Flooding, hail storms, snow - what hasn't Sonoma County seen this winter? I know I am ready for warmer days, but the sight of snow dotting our peaks is a beautiful one we don't get every year, so I will appreciate it while it lasts and hope it makes an enduring impact on our drought conditions.
On a somber note, I want to extend my deepest condolences to the friends, students, and staff of Montgomery High School and especially the families of the three students involved in this tragedy on March 1st. I am the parent of two Montgomery High graduates, and I cannot fathom the pain and anguish the parents and entire school community are feeling at this moment.
Continue reading below for announcements, information on upcoming events, and community news.
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Fire Safe Sonoma - Fire Safe Sonoma has collaborated with Habitat for Humanity to offer a free Wildland Fire Assessment Program. Through the program, you can have your home assessed for wildfire risk by the Fire Safe Sonoma team, and then get your home hardening and defensible space recommendations worked on by Habitat for Humanity, both for free! Learn more and apply to see if you qualify at the Fire Safe Sonoma website at the link below.
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Face 2 Face - 2023 marks 40 years of service for Face 2 Face in the field of HIV/AIDS in Sonoma County. They now have a van, which will continue their work and mission to end HIV in the region.
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Sonoma County Libraries - Our local libraries are partnering with California State Parks to lend park passes to library card holders. All Sonoma County Library branches have passes available to lend. If you do not have a library card, visit any branch to get your free card or create a library eCard online at the link below.
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Apply Now: District 1 Committee Vacancies - The First District has several vacancies on county boards, commissions, and committees. I have highlighted a couple of these vacancies below - if you are interested, please apply!
Community Development Committee: The Sonoma County Community Development Commission (CDC) is governed by the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors, acting as the Commissioners of the CDC. The Community Development Committee (Committee) acts as an advisory group to the Commissioners. The Committee reviews and makes recommendations on policy and funding matters to come before the Commission.
Commission on Human Rights: The purpose of the Commission is to promote better human relations among all people in Sonoma County through education, mediation, cooperation with County and community agencies, and by initiating action that fosters the recognition of and an appreciation for the cultural diversity of the community.
View information for county commissions, boards, and committees, and apply, at the link below:
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Watch - Embers of Awakening: From Firestorms to Climate Healing will be screening on KQED PBS on Thursday, March 22nd at 9:00. This film chronicles the 2017 fires in Sonoma County, recovery efforts, and the role of climate change. Watch the trailer below and tune in on the 22nd.
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Press Release: Sonoma County Announces Formation of Fire Memorial Task Force - In June 2022, the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors approved the creation and installation of a memorial artwork recognizing the impact of the Sonoma Complex Fires on the County’s residents and specifically honoring the memories of those whose lives were lost. The project will be overseen by a Fire Memorial Task Force in conjunction with Creative Sonoma, a division of the County’s Economic Development Board.
Continue reading the press release, learn more, and apply to join the task force at the link below.
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IRS: May 15 tax deadline extended to Oct. 16 for disaster area taxpayers - The deadline to file various federal individual and business tax returns and make tax payments, previously postponed to May 15, 2023 has been extended to Oct. 16, 2023 for disaster area taxpayers in California, including Sonoma County. Visit the IRS website at the link below for more information.
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Springs MAC - Join the Springs Municipal Advisory Council on the second Wednesday of each month at 6:30pm.
Next Meeting: Wednesday, March 8th at 6:30pm.
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North Sonoma Valley MAC - Join the NSV MAC on the third Wednesday of each month at 5:30pm.
Next Meeting: Wednesday, March 15th at 5:30pm.
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Please note that the meetings of the Springs MAC, North Sonoma Valley MAC, and SVCAC will now be held in-person. Please review the links to the websites for each group for more information. |
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Sonoma Valley Citizen's Advisory Committee - The Sonoma Valley Citizens Advisory Commission advises on local planning projects in the Sonoma Valley, and hears informational items on other areas of interest. Join the SVCAC on the fourth Wednesday of each month at 6:30pm.
Next Meeting: Wednesday, March 22nd at 6:30pm.
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Susan Gorin, 1st District Supervisor
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