Weekly Roundup for July 14, 2023

Published: July 14, 2023

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

New county report examines impact, future of local tech industry
Share your vision for Carrington Coast Ranch Regional Park and Open Space Preserve
Probation staff cheers on Special Olympians
Other Sonoma County news

New county report examines impact, future of tech industry

Information Technology makes up 2 percent of the jobs in Sonoma County and 6 percent of the county’s economic output, according to a new report published by the Sonoma County Economic Development Board.

Most of these jobs are in telecommunications, computer systems design and technical consulting services, according to the EDB report. However, job creation has leveled off since mid-2021 due to overall weaker growth in the Bay Area, the shift toward remote work and a move to cut costs within the tech industry. Growth in the local IT industry is expected to be modest until interest rates come down and the economy stabilizes, the report said.

Concerns around housing affordability in Sonoma County and a decline in the size of the county’s working-age population, which is down about 8 percent since 2010, are the biggest challenges clouding the outlook for the local IT industry, according to the report.

The county’s 2023 Information Technology Industry Insider report can be read here:
https://sonomaedb.org/Microsites/Economic%20Development%20Board/Documents/Reports/2023/Moodys%20IT%202023%20Final%20ADA.pdf

Share your vision for Carrington Coast Ranch Regional Park and Open Space Preserve

Sonoma County Regional Parks is seeking community input to help shape the future of Carrington Coast Ranch Regional Park and Open Space Preserve on the Sonoma Coast.

The department is creating a master plan to guide the property’s development, public access, recreational and educational uses, and habitat enhancements. The public is encouraged to share their thoughts by taking an online survey at http://SoCoParks.org/Carrington-Ranch by Sept. 30.

The 332-acre future regional park is located along Highway 1 next to the Sonoma Coast State Park, north of Salmon Creek. The property is primarily open grassland with expansive views of the Sonoma coastline and Salmon Creek meeting the Pacific Ocean.

The master plan will outline potential ways to create an accessible park with an emphasis on low-impact recreational activities, interpretive programs and educational experiences while balancing ecological protection and enhancement.

Learn more about the project here:
https://parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov/share-your-vision-for-carrington-coast-ranch-regional-park-and-open-space-preserve

Probation staff cheers on Special Olympians

Employees of the county’s Probation Department recently attended the Special Olympics Unified Track and Field Meet at Windsor High School, where they cheered on 200 student athletes during their events.

A team of Probation Department staff joined the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office and other local law enforcement agencies in the 2023 Law Enforcement Torch Run, where teams of runners raised money for the Special Olympics while carrying the Flame of Hope torch across Northern California.

Special Olympics Northern California offers free year-round sports training and competitions for more than 27,000 participants along with inclusive schools initiatives, critical health and wellness programs and leadership training. More information may be found by visiting http://www.sonc.org.

View photos of the event:
https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/sonoma-county-probation-supports-special-olympics

Latest news from County of Sonoma

Free mattress recycling event this Saturday in Petaluma’s Lucchesi Park
https://zerowastesonoma.gov/calendar/event/50859/

Nomination period opens for Nov. 7, 2023 Consolidated Election
https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/nomination-period-opens-for-nov-7-2023-consolidated-election

Sonoma County completes labor negotiations with all 11 unions, steps up efforts to fill vacant positions
https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/sonoma-county-completes-labor-negotiations-with-all-11-unions-steps-up-efforts-to-fill-vacant-positions

Supervisors approve funding for Petaluma Veterans Building maintenance project
https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/supervisors-approve-funding-for-petaluma-veterans-building-maintenance-project

Sonoma County Regional Parks seeks community feedback on climate plan
http://parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov/sonoma-county-regional-parks-seeks-community-feedback-on-climate-plan

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?