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June 12, 2024

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Lower Russian River MAC Meeting

Tomorrow - Thursday June 13

River MAC Logo, 3 trees and flowing water

The June 13 River MAC meeting’s main topic is law enforcement in the Lower Russian River. John Alden, Director of the Independent Office of Law Enforcement Review and Outreach (IOLERO) will provide a general overview and update, including an overview of the Community-Oriented Policing Study underway in conjunction with Sonoma State University researchers. You will also have an opportunity to hear updates on the Guerneville Plaza Infrastructure Recommendations committee and the Community Engagement and Outreach Committee. Join the meeting to share your perspectives. The hybrid meeting begins at 5:30 and will be held in the Community Center Room at Guerneville Elementary and can be accessed via Zoom here.

June is Pride Month in Sonoma County

At the June 4 meeting, the Board of Supervisors adopted a Gold Resolution proclaiming June 2024 as Pride Month in Sonoma County. Pride Month celebrates the LGBTQIA2S+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, lntersex, Asexual, Two Spirits) community and their contributions to both the rich history and the present success of Sonoma County. The County of Sonoma’s vibrant LGBTQIA2S+ community comprises thousands of individuals, families, and allies who demonstrate pride in and commitment to the county throughout the year.

 

The County of Sonoma recognizes the importance of honoring their incredible contributions to our community as well as standing alongside them against social and systemic discrimination so that each of us may live in peace as equals. The Sonoma County Commission on Human Rights stands together with the LGBTQIA2S+ community and the Board of Supervisors to continue to honor Pride Month in Sonoma County. 

Photo: Board of Supervisors with Commission on Human Rights

Wastewater Solutions Pilot Project Feasibility Study Update

Monte Rio / Villa Grande Wastewater Solutions Pilot Project : community meeting Saturday June 29 10 am - 12 pm, Monte Rio Community Center. Learn about the next phase of the wastewater solutions pilot project.
Learn more about the project here

Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems (AKA Septic Systems) Update

On July 16, 2024, Permit Sonoma will be seeking the Board of Supervisors’ authorization to submit a Local Agency Management Program (LAMP) to the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board. The State’s Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems (OWTS) Policy requires each jurisdiction to apply to the Regional Water Board in order to implement a local program for the regulation of onsite wastewater treatment systems (aka septic systems). The County’s OWTS Manual contains the local policies for regulating OWTS, while the LAMP is the application to operate a local program. The County of Sonoma is pleased to release the latest draft of our Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems (OWTS) Manual.

image of a septic tank being installed

Regional Parks Updates & Investments

Help shape a future coastal park and preserve


Regional Parks is developing a Master Plan to help shape the future development of Wright Hill Regional Park and Open Space Preserve, a park and preserve on the Sonoma Coast not yet open to the public. The department is creating a Master Plan to guide the park’s future public access, amenities, educational uses and natural resource stewardship. Please share your ideas by participating in an online survey available now through July 31.

photo: green coastal hills with ocean behind
Wright Hill Survey

Monte Rio readies for visitors


Time to put on your hiking boots! Monte Rio Redwoods Regional Park and Open Space Preserve is open for interim public access while a master plan is being developed and Regional Parks has been hard at work improving trails and installing trail signs and maps so visitors can enjoy interim access to the property.

Learn More
photo of trail signs

Revamping, re-ramping at Spud Point Marina


Wow, what a difference at Spud Point Marina! With a funding investment from District 5, replacement of several old docks are underway. High winds and stormy weather in early February caused severe damage, ripping up decking and tipping gangway ramps into the water. Below, the old wooden F dock (on left) has now been replaced with welded aluminum frames and fiberglass decking (on right), assembled onsite by the Marina team. 

Before and after photo of dock, as described in text body.

New Russian River park signs installed


Thanks to the hard work of Regional Parks’ sign shop, people floating on the Russian River this summer will have a better sense of where they are and what facilities are available at the parks they're passing.

By replacing the aging "Ours To Protect" signs that were seasonally installed at Regional Park river beaches, these new site identification signs provide clear information on Regional Parks' eight public access points. Thank you, Regional Parks!

Image of new signage for the beaches

Legal Aid of Sonoma County's Elder Law Program

free legal help with restraining orders related to abuse, landlord / tenant issues, simple wills, powers of attorney / advance health care directives, SSI or SSDI appeals, some probate conservatorship and guardianship issues. Call (707)340-5610

Legal Aid of Sonoma County’s Elder Law Program serves adults age 60 and over, providing crisis legal services for seniors at their offices in Santa Rosa and off-site for qualifying seniors who live in remote areas throughout the County. 

Visit Elder Law Program Website

General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS)

District 5 awarded a grant to Safer West County to install repeaters in key locations and purchase 100 radios to create a network across the area, giving neighborhoods connections with others in the case of emergency, when power is off and cell phones and WiFi go down. If you would like to be part of this important and growing emergency communication network, please contact https://www.wiconduit.org/radio for details. 

 

Participants must be members of their local Fire Safe, Fire Wise, or other community resiliency organization and part of Safer West County’s email list, plus attend regular networking tests to keep the communications network operable.

Learn more about GMRS

Love Me, Fix Me (LMFM) Voucher Program offers low-cost spay/neuter vouchers for qualifying low-income pet owners

At Monday’s Board of Supervisor's meeting, the Supervisors heard an item from Animal Services about the growing numbers of pets without homes. Supervisor Hopkins wants to make it easier for you to do your part -- with help from the County's Love Me, Fix Me Voucher Program. This program aims to remove barriers to spaying and neutering pets and includes reduced copays for spay or neuter surgery, microchip (if needed), and vaccinations (if needed). Costs are $50 to spay/neuter a cat and $60 for a dog. See if you qualify for the program and apply here. Costs are set to increase slightly in July, but the current copay will be honored for anyone that has been approved for a voucher before the end of June. Apply today! 

 

Don't have a pet? Learn more about pet adoption here. By the way, your adoption fee is waived if you are 55 years of age or older, and you adopt a pet who is 6 years of age or older thanks to the Silver Paws for Love Program.

Learn more about Love me, Fix Me Voucher Program
image of a puppy

Seeking representatives for the Mental Health Board and Economic Development Board


Are you interested in serving as an appointee to Sonoma County’s Mental Health Board or Economic Development board? Please follow the links below for more information and to access the applications.

The Mental Health Board (MHB) acts as a community focal point for mental health issues by reviewing & evaluating the community’s mental health needs, services, facilities, & special problems. It advises the Board of Supervisors & the Behavioral Health Director regarding any aspect of local mental health programs.

The Sonoma County Economic Development Board (EDB) is focused on growing a healthy economy by helping our businesses in Sonoma County.

RioFest – A Celebration of Community and Music!

Saturday, June 15 | Noon to 6PM | FREE | Monte Rio Amphitheater

RioFest Poster, 12 - 6 PM - Sat June 15 - Free Entry, Food Trucks, Kids Korner, Local Artisans Community Booths

Presented by the Friends of Monte Rio and the Monte Rio Recreation and Parks District, RioFest is a vibrant FREE all-day outdoor event held at the scenic Monte Rio Amphitheater. 


RioFest began as an event to celebrate the reawakening and re-gathering of our community after the long isolation of the pandemic and continues as a way to welcome summer and new neighbors and visitors each year.


Immerse yourself in the beauty and warmth of the lower Russian River community, where you can join local hula hoopers, admire extravagant costumes, dance amidst bubbles, and soak in the lively atmosphere. Be sure to stop by the Lower Russian River Municipal Advisory Council table to learn about what the MAC does, learn about County initiatives, and provide input through your representatives.

Upcoming Meetings & Events

June 13, 5:30 PM: Lower Russian River MAC

June 15, 12:00-6:00 PM: Monte Rio RioFest

June 23, 5:00 PM: Angel Foundation of Sonoma County

July 18, 6 PM: Coast MAC (note 6 PM start time)

Fifth District Supervisor Lynda Hopkins | County of Sonoma | 707-565-2241

Lynda.Hopkins@sonoma-county.org


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