Tomorrow is Cinco de Mayo, which began as a commemoration of Mexico's victory over the French army at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. It has evolved into a celebration of Mexican-American culture, cuisine and heritage, with fun community events scheduled in Santa Rosa and Sonoma, among other places. Before the fiesta starts, catch up on the latest news from the county. We have updates today on the reopening of Joe Rodota Trail, new rules to protect neighborhoods from the impacts of vacation rentals, and an important effort by the County Recorder’s Office to remove racist restrictions from property records. You will also learn about a new destination for travelers flying out of Sonoma County and a new resource to help homeowners behind on their property taxes. Plus, we have information on new incentives being offered by the county to fill some types of vacant positions.

As always, we encourage you to share this newsletter with friends, colleagues and family members so they can sign up for the SoCo Correspondent and receive each issue directly.

Como siempre, le animamos a compartir este boletín con amigos, colegas y familiares para que puedan suscribirse al SoCo Correspondent y recibir directamente cada número.

Supervisors welcomed participants to the first Community Forum on Mental Health at the Finley Center in Santa Rosa on May 2.

Participants interacted with service providers during an exhibition at the mental health forum in Santa Rosa on Tuesday.

With Sonoma County experiencing a rise in substance use disorders and homelessness combined with a shortage of services to address mental health needs, the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday convened a first-of-its-kind summit of behavioral health professionals from across the county for a listening session on the mental health crisis facing the community.

The 250 registered participants online and in person at the Finley Center in Santa Rosa heard panel discussions on substance use disorder and the opioid crisis, mental health and wellness needs, crisis services and suicide prevention, and workforce challenges and solutions. Each panel featured experts from local service providers and the county Department of Health Services. Four of the supervisors moderated panel discussions, while Supervisor Susan Gorin participated online.

Supervisor Chris Coursey, chair of the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors, opened the Community Forum on Mental Health by addressing the gravity of the issue.

“One thing I know is that there has never been a time in our society where we need mental health care more than right now. There are so many reasons. Our economy doesn’t work for very many people. Our politics don’t work for most people. We have so many issues to deal with in our lives. The social construct has been frayed for three years by the pandemic and that has impacts throughout society from kindergarten classrooms to corporate offices,” said Supervisor Chris Coursey, chair of the Board of Supervisors.

During a panel on workforce challenges and solutions, moderated by Supervisor Coursey, Behavioral Health Division Director Jan Cobaleda-Kegler said that the division has a 28 percent staff vacancy rate, up from 13 percent in June 2021. The increasing cost of living in Sonoma County combined with mental health care industry-wide burnout have made recruitment and retention difficult.

Despite the challenges, Department of Health Services Director Tina Rivera said that the county would use the participant feedback from the forum to reinvigorate its work to find solutions. The forum was funded by Measure O, the quarter-cent sales tax measure voters approved in 2020 to fund mental health and homelessness services. Rivera said Measure O would significantly bolster the county’s efforts to address this unprecedented mental health crisis.

Supervisor Chris Coursey, right, speaks with Regional Parks Director Bert Whitaker, left, and Parks Manager David Robinson, center, shortly after Joe Rodota Trail reopened on April 20, 2023.

Sonoma County Regional Parks reopened the Joe Rodota Trail on April 20 following a four-week closure to clear debris, make repairs and install measures designed to prevent camping along the popular bike and pedestrian path linking Santa Rosa and Sebastopol.

The county is now employing new tools to keep the trail open and safe for all users. The March 21 opening of an emergency shelter site on the County Government Center campus has provided the county with added shelter capacity to respond quickly to any new encampments. Park Rangers have been patrolling the Joe Rodota Trail daily and members of the county’s Homelessness Service Division are on the trail five days a week to assess campers and offer placements at the emergency shelter site, as appropriate. 

To discourage camping in several problematic areas that repeatedly impacted the safe public use of the trail, Regional Parks installed large boulders secured in cement along a 150-foot section of the trail west of Roseland Avenue. The county also erected wrought iron fencing along a 300-foot segment west of Dutton Avenue, similar to fencing used previously to deter camping along the trail near Stony Point Road.

In addition, the Board of Supervisors adopted an ordinance April 18 that now identifies nine types of properties where public camping is prohibited at all times, including in all county parks (except in designated campgrounds). As a county park, camping will be prohibited on the Joe Rodota Trail at all times under these new amendments, which take effect May 18. “No Camping” signs will be installed at all access points and regular intervals along the trail.

Last week, 73 people were living at the county’s emergency shelter site. The site is equipped with 87 tents and an array of support services to help unsheltered people transition into permanent housing. Donations of food and supplies are welcome.

The Board of Supervisors last week tentatively approved a series of new regulations on vacation rentals and timeshares, culminating the county’s efforts to protect neighborhoods adversely impacted by short-term rentals that cater to out-of-town tourists.

A new business license program will standardize operating requirements for vacation rentals to protect neighbors from nuisances. The Board also placed caps on vacation rentals and created exclusion zones to reduce over-concentration of short-term rentals in several specific areas. Lastly, the Board amended the zoning code to clarify regulations for timeshares and short-term use of fractionally-owned residential properties.

The business license program gives Permit Sonoma new tools to expedite enforcement and allow proportional measures to be applied to violations.

“With these new regulations and the cap and exclusion zones, we’re taking steps to mitigate the impacts of short-term rentals upon neighborhoods adversely affected by vacation rentals in Sonoma County,” said Supervisor Chris Coursey, chair of the Board of Supervisors.

The measures will return for a second reading before the Board later in May, and if approved, would go into effect 30 days later.

The Sonoma County Recorder is working to bring to light ugly racist restrictions from our past.

In the early part of the 20th century, it was common for developers and real estate agents to place restrictions in property records preventing people of color from buying, renting or using property, unless they were working as servants. These restrictions, which were designed to keep neighborhoods segregated, were outlawed in 1948 when the U.S. Supreme Court ruled racially restrictive covenants were unconstitutional.

While these covenants are unlawful, many still exist in property records kept by the county recorder’s office. In 2021, the state Legislature made it easier to remove these illegal covenants from property records. Last month, the Sonoma County Recorder began searching for vendors to review more than 24 million images of local documents and maps for illegal restrictive language, mainly related to race restrictions. The goal is to identify and redact illegal covenants, while maintaining the original recorded document with the original language. An index of all recorded Restrictive Covenant Modification documents is available to the public for review.

“We do not want to forget our past, but there is no place for this type of illegal language in documents that form the basis for property ownership,” said Deva Marie Proto, the county’s Clerk-Recorder-Assessor and Registrar of Voters. “Although these racist restrictions are no longer enforceable, this project will ensure they are no longer attached to property records while giving us a more accurate understanding of how prevalent they were used in Sonoma County.”

Before: Below is an 1939 property record located by the Sonoma County Recorder.

The language in the fifth clause is an illegal covenant. 

After: An updated version of the document, with the illegal covenant redacted,

has been manually recorded by the Sonoma County Recorder. 

An ongoing series highlighting public servants across a variety

of departments at the County of Sonoma.

Name: Ryan DeHart

Title: Interim manager for the Department of Health Services’ Public Health Preparedness Section

Years with County: 1.5

Personal side: I live in Rohnert Park with my wife Erin, and my two dogs Obi and Poe. I am originally from Humboldt County, so I’m very familiar with the North Coast. We moved here to begin my career with the county after my wife and I found positions in the area. Sonoma County has always been a favorite place for me, with great outdoor activities and a phenomenal food and beverage scene. But it’s the fantastic people who truly make this place special. In my free time I enjoy cooking, practicing Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and spending time with my family.

Education and/or certifications: I earned a bachelor’s degree in political science with an emphasis in American Government from UC Santa Cruz. I’m also a certified Emergency Services Specialist from the California Specialized Training Institute. I am currently pursuing a Certified Emergency Manager credential from the International Association of Emergency Managers.

What do you do? I supervise the Public Health Preparedness team in the Department of Health Services. We are responsible for planning and leading the county’s response to public health emergencies. The COVID-19 pandemic has been a major focus. Since July of 2022, I’ve had the privilege of coordinating the county’s vaccination and testing programs, including the logistics needed to support both initiatives. Over the last few months, we have been transitioning our focus from response to recovery, and planning for the future. Our team is working to capture and record important lessons learned during the pandemic so we can solidify best practices and improve our response to the next emergency involving an infectious disease.

During the January floods, I helped lead our efforts to provide medical and behavioral health support for all of the evacuation shelters and Community Recovery Centers created by the county. Furthermore, I oversee multiple grants and programs that help us prepare for public health emergencies.

What gives you fulfillment? Serving people who are affected by disasters and infectious diseases in a community that I deeply care about. Knowing that I have put forth my best to better the collective good gives me an immense amount of fulfillment.

I think that it is an important aspect of life to try things that are difficult for the purpose of them being difficult. Sixty years ago, John F. Kennedy urged Americans to aim high and put a man on the moon, saying: “We choose to go to the Moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard.” I find fulfillment in finding things that are hard and working to perfect them.

Passions outside of work? My passions fall generally into a few categories. Creatively speaking, I deeply enjoy science fiction and fantasy lore and games, pushing myself musically with both guitar and singing, and trying to perfect new culinary and beer brewing recipes. Athletically, I enjoy pushing myself in combat sports such as Brazilian jiu-jitsu, which I have been training in for four years. I also enjoy watching rugby and basketball, both sports I played in college. But my main passion is spending quality time with my wife and dogs.

Members of the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office and Santa Rosa Police Department honor the county's fallen officers in the National Peace Officer Memorial ceremony on May 15, 2019.

The Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard will pay tribute to the county’s fallen deputies on May 15 to commemorate National Peace Officers Memorial Day.

The 11:30 a.m. ceremony will take place near Memorial Rock in front of the main Sheriff’s Office, 2796 Ventura Ave. in Santa Rosa. The public is invited to attend the ceremony in person or view a live video stream on the Sheriff’s Office’s Facebook page.

Ten Sheriff’s Office deputies have died in the line of duty since 1862, most recently Correctional Lt. Bobby Travelstead, who died from COVID-19 in September 2021.

Sonoma Water is making some much-needed and deferred upgrades to its infrastructure. As a result, your water bill may rise roughly $2 to $3 a month this summer – depending on where you live and how much water you use – under a plan approved last month by the Sonoma County Water Agency Board of Directors.

The increase in Sonoma Water wholesale rates is needed to fund critical upgrades to an aging system that provides drinking water to 600,000 people in Sonoma and Marin counties.

Sonoma Water will use the money to fund operations and maintenance projects, including cathodic protection (to prevent pipes from rusting), pump and valve replacements, water treatment improvements, and water storage tank maintenance and recoats. The rates will also cover emergency response planning and training, reduce the impacts on endangered fish, and increase investments in hazard mitigation and other capital infrastructure projects.

Under the new rates, Sonoma Water will charge local water providers approximately $0.004 per gallon starting July 1. This is the lowest wholesale water rate in the San Francisco Bay Area.

The County of Sonoma is not just the area’s biggest employer. It is also committed to being one of the best. And that means hiring and retaining top talent.

Last month, the Board of Supervisors expanded a pilot program that is now offering hiring incentives for hard-to-fill county positions. New hires in these positions are now eligible for bonuses of $10,000 to $25,000, paid over two years, and up to $5,000 in relocation assistance.

The incentives will be offered for unfilled positions that have been posted for at least six months and hard-to-fill positions that require a license or certification such as environmental health specialists, nurses, behavioral health clinicians and other health professionals.

The pilot program began in December with the Sheriff’s Office offering hiring incentives to recruit deputies, correctional officers and dispatchers. The expansion of the pilot program will allow other departments to utilize similar incentives.

“We know the labor market in the Bay Area is extremely competitive, and hiring incentives are one tool that government and private employers are using to fill positions,” said Janell Crane, interim director of the county’s Human Resources Department. “We currently have approximately 500 vacant positions at the county. Filling these positions will improve our ability to serve the public.”

Are you looking for a new job? Thinking about career options for the future? Learn how you can take the next step in your professional life and join the County of Sonoma family!

Start Here! is a virtual class that provides an overview of the county’s job application, examination and selection processes. The two-hour session provides information on how to submit a thorough application, best practices for the interview and examination, and much more. Send an email to careers@sonoma-county.org and we will invite you to future class opportunities. Let us help guide you through the county’s selection process.

Have you fallen behind on your property taxes? There may be some help for you.

The county is publicizing a change in the state’s Mortgage Relief Program that makes homeowners eligible for as much as $80,000 in assistance, up from the previous maximum of $20,000. The grants do not need to be repaid.

“Many Californians are still feeling the impact of the financial hardships they endured throughout the pandemic,” said Erick Roeser, Sonoma County Treasurer-Tax Collector. “By increasing the cap on property tax assistance, the program is continuing to act as a safety net for homeowners. Those who believe they may now be eligible should re-apply.”

The deadline to prevent delinquent property taxes and reduce additional penalties was April 10. After this date, late payments will incur a 10 percent penalty.

Homeowners with questions are encouraged to call 1-888-840-2594 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. They can also visit CaMortgageRelief.org/help to learn more about resources and assistance available to them.

Flying out of Charles M. Schulz-Sonoma County Airport just got even better: Avelo Airlines announced plans last week to launch twice-weekly flights from the county airport to Bend, Oregon this summer.

Avelo’s nonstop service to Redmond Municipal Airport will begin June 23 and operate twice weekly on Mondays and Fridays utilizing Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft. Introductory one-way fares start at $34.

“Not only is it a quick and easy flight, but it also allows passengers to skip the hassle and congestion of larger airports,” said Jon Stout, manager of the county airport. “Both destinations offer world-class excursions from wine tasting and mountain biking to farm-to-table dining and microbreweries. We are excited about the new service and the visitors it will bring to Sonoma County.”

With the expansion, the Sonoma County airport will offer nonstop flights to 11 destinations, including Los Angeles, Hollywood Burbank Airport, Orange County, Palm Springs, San Diego, Portland, Seattle, Las Vegas, Phoenix and Dallas. Three carriers serve the airport, including Alaska Airlines, American Airlines and Avelo Airlines.

What does economic development look like in Sonoma County? You might be doing it right now if you are patronizing a local business, learning new skills or enjoying local recreation.

Or it can happen as a result of programs organized by government, nonprofits and the business community – programs that create jobs, advance career development opportunities, expand the supply of housing, invest in public infrastructure and improve the quality of life in Sonoma County.

Next week is Economic Development Week, an event created in 2016 to increase public awareness of these efforts. The Sonoma County Economic Development Board invites you to discover and celebrate local champions of economic development. On Monday, it will unveil an interactive feature on its website that showcases the industries, institutions and partnerships that contribute to economic development in Sonoma County. Visit SonomaEDB.org on Monday to view Sonoma County's economic development ecosystem.

Calling Sonoma County teenagers: The Sheriff’s Office will give 25 high school students a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the operations of the county’s largest law enforcement agency during its annual free Youth Academy June 26-30 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The five-day academy is designed to give teens the opportunity to learn about the Sheriff’s Office. Students will tour the Main Office and Main Adult Detention Facility, learn about Sheriff’s Office policies and procedures, communications, basic criminal law, the correctional system, specialty and investigation units, careers in law enforcement, and much more!

The application deadline is May 29. Participants must be 13 to 18 years old and in high school.

Get involved with local government

Government is only as good as the people who step forward to serve. There are many opportunities available now to support the community by serving on local boards, commissions and committees.

Current vacancies include:

• Community Action Partnership of Sonoma County: To partner with low-income families and individuals to help them achieve economic and social stability.

• Independent Citizens’ Pension Committee: To ensure a more fair, equitable, and sustainable County pension system.

• Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health Advisory Board: To promote the physical, social and emotional health of families, children and adolescents in Sonoma County.

• Sonoma County Local Task Force on Integrated Waste Management: To develop goals, policies and procedures around waste management, waste reduction and recycling.

Check out the list of current vacancies and discover how you can help shape the future of Sonoma County.

My name is Marinara. I am a female domestic shorthair tabby who’s been at the county animal shelter since March 2. I’m about 7 months old and weigh about 6 pounds. Would you like to curl up with me?

Marinara is one of dozens of cats, dogs, rabbits and other animals at Sonoma County Animal Services in need of adoption.

Volunteer opportunities

Make a difference in your community. Find out how you can give back here.

Employment opportunities

Take your next career step with the County of Sonoma. Explore employment opportunities here.

(stories may require subscriptions)

• Supervisors hear of local mental health crisis at community forum in Santa Rosa (May 2)
• Sonoma County tests incentive program for new hires (May 2)
• New county program connects Black residents with culturally competent, free mental health services (May 1)
• Monte Rio’s damaged Main Street bridge temporarily closes to vehicles (May 1)
• Sonoma County to host mental health forum to discuss local challenges (April 29)
• County seeks to create new trails near Bodega Bay and Sonoma (April 28)
• Report finds only 1 in 5 Sonoma children ready for kindergarten (April 27)
• County government’s largest union ratifies new contract with pay raises, benefit gains (April 26)
• Avelo Airlines to add Oregon flights to its service at Sonoma County airport (April 26)
• Rehab coming for Sonoma County's aging flood control infrastructure (April 26)
• Pioneering comfort dog in Sonoma County DA’s office passing torch to her niece (April 26)
• Board of Supervisors approves new regulations for vacation rentals, timeshares (April 24)
• Close to Home: Reflecting on my first 100 days as sheriff (April 23)
• Board of Supervisors to weigh new regulations on vacation rentals, timeshares (April 22)
• Joe Rodota Trail reopens with new rules that prohibit overnight camping in public areas (April 21)

Upcoming events

May 4             Planning Commission

May 9             Board of Supervisors

May 10           Springs Municipal Advisory Council

May 11           Lower Russian River Municipal Advisory Council

May 11           Commission on the Status of Women

May 16           Board of Supervisors

May 16           Mental Health Board

May 17           North Sonoma Valley Municipal Advisory Council

May 17           Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council

May 18           Planning Commission

May 18           Coast Municipal Advisory Council

May 18           Fish and Wildlife Commission

May 18           Dry Creek Valley Citizens Advisory Council

May 23           Board of Supervisors

May 23           Human Rights Commission

May 24           Continuum of Care Board

May 25           Ag + Open Space District Advisory Committee

May 29           Memorial Day (most county offices closed)

June 1            Planning Commission

June 5            IOLERO Community Advisory Commission

June 6            Board of Supervisors

Getting outside and enjoying the county

May 6             Land And Lake: Spring Lake Nature Walk

May 6             Volunteer Work Day: Spring Lake Park

May 13           Asansa Outside Yoga: Spring Lake Park

Interested in what's going on at the County of Sonoma?

Sign up for the SoCo Correspondent here.

¿Está interesado en leer sobre lo que hace el Condado de Sonoma cada mes? Regístrese aquí para suscribirse a nuestro boletín, el SoCo Correspondent.

A publication of the County Administrator’s Office – Communications Staff