Update on Redistricting &
Monthly Newsletter
|
|
The Latest on Redistricting |
|
As the year wraps up, we are one step closer to concluding the redistricting process that will shape Supervisorial districts and local representation for the next 10 years. As we communicated in our last update, the Board of Supervisors held a special meeting on November 29 to discuss redistricting and specific map boundaries. At the meeting, the demographer presented new maps for consideration. The new maps, drawn at the request of County officials, were made available to the public and the Board just an hour and a half prior to the start of the meeting.
At the special meeting, the majority of the Board indicated preference for a map and recommended edits that resulted in the current map being considered, titled “RP Split 3”. RP Split 3 significantly deviates from the ARC recommended map and also from the status quo. Changes impact all districts, with major alterations to District 3 and District 5. Under the current map being considered, modifications to district boundaries occur as follows:
District 3
- The western boundary moves farther west to encompass the Moreland and Roseland neighborhoods and all of southwest Santa Rosa into District 3. These areas were previously in District 5.
- To balance the population, the map pulls in District 3’s northern boundary. This results in Districts 1, 4 and 5 absorbing parts of central Santa Rosa, including Ridgeway, the West End and portions – but not all – of the Santa Rosa Junior College neighborhood.
- District 3’s southern boundary continues to split the City of Rohnert Park between District 2 and District 3.
District 5
- To keep population numbers balanced after moving southwest Santa Rosa from District 5 to District 3, significant changes are required for District 5. In the map being considered, this occurs mostly along the District 5 eastern boundary.
- District 5 moves east reaching into downtown Santa Rosa, with its new boundary along Highway 101 and across to Mendocino Avenue in some areas. With these changes, District 5 would include Railroad Square and the West End, the historic Ridgeway neighborhood, Coddingtown Mall and Santa Rosa Junior College. Portions of the SRJC Neighborhood would be represented by Districts 1, 3 and 5.
- District 5 would also encompass urban residential neighborhoods in the City of Santa Rosa along Guerneville Road, which were previously in District 4.
District 1
- District 1 mostly remains the same with exceptions to a portion of its northwestern boundary at Alta Vista and moving across Farmers Lane to take in portions of the Sherwood Forest neighborhood in east Santa Rosa. The new boundary at the northwestern section is triangular and reaches out to Mendocino Avenue at its western peak.
- The Santa Rosa Rural Cemetery, Franklin park and the surrounding Hidden Valley and Montecito neighborhoods would move from District 3 and into District 1.
- The 71-acre county-owned Chanate Campus, currently in the process of being sold by the county to a private developer, will be moved from wholly within District 3 to a split between District 1 and District 4.
District 2
- Changes to District 2 occur at two sections on its northwestern boundary along Bloomfield Road and Scenic Avenue. The new line allows for District 5 to expand South with District 2 boundaries moving South to Blucher Creek and Wilfred Avenue.
District 4
- Alterations to District 4 occur along its southwestern edge where it transfers an area east of Forestville to District 5 as well as neighborhoods along Guerneville Road as mentioned above.
- District 4 gains population South of Fountain Grove and Coffey Lane with its new boundary running along Steele Lane and Chanate Road.
The Board is required to post the new map for seven days prior to its official adoption which is scheduled for December 7. From now until then, the public has a chance to weigh in on the proposed changes. December 15 is the federal deadline for the final approval of a new map.
To attend the December 7 meeting, and view the calendar and agendas for upcoming meetings, constituents may click here.
As always, thank you for reading and for your continued engagement.
|
|
Chris Coursey
707-565-2241
|
|
On November 17, the Board of Supervisors approved the sale of the 71-acre county-owned Chanate Campus to Eddie Haddad of Resources Group for $15.05 million. Haddad submitted the highest responsive, responsible bid in response to the Nov. 9 call for oral bids. The sale is scheduled to conclude with the close of escrow on December 22.
Selling the property, which has annual carrying costs of nearly $1 million, has long been a goal of the Board of Supervisors and the completion of this process represents an accomplishment for the organization and the community at large. As part of the agreement of sale, the buyer will be responsible for all demolition costs. Additionally, the contract guarantees public access to the historic cemetery on the property among other benefits.
Parcel J, the 10.4-acre Paulin Meadow site located at the southwest corner of the property at the end of Beverly Way, is not included in the sale. On November 2, the Board approved the transfer of this portion of Paulin Meadow to the Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District to ensure the conservation of the woodland area in perpetuity.
|
|
The County of Sonoma is updating the Housing Element of its General Plan and Permit Sonoma is convening a working group of up to 12 community members to advise staff. Permit Sonoma invites community members to apply to join this new Housing Advisory Committee to help develop solutions that meet the community’s housing needs.
Advisory Committee members will review draft concepts, and serve as community ambassadors to help publicize public workshops and other opportunities to participate in the planning effort. While the committee is not a decision-making body, members’ experiences related to housing needs, constraints to housing development, and feasibility of policies and programs will greatly benefit the effort.
The working group will be composed of up to 15 volunteers from across the county representing a wide variety of community stakeholders and perspectives.
A stipend of $150 will be available for low-income members who meet certain criteria. Members are expected to attend a two hour meeting approximately every two months.
|
|
The Sonoma County Continuum of Care (CoC) is now accepting applications to become a member of the Continuum of Care.
The Sonoma County CoC addresses the problems of housing and homelessness by having a countywide, community-informed, and person-centered CoC system that is compassionate, inclusive, financially responsible, equitable, coordinated, and outcomes-based. Anyone or any entity committed to the prevention and ending of homeless is welcome in the Continuum of Care.
|
|
The Sonoma County Continuum of Care is now accepting applications for the Lived Experience Advisory and Planning Board (LEAP)!
LEAP is comprised of people with lived experience of homelessness, with an emphasis on racial and ethnic diversity in its composition. The purpose of the LEAP is to advise Sonoma County on homeless-related programs, policies and how to spend money targeted for homeless services. The LEAP will work with the Continuum of Care Board on improving programs, services, shelters, and housing. LEAP members will be compensated for their time.
|
|
No one in Sonoma County should go hungry. If you need food assistance this holiday season, the Redwood Empire Food Bank is one organization that can help! Please contact the Food Connections team at (707) 523-7900 to learn all the ways you can get free and delicious food, or visit getfood.refb.org to find food distribution sites near you.
|
|
Toy Drive Hosted by SMART
|
|
Sonoma County Opens COVID-19 Boosters
Broadly to Adults to Avoid Surge
Sonoma County is opening-up COVID-19 boosters to all adults 18 years and older, provided they qualify based on the timing of their last dose of the vaccine. It’s a policy that turns no one away who seeks to strengthen their immune systems in advance of the holiday season.
- All recipients of the two-shot Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines may now receive a booster as long as at least six months have passed since receiving their second dose.
- All recipients of the one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine should get a booster two months after their previous dose.
- Anyone in a higher-risk group – including seniors 65 and older, people with underlying medical conditions, people who work in high-risk settings and all Johnson & Johnson recipients – is urged to get a booster as soon as possible.
For more information, including the latest vaccine numbers, who’s eligible for a vaccine and how to receive a vaccine, visit SoCoEmergency.org/vaccine, or call 2-1-1.
|
|
Pediatric Vaccines
Now that the pediatric COVID-19 vaccine is available for students ages 5 to 11, Sonoma County Office of Education in partnership with the County of Sonoma is operating vaccination clinics at local school sites around the county.
Important details about the school vaccination clinics:
- The school site vaccination clinics are voluntary. No student will receive the vaccine without parental consent.
- These clinics are being run after school The clinics do not run during the school day.
- Parents must be present for their child to receive the vaccine.
- These clinics are being held for students enrolled at the school site and their family members.
|
|
People planning to travel and attend gatherings over the upcoming holidays should take steps now to protect themselves from COVID-19 and ensure they have proper documents required by some destinations, airlines and events to prove their vaccination or testing status.
People who are not vaccinated should avoid travel and holiday gatherings.
Residents can find information about vaccine clinics and how to make appointments through the county’s vaccine clinic page or through myturn.ca.gov. Residents who need help making an appointment are encouraged to call the County COVID-19 hotline at (707) 565-4667.
At all times, unvaccinated people should wear a mask indoors and maintain social distancing of 6 feet when meeting with people outside their immediate family. Regardless of vaccination status, people should wear a mask while indoors in public places. Everyone, even people who are fully vaccinated, is required to wear a mask on public transportation and follow international travel recommendations.
If you are sick or have symptoms of COVID-19, don’t travel, host or attend a gathering. Get tested if you have symptoms or have had a close contact with someone who has COVID-19. Monitor yourself for symptoms for 14 days after participating in holiday celebrations and activities. Pay special attention from days 3-7 as this is when people are most likely to develop symptoms.
Some destinations and events require a COVID-19 test or proof of vaccination. Research the requirements of your destination or event now to ensure you are prepared. Arriving at a gate without acceptable test results can cost you time and frustration and may result in you missing your flight or event. Not all COVID-19 test providers are approved for travel testing or can guarantee test results in time for your travel or event. Before scheduling your COVID-19 test, check with your test provider to see if they meet the required test result certification and timelines for your travel, destination or event.
For more information, including the latest vaccine numbers, who’s eligible for a vaccine and how to receive a vaccine, visit SoCoEmergency.org/vaccine, or call 2-1-1.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
