I recently returned from the National Association of Counties conference in Austin, Texas. For a number of years I have served on the Energy, Environment & Land Use Policy Committee. The committee and the full board of NACo approved two resolutions proposed by Sonoma County. One resolution asked NACo to prioritize advocacy to support the Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) program operated by the County to help businesses and residents to finance the installation of solar panels and home hardening renovations. The other resolution supported advocacy to expand the approach of Sonoma Water to manage reservoir water levels through the Forecast Informed Reservoir Operations (FIRO), which allows the agency to withhold water in reservoirs when our large rains are forecast to be over for the season. Thank you to the County departments who helped to prepare the resolutions.

Another opportunity for me was to visit the “Community First” villages located somewhat outside the city of Austin. These communities are well known nationwide in building small homes and community buildings for homeless residents. The first two villages are complete and house 250 families together. Fundraising is happening now to construct a third village close to the other two. The goal is $300 million from mostly private sources. 

Austin is a beautiful city, and it was a great opportunity to connect with colleagues from counties across the country, but it was unbelievably hot!

Continue reading below for announcements, events, and community news.

Creative Sonoma Draft Public Art Plan - For the past 18 months, Creative Sonoma has engaged in a process to develop a master plan for public art in Sonoma County. Many of our municipalities already have plans and percent-for-art ordinances in place. But we do not currently have an ordinance or master plan for the whole county or its unincorporated areas. 

Please take a look at the draft plan, and share your feedback and thoughts at the links below. Creative Sonoma plans to bring the plan to the Board of Supervisors for action in mid-September 2023, so the deadline for community feedback is August 18, 2023.

PG&E Undergrounding - PG&E will soon begin undergrounding a portion of electric equipment along a short section of Highway 12 near the Kenwood Inn and Spa. This work is currently anticipated to begin August 14 and last until the end of October. This work will occur on weeknights only, from 9pm to 6am.

Take the Survey - Sonoma County Regional Parks seeks community input to help shape the future of Calabazas Creek Regional Park and Open Space Preserve near Glen Ellen in the Mayacamas Mountains. The department is creating a master plan to guide the development of accessible trails and spaces, recreational and educational uses and stewardship of the natural resources. The public is encouraged to share their desires, thoughts and feedback by taking a survey at CalabazasCreekParkAndPreserve.org through Oct. 1, 2023.

Mahonia Glen Wall Raising - I was thrilled to participate in the Wall Raising Ceremony at Mahonia Glen, a project that will bring much needed affordable housing to the First District in Santa Rosa. Thank you to MidPen Housing for including me, and for all your great work!

Springs MAC - Join the Springs Municipal Advisory Council on the second Wednesday of each month at 6:30pm.

Next Meeting: Wednesday, August 9th at 6:30pm.

North Sonoma Valley MAC - Join the NSV MAC on the third Tuesday of each month at 5:30pm.

Next Meeting: Tuesday, August 15th at 5:30pm.

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, August 23rd at 6:30pm.