Meet Joanna
Putting Families Ahead of Everything Else
Joanna Paun is a mother of four, a lifelong advocate for kids, and a trusted local leader who has spent her entire career putting families first.
Joanna was president and currently serves as Trustee of the Petaluma School Board and as Sonoma County’s education coordinator for our most vulnerable children. In these roles, she has worked every day to make sure our schools and public systems deliver real results for families—not politics as usual.
Joanna believes government should work for the people it serves. She leads with integrity, listens to the community, and focuses on practical solutions that improve everyday life.
That’s exactly the kind of leadership Sonoma County needs now—to protect affordability, strengthen our neighborhoods, and put people before politics.
Joanna helped bring greater equity and diversity to our schools, delivered new electric school buses to protect student health and the environment, and worked to close the achievement gap so every child has a fair shot at success. As the first African American elected in Petaluma, she understands firsthand the importance of representation, inclusion, and leadership that reflects the whole community.
Joanna’s Plan
Joanna will work to ensure families can afford to live, work, raise kids, build businesses, and retire in the community they love—without being priced out. Affordability isn’t a slogan; it’s about protecting quality of life for working families, seniors, and small businesses.
Make Sonoma County More Affordable
Joanna supports housing solutions that reflect local needs and values. She will advocate for smart, community-driven approaches that expand affordability while maintaining the high standards that make Sonoma County a great place to live.
Community-Driven Housing Solutions
Joanna believes we must tackle homelessness with compassion and effectiveness. That means meaningful investments in mental health care, prevention services, and strategies that address root causes—not just temporary fixes.
Address Homelessness with Real Solutions
Joanna will bring greater accountability and transparency to the Board of Supervisors. She is committed to open decision-making and delivering results that residents can see and feel in their daily lives.