With bright skies, green hills and blooming wildflowers, we spring forward into a season of change and renewal. At our office, we embrace this as a time to reaffirm our priorities and align them with future actions. As we gear up for official budget hearings in the summer, spring budget workshops will provide an opportunity to do just that. While the Board will not take official votes during the spring budget workshops, these informational meetings are opportunities to discuss, plan and hear from the public about funding allocations in June. Budget workshops will take place on April 22, 23 and 24 at the Board Chambers. Agendas and meeting materials will be available here at least one week prior to the meeting dates. We hope you can join us.

Another important development for our office this season is a transition among our staff. Read on for more details on this. In this newsletter, you also can find the latest news from the County of Sonoma as well as community announcements, information on local events and much more. As always, we look forward to hearing your comments and feedback on this newsletter, and any other issue on your mind. Thank you for your continued engagement.

Sincerely, 

Chris Coursey

707-565-2241

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Please join us in celebrating upcoming staff changes to our District 3 team as we congratulate Jazmin Gudiño on her transition into law school and welcome our new Field Representative Liliana “Lili” Roman-Aguilar. 

An integral part of Supervisor Coursey’s inaugural team, Jazmin has been instrumental in developing our communications and public outreach. Her connections to the community and lived experience in the district have complemented our work significantly, and we are sad to see her go. However, we are proud of this milestone in Jazmin’s professional journey and have confidence that her legal career will serve our community well.

In this transition, we are thrilled to introduce Liliana “Lili” Roman-Aguilar as our incoming District 3 Field Representative. Lili has served Sonoma County for over a decade, specializing in safety net services for those who need them most. Raised in South Park and currently residing in southwest Santa Rosa, Lili’s work to advance social justice and equity is informed by and in service of her community. In her free time, Lili enjoys exploring new hiking trails, listening to audiobooks and spending time with her family. Join us in extending a warm welcome to Lili as she embarks in this role.

Lili started in her new position this month and Jazmin will conclude her employment at the county on April 12. To contact Lili, Jazmin or any other District 3 staff, you can email district3@Sonoma-County.org or call 707-565-1916.

When disasters strike, the most vulnerable members of our community often suffer the most. That’s the reason the Board of Supervisors created a new program last year to provide financial aid directly to low-income residents who were unable to work or suffered other economic losses during a series of storms that battered the region in January 2023.

More than 1,700 people received support last year and most recently, the Board of Supervisors put a structure in place to ensure this safety net can be quickly deployed in future disasters.

Based on the latest Board action, immediately following a qualified disaster emergency Community Organizations Active in Disasters and the Child Parent Institute will assess impacted residents and distribute direct aid according to need.

For every $10 you spend in Sonoma County, 2½ cents are set aside to fund local programs that help people struggling with mental illnesses, substance abuse and homelessness. These pennies add up to real dollars that are making a real difference in our community.

The latest Measure O annual report details the impact of $30 million in expenditures to bolster new and existing programs and facilities. Notable outcomes include:

• 1,101 people received crisis intervention, assessment, medication support and up to 23 hours of care for individuals in an acute mental health crisis.

• 324 people accessed residential treatment programs for substance use disorders.

• 319 people suffering from severe mental illness were housed in residential care facilities that provide meals, medication and other services.

• 172 people were served in psychiatric health facilities.

• 74 people were placed in housing.

Measure O also funds mobile crisis teams that replace or support law enforcement with mental health practitioners during mental-health related emergencies. Mobile crisis teams serve Santa Rosa, Healdsburg, Petaluma, Rohnert Park and Cotati, and this year will expand county-wide, thanks to Measure O.

The County of Sonoma celebrates the anniversary of President Biden’s American Rescue Plan Act by recognizing the multiple ways ARPA funds continue to support the community.

Overall, Sonoma County received $96 million from ARPA, which was divided into three categories: COVID-19 pandemic response, strategic investments in county services and cultural responsiveness, and the Community Resilience Program. Late last year, the county reported that the Community Resilience Program funded the equivalent of 487,000 meals, provided direct financial assistance to nearly 450 people, paid for intense mental health support to 175 people and provided career training to more than 100 people.

Watch the vide above for an overview of local ARPA funding allocations and overall impact.

The northern Petaluma SMART station construction requires a Partial System Closure on April 13–14. Throughout that weekend, the SMART rail line will be closed from the Sonoma County Airport station to the Cotati station. Regular weekend service will be maintained between the Petaluma Downtown station and the Larkspur station.

SMART appreciates the public’s understanding as the rail system installs a new station and enhances connectivity across the region. Trip planning assistance is available through SMART Customer Service at 707-794-3330 or customerservice@sonomamarintrain.org. Transit alternative maps are available online.

Beginning April 1, 2024, youth ages 18 and under and seniors ages 65 and older, can enjoy fare-free rides on SMART. The SMART Board of Directors has approved this new fare structure as a pilot program, effective until June 30, 2025, with the primary goal of increasing ridership among these age groups.

Train conductors will continue to check passenger fares; youth and seniors may be requested to provide proof of age, such as a state ID, driver’s license or student ID. Youth and seniors will not be required to have a Clipper card or use the SMART e-ticket App. However, if a youth or senior passenger tags on with a Clipper Card, they will be charged a zero fare ($0) when boarding a SMART train. 

This pilot program aims to boost ridership among youth and seniors, and to contribute to environmental sustainability by encouraging the use of public transit- enhancing mobility options and promoting eco-friendly transportation choices for both younger and older demographics.



Elevate your 2024 San Francisco Giants game experience! Say goodbye to car woes and stress. Let SMART and partners at Giants Ferry handle transportation while you ride in style and comfort, arriving directly at Oracle Park. The bonus is that youth and seniors ride free on SMART starting on April 1, 2024.

Tickets are on sale now!

Get your Giants Ferry and San Francisco Giants tickets today.

Upcoming SMART Events:

• April 4, Take the SMART Connect shuttle to Russian River Brewery to enjoy a glass of Pliny the Younger

• April 19, take SMART to the Clean & Green Day on Earth Day in Downtown San Rafael

• April 20, Visit our SMART booth at Butter & Egg Days, in Downtown Petaluma

• April 20, Ride SMART to the Santa Rosa Downtown station for the Earth Day Celebration in Courthouse Square in Santa Rosa

• April 28, take SMART to the Petaluma Antique Faire in Downtown Petaluma

Sonoma County Regional Parks’ Vamos a Nadar (Let’s go Swimming) celebrates 20 years of teaching young kids and families to be safe around water.

Regional Parks Director, Bert Whitaker, speaks on the crisis that inspired the program’s creation. “For years, there were 12 to 15 drowning deaths each summer along the Russian River,” he said. “According to information from the coroner’s office, the deaths were primarily 18- to 24-year-old Latino males who didn’t know how to swim.”

Seeking to effect lasting change, Regional Parks partnered with the Red Cross and the county health department to create Vamos a Nadar. Currently, the free bilingual program educates families on water safety and awareness and increases access to swim lessons at local pools. Vamos a Nadar has reached more than 3,000 young people in Sonoma County since launching in 2004.

The program’s 2024 schedule is now available, and parents can register at SoCoParks.org/Nadar.

Two exciting new initiatives have implemented music programs designed to heal and rehabilitate at Sonoma County’s correctional facilities.

In January, Juvenile Hall opened a new music recording studio with the goal of promoting self-expression, positivity and wellness among youth detained at the facility with the assistance of local music professionals. The studio includes industry-standard microphones and recording software as well as four guitars, several keyboards, a bass and drum set. Future plans include wind and brass instruments. Several youth have already used the new studio and even recorded songs.

On another high note, the county jail recently hosted a public concert featuring musicians from the Juilliard School in New York, who performed pieces composed by Sonoma County jail inmates. This concert forms part of the Music for the Future program, which is designed to educate and encourage inmates while promoting healing and building compassionate communities. Incarcerated people learned music composition, music theory, score-reading and how to play stringed instruments during the program. Participants in the program, who ranged in age from 19 to 68, received credits that could be applied toward a high school degree.

The Sonoma County Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) is accepting nominations for their fourth annual Sonoma County Spirit Award!

This year, the CSW Spirit Award aligns with the national theme for Women’s History Month: Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. The theme recognizes local women and girls, 14 or older, who speak up, catalyze and inspire action to make concrete changes in our community for greater equity, diversity and inclusivity.

Nominees are individuals who lift-up and amplify the voices of those in our community who are marginalized based on race, gender, sexual orientation, immigration status and/or socio-economic status. They inspire others and set a clear example of cultural humility and respect.

Please complete the nomination application by April 15, 2024.

Sonoma County Recognizes Civil Grand Juries, Encourages People to Volunteer for Service

The Board of Supervisors in March honored the important work of civil grand juries in investigating and reporting on local government operations to ensure they are being conducted efficiently, honestly and in the best interest of the public.

The Board also adopted a gold resolution proclaiming March as Civil Grand Jury Appreciation Month and endorsed the ongoing drive to recruit new civil grand jurors.

Sonoma County Superior Court is currently recruiting candidates to serve on the 19-member panel for the 2024-25 term, which begins in July. 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, Civil Grand Jury page. The application deadline is April 29.

The U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs is now accepting public comments on an upcoming Environmental Impact Statement for the Koi Nation of Northern California’s proposed casino resort project southeast of Windsor.

The federal agency is inviting the public to identify potential issues, concerns and alternatives that have not yet been raised during its review of the proposed Shiloh Resort and Casino Project. Written comments will be accepted through April 8. Click here for more information on comment submission.

Please note, the county does not have regulatory jurisdiction or decision-making authority over whether a casino opens on land the federal government has taken into trust for gaming for a tribe. The Environmental Assessment and other information about the proposed project, including a map of the property, can be viewed at www.shiloh resort environmental.com.

The Sonoma County Department of Health Services is accepting applications to join the Racial Equity Workgroup. The Racial Equity Workgroup is a dedicated group of individuals, comprised of community members and Homeless Coalition staff with the Department of Health Services, who are deeply committed to addressing systemic racism and promoting equity within our homeless system of care.

The Workgroup convenes once a month for a duration of one and a half (1 ½) hours.

Applications are due by April 15^th, 2024, by 5:00 p.m. and applicants will be invited to the group’s virtual meeting on April 18^th from 9 to 10:30 a.m. to speak briefly about their interest in the group.

Join us and learn about the County of Sonoma's application process.

Start Here! is intended for the public-- whether you are looking for a new position now or planning for a future employment opportunity. Our virtual class is an overview of the County of Sonoma’s job application, examination and selection processes.

The virtual class will be held via Zoom on:

• Thursday, April 25 from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm

• Wednesday, May 29 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm

• Wednesday, June 26 from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm

• Wednesday, July 31 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm

Sonoma County opens Chipper Program Early to Reduce Wildfire Risk

Sonoma County’s free Residential Curbside Chipper Program is launching early this year in an effort to reduce residential wait times, expand service and mitigate the risk of wildfires.

The Chipper Program, administered by the Permit Sonoma Fire Prevention Division, is designed to help residents create defensible space around their homes and reduce vegetation along important access routes. Once approved, properties in unincorporated Sonoma County are eligible to 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.

Need assistance with a civil law issue but you don’t have a lawyer? Visit the Sonoma County Superior Court’s Civil Self-Help Center, which moved last month to new offices at the Civil and Family Courthouse, located at 3055 Cleveland Ave. in northwest Santa Rosa.



The Civil Self-Help Center provides free assistance with eviction and debt collection cases, small claims lawsuits, restraining orders for civil harassment and elder abuse, name changes and other civil law issues. The center can help you understand your legal options and provide access to legal forms and computers. Interpreters are available; call ahead to request one in advance to reduce your wait time.

Email questions to selfhelp@sonomacourt.org or call (707) 521-6534 for more information.

Are you looking for a fun summer job? Join Park's as a seasonal open water lifeguard at Regional Park beaches like Spring Lake Regional Park and Healdsburg Veterans Memorial Beach.

Apply today at SoCoParks.org/Lifeguard

• Minimum age requirement: 16 years old by June 10.

• Swim test: Complete a 550-yard swim in under 10 minutes.

• Training: Completion of a PAID 10-day Lifeguard Academy in early summer.

• Starting wage: $23.41/hr.

Attention families in need of food assistance! Starting in June, eligible families with school-age children can access grocery benefits during the summer break. This program is called SUN Bucks, or Summer EBT, and qualified families can receive $120 per child for grocery expenses during this period.

If you're currently receiving food benefits like CalFresh/SNAP, your school-age children qualify for SUN Bucks. Just be sure to update your mailing address by March 29!

On April 4 at 6pm at Roseland University Prep, The Santa Rosa Violence Prevention Partnership will host a parent education event In Spanish with English translation that will focus on the current state of gang activity in Santa Rosa, early warning signs parents can look out for that their youth may be headed toward gang involvement and the unique risks related to female gang participation.

Following the presentation and Q&A, many of VPP’s partner organizations will be tabling to offer supportive services to the families in attendance. See flyer below for more information. 

In accordance with AB 481, the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office is hosting a community meeting to discuss and answer questions about military equipment used by the Sheriff’s Office.

The meeting will occur on Tuesday, April 16 from 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. in the Sheriff’s Office Main Office (2796 Ventura Avenue, Santa Rosa). 

The City of Santa Rosa is hosting its annual Earth Day Festival on Saturday, April 20^th from 12pm-4pm at Courthouse Square in Santa Rosa.

The FREE, family-friendly, zero waste festival brings the community together through fun activities, live performing arts, great food, and inspiring exhibits that raise environmental awareness. 

Join thousands of community members for the 15th annual Roseland Cinco de Mayo Festival on May 5 from 3pm – 9pm at 665 Sebastopol Rd, in Santa Rosa.

Since 2006, this annual festival has attested to the rich culture and resilience at the core of the Roseland neighborhood. While the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a temporary pause, the festival returns this year to celebrate community and tradition.

The festival will feature local entertainment, fun for the kids, informational and artisan craft booths, plenty of food choices, crowning the “Reina del Cinco de Mayo”, and much more!

Live performances by Banda La Congora, Maxima Frequencia, Los del 7, Mariachi Cantares de Mi Tierra, & more!

May 17 | 11:00am-3:00pm | Free Admission

Featuring: product displays, services and resources for older adults, veterans, people with disabilities, advocates and the public.

For more information, call (707) 528-2745 or email ricoj@mydslc.org