Weekly roundup for July 12, 2024

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

1. Get a sneak peek at the 2024 Hall of Flowers on July 31
2. New edition of County newsletter is now available
3. Permit Sonoma revises proposal to regulate cannabis farms
4. Other Sonoma County news of note

Get a sneak peek at the 2004 Hall of Flowers on July 31

Since its inception in 1952, the Hall of Flowers at the annual Sonoma County Fair has become the largest flower show on the West Coast. It features fully formed fantasy gardens, built around a central theme, that showcase the handiwork of professional landscapers, landscape designers, amateur gardeners and young floral enthusiasts.

Get an exclusive sneak peek at this year’s exhibit on July 31 during a fundraiser for the Sonoma County Fair’s Hall of Flowers Scholarship program. A champagne toast will take place at 5 p.m., followed by the announcement of Scholarship and Garden awards. Purchase tickets to the fundraiser here: https://sonomacountyfair.com/pages/the-flower-show

The Sonoma County Fair kicks off its 2024 run from Aug. 1 to 11, with thrills and fun for everyone. From exhilarating amusement rides and live music to local produce, crafts and artwork, there's something for everyone. Dig into delicious fair food, compete in exciting competitions, tour animal exhibits and learn about our county’s rich agricultural heritage. Get all the details at https://sonomacountyfair.com

New edition of County newsletter is now available

One of the best ways to stay abreast of news from the County of Sonoma is to subscribe to our newsletter, SoCo Correspondent, which is sent to your email inbox twice a month.

In the new edition of SoCo Correspondent, we report on how the County responded to last week’s sweltering heat wave that sent temperatures soaring to dangerous levels and put firefighters on high alert. You will also find the latest statistics on local tax rolls, a major investment to help children who have been neglected or abused, and a new report that details some important achievements – and challenges – for women in Sonoma County.

Versions are available in English and Spanish. You can view them here – and subscribe to get future editions emailed to you:
https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/sococorrespondent

Permit Sonoma revises proposal to regulate cannabis farms

Permit Sonoma this week released a final draft of a proposed ordinance that would update rules for cannabis farms in unincorporated areas of Sonoma County.

The agency revised portions of its April 2 draft Cannabis Land Use Ordinance in response to public input. Members of the public may continue to submit comments at any time, both before and after publication in January of a Draft Environmental Impact Report on the proposed ordinance.

Permit Sonoma has created a Frequently Asked Questions document to address questions it has received about the proposed ordinance. View the FAQ and updated timeline on the ordinance here: https://permitsonoma.org/cannabisprogramupdateandenvironmentalimpactreport

Other Sonoma County news of note

Board of Supervisors approves $1.8 million to fund Helen Putnam Regional Park expansion
https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/board-of-supervisors-approves-18-million-to-fund-helen-putnam-regional-park-expansion

Sonoma County opens $27 million pilot program to improve local mental health services for foster youth
https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/sonoma-county-opens-27-million-pilot-program-to-improve-local-mental-health-services-for-foster-youth

Public invited to comment on Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Koi Nation casino project
https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/public-invited-to-comment-on-draft-environmental-impact-statement-for-koi-nation-casino-project

Sonoma County Health Officer extends heat advisory through Friday
https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/sonoma-county-health-officer-extends-heat-advisory-through-friday

Nomination period opens Monday for November 2024 General Election
https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/nomination-period-opens-monday-for-november-2024-general-election

County of Sonoma ranked fifth in nation in Digital Counties Survey
https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/county-of-sonoma-ranked-fifth-in-nation-in-digital-counties-survey

Home Depot Pays $750,000 To Settle California Gift Card Law Violations
https://da.sonomacounty.ca.gov/home-depot-pays-750000-to-settle-california-gift-card-law-violations

View a list of current and upcoming job opportunities with the County of Sonoma
https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/job-opportunities

Want to read more about what we’re up to at the County of Sonoma?

Sign up for the SoCo Correspondent monthly newsletter here:
https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/Newsroom/SoCo-Correspondent/