The Sonoma County Community Development Commission (Commission) is accepting applications now until August 23, 2019 for eligible Affordable Housing projects to receive funding from the County Fund for Housing (CFH) loan program. 

If PG&E has told you that they may turn off the electricity in your area, here are some important things to do now

Could a new dog, cat or bunny companion bring you happiness and joy? Maybe one of our Pets of the Week is the right match for you?

On Tuesday July 9, 2019, the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors awarded the Behavioral Health Youth and Family Services (YFS) contracts to the following three entities: Individuals Now, Inc. dba Social Advocates for Youth (SAY), Seneca Family of Agencies and LifeWorks of Sonoma County. 

Working together to expedite and attempt to resolve a pending federal lawsuit, the County of Sonoma, the Sonoma County Community Development Commission, and the City of Santa Rosa have reached an agreement with Homeless Action! and three individuals experiencing homelessness for a preliminary and temporary injunction.

The Sonoma County Commission on Human Rights is proud to unanimously support and endorse the Sonoma County - United in Kindness Project, put forward by the Interfaith Council of Sonoma County and approved by unanimous vote on March 26th, 2019.

Pemit Sonoma, with regional partners, is introducing a new online tool to help estimate the costs, returns, and benefits associated with building an accessory dwelling unit (ADU).

As of July 12, 2019, Permit Sonoma will be changing how fees are assessed for encroachment permit applications and septic permit applications to be more consistent with how we assess fees for other types of similar construction permit applications.

Here are 8 things you can do to start to get ready for the potential loss of power…

Effective January 1, 2019, California Health & Safety Code Section 1262.5 establishes requirements of general acute care hospitals, acute psychiatric hospitals and special hospitals serving homeless patients. 

The Sonoma County Housing Authority is accepting applications for its new Housing Choice Voucher lottery waiting list from July 1-31, 2019. Applications can be completed online at www.waitlistcheck.com/CA085 or in person at: Sonoma County Housing Authority, 1440 Guerneville Road, Santa Rosa, CA, 95403, Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM

An inter-professional conference on September 20, 2019, to incorporate oral health best practices to address social determinants of health.

In this issue of our e-newsletter we have:

• June Performance Data
• Onsite Waste Treatment System Manual Updates
• Comprehensive Planning Work Plan
• Customer Interview with Jerry Eddinger
• Public Meeting Recaps
• Abandoned Vehicle Abatement – 2019 Flood Response

On June 27, 2019, the Supreme Court of the United States issued a ruling blocking the citizenship question from appearing on the 2020 census questionnaire for at least the time being.

The results of the 2019 Sonoma County Homeless Count are now available.

Could a new dog, cat or bunny companion bring you happiness and joy? Maybe one of our Pets of the Week is the right match for you?

Plan for the treatment you want in a medical crisis

Big summer fun is underway at Spring Lake Regional Park, where the inflatable water park is open daily. Come for an afternoon or the whole summer with a season pass. Want to swim, not bounce? The Spring Lake lagoon is also open daily for swimming, with no charge for admission. Or, if boating is more your thing, cruise the lake with our summer paddleboard, kayak, canoe and paddle boat rentals.

On June 4, 2019 the Board of Supervisors approved the work plan for the County’s Comprehensive Planning efforts for fiscal years 2019-2020 and 2020-2021. Permit Sonoma’s Comprehensive Planning team is responsible for the development and implementation of the General Plan and Area Plans, Local Coastal Plan, Specific Plans, Zoning Code, and other policy documents and initiatives as directed by the Board of Supervisors. 

List of Home Sonoma County Homeless Services Funding Awards, approved April 30, 2019. 

Could a new dog, cat or bunny companion bring you happiness and joy? Maybe one of our Pets of the Week is the right match for you?

On October 23, 2018, the Board directed staff to dispose of the Chanate property as surplus following California Government Code Section 54220. 

Make dental FUNdamental with tips and resources from the Sonoma County Department of Health Services. The new site offers key resources to find dental care and tips for brushing and healthy snacking. Start a new routine and teach your children how to take care of their teeth with these simple ideas!

Could a new dog, cat or bunny companion bring you happiness and joy? Maybe one of our Pets of the Week is the right match for you?

In this issue of our e-newsletter we have:

• Fire Prevention – Chipper Program Video
• Sonoma Developmental Center
• Local Coastal Plan Photo Contest
• Code Enforcement Success Story
• Housing Initiatives
• Earthquake Preparedness

The County of Sonoma is embarking on a major planning effort involving the development of a Specific Plan to facilitate the transformation of the Sonoma Developmental Center (SDC) property in Sonoma Valley. The County is seeking consultant services to prepare a specific plan & program EIR for the site.

Sonoma County has partnered with United Way of the Wine Country to boost participation in the 2020 census among historically undercounted residents in the county, including Latinos, children and renters.

Sonoma County lost something even more vital than housing to the 2017 wildfires. We said goodbye to about 3,300 neighbors.

The Behavioral Health Division presents a Public Hearing to review the Planned Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) Program Expenditures: Fiscal Year 2018-2019 vs. Fiscal Year 2019-2020.

Could a new dog, cat or bunny companion bring you happiness and joy? Maybe one of our Pets of the Week is the right match for you?

One hundred and 57 years ago on May 5, a ragtag band of Mexican troops rose up against well-armed French soldiers and bested them in the Battle of Puebla.

Could a new dog, cat or bunny companion bring you happiness and joy? Maybe one of our Pets of the Week is the right match for you?

Winners Announced!  And the answers to the eADA quiz submitted at the 2019 Public Service Recognition Lunch on May 9, have been posted. Many thanks to all who participated!

In the months following the 2017 wildfires, there was heightened awareness of the importance of ensuring that City fire survivors rebuild as well as that community-wide economic vitality was met by meeting housing development goals. The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors and the Santa Rosa City Council have been working to address the problem. In response, the concept of a regional housing construct began to take shape in the Renewal Enterprise District (RED).

Sonoma County Airport (STS) announced today that American Airlines will offer nonstop daily service to Phoenix-Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) starting February 16, 2017.

On Thursday, May 9, 2019 through July 2019 the pedestrian walkway at the intersection Paulin Drive and Ventura avenue on the east side of Ventura will be closed for construction. Pedestrian traffic will be shifted from the northeast corner to the southeast corner, then across Ventura to the west side. 

The Sonoma County Public Law Library in Santa Rosa has been serving the local community for more than 127 years.  Are you aware that our Library is now an official U.S. Dept. of State Passport Acceptance Facility?

Could a new dog, cat or bunny companion bring you happiness and joy? Maybe one of our Pets of the Week is the right match for you?

The MHSA newsletter is published every two to three months by the County of Sonoma Department of Health Services Behavioral Health Division.

 "The best approach to prevention seems to be fair education. That is, education on vaping that isn't judgmental, that doesn't gloss over the allure and doesn't simply tell young people they are wrong. It seems like we are moving away from the 'Just Say No' message that failed our society with other substance abuse."

- Sonoma West Publishers Staff

Read their publication here

Although influenza activity is decreasing across the nation, in certain areas, including Sonoma County, activity remains widespread and significantly elevated above baseline. 

In this issue of our e-newsletter we have:

• Fire Prevention – Vegetation Management
• Planning Commissioner Gregory Carr – Interview
• Osmann Rebuild Story – Letters to Permit Sonoma
• Hazardous Materials Response Team in Action

Every May, Sonoma County comes together to raise awareness about mental health, emphasizing the importance and effectiveness of increasing awareness of mental health services and decreasing stigma by hosting a variety of activities and events.

All Wet Weather Testing is CLOSED in All Areas for the 2018-2019 Season. Rainfall totals data and/or testing open dates have been updated as of April 26, 2019.  More Information

Census will arrive in your mailbox soon