Sen. Dodd: Petaluma’s Sheila Bride is Woman of the Year

PETALUMA – Sheila Bride, a local businesswoman who applied her passion for healthy eating to fighting chronic hunger and helping those in need in her community, has been named Sonoma County Woman of the Year by Sen. Bill Dodd.

“I think that we live in the best place on earth with the most wonderful organizations and people to serve, so it’s easy to help,” said Bride, the owner of Petaluma Coffee and Tea Company. “I am honored and humbled by this award from Sen. Dodd and really don’t know what to say except that there are so many other women doing extraordinary things for our community who deserve this too.”

“Sheila’s dedication to fighting hunger is truly amazing,” Sen. Dodd said. “Now more than ever, Sonoma County needs people like Sheila who are willing to stand up and help others. She’s a role model for the entire community as we face uncertain times.”

Bride is an advisory board member of Petaluma Bounty and former board member of the affiliated nonprofit, Petaluma People Services. Petaluma Bounty is focused on addressing food insecurity and getting nutritious food to people who otherwise cannot afford it. The group continues to work during the coronavirus crisis to ensure people get the food they need. Bride also has created, along with the Rotary Club of Petaluma Valley, the Friendship Garden, located at her home, which raises money for books for elementary school children. The vegetables are sold to Rotary members at their weekly meetings. The remainder are donated to Lucchesi Senior Center for their meal program.

Bride, a former airline flight attendant who launched her coffee company in 1989, said she was inspired in part by her Hawaii upbringing, cooking with her grandmother and working in her store. Bride said she “always liked healthy eating and thought we should teach children about it so they can share their knowledge with their parents.”

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Senator Bill Dodd represents the 3rd Senate District, which includes all or portions of Sonoma, Napa, Solano, Yolo, Contra Costa, and Sacramento counties. You can learn more about the district and Senator Dodd at www.sen.ca.gov/dodd.