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Dear Susan, 

The theme of this column has become the Highway 12 corridor in the Sonoma Valley; as so many County residents use Highway 12 to travel to Napa County and points east, it is important to let you know what is happening along the way. Please drive safely and allow extra time to navigate through the Valley with these projects happening.


Broadband Progress - At our Board of Supervisors meeting on August 1st, the Board approved an agreement between the County and Golden State Connect Authority on expanding broadband internet infrastructure, as well as $1.5 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding for the completion of planning for 200 miles of open access broadband infrastructure in priority areas, including nearly 25 miles in East Santa Rosa.


I have heard countless times over the years that residents in the unincorporated areas of the First District struggle to obtain reliable internet, even as the internet becomes more and more essential to the way we conduct our lives. The priority areas that have been identified connect to the state’s phase one middle-mile projects on Highways 1 and 101. Until just a few weeks ago, Highways 12 and 116 were also included in phase one middle mile, but unfortunately, the state made the decision to remove them, leaving only 1 and 101. I am very disappointed by the state’s decision to leave Highway 12 off their prioritization, as I am particularly sensitive to the underserved communities in the Springs area of Sonoma Valley who are in desperate need of improved broadband infrastructure.


While the Board approved the agreement and the allocated ARPA funding, I remain skeptical as to who it will benefit most, and who it is leaving behind, in the unincorporated areas. The current prioritization, in my view, will serve fewer, wealthier residents in the hills of the Sonoma Valley. Meanwhile, residents on the Valley floor in the Springs for whom we saw immense needs for improved broadband access during the pandemic, particularly families with children in remote schooling, will continue to wait for the later phases of implementation. I will continue to advocate for the neediest residents of the First District, and I hope our Board can make a statement to the state to request they reassess their prioritization areas for phase one. 


PG&E Powerline Undergrounding - On another topic, PG&E will soon begin undergrounding a portion of electric equipment along a short section of Highway 12 near the Kenwood Inn and Spa. This work is currently anticipated to begin August 14 and last until the end of October, and will occur on weeknights only from 9pm to 6am. This is the first of several undergrounding projects PG&E is undertaking along the Highway 12 corridor – please stay tuned to my newsletter as more projects are announced. Undergrounding is such an important step towards increasing our county’s wildfire safety and limiting the number of power outages we experience. I will continue to advocate for PG&E to dedicate more funding towards undergrounding miles in the First District and Sonoma County at large.


CalTrans Bridge Replacement Project - I will close by providing an update on the Caltrans bridge replacement project at the Sonoma Creek Bridge. Last month, Caltrans completed the first stage of the Sonoma Creek Bridge Replacement along Highway 12, returning two-way traffic after eleven days of one-way traffic control (though they had allotted 45 days – I am very grateful for the speedy work!). Work on the Hooker Creek Bridge is expected to commence later this month, which will require Caltrans to detour traffic around the bridge over county roads for about 30 consecutive days. The summer construction season is always a busy time and I know that, even though our community is grateful for improvements to our infrastructure, we are also on edge due to experiences of wildfire and evacuation in recent years, particularly on Highway 12. Please know that we have communicated your concerns and needs to our partners at Caltrans, and that they have plans in place if a wildfire does occur. I will continue to share updates on the two bridge replacement projects in my newsletter, and you can visit the Caltrans website for more information.

Caltrans SR-12 - Hooker Creek and Sonoma Creek Replacement Project

HWY 12/Verano Intersection - Caltrans will change traffic light signalization at State Route 12 (SR-12) and Verano Avenue intersection on Wednesday, August 23, 2023, in the Springs area of Sonoma County, implementing what traffic engineers call an "all phase" pedestrian timing pattern where all motorized traffic will be halted by red lights when a pedestrian activates the pedestrian signal. In addition to the typical signals, Caltrans will install electronic "No Right on Red" signs to prohibit right turns after the pedestrian signal is activated. 

Several pedestrian versus vehicle collisions in recent years prompted concern about pedestrian safety at the intersection. In response, Caltrans and the County of Sonoma made several modifications to enhance safety at the crossing. Still, the most significant changes will come when the signal timing is changed next week, and when a left-turn lane is installed on eastbound Verano Avenue in a separate project two years later. To learn more, continue reading the press release at the link below.

Caltrans

Petaluma People Services Center - In partnership with the Sonoma County Area Agency on Aging, Petaluma People Services Center is expanding their quality Case Management program throughout Sonoma County. If you or someone you know is 60 years and older, living in Sonoma County, and would like their person-centered assistance please contact PPSC’s Bilingual Case Management Team, information in the flyer below:

Sonoma Clean Power - Sonoma Clean Power, the public power provider for Sonoma & Mendocino counties, is seeking seven (7) volunteers for their Community Advisory Committee. This is a meaningful opportunity to provide input toward Sonoma Clean Power’s innovative customer benefits, renewable energy projects, and assist with shaping clean energy goals for our community. Members serve four-year terms following appointment by our Board of Directors. For more information and to apply, visit Sonoma Clean Power's website at the link below.

Sonoma Clean Power

Springs MAC - Join the Springs Municipal Advisory Council on the second Wednesday of each month at 6:30pm.


Next Meeting: Wednesday, September 13th at 6:30pm.

Springs MAC

North Sonoma Valley MAC - Join the NSV MAC on the third Tuesday of each month at 5:30pm.


Next Meeting: Tuesday, September 19th at 5:30pm.

NSV MAC

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: Wednesday, August 23rd at 6:30pm.

SVCAC Website




Susan Gorin, 1st District Supervisor
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