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I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend, and a good start to the month of September! I for one am enjoying the return of the fog, the warm days and cool damp mornings, which feel to me like the way things used to be. With kids back in school and glimmers of autumn in the air, I expect the next few months to fly by in that mad holiday sprint that seems to start earlier and earlier each year. Before we know it we’ll be making New Year’s Resolutions. Fall is like a flicker, so beautiful, and so brief!
Thinking about the year starting to draw to a close makes me think about the future. For years, I’ve been working with a variety of community groups on how to fund the major infrastructure investments our communities need. We are at the point where our public infrastructure is showing its age, and we are desperately in need of resilient infrastructure that will last for future generations. Many of our critical pieces of public infrastructure date back to FDR’s New Deal — including a major culvert that failed last winter in Rio Nido which still bears the imprint “WPA” (Works Progress Administration). Speaking of government acronyms, you might have started to hear about yet another one, EIFDs. EIFDs, or Enhanced Infrastructure Financing Districts, are one such possible way of funding community projects. We have an upcoming MAC meeting on EIFDs, which were also discussed at a recent Sebastopol City Council meeting. I thought it might help to share some information about them in this newsletter.
Enhanced Infrastructure Financing Districts are a powerful tool for investing in the future of our community. Essentially, an EIFD could allow Sebastopol and the County to work together to finance critical infrastructure projects without raising taxes. By leveraging future growth, EIFDs create a sustainable way to fund West County improvements — things like community infrastructure, parks, affordable housing, and public transit. It’s about making long-term investments in the quality of life for residents, boosting economic development, and ensuring that everyone, regardless of where they live, has access to the opportunities that good infrastructure provides.
You may be wondering where the funding will come from and how this would impact your taxes. I have great news! One of the most appealing aspects of EIFDs is that they do not impose any new taxes on residents or businesses. Instead, they utilize a mechanism called tax increment financing, which captures the increase in property tax revenues that results from rising property values as a community develops and thrives. This means that as infrastructure improvements attract new investments and businesses, the resulting growth helps fund the projects themselves. It’s a smart, forward-thinking way to maximize the value of future growth without placing any additional financial burden on taxpayers.
An EIFD is something I have been advocating for for years because it gives us the means to fund transformative projects in D5 that might otherwise be out of reach. EIFDs also promote equity by focusing on projects that benefit underserved areas, addressing historical gaps in investment.
Nothing is set in stone yet. We’re still in the very early stages of working with an experienced consultant to identify projects areas, community priorities, and conduct a benefit analysis before any of this goes to the Board of Supervisors and/or Sebastopol City Council for approval. I invite you to attend the upcoming special joint MAC meeting to learn more, ask questions and share your priorities for investments. There will be many opportunities to engage, but we want to make sure you feel heard from the very beginning. Join us on Wednesday September 25, 6:30 PM at the El Molino Library in Forestville.
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Catch up with Supervisor Lynda Hopkins in the latest SoCoChat episode! In this in-depth conversation, Supervisor Hopkins discusses the unique opportunities and challenges of representing the vast and diverse Fifth District, which spans the Sonoma County Coast, the Lower Russian River, and parts of Santa Rosa. From the importance of local community events to tackling critical issues like wildfire risk, climate resilience, and the potential reintroduction of sea otters, Lynda offers a thoughtful look at what makes our district so special. Plus, enjoy some lighter moments, including updates on her baby goats and local park projects. Don’t miss out—watch the full video on YouTube here. | |
Sea Otter Awareness Event at Doran Beach Highlights Importance of Marine Conservation | | |
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On Tuesday, September 3, community members gathered at Doran Beach to learn about the vital role sea otters play in the marine ecosystem. The event featured representatives from the Kashia Band of Pomo Indians, Sea Otter Savvy, the Marine Mammal Center, the Marine Conservation Institute and the California Native Plant Society. Held in front of the “We Were Here” mural, the event was an opportunity to share information and discuss the potential benefits of sea otters returning to their historic range where they had a robust presence until they were decimated by the expansive fur trade of the 18th and 19th centuries.
Families also had an opportunity to participate in a sea otter sand sculpture competition. The winning sculpture captured the playful essence of sea otters. Congrats to all who participated!
For more information about sea otters and to take a stakeholder survey to share your thoughts, please visit the Sea Otter Savvy webpage.
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Care Court Coming to Sonoma County
in December 2024
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In December 2024, Sonoma County will join many other counties across California in launching CARE Court, a new initiative under the Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment (CARE) Act of 2022. CARE Court is designed to connect individuals with severe, untreated mental illness—who are not currently accessing treatment—with the services and support they need within their communities.
CARE Court introduces a structured process where individuals can be brought to the court's attention, their eligibility determined, and their needs clinically assessed. The court can then recommend appropriate services and supports, including transitional housing and peer support, ensuring that the individual’s preferences are heard and respected. It's important to note that while CARE Court facilitates access to services, participation is voluntary; individuals may choose to engage with these services without entering the CARE Court process.
Earlier this year, the Lower Russian River Municipal Advisory Council (MAC) hosted a presentation on CARE Court at their April meeting, providing community members with valuable insights into how this program will function and the benefits it offers.
As the launch approaches, we encourage everyone to stay informed and consider how CARE Court can positively impact our community and support its most vulnerable members.
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PG&E Advocacy Resources for 5th District Residents | |
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The 5th District office has received numerous contacts about various PG&E-related issues, from tree trimming and power outages to undergrounding and more. If you’re facing challenges or have concerns with PG&E, there are several ways to get help:
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Contact PG&E Directly: For immediate concerns, visit PG&E’s Contact Page.
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Reach Out to 5th District Staff: Our office is here to assist. Che Casul, our staff member, will collaborate with PG&E’s public information officer to address your issue. You can email Che at che.casul@sonoma-county.org.
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Connect with Your State Representatives: As PG&E is regulated at the state level, your State Assembly Member and State Senator can also advocate on your behalf. To find out who your state representatives are, search here.
We’re committed to supporting you in resolving any PG&E-related issues. Don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance.
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Introducing Imelda Martinez deMontano,
appointee to the Community Advisory Council of the Independent office of Law Enforcement Review and Outreach (IOLERO)
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We are pleased to announce that Imelda Martinez De Montano has been appointed by Supervisor Hopkins to the Independent Office of Law Enforcement Review and Outreach (IOLERO) Community Advisory Council (CAC). Established by the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors in 2015, IOLERO is an independent, non-police county agency dedicated to strengthening the relationship between the Sheriff’s Office and the community it serves. IOLERO’s essential functions include reviewing complaints against the Sheriff’s Office, conducting community outreach, and providing informed policy recommendations aimed at improving law enforcement practices. | |
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Born in Michoacán, Mexico, Imelda Martinez De Montano moved to the United States in 1995 and became a U.S. citizen in 2015. She has enjoyed 30 wonderful years of marriage and is the mother of two daughters and one son. For the past 29 years, she has called the West County area (Forestville & Guerneville) her home.
In 2022, she began volunteering as a Health Promoter in the Russian River area, dedicated to supporting the Latinx community by providing essential resources and services. Many families in West County experience isolation and disconnection due to a lack of vital information and resources, especially within the Spanish-speaking community. This gap inspired her to join the IOLERO Community Advisory Council, where she aims to learn about and contribute to the significant efforts being made to educate and empower her community.
As a monolingual Spanish speaker, she is immensely grateful for the opportunity to serve. She is committed to continuing her work in the community, bringing crucial educational resources to the West County area.
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Regional Climate Protection Authority:
Climate Action Advisory Committee
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The Climate Action Advisory Committee (CAAC) provides information and advice to the RCPA Board, staff, and project consultants during the development and implementation of climate action programs. This includes reviewing and considering materials, proposals, ideas and concepts introduced to them by RCPA and jurisdiction staff. CAAC members also foster communication outside of the CAAC regarding progress and outcomes of RCPA initiatives – particularly as they relate to a member’s jurisdiction or sector.
If you are interested in serving on the CAAC, please submit an interest form here.
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Russian River Cleanup Day
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The District 5 team, along with District 4, Sonoma County Regional Parks and Sonoma County Tourism, joined Russian Riverkeepers helping to collect trash. Supervisor Hopkins and Clean Team Program Manager Carol Shumate hauled in everything from an old chair to a discarded tire - 380 pounds of garbage! | |
Sign up to volunteer with Russian Riverkeeper on 9/2: | |
Upcoming Meetings & Events | |
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Lower Russian River Municipal Advisory Council
September 12, 5:30 PM
Guerneville School Community Room
Main topic: Permit Sonoma will present and seek feedback on the 2020 General Plan Safety Element Update and new Environmental Justice Element
Bodega Bay Health & Safety Fair
September 18, 3 - 6:30 PM
Bodega Bay School
1200 Canon Street
Sonoma Coast Municipal Advisory Council
September 19, 6 PM
Jenner Community Center, 10398 CA-1
Special Joint Meeting of the River and Coast MACs
September 25, 6:30 PM
El Molino High School Library
7050 Covey Road, Forestville
Topic: Learn about Enhanced Infrastructure Financing Districts (EIFDs) and provide input on potential targeted projects to be considered for funding
Mental Health Tools & Resources Fair
September 26, 5:30 - 7:30
4389 Price Avenue, Santa Rosa
Harm Reduction & Narcan Training
October 14, 1 - 2 PM
West County Services Center
16390 Main Street, Suite C
Guerneville (Former B of A Building)
Learn what Narcan is, and how it works. Learn how to recognize an opioid overdose and be able to confidently respond in a timely, appropriate way. This training will also discuss basic Harm Reduction strategies, and what Fentanyl is and its impact on overdose rates.
Occidental Town Hall
October 23, 6 - 8 PM
Harmony School
Main topics: Roads, Occidental to Graton Pipeline, Community Space Project, Emergency Preparedness, Public Arts, Public WiFi, Pickleball and Community Center updates; as well as time for Q & A.
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Fifth District Supervisor Lynda Hopkins | County of Sonoma | 707-565-2241
Lynda.Hopkins@sonoma-county.org
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