The Sonoma County Youth Commission on Human Rights Health Care Cohort has launched a community-wide Health Care Art Competition and is inviting submissions from participants of all ages.

The contest encourages artwork exploring themes related to:

• Health care access
• Wellness and healing
• Mental health
• Equity and community care
• Human rights and public health

All artistic mediums are welcome.

Deadline to submit: August 24, 2026

Submit artwork here: https://tinyurl.com/5d45nxpz

This project was developed by local youth leaders committed to creating thoughtful conversations around health care and human rights in Sonoma County.

Interested in becoming more involved? Learn more about joining the 2026–2027 Youth Commission on Human Rights below.

Applications are now open for the 2026–2027 Sonoma County Youth Commission on Human Rights — an educational leadership opportunity for Sonoma County high school students in grades 9–12.

Students can participate in two ways during the academic year:

Seasonal Youth Commissioner Volunteer

A flexible volunteer opportunity for students interested in:

• Human rights education
• Community engagement
• Volunteer service hours
• Local events and projects

No interview required.

Focused Youth Commission Cohort

A deeper leadership opportunity where Youth Commissioners:

• Meet monthly with students across Sonoma County
• Develop action-oriented human rights projects
• Complete volunteer service hours
• Explore topics such as health care, education, environmental justice, labor rights, and systemic equity

Applications and interviews will take place throughout the summer.

Apply and learn more here: https://tinyurl.com/2026YCHRapp

The current Youth Commission Health Care Cohort has also launched a countywide Health Care Art Competition open to all ages, with submissions due August 24, 2026.

A community storytelling exhibit
where people share meaningful objects
and the stories they carry—
exploring migration, memory, loss, and belonging.

September 4 - October 4, 2026
Petaluma Historical Library & Museum

You are invited to share a meaningful belonging and the story it carries. You may enter anonymously. No experience needed-everyone is welcome.

Submission deadline: July 1. 2026.

 * Learn more about the project
* Submit your story

The Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS), Sonoma County Chapter, is now accepting applications for the Katherine "Kay" Baguio 2026 Scholarship, designed to support students of Filipino/Filipina descent in pursuing their educational goals.

Eligibility: Open to graduating high school seniors and recent high school graduates (within the past 2 years) of Filipino/Filipina descent.

Application Deadline: May 20, 2026

To apply or learn more, reach out directly to FANHS Sonoma County:

•  fanhs.sonomacounty@gmail.com
• 707-837-0883 (Karen)

Please share this opportunity with any eligible students or families in your network!

We're proud to share that our Board President, Laurie Fong, was recently featured on the podcast "We're the Leaders We're Looking For" — a series from United Way of the Wine Country exploring transformational leadership in our local community.

The podcast is built on a simple but powerful belief: that the capacity for meaningful leadership already lives within each of us. Hosted by Lisa, the series features candid conversations with extraordinary local leaders on themes of courage, compassion, belonging, and leading with purpose in uncertain times.

Laurie's episode is joined by two other compelling voices — J Mullineaux and Herman G. Hernández — each offering a unique perspective on what it means to show up for your community with clarity and heart.

Whether you're tuning in for the first time or revisiting these stories, it's a series worth your time.

️ Check out "We're the Leaders We're Looking For" wherever you listen to podcasts.

May 2026, 2026 
Published by AAPI Data & the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research

Personal finances are a source of stress for most AAPI adults, along with health concerns. And many are also stressed about discrimination, with 1 in 4 experiencing a hate crime or incident in the last year .

When asked about confidence in medical professionals to act in the best interest of public health, AAPI adults report the most confidence in doctors, nurses, scientists, and medical researchers according to a new AAPI Data/AP-NORC Poll. Nine in 10 express at least some confidence in each of these professions, and about 6 in 10 are extremely or very confident. Fewer express the same level of confidence in alternative medicine practitioners (58%), and more than half (56%) are not confident in the federal government to do what is best for public health. [READ MORE]

Southwest Santa Rosa is experiencing more dangerous extreme heat days - which means families in apartments with no AC facing energy bills they can't afford, kids playing on equipment hot enough to burn skin, and farmworkers spending 10-hour days in fields over 100F.

How we prepare and adapt matters!
Cách chúng ta chuẩn bị và thích nghi là điều quan trọng.

To respond to these urgent concerns, a new Southwest Santa Rosa HEAT Action plan will identify a range of solutions to reduce risk and help residents protect themselves.

• Read more about the project on their website
• Take a survey and share your experiences

Below is information in Vietnamese and English.

Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander heritage on foot! The 5th Annual Our Heritage 5K takes place on Saturday, May 9th from 10 AM – 2 PM, winding through the historic streets of Japantown–Chinatown in San Francisco. This free community event is open to all, and this year's run is extra special — CAAM will be on site filming a documentary to capture the occasion.

Be sure to register in advance to receive a free t-shirt, race bib, and a sweet surprise. Details and registration can be found below.

The JACL is putting the finishing touches on a Japanese Garden at Paradise Ridge Winery's Sculpture Garden, dedicated to the contributions of Japanese immigrants to Sonoma County — from Kanaye Nagasawa to the generations of Japanese Americans who followed — with a Grand Opening set for May 3rd.

Over the next few weeks, volunteers will be placing rocks, gravel, and bark mulch, planting ground cover, and installing benches and traditional Japanese Gateways.

AAPIC members are invited to join the effort on any of the following dates, all from 9:00 AM–1:00 PM: April 11, 19, and 25, and May 2.

If you're interested, please contact Bruce Shimizu at bkshimizu@gmail.com so he can make sure enough tools are on hand for everyone.

Explore a meaningful career supporting children and families in your community by becoming a Family Child Care Provider.

4Cs Sonoma County is hosting a virtual Information Night to share everything you need to get started—from licensing and training to ongoing support and resources.

April 28, 2026
6:00–8:30 PM
Zoom (link provided after registration)

Learn about:
• Benefits and responsibilities of child care providers
• Available support and resources
• How to start and grow in the field
• Training opportunities including business, health & safety, and more

To register or learn more, contact:
Sheila Whipple
(707) 522-1413 ext. 156
SWhipple@Sonoma4Cs.org

A great opportunity for those passionate about working with children and making a positive impact in the community.