A Message from Supervisor Coursey | |
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As the leaves begin to change and the air takes on a crisp autumnal chill, I'm writing to extend a warm welcome to fall in Sonoma County. This month were highlighting a variety of topics that are top-of-mind for our community, along with some informational events to prepare you to cast your vote.
This month we honored Indigenous Peoples Day by celebrating the rich history, cultures and contributions of Native Americans. While an acknowledgement is only that, a commitment to building a more equitable future together is key.
In this newsletter we feature a comprehensive list of local family fall events, from costume contests, Dia De Los Muertos community altars, to Halloween happenings and entertainment for the entire family to enjoy. Also, this month we observe the 11th anniversary of Andy Lopez’s tragic death. I hope you’ll be able to attend a gathering of remembrance of this young person’s life.
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Recent actions of the Board of Supervisors include a review of actions for an update of the General Plan, approval of funds for HVAC system upgrades for the Sonoma Veterans Memorial Hall and a townhall webinar providing information on the latest Tenant Rights Ordinance approved this year.
Read below about these updates and more on further Tenant Rights townhall dates throughout Sonoma County.
Thank you for your continued support and engagement. I look forward to keeping you updated on the issues that matter most to you.
Sincerely,
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This month, the Board of Supervisors authorized the Department of Public Infrastructure to replace the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system in the main lobby and lounge at the Sonoma Veterans Memorial Hall in Sonoma. The HVAC system upgrades, projected to cost $388,000, include replacing the existing gas-fired heat-only system, which is more than 25 years old, with an electric heat pump that more efficiently heats and cools the facility.
This work is in addition to recent significant upgrades to the Santa Rosa Veterans Memorial Building and other upgrades to vets’ buildings around the county.
For more information about the Veterans Building upgrades, please contact the Sonoma County Department of Public Infrastructure at (707) 565-2550 or email spi@sonoma-county.org.
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This month the Board of Supervisors reviewed the Draft Community Engagement Plan for the Community Vision Phase of the updated Sonoma County General Plan. The Plan is being updated to reflect current State law and changes in community values. The work will be split into two phases: the Community Vision Phase and the Policy Development Phase. The Draft Community Engagement Plan for the Community Vision Phase outlines an extensive outreach effort to gather feedback from the community.
The broad purpose of the General Plan is to express policies that will guide decisions on future growth, development, and conservation of resources in a manner consistent with the goals and quality of life desired by the county's residents.
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The County of Sonoma unveiled a new study and interactive map of more than 36,000 local parcels with septic systems, highlighting opportunities and challenges relating to wastewater treatment in vast areas of the county that are not currently served by a sewer system.
The study examines the locations of septic systems and identified areas where existing or future wastewater management entities could serve rural property owners. It explores the feasibility of forming new wastewater districts or modifying the boundaries of existing districts to serve communities where septic systems are highly concentrated.
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The Master Plan for Aging kicked off this month in a highly attended Symposium. This plan aligns with the State Master Plan, providing a blueprint to prepare for the demographic changes over the course of 10 years and improve the health and well-being of our aging population. I had the opportunity to participate in the symposium and hear different perspectives and ideas for how we can take measurable steps for the future. | |
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The Rohnert Park Peoples Services Center opened its doors this month. This one-stop shop connects residents of Rohnert Park with a wealth of health, social services, counseling, housing placement and community resources, to name a few. This hub is a critical addition to the Rohnert Park community, offering valuable services and support to residents while also avoiding the transportation to central Santa Rosa to seek those same services.
I was honored to provide opening remarks at the ribbon cutting, highlighting the importance of this space. I also had an opportunity to hear firsthand from the S.A.F.E. team on the critical work they provide to our most vulnerable community members.
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UC Berkeley Community Forums | |
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Thank you to the UC Berkeley Research team for the data-driven insights and recommendations provided about our farmworker community in this month’s Community Forums.
I had an engaging discussion with those in attendance, where survey findings and recommendations were unveiled to support farmworkers in our community.
I look forward to the ongoing conversations to help inform decisions to support these essential workers in our community. Research findings will be available early 2025.
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Los Cien held another inspiring State of the Latine Community Address last month unveiling the Agenda For Action, put forth by Health Action Together. While the Portrait of Sonoma County describes outcomes, this plan details emergent steps necessary to put recommendations into action. | |
South Park Neighborhood Coalition | |
I visited the South Park Neighborhood Coalition meeting this month. I took this opportunity to see the Martin Luther King Park neighborhood and hear how these dedicated individuals are working together to address the needs of their community. I was particularly inspired by conversations with long-time residents who described how the neighborhood has changed for the better in recent years. Credit goes to those who have taken it upon themselves to use the park for community good, such as the youth soccer program that enlivens the park after school and on weekends. | |
The SMART rail crossing at Todd Road will be closed from 10 pm Friday, Dec. 13, until 10 pm Sunday, Dec. 15, in conjunction with a system-wide closure necessitated by construction and testing of the new Petaluma North SMART Station. The closure of Todd Road is likely to cause significant traffic disruption in the area. Plan ahead by identifying detour routes. Expect to see traffic control during the closure. | |
Get Involved in your Local Government | |
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Aliados Health and the My Vote. My Health. ™ coalition invite you to a night of empowering the Latino Vote. Speakers from the Mi Voto. Mi Salud. ™ program will talk about the importance of the presidential elections, review ballot information and lead a conversation about how your vote impacts health policies. In addition, there will be stories of immigrants in our community and other conversations of interest.
Where: Mitote Food Park
When: Oct 23
Hours: 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm
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Help shape South Santa Rosa's future by taking the community survey and sharing your input on the Specific Plan.
TAKE SURVEY
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Permit Sonoma is hosting a public workshop to discuss an endangered species habitat conservation plan known as Conservation Sonoma, a multijurisdictional effort to improve endangered species protection and recovery and streamline permitting.
Date: Wednesday, Oct 30
Time: 6pm - 8pm
Location: Permit Sonoma, Hearing Room, 2550 Ventura Blvd., Santa Rosa
Info: Refreshments served, free parking in visitors’ spaces.
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The Santa Rosa Plain Groundwater Sustainability Agency board is seeking to fill one Agriculture Interest seat on the Santa Rosa Plain GSA Advisory Committee. All persons working in or with an interest in the agricultural sector in the basin are urged to apply. The Advisory Committee provides input and feedback on policies, programs and projects to the Board of the Santa Rosa Plain GSA.
The Santa Rosa Plain GSA Advisory Committee consists of 18 members, eleven of which are appointed by the Santa Rosa Plain GSA board. This Agriculture Interest seat appointment is intended to serve the term beginning January 1, 2025 and ending December 31, 2026, with the option to apply for additional terms.
The deadline for submitting applications is Dec.6.
Additional information and the application for the Santa Rosa Plain GSA Advisory Committee application at https://santarosaplaingroundwater.org/ac/
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Housing Information and Resources | |
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The County of Sonoma hosted its first of several Tenant Rights Webinars this month, updating residents about the tenant protection rights including the recently adopted Ordinance by the Board of Supervisors that augments the California Tenant Protection Act.
Panelists included Supervisor Coursey and experts from Sonoma County Counsel’s office and Legal Aid of Sonoma County.
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The Sonoma County Housing Authority will accept applications for one- and two-bedroom Project-Based Vouchers waitlist lotteries from Nov. 1 through Nov. 29.
The waitlists will be for applicants who meet the qualifications for “extremely low income,” which is at or below 30 percent of area median income.
To qualify, a family of four would have to make $41,500 or less per year. Applications will be accepted for project-based voucher units at the following locations:
- Alta Madrone Apartments in Sonoma
- Fetters Apartments in Sonoma
- Logan Place in Petaluma
- Crossroads Apartments in Santa Rosa
- Fife Creek Commons in Guerneville
- Windsor Redwoods Apartments in Windsor
- The Randall Apartments in Healdsburg
Those interested in applying to any of the above-listed Project-Based Voucher waitlist lotteries must apply during this application period. Applicants must indicate which list they are applying for on their application. Income-eligible applicants must apply during this application period only.
Applications will only be accepted after the Nov. 1 opening. Applications are due no later than Friday, Nov. 29, by 5 pm.
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The John Stewart Co., developer of The Stewart Cannery at Railroad Square, is beginning the process to lease affordable housing units to eligible residents. The new, 100% affordable apartment complex is one of the largest planned communities in Santa Rosa on 5.4 acres alongside the Santa Rosa Creek in the historic Railroad district in downtown Santa Rosa. It consists of 128 units of affordable housing for families and individuals earning between 30% to 80% of Area Median Income (AMI), and 25% of the units set aside for residents experiencing homelessness with on-site wraparound services provided.
The six-story building is adjacent to the SMART commuter train, and walking distance to the shopping mall, restaurants, hotels, and shops. Amenities include a computer lab, community room, on-site laundry, two courtyards and a children’s play area. Construction is expected to be completed late this year, and residents will begin moving in soon thereafter. Rents at the new studios and one- and two-bedroom apartments will range from $674 to $2,215 per month depending on income qualifications.
Join the interest list: https://www.stewartscannery.com
*Click on the link above, which will take you to The Stewart Cannery website. Then, click on the orange button labeled "Join Interested List" in the upper right corner of the webpage.
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Community Events and Fall Festivities | |
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Sonoma County Library celebrates LGBTQIA+ History Month this October to reflect on the struggles, triumphs and contributions of the LGBTQIA+ community throughout history and inspire future generations to continue the fight for equality and justice.
To honor the rich and diverse history of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer history, the library has created virtual and in-person events, story times, librarian-led reading lists, a virtual queer book club, an LGBTQ genealogy event and more.
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11th Anniversary of Andy Lopez’ Memorial | |
Join the neighbors of the Moorland community for the 11th anniversary of Andy Lopez’ Memorial. This community gathering will hold space for meaningful conversations, poems, music and food. | |
Santa Rosa Dia De Los Muertos | |
Santa Rosa Día de Los Muertos Committee extends an invitation to you and your family to attend the 25th annual celebration at Santa Rosa Courthouse Square. | |
The City of Rohnert Park ‘s Halloween Carnival event with a Dia De Los Muertos Celebration includes a wealth of activities for children and family. Free admission. | |
Join the NBBCC for their Halloween Costume Party at Martin Luther King Jr Park (South Park). Costume prizes, potluck style family gathering, family games, scavenger hunt and more. Free and family-friendly event. | |
Purchase your tickets today for the LSPooky Fest, a fundraiser for Latino Service Providers. | |
This free community event brings you another year of family fun in Downtown Santa Rosa including trick-or-treating at downtown businesses, costume contests, games with prizes, music and dancing, food trucks, and more. | | | | |
