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Today’s SoCo Correspondent has the latest news on efforts by the County to expedite road repairs and help residents in unincorporated areas protect their homes from wildfires. Plus, you will learn about an important new initiative to reduce construction waste. And we’ll tell you about several ways you can have a voice in County government.
If you have a friend or family member who lives in the area – or you know of a former Sonoma County resident who might be interested in receiving these updates – urge them to sign up for the SoCo Correspondent so they can 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.
| | County accelerates emergency road repairs | | |
Damage from winter storms closed a section of Westside Road. (Sonoma County Public Infrastructure)
The Board of Supervisors on Tuesday approved $5.5 million in emergency repairs to roads damaged during winter storms, streamlining the process to ensure the projects are completed as quickly as possible.
Supervisors authorized the Department of Public Infrastructure to proceed with repairs to six damaged roads – including Westside Road, Wohler Road, Cavedale Road, West Soda Rock Lane and Giovanetti Road – as soon as the bidding process is complete.
“Time is of the essence for these projects, which are critical roads accessing large areas of the county, including for evacuation and emergency response purposes,” said Supervisor Lynda Hopkins, chair of the Board of Supervisors. “This streamlined award process will allow for work to begin six to eight weeks earlier in the construction season. Repairs to Westside Road and Wohler Road are made even more urgent since those roads are detour routes for the current closure of Wohler Bridge for seismic retrofit.”
The projects will include construction of retaining walls, installation of drainage features, and repair of flood damage.
| | Board of Supervisors to hold budget workshops April 28-30 | | |
The Board of Supervisors will hold its annual budget workshops on April 28-30, giving residents an early look at County department spending plans for the fiscal year that begins July 1.
Each County department will present its preliminary budget for fiscal year 2025-26, along with any requests for budget changes to expand or restore services. The public will also have opportunities to provide input on the budget during the three-day workshop. Supervisors will not make any decisions on the spending plan until June, when the Board of Supervisors conducts its final budget hearings.
“I believe it's essential that people have opportunities to shape the decisions that will impact our future,” said Supervisor Lynda Hopkins, chair of the Board of Supervisors. “The upcoming budget workshops are an opportunity for you to learn about how your tax dollars are being spent and to share your priorities with the Board of Supervisors. Together, we can ensure that the County budget reflects the values and needs of our entire community.”
The 2025-26 preliminary budget totals $2.5 billion, a 2.6 percent increase from the 2024-25 adopted budget.
The recommended budget for fiscal year 2025-26 will be available online on May 12. The Board of Supervisors will consider the recommendations, and any potential adjustments, during budget hearings that begin June 10.
| | Neighborhood park to emerge in Mark West from ashes of 2017 wildfires | | |
Supervisor James Gore, far right, and Mark West residents celebrate funding for the community park in May 2024. (Sonoma Land Trust)
The recovery from the 2017 wildfires has been long and difficult, which makes this moment all the sweeter. Last week, Sonoma County Ag + Open Space announced that a local nonprofit has taken ownership of a 1-acre property along Mark West Springs Road, a milestone in the community’s efforts to create a neighborhood park at the site of a daycare center that burned to the ground during the Tubbs fire.
The property is now owned by the Mark West Area Community Fund. Ag + Open Space and Sonoma Land Trust provided critical funding for the $1.8 million deal. As part of the transaction, Ag + Open Space acquired a conservation easement and recreational covenant over the property, ensuring that its natural and recreational values will be conserved forever.
Construction on the park is expected to begin this summer. Ag + Open Space has awarded $300,000 from its Community Spaces Matching Grant Program to support design, planning and development of basic infrastructure, including ADA-compliant pathways and parking.
“‘Build back better, together!’ That’s what we pledged after the 2017 Tubbs fire destroyed thousands of homes in the Mark West/Larkfield community,” said District 4 Supervisor James Gore, who represents the area. “This park delivers on that promise, coming from a true partnership between community members and local government. I applaud our community members for leading the charge authentically, and I am proud to partner with them to deliver this into reality.”
| | Boyes Hot Springs park will temporarily close for $4 million facelift | | |
Construction work will begin next week on long-planned improvements to Larson Park, a popular neighborhood park in the Boyes Hot Springs area of Sonoma Valley.
The $4 million project aims to create more inclusive and better-equipped spaces for play, connection and community gatherings.
“Former Supervisor Susan Gorin was a true champion for these improvements and was instrumental in making this a reality. Thanks to her leadership and the strong support and feedback from the community, we’re now able to bring much needed new life to Larson Park and create a space that truly reflects the needs and spirit of the Springs,” said District 1 Supervisor Rebecca Hermosillo, who represents the Springs area.
Led by local contractor Broderick General Engineering, the project includes a new permanent restroom and drinking fountains, improvements to the parking lot, and new playground equipment with a dedicated play area for toddlers. The tennis courts will be upgraded and new pickleball-specific courts added. The picnic areas will be refreshed with new tables and a reservable group picnic area. The baseball and soccer fields will be fully renovated, adding new sod and irrigation.
The 7.6-acre park will be closed during construction, which is expected to last through November. The public will be able to continue to access Flowery Elementary School through the park during construction.
| | Help the County update plans to protect residents from disasters and pollution | | |
The County is modernizing its General Plan, a central policy document that provides the framework for all zoning and land use decisions. Two significant components are now available for public review and feedback through April 30.
The updated Safety Element will guide County actions to reduce risks to people and property from wildfires, floods, earthquakes, climate change and other environmental hazards. A new Environmental Justice Element will advance health in low-income communities that are disproportionately burdened by pollution.
Permit Sonoma wants your feedback on the two elements. There are three ways you can participate:
Based on public feedback, Permit Sonoma staff will consider refining the draft elements before presenting them to the Planning Commission and the Board of Supervisors in late spring and early summer.
| | Sonoma County opens Curbside Chipper program early to reduce wildfire risk | | |
Sonoma County is launching its free Residential Curbside Chipper Program early this year to shorten wait times, expand service, and reduce the risk of wildfires in unincorporated areas of Sonoma County.
The Chipper Program, administered by the Permit Sonoma Fire Prevention Division, helps residents create defensible space around their homes and clear vegetation along important roads. Once approved, properties in unincorporated Sonoma County can receive up to two hours of complimentary chipping and are eligible to receive a second visit as well. Visits are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis.
“By reducing vegetation and creating defensible space around structures, property owners play an active role in helping their communities stay safe,” Sonoma County Fire Marshal Steve Mosiurchak said.
The program serves more than 800 properties annually in unincorporated Sonoma County. To participate, submit an online application after you have gathered vegetation into a pile, per program guidelines, and it is ready for chipping.
| | County cutting taxes on cannabis farms | | |
The Board of Supervisors voted Tuesday to cut taxes on cannabis growers in unincorporated areas of Sonoma County by 54 percent, on average, while leaving tax rates unchanged for cannabis retailers and manufacturing operations.
The tax cut is intended to provide some financial relief to local farmers, who reported the price of legal cannabis plunged over the last year. The average price for a pound of indoor-grown cannabis fell from $606 in 2024 to $240 this year, 13 local growers reported in a survey conducted by the County. The average price for a pound of outdoor-grown cannabis dropped from $277 to $143 during the same period, according to the survey, which was sent to 66 growers who have permits to grow cannabis in unincorporated areas of the county. Production of legal cannabis remained flat last year in unincorporated areas.
County tax rates on cultivation will drop between 48 and 60 percent, depending on whether the operations are indoors, outdoors, or mixed-light. The revised tax rates can be viewed here. The tax cut for cannabis growers will return to the Board for final review on May 6. If approved, it will take effect July 1.
The Board of Supervisors received a report Tuesday on efforts to update the County’s cannabis program and create new rules outlining how land in the unincorporated area can be used for cannabis operations. The report can be viewed here. A draft environmental impact report on the cannabis land use ordinance is scheduled to be released in May.
| | Court approves County's request to continue issuing well permits | | |
Residents and businesses in unincorporated areas of Sonoma County can continue to apply for permits to dig water wells on their property while the County defends its updated well ordinance against a legal challenge by Russian Riverkeeper and California Coastkeeper.
California’s 1st District Court of Appeal recently granted a request by the County to temporarily block a Sonoma County Superior Court decision that would have prohibited Permit Sonoma from issuing well permits, except in emergencies. The County believes the lower court’s order is flawed, requires more of the County than is legally required, ignored the environmental benefits created by the updated well ordinance, and ultimately provides no clear map to defensibly amend its well ordinance in the future.
“Complying with the court's flawed order could take years and might still encounter future legal challenges,” said Supervisor Lynda Hopkins, chair of the Board of Supervisors, which made the decision to appeal. “This also means that the County would have no ability to issue non-emergency water well permits while trying to comply.”
The County is appealing the Sonoma County Superior Court decision that struck down amendments to the well ordinance last fall. If for any reason the Court of Appeal modifies or lifts the temporary stay, the County will alert the public.
| | Join the conversation at SoCo Chat | | |
Paul Gullixson, left, the County’s communications manager, speaks with Sheriff Eddie Engram during a recent episode of SoCo Chat.
“Change you can see.” It encapsulates Sheriff Eddie Engram’s vision for the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office, which is celebrating 175 years of service. Sheriff Engram recently stopped by SoCo Chat to discuss some of the changes he is making, including initiatives to reduce vacancies, stem the flow of narcotics and improve safety in County parks.
Subscribe to SoCo Chat on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music and YouTube, and check out our growing library of episodes in both English and Spanish (Descubre nuestra creciente selección de episodios en inglés y español). Recent guests and topics of discussion have included:
| | Attend the Sonoma Valley Emergency Preparedness Fair today | | |
Learn how to get ready for the next disaster at the Sonoma Valley Emergency Preparedness Fair, which takes place from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. today (April 17) at Altimira Middle School in Sonoma.
Participants will receive a free go-bag and other emergency preparedness giveaways. The event also features The Big Shaker – the world’s largest earthquake simulator – demonstrations of fire extinguishers and drones, and opportunities to learn about emergency first aid, evacuation zones, and how to keep pets safe during a disaster.
The fair is hosted by the Sonoma County Department of Emergency Management in partnership with the Sonoma Valley Community Health Center.
| | County launches online forum in Spanish tonight | | |
Please join us tonight (April 17) for our first Charla Comunitaria, a live, all-Spanish community conversation on Zoom and Facebook.
The 6 p.m. event will connect viewers with resources available to support immigrants living in our community. Members of the audience will have the opportunity to pose live questions to a panel of experts, including attorneys and representatives from Sonoma Immigrant Services, Secure Families Collaborative, and the Sonoma County Departments of Health Services and Human Services.
Watch Charla Communitaria live on Facebook or Zoom. The program will be rebroadcast on Estrella TV Channel 50 at 9 a.m. Saturday, April 26.
Charla Comunitaria is hosted by former Spanish news anchor and television personality Juan Barragán and our very own Bilingual Communications Specialist Karina Garcia. It marks an expansion of the County’s efforts to ensure Spanish-speaking residents receive timely, accurate, and accessible information about government actions and services.
| | County creates independent audit committee | | |
The County is inviting the public to apply for a seat on its new independent audit committee, which was created by the Board of Supervisors on March 25 to improve oversight of the County’s fiscal operations.
The audit committee will be granted authority to investigate any matter or activity involving financial accounting, financial reporting, compliance and internal controls. The panel will consist of Supervisors Chris Coursey and David Rabbitt, and one member from the community.
“I’m delighted to see the creation of the audit committee,” said Supervisor Lynda Hopkins, chair of the Board of Supervisors. “We’re not only enhancing the independence of our internal audit function but also ensuring that we continue to operate with the utmost transparency and accountability.”
To be considered for the role, the community member must have significant experience evaluating internal controls, governmental auditing, accounting or internal audit. Community members can apply by visiting the Boards, Commissions, Committees & Task Forces webpage.
| | Human Rights Commission affirms support for undocumented people in Sonoma County | | |
No human being is “illegal,” outside the protection of the law or exempt from receiving human rights, the Sonoma County Commission on Human Rights declared in a statement this month.
The statement condemns splitting families apart, holding humans in detention camps and denying services to people due to their background or documentation status.
“We hold strongly that undocumented and documented individuals have the right to equality, security, liberty, freedom of expression, due process and to keep our families together. The Sonoma County Commission on Human Rights stands in solidarity and allyship with immigrant, first-generation and mixed-status families who live in fear of deportation or retaliation due to their background,” the commission declared.
The commission was established in 1993 to promote better relations between all people in Sonoma County and advise the Board of Supervisors on areas that impact the human rights of local residents.
| | Learn how to help your neighbors during a disaster | | Find room to grow with a County job | | |
The County has more than 40 job openings posted on its website. How can you improve your chances of landing one?
Sign up for the next Start Here! class, which provides an overview of the County of Sonoma’s job application, examination and selection processes. The next two-hour virtual class will be held April 25 at 5:30 p.m.
The free class is intended for the public, whether you are looking for a new position now or planning for a future employment opportunity. Participants will learn how to submit a thorough application, best practices for the interview and examination, and much more.
Contact us at careers@sonoma-county.org to register for the April 25 class or sign up for our mailing list to be notified of future classes.
| | Adopt the pet of the week | | |
My name is Wilma. I’m a 15-month-old pit bull terrier who weighs 43 pounds and was brought to the shelter in November. I’m a playful and sweet dog who's full of energy and love. I enjoy playing fetch and carrying a ball around. With a little training and continued socialization, I could be the perfect companion.
Wilma is one of dozens of cats, dogs, rabbits and other animals at Sonoma County Animal Services in need of adoption.
| | Support your community by getting involved | |
Get involved with local government
Make a difference in Sonoma County! Local government thrives when passionate individuals like you step up to serve. There are countless opportunities for you to get involved and play a crucial role in shaping the future of our beloved Sonoma County. Check out the current vacancies:
Your involvement can make a significant impact. Take the first step and explore how you can contribute to a brighter future for Sonoma County.
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