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Sonoma County joined in Earth Day celebrations around the world this week, a day considered by many to mark the birth of the modern environmental movement. In honor of the 54th anniversary of the first Earth Day, this edition of the SoCo Correspondent spotlights some of the County’s efforts to slow the pace of climate change, expand protections for trees and invest in the system of reservoirs, aqueducts and storage tanks that deliver clean drinking water to 600,000 people across the North Bay. Readers will also find a free guide to the wildflowers now blooming in local parks, and learn about an upcoming tour that shows just how beautiful a water-friendly garden can be. Speaking of water, we also have an update on the healthy state of our reservoirs – and what we can now do to protect our valuable water resources from being depleted in the future.
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.
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Witness the birth of Tierra de Rosas at May 3 groundbreaking ceremony | |
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For years, Roseland residents and local leaders have worked to create a community hub in the southwest Santa Rosa neighborhood.
Their vision will begin to become a reality on Friday, May 3, when state, county and city officials will break ground on the Tierra de Rosas project at 665 Sebastopol Road. The public is invited to attend the 9:30 a.m. celebration at Mitote Food Park, which will include light refreshments from local vendors. State Senate President Pro Tem Mike McGuire, Assemblymember Damon Connolly, District 3 Supervisor Chris Coursey and Santa Rosa City Councilmember Eddie Alvarez are among the dignitaries scheduled to attend.
“To say it has been a long time coming would be an understatement but this long-awaited groundbreaking is not about looking at the past, it is about the future,” said Supervisor Coursey, who represents the area. “This is a significant step in revitalizing the Roseland area by adding much-needed housing and creating spaces that build connections in our community.”
Installation work on sewer lines, utilities, streets and other infrastructure to support the development is scheduled to begin later in May. It will be followed by construction of Casa Roseland, which will create 75 units of affordable housing for households who earn less than 60 percent of the area's median income (currently $52,860 for an individual and $75,480 for a family of four). Other components include 100 units of market-rate housing along with a one-acre public plaza, a Mercado Food Hall and a civic-use building. Mitote Food Park is scheduled to remain open during the first two phases of infrastructure construction.
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County begins assembling budget for 2024-25 | |
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The County’s budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1 is expected to increase 3.3 percent over last year’s spending plan to $2.4 billion. But many decisions have yet to be made on how exactly that money will be spent.
The Board of Supervisors conducted a series of public workshops this week for County departments and other programs to present preliminary budgets for 2024-25 and request additional funds to expand services.
No decisions were made this week. The fiscal year 2024-25 recommended budget will be available online on May 13. Budget hearings will begin on June 11, when the Board of Supervisors will discuss recommended adjustments before adopting a balanced budget
“The budget workshops provide Board members and the public critical information about department needs and operations that will inform the final budget process in June,” said Supervisor David Rabbitt, chair of the Board of Supervisors.
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Reservoirs brimming with water, but there’s not a drop to waste | |
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The good news: For the second straight year, Sonoma County entered spring with its reservoirs filled to the brim.
But that does not mean we can go back to our old ways of using water. It takes more than two wet winters to replenish underground aquifers, which were depleted by the driest 22-year period in the western United States in 1,200 years. Climate change is intensifying weather cycles that cause flooding and drought, sometimes both in the same year. At the same time, warmer temperatures are increasing evaporation, which dries out soil and vegetation. Researchers warn that we will need to continue conserving water, even when we are not technically in a drought, to ensure there is enough for everyone as our climate changes.
The region’s two largest reservoirs that provide drinking water for more than 600,000 people in the North Bay are currently near capacity, thanks to a series of storms that dropped more than 33 inches of rain on Santa Rosa since Dec. 1. That’s 25 percent more rain than we normally get over this five-month period. Lake Sonoma held 264,653 acre-feet of water today, while Lake Mendocino held 100,485 acre-feet – the most entering the dry season since 2010. An acre-foot is equal to approximately 326,000 gallons, or enough to meet the annual indoor and outdoor needs of three average households in Sonoma County.
Both reservoirs are able to hold more water than they did in the past. Armed with long-range weather forecasts that predict the intensity of incoming storms, reservoir managers are allowed to delay water releases until they are absolutely necessary to prevent flooding. As a result, Lake Sonoma and Lake Mendocino can store more water in winter and spring for use during the dry months of summer and fall.
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County updates tree ordinance | |
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Trees aren’t just a beloved visual element of Sonoma County’s vibrant natural landscape. They also play a critical role in slowing down climate change by pulling carbon out of the atmosphere.
These benefits were underscored in a decision last week by the Board of Supervisors to expand a 1989 ordinance that protects local trees. The new ordinance will protect 31 tree species with trunks six inches in diameter or greater. Previously, only 11 tree species with trunks nine inches in diameter or greater were protected under the County’s ordinance.
Property owners in the unincorporated area of the county must get a permit to cut down a protected tree – and then replace the tree or pay a fee of $500 to $3,500 for every tree removed, depending on the size of the tree. The ordinance exempts removals for public safety, defensible space and basic property maintenance.
“Trees and woodlands are essential elements of Sonoma County’s rural and urban lands. They provide a range of fundamental services to the community including clean air and water, wildlife habitat, natural cooling and climate moderation, cultural and historical value,” said Supervisor Lynda Hopkins. “Climate change, natural disasters and development continue to imperil the health, diversity and distribution of local trees and the benefits they provide. This action will help mitigate those hazards.”
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New murals bring color, hope to Valley of the Moon Children’s Center | |
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Briana Downey, left, and Sky Gray, managers at Valley of the Moon Children’s Center, enjoy the colorful new murals in the center’s great room.
Even on the darkest days, the days when hope is hard to find, the sun shines bright inside Valley of the Moon Children’s Center.
An image of a sunflower in full bloom now beams down from the ceiling in the center’s great room, a place where children living in the County’s emergency shelter for foster youth hang out, socialize and gather for other activities.
The painting is part of a new mural created by the center’s residents and staff in collaboration with Raizes Collective, a Santa Rosa nonprofit that seeks to empower people through arts, culture and environmental education. The mural also features native flowers that grow in the Sonoma Valley and baskets woven by the Miwok people who once lived on the land. An image of a red-tailed hawk that frequents the oak trees surrounding the children’s center stands watch over the room.
The mural, unveiled on April 13 by the Sonoma County Human Services Department, is designed to remind viewers of the beauty that exists in nature and reinforce residents’ connections to the outside world. More than 100 children will live in the center over the course of the year while waiting for placement in a foster home. Many are healing from neglect or abuse.
“The kids who are here have gone through a lot,” said Sky Gray, program manager for the emergency shelter. “When the darkness comes, when the struggle comes, there is still light. This painting of the sun is a visual reminder that there continues to be a brightness within the darkness.”
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Combating climate change with compost | |
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A compost giveaway event at Petaluma Bounty Farm was funded by the County’s Climate Resilience Fund (Daily Acts).
Here’s something simple you can do to slow down climate change: compost. Composting diverts yard waste, food scraps and other organic materials from landfills, where they break down and emit methane, an extremely potent greenhouse gas. When spread out on landscapes, compost also promotes the growth of plants that take in carbon dioxide and remove it from the atmosphere. Lastly, those landscapes become more resilient to the effects of climate change because composting promotes healthy soils that retain water during droughts and reduce erosion during extreme storms.
The benefits of composting were displayed in a $500,000 pilot project funded by Sonoma County's Climate Resilience Fund. The project subsidized the use of compost at 16 local farms and ranches in 2023 and funded outreach to educate the public about the environmental benefits of composting. Thanks to this program, more than 5,000 tons of compost have been applied on 442 acres of land in Sonoma County. The effort removed the equivalent of 6,070 metric tons of CO2 from the atmosphere – equal to taking 1,500 cars off the road for one year. Sequestering a similar amount of carbon in a single year would take 7,087 acres of forests.
“This project is a great example of what we can achieve when we bring together the significant climate and agricultural expertise in Sonoma County,” said Supervisor Lynda Hopkins, chair of the Regional Climate Protection Authority. “Not only does this carbon sequestration effort remove a significant amount of carbon from our atmosphere using composting techniques that farmers are familiar with, it also serves as an inspiration for other agricultural sectors and can generate new ideas to combat the local effects of climate change.”
The initiative is the first to be completed with support from the County’s $10 million Climate Resilience Fund, which was created by the Board of Supervisors in 2021 using a portion of the funds the County received from PG&E to settle litigation over the 2017 wildfires.
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County cuts taxes on cannabis farms and manufacturers | |
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Sonoma County’s cannabis industry is changing. The price of cannabis grown outdoors fell 10 percent last year to $277 a pound, while the price of indoor-grown cannabis dropped 51 percent to $606 a pound.
In response, the Board of Supervisors last week tentatively voted to reduce most taxes on cannabis operations in unincorporated areas. The tax rate for cannabis manufacturing operations will be cut in half to 1.5 percent. Outdoor cultivation will be taxed at 69 cents per square foot, down from 75 cents while mixed-light cultivation will be taxed at $2.51 per square foot, down from $3. Meanwhile, indoor cultivation will be taxed at $7.58 per square foot, down from $12.50. The Board also voted to increase taxes on retailers to 3 percent, up from 2 percent.
The adjustments would align the County’s tax rates more closely with cannabis taxes in adjacent cities and in other unincorporated areas around the state. They would take effect July 1 if the Board gives final approval at its April 30 meeting.
“Adjusting these taxes is a conservative approach to a complex issue and will hopefully offer support to local small businesses while reimbursing the County for program expenses,” said Supervisor David Rabbitt, chair of the Board of Supervisors. “I look forward to having the opportunity for a broader review when this comes back to the Board at a later date."
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Get to know your wildflowers | |
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Wildflower season is well underway in Sonoma County, with early blooms abounding at Foothill, Crane Creek, Helen Putnam, Shiloh and other regional parks known for their brilliant spring wildflower displays.
But can you name the flowers? To help you identify some of the more common varieties, Regional Parks has created a handy guide that you can download to your phone or computer. The 34-page guide organizes flowers by color, and contains links to fun facts about each variety and other details.
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Get the inside scoop at SoCo Chat | |
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Office of Equity Director Alegría De La Cruz, right, and Sonoma County Communications Manager Paul Gullixson record an episode of SoCo Chat.
Where can you go to hear directly from County leaders, get updates on local news and hear discussions about all things related to Sonoma County? The answer is at your fingertips. Subscribe to SoCo Chat, the County’s new podcast series on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music and YouTube. Recent guests and topics of discussion have included:
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Alegría De La Cruz, director of Sonoma County’s Office of Equity; explains the County’s equity initiatives.
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Tara Thompson, director of Creative Sonoma, discusses the forthcoming Sonoma County Fire Memorial to be installed at Nagasawa Community Park in Santa Rosa.
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Nancy Brown, manager of the Department of Emergency Management’s community preparedness program, talks about earthquakes and how to prepare for them.
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Bryan Albee, transit systems manager with Sonoma County Transit, discusses the history of the county’s transit agency, its transition to all-electric buses, and the future of public transportation in Sonoma County.
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Barbara Lee, director of the county’s Climate Action and Resiliency Division, explains the work her team is doing to reduce the impacts of climate change and help county residents adapt to its effects.
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Sharon DeBenedetti and Ron Chestnut, two former chairpersons of the Sonoma County Civil Grand Jury, discuss the role of the often-misunderstood community watchdog and how you can participate.
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Supervisor Susan Gorin, who represents the 1st District on the Board of Supervisors, talks about fire dangers, Los Guilicos Village in Sonoma Valley, the future of Sonoma Developmental Center and other key issues facing her district.
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Supervisor David Rabbitt discusses the year ahead and his new role as chair of the Board of Supervisors for 2024.
Upcoming SoCo Chat episodes will feature discussions with Supervisor James Gore, who represents the 4th District on the Board of Supervisors; District Attorney Carla Rodriguez; Ray Tovar, a senior specialist with the Community Development Commission; and Erika Thibault, director of the Sonoma County Library.
Listen for a chance to win a SoCo Chat coffee mug by answering the trivia question of the week.
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See what an eco-friendly garden looks like | |
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Looking for fresh ideas for your next landscaping project? Sign up for the 14th annual Eco-Friendly Garden Tour on Saturday, May 18. This self-guided tour, hosted by the Sonoma-Marin Saving Water Partnership, showcases inspiring gardens in Sonoma and Marin counties that utilize water-efficient and sustainable landscaping practices. Visit the personal gardens of local landscape designers, architects and garden enthusiasts to see how you can create a beautiful garden without wasting water.
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Rate increase to fund improvements to region’s aging water system | |
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Sonoma Water will increase wholesale rates for the water it sells to nine cities and special districts. If those cities and districts pass the rate hikes onto their customers, it would be equivalent to $2 to $3 a month per household, depending on where you live and how much water you use.
The rate increase, which was approved by the Sonoma Water Board of Directors on April 16, will be used to operate and maintain Sonoma Water’s supply and distribution system, including work to stave off rusting aqueducts, replace aging pumps and valves, enhance water treatment and maintain storage tanks. The agency opted to defer some maintenance over the last five years to keep water rates as low as possible while the region recovered from a series of wildfires and the COVID-19 pandemic.
"This increase manages to balance the needs of water retailers and the mission to ensure the reliability and efficiency of water delivery, leak prevention and mitigation against system failures,” said Supervisor David Rabbitt, chair of the Board of Supervisors, which also serves as Sonoma Water’s board of directors. “These critical upgrades to our water infrastructure are needed to continue providing clean and reliable drinking water to more than 600,000 people in Sonoma and Marin counties."
Sonoma Water will still have some of the lowest wholesale water rates in the Bay Area after the rate increase, which takes effect July 1.
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New look for the Sonoma County Human Services Department | |
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A good logo does more than simply help residents recognize which government agency they are dealing with. It also helps them understand the agency’s values and what it stands for.
The Sonoma County Human Services Department – which delivers safety net services to more than 150,000 people every day – unveiled a new logo this month that underscores its work to enrich and uplift the lives of Sonoma County residents.
The logo contains a mosaic of images. At the top, a sun symbolizes hope and new beginnings. A tree of life represents community roots, strength and connections that support people throughout their lifespan. People represent the individuals and families served by the department. At the bottom, an image of homes and hills represent stability, support, safety and community.
“The logo was created with our vision and mission in mind to visualize the impact of HSD programs and services,” said Angela Struckmann, the department’s director. “People are at the center of the mosaic, because they are at the center of everything we do.”
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Connect with resources for crime victims | |
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District Attorney Carla Rodriguez, far right, her staff and community partners receive a resolution from the Board of Supervisors last week proclaiming April 21-27 as National Crime Victims' Rights Week.
The Sonoma County District Attorney’s Office will host a community resource fair on Saturday, April 27 in downtown Santa Rosa to commemorate National Crime Victims' Rights Week.
More than 20 community partners are scheduled to attend the resource fair, which was created to connect crime victims and members of the community with services that can help them recover from physical, emotional and financial harm.
The event, which will take place in Old Courthouse Square from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., will also feature music, lawn games, food and performances by Ballet Folklorico Quetzalén and the Redwood Empire Chinese Association Dragon Dancers. Attendees will have opportunities to win free passes to Sonoma County Regional Parks and the Children’s Museum of Sonoma County.
“We are committed to creating safe environments for crime victims to share what happened to them,” Sonoma County District Attorney Carla Rodriguez said. “By doing so, we’re able to offer support, options for life-saving services, and, most importantly, hope.”
The event takes place during National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, which was created in 1981 to honor survivors and to promote crime victims’ rights and services.
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Adopt the pet of the month | |
Find room to grow with a County job | |
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The County currently has more than 60 job openings posted on its website, but 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 two-hour virtual class will be held at 5:30 p.m. this evening (April 25).
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. If you can’t make today’s class, the next one will be held at 10 a.m. on May 29.
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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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Volunteer and employment opportunities | |
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Getting outside and enjoying the county | |
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