Springs Mutual Aid organizers ask council for support using plaza, outline monthly aid operations

Multiple volunteers and co-founders described a grassroots mutual-aid effort that has run monthly distribution events at the Springs Plaza. Kalani Raposa, who identified themself as a co-founder, said the program provides burritos, clothing, blankets and hygiene kits and that "we will be submitting for your consideration a proposal to utilize the Springs Plaza and the Old Church Mouse Building as a home for the aforementioned community center." Gloria Hartzmann, another co-founder, said, "Since February, over a 150 burritos and 5 or more carloads of clothing, linens, hygiene, pet supplies" have been shared with neighbors.

Organizers said events draw roughly 30–45 people and include partnerships with local groups and businesses for donated food and supplies. Council members asked about coordination with Sonoma Family Meals and teen culinary programs; organizers said outreach and partnership efforts are in progress and asked the council to consider allowing use of plaza spaces and local buildings to host a permanent mutual-aid hub. The council thanked the volunteers and said the comments would be taken into consideration as staff plan future agenda items.