Archived Women's Spaces Radio Shows

Wednesday, December 25, 2024, 10 AM PT (New Time)repeats Monday's show that will feature our guest Zakiya Thomas, CEO of the ERA Coalition, advocating for the passage of the Equal Rights Amendment. Radio KPCA 103.3 FM, Petaluma, CA. https://petalumacommunityaccess.org/kpca 

Women's Spaces will be broadcast over Radio KPCA on the same day as before but at a new time on Wednesdays at 10:00 AM.

1. Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz:  I have a special guest for this show, joining me on the phone from Washington DC will be Zakiya Thomas, President and CEO of the ERA Coalition and ERA Coalition Forward.
Ihe ERA Coalition and Fund for Women’s Equality (ERA Coalition Forward); a movement of movements, which convenes a diverse coalition of nearly 300 partner organizations across the country, representing 80 million people.
From gender, racial, economic and reproductive justice to labor and LGBTQ+ rights, partners represent interconnected, intergenerational, and intersectional organizations all united under one banner: to advance equality and build a foundation for equal treatment under the law.

2. Our Guest Zakiya Thomas, President of the ERA Coalition, highlights the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) as essential for gender equality, reproductive justice, and LGBTQ+ rights. Inspired by her grandmother’s activism, Thomas leads over 300 organizations advocating for the ERA's inclusion in the U.S. Constitution. Passed by Congress in 1972, the ERA prohibits sex-based discrimination but stalled due to economic and fear-driven opposition.
Thomas urges support for "The Legacy We Deserve" campaign, calling on President Biden to direct the archivist to publish the ERA, completing its constitutional process. While not a solution to all gender-based inequalities, the ERA would establish a legal foundation for addressing discrimination and safeguarding rights like those protected under Title IX and Title VII.
With strong Congressional backing from leaders like Representatives Cori Bush and Ayanna Pressley, Thomas calls for collective action. She encourages signing the petition at sign4era.org, contacting President Biden, and supporting local gender equality efforts.

1. Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz:  I have a special guest this morning. Joining me in the studio is Dr. Merith Weisman director of Sonoma County GO LOCAL here in Sonoma County Merith has been director since November 2024. Her career spans nonprofit work and fostering partnerships between public higher education and local communities. We will be talking about – the benefits of supporting local businesses during these holiday seasons. I can hardly believe Christmas 2024 in a few weeks.

We she made it! On December 6th, just three days ago my sister Evelyn Diane Holtz reached the great age of 80. Wow she has been in my life for eighty years. Happy Birthday Evelyn, wishing you always the best life has to offer.

2. Our Guest, Dr. Merith Weisman,  shared her experience in Indonesia after the 2004 tsunami, which killed 220,000 people, including 200,000 in Aceh. The disaster devastated infrastructure and the local economy. Drawing on her research in Central Java, she joined Plan International to aid recovery, translating grants, teaching program management, and collaborating with international volunteers. Inspired by her activist grandmother, she emphasized how resilience and family influence drive action during crises. Remarkably, the tsunami’s aftermath ended a 50-year war in Aceh, allowing rebuilding and peace.

The discussion then focused on GoLocal, a Sonoma County initiative promoting local businesses. Dr. Weisman highlighted the economic and environmental benefits of shopping locally, which retains three times more value than big-box or online alternatives. GoLocal offers rewards programs, networking, and advertising opportunities, supporting businesses like Dee Jays Sash & Glass, Economy Plumbing, and Wolf HVAC. The session urged prioritizing local spending to create resilient, thriving communities, especially during the holidays.

1. Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz: This morning’s guest is Madonna Feather Cruz, who joins us to share her experience at the 57th annual Alcatraz Sunrise Ceremony, an event she has participated in since infancy. Madonna was previously on the show with her daughter Rayna Cruz, and together they continue their family’s legacy of honoring Native American traditions. The ceremony, held on Native American Heritage Day (November 29), commemorates the historic Alcatraz occupation and serves as a powerful reminder of Indigenous resilience and cultural preservation.

Madonna will discuss the deeply spiritual aspects of this gathering and what she hopes participants take away from it. This year marks the 57th annual event, with the first taking place in 1977.

As part of the show, I will honor John Trudell, a key figure in the Native rights movement, whose words resonate profoundly today: “I am just a human being trying to make it in a world that is rapidly losing its understanding of being human.” Following the interview, I’ll share commentary and music reflecting on today’s world from my perspective.

2. Our Guest, MaDonna Feather Cruz, reflects on the recent Alcatraz Sunrise Ceremony held on Thanksgiving morning, an annual Native American gathering that honors the 1969 occupation of Alcatraz Island by the Red Power movement. A legacy native and cultural preservation advocate, Madonna emphasizes the event's importance in showcasing indigenous resilience and unity since its inception in 1975.

he describes the ferry ride to Alcatraz, filled with traditional drumming, singing, and camaraderie. On the island, attendees participate in dances, songs, and speeches from indigenous leaders, with solidarity expressed by other communities. A moving highlight is the reading of a letter from Leonard Peltier, a Native American activist and political prisoner.

Madonna highlights the ceremony’s role in affirming the enduring presence of Native cultures and fostering understanding among diverse attendees. She encourages listeners to support indigenous initiatives and preserve these traditions, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to share this meaningful experience.

1. Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz: Elaine returns after a four-week flu-related absence for a live show featuring MaDonna Feather Cruz and her daughter, Reyna Joy Cruz. MaDonna, a Native American advocate and enrolled member of the Round Valley Indian Tribes, raises awareness about Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) and cultural preservation. Reyna, a costume designer and winner of the 2024 Diversity in Business Award, shares insights on her work. In honor of Native American Heritage Month, MaDonna discusses her involvement in events like the Alcatraz Occupation and Native American Heritage Day, sharing her family’s traditions and history. It promises to be an inspiring show.

2. Our Guests, MaDonna Feather Cruz and her daughter Reyna Joy Cruz share their journey of resilience, activism, and cultural competency within Native American communities. MaDonna, a third-generation Indian boarding school survivor, honors her grandmother’s activism through her involvement in the International Indian Treaty Council and Alcatraz Sunrise Ceremonies, symbols of resistance and heritage preservation. Reyna promotes cultural awareness through art and kindness, addressing ignorance with understanding. They reflect on systemic challenges, gender equality, and Native history, reframing Thanksgiving as a time for education and gratitude. Together, they emphasize tradition, community, and passing on values to future generations.

Wednesday, November 20, 2024, 11 AM PT, repeat of 10/21/2024 show that features Dr. Andrea Hall on her new book "Wake Up". Radio KPCA 103.3 FM, Petaluma, CA. https://petalumacommunityaccess.org/kpca 

Wednesday, November 13, 2024, 11 AM PT, repeat of 2/12/2024 show that features Dr. Kim Hester Williams on History of Black Women in Music and Literature. Radio KPCA 103.3 FM, Petaluma, CA. https://petalumacommunityaccess.org/kpca 

Wednesday, November 6, 2024, 11 AM PT, repeat of 9/23/2024 show that features Judy Armstrong on producing the music video "We are the Women."  Radio KPCA 103.3 FM, Petaluma, CA. https://petalumacommunityaccess.org/kpca 

Wednesday, October 30, 2024, 11 AM PT, repeat of 10/21/2024 show that features Dr. Andrea Hall.   Radio KPCA 103.3 FM, Petaluma, CA. https://petalumacommunityaccess.org/kpca 

1. Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz: Elaine welcomes Dr. Andrea Hall-Miller, PhD, RN, freelance writer, and Director of Community Engagement for the North Bay Black Chamber of Commerce. They discuss Andrea's journey from nurse to author and their experience at the Diversity Business Awards. Elaine also celebrates her grandson Ryan Jensen’s birthday, highlighting his traits as an Earth Dragon. She reminds listeners to vote, emphasizing the importance of participating in democracy. Elaine encourages early voting and mentions an upcoming interview with Deva Marie Proto, Sonoma County’s Registrar of Voters, for information on voting ahead of Election Day, November 5th.

2. Our Guest, Dr. Andrea Hall, joins Elaine B. Holtz to discuss the mixed feelings evoked by the song The House I Live In. As a Black woman, Andrea appreciates its idealistic portrayal of America but contrasts it with the realities of racial injustice. She shared that her son-in-law rejects the label "African American," identifying only as American. Elaine, reflecting on her Jewish heritage, highlights differences in racial experiences. Both agree that America’s ideals of equality are still evolving. Andrea also shares insights from her nonfiction book Wake Up! about transforming one’s life, outlining four steps for achieving joy. Dr. Hall offers personal coaching for self-discovery and transformation.

1. Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz:  I am really excited about today's show joining me in the studio and one guest on the phone are Sonoma County league of Women Voters, Donna Roper dash president and Lynn Dooley who is a board member in charge of pros and cons of the Sonoma County chapter. They will be giving us a bit of history about the league and talk about some of the upcoming events to help us all make informed choices when we vote on November 5th.

Lynn will be sharing the pros and cons of propositions 33, 34 and 35. Ken and I are looking forward to what they are going to say. What I appreciate about the League of Women Voters is that they give us the pros and cons to help us make an informed decision, not on just these propositions, but other propositions and local measures as well.

Today is Indigeneous Peoples Day. People have gathered today for an early morning  ceremongy at Alcatraz. 

2. Our Guests, Donna Roper and Lynn Dooley, officers in Sonoma County League of Woment Voters, share the history of the League. LWV offers Candidate Forums and Pros and Cons on the state Propositions and local measures found in the Voters Pamphlets that have been mailed to you. The forums are offered over zoom and later are archived on the LWV Sonoma YouTube Channel. Lynn Dooley presents the Pros and Cons of the California state propositions 33, 34, and 35, with Donna and Elaine commenting.

1. Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz: Joining me will be Judy Armstrong, founder of We Are the Women, advocating for women and allies to vote in the 2024 election. The group urges action beyond voting, encouraging door-knocking, canvassing, and more. We'll discuss their latest video, We Are the Women, inspired by the iconic song We Are the World, and how it reflects today's issues.

Additionally, heartfelt condolences to the family of Martin Joseph Hamilton who managed the Arlene Frances Center. 

Happy birthday wishes to my dear friends, Nancy Rogers, a leader in activism, and Susan Chunco, a dedicated community activist. Both are inspiring figures in our community.

2. Our Guest Judy Armstrong's passion for women’s rights began at Northwestern University, where discussions centered on societal challenges. Gloria Steinem's Ms. magazine and the introduction of birth control during her college years were pivotal for women. Judy recalls significant milestones like women gaining access to charge cards, sparking debates about changing last names, joint bank accounts, and illegal abortions. Inspired by these experiences, she co-founded the “We Are the Women” project, encouraging women to vote and defend their rights. The initiative, developed with her friend David and Planned Parenthood veteran Joyce Lisbon, produced a reimagined song, "We Are the Women" to go viral on social media in just five months. Their accompanying website WAGAVote.com (We Are Great Already Vote) encourages getting out the vote.

 

1. Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz: Diana Carpenter Madoshi, who has spent over 20 years focused on women's issues, joins me to discuss the Silent Sentinels event on October 5 and her continued contributions. We also talked about the recent debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, where Harris was prepared and clear, while Trump's responses seemed more like opinions, often lacking substance. I urge listeners to watch the debate on YouTube and to research Project 2025, a concerning plan linked to Trump’s former administration. Our vote is crucial in preserving democracy, so it’s important to stay informed and cast your ballot.

2. Our Guest, Diana Carpenter Madoshi, reflects on her ongoing activism in women’s rights and democratic freedoms, drawing inspiration from civil rights leaders like Fannie Lou Hamer. She warns against complacency as current struggles for equality, particularly voting rights, echo past fights. Diana emphasizes the critical role women play as voters, honoring historical sacrifices for suffrage. She references the Silent Sentinel movement, encouraging participation in their October 5th action, which urges Americans to vote, symbolizing the suffragists' struggle. Diana reminds us that Democracy is not a spectator sport and that voting is a right earned through immense sacrifice and urges everyone to engage in the political process.

1. Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz:   I have a special guest for this morning. Jodie Evans, co-founder, and board member of CODEPINK, has been a peace, environmental, women's rights, and social justice activist for fifty years. Jodie will be talking about her recent book, The Local Peace Economy, which will cover local peace economy strategies. She will also share her experiences and insights about her visits to Gaza in Palestine.

2. Our Guest, Jodie Evans, a longtime peace activist since the 1960s, has protested wars like the 1991 Iraq War, driven by disbelief at U.S. invasions based on false claims. She connects U.S. foreign wars to domestic violence, arguing both harm marginalized communities. Jodie emphasizes women's crucial role in activism, highlighting Code Pink, the organization she co-founded, which opposes militarization and Israeli occupation in Palestine. In her new book Local Peace Economy, she advocates for a "peace economy" rooted in community care and  urges a shift from the destructive "war economy" and has moved nearly $2 billion into peace economy projects, mainly led by Black and Indigenous communities

1. Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz: Today is Labor Day and joining me in the studio is Lisa Maldonado, Labor Representative for the California Nurses Association. Lisa has an extensive background in labor relations and union organizing and we will be talking about the history of Labor Day and her involvement in labor relations. She will be joined by Caroline Banuelos, a member of the CSEIU union and a member of the Board of Trustees of Santa Rosa Junior College.

Special Happy Birthday to my beautiful Great Grand Daughter Satori Trinity Jensen who turns six on September 6. I can hardly believe six years have passed and here she is playing soccer and in kindergarten. I am grateful to have lived long enough to be a Great Grandmother.

2. Our first Guest Ana Salgado shares her journey from Oaxaca, in southern Mexico, to El Norte, the USA. She saved up some money to make the long trip to a new country, she hoped to call her own. However the road to citizenship is complicated by our Immigration Laws that are overdue for reform. Therefore, Ana joined the march and rally in Washington, DC last month to lobby our representatives in the House and Senate for immigration reform, sharing their personal stories with the elected officials.

3. Our Second Guests, Lisa Maldonado and Caroline Banuelos, discussed their journeys in union and community activism, highlighting the influence of their grandmothers and ancestors. Caroline, proudly wearing her SEIU shirt, spoke about her father's lifelong union commitment and ongoing benefits. She also mentioned efforts to unionize student workers at Sonoma State University. Lisa shared her labor activism experiences and family impact. Both noted the resurgence in union support among young workers driven by dissatisfaction with income inequality. They countered misconceptions linking unions to socialism, stressing their role in advocating for fair treatment and human rights. Elaine emphasized Labor Day’s significance for a strong Middle Class and urged support for union efforts  and vote.

1. Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz: Joining me on today's show is Jennifer Tucker, Senior Adviser for Strategic Partnerships and Engagement at the ERA Coalition Fund for Women's Equality (FFWE). The FFWE is a national organization advocating for sex equality in the U.S., leading a movement for Constitutional recognition of equal treatment based on sex. They work to increase public understanding of the need for codifying this equality and ending sex inequality in all forms. FFWE is the sister organization to the ERA Coalition, focused on the passage and ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment. Today also marks our monthly Women's Spaces Pledge. 

2. Our guest, Jennifer Tucker, reflects on her activism, which began with Title IX in the 1970s and spans issues like violence against women, reproductive rights, and economic opportunity. Despite progress, challenges persist, particularly the absence of the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) in the Constitution. Inspired by her mother and her work with Shirley Chisholm, Jennifer emphasizes the importance of women supporting each other. She stresses the need for political engagement, voting, and holding representatives accountable to ensure the ERA's ratification and strengthen legal protections against gender discrimination.

1. Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz: I'm thrilled to welcome Rosita Stevens-Holsey, a dynamic educator, writer, activist, and niece of Rev. Dr. Pauli Murray, a co-founder of NOW and a key figure in the civil rights and women's movements. A big shout-out to the SOCO Chapter of NOW for hosting the sold-out California NOW Conference. Unfortunately, a technical glitch prevented the recording of the event. In the second half of the show, I’ll share a conference report. I was honored to lead the Women's Spaces Pledge with Ana Salgado, who will join us next week to discuss her advocacy for immigrant rights.

2. Our Guest Rosita Stevens-Holsey reflects on her aunt, Rev. Dr. Pauli Murray, a key figure in the Civil Rights Movement and co-founder of the National Organization for Women (NOW). Facing oppression from a young age in Jim Crow-era Durham, NC, Murray's experiences with racial segregation fueled her lifelong commitment to equality. Disillusioned by the exclusion of women in the movement, she was inspired to create NOW. Influenced by Eleanor Roosevelt, she also participated in the Commission on the Status of Women. Rosita highlights Murray's legacy and her aunt's honor of being featured on a U.S. quarter. Rosita has been named Vice-President of the National Women's History Alliance.

3.  Elaine B. Holtz's Report on the CA NOW State Conference held on August 10, 2024: Elaine recaps the National Organization for Women (NOW) California conference in Sonoma County, celebrating its success despite a recording glitch. She thanks the organizing committee, including Amy Nykamp, Camarina Schwartz Davidson, and Cheryl Davidson, as well as sponsors like Women’s Spaces and the League of Women Voters. The event featured powerful speakers, including Charlie Toledo, Bear Atwood, Molly Murphy MacGregor, Dr. Kim D. Hester Williams, and Madonna Feather Cruz. A workshop on racism, led by Addy Ellis, and a workshop on the ERA were also highlighted. Holtz plans to feature some speakers on her show and reflects on the importance of self-esteem and letting go.

1. Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz: Joining me on the phone is Susan Lamont, a long-time peace activist, discussing the film Where Olive Trees Weep - No One Is Free Until All Are Free. It highlights Dr. Gabor Maté's trauma-healing work with women tortured in Israeli prisons during his 2022 West Bank visit. Understanding these events is crucial.
I’m honored to speak with Diana Carpenter Madoshi, who organizes Women's History Month programs and serves on nonprofit boards like the League of Women Voters. She announces the October 5, 2024, gathering of Silent Sentinels at Washington, DC and other localities to encourage people to Vote.
Kamala Harris is now the presumptive presidential candidate. Women should rally to support her and hold her accountable.
Condolences to the family of Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee (1950–2024), a fearless advocate against racism and injustice.

2. Our first guest, Susan Lamont, announces the showing of the film this evening, with doors opening at 6 pm, Where Olvie Trees Weap. Director Zaya Benazzo and Ashira Darwish, who appears in the film, will be present for discussion. This film documents a trip to the West Bank in 2022, when Dr. Gabor Maté did trauma-healing work with a group of women who were tortured in Israeli prisons. The violence did not begin in Gaza nor on October 7th, 2023. Click Here for the film's website.

3.  Our second guest, Diana Carpenter Madoshi, a retired nurse with over 30 years of experience, shares her dedication to women’s issues and voting rights. Inspired by mentor Carol Norberg, she co-chaired Women’s Equality Day parades. Her activism intensified after an autoimmune disease diagnosis, emphasizing not being defined by it. Diana's role in organizing voting rights events includes the 2020 Silent Sentinel event, inspired by 1917 suffragists, encouraging voter participation. She highlights Black women's historical struggles for voting rights. Diana promotes the October 5, 2024, Silent Sentinels event to increase voter turnout, urging community involvement for the future of democracy. Click Here for Silent Sentinels pdf of poster, Click Here for the Silent Sentnels video. 

1. Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz:  I have a special guest for this show, joining me on the phone will be Camerina Schwartz Davidson, President, Califonria State Chapter of the National Organization for Women (NOW). For me this is an important interview.

NOW was founded in 1966. NOW’s purpose is to take action through intersectional grassroots activism to promote feminist ideals, lead societal change, eliminate discrimination, and achieve and protect the equal rights of all women and girls in all aspects of social, political, and economic life.

2. Our Guest Camerina Schwartz Davidson, highlights the importance of grassroots organizing for feminist priorities and equity for women and girls. Inspired by early activism with the National Organization for Women (NOW), Davidson's passion grew through rallies and finding a supportive NOW chapter. With 15 years in nonprofit work and collaboration with We Spark, she is influenced by leaders like Gloria Steinem. Davidson's first-generation American background shaped her leadership skills. NOW, focusing on issues like economic justice and women’s rights, aims for the Equal Rights Amendment's passage. Davidson encourages participation in NOW's annual California conference in Sonoma County on Saturday, August 10 (see Announcements on this show's archive page), promoting racial justice and voter engagement. For more information, visit www.canow.org .

1. Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz:  Joining me on the phone today is one of my favorite people in the entire world, Sherry Glaser. Sherry is a feminist, a comedian, an actor and co-author of the book, Mama's First Pocket Chicktionary, which she wrote with Kym Trippsmith. Sherry is joining me today to talk about her life, her career, and this amazing book. What I find so amazing about it is the creativity involved and the humor.

Save the date for the California NOW Convention on August 10th in Santa Rosa. See the Announcements below for more details. 

2. Our Guest, Sherry Glaser began her acting journey with college improvisation, driven by her talent and optimism, and inspired by her late husband, Greg Howell. She emphasizes humor's role in connecting people and promoting peace. Her character "Ma" from "Oh My Goddess" represents the Great Earth Mother, advocating for feminine creation, environmental care, and non-violence. Miguel, another character, humorously challenges societal norms. Her book, "Mama's First Chicktionary," redefines words from a feminine perspective. Sherry Glaser, also a tarot reader, finds tarot insightful and comedy therapeutic. Pulling "The World" card, she urges women to embrace emotions and love the Earth for peace.

1. Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz:   We originally booked Sherry Glaser, the theater artist, author of Chickenary, but on calling to bring her on via telephone,  there was a difficulty to connect with her. As I spontaneously started to put my Plan B without a guest into effect by reading my poem More Than My Hair, Holly Near called the studio expecting to be interviewed. Apparently, I mistakenly listed her for another date. Somehow the Goddess had a better Plan B already arranged. For the music we had originally planned to play Buffy St. Marie's song Magic is Afoot, and clearly we felt it today, but we changed the playlist as the show progressed. So today's show features an interview with our guest Holly Near.

Save the date for the California NOW Convention on August 10th in Santa Rosa. See the Announcements on this show's archive page.. 

2. Our Guest, Holly Near, a renowned singer, songwriter, and activist, reflects on her journey in music and activism, crediting her supportive family and early community performances. After UCLA and a brief acting career, she founded her own record company in 1972 to produce socially conscious music, paving the way for artists like Melissa Etheridge. Near's music integrates feminism, anti-war sentiments, and LGBTQ+ rights, with her activism influenced by touring with Jane Fonda. She emphasizes documenting personal histories and the role of music in social movements. Holly Near admires contemporary female artists, supports diverse social justice causes, and highlights the importance of coalition work.

1. Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz: Joining me in the studio is Dr. Raquell Holmes, a computational cell biologist and pioneer in creating inclusive science communities with improvisation. Dr. Holmes will discuss the Freedom Festival, which runs from Juneteenth (June 19) to Independence Day (July 4). The festival includes events across the U.S., both in-person and online, featuring conversations on freedom, justice, and liberty, and celebrating Black activists and artists. It also offers music, games, and opportunities for play. Additionally, we’ll learn about Opal Lee, who advocated for Juneteenth to become a national holiday, which was achieved in 2021. Lastly, see Announcements on this show's archive page for Sonoma County peace protests.

2. Our Guest, Dr. Raquell Holmes, from Santa Rosa's Roseland, earned her Ph.D. in Biology at Harvard and Tufts. Her work focuses on coaching, consulting, and training professionals using improvisational techniques to enhance collaboration and communication. In 2010, she founded ImprovScience to integrate these methods into scientific communities. Holmes' passion for community organizing began on the East Coast, influenced by African American women's political forums and grassroots activism. Her upbringing emphasized diverse interests and support. She highlights Juneteenth's significance and co-created the Freedom Festival to celebrate freedom and independence, relying on community involvement. More information is available at freedomfestivalusa.org

1. Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz: Elaine welcomes our guest Rebecca Fein, Executive Director of Verity, to discuss Sexual Assault Awareness Month, emphasizing its theme, "Together We Can Build Connected Communities." They highlight the lasting impact of sexual violence and the importance of supporting survivors and holding perpetrators accountable. Elaine also announces birthdays, including activists Susan Lamont, Robin Latham, and KBBF Board President Alicia Sanchez, celebrating with a memorable party. Additionally, she offers condolences to the family of Timothy Osmer, who recently passed away, and sends love to his partner Nikki Dohn.

2. Our Guest, Rebecca Fein, Executive Director of Verity in Sonoma County, discusses her background and Verity's services to sexual assault victims. Rebecca, with over a decade of nonprofit leadership, joined Verity in 2023. She has a BA in sociology from UC Davis and an MPH from Columbia University. Rebecca founded the Powerful Voices Project, a documentary series on resilience in sexual trauma survivors. Inspired by a personal experience, she started as a crisis line counselor at Verity. Verity provides 24/7 support, sexual assault prevention education, advocacy, and trauma-informed counseling. Located at the Family Justice Center, Verity aims to offer accessible support. Rebecca stresses the need for stable funding for victim services.

1. Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz: Dr. Harriet Fraad, a mental health counselor and hypnotherapist from New York City, will join us today by telephone. Dr. Fraad, a regular guest on Dr. Richard Wolff's Economic Update, will discuss the article “Women’s Work Can No Longer Be Taken for Granted” by Lonnie Sussman.

We celebrated the 54th Juneteenth event at MLK Jr. Park, and I want to acknowledge Nancy Rogers and the Juneteenth Committee for their success. The celebration included awards and scholarships for high school graduates, emphasizing the importance of freedom.

2. Our Guest, Dr. Harriet Fraad, a key figure in the women’s movement since 1969, explores the intersections of personal, political, and economic life in the US. Inspired by the civil rights and anti-Vietnam War movements, the women’s movement aimed to uplift society by fighting for women's equality, rapidly growing from small meetings to large gatherings. The Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), proposed in 1923, sought to ensure equal rights but remains unratified. Occupational segregation forces many women into undervalued caregiving roles, resulting in economic disadvantages. For lasting change, women must collaborate with other movements, such as unions, to achieve equality and justice.

1. Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz:  Dr. Lauren Morimoto, a Kinesiology professor at Sonoma State University, is updating us on the Sonoma State University response to the Solidarity Encampment for Gaza and the agreement with former President Lee. Happy 60th birthday to June Brashares. The 54th Annual MLK/Juneteenth Festival will be held on June 15 at Martin Luther King, Jr. Park in Santa Rosa, featuring music, Zumba, drumming, spoken word, and a raffle. The event is free and family-friendly, from 10 AM to 6 PM. Mark your calendars for the NOW California Conference on August 10, 2024, where I will open with the Women’s Spaces Pledge. More details will be forthcoming at this website.

2. Our Guest,  Prof. Lauren Morimoto, Ph.D., discussed her background, academic focus, and student activism. Influenced by her family's WWII experiences, her focus shifted from reforming the NCAA to historical and sociological aspects of sport and somatic education. She highlighted recent student protests at Sonoma State regarding Gaza, emphasizing their adherence to the Seawolf Commitment, which values integrity, respect, excellence, and responsibility. Dr. Morimoto praised former president Mike Lee's support but expressed concerns over the new administration's reluctance to honor agreements. She urged support for the students through public advocacy and highlighted the backlash against the misunderstood call for an academic boycott of Israel.

1. Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz: Joining me in the studio is Santa Rosa City Council member Victoria Fleming, serving her second term and inspiring women to run for office. She's also the Northern California Director of Programs, Training, and Development for Emerge California, which trains women for leadership. Special announcements: MLK/Juneteenth will be on June 15th at Martin Luther King Jr. Park in Santa Rosa with a performance by Pride and Joy. Mark your calendars for August 10, 2024, for the California NOW 2024 Conference at the Church of the Roses.

2. Our guest, Victoria Fleming, a registered Democrat, is serving her second term representing City Council District 4 in Santa Rosa and is uncertain about running for a third term. Her political journey began in 2016 with an appointment to the Commission on the Status of Women. Fleming, who completed the Emerge California program, now serves as its Northern California Director. Application for its Class of 2025 opens this month for women. She emphasizes gender parity in politics and economic equality, particularly in childcare, to enable women's full participation in the workforce and politics. Fleming's decision to run for City Council was influenced by the 2017 Santa Rosa fires, underscoring the need for new leadership.

1. Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz:  Elaine on Memorial Day discusses the dichotomy of defense spending versus cuts to Medicare and Social Security, and the suffering this causes. She highlights student protests for a ceasefire, noting Harvard's refusal to award degrees to 12 protestors, emphasizing the gravity of such decisions. Musical selections include "Candles in the Windows" by Betsy Rose, "By My Silence I Give My Consent" by Ellen Bukstel and Nick Annis, and "Please Peace" by Linda Ferro, with themes of protest and peace. Holtz concludes by reading Martin Niemöller's poem "First they came for..." and her own poem, "In Awe."

1. Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz: This morning, my special guest is Dr. Andrea Hall-Miller, PhD, RN, MA, and freelance writer, who is the Director of Community Engagement for the North Bay Black Chamber of Commerce (NBBCC). NBBCC participated in the first Rose Parade in five years with their float titled "Sonoma County Trailblazers," themed "A Trek Through Time," and won the Best Theme Float. The float honored African American trailblazers like Ida B. Wells and Sojourner Truth. Kudos to NBBCC President Nancy Rogers for her vision. Additionally, congratulations to my niece, Ruzanna Gasparyan, on her master’s degree in history. Lastly, activist Susan Lamont protested for a ceasefire at SSU's graduation.

2. Our Guest, Dr. Andrea Hall-Miller, discusses the collaborative effort behind the Sonoma County Trailblazers' Rose Parade float, led by Nancy Rogers, president of the North Bay Black Chamber of Commerce (NBBCC). The float showcased influential African Americans, including local trailblazers like the Gray family. Hall emphasizes recognizing these contributions, especially in a county with a small African American population. The Chamber supports black entrepreneurs through partnerships with organizations like the Small Business Development Center and Wells Fargo Bank. Despite initial concerns about racism, the positive response from parade attendees highlighted progress in racial relations. The parade also engaged young people, fostering an appreciation for their heritage.

1. Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz: This morning, we have a special guest, Rivera Sun, an accomplished author of books including "The Dandelion Insurrection" and the award-winning "Ari Ara Series." She is the editor of Nonviolence News and Program Coordinator for Campaign Nonviolence. A member of CODEPINK, Sun has also updated Julia Ward Howe’s 1870 Mother’s Day Proclamation.

Happy Mother’s Day to all. Shout out to my daughter Susan, a wonderful mother and grandmother. This show is dedicated to mothers in war zones, hoping all mothers unite for justice and peace. Rivera Sun will join us to discuss her work and the importance of Mother’s Day for peace.

2. Our Guest Rivera Sun, an activist and author, shares her journey focused on peace and justice. Growing up on an organic farm in Maine, she learned sustainable living and nonviolent resistance early on. Sun values cultural and creative activism, inspired by stories like Samantha Smith's letter to the Soviet president during the Cold War.

Her family's cooperative efforts taught her collective action's power. Involved with Code Pink, Sun helped rewrite the Mother's Day Proclamation for contemporary relevance. She writes the "Ari Ara" series, promoting nonviolent resistance for young readers. Rivera Sun emphasizes women’s critical role in peace movements and edits Nonviolence News, compiling global nonviolent action stories.

1. Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz:  I have special guests this morning. Joining me in the studio this morning are Julianna MacDonald and Madyline Jaramillo who are both students at Sonoma State University and organizers of the Sonoma State University Solidarity Encampment for Gaza, as we speak at SSU.
May is an amazing month as far as history goes. This week, May 6 - 12, is National Nurses Week.
We also remember the shooting of Kent State students, killing four students, during the student protest of Nixon's invasion of neutral Cambodia on May 4, 1970.
On May 1st we celebrated the International Workers Day.
he month of May is Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

2. Our Guests Julianna MacDonald and Madyline Jaramillo discuss activism inspirations, citing educators and abroad experiences. They highlight the April 15th protest in Oakland shutting down the freeway as catalyst for organizing, addressing counter-protests and community support. Frustration with the university’s response is expressed, demanding transparency in investments, academic boycotts, curriculum changes, and Gaza ceasefire. They delve into feminist dimensions of Palestinian struggle, emphasizing women's leadership and allyship. Host Elaine B. Holtz offers historical parallels and advocates for free speech and solidarity. The interview concludes with resource sharing and student empowerment.

1. Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz: This morning, Jenny Blaker, a longtime environmental activist, joins us today. Blaker's work includes coordinating efforts against new gas stations and creating resources on biomass power. Today, she educates on protecting forests and opposing the biomass energy industry. A little trivia about Jenny: On March 21, 2009, "The National Women’s History Project now called the Women’s History Project honored Jenny Blaker as one of seven women in Sonoma County to be recognized as “Women taking a lead to save the planet.” Additionally, Elaine celebrates her daughter Susan's 60th birthday, expressing immense pride and gratitude.

2. Our Guest Jenny Baker, an environmentalist, discusses her journey into activism, emphasizing her childhood connection to nature and subsequent involvement in Sonoma County's environmental initiatives. She highlights the detrimental effects of biomass energy on forests and communities, urging awareness and action. Blaker advocates against the burning of trees for fuel, citing its contribution to pollution, health issues, and biodiversity loss. Our host Elaine B. Holtz expresses astonishment at the challenges and calls for collective action. The interview concludes with a plea for listeners to engage in environmental protection efforts.

1. Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz: Today, we have a special guest joining us, Starhawk, a renowned author, activist, and voice in earth-based spirituality. Earth Day, celebrated globally on April 22, signifies support for environmental protection. In 2024, the theme is "Planet vs. Plastics," with Earth Day Network organizing events across 193 countries. Earth Day commemorates Rachel Carson, whose book "Silent Spring" catalyzed the environmental movement. Notably, in February1970, San Jose State University students buried a car to spotlight environmental issues, two mimonths prior to the first Earth Day. Later, we'll hear from Ken about this event. Stay tuned for our interview with Starhawk, delving into ecofeminism and earth-centered teachings.

2. Ken Norton, co-producer of Women's Spaces, was inspired during his 1970 engineering student days at San Jose State College. Concerned about environmental issues, he joined the Survival Faire, influenced by Los Angeles smog and Rachel Carson's "Silent Spring." Norton co-founded the Engineers for Awareness Club, which joined other student organizations to bury a car on campus, gaining national attention. This action, preceding Earth Day, sparked wider environmental awareness and activism, as reported by publications such as the New York Times and the San Francisco Chronicle.

3. Our Guest Starhawk:  Starhawk covers ecofeminism, environmental activism, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in her interview with Elaine. Starhawk emphasizes the interconnectedness of gender equality and environmental protection. She discusses her book The Empowerment Manual, offering guidance for collaborative groups. Starhawk encourages engagement in earth-healing activities and promotes constructive dialogue on challenging issues. She highlights the importance of compassion and active listening in addressing social and environmental justice. Overall, the interview showcases Starhawk's commitment to positive change through activism and provides insights for individuals and groups striving for a better world.

1. Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz: Our Host offers a commentary on current world events, emphasizing the importance of women's voices in speaking out against injustice and war. She discusses the Women’s Spaces Pledge and its significance, promoting Step Into The Spot Light Day. Elaine announces the National Organization for Women's California conference and urges participation. Advocating for self-esteem and activism, she plays songs like "For We Are Singing for our Lives" and "By My Silence" and ends with a reading of Maya Angelou's "Still I Rise." Elaine encourages audience engagement, announces show reruns, and emphasizes the importance of nurturing the next generation.

1. Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz: Elaine introduces Janice Campbell, Licensed Unity Teacher, author of "Receive Your Life" manual, offering guidance for navigating challenging times. Celebrating their 24th anniversary, Elaine and Ken share a poem, "Friends and Lovers," reflecting on their relationship journey. Wishing everyone a Happy Easter, Elaine discusses her Lenten experience of letting go of negative thinking through a Unity Booklet, feeling lighter as a result.

2. Friends and Lovers - poem of Elaine B. Holtz, who reads it with her partner Ken Norton. We have been reading this poem around Valentine's Day, but this year our anniversary falls on a Monday, so we read it today on our anniversary.

3. Our Guest, Janice Campbell, shares her journey from a Lutheran upbringing to embracing New Thought, emphasizing God's omnipresence and our innate goodness. Distinguishing New Thought from New Age, she advocates for recognizing our inseparable connection to God, combating dualistic thinking. Janice urges embracing shame's lessons, overcoming conditioning to realize our true selves with compassion and forgiveness. In "Receive Your Life," she emphasizes realizing our inherent spiritual expression, rejecting comparison and societal definitions. Through discernment and exercises like push-pull, she guides toward expressing our authentic love and goodness, manifesting desires aligned with our true selves. Ultimately, Janice champions self-worth rooted in recognizing and embracing our essence.

1. Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz: Our first guest will be Ana Diaz with an important announcement on the farmworkers. Our second guest Dr. Andrea Hall-Miller, RN, MA, PhD, and writer, will discuss her journey from nurse to author. Elaine expresses gratitude for birthday wishes and recounts celebrations, including a handmade card from her great granddaughter with a giraffe. Exploring metaphysical themes, Elaine shares the mystical significance of giraffes. She praises Kirstyne Lange's NAACP presentation and directs listeners to NOWSonoma's website. Ana Diaz, a trustee on the Roseland School District Board, joins as a special guest, offering exciting updates. The segment promises to be lively and informative, featuring engaging discussions and community insights.

2. Our first Guest, Ana Diaz, announces the honoring of the farmworkers by the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors (BOS), to take place Tuesday, March 26, 2024 at 1:30 PM in their Chamber. A gold resolution naming this week Farmworkers Awareness Week in Sonoma County will be presented to the BOS.

3. Our second Guest, Dr. Andrea Hall-Miller, transitioned from ICU nursing to metaphysical authorship, which she dubs "From Scrubs to Scripts: A Nurse's Journey into Metaphysical Writing." Raised in a Christian household by her father, a pastor, she questioned the concept of hell and found solace in metaphysics, viewing hell metaphorically. Heart Math techniques aided her alignment of body and mind. Metaphysics deepened her connection to the divine. Encountering a woman grappling with her past, Andrea emphasized self-love's importance. Inspired by her sisters, she penned "Good Regardless – A Metaphysical Love Story" and its sequel, "I Got You – A Metaphysical Love Story Sequel," exploring themes of forgiveness and unity with God. Her journey illustrates the transformative power of metaphysical understanding.

1. Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz: Our guest Dr. Harriet Fraad and I discuss National Women’s History Month and The Mother’s Day Proclamation. Many are unaware of this history, particularly young women, making it an important topic. As parents, we all desire a better future for our children, regardless of background. Amidst wars and division, we question the future we're fostering. The Mother’s Day Proclamation represents an unrealized vision for a better world.

2. Our Guest, Dr. Harriet Fraad, in response to Elaine's query about National Women’s History Month, says that it highlights women's journey from being chattel as bondswomen, comprising 40% of colonial women, to rallying for rights like suffrage and bodily autonomy. Dr. Fraad suggests women had more equality before private property. Institutional trauma, exemplified by war veterans' high suicide rates, persists. Her father's influence led Dr. Fraad to advocate for women's liberation. Despite women's successes in unions, many still perceive male superiority. The book "Depths of Despair" by Anne Case and Angus Deaton depicts a declining American Dream, with women initiating 70% of divorces, often due to unequal domestic responsibilities.

1. Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz:  Happy Women’s History Month and This year’s theme is, “Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion,” To support that message I am doing a special show on Women in Radio and will be focusing on four special women of KBBF 89.1FM in Sonoma County. Joining me in the studio: Alicia Sanchez – President of the Board of Directors for KBBF; Lois Perlman co-producer and host of, Speaking of Palestine; Ana Salgado, producer, and host of, Compartiendo y Aprendiendo, (Sharing and Learning);  and Alisha Valazque, our 17-year-old co producer of Simple-Mente (Simply) with her mother Wendy,

2. Our Guest, Alicia Sanchez, shares her 13 years as a volunteer, including service on the Board of Directors of Radio KBBF. Even during disasters, the station has been open to serve keep communications on safety measures flowing especially to the immigrant population working in the agricultural fields. Alicia encourages folks to contact the station for programming ideas, and most importantly donate to help the station meet its monthly expenses that can run more than $10,000. The station’s mission is to broadcast information about caring for the community, justice, peace, and the environment.

3. Our Guests Lois Perlman, Ana Salgado, and Alisha Valazquez share their show production journeys on Radio KBBF. Lois, exploring the Israel-Palestine conflict, collaborates with Theresa Mughannam on Speaking of Palestine for a diverse peace dialogue. Ana, an Oacaca, Mexico immigrant, creates Compartiendo y Aprendiendo to amplify immigrant voices and foster solidarity. Alisha, troubled by high school violence, overcomes shyness, co-producing a show with her mother Wendy to encourage diverse perspectives on the issue, particularly at Montgomery High School.

1. Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz:  Happy Women’s History Month and to begin the celebration I have a special guest joining me on the phone, Molly Murphy MacGregor, one of the co-founders of the National Women’s Alliance. We will be talking about Women’s History Alliance which began as the Women’s History Project and the origin and changes she has seen and concerns around women’s equality and choice for women in 2022 and moving forward. This year’s theme is, “Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.”

2. Our Guest, Molly Murphy MacGregor, recounts her transformation from a girl seeking a prince charming to a feminist championing women's history and rights. She traces the evolution of National Women's History Week in 1979 to its establishment as National Women's History Month in 1987, focusing on this year's theme of "Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion." Addressing deeply rooted patriarchal norms, Molly emphasizes the need for women's voices to be heard through respectful dialogue. She envisions a Women's Festival in the summer as an alternative to protests, fostering festive environments for discussions on equity. Molly urges embracing diverse perspectives to break down entrenched views.

1. Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz: Kirstyne Lange, President of  the Sonoma County Branch NAACP , discusses the organization's mission, goals, and challenges over the phone. The SOCO Human Rights Commission successfully finalized a Cease Fire In Gaza resolution on February 22, led by chair Katrina Phillips. The resolution moves to the BOS for approval. Marian Anderson, born February 27, 1897, is honored with audio files highlighting her historic 1939 performance at the Lincoln Memorial. The clips narrate her journey and feature her rendition of "My Country 'Tis of Thee." Acknowledging the transformative power of music, this tribute coincides with Anderson's birthday, emphasizing hope through persistence.

2. Our Guest, Kirstyne Lange, President of the Sonoma County Branch of the NAACP, with 20 years of NAACP involvement as an adult, shares her journey beginning as a 14-year-old youth member. Embracing a mindset of resilience, she values feedback and alternative routes. Kirstyne notes the organization's local focus and its mission to ensure equality and eliminate racial discrimination. NAACP Sonoma, founded in 1953, initially addressed education and housing issues, advocating against redlining. The branch encourages written complaints for protocol adherence, providing legal support for civil rights cases. Amid rising school violence, they call for additional support resources, police presence alone is not enough. Black History Month events include a presentation on Sonoma County’s slavery history. NAACP is also promoting films with in-person screenings, emphasizing community engagement.

1. Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz: This morning, our guest is Katrina Phillips, Chair of the Sonoma County Commission on Human Rights (CHR), discussing the Commission's mission. During Black History Month. Elaine honors African American women who made a difference weekly, shedding light on overlooked contributions. She emphasizes the importance of understanding cultures to unite against racism and war. The musical break features Maya Angelou's "I Rise," symbolizing women's resilience, tying into the theme of persistence. Later, Elaine and Katrina delve into the value of local democratic participation and articulation in combating societal challenges. Phillips traces influences in her life that prepared her for volunteering to join CHR in fulfilling its mission.

2. Our Guest, Katrina Phillips, born bi-racial, traces her Human Rights activism. She loved her Hollywood acting when it portrayed human rights and her experience with at-risk youth in Los Angeles. Amid the George Floyd protests, she joined Sonoma County's Commission on Human Rights (CHR), witnessing residents finding their voice at monthly meetings. Established in 1993 in the county, CHR addresses human rights violations and engages in projects like the Visibility Project for anonymous reporting. Katrina highlights a Youth Commission Project focusing on housing sustainability and an ad hoc committee advocating for Just Migration Reform. CHR meetings address pressing issues, such as the recent War in Gaza, with upcoming presentations on slavery history in Sonoma County.

1. Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz:  Today, I'm honored to have Dr. Kim D. Hester Williams, a Professor of Literature at Sonoma State University, as our special guest. Dr. Williams, an expert in African American literature, also contributes to the American Multicultural Studies department. Our discussion focuses on the impact of Black Women in literature and music.

In other news, February 10 marked the Chinese New Year, ushering in the Year of the Dragon. Reflecting on my family's connection to this zodiac sign, including myself, daughter Susan, and grandson Ryan, we embrace the dragon's qualities of majesty, power, ambition, courage, and a willingness to break from tradition for a brighter future. PS. Ken, born in the Year of the Rat, humorously claims to be a Dragon tamer.

2. Our Guest, Dr. Kim D. Hester Williams, shares her literary journey, crediting mentor Prof. Bettina Aptheker at UC Santa Cruz for awakening her to feminism, literature, and social issues. As our host Elaine plays music, Dr. Williams delves into the significance of lyrics. "Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child" reflects the anguish of separated slave children, some facing sexual abuse. Another song honors Sojourner Truth, highlighting her fight against slavery and for women's rights. Dr. Williams also discusses how Alice Walker's "The Color Purple" addresses child and adult sexual abuse. The song "I'm Here!" becomes a powerful assertion of self-definition and empowerment.

1. Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz: I am really excited today. Joining me on the phone will be Deva Marie Proto, who is Sonoma County’s Clerk-Recorder-Assessor-Registrar of Voters. We will be talking about the mailers folks will or have received, the upcoming election and what they are about, and general info about voting and how folks can work at the polls.

Also joining me in the studio I have two special guests from the Sonoma County League of Women Voters, Donna Roper – President and Therese Scherrer – Voter Service Chair of the Sonoma County Chapter. They will be giving us a bit of history about the League and talk about some of the LWV upcoming events to help us all make informed choices when we vote on March 5. We will also be talking about their upcoming Civics Classes via Zoom.

Since this is Black History Month, I will share an important quote by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., about voting, I will also feature two African American women for this show in segment "Our History is our Strength." They will be Rosa Parks and Dr. Maya Angelou.

2. Deva Marie Proto, Sonoma County Registrar of Voters,  explains the voting process in Sonoma County. Voters receive two pamphlets in the mail: The Sonoma County Information Guide and the California State Primary Election Guide. Proto distinguishes between local and statewide elections, directing voters to the California Secretary of State's (SoS) website for presidential nominee listings. Beginning in 2021, all registered voters receive mail-in ballots, with notifications via text. Voting options include mailing ballots, dropping them at the Registrar's office or designated drop boxes, and visiting in-person voting centers. The Primary Election is on March 5, 2024, and Proto clarifies the criteria for candidates advancing to the November 5th ballot, emphasizing the need for party registration for presidential nominee voting. Visit the informative SCRV website and California SoS website for details.

3. Donna Roper and Therese Scherrer from the League of Women Voters (LWV) share the history of the organization, established nationally six months after the 19th Amendment in 1920. Originating as the Santa Rosa Chapter in 1953 and evolving into the Sonoma County Chapter in 1978, LWV previously hosted Presidential Debates until the late 1960s. Now an all-volunteer organization, LWV focuses on educating the public through local workshops and forums. They invite new members and emphasize upcoming events, including a Candidate Forum for the SoCo Board of Supervisors race in District 3 and a free Zoom Civics Class series starting February 6. LWV's outreach extends to students, stressing the importance of voting.

1. Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz:  I have a special guest this morning. Joining me in the studio is Jan Blalock. Jan represented the 1st District on the Sonoma County Commission on the Status of Women since October 2015 and after service as the Chair for the Commission for four terms is retiring. I wanted to honor her service and take this time to know more about the commission, its mission and importance to our community. I am looking forward to our conversations.

Today, if you can believe it, is the last Monday of the Month and Women's Spaces Pledge Time, which we will recite with our guest.

To begin with I have several important announcements to make. Next month is Black History Month and there is a lot going on. I love February as there are a lot of major events happening to help us understand the amazing contributions Black Women in our community have made.

2. Our guest: Jan Blalock, Commissioner of the Status on Women (CSW) in Sonoma County, shares her journey from questioning gender norms as a young athlete to becoming a dedicated advocate for women's issues. Blalock's interest in feminism was sparked by a high school teacher who introduced her to the works of Gloria Steinem. Having survived sexual assaults herself, she became an early supporter of One Billion Rising in 2014. Appointed to CSW in 2015 by Supervisor Susan Gorin, Blalock infused activist energy into the commission, promoting events like One Billion Rising.

 Established in the 1960s in the nation and in 1975 in Sonoma County by the Board of Supervisors, CSW focuses on reproductive health, LGBTQ rights, and has a Junior CSW for high school students. The Voices of Sonoma County Women project addresses issues like housing affordability and elderly homelessness.

Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz: With so much going on in this world I thought I would do a commentary for this show. The theme of the show for today is, Children Live What They Learn. I am going to play some special music and will be sharing some thoughts on what is going on in today’s world from my perspective.
I am also going to comment on The Seven Principles of Kwaanza as Related to Children. I have some good songs picked for this show.

1. Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz: Wow 2024 Happy New Year to all my fans and listeners. I believe in saying Happy New Year through the month of January.

Joining me in the studio today is Tina Rogers. Tina is a historian, and she will be filling us in on what happened at the Birthday Celebration that happened yesterday. The good news is today actually Dr. Kings Birthday. The theme this year is King, The Radical! "We must learn to live together as community or perish together."

Also joining me in the studio is Liala Parrish who is a senior at Rancho Cotati High School and President of the Black Student Union. I am so honored she will share her essay she wrote for the MLK celebration. The essay was inspired by the theme, King, The Radical! "We must learn to live together as community or perish together."

Today is also a Federal Holiday, honoring Dr. King. I know lots of you are out there today shopping and lunching with friends which is ok and fun. But for many of us, to honor Dr. Kings Birthday an event sponsored by the Community Baptist Church in Santa Rosa, “Not A Day Off, A Day On.” Folks will gather to do community work in Dr. King’s Honor. Tina will give us info on that. It is happening right now.  

2. Our Guest, Liala Parrish shares how she became interested in writing, first at a library workshop to learn about how to develop a story. Her goal is to attend Spellman Women's College in Georgia. She reads her winning speech for the MLK Birthday Celebration annual oratory contest among students in Sonoma County.

3. Our Guest, Tina Rogers shares the process of organizing the annual MLK Birthday Celebration with the MLK Birthday Celebration Committee. Since Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., was such a great orator, from the very beginning this annual event has held a contest for high school and middle school students in Sonoma County on a theme picked each year. Tina gives special tribute ito Carol Ellis, who just passed away the end of December 2023, for her leadership early on for these annual MLK celebrations. Tina also shares an event sponsored by the Community Baptist Church in Santa Rosa, “Not A Day Off, A Day On.” Folks will gather to do community work in Dr. King’s Honor today, January 15th from 10 AM to 3 PM and do work around the community, including the sprucing up of Martin Luther King, Jr., Park in Santa Rosa.

1. Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz:  Joining me in the studio is Vesta Copestakes, who describes herself as a happily retired artist and community activist. For today’s show we will be talking about a special Peace Tree that she was involved with, ideas on how to achieve peace and a bit of a discussion on the Age of Aquarius. For me this is an inspired last show of the year. Vesta and I have had great conversations and I thought bring it on the air and here we are.

Condolences to the family and friends of Delashay Carmona-Benson. Delashay was a friend and fellow activist. She was a returning student at the SRJC, mother, grandmother, friend, and a powerful activist.

Guess what, this is the last show of the year. Wow, Ken, we did it! And I thank you for all your loving support and sharing of your talents. So, we are going to recite the Women’s Spaces Pledge.

2. Our guest, Vesta Copestakes, discusses the Peace Tree project at Occidental Arts and Ecology Center where artists crafted peace-themed ornaments. The era of the musical "Hair" coincided with Vietnam War protests by the Boomer generation, televised for the first time, fostering empathy. Presently, instant smartphone recordings depict conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. Holiday cards often echo peace themes. Vesta cites astrologer Rio Olesky's view from starwatcher.com about entering the Aquarian Age, emphasizing inner peace leading to global harmony. Peace encourages solution-focused kindness, exemplified by organizations like Doctors Without Borders and the Redwood Empire Food Bank, fostering a mindset of goodwill and compassionate action.

1. Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz:  I have a special guest this morning, joining me on the pho will be Rev. Dr. Patricia Keel, a longtime student of metaphysics and a spiritual teacher in the mystical tradition. Patricia was the Founding minister of Unity of Berkeley and is currently a frequent Guest Minister at Unity churches.

It's hard to believe that Christmas is just fifteen days away and I thought I would have Rev. Patricia Keel to be on to look at the Christmas Story and some different perspective on this holiday. For me when I think of Christmas and how it has been presented over the years that it was supposed to be the story of the Prince of Peace and here, we are in 2023 having these brutal wars in Gaza and in the Ukraine..

2. Our guest, Rev. Dr. Patricia Keel, shifted from real estate to founding Berkeley's Unity Church, delving into metaphysics and the Bible's depth beyond our senses. Her 17-year Indian study enriches Western metaphysics, guiding inner peace amid conflicts, aligning actions with authenticity. Rev. Keel highlights women's pivotal roles in the Christmas story, linking biblical events to metaphysical principles. The Advent season leads to individual revelations of inner peace and hope, paralleling the winter solstice. Rev. Keel advocates for finding stillness within, connecting with intuition, and embracing sacred space for creative incarnation.

1. Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz:  Joining me on the phone this morning will be Janeen Murray of Sonoma County GoLocal, reminding us of the value of doing our holiday shopping at locally owned businesses to help keep the money circulating in the county rather than off to Wall Street corporations.

Aso joining me on the phone this morning will be Dr. Harriet Fraad. Dr. Fraad is a mental health counselor and hypnotherapist in practice in New York City.  She is a well published author and writes about the pressures on families and the economics of the USA. She is also a regular guest of Dr. Richard Wolff and his show Economic Update on Radio KBBF 89.1FM every Tuesday 11-12pm. 

2. Our Guest, Janeen Murray, shares with us the value of doing our holiday shopping at locally owned businesses to help keep the money circulating in the county rather than off to Wall Street corporations. GoLocal is a membership cooperative of locally-owned businesses with a directory of its members.

3. Our Guest, Dr. Harriet Fraad,  returns to Women's Spaces with a focus on politics and economics. She highlights the US Empire's decline, half the world moving away from the US Dollar, and healthcare disparities. Presidential options are limited, but Biden supports unions, eyeing 150 million new members. Successful unionizations span Amazon, University of California staff, flight attendants, and potentially unaffiliated auto workers. Socialist gains arise in Colombia, Chile, and Brazil. Victories for Women’s right to choose occurred in Wisconsin, Ohio, Kansas, Kentucky, Virginia, and even expanded in Texas. Nationally, movements for a Gaza ceasefire surged, notably by Jewish Voices for Peace at symbolic US locations.

1. Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz:  I am really honored today. Joining me in the studio is, retired attorney, mitigation specialist, and investigator, Nancy Pemberton, who is a member of the Committee for Law Enforcement Accountability Now (CLEAN) and the Community Advisory Council (CAC) of the Independent Office of Law Enforcement Review and Outreach (IOLERO). We will be talking about the CLEAN Committee and IOLERO. This is her second interview with me.

Our Thanksgiving was celebrated at our daughter Susan’s house and we welcomed the extended family who attended. Even my granddaughter Katie drove up with her fiancé Trevor Elliot. I shared with all the Native American Ten Commandments to honor my guest Madonna Feather Cruz whom I talked to on last week’s show on the Indigenous People’s Thanksgiving Sunrise Ceremony at Alcatraz.

2. Our Guest, Nancy Pemberton shares the activities of the Committee for Law Enforcement Accountability Now (CLEAN), a volunteer organization, and the Community Advisory Council (CAC) of the Independent Office of Law Enforcement Review and Outreach (IOLERO), a county government agency. Nancy also has worked on the passage of Measure P in 2020, which promised to increase the power of investigation by IOLERO of troublesome interactions with the Sonoma County Sheriff’s officers. Because the Deputy Sheriff Association opposed some of the provisions of Measure P, negotiations have been continued by the Director of IOLERO John Alden. He has made progress and has agreements in place that speed up and strengthens the investigation power of IOLERO. Nancy announces a special Town Hall that CAC is holding on December 6, 2023, to make the public aware of IOLERO’s powers and recent activities. See this show's web page under Announcements.Women's Spaces Radio Show of 11/27/2023 with guest Nancy Pemberton on IOLERO's Improved Investigatory Power of the Sonoma County Sheriff.

1. Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz:  Joining me in the studio today is MaDonna Feather Cruz who is a distinguished Native American woman living with disabilities proud advocate for Native wellness, raising awareness about the critical issue of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW), and cultural preservation MaDonna is an enrolled member of the Round Valley Indian Tribes.
November is Native American Heritage month and on November 25, the day after Thanksgiving is Native American Heritage Day and MaDonna Feather Cruz’s family shares some involvement in those events, and I invited her to give us some history about them. She also has participated in the Alcatraz Sunrise Occupation Memorial Ceremony, and, in fact, will be participating Thursday which is Thanksgiving, and I am curious to know more about that. It’s going to be a good show.

Tonight, Monday, the National Organization for Women SOCO Chapter in collaboration with Women’s Spaces will  present a Zoom tonight at 6 pm. Marianne Williamsons basic belief is “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.” Marianne Williamson is a political activist, author, non-denominational spiritual lecturer, and New York Times bestselling author. She also was a Democratic candidate for President in 2020 and is putting her hat in the ring again for the 2024 Presidential Election. She is so inspiring; you do not want to miss this presentation. [This is a past event as the web page goes up, and you can view the video of the zoom event at the NOW Sonoma County Youtube Channel.]

Click Here for Video of Marianne Williamson Event, sponsored by NOW Sonoma County and Women's Spaces on 11/20/2023.

2. Our Guest, Madonna Feather Cruz shares her remarkable journey from childhood memories of serving sandwiches to Dennis Banks and to her Uncle Russell Means during American Indian Movement (AIM) meetings at her family’s home in Round Valley Tribes Reservation in California. She was born after the AIM occupation of Alcatraz in November 1969, but remembers as a little girl attending the annual Indian Thanksgiving Memorial Sunrise Ceremonies at Alcatraz on Thanksgiving Day. She received guidance from her parents, aunties and uncles, which motivates her to thank Creator and her ancestors that she is here, and as she says, "We are not hiding anymore!" Madonna will attend this Thanksgiving Sunrise Ceremony at Alcatraz. See Announcements below for the poster of the ceremony.

Madonna does advocacy work for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW). Because of the difference in reservation jurisdiction and the States’ jurisdiction, the MMIW incidences are often under reported because of the red tape of the various bureaucracies.

Madonna was instrumental in moving the school board in Sonoma County to allow indigenous high school graduates to attend the graduation ceremony in their native regalia. Her daughter wore an Aztec dress in honor of her father of Mexican heritage.

Madonna is working on restoring the Indian Museum in Roseland in Santa Rosa, California.

1. Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz:  Joining me in the studio today is Leslene della-Madre is an author, poet, artist, shamanic practitioner, death midwife, Nature lover, and truth seeker, feminist philosopher, and independent scholar which I believe is demonstrated in her recent book, She Who Spins the Coils of Creation: Sacred Female Cosmology in the Electric PlasMA Universe, which we will be talking about today.

 Marianne Williamson's basic belief is “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.” I believe that if women gathered more or at the very least read and studied works like Leslene’s, women can and will overcome that fear and there are many role models out there today, demonstrating that today.

Speaking of Marianne Williamson, On November 20 the NOW Sonoma County Chapter will be presenting a ZOOM, “A Conversation with Marianne Williamson," and let me tell you I am thrilled about this. Marianne Williamson, a political activist, author, non-denominational spiritual lecturer, and New York Times bestselling author. She also was a candidate for President in 2020 and is putting her hat in the ring again for the 2024 Presidential Election. The time is 6-7pm, followed by their 7-7:30pm monthly business meeting, which all are welcome to attend. She is so inspiring, you do not want to miss this presentation. RSVP required at http://bit.ly/3u3K0Vy . For information go to www.nowsonoma.org .

2. Our Guest, Leslene della-Madre, credits her going to UC Berkeley during the Flower Children era of the 60’s, for her beginning interest in nature and shamanism. At the time Steve Gaskins held his open conversation Monday Night Class at San Francisco State, where he encouraged people to caravan to find land for an alternative community. They settled on the Farm in Tennessee, and Leslene joined them. She recounts that she enjoyed the connection with women there, and she gave birth to her two daughters there. However, she also learned that the Patriarchy narrative is so pervasive, that it is hard to realize that one is living in it. She needed to learn the language of the Goddess. Her new book She Who Spins the Coils of Creation: Sacred Female Cosmology in the Electric PlasMA Universe, will help us learn that language.

Leslene’s mother was active in local politics, whom Leslene credits for the courage to express her views and to educate her daughters in feminism. We can hear this next generation of feminists at the musical break when we play the My Witches song that features her daughter Larissa Dakini Star as one of the singers.

Leslene’s new book She Who Spins the Coils of Creation: Sacred Female Cosmology in the Electric PlasMA Universe is dedicated To the Restoration of Love for Women, the End of Patriarchy, and Peace on Mother Earth.

 1. Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz: I am so excited, joining on the phone today is, Stephanie King, Marketing Director for Charles M. Schulz Museum & Research Center. I thought it would be fun to talk about the history of the research center and some holiday programs happening this year for the whole family. Sounds like a lot of fun to me.

Happy Birthday to my Great Granddaughter Kaya Sierra Jensn who will be two years old on Nov. 7 which is tomorrow, what a blessing she is to our family.

The news from Gaza and the war of revenge is costing children their lives. Wars are fought and create the next generation of revenge seekers.

In Sunday's Press Democrat in the special Vietnam War section was an article about Josue Lopez's horrific experiences as an Army draftee in battle. Josue is the former program director of Radio KKUP.  Click here for a pdf of that article.  I can't help remember former Defense Secretary Robert McNamarra's book confession that the war was a mistake. A mistake that was so costly in casualties, whose budget could have been used for social programs and healthcare for all.

2. Our Guest, Stephanie King, shares the coming events to the Charles M. Schulz Museum in Santa Rosa, CA, which is celebrating its 51st Anniversary. The museum opened two years after the famous Peanuts cartoonist died, intending it to be a center for understanding cartooning art, with educational programs. Stephanie notes that Schulz was interested early as a kid to be a cartoonist. The characters are all pieces of Schulz’s personality. Many programs are geared toward children, to expose them to the exciting world of creativity starting with a blank sheet. Schulz would sit daily at his table in the Warm Puppy Café in the Snoopy Ice Arena, and often would draw a cartoon for a young person to encourage them. The Museum hosts talks and programs with other cartoonists.

Stephanie announces some of the special events through the end of this year. They will be included in the Announcements on this show's web archive page.

1. Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz:  I am so excited, joining me in the studio is Nikki Dohn, and we will be talking about Halloween, its meaning, rituals, witches, and the holidays that follow Halloween which I found very interesting. Niki is a good friend of mine and knows a bit about Halloween and Witches. This is going to be a fun and interesting show.

Also, this is the last show of the month. Wow, where did October go! I felt like I was asleep, and it just flew by. We are going to do the Women’s Spaces Pledge.

I am happy to announce - mark your calendars - that on November 20 the Sonoma County Chapter of the National Organization for Women will be hosting a special Zoom featuring Spiritual Teacher and one of the candidates for President this year Marianne Williamson. Williamson will be talking about her spiritual journey and some of the solutions to some of the social issues we are having. I believe she is well worth listening to. You can find all the info on the Women’s Spaces website under Announcements and on the NOW Sonoma County Facebook page. I am hoping to see all my listeners in attendance and make sure you let your friends know.

2. Our Guest,  Nikki Dohn, after considering her interests and pursuits, such as gardening, herbs, kitchen potions, declares that she is coming out as a witch. There are many secular influences of Halloween, as well as religious with the Celtic seasonal festival of Samhain, and later All Hallows Eve, the day before All Saints Day, and two days before All Souls Day of the Catholic tradition and Day of the Dead. Nikki considers herself a White Witch, which has nothing to do with skin color, but as a way of setting oneself apart from Black Magic meant to cause harm. She is a solitary witch and refers to her Higher Power, rather than belong to a witch’s coven. The burning of witches at Salem and during the Inquisition targeted women who made use of the herbs to heal, felt by the Church to circumvent their sacramental approach administered by its priests. The Wiccan tradition of witches is matriarchal, and its modern incarnation came with the rise in the Movement for Women’s Rights. The symbol of the cauldron represents the Goddess and her womb working with the elements of fire and water. The symbol of the broomstick is meant to clear away negative energy, and the broom handle can indicate a male element and the bristles the female element. Halloween costumes were first meant to protect one from evil spirits, apparently not suspecting a person looking like them. Halloween costume parties harken back to the danse macabre. The pumpkin carving originated with Scottish and Irish immigrants to America, from their carved potatoes and turnips, again to ward off evil spirits. Nikki says that the ancient and pre-Christian Celtic festival of Samhain occurs at this time midpoint between Fall Equinox and the Winter Solstice, considered to be a time when the veil is thinnest between the worlds and easiest time to communicate with the dead, including ancestors. It is a time of leaving the warm months behind and entering the cold season. Nikki reminds us of our deep connection and dependence on Nature and her seasonal cycles.

1. Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz: I am so excited, joining me in the studio today is a woman I truly admire Letitia Hanke, who is A small-town girl from Lake County, California, who is CEO of ARS Roofing Company and the founder of the LIME Foundation.

Ken and I attended the 10th Anniversary Memorial of Andy Lopez's death by a Sonoma County Sheriff Deputy Eric Gelhaus within seconds of the encounter. Despite Gelhaus' boast of being a rifle expert, he mistook Andy's toy gun for the real thing at an empty lot known for boys playing there with toy guns. Andy's mother prepared a speech, and it was read to the crowd in Spanish and English. She lamented the silence of so many county residents, when such a tragedy can happen to their child, too.

Shout out to the North Bay Black Chamber of Commerce, they had a great mixer. Ken and I were there. Lots of great displays and I want to do a shout out, I just love the name of this place, Saucy Mama’s Jook Joint, fabulous food for a fabulous event. Shout out to President Nancy Rogers who continues to inspire us all.

2. Our Guest,  Leticia Hanke, shares her life journey that led her to establish the Lime Foundation to help at-risk kids succeed. She herself faced bullying growing up in a small town in Lake County as one of only a couple of black children in the school. Since her parents were entrepreneurs, she vowed to prove the bullies wrong who told her she would not amount to anything.

 Leticia studied music in college but needed to work part-time jobs to afford the education. She was hired as a receptionist in a roofing company and worked her way up to becoming the office manager. The owner decided to retire and offered the company to Leticia. She earned her contractor’s license and took over ARS Roofing and Gutters. Leticia joined the North Bay Black Chamber of Commerce, who helped her make a business plan and form banking relationships for loans.

 With the success of her roofing company, she then looked to establish a non-profit that would assist at-risk youth to succeed with practical skills, which she named the Lime Foundation.

If folks would like to help at risk youth succeed there are volunteer opportunities with Lime Foundation. Contractors are needed to mentor and hire youth. Sponsors of students are a valuable part of the Lime program, as are corporate sponsorships.

1. Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz:  I am so excited, also joining me on the phone will be retired Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey. Lynn Woolsey is a former U.S. Representative for California's 6th congressional district, serving from 1993 to 2013. She is a member of the Democratic Party.. She was a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, and was its co-chair from 2010 until her retirement in 2013.

We will be talking about her career as a Congresswoman and what she is doing during her retirement. Lynn Woolsey is one of my favorite politicians and we have a lot to learn from her. We will also talk about Senator Dianne Feinstein who passed away on September 29, 2023. Both Congress woman Woolsey and Senator Feinstein came to Washington about the same time. Both came in when more women were running for election and winning. It truly was an exciting time to see women serving in such high offices. Our hopes for a better world were high. 

2. Our Guest, Lynn Woolsey, shares influences in her rise in politics. She was the first Congresswoman to admit that she was a "welfare mom" after her first husband abandoned the family with 3 young children after 10 years of marriage in 1968, and she remarked that her subsequent tax payments more than compensated for the benefits she received in a desperate time in her life.  Lynn said that her acting on issues that interested her and her willingness to take on leadership roles in the various issue groups helped prepare her for elected political office. While serving on the Sonoma County Commission on the Status of Women , Lynn is proud to giving the National Women’s History Project (NWHP) a start. She was elected to the Petaluma City Council. Lynn ran against 7 men and 1 woman vying for the Congressional seat in 1992, was encouraged to drop out by the local Democratic Club leader but pursued her campaign to a successful outcome, winning by 6%, with the help of women from the NWHP. 1992 was called the Year of the Woman because so many women were elected to political offices that year, including Dianne Feinstein as U.S. Senator for California. Lynn feels that women bring personalism and humanity to politics.

Lynn remembers Senator Dianne Feinstein as a fair person with integrity, whom she could trust as being 100% with you on a project that she committed herself to. Senator Feinstein was more centrist than Lynn, but any House bill that Lynn signed would be supported by Dianne. The Sonoma Marin smart train that Lynn supported also received support from Dianne, as well as the doubling in size of the Farallon Island Marine Sanctuary.

Lynn has one regret and that was not joining Congresswoman Barbara Lee in opposing the Iraq War. She advises would-be political candidates to know yourself, know your goal, know where you stand, as there are forces pulling you in a thousand directions.

1. Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz: Joining me on the phone will be Susan Lamont, long-time peace activist, and she will be giving us some information on various antiwar protests that are happening in our area. I believe this is so important for people to know about these events and what is the motivation behind them. Feels like there is an antiwar movement on the rise.

Last week I attended a gathering in honor of Michael Rothenberg, one of the co-founders of 100 thousand Poets for Change hosted by my first guest Susan Lamont last week. Michael Rothenberg passed away in 2022. He was an American poet, songwriter, editor, artist, and environmentalist.

Susan and I will be talking a bit about the gathering and during the second segment I will read and comment on one of the poems that I wrote and read. Ken and I read a piece together called When Johnny Comes Marching Home. It is always wonderful reading with Ken. For the second half of the show, I will be doing a commentary and playing a few extra songs.

Shout out to all those who attended the Celebration, My dear friend Lillith Rogers attended and I will read her Earth Pledge, for me this pledge has more meaning today then any other time particularly when I see the suffering we many are experiencing because a hand full of profiteers do not understand that we are all children of the Earth and the Earth is not for sale for it is in turning our beloved planet into a commodity that we are having so many issues.

2. Our Guest, Susan Lamont,  talks of the contributions of poet Michael Rothenberg, who cofounded 100,000  Poets for Change.  She also draws our attention to anti-war rallies locally (see Announcements below.). She laments that it would only take a fraction of the war budget to provide the needed social programs to ensure every American could eat, be housed, and receive medical care. It is important to let the government know our opinions for a democracy to work, and we have the First Amendment that protects this right.

1. Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz:  I have two special guests this morning. Joining me in the studio are two longtime activists, Susan Lamont and Susan Chunco. We will be talking about their activism, what motivates them along with some updates on Nuclear Protests that are happening. Both Susan Lamont (in 2017) and Susan Chunco (in 2023) had the honor of being placed on the Sebastopol, California: Living Peace Wall.

The Wall is a monument of granite panels topped by a bronze peace symbol that honors and quotes prominent nonviolence activists and social justice figures. Created by Michael Gillotti, unveiled Oct. 2015 in downtown, no-nukes self-proclaimed "Peacetown USA Sebastopol." Four names added to the wall each year.

Women’s Spaces is dedicated to ordinary women doing extraordinary things and both these women fit into that category and I believe it is to find out where they get their courage and inspiration which I hopes inspires all of us listening.

2. Our Guests, Susan Chunco and Susan Lamont, share the early influences in their lives which encouraged their activism. For Susan Lamont, it was her grandmother’s early activism in the Temperance and Women’s Suffrage movement, and her mother carried that spirit, too. Her father had also witnessed corruption while serving in the Navy and felt all the armed services were just as corrupt. She says that she is not intimidated easily. For Susan Chunco, it was her mother, who was a critical thinker, supporter of the migrants, and an early Green Party member. Both Susans became active during the Vietnam War. Susan Lamont knew and encouraged Michael Gillotti when he shared his dream for the Living Peace Wall in Sebastopol, CA. It became a reality in 2015. She became an honoree in 2017, and Susan Chunco became an honoree in 2023 at the September 9th Induction Ceremony. Susan Chunco felt embarrassed as she knows many activists not so recognized and often ignored. Susan Lamont announces some rallies to protest the war in Ukraine that is in danger of escalating to a nuclear war, which can be seen in the Announcements on this show's webpage.

1. Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz:  Joining me on the phone today will be Marianne Williamson, a political activist, author, non-denominational spiritual lecturer, and New York Times bestselling author. She also was a candidate for President in 2020 and is putting her hat in the ring again for the 2024 Presidential Election.

Announcement: I am so excited to announce my granddaughter Katelyn Beverly Jensen and Trevor Elliott will be tying the knot, yes, getting married on Oct. 5, 2024. Amazing. Congratulations to both of them. I feel so blessed. Life is such a gift. Even with all the trials and tribulations we must never miss joy as it presents itself.

2. Our Guest, Marianne Williamson, shares how synchronistic events led her in 1976 to discover and begin reading The Course in Miracles that was just published in New York City. She visited the publisher Foundation for Inner Peace, where she talked with its co-founder Judy Skutch. She realized that she would love to teach this Course and began teaching it passionately while a part-time secretary. It began as a labor of love, volunteering to spread the good news of the Course..

The AIDS epidemic was just beginning to produce casualties in especially the gay community, and many AIDS patients attended the lectures. This created a community of interest and compassion. In 1992 Marianne was encouraged to write a book based on her taped lectures. She never considered herself a writer and prayed for guidance when a literary agent showed up at one of her lectures and offered to be her agent. Her first book, A Return to Love: Reflections on the Principles of A Course in Miracles, was published by Harper Collins. It caught the attention of Oprah Winfrey, who interviewed Marianne Williamson and catapulted her to national and international attention,

She believes selflessness is rewarded. Her biggest advice is: Get over yourself! It is not about you! Marianne became active in charity with the non-profit organizations she founded: Center for Living in 1987, Project Angel Food in 1989, and the Peace Alliance in 1998.  She was also a minister in Unity and in other denominations. In 1998 her book Healing the Soul of America was published. She realized that humanity and the planet were on a destructive trajectory, and that changing oneself is changing the world, too.

Marianne deplores that only 20% of Americans are doing well, while so many others cannot meet an extra bill and live with economic despair. This creates a petri dish of societal dysfunction. She feels she is a compelling alternative to Donald Trump and that we should stop obsessing about him. She quotes FDR: We do not have to worry about Fascist takeover if democracy delivers on its blessings.

Some of the issues Marianne supports are Universal Healthcare, Tuition for College, Child Care, Paid Family Leave, a Guaranteed Living Wage, Department of Peace, a Department of Children and Youth, the end to the War on Drugs, Women's Rights and LGBTQ Rights. Taxing the rich and not the middle class would fund her programs. Marianne Williamson believes that we can achieve the world we want if we work together, and she asks for support of her campaign.

1. Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz:  Joining me on the phone today will be Faith Ross, chair of the Petaluma Blacks for Community Development (PBCD) and a volunteer at the Petaluma Historical Library and Museum. We are going to talk about PBCD history and their event happening this Saturday on September 16th.

Since today is the 22nd anniversary of the terror attack on 9/11/2001 in New York City, which is memorialized with a national holiday called Patriot Day. I will talk a bit on how humans are so prone to turn to war for their solutions and will play a Bob Dylan song of With God on Our Side, sung by Judy Collins. Poor God with so many sides of war to be on throughout the ages.

2. Our Guest, Faith Ross, talks about the history of Petaluma Blacks for Community Development (PBCD). Gloria Robinson wanted to share Black history and culture with the larger community and started PBCD in 1978. The first challenge was to encourage other black families to join, so she first went to schools on the eastside of Petaluma, where many Blacks moved to because of the lower cost of housing. She was able to connect with the parents of the kids. She then put on the first picnic, and it was attended so well that 20 families became involved with PBCD. In 2021 the Grapevine Youth Leadership program was started to encourage youth scholastic excellence and leadership empowerment. Black youth in an accredited college in the Bay Area are given a stipend and give back in service projects.
Faith Ross announces a PBCD sponsored event: Path to Health and Wellness on Saturday, September 16th from 10 AM to 2 PM. This health fair is open to the public and free to show what services are available. Free flu shots will be available at the Kaiser booth. Eye exams and recycled glasses are available, and blood pressure can be checked. The Sonoma County Children's Museum will also be present to keep the children interested. See the Poster under Announcements on this show's web archive page, as well as a link to a pdf with both Spanish and English posters.

1. Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz:  Today is Labor Day. Joining me in the studio is Lisa Maldonado, Labor Representative for the California Nurses Association. Lisa has an extensive background in labor relations and union organizing and we will be talking about the history of Labor Day and her involvement in labor relations.

Congratulations to Susan Chunco whose name has been placed on the Living Peace Wall in Sebastopol, California.

A shout out to the National Women’s History Alliance celebrating forty-three years of bringing Women’s History to the world.

2. Our Guest, Lisa Maldonaldo, shares the early influences of her mother and grandmothers. in her working-class family. The story of the Labor movement is the story of immigrants. Examples are Emma Goldman and Delores Huerta. We are told to work to be rich, but still many hardworking folks are struggling to live. When working for the ACLU on the homeless situation, Lisa had to tell many people that they had to move out of the area, which was only a Band-Aid and no solution. They really needed better wages.

Presently Lisa is working for the California Nurses Association (CNA), which is facing shortages of staff at Kaiser Medical facilities. As a union, CNA can stand up to the big corporation's urge to make more profits at the expense of labor, which also helps patients get better care. The nurses are also countering artificial intelligence (AI) and remote telemetry replacing trained nurses visiting patients.

Polls are showing that 80% of young people support unions. They notice the wealth gap as not benefiting them and greater society.

1. Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz:  I have a special guest joining me on the phone, Molly Murphy MacGregor, one of the co-founders of the National Women’s Alliance. We will be talking about Women’s Equality Day and what is happening with the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA). A reminder that This year’s theme is for the Alliance is: Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories.

2. Our Guest, Molly Murphy MacGregor, looks back on some 43 years that have gone by since the National Women’s History Project(NWHP) was born, 103 years since Women Suffrage when women were able to the vote, and over 100 years since Alice Paul began promoting the first cause for these voting women and begin the process of having Congress pass the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) and the necessary 38 States to ratify it. However, the ratification process took longer than Congress first allocated for it to get into the Constitution, and Congress is again necessary to waive that time restriction. The webinar on August 19th, ERA: The Time Is Now, indicates a resurgence of interest to push the ERA by women organizations and those that support women and the ERA to motivate people to petition their elected representatives to pass the finish line and add the ERA to the Constitution. The ERA is stated simply: Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of sex. It was only in 1970 that women first had the right to have a credit card in their own name. The young women especially inspired Molly at the webinar, who were especially knowledgeable of the U.S. Constitution. Every proposed amendment has faced opposition. Molly believes that the habits of patriarchy and misogyny is difficult for men to release to allow women free choice, even to respect of their own bodies. Women who opposed Women’s Suffrage, were fearful out of religious convictions. Men seemed to be blocked by lust for power and money. Molly stresses that women lobbying and protesting for the right to suffrage spent weeks in jail on hunger strikes while being forced fed. Some women never recovered from that torture, as the film Iron Jaws Angel brought to the screen. Molly believes that invisibility is the number one form of bias. The theme of NHWA this year is Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories, since real stories and authenticity attracts so many connections.

1. Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz:  I have a very special guest this morning. Joining me on the phone is Amani Shroff is one of the youngest women I have interviewed to date.

To celebrate the National Women’s History Alliance and Women’s Equality Day, which is August 26, next week's show on Monday August 21, will feature a converstation with Molly Murphy MacGregor, one of the founders of the National Women’s History Project, now known as the National Women’s History Alliance, to talk about Women’s Equality Day and the event ERA: The Time is Now webinar, which the Alliance is hosting on August 19. To register for the webinar, visit https://nationalwomenshistoryalliance.org/events/  

Another great event is happening on Monday August 21 in the evening. The National Organization for Women, SOCO Chapter, will be having their monthly Zoom meeting, which this month is open to members and guests. The special speaker will be Zakiya Thomas, President and CEO of the ERA Coalition and Fund for Women’s Equality.

Hawaii is burning and climate change marches on. Like in Maui, Paradise, CA was quickly overcome and destroyed by wildfire, and right here in Santa Rosa we lost over 2,000 homes to wind-fueled wildfires. Yet, there are folks that still believe that climate change is not a reality and there are leaders who still support products and industries that contribute to this horror. I just do not understand this. You know change takes time, commitment, and courage to bring about that is why our history is our strength is a reality. It tells us what we can do, what it takes to accomplish it, and it demonstrates the power of those who are committed to making it happen.

 2. Our Guest, Amani Shroff, a high school student, shares what she thinks are pressing issues for the youth. She feels the Covid-19 pandemic restrictions deprived youth of social interaction, the isolation each felt, and the fast-paced social media talk create a sense of overwhelm. Amani was most inspired by her mother who encouraged her to use her voice and be responsible. She was also inspired through the TV exposure by Michelle Obama, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and Kamela Harris. Amani sought out women shows and discovered Women's Spaces. She reached out to our host Elaine to share her opinions and passion to empower youth to make changes regarding the increasing gun violence, the deterioration of the environment, support public funding of schools and to learn about policies that affect the youth. Amani started her podcast Vantage Point, available on Spotify, as a means to spark conversation among the youth and help them keep informed. Amani recites one of her poems, Welcome to Our World, which is presented on this show's web archive page.

1. Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz: Happy 75th Birthday KBBF and a special thank you to all who attended the successful celebration held at the Luther Burbank Center. It was amazing. It was so amazing that I could not sleep Saturday night just thinking about the event. Senator McGuire presented KBBF’s President Alicia Sanchez with a special proclamation honoring the fifty years of service provided by the station to the community. It was an amazing experience watching Senator McGuire help raise 66,000 dollars for the station which will help its equipment to enable it to survive for another fifty years. A special thanks to all the sponsors and those who donated to the station.

2. Our Guest, Zakiya Thomas, is the President and CEO of the ERA Coalition, which with its 320 coalition partners represent over 80 million people. She is a black woman who nows the value of rights.  The Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) states: Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of sex.

Zakiya notes that the ERA does not state "gender" but "sex" as the defining attribute, so it would include rights for LGBTQI+. Our US Constitution was written mainly by white men who owned slaves. The ERA is for everyone. 80% of poled Americans support the ERA. The 20% who oppose have used their finances to obstruct it. The filibuster rule in the Senate also prevents it, even though there are bills in the House of Representatives and the Senate. Zakiya believes that since people know already of the benefit of ERA, we just need to motivate people.

1. Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz: I have a special guest for this show, joining me on the phone will be Laura Wells, longtime activist and Green Party organizer and former candidate, and we will be talking about political parties and the process they go through to get on the ballot and how that is regulated, along with some history.

Announcement: Last chance to get tickets for the special fundraiser for KBBF being 50 years on the air will be happening this Thursday, August 3rd, at the Luther Burbank Center. They still have a few tickets on sale, go to https://kbbf.org/  and hit the button to buy a ticket. Ken and I will be there along with California Senate Majority Mike McGuire will be the master of ceremonies.

I attended the Commission on Human Rights meeting on July 25 where the Kathleen Finigan Award Ceremony was presented. This was the first time it was presented, and the recipient was Heather Jackson from Acts of Kindness. Acts of Kindness is a volunteer run non-profit whose mission is to provide necessities, resources, and advocacy to enrich the well-being of the homeless and financially underprivileged in our community. Congratulations Heather. https://socoactsofkindness.org/ 

2. Our Guest Laura Wells shares her political journey, from running as a Green Party candidate for California State Controller in 2002, then for California Governor in 2010 and in 2018 for Congress for the CA 13th District. The principles of the Green Party most fit her concerns for the environment and peace, while refusing corporate funding. Our host Elaine did some research on 3rd Partie, which can be viewed on this show's web archive page.

Laura recounts some of the challenges she and other 3rd party candidates face, from the cost of fees, which Laura explains in detail, to getting coverage on the corporate media. The Electoral College and the allotment of two senators to each state, no matter the population, something from the slave days, also hinder a true democratic process. In 2000 and in 2016, a President was elected who lost the popular vote. This system made “swing states” possible, which receives most of the corporate media attention. Laura said We the People suffer when the system is set up for 3rd Party candidates to be unwinnable. A further setback for 3rd Party viability came with the League for Women Voters facing so many restrictions by the two major parties that the League stopped hosting the debates. Laura encourages Proportional Representation that over 90 countries embrace and Rank Choice Voting for higher offices.

1. Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz: Joining me in the studio is Kirstyne Lange, chair of the SOCO National Association for the Advancement of Colored People NAACP. We will be talking about the NAACP, its mission, goals, and challenges, along with concerns in Sonoma County.

I would like to thank all who attended the KBBF 50th Anniversary Celebration at Bayer Park, It was a fun time for all.

The KBBF 50th Anniversary Gala Fundraiser is next Thursday, August 3, 5 to 8 PM,  at the Luther Burbank Center, Santa Rosa.

On July 25 the Sonoma County Commission on Human Rights is presenting the first Kathleen Finnegan Award  to Heather Jackson of Sonoma County Acts of Kindness.  https://socoactsofkindness.org/

2. Our Guest Kirstyne Lange first learned about racism in her kindergarten class in San Diego when she encountered a boy her age who called her a monkey and said she should go back to Africa. Her grandfather noticed how upset she was when he picked her up, and prepared her, as this would surely not be the last time. Women in her family, especially her mother, inspired and mentored her. Her parents knew about the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and the Civil Rights movement. By the time she was in the 8th or 9th grade, the violence against People of Color increased, and the President of the local chapter of the NAACP established outreach to the youth and signed up youth members form different high schools, including herself. Kirstyne learned how to plan events and take on issues.
The NAACP was founded in 1909. It has been an intergenerational cultivation of leaders. Leaders cultivated leaders in the next generation, so branches do not fold, and the torch is passed.
After the murder of George Floyd, Kirstyne became active in the Sonoma County Chapter of the NAACP and has made it a point to encouraged collaboration between Black and Native cultures.
There are challenges in this county. The Portrait of Sonoma County report of 2021 (See insert under Reference on this show's web archive page) looked at Blacks and Native American populations in the county. This only happened after the County in 2020 said that Blacks and Native Americans are insignificant in population. This raised the ire of the NAACP, since their populations are the size of Cotati and other Sonoma County towns, and they pressed the County to include them in the new report of 2021.
Kirstyne cites this as an example of people coming together to effect change. She encourages our audience to get involved. Become an active member in one of the NAACP committees, where issue priorities are set and then shared with the public. She says, "Fight with us, not alone."

Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz: With so much going on in this world I thought I would do a commentary for this show. I am going to play some special music and will be sharing some thoughts on the cluster bombs that President Biden is sending to Ukraine, and I will look deeply into the Women’s Spaces Pledge, what it means and why embracing it is important in today’s world.

1. Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz: I have a special guest with me in the studio, Alicia Sanchez, President of our KBBF Board and she is going to give us an overview of a KBBF party for staff, producers, friends, and family which is happening on July 23 at Bayer Park. KBBF will be celebrating their 50th anniversary in August and she will let us know about the special fundraiser to celebrate 50 years on the air.

I have a special guest who will be joining me on the phone, Dotty E. LeMieux is founder of Green Dog Campaigns, and we will be talking about the upcoming election and the importance of women running for office and the steps needed to get there.

2. Our first guest Alicia Sanchez shares some of the history of the founding of Radio KBBF in Sonoma County, California. It began with students at Sonoma State University and Santa Rosa Junior College organizing for a community TV and radio station but opted for the radio station looking at the costs of operation. In 1971 the non-profit organization The Bilingual Broadcasting Foundation, Inc. (BBFI) was formed in August. It received funding from the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Foundation (see photo to the right of Ethel Kennedy meeting with Guido del Prado of BBFI/KBBF) which enabled the placement of the antenna on top of Mt. St. Helena. On May 31, 1973, Radio KBBF broadcast its first show at 89.1 FM. At the time it reached 18 counties, now it can be heard in Sonoma County and 4 counties surrounding it. Elaine began producing her show Women's Spaces in 1978 in the Radio KBBF studio (see photo to the left).

On Sunday June 23, 2023,1 to 5 PM) at Bayer Park in Santa Rosa (Roseland),Radio KBBF is celebrating 50-years of broadcasting as the first fully bilingual, bicultural educational radio service in the United States. Entrance is free and open to the public. There will be music, food, children's activities, and bands. If you have an item for the raffle, contact Alicia. See the poster below under Guest Event on the show's webpage. Also, save the date for the Gala Fundraiser for KBBF, which will be held on August 3rd, featuring CA State Senator Mike McGuire.

3. Our second guest Dotti E. LeMieux describes her path founding Green Dog Campaigns that helps progressive Democrats run for office. She was an activist in Marin County, CA and even ran for an elected office. She realized the need to share the practical aspects of campaigning with prospective candidates. She saw the need to counter the right-wing candidates of local offices, including school boards, as book banning increased since 2016 in many red states. Dotti finds women are well suited to be elected. Candidates need allies who will be team players. For those interested in running for an office, she suggests they attend meetings that the office holds. They must know the dates concerning the election, such as the registering to run date in their county or city. Money is needed to get the word out. Social media is not enough, as you need to reach those not on social media. Something to hold in your hand, like a card or direct mail, is needed. She mentions some resource websites, which we list below under the Reference Links for our guest. 

1. Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz: I have a special guest this morning, joining me on the pho will be Rev. Dr. Patricia Keel, a longtime student of metaphysics and a spiritual teacher in the mystical tradition. Patricia was the Founding minister of Unity of Berkeley and is currently a frequent Guest Minister at Unity churches.

Tomorrow is th 4th of July. Enjoy your holiday and take a moment to give thanks for the freedoms we all have. This day is a reminder it was not an easy task and continues to be challenging. I will read the beginning of the Declaration of Independence to remind us of the philosophical and moral foundation of our nation.

2. Our guest Rev. Dr. Patricia Keel shares her path to metaphysics after a successful career as a real estate agent but struggling with personal issues. When Patricia was introduced to Unity teachings, she felt she had come home. She learned that the metaphysical meaning of the Bible helps explain our own Book of Life. Being alive, we are constantly learning. Meta means above. Metaphysics is Higher Consciousness than just our physical senses reveal. We gain access to a quantum field of possibilities not limited by our intellectual understanding. Patricia has been travelling to India the last twenty years to enrich the western Metaphysics with that of the East. We can apply an awakened awareness to move past inner conflicts and upsets to inner calm and peace. This is true independence so we can take authentic action true to our True Self.

Dr. Keel feels that the Declaration of Independence’s phrase “laws of Nature and of Nature’s God” indicate spiritual principles. Our indwelling awareness has a vibration and through the law of mind action affects how we manifest life.  Dr. Keel encourages us to ask for help from someone you trust, or a group, to hold this awareness with us for the collective vibration to strongly attract the manifestation of the prayer in our life.

1. Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz: I have a special guest this morning. Joining me in the studio is Barbara Walsh who is a past member of the Sonoma County Civil Grand Jury (CGJ). So much has been in the news about the Grand Jury and the responsibilities it has I thought it would be informative to explore a local Grand Jury to get some history and find out how it works and how folks can get involved.

This is the last Friday of the month, and we will be doing the Women’s Spaces Pledge.

2. Our guest Barbara Walsh  shares a bit of her life journey to becoming an attorney.

Upon retiring, Barbara felt a need to do more for society, so she applied on the Sonoma County Superior Court’s Grand Jury website to volunteer as a grand juror and was accepted as one of the 12 jurors by lotto of approved candidates. There are also Alternate Jurors chosen, who take the places of jurors not able to finish their term. The only requirements are to be a citizen over 18 years old, a resident of the county, be proficient in English and in computers, and be willing to commit oneself to one year of service working 10 to 20 hours/week doing interviews and research on the topics before the Grand Jury.

The jurors work as a team, and each have their talents to offer. The topics are chosen from requests for investigation, which can be made online. The requests need not be made by citizens or residents. The topics are about how the county is governed, county departments, schools, and special districts like the Smart Train. Topics are chosen if they affect a large enough audience in the county and benefit the county by promoting improvement. The Grand Jury has several committees. Barbara belonged to the committee on warming stations in extremely cold weather. All requests are considered allegations until the information is verified. The recommendations of the Grand Jury are called Findings. Public entities must respond to the Grand Jury Report, whose summary and complete report can be found on the Superior Court’s Grand Jury website. The Warming Center report is already being addressed by the County Board of Supervisors.

Visit  this show's web archive page for the link to the report and other reference links.

Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz: Sunday was Father’s Day and I want to wish all those who are fathers, stepfathers, grandfathers, great grandfathers, adopted fathers a Happy Father’s Day. The most stunning thing for me is I made a Father’s Day card for all those fathers in my family and the most amazing part of it all was making a card for my grandson Ryan. Seems like yesterday he was my first-born precious grandson and now he is a father, a great one I must add.

Today is June 19 and it is the legal holiday for Juneteenth. I am always thrilled when a holiday lands on a Monday. Women’s Spaces is on and today is that day. I thought to honor Juneteenth is to honor black women and will be playing several recordings and songs plus, I will be making a few comments.

President Joe Biden signed legislation on June 17, 2021, making Juneteenth a U.S. federal holiday after Congress passed The Juneteenth National Independence Day Act that same month.

I was part of the planning committee for Juneteenth for the past ten years. As always, I attended the event and had a booth with Ken. We represented the Northbay Chamber of Commerce Entrepreneurs of Tomorrow which I am Vice President, Women’s Spaces who is a sponsor and the National Organization for Women SOCO Chapter, it is always busy and fun. This year was different, and I was given an appreciation award.

Be sure to visit this show's web archive page to listen to the show and read more of what transpired, as well as view the Award.

1. Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz: Joining me in the studio is Tina Rogers, an educator, performer, and researcher and wonderful friend. We will be talking about the 53rd annual celebration of Juneteenth taking place at Martin Luther King, Jr. Park in Santa Rosa on Saturday, June 17th. This is an annual celebration. FYI: Ken and I will be there, so make sure you stop by our table.
Also joining us on the phone will be Nancy Rogers, President of the Northern California Black Chamber of Commerce and Chair of the Juneteenth Planning Committee.

2. Our guests Tina Rogers and Nancy Rogers share their stories of learning about Juneteenth and in producing the festival in Sonoma County. Tina was a baby for the first Juneteenth festival at Martin Luther King, jr. Park in Santa Rosa, organized by her father Harold Rogers and her stepmother Nancy. Nancy heard nothing of Juneteenth when growing up in Arkansas, but after moving to California she started doing her research, discovering that the slaves around Galveston, Texas, only heard they were emancipated two years after President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation. The event in Galveston began to be memorialized, and since President Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law in 2021 it is now a federal holiday. Tina gives credit to Marteal Perry for beginning the Juneteenth celebrations in Sonoma County, and her granddaughter Sydney Davenport will be singing with the Prayer Chapel Gospel Choir at the event. Three students will be awarded scholarships from the Entrepreneurs of Tomorrow, whose non-profit is now sponsoring the event. The festival is free and open to the public and family friendly, with many booths from local organizations and vendors offering food and items for sale. Local bands will be playing, and the New World Ballet Company will perform.

1. Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz: I have a very special guests this morning. Joining me in the studio is Jane Sorensen, band leader and founder of the Poyntlyss Sistars who will be performing June 9th at the Hood Mansion at Hood Regional Park in Santa Rosa.

Also joining me in the studio this morning is Amy Nykamp, President of the Sonoma County Chapter of the National Organization for women (NOW). Joining me in the studio, as well, will be Celeste Austin.  She is an Activist in our community and part of the Juneteenth Planning Committee. Celest is in a Woman-Loving-Woman relationship.

Both will be giving us a firsthand report on the Pride Parade that happened in Santa Rosa on Sat. June 2 in downtown Santa Rosa and some of their issues and concerns.

2. Our first segment guests Celeste Austin and Amy Nykamp discuss their impressions of the Pride Parade in Santa Rosa that occurred last Saturday, June 3. Celeste, a black woman, describes her coming out as a lesbian in 1973, which resulted in her leaving her home state of Iowa and disapproving mother. She would face discrimination on two fronts, one due to her skin and the other being a lesbian.  Amy, a white woman, is straight and married, but she describes having family members who came out as gay. She came with a contingent from the Episcopal Church, and she observed other churches, synagogues represented. Celeste thought this year's Pride Parade was the largest in Sonoma County history with many children present with their parents and grandparents, and she noted appearances of Congressman Mike Thompson (D-CA) in a large black classic car and Santa Rosa Mayor Natalie Rogers.  Actions speak loud to who one is. Celeste quotes Angela Davis, who said, “If they come for me in the morning, they will come for you in the night.”

3. Our second segment guest Jane Sorenson visits us as the bandleader of The Poyntlyss Sistars Rockin' Show Band to announce a Peace Town fundraiser they will be performing at the venue Fridays at the Hood this Friday, June 9. Jane loved to sing in church choirs and in the school glee club.  Her studies were in the medical field, and she worked many years for the Sonoma County Mental Health Services. One day some songs were playing over the radio, and she started harmonizing out loud, which attracted other staff members to chime in with their harmonies. A male doctor quipped that they sounded like the Pointless Sisters, sarcastically referring to the Pointer Sisters, with the implication that there was no point in singing. Undeterred, Jane took on the title and with some spelling changes it became the band name of today. Check out her show on Friday and the other offerings on Fridays at the Hood at the event link on the show's web archive page.

1. Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz:  I have a very special guest this morning. Joining me on the phone from Chicago, Illinois is Michelle Duster, author, educator and great-granddaughter of activist, educator, feminist and co-founder of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, (NAACP), Ida B. Wells. We will be in conversation about her Great-Grandmother and how her actions, vision and courage are needed today. 

2. Our guest Michelle Duster shares the influence she felt from her great-grandmother Ida B. Wells. Michelle’s focus is to bring her history to the people in public places and in school curriculums.  She wonders why the voices against critical thinking are favored over those who benefit from such thinking, as in critical race theory. Michelle has recently published in 2021 Ida B, the Queen, followed by her children’s book Ida B. Wells, Voice of Truth. She has worked with Mattel to bring out a Ida B. Wells Barbie doll. As Ida B. Wells was a suffragist, Michelle laments the different metrics used for women in our patriarchal society to try to confine them to childcare and housekeeping, and notes that few Boards of Directors have substantial women representation. Ida B. Wells was a co-founder of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), that was formed in response to the Springfield, IL, race riot in 1909. Michelle’s goal is the bring forth the African American experience to the center, as Black American history is American history, and kids deserve to read and hear the full history. Her favorite quotes of her great grandmother are:
• Better to die fighting against injustice than to die like a dog or rat in a trap.
• The way to right wrongs is to shine the light of truth on them.
As you can imagine, Ida B. Wells had to deal with fake news of her time, which makes her even more relevant today.

Mother's Day and Elaine's Poetry

1. Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz:   Happy Mother's Day! I have a special guest Debby Meagher, a successful business woman and former owner of Coffee Catz in Sebastopol, who will read with me some of my poems. We will start off with Julia Ward Howell's Mother's Day Proclamation, recited by Ghizela Rowe. We present a modernized version, as well, by Rivera Sun.

2.  Our Guest Debby Meagher joins Elaine to read some of Elaine's poetry. She shares her secret to self-esteem. realize you are joy and don't block it no matter what others may think.  They read the following poems of Elaine, followed by a discussion.

1. Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz:   Joining me on the phone this morning will be Christian Nunes who is the President for the National Organization for Women. Christian will be joining me from Washington DC. As the grassroots arm of the women’s movement, the National Organization for Women is dedicated to its multi-issue and multi-strategy approach to women’s rights and is the largest organization of feminist grassroots activists in the United States. NOW has hundreds of chapters and hundreds of thousands of members and activists in all fifty states and the District of Columbia.

On April 27, 2023, via Zoom The National Organization for Women (NOW) presented, The Feminist State of the Union. We are now going to play an interview that was done by our guest Christian Nunes during the event with former First Lady, Hilary Rodham Clinton. The interview is 19 minutes long.

2.  Our Guest Christian Nunes shares the influences on her path to becoming the President of the National Organization for Women (NOW). She discusses with our host Elaine the kernels of the 2023 Feminist State of the Union sponsored by NOW. Overall the message was fight and not back down, and acting collectively is more powerful. Women are encouraged to be aware of the issues that speak deeply to them and to look for groups addressing those issue and become involved. NOW has embraced intersectionalism, that recognizes that the different rights sought by women dovetail with those seeking racial justice, gender justice, and economic justice. Christine Nunes concluded that she hopeful that women of all ages will take up or continue the fight for victory, as they recognize and are strengthened standing on the shoulders of women activists who came before them.

1. Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz:   Today is International Workers Day and I have two special guests with me this morning. Joining me in the studio is Lisa Maldonado, Labor Representative for the California Nurses Association. Lisa has an extensive background in labor relations and union organizing and we will be talking about the history of May 1 and her involvement in labor relations.
Also joining me in the studio is Renee Saucedo who will be talking about the Immigrant Rights movement. Saucedo has worked in the immigrant rights and worker rights for over thirty years as an advocate, attorney, educator, and community organizer. It is an honor to have both women with me in the studio.

2.  Our First Guest Lisa Maldonaldo talks of the mentors in her family, her grandfather and father, who were migrants from Mexico to work in the USA, that influenced her to pursue her career in union organizing. She emphasizes that the immigrants cause is tied to the union cause for fair labor practices and wages. She finds it ironic how easy and unfettered capital can cross the borders, and how difficult it is for workers to cross the border. Lisa is a Labor Representative at California Nurses Association, which constantly pushes back on under staffing at Sutter and Kaiser hospitals. Hospitals are businesses that unfortunately prioritize the bottom-line at nurses' and patients' expense. Labor activism is constantly dealing with safety issues and who is working under what conditions.

3. Our Guest Renee Saucedo also share her family influences on her career as an attorney defending immigrant rights and worker rights.  Immigrants are now more involved in unions and help in leading them. Undocumented immigrant women have lots of courage as it is almost impossible today to change one's immigration status. Renee talks about the RAICES Collective, that is based in Santa Rosa since its founding in June 2015, with its mission to empower and mobilize the Latinx and Indigenous communities through the arts, culture, and environmental education. Renee announces the International Labor Day march and rally in Santa Rosa today, beginning at 3 PM in Roseland with a march to the Federal Building to lobby for the passage of HR1511. The march then continues to Courthouse Square in Santa Rosa for a rally. See the poster of the march/rally under Announcements on the show's web archive page.

1. Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz: I am excited about today’s show. Saturday April 22 was Earth Day. In honor of Earth Day, we have a special treat, Ken is a Climate Pioneer and while at San Jose State College he along with other students buried a new 1970 Ford Maverick on the campus' cafeteria building front lawn on Feb. 20, 1970, in San Jose, Calif. The event, 53 years ago, was part of a week-long Survival Faire at the school, focusing attention on environmental problems.

The theme for Earth Day 2022 is, “Invest in Our Planet.” Ken and I attended the Earth Day Celebration in Downtown Santa Rosa.

Also joining me on the phone will be, Maya Khosla, a member, and spokesperson for Sonoma County Climate Activist Network (SoCoCAN!). Khosla is a biologist and writer focusing on forest biodiversity and fire-safe practices. She is the winner of the 2023 Fund for Wild Nature’s Grassroots Activist Award and co-winner of the Environmentalist of the Year Award from 2020 Sonoma County Conservation Council (SCCC).

2.  Our First Presenter Ken Norton, Co-producer of Women's Spaces, shares what motivated him as an engineering student at San Jose State College (SJSC) to participate in the Survival Faire on February 20, 1970, two months before the first national Earth Day. He remembered the eye- and lung-irritating smog of Los Angeles before heading north to study at SJSC. Ken had learned of the dangers of pesticides with Rachel Carson's publication of her book Silent Spring. He knew that protection of the environment was vital to the planet from his studies, the numerous teach-ins on the campus., and in the Engineers for Awareness Club he helped to co-found in the Engineering School of SJSC. They marched with the car from the dealership, had a pit dug between the Engineering Building and the Administration Building, and plopped the car into the pit, with students cheering, and buried it. It drew the attention of the New York Times and the San Francisco Chronicle, who published reports on the Survival Faire, thus bringing environmental protection to national attention.

3. Our Guest Maya Khosla returns to Women’s Spaces as a spokesperson for the Sonoma County Climate Action Network (SOSOCAN!), which includes over 50 organizations over 200 individuals dedicated to correct and reverse human society induced-climate change. Maya discusses sustainable forest care amidst the decisions to cut down so many old growth trees as a defense against wildfires and feed those trees into Biomass Generators to burn for energy.  She argues that the old growth trees suck up much more carbon from the air than younger trees and the shrub bush in the forest, both of which feed rapid spread of fires.

Child Endangerment Due to Policies on Guns, Income Tax, and Child Labor

1. Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz:   Joining me on the phone this morning will be Dr. Harriet Fraad. Dr. Fraad is a mental health counselor and hypnotherapist in practice in New York City. She is a well published author and writes about the pressures on families and the economics of the USA. For this show we will be doing an analysis, history, and motivation for Income Tax in the USA. Reminder taxes are due tomorrow, April 18, 2023.

Due to the ouster and reinstatement by a Republican Super Majority of two Tennessee state legislators, Justin Jones and Justin Pearson, due to their joining a protest of their constituents for more gun regulations after the mass killing in Nashville at the Covenant Charter School of 3 children and 3 adults by a former student with guns purchased legally in Tennessee. The singer Joan Baez noticed Justin Jones in the Newark, NJ airport after his ouster, a synchronistic moment that she seized upon by going up to him. They sang the traditional freedom songs We Shall Overcome and Ain’t Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me ‘Round.  Joan Baez sang We Shall Overcome at the March on Washington in 1963 on the stage with Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, and we will play We Shall Overcome later in their honor and for commonsense gun laws.

2. Our Guest Dr. Harriet Fraad shares her childhood influences that made her feel somewhat of an outsider and want to be a voice for those not benefitting from as system or tradition. Her parents took her to Hootenanny performances of Black stars who had been blacklisted as socialists or communists in the 1950's under the oppression created by Joseph McCarthy's House Committee for Un-American Activities. Dr. Fraad also notes how the Women's Liberation Movement, which she helped found in New Haven, CT, with five women quickly grew to over 100 women, championed not only gender injustice but also injustices due to economic class and color of skin. This was lost when Gloria Steinem of MS Magazine steered feminism to focus only on gender issues. Dr. Fraad believes Ms. Steinem's ties with the CIA caused her to downplay the class issue and color issues.

Harriet decries the mass shootings killing children in schools because of the lobbying of the National Rifle Association (NRA), as well as the endangerment of children by not enforcing the Child Labor Laws, especially with migrant children.

Dr. Fraad notes how the Income tax that became law in 1913 is quite different from today's tax law reformed by President Trump to be laxer on the rich. At the 1913 rate, today's minimum income to be taxed would be $60,000. Also, the inheritance tax was raised to $13.9 Million for a single taxpayer. No wonder the social services have decreased, which, of course, affects child welfare.

1. Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz:   I have a very special guest for this show, joining me on the phone will be Camerina Schwartz Davidson, President, CA Region of the National Organization for Women (NOW). For me this is an important interview on the history of NOW and acknowledgement of Dr. Paulie Murray.

I watched Born on the Fourth of July film with Tom Cruise, cried through the whole movie and thought: Here we are again wars, wars, wars. 

2. Our Guest Camerina Schwartz Davidson shares how her enthusiasm for the National Organization for Women (NOW) began in high school when she was concerned about harassment. She encourages the NOW chapters to engage youth where they are in schools and colleges and include them in projects. When NOW began in 1966 it advocated for the rights of women and girls, but it has realized that there is an intersectionalism dimension, as one category of minority coincides with another category of minority, be it feminism, LGBTQI, handicap access, color of skin, age, etc.  Today NOW does not lose sight of the big picture of intersectionalism and encourages inclusivity in all events.

1. Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz:   I have a two very special guests for this show, joining in the studio is Jessie Gordon and Megan Gordon, yes mother and daughter. Jessie is my elder, 96 years old strong. I am really excited about this show, something I have been wanting to do and that is play a song and then discuss it. We will have three perspectives as I will also weigh in and I hope this will be a great discussion.

A little bit late but I want to acknowledge that on March 31 it was Caesar Chavez Day.

My deep condolences to the families or the individuals who were killed on Monday March 27, 2023 at the Covenant Church in Nashville, TN. I looked up Covenant to see what it means. It means: An agreement which brings about a relationship of commitment between God and his people.

2. Our Guests Jesse and Megan Gordon will discuss the songs with our host for today's show.  See Music Selection on this show's web archive page.

1. Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz: 
Shout out and thank you to all that attended the National Organization for Women Sonoma Chapter Zoom with Blacks United, thank you Nancy Rogers and Women’s Spaces. It was a huge success with Dr. Catherine Meeks, PhD talking about Healing Racism. The Zoom was recorded and can be seen on NOW Sonoma YouTube Channel. It was a great teaching moment. Thanks to the great article in the Press Democrat about the event.

I want to do a shout out to my dear friend Susan Lamont and all those who helped her organize the End All the Wars Rally last Saturday. Below are some lyrics from Tom Paxton's song "Lyndon Johnson Told the Nation" and a memorable quote of Eleanor Roosevelt from the speech that Susan presented.

2. Our Guest, Dr. Kim D. Hester Williams, shares her childhood influences for choosing her academia career, especially from her mother’s path of hard work and her mentoring on being a compassionate person. Since the oppression of women existed from ancient times, she believes the struggle for women’s rights need to be for the long haul. American culture and movies were steeped in the subservience of women to men, and she mentioned as example the movie McLintock with John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara. The recent Dobbs decision by SCOTUS leaving States with the final word on Women’s Reproductive Choice, the anti-LGBTQI, restrictive education rights, the book bans, and attack of critical race theory that looks at how laws are often racially biased demonstrate the ongoing cultural war. The truth is hard to bear with tradition ensconced beliefs. Dr. Williams feels her daughters’ generation are very interested in women’s rights and joined with her oldest daughter the SexEd Justice Project on reproductive health and rights of women. Dr. Williams is grateful for the works of Dr. Bettina Aptheker on the responsibilities of feminists going into motherhood. Don't be limited by this report, listen to the show for the audio nuances.

Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz:   I am so excited, joining me on the phone Rosita Stevens-Holsey is a dynamic educator, writer, activist and niece of Attorney, Civil/Women’s Rights Activists, poet and one of the co-founders of the National Organization for Women (NOW) Rev. Dr. Pauli Murray. Rosita was with us in August 2022 and returns to reveal more insights about her Aunt Pauli, who contributed so much during the civil rights and women’s movement.

We have a special interview today. Joining me on the phone is Susan Lamont, a dear friend, who will announce the End the Endless Wars Rally happening this Saturday.  

Our First Guest, Susan Lamont announces the rally to occur on Saturday, March 25, 2023 in Santa Rosa Courthouse Square to End the Endless Wars, asserting that continued lies on both sides is benefitting mostly the Military-Industrial-Finance-Media Complex while burdening the fighting countries with brutal reality of war and social costs.

Our Second Guest, Rosita Stevens-Holsey, returns to dive deeper into the life of her aunt, the Rev. Dr. Pauli Murray (1910 - 1985), who was an Attorney, Civil/Women’s Rights Activists, poet, the first African American woman ordained as an Episcopalian priest, and one of the co-founders of the National Organization for Women (NOW). Rosita recalls visiting Eleanor Roosevelt with her Aunt Pauli, who developed a close relationship with Eleanor who would read Pauli's letters to her husband President Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR). FDR felt he would lose political power if the Southern Democrats refused to support him on Civil Rights, but Eleanor was agreeable to Pauli's arguments while encouraging her to be patient. Pauli was not satisfied with that and engaged in writing letters to Eleanor which Pauli published in a weekly newspaper column. Pauli believed in "confrontation by typewriter" and published them in a column. Rosita announces that Pauli Murray will be honored by the U.S. Mint with her bust on the 2024 Quarter coin. With the support of NOW, Rosita has been asked to join the U.N. Commission on the Status of Women. Take a listen to this intimate recalling of Rosita's Aunt Pauli.

1. Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz:   Again, we have had to switch to Plan B, since we experienced technical difficulties. We were off the air for 10 minutes and our phones were down, so our scheduled two guests had to be cancelled. Our first guest was to be Susan Lamont who would announce a Stop Endless Wars Rally to happen on Saturday, March 25th from 1 - 3 PM. Check out the flyer under the Announcements section further below on this page.

Our second guest was to be Molly Murphy MacGregor of the National Women's History Alliance, already postponed due to the technical difficulties with the phones last week. She was one of her team, the National Women's History Project, to push for National Women's History Month for March.

I will be playing some songs for Women's History Month and I will recite two  poems of mine, and thank Ken for the inspiration: The Seed, and The Gardener, which are available to read on the show's archive web page.

1. Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz:  Originally, I was going to interview Molly Murphy MacGregor, but we had technical difficulty with the phone, so we are postponing that interview until next week. I will share some facts about her organization since it is relevant to this month of March. In 1980, the National Women’s History Project (NWHP) was founded in Santa Rosa, California by Molly Murphy MacGregor, Mary Ruthsdotter, Maria Cuevas, Paula Hammett and Bette Morgan to broadcast women’s historical achievements. The NWHP started by leading a coalition that successfully lobbied Congress to designate March as National Women’s History Month, now celebrated across the land. Today, the NWHP, whose name was changed to the National Women’s History Alliance (NWHA) is known nationally as the only clearinghouse providing information and training in multicultural women’s history for educators, community organizations, and parents-for anyone wanting to expand their understanding of women contributions to U. S. history.

I will be playing some songs for Women's History Month and I will recite a poem of mine, More than My Hair:

1. Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz:  I am so excited. Joining me on the phone will be Catherine Weeks. Catherine Meeks, PhD, a 2022 recipient of the President Joseph R. Biden Lifetime Achievement Award for Service, is Executive Director of the Absalom Jones Center for Racial Healing. She is a sought-after teacher and workshop leader. Catherine brings four decades of experience to the work of transforming the dismantling racism work in Atlanta. We are going to be talking about her latest book, The Night is Long but Light Comes in the Morning - Meditations for Racial Healing and co-author of Passionate for Justice: Ida B Wells as Prophet for Our Times.

Be sure and see the Herstory Event section below on Black Suffragettes.

2. Guest Dr. Catherine Meeks reflects on her early influences of her parents growing up in rural Arkansas that inspired her to strive to be educated, understanding that she could be someone. Early on she asked how she could be free. Her deep faith was strengthened by her awe for Nature that for her was a sign of God's existence.

Dr. Meeks co-authored the book, Passionate for Justice: Ida B Wells as Prophet for Our Times. Her study of this Black journalist who covered the racist atrocities in the deep South and was an early suffragette, who at the early death of her parents took on the responsibility of raising her younger siblings, helped Dr. Meeks in front of her students and in her book to convey Wells' courage as a muscle, that the more it was used the stronger it became. Ida B. Wells always resisted sexism and racism. The suffragette Susan B. Anthony, from a white and richer household, did not understand the pain of racism and snubbed Ida B. Wells. She demonstrated a healthy self-esteem, that kept her on track with a chosen goal without regard to what others thought. Dr. Meeks holds Ida B. Wells as a normal person, even a woman with eccentricities and a passion for being well-dressed but rose through her courage to doing extraordinary things.

In Catherine Meeks' latest book, The Night is Long but Light Comes in the Morning - Meditations for Racial Healing, she notes that it has been a long night for racism, but searching for the light does bring change. That is the hope, not optimism, but hope in keeping going toward the light. To gain courage, Catherine says we must get past our comfort zone. We can do this with little steps. If we are a White person, we can start by driving up to a Starbucks to order a coffee in a Black neighborhood and experience not being attacked as is sometimes portrayed in media new accounts. This step of courage then leads to more ventures into meeting Black people. Strengthening one's courage is a process of steps daring to take a chance and creating more relationships with those of different skin color or from another culture. Discrimination is in all of us through our upbringing and from the media that sells with fear. It does take time to change, therefore the process of increasing our courage. It is not just Blacks are wounded by racism; we all are wounded through the limitations of opportunities imposed by racism. We need to name it, or we live in an illusion. Doing this work helps us become the best human we can be, and society then benefits. Be sure and listen to Dr. Meeks interview for yourself and not rely just on this report, for her voice conveys much more. 

1. Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz on the SRJC BSU Black History Months Award Winners and the Black American History Celebration on Saturday 2/25 at the Santa Rosa Community Baptist Church.

2. Guests #1, Shawntel Reece is accompanied by her daughter Laila Pinero. Shawntel is on the Youth Works Committee of the NAACP of Sonoma County, which was founded here in 1953. The mission of the NAACP is to end racial based hate and discrimination. Schools are important for ending racism and the NAACP reaches out and supports advocacy. Shawntel talks of racial incidents that her daughter suffered, and by reaching out to the NAACP Shawntel felt supported and not alone. Shawntel shares how her daughter's spontaneous modeling of her grandmother's clothes inspired her to have Youth Works organize A Journey Through Time Fashion Show ffor the youth, ages 1 to 21, to happen on Sunday February 26th at 4 PM at Piner High School Performing Arts Center. Our guests Laila Pinero and Aniya Davenport will be participating in the Fashion Show. Laila shares her feelings about being 13 years old and appearing in the Fashion Show.

3. Guests #2, Sydni Davenport composed the song Gifted that her granddaughter Aniya Davenport sings, whose recording we play for the show. Aniya also joins us in the studio. We hear some insights and her hope from Aniya, and how she looks forward to the Fashion Show.

1. Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz: February is Black History Month and tomorrow is Valentine’s Day. We have a special treat for everyone, Ken and I will be reading the poem I wrote, “Friends and Lovers.” This is becoming a tradition every year.’

Joining me on the phone for this special Valentine’s show will be Vesta Copestakes former publisher for the Sonoma County Gazette and we will be talking about how she handles her activism and relationship which can be challenging and how she will be celebrating Valentines Day. This is going to be a dynamic show.

See the show's web archive page for more in depth articles on Black History Month and the history of Valentine;s Day.

2. Friends and Lovers - poem of Elaine B. Holtz, who reads it with her partner Ken Norton.

3. Guest, Vesta Copestakes, talks about love, her exposure to it, a loving relationship in later life, and the community aspect of love, affording lots of new relationships through volunteering for committees and action groups. Vesta shares the importance of love in her being raised by a single father, which she would later have in common with him through the raising of her daughter as a single mother. Vesta met her second husband, Alan Joseph, later in life through a business relationship. When they compared priorities in their lives, both listed their children as being the most important. Sharing more notes convinced them that their relationship could be solid. Mutual respect is paramount, with no demands made on the other, yet in a spirit of cooperation. Listen for yourself as Elaine and Vesta share insights on loving relationships formed in the later part of life.

1. Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz: I have special guests this morning. Joining me in the studio is longtime activist, Alice Waco and we will be talking about her life and her activism. Alice Waco is a retired teacher/counselor and a longtime activist for peace and justice. in Sonoma County she started an organization of teachers, Educators for Social Responsibility, around the issues of Nuclear War, deforestation and educating without bias. As a local teacher union president, she led a strike for collective bargaining for teachers ‘ negotiation in Santa Rosa.

Also joining us in the studio is longtime activist, Susan Lamont. Susan Lamont is a longtime peace and social justice activist, who is currently affiliated with Sonoma County's Green Party, Police Brutality Coalition and Veterans for Peace. She is here to support Alice Waco and fill in when needed. Susan will also announce a Solidarity Vigil for Tyre Nichols and a similar police killing in our county of Branch Wroth in  2017 at Old Courthouse Square in Santa Rosa this evening from 6 to 8 PM.  

2. Guest Alice Waco is assisted by Susan Lamont in recounting Alice's path to and in social activism. Her life began in 1931 during the Depression when the family was in survival mode and her father worked for the WPA, but unfortunately had a drinking problem. Her first experience of racism was when she witnessed her father throw a Black man off their porch. Alice felt an affinity towards the kind nuns who taught her, and vowed to be like them, even becoming a nun at age 19. At the age of 42 she had a inner calling to leave the convent. She first worked at the Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) since she loved educating young people. She eventually became a science teacher and taught at Santa Rosa High School. At the time she left the convent she met her soulmate, a former priest, Bill McGee. Alice was a staunch union supporter and led her teachers' union. She also founded Educators for Social Responsibility, around the issues of Nuclear War, deforestation and educating without bias. Alice explains her visits to Nicaragua in support of CANTERRA to help the education efforts in Nicaragua, including teaching farming skills. After her retirement as a teacher, Alice joined the Alternatives to Violence Project (AVP) and spent the next 20-25years volunteering in prisons with AVP, whose 3-day workshops helped prisoners experience the goodness in themselves and then in others. Alice ends the interview encouraging peace talks begin in the war in Ukraine. Don't miss this show and hearing Alice tell her remarkable story.

1. Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz: Over the weekend there were some rallies and marches on the 50th Anniversary of Roe v. Wade. Some news report links are on the show's web archive page.

Last week our guest to talk about the Martin Luther King Birthday Celebration had to cancel. It is important to recognize the winner of the annual student speech contest, Esmarelda Meza, Junior at Elsie Allen High School.

2. First Guest, Shawnee Rosin, shares some of the life achievements of the musician Honey Rose Conner, who passed away in September 2022. Shawnee played music with Honey Rose. She is organizing a memorial music festival in Honey Rose's honor on Saturday, January 28th, The proceeds will help the Sebastopol Community Cultural Center (SCCC) Youth Program and to continue Honey Rose's songs and work in supporting disadvantaged youth.

3. Second Guest, Nancy Wang, shares the mission of the Redwood Empire Chinese Association (RECA), which she helped found in 1988. The first need to meet was to teach children of immigrants and adopted Chinese children the Chinese language. The cultural arts like dancing, chorus, martial arts and calligraphy were soon added as activities, along with the remembrance of festivals. We just entered the Lunar New Year with the New Moon on January 21, and this is the year of the Rabbit. Nancy describes some of the qualities the people born in the year of the Rabbit share.

1. Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz: Our guest is the newly elected trustee to the new Roseland Public School District, Ana Diez Garcia, who shares her remarkable path as a 26-year old Latina to the elected office, an inspiration for women and men of all ages. Ana personally gives me faith in the future, and I am interested in hearing about her campaign and goals.

Well, today is an historic day; we are honoring Dr. Martin Luther Kings Birthday which is a federal holiday. As is done every year, the Community Baptist Church in Santa Rosa is hosting A Day On - Not a Day Off for the National Day of Service in his honor. 

2. Guest Ana Diez Garcia shares her remarkable path as a 26-year-old Latina to the elected office of Trustee for the Roseland Public School Board, an inspiration for women and men of all ages. Ana describes how she met the challenges in her life. On hearing of the plans for the City of Santa Rosa to annex the unincorporated area of Roseland, where she grew up, she made a point of attending the City Council meeting and voice her opinion. She made an impression on Councilman Eddy Alvarez who appointed her to a position on the city's Charter Review Committee. Supervisor Chris Coursey appointed Ana to the Commission on the Status of Women. Ana then entered the campaign for Trustee of the Roseland School Board and after a tough campaign won. This is such an inspiring interview with lessons we can all incorporate into our own lives on persisting through the seeming insurmountable obstacles and speaking one's truth to power.

1. Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz: Joining me in the studio this morning I have two special guests: Anne Clark is both the Managing Director of 6th Street Playhouse and the choreographer of the play we will discuss, and actor Molly Larsen-Shine.

Also joining me in the studio is Tina Rogers, an educator, performer, and researcher and wonderful friend. We will be talking about the Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Celebration that is happening via Zoom and live streaming on Sunday, January 15th.

Barbara Walters passed away at 93, I would say she had a long and prosperous life. She made history as part of the nation's first female anchor and the founder of the view. Before Barbara Walters there were no women journalists or interviewers. She opened the way, according to the remarks of some of the women who are in those positions and attributed their success to her. Condolences to her family.

2. Guests Anne Warren Clark and Molly Larsen Shine talk about the new production of A Year with Frog and Toad at the 6th Street Playhouse. They share how they gain their confidence in the creative process and on the stage. Molly plays four roles, each a different species, and she shares her character study. Anne choreographed the play for this 6th Street Playhouse production and she shares part of that process. A Year with Frog and Toad is being presented through January 22, with more details under Guests' Event on the show's webpage.

3. Guest Tina Rogers shares some of what went into the production of the 44th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Celebration, as a zoom event this coming Sunday January 15, 2023, 6:30 - 8 PM. Middle and high school students again submitted art and essays, and the winners will be on the Zoom event. See Guest Event on the show's webpage for details.

Manifesting New Year Resolutions

1. Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz: Wow 2023 Happy New Year to all my fans and listeners. My wish for all of us is we have Peace of Mind, Good Heath, and loving relations. Lots is going on and I find by having an attitude of gratitude I can get through most days feeling good about life.
I have a special guest this morning, joining me on the phone will be Rev. Dr. Patricia Keel, a longtime student of metaphysics and a spiritual teacher in the mystical tradition. Patricia was the Founding minister of Unity of Berkeley and is currently a frequent Guest Minister at Unity churches. All of us sit down on the first day of the new year and make those New Year’s Resolutions with the goal of improving our lives or gaining something for ourselves. Well, we are going to talk about that and give new meaning and ideas of New Year’s Resolutions we might consider.

2. Guest Rev Dr. Patricia Keel talks about metaphysics, that seeks the underlying meaning of experiences, and mysticism, that realizes the inner states that impact us as experiences. As we think of making New Year Resolutions, Rev. Patricia emphasizes that it is important to know that our inner state, whether relaxed or worried, will determine the outcome. Gratitude for what brings us joy in this moment now transforms worry into a relaxed state of trusting the universe. Patricia thinks that one of the biggest challenges is loneliness, and it can be transformed by that present moment awareness of gratefulness, realizing we each are connected to a greater self that is unique to one's true self whose calm presence is joy.

1. Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz:  I have a special guest with me this morning, joining me in the studio is KBBF’s Board President, Alicia Sanchez and we will be talking about KBBF what we accomplished this year and 2023 goals.
Also joining me on the phone will be Sabryyah Abdullah, Host of the internet radio show, Rebel Blues Radio, streaming on Radio KWTF, who will talk about Kwanzaa. Today, December 26, is the beginning of the Celebration of Kwanza which ends on January 1, and we will be talking about this special celebration and its history.

2. Guest  Alicia Sanchez talks about the beginnings of Radio KBBF 50 years ago as the first Bi-lingual radio station in the USA as an early voice for migrant workers to connect them with housing, jobs, and ways to navigate their life in this country. Now besides English and Spanish, the station features 3 indigenous language programs. Alicia says the mission of KBBF is to support a multilingual voice for those who lack the power of expression and to engage the community so social justice is achieved and multiple cultures are celebrated. This year will be a year of celebration of broadcasting for 50 years.

3. Guest Sabryyah Abdullah talks about Kwanzaa, which is celebrated from December 26th through January 1st. Activist Maulana Karenga in 1966 began the annual holiday, based on various cultural traditions of West and Southeast Africa.  Sabriyahh leads us through the 7 principles, which are represented by 7 candles, one for each day, which are talked about among the family and community gatherings. The holidays culminate in a communal feast called Karamu, usually on the 6th day. Sabryyah leads us through each of the 7 principles. She announces the 3rd annual Kwanzaa celebration at the Arlene Frances Center this Saturday from noon to 6 PM for the whole family, which will have many creative acts.

1. Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz:  I have a special guest  this morning. Joining me on the phone is Mary Norman, activist and producer/host of the radio show, Voice for Social Justice. We are gong to be in conversation about two of the most revered women in Christianity, Mary mother of Jesus and Mary Magdalene, disciple of Jesus. I am excited about this show and the goal is to get some clarity on who these women are and how they have had an impact on women and religion.

Yesterday started the week of Hanukkah. A happy Hanukkah to all my Jewish listeners. Our History is our strength, thought it might be of value to talk a bit about the story of Hanukkah particularly since we are in the Christmas Season celebrating the Prince of Peace who he himself would have celebrated Hanukkah.

2. Guest Mary Norman shares her knowledge of and devotion to Mary the mother of Jesus, who persuaded Jesus to perform his first miracle at the marriage feast at Cana, and Mary Magdalene, whom Jesus drove out 7 demons and who would become his most devoted and intimate disciple. She feels that interest in these two Mary’s is a sign of the restoration of the divine feminine to connect the Divine with Earth, but not through dominance but cooperation, as Riane Eisler called for in her book The Chalice and the Blade. Mary, influenced by her study of Theology of Liberation, believes the divine feminine births Justice, and God is Justice in the Christian story.

1. Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz:  We originally scheduled to be in conversation with Mary Norman about two of the most revered women in Christianity, Mary mother of Jesus and Mary Magdalene, disciple of Jesus. However, our phone connection failed, and we needed to enter improvisation mode. Today, December 12th, the Virgin of Guadalupe is celebrated by Catholics. The day has been declared a national holiday in Mexico. Devotees honor the day when Virgin Mary made an appearance to a young man on this day in 1531. Even though it is a national holiday, most companies and organizations organize masses and feasts for their employees.

Elaine is reading some of her poems to keep in this spirit of the Prince of Peace, who is celebrated this Christmas season, and mix in songs with this in mind.

1. Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz:  I have a special guest with me this morning.  Joining me in the studio is three-term and the first woman District Attorney, Jill Ravitch. DA Ravitch, who will be stepping down in January.  I wanted to acknowledge her service and find out a bit more about her. In my mind, many agree and many disagree with her, but for me, her being the first woman DA in our community has opened the door for other women to step up.

Also joining me on the phone will be Shekeyna Black, who is the Executive Director of the Peace and Justice Center in Santa Rosa and Public Relations Coordinator for the 6th St. Playhouse, and I must add she is a dear friend. We will be talking a bit about two upcoming special events, Winterblast and Scrooge in Love, a special Christmas Play at the 6th St. Playhouse.

2. Our first guest, Shekeyna Black, updates us on the Peace and Justice Center. The Center also serves as an umbrella non-profit organization for other social justice groups aligned with the values of the Center. Shekeyna announces the annual Winterblast happening this Saturday evening, December 10th, in the Santa Rosa Art District known as SOFA, which occurs outside the PJC on Sebastopol Avenue and wraps around on South A Street. It is especially known for its decorated sofa floats in parade. The first parade is at 6 PM, followed by parades at 7 and 8 PM. The Hubbub Band and Brazilian Dancers and Drummers are among some of the entertainment for the whole family. She also announces a fun holiday play, Scrooge in Love, at the 6th Street Playhouse, playing through December 18th.

1. Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz  reflects on Thanksgiving.

2. Our first guest Laura Tredinnick talks about the American Association of University Women (AAUW), a national organization founded in 1881 to advocate equity for women and girls, lifelong education, and positive societal change. Laura emphasized the mission of the Healdsburg chapter: "We change lives," that happens through volunteers. Men and women can join AAUW, and there are no barriers to full participation in AAUW based on gender, race, creed, sexual orientation, disability, or class. The chapter also has many social groups in hiking, Bridge, and current affairs. Sonoma County has 3 AAUW chapters: Healdsburg, Santa Rosa, and Petaluma.

3. Our second guest Katrina Phillips, upset with the police response to the 2020 protests of the killing of George Floyd, asked Supervisor Shirley Zane to be appointed to the Commission for Human Rights (CHR) and was granted the request. She was able to do something constructive for the community instead of just being angry.Katrina is proud of the the recent Chair of CHR Dimitra Smith, who helped write the recent California Law Enforcement Accountability Reform Act (CLEAR Act) that requires law enforcement agencies to screen applicants for ties to hate groups and makes it easier to fire any officer with such ties. Katrina is especially advocating that warming centers be opened when the temperatures dip below 50°F instead of 32°F to protect the lives of the homeless.

Sonoma County Gazette: Citizen Journalism

1. Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz  on the Club Q shooting in Colorado Springs;  Thanksgiving Holiday; the Indigenous People's Sunrise Gathering at Alcatraz; and her reading the poem Trees by Joyce Kilmer in memoriam to her mother Betty Holtz born on November 20, 1910.

2. Our guest Amie Windsor shares her path to journalism and gigs with local papers in the county until her appointment as Publisher of the Sonoma County Gazette, that was purchased by locally owned Sonoma Media Investments after 20 years under its founder Vesta Copestakes. Amie took over the Gazette as the pandemic raged, while raising her two daughters with her husband. That taught her about the need for self-care, as she had to take a sabbatical. Her goal was to "do right by the founder of the Gazette, Vesta Copestakes."  All the columnists for each of the towns and hamlets in Sonoma County are volunteers, who write about their own local communities, bringing their own creativity and flavor to writing the monthly columns. Amie praised her webmaster Roger Coryell, who arranges all the monthly print articles on the website. Amie encourages young women with a notion of writing to just go for it.

1. Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz:  I have a special guest joining me on the phone, Tina Swithin, founder of One Mom’s Battle and in 2020 founded The Domestic Violence Family Court Awareness Month which is happening the whole month of November. We will be talking about the importance of this month along with many of the cities, states and counties that are supporting it.

Hopefully you voted last Tuesday. One positive win for women was that of California Proposition 1 by whopping 66%. Proposition 1 amended the California Constitution to establish a right to reproductive freedom, which was defined to include a right to an abortion and to choose or refuse contraceptives.

On a lighter note, I had a delightful trip last week to San Diego gifted by my sister Evelyn Holtz, accompanied by her, my daughter Susan, and my granddaughter Katie. And today, November 14th, is Katie's birthday and I wish her a happy one.

2. Our guest Tina Swithin shares her journey to save her children from domestic abuse from her divorced husband. Tina underwent what she understood later to be psychological and emotional abuse from her husband, a broken and disordered individual, and 20 years ago divorced him. He suffered from narcissist traits and thus her book series Divorcing a Narcissist was created. However, the saga continued as the Family Court system favored equal access to children by the divorced parents, despite the endangerment of the children by exposure to domestic abuse when they lived with the abusive parent per Family Court orders. Tina recorded her journey in her blog for friends and family, which fortunately drew the attention of Christie Brinkley, a supermodel undergoing similar frustration with Family Court. This gave Tina a national boost and encouraged her to found One Mom’s Battle to share information with its website and to advocate in Family Court issues. Tina went on a speaking tour across the USA and founded the Family Court Awareness Month to occur every November to bring more attention to reforming the Family Court system. Tina notes that there are over 50,000 children in abusive domestic relationships, where some are even murdered by one of their parents. Tina laments that often the staff and professional contractors in Family Court have no training in Domestic Abuse trauma so that safety measures and supervision can be put in place if there is any doubt of child safety. There is also no accountability for the Family Court staff and service providers, that are seemingly immune from prosecution. Yet servicing Family Court as a professional advisor or counselor is quite lucrative. Tina would like to see a Children’s Bill of Rights that can give children a chance in the courts. Tina’s story is a good example of an ordinary woman and mom who wanted change to happen, took steps, was noticed, and a movement for reform was created.

1. Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz: Elaine introduces our two guests and gives background information on Measure P and the North Bay Organizing Project.

2. Our guests Kelsey Vero and D'Ayona Jerome talk about the art protest action at the Sonoma County Administration Building on Saturday, October 22, 2022, in alliance with the National Day of Protest of Police Brutality. D'Ayona shares why she joined. On April 4, 2020 she witnessed the brutal K-9 dog mauling of her father Jason Anglero-Wyrick and his subsequent arrest by Sonoma County Sheriff Deputies on charges that were later dropped. As a High School student, D'Ayona became a spokesperson to speak out against police brutality and was then invited to join as 5th District Commissioner for Human Rights. What gives her strength to be an activist is noticing how younger youth take to heart her words. Kelsey talks about Measure P and the compromises the North Bay Organizing Project (NBOP) is contesting that the Sonoma County Supervisors arranged with the Deputy Sheriff Association in a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The Deputy shooting and killing of David Pelaez Chavez, a farmworker, unarmed except for a rock, is still awaiting the independent investigation of the Independent Office of Law Enforcement Review and Outreach (IOLERO) as promised in Measure P, for which there is a petition circulating for his justice.  

1. Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz: Shout out to Sonoma County NOW for their Zoom event  last Monday featuring Rosita Stevens-Holsey, niece of Women’s Rights and Civil Activist attorney, Dr. Paulie Murray, and thank you to all that attended. It was recorded and can be seen on Sonoma County NOW’s YouTube channel. It was a fabulous presentation and great Q&A session that is worth watching and listening to.
Andy Lopez Memorial – Each year on October 22nd, the day young Andy Lopez 13-years-old was shot and killed by a Sonoma County Sheriff deputy, there is a memorial service. This one was combined with a memorial for Activist Kathleen Finnegan. The Andy Lopez killing was a tragedy to our community and the memorial each year is a reminder of what happened in hopes it never happens again.

2. Our guest Dr. Susan Campbell shares her pathway to becoming a therapist. She heard her parents expressing their disappointments in doing meaningful work and the culture did not encourage free expression in the 1950's. Her mother took her to hear Margaret Mead in a lecture, and Margaret Mead inspired Dr. Campbell. Through her she realized that women do not need to have a child to have a meaningful life. She was determined to express her true feelings and to help others do so as a therapist. Susan discusses her new book, From Triggered to Tranquil: How Self-Compassion and Mindful Presence Can Transform Relationship Conflicts and Heal Childhood Wounds. She says we must all accept the fact that we have automatic reactions triggering remembrance of past pain and trauma. If we learn about what triggers us, we learn about ourselves. We can make use of trigger reactions to recognize the signs of triggering. Her book will help you realize that first, triggering is normal, and second, there are things you can do when triggers are recognized. Susan calls us to self-compassion, to come in touch with our good mother archetype that says to us, "Let me feel with you!"  Susan leads us through 5-Steps to deal with triggers. She invites visits to her website where she often leads free zoom meetings, and, of course, read her book.

Defuse Nuclear War

1. Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz:  I have a special guest joining me in the studio, Susan Lamont. Susan is a is a longtime peace and social justice activist, who is currently affiliated with Sonoma County's Green Party, Police Brutality Coalition and Veterans for Peace. She has added another hat to her activism, and we will be talking about “Say No To Nukes.”

For the second half of the show Susan is going to be hanging out with me and we will be playing and discussing several songs that I believe have a strong message for all of us and a reminder of how important standing up and speaking out are in today’s world. She, Ken and I will then read a poem of mine, When Johnny Comes Marching Home.

2. Our Guest Susan Lamont talks about organizing the Defuse Nuclear War rally of October 15th in Santa Rosa as October 16th marked the 60th anniversary of the Cuban Missile Crisis, which narrowly avoided a nuclear confrontation and world annihilation. We are close again as Ukraine defends its sovereignty against Russia and invites NATO help. The Doomsday Clock of the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists is on January 20, 2022 registered at 100 seconds to midnight.  A national day of action was called by the coalition Defuse Nuclear War, consisting of nearly one hundred prominent peace organizations, including Veterans for Peace, Codepink, Physicians for Social Responsibility, and the Metta Center for Non-Violence. A recent Reuters poll indicates tha 58% of Americans fear the US is headed toward nuclear war. Listeners are urged to contact their political representatives to voice your concern.

1. Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz:  This show is dedicated to those ordinary women who are doing extraordinary things. To begin with joining me in the studio will be Marina Jurema and Becky Montgomery two of the organizers that coordinated in solidarity with the Women’s March the gathering yesterday in Courtyard Square in Downtown Santa Rosa on October 8. We will be talking about the Women’s March and the participation in our area.

Also Joining me in the studio is Jasmine Palmer from Athena House. Jasmine at one time was a resident and now is an advocate for Athena House and she was instrumental in finding a funding source to keep the Athena House program in operation. She will be giving us an update about the program.

Today is Indigeneous People's Day. On October 8, 2021, U.S. President Joe Biden became the first U.S. President to formally recognize the holiday, by signing a presidential proclamation declaring October 11, 2021, to be a national holiday.

2. Our First Guests Marina Jurema and Becky Montgomery organized the Women's Wave rally in Santa Rosa that occurred last Saturday. Marina saw the call to action on the national Women's March website and she turned to her mentor Becky Montgomery for help. Marina and Becky met at an Indivisible meeting, where Becky volunteers to write postcards to mail to residents about a critical policy or candidate in their area facing a vote. Becky first felt moved to write postcards on hearing of the caged migrant children. Becky supported Marina by giving her an initial list of contacts to spread the word, and she showed up with Marina to the march called Women's Wave, where about hundred people showed with signs supporting Women's Rights over their own body.

3. Our Second Guest Jasmine Palmer joins us again. The first time was on June 20, 2022, when she announced the fund drive to save Athena House from closing its doors. She returns with the good news that a new service provider has been retained, along with a last-minute private donor, the Gallagher family, known developers in the county, who agreed to buy the lot with five buildings, renovate them, and provide affordable lease to Athena House for it continued operation. Jasmine stresses how important these services are to women addicts, something she knows first-hand as a former meth addict. Sonoma County was #2 in the state in overdose deaths due to the opiate fentanyl. Jasmine was amazed how her taking a stand to save Athena House allowed her to experience so many good people and miracles in the process that at times seemed to be blocked by unsurmountable barriers.

1. Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz:  October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. I have a special guest joining me in the studio. Sarah Kerlow an advocate for Domestic Violence Prevention who is also a survivor of Domestic Violence. We will be talking about Domestic Violence and The Family Court Awareness Month which will be happening in November. I plan to feature the co-founders of the Family Court Awareness Month on the show of November 7th to talk more about this topic.

2. Our Guest Sarah Kerlow shares her personal experience with the Family Court process, which appears to operate on the assumption that 50% child custody for each parent must occur, even if a spouse is accused of domestic violence and there is a history of restraining orders. Piqui's Law, Keeping Children Safe from Family Violence, is named for a 5-year-old murdered by his father. The bill was introduced by CA State Senator Susan Rubio as SB616, was passed by the CA Assembly in August 2022, but apparently needs work to pass as a final bill. Listeners are urged to contact their state senator and assemblyperson to urge them to pass Piqui's Law.  Sarah talks of the high cost to the divorced mother to protect her children imposed by the Family Court industry of consultants and advisors. She believes there should be a Children's Bill of Rights to protect children from the domestic violence of a divorced spouse.

1. Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz: Today we are celebrating International Day for the Total Elimination of nuclear weapons. The Total Elimination of nuclear weapons, established in 2013, the day calls for the urgent commencement of negotiations to prohibit the possession, development, production, acquisition, and testing of nuclear weapons.

2. Our first Guest Erin Rose Solorio shares her excitement and interest in playing the character made famous by Liza Minellii in the film version of Cabaret, Sally Bowles. Cabaret is being performed at the 6th Street Playhouse in Santa Rosa, CA through October 16th. 

3. Our Second Segment Guests Kimi Barbosa and Ellen Obstler give a short history of the community pressure after the killing of 13-year-old Andy Lopez by a Sheriff Deputy, who was not charged by the D.A., on the Sonoma County Supervisors to form the Independent Office of Law Enforcement Review and Outreach (IOLERO). After the first Director of IOLERO, Jerry Threet, resigned with frustration at the lack of cooperation of the Sheriff in his investigations of deputy abuse of power, he with community activists drafted Measure P to give IOLERO subpoena power over the Sheriff in requesting investigation evidence like video cams for its independent investigation. The Supervisors, feeling the popular support of Black Lives Matter in 2020 placed Measure P on the ballot, which 65% of the voters passed. The Deputy Sheriff Association (DSA) complained to the Public Employee Labor Board which agreed with DSA that the Supervisors should have consulted with DSA first. The County appealed this decision and the Appellate court agreed with the County. However, the County Supervisors met behind closed doors to draft Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with DSA to delay IOLERO's involvement in the investigation until after the Law Enforcement Agency review. This became highlighted in the Deputy killing of a farmworker David Pelaez-Chavez in 2022 with the non-involvement of IOLERO until a police agency finishes its review. It appears that the will of the county voters through the initiative process Measure P was thwarted by the Supervisors. Kimi and Ellen urge county residents to sign the online petition to the Supervisors to support the voters' Measure P and reverse the MOU with DSA.  

 1. Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz:  I am so excited, joining me in the studio is an award-winning journalist and is the local columnist for the Press Democrat in Sonoma County. Benefield was a member of the Press Democrat’s reporting team awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Breaking News for the newspaper’s coverage of the deadly wildfires of October 2017. My goal for the interview is to talk about the challenges of being a woman journalist along with inspiring others to seek a career in that area.

2. Our guest Kerry Benefield shares the challenges and rewards of being a journalist. In 2021 the Press Democrat assigned her to be the local columnist. Kerry stresses the importance of local news to democracy, as it informs us of meetings of the city council, school boards, use of tax monies, and local interesting people. Her most treasured article is the one she did with staff photographer John Burgess on Ralph Harms, a elderly man with cancer who chose death on his own terms with state-sanctioned suicide. Kerry considers curiosity as being an important trait of a journalist, as that is needed every day as she enters a new project, along with leaving her own intents aside to meet the present need. She has a willingness to get out of the office and meet new people. Interviewing new people requires, humanness, along with the willingness to be educated in their field in simple terms.

1. Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz:  Today is Labor Day's 140th celebration in the United States. Condolences to the family and community on the passing of Kathleen Finegan, local activist for the homeless and former member of the Sonoma County Commission for Human Rights. Happy Birthday greetings to Rev. Randolph DeJon Hurley today. And for tomorrow Happy Birthday to our great granddaughter Satori Trinity Jensen as she turns 4 years old.

2. Our first guest Eva Granahan announces the Apple-y Ever After Festival and Fundraiser for and at the Arlene Francis Center in Old Railroad Square of Santa Rosa on this Saturday, September 10, 2022 from Noon to 11 pm. This is a family affair with food, yoga, massage, live music and DJs. The pandemic has affected the AFC with the inability to offer its venue for events for a couple of years, so the funds are sorely needed. Midnight Sun is headlining, along with fine local talent. See the show's webpage for details.

3. Our second guest Major (Ret.) Renee Marie shares why she chose to volunteer for the Army. She saw on "Being all you can be," and it spoke to her servant heart, especially having a student loan to pay off. Renee talks about her experience as one of a few women among men and some of the ridicule she received. Major Marie was first introduced to the Peace Pole Project at the World Peace Sanctuary in Wassaaic, NY. She was so moved to see 193 Peace Poles erected for all member countries of the United Nations, that she decided to spread the message of Peace Poles, "May Peace Prevail on Earth," to schools. Over 200,000 Peace Poles have been planted since 1970.

1. Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz:  I am so excited, joining me on the phone is Rosita Stevens-Holsey, a dynamic educator, writer, activist and niece of Attorney, Civil/Women’s Rights Activists, poet, the first woman ordained as an Episcopal priest,  and one of the co-founders of the National Organization for Women (NOW), Rev. Dr. Pauli Murray. We will be talking about her Aunt Pauli, who contributed so much during the civil rights and women’s movement.

I am dedicating this show to Rev. Dr. Pauli Murray and all women of color. This month we celebrated 102 years since the ratification of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution of the USA which gave women the right to vote. Please note: Not all suffragists were white middle-class women.

2. Our guest Rosita Stevens-Holsey shares intimate details of her aunt, Rev. Dr. Pauli Murray, whose life intersected with hers for 43 years. When Rosita was just 13 years old, she

Pauli Murray

asked Aunt Pauli to meet her good friend Eleanor Roosevelt, and that wish was granted with a visit to the White House. Rosita talks about the qualities of her aunt that impressed her, the challenges of attending Howard University and being the only woman in the class enduring the bias toward women, despite being the top in the class. Finally in her senior year Pauli was granted the honors of being top student, but still was hindered from being accepted at Harvard Law School, which was common for the top student at Howard.  Pauli Murray would become an influential legal scholar with pioneering opinions used by Thurgood Marshall in the NAACP lawsuit Brown v. Board of Education that overturned Plessy v. Fergusson decision of "Separate but Equal", and that eventually led to integration of the schools. Pauli was credited with her opinions that helped Ruth Bader-Ginsburg in the landmark Reed v. Reed decision that forbid discrimination according to gender. Rosita talks of her research in the Harvard archives of Pauli Murray, which consisted of hundreds of boxes of her writings and journals produced with what Pauli called "provocation by typewriter." Rosita says her Aunt Pauli rarely talked about herself, but the archives are revealing.  Take a listen, as this show is packed with insights of Pauli Murray.

1. Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz:  I am dedicating this show to Women’s Equality Day, which is celebrated on August 26, and to all those women whose shoulders we are all standing on. Molly McGregor will be talking about its history and why it is important as women we acknowledge this day and start thinking about what our role is in this somewhat upside-down world. We are going through some growing up and having to reflect on what is before us.

2. Our guest Molly Murphy MacGregor returns as we approach August 26, Women's Equality Day, celebrated since initiated by Congresswoman Bella Abzug in 1971. Molly shares the history of the Equal Rights Amendment, first proposed by Alice Paul in 1923, and in 1977 passed by Congress with 7 states immediately ratifying it. This was the only Amendment to be given a time limit of 1979 for the necessary 38 states to ratify it, and by 1977 37 states had ratified the Amendment. It was not until 2020 that the 38 states ratification was finished. Molly feels that it would take another act of Congress to revive the Equal Rights Amendment, so get out the vote this November 2022 election.

1. Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz:  Ken and I enjoyed dancing on Saturday to Raise the Roof at the festival to help raise funds for the Peace and Justice Center's new roof. I am sure they still need more funds to complete the project, so consider a donation https://www.pjcsoco.org/donate.html

2. Our guest Nancy Pemberton returns to Women's Spaces to address two issues. The first is her first hand report on her pathway as a women to become an attorney and the challenges and rewards she experienced. The second is for her to continue the discussion on the Board of Supervisors Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Deputy Sheriff Association to make substantial changes in weakening the Independent Office of Law Enforcement Review and Outreach (IOLERO) power to review the Sheriff's encounters with the public that in 2020 65% of Sonoma County voters voted YES to in Measure P to enhance. Normally such changes are forbidden by the California Constitution. Nancy discusses the recent killing of a farmworker near Healdsburg and the review process with a weakened IOLERO. For more in depth information, check out the Guest Links, Reference Links and Guest Article of Nancy's LTE on the show's web archive page.

1. Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz:  Shout out to artist Sue Kearney on her Fluid Art — Flow and Fascination showing her art at Cafe Frida through the end of September. Ken and I went to the opening reception and were impressed at how our imagination was engaged.

This month's Sonoma County Gazette is on the streets. Make sure you read the Radioland section, Women’s Spaces is featured.

2. Our guest Shekeyna Black announces the Raise the Roof Festival/Fundraiser on this Saturday August 13 at the Monte Rio Amphitheater for the new roof needed by the Peace and Justice Center. See the poster on the show's webpage for the lineup and visit the Center's website to RSVP your tickets.

3. Our guest Debbie MacKay shares the history of the League of Women Voters (LWV), from its founding to encourage the passage of the 19th Amendment giving women the right to vote in 1920. Volunteer opportunities are available now with the Sonoma County Chapter of the LWV. Zoom meetings will be available this year with simultaneous Spanish translation for the forums and debates.

1. Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz:  I have a special guest with me this morning, joining me on the phone will be Sherry Glaser is author and star of several epic one-woman and is founder of the peace activist group “Breasts Not Bombs” and has been a champion of wimin's rights for decades.

Today we are going to talk about her career and her latest book she wrote with Kym Trippsmith, Mama’s First Pocket Chicktionary, Taking the Dick out of Dictionary, Sherry is also a Tarot Reader and will be picking a card for August whenWomen are celebrating 102 years since we got the vote. Many are concerned that we are going backwards not forward and I will ask Sherry to pick a Tarot Card that might give us some insight.

2. Our guest Sherry Glaser shares her early life in New York, exposed to comedy withing the family and the TV shows of Lucille Ball and other wimmin* comics.  The new book Mamas' First Pocket Chictionary - Taking the Dick out of Dictionary started to take shape when she moved into Kym Trippsmith's home due to unforeseen circumstances, which turned into a blessing as their two creative minds sought for a solution to the patriarchy coming through in the English language. Words affirmed male dominance.Sherry and Kym wanted to break the spell through "casting new spells" of the words. Sherry noted that words denoting the feminine often included male syllables, and that the feminine was practically missing in the vocabulary.  Even "Miss" as a courtesy title of a young or single wumun brings up "nothing there" or "failure to connect", which the Chicktionary changes to Myth.The is a show you must listen to, as Sherry is very entertaining, and you will probably note more words that could be changed with the wumun spell. Sherry concludes the interview with a tarot card Queen of Rods picked at Elaine's call and read by Sherry.

* Chicktionary spelling in italics

1. Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz: Shout out to Athena House, which just held its Gala Fundraiser. Hold the date August 13th for the Raise the Roof Festival and Fundraiser for the Peace & Justice Center's new roof, to be held at the Monte Rio Amphitheater. See its poster under the show's webpage Announcements.  

2. Our guest Nancy Pemberton shares the history of IOLERO in Sonoma County. The county voters by 65%passed Measure P to strengthen IOLERO  in 2020.  The Deputy Sheriff Association (DSA) claimed to the Public Employees Relations Board (PERB), that they should have been consulted with before placing the measure on the ballot, and PERB agreed with the DSA. The county then appealed and PERB was ordered to reconsider the decision. However, behind closed doors, the Sonoma County Supervisors agreed to a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on 3 provisions with DSA, which weakens the power of IOLERO for Sheriff accountability. Nancy outlines these reversals in a letter to Supervisor Linda Hopkins, which is available at the show's webpage Guest LInks .

1. Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz:  Congratulations to Leslie Graves for her organizing for Santa Rosa, CA the Women's March: We Won't go Back on last Wednesday July 13, 2022. It drew over 600 women to the rally, who had many networking opportunities to work for restoration of a Women's Right to Choose what is best for her body. 

Condolences to the family for the passing on July 7, 2022 of Ann Gray Byrd, a beloved activist in Sonoma County

2. Our guest Shekeyna Black announces the Raise the Roof Festival coming on Saturday, August 13th, at the Monte Rio Amphitheater to help raise funds for the needed new roof. There is a great lineup and headlines Momotumbo SF with former members of Malu and Santana. She also announces the special studio performance of Shana Morrison & Caledonia on Saturday, July 30 at 8 PM at the 6th Street Playhouse in Santa Rosa. Shana is the daughter of the Northern Irish singer/songwriter Van Morrison. The events will be listed on this and subsequent shows' archive page under Announcements until they pass.

3. Our guest Cecilia Sofranko likes to be referred with the pronouns she/her or they/them, which sparked the first question from our host Elaine on what they signify. Cecilia is intent on decolonization of ourselves from norms of our colonial past of patriarchy and Puritans that enslaves us in our own skin. She feels that language is the first step, therefore the pronouns of choice for identity. She teaches us the ABC's of LGBTQIA+.

1. Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz:  After the usual Announcements and this week in Herstory, Elaine introduces her guest. 

Joining me on the phone from her office in Los Angeles is Women’s Rights attorney, Gloria Allred, and we will be talking about her career and importance of Women’s Rights and the contribution she has made. Today we will be talking about the reversal of Roe vs Wade, which gave women the constitutional right to make choices over their own bodies, a fundamental freedom.
In a guest column for Variety she wrote on June 29, 2022, A Womb with a view, Gloria Allred writes, “From the bottom of my heart and my womb, I urge you to join me in fighting for justice for women. I am no longer a good girl; I am now a fearless womb warrior.” The link to the article is under Guest Links on this show's web archive page.

2. Our guest Gloria Allred shares an intimate story of her past, that she also published in Variety, No other options were available at the time for an abortion except the offerings backstreet and she almost bled to death. It would be the spark that fueled her passion to help Women defend their rights, including representing Jane Roe before the U.S. Supreme Court in the case Roe v. Wade in 1973. She warns that the right to birth control and LGBTQ+ rights are next according to Justice Clarence Thomas. After this reversal by the Supreme Court, Gloria encourages women to, of course, protest that they legally have become 2nd class citizens again, as well as plan for ways to help women seek abortions in the free states, but more importantly run for office, and for all of us to vote for those candidates pledging support of Women's Rights.

1. Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz on the SCOTUS decision to overturn Roe V. Wade after nearly 50 years as precedent for Women's Choice over her own body. She also talks a bit about the history of July 4th and reads what Abigail Adams wrote to her husband John Adams.

2. Our guest Dr. Harriet Fraad joins our host Elaine B.Holtz in discussing the ramifications of the recent SCOTUS decisions, especially their overturning Roe v. Wade with their majority conservative opinion. They took away Women's Rights, asserted state-control over people's bodies, and took away any protections if it deals with profit. Guns, even military style guns, can be carried anywhere. Rather than policies in place protecting rights people are left to their prayers. The SCOTUS majority are "originalists" despite history changing our country.

1. Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz on the SCOTUS decision to overturn Roe V. Wade after nearly 50 years as precedent  for Women's Choice, including some personal experiences in her family.

2.  Our guest Deva Marie Proto, the Registrar of Voters of Sonoma County, gives us an update on the final tallies of the state primary election of June 7, 2022. She said it takes some weeks to finish counting the mail-in ballots received by election day. This year all California registered voters receive Mail-in ballots.

3. Our guests Jill Plamann and Cindy Fenton share their passion for the environment, especially the pollinators among our birds and insects. including bees and butterflies.  Both are members of the Windsor Garden Club. They explain what sheet mulching is and how it helps transforms weedy fields into ones of plants native to Sonoma County and favored by the pollinators.

1. Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz on last Monday's NOW Sonoma County zoom event to Save Athena House and the 53nd Annual MLK-Juneteenth Community Festival held in Santa Rosa on Saturday.

2.  Our guest Jasmine Palmer takes us on her journey of recovery from meth and it's drug culture through a 6-month sentence received for treatment at Athena House in Santa Rosa instead of prison. She learned of CHD's intention to drop its funding of Athena House and started to reach out for community support to save it. A Gofundme drive has begun and on Saturday July 23, 2022, a gala fundraiser Keeping Hope Alive will be held.

1. Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz on

• the March for Lives over the weekend in Sonoma County and across the nation to rally for better gun control;

• Pam Chanter receives special Congressional Recognition as the Santa Rosa Junior College President's Medallion Recipient;

• Thirteen Santa Rosa Junior College (SRJC) journalism students have won 28 press awards for the SRJC Oak Leaf campus paper;

• the Save Athena House zoom meeting this evening, sponsored by NOW Sonoma County Chapter.

2.  Our guest Vesta Copestakes and our host Elaine will be in conversation about the Shootings in Uvalde, Texas and Common Sense Gun Laws. We will also be talking about the recent January 6th Committee, which have been giving us a detailed presentation about what happened that day. Elaine was curious about these two events and thought it would be interesting to be in dialogue with another person and discuss these issues. 

1. Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz on the mass shootings and how to end them; and on the upcoming zoom meeting called by NOW Sonoma County on 6/13/22 for the Athena House, a residential program which for 33 years has helped women with addiction avoid prison.

2.  Our first segment guest Nancy Rogers announces the 52nd Annual MLK-Juneteenth Community Festival on Saturday, June 18, 2022, from 10 AM to 6 PM in Martin Luther King, jr, Park in Santa Rosa. Nancy shares some of the history of Juneteenth and of this event in Sonoma County.

3. Our second segment guests Shekeyna Black and Annie Warren Clark talk about the musical 9 to 5 being presented at the 6th Street Playhouse the month of June. Annie plays Doralee Rhodes, the part that Dolly Parton played. The play empowers women in the workplace. In September 2020 Annie became the Managing Director at 6th Street Playhouse and has introduced the Education Summer Camps for aspiring young actors. Shekeyna has become the PR Coordinator to spread the word of the professional theater productions of 6th Street Playhouse.

4. Our third segment guest Shekeyna Black, now puts on her Peace and Justice Center hat as its Executive Director, to announce a couple of friendraisers/fundraisers for the Center. On June 18, 2022, from 3 to 8:30 PM at  Moonlight Brewing Company in Santa Rosa, a Benefit Concert with Lindalou and Michael and Friends. See Below for details. On August 13, 2022, a Benefit Concert with Mumbo Tumbo is planned and when more details are know we will post them under Announcements. 

1. Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz on Memorial Day and lessons brought back from the battlefront; and on the massacre of 4th Grade children in Texas by another 18-year-old enraged shooter with legal access to military style guns, while we all ask when will the children come first?

2.  Our guest Grace Cheung-Schulman shares her immigration story, beginning in Hong Kong. With the rise of the pandemic and the politization of it by the previous President calling it the Chinese Virus, hate incidents against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders increased, causing Grace to reach out and form the Asian American Pacifica Islander Coalition (AAPIC) for mutual support.

1. Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz: Ken and I attended two rallies in Santa Rosa on Friday that were combined into one: Bans Off Our Bodies and In Solidarity with Buffalo, NY, Victims of a Mass Shooting by a racist teenager espousing the Replacement Theory. About 75 people showed up with signs and heartily added their voices to the back and forth chants.

I just heard that the Athena House will be closing its doors after 3 decades of service to the community. It served women suffering from substance abuse. I was among the first staff hired, so there is a special place in my heart for the Athena House. I hope we can rally support for it in the County. Contact me if you have ideas.

2.  Our guest Carol Kilby shares her journey as she first questioned the relevancy of the Christian church in Ontario, in which she participated as a Protestant minister, but which seemed out of touch with the looming crisis of environmental degradation and feminism. Her odyssey exposed her to leading thinkers on ecology and to mystics of the Christian faith that have embraced Creation as well as the Creator. Her book Evolutionary Dancer - Out, In, and On the Fringe of the Church comes from her early love of dance and incorporating that into rituals in the church. Carol recognized the evolutionary dancer in all the atoms and subatomic particles, and planets and stars, vibrating their presence among each other evolving moment to moment. Carol’s book takes you on her intimate journey of faith, first awakening her to the lack of Christian response, then to leaving the church’s fold to explore the new cosmologies and its effect on theology, and then to return to share the Good News of creation spirituality with her Christian church with a Gaia Centre for Eco-Spirituality and Sustainable Work.

Real Women Have Curves

1. Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz on Mother's Day and current events that included two mass killings as SCOTUS concerns itself with fetuses in the womb being aborted and the right to own military style guns.

2.  Our guests are Marie Ramirez Downing, the Director of the stage play Real Women Have Curves, and Reilly Milton, an actor in the play and a student of Marie at Sonoma State University's acting program. Marie recounts her journey into theater arts coming from a family with low income.The 6th Street Playhouse production includes an all-Latina cast, including Reilly, who is bi-racial and plays the character Anna.  This is Reilly's debut performance.  Marie and Reilly describe the preparation for the play and the many rehearsals.

1. Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz: May 1st is International Labor Day. Shoutouts are given for a couple of birthdays and a 50th wedding anniversary

2.  Our guest Dr. Harriet Fraad gives an overview of the role women played in the labor union movement from the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire in 1911 to today's resurgence of the labor movement in the unionization of Amazon warehouses, Walmart, fast-food restaurants, and call centers. Women are leading the charge for better conditions for nurses and teachers, as well.

1. Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz  comments on doing, “The “Women’s Spaces Pledge.” for the last show of the month; on her attending the Women in Conversation event “Call for Climate Action; and on meeting the seasoned Native American and Environmental activist Winona LaDuke and the student Climate Change activist Jamie Margolin; and on Earth Day.

2.  Our co-producer, Ken Norton shares how he participated as a 22-year-old undergraduate student in the Survival Faire at San Jose State College in February 1970, at which a new car was buried to draw attention to the environment and over population.

3. Our guests, Amy Cohen and Rachel Cohen, are twins attending West County High School and co-hub coordinators of the youth-led Sunrise Movement in Sonoma County. They both share what caused them to become active for Climate Justice. Both Rachel and Amy encourage the creation of green jobs and a California version of the Green New Deal, as well as upgrading the public transit to help reduce the greenhouse gas emissions, of which automobiles account for 60%. 

1. Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz about our guest, announcements and this week in Herstory.

2. Our guest, Karleen Arnink-Pate, shares her path from her original interest in fine arts to the business side of producing media and the arts. Since joining Sonoma Media Investments Karleen has been producing the Women in Conversation Series twice a year for seven years. She has learned firsthand how important the female perspective is in the business world, and wants to present fresh voices of women. On Wednesday the Series features Winona LaDuke, Native American activist who was a Green Party candidate for Vice-President, and Jamie Margolin, co-founder of Zero Hour, leader of youth climate marches and university student of Film and TV. The perspective of this youth environmental activist will be compared with that of an elder.

1. Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz:

•  on the confirmation of the first black woman, Judge Ketanji Jackson, as Associate Justice on the U.S. Supreme Court;

• on Ken and my experience attending the play Release: Unearthing the Silent Rumblings, a production of Our Lives Matter Theater Company (OLMTC), and directed by Dr. Dianna L. Grayer, at Congregation Ner Shalom. We interviewed Dianna two weeks ago..

• on the Sonoma County Chapter of the League of Women Voters offering some forums on meeting the candidates. Check out their website for more information.

2.  Our guest, Vesta Copestakes, sshares her work as Chair of the Vacation Rental Committee for the Lower Russian River Municipal Advisory Council, which advises the Sonoma County Supervisors. The Committee has come up with a revised Vacation Rental Ordinance to address some of the problems neighborhoods have experienced with vacation rentals. One proposal is establishing a 24-Hour Hotline for complaints.

1. Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz on Ken and I celebrating our 22nd Anniversary as partners.

2.  Our guest, Laura Wells discusses the merger of the Green Party and Peace and Freedom Party in California for this year’s election as the Left Unity Slate supporting seven candidates, of which she is one running for State Controller. She describes the function of the Office of State Controller as the State’s bookkeeper. Laura also talks of the merits of Public Banking for funding needs of the citizens of the state in education, small businesses, and health such as Single Payer Healthcare, with low interest going to the state's treasury and not to banks outside the state.

1. Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz on the National Women’s History Alliance successful lobbying efforts for establishing the National Women's History Month.

2. Our guest, Dr. Dianna Grayer, shares her journey of self-discovery and expression, in her educational pursuits and therapy, coming out as a Black Lesbian, and helping others be true to their self. Her earlier play Private Lives, Private Lies brought the struggle to the stage of "it's not just about coming out, it's about coming as you are." On April 2, 2022 Dr. Grayer is presenting her play Release: Unearthing the Silent Rumblings, as an honest delving into the difficulties of conversing about race. The play invites discussion among the audience after the performance. The play follows her publication of a children's book dealing with Black Lives Matter, called Keenah’s First Speech: Our Blackness Will Never Fade, about a little black girl wondering about her place in a society that discriminates according to skin color.Listen to the interview with Dianna Grayer and discover how she works with her creative spirit. 

1. Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz on the war in the Ukraine and heightened danger of nuclear war. She talks of two notable Chinese American women Mabel Ping-Hua Lee and Helen Zia.

2.  Our guest, Judy Harden Cheung of the Redwod Empire Chinese Association, presents two Chinese American women who were influential in Sonoma County: Song Wong Bourbeaux and Frances Lok. Judy announces the Year of the Tiger Festival and the exhibition Chinese Traditions in Sonoma County 1890-2022 at the Sonoma County Museum, where you can also view some of her photographs from her new book Poetography, a combination of poetry and photography.

1. Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz on the Rally for Peace in Ukraine that attracted only 100 people, encouraging more involvement in peace by coming together, supporting groups of like interest, and posting on social media.

2.  Our guest, Molly Murphy MacGregor, joins us again to share what's new with the National Women's History Alliance. Molly also traces the beginning of National Women's History week under President Carter through activities organized for students of Sonoma County by the Commission on the Status of Women, including some annual parades. This year's theme for National Women's History is "Women Providing Healing, Promoting Hope."  Molly encourages women and men to continue to be active in supporting reproduction choice.

1. Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz: Amidst the outbreak of a new war over the Ukraine we are featuring an interview with the director of the musical Hair now playing at the Sixth Street Playhouse in Santa Rosa. It seems like Deja vu. Ken remembers seeing Hair the first time with a draft card in his wallet as the Vietnam war waged and student protests escalated. "Where is the sunshine?". Elaine reads a quotation of Octavia Butler on choosing leaders, which can be read in the Herstory section below.

2. Our first guest, Aja Gianola-Norris, is the Director of the musical Hair at the 6th Street Playhouse. Hair was first on stage in 1967 at the height of the Vietnam War and the ensuing anti-war protests and flower children questioning authority. Hair the musical will be playing through March 6th and Aja says that there were still some tickets available.

3. Our second guest, Katrina Phillips, shares a bit of her life that has prepared her to be on the Sonoma County Commission for Human Rights (SCCHR) for two years and to be recently named President of the Commission. The mission of SCCHR is to be a liaison between the Board of Supervisors and Human Rights. Through the ad hoc committees and county residents contacting the commission, SCCHR learns of human rights abuses.

1. Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz: For Black History Month we will be honoring Congresswoman Barbara Jordon, Opera Singer Marian Anderson, and lawyer and one of the founders of the National Organization for Women (NOW) Pauli Murray. We will be playing a special song that was inspired by Pauli Murray's writings and poetry. Joining me on the phone will be Faith Ross on the events this month sponsored by the Petaluma Blacks for Community Development.

In the studio guests Mary Munat and Trina de La Chapelle share the hope of bridging the partisan divide through Braver Angels' workshops.

2.  Our first guest, Faith Ross, talks about the 44-year mission of Petaluma Blacks for Community Development (PBCD) to raise the consciousness of Black History and Culture. This year for Black History Month, PBCD is offering exhibits in February at the Petaluma Library, their annual Black History Program with the theme Black Health and Wellness via Zoom on Saturday February 26, 6:30 - 8 PM for an evening of speakers, music, dance, and celebration, and a Gospel and R&B Concert on Sunday February 27 at the Petaluma Historical Library and Museum.

3.  Our second guests, Mary Munat and Trina de La Chapelle, talk how workshops offered by the national movement Braver Angels, formed just after the 2016 elections, helped them reach across the partisan divide to begin dialogs between Red and Blues, Republicans and Democrats and whatever other political party is vying for a say in our democratic republic. Mary and Trina announce a couple of Braver Angels' workshops open to the public to be sponsored by the Sonoma County Chapter in March: Skills to Bridge the Divide on March 6, from 11 am to 1 pm, and the Red/Blue Workshop on March 12, from10:00 am - 4:00 pm.

1. Poem Reading by Elaine B. Holtz and her partner and Co-Producer Ken Norton: Friends and Lovers, poem by Elaine B. Holtz with comments by Elaine on the history of Valentine's Day. Since it is Black History Month, we chose three Black American women to talk of their supportive loving relationships.

2.  Our first guest, Jackie Elward, comments on the poem and on her relationship with her husband John Elward. Jackie is born in the Congo and met John, a Caucasian American that taught in a Bible School that she attended. The relationship formed after his return to the USA, and they started to write to each other. Jackie talks about balancing their interests, hers in politics and his in advocacy for labor, and their support for one another that completes each. There is an element of sacrifice in that they invest time in communicating and being with one another and make it a point to include their family of three children.

3.  Our second guest, Nancy Rogers, emphasizes the trust in each other, along with that of a higher spirit, that is the success of their relationship. They assign roles in a job and trust that each is responsible to fulfill them. Taking the time to fully communicate their needs to one another is also important.

4.  Our third guest, Celeste Austin, talks of her loving supportive relationship with Linda Jackson, who met later in live. Celeste believes the timing of the meeting was just right and they were ready for one another. The We-time together is important, and they make the effort to make time for one another.

1. Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz on the controversy surrounding Whoopi Goldberg and her statement about the Nazi Holocaust.

2. Our guest Tina Rogers talks about the Martin Luther King, Jr.,Birthday celebration committee arranging for Donzaleigh Abernathy to speak at their annual event, this year an online event. Donzaleigh is an accomplished actor, but this is her soul mission work for her Godfather Martin, and she made the time not only this year but also in previous years.

After the recording of Donzaleigh is finished, Tina talks about the life of Congresswoman Shirley Chisolm and her bid for the U.S. Presidency in 1972. Shirley was the first African American to be elected to the US Congress and the first to campaign for the President's office.

1. Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz. This is the last show of the month and time for reciting the Women's Spaces Pledge together.

2.  Our first guest Nancy Wang shares the history and mission of the Redwood Empire Chinese Association (RECA. Nancy describes the meaning of this year of the Tiger with a personal touch.

3. Our second guest Susan Lamont shares her observations of the Independent Office of Law Enforcement Review and Outreach (IOLERO. Susan notes how input from the Citizen's Advisory Council (CAC) of IOLERO has been ignored, though it was a vital part of it founding review process for oversight of the Sheriff's Office.

1. Commentary by Elaine B. Holtz on the fate of Roe v. Wade. SCOTUS seems more concerned with controlling women's bodies then for carrying for the children once born. A child dies on average one per hour in the country due to guns.

2.  Our guest Gilda Gonzales has led Planned Parenthood Northern California since 2017, which serves 19 counties north of San Francisco. Many women struggling with getting by, as indicated by 81% of the clients being enrolled in Medicaid. Gilda talks about the California Future of Abortion Council (CFAC), which was formed to identify how services would be impacted by the new state laws preventing abortions in their states and possible solutions.

Commentary on Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, and Harriet Tubman

Oliver's Market's Transition to Employee Ownership

Sonoma County GO LOCAL Cooperative

Our Guest Aubrey Ballinger, ESOP Communications Committee Chair of Oliver's Market, discusses the benefits of the transition to 47% employee owned with a Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) and the future planned expansion to 100% employee-ownership. Aubrey also describes the value to public services of its founding membership in GoLocal, especially by increasing the city and county tax revenues through local shopping at locally owned businesses and for their products.

1. Our first guest Regina Brennan talks about the Sonoma County Black Forum, that was founded after the presidential election of 2016 Regina announced the next Food Distribution  on January 22, 2022. Visit the show's webpage for the poster  under Guest Event and the Announcements for details.

2. Our second guest Tina Rogers shares with what the line-up is for the Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration this year on Sunday January 16, 2022 from 7 to 9 PM as an online event. This year, The Sonoma County MLK Birthday Committee applauds the King family’s admonition to remember the deepest meaning of his lifelong work – to not just celebrate his birthday and “dream” of a more just future, but to build and sustain his vision of equity and to secure everyone’s right to vote. Donzaleigh Abernathy, the daughter of Rev. Ralph Abernathy, returned this year as a guest presenter with slides and speaking from her direct experience of MLK.The video of the event can be seen by clicking this LINK.

-  report by Ken Norton, Co-Producer, Women's Spaces 

Our guest Rev. Dr. Patricia Keel returns for this, our first show of the year. Rev. Keel presents a simple ABC technique of manifesting our intention expressed in a Resolution.  

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The previous Show was on 12/20/2021. We took a Holiday Break.