Community Branch Manager
Bank of Stockton

My name is Melani Sundborg, and I am the Community Branch Manager at the Sonora branch of Bank of Stockton, I have been with Bank of Stockton a total of almost 6 years. Prior to becoming the Community Branch Manager, I was the Customer Service Manager. I am joining the Chamber to connect with fellow business leaders and to contribute to the growth of our community. Outside of work, you can find me outdoors, hiking, walking or paddleboarding. I also enjoy spending time with family and friends.

I can be contacted at
Work #209-536-2102
Cell # 209-770-0098
msundborg@bakofstockton.com

Gravity Powered. STEM Driven.

Soap Box Derby racing introduces stem to youth in an enjoyable, engaging way.

• Creativity
• Problem-solving
• Critical thinking
• Team building
• Communication
• Time management
• Collaboration
• Ingenuity
• Data analysis
• Decision-making

After 86 years, the All American Soap Box Derby returns to downtown Sonora on April 24, 2027. This family-friendly event promotes youth STEM learning, tourism, community pride, and economic development.

The 1st place winner in each division will automatically be eligible to participate in the World Championship races in Akron, Ohio. NorCal Soap Box Derby club will pay for the transportation of the cars to Ohio, but the families (or sponsors) will need to make travel arrangements for the racers. This is a week long event involving several activities and races.

Grand Champion Sponsor	$10,000	Premier logo placement, speaking opportunity, vendor booth, media recognition, race day banner. Driver sponsor w/ Logo
Starter Line Sponsor	$5,000	Large logo placement, media recognition, vendor booth, race day banner, Driver sponsor w/logo
Fast Track Sponsor	$2,500	Medium logo placement, signage, website and social media recognition, Driver sponsor w/logo
Driver Sponsor	$1,200	Driver sponsor w/logo, website & social media recognition
Pit Crew Sponsor	$1,000	Banner at pit crew location, website and social media recognition
Checkered Flag Sponsor	$500	Name recognition on signage and website

Support the Sonora All American Soap Box Derby that inspires youth and attracts visitors to Sonora. For information contact the Sonora Chamber of Commerce at 209 694-4008 or info@sonorachamber.org

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Director of Engineering
Vertical Design Services

Dillon Mitchell is President of Vertical Design Services, an Electrical Engineering firm serving Electrical contractors throughout the country. As a Professional Electrical Engineer in 14 states, Dillon has worked on over $1 billion worth of commercial construction projects over the last 15 years, from new High School Campuses, to College Dormitories, to Ford Assembly Plants to Hospital and Primary Care Facilities, as well as Medical Office Buildings.

Dillon is a resident of Twain Harte and enjoys hiking and running. Having completed a 100-mile race in North Carolina in August of 2024, going 102.5 miles in 28.5 hours without sleep.

Richard Darone – Recovery Advocate & Founder of the 12 Journeys Framework
Richard Darone is a dedicated recovery advocate, mentor, and educator with a mission
to help individuals overcome addiction and rebuild fulfilling lives. With years of
experience supporting people on their healing journeys, Richard developed the 12
Journeys Framework, a holistic approach to recovery that integrates physical
wellness, emotional balance, mental clarity, spiritual growth, and community connection.
Drawing from multiple recovery pathways—including certifications in12-Step programs,
the Red Road of Wellbriety, SMART Recovery, and trauma-informed care. As well
as Parenting, Victims, Impact and Cognitive Behavioral Intervention. Richard hold
certification in 11 different modalities from, UCLA, UC San Diego, and the
University of Cincinnati Addiction Programs. Richard recognizes that no single
approach works for everyone. His work blends evidence-based recovery
strategies with practical life skills, cultural identity, and personal empowerment to
create a sustainable path to long-term healing.

Richard’s approach is rooted in compassion, understanding, and real-life
experience. He provides workshops, mentorship, and community support to help
individuals build resilience, restore relationships, and discover their purpose
beyond addiction. Through his leadership, many have found strength in the 12
Journeys Framework, learning to navigate recovery with clarity, confidence, and
connection.

Whether guiding someone through early recovery, helping families heal, or
building supportive communities, Richard’s work is about more than sobriety—it
is about transforming lives.

Richard Darone – Recovery Advocate, Event Coordinator & Founder of the 12
Journeys Framework

Richard Darone is a passionate recovery advocate, mentor, and event coordinator
committed to helping individuals break free from addiction and rebuild meaningful lives.
As the founder of the 12 Journeys Framework, Richard has developed a holistic,
person-centered approach to recovery, integrating physical wellness, emotional
balance, mental clarity, spiritual growth, and community engagement to create
lasting change.

His work blends evidence-based strategies with practical life skills, cultural identity, and
purpose-driven healing to support individuals in every stage of their journey.
Beyond direct recovery work, Richard is also deeply involved in charity initiatives and
event coordination through The Being Movement, an organization dedicated to
uplifting communities through acts of service, education, and advocacy. He has led

fundraisers, awareness campaigns, and large-scale recovery events, bringing
people together to share stories, find support, and build stronger, healthier communities.
Richard’s work is about more than just sobriety—it is about empowerment,
connection, and transformation. Whether mentoring individuals, organizing impactful
recovery events, or creating spaces for healing and growth, he remains dedicated to
helping people find their purpose and thrive beyond addiction.

Unicorn Tattoo

A natural problem solver, motivated by challenges we face, Eleanor Brennan  represents resilient spirit of small business and creative capital. Her business, Unicorn Tattoo is located in the heart of downtown Sonora.

There you can find Eleanor tattooing, painting, or consulting about various visual projects.  Celebrating 17 years of tattooing, Eleanor  has a parallel passion for civic engagement. Local representation and advocacy are priority for her and believes it is essential for building a healthy and vibrant community.

She has dedicated her life to build custom images in many forms: tattooing, painting, illustration, and public service campaigns. Eleanor has helped nonprofits and federal agencies to create works that foster stewardship, promote education, and call people to action. In her past residency, she was appointed by the City as Arts Commissioner Chair.  No stranger to City Council halls, Eleanor has a passion for entrepreneurial advocacy and is honored to serve the City of Sonora’s business community with her role as Sonora Chamber Board Member.

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