A Message from Supervisor Coursey | |
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The ever-so-slight change in temperature and chilly mornings remind us that the summer months are coming close to an end. Experience reminds us that fire season, already proving to be an early one, requires us to stay informed on wildfire safety in order to remain resilient and ready.
We know that extreme weather disproportionately impacts vulnerable communities, and here at the Board, we anticipate voting on a comprehensive Climate Response Action Plan next month. If approved as expected, we will fast-forward efforts to be a carbon-neutral organization by 2030. Many thanks to the Climate Action and Resiliency Division and various other county departments that took part in compiling this lengthy, necessary work.
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In August, the Board of Supervisors adopted a first-of-its-kind Racial Equity Action Plan that – like the climate-action work, aligns with the County’s Five-year Strategic Plan. This racial equity plan will essentially uplift our current county workforce, attract and sustain diverse perspectives and voices reflective of the community we serve and build workforce capacity in our local government leaders -- ultimately creating a culture that is diverse and values all voices and contributions. And speaking of contributions, September marks Hispanic Heritage Month. We recognize the dedication of our local leaders and wonderful contributions made by the Latine community. Whether it’s paving the way as pioneers of change to being the essential workforce of our local economy, we are deeply indebted for the richness and contributions you bring. In this newsletter you will find local events to honor Hispanic Heritage Month.
In other noteworthy news, the Board of Supervisors has taken a step in the right direction by approving a tenant-protection ordinance to help families in our unincorporated areas to sustain more secure and stable lives. Read on for more updates on county events, community bulletins, and ways to get involved in local government to collectively work together to build a stronger, healthier, more resilient community.
I appreciate you taking the time to engage with us, and always welcome your questions, thoughts and feedback.
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The County’s Climate Action and Resiliency Division unveiled a comprehensive plan this month to make County government operations carbon-neutral by 2030. The 167-page action plan, which includes 54 separate proposals, provides a detailed roadmap to reduce carbon emissions from County operations, increase carbon storage on County-owned lands, and make County operations more resilient to wildfires, droughts, floods and other climate hazards that increasingly threaten our communities. The Board of Supervisors is expected to review and take a final vote on the plan’s proposals in September. | |
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The Board of Supervisors has adopted the final Racial Equity Action Plan. It includes strategic components to create capacity for equity work and expand pipelines for hiring and career advancement, offer support at all levels of our organization to develop an understanding of racial equity principles and practices, and invest in data collection and reporting systems to drive change that is responsive to staff experiences. This plan works in support with our 5-year Strategic Plan’s Social Justice Pillar.
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The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors tentatively approved a set of tenant protection measures this month that, when approved on second reading, will provide new rights to renters in the unincorporated areas of the county.
The ordinance would go into effect 30 days after the second reading, which is scheduled for the September 17 Board of Supervisors meeting.
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This month, the Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the name change of the Economic Development Board, which is the County agency focused on growing a healthy economy by helping local businesses, to the Sonoma County Economic Development Collaborative. This change reflects the evolution and increase in the agency’s role of convening business and community organizations around critical elements for Sonoma County’s economic health, such as increasing quality wage jobs and creating housing affordability in Sonoma County. | |
The Board of Supervisors presented a gold resolution this month, proclaiming August 26 to be Women’s Equality Day. This day highlights the significant progress made by and for women, marking it the 104th anniversary of the 19th Amendment's ratification in 1920, which gave women the right to vote. | |
Addressing Homelessness and
Affordable Housing
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Sonoma County Legal Aid in collaboration with North Bay Organizing Project unveiled a comprehensive tool for tenant protections this month.
Struggle for Home is a story map, which pairs renters' stories with housing and displacement data to highlight the urgent need for tenant protections and policies.
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Beginning this month, SMART offers more train service for students traveling to school in the morning and more midday service for greater trip-planning flexibility.
New weekday trips:
- Depart 5:34 a.m. and 10:54 a.m. southbound from Sonoma County Airport
- Depart 7:12 a.m. & 12:47 p.m. northbound from Larkspur
Plus, enjoy improved connections with the 7:20 a.m. ferry to San Francisco.
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Online Tools for Reporting Concerns | |
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CalTrans
Customer Service Request (CSR) system is an e-form online portal that logs, schedules and tracks maintenance service requests with the nearest Caltrans office. The CSR system is a fast, efficient and user-friendly way to request maintenance for roadway repair, irregular traffic signals, damaged fencing, litter pick-up, landscaping, encampments and much more. Once a CSR is received, the situation can be assessed and placed on a work schedule.
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SoCo Connect
The County of Sonoma’s integrated constituent relationship management system for submitting service requests, monitoring progress and sending photos to the County of Sonoma.
Download the free mobile app:
App on Google Play
App Store - Apple
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Reach Rohnert Park!
Reach Rohnert Park provides you 24/7 access to report Rohnert Park city maintenance and repair issues or concerns. You may submit a request for service or report a problem within the City of Rohnert Park. Once submitted you can easily track your request over the web.
Download the free mobile app:
App on Google Play
App Store - Apple
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My Santa Rosa
MySantaRosa is a great tool to connect with City of Santa Rosa staff to report problems in the community and access City services. If there is something in the City limits that needs attention, simply submit a service request and even attach a photo. MySantaRosa routes the issue to the correct City staff, and a notification can be sent to the mobile app when the issue is resolved.
Download the free mobile app:(IOS or Android)
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Stay Informed and Involved with your
Local Government
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The Sonoma County Registrar of Voters is seeking poll workers to help staff 31 Vote Centers across the County. There will be seven Vote Centers open for 11 days total (October 26 through Election Day, November 5), and 24 additional Vote Centers open for four days (November 2 through Election Day, November 5).
Vote Centers are open on vote-early days from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, with approximately one hour for set up and one hour for shut down. On Election Day, Vote Centers are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., with a couple hours for set up and shut down. Each location needs at least one bilingual staff member per day.
Highly seeking poll workers who are fluent in Spanish, Khmer, Vietnamese and Tagalog.
Interested County employees are encouraged to sign up to be a poll worker and help our entire community have a successful election in November.
County employees should also complete the Reassignment Form and receive Supervisor/Manager approval.
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District 3 Boards and Commissions | |
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The UC Berkeley Human Rights Research Center is hosting community forums to discuss Sonoma County Farmworkers’ experiences working during wildfires, including key findings from a recent survey. These forums are open to the public, including non-profits, organizations that work closely with Farmworkers and interested industries, to help provide input on recommendations to protect health, safety, economic security and data privacy of farmworkers during wildfires. Separate community forums specific for Farmworkers will be held at different dates.
Forum dates:
- Friday October 4, 10 a.m.
- Thursday October 10, 10 a.m.
- Friday October 18, 10 a.m.
SonomaWORKS/Job Link Building
2227 Capricorn Way Santa Rosa CA 95407
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Leadership Santa Rosa Class 40 visited the Board Chambers this month as part of their Government and Politics Day to learn about current issues on the November ballot, understand how different government systems interact (federal, state, county, city), and how they directly impact local politics.
This year’s panel included myself as District 3 Supervisor and our County’s CEO Christina Rivera; Santa Rosa’s Maraskeshia Smith, City Manager; Mark Stapp, Vice Mayor, Jeff Okrepkie, Council Member; California Senate President Pro-Tem Mike McGuire and of course Congressman Mike Thompson. The class received direct insight into county priorities, an overview of Sonoma County government, pressing policy issues, and key measures including I & J, not to mention the trajectory of my career into local government.
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Roseland Community Building Initiative held its ninth annual Roseland Mochilada on August 10 at the Mitote Food Park. More than 300 students received new backpacks and other school supplies at the event. Participating families also received invaluable information from a host of resources, fresh produce and fun giveaways from participating organizations.
This year, our County Communications team took part in the event providing additional giveaways to local children and youth, to kick off the 2024-25 school year.
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The Neighborhood Services’ Block Blast is now available, featuring low- and no-cost activities this fall and winter for underserved youth and families in Santa Rosa.
Participants can sign up for afterschool programs, join the Junior Warriors Basketball League or the Cheerleading team, attend school break camps, and more.
Santa Rosa's Recreation & Parks Department and the Violence Prevention Partnership offer these afterschool, sports, and recreation programs to help build a stronger community.
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2024 Vince Harper's South Park Day & Night Festival | |
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Join the annual South Park Day & Night Festival, celebrating the legacy of community activist and organizer Vince Harper. Enjoy food, music, entertainment, events for kids and more at this family-friendly festival in South Park.
Saturday September 14
2 p.m. - 6 p.m.
1671 Hendley Street Santa Rosa
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Join the fourteenth annual Harvest Festival at Bayer Farm. Enjoy a day of live music, art and gardening workshops, and more. Free and family-friendly event.
Saturday September 28
10 a.m. - 2p.m.
1550 West Avenue Santa Rosa
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Celebrate Hispanic Heritage month at the Fiesta de Independencia. Enjoy authentic food, music, games and activities for the entire family at this free festival honoring Latin American countries that recognize their independence in the month of September.
Sunday September 15
1 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Luther Burbank Center for the Arts
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Enjoy live entertainment, a delicious spread of soul food and vibrant vendor markets.
Connect with local organizations offering valuable resources for all ages.
Saturday August 31
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
City Center Plaza, Rohnert Park
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The eleventh annual State of the Latine Community Address is a powerful gathering where community, conversation and change intersect. This year, the key findings from the Agenda For Action (AFA) report gathered by the Health Action Together group, will be unveiled revealing human stories behind the data and addressing root causes of disparities.
Thursday September 26
8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Sonoma State University (Ballroom)
1801 E Cotati Avenue Rohnert Park
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