As of July 21 Sonoma County’s daily transmission rate of COVID-19 is 9 new infections per 100,000 people and 48 COVID patients were being treated at area hospitals. These numbers represent the biggest local surge of the pandemic since March of this year. Nine COVID-related deaths were reported in July compared to just one death recorded in the month of May. 

The RED Housing Fund Board is seeking two new board members to represent the community as well as the fund. Through targeted investments, the board seeks to promote climate and disaster resilience in equitable communities that foster cultural, racial and economic diversity. Apply to become part of the RHF Board by July 23rd!

What's new in Sonoma County? Coursey's mid-year review, $37 million awarded to County for fire mitigation, Sonoma Access Broadband Initiative, Disaster Preparedness Corner and much more!

The Board of Supervisors adopted a $2 billion annual budget that addresses emerging priorities and provides for the myriad needs of our community as we emerge from the lockdowns of the pandemic and look toward a more equitable future for all of our residents.

Permit Sonoma has physically reopened our Permit Center to the public full-time, starting Tuesday, June 15, 2021. We continue to encourage the use of our digital tools. Our online permitting services remain the best way to have your permit processed and email is the best way to contact staff.

Our latest newsletter is packed with exciting news about financial assistance for COVD-impacted businesses, investments in climate resiliency projects, newly released evacuation maps and more! 

The County of Sonoma, Energy and Sustainability Division is pleased to announce the latest workshops in an on-going series for homeowners interested in learning more about the benefits of making improvements that will help make your home more resilient.

State Administrative Fees for "commercial devices" will increase July 1, 2021.  This applies to scales, fuel meters and other commercial devices used for buying and selling of commodities.

Read all about updates on the County’s COVID-19 response, information on newly available rental assistance, upcoming tree ordinance workshops and many more items of importance!  

El 19 de Abril la oficina del Supervisor Coursey junto al Condado de Sonoma se unió con lideres comunitarios para informar sobre la nueva fase de apertura, y recursos para inquilinos y también para contestar preguntas sobre las vacunas. ¡El Foro Informativo fue completamente en Español!

On April 19th Supervisor Coursey's office along with the County of Sonoma hosted a collaborative panel with community leaders to inform on the new phase of reopening, tenant resources, and to answer questions on the vaccine. The forum was conducted completely in Spanish. 

In this issue: A Note from Supervisor Coursey, News on Funding for Open Space Projects and Vegetation Management, Updates on the Latest on Implementation of Measure P, and Introduction to District 3 Appointees  

Permit Sonoma will physically reopen our Permit Center to the public 20 hours per week, starting Wednesday, March 17, 2021. Please be mindful that our digital tools and email remain the most efficient way to have your permit processed or reach staff.

The Rohnert Park City Council last week passed a resolution declaring climate change an emergency and pledging to respond to it. By joining the County of Sonoma and its major cities in adopting the Regional Climate Protection Authority climate action plan, we become the first in the nation to adopt uniform climate standards, formalizing our shared priorities and putting us on track to beat the state's carbon neutrality timeline by 15 years.

The County of Sonoma, Energy and Sustainability Division is pleased to announce the Spring 2021 workshop series for homeowners interested in learning more about energy use at home and the benefits of making improvements that will help make your home more resilient.

On Wednesday March 3, PG&E is inviting customers to join an interactive safety town hall where PG&E will discuss plans for reducing wildfire risks in Sonoma County and Marin County. 

Although there’s still a wide ethnic disparity in vaccinations given, local health officials said Wednesday they expect the gap to greatly improve in the next week with the array of targeted inoculation events at community health centers.

Partnership between Insurance Commissioner Lara, Governor Newsom, CAL-FIRE and CPUC aims to lower wildfire risk, protect homes, and make insurance more available and affordable for existing development 

This document establishes a uniform plan for a joint response by local governments, special districts, and allied agencies in the Sonoma County Operational Area to the threat of or actual soil movement in areas burned in recent wildfires. This is a supporting plan to the Sonoma County Operational Area Emergency Operations Plan (EOP).

Become involved in local government by serving on local boards, commissions and committees.

While every Californian over the age of 65 is encouraged to get a coronavirus vaccination as soon as possible, actually finding one may depend on where you get your health care.

Testing is not yet open for the 2021 season. Rainfall totals data and/or testing dates have been updated as of January 7, 2021.  More Information

After 10-month wait, Chris Coursey takes his seat on the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors.

At the December Emergency Coordinators Forum the Annual awards were presented virtually this year. During a two hour Zoom meeting a number of important awards and recognitions were presented.

Sonoma County and partner jurisdictions are partnering to update the Countywide Hazard Mitigation Plan.  You can get involved now by completing the community survey!

El 22 de octubre de 2020, el Gobernador Gavin Newsom anunció que se habían agregado tres condados más, Napa, Shasta y Sonoma, a la Declaración de Catástrofe, inicialmente aprobada por la Casa Blanca el 16 de octubre, para reforzar la respuesta del Estado a la emergencia generalizada de los incendios forestales y apoyar a los residentes damnificados.

On Oct. 22, 2020, Governor Gavin Newsom announced that three additional counties – Napa, Shasta and Sonoma – had been added to the Major Disaster Declaration, initially approved by The White House on Oct 16, 2020, to bolster the state’s emergency response to wildfires across the state and support impacted residents.

El Departamento de Salud Pública de California actualizó hoy sus normas, permitiendo que más servicios de cuidado personal reanuden sus operaciones en locales interiores, con modificaciones.

The California Department of Public Health updated their guidelines today, allowing more personal care services to resume indoor operations with modifications

Information in this special newsletter features prevention and recovery information including these topics: Expanded 2020 Curbside Chipper Program, Rebuilding after the Walbridge and Meyers Fires, and Disaster Recovery Urgency Ordinance Chapter 40C

PACENation, the non-profit organization that advocates for expanded access to Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing, has honored Jane Elias, the County of Sonoma’s Energy and Sustainability Division Manager, as a recipient of a 2020 PACESetter Award for excellence in program design and implementation.

The County of Sonoma, Energy and Sustainability Division is pleased to announce a free online workshop series for homeowners interested in learning more about energy use at home and the benefits of making improvements that will help make your home more resilient.

Sonoma Water’s Board of Directors adopted a resolution approving the Flood Management Design Manual (FMDM) to provide guidance and criteria for the conveyance of storm water. The FMDM is a significant update to the existing criteria and will replace the current Sonoma County Water Agency Flood Control Design Criteria (FCDC).

Permit Sonoma is currently open for 20 hours per week for live phone assistance as well as limited video and in-person appointments. The Permit Center is closed to the public until further notice. Virtual services remain available during regular business hours.

The County of Sonoma’s financing program, Sonoma County Energy Independence Program (SCEIP), has been approved for an interest rate reduction from 7% to 5.99%.

Permit Sonoma will be reopening for limited services and for limited hours starting July 6, 2020.

Permit Sonoma is extending the scoping period for the Housing Sites EIR and hosting a virtual public meeting on May 6, 2020. 

Virtual Town Hall to share more information. Multiple ways to view or listen live.

Unfortunately scammers look for opportunities during a crisis to create new scams or revamp existing scams. The Federal Trade Commission is issuing warnings regarding these scams.

On April 3, 2020, Governor Newsom issued a new Executive Order relating to price gouging during the ongoing COVID 19 crisis.  The order extends the price gouging limitations through September 4, 2020 for certain products

Permit Sonoma Virtual Offices will be closed Tuesday, March 31st in observance of the Cesar Chavez Day holiday and will reopen Wednesday, April 1st at 8:00 AM.

The Permit Center and the Resiliency Permit Center have moved from physical to virtual operation, using e-submittals, telephony, and other technologies. Both offices remain physically closed. Most employees are working from home. Inspections are being performed virtually as well. Staff communications with the public will occur by e-mail and telephone.

Permit Sonoma and the Resiliency Permit Center have moved from physical to virtual operations. Both public offices are physically closed. Below are pertinent resources to learn about this transition:

Instructions for electronic Permit Applications

More information about virtual services and contact information: sonomacounty.ca.gov/PRMD/Virtual-Office