Weekly Roundup for February 24, 2023

Today’s digest provides helpful and important updates on the following:

1. County seeks input on plan to address homeless encampments
2. Freeze alert issued; winter shelters are available
3. Other County of Sonoma news of note

Sonoma County seeks public input on emergency housing plan

Please join us for community meetings with county officials to discuss the creation of emergency housing sites to address the encampments along the Joe Rodota Trail.

Webinar schedule:

• Friday, Feb. 24, from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., with a focus on consideration of a site on the County Campus at 2550 Ventura Ave.
• Monday, Feb. 27, from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., with a focus on the consideration of the Santa Rosa Veterans Memorial Building as an emergency housing site.

Please register in advance (registration link is for both webinars): 
https://sonomacounty.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_OZMXuHa5SDi26Epqosw_ow?fbclid=IwAR1rtmDPwfYknDOWdZTApe5KKd8BrtGqmSKFfZptoIHiP_37OPMZE7tTQqo

The webinars will be broadcast in English on the county’s Facebook page: 
https://www.facebook.com/CountyofSonoma/

A live Spanish interpretation will be available on the County of Sonoma YouTube channel at: https://www.youtube.com/c/CountyofSonoma

Please submit questions in advance to publicaffairs@sonoma-county.org, or feel free to ask questions during the webinar by using the Q&A box on Zoom or by posting in the Facebook comment section.

To learn more, see this week's press release at: 
https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/sonoma-county-to-host-two-meetings-to-solicit-public-input-on-emergency-housing-sites-for-unsheltered-people

County issues freeze alert, makes winter shelters available

The County of Sonoma issued a freeze alert this week in response to the National Weather Service’s prediction of sub-freezing temperatures overnight through Sunday morning.

Officials recommend that residents limit time outdoors as serious medical conditions including hypothermia and frostbite can develop with prolonged exposure to cold weather. Individuals who are unhoused are encouraged to move to the nearest shelter if possible. Winter shelters have expanded capacity on a first-come, first-served basis, with many providing wraparound services as well.

For the most up-to-date information about warming centers around Sonoma County visit: https://socoemergency.org/emergency/extreme-cold/ 

Additional tips for keeping warm and safe include:

• People: Wear layers, limit time outdoors, check heaters in advance.
• Plants: Cover or bring sensitive plants indoors.
• Pets: Bring pets indoors at night and provide them with plenty of warmth.
• Pipes: Wrap or cover exposed outdoor pipes to prevent freezing.

To learn more, see this week’s press release at: 
https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/sonoma-county-issues-freeze-alert-x123242

Other County of Sonoma news of note

Sonoma Water to update public on challenges, opportunities facing North Bay water supply 
https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/sonoma-water-to-update-public-on-challenges-opportunities-facing-north-bay-water-supply

Guaranteed income pilot program begins $500 monthly payments to 305 Sonoma County families 
https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/guaranteed-income-pilot-program-begins-500-monthly-payments-to-305-sonoma-county-families

Board of Supervisors approves comprehensive plan to clear Joe Rodota Trail and create up to two safe sleeping areas for homeless 
https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/board-of-supervisors-approves-comprehensive-plan-to-clear-joe-rodota-trail-and-create-up-to-two-safe-sleeping-areas-for-homeless