Sonoma’s new Alcalde, Wayne Schake

Mayor of Sonoma John Gurney welcomed a crowd of over a hundred gathered at Vintage House on March 26 to celebrate Wayne Schake as the 2024 Alcalde, the honorary mayor of Sonoma. Of the 48 Alcaldes selected since 1976, a few were present to witness the celebration of Schake for his outstanding volunteer service in the City and the Valley for many years. Citing Schake’s unwavering dedication to service, Gurney described him as “a shining example of servant leadership.” He highlighted details from Schake’s life story and presented him with the key to the City on a plaque. The ceremony concluded with the passing of the traditional silver-headed cane by last year’s Alcalde Bill Lynch, who described his successor, in recognition of his versatile, ever-ready, always useful community service, as “the Swiss Army knife of Sonoma volunteers.”

The new Alcalde, a former Air Force pilot and retired commercial pilot for PanAmerican, was also recognized by all the elected officials of the area. Supervisor Susan Gorin spoke warmly of her constituent’s contributions to the Valley and his neighborhood as she presented him with a plaque. Rebecca Hermosillo represented Congressman Mike Thompson as she congratulated Schake’s service, and representatives for Assembly member Cecelia Aguiar-Curry and Senator Bill Dodd also spoke to his volunteer contributions to the area and presented him framed certificates.

Guest speakers Dave Waldron, longtime friend and former Alcaldesa Ligia Booker, and fellow Rotarian Gary Edwards elaborated on Schake’s years of volunteer service in the Valley, both as a Rotarian, and working with the Boys and Girls Club, La Luz, Seeds of Learning, and Mentoring Alliance. Everyone noted the energy and enthusiasm he brings to every project, and his ability to round up other volunteers to work with him. The important role of his wife Cecelia was acknowledged. The evening closed with Schake’s remarks, which included appreciation for Rotary and for his hometown. “What I like most about Sonoma is that everyone takes pride in this place, people want to be stewards of the Valley. That’s our strength.”