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An unprecedented series of winter storms has pummeled Sonoma County this month. County crews have scrambled to clear roads, set up shelter for residents who were left without power or forced to flee the rising floodwaters, respond to emergency calls and support efforts to get financial assistance to those most in need.
While many were impacted, what can’t be overlooked are the beneficial impacts the rain has had on Sonoma County’s rain supply. Lake Sonoma, the county’s primary source of water, has more than doubled in supply in just three weeks and is now at 91 percent of its water-supply capacity.
In the January edition of the SoCo Correspondent, we catch you up on other important news from across our county. Read on to meet our new county administrator and chair of the Board of Supervisors, learn about a sweeping plan to redevelop one of the crown jewels of the Sonoma Valley, and discover actions the county is taking to improve the safety of our roads and the well-being of our lowest-paid workers.
As always, we encourage you to share this newsletter with friends, colleagues and family members so they can sign up for the SoCo Correspondent and receive it directly, normally on the first and third week of each month.
¿Está interesado en leer sobre lo que hace el Condado de Sonoma dos veces al mes? Este boletín estará disponible en español. Regístrese aquí para suscribirse a nuestro boletín, el SoCo Correspondent.
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County responds to winter storms | |
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The first storm rolled in on Dec. 26. By the time the last one departed on Thursday, Jan. 19, it had rained 20 of 24 days in Sonoma County, causing at least $20.8 million in damage and untold hardship to people whose lives were interrupted by the unrelenting storms.
The county acted quickly to respond to the crisis and drive the region’s recovery. County Administrator Sheryl Bratton issued an emergency proclamation, one that was later ratified by the Board of Supervisors, calling for activation of the county’s Emergency Operations Center on Jan. 4 as a series of water-laden atmospheric rivers began barreling toward the California coast. That day, emergency officials warned residents along the Russian River to prepare to evacuate, acting on a forecast from the National Weather Service that predicted the Russian River could hit the 40-foot level in Guerneville – 8 feet above flood stage – before dawn on Jan. 8.
Emergency officials dispatched county crews to key locations across the county, ensuring they were in position to quickly flag dangerous conditions and clear roads of obstacles. Strong winds would topple hundreds of trees, knocking out electricity to thousands of residents and blocking rural roads.
The county opened an emergency shelter at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds on Jan. 4, providing a safe haven for displaced people, their pets and some livestock before its closure on Jan. 13. County emergency operations staff facilitated the towing of trailers and RVs to higher ground, preventing them from being inundated by the rising water, and operated free shuttles to ferry residents from west Sonoma County to the shelter at the fairgrounds. The county also created sandbag stations, helping residents fortify their homes and businesses against flooding. To assist residents without power, the county opened community support centers in Guerneville, Occidental, Bodega Bay and Ft. Ross, handing out blankets, water and food while providing a place to connect to the internet and recharge their phones.
When the worst of the storms had passed - fortunately, the Russian River never crested above the flood stage at Guerneville of 32 feet - the county launched a series of initiatives to help the region recover.
When a bridge collapsed on Salmon Creek Road, trapping residents beyond the breach near Pepperwood Gulch, crews with the Department of Public Infrastructure installed a 90-foot Bailey Bridge – a portable, pre-fabricated, truss bridge designed for rapid construction – to replace the failed span. Other storm-related repair sites included Geysers Road, Moscow Road, Cherry Creek Road, Pine Flat Road, St. Helena Road and Rockpile Road.
On Jan. 11, the county began distributing mops, buckets, gloves and other supplies to help residents clean up damage to their properties. Although the region avoided major flooding from the Russian River – the storms still caused immense hardship to many of the most vulnerable members of our community. Some were unable to work during the storms, resulting in lost wages; others faced unexpected expenses to replace spoiled food or purchase supplies. In response, the county partnered with local nonprofit organizations on Jan. 15 to create an innovative new model to disaster recovery, allocating $300,000 in financial aid directly to individuals who met eligibility requirements. Nearly 1,100 people visited the Recovery Support Centers in Guerneville and Healdsburg or called a hotline created by the county for residents on the coast. The centers were set up to provide food, critical supplies and the opportunity to apply for emergency financial assistance.
“We’ve never done something like this before,” said Supervisor Lynda Hopkins, whose west Sonoma County district was heavily impacted by the storms. “There are so many folks who live paycheck to paycheck, and any unexpected expense can constitute a personal financial crisis. Getting aid to people quickly will not only help this part of our community recover, but our entire county.”
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Rivera named County Administrator | |
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Please give a warm welcome to our new County Administrator, Maria Christina Rivera, who will be succeeding Sheryl Bratton as the county government’s top executive at the beginning of February
The Santa Rosa native, who has more than 25 years of government experience including five years as Assistant County Administrator, is the first Latina, bilingual County Administrator for the County of Sonoma. She will oversee more than 4,000 employees and an annual budget of roughly $2 billion.
“I am humbled and very excited to engage with the county’s partners and with all the departments and agencies in continuing to deliver on the Board’s Strategic Plan objectives,” Rivera said. “Serving as the next County Administrator for this Board will be an honor given how this body has proven its dedication to our community’s well-being by investing in initiatives intended to preserve and/or improve our community’s quality of life.”
Rivera started her career in the County Administrator’s Office in 2006 as an analyst managing the county’s $165 million general fund non-departmental budget and five-year Capital Project Plan. She became a CAO Principal Analyst in 2012 before being promoted to Deputy County Administrator a year later. For the last five years, Rivera has served as Assistant County Administrator, the county’s No. 2 executive.
“Christina Rivera brings to the position extensive experience in finance, emergency operations and many of the county’s strategic priorities,” said Supervisor James Gore, who was chair of the Board of Supervisors in 2022. “We are so fortunate to have someone with Rivera’s policy experience, knowledge of county operations and commitment to our community to assume this critical leadership role.”
Bratton announced plans in July to step down after six years in her post and nearly 30 years with the county. We wish her all the best as she embarks upon a new job in March as County Counsel in Napa County.
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Coursey named chair of Board of Supervisors | |
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District 3 Supervisor Chris Coursey was unanimously selected by his peers to serve as chairman of the Board of Supervisors in 2023, replacing District 4 Supervisor James Gore.
Coursey, who was elected to the Board in 2020, represents central Santa Rosa, the Roseland and Moorland areas of Santa Rosa, and most of Rohnert Park east of Highway 101. Previously, he served four years on the Santa Rosa City Council, including two as mayor, when he led the city’s efforts to recover from the 2017 wildfires.
District 2 Supervisor David Rabbitt was selected vice chair and District 5 Supervisor Lynda Hopkins was selected chair pro-tem at the Jan. 10 Board meeting, its first of the year.
“I look forward to this year as chair of the board, working with my colleagues, our staff and the community to make Sonoma County an even better place for all of our residents,” Coursey said.
The meeting also included swearing-in ceremonies for Supervisors Rabbitt and Gore who were both elected to new four-year terms in November. The oath of office also was administered to Clerk-Recorder-Assessor and Registrar of Voters Deva Marie Proto, who also was re-elected, and to Carla Claeys Rodriguez, a 25-year veteran of the District Attorney’s Office, who ran unopposed to succeed Jill Ravitch as District Attorney.
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The drought is not over, but our reservoirs are in much better shape today than they were four weeks ago following a series of storms that dropped more than 19 inches of rain on Santa Rosa in 24 days.
The amount of water stored in the county’s two main water storage reservoirs has more than doubled since the storms began Dec. 26. On Thursday, Lake Sonoma was at 95.1 percent of its water-supply capacity, holding 232,953 acre-feet. Lake Mendocino surpassed the 80,050 acre-foot level used to trigger flood control releases, prompting the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to begin a series of high-flow releases from Coyote Valley Dam on Jan. 16. It is the first time in four years the Army Corps has released water to ensure Lake Mendocino had enough room to prevent flooding if rains return later this winter and spring. As of Thursday, it held 86,772 acre-feet.
On Jan. 12, the U.S. Drought Monitor upgraded the county’s drought status from “severe” to “moderate.” While our reservoirs are filling up, our depleted groundwater aquifers and drought-parched landscapes will take longer to recover from the driest three-year period on record in California.
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An ongoing feature series highlighting public servants across
a variety of departments at the County of Sonoma.
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Name: Lawrence “Larry” Younger
Title: Deputy Probation Officer III – Juvenile Division
Years with County: 13
Personal side: I live in Santa Rosa with my partner of 27 years, Tony, and our Irish Terrier, Bailey. I grew up in New Jersey and was raised by a wonderful family who relocated from Culpeper, Virginia. I love everything about Sonoma County: the people, the weather, the politics, the food, the wine! I enjoy self-education, the arts (especially dance), and travel (can’t wait to return to Europe). I’m also a tennis enthusiast although I don’t play anymore. Oh! I rarely meet a dog I don’t like.
Education and/or certifications: I hold a B.S. in Communications from UCLA and a teaching credential from JFK University in Orinda, California.
Awards: Last month, I received the statewide Award of Excellence from the Chief Probation Officers of California, which cited my compassion, commitment and work to put youth on better pathways and make our community safer.
What do you do? That’s a big question, but let me give it a shot. I use my influence and authority as a peace officer to offer youth (and their families) hope – hope for a better and healthier life and future. I take my role as a public servant very seriously and always remember that I took an oath to rehabilitate offenders as well as hold them accountable. I firmly believe that everyone in our country deserves an opportunity to pursue a good life, liberty, and happiness and I see myself as an invitation for them to get there.
When I first started as a probation officer in Sonoma County, someone told me, “What these kids need is good parenting.” I never forgot that. I was blessed with great parenting. How I interact with my youth is the same way my mother, father, aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents would have interacted with me if I were going astray.
People constantly ask me how I deal with crazy teenagers all day. I answer, “I don’t know. All I can say is that crazy teenagers genuinely entertain me. They really do.” I think a great deal of my influence may have to do with the fact that teenagers and I have a lot in common personality-wise.
Lastly, I make a conscious effort to connect youth and their families to as many resources in our great county as possible. It is an amazing blessing to live in a place so rife with kind-hearted, open-minded, intelligent, passionate, and generous citizens – and agencies. No place is perfect, but Sonoma County is perfect for me. It’s my home.
What gives you fulfillment? Observing young people who start out hopeless with no definitive goals end up as hopeful individuals who are genuinely excited about their futures. Watching youth and their families – especially their parents – begin the process of healing their relationships. Spending time with my family and friends. Spending time with dogs. Traveling and meeting people from other cultures. Watching a competitive tennis match. Eating delicious food. Sipping good wine.
Passions outside of work? Besides the above, trying each day to be a more thoughtful, more compassionate, more patient, and more forgiving person than I was yesterday.
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Supervisors approve plan to transform
Sonoma Developmental Center
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The Board of Supervisors approved a detailed plan last month to guide development of the historic Sonoma Developmental Center campus south of Glen Ellen, calling for the protection of 700 acres of open space while creating a walkable community with hundreds of units of affordable and workforce housing.
“Our community has expressed strong concerns over the scale of potential development in a rural area on the SDC campus and vulnerability to fire danger,” said Supervisor Susan Gorin, whose district encompasses the Sonoma Developmental Center. “While this compromise plan is not perfect, it visualizes a thriving addition to Glen Ellen with housing, jobs and protections for open space and natural resources.”
The State of California, which owns the property, has solicited proposals to develop the site. It delegated land use planning to the County of Sonoma, which conducted three years of community-focused planning efforts to solicit public input on the future of the property.
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Board takes action to improve safety of local roads | |
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The Board of Supervisors approved two plans last month to reduce car crashes and make county roadways safer.
The Local Road Safety Plan is designed to identify collision trouble spots and devise corrective measures that may reduce collision rates and improve road safety. A second initiative, the Vision Zero Action Plan, outlines steps to eliminate traffic fatalities and severe injuries on county roads.
“The Board of Supervisors remains committed to developing a safer, more modern road transportation system, and these plans will improve safety for all road users in Sonoma County,” said Supervisor David Rabbitt, who is also a director of the Sonoma County Transportation Authority board. “Using the latest data, we will identify and fix road safety problems with the goal of providing equitable modes of transportation free of motorist fatalities and severe injuries.”
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County increases Living Wage | |
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The Board of Supervisors voted unanimously in December to raise the county’s Living Wage to $17.25 an hour, while opening the door for an additional increase in the spring to keep pace with inflation.
The 2.74 percent increase applies primarily to workers in private companies and nonprofits that contract with the County of Sonoma. It also applies to all individuals employed directly by the county government.
“All workers deserve the opportunity to earn a wage they can live on,” said Supervisor James Gore, who was chair of the Board of Supervisors in 2022. “As the largest employer in the county, we are leading by example in raising the Living Wage for all of our contracted services. We will revisit the issue again this spring and continue to explore additional actions we can take to improve the Living Wage ordinance.”
Under the county’s current living wage ordinance, any increase to the hourly rate may not exceed the most recent cost-of-living adjustment granted to County of Sonoma employees, which was 2.74 percent. The Board directed staff to return with a proposal to revise the ordinance, including a second wage increase, at the end of March.
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Learn how to navigate the county’s hiring process
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Are you looking for a new job? Thinking about career options for the future? Learn how you can take the next step in your professional life and join the County of Sonoma family!
Start Here! is a virtual class that provides an overview of the county’s job application, examination and selection processes. The two-hour session provides information on how to submit a thorough application, best practices for the interview and examination, and much more. Send an email to [email protected] and we will invite you to future class opportunities. Let us help guide you through the county’s selection process.
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Board allocates $4 million for homeless services | |
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The Board of Supervisors approved a plan to spend $4 million on homeless services last month following the creation of specific metrics to measure the impact of the aid.
The board set aside money for the plan earlier in 2022 using federal funds provided by the American Rescue Plan Act to help communities recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Each of the five projects are intended to improve the county’s housing and care system while helping the county achieve its goal of reducing homelessness by 10 percent annually. The programs will increase interim housing opportunities, create more rental units within existing housing stock, and bolster outreach efforts to prevent homelessness by helping individuals stay housed.
In related news, Dave Kiff was named director of the new Homelessness Services Division within the Department of Health Services in late December. He steps into the role after more than 30 years of experience in state and local government, most recently serving as the interim executive director of the county’s Community Development Commission.
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County updates building codes to reduce climate impacts | |
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Electrical appliances will be required in most new residential construction under new building codes adopted last month by the Board of Supervisors to advance the county’s climate action goals.
Natural gas or propane cooktops would still be permitted in new homes, but all other appliances must be powered by electricity under the new building codes. New commercial structures must include solar panels and energy storage.
In response to feedback from low-income residents and housing advocates, the county modified the plumbing code to allow for composting toilets. These revisions are one way Permit Sonoma is addressing alternative housing, and the department will bring additional emergency housing provisions back to the Board of Supervisors next year.
“These building code amendments go beyond what’s required by the state but not beyond what’s needed in this climate emergency,” said Supervisor James Gore, who was chair of the Board of Supervisors in 2022. “Climate change continues to be one of the most critical issues that we’re facing today, and as local leaders we’ll continue to step up and take bold action.”
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Merger creates new Department of Public Infrastructure | |
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Two county departments – General Services and Transportation & Public Works – have been consolidated into a single agency with a new name: the Department of Public Infrastructure.
The Board of Supervisors appointed TPW Director Johannes Hoevertsz to lead the new agency, which has the equivalent of more than 272 full-time employees and an annual budget of $240 million.
The merger is designed to improve the efficiency and quality of services overseen by the new department. General Services managed county purchasing, facilities, real estate, capital projects and its fleet of vehicles. TPW managed county roads, transit, the airport, multiple waste disposal sites and water systems, as well as regulation of air quality and emissions.
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County working to expand broadband network | |
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The county Economic Development Board has won a $500,000 grant from the Public Utilities Commission to continue work on a plan to expand broadband access into rural areas of Sonoma County.
The broadband network design project is expected to be completed by June in partnership with the Golden State Connect Authority, a statewide initiative promoting access to quality broadband. The process will include an overview of necessary systems and functions required for specific regions of Sonoma County, as well as in-depth information for approximately 40 miles of infrastructure along rural county roads.
The current design indicates that 1,406 miles of fiber are needed to reach all unserved and underserved unincorporated areas in the county, at an estimated cost of $292 million. In consultation with Golden State Connect Authority, the plan will be refined through analysis of potential project locations and census data to determine if infrastructure can be financed with bonds or grants.
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Board approves Office of Equity vision, values | |
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The Board of Supervisors last month approved the mission, vision and values of the county Office of Equity, which was created in August 2020 to address social and racial equity issues and to ensure county policies and programs lead to improved outcomes for communities of color.
The office is guided by a vision for a county “where power and resources are distributed equitably; where systems support every community member as they work together to cultivate well-being, agency, and liberation; and where people of all races and identities can live authentically.”
The office has created an Equity Core Team composed of 57 county employees who have been trained to apply racial equity concepts to their day-to-day work. The Equity Core Team identified a need for more equity training for staff and county leadership, leading to the creation of a Racial Equity Learning program.
In February, a steering committee will begin creating a Racial Equity Action plan with a goal of ensuring all county departments provide better services and employment opportunities to communities of color.
“Without defining and understanding institutional racism and what it looks like on a day-to-day basis in service provision and employment at the County of Sonoma, we cannot proceed to address those actions correctly and dismantle inequities that have persisted for too long,” said Alegria De La Cruz, director of the Office of Equity. “The Board of Supervisors and staff commitment to proceeding with this crucial and difficult work can change the trajectory of treatment of those historically impacted communities for generations to come.”
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Flu season, which started early in Sonoma County, is subsiding. Local hospitals are treating three people for influenza, down from 69 at their peak on Dec. 1. Wastewater sampling also shows declines in the prevalence of the flu virus in Santa Rosa and Petaluma.
More good news: COVID-19 cases are inching down again after a surge pushed Sonoma County last month from the “Low” to “Medium” tier in COVID-19 transmission metrics used by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to track how quickly the virus is spreading. As a result of the county’s CDC ranking, state masking requirements were reinstated in emergency shelters, homeless shelters and some other high-risk settings. As of Jan. 19, we are seeing 6.6 new COVID cases per 100,000 residents, down from 16.6 new cases per 100,000 residents in mid December. Hospitalizations are also declining and have been cut almost in half from the winter peak. Local hospitals are now treating 32 patients with COVID, down from 61 two weeks ago. Thankfully, no deaths have been reported since Dec. 9. It is a testament to the decision by 85 percent of the county’s eligible residents to vaccinate themselves against a virus that has now killed 532 members of our community since the pandemic began in March 2020.
“The best strategies to prevent transmission remain unchanged: Masking, vaccination, limiting gatherings if you or a family member are in a vulnerable group, and staying home and testing if you are experiencing symptoms,” says Dr. Sundari Mase, Sonoma County Health Officer.
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County completes earthquake response plan | |
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The county Department of Emergency Management has released a comprehensive plan to guide regional response and recovery efforts following a major earthquake in Sonoma County.
The plan, approved by the Board of Supervisors last month, outlines specific actions the county and other agencies in the region will take to protect the community after an earthquake. It includes plans for each phase of the initial emergency – including the use of alerts and warnings, fire suppression and hazardous material response – and the subsequent recovery, including utility restoration, debris removal, interim housing and disaster assistance.
“Our team worked diligently with partner agencies to create this regional earthquake response and recovery plan, which will ensure we are better prepared to assist our residents in the event of a major earthquake” said Chris Godley, director of the Department of Emergency Management.
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County revamps economic development plan | |
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Sonoma County is rolling out a new plan to guide economic development by partnering with community and business organizations to address persistent issues that constrain the local economy.
The 3.0 Action Plan, created by the county Economic Development Board, expands EDB’s role as a convener to address specific goals such as increasing the earning potential of residents, encouraging investment in high-value local enterprises, and restoring housing affordability in Sonoma County.
“Increasing access to services and information across multiple sectors is vital to creating a more inclusive and resilient economy. This access will help fortify existing and future collaboration,” said Supervisor Chris Coursey, incoming chair of the Board of Supervisors.
The plan, approved by the Board of Supervisors last month, was developed with guidance from a steering committee composed of community and business leaders from the nonprofit, private and public sectors. It includes a series of short- and long-term goals to build the structure and partnerships over the next 18 months, including development of economic and demographic data to better inform decision making.
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Share your thoughts about services
for seniors and adults with disabilities
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The Area Agency on Aging (AAA) invites Sonoma County residents of all ages to offer input on future programs and services for older adults, adults with disabilities and their caregivers by completing its countywide Senior Needs Assessment Survey by March 15.
Sonoma County residents can take the anonymous survey online or on paper, or provide feedback by joining a group discussion on aging issues during January, February and March. The results will be used to build recommendations for improving services.
Register online here or call 707-565-5900 to attend one of the group sessions.
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Get involved with local government
Government is only as good as the people who step forward to serve. There are many opportunities available now to support the community by serving on local boards, commissions and committees.
Current vacancies include:
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Community Action Partnership of Sonoma County: To partner with low income families and individuals to help them achieve economic and social stability. Learn more: https://www.capsonoma.org/
Check out the list of current vacancies and discover how you can help shape the future of Sonoma County.
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Adopt the pet of the month | |
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My name is Joker. I’m an unaltered male, tricolor guinea pig. The shelter thinks I’m about 2 and a half years old. I’ve been at the shelter since July 2022.
Joker is one of dozens of cats, dogs, rabbits and other animals at Sonoma County Animal Services in need of adoption.
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Volunteer and employment opportunities | |
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Drought and flooding
Other topics
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