Spring is officially here and while the season has brought some scattered days of sun, Sonoma County, like other parts of the state, continues to experience rainstorms and freezing temperatures. At the county, we welcome the respite from severe drought and concurrently recognize the difficulties the harsh weather bears for constituents. Hence, the county regularly publishes resources to inform the public on how to stay safe during heavy rains and extreme cold. Residents may access information by visiting: https://socoemergency.org/emergency/  or the county’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/CountyofSonoma .

The seasonal rains also have spurred a vegetation boom throughout Sonoma County. As a result, awe-inspiring wildflower blooms are abundant across our yards, parks and open spaces, along with a high volume of grasses and brush that could turn into fuel for wildfires during the dry months. The county offers resources for smart home-hardening and vegetation management to aid residents in adapting to seasonal cycles and thereby reduce risk of catastrophic wildfire. More on this can be found in the second half of this newsletter. 

Other issues of high interest to the community also are featured in this newsletter. Read on to learn more about the recent opening of an emergency shelter site on the county campus, the Board’s action to increase the county’s living wage, and the ban on new gas stations in unincorporated areas. We also have included updates on local climate action, engagement opportunities and more. As always, thank you for your engagement. 

The County of Sonoma opened an emergency shelter site last week at the County Government Center campus, creating a new source of temporary housing for unsheltered individuals camped along Joe Rodota Trail and other public places.

The site is equipped with 87 tents and an array of support services to help unsheltered people transition into permanent housing. Approximately 70 to 100 individuals are expected to move in. Those who rejected relocation offers received a notice to vacate the trail as required by law.

The Rodota Trail has been temporarily closed from Wright Road to Roberts Avenue to facilitate debris cleanup and infrastructure repair by Sonoma County Regional Parks. The trail will remain closed until the extensive cleanup and repair can be completed and safe public access can be restored.

Meanwhile, Sonoma County will continue to address the shortage of alternative shelters, interim housing and permanent housing that warranted the creation of the emergency shelter site on the county campus. This includes the establishment of two more Project Homekey housing sites, affordable housing units under construction and 71 new housing rental vouchers secured by the Sonoma County Housing Authority.  

The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to raise the county’s Living Wage an additional 2.26 percent to $17.65 an hour, effective July 1.

The increase is designed to shield low-wage workers from inflationary pressures that have sharply driven up the price of consumer goods and services over the last two years. It comes on top of a 2.74 percent raise approved by the Board last fall.

“Low-wage workers are hurt most by inflation, which erodes their ability to purchase food, shelter, clothing, transportation and other basics,” said Supervisor Coursey. “That’s why the Board promised in December to reexamine our Living Wage this spring and consider a second increase. By requiring the county and its contractors to boost wages for their lowest-paid workers, we are setting an example for other employers to match.”

The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors this month approved an ordinance prohibiting the development of new retail gas stations in unincorporated areas of Sonoma County. The ordinance goes into effect on April 13.

The proposed ordinance will align with the Regional Climate Protection Agency’s Sonoma Climate Mobilization Strategy, the county’s Five-Year Strategic Plan, the General Plan, and climate goals adopted in the 2018 Climate Resolution. A gas station ban is also in line with state regulations that mandate all new passenger cars sold in California be zero emissions by 2035.

“Preventing new gas stations in the unincorporated county is just one of the tools we need to employ to reach our climate goals,” said Supervisor Coursey. “Gas stations can be toxic sites, with run-off pollution and soil contamination, and we need to shift away from fossil fuels if we’re going to make a dent in climate change.”

On February 6, The Sonoma County Transportation Authority (SCTA) Board approved $67 million in funding for local transportation projects. Funded projects include new and improved pedestrian, bike and other alternative transportation infrastructure as well as expanded transit services. Projects were selected based on their ability to meet the goals of the Countywide Transportation Plan, the Climate Mobilization Strategy, the Vision Zero Action Plan, and the Go Sonoma tax measure. Funding sources included local tax revenue from Measure M and Go Sonoma as well as State and federal gas tax money and grants.

The County of Sonoma’s Climate Action and Resiliency Division is pleased to announce the latest homeowner workshops for those interested in learning more about making improvements that will help make your home more energy efficient and resilient. 

The online workshops cover a range of topics including evaluating energy use, wildfire safety improvements, funding your projects, solar photovoltaics and innovative water reuse.

The series also includes one in-person induction cooking expo on May 6 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Chef Rachelle Boucher, founder of Kitchens to Life, will be conducting hands-on, kid-friendly cooking demonstrations.

Learn more about this and all of the other free public workshops by clicking on the links below:

• April 12: Solar, Storage, and Electrification – A Perfect Match 
• April 19: Making Improvements for a More Resilient Home 
• April 26: A Water Smart Future – Innovations in Water Reuse and Efficiency 
• May 3: The Value of Energy Efficiency in Home Electrification 
• May 6: Induction Cooking Expo at Premiere Bath and Kitchen 
• May 10: Funding Your Improvements – Incentives, Rebates, and Financing 

For more information or to RSVP directly, call (707) 565-6470 or email Energy@sonoma-county.org .

Want to make a difference in Sonoma County? Consider serving on the county’s Civil Grand Jury, which plays an important role in investigating and reporting on local governmental operations to ensure they are being conducted efficiently, honestly and in the best interest of the public.

The Board of Supervisors adopted a gold resolution proclaiming March as Civil Grand Jury Appreciation Month and endorsed the ongoing drive to recruit new grand jurors.

The Sonoma County Civil Grand Jury is made up of 19 volunteers who dedicate 10 to 15 hours a week to the watchdog body, which operates under the authority of the Sonoma County Superior Court. The results of Grand Jury investigations are contained in reports that lay out the findings of specific problems or issues and make recommendations for solutions.

April 17 is the deadline to apply for a year-long term, which begins in July.

The Community Advisory Council (CAC) for the Independent Office of Law Enforcement Review and Oversight (IOLERO) has current and upcoming vacancies. The CAC is made up of eleven community volunteers who attend CAC meetings, work on ad hoc projects and support IOLERO and the adopted positions of the CAC.



Applicants should possess a passion for social justice and civilian oversight of law enforcement and the ability to work cooperatively and collaboratively with people of different backgrounds and viewpoints.

The Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) is inviting public review and comment on a fundamental document guiding the agency’s public engagement for an array of projects and programs. The Draft 2023 Public Participation Plan proposes enhancements geared toward better connecting with folks who have low incomes and/or limited English proficiency.

The draft plan also proposes more comprehensive public engagement techniques and a refinement of MTC’s guiding principles for community involvement.

Members of the public can view and comment on the Draft 2023 Public Participation Plan here. The 45-day comment period closes at 5 p.m. on Monday, April 10, 2023.

Prepare your home now for wildfire season by signing up for a FREE structure risk assessment paid for by the Sonoma County Wildfire Adapted program.

An expert will provide you with a personalized list of recommendations to harden your home against wildfire risk exposures, and you will have an opportunity to get answers about near-home wildfire risk-reduction strategies. This assessment is not part of a code-compliance program and there is no obligation to complete the recommendations.

But don’t wait - we only have a limited number of free assessments available!

How to Schedule:

1. Go to permitsonoma.org/WildfireAdaptedMapViewer
2. Enter your address or Assessor Parcel Number (APN).
3. Pick your preferred time for a 15-minute phone consultation.
4. County contractor Madronus Wildfire Defense will call you to schedule your assessment.

If you have additional questions about the Wildfire Adapted program, contact us at WildfireAdapted@sonoma-county.org or visit the program webpage.

The Sonoma County Vegetation Management Grant Program, which provides funding for vegetation management in areas at high risk of wildfire, is now accepting applications.

This funding cycle will focus on supporting the work of local fire districts, schools, communities with Community Wildfire Protection Plans (CWPPs), Resource Conservation Districts, community groups, nonprofit organizations, licensed foresters, Tribal entities, and resource managers. Funding will not be provided to individual landowners or private companies. 

The application period for this cycle is open March 23, 2023, through 5pm on April 20, 2023. All applications must be received by 5pm on April 20, 2023.

Earn It! Keep It! Save It!

• FREE 2021-2022 Tax Preparation
• FREE for households earning $66,000 or less
• FREE support provided by certified tax preparers
• FREE in-person or drop off tax preparation available
• U.S. CITIZENSHIP NOT REQUIRED

Aid for Businesses Impacted by Storm 

Businesses impacted by the winter storms that started Dec. 27 may be eligible for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration. 

The EIDL program offers low-interest loans to small businesses and nonprofits that cannot meet their normal financial obligations as a result of a disaster, providing a source of working capital to help small businesses survive until they can resume normal operations. The White House recently updated its presidential disaster declaration to include Sonoma County, making local businesses eligible to apply for the loans.

The deadline to apply is Oct. 16. Applications and additional information about disaster assistance is available at disasterloanassistance.sba.gov. For local assistance, contact the Sonoma County Economic Development Board at edb@sonoma-county.org or 707-565-7170.

The Sonoma County Human Services Department and local nonprofits have launched an online hub that quickly connects older adults and people with disabilities to an array of critical services.

The Aging & Disability Resource Hub simplifies access to health, transportation and nutrition services offered by federal, state and local government agencies and their nonprofit partners.

“We want to make it easier for people to find the support they need to live as independently as possible at home,” said Supervisor Coursey.

To access the hub, call (707) 565-INFO (4636) or go to www.socoadrh.org and click on the chat icon to start a conversation with a social worker. Assistance is available for older adults, people with disabilities, their family members, caregivers, social workers and direct service providers who need help identifying and accessing support services.

The Board of Supervisors proclaimed March 2023 as Family Justice Center Awareness Month, to raise awareness about the vital services provided by the Family Justice Center Sonoma County. The Family Justice Center is a place where survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, elder abuse, and human trafficking can receive comprehensive services under one roof. Services available at the Center include legal assistance, safety planning, trauma support, and advocacy.

Congratulations to the Sonoma County Library for receiving the Collections and Archives Recognition Award from the Sonoma County Historical Records Commission. This award celebrates the library's successful year-long efforts to move the Sonoma County Archives away from wildfire threats. Click here to learn more about the archives, including how to access these precious resources. Archived materials include documents that date back to the formation of Sonoma County in the mid-1800s, and preserving this history is a critical part of telling Sonoma's story.

Test to Treat Program Available at

Jewish Community Free Clinic

If you are experiencing COVID symptoms and do not have a medical provider or permanent medical home, the Jewish Community Free Clinic can provide you with a self-test for you to take at your home or refer you to a testing center. Then, if you test positive, they can provide you with a free telehealth visit to discuss your eligibility for COVID medication. If you are eligible and interested in taking the medication, the Jewish Community Free Clinic can prescribe the medication for you — which you can pick up at a pharmacy at no cost to you. Call for an appointment at (707) 585-7780.

Self-reporting of At-Home Antigen Testing

We are encouraging the public to report their at-home antigen test result. It is confidential. Simply complete this online form. Once the form is submitted, those with positive results will receive links to isolation and quarantine guidelines and available resources.