Sonoma County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Sonoma County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
2027 Legislative Platform and state advocacy
The county's annual wishlist for Sacramento: flexibility to reuse the fairgrounds racetrack property, safeguards against abusive remote public comment, and state funding to fix aging veterans memorial buildings. The platform also adds a new principle opposing state mandates without reimbursement and responds to federal HR 1 changes to Medi-Cal and CalFresh.
Surveillance technology and Flock cameras
Supervisor Coursey flagged that a Homeland Security grant funds a video wall for Santa Rosa PD's real-time crime center, and Flock camera images could appear on it during active cases. The County Executive agreed to flag future surveillance-tech items.
Palm Drive Health Care District tax rates and budget
The board set the health care district's property and parcel tax rates and adopted its FY 2026-27 budget, which funds local health care services.
Tamayo Madarieta claim settlement
The county settled an employment claim for $225,000 in closed session, with Hermosillo recused.
VESCO Amendments: Replanting and Permit Extensions
Proposed changes to the county's vineyard erosion rules would address replanting of cultivated lands and extend permits. It matters to growers and to anyone concerned about hillside vineyard development and watershed protection.
Tom Schopflin Fields soccer complex grant
The Board approved a matching grant for phase 2 of the Schopflin Fields project, which supporters said leverages private fundraising to create youth sports fields serving kids across the county.
Community health centers
The Board honored National Health Center Week; center leaders warned of state and federal funding threats and policies affecting immigrant patients, and stressed the safety-net role of the county's eight community health centers.
Wooler Slide and Giovanetti Culvert Road Repairs
Changes to the 2026-2027 repaving list and right-of-way contracts for the Todd Road/Standish Avenue intersection project were on the consent calendar. These determine which county roads get fixed and when.
Sonoma Valley County Sanitation District Budget
The sewer district serving Sonoma Valley was slated for its own budget adoption, requiring a two-thirds Board vote. It determines what the district can spend on wastewater services next year.
Telecommunications Ordinance Updates
The county's rules governing telecom facilities — think cell towers and wireless equipment — were set for a public hearing update. These rules shape where infrastructure can go and how neighboring properties are protected.
County labor negotiations
The Board met privately with its bargaining team to discuss negotiations covering all employee organizations and unrepresented county employees, including retirees. No action was taken publicly, and any direction to staff stays confidential until reported out.
No-parking zones in Hacienda and Bodega Bay
A resolution would restrict parking along Sunset Avenue near the Russian River access and on several Bodega Bay streets — likely aimed at easing congestion around popular river and coastal spots.
County services for older adults funded through state aging agreement
The Board took up an agreement with the California Department of Aging covering fiscal years 2025-26 and 2026-27, which supports senior services delivered by the county's Human Services Department.
Integrated Justice System technology replacement
Phase 4 of the county's Integrated Justice System replacement project was on the consent calendar — the ongoing modernization of the technology linking courts, jail, and justice agencies.
Community Investment Fund Grant Awards
The Board was scheduled to disburse community grant awards in the First and Fourth Districts for fiscal year 2025-26. These funds go to local projects and organizations in those districts.