A Message From Supervisor Coursey |
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Summer is approaching and, like rising temperatures, there’s been a recent rise of COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations in the region. While we are now at a different vantage point with higher vaccination rates than even just a year ago, taking some extra precautions can help stave off the current wave.
Sonoma County’s daily COVID-19 case rate now is around 35 per 100,000 residents, with transmission occurring more than twice as frequently among unvaccinated individuals as with vaccinated residents. The data tells us that vaccines remain the strongest protection against COVID-19. To schedule your first booster (or second if eligible), visit myturn.ca.gov. Local walk-in options are listed on SoCoEmergency.org/vaccines.
More on the COVID-19 surge, recommended precautions and related resources is available the bottom of this newsletter. In this month’s issue we also have included the latest updates on housing and transportation, opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, local in-person and remote events, community announcements and more. You can share your questions, thoughts and opinions on newsletter material and beyond by replying directly to this email.
As always, I am grateful for your partnership and welcome further engagement.
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Chris Coursey
707-565-2241
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The Board of Supervisors approved nearly $4.1 million in state and federal grants to address the region’s housing and homelessness crises through a comprehensive action plan.
The action plan includes funding to house vulnerable women, children and youth at Sloan Women’s Shelter, Social Advocates for Youth’s Emergency Shelter and SAY’s Dream Center.
The Board also allocated an estimated $1 million to help build 57 affordable housing units, $500,000 for tenant-based rental assistance and $150,000 to support the Sam Jones Shelter.
Other funded projects include ADA accessibility improvements and infrastructure updates, funding to support Fair Housing, and legal services to provide eviction defense and housing stabilization.
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The Sonoma County Housing Authority will accept housing voucher applications May 23 through July 1 Applicants will be required to provide information regarding income and any preferences for which they may qualify.
Applications may be completed online at www.waitlistcheck.com/CA085 or with paper applications available by contacting the Housing Authority office at (707) 565-7501.
Applications are due Friday, July 1, 2022.
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As one of the Directors of the SMART Board, Supervisor Coursey is excited to announce that SMART will be adding 10 new daily trips to the train’s weekday schedule starting on June 13. With this extension of the previous schedule the Board intends to increase transit usability and provide convenient connections to local and regional bus and ferry services.
Earlier this year, the SMART Board conducted listening sessions as part of the strategic planning around new schedule development. The Board’s attention and response to rider feedback and community input resulted in the new trip additions.
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Four North Bay transportation agencies have partnered to launch a pilot carpool program for anyone who commutes on Highway 37. Commuters who register here will receive a $25 gift card just for signing up. Participants can find others who live and work nearby to create convenient carpools. People can even make specific requests like quiet cars and non-smoking passengers.
Once Highway 37 commuters have registered, they can log their carpool trips to earn rewards. For every 10 carpool trips logged, a user can claim a $25 Tango gift card – up to $100 per user. Visit www.commute37.com for full program details.
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We Want to Hear From You! |
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Sonoma Water is updating their 5-year strategic plan. The Strategic Plan provides a blueprint for Sonoma Water that includes a vision, a mission statement, with goals and measurable objectives that guide Sonoma Water into the future. The Strategic Plan articulates priorities and includes opportunities to improve resilience to climate impacts and improved service to water customers.
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Every day, 50 to 75 local children and teens are in temporary housing awaiting placement in a foster or adoptive home in Sonoma County. The Department of Human Services is seeking foster parents and adoptive families willing to open their homes to local children.
The county’s foster care program provides safe and healthy environments for children who must be removed from their homes due to abuse, neglect or abandonment. Foster parents can be single or married adults, straight or gay, Spanish-speaking families, children’s relatives, family friends and other approved caregivers. Foster homes can be temporary shelters, fostering with possibility of adoption, or renting a room and being a mentor to an older foster youth going to school or working.
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May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (#AAPI) Heritage Month, and the Sonoma County Library invites you to share in honoring and celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islanders in America during the month of May and beyond. Click the link below for events and more. |
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Get outside and enjoy Sonoma County’s beautiful parks. An annual parks membership is the easiest, most affordable way to regularly enjoy Sonoma County's Regional Parks.
General memberships are only $69. Senior memberships are only $49 (ages 62 and older.) Access memberships are only $29 (for people with permanent disabilities.) Low income residents can apply for the Vehicle Entry Program which offers vehicle passes for a lower cost.
Member benefits include:
- 12 months of parking at more than 55 parks
- 1 night of camping at a Regional Park campground
- Tolay Fall Festival admission for 2 adults and 2 children
- Discounts at the Spring Lake Water Parks
- 12 months of boat launching at Doran, Westside and Spring Lake parks
- Exclusive deals on recreation and more!
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Sugarloaf Ridge invites you to their “Let's go camping at Sugarloaf” family event
When: June 10-12, June 24-26, or July 22-24
Come experience a night of camping at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park! This is a beginning-camper-friendly experience. If you’ve never camped, or if it’s been some years, this opportunity will familiarize you with equipment and strengthen your camping skills. Gear will be provided for those who need it; you bring the food! This is a free event designed to serve underrepresented groups and centered on the Latinx community. Families from all underrepresented communities are particularly welcome.
Email senderos@sonomaecologycenter.org with your questions. Heavy rains will prompt event cancelation.
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On June 7, Humanidad Therapy is hosting Time for Coffee at the Children's Museum of Sonoma County! Come and learn about the programs that they have to offer for your children this summer. At the end there will be a Q&A session and a raffle. We hope to see you there!
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This Saturday on Courthouse Square, the city of Santa Rosa and neighboring agencies are bringing you the Wildfire Ready Resource Fair - a one day resource fair for wildfire preparedness information. It’s free, it’s fun and filled with emergency preparedness activities and safety information. Fire season is nearly here; it’s time to get ready. |
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The Bay Area now has California’s highest COVID infection rates. The current wave is fueled by highly contagious Omicron subvariants. Bay Area counties are seeing increases in reported cases, levels of virus in sewer sheds, and hospitalizations. Actual case rates are higher than those reported because of widespread use of home tests.
Twelve Bay Area health officers have reiterated their continued, strong support for people to mask up indoors, keep tests handy, and ensure they are up to date on vaccinations by getting boosters when eligible.
“There is widespread transmission of COVID in our community right now, so it’s time to take more precautionary measures to protect yourself and your loved ones,” said Dr. Sundari Mase, Sonoma County’s health officer.
The grim milestone of 1 million deaths from COVID in the United States underscores the need for continued vigilance against the virus.
Although not required, masking is strongly recommended by the California Department of Public Health for most public indoor settings, and health officials say wearing higher-quality masks (N95/KN95 or snug-fitting surgical masks) indoors is a wise choice that will help people protect their health. Vaccines remain the best protection against severe disease and death from COVID.
Health officials say people should also stay home if they feel sick and get tested right away. Officials also encourage getting tested after potential exposure and limiting large gatherings to well ventilated spaces or outdoors. For people who are more likely to get very sick from COVID-19 infection, medications are available that can reduce your chances of severe illness and death. Talk with your healthcare provider right away if you test positive.
The above statement has been endorsed by health officers from the counties of Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Monterey, Napa, San Benito, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, and Sonoma as well as the City of Berkeley
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