A Message from Supervisor Coursey | |
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The start of the 2024-25 fiscal year brings us a renewed sense of focus on things that matter the most to our constituents. The national political scene serves to remind us of the principles upon which our country was founded and beckon us to our commitment to good governance through transparency, integrity, and fostering a community that values diversity, respectful dialogue and collaboration in pursuit of healthy outcomes for all.
This month, the Board of Supervisors approved continued use of Measure O funds for mental health services in Sonoma County, including expanding mobile crisis services to all residents and investment for the expansion of staffing in our Behavioral Health school programs to increase support to high schools throughout the county. This ensures that your tax dollars are going into the direct needs of our local youth.
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July is BIPOC Mental Health Month. This month, we aim to raise awareness of the unique challenges faced by Black, Indigenous and other people of color. To support well-being, we’ve compiled a list of culturally responsive resources in our county.
Lastly, this month’s newsletter highlights local community events, including art exhibits and live music gatherings. We’ve also included Sonoma County news and information on how to stay involved with your local government.
As always, Thank you for your readership, questions, concerns and comments. Your ongoing engagement is valued.
Sincerely,
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For 54 years, the Sonoma County MLK/Juneteenth Community Festival has celebrated the contributions of our local leaders. Each year, the event gathers families with cultural food, music and a day of celebration at Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park in Santa Rosa.
This year, I was honored to attend the celebration and present a Gold Resolution declaring June 19, 2024, as Martin Luther King / Juneteenth Day. While Juneteenth is celebrated annually, it serves as a daily reminder of the enduring contributions made by Black Americans.
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Last month, I attended a breakfast event hosted by the Commission on the Status of Women, where they presented the 2023 Report on the Status of Women and Girls in Sonoma County, detailing the portrait of our county’s female population.
The report contains recommendations to address the needs and challenges facing local women.
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This month, the Board of Supervisor approved Measure O plans to expand mental health services under the Department of Health’s 24/7 Mobile crisis unit and Crisis, Assessment, Prevention and Education school program. These expanded services will address the mental health needs of Sonoma County residents and our high school youth. | |
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A three-year pilot program that will provide intensive mental health treatment to foster youth in crisis opened this month at Valley of the Moon Children’s Center. This program provides the County a new resource that will reduce the number of local foster youth who are sent out of Sonoma County for placement in residential treatment programs.
The new program will shorten wait times for treatment and reduce disruption to the lives of foster youth by enabling them to remain in Sonoma County, making it easier to maintain supportive connections with family and friends.
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SMART continues to make significant progress on the Windsor rail extension. The station platform is complete, the pathway construction is underway, and the scheduled pedestrian undercrossing is almost finished. Passenger rail service to Windsor is anticipated to start in early Spring 2025.
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Public Service Announcements | |
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The Sonoma County Registrar of Voters Office will be hosting an Open House on August 1. The event will feature two sessions, each including a Q&A "mini-session" to engage with the community and address any questions.
Thursday, Aug. 1
Sonoma County Registrar of Voters Office at 435 Fiscal Drive, Santa Rosa
Session 1: 2 PM to 4 PM with Q&A at 3 PM
Session 2: 6 PM to 8 PM with Q&A at 7 PM
RSVP: ROV-Info@Sonoma-County.org
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Sonoma County’s groundwater sustainability agencies are seeking property owners with wells in the Santa Rosa Plain sub-basin, Petaluma Valley sub-basin and Sonoma Valley sub-basin to participate in a local voluntary groundwater well monitoring program.
Well owners can sign up here.
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The Request for Qualifications (RFQ) has been issued to identify a qualified artist or artist team to design, fabricate, and install a permanent commemorative public artwork to serve as the Sonoma County Fire Memorial dedicated to those who perished in the 2017 Sonoma Complex Fire.
This public art opportunity is open to all individuals or teams of practicing professional artists or creative entities.
The deadline has been extended to August 9.
Submit your application today.
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Stay Informed with your Local Government | |
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The Board of Supervisors normally holds its regular meetings on Tuesdays, beginning with a closed session at 8:30 am followed by the open public session starting at 9:30. A consent calendar involving routine financial and administrative actions, usually approved by a single majority vote, is normally heard first.
A regular calendar with more significant items of special interest follows the consent calendar. The regular agenda also includes public comment on issues not on the agenda where the public can address the Board on any issue that concerns them. Individual public comments generally are allowed 2 minutes.
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To get involved in board meetings:
- Stay Informed: Check our county's website for announcements about upcoming meetings.
- Prepare Your Statement: Clearly outline your points and back them up with data or personal stories to make a compelling case.
- Attend and Participate: Show up, whether in person or virtually, and present your statement.
| | The following agenda items have been scheduled for discussion at upcoming Board of Supervisor meetings. This information allows the community to view topics and materials for Board of Supervisor meeting agenda items that are of significant public interest prior to the Board Agenda being posted online. Check back about a week prior to meetings for detailed agendas. | |
Wellbeing and Mental Health Resources | |
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Through hands-on experiences, La Plaza aims to embody its mission and vision, bringing culturally rooted strategies to nurture belonging, self-esteem, and well-being, empowering participants to embrace their journey towards holistic wellness.
Thursdays 10AM – 11AM
1221 Farmers Lane Suite 200
Santa Rosa, CA 95405
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These workshops are designed to provide education, support and other assistance to family members and caregivers of adults and youth with a mental illness. | |
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Humanidad Therapy provides counseling for individuals, couples, teens and children; training and mentorship for bicultural therapists; and mental health education services for schools, nonprofits and community groups.
The therapist mentorship program focuses on nurturing culturally aware, qualified therapists to serve diverse populations.
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Join us for the West End Block Party Summer Market.
Sunday August 18
2PM – 6PM
DeTurk Round Barn area | Donahue Street, Santa Rosa
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Kids' Day
Thursdays, Aug 1st and 8th - Children 12 and younger receive free General Admission to the Fair.
Seniors' Day
Friday, Aug 2nd and 9th - Seniors 60+ only pay $5 General Admission to the Fair every Friday.
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Arts and Music in Sonoma County | |
Join us for food, music, and libations all summer long on Friday evenings at City Center Plaza through August 30 | |
Live at Juilliard invites you to enjoy free, family-friendly concerts every Sunday from 5 to 7 p.m., through August 18, in the historic Juilliard Park. | |
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Cruisin’
A Lowrider Car and Art Show
The Museum of Sonoma County presents Cruisin’ in the Museum’s contemporary art gallery through November 24.
The exhibition includes custom lowrider cars, fashion, photographs, artworks, and more as a representation and celebration of lowrider culture and lifestyle.
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