Over the last three decades, the Community Spaces Matching Grant Program has forged local partnerships to protect more than 560 acres of urban open space, create 28 new public parks and support the restoration and enhancement of more than 400 acres of natural habitats. Today’s edition of the SoCo Correspondent has news about the latest projects to be funded from this impactful program. You will also learn why hundreds of county leaders from across the United States converged on Sonoma County this month. Plus, we have stories about the launch of a pilot program designed to prevent homelessness and a new report that outlines some of the strengths and challenges facing the local economy.

If you have a friend or family member who lives in the area – or you know of a former Sonoma County resident who might be interested in receiving these updates – urge them to sign up for the SoCo Correspondent so they can receive it directly, normally on the first and third week of each month.

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Supervisor James Gore addresses leaders on Dec. 5 at the County Crossroads Symposium staged by the National Association of Counties.

In many ways, Sonoma County is a microcosm of America, with challenges and opportunities facing urban, suburban and rural communities alike. Earlier this month, 350 county officials from across the United States converged on Sonoma County to learn how we are finding innovative solutions to common challenges while seizing opportunities to serve the changing needs of our communities.

The four-day County Crossroads Symposium was staged by the National Association of Counties, which serves as an advocate for more than 3,000 county governments across the United States. The conference, held Dec. 4-7, featured mobile workshops where attendees viewed Sonoma County programs they could replicate in their own counties.

One workshop, held at the County’s Los Guilicos campus, showcased programs that reduce homelessness, deliver mental health services, care for foster youth, and rehabilitate minors in the juvenile justice system. Another workshop, held at Lake Sonoma, explored public-private partnerships to manage scarce water supplies and restore fish habitats.

Attendees toured the Tubbs Fire footprint and visited a model emergency shelter created at Luther Burbank Center for the Arts, learning about disaster preparedness, response and recovery strategies. Rural preservation and progress was highlighted on a trip to the Russian River Valley, where attendees learned about efforts to conserve natural landscapes, safeguard agricultural heritage, promote sustainable rural development, and expand broadband to rural areas. A workshop on agriculture issues reviewed the recent dispute over Measure J, which would have banned large animal farms in Sonoma County, and examined its implications for the future. Over lunch at Mitote Food Park, attendees learned about a County partnership to redevelop the Roseland property for housing, a public plaza, a Mercado for small businesses and a civic building.

“Here in Sonoma County, we are building the future we imagine – one where local government is empowered by engagement, collaboration and innovation,” said Supervisor James Gore, who was elected president of NACo in July and brought the group to Sonoma County. “We have a lot of hard-earned wisdom to share about what works, and what doesn’t work, as we tackle issues facing communities in every corner of the country.”

Supervisor Susan Gorin, center, receives a gold resolution from colleagues at the Board of Supervisors meeting on Dec. 10.

District 1 Supervisor Susan Gorin is stepping down this month after 28 years in public service, but she already has plans to ascend to new heights. Her first goal in retirement: Hike each of the 60 parks and beaches in the Sonoma County Regional Park system.

“Look for me on the trails,” Gorin said Dec. 10 at her final Board of Supervisors meeting.

Her path in public service began on the Santa Rosa School Board in 1996, then took her to the Santa Rosa City Council in 2006 and the Board of Supervisors in 2012. After losing her Oakmont home in the 2017 wildfires, she became an unwavering champion for fire victims during the county's recovery and rebuilding. She also played a leading role in the County’s efforts to respond to climate change and reduce carbon emissions. At the same time, she has been a tireless advocate for her constituents on a range of issues that included funding parks, protecting the environment, supporting mental health services, regulating vacation rentals, redeveloping the Sonoma Developmental Center campus, improving local transportation routes, and opening regional satellite offices to serve residents who live outside the Highway 101 corridor.

Supervisor Gorin served as chair of the Board in 2015 and 2020, when she oversaw the County’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. “You were strong, you were consistent, you were present,” Supervisor Chris Coursey noted. “I learned to admire you in a whole different way during that year.”

Throughout it all, she represented constituents with grace, grit and resolve, Supervisor James Gore said. “As a fire survivor yourself, who lost your home, you never once promoted yourself as a victim. You focused on others,” Supervisor Gore said. “Legitimately, I admire that.”

Supervisor Lynda Hopkins called her a mentor and a friend. “I can honestly say that you are one of the best human beings I know to serve in elected office. Your heart is huge. You love your community so deeply. You fight for it so fiercely. And you feel its losses,” Supervisor Hopkins said.

In some ways, the Board of Supervisors is a bit like a family, noted Supervisor David Rabbitt, chair of the Board. “You don’t pick who you serve with. But you are thrown together,” Supervisor Rabbitt said. “It's been a pleasure serving with you.”

Her successor, Rebecca Hermosillo, was elected in March and will be sworn in as District 1 supervisor at the Jan. 7 Board meeting.

Seven projects that will create new places for people to gather, play, garden and enjoy the outdoors will receive $6.8 million through an innovative program created by Sonoma Ag + Open Space.

The projects include the creation of a Town Square in Graton, development of a new soccer field at Tom Schopflin Fields north of Santa Rosa, the creation of new parks and gathering spaces in Guerneville and Occidental, an enhanced demonstration garden at Los Guilicos, a community park along Colgan Creek in southwest Santa Rosa, and the next phase of the Mark West Area Community Park.

Since its inception in 1994, the Sonoma Ag + Open Space Community Spaces Matching Grant Program has dedicated more than $50 million to protect land and create open spaces inside communities through partnerships with public agencies, nonprofits and tribal organizations. The Board of Supervisors, which serves as the Sonoma Ag + Open Space board of directors, funded the latest round of projects at its Dec. 10 meeting.

“This is the first round of projects approved since a major update of the program, which aimed to simplify the application process, provide technical support to applicants, and further center equity and accessibility,” said Supervisor David Rabbitt, chair of the Board of Supervisors. “These projects are all community driven and represent the unique goals of the program and our shared spaces.”

Keep People Housed, a pilot program that seeks to prevent homelessness by helping people stay in their homes, began accepting applications this week.

The $3.9 million initiative will provide financial aid and support services to 350 to 400 Sonoma County households at high risk of becoming homeless. Clients will receive money that can be used for back rent, move-in costs, rental assistance and other housing-related expenses. Participants will also receive case management to help them become financially independent through budgeting, employment assistance, benefit enrollment services and legal help.

The two-year program is funded by the County of Sonoma, the cities of Santa Rosa and Petaluma, and All Home, a San Francisco nonprofit that designed the project. Committee on the Shelterless will operate the program, with Reach for Home, West County Community Services, Community Support Network, and HomeFirst providing services in different regions of the county. Legal Aid of Sonoma County will provide legal services to households accepted into the program.

COTS invites the community to join in this important effort. Whether through volunteering, donating, or raising awareness, community support is essential to ensuring that everyone in Sonoma County has a place to call home. Visit www.cots.org for information on how to get involved.

More than 550 low-income households will receive free broadband internet service for one year under a program approved Dec. 3 by the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors.

The program will subsidize internet service for residents at approximately 10 affordable housing sites. Supervisors created the program with federal funds from the American Rescue Plan Act, which is intended to help disadvantaged communities recover from the economic and health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“As we learned during the pandemic, fast, reliable and affordable access to the internet is crucial for households and families,” said Ethan Brown, executive director of the Sonoma County Economic Development Collaborative. “The ability to work remotely, access telehealth, complete homework assignments, pay bills, and other tasks many of us take for granted is an absolute necessity for thriving in today’s world.”

Supervisors also approved the use of approximately $2.3 million of ARPA funding to develop broadband infrastructure in the Walsh Landing and/or Jenner areas. The Economic Development Collaborative has applied for a $17 million grant from the California Public Utilities Commission to further expand broadband infrastructure to underserved areas of unincorporated Sonoma County.

Left, local leaders view the Southeast Greenway property on Dec. 3. Right, Supervisor Susan Gorin addresses local leaders during a celebration to mark the acquisition of the property.

For decades, local government and community leaders have dreamed of purchasing a 2-mile strip of land once envisioned for an extension of Highway 12 through southeast Santa Rosa. On Dec. 3 they celebrated a major milestone in their efforts to transform the vacant land into a park: the completion of a $1.83 million deal to acquire the Southeast Greenway property from the State of California.

The achievement is the result of collaboration by the City of Santa Rosa and the Santa Rosa Southeast Greenway Campaign, Sonoma Land Trust, Sonoma Water, Sonoma County Regional Parks, Sonoma County Ag + Open Space, and LandPaths.

“The acquisition of the Southeast Greenway represents one of the most successful local government and community partnerships ever seen in our region,” said District 1 Supervisor Susan Gorin, who represents the area. “It represents a true labor of love, patience, and determination that will be deeply appreciated and endlessly enjoyed by the surrounding community, as well as visitors from near and far, for generations to come.”

With the acquisition of the 49-acre property complete, the City of Santa Rosa will next begin creating a master plan for developing the park.

The near-term outlook for the Sonoma County economy is bright, but future growth will be constrained by a dwindling base of young working-age residents, according to a new report produced for the County’s Economic Development Collaborative.

Population losses in 2023 were the smallest since 2016, according to the Fall Quarterly Economic Outlook prepared by Moody’s Analytics. The economic forecasting firm projects outmigration will continue to slow, noting that Sonoma County housing costs are relatively affordable compared with neighboring Napa County and most of the Bay Area. But longer-term, the shrinking population is expected to limit local economic growth, Moody’s said.

Job growth in Sonoma County is running comfortably ahead of the U.S. and California, in part because of hiring in the health care sector to care for the county’s aging population. Moody’s noted the county’s tourism and hospitality sector dipped this year, but predicted they will stabilize and resume their recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. New destinations have significantly increased the number of passengers moving through Charles M. Schulz–Sonoma County Airport, and the growing number of visitors will fuel spending at hotels, restaurants and retail shops.

The report also examined the impact of the incoming Trump administration on the local and national economy, outlining potential effects on tariffs, immigration, taxes and interest rates. “In short, Moody’s suggests Trump’s economic policies will thus result in some combination of higher inflation and interest rates, which could, in turn, diminish growth,” it concluded.

The Sonoma County Economic Development Collaborative publishes the quarterly report to help local businesses understand the changing economy, one of the many free services it provides to support businesses seeking to start, relocate and grow in Sonoma County. Learn more by visiting sonomaedc.org.

The youngest was 34. The oldest 89. Most were men. All had one thing in common: they died this year without a home.

On Friday, the Sonoma County Department of Health Services and HomeFirst, a Milpitas nonprofit working to end homelessness, will host a memorial service in Santa Rosa to honor 60 people who died this year while living without housing in Sonoma County.

“This memorial is a tribute to those who have passed, and a call for us to come together in compassion and understanding,” said James Alexander, director of Sonoma County’s Homelessness Services Division. “Let us reflect on the names of those who have died, cherish their memories, and renew our commitment to ensuring that everyone in Sonoma County has access to safe, stable housing, and the necessary resources to achieve lasting well-being.”

The Dec. 20 memorial service will take place at 11 a.m. at the Arlene Francis Center, 99 6th St., Santa Rosa. The ceremony is intended to give members of the unhoused community, service providers, local officials and the public a moment to recognize the individuals who passed away this year while experiencing homelessness.

This year’s annual Point-in-Time Count identified 2,522 people without housing in Sonoma County. Nearly a third have chronic health conditions. 

The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors has ratified a three-year contract agreement with Service Employees International Union Local 2015 that would increase wages and benefits for more than 7,200 local in-home care workers who assist seniors and people with disabilities.

The agreement between SEIU and the Sonoma County In-Home Supportive Services Public Authority would increase the hourly wage for in-home care workers by 14.4 percent over the next two years. The current $17.35 hourly wage for local IHSS workers would increase to $19.20 in 2025 and $19.85 in 2026.

“This agreement recognizes the incredible work of IHSS providers who help keep vulnerable residents safe in their homes,” said Supervisor David Rabbitt, chair of the Board of Supervisors, which serves as the board of directors for the County’s IHSS Public Authority. “We are deeply grateful for their dedication and we are proud to support them with a fair wage and other resources to continue their essential work.”

The Sonoma County In-Home Supportive Service Public Authority helps more than 8,000 low-income seniors and people with disabilities remain in their homes by connecting them with qualified care providers who assist with housekeeping, cooking, laundry, personal care and other household tasks.

The agreement must be reviewed by the California Department of Social Services. If approved by the state, the wage increases are expected to take effect March 1, 2025.  

The Sonoma County Department of Emergency Management is updating a 3-year-old plan that will prioritize funding for disaster preparedness efforts by the County, its nine cities and 14 other local government agencies.

The Hazard Mitigation Plan will focus on the safety of buildings, public infrastructure and other critical facilities that could be impacted by a natural disaster. First, the new plan will identify potential risks and estimate the potential losses resulting from each type of hazard. Then, the County and participating jurisdictions will develop and prioritize strategies to reduce losses from a disaster.

The update will allow the County and participating jurisdictions to continue to be eligible for disaster mitigation funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. 

The County is asking the public to help by taking a survey, available in English or Spanish, that will inform policymakers’ understanding of residents’ concerns, experiences and communications preferences.

The presiding judge of Sonoma County Superior Court and the director of Sonoma County’s Juvenile Hall were recently honored by a statewide group of probation officers for their efforts to improve the local justice system.

Presiding Judge Shelly J. Averill

Sonoma County Superior Court

Sonoma County Superior Court Presiding Judge Shelly J. Averill was recognized as Judicial Officer of the Year by the Chief Probation Officers of California at its annual awards ceremony. Under her leadership, Judge Averill secured a $1.27 million grant to establish a Mental Health Diversion Court, collaborated with probation staff to ensure its success, and fostered inclusivity within the Sonoma County Probation Department by instituting formal oath-of-office ceremonies.

“Judge Averill exemplifies the highest standards of judicial excellence, guiding the Sonoma County Superior Court through challenges with strength, compassion and innovation,” said Vanessa Fuchs, Sonoma County’s chief probation officer. “Her dedication is a true gift to Sonoma County and our justice system.”

Kilee Willson

Director of Juvenile Hall

Kilee Willson, director of Sonoma County’s Juvenile Hall, received the Joseph Frontella Award from the Chief Probation Officers of California. The award recognizes individuals who exemplify leadership, compassion and dedication in juvenile justice. She has reimagined juvenile housing to foster rehabilitation, expanded programming through community partnerships, and maintained the highest standards of care within facilities.

“The Joseph Frontella Award celebrates individuals whose service embodies the principles of integrity, fairness and innovation that Chief Frontella brought to his work in probation,” said Vanessa Fuchs, Sonoma County’s chief probation officer. “Kilee’s dedication to the youth in our care and her transformative leadership in juvenile justice make us incredibly proud.”

Two ballot measures that increased sales taxes countywide and in the City of Sebastopol will be implemented on April 1, 2025.

Measure I increases sales taxes countywide by a quarter-cent to fund child care, education and health care for children in low- and middle-income families. Measure U increases sales taxes in the City of Sebastopol by a half-cent to address the city’s ballot challenges.

While voters approved both sales taxes on Nov. 5, they were left in limbo after the election. The state agency that administers sales taxes opined that neither tax could be implemented because, when combined, they would push the sales tax in the City of Sebastopol above 10.25 percent, the maximum currently allowed in Sonoma County by state law.

County and Sebastopol officials developed a temporary fix that allowed both taxes to proceed while they seek a permanent solution from the Legislature. Under the agreement, the City of Sebastopol will seek to phase in Measure U, temporarily collecting only a quarter-cent of the half-cent sales tax approved by city voters. In exchange, the County of Sonoma will make Sebastopol whole by paying the city an amount equal to the portion of the Measure U tax temporarily waived by the city. 

“Voters in Sonoma County and the City of Sebastopol want to tax themselves to pay for causes they believe are worthy, and we should respect those decisions,” said Supervisor David Rabbitt, chair of the Board of Supervisors. “This temporary fix will allow the County and the City of Sebastopol to execute the will of voters while we work on a legislative solution to allow full implementation of Measure I and Measure U.” 

County Communications Specialist Ted Appel, left, speaks with Terri Somers, manager of the Sonoma County Energy Independence Program, on a recent episode of SoCo Chat.

There’s a County program that can help you pay for a host of improvements to your home or business – things like a new roof and windows, a solar energy system, and much more. Terri Somers, manager of the Sonoma County Energy Independence Program, explains how it works on a new episode of the County’s weekly podcast, SoCo Chat. 

Subscribe to SoCo Chat on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music and YouTube, and check out our growing library of episodes in both English and Spanish (Descubre nuestra creciente selección de episodios en inglés y español). Recent guests and topics of discussion have included:

• District 1 Supervisor Susan Gorin, who represents nearly 98,000 residents of the Sonoma Valley and a large swath of southeastern Sonoma County, is stepping down after nearly three decades of public service. She recently sat down with SoCo Chat to look back at the many highs – and a few lows – of her time in office.
• This year, the County expanded a program that sends teams of mental health professionals to help people in crisis, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Wendy Tappon, who oversees the Mobile Support Team program, explains how it works – and how you can get help for yourself or someone in need.  
• HIV cases have increased in Sonoma County over the last five years, and a growing number of heterosexual people are testing positive. Learn who should get tested and how you can protect yourself. We chat with Miranda Patrick, a public health nurse who specializes in sexually transmitted infections.

More than 250 children received free gifts from Santa at the third annual Springs Winter Celebration, an emerging holiday tradition at the temporary plaza in Boyes Hot Springs.

The Dec. 7 event was organized by the Springs Municipal Advisory Council in collaboration with District 1 Supervisor Susan Gorin and Sonoma Immigrant Services. Local families enjoyed free hot chocolate and cookies from Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn while learning about services provided by various community groups.

Members of the County’s Central Communications team joined the festivities, answering questions about the County while helping people connect with the County’s newsletter, podcast and social media channels. Congratulations to Gabriela Moreno, who signed up to get SoCo Correspondent and won a drawing for a free Sonoma County Regional Parks pass and a gift bag packed with County swag.

The County currently has 48 job openings posted on its website. How can you improve your chances of landing one?

Sign up for the next Start Here! class, which provides an overview of the County of Sonoma’s job application, examination and selection processes. The two-hour virtual class will be held Jan. 9 at 5:30 p.m.

The free class is intended for the public, whether you are looking for a new position now or planning for a future employment opportunity. Participants will learn how to submit a thorough application, best practices for the interview and examination, and much more.

Contact us at careers@sonoma-county.org to register for the Jan. 9 class or sign up for our mailing list to be notified of future classes.

Get involved with local government

Make a difference in Sonoma County! Local government thrives when passionate individuals like you step up to serve. There are countless opportunities for you to get involved and play a crucial role in shaping the future of our beloved Sonoma County. Check out the current vacancies:



• Child Care Planning Council of Sonoma County: Advocating for comprehensive child care planning and coordination throughout our county.
• Community Action Partnership of Sonoma County: Collaborating with low-income families to achieve economic and social stability.
• Emergency Medical Care Council: Enhancing emergency medical care, overseeing and maintaining the system and coordinating long-term planning for public education and injury prevention.
• Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health Advisory Board: Promoting the health and well-being of families, children and adolescents in our community.
• Task Force on Integrated Waste Management: Developing goals, policies and procedures to guide the development of the Siting Element of the county-wide integrated waste management plan.

Your involvement can make a significant impact. Take the first step and explore how you can contribute to a brighter future for Sonoma County.

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)



• Sonoma County government has several big facilities projects in the works. Here’s a look (Dec. 18)
• Sonoma County LAFCO Declines Approval For SDC Special District (Dec. 18)
• Avelo Airlines announces extended booking dates for Sonoma County airport (Dec. 17)
• IOLERO invites the public to participate in its Community Oriented Policing survey (Dec. 17)
• 356-acre Camp Meeker Forest Open Space is finally public parkland: ‘Now the adventure begins’ (Dec. 16)
• Sonoma County Challenges: Out-Migration and Aging Population, According to Moody’s (Dec. 16)
• A new Sonoma County program is aiming to keep hundreds of locals from becoming homeless. Here’s how (Dec. 13)
• Sonoma County granted custody of 25 dogs after yearlong legal battle (Dec. 13)
• 83% turnout means about 54,000 Sonoma County voters sat out the election (Dec. 13)
• Picture Yourself Here: Adventure, Nature, and Fun in Sonoma County Regional Parks (Dec. 13)
• Elderberry Commons almost ready for tenants (Dec. 11)
• Sonoma County, city of Sebastopol reach temporary agreement over sales tax dilemma (Dec. 10)
• Advocates call on Sonoma County supervisors to adopt sanctuary policy, safeguard local immigrant communities (Dec. 10)
• Sonoma County in-home care workers to see pay hike (Dec. 10)
• Susan Gorin honored as elected tenure in local politics ends (Dec. 10)
• Sonoma County sheriff’s watchdog notes progress in handling of misconduct cases, but finds room for improvement (Dec. 10)
• Joining the fast lane: Sonoma County to offer free internet service for low-income families (Dec. 9)
• Southeast Greenway celebration honors decade-plus work to acquire Santa Rosa’s newest park as supporters look ahead (Dec. 9)
• New Sonoma County coffee shop seeks to uplift foster youth (Dec. 6)
• Sonoma County Regional Parks expresses ‘deep sadness’ over ranger killed in suspected murder-suicide (Dec. 4)
• Intense California Storm Caused $2.6 Million in Damage to Sonoma County (Dec. 4)

Upcoming events

Dec. 19           Dry Creek Valley Citizens Advisory Council Meeting

Dec. 25           Christmas Day (most County offices closed)

Jan. 1             New Year’s Day (most County offices closed)

Jan. 7             Board of Supervisors

Jan. 8             IOLERO Community Advisory Council

Jan. 9             Lower Russian River Municipal Advisory Council

Jan. 9             Commission on the Status of Women

Jan. 10           Board of Supervisors annual priority setting workshop

Jan. 14           Board of Supervisors

Jan. 16           Coast Municipal Advisory Council

Jan. 16           Dry Creek Valley Citizens Advisory Council

Jan. 16           Homeless Coalition quarterly membership meeting

Jan. 16           Fish and Wildlife Commission

Getting outside and enjoying the county

Dec. 20           Parks After Dark: Solstice Celebration – Ragle Ranch Regional Park

Dec. 21           Rainbow Hike for LGBTQIA2S+ people – Foothill Regional Park

Jan. 7             Senior Saunters – Bird Walk Coastal Trail

View and sign up for the county's SoCo Chat podcast

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