A Message from Supervisor Coursey | |
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As 2024 draws to a close, I reflect on a year of meaningful progress and significant actions made by the Board of Supervisors. Over the past year, the Board has worked tirelessly to address the evolving needs of our community, prioritizing initiatives that improve resilient infrastructure, advance environmental sustainability, and ensure a healthy future for all residents. Here's a look at the key actions and investments that have shaped our progress in 2024:
Sonoma County continued its active role in Climate Action and Resilient Infrastructure, implementing strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change. This includes the additional purchase of electric vehicle transit buses, and investments made to bolster our infrastructure against natural disasters. The board also approved a modernization plan for our current county campus that calls for mixed-used development including potential for future affordable housing.
With the adoption of the 2024-25 Budget, the Board approved funding for community projects such as the NAACP/Health Action Together Community Wellness Hub. This HUB will provide culturally responsive health and wellness services to diverse populations. The Board approved $38 million of one-time ARPA funds to support programs that delivered services to communities who suffered disproportionately during the pandemic, which resulted in 40,000 individual services provided to people in need, including food, housing, financial assistance, mental health counseling and other supports. Funding was also dedicated to the Department of Emergency Management for their Emergency Operations Center and the Family Justice Center, among others.
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Other notable actions this year include significant progress in implementing the Racial Equity Action Plan, addressing systemic inequities and promoting a more just and equitable society, as part of one of our strategic pillars. The County adopted a comprehensive Master Plan for Aging, ensuring that our swelling aging population can age with dignity, resources and independence. The County strengthened tenant protections, safeguarding the rights of renters and promoting housing stability.
As we move into 2025, I remain committed to building a more sustainable, equitable, and resilient Sonoma County. We will continue to prioritize climate action, community well-being, supporting and safeguarding immigrant rights and vulnerable communities. We will build on these accomplishments, while working to advance the priorities that matter the most to you.
Thank you for your continuing readership and engagement. I wish you a peaceful holiday season and a healthy new year.
Sincerely,
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What's New at the County of Sonoma? | |
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This month, the Board of Supervisors presented a Gold Resolution to First District Supervisor Susan Gorin for her exemplary work as a dedicated public servant as she retires from the Board Supervisors after 12 productive years. In January 2013, Susan Gorin took the Oath of Office to become Sonoma County’s First District Supervisor, where she went on to serve for three terms, including serving as Chair of the Board in 2015 and 2020, leaving an outstanding legacy.
Her dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the First District and all of Sonoma County have made a lasting impact.
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The Board of Supervisors approved plans to provide free internet for one year to more than 500 low-income Sonoma County households using American Rescue Plan Act funding. The Board also approved the use of approximately $2.3 million of ARPA funding for additional broadband infrastructure development in the Walsh Landing and/or Jenner areas. The Sonoma County Economic Development Collaborative has applied for a $17 million grant from the California Public Utilities Commission that would help further expand broadband infrastructure to underserved areas of unincorporated Sonoma County.
The County’s new internet subsidy program using ARPA funding will provide free home internet subscriptions for a period of one year to 556 household including residents of approximately 10 affordable housing sites throughout Sonoma County.
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This month, the Board of Supervisors received the Fiscal Year 23-2024 IOLERO Annual Report.
The report includes updates on the oversight agency’s expanding work and audits conducted, including complaints, findings and recommended actions.
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The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors ratified a three-year contract agreement with Service Employees International Union Local 2015 that will increase wages and benefits for more than 7,200 local in-home care workers who assist seniors and people with disabilities.
The agreement between SEIU and the Sonoma County In-Home Supportive Services Public Authority will increase the hourly wage for in-home care workers by 14.4 percent over the life of the contract.
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This month, the Board of Supervisors presented a Gold Resolution recognizing and celebrating Ronit Rubinoff’s unwavering dedication to community service as she transitions from Executive Director of Legal Aid of Sonoma County to Director Emerita. Ronit has been an unwavering legal advocate for people of lesser means in our community. We wish her the all the best in what already is looking like a “semi”-retirement. | |
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Last month, individuals from across business and county sectors came together for the Annual Economic Perspective Conference. I had the opportunity to deliver welcoming remarks at the event, which focused on the potential impacts of the recent election results on the local economy and explored the shifts that may follow.
I concluded my remarks by addressing the possibility of mass deportations affecting our local immigrant communities; sharing key statistics, including estimates that as many as 25,000 undocumented immigrants live in Sonoma County.
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“The simple fact is that thousands of our neighbors, our employees, our co-workers, in many cases our friends and even family members are unauthorized immigrants in our community. I know there are strong feelings around this issue. As the debate goes on, I just ask that we keep in mind that we are talking about moms and dads and children, about our neighbors and our co-workers, about people who play a key role in our economy, and in our community.”- Supervisor Coursey | |
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The National Association of Counties embarked on an immersive 3-day symposium exploring county sites throughout Sonoma County this month. Attendees included my board colleague and NACo President James Gore, NACo’s Board of Directors, Large Urban County Caucus (LUCC), Rural Action Caucus (RAC), local elected officials and others.
This experience featured mobile workshops from urban, suburban and rural landscapes, including our very own Mitote Food Park in which I had the pleasure of welcoming our visitors with introductory remarks, including the history of the Roseland area development and the community and local government’s engagement, collaboration and innovation.
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The Phase One milestone for the Hearn Community Hub project was celebrated this month at the City of Santa Rosa’s Vision Unveiling event, highlighting the importance of this critical project. I look forward to the completion of this much-anticipated cornerstone of the community, which will benefit neighborhood youth for years to come.
This $33 million design-build contract will construct a new Fire Station and a Library on a 6-acre site in southwest Santa Rosa, addressing critical community needs for public safety, education, and access to resources.
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Join SMART to celebrate this highly anticipated addition to the SMART passenger rail system and pathway network. This new station enhances accessibility and connectivity into the east side of of Petaluma, including the Petaluma campus of SRJC, providing residents and visitors with expanded access to convenient and sustainable transportation. This exciting milestone reflects SMART's ongoing dedication to advancing regional transit and fostering vibrant, connected communities. Join us at this special event to commemorate a significant step forward in the future of transportation for Sonoma and Marin counties.
Friday Jan. 10 | Noon
The Petaluma North station 320 Corona Road, Petaluma.
RSVP here
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Community Annoucements and Opportunities to get Involved | |
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Supervisor Coursey is seeking a committed volunteer to serve on the county Planning Commission/Board of Zoning Adjustments, a position that helps create and interpret land-use policy throughout the unincorporated county.
Applicants must live in District 3 and have knowledge of (or a keen interest in learning) about planning and land-use issues.
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The Sonoma County Department of Emergency Management has begun the process of updating the 2021 Hazard Mitigation Plan for the County and 23 of its municipalities and special districts. The mitigation projects that are identified in the plan will reduce vulnerability and increase community resiliency to disasters.
Members of the public can contribute to the planning process by taking a survey. The findings of the survey will help us better coordinate activities and reduce the risk of injury or property damage. The survey questions are for information-gathering only and responses will be shared with municipal, state, federal and county entities for planning purposes only.
Access the survey here: https://forms.office.com/r/QQJCT1zgeL
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IOLERO has partnered with Sonoma State University on a Community Policing project to better understand the perspectives of Sonoma County residents and the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office regarding community-oriented policing practices.
We need your help to maximize participation. Scan the QR code or click on the Survey link here to participate.
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Santa Rosa Community Health, in partnership with Catholic Charities, is hosting a free COVID-19 vaccine clinic at the Caritas Center. This drop-in clinic is open to Medi-Cal, Medicare, or uninsured community members, offering a convenient and free opportunity to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
Date: Thursday, Dec. 19
Time: 12:00pm - 4:30pm
Location: Caritas Drop-in Center, first floor
No appointment needed.
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In order to maintain or improve groundwater conditions, the Sonoma County Groundwater Sustainability Agencies (GSAs) are considering a range of projects, such as groundwater recharge and water recycling projects, and programs, such as flow metering and water conservation incentives, in addition to policies to better align groundwater management with land-use policies and decisions. Part of that effort includes seeking feedback on which programs are preferred. You can have a voice in Sonoma County’s groundwater management by taking this 20-question survey which will be reviewed by the GSAs as they continue to develop programs and policies. Share your input today! | |
Housing Information and Resources | |
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The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors recently adopted an ordinance that provides new obligations for landlords and new rights to tenants for rental properties in the unincorporated area of Sonoma County. This ordinance augments the protections of the California Tenant Protection Act (the Act) by removing certain exemptions from the Act, limiting certain reasons for evictions, and in some cases, augmenting relocation benefits for no-fault evictions.
The new rules also require dissemination of tenant rights information in English and Spanish when tenants are asked to vacate a property or when eviction proceedings begin.
Starting on Jan. 1, the rules will require landlords to report evictions to the County using a new web portal.
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Are you or a family member in need of housing assistance? Starting this week, Sonoma County residents can apply for the new 2-year pilot program aimed at preventing families from falling into homelessness.
The $3.9 million program will provide temporary financial assistance and services to eligible Sonoma County residents at high risk of becoming homeless. Participants can receive help with back rent, move-in costs, rental assistance and other housing-related expenses.
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On Dec. 20, one day before National Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day, HomeFirst and Sonoma County Department of Health Services will host a memorial to honor individuals who lost their lives over the last year while living without housing in Sonoma County. The event will take place from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Arlene Francis Center, 99 6th St., Santa Rosa.
“This memorial is a tribute to those who have passed, and a call for us to come together in compassion and understanding,” said James Alexander, director of Sonoma County’s Homelessness Services Division.
RSVP to the event here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sonoma-county-homeless-persons-memorial-tickets-1081340832539?aff=oddtdtcreator
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Habari Gani! Kwanzaa Celebration in Rohnert Park | |
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Join the City of Rohnert Park in partnership with NBYC/NCC for a Kwanzaa celebration.
Monday Dec. 30 | 12pm – 3:30pm
Rohnert Park City Hall, 130 Avram Avenue Rohnert Park
RSVP before Dec. 17: Nubridgesinfo@nubridgesyc.org
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Are you at home and have spare time to share? Are your children looking for a craft to benefit the community? Please send positive cards, postcards, homemade cards, drawings, and encouraging letters to the seniors throughout Sonoma County. Addresses can be found in the Sonoma County Library link here.
Make sure your mail is legible, in large print, and handwritten. Keep your message positive, kind, and thoughtful. This is a one-way mail program so please do not include any requests for reciprocation.
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Join the third annual So Ho Ho Holiday Market. Free admission with over 150 small businesses to shop from.
Saturday Dec. 21 | 11am – 5pm
Sonoma County Fairgrounds, 1450 Bennett Valley Rd, Santa Rosa
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