City Of Arcata

Voice Mail: (707) 269-0394
Email: sornelas@cityofarcata.org
Fax: (707) 822-0818
Write: 736 F Street, Arcata, CA 95521

Installed in Office: December 9, 2008
Term Expires:  December 2012

Arcata's forward thinking environmental management and economic development strategies are an inspiration for me, along with many people and communities. I have lived in Arcata since 1987, and raised two children while attending, and then teaching at, Humboldt State University. While Arcata is on the progressive side of many issues, from wastewater management to community forestry, there is still work to be done.

My community interests are to continue to guide policy toward a sustainable future. To improve local opportunities, I am willing to study the issues, listen to community concerns, and make decisions to benefit the people. I will work to keep Arcata healthy, livable, bikeable, energy efficient and friendly.

Arcata City Council Service:

Council Member: 2008 - present
Vice Mayor: 2010 - present.

Profession:

Executive Director, Jacoby Creek Land Trust.

Education:

Master of Science in Environmental Systems - International Development Technology, Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering - Water Quality Emphasis.

Member of City and Regional Governance Committees:

• Council Representative to the Humboldt-Del Norte Hazardous Materials Response JPA 2010
• Council Representative to the Redwood Coast Energy Authority 2010
• Council Liaison to the Arcata Downtown Business Community (AEDC) – Main Street 2009 - present

Other Community Service:

• Community Alliance with Family Farmers (2008 - present).

Private Sector Accomplishments:

• Consultant for:
  • US Aid for International Development - Agriculture
    Turkmenistan and Jamaica, West Indies
  • Specialty Agriculture Development, County of Humboldt
  • Agriculture & Conservation Easement-United Indian Health Services Potawot Village
• Teaching Lecturer, Humboldt State University
  • - Sustainable Agriculture
  • - Restoration Practices
• Project Manager, Arcata Educational Farm
• Research Engineer, Schatz Energy Research Center
• Advisor University of California Davis Extension / Hoopa
  • - Native American Agriculture
  • - Natural Resource/4-H Youth Program
• Co-Owner Willow Creek Farms.

Past Community Service:

• Council Representative to the Indian Gaming Fund Committee 2009
• Council Liaison to the Sister City Committee 2009
• Open Space and Agriculture Committee (1999 - 2008)
• Humboldt County Food Policy Coalition (2002 - 2004)
• Humboldt County Agricultural Advisory Board (1997 - present)
• Campus Center for Appropriate Technology (1993 - 2002)
• Arcata Foundation (1991 - 1995)
• North Coast Growers Association (1987 - 1991).

Fellowships/Scholarships:

• Switzer Fellowship & Leadership Program, Switzer Foundation (1997 & 2002)
• Leadership Program in Sustainable Food Systems, University of California, Santa Cruz (1993 - 1995).