To: Board of Supervisors
Department or Agency Name(s): County Executive’s Office, Human Services
Staff Name and Phone Number: David Guhin, 707-565-2431; Angela Struckmann, 707-565-5800
Vote Requirement: Majority
Supervisorial District(s): Countywide
Recommended Action:
Title
Approve the Appointment of Renee Whitlock Hemsouvanh and Tara Good-Young to the Child Care and Children's Health Community Advisory Council for four-year terms beginning June 2, 2026, and ending on June 1, 2030. (Countywide)
End
Executive Summary:
The Child Care and Children's Health Community Advisory Council (CAC), as established by Board Resolution 25-0030 on January 28, 2025, oversees implementation of Measure I, Sonoma County’s Child Care and Children’s Health Initiative. The CAC consists of 11-members, appointed by the Board, and provides community-informed input and recommendations to the First 5 Sonoma County Commission on strategic planning, funding priorities, and implementation efforts related to children’s health and child care services throughout Sonoma County. The First 5 Sonoma County Commission recommends the appointment of Renee Whitlock Hemsouvanh to fill the center-based early learning and care provider seat, and the appointment of Tara Good-Young to fill the healthcare system seat, for four-year terms beginning June 25, 2026, and ending on June 24, 2030.
Discussion:
First 5 Sonoma County (First 5) acts as the administering agency, providing staff support and working with the Child Care and Children's Health Community Advisory Council (CAC) and the First 5 Commission to implement programs, develop policies, and review the annual tax fund audit. First 5 partners with local organizations and provides grants to improve outcomes for young children and their families. Funded by California’s Proposition 10 tobacco tax and Measure I - Sonoma County Child Care & Children's Health Initiative, First 5 invests in programs that promote early learning, family resilience, and child health. Key initiatives include parenting support, early childhood education, and innovative programs like guaranteed income pilots for low-income families. Through strategic planning and community engagement, First 5 aims to give every child in Sonoma County a strong start in life.
Renee Whitlock Hemsouvanh is a strong addition to the CAC, representing local center-based early care and education. She brings extensive experience in early childhood education and a long-standing commitment to Sonoma County. As the owner of Fulton Community School & Farm, she brings over 25 years of direct experience working with children, families, and educators, ensuring that her perspective is grounded in real community needs. She has demonstrated strong leadership through her roles as co-chair of the Sonoma County Child Care Planning Council and former Board President of the Community Child Care Council of Sonoma County, where she contributed to strategic planning and policy development to expand access to quality child care. Ms. Whitlock Hemsouvanh also brings a unique perspective through her background in environmental education, food systems, and nature-based learning as a Master Gardener and Certified California Naturalist. Combined with her experience as a local parent, she offers a well-rounded, practical, and collaborative approach that will support thoughtful and effective implementation of Measure I investments.
Tara Good-Young is a strong addition to the CAC, representing Pediatric/Perinatal Health and/or Mental Health Care Systems due to her extensive healthcare leadership and long-standing commitment to improving outcomes for children. With more than 40 years of experience, she brings deep expertise in pediatric and preventive care, particularly for children and families who face barriers to accessing medical and dental services. Through her leadership at Pediatric Dental Initiative Surgery Center and her work with regional oral health collaboratives and First 5 agencies, Ms. Good-Young has a clear understanding of the challenges families face and the systems that serve them. She also brings valuable policy experience through her active engagement with state legislators and advisory bodies, where she advocates for equitable access to care and improved health outcomes for children. Ms. Good-Young’s combination of direct service experience, systems-level knowledge, and commitment to community-centered solutions positions her to contribute meaningfully to the CAC’s work in guiding thoughtful and effective Measure I investments to support children and families.
On April 27, 2026, the First 5 Sonoma County Commission voted unanimously to recommend that the Board appoint Ms. Whitlock Hemsouvanh and Ms. Good-Young for a four-year term beginning June 2, 2026 and ending on June 1, 2030 to the CAC.
Strategic Plan:
Not Applicable.
Prior Board Actions:
None
Fiscal Summary
Narrative Explanation of Fiscal Impacts:
Not Applicable.
Narrative Explanation of Staffing Impacts (If Required):
Not Applicable.
Attachments:
1. Applications Recommended for Appointment
2. Applications Not Recommended for Appointment
Related Items “On File” with the Clerk of the Board:
None.