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It’s said that if March comes in like a lion, it will go out like a lamb. That may prove true, but all Sonoma County has seen so far is the lion as represented by the string of atmospheric rivers that has created multiple challenges for the region. Nevertheless, the county has undertaken a series of innovative approaches to address some difficult and often contentious issues, including those created by our recent heavy storms. Continue reading to learn more about the county’s efforts to create an emergency shelter site to house people experiencing homelessness, part of a plan to clear encampments along Joe Rodota Trail and help campers transition into more stable housing. You will also get the latest on the county’s first Job and Resource Fair for unsheltered people, and a new ordinance that sets clear and consistent standards for winery events.
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 each month.
¿Está interesado en leer sobre lo que hace el Condado de Sonoma cada mes? Regístrese aquí para suscribirse a nuestro boletín, el SoCo Correspondent.
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Emergency shelter site to open
at County Government Center
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County staff announced last week that a parking lot in the County Government Center in north Santa Rosa will be converted into an emergency shelter site, providing space for up to 90 tents where homeless individuals can live temporarily while transitioning into permanent housing.
The decision comes on the heels of a unanimous Board of Supervisors decision on Feb. 21 to declare a shelter crisis and approve $3 million in initial funding for opening up to two shelter sites on county property to offer shelter to homeless individuals living in encampments along Joe Rodota Trail. Once the site at 400 Administration Dr. is open, hopefully by the week of March 20, the county will begin moving individuals out of the encampments along the trail.
“The emergency shelter site will temporarily increase interim housing, but the long-term goal is to provide permanent housing solutions,” said Supervisor Chris Coursey, chair of the Board of Supervisors. “Today’s actions provide the first step to getting individuals the support they need to transition into permanent housing.”
On Monday, March 13, Supervisor James Gore, whose district includes the county campus site, and Coursey hosted the latest of three public forums to address questions and field comments from the public about how the site will be operated and managed. View video of those webinars online. During the forums, the supervisors and staff emphasized that occupants of the site will be screened and managers at the site will develop and enforce rules to protect the safety and security of shelter residents and the surrounding neighborhood. Security will be at the site 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Shelter residents will have access to behavioral and physical health care, housing assistance, job training and other support services that help prepare them for their next housing steps.
If a second site is needed, staff has recommended placing it in a portion of the rear parking area at the Santa Rosa Veterans Memorial Building, located at 1351 Maple Ave.
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County hosts Job & Resource Fair
for homeless on March 22
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Sonoma County will host its first-ever job and resource fair for people who are unsheltered or at risk of becoming homeless on March 22 at the Santa Rosa Veterans Memorial Building.
Participants will have opportunities to meet with 47 local employers and service providers to get help with employment, housing, food, transportation and more. Organizers will give away more than 150 $25 gift cards and provide lunch and refreshments at the free event, which runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
“Our goal is to help people who are currently homeless or at risk of becoming homeless get on a path toward stable, dignified housing,” said Supervisor Chris Coursey, chair of the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors. “A good job is a crucial step on that path. This event will connect participants with local employers and resources to develop the skills they need to get hired, along with critical support services that can help stabilize their lives.”
Unsheltered people who need transportation, clothing, a haircut, resume prep or other help preparing for the job fair should contact Job Link at joblink@schsd.org
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County employees recognized for 20+ years of service | |
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The saying “strength in numbers” took on a new meaning on Friday, March 3, as Sonoma County leaders, including three supervisors, staff, family and friends gathered at the Bennett Valley Golf Course to honor 135 county employees who had reached key milestones in their years of service with the County of Sonoma. In all, five employees were recognized for reaching 35 years with the county while six had reached 30 years of employment and 32 were honored for 25 years of service. Meanwhile, 92 individuals were recognized for 20 years of employment.
“It’s a great night to celebrate the county overall and county employees ... especially after these past five or six years,” said Supervisor David Rabbitt, who noted how everyone “stepped up” during times of crisis such as fires and floods. “Thank you for all of your work, and thank you for being there and your dedication.”
Due to COVID, it was the first time in three years that the county had been able to host this annual celebration in person. Those who were recognized for 35 years of service included Dawn Krautner, Tracy Kane, Laura Contreras Saldana, Eric Doble and Byron Clark.
Those recognized for 30 years of service were Sheryl Bratton, Darla Brazeau, Steven Schmitz, Daniel Mori, John Bazzano and Ellen Simm.
“We know that you are the heart and soul of Sonoma County,” said Supervisor Chris Coursey, chair of the Board of Supervisors, who acted as Master of Ceremonies along with Supervisor Susan Gorin and Supervisor Rabbitt.
“You are out there every day doing the job of public servants ... and I think I can speak for all of the Board of Supervisors in expressing our pride in all that you do for the people within this community.”
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Supervisors approve pre-development work
on George’s Hideaway housing project
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A project to convert a former tavern and hotel west of Guerneville into permanent supportive housing for people experiencing homelessness is moving forward.
The Board of Supervisors this month approved pre-development plans to renovate George’s Hideaway, the sixth site in Sonoma County funded by the state’s Project Homekey initiative. The county’s Community Development Commission purchased the site in April and plans to convert it into 21 units of permanent supportive housing – a specific type of housing that provides both housing and supportive services, which is in great need in west Sonoma County. It expects to open the site in 2024.
“We are excited for the progress in transforming this historic tavern, which has become an eyesore, into permanent housing with supportive services,” said Supervisor Lynda Hopkins, whose 5th District includes the project site.
“The river community recognizes the value of this project and eagerly awaits its grand opening.”
Individuals at George’s Hideaway will receive ongoing supportive services such as physical and behavioral health care, connection to a case manager and the opportunity to transition to permanent housing elsewhere. West County Community Services, a Guerneville nonprofit that will manage the housing site, plans to operate a navigation center to provide services to site residents and local unhoused people.
Project Homekey is a state initiative to convert vacant or underutilized motels and hotels into interim and permanent supportive housing for homeless individuals or those at risk of homelessness.
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Supervisors set new standards for winery events | |
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Following years of community outreach and engagement, the Board of Supervisors this week adopted a winery events ordinance that sets clear and consistent standards for parking, traffic, noise and food service at Sonoma County wineries.
Permit Sonoma will apply the new standards to applications for new and modified use permits. Existing permits are not impacted by the ordinance.
The standards will provide a baseline for how the County of Sonoma balances preservation of agricultural areas with sustainable development of wine industry events when Permit Sonoma evaluates projects and their impacts.
“This ordinance was a long time coming,” said Supervisor James Gore whose Fourth District encompasses the Dry Creek Valley and Westside Road. “These standards will help provide clarity and guidance to an important function of a major industry in Sonoma County, while balancing the needs of the community.”
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Supervisors ban new gas stations
in unincorporated Sonoma County
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No new retail gas stations can be constructed in unincorporated areas of Sonoma County under an ordinance approved on March 14 by the Board of Supervisors.
The ordinance, which takes effect April 13, also prohibits the expansion of retail gas stations in unincorporated areas. It advances the board’s plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and make Sonoma County carbon neutral by 2030. The ordinance also aligns with a state mandate requiring 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 Chris Coursey, chair of the Board of Supervisors. “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.”
As of 2016, there were roughly 158 gas stations in both unincorporated and incorporated areas of the county, primarily concentrated along major transportation corridors. There are approximately 46 fuel stations in the unincorporated county.
The legislation would exempt non-retail gas stations for fleet and agricultural uses with the exception of the rental vehicle fleet at Sonoma County Airport.
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County partners with University of California | |
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The Board of Supervisors recently authorized two agreements between the County of Sonoma and the University of California to support public research and education.
The board approved a 25-year agreement that allows UC to conduct research, scientific studies and educational activities on 56 acres of unused county-owned tidelands property near Gaffney Point at the entrance of Bodega Bay.
“For decades, the county has provided an important opportunity through its partnership with UC to conduct critical environmental monitoring and observation in the tidelands at Bodega Bay,” said District 5 Supervisor Lynda Hopkins, who represents Bodega Bay. “I’m pleased that our board voted unanimously to continue support for this enduring and valuable relationship.”
Separately, the board approved a five-year agreement allowing the UC Master Gardener program to use a vacant garden area and greenhouse at the county’s Los Guilicos campus in the Sonoma Valley. Under the agreement, the UC Master Gardener program will renovate and maintain the garden and greenhouse.
“The UC Master Gardener program is a wonderful community asset and important public service for information about home horticulture and pest management,” said District 1 Supervisor Susan Gorin, who represents the Sonoma Valley.
“We’re delighted to have found the program a new home on the Los Guilicos campus to continue their research and education on sustainable land practices in Sonoma County.”
Because of the public benefit provided by UC’s activities at both locations, no rent
will be charged to UC.
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Join the Sonoma County Civil Grand Jury
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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.
“Grand juries help to highlight problems and inefficiencies in local government, and their recommendations improve the services that taxpayers expect,” said Supervisor David Rabbitt, vice chair of the Board of Supervisors, who put forward the gold resolution. “I thank grand jurors for their service. We are always in need of more dedicated community members to serve in this role.”
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.
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Emergency Management
Chris Godley, who helped build the Department of Emergency Management following the 2017 fires, is stepping down as the department’s director this month after 10 years with the county. He first worked with the county from 1995-2001 as an emergency services coordinator and returned in 2018 to create a department that would respond to 11 local, five state and three Presidentially-declared disasters including wildfires, flooding, power shutoffs, a homeless shelter crisis and COVID-19.
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Emergency Management
Jeff DuVall, who has served as the department’s deputy director since 2019, has been named interim director while the county conducts a national recruitment search. DuVall began his emergency response career as a fire dispatcher and grew his experience in a variety of roles, including work as an emergency medical technician. Before joining the county, DuVall served as emergency manager for the City of Anaheim. He will now lead a department responsible for disaster planning, response and recovery, including the county’s emergency alert and warning program.
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Human Services
Oscar Chavez, assistant director of the Human Services Department, is leaving after a decade with the county’s largest safety-net agency, which serves more than 145,000 seniors, veterans, adults, teens, children and people with disabilities. Chavez led the department’s planning, research, evaluation and engagement efforts, including the county’s Upstream Investments initiative, designed to improve the quality of life in Sonoma County by shifting funding into programs that improve health, education and economic wellness.
Chavez is joining Community Foundation Sonoma County, where he will become the nonprofit’s first Latino and bilingual president.
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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 careers@sonoma-county.org and we will invite you to future class opportunities. Let us help guide you through the county’s selection process.
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Historical Records Commission
honors work to preserve local history
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The Sonoma County Historical Records Commission honored the Sonoma County Library and four individuals this week at its second annual Collections and Archives Recognition Awards.
The awards recognize work to preserve and use archival material in promoting history and cultural preservation. The recipients include:
- Roberto Esteves, honored for 12 years of volunteer service to the Russian River Historical Society.
- Edward Gilardi, recognized for his 14 years of service to the Cotati Historical Society.
- Betsy Penn, honored for more than 10 years of public service preserving the records of the Sonoma County Clerk-Recorder’s office.
- Solange Russek, recognized for four years of work to preserve and maintain the records of the Petaluma Women’s Club.
- The Sonoma County Library, for its efforts to move the Sonoma County Archives from Los Guilicos to a safer location and improve access to the records.
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Working together for a more equitable community | |
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Two county commissions dedicated to improving the lives of all Sonoma County residents issued reports this week outlining key accomplishments and plans for the upcoming year.
The Commission on the Status of Women briefed the Board of Supervisors on its work to promote equal rights and opportunities that enhance the quality of life for all women and girls. Among other things, the commission started the Sonoma County Spirit Awards, honoring leaders who empower women and girls; held live “listening sessions” and streamed radio-style interviews to increase public awareness; partnered with the Center for the Advancement of Women at Mount Saint Mary's University to compile an upcoming report on important issues facing local women and girls; and created a resource guide for women and girls to find services across the county. The Commission’s full 2020-23 work plan can be viewed on its website.
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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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Assessment Appeals Board: To make determinations about property values for Sonoma County property owners. Learn more online.
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Commission on Human Rights: To promote better human relations among all people in Sonoma County through education, mediation, cooperation with county and community agencies, and by initiating action that fosters the recognition of and an appreciation for the cultural diversity of the community. Learn more online.
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Commission on the Status of Women: To represent women's needs, issues, and concerns to local government officials to ensure that women's issues are in the forefront when considering policy and actions that will affect women on local, state and national levels. Learn more online.
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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/.
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Independent Citizens’ Pension Committee: To ensure a more fair, equitable, and sustainable County pension system. Learn more online.
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Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health Advisory Board: To promote the physical, social, and emotional health of childbearing women, children and adolescents in Sonoma County. Learn more online.
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Sonoma County Local Task Force on Integrated Waste Management: To develop goals, policies, and procedures around waste management, waste reduction and recycling issues. Learn more online.
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 Ace. I’m a 6-year-old neutered male Siberian husky who weighs about 60 pounds. I’ve been at the shelter since May after my owner surrendered me. I love people, but had a hard time staying in the yard at my last home and would sometimes go off exploring. I’m vocal when meeting other dogs, although I’m very tolerant and playful.
Ace is one of dozens of cats, dogs, rabbits and other animals at Sonoma County Animal Services in need of adoption.
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