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Monthly Newsletter

A Message From Supervisor Coursey

This month, District 3 welcomed the return of the County Fair at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds. I had the pleasure of attending in the company of members of the Fair Board, local community leaders and engaged constituents. After two years of pandemic-related cancellations, it was heartening to see local youth, elders and families of all shapes and sizes enjoy popular fair traditions such as the carnival rides, horse racing, and the hall of flowers, to name just a few.


The return of the fair in some ways serves as a reminder of what life was like before 2020. And, while we can all agree that life will never truly be the same, we’ve come a long way in resuming community affairs while taking proper care and precautions to protect our health, and that of our loved ones.

Notwithstanding, at the juncture of pre- and post- COVID-19 pandemic, state officials have indicated increasing concern related to the recent prevalence of monkeypox in California. It is important to both remain calm and heed public health guidance in order to keep ourselves and communities safe. Read on for more information on monkeypox.


In addition to public health communications, we have also included in this newsletter news of significance related to recent Board decisions, local climate action, grant opportunities and more. We hope you find these updates useful and look forward to receiving your thoughts and feedback. As always, thank you for your continued support and engagement. 

What's Happening at the County of Sonoma?

Supervisors Approve Vacation Rental Ordinance Update

On August 2, the Board of Supervisors approved updates to the Vacation Rental Ordinance including a prohibition on new vacation rentals in R1-zoned (low-density residential) areas, allowing for caps to be placed on vacation rentals in areas of concentration and establishing restrictions on corporate ownership of vacation rentals in Sonoma County. Existing vacation rentals will not be affected by the ownership or zoning changes voted on today.

Learn More

The Joe Rodota Trail is Now Open

As of Thursday, August 4, Sonoma County Regional Parks reopened the section of the Joe Rodota Trail (JRT) in Santa Rosa that had been previously closed due to safety concerns related to two homeless encampments that had recently formed along the trail.


Community members who were previously staying along the trail received shelter options that include non-congregate living spaces at the county-owned trailers at the fairgrounds, units at Los Guilicos Village and hotel rooms in various locations.


We understand that the closures of portions of the JRT caused hardships for residents who use the trail for transportation and active recreation. In reinstating public trail access as soon as possible while fulfilling the County’s legally mandated responsibility to support the unsheltered community, our staff has worked around the clock through all of the available avenues. There were some delays in the trail’s reopening due to a shortage of shelter beds in Sonoma County, which presented challenges in the process of offering shelter. Legal action taken by unsheltered community members, as is within their civil rights, produced additional delays.


At this time, the County’s primary focus is to keep the trail open for safe public access and to follow up with previously unsheltered community members to identify long-term housing options. 

Read Press Release

Department of Health Services Issues

Community Letter on Monkeypox

On August 5, the Sonoma County Department of Health Services issued the following letter to the community concerning monkeypox:


Dear Sonoma County residents,


We are facing a public health emergency. On Aug. 1, California Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency to combat the spread of monkeypox. Three days later, the administration of President Joe Biden declared a public health emergency at the federal level as well. The emergency declarations will help ensure we obtain the critical resources needed to combat the spread of this virus. While this outbreak is very different from the coronavirus pandemic, we have learned many lessons over the past two years to help us battle the spread of infectious diseases.


To date, we have learned of 17 cases of confirmed monkeypox among Sonoma County residents. This represents an increase from the county’s numbers last week and is suggestive of accelerating spread. Despite this jump, monkeypox continues to pose a low risk to the vast majority of Sonoma County residents.

Read Full Letter

Climate Action Made Local

County of Sonoma to Take Inventory of

Greenhouse Gas Emissions for All County Operations

On August 9 the Board of Supervisors authorized the creation of an inventory of greenhouse gas emissions from all county government facilities and operations. The inventory will be used as a baseline to help the county move toward its goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2030, as outlined in the county’s Five-Year Strategic Plan for Climate Action and Resiliency

Learn More

State Funds for Local Transit Electrification and

SMART Access in Petaluma

The California State Transportation Agency announced on July 8th that local efforts to support transit will receive $25 million in state funding through the Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program (TIRCP). The Sonoma County Transportation Authority (SCTA) led the successful effort in partnership with local transit agencies including Sonoma County Transit, and the Sonoma Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART). The awarded grant includes funding for a second SMART station in Petaluma, thirty new all-electric buses that will operate throughout the county, bus charging infrastructure, and connectivity to Mendocino County Transit.

Read More

Serve on the RCPA’s Climate Action Advisory Committee

The Office of Supervisor Chris Coursey is searching for a climate justice-oriented community member living in the 3rd District to serve on the Regional Climate Protection Agency’s Climate Action Advisory Committee (CAAC). CAAC members work with RCPA staff to develop and implement greenhouse gas reduction programs and measures in Sonoma County communities.


Interested applicants also can contact Supervisor Coursey’s office with questions by email at district3@sonoma-county.org or by phone at 707-565-2241

Learn More

Public Transit News & Updates

SMART Extends Reduced Fares Through June 2023

As a member of the SMART Board of Directors, Supervisor Coursey is proud to announce the passing of a resolution by the SMART Board to extend reduced train fares and suspension of parking fees at SMART park-n-rides through June 30, 2023.


SMART’s reduced fares will continue its fee of $1.50 per zone traveled, with seniors, youth, low-income, and passengers with disabilities receiving an additional 50% discount rate of $.75 per zone traveled.


SMART also offers a Weekend Day Pass providing unlimited rides for the entire day priced at $10.00 for adults and $5.00 for seniors, youth, passengers with disabilities, and low-income passengers.

Learn More

SMART Offers Game Day Ferry Connections!

SMART is offering special connections to Golden Gate Ferry's Oracle Park service from Larkspur on September 4th and 18th, and October 2nd. All games begin at 1:05 pm.

Learn More

Sonoma County Transit Revised Schedule

Sonoma County Transit announces a revised bus schedule, effective Sunday, Aug. 14. Most of the changes address school bell times and coordination between routes.

Learn More

SRJC Students Eligible for new Clipper Bay Pass

Beginning in the fall of 2022, Santa Rosa Junior College students are eligible to receive a new Clipper® BayPass, which provides free unlimited travel on all Bay Area transit services including Santa Rosa City Bus, Sonoma County Transit, Petaluma Transit, Golden Gate Transit, SMART, BART and more! 

Program Details

Get Involved!

Sonoma County Tourism Wants to Hear from You!

As part of Sonoma County Tourism’s destination stewardship efforts, understanding how community members feel about tourism is a foundational part of building a stronger, more resilient destination.


By completing the confidential resident survey, you can help Sonoma County Tourism learn about how the future of tourism could improve the quality of life for all Sonoma County residents.  

Take the Survey!

Open Nominations for the Sonoma County Spirit Award

Nominations are now open for the Commission on the Status of Women’s second annual Sonoma County Spirit Award! This award was created to honor people in our community who uplift, empower, and support women and girls in Sonoma County. Nominations are due 8/31/22.

Nominate a Leader 

Community Announcements

Apply for a Community Investment Fund Grant!

The District 3 Office of Supervisor Chris Coursey is now accepting Community Investment Fund grant applications for the 2022-2023 fiscal year. Neighborhood groups, and community groups are invited to apply! Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and the first round of grants will be awarded in October 2022. Apply by September 15 to be considered for the first round of funding! 

Learn More and Apply

Property Tax Relief Available to Eligible

Homeowners Impacted by COVID-19 Pandemic

The California Mortgage Relief Program is providing one-time payments to qualified homeowners who have fallen behind on their housing payments. Using $1 billion in federal funds, the program is helping homeowners who had a financial hardship during the COVID-19 pandemic by covering missed mortgage and property tax payments. 

Learn More and Apply

Peer Support Certification Scholarships Available

The California Mortgage Relief Program is providing one-time payments to qualified homeowners who have fallen behind on their housing payments. Using $1 billion in federal funds, the program is helping homeowners who had a financial hardship during the COVID-19 pandemic by covering missed mortgage and property tax payments. 

Learn More

COVID-19 Update

Supervisor Coursey
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