Junior League of Napa-Sonoma is one of sixteen California Junior Leagues that advocate on the State Public Affairs Committee (SPAC). A non-partisan group which represents over 11,000 women and $1,000,000 in community funding, SPAC works to bring the issues of our communities to Sacramento. In this most recent challenging legislative session, Junior Leagues’ supported 21 pieces of legislation - 18 were chaptered (signed into law) and 3 were vetoed. One bill, the Healthy Mothers Act (AB 159), was sponsored by Junior Leagues’ SPAC and has been held over to a two-year bill due to its potential fiscal impact.

JLNS has been a convener of stakeholders in our communities for almost fifteen years. Our commitment to improve the lives of children and families through strategy, collaboration and womanpower has led to new programs and better resources ~ most recently, the genesis of VOICES-Sonoma, a youth-led resource center for former foster kids.

This Community Forum will continue JLNS’ efforts to reveal the underserved and identify solutions that address their needs both locally and legislatively. Our distinguished panel includes Honorable Arnold Rosenfield, Sonoma County Superior Court Judge, Nick Honey, Division Director of Sonoma County’s Family, Youth and Children’s Services, Gary Lieberstein, Napa County District Attorney, Diana Gomez, Sonoma County Assistant District Attorney, Leslie Medine, Executive Director of On the Move and Eunice Valentine, Executive Director of the Volunteer Center of Sonoma County.