Skip to Content

Board of Supervisors Department

Lower Russian River Municipal Advisory Council

Lower Russian River Municipal Advisory Council Applicant Forum

Date: October 01, 2023

Time: 10:00 a.m.

Location: Virtual meeting via Zoom

Attend via Telephone:

Dial
+1 669 444 9171 US
+1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose)

Webinar ID: 955 3580 2972

Registration Required: No

Add to Calendar

The Lower Russian River Municipal Advisory Council (River MAC) is a vital forum for community engagement on policy issues along the River. 

We received applications from multiple candidates for upcoming vacancies in two areas: Guerneville and Forestville. Get to know the applicants. You can see the recording of the October 1 2023 River MAC Applicant Forum here.

Voting will be open through October 31 for residents who reside within the Guerneville and Forestville MAC boundaries. Ballots will be available to download here and on the Lower Russian River MAC page soon. 

The Applicant from each area with the most votes will be put forward by Supervisor Hopkins to the full Board of Supervisors for apppointment as representative. In Forestville, the applicant with the second-most votes will be put forward for appointment as an alternate.

FORESTVILLE has two vacancies: one representative and one alternate

Lonnie Lazar

I moved to Sonoma County in 2021 and bought property in Forestville in 2022. I plan to live here for the rest of my life and want to be involved in the gathering and sharing of information to help guide the development of the Lower Russian River and (hopefully) preserve and maintain its distinctive character for years to come. I have owned and operated several businesses and have served on non-profit boards for years. I am an attorney with a background in environmental law and land-use planning, although my primary area of practice today is wills, trusts, and estate planning.

Thai Hilton

Having resided in Forestville for the past six years, I intimately understand the dynamics and challenges faced by our community, especially families like mine. My young family provides me with firsthand insight into the unique concerns and aspirations that resonate with Forestville residents. This perspective, coupled with my professional background in local government and nonprofit administration and imminent completion of a Masters in Public Administration, equips me to bring a fresh, informed, and empathetic approach to representing the diverse needs of Forestville's residents. I am dedicated to fostering a thriving, inclusive, and forward-thinking community for us all.

Renee Tchirkine

This is an important role that can help ensure responsible development along the lower river. I am volunteering because I’m passionate about the river and its fragile ecosystem. Future progress should proceed in a sensitive manner, accommodating environment issues, growing numbers of residents, and a huge tourism component. I feel this delicate balance can be achieved via guidance from committees like these. Listening, recommending, and communicating with the public and the Board of Supervisors, so they can be informed about important issues that impact our beautiful Fifth district is why I am interested in becoming a MAC member.

GUERNEVILLE has one vacancy, for a representative.

Davienity Parks Bhat’isreal

I am an individual who navigates daily life with mental health issues and the assistance of a service dog, keenly aware of the complexities surrounding mental health and accessibility. My focus for the board encompasses amplifying respect for individuals with service animals, furthering housing and rehabilitation efforts for the homeless, advocating for improved shelter facilities and accelerated housing opportunities, and offering a unique voice that embodies diversity and inclusivity, as a Hebrew and transgender individual with a service dog. Thank you.

Marc Barraza Tran

Recently relocated to Guerneville, I'm eager to contribute to Sonoma County as a MAC representative, leveraging my extensive experience and passion. With over a decade as legal counsel, I've served 40+ local governments, attending countless public meetings and addressing various boards and commissions, demonstrating proficiency in rules and public meeting protocols. I've also represented constituents, formerly as a traffic and safety commissioner, emphasizing preparation and active involvement. Passionate about local government, where voices resonate most, I aim to foster a brighter future in Sonoma County. Thank you.

Norma Pichardo

Estoy interesada en esta posicion porque me gusta ayudar a mi comunidad. Porque tambien me gustaria que tomen en cuenta nuestras opiniones como Latinos y que somos parte de esta area. Las habilidades que puedo aportar son las ganas de trabajar con ustedes para mejora nuestra relacion con la comunidad establesiendo una comunicacion continua. Tambien e tomado entrenamientos de emergencia y clases como Promotora De Salud para ayudar mas a mi comunidad presentando recursos. Tambien e tomado clases de humanidades con el Santa Rosa Junior College.

I am interested in this position because I like to help my community. Because I would also like them to take into account our opinions as Latinos and that we are part of this area. The skills that I can contribute are the desire to work with you to improve our relationship with the community by establishing continuous communication. I have also taken emergency training and classes as a Health Promoter to further help my community by presenting resources. I have also taken humanities classes with Santa Rosa Junior College.

Spencer R. Scott

I'm interested in how we can create community resilience through sustainable community development. As a young resident of Sonoma County I'm invested in the long-term health and resiliency of Sonoma in the face of wildfires, droughts, and unpredictable storms brought on by climate change. I am a PhD research scientist with many years of experience in climate solutions and adaptation. I'd love to be a part of the River MAC and lend my expertise to make our communities safe, healthy, and equitable for many years to come.

This forum will be recorded and uploaded to the Sonoma County 5th District YouTube channel.

Disabled Accommodation: If you have a disability and require a sign language interpreter, assistive listening device, material in an alternate format, or other accommodation to attend, please contact District5@sonoma-county.org or 1-707-565-2241 at least 72 hours prior to the meeting in order to facilitate arrangements for accommodation.