Gaye LeBaron named Sonoma County's Woman of the Year

Rep. Mike Thompson, D-St. Helena, has named Press Democrat columnist and local historian Gaye LeBaron Sonoma County’s Woman of the Year as part of Women’s History Month.

LeBaron was one of five women Thompson honored - one for each of the five counties in his district - at a small celebration Saturday at Honig Vineyard and Winery in Rutherford, LeBaron said.

“It’s a great honor, obviously, but you don’t want to think too long about what it means,” LeBaron said. “It has a lot to do with living long,” she joked.

LeBaron said Thompson recently read into the Congressional Record her accomplishments, as well as those of the other four women honored.

In a press statement, Thompson recognized LeBaron’s 45 years at The Press Democrat, where she has published more than 8,000 articles. She is considered one of the county’s leading historians.

“Gaye is a leading historian and a pillar of the community,” Thompson said in a statement. “I’ve had the privilege to know and work with her since I first ran for public office. She is an extraordinary individual and it’s my honor to recognize her as Sonoma County’s Woman of the Year.”

The other women honored are: Cynthia Guzman, Napa County; Pamela Phillips, Lake County; Karen Taylor, Solano County; and Maureen Toms, Contra Costa County.