – the New Publisher of the Sonoma County Gazette, has been uploaded to the web archive. The show was broadcast in the North Bay and streamed worldwide over Radio KBBF 89.1 FM on Monday 11/16/2020 at 11 AM, repeats at 11 PM on KBBF, and then repeat broadcasts in Petaluma and streamed worldwide over Radio KPCA 103.3 FM on the following Wednesday 11/18/2020 at 11 AM.
Read description of the show and bios of the guests, see links referenced on the show and the playlist, on its archive page at:
2. Amie Windsor, Publisher, Sonoma County Gazette, Sonoma Media Investments
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Commentary by Host Elaine B. Holtz
on heeding the health order of mask wearing and social distancing to hinder the spread of Covid-19 with some examples of people Elaine knows.
This is followed by
Discussions with Featured Guests:
1. Gail Simons shares how she began her many years in nursing and her insights on preventing the spread of the Covid-19 virus by diligently wearing masks, practicing the social distancing protocols, and limiting one’s physical contacts with other folks from other households. This is an important reminder as the holidays come with the temptations to let our guard down among family and friends. Gail is active in advocating for more affordable housing, shelters and porta potties for basic sanitation for the homeless, of which there are about 3,000 in Sonoma County, with 2,000 sleeping outdoors.
About our Guest: Gail Simons served as a nurse most of her life and is recently retired. She is a volunteer with Homeless Action.
2. Amie Windsor tells of her beginnings in journalism and how her love of stories and storytelling is a good fit for her dream come true, becoming publisher of the Sonoma County Gazette community newspaper. Amie says “Farewell, Elaine” as Elaine hands the authorship of the column Santa Rosa Snippets in the Gazetter to Leslie Graves beginning with the November 2020 issue.
About our Guest: Amie Windsor is the new publisher of the Sonoma County Gazette. She is a mother of two girls, seven chickens and one cat. She is happily married, lives in Sebastopol and loves to bake pies. She has been in Sonoma County for a handful of years and feels grateful to be putting down roots here. She originates from eastern Washington which is why she’ll call you from a 509 area code phone number, but with her hippie politics, fairy children and support for small businesses, she’s about as west county as they come.
The Sonoma County Gazette honors Elaine B. Holtz as she hands over her column Santa Rosa Snippets to Leslie Graves beginning with the November 2020 issue. 2020 Photo by Sonoma County Gazette.
November 14, 1903 – The U.S. Women’s Trade Union League is established.
November 14, 1946 – Emily Greene Balch, co-founder of the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom, is awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.
Herstory Birthdays:
November 18, 1857 (1950) – Rose Knox, one of America’s foremost businesswomen, co-founded Knox Gelatin Co., revolutionized the company following her husband’s death initiating a five-day work week and two-week vacations.
Sonoma County 2020 Women’s Suffrage Project’s 19th Amendment Centennial Series has occured with live online presentations from Tuesday, August 18 to August 26, 2020. Visit the Project’s YouTube channel main site for the 19th Centennial Series recordings of online presentationss at www.youtube.com/channel/UCqynwJCqhLMtPtjdDdsdQdQ
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The Women’s Vote Centennial Initiative is a collaboration of women-centered institutions, organizations, and scholars from across the US, works to ensure that this anniversary, and the 72-year fight to achieve it, are commemorated and celebrated throughout the United States. www.2020centennial.org/.
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August 26 – November 8, 2020, Petaluma’s Participation in the Women’s Suffrage Movement, Petaluma Library and Historical Museum The Petaluma Museum Association’s suffrage exhibit has been rescheduled. For details visit
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January 25, 2020 through (extended!) January 24, 2021, From Suffrage to #MeToo at Museum of Sonoma County. Please note: Fee is required for entry to museum. For more information, also for Covid precautions taken at museum, visit https://museumsc.org/suffrage-metoo/
The Opening and Closing Theme song is with permission of the Composer and Singer Alix Dobkin: The Woman in Your Life is You by Alix Dobkin from the album Living with Lavender Jane (Women’s Wax Works) – www.alixdobkin.com
Women’s Space Radio Show with host Elaine B. Holtz and guests Katherine J. Rinehart on the Sonoma County Historical & Genealogy Library and Audriana Jones on the St. Vincent de Paul Free Dining Room in Santa Rosa’s Railroad Square, has been uploaded to the web archive. The show was recorded, broadcast in the North Bay and streamed worldwide over Radio KBBF 89.1 FM on Monday 12/9/19 at 11 AM (repeats at 11 PM on KBBF) and repeat broadcast in Petaluma and streamed worldwide over Radio KPCA 103.3 FM on Wednesday 12/11/19 at 11 AM.
1. Katherine J. Rinehart talks of the stories of Sonoma County residents collected at the History and Geneology Library of the Sonoma County Library System. She announces a special free event on Monday, December 16, 2019, 7 – 8:30 PM,to kickoff the Library’s celebration of the Women’s Suffrage Centennial, Meet the Author Dr. Sally Roesch Wagner, editor of the Women’s Suffrage Movement. Dr. Wagner has brought attention to the influence of Native American women in the Women’s Suffrage Movement with her book Sisters in Spirit.
About our Guest: Katherine J. Rinehart received a MA in History from Sonoma State University in 1994. For the past 21 years, Ms. Rinehart has worked in various positions within the fields of Cultural Resource Management and Historic Preservation and is currently employed by the Sonoma County Library where she has worked in the Sonoma County History and Genealogy Department since 2002. In addition to managing an important Sonoma County Library special collection, Katherine oversees the Sonoma County Archive. Ms. Rinehart is the author of Petaluma: A History in Architecture, an occasional contributor the Press Democrat and is proud to be a Petaluma Good Egg.
Dr. Sally Roesch Wagner, editor, The Women’s Suffrage Movement
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2. Audriana Jones shares her path to helping those less fortunate as manager of the St. Vincent de Paul Community Kitchen and Free Dining Room in Santa Rosa’s Railroad Square at 610 Wilson Street. Everyday wholesome meals are prepared and served on 200 to 300 trays from 11:20 AM to 12:20 PM to homeless people with the help of many volunteers and those doing court mandated community service. Audriana talks of her spiritual practice to keep herself centered and her mind reset everyday to meet each day’s challenges, understanding her emotional capacity, while helping to fulfill some of the needs of others.
About our Guest: Audriana Jones works for St Vincent de Paul’s Community Kitchen and helps implement the tasks needed to serve 200-300 trays of a well balanced meal a day offered for free in Railroad Square in Santa Rosa. She has a passion for nutrition that battles the elements and dreams of a world where the homeless problem is exponentially less. After switching careers to helping the homeless, she has been motivated to talk for and protect those who are treated badly by the system and the increasingly harsh elements. She is also on the board of the Peace and Justice Center in Santa Rosa to obtain connections and resources for the community.
December 9, 2002 – Award-winning ABC News journalist, Michele Norris, becomes the first African American female regular co-host of National Public Radio’s news magazine, All Things Considered, she stepped down in 2012.
December 10, 1869 – Wyoming is the first territory to give women the right to vote.
December 10, 1938 – Pearl S. Buck receives the Nobel Prize for Literature for The Good Earth.
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Annnouncements
Monday, December 16, 2019, 7 – 8:30 PM, Meet the Author Dr. Sally Roesch Wagner, editor of the Women’s Suffrage Movement – an intersectional anthology of works by known and unknown women that shaped and established the suffrage movement. Sonoma County Library downtown Santa Rosa kickoffs its celebration of the Women’s Suffrage Centennial. Free and Open to the Public. Central Library
Third and E streets, Santa Rosa, Event Link: https://www.bohemian.com/northbay/meet-the-author-dr-sally-roesch-wagner/Event?oid=9474150
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The NOW 2020 Woman Suffrage Centennial Calendar is available. Suggested donation $15. Contact NOW Sonoma at info@NOWSonoma.org
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Saturday, January 25, 2020, Building Neighborhood Power, presented by Santa Rosa Together, Santa Rosa Housing for All, The Sonoma Intersections Coaltion and the City of Santa Rosa. Join neighbors as we begin defining the types of services, structures and support we want in our neighborhood. With well-defined neighborhood visions, we can better help policymakers and developers deliver the neighborhoods of our dreams! We will be led by world-renown community builder, Jim Diers, the former Dir. of the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods and Professor at the University of Washington’s Asset-Based Community Development Institute. Eventbrite link.
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Music Selections:
The Opening and Closing Theme song is with permission of the Composer and Singer Alix Dobkin:
The Woman in Your Life is You by Alix Dobkin from the album Living with Lavender Jane (Women’s Wax Works) – www.alixdobkin.com
Library Magic sung by The Head and the Heart from the album Signs of Life (2016 Warner Records)
Bread and Roses sung by Bobbie McGee from the album Classic Labor Songs from Smithsonian Folkways (2006 Smithsonian Folkways Recordings)
Women’s Space Radio Show with our guests Julie Combs on CASA – Committee to House the Bay Area, Leslie Graves recaps the Women’s March in Santa Rosa and Nancy Vogl reports on MLK Holiday A Day On Not a Day Off, recorded on 1/21/19, has been uploaded to the web archives. The show was recorded, broadcast and streamed over Radio KBBF 89.1 FM in the NorthBay on Monday 1/21/19 and repeat broadcast and streamed over Radio KPCA 103.3 FM in Petaluma on Wednesday 1/23/19.
Legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr., A Day On Not a Day Off.
CASA – Committee to House the Bay Area
Featuring Guests
1. Leslie Graves, Chief Organizer, Santa Rosa Women’s March 2019
2. Nancy Vogl, Legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr., Celebration: Love in Action;
3. Julie Combs, Commissioner, Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC), former Chair of the Steering Committee of CASA – Committee to House the Bay Area; new Chair of the Regional Planning Committee for the 9 San Francisco Bay Counties; Santa Rosa City Councilperson
1. Leslie Graves gives us a recap of the Women’s Rally and March 2019 in Santa Rosa that drew 4,500 people with colorful costumes and thought-provoking and humorous opinions on posters and, of course, a many pussy hats adorning heads on Saturday morning. Elaine,B. Holtz, the host of Women’s Spaces, was honored to be one of the lead banner bearers, along with Dr. Jacqueline Lawrence of Legacy Showcase, her granddaughter Grace, Miss Sonoma County Tyler-Avery Lewis and Miss Sonoma County’s Outstanding Teen, Pinkeo Phongsa. Many booths dotted the square with information from many organizations serving the community. It was a good time to meet old friends and make new ones and enjoy the networking. Check out some photos further below on this page.
About our Guest: Leslie Graves got her first taste of coordinating local events while with the Sonoma County Family YMCA when she took a role of planning the Harvest Fair 10K/3K Run in 1996 and then moved onto managing events at other non-profits and corporate retailers in the field of Marketing. Mixing a background of Health/Fitness, Marketing and Community Development, Leslie is always up for helping to make a positive impact by bringing people together to celebrate community. In her spare time she adds her voice to a bevy of local events as the emcee around Sonoma County.
Elaine,B. Holtz, host of Women’s Spaces, was honored to be one of the lead banner bearers of the Santa Rosa Women’s March 2019 which drew 4,500 marchers along with Dr. Jacqueline Lawrence of Legacy Showcase, her granddaughter Grace, Miss Sonoma County Tyler-Avery Lewis and Miss Sonoma County’s Outstanding Teen, Pinkeo Phongsa. Photo by Leslie Graves
2. Nancy Vogl reports on Sunday’s annual Celebration of the Legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. and talks of some of the Presentations of the Essays and Posters in the contest in the county schools on Dr. King’s legacy. Nancy also describes some of the Day On Not a Day Off activities organized for the Monday holiday at the Community Baptist Church in Santa Rosa, including the sewing of cloth sanitary pads for school girls in Uganda who cannot afford the pads and are ashamed to go to school during their menstruation.
About our Guest Nancy Vogl was a founding member of the one of the first lesbian bands of 2nd wave feminism, the Berkeley Women’s Music Collective, that recorded and toured together from 1973-79. She continued playing with Robin Flower, Barbara Higbie and Holly Near until moving to Sonoma County in 1984. Nancy served as Youth Service Director at the Volunteer Center for 7 years, and Co-Directed Sonoma County’s LGBTQQI youth group, Positive Images. She now offers private coaching in addiction recovery, and returned to music with a new CD, opening for friends on March 8th at Freight & Salvage in Berkeley. Her passion is healthy youth development, non-violence and community peace, studying with Dr. Ricky Shereover Marcuse, and James and Grace Boggs. She returned to the MLK committee this year.
The Community Baptist Church of Santa Rosa on the Monday Holiday honoring Martin Luther King, Jr. hosts A Day On Not Day Off and one service done was the sewing of cloth sanitary napkins for Uganda schoolgirls. Namirembe Phionah is from Uganda brough up the need to the Church and now realizes the action taken. 2019 Photo by Ken Norton
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3. Julie Combs talks about her role as one of the 21 Commissioners of the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC), The MTC Commissioners, per their website, “shape policies to guide transportation and development in the Bay Area, and fund projects and programs to turn those policies into reality.” The MTC serves the 9 counties of the San Franciso Bay Area. The main project of MTC currently is called CASA – Committee to House the Bay Area, to address the regional homelessness crisis affecting all the communities. Julie was Chair of the steering committee of CASA and she describes some of the functions of CASA and how it will affect local affordable housing policies. Julie encourages Santa Rosa residents to show up and voice their opinions on housing or other needs the city should address with budget at the very important Budget Priorities meeting of the City Council on Tuesday, January 29th.
About our Guest: Julie Combs has been a Councilperson for the City of Santa Rosa since 2012. She has a degree in engineering and over 15 years experience in housing construction and building code work, which has helped inform her work on our housing crisis. Locally she serves on the very new Home – the Joint Santa Rosa City and Sonoma County Agency to fund the coordinated response to homelessness. More directly Julie has served on the CASA steering committee, and was chair of the Regional Housing Committee and was just elected to be the new Chair of the Regional Planning Committee for the 9 Bay Area Counties.
Santa Rosa Women’s Rally and March 2019: Left Photo is of speaker Celeste Austin – Photo by Janeane Rose Sanborn.
Participants in the Women’s Rally and March 2019 . Photo by Leslie Graves.
Speakers at the Santa Rosa Women’s Rally and March 2019: Photo by Leslie Graves.
Santa Rosa 2019 Womens March and Rally booth with Eileen Bill of NOW, Elaine B. Holtz of Women’s Spaces and Dr. Jacqueline Lawrence of Legacy Showcase. Photo by Ken Norton
Annnnouncements
January 29, Tuesday, Budget Priorities, Santa Rosa City Council Chambers, City Hall, City Hall, 100 Santa Rosa Avenue, Santa Rosa. www.srcity.org/1322/City-Council
Women’s Space Radio Show with our guests’ review of 2018 and Hope for 2019: Adrienne Laube on Homeless Action, Laura Wells on her Green Party challenge and Caitlin Quinn on her Petaluma School Board election victory, recorded on 12/31/18, has been uploaded to the web archives. The show was recorded, broadcast and streamed over Radio KBBF 89.1 FM in the NorthBay on Monday 12/31/18 and repeat broadcast and streamed over Radio KPCA 103.3 FM in Petaluma on Wednesday 1/2/19.
1. Adrienne Lauby shares her insights on the highs and lows of 2018 regarding the Homeless in Sonoma County, of which there as still some 1800 folks sleeping outside these freezing and sometimes wet winter nights. She gives her wish list for 2109 for Homeless Action on the part of the County Supervisors and City Councils.
About our Guest: Adrienne Lauby is a founding member of the local grassroots group, Homeless Action! She is also a producer and host of Pushing Limits, 94.1 FM Radio KPFA’s disability program, and works with the Racial Justice Allies of Sonoma County. Adrienne has received two local awards for her work on homeless issues and is known for her passion as well as her research and fact-based information.
Guest Links:
2.Laura Wells shares why she as a Green Party candidate ran against the popular progressive Democrat Barbara Lee for the US House of Representative seat for the Oakland area. The League for Women Voters made it possible for her to debate Barbara Lee in a forum and present the Green Party’s Green Deal in contrast to corporate funded Democrats. The Green Party does not accept any corporate funds for campaigning.
About our Guest: Laura Wells has been a candidate for California Governor and recently for the US House of Representatives. Laura is a proponent of Public Banks and the Green Party Green Deal.
DiEM25 – co-founder Yanis Varoufakis (Former Greek Minister, author, Adults in the Room: My Battle with the European and American Deep Establishment) https://diem25.org/
3. Caitlin Quinn talks about her successful campaign for the Petaluma School Board and what encouraged her to run. Caitlin also briefly recounts the work of Verity Rape Crisis Center.
About our Guest: Caitlin Quinn was raised in Sonoma County and attended UC Berkeley, where she became involved in anti-sexual violence work and was one of 31 students who filed a Title IX complaint against the university in 2013. Caitlin handles all of Verity’s communications work while supporting the administrative side of things. Caitlin successfully campaigned for the November 2018 election to the Petaluma City School Board.
January 19, 2019, Saturday, Women’s March in Santa Rosa, sponsored by the Sonoma County Peace and Justice Center and Leslie Graves. http://www.pjcsoco.org/
The Opening and Closing Theme song is with permission of the Composer and Singer
Alix Dobkin: The Woman in Your Life is You by Alix Dobkin from the album Living with Lavender Jane (Women’s Wax Works) – www.alixdobkin.com
PaleMoon by Becky Hobbs from the album Nanheyi – Beloved Woman of the Cherokee (2011 Becky Hobbs)
The House I Live In sung by Maxine Linehan from the Album An American Journey(Live) (2014 Feminist Recording Studio)
Quiet by MILCK from the album This is not the End (2018 Atlantic Recording Corporation for the United States and WEA International for the world outside the USA)
Women’s Spaces Radio Show with guests Santa Rosa City Councilmember Julie Combs and Adrienned Laube of Homeless Action! in Sonoma County, recorded on 5/14/18, has been uploaded to the web archives. The show was recorded, broadcast and streamed over Radio KBBF 89.1 FM in the NorthBay on Monday 5/14/18 and repeat broadcast and streamed over Radio KPCA 103.3 FM in Petaluma on Tuesday 5/15/18.
1. Julie Combs , Council Member, Santa Rosa City Council
2. Adrienne Lauby, Co-founder, Homeless Action!; Host of Pushing Limits, Radio KPFA
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1. Santa Rosa City Councilmember Julie Combs and2. Adrienne Lauby of Homeless Action! discuss the over 2,000 homeless people in Sonoma County and what the Santa Rosa City Council has accomplished and has still to do with its Homeless Encampment Assistance Pilot Program. The recent disbandment of the homess tent village in Roseland on Sebastopol Road and the civil disobedience arrests in the City Council chambers last week are looked at from the city council member’s perspective and that of the homeless advocates.
About our Guest: Julie Combs’ commitment to community service started at an early age in North Carolina when she formed her high school’s first ecology club and started recycling newspapers. Julie received her BS degree in mechanical engineering from Syracuse University in 1988.and received her BS degree from Syracuse University. Julie worked as an American’s with Disabilities Act Coordinator and a Rehabilitation Engineer and served as a Senior Plans Reviewer for the city of Asheville, North Carolina. In 2012 she was elected to the SR City Council was elected in 2016 for a second term. She worked on comprehensive Housing Agenda to address current housing crisis and provide both immediate and long term relief for Santa Rosa residents. She approved over $3 million on shovel-ready affordable housing projects and made Housing and Homeless issues one of the top council goals for 2015. She represents the city and the county she fought for equitable distribution of grant funds for our area while serving on the Association of Bay Area Governments Regional Planning committee.
About our Guest: Adrienne Lauby is a founding member of the local grassroots group, Homeless Action! She is also a producer and host of Pushing Limits, 94.1 FM Radio KPFA’s disability program, and works with the Racial Justice Allies of Sonoma County. Adrienne has received two local awards for her work on homeless issues and is known for her passion as well as her research and fact-based information.
The Opening and Closing Theme song is with permission of the Composer and Singer Alix Dobkin: The Woman in Your Life is You by Alix Dobkin from the album Living with Lavender Jane (Women’s Wax Works) – www.alixdobkin.com
For The Mothers by Betsey Rose and the Women’s Choir from the Album: Welcome to the Circle (Paper Crane Music)
The House I Live In sung by Maxine Linehan from the ablum An American Journey (Honey Bun Records)
Women’s Spaces Radio Show with host Elaine B. Holtz and guests City Councilmember Julie Combs on Migrant Education Familiy Fund, Mary Moore and Karen Saari on Two Decades of Community Concerns about Law Enforcement in Sonoma County , broadcast via KBBF-FM 89.1 on 11/6/17, has been uploaded to the web archives.
Two Decades of Community Concerns about Law Enforcement in Sonoma County
Featured Guests
1. Julie Combs, Council Member, Santa Rosa City Council, Migrant Education Family Fund
2. Mary Moore Advocate, Oversight of Community Law Enforcement in Sonoma County
3. Karen Saari, Advocate, Oversight of Community Law Enforcement in Sonoma County
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1. City Councilmember Julie Combs talks about the Migrant Education Family Fund that she helped set up to address the needs of migrant families after the recent Wildfire Disaster that destroyed residences and places of employment. Elaine shares the news of a surpise donation to the Migrant Education Family Fund of $500 raised on hearing of the Wild Fire Disaster in a bake sale by the Laytonville Elementary School pupils of her granddaughter-in-law Amber Jensen on her first year teaching assignment,
About our Guest: Julie Combs was elected to the City Council of Santa Rosa in 2012 and was re-elected in 2016. Julie earned her BS in Mechanical Engineering from Syracuse Universtiy and a BA in Psychology from UNC-G. Julie is married and lives in Bennet Valley with her husband. Julie has been advocating Housing for All and has a 24-point plan addressing the issue on her website.
2. & 3. Mary Moore and Karen Saari talk about growing into their advocacy for review and oversight with supoena power of community law enforcement in Sonoma County. In the late 1990s, there was a spate of police in Sonoma County. Their advocating culminated in 2000 in a report by the California Advisory Committee to the US Commission on Civil Rights on Community Concerns about Law Enforcement in Sonoma County that was submitted to the County Board of Supervisors and the city councils in the county. The report was basically shelved. The report saw the light of day again, however, after the Sonoma County Sheriff deputy shooting and killing of a 13-year old Andy Lopez carrying a toy gun in Santa Rosa, and a citizens’ Justice Coalition for Andy Lopez (JCAL) raised their voices in protest of local policies concenrning the police and community interaction. The report is discussed and links to the report will be posted below when available.
About our Guest: Mary Moore has been a social justice activist since 1962 focusing on issues or racism, sexism and classism. In the late ‘70s she organized a statewide network to stop Diablo Canyon and Rancho Secco nukes. She co founded the Bohemian Grove Action Network in 1980 to raise awareness of the elite and small network of men with outsized influence that gather annually at Bohemian Grove in Sonoma County. n the mid ‘90s she helped to start a local movement against police abuse, getting the US Civil Rights Commission to hold hearings in Sonoma County and documenting the unacceptable amount of killings by police.
She is currently working on an archives project for the Bancroft Library in Berkeley, CA, and writing a book.
About our Guest: Karen Saari earned her BA in History from Russell Sage College. Karen currently works as a paralegal for a California appellate attorney and also as a professional organizer for self-employed professionals. In the late 1990s she made a presentation on the local deaths and attracted some national attention. Ultimately, Project Censored offered to sponsorKaren in a research project to identify all police-related deaths in the US for one calendar year. To her knowledge, this was the first such project on police-involved deaths of civilians ever conducted. The result was the Stolen Lives- Killed by Law Enforcement project and book. Since that time, 20 years ago, she has continued to keep track of law enforcement related deaths of civilians here in Sonoma County.
The Opening and Closing Theme song is with permission of the Composer and Singer Alix Dobkin: The Woman in Your Life is You by Alix Dobkin from the album Living with Lavender Jane (Women’s Wax Works) – www.alixdobkin.com
Get Together sung by Indigo Girls from the Album: Strange Fire (Epic)
Democracy sung by Burns Sister Band from the Album: Wild Bouquet (Ithaca Records 2006)