The Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS), Sonoma County Chapter, is now accepting applications for the Katherine "Kay" Baguio 2026 Scholarship, designed to support students of Filipino/Filipina descent in pursuing their educational goals.

Eligibility: Open to graduating high school seniors and recent high school graduates (within the past 2 years) of Filipino/Filipina descent.

Application Deadline: May 20, 2026

To apply or learn more, reach out directly to FANHS Sonoma County:

•  fanhs.sonomacounty@gmail.com
• 707-837-0883 (Karen)

Please share this opportunity with any eligible students or families in your network!

We're proud to share that our Board President, Laurie Fong, was recently featured on the podcast "We're the Leaders We're Looking For" — a series from United Way of the Wine Country exploring transformational leadership in our local community.

The podcast is built on a simple but powerful belief: that the capacity for meaningful leadership already lives within each of us. Hosted by Lisa, the series features candid conversations with extraordinary local leaders on themes of courage, compassion, belonging, and leading with purpose in uncertain times.

Laurie's episode is joined by two other compelling voices — J Mullineaux and Herman G. Hernández — each offering a unique perspective on what it means to show up for your community with clarity and heart.

Whether you're tuning in for the first time or revisiting these stories, it's a series worth your time.

️ Check out "We're the Leaders We're Looking For" wherever you listen to podcasts.

Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander heritage on foot! The 5th Annual Our Heritage 5K takes place on Saturday, May 9th from 10 AM – 2 PM, winding through the historic streets of Japantown–Chinatown in San Francisco. This free community event is open to all, and this year's run is extra special — CAAM will be on site filming a documentary to capture the occasion.

Be sure to register in advance to receive a free t-shirt, race bib, and a sweet surprise. Details and registration can be found below.

The JACL is putting the finishing touches on a Japanese Garden at Paradise Ridge Winery's Sculpture Garden, dedicated to the contributions of Japanese immigrants to Sonoma County — from Kanaye Nagasawa to the generations of Japanese Americans who followed — with a Grand Opening set for May 3rd.

Over the next few weeks, volunteers will be placing rocks, gravel, and bark mulch, planting ground cover, and installing benches and traditional Japanese Gateways.

AAPIC members are invited to join the effort on any of the following dates, all from 9:00 AM–1:00 PM: April 11, 19, and 25, and May 2.

If you're interested, please contact Bruce Shimizu at bkshimizu@gmail.com so he can make sure enough tools are on hand for everyone.

Explore a meaningful career supporting children and families in your community by becoming a Family Child Care Provider.

4Cs Sonoma County is hosting a virtual Information Night to share everything you need to get started—from licensing and training to ongoing support and resources.

April 28, 2026
6:00–8:30 PM
Zoom (link provided after registration)

Learn about:
• Benefits and responsibilities of child care providers
• Available support and resources
• How to start and grow in the field
• Training opportunities including business, health & safety, and more

To register or learn more, contact:
Sheila Whipple
(707) 522-1413 ext. 156
SWhipple@Sonoma4Cs.org

A great opportunity for those passionate about working with children and making a positive impact in the community.

This is a truly special event — and one worth clearing your calendar for.

For the first time, three Japanese women producers working across different fermentation crafts are coming together for an intimate guided tasting experience:

• Noriko-san, Toji at Sequoia Sake Co., one of the first micro artisanal sake breweries in the U.S.
• Naoko-san, Brewmaster at Barebottle Brewing
• A representative of Six Cloves Wines

Each of the three intimate sessions (capped at 30 guests each) will feature guided tastings of sake, wine, and beer, paired with Japanese small bites (otsumami) by Mariko Grady, and live Taiko performances by Bay Area Miyake Taiko Group and Hachijo.

Sessions available:

• Session 1: Early Afternoon
• Session 2: Late Afternoon
• Session 3: Evening

Tickets: ~$75 per person | Register here

Don't miss this rare gathering that celebrates cultural heritage, craft, and community. Spread the word!

The Sonoma County Small Business Development Center (SBDC) has a packed lineup of free resources and events this spring to help local business owners grow, connect, and compete. Here's what's coming up:

Loan Readiness w/ Petaluma Chamber  April 30 | 12:00 – 1:30 PM | Petaluma Kick off the series and learn how to prepare your business for financing opportunities.

Santa Rosa Metro Chamber Business Expo  Coming Soon A great opportunity to network and connect with fellow business owners across the region.

Contracting 101 & Capabilities Statements  May 7 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Hosted by Sonoma SBDC, Sonoma County EDC, and the City of Santa Rosa, this workshop breaks down how government contracting works and how to write a winning capabilities statement. Registration for this event also automatically registers you for the Procurement Fair: Meet the Agencies on June 3, 2026 (10 AM – 3 PM).

Free Business Advising — Grow Your Revenue in 2026 Sonoma SBDC clients generated over $43 million in increased revenue over the past two fiscal years. If growth is on your agenda, their team of local expert consultants is ready to help — at no cost to you.

Visit the Sonoma County SBDC website to register and learn more.

Learn the art of Chinese Mahjong in a welcoming, community-centered class designed to build skill, strategy, and confidence.

This ongoing class introduces the fundamentals of Mahjong—from basic gameplay and tile recognition to strategy and reading the table. With regular practice, students gain confidence, explore different styles of play, and enjoy the social connection that makes Mahjong a timeless tradition.

Fridays, February 6 – April 24, 2026
5:30–7:30 PM (No class February 27)
Room 116
Ages 13+ | Beginner–Intermediate
Free

Led by experienced instructors John Tan and Micheal Gomez, who bring decades of Mahjong practice and community teaching.

Come learn, practice, and connect through this classic game.

Learn more / register

AAPIC community partner Appellations Cellars—one of the featured AAPI vintners participating in our upcoming Lanterns & Vines Night Market Gala—is hosting a special Appellations Cellars Wine Cruise through the legendary Bordeaux wine region of France in July 2027.

This immersive travel experience explores one of the world’s most celebrated wine regions. Guests will cruise through the Bordeaux area while enjoying curated tastings, vineyard visits, regional cuisine, and guided cultural excursions.

Experiences like this bring together wine lovers, cultural exploration, and meaningful connections with the people behind the wines.

Learn more about the trip here.

You can also meet Appellations Cellars at the AAPIC Lanterns & Vines Night Market Gala on May 16, 2026 in Santa Rosa, where AAPI vintners will be pouring wines from across Northern California.

Looking for ways to give back and build community? CVNL and Los Cien Sonoma County are hosting the Sonoma County Volunteer Fair, a celebration of service, connection, and collective hope in honor of César Chávez Day and National Volunteer Month. 

Community members can explore volunteer and board service opportunities, while nonprofits and public agencies can connect with engaged volunteers and share their mission.

Tuesday, March 31, 2026
4:00 – 7:00 PM
The Backdrop, Santa Rosa
Free and open to the public

Whether you’re looking to serve, recruit, or lead — your presence matters. Learn more and register here.