Sonoma County's 'First 5' commission seeks new leader

<p>Sonoma County is seeking job applications for the executive director position of the county's First 5 commission.</p><p>Jennie Tasheff, the commission's longtime executive director, has announced she is retiring in April.</p><p>The agency, one of 58 statewide — one for each county — oversees early childhood health and education programs that that serve about 11,000 needy and at-risk children and nearly 10,000 parents as well as care providers. </p><p>It is funded by a 50-cent tax on tobacco products authorized by California voters in 1998. Last year the Sonoma County agency took in about $3.9 million in tax revenue. With supplemental funds from a reserve, it paid out about $5.8 million for contracts and programs.</p><p>Spanish fluency has been added as a requirement for job applicants. A majority of the agency's clients are Spanish speakers. The salary range is $91,186 to $110,826.</p><p>The application period closes Feb. 13. For more information visit www.first5sonomacounty.org.</p>