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In honor of today being the first day of spring, we’re providing a number of hopeful updates in this week’s SoCo Correspondent, including the County’s efforts to cut the cost of new housing construction, reduce homelessness, expand mental health services, improve parks and uphold the civil rights of all residents concerning County programs and activities. Plus, we’ve got the latest on an innovative project to collect water over winter when it is plentiful and store it underground for the next drought.
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.
¿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.
| | County eliminates fees to support construction of affordable housing | | |
Increasing the supply of affordable housing in Sonoma County is one of the top goals in the Board of Supervisors’ five-year Strategic Plan. Last week, the Board took another step to achieve this goal, eliminating millions of dollars in impact fees for developers who commit to building affordable housing.
The fees, which are used to fund County roads and parks, will be waived for housing projects in unincorporated areas of Sonoma County that reserve units for moderate-income, low-income and very low-income renters and buyers.
The decision could eliminate nearly $20 million in traffic and parks impact fees over the next two years, according to a County estimate presented to the Board at its Jan. 14 meeting. At that time, there were 15 eligible projects under development that, if completed, would create more than 1,900 units of affordable housing.
“From skyrocketing rents to a lack of affordable housing options, too many of our neighbors are struggling to keep a roof over their heads,” said Supervisor Lynda Hopkins, chair of the Board of Supervisors. “Today’s action is part of a broader effort to ensure the County’s housing policies prioritize both stability and growth. That means creating pathways to build affordable homes, exploring new strategies to protect renters, and working with developers and community partners to address the shortage of housing at all income levels.”
| | Elderberry Commons reopens, providing new resource to reduce homelessness | | |
Eliminating homelessness in Sonoma County will take many different types of housing. One important piece of the solution opened in Sebastopol this month. After extensive renovations, residents are now moving into Elderberry Commons, which will provide permanent supportive housing for dozens of people.
The County purchased the 31-room former hotel on Sebastopol Avenue in 2020 with a grant from Project Homekey, a state-funded initiative to rapidly expand the supply of housing for people experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness. During the pandemic, the property was used for transitional housing, which provides a temporary place for people to live while searching for a more permanent home. Last year, the County transferred the property to Burbank Housing, which converted the former Sebastopol Inn into permanent supportive housing. This type of housing provides long-term shelter and supportive services to people who are chronically homeless, helping them build independent living skills while connecting them with health care, treatment and employment services.
“This reopening marks a significant step forward in addressing housing needs and creating a stronger, more resilient community,“ said District 5 Supervisor Lynda Hopkins, whose district includes the Elderberry Commons. “Focusing on long-term housing, the site is not just providing shelter but the means for individuals to thrive and rebuild their lives with dignity and confidence.”
During the renovation, the rooms were converted to studio apartments and equipped with kitchenettes and other modern amenities. West County Community Services, a Guerneville nonprofit, provides wraparound services on the property.
| | Measles cases are on the rise again. There’s a safe and easy way to protect yourself | | |
For the first time in nearly a decade, people are dying from measles in the United States. It doesn’t have to be that way.
The measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine offers the best protection against the virus. Protect yourself by making sure each member of your family who is 12 months to 3 years old is vaccinated with one dose of MMR vaccine, and each person who is age 4 or older has gotten two doses of MMR vaccine.
Last week, Bay Area health officials urged everyone to get the measles vaccination if they are not sure if they got it or if they did not have measles as a child, and to be aware of the signs and symptoms of measles after travel or exposure.
“Measles outbreaks are occurring in many places around the U.S. and the Bay Area is particularly vulnerable due to the large number of international travelers,” said Dr. Karen Smith, Sonoma County’s interim health officer. “Help make sure that measles doesn’t break out here by ensuring that you and your family are protected. The measles vaccine has a 60-year record of safety.”
Measles spreads easily through the air when an infected person breathes, talks, coughs, or sneezes. If an infected person coughs or sneezes, the virus can linger in indoor air for several hours. Symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, and conjunctivitis (pink eye), followed 2 to 4 days later by a rash.
About one in five unvaccinated people in the United States who get measles are hospitalized, and nearly one to three of every 1,000 children who become infected with measles will die from respiratory and neurologic complications, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Measles presents the greatest risk to children under 5, adults over 20, pregnant women and people with compromised immune systems.
One dose of the MMR vaccine is 93 percent effective against measles, and two doses are 97 percent effective. Individuals born between 1957 and 1969 are likely to have received only one dose and should consider getting a second dose. The MMR vaccine protects you for life and is widely available at doctors offices, clinics, health systems and pharmacies.
| | Measure O tax making a difference in our community | | |
In 2020, Sonoma County voters approved a quarter-cent sales tax to sustain and expand services for people experiencing homelessness or struggling with their mental health. A new report issued last week details exactly how that money is being put to work, with some impressive results.
The tax, initially projected to generate $25 million annually, is currently raising $32 million annually to support mental health and homelessness services. The impact:
- $7 million for behavioral health facilities, including 18 residential care facilities that treat and house people with severe mental illnesses.
- $12.4 million for emergency psychiatric services, including the County’s Crisis Stabilization Unit, mobile crisis teams, and inpatient facilities that treat people experiencing a mental health emergency.
- $1.3 million for outpatient programs that serve people grappling with drugs, alcohol and mental health challenges.
- $7.8 million for programs that provide housing and mental health services for people experiencing homelessness.
- $3.3 million for programs that provide transitional and permanent supportive housing for people experiencing homelessness.
“We remain ever mindful that the public has entrusted us with these funds to make our community healthier and to literally save lives,” said former Supervisor Shirlee Zane, who chairs the Measure O oversight committee. “The hope of Measure O is that by investing in more crisis intervention services, we are preventing crises from occurring through ongoing care and case management.”
Click here to view the report in English and Spanish. Hard copies are available by emailing requests to MeasureO@sonoma-county.org.
| | Parks for All tax supports $13 million in improvements across Sonoma County | | |
Parks departments throughout Sonoma County updated their trails, open spaces, play areas, sports facilities and other crucial maintenance projects in the 2023-24 fiscal year with more than $13 million from Measure M, the Parks for All sales tax.
A new report delivered to the Board of Supervisors last week outlines the impact of the one-eighth cent sales tax, which was approved by voters in 2018. Sonoma County Regional Parks receives two-thirds of the annual revenue while the county’s nine cities share one-third.
The report shows Regional Parks dedicated $10.5 million in Measure M proceeds to a range of projects, while the cities spent more than $2.8 million. The tax generated a total of $16.3 million in the 2023-24 fiscal year, with unspent revenue saved for future projects.
“Thanks to the generous support of our taxpayers, we are able to fund and preserve our local parks, ensuring that future generations can enjoy these natural landscapes for years to come,” said Supervisor David Rabbitt, board chair in 2024. “This investment, along with the efforts of our dedicated staff and community partners, is vital to sustaining and enhancing our vibrant park system.”
For Regional Parks, notable projects included completing the first phase of Maxwell Farms Regional Park’s redevelopment, adding 8 miles of trails at Taylor Mountain Regional Park & Preserve, restoring habitat at Shiloh Ranch, Hood Mountain and Doran regional parks and building gathering areas at Tolay Lake and Foothill regional parks.
Cities used Measure M funding to repair parks and playgrounds, build pickleball courts, expand summer camps, renovate trails and pathways, host community events, hire maintenance staff and save for future park improvements.
| | Storing water underground for the next drought | | |
There’s something pretty cool about to happen along Occidental Road west of Santa Rosa. Next month, Sonoma Water will start outfitting a well with new equipment that not only pulls water out of the ground during dry periods, but also pumps it back into the ground during the rainy season.
The ingenious project will allow Sonoma Water to capture water from the Russian River when it is plentiful over winter and then store it in underground aquifers until it is needed.
“The Occidental Road Well project will help us continue to build upon our reliable water supply for the Santa Rosa Plain,” said Supervisor Lynda Hopkins, who chairs the Sonoma Water board of directors. “In addition to bringing this well up to a higher production standard, the ability to preserve water in the aquifer can help us manage our water resources more effectively and prepare for drought.”
The Occidental Road well was initially constructed in 1978 following a drought in the mid-1970s, but fell into disuse when it experienced issues with water quality and sand. In 2023, Sonoma Water began drilling a replacement well at the site, addressing the problems by modifying its depth, improving its filters and incorporating stainless steel construction.
Last week, the Sonoma Water board of directors awarded a $4.8 million contract to TerraCon Constructors to activate the well. Construction is scheduled to begin in late April and will be completed by late November.
| | Sonoma County reaffirms support for immigrants after ICE incident at Probation Department | | |
On March 13, an agent working with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement walked into the Probation Department in plain clothes and handcuffed an individual in the lobby. The individual, who had just been released from jail, was detained while obeying court orders to report to Probation.
“This detention was unexpected by our staff and likely very unsettling for others in our lobby who witnessed it. The agent did not identify himself, though it appears that he had insignia around his neck, and it wasn’t immediately clear what was happening at the time,” said Chief Probation Officer Vanessa Fuchs. “We want to make clear that Probation was not involved in coordinating this incident in any way. Probation is focused on public safety and the rehabilitation of clients. Our mission is to protect the community as a whole.”
The incident prompted the County of Sonoma to reiterate its commitment to uphold the civil rights of every resident, including immigrants, and to make public services accessible to all who need them.
“The fact that this arrest took place in the lobby of the County Probation Department by a plain-clothed officer is disruptive to public services,” said Supervisor Lynda Hopkins, chair of the Board of Supervisors. “It sends the wrong message to members of our community who deserve access to County services – especially clients who must trust the Probation Department and visit in order to comply with terms of their probation.”
Supervisor Hopkins said the incident could impact the public’s perception of County staff “who work hard every day to develop and maintain trust” with their clients and the community. “While we will not interfere with lawful arrests, we will work with all County departments to ensure immigrant communities feel safe accessing County services, and that their rights are upheld.”
An internal review of the incident concluded the County did not violate SB54, the California Values Act, which prohibits state and local law enforcement agencies from using their resources to investigate, interrogate, detain, or arrest individuals for immigration enforcement purposes.
| | Help shape the future of Sonoma County: Share your ideas about the County’s next General Plan | | |
Join us at one of five upcoming open houses to help update Sonoma County’s General Plan, the foundation for all zoning and land use decisions.
The drop-in workshops, which begin March 24 and run through April 16, offer an informal setting where community members can visit themed stations, share input, and help shape the future of their neighborhoods. Each workshop will take place from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the following communities:
- March 24 – Sonoma Valley – Flowery Elementary School, 17600 Sonoma Highway, Sonoma
- April 2 – North Santa Rosa – Mark West Elementary School, 4600 Lavell Road, Santa Rosa
- April 3 – Petaluma/Penngrove/Two Rock – Bloomfield Masonic Lodge, 6640 Bloomfield Road, Petaluma
- April 15 – Coastal Communities/Bodega Bay/Bodega/Valley Ford – Bodega Harbour Yacht Club, 565 Smith Brothers Road, Bodega Bay
- April 16 – Sebastopol/Graton/Occidental – Occidental Community Center, 3920 Bohemian Highway, Occidental
Attendees can stop by anytime during the open house and provide feedback on key issues such as housing, transportation, and environmental preservation. Spanish interpretation will be available at all in-person events. Family-friendly activities and dinner will also be provided.
For those unable to attend in person, virtual open houses will be held on April 7 at 6 p.m. and April 10 at noon via Zoom. A Zoom registration link can be found here. An online survey, available here in English and Spanish, also provides an opportunity to contribute.
To stay up to date on the General Plan process, residents are encouraged to sign up for the General Plan email update list. For event details, locations, or to participate online, visit the General Plan Website or email generalplan@sonoma-county.org.
| | Hopkins sounds warning about impact of potential Medi-Cal cuts | | |
Supervisor Lynda Hopkins, center, speaks at March 7 news conference with Reps. Mike Thompson, left, and Jared Huffman, right.
Supervisor Lynda Hopkins joined North Coast congressmen Mike Thompson and Jared Huffman this month to alert the public about the potential impact of deep cuts to Medi-Cal, California’s version of the federal Medicaid health care program.
A budget proposal advanced by Republicans in the House of Representatives calls for $880 billion in spending reductions to help fund an extension of President Trump’s 2017 tax cuts. Those types of cuts could have a devastating impact in California, where Medi-Cal pays for more than 50 percent of all births and critical prenatal and postpartum care for mothers and their children, Supervisor Hopkins said.
“We cannot become a country of back-alley births,” Supervisor Hopkins said at a March 7 news conference outside the Santa Rosa Community Health Clinic. “It is unacceptable to abandon fully half of the birthing women in the state of California, which is what they are trying to do.”
Rep. Thompson said deep cuts won’t just impact people on Medi-Cal, which provides health care for a third of the patients in California. “If you take that kind of money out of any health care system, either the health care providers will fold, or the cuts will be so severe that health care will be drastically limited,” he said.
Rep. Huffman said some Californians who obtained health care coverage under the Affordable Care Act could see their premiums jump 300 percent if the cuts to Medi-Cal are implemented. “This is not just going to hit people on the front lines who depend on Medicaid for health insurance. It will have spillover effects that impact everyone,” he said.
| | More than 550 local households to receive free internet for one year | | |
The internet is so ubiquitous it seems like it permeates every corner of life. But if you lack broadband – either because you can’t afford it or it is not available where you live – it can have devastating impacts on your ability to get an education, find and keep a job, and stay informed and connected.
The County is working to shrink the digital divide in Sonoma County. Last week, the Board of Supervisors approved a plan to provide free internet service for one year to 556 low-income households in 10 affordable housing developments.
“The Board has prioritized finding creative solutions to broadband infrastructure development in Sonoma County,” said Supervisor Lynda Hopkins, chair of the Board of Supervisors. “This free internet program is a step toward equity as we continue to pursue public funding and strategic partnerships that can finally close the digital divide facing many of our shared communities.”
In January, the California Public Utilities Commission approved more than $17 million for a partnership between WiConduit and GigabitNow to build two open access broadband projects in west Sonoma County. Forestville Connect will provide 35 miles of fiber optic infrastructure to 295 unserved locations, while Sonoma Coast Connect is expected to install 40 miles of fiber optic infrastructure reaching 507 unserved locations. The Sonoma County Economic Development Collaborative will be coordinating with WiConduit and GigabitNow to support their project deployment.
The CPUC did not approve a proposal by the County and Golden State Connect Authority to extend broadband service in Jenner, Walsh Landing, southeast Santa Rosa and east Cloverdale. However, the Jenner and Walsh Landing project areas are both covered in the Sonoma Coast Connect project awarded to WiConduit.
| | County receives second round of funding to help cannabis entrepreneurs | | |
The County has been awarded another round of state funding to help people hurt by the war on drugs start and operate their own cannabis businesses. The program is designed to help eliminate the market for illegal cannabis by lowering economic barriers to entry into the legal cannabis industry.
The County will distribute $520,000 to applicants who meet criteria for the grants. The funding can be used for rent, licensing fees, legal assistance, regulatory compliance, cannabis testing, capital improvements, security equipment, workforce training, bookkeeping services, marketing, and tax relief.
Last year, the County awarded $635,000 in state funding to 20 applicants who met the state-approved criteria. To qualify, applicants or their immediate family members had to demonstrate they had been arrested for the sale, possession, distribution, use, manufacture or cultivation of cannabis between 1971 and 2016, when California voters legalized the recreational use of cannabis by adults. This year, the criteria have been expanded to include low-income applicants and people who live in disadvantaged communities. Applications and other criteria for the Cannabis Equity Grant program are available here.
| | Make a difference – serve on the Civil Grand Jury | | |
The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors presents a gold resolution to members of the Sonoma County Civil Grand Jury on March 11, 2025.
The Sonoma County Civil Grand Jury is now accepting applications to serve on the watchdog panel, which investigates and reports on local government to ensure it is operating efficiently, honestly and in the best interest of the public.
Volunteers must be willing to spend 10 to 25 hours a week on the work of the Civil Grand Jury, which will be seated in July. To apply for a one-year term, visit the Civil Grand Jury page on the Sonoma County Superior Court’s website. The application deadline is May 2.
Last week, the Board of Supervisors adopted a gold resolution proclaiming March as Civil Grand Jury Appreciation Month and endorsed the ongoing drive to recruit new civil grand jurors.
“Civil grand juries make our community better by holding local government to high standards for efficiency, effectiveness and integrity,” said Supervisor Lynda Hopkins, chair of the Board of Supervisors. “They also offer a unique opportunity for the public to learn how local government works and develop solutions to save money and improve services. We thank past, current and future members of the grand jury for their contributions and encourage the public to join this important work.”
| | Alert system test planned for March 27 in parts of Sonoma and Napa counties | | |
Sonoma and Napa counties are teaming up to test the region’s Wireless Emergency Alert system on March 27 in targeted areas bordering the two counties.
In Sonoma County, the alerts will be sent out from 10:45 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. to cellphones in one evacuation zone – SON-6F4 – located in the hills northeast of the city of Sonoma. Some people may receive two alerts – one from Sonoma County, and one from Napa County.
During an emergency, the Wireless Emergency Alert system can send a text message to cellphones in a targeted geographical area, much like an Amber Alert. If you live in the SON-6F4 evacuation zone, make sure your cellphone’s sounds are turned on to participate in the March 27 test. Be aware that putting your cellphone on airplane mode or “do not disturb” may prevent you from hearing an alert.
This is not an evacuation exercise. It is an annual test to ensure alert and warning systems are working properly and the community is prepared for an emergency. It will be cancelled if extreme weather is forecast.
| | Make your voice heard: Take this transportation survey | | |
The Sonoma County Transportation Authority and Regional Climate Protection Authority are developing a plan to reduce traffic congestion and greenhouse gas emissions by improving alternatives for people who currently drive alone in their cars.
We want to know your priorities. Take a short survey that will help planners identify the best ways to support safe, affordable and reliable travel options in the upcoming Strategic Transportation Demand Management Plan.
The deadline to provide input is March 27. Participants will be eligible to enter a raffle for a $25 e-gift card.
| | Join the conversation at SoCo Chat | | Join us for our inaugural Charla Comunitaria on April 17 | | |
Don’t miss this all-Spanish community conversation on Thursday, April 17, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. This engaging event, streaming live on Zoom and Facebook Live, is designed to ensure Spanish-speaking members of our community have access to vital information directly from County leaders and expert panelists.
What to Expect:
- A Spanish community-centered discussion on essential resources and support for our immigrant communities.
- A commitment to language justice, providing accurate, accessible information in Spanish.
- Live Q&A with viewers, fostering real-time engagement.
- Hosted by TV personality Juan Barragán and Karina Garcia from our Central Communications team.
Stay tuned for more details in the coming weeks on how you can join the conversation.
| | Find room to grow with a County job | | |
The County has more than 40 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 next two-hour virtual class will be held April 25 at 5:30 p.m.
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 April 25 class or sign up for our mailing list to be notified of future classes.
| | Adopt the pet of the week | | |
My name is Willow. I’m a 16-month-old female German Shepherd who was brought to the shelter in September. My caretakers say I’m a friendly, silly and playful dog who enjoys attention and stays close to my people. I weigh 52 pounds and would benefit from training, particularly with leash manners and dog-to-dog interactions. I would thrive in an active home that can provide the structure, love and attention I need. Will you bring me into your family?
Willow is one of dozens of cats, dogs, rabbits and other animals at Sonoma County Animal Services in need of adoption.
| | Support your community by getting involved | |
Get involved with local government
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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