photo credit:

With a focus on equity, candidates for Sonoma County’s 2nd and 4th district supervisor seats will gather virtually for a debate Thursday evening. Click here for a link to Los Cien's website to register for the online Zoom session.

As the Press Democrat reports, the forum was originally scheduled to be in-person at Sally Tomatoes in Rohnert Park. But after receiving criticism from anti-vaccine protestors for a request attendees to show proof of vaccine and wear masks, the venue was changed.

4th District incumbent James Gore and challenger Richard “Andy” Springer will be there, as will 2nd District incumbent David Rabbit and his two challengers, Blake Hooper and Kevin Hayenga.

The Sonoma County Latino leadership organization Los Cien is hosting the debate.

"We will ask our future leaders specific questions that reveal how they will create tangible equity-building change in our communities and our county," according to the Los Cien website.

Organizers say the five candidates will face questions on countywide issues like racial and social justice and housing.

Sonoma County’s 4th District spans much of northeastern Sonoma County including, Healdsburg, Windsor, and parts of northern Santa Rosa. The 2nd District includes Petaluma, part of Rohnert Park and rural areas in south county.

The debate is scheduled from 6:30 to 7:45 p.m. on the evening of March 31.