May is Mental Health Awareness Month and this year, the county has honored this priority by creating spaces for conversation between impacted communities, service providers and other subject matter experts. These spaces provide an essential platform to discuss how public investments in mental health are reflected in the wellbeing of the community and to identify opportunities for improving available services and programs. We’ve heard testimony on the positive impacts of initiatives funded by Measure O dollars, such as mobile crisis support teams, and similarly, staunch advocacy that challenges us to forge better synergy and coordination to advance our system of care. Read on to learn more about the county’s work on mental health, and for details about an upcoming community panel on the subject.

A community survey confirms that homelessness is the issue at the top of mind for a large majority of Sonoma County residents. That shouldn’t surprise anyone, and it is a top priority for me and the rest of the Board of Supervisors. With the collaboration of cities, community groups and non-profit service providers, we have expanded the system of care substantially over the past year, including a 14-percent increase in shelter and housing capacity. The result was released this week in the preliminary results of our Point in Time homeless count, which took place in January. Homeless numbers are down 22 percent from last year. Read more below.

This month at the county, we also took the opportunity to recognize the contributions of public service employees. We held a lunch to celebrate county workers and also approved 3-year contracts with several of the county’s labor unions. As the largest employer in the county, we are proud to have reached agreements that responsibly steward public funds while also highlighting the value of employees whose work is essential to the organization. Read on for more on the contracts and to see more photos of the Public Service Recognition Luncheon. 

In this newsletter, you will also find highlights on the work that the county is doing on housing affordability, climate action, and transportation. We also have included a community bulletin and information on local events. As always, I welcome your comments and feedback and look forward to your continued engagement. 

Chris Coursey

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Sonoma County saw an overall 22% decrease in the area’s homeless population last year including a 24% decline in those identified as being chronically homeless, according to preliminary results of the 2023 Sonoma County Point-in-Time count in January.

The annual one-day snapshot found a total of 2,266 individuals experiencing some form of homelessness, a decrease from the 2022 count of 2,893. The 22% decrease in homelessness is the largest reduction since a 27% decrease in 2015.

“These numbers are incredibly encouraging and are a reflection of the hard work of many across Sonoma County who, through innovative programs and partnerships, are helping homeless residents get off the streets,” said Board Chair, Supervisor Coursey. “These efforts, including the passage of Measure O by county voters, are truly making a difference and changing lives. As the report notes we have more work to do but we are moving in the right direction.”

This month the Board of Supervisors and county leaders celebrated Public Service Recognition Week by serving lunch for thousands of county workers. Fortuitously, the Board this month also approved a three-year contract agreement with Service Employees International Union Local 1021, the largest union among county workers.

The agreement will increase SEIU members’ pay and benefits, support employee retention and recruitment, and help employees address inflationary pressures while meeting the county’s obligation to responsibly steward public tax dollars.

“There is no public service without public servants,” said Supervisor Coursey. “Their work is essential and makes our county better in so many ways. The pay increases in this contract will help offset the impacts of inflation that have eroded employee salaries over the last two years. They will also improve our ability to compete for top talent by matching increases in pay and benefits offered by other counties in our region.”

Contracts with several other county labor unions are either in negotiation or will be approved by the Board of Supervisors in the coming weeks.

As part of the county’s work to reduce homelessness and increase accessibility to quality housing, this month the Board of Supervisors approved $7.14 million in grants for community development projects. The grants aim to uplift residents in need, advance equitable housing, increase accessibility of services among other notable goals.

The funding, primarily derived from federal grants, will go to community-based organizations, affordable housing developers, and local government agencies to support various projects related to housing affordability, homeless outreach and prevention, emergency shelter operations, fair housing services, expansion of affordable childcare, accessibility improvements and financial stability for low-income residents. 

Following an extensive nationwide search, interim Director of the Sonoma County Economic Development Board, Ethan Brown, has been named executive director. Brown is an 11-year veteran official of the county’s EDB and has served as its interim director since 2022. The appointment is scheduled to be confirmed by the Board of Supervisors during its meeting on Tuesday, June 6.

Prior to his appointment as interim director, Brown served as director of business development and has held a variety of roles since 2012, including as business retention and expansion program manager, and business assistance officer. Prior to working for the EDB, Brown was a Sonoma County small business owner. As EDB director, Brown will oversee an annual operating budget of approximately $6.4 million and 14 full-time employees. 

Sonoma County residents are divided about the direction the county is headed, but a majority is content with their quality of life, particularly within their own neighborhoods, according to the results of a community survey presented this week to the Board of Supervisors.

“We conducted this survey to take the pulse of the community,” said Supervisor Coursey, “While we still have some big issues to deal with, the results show the people of Sonoma County are seeing the same problems we are, and we are determined to address those concerns.”

The telephone and online community survey of 1,019 adult residents was conducted March 28 to April 7 in English and Spanish. The responses were demographically and geographically representative of the county’s adult residents and the survey results were generally consistent across demographics, with a few exceptions.

Survey results highlighted public opinion regarding county government and salient community concerns such as housing affordability, homelessness and access to government services among other issues. 

Are you overpaying at the checkout stand? Unfortunately, there’s a good chance you are.

Officials notice the public that nearly 36% of local grocery stores and retail shops with electronic price scanners failed inspections conducted by the county to ensure consumers are charged the correct price. Over the last 13 months, county staff discovered pricing errors that resulted in violations at over 200 local retail businesses.

Businesses found to be overcharging ranged from big box retail chain stores to pharmacies and grocery stores to mom-and-pop merchants. The range of overpricing on a single sales receipt was from less than 50 cents to more than $125.

The best way to protect yourself is to always check your receipts. If you are overcharged, explain what you experienced and give them the opportunity to make it right. If the business refuse to honor their sales price or you believe they are guilty of repeated overcharging, file a complaint with the Department of Agriculture/Weights & Measures by calling (707) 565-2371 or emailing SonomaAg@Sonoma-County.org.

With Sonoma County experiencing a rise in substance use disorders, homelessness and a shortage of services to address an unprecedented mental health crisis, the Board of Supervisors and Department of Health Services this month convened a first-of-its-kind summit of behavioral health professionals from across the county for a listening session on the mental health care needs of the community.



The participants online and in person at the Finley Center in Santa Rosa heard panel discussions on substance use disorder and the opioid crisis, mental health and wellness needs, crisis services and suicide prevention, and workforce challenges and solutions.

When someone is experiencing a mental health crisis, often they need a behavioral health specialist who understands their situation rather than a law enforcement officer with little to no background in crisis support. In much of Sonoma County, mobile crisis support teams that include a mental health professional and an EMT or paramedic act as first responders to service calls that do not require law enforcement. The teams provide interventions and assessments to individuals experiencing a mental health breakdown.

Because in 2020 Sonoma County voters approved Measure O, a sales tax to fund mental health and homeless services, mobile crisis support teams will expand to cover all of Sonoma County by the end of the year. To this end, the Board of Supervisors recently approved $1.5 million in Measure O funding to support mobile crisis teams in cities and unincorporated areas.

“When someone is experiencing a mental health crisis, they need a specialist who understands the situation,” said Supervisor Coursey, “A dedicated team of behavioral health first responders is vital in these situations, and we are proud to support these services.”

Tuesday, May 30th, 3:00- 6:00pm at the Finley Center, 2060 W College Ave, Santa Rosa, CA

The Department of Health Services in collaboration with community partners and mental health providers invites you to join us for the upcoming Creating a Safe Place for Mental Health through Connection: Community Panel and Circle.

At the free event, participants will hear stories from providers who will share their own lived experiences around mental health. Participants also will have an opportunity to join in the community circle, although it is not required.

The event will begin with an opening prayer from Madonna Feather Cruz and introduction with Jan Cobaleda-Kegler, Sonoma County Behavioral Health Director. Erika Klohe, Regional Behavioral Health Director at Buckelew will be the facilitator. Food will be provided. 

North Bay youth get a free ticket to ride public transit this June, July, and August.

The Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit District (SMART), Marin Transit, Sonoma County Transit, Santa Rosa CityBus, and Petaluma Transit are offering free rides for K-12 youth throughout the summer season with the Summer Youth Ride Free Program. Train and bus travel is a safe and reliable way to get around Sonoma and Marin counties and, with five participating transit agencies, youth have endless possibilities for summer day trips. 

SMART’s new Starlighter train has begun operating Friday and Saturday nights and is perfect for leisure trips to enjoy dining, entertainment, and evening events.

Take the Starlighter for a date night with an added touch of charm, not to mention breathtaking scenery, as you travel in Marin and Sonoma counties.

The Board of Supervisors this week adopted a plan that ensures, within five years, all new county public transit buses purchased will be zero-emission vehicles and all fossil-fueled buses will be retired within 17 years, in accordance with state law.

“Electrification of the county’s transit fleet will continue to be a top priority, consistent with the Climate Action and Resiliency pillar of Sonoma County’s Strategic Plan,” said Supervisor Coursey. “But with 40 percent of local transit passengers representing disadvantaged groups and 40 percent of routes serving underprivileged communities, this plan also reinforces the county’s work toward healthy and safe communities, organizational excellence, resilient infrastructure and social justice.”

The Office of Supervisor Chris Coursey is searching for an engaged District 3 resident to serve as a member of the Community Advisory Council (CAC) for the Independent Office of Law Review and Outreach (IOLERO).

OLERO is an independent, non-police county agency that investigates Sheriff-involved fatalities, reviews complaints alleging misconduct by the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office or its employees, accepts and investigates whistleblower complaints, conducts community outreach, and makes policy recommendations to the Sheriff’s Office. The CAC supports IOLERO’s work by researching law enforcement issues and policies to make policy recommendations to the Sheriff’s Office, and working as a bridge between IOLERO, law enforcement, and the various communities of Sonoma County.

Looking for a career opportunity with the County of Sonoma? Here are several of the listings this week:

• Occupational Therapist, Health Services
• Grant Analyst, Administrator’s Office
• Park Planner I & II, Regional Parks
• Transit Specialist I & II, Public Infrastructure
• Sheriff's Administrative Assistant, Sheriff’s Office
• Senior Account Clerk, Auditor-Controller-Treasurer-Tax Collector' Office

See a full list of openings and apply today!

Discounts on sewer service bills are available to low-income homeowners who live within the South Park County Sanitation District south of Santa Rosa. The discounts, which can cut the sewage charge on your annual property tax bill in half, are also available to nonprofit organizations that provide housing to low-income renters in the South Park sanitation district.

Applications are due by July 10.

Low-income customers in other select sanitation districts may also qualify.

The Sonoma County Treasurer-Tax Collector is notifying homeowners that the California Mortgage Relief Program has raised the limit for assistance with delinquent property taxes from $20,000 to a maximum of $80,000 per household. 

“Many Californians are still feeling the impact of the financial hardships they endured throughout the pandemic,” said Erick Roeser, Sonoma County Treasurer-Tax Collector. “By increasing the cap on property tax assistance, the program is continuing to act as a safety net for homeowners. Those who believe they may now be eligible should re-apply.”

The assistance provided through the California Mortgage Relief Program is in the form of grants to eligible households, which do not need to be paid back. While there is no strict deadline for applications, homeowners in need should apply as soon as possible at CaMortgageRelief.org.

Introductory one-way fares between STS and Bend start at $34

Avelo Airlines announced today it is expanding service at Charles M. Schulz-Sonoma County Airport (STS) with new nonstop service to Bend, Oregon’s Redmond Municipal Airport (RDM). Avelo will be the only airline offering nonstop flights between California Wine Country and Central Oregon.

Avelo’s nonstop service between Sonoma County and RDM will begin on June 23 and operate twice weekly on Mondays and Fridays utilizing Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft.

Introductory one-way fares will start at $34* and Customers can make reservations at AveloAir.com.

Have you ever wanted to go back to school? If the cost or inconvenience is holding you back, consider Career Online High School’s accredited program, which offers adults the chance to earn a high school diploma and career certificates for free through Sonoma County Library.

This month,  Sonoma County Library celebrated three new graduates: Jeannine, William and Manuel. Jeannine set her education aside for years to raise her family, and with her youngest now in high school, she decided to pursue her own diploma. William was determined to finish the program to attend college. By applying credit from high school, William finished his diploma in 73 days. Manuel works hard to support his family and never thought his dream of finishing high school was possible. After his wife visited the Windsor Regional Library and saw a Career Online High School brochure, Manuel overcame his doubts and dedicated himself to earning his diploma.

We congratulate these graduates for accomplishing this milestone and encourage all residents to check out and take advantage of the resources available through the Sonoma County Library. Limited scholarships are available to eligible applicants. 

Hey Sonoma County, more than 75% of a mattress can be recycled into other products, diverting valuable resources from local landfills! Learn how to recycle your mattress in Sonoma County and other free disposal options that may be available to you at ByeByeMattress.com You can also visit one of the two local drop-off locations in the graphic above.

Permit Sonoma is Collecting Feedback to

Shape Tree Ordinance

Trees play a critical role to our environment and our health. Permit Sonoma is working to write a new tree protection ordinance that balances tree protection and other considerations, and the department is seeking your input.

Your survey feedback will ensure that the proposed ordinance is both effective and reflective of the community's priorities. We look forward to learning about what you value when it comes to protecting our county’s trees.

Safe Routes to School (SRTS) programs promote safe, active transportation through education, encouragement, engineering, and more.

To help shape SRTS programs and projects, the Safe Streets for All Survey is collecting feedback. Survey responses also will help to identify improvement opportunities to make streets safer for all road users, whether they drive or use active transportation modes such as walking or bicycling.

Survey respondents, who share their contact information, will be entered into a drawing for a $50.00 gift card to a local business of your choice.

As a part of the annual budget process for the Sonoma Marin Area Rail Transit, SMART is seeking public input. Public comments will be accepted through 5:00 p.m. Monday, June 5.

After reviewing the Fiscal Year 2023/2024 Adopted Budget, residents can email comments to Heather McKillop, Chief Financial Officer at hmckillop@sonomamarintrain.org.

The SMART Board of Directors will be asked to adopt the final budget at their next meeting on Wednesday, June 21. The Board will be notified of all comments received and whether they have been incorporated it the final budget document.

June 8, 9:00AM – 1PM at the SOMO Village Event Center, 1100 Valley House Drive, Rohnert Park, CA

Join Conversations in Community, a new series dedicated to growing our understanding of the latest neuroscience research on addressing childhood trauma. This speaker and book discussion series is specifically designed to explore how we can bring resilience and healing into our classrooms, schools, and community. If you are a teacher, counselor, paraeducator, site administrator, or district administrator, please join us!

Zero Waste Holds its first Solar Panel Collection Event

June 16, 9AM-5PM at the Luther Burbank Center for the Arts, 50 Mark West Springs Road, Santa Rosa, CA 954030

Join Zero Waste Sonoma, the Conservation Corps North Bay, and CalRecycle as we host our very first residential solar panel collection event!

Solar panels are currently considered universal waste, a category of hazardous waste, and cannot be safely disposed of in a landfill. Only 10% of solar photovoltaic, or PV, panels are recycled today in the US.

Many solar panels have a lifespan of 20-30 years, but some homeowners replace solar panels before the end of their lifespan. This event will provide an opportunity for residents to safely recycle their used solar panels at no cost.

Panels collected at the event must be generated by a resident (not a business) in Sonoma County. Residents can bring a maximum of 40 panels. Appointment required, please register here.

Sonoma County Supervisors Lift COVID-19 Emergency

The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors today formally lifted the emergency proclamation that has been in place since March 4, 2020 for the COVID-19 pandemic. The resolution removes the last remaining local emergency directive after Sonoma County’s health officer lifted the local emergency public health order on Feb. 28, the same day the state health emergency expired. The federal COVID-19 health emergency ended on May 11.

The move comes as health officials are transitioning from the pandemic to endemic phase of COVID-19, which so far has resulted in at least 115,490 confirmed cases and 561 deaths in Sonoma County. People continue to contract the virus, but widespread vaccines and less severe variants have resulted in better outcomes in the past several months.

“COVID-19 is still in the community, and people still need to get vaccinated and take precautions to avoid getting sick,” said Supervisor Coursey. “But as we learn to live with this virus, we no longer need to treat it as an emergency.”

COVID-19 information, previously hosted on the county’s emergency website SoCoEmergency.org, is now available on the Department of Health Services site at Sonomacounty.ca.gov/COVID-19. Some of the free resources that were available during the pandemic are being discontinued as the emergency ends. Here is what is still available:

• COVID-19 vaccines will continue to be free for everyone for as long as the supply of federally purchased vaccines lasts.
• If you have a health care provider, you can still go to them for free COVID-19 treatment. If you do not have insurance, you can sign up for coverage at a federally qualified health center. Free telehealth visits with doctors that can prescribe no-cost treatment are also available through Sesame Care by calling (833) 686-5051 or visiting sesamecare.com/covidca .
• Free antigen tests may be difficult to get. For free PCR testing, go to a Color testing site by visiting color.com/register.

Public Encouraged to Report Test Results

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.