La Luz, the Springs-based resource center for Sonoma Valley’s Latino communities, announced a change of board leadership as the closing act of its annual Noche fundraising gala on August 5. Nick Mendelson, who has served as board chairman for the last two years, made way for current board member and Governance Committee chair Bill Hake. Mendelson will remain on the board as chair of the Development Committee. Beth Stelluto Dunaier, a social-enterprise angel investor who serves as chair of the Human Resources Committee, will step in for outgoing vice-president José Álvarez, who also remains on the board.
Mendelson is a Latino raised in Sonoma Valley who now works as a financial advisor for Morgan Stanley in Santa Rosa. He joined La Luz in 2016 after graduating from Sonoma State. “The Latino voice and needs were missing,” he said. “That’s when I joined La Luz.” As board member and president, Mendelson helped introduce a retirement fund for La Luz staff, teamed with fellow board member Brian Nicholson to launch the La Luz Growth Fund, and helped revamp the center’s strategic plan. “It was an important milestone for the La Luz family that a Latino raised in Sonoma became the president of the board,” said Executive Director Leonardo Lobato. “Nick brought wonderful dynamism and energy to the position, and he was always positive and forward-looking, having the organization and the community at the front and center of all his decisions. I am grateful for his work for the community.”
Hake (above), a former attorney, has been a long-time supporter of La Luz and joined its board in 2020. “Bill brings a wealth of experience and drive,” Lobato said. “He has a big heart and always has wise counsel, but he is no-nonsense when dealing with issues that affect the organization and our community. He is fully committed to affecting positive transformational change.”
Sister City Committee honored – The Kaniv, Ukraine Committee of the Sonoma Sister Cities Association has been presented with the 2023 Sister Cities International Innovation in Humanitarian Assistance award for communities with populations under 25,000. Bestowed by the Sister Cities International organization, this prestigious recognition underscores the outstanding efforts undertaken by the Sonoma Sister Cities in advancing the core objectives and ethos of Sister Cities International, all while placing a focal point on the preservation of human rights. The Sonoma City Council formally recognized the Kaniv, Ukraine Committee for the honor, and introduce distinguished Ukrainian guests, Anatolyi and Lubya Leontyev (above) at its August 16 public meeting.
Public art in the Springs – The Springs Municipal Advisory Council seeks public input on an upcoming community art project, as it looks to commission the painting of a number of Utility Boxes along Highway 12. The goal “is for this project to represent the beauty and diversity of the Springs community.” Contact Karina Garcia at 707-565-1776 or karina.garcia@sonoma-county.org for more information.
Volunteers needed – The City of Sonoma invites members of the community to be an important part of the City’s efforts to maintain three cherished cemeteries: Mountain Cemetery, Valley Cemetery, and Veterans Cemetery. Volunteers are asked to support conservation of these sacred landscapes. Tasks on Saturday Workdays include revitalizing the landscape by weed abatement, landscaping projects, refurbishing borders, reinstating plots, and other essential maintenance tasks. Sonomacity.org
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