A Message from Supervisor Coursey | |
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We’ve had plenty to celebrate in the first half of May, with festivities and milestones that honor the past and portend a better future for District 3. The popular Cinco de Mayo Festival returned after a 5-year hiatus, as thousands came together for a culturally rich, family-friendly event in the heart of Roseland. That same weekend began with the official groundbreaking ceremony for the Tierra de Rosas project – also in the heart of Roseland. After years of planning, financial and legal challenges and extensive community input, this hub will feature 100 market-rate housing units, 75 affordable housing units, a one-acre green space and other mixed-use amenities. This will be a place for families, children and businesses to thrive in our community. With all the events going on in Roseland this month, it is evident to me that its people are and will always be the community's greatest asset.
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Other noteworthy developments at the county center include the conclusion of budget workshops last month and the impending budget hearings in June. While we anticipate a limited budget for the upcoming 2024-25 fiscal year, I want to emphasize that the Board of Supervisors’ ultimate responsibility is to ensure we adopt a comprehensive budget that guarantees the provision of critical needs and services and establishes a roadmap for long-range planning. Read on for more about these items and other important updates.
As always, I appreciate your participation and look forward to hearing your thoughts, questions and comments.
Sincerely,
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Latest News from the County of Sonoma | |
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A year ago, the County’s dream of creating a community hub and housing in the heart of Roseland was $18 million short of breaking ground. Some people thought it might never happen, despite more than a decade of promises.
The doubters were wrong.
“Instead of giving up, we stepped up,” Supervisor Coursey said May 3 at a ceremony to thank partners for their assistance and celebrate the start of construction work on sewer lines, utilities, streets and other infrastructure for the mixed-use development.
The financial hole was significant, accounting for nearly half of the $40 million needed to build a public plaza and the infrastructure needed to support housing. To move the project forward, the Board of Supervisors committed $7.7 million last summer, and Supervisor Coursey provided another $2 million from Third District infrastructure funds. State Sen. Mike McGuire and Assemblymember Damon Connolly secured a total of $3 million in state funds. Sonoma Ag + Open Space pledged $2 million to help create the plaza, and the City of Santa Rosa provided $1.4 million in savings by reducing fees and other construction costs.
“It takes a village to create a village,” Supervisor Coursey noted.
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The Board of Supervisors conducted a series of public workshops in April for County departments and other programs to present preliminary budgets for 2024-25 and, in some cases, request additional funds to expand services.
No decisions were made during the workshops. The fiscal year 2024-25 recommended budget will be available online on May 13. Public budget hearings will begin on June 11, when the Board of Supervisors will discuss recommended adjustments before adopting a balanced budget prior to the end of this fiscal year on June 30.
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Public Service Recognition Week | |
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Public Service Recognition Week is celebrated annually during the first week of May.
This year, Supervisor Coursey presented a Gold Resolution recognizing May as Public Service Recognition Month thanking and honoring our public servants at a luncheon on May 8.
“While county workers may not come to mind when we drive along a well-maintained road, draw water from our kitchen sink, or take a leisurely stroll at our favorite park, it's important to recognize the indispensable role of county workers in providing these essential services that we access daily. Their collective dedication ensures that our county thrives, and those in need find support and assistance when it matters most. From park rangers, who ensure the preservation of our natural treasures, to eligibility workers, who facilitate access to vital safety net services, each member of our workforce plays a pivotal role in the operation of our county. We salute these unsung heroes of public service for their invaluable contributions to our shared prosperity and well-being.” Supervisor Chris Coursey.
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Public Transit and Transportation | |
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This summer, nearly 30 miles of pavement across 45 separate County-maintained roads will be resurfaced, an unprecedented investment in local roadways.
In addition, the Sonoma County Department of Public Infrastructure will cut grass, weeds and hazardous trees along roads across the county; repair damage caused by six landslides; replace a bridge on Geysers Road over Big Sulphur Creek; begin a seismic retrofit of Wohler Road Bridge over the Russian River; and perform preventive maintenance on 24 additional County bridges.
Avoid delays and detours by checking out a map of upcoming road projects and sign up for email alerts: https://roadclosures-sonomacounty.hub.arcgis.com/
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Introducing Rose-E, an electric trolley launched on May 15. Hop aboard the charming 12-passenger trolley Wednesday through Sunday for free rides to shopping, dining and business districts in the Downtown Santa Rosa area. Explore Historic Railroad Square and Courthouse Square with multiple stops to uncover hidden gems and local treasures. Rose-E is equipped with a wheelchair lift, ensuring everyone can enjoy the journey. Rose-E Trolley will run throughout the summer months. Mark your calendars for a summer of exploration.
Find the trolley schedule and route map online: https://www.downtownsantarosa.org/events/downtown-santa-rosa-electric-trolley/
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Preparing for Wildfire Season | |
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It’s not too early to start getting ready for the threat of wildfires. Now that the rainy season has ended, Sonoma County’s green hills will soon turn brown as temperatures rise and vegetation dries out.
Here are four steps you can take right now to protect yourself from wildfires:
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Unite with your neighbors and learn how to create a Firewise Community through your neighborhood or homeowner’s association.
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Join your community for a FUN, FREE day of emergency preparedness activities and training, Sunday May 19 from 10am to 3pm at the Cloverdale Citrus Fair. The Fire and Earthquake Safety Expo is a unique, hands-on event to help Sonoma County be better prepared for the next wildfire and earthquake.
The Expo is the largest in-person emergency preparedness event in Sonoma County. Bring the entire family and watch the look on your kids’ faces when they sit in a fire engine, run the little firefighter obstacle course, or visit with animals.
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Public Service Announcements | |
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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.
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In 1965 the Sonoma County Library was designated the official Archives by a joint resolution of the County of Sonoma and the City of Santa Rosa. The Archives house some of the County’s most treasured historical documents. These unique materials tell the story of who we are and where Sonoma County fits within the context of state and national history.
Watch Archive Video:
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Get Involved with your Local
Government
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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:
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Emergency Medical Care Council: Improve emergency medical care, oversee and maintain the system, and coordinate long-term planning for public education and injury prevention.
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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The Sonoma County Transportation Authority, in partnership with the City of Santa Rosa, is conducting a feasibility study that will examine near-term and long-term improvements in the SR 12/Fulton Road and SR 12/Merced Avenue study area. SCTA and the City are examining improvement options to enhance safety and provide active transportation options for the Santa Rosa community. Throughout this process, SCTA and the City are prioritizing community input and participation.
Learn about the feasibility study and provide valued input at the following in-person and virtual engagement opportunities.
Written input will also be accepted at info@scta.ca.gov.
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The City of Santa Rosa is kicking off the South Santa Rosa Specific Plan (SSRSP). The objective of the specific plan is to develop a vision for land use circulation and infrastructure in this area, including development and public realm standards, community and health/equity policies, capital improvements, and implementation actions and investments of the area.
Community involvement will be a key aspect to this process. We want to hear from you on the vision you have for your community. The SSRSP area encompasses approximately 1,900 acres, including about 1,400 acres of unincorporated County land.
Sign up for the newsletter: https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/CASANTA/signup/39526
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Wednesdays, May 8 – July 31, 5-8:30pm
Old Courthouse Square, 4th Street, Santa Rosa
Beer & Wine Garden, Farmers Market, street foods, local artists and vintage treasures. Musical lineup includes Wonder Bread 5, Pride & Joy, Petty Rocks, Boys of Summer, Mercy & The Heartbeats, and more!
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A Regional Parks Discovery Backpack is available at each library branch and includes a backpack filled with a parking pass good at all 56 regional parks, a parks map, trail itineraries, hiking tips, wildlife guides, and other information to enjoy self-guided adventures in the parks.
The Discovery Backpacks program was developed to promote community health and well-being by increasing opportunities for residents to visit and learn about their parks. Each pack is available for check out for 21 days and includes materials in English and Spanish. Discovery Pack backpacks are available for checkout at all library branches.
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Goodwill ~ Redwood Empire is offering a job readiness workshop for youth ages 15-20.
The Good4Youth program begins June 11 and consists of a 5-week workshop series on Zoom followed by an opportunity to participate in a 3-month paid internship at Goodwill. This program is offered to youth ages 15-20 at no cost to the participants.
Information Session for Youth and Parents via Zoom. Dates:
- May 21 – 7 pm
- June 6 – 7 pm
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