In today’s edition of SoCo Correspondent, we report on County efforts to expand mental health services, reduce traffic congestion near Penngrove, refurbish a beloved but aging park in the Sonoma Valley and improve safety on a key bridge used by cyclists and pedestrians near Cloverdale. Plus, we show you how the County is working to enhance the well-being of children by ensuring parents meet their legal obligations to provide financial support and medical care for their children. And don’t miss the story that explains why dogs at the County Animal Shelter are wagging their tails a little faster, thanks to a local Boy Scout.
If you have a friend or family member who lives in the area – or you know of a former Sonoma County resident who might be interested in receiving these updates – urge them to sign up for the SoCo Correspondent so they can receive it directly, normally on the first and third week of each month.
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Board of Supervisors invests $5.8 million to expand mobile crisis teams, mental health services for youth | |
Four years ago, Sonoma County voters made it clear that more must be done to serve people struggling with homelessness and mental health. To pay for these services, they approved Measure O, which increased the county’s sales tax by a quarter-cent for 10 years.
The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors is putting that money to work. Last month, it allocated $4 million to support countywide 24/7 mobile crisis services during the fiscal year that began July 1. Supervisors also approved $1.8 million to expand a program that will provide mental health services to students at 19 local high schools.
“Measure O is making a real difference in the lives of Sonoma County children and adults,” said Supervisor David Rabbitt, chair of the Board of Supervisors. “This funding is putting mental health specialists in our schools and on mobile crisis teams that respond to calls for help 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, in every corner of our county.”
The mobile crisis teams, which are staffed with specialists in mental health and substance abuse, provide focused care for people in crisis who do not require intervention by law enforcement. They are trained to assess the situation and provide support or referrals to medical and social services, as needed.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health emergency, call the County’s 24-hour mental health hotline at 1-800-746-8181.
The mobile crisis teams are operated by the Sonoma County Department of Health Services in partnership with four cities – Santa Rosa, Petaluma, Rohnert Park and Cotati – and Sonoma State University. All other areas of the county are served directly by the Department of Health Services, which is working on a similar partnership with the city of Healdsburg.
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‘The Greatest Fair on Earth’ concludes this weekend | |
If you haven’t been to the Sonoma County Fair yet, there’s still four days left to find out why this summer tradition draws thousands of people every year.
The fair wraps up its 11-day run on Sunday, Aug. 11. This year’s theme, “The Greatest Fair on Earth,” celebrates the joys of an old-fashioned circus. The starring act is Sylvia Zerbini’s Liberté-A Cavalia Experience, which blends horsemanship with imaginative stagecraft, intricate choreography, high-flying gravity-defying aerial stunts and multi-talented musicians. But there is something for everyone, whether you are a fan of amusement park rides, carnival games, live music, horse racing, farm animals, arts and crafts displays, or fair food. Click here to view a photo album with images from the fair this week.
Find out what’s new and exciting at this year’s fair by listening to a new episode of the County’s SoCo Chat podcast featuring Becky Bartling, chief executive officer of the Sonoma County Fairgrounds.
“We have some really cool new events that have never been here before,” Bartling told SoCo Chat listeners. “Come in the gate and you will have an entire day of fun.”
If you are looking to spruce up your garden, don’t miss the annual Flower Show Plant Sale on Monday, Aug. 12 from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Arrive early for the best selection of plants and props displayed in the Hall of Flowers during the fair. Admission and parking are free.
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County identifies solutions for traffic congestion in Penngrove | |
Here’s some good news for anyone who has been stuck in traffic in Penngrove: the County is working to improve it.
Last month, the County’s Department of Public Infrastructure released a study with proposals to relieve traffic congestion and enhance safety for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians in Penngrove, a tiny rural community between Petaluma and Cotati. It identifies a series of projects designed to improve traffic speed and reduce congestion on Old Redwood Highway, Petaluma Hill Road and Adobe Road.
“Changing traffic patterns and new developments in surrounding cities have disproportionately impacted the quiet community of Penngrove,” said District 2 Supervisor David Rabbitt, who represents the area. “We have heard from the public that traffic is a main concern. The County is listening, and we are working toward providing the kind of relief that residents are requesting.”
Supervisor Rabbitt plans to hold a community meeting in early fall to discuss Public Infrastructure’s proposals and seek community feedback. Public comments and feedback on the study can be emailed to district2@sonoma-county.org.
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$9.3 million in renovations now complete at Maxwell Farms Regional Park | |
It’s safe to say that Maxwell Farms Regional Park has never looked better or been more welcoming with its new all-weather sports fields for soccer, lacrosse and baseball (all without the notorious ankle-twisting gopher holes that were in the old grass fields). The park also has new bathrooms, expanded parking, upgraded lighting, EV charging stations and enhanced access for people with disabilities.
These were all part of the first phase of renovations at the 82-acre County park, a favorite destination for families and local sports leagues since its creation in 1988 in the Boyes Hot Springs area north of Sonoma. Work on the $9.3 million facelift began in the fall of 2022.
“I’m thrilled to see the remarkable transformation of Maxwell Farms Regional Park, and I am looking forward to what’s coming in the near future,” said District 1 Supervisor Susan Gorin, who represents the Springs area. “These upgrades bring new life to our beloved park, and I'm especially excited about the improved accessibility for all residents."
Planning and fundraising are underway now for the second phase of improvements, which will feature a renovated skatepark, new bicycle and scooter pump track, new pickleball courts, and improvements to backcountry trails. Construction on Phase 2 is scheduled to begin when funding is secured.
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Cloverdale bridge expanded for bicyclists, pedestrians | |
Let’s be honest: crossing the Crocker Road bridge over the Russian River in Cloverdale could be a bit scary if you were a cyclist or a pedestrian trying to avoid a car or a truck.
There was not much room on the shoulders of the narrow two-lane bridge, which connects River Road to Cloverdale’s main entrance from the east. Widening the bridge, to make it safer for bikes and pedestrians, has been a goal of the community for more than 15 years.
Last week, Sonoma County Public Infrastructure achieved that goal, attaching a new bike/pedestrian bridge to the northern flanks of the existing bridge. The $2.34 million project creates a dedicated pathway, completely separated from vehicular traffic, to ensure the safety of pedestrians and cyclists.
The bike/pedestrian bridge improves public access to scenic routes and trails in the area, including the Cloverdale River Park Trail, a popular recreation area in the Sonoma County Regional Parks system.
“This state-of-the-art bridge represents a milestone in the County’s commitment to promoting active transportation and creating a safer community for all,” said District 4 Supervisor James Gore, who represents the Cloverdale area. “The new pedestrian bridge offers a range of benefits that will positively impact the lives of residents and visitors.”
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Faces of the County: Meet Nicole Manzanares | |
This is part of an ongoing series of profiles highlighting public servants across a variety of departments at the County of Sonoma. | |
Name: Nicole Manzanares
Title: Child Support Specialist II, Department of Child Support Services
Years with County: 3
Personal side: I was born and raised in Southern California and made my way up to Sonoma County to attend Sonoma State University. I loved the area, and when I finished school, I looked for an opportunity to move back. Luckily, I was hired by the Sonoma County Department of Child Support Services.
Education and/or certifications: I have a bachelor’s degree in anthropology from Sonoma State University and an associate’s degree in paralegal studies from College of the Canyons.
What do you do? I work in the Department of Child Support Services, which enhances the well-being of children by ensuring parents meet their legal obligations to provide financial support and medical care for their children. We serve as a neutral entity between parents, helping mothers and fathers navigate the child support system. When the identity of a child’s father is in question, we can establish paternity using DNA testing. We also collect and distribute child support payments to families, ensuring there is an accurate record of whether a parent has met his or her financial obligations.
As a member of the modification team, I help parents modify court orders that specify the amount of financial support a child is entitled to. When a parent’s income or visitation changes, they can request our services to see if that impacts the amount they pay or receive. Wherever possible, I also help parents avoid court by negotiating a stipulated agreement for child support payments. This process can be much more amicable for all parties and help foster cooperation between parents over the lifetime of a case, which can remain open until a child turns 18.
What gives you fulfillment? What I like most about my job is that we make a real difference in the lives of families and the well-being of children. We often step into a parent’s life at a very stressful moment. Sometimes a parent can’t afford to make their court-ordered payment because their income has changed. Other times a parent is entitled to a much-needed increase in financial support, which can help relieve some of the costs of feeding, clothing and caring for a child. We work to find positive solutions and make sure the legal rights of both parents – and especially their children – are respected.
What is one of the biggest misconceptions about Child Support Services? Some people mistakenly believe that we are part of Child Protective Services, an entirely different agency that intervenes in cases of child abuse or neglect. Others think all we do is go after “deadbeat parents.” This misconception can have parents on both the receiving and paying side feel a sense of shame or embarrassment. Our services can be beneficial to both sides. When we are involved in a case, parents can contact our office with questions or concerns rather than reach out directly to the other party, which can be uncomfortable or stressful. For some families, an open child support case with our department means one less thing for them to manage. With our involvement, parents on both sides may be more likely to engage or participate in the child support process, which can be beneficial to the children or families.
Passions outside of work? I’m an avid archer of 12 years and participate in a few novelty competitions throughout the year. I’ve been fortunate to find an active group of fellow archers to share in our mutual love of flinging arrows down the range. I also participate in a Dungeons and Dragons group weekly as an adventurer and run a separate campaign as the dungeon master. I like the creative process of running a campaign, the improv, and the way you work together with other players (or sometimes against) to achieve a goal. I enjoy reading fantasy/sci-fi books, watching a variety of sports, and playing easy stress-free video games.
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Civil Grand Jury reports now available online | |
Every year, the Superior Court in Sonoma County convenes a Civil Grand Jury to investigate local government agencies and find out if they are efficient, honest and fair. The 2023-24 panel completed its work this summer, publishing five reports on election integrity, fire safety, government spending, the County jail, and the County Department of Health Services.
Those reports have now been published online, in both English and Spanish. They examine the performance of local government agencies and offer suggestions on how to improve them. The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors is slated to issue the County’s responses to two of the five reports on Tuesday, Aug. 13.
“You served a unique and vital role in conducting investigations that led to intelligent, thorough and thoughtful reports that will serve to educate our community about their local government and provide recommendations for improvements to local government,” Judge Shelly J. Averill, presiding judge of the Sonoma County Superior Court, said in a note to members of the Civil Grand Jury.
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Sonoma County Animal Shelter gets new agility equipment, courtesy of Boy Scouts | |
Sonoma County Animal Shelter supervisor Emma Diemert, left, lures Ralphie through the hoop to the enjoyment of volunteer Susan Aguilera. (Mindy Breslin Photography)
Logan Zumstein, a Santa Rosa Boy Scout, was looking to perform a major service project that would complete his quest to become an Eagle Scout. Sherrill Dunning-Riley, a volunteer at the Sonoma County Animal Shelter, had the perfect idea: could the Boy Scouts build some agility equipment that could be used to exercise dogs at the crowded shelter?
It took Zumstein a year and a half of planning, measuring, purchasing materials, training and managing members of Boy Scout Troop 32 to build several pieces of agility equipment. They assembled and installed the doggie playground on July 21. If the dogs could have applauded, they would have.
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No detail was overlooked. The equipment was built to agility trial regulations and the boys even painted the equipment blue and yellow (because dogs can see those two colors).
Within minutes, husky Ralphie and pit bull/boxer mix Pi — both currently available for adoption — were ascending the high walkway, jumping through the hoop and climbing on top of the big steps. They both shied away from going up the steep A-frame structure, but that just takes a little more time and training.
Like many shelters since the pandemic, the Sonoma County Animal Shelter has been overflowing with dogs in need of adoption, foster homes, volunteer dog walkers and donations. If you’re looking to add a great pup of any age to your family, you will find a wide selection at the shelter, operated by the County’s Department of Health Services. Fill out an application today.
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A helping hand for the most vulnerable members of our community | |
Angela Struckmann, right, director of the Sonoma County Human Services Department, speaks with Communications Specialist Ted Appel on a recent episode of SoCo Chat.
Nearly one in three Sonoma County residents rely on the County’s Human Services Department for their health, safety or well-being. In a new episode of SoCo Chat, we sit down with HSD Director Angela Struckmann to discuss the mission of her department and how it is evolving as the county changes. Click here to listen to the conversation – and learn how you can get help, if you need it.
Meanwhile, California is well on its way to its worst wildfire season in years. More than 790,000 acres have burned so far this year, more than five times the five-year average of 141,000 acres. Make sure you are prepared by listening to SoCo Ready, our special four-part podcast series on how to get ready for wildfire season. Episodes include:
- Part 1: Outlook for fire season – Jeff DuVall, director of the Sonoma County Department of Emergency Management, provides a forecast of the 2024 wildfire season.
- Part 2: Preparing our wildland areas – Kim Batchelder, the County’s vegetation management coordinator, discusses programs that are reducing the risk of fire by removing combustible material from our landscapes.
- Part 3: Creating a zone of protection around your home – Caerleon Safford, program manager for Permit Sonoma’s Fire Prevention Division, offers tips on what you can do to lower the odds that your home will burn in the next wildfire.
- Part 4: Ready, Set, Go – Nancy Brown, the County’s emergency preparedness coordinator, talks about what you need to do to be ready to evacuate when the time comes.
Subscribe to SoCo Chat podcasts on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music and YouTube. Check out our growing library of episodes in both English and Spanish (Descubre nuestra creciente selección de episodios en inglés y español). Recent guests and topics of discussion have included:
Upcoming SoCo Chat episodes will include conversations with District 5 Supervisor Lynda Hopkins and Melissa Valle, interim director of the County’s Office of Equity. Listen for a chance to win a SoCo Chat coffee mug by answering the trivia question of the week.
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Find room to grow with a County job | |
The County currently has more than 50 job openings posted on its website. How can you improve your chances of landing one?
Sign up 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 Aug. 29.
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.
Contact us at careers@sonoma-county.org to register for the Aug. 29 class or sign up for our mailing list to be notified of future classes.
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Adopt the pet of the week | |
Support your community by getting involved | |
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Make a difference in Sonoma County! Local government thrives when passionate individuals like you step up to serve. There are countless opportunities for you to get involved and play a crucial role in shaping the future of our beloved Sonoma County. Check out the current vacancies:
Your involvement can make a significant impact. Take the first step and explore how you can contribute to a brighter future for Sonoma County.
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