TODAY’S NEWSLETTER INCLUDES:

1. PROTEST!
2. CALL FOR LOCAL MUTUAL AID!!!
2. SIGN THE S.V. DEM. PETITION TO IMPEACH TRUMP!
3. SV DEMOCRATS CORNER
4. NATIONAL MENTORING MONTH
REMINDERS
ICE IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD - WE NEED TO BE PREPARED
RUNNING FOR THE MOUNTAINS PANEL ANNOUNCED
SEVEN PAUSES RESILIANCE WORKSHOP

PROTESTS IN SONOMA VALLEY - HOW DO WE KEEP PACE - HOW DO WE KEEP OUR VOICES HEARD?

There is much going on in the past few weeks, and especially this past week with the invasion of Venezuela, The cold blooded shooting of Nicole Renee Good, and the many people who have died in detention coming to light. The ongoing onslaught of images of people suffering at the hands of ICE. It’s just so much. It’s just too much. It is all horrendous and surreal.

We are aware that people are protesting around the nation this weekend. It’s heartening to see how quickly and how peacefully people can gather. We receive many inquiries as to what protests are planned in Sonoma. We made a decision last week to join forces with the regular ongoing vigil at the Sonoma Plaza - those people who continue to show up no matter the weather, and are there every week. This group of citizens shared their time and space with us to be able to quickly pull together a showing for Sonoma which made this gathering easier to pull together. Sonoma has an ongoing presence of protest weekly with that group -feel free to join them at noon and 5pm on Fridays.

But, when it comes to the bigger presence, the bigger protests, we have limited bandwidth for that. Each larger protest takes volunteer hours to plan, organize and keep the container peaceful. Also, we are taking note that there is limited capacity for people to show up. We know it takes your time and energy too to attend. It’s a delicate balance. So, we carefully decide what protests we will put our energy towards. We are waiting for the next national protest of No Kings which is coming soon - we hear.

However, If you are interested in more frequent protests, and want to help, please volunteer to be part of our protest and action team. Let us know of your interest by sending an email to wakeupsonoma@gmail.com. We meet usually on Mondays at noon, but can be flexible with times. Protest and Actions are what we do to give Sonoma a democratic voice. We would love you to join us.

CALL FOR MUTUAL AID!!

Fundraiser by Jessica Coccia : Bring Spencer Home

Message from Jessie Marioni, the owner of Rosa Grande Tattoo, urgently seeking funds for the legal defense of her very valued coworker Spencer.

“On 12/18/25, Spencer was detained by ICE officials. He has been and remains in detention to this day.

We believe it is imperative to surround Spencer with our financial support during this critical time as he navigates the maze of US Immigration law.

This means that we come together as a community to make sure Spencer has the best possible legal representation.

Spencer has been married to the love of his life, Shelby, a US citizen, for over a year.

He has been an integral part of the success and growth of my business, Rosa Grande Tattoo, which lovingly serves the people of Sonoma County and beyond.

Spencer is a hardworking, professional artist. He is constantly striving to do his best for his clients. Cherished in our shop and community, we want to see him home as soon as possible.

Please give if you can. If you cannot contribute financially, please contribute with your time and energy by sharing this post. Click the link above for the go fund me.

For all you tattoo collectors, we are holding a Tattoo Fundraiser at Rosa Grande on 1/23/26 in which we will be tattooing small pieces of Spencer’s flash. All proceeds will go to Spencer and Shelby.

Thank you for reading. Love to you all.”

SONOMA VALLEY DEMOCRATS CORNER
Petition to Congressional Leaders to affirm that no military operation can proceed without Congressional review and approval and block any further unauthorized military operations. Sign the petition!!!
 https://c.org/JvNSPBzcd4 

PROTECT OUR SOCIAL SECURITY!!
Rally to Save Social Security for All, this Wednesday, January 14, at noon in front of the SSA Office, 2099 Range Ave. in Santa Rosa. The Trump Administration is threatening to continue gutting Social Security and Medicare. SSA was severely gutted by DOGE and staff is at the lowest point in 50 years. SSA employee morale is low and having the people that they serve stand up for them would be a tremendous boost.

COMMUNITY CORNER

January is National Mentoring Month — and now is the perfect time to say yes to becoming a mentor. We have kids on our waiting list who are ready and waiting for a mentor like you.

Our next mentor orientation is January 13, 2026.

Click HERE to get in touch and to find out more.

”During these times when we are focusing on strengthening and building our community, this is one really rewarding way to do it. I asked if I could share this with the Wake UP Sonoma Community because so many children are waiting and I know many of us are looking for that one thing that makes a difference in a life. I have had a mentee for the past year, and I cannot tell you the joy it brings me. At a time when there is so much that is hard and sad, this brings a smile to my heart each week. I look forward to my time with my mentee and we are slowly building a strong and trusting relationship and I feel like I am contributing to the future of Sonoma Valley as well as a long lasting special friendship. Check it out, you won’t regret it!”…. Lisa Storment, President, Wake UP Sonoma

REMINDERS - These are announcements previously published, but include updates, and also keeping the links handy for you to sign up.

WHAT YOU WOULD DO IF ICE WAS IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD?

Explore how to build a neighborhood pod
With the recent shooting of Renee Nicole Good, we will regroup and discuss - what can we learn from this tragedy to prevent that here.
Immigration law enforcement has fired on at least nine people while in their vehicles in just the last four months. Any member of our community who is confronted with an immigration enforcement action needs to better understand what to do to stay safe while standing with our immigrant friends and neighbors.
________________________________

Date: Saturday, January 31, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Location: RSVP and you will be notified via email of location 2 days prior to the event.

RSVP HERE:
Wake UP Sonoma Monthly Meeting COMMUNITY training

COMMUNITY MEETING AND TRAINING IN PARTNERSHIP WITH NORTH BAY RAPID RESPONSE (NBRRN)

Join us for this informative Wake UP Sonoma Fundraiser. PANEL ANNOUNCED!

When: Sunday, February 15, 2026
Time: 5:00 p.m. Doors open at 4:15
Where: Sebastiani Theatre, Sonoma Valley
Ticket Link: https://mynorthbaytickets.com/e/running-for-the-mountains

This documentary is powerful, and points to the very thing we are struggling with as a nation, oligarchy control of our country and ultimately our environmental resources for personal gain.  What is happening in the Appalachian mountains is a cautionary tale for staying alert and active to what could be or is going on in our own communities.

Panel Discussion moderated by local radio host KSVY's Ronny Grooms to follow immediately after the film:

PANEL
Babette Hogan and Julie Eisenberg - Documentary Producers/Directors - built independent careers in Film and Video, each creating award-winning pieces on the environment, energy, activism, health care, housing, and labor.

Paul Corbit Brown - W. Virginia Activist, photographer, journalist and subject of the movie.

Janelle Kellman - nationally recognized leader at the intersection of climate risk, economic resilience and public safety. Former Mayor of Sausalito, environmental attorney, and has led on-the-ground responses to flooding, sea level rise and extreme weather. Currently a candidate for Lieutenant Governor of California in the 2026 election.

_____________________________________________

SEVEN PAUSES WITH REV.DR. CURRAN REICHERT
FEB. 7TH BURLINGAME HALL
10:30 (Doors open) to 11:00
Snacks provided

“In Seven Pauses, we will explore what it means to Self-Regulate, to Co-Regulate, how to look within ourselves and between each other for deeper felt experiences of dignity and belonging.
I am hopeful that these Pauses will help promote a deeper sense of wholeness, resiliency, and vibrancy in our human family.”

RSVP TO REGISTER

Wake UP Sonoma - Seven Pauses RSVP — Wake UP Sonoma

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