March 13, 2024

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Sonoma County Board of Supervisors Proclaims March 2024 as Women's History Month in Sonoma County

On Tuesday March 12, the Board of Supervisors adopted a Gold Resolution proclaiming March as Women’s History Month in Sonoma County. The 2024 Women's History Month theme is “Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion”, which recognizes the women throughout the country who understand that, for a positive future, we need to eliminate bias and discrimination entirely for our lives and institutions.

The celebration of Women's History during the month of March dates to 1977, when the Sonoma County Commission on the Status of Women (Commission) initiated the Women's History Week project. The Commission sponsored programs for local schools to address the omission of women's history in the curriculum. In 1980, the National Women's History Project was developed by dedicated members of the Commission's Education Task Force. The Project's mission expanded on the mission of the Women's History Week project by recognizing and celebrating the diverse and historic accomplishments of women through educational materials and programs. In 1987, inspired by the work of the National Women's History Project, Public Law 100-9 was passed by Congress, expanding the celebration of Women's History to the entire month of March nationwide.

Since 1979, the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors has recognized Women’s History Week and beginning in 1987 has designated the month of March as Women’s History Month in Sonoma County in keeping with the National commemoration. The 2024 Women's History Month theme is “Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion”, which directly recognizes the women throughout the country who understand that, for a positive future, we need to eliminate bias and discrimination entirely for our lives and institutions. This is the time to highlight stories of American women of all ages, races and cultural backgrounds who led campaigns for equality and civil rights, advanced professional and educational opportunities, founded entirely new enterprises, and contributed significantly to the arts, sciences, and humanistic causes.

Erik Romero, County Policy Analyst, will hold a listening session on the topic of renter protections for unincorporated residential tenants. We hope you join us to provide public comment and participate by voicing concerns and/or providing input around the state of rental housing in unincorporated areas of Sonoma County, particularly the 5th District.

Your participation will help shape the policy options presented to the Board of Supervisors at their 5/21/24 meeting as they discuss how to move forward with policy decisions. The Board of Supervisors previously heard and discussed options to augment protections for unincorporated residential tenants at their 12/5/23 meeting. [board item] [video recording].

Input Requested on AT&T's Landline Service Withdrawal Proposal

AT&T California is proposing to cease its role as the carrier of last resort in certain areas, as indicated by the blue shading on our previous maps. The company asserts that with the shift towards broadband and wireless services, traditional landlines are becoming obsolete. Additionally, AT&T is seeking to simplify the process for future withdrawal from regions marked in violet.

Concerns have been raised regarding the reliability of wireless service in these areas, which are prone to power outages, wildfires, and some lack any form of communication service besides copper landlines. The absence of communication services could severely impact evacuation efforts, medical emergencies, and rescue operations.

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has yet to approve AT&T’s proposal. For detailed information on the application, visit the CPUC’s website. It’s important to note that the CPUC operates independently of the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors.

We urge you to voice your opinions to the CPUC regarding this matter. A virtual public hearing will be held by the CPUC on March 19 at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. The hearing can be accessed via webcast or telephone at 1-800-857-1917, passcode: 6032788#. Participants can make comments during the hearing by entering the passcode, pressing *1, unmuting their phone, and stating their name.

For those who prefer to submit their testimony in writing, please use the public comments section on the CPUC’s website. Alternatively, written comments can be mailed to the CPUC Public Advisor’s Office at 505 Van Ness Ave., San Francisco, CA, 94102. Remember to include the proceeding number A.23–03–003 on your envelope.

Become a Civil Grand Juror

The Civil Grand Jury is an historic institution, sometimes called the "watchdog of the community." If you have an interest in local government and its operations, enjoy learning and working with others, and want to promote positive change, consider becoming a Civil Grand Juror. 

The Sonoma County Civil Grand Jury is made up of volunteers who dedicate a year of service to the watchdog body that operates under the authority of the Sonoma County Superior Court.

The results of most Sonoma County Civil Grand Jury investigations are contained in reports that lay out the findings of specific problems or issues and make recommendations for solutions. 

Sonoma County Superior Court is currently recruiting candidates to serve on the 19-member panel for the 2024-25 term, which begins July 1 and ends June 30. Jurors must be willing to spend 10-25 hours a week on the work of the Civil Grand Jury. To apply, visit the Sonoma County Superior Court’s website, https://sonoma.courts.ca.gov/general-information/grand-jury, on the Civil Grand Jury page. The application deadline is April 29. 

Exciting Things Happening in the 5th District

We were thrilled to celebrate the grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony for our new satellite office in Guerneville that was held on Saturday March 2. This new facility is a testament to our dedication to making governmental services more accessible and responsive to the needs of our residents. It was great to see so many department heads and community leaders there and we look forward to growing this crucial resource for our community. The office is open by appointment only. Please email District5@Sonoma-County.org or call (707)565-2241 x5 to make an appointment. 

On Saturday March 9, Supervisor Hopkins was thrilled to participate in the ribbon-cutting and grand opening of Chanslor Ranch Park, a spectacular addition to our community's green spaces. This new park is not just a testament to our commitment to environmental stewardship and recreational opportunities for all ages but also a celebration of the natural beauty our county has to offer. 

Last Friday, Lynda visited with Friends of Springhill Cemetery during their first workday of 2024 and was moved by the inspiring work that these volunteers are doing to honor the final resting places of past Sonoma County citizens. 

Join us in celebrating these milestones as we continue to work together towards a brighter, more connected community.

Upcoming Meetings & Events

• 3/14, 5:30 PM Lower Russian River MAC Meeting
• 3/21, 5:30 PM Sonoma Coast MAC Meeting

Fifth District Supervisor Lynda Hopkins | County of Sonoma | 707-565-2241

Lynda.Hopkins@sonoma-county.org

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