TODAY’S NEWSLETTER INCLUDES:

1. MAY DAY STRONG SONOMA VALLEY
2. JASON SUTTER - ARTICLE AND MEETING
3. WAKE UP SONOMA EVENTS - NEED YOUR SUPPORT
4. UPDATE ON NEIGHBORHOOD PODS
Updated email for Anne Neely Event and Volunteer contractor
anneneelyconsulting@gmail.com

MAY DAY STRONG ACTIONS IN SONOMA VALLEY

When we build community, we push back on oligarchy.
This May Day, the call is clear: tax the rich so families come first, not fortunes.

No ICE. No war. No private army serving authoritarian power. Expand democracy. Hands off our vote.

And make it personal.
Take the pledge:
1. Shop local.
2. Support Sonoma Valley small businesses.
3. Skip Amazon, Prime, and the big box stores.
4. Buy less gas on May 1. (if possible)
5. Show up at the Farmers Market on May 1 and put your money into the local economy.

Then gather in the Plaza from 5 to 6 PM and make your voice heard. Sidewalk on Napa Street.
CommUNITY is power.
Solidarity is power.
The people have the power.
SONOMA VALLEY MAY DAY STRONG.

Read the Story in the Sonoma Valley SUN here
Jason talks about his process moving forward.
An Update from Superintendent Jason Sutter - Sonoma Valley Sun

Coincidentally - the Wake UP Sonoma Board has a meeting with Jason Sutter this Wednesday. A list of our talking points is as follows:

1. Review of issue with the Pride Flag at SVHS. We would like
Clarification as to his intent for the June Board Meeting.
How does he plan to address the increased bullying and
harassment at the SVHS since this incident and ensure that
policy BP 5157 stays intact and is implemented. This policy link
is now inclusive of nondiscrimination/Harassment requirements
View Policy 5157: ^Gender Identity and Access

2. David Bell - He stepped out of line and does not appear
familiar with his role as a leader in the community that sets
policies in alignment with the rules of governance and with
community priorities. As only the board itself can censure or
remove Bell as board president, how can Sutter use his
influence and knowledge to get the Board on track going
forward. What kind of feedback loop will there be for Board
members as we move forward to prevent re-occurance.

3. When enrollment is down, and the district is closing schools,
how do we justify opening Charter Schools? Help us
understand.

4. How to make meetings more efficient. How to bring new
interest in running for school Board positions this next cycle.

We will report back after our meeting. Thanks for keeping us informed on your concerns.

Note that Jason is having a community input session on Tuesday, April 14 from 5:30 to 7:00 in the Altimira Multipurpose Room. This is a very good start in him getting to understand the community and priorities.
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OUR EVENTS AND INFORMATIONAL GATHERINGS

These gatherings are vital to the work of Wake UP Sonoma. Some are fund raisers which keep us going financially. Some are free, and we provide them as a community service to inform and educate. We keep our ears to the ground to bring you information that seems pertinent and relevant. We continue to bring these to your attention here in newsletters because THIS is our work. If attendance lags at these events, which it has, it tells us that they are not needed or the community wants something different- so please attend if you can, and please spread the word! We are always open to hearing from you on what you want too!

FREE COMMUNITY TALK
As we approach May Day Actions -- how is the labor movement fighting fascism?
As things escalate wildly in our government, and wars actually take hold in an unbelievable expansion of American Fascism with threats of further genocide, this is a timely moment to come together in Solidarity to hear the very important perspective of expert Fred Glass. What exactly IS American Fascism (can you believe we are even saying that now?), and WHAT can we do about it? Join us for this important moment and see what other groups in the region are doing as well.

American Fascism: What It Is & What To Do About It
Wake UP Sonoma’s Community Conversation with Fred Glass
MAY 2, 2026 - 11:00 - 1:00 -
RSVP LINK: COMMUNITY CONVERSATION WITH FRED GLASS — Wake UP Sonoma
Check out this video put out by Fred
Tax the Rich: An animated fairy tale
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SALLY KOHN A CONVERSATION ON CHANGE, EMPATHY AND A “NO HATE” ATTITUDE IN THESE TIMES.

FIRESIDE CHAT WITH SALLY KOHN
Moderated by Martín Gobbée, of Wake UP Sonoma
Friday, April 24
5:30 PM–7:00 PM

Doors open at 5:00 PM

Sebastiani Theatre - Sonoma Valley

Wake UP Sonoma’s April Community Conversation
TICKET LINK: Fireside Chat with Sally Kohn - No Hate | Press Democrat News Group
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COMMUNITY DINNER FOR HOMELESS ACTION SONOMA IN APRIL. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO DONATE TO THIS EFFORT, Please donate here and note - HAS dinner.
Donate — Wake UP Sonoma

REMINDERS

Neighborhood Pod Point Person Meeting
We Continue to Grow. THANK YOU COMMUNITY!!
WE NOW HAVE 25 NEIGHBORHOODS!
If you recently signed up, we will be in touch soon.
We meet on the last Monday of each month.
If you want to find out more about Neighborhood Pods, visit our Blog Page - Neighborhood Pods

Next one is April 27 - 5:30 - 6:30
Come see what we are up to - fill out this form to join as a Pod organizer or point person.
NEIGHBORHOOD PILOT POINT PERSON SIGN UP — Wake UP Sonoma
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SIGNS OF HOPE FLASH MOB
ON DISPLAY - WEDNESDAY APRIL 15TH - 12 - 1:00
BOYES HOT SPRINGS POST OFFICE.
If you want to be part of this team, fill out this form
FLASH MOB SIGN UP — Wake UP Sonoma
ALERT! If you borrowed one of the yellow signs of hope signs at the NO KINGS 3, please return it by reaching out to Ed Clay, edclay@edclay.com

Our Vision: To foster a vibrant, just, respectful and welcoming Sonoma Valley community.

OUR MISSION IS TO:
EDUCATE - by providing resources to Sonoma Valley residents to be informed and engaged.
ADVOCATE - for local diversity, equity, inclusion, civic and corporate transparency.
ACTIVATE - by promoting democracy and providing opportunities for local engagement.

We Educate. Advocate. Activate.
on issues related, but not limited to:
- LGBTQIA+ safety and visibility
- Protection of our immigrant population
- Defense against Christian Nationalism
- Transparency in large corporate investment and responsible development
- Active local civic engagement