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Politics & Government

Healdsburg Attorney Appointed to Sonoma County Human Rights Commission

Gail Jonas aims to help the underserved

Recently appointed by Sonoma County Supervisor Mike McGuire, Healdsburg attorney, mediator and activist Gail Jonas was approved Jan. 11 for a two-year term on the Sonoma County Commission on Human Rights.

According to CHR's Biennium Work Plan listed on the county’s website, the primary purpose of the Sonoma County Commission on Human Rights is to promote better human relations among all people in Sonoma County through education, advocacy, and by initiating action that fosters the recognition of and appreciation for the diversity of our community.

An interview with city council member revealed that Jonas is a perfect fit for this job.

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"Gail is passionate, hard working and tenacious for people and things she believes in," said Wood. "We worked together on the Community First project, and human rights goes with Gail's nature. 

"Several years ago. she worked dauntlessly on voting rights issues in the Presidential election," Wood continued.

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One of the first issues that the CHR will tackle is the impounding of cars driven by undocumented workers. 

"I’ve been told that the cars of undocumented workers are impounded for one month, and the fee to get the car out is $2,000,” said Jonas.

“However, nobody -- including a U.S. citizen -- can get the car out before the month is up,” she continued.

In addition to this issue, Jonas feels strongly about underserved people in our county, and will work on immigration issues and elderly abuse.

“People fall through the cracks and need our help, especially the elderly , minority groups including undocumented workers, the mentally ill and more,” she said. “These people don’t have the resources to help themselves.”

Jonas brings an impressive service record to the CHR and has lived in Healdsburg for 46 years.

“In addition to being an attorney for 34 years, I've been mediating for 29 years,” noted Jonas. “I also volunteered for a decade to handle settlement conferences for the Sonoma County Superior Court Family Law bench, using my mediation skills to help resolve cases that otherwise end up in trial.”

When McGuire was running for city council in Healdsburg, Jonas worked on his campaign and she also chaired Community First, an ad hoc group whose mission was to get the Healdsburg City Council to require a Community Impact Report for proposed large developments.

What's more, Jonas was instrumental in keeping Healdsburg primarily on the east side of Highway 101, and won one of the first land-use battles in California.

"We were able to preserve the prime agricultural land for the grapes, instead of paving it and building houses on it," said Jonas proudly.

On a personal note, the divorced mother of two children and several grandchildren recently competed with her children and grandchildren in "Vineman", an Ironman length relay, Jonas said.

“We were the only three-generation relay in the event and I, at 70, was the oldest woman," Jonas said.. “I completed the marathon even though it took me seven hours.”

Jonas is also an expert kayaker.

"I've been a whitewater kayaker for years and have taught many people to roll their kayaks, but I am off the river until my grandchildren are older," Jonas said.

Jonas's  law practice handles mediation, estate planning and collaborative family law. You may contact her via her website, GailJonas.com

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