OUR STORY
We Strive to create a community where everyone can live, love, worship and work free from bigotry and fear. Hate has no home here.
Building a movement
Promoting diversity and inclusivity can have a positive impact on various aspects of our lives in Sonoma Valley. Diversity stimulates a more robust economy and infuses creativity into the arts and culture. Inclusivity expands safety and visibility within learning environments, and promotes the overall well being of the community. Embracing different ideas and worldviews can lead to innovation and creative programs.
MEET THE BOARD
Lisa Storment
Josette Brose-Eichar
David Eichar
Martin Gobee
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Lisa moved to Sonoma in 1979 and dedicated herself to advocating for marginalized communities, beginning her career at the Sonoma Developmental Center (SDC), where she worked as a historian and later as an advocate for residents, helping them gain independence and dignity. She transitioned into social work, where she was sponsored by SDC to earn her LCSW and became a Program Director, co-developing a facility-wide advocacy and oversight program. Lisa later worked for Sonoma County Mental Health as a Crisis Worker and for Napa County as their Quality Assurance Assistant Manager, overseeing auditing programs and clinical documentation. After retiring from the county in 2020, Lisa became a private consultant for counties, assisting with documentation audits for substance use disorder programs. In 2022, Lisa joined Wake Up Sonoma, where she advocates for a more inclusive community. She is passionate about supporting LGBTQI+ youth in Sonoma Valley, particularly through developing positive programs, and she has actively supported her son, who transitioned at 19. Lisa is married to Joanie Bourg, and together they have three children, two dogs, and a cat. She enjoys gardening, spending time with family and friends, and is writing her memoir about her journey toward coming out at 42.
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Josette graduated from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design in 1979 and moved to Hollywood, aiming to break into the movie industry as a fashion designer. After facing challenges in Hollywood, she transitioned into the world of electronic banking, working her way up in startups and creating ATM and debit card programs for small banks and credit unions. In 1989, Josette moved to San Francisco to work for Visa, where she became deeply involved in credit and debit card processing. In 1996, she left Visa to start Lavender Floral Design, a shop near Ghirardelli Square, which later evolved into a wedding and event design studio when she and David moved to Sonoma in 2002. In Sonoma, Josette became actively involved in local issues, such as growth, the environment, cannabis, and law enforcement oversight, eventually joining Wake Up Sonoma to address concerns about a proposed county-private partnership for a plaza and parking garage in the Springs. She also writes a column for The Sun called "Personal/Political," focusing on local news and issues.
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David graduated from UC Berkeley with a degree in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, which sparked his career in programming. After working for four years at IBM, he joined two former IBM colleagues in their own company, specializing in credit card processing and playing a key role in the early development of PIN processing and chip cards for credit and debit transactions. David’s professional journey continued to shape his expertise in the payment card industry, where he met his wife, Josette. The couple lived in the Castro district of San Francisco for 10 years before relocating to Sonoma Valley in 2002. Since then, David has become actively involved in local issues, advocating on matters such as affordable housing, workers' rights, police oversight, and the environment before the Sonoma planning commission, city council, and county board of supervisors. Outside of his professional work, he enjoys hiking the trails of Sonoma Valley with Josette. David has 3 daughters and 2 grandchildren.
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Martin Gobbe is a bilingual and bicultural Argentinian who has a strong community presence as the General Manager at The Beacon Bar and formerly the Taub Family Outpost in Sonoma for the past 5 years. He has as a work history as a restaurant manager and leader in the industry, has a BA in History and a Master of Fine arts in acting from Brandeis University. Martin will be leading our work in immigration and Business Liaison.
PRESS
ABC 7 NEWS
“Sonoma Development Agreement Terminated.”
“New details in fraud case: Mattson sold real estate at inflated prices”
Sonoma Index-Tribune - August 22, 2024
“LeFever Mattson collapse continues to have ripple effects in Sonoma Valley and across wide network of investors”
Sonoma Index-Tribune - December 27, 2024
“Under the Sun: Veronica Napoles, accidental activist”
Sonoma Valley Sun - February 16, 2023
“Sonoma Cheese Factory gathering draws protesters”
Sonoma Index Tribune- January 31, 2024
“How a miracle-obsessed megachurch conquered a California city”
SF Gate - June 28, 2023
“LeFever Mattson leaving a trail of lawsuits, broken promises amid sweeping Sonoma real estate buys”
Press Democrat/Sonoma Index Tribune - March 23, 2023
The Sonoma Index-Tribune
“‘The power of love’: Hundreds rally, march in People’s March in Sonoma”
“LeFever Mattson and dozens of associated corporations declare bankruptcy”
Santa Rosa Press Democrat - September 14, 2024
“Federal grand jury now investigating LeFever Mattson”
Sonoma Index-Tribune - January 10, 2025
“FBI seeks input from LeFever Mattson investors as company tries to sell 32 Sonoma properties”
Sonoma Index-Tribune - February 14, 2024
“Book bans and boycotts”
Sonoma Valley Sun - June 1, 2023