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Commission on the Status of Women
Commission on the Status of Women
Women Involved in the Criminal Justice System Forum
The Commission on the Status of Women hosted the Women Involved in the Criminal Justice System Forum on October 8, 2026, featuring three inspiring speakers: Carla Rodriguez of the Sonoma County District Attorney’s Office; Elizabeth Quiroz, Co-Founder of Redemption House of the Bay Area; and Hali Brenner of Santa Rosa Junior College’s Rising Scholars and Second Chance Program.
The forum created a meaningful space for listening, learning, and sharing perspectives on the unique challenges women face within the criminal justice system, the resources and services they need, and the importance of fostering a more compassionate, equitable, and supportive approach. Through the speakers’ insights and experiences, the discussion highlighted the value of understanding the barriers women encounter and the importance of expanding opportunities for support, healing, and success.
The Commission extends its sincere gratitude to the speakers and all who participated in this important conversation. By amplifying the voices and experiences of women impacted by the criminal justice system, we can continue working toward a community where every woman is heard, supported, and empowered to move forward with dignity, hope, and opportunity.
Proclaiming August 26, 2026 as Women's Equality Day in Sonoma County
The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors passed a Gold Resolution on August 25, 2026, proclaiming August 26, 2026, as Women’s Equality Day in Sonoma County. The Commission on the Status of Women, alongside National Organization for Women President Amy Nykamp, accepted the Gold Resolution in recognition of this important occasion.
The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors recognizes Women's History Month in Sonoma County
On March 10, 2026, the County of Sonoma Board of Supervisors adopted a Gold Resolution, requested by the Commission on the Status of Women, recognizing Women’s History Month in Sonoma County. This resolution highlights and celebrates the significant contributions, accomplishments, and leadership of women who have helped shape the county’s social, economic, cultural, and civic life.
50th Year Celebration!
On Thursday, December 11, 2025, past and present Commissioners of the Sonoma County Commission on the Status of Women gathered in celebration of the Commission’s establishment. The milestone was honored with a resolution from the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors, a Certificate of Congressional Recognition from the offices of Congressmen Huffman and Thompson, and certificates from the California State Legislature representing Senators McGuire and Cabaldon and Assemblymembers Aguiar-Curry, Connolly, and Rogers.
SoCo Chat Interview: Commission on the Status of Women
Janice Blalock, former commissioner of the Sonoma County Commission on the Status of Women, was interviewed by Paul Gullixson, the County’s Communications Manager. They talked about the 2023 Report on the Status of Women and Girls in Sonoma County report that reveals some surprising insights into how women and girls are faring in Sonoma County.
Upcoming Events
Impact of ICE enforcement on immigrant women and children in Sonoma County 2025
On January 8, 2026, the Sonoma County Commission on the Status of Women approved a position paper examining the impact of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) enforcement on immigrant women and children in Sonoma County. The position paper was developed through a Commission-hosted hearing held on September 11, 2025, which created space to share some of the real-life experiences of immigrant women in Sonoma County dealing with ICE enforcement and better understand the impact on their lives and their families through their eyes. Speakers were selected from different parts of the County, different social and civil roles, and different perspectives.
Women, Longevity & Equity: A Community Conversation
The Sonoma County Commission on the Status of Women released a new position paper examining the growing challenges facing older women in Sonoma County, including economic insecurity, housing instability, and limited access to essential services. Shaped by lifelong inequities such as lower wages, caregiving responsibilities, and longer life expectancy, many older women struggle to access support within fragmented and underfunded systems. Drawing on expert panel discussions and community testimony, the paper highlights these interconnected issues and calls for improved coordination, housing assistance, transportation, caregiving resources, and access to information and services.
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