Monthly Newsletter

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A Message From Supervisor Coursey

For many of us, November marks the start of the holiday season. Shoppers visit our local stores to find the perfect gifts for their loved ones, decorated homes begin to light up our neighborhoods, and residents across our community spend their time serving those in need, sharing in the spirit of giving and joy.


At the county, however, Registrar of Voters (ROV) staff are not quite yet settled into the holiday season. They are diligently counting and certifying ballots as the final step of administering a fair and free election. Prior to election day, I toured the ROV for a demonstration of the impressive operation. We’ve included images below to showcase some of the hard work that our ROV does to ensure that the gears of representative democracy turn effectively.

This month, our office also participated in the Housing Heroes campaign, a partnership between the Department of Communication and local property owners to educate the community on the benefits of leasing to housing voucher holders. Read our Close to Home recently published on the Press Democrat.


November is also nationally recognized as Native American Heritage Month. In honoring Sonoma County’s Indigenous People, the Wappo, Southern Pomo and Coast Miwok, we have included a list of events where residents can learn about the heritage, present conditions and future visions of the original caretakers of this land and their descendants who still live in Sonoma County.



We have also included news items from the County of Sonoma, the latest updates on climate resilience and transit, as well as a list of community announcements and more! As always we welcome your thoughts and feedback.

Recent Board Actions & County Updates

Board Approves Community Engagement and

 Language Access Agreements

The Board of Supervisors approved two contracts to advance language access and community engagement to boost involvement between local county government and communities all across Sonoma County. Powered by $710,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funds, the agreements engage two consultants to work with the county’s Office of Equity in developing a language access plan, a community engagement plan, and policy recommendations for all county departments.

Learn More

Sonoma County Launches Agricultural Access Verification Card Program

This month, the Sonoma County Department of Agriculture/ Weights and Measures announced the launch of an online application for the county’s Agricultural Access Verification Card Program. The new program is meant to facilitate the safe access to agricultural properties inside evacuation zones for commercial operators for the purpose of conducting critical activities. Non-critical activities are not eligible under this program and safety training is mandatory among other requirements for access.

Learn More

Fentanyl Awareness Outreach Campaign Begins

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 100,000 people in U.S. died of drug overdoses last year, with more than 60% of deaths involving synthetic opioids such as fentanyl. In 2021, there were 109 fentanyl deaths in Sonoma County. In response, the Sonoma County District Attorney’s Office partnered with other agencies to launch a joint community outreach campaign on the dangers of fentanyl. As part of the campaign, informational billboards are being displayed throughout the county, and resources for those struggling have been published online.

Learn More & Access Resources

Celebrating Indigenous Peoples in

Sonoma County

History of the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria

Thursday 11/17 1-2 pm on Zoom


Matthew Johnson, a tribal citizen of the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria and a cultural resources specialist for the tribe, will present the history and culture of the local Coast Miwok and Southern Pomo groups, from pre-colonization to present day.

More Event Info

Senderos: The Wappo in Sugarloaf

Sunday, 11/20, 10am -12pm



Learn more about the Wappo tribe in Sugarloaf in this family-friendly walk led by Desi Harp, member of the Mishewal-Wappo tribe. Attendees will meet at the White Barn parking lot and walk on the Meadow Trail as they listen to Desi speak about the cultural history of the Wappo at Sugarloaf.

More Event Info

Indigenous Experiences in the Realm of Academia

Tues. 11/29, 1-2pm over Zoom



Trelasa Baratta of Redbud Resource Group, will discuss how Native American tribes in California survived genocide, forced assimilation and removal from their lands. The discussion will “explore modern Native identity, reconnection with traditional knowledge-holders through literature, and looking ahead at what the future may hold for Native communities.”


More Event Info

Sonoma County Library Events

The Sonoma County Library celebrates Native American and Indigenous Heritage Month with author talks, discussion panels, a special selection of books and more. Library card holders can access additional resources from the Lake County Native American Collection and the Mendocino First American Collection.

Learn More

Click here for more on these and other events honoring Native American Heritage Month.

Climate Action and Transit

Board Allocates Nearly $4.4 Million to

Support Climate Resilience Projects

Last month, the Board approved $4.38 million to fund local climate resiliency projects. When complete, the projects will produce additional electric vehicle infrastructure, expanded bicycle lanes, new rainwater catchment systems and fare-free transit for youth, among other outcomes. The County anticipates the funds will serve as leverage to bring in roughly $6 million in outside funding.

Learn More

SMART Moves Forward with New Petaluma Station

The Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit board voted unanimously to appropriate the funding for the Petaluma North station located near the Corona Road and North McDowell Boulevard intersection. In addition to building the station, SMART also plans to construct about 4.5 miles of pedestrian and bicycle paths from Petaluma to Penngrove and from Rohnert Park to Santa Rosa.

Learn More

Vouchers Help Landscapers

Switch to Zero-Emission Equipment

Qualified small business landscape professionals can purchase discounted zero-emission landscaping equipment through a new category of funding offered through the California Air Resources Board’s Clean Off-Road Equipment Voucher Incentive Project (CORE).


Equipment purchasers can request vouchers for edgers, trimmers, chainsaws, leaf blowers, mowers and other landscaping equipment. Learn more about the program on the CORE website. The new cleaner, quieter equipment eliminates exposure to harmful fumes for the professionals operating these machines, and for anyone nearby.

Learn More

Get Involved in Local Government!

County of Sonoma Seeks Public Feedback on

Newly Published Draft Housing Plan

The County of Sonoma’s planning and permitting department is seeking public feedback over the next 30 days on a draft update to the Housing Element of the Sonoma County General Plan. The update represents the county’s goals, objectives and policies that lead to the creation of adequate housing for people of all income levels in Sonoma County for the years 2023 through 2031.

Learn More

Help End Homelessness in Sonoma County,

Become a Member of the Continuum of Care

The Sonoma County CoC addresses the problems of housing and homelessness by having a countywide, community-informed, and person-centered system that is compassionate, inclusive, financially responsible, coordinated, and outcomes-based. Anyone or any entity committed to the prevention and ending of homeless is welcome to join. There are no meeting requirements, dues, or fees to become a member.

Learn More & Apply

Job Opportunities at the County of Sonoma


The County of Sonoma is Hiring! View a list of our current and upcoming job opportunities, including Civil Support Specialist I & II, Sheriff's Office Accountant I & II, Transit Specialist I & II, and much more!

Visit our Website

Public Service Announcements

City of Santa Rosa Transitions from Nixle to

CivicReady for Alerts and News

Do you count on Nixle/Everbridge to receive important public safety alerts from the City of Santa Rosa? As of December 16, the Santa Rosa Police and Fire Departments will no longer be using Nixle for public safety alerts and information notifications. All Nixle subscribers must register with CivicReady at srcity.org/CivicReady to continue receiving public safety alerts and information notifications from the City of Santa Rosa.

Learn More and Sign Up

Covered California Enrollment Period Now Open!

Covered California officially launched open enrollment across the nation for the 2022 coverage year. Open enrollment is a time when Americans can sign up for or renew their coverage through Affordable Care Act marketplaces. This year millions of Americans are eligible for more financial help than ever before.

Learn More

Need resources? Call 211!

America Recycles Day

Did you know that 211 is the number to call for information and resources that can help with housing and shelter, food and disasters, tax preparation, and immigration, LGBTQ, senior, veteran and mental health services? Make the right call, today!

Learn More

November 15 is America Recycles Day! consider recycling your old mattress and divert valuable resources from local landfills. Learn how to recycle and other free disposal options that may be available to you at ByeByeMattress.com. #byebyemattress #BeRecycled

Learn More

Events & Community Bulletin

Volunteer, Give and Receive at

Redwood Gospel Mission’s Thanksgiving Banquet

Redwood Gospel Mission's Annual Great Thanksgiving Banquet is on November 23 from 11am to 6pm at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds.


Volunteer: Register to volunteer by contacting Tina Karns 707-578-1830 X 314.


Give: Contact Mariella Zapata for more information on hosting a drive at 707-578-1830 X 306 or mzapata@srmission.org.



Receive: Register in person from now through Saturday, Nov. 19 to receive a family box and a turkey free of charge. Registration is open Mon.-Fri. from 10am-4:30pm; Sat.10am-2:00pm at the Redwood Gospel Mission Thrift Store, 1821 Piner Rd, Santa Rosa 95403. Valid ID is required

Learn More

2022 Holiday Lights Celebration

Join Rohnert Park Community Services for this time-honored Rohnert Park community tradition on December 3 from 6-8pm. The free holiday celebration welcomes residents of all ages and will take place outside at the Rohnert Park Community Center at 5401 Snyder Lane. If inclement weather, event will be held inside. Complimentary treats, music, pictures with Mr. and Mrs. Claus will be among the many festivities!

Event Details

Support New World Ballet

New World Ballet invites community members to come together for the special holiday production of Duke Ellington’s Nutcracker on December 4 at 3:00pm! See details in the flyer below.



New World Ballet is a non-profit organization that offers pre-professional dance education to dancers ages three years to adult in Sonoma County. New World Ballet is a BIPOC-led nonprofit organization that supports equal opportunity for high-quality dance education.

Learn More

COVID-19 & Public Health Updates

Get Current on Your COVID-19 Vaccines

Get up to date on your shots. Don't let COVID-19 disrupt your family time! Even if you've already had a booster dose a few months ago or have had COVID-19 in the past, you may not be well protected. The omicron booster is now here for everyone over the age of 5. Protect family moments this season by catching up on your vaccinations.

Learn More

Sonoma County Health Officer Requires Flu Shots for Health Care Workers, Recommends Them for Public

Sonoma County Health Officer Dr. Sundari Mase issued a health order last month requiring workers at certain health care and congregate facilities to get vaccinated against influenza (flu). The flu vaccine requirement applies to all workers who have the potential for direct or indirect exposure to patients or residents. Workers include nurses, physicians, technicians, therapists and pharmacists at such facilities as acute care hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, psychiatric hospitals, dialysis centers, dental offices and others.

Read Press Release
Supervisor Coursey
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