Here is our November edition of the Sonoma County Correspondent, full of seasonal updates on what is going on within county government – and how you can actively participate. Start by casting your ballot in the Nov. 8 general election. Also, be sure to check out the list of openings on county boards and commissions or sign up for the next Start Here! class, where you can learn how to navigate the county’s hiring process. We’ve also got the scoop on how you can help shape the county’s plan to reduce homelessness or attend a webinar on Friday, Nov. 4 where you can learn more about the county’s 911 emergency hotline and learn more about the difference between 911 and 211.


As always, we encourage you to share this newsletter with friends, colleagues and family members so they can sign up for the SoCo Correspondent and receive it directly, normally on the first and third week of each month.

 

¿Está interesado en leer sobre lo que hace el Condado de Sonoma dos veces al mes? Este boletín estará disponible en español. Regístrese aquí para suscribirse a nuestro boletín, el SoCo Correspondent.

Scientists predicting fleeting, fiercer rainy seasons

California is becoming both drier and wetter. Scientists say these two seemingly contradictory conditions will become increasingly common as temperatures rise and climate change alters seasonal patterns of precipitation in the state. One likely result: rainy seasons will become shorter but more intense. In turn, scientists say, the frequency of flooding and drought will likely increase.

 

Learn how the county and state are preparing for these extremes at our Nov. 10 drought town hall, the seventh in a series of monthly live-streamed meetings the county has hosted since March. The 4 p.m. webinar, moderated by Supervisor David Rabbitt, will feature Jeanine Jones, drought manager for the state Department of Water Resources, and Julie Kalansky, a climate scientist with the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Register to attend the briefing on Zoom or view it live in English on the county’s Facebook page and in Spanish on the county’s YouTube channel.

Learn more about the drought

Vanessa Fuchs promoted to lead Probation Department

Vanessa Fuchs, who has served in the Sonoma County Probation Department for 24 years, most recently as its deputy chief, has been appointed chief probation officer following a nationwide search. She replaces David Koch, who has overseen the department since 2016.

 

The department, which has 271 employees and a $92.4 million budget, plays a critical role in the criminal justice system. It investigates offenders’ backgrounds and recommends appropriate sentences to the court; supervises offenders when they are released from custody; operates programs to reduce recidivism; and enforces court orders. Through its Adult and Juvenile Divisions, the department seeks to change lives, reduce crime and restore community.

 

“As I look into the coming years, my vision includes a plan to continue our quality service and support for the Court, uplifting organizational culture and community partnerships, and interrupting cycles in the system that has overwhelmingly incarcerated BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and people of color) and other marginalized populations,” Fuchs said.

Learn more about Vanessa Fuchs

Learn about the difference between 911 and 211

Most people know they can call 911 when they need immediate help because of an injury or imminent danger. But emergency dispatchers also receive many calls that should be directed to 211, a free and confidential service that helps Sonoma County residents find the local resources they need, including food, health care and economic assistance.

 

Sonoma County Supervisor Susan Gorin will moderate a webinar on Friday, Nov. 4, to help explain the difference between the two hotlines and the impact of calling the wrong number during emergencies.

 

Register in advance to view the 3:30 p.m. briefing on Zoom. It will also be streamed live on the county’s Facebook page. Live translation in Spanish can be viewed on the county’s YouTube channel.

Learn more about the webinar

County allocates nearly $4.4 million

to support climate resiliency projects

Graphic of a Sonoma County logo and a tree split into two representing drought and a green season.

The Board of Supervisors allocated more than $4 million on Oct. 25 toward climate resilience projects such as electric vehicle infrastructure, a fare-free program for youth on bus transit and a bike lane project in Sonoma Valley, in addition to several others. These projects will join more than $5 million in other climate-focused initiatives that were already funded in February.

 

“This funding furthers the Board’s commitment to address climate change by delivery on local solutions that will yield local results,” said Supervisor James Gore, chair of the Board of Supervisors. “As we move forward, it’s critical that we continue to seek out and leverage opportunities to build upon the progress we’ve made so far in mitigating and adapting to the climate crisis.”

Learn more about the projects funded by the Board of Supervisors

Voting underway for Nov. 8 general election

Only five days remain to cast your ballot in the Nov. 8 general election. All active registered voters in Sonoma County should have received a vote-by-mail ballot by now. Completed ballots may be dropped off at any of the county’s 21 official Ballot Boxes. If you are returning your ballot by mail, don’t delay: Ballots must be postmarked on or before Election Day and received at the Registrar of Voters’ office by Nov. 15.

 

Last week, the county opened seven vote centers to serve people who prefer to vote in person. Starting Saturday, an additional 24 vote centers will be open daily through Election Day. All centers are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, including weekends. On Election Day itself, vote centers will open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. For locations, visit the Sonoma County Registrar of Voters homepage and click on the list of Official Ballot Drop Boxes and Vote Centers.

Learn more about the Nov. 8 general election

Flu cases on the rise while COVID holds steady

Flu season has arrived in Sonoma County, but it’s not too late to get vaccinated. Historically, flu activity peaks between December and February, although significant activity can last as late as May. Influenza vaccines reduce the risk of illness by 40 to 60 percent, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Vaccines not only reduce the odds of you getting sick, they can also reduce the severity of illness and keep you out of the hospital.

 

Dr. Sundari Mase, Sonoma County’s health officer, has issued a health order requiring health care workers to get a flu shot and is strongly recommending members of the general public get vaccinated as well. It is safe and easy to get vaccinated for the flu and COVID-19 at the same time. Both vaccines are widely available through primary health care providers, health clinics and pharmacies.

 

“The flu and COVID-19 will likely be spreading at the same time, and relaxed COVID-19 mitigation measures may result in an increase in flu activity during the upcoming season,” Mase said.

 

COVID-19 activity has remained fairly flat in Sonoma County over the last three weeks. The county is detecting 6.2 new COVID-19 cases each day per 100,000 residents, matching lows last seen in March. But this is not the time to drop your guard. This is a winter virus, and COVID cases have surged in December for the past two years. To protect yourself and people you love over the holidays, get vaccinated or boosted now. It takes two to three weeks for the COVID-19 vaccine to provide maximum levels of protection. Schedule your shot today if you are planning to gather with loved ones at Thanksgiving.

Find a vaccination. Get tested.

Faces of the County

An ongoing feature series highlighting your public servants across

a variety of departments at the County of Sonoma. 

Name: Anna Yip


Title: Climate and Resiliency Analyst, Climate Action and Resiliency Division in the CAO


Years with County: 1.5


Personal side: I live in Santa Rosa, very close to Howarth, Spring Lake and Annadel parks. I live with my sister Emma and my partner Micah, plus our two rescue mutts, Cashew and Noodle. I’ve only been in Sonoma County for a little over a year, but I was born and raised just over the hill in Napa, so I already feel very at home here!


Education and/or certifications: I went to UC Berkeley for both my undergrad and graduate degrees. For undergrad, I double majored in Environmental Economics & Policy and Environmental Science. I focused my undergrad thesis on waste systems and zero waste goals/policies, and spent a disproportionately large amount of time digging through trash and diving through dumpsters. For my master’s program, I evaluated climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies and worked with a number of clients in helping them achieve certain climate-related goals. I am also a proud member of the Office of Equity’s Core Team!


What do you do? I try to help realize the Board of Supervisors’ strategic priorities and goals around climate action and resiliency. My work ranges from building resilience in our natural and working lands (check out the Climate Resilient Lands Strategy!), to quantifying emissions via greenhouse gas inventories, to helping guide budget decisions around climate funding. My work allows me to team up with staff from other county departments, work alongside other government agencies and tribal partners, collaborate with community-based organizations, and work and learn from local leaders and advocates. In a nutshell, I try to save the planet alongside some of Sonoma County’s amazing climate champions!


What gives you fulfillment? One of my favorite aspects of my work, and one that brings me much fulfillment, is that I get the privilege of working for the community in which I call home, and that I get to focus my work on addressing the climate crisis. Prioritizing equity and addressing systemic environmental and climate injustices through my work at the county is also something that challenges, frustrates, inspires and fulfills me all at once. Lastly, doing things in my everyday life to better the planet (voting, biking to work, eating less meat and dairy, saying no to single-use plastics…) and encouraging others to do the same also fills me. Being able to take these sorts of acts for the planet is, in itself, a privilege, so I try to recognize and take responsibility for them whenever possible.



Passions outside of work? Outside of work, I am passionate about the outdoors! I’m an avid trail-runner and am constantly pushing myself in that sport. I also love to rock climb and ride my bike, both across town and on the trails. I’m also a very dedicated pastry eater and am always on the hunt for a good scone, muffin, bread, cookie…. Sugar + flour = a happy Anna. I’m notorious for experimental baking and cooking without recipes, and I have a guilty pleasure (but not quite a passion) for reality TV. Any other Survivor fans out there?!

Read the county’s Climate Resilient Lands Strategy

Learn how to navigate the county’s hiring process

Registrations are now being accepted 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 at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 9.

 

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.

 

Click here to register for the Nov. 9 class. To be notified of future classes, contact us at careers@sonoma-county.org and we will add you to our mailing list.

Sign up for the Nov. 9 Start Here! class

Fulton foster parents receive statewide award

A Fulton couple who has fostered more than 140 children over the past two decades has been named the most outstanding foster parents in California by RaiseAChild, a nonprofit that partners with counties to recruit, review and train foster parents.

 

Joyce and Jim Hammerich will receive the 2022 RaiseAChild Honors Award on Nov. 5 at a fund-raising celebration in Hollywood.

 

There is a shortage of foster parents in Sonoma County. Every day, the county Department of Human Services cares for 50 to 75 local children and teens who are in temporary housing and awaiting placement in a foster or adoptive home. Foster parents can be single adults, straight and gay couples, Spanish-speaking families, children’s relatives, family friends and other approved caregivers.

 

“Our goal is that the children in our care feel nurtured, safe and loved while they are in our home. And staying in their lives forever is the ultimate win,” said Joyce Hammerich, who recently attended the wedding of a former foster daughter who asked Jim Hammerich to walk her down the aisle.

Learn more about becoming a foster parent

County seeks public input on plan

to reduce homelessness

The Sonoma County Continuum of Care board will host meetings on Nov. 18 and 30 to obtain further public feedback on its five-year strategic plan to reduce homelessness across Sonoma County.


The draft plan contains proposals to increase the permanent and interim housing stock in Sonoma County, increase homelessness prevention, and strengthen supportive services to ensure that we are meeting the complex and diverse needs of people experiencing homelessness in Sonoma County.


The draft will be published by Nov. 15 with the agenda for the board’s strategic planning committee. Public feedback will help the board set priorities and refine action items to achieve the goals of the strategic plan.


The Continuum of Care is a regional body that ensures homeless services are coordinated and effective. Its actions are directed by a 17-member governing board composed of local elected officials, nonprofit representatives, subject matter experts, and individuals who have experienced homelessness. The Sonoma County Community Development Commission serves as the lead agency for the Continuum of Care. Reducing homelessness is a key goal outlined in the Healthy and Safe Communities pillar of the county’s strategic plan.

Learn more about the county’s strategic plan for homelessness

Supervisors to review plans 

for Sonoma Developmental Center

Permit Sonoma has released the final versions of two key documents that will guide the county’s efforts to redevelop the 945-acre Sonoma Developmental Center property.

 

The final Specific Plan, which incorporates extensive public feedback, would enhance protection for more than 700 acres of open space and ensure that affordable housing is built before or at the same time as the market-rate housing.

 

The final Environmental Impact Report found the plan achieves the goals of the redevelopment project – including creating housing and protecting open space – while being more economically feasible and providing more economic development than alternatives with similar environmental impacts.

 

“With the release of the final Specific Plan and EIR, we are nearing the finish line on this once-in-a-lifetime process,” said Supervisor Susan Gorin, whose district encompasses the state-owned property on Arnold Drive.

 

The Board of Supervisors is scheduled to hear the plans for Sonoma Developmental Center on Dec. 16.

View the Specific Plan and Environmental Impact Report for Sonoma Developmental Center

‘Phoenix Rising’ tapestry honors community resilience

An inspiring piece of art – a three-panel tapestry titled “Phoenix Rising: Sonoma Strong” – was installed at the Sonoma County Administration building last month.

 

The triptych was the creation of 24 artists from the Redwood Guild of Fiber Arts to honor the community's resilience in the face of adversity following the 2017 wildfires. Displayed outside the Board of Supervisors’ chambers, it depicts a radiant phoenix soaring into the night sky against a backdrop of towering redwood trees.

 

“So many of our county artisans lost their homes, their studios and all of their pieces of art in not just one fire, but many fires,” Supervisor Susan Gorin said at a ceremony to dedicate the installation. “All of us have experienced trauma in the last five years. It resonates so strongly with this incredible image.”

View a Press Democrat video of the dedication ceremony

Board vacancies

Get Involved.jpg

Get involved with local government


Government is only as good as the people who step forward to serve. There are many opportunities available now to support the community by serving on local boards, commissions and committees.

 

Current vacancies include:



  • Community Action Partnership of Sonoma County: To partner with low income families and individuals to help them achieve economic and social stability. Learn more: https://www.capsonoma.org/





 

Check out the list of current vacancies and discover how you can help shape the future of Sonoma County.

To apply and to learn more

Adopt the pet of the month

My name is Loki. I’m a neutered mail border collie who’s been in the shelter since June, and I’m looking forward to my second birthday. I’m very social with people and love to cuddle after a nice long walk. My caretakers recommend that I’m the only dog in the home, since I am reactive to other dogs. They say I would benefit from training and daily exercise, and living in a home with children 13 and older.

 

Loki is one of dozens of cats, dogs, rabbits and other animals at Sonoma County Animal Services in need of adoption.

Learn more

Volunteer and employment opportunities

Clothes pins on a string hold up printed speech bubbles that say "We need you"

Volunteer opportunities


Make a difference in your community. Find out how you can give back here.

A person in a white shirt and blue tie holds up a blackboard with the words "Employment Opportunity" spelled out very neatly in chalk.

Employment opportunities


Take your next career step with the County of Sonoma. Explore employment opportunities here.

In the news

(stories may require subscriptions)

COVID-19


Drought


Other topics

Upcoming events

A megaphone against the backdrop of a blackboard with chalk writing that says, "Save the Date!"

Nov. 3 - Planning Commission

Nov. 7 - IOLERO Community Advisory Council

Nov. 8 - Board of Supervisors

Nov. 8 - Election Day

Nov. 9 - Springs Municipal Advisory Council

Nov. 10 - Commission on the Status of Women

Nov. 10 - Board of Zoning Adjustments

Nov. 11 - Veterans Day (most government offices closed)

Nov. 14 - Airport Land Use Commission

Nov. 15 - Mental Health Board

Nov. 16 - North Sonoma Valley Municipal Advisory Council

Nov. 16 - Community Development Committee

Nov. 17 - Planning Commission

Nov. 17 - Coast Municipal Advisory Council

Nov. 17 - Sonoma Mendocino Economic Development District

Nov. 22 - Human Rights Commission

Nov. 24-25 - Thanksgiving Holiday (most government offices closed)

Nov. 30 - Continuum of Care Board

Dec. 1 - Planning Commission

Dec. 5 - IOLERO Community Advisory Council

Dec. 6 - Board of Supervisors

Dec. 8 - Ag + Open Space District Advisory Committee


Getting outside and enjoying the county

 

Nov. 13 - Explore the Hidden Hillside of the Keen Property

Nov. 15 - Hikes with Hounds - Riverfront

Nov. 30 - Winging it Wednesday

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