The 707 is an all-new half-hour weekly radio show and podcast airing Fridays at 6:00 PM on KRCB 104.9 FM. Hosted by Michelle Marques with contributions from the KRCB News Team, the show offers compelling interviews and stories from Sonoma County and beyond. Expect rich soundscapes, moving stories, and fresh perspectives on the North Bay community. The 707 is your new go-to for all things local, lively, and unmissable!
A Look Inside Sonoma County's DA Office: A Candid Chat with District Attorney Carla Rodriguez
Michelle Marques interviews Sonoma County District Attorney Carla Rodriguez, who discusses the 2024 'Report to the People' and the challenges facing law enforcement, offering insights into the local justice system.
31 May 2025
Immigration in Flux: Helping Local Immigrant Communities
Host Michelle Marques interviews Sunny Noh, Bill Ong Hing, Jacqueline Brown, Cristal Lopez Pardo, and Renee Saucedo about rapidly changing federal immigration policies and shares urgent concerns impacting immigrant communities.
16 May 2025
The Rise of HIV in Sonoma County: A Public Health Conversation
Hear directly from a dedicated AIDS activist on the realities of living with and advocating for those with HIV in Sonoma County, and a public health nurse who breaks down the trends and how to stay healthy. Sonoma County is facing a concerning rise in new HIV diagnoses. This vital episode brings together host Michelle Marques with Miranda Patrick, Senior Public Health Nurse for Sonoma County DHS, and Nicole Price, a dedicated AIDS Activist and Advocate, to address this critical issue head-on. Learn about the current trends in HIV transmission within the county, understand the importance of getting tested, and discover the steps individuals can take to stay healthy. Nicole shares her powerful advocacy and insights, while Miranda provides crucial information on available resources and support systems within Sonoma County. Guests in this episode: Miranda Patrick, Senior Public Health Nurse at Sonoma County DHS Nicole Price, AIDS Activist and Advocate Resources in this episode: Sonoma County Department of Health Services Suggestions for guests or topics? Email the707@krcb.org
9 May 2025
Portable Airspace Management System: NASA and CAL FIRE Collaborate to Save Lives
From California's wildfires to emergency responses worldwide – the potential of this innovation is massive photo credit: NASA/Brandon Torres-Navarrete NASA researchers and CAL FIRE chiefs test PAMS in Monterey County Imagine fighting wildfires from the air around the clock, even when smoke and darkness limit visibility. This episode delves into a groundbreaking project by NASA's Advanced Capabilities for Emergency Response Operations that's making this a potential reality. We explore their successful initial validation of a new, portable airspace management system (PAMS) designed to provide reliable air traffic control for firefighting aircraft in low-visibility conditions – a major hurdle in current wildland fire response. Hear directly from NASA researchers and a representative from CAL FIRE about this innovative technology tested in a mountainous region of Northern California and its potential to revolutionize aerial firefighting and monitoring, ultimately enhancing safety and effectiveness. This tech also has applications for various emergency responses around the world. Guests in this episode: Carol Carroll, Deputy Associate Administrator for NASA’s Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate, Washington D.C. Dr. Min Xue, ACERO project manager at NASA’s Ames Research Center Deputy Chief Marcus Hernandez, Office of Wildfire Technology Research and Development Resources in this episode: NASA Demonstrates New Wildland Fire Airspace Management System CAL FIRE Research Development and Innovation Suggestions for guests or topics? Email the707@krcb.org
2 May 2025
Repair as Resistance: Zero Waste Sonoma's Strategy for a Sustainable Future
Explore Fix It Fairs in Sonoma County as volunteers put policy in practice, while building resilience. photo credit: courtesy of Zero Waste Sonoma Lamp repair at a Fix It Fair Every discarded item has a story, but what if that story didn't end in the landfill? This episode explores Zero Waste Sonoma's vital work in diverting waste through comprehensive recycling and composting efforts, and their proactive approach to waste reduction. Program Manager Sloane Pagal shares the philosophy behind their initiatives. Hear from the community of people who repair and mend broken items at Fix It Fairs in Rohnert Park and Forestville. These organizations and volunteers are repairing everyday items like lamps, bikes, and clothing, demonstrating a powerful alternative to our throwaway culture and building a more sustainable Sonoma County. Guests in this episode: Sloane Pagal, Program Manager at Zero Waste Sonoma Alejandra Warren, Plastic Free Future Steve Griffith, Fix It Fair Organizer Emily Melville, SRJC Fashion Studies Faculty and Program Coordinator Community Bikes Chef’s Sharpening GSM Mobile Repair Additional reporting by Kathryn Nelson Resources in this episode: https://zerowastesonoma.gov/ https://www.reusealliance.org/ https://plastic-free-future.org/ Suggestions for guests or topics? Email the707@krcb.org
25 Apr 2025
Hard Hats & High Tech: Exploring Career Education at SRJC
Journey with us to see how community colleges are shaping the next generation of skilled professionals. photo credit: Michelle Marques Carpentry students during a class at SRJC Petaluma Campus This episode investigates the role of community colleges in providing relevant and impactful career education. We'll examine specific examples at Santa Rosa Junior College's Petaluma and Santa Rosa campuses, touring their Construction Training Center to see hands-on building skills in development and exploring the technological advancements fostered in their STEM education labs. How do these types of programs cater to a diverse community, including those already in the workforce seeking to upskill or transition into new fields? Listen to hear insights into the evolving landscape of vocational training. Resources: santarosa.edu Guests in this episode: Vanessa Luna, Dean of Instruction and Enrollment Management at Santa Rosa Junior College Petaluma Campus Victor Tam, Dean of Science, Technology, Engineering, Agriculture, and Mathematics at Santa Rosa Junior College Suggestions for guests or topics? Email the707@krcb.org
18 Apr 2025
Following the Flock: Petaluma’s Transhumance Festival
Ever wonder what happens when a flock of sheep parades through a California town? KRCB's Michelle Marques captures the sound of sheep at the Transhumance Festival. photo credit: Tiffany Fulgoni What does it sound like to reconnect with the land? Find out in this episode exploring Petaluma's annual Transhumance Festival, a celebration reviving the age-old practice of moving livestock seasonally. We delve into the festival's core themes – land stewardship, connection to tradition, and mindful waste management – through engaging insights and an interview with organizer Sarah Keiser. But the true highlight is an immersive audio journey, capturing the sounds of the sheep trotting along the pavement, interviews with neighbors and volunteers along the route, and festival fun as the flock makes its way from the Petaluma Fairgrounds to Steamer Landing Park, bringing this unique tradition to life. Guests in this episode: Sarah Keiser, Executive Director of Wild Oat Hollow Maria Wnorowski, Community Engagement Program Manager at Sonoma Resource Conservation District Van Goat Sue Conley, Co-founder of Cowgirl Creamery Gradina – The Balkan Music Ensemble Additional reporting by KRCB’s Noah Abrams Resources in this episode: sassyandgrassy.com Suggestions for guests or topics? Email the707@krcb.org
11 Apr 2025
Tails of Hope: The Humane Society of Sonoma County's Mission
More than just adoption, explore the vital services that strengthen the bond between pets and their families in Sonoma County. photo credit: Michelle Marques The Humane Society of Sonoma County off of Highway 12 More than just a shelter, the Humane Society of Sonoma County is a lifeline for animals and their human companions. Join us as we tour their facility, witnessing the life-saving work in their surgical suite, the inspiring youth programs fostering future animal lovers, and the vital low-cost services that strengthen the bond between pets and their families. This episode explores the Humane Society's deep connection to the community and their unwavering commitment to animal welfare. Guests in this episode: Priscilla Locke, Director of Development & Communications Kathy Pescar, Youth Services Coordinator Neville Hormuz, Interim Executive Director Melina Stambolis, Veterinary Operations Supervisor Suggestions for guests or topics? Email the707@krcb.org
4 Apr 2025
Winged Wonders at Sonoma Botanical Garden
Feel like a kid again as we explore “birdhouses” at a new art installation in Glen Ellen, featuring 12 enormous birds crafted of bamboo. photo credit: Michelle Marques Donna Dodson and Andy Moerlein, aka The Myth Makers, pose near one of their bamboo sculptures. Take a walk on a rainy day to a field where a pair of enormous birds, crafted entirely from bamboo, are being erected. It’s an exhibit called "Winged Wonders" at Sonoma Botanical Garden featuring 12 bird sculptures. This immersive episode captures the sounds of the installation, featuring the work of The Myth Makers. We discuss the interplay of nature and art, the ephemeral beauty of bamboo, and the sense of awe and whimsy these sculptures inspire. Journey into a world where art takes flight. Guests in this episode: Donna Dodson, artist Andy Moerlein, artist Jeannie Perales, Executive Director – Sonoma Botanical Garden Resources: https://www.themythmakers.org/ https://sonomabg.org/ Bird sounds in this episode courtesy of Jack Hines, https://www.eartothewild.com/ Suggestions for guests or topics? Email the707@krcb.org
29 Mar 2025
Ode to the Earth: Art, Nature, and Sustainability
Art and environmental consciousness collide in Santa Rosa's SOFA District, showcasing nature-inspired works and sustainable creations. Artist Mary Vaughan in her studio at the Backstreet Gallery in Santa Rosa's SOFA District photo credit: Michelle Marques Celebrate Earth Day with a vibrant fusion of art and environmental consciousness. This episode highlights "Ode to the Earth," an exhibit at Santa Rosa's SOFA Arts District, where artists Mary Linnea Vaughan and Rachel DuFour showcase their stunning nature-inspired works. Joined by emerging talent Madelaine Williams, who transforms thrifted clothing with intricate mending, and Spring Maxfield from the Santa Rosa Urban Arts Partnership, we explore the power of art and community to honor our planet. The exhibit opens April 4th and runs through April 20th at the Backstreet Gallery in the SOFA District, located down Art Alley off of 312 South A Street in Santa Rosa. Guests in this episode: Mary Vaughan, artist Rachel Dufour, artist Madelaine Williams, artist Spring Maxfield, Director – Santa Rosa Urban Arts Partnership Suggestions for guests or topics? Email the707@krcb.org
21 Mar 2025
Beyond HIV/AIDS: Face to Face's Non-Judgmental Mission
A non-profit created to address the AIDS epidemic is now a critical resource for those facing housing crises, mental health challenges, and the devastating impact of fentanyl. Gary Saperstein and Lorie Violette of Sonoma County's Face to Face photo credit: Michelle Marques Sonoma County’s Face to Face was born in 1983, a lifeline during the AIDS epidemic. Now, decades later, they're on the frontlines of a new public health crisis. We dive into how this non-profit organization has evolved to tackle rising STIs, housing instability, mental health challenges, and the devastating impact of the opioid epidemic, especially fentanyl. Compassion leads their commitment to community health. Guests in this episode: Lorie Violette, Program Director at Face to Face Gary Saperstein, Development Director at Face to Face Resources in this episode: https://f2f.org/ Suggestions for guests or topics? Email the707@krcb.org
15 Mar 2025
Home Runs & Homestays: The Healdsburg Prune Packers
This episode is a celebration of baseball, community, and the enduring magic of small-town summers. Healdsburg Prune Packers chat on the mound with Coach Gomes at Rec Park in Healdsburg photo courtesy of Natalie Norman Step into the heart of Healdsburg, California, where the crack of the bat and the roar of the crowd echo through a century of summer baseball. This week, we dive deep into the legendary history of the Healdsburg Prune Packers, a team composed of Division 1 collegiate players with roots stretching back over 100 years. This is also a story about community. We'll explore the unique homestay program that connects college athletes from across the country with families in Healdsburg, creating bonds that last a lifetime. Guests in this episode: Holly Hoods, Executive Director and Curator of the Healdsburg Museum Maddox Molony, 2024 Healdsburg Prune Packer infielder David Hagele, previous Mayor of Healdsburg, current Healdsburg Councilmember, and Prune Packers host father Joey Gomes, GM and Head Coach for the Healdsburg Prune Packers Natalie Norman, CEO of the Healdsburg Prune Packers and President of the Pacific Empire League Resources in this episode: Healdsburg Prune Packers: https://www.prunepackers.org/ Healdsburg Museum: https://www.healdsburgmuseum.org/ Suggestions for guests or topics? Email the707@krcb.org
27 Feb 2025
Hands On, Hearts Full: Redwood Empire Food Bank
On this episode of The 707 we take you inside Redwood Empire Food Bank, to explore the challenges they face and the innovative solutions they’re using to meet growing needs. Join us as we visit the Redwood Empire Food Bank during a Super Saturday—an inspiring day when community groups come together to sort and pack food, raise funds, and support the fight against hunger. We take you inside this vital organization, which serves five Northern California counties daily, to explore the challenges they face and the innovative solutions they’re using to meet growing needs. Guests in this episode: Rachelle Mesheau, Director of Marketing and Communications Manager, Redwood Empire Food Bank Jay Jensen, CEO of Novavine Allison Goodwin, President and CEO of Redwood Empire Food Bank Suggestions for guests or topics? Email the707@krcb.org
27 Feb 2025
Can You Say That On Air? Sonoma County Students Learn to Podcast
Explore the vibrant world of youth podcasting in Sonoma County in the first episode of The 707. We explore the vibrant world of youth podcasting in Sonoma County. Meet a Santa Rosa High School student who became a top ten finalist in last year's NPR Student Podcast Challenge and a young creator who produced a heartwarming podcast about her school cat—all with the help of KRCB’s youth podcast workshops at the local library. Plus, we hear from a dedicated teacher at SRHS and two podcast producers who share insights on the power of storytelling and student creativity. Resources mentioned in this episode: NPR Student Podcast Challenge – deadline for entry is May 2, 2025. Sonoma County Library Sound Studios Free audio editing programs: AudioDirector – WavePad - Garage Band for Mac - CreativeCommons.org for free use music tracks If you are interested in signing up for the next KRCB Youth Podcast Workshop, send an email to michelle_marques@norcalpublicmedia.org to be notified of the next workshop availability. Guests in this episode: Steve Drummond, Senior Editor/Executive Producer, Education at NPR Janet Woojeung Lee, Producer, Education Team at NPR Hollis Fennen, English Teacher, Santa Rosa High School Max Allen, Associate Radio Producer at NorCal Public Media Jessica Hoover, Branch Manager, Sonoma County Library, Central Library
Who has been a guest on The 707
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Carla Rodriguez
Sunny Noh
Bill Ong Hing
Jacqueline Brown
Cristal Lopez Pardo
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
7 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 18 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
23
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
32
Contact The 707
Guest appearances
Does not typically book guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
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