Happy New Year from me and the District 1 team! Here we are earlier in December gathered for an end of year celebration. I hope you, your family, and your friends had a lovely, relaxing holiday season!
Continue reading below for announcements, information on upcoming events, and community news!
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Prepare for Wet Weather - The new year brought with it a lot of rain and wind. Though we are always grateful for water in our drought, excessive rain brings hazards as well. Late 2022 and early 2023, Sonoma County has been experiencing a series of storms and "atmospheric rivers".
On January 4, Sonoma County issued an emergency proclamation activating the County's Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to monitor and respond to three major storms through January 11. Local emergency and weather officials are advising Sonoma County residents to avoid unnecessary travel and prepare for high winds, flash flooding, downed trees and the potential for power outages throughout the region, as well as the potential for landslides or debris flows in burn scar areas.
An Evacuation Warning has also been issued for communities along the Russian River from Healdsburg to Jenner. An evacuation warning means to gather your items and be ready to leave when you receive an Evacuation Order. If you feel unsafe or need extra time, consider leaving during the “warning” stage. For those in need of shelter, the county has opened an emergency shelter in the E.C. Kraft Building at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds, 1350 Bennett Valley Road, in Santa Rosa. For more information and the latest updates, see Warnings and Updates.
Like any emergency situation, the more preparation done ahead of time, the better. Below are a few tips and resources:
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Free sandbags are often available during storms, for sandbag locations, visit SoCo Emergency
- Before a big storm, make sure you have adequate food, batteries, pet supplies, and medications, particularly if you live in an area where it floods often. You may lose power, or be temporarily stranded by downed trees.
- Stay off the roads if at all possible, but if you need to venture out, do not drive, walk, or swim through any flood waters, even if it looks shallow.
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Report any storm related hazards you see to Transportation and Public Works during business hours at (707) 565-5100 or the Sonoma County Sheriff during off hours at (707) 565-2121. Hazards include fallen trees and power poles, serious flooding, landslides, mud and rocks on the road, or pavement slipping.
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Residents living in or downhill from burn areas, particularly the Glass Fire burn scar, should prepare a "go bag" just in case they need to get out quickly. Sustained rain increases the likelihood of landslides and debris flows, and recently burned areas are particularly susceptible. For more information on go bags, visit SoCo Emergency's section on personal preparedness.
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Sign up for SoCoAlert, especially if you live in Glass Fire impacted areas or near streams or rivers. SoCo Alert is the County's emergency notification system, and they will notify residents if there is a threat to life or property.
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Check current warnings on the National Weather Service (NWS), by listening to a NOAA Weather Radio, or on local radio or television. The NWS will also send “Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA's)” if a hazard is immanent, this will buzz on your cell phone, like an amber alert.
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A full list of road closures, including the ability to sign up for text and email alerts, is available online.
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First Regular Board of Supervisors Meeting of 2023 - On January 10th, the Board will convene for our first meeting of 2023. In addition to internal business like swearing in Board members, selecting Chair and Vice Chair, and talking through Board member assignments for Ad Hocs and committees, we are going to get a thorough presentation on our 2023 Vegetation Management Program and recommendations from the Healthy Forest Ad Hoc committee. This item is currently scheduled for 1:30pm.
I know Vegetation Management is of particular interest to many of my constituents. You may want to review the materials, submit public comment in advance or tune in for the item. You can find the Zoom connection information on the Agenda for the meeting if you don't want to travel through the rain to get down to the Board chambers.
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Apply to Join Library Commission - The position of the Board of Supervisors' Appointee to the Library Commission is currently vacant. If you are interested in serving, please view the Library Commission website and the Commissioner Job Description at the links below.
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Apply to Join the Commission on Human Rights - Supervisor Gorin has two vacancies on the Commission on Human Rights, and is looking for applicants! If you are interested in serving, please review the Commission website and submit an application.
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Ag + Open Space Matching Grant Program - Ag + Open Space has opened Round 2 of the 2022 Matching Grant Program funding cycle. We are accepting grant applications from Dec 13, 2022 - March 10, 2023.
Since 1994, this community-based program has granted almost $40 million dollars to non-profit organizations, cities, and other County departments throughout Sonoma County for the creation and restoration of parks, trails, urban farms and vibrant open spaces.
The focus of the Matching Grant Program is to bring open spaces to where people live – our cities and other residential communities. View more information and apply at the link below.
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Charla Comunitaria - Charla Comunitaria is back in 2023! Join us for the First District's monthly Spanish-language community town hall, Charla Comunitaria. Spread the word, and we hope to see you there! View past and future meetings on Facebook and YouTube.
Next meeting: Thursday, January 12, 2023 at 6pm.
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Springs MAC - Join the Springs Municipal Advisory Council on the second Wednesday of each month at 6:30pm.
Next Meeting: Wednesday, January 11th at 6:30pm.
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North Sonoma Valley MAC - Join the NSV MAC on the third Wednesday of each month at 5:30pm.
Next Meeting: Wednesday, January 18th at 5:30pm.
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Sonoma Valley Citizen's Advisory Committee - The Sonoma Valley Citizens Advisory Commission advises on local planning projects in the Sonoma Valley, and hears informational items on other areas of interest. Join the SVCAC on the fourth Wednesday of each month at 6:30pm.
Next Meeting: Special Meeting Tuesday, January 10th at 6:30pm; Regular Meeting Wednesday, January 25th at 6:30pm.
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Susan Gorin, 1st District Supervisor
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