Efren Carrillo "Our County" March 2010

The County welcomed good news this month, in the midst of extremely grim projections for our coming budget year. We received word of grant funds from the California Energy Commission, and the County’s application was the 4th highest ranked in the state and one of only five applications funded statewide. The monies will be used to augment the efforts of the innovative Sonoma County Energy Independence Program (SCEIP). Sonoma County also received two additional awards through strategic partnerships.

This $2,537,000 award will fund home energy audits, enhanced water conservation efforts, and augment the leveraging of additional funds. The SEP Award will create a more sustainable program overall by increasing effectiveness. SCEIP is a first of its kind energy and water conservation program launched in March 2009 by the Board of Supervisors and has to date put over $20 million dollars into the local economy in home and business energy and water conversation projects. More information on SCEIP can be found at http://www.sonomacountyenergy.org/.

The North Coast Energy Independence Program has received funding to duplicate the successful Sonoma County Energy Independence program model. This $4.3 million dollar application was the result of a joint effort of Sonoma, Mendocino, Del Norte, Trinity, Siskiyou, and Humboldt counties.

Finally, the Sonoma County Regional Climate Protection Authority will receive approximately $1,195,000 as a partner in a regional residential State Energy Program proposal led by the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG). The funds will support energy efficiency home retrofits for the new Countywide Retrofit/Renewables Program which debuts in April.

That good news was welcome, as we continue to see the effects of the faltering economy on our budget, and the State continues to threaten funds intended for local government. Last fiscal year, we addressed a shortfall of $26 million dollars. Projections for this year are $35-50+ million in funding gaps. Seventy percent of our 1.3 billion dollar annual budget is mandated by statute for particular programs and restricted.

Last year, over 37,000 property tax bills were reduced. Sales tax revenues and tourism are both down…with both local taxes and those collected by the state to support infrastructure and safety net programs drastically reduced. While we are a large employer with approximately 3900 employees, this is a nearly 10 percent reduction from the over 4200 employed two years ago.

Resulting reductions in services will impact our community. The Board has made efforts to improve efficiencies by contracting some services out, and employees continue to strive to increase productivity and retain vital services. We must seek innovative methods to do more with less.

While we adapt and downsize, we also endeavor to find new ways to spur private employment growth which aligns with our commitment to the environment.

The energy programs listed in the first part of this article have proved a boon to some job sectors. Further development of private sector green jobs, spurred by SCEIP and other renewable energy programs is a priority of our economic strategy. Our Human Service Department is leveraging grant funds to train local workers for renewable energy production and system installation. These efforts put people to work and offer opportunity which is much needed during this difficult time.

Our office has been fielding many calls from people who are concerned about the implementation of SmartMeters by PG&E. Concerns ranging to accuracy of the meters to long range health effects of electro magnetic frequency (EMF) have been expressed.

PG&E has established a hotline for individuals concerned about this issue. Please call 1-866-743-0263 if you have questions, or to be added to a “last to install” list. Although the County has no ability to prevent installation, it is important for the public to have good information on the issue. A public forum is being planned to take place in late April, where we will bring in experts who will discuss the issue. We will work with all interested parties to ensure that concerns are heard and responded to in a responsible, informed process.

Ending on a bright note, the Occidental Center for the Arts will celebrate its Grand Opening on March 13th. This community collaboration, with volunteers spending weekends doing the necessary painting and carpentry to make this project happen for several years…but really pouring it on for the past year, will follow by a few short days the 100th birthday celebration for Occidental’s grande dame, Doris Murphy. Doris’s dream of the OCA over a decade ago will come to fruition on her centennial birthday week…Happy Birthday, Doris!

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You Can Now Watch Board Meetings ONLINE!

It’s a brand new year at the Board of Supervisors, and we’re beginning a new process which will make our hearings more easily available to you, our public. On January 26th, Sonoma County residents for the first time were able to watch Board of Supervisors meetings live on the internet. Viewers with internet access can now watch live meetings, view the Board’s agenda, and access relevant support documents such as staff reports and board resolutions. The internet streaming includes live captioning for the hearing impaired.

In addition, meetings will be archived and available for replay at the viewer’s convenience. It’s set up so that when you visit the Board meetings page, you can access a video for the morning meeting. When the video loads, there is a box below the screen which shows all items on the agenda. If you are interested in a particular topic, you may click on the subject line (numbered by order on the agenda) and the video stream will jump to that hearing. You also will be able to access the reports which were presented to the Board before the meeting. It’s a wonderful way to keep up with Board actions and hear firsthand the comments of both the public in attendance and Board members on issues and decisions which are of interest to you.

This project is a continuation of the County’s commitment to making government transparent and accessible to its residents. This investment in new technology will help the County realize long-term savings and efficiencies in our use of public resources. Board meeting videos will save staff time to support and attend meetings, and reduce the need for staff to provide records of hearings. This new process also provides convenient public access to meetings for the first time-and without getting in your car to travel, helping the environment.

The same exciting technology will be harnessed in the future for important announcements, internal training, and community information.

Residents interested in using this new service may visit the Board of Supervisors website at http://supervisors.sonoma-county.org/meetings/.

The meetings are listed by date. The meeting archive began with the January 26th meeting, and will grow over time as future Board meetings occur. The new online service is provided through a contract with Granicus, Inc., a San Francisco company and a leading provider of government webcasting and public meeting management solutions throughout the U.S.

Do you think we’ve had enough rain? County crews have been kept very busy responding to emergency road repairs, slides, fallen trees, and there is more to come. As I write this, we’re looking at another large storm on the horizon…but the silver lining to the dark, angry thunderclouds is the much needed water which is collecting in our reservoirs. The last two weeks of rain have taken our water supply out of decade low water storage levels. We have not received this much rain in three years-but that does not mean that the drought is over!

In 2008, we had a wet January and then a bone dry spring…Lake Mendocino’s water storage levels drop quickly if there is no spring rainfall or inflow from the Potter Valley Project. Water must be released to maintain stream flows for the benefit of fish-no matter what the supply holds…so conservation continues to be important even when the rains come.

Lake Sonoma is currently in excess of 100% and water levels are in the flood stage for the first time since 2006. There is no anticipation that we will face a flood event, but the Corps of Engineers will be controlling releases of water to ensure flood protection. Water supply information, and flood updates are available on the Water Agency’s website at www.sonomacountywater.org.

As this paper goes to print, my colleagues on the Board of Supervisors and I welcome a new County Administrator, Veronica Ferguson, to the helm of our organization. Veronica and her family come to us from Solano County, and we are looking forward to working with our very first female chief executive. Veronica brings a wealth of experience-and she’ll need all of it in the upcoming budget process! She leads a great team already hard at work on the budget, and the next few months will be challenging for them all. Welcome, Veronica!

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Our County: Efren Carrillo Jan 2010

While we face the New Year with a mixture of enthusiasm and trepidation, there is much to look back on in this final month of 2009 that is worth celebrating. 2009 has been a year of economic turmoil, which brought unprecedented demand for services to the disadvantaged and disenfranchised delivered with increasingly limited resources. Still, some remarkable accomplishments by our Sonoma County community this month give cause for hope and appreciation.

On December 17th, the Sonoma Land Trust celebrated its acquisition of Jenner Headlands! Not your average accomplishment, Jenner Headlands is the single largest North Coast conservation acquisition in history with over 5630 acres of critical wildlife habitat being preserved forever. This was a truly once in a lifetime opportunity which required the perseverance, grit, and dedication of the Land Trust over a five year period.

The epic struggle to acquire Jenner Headlands culminated in success through creativity, collaboration of public (local, state, and federal government supported the acquisition financially) and private partners, and purposeful dedication by Ralph Benson, Amy Chesnut, and the Land Trust family. Their fortuitiveness will benefit Sonoma County for generations to come.

2009 was a wild ride for Ralph, Amy, and their partners, with the $36 million deal requiring that every part of a complex financial puzzle aligned and came together with no mishaps…all during this incredibly tough year. That coupled with the patience and dedication of the landholders to the outcome yields a remarkable achievement. I am proud to have played a role in supporting their efforts along with Assemblyman Wes Chesbro, former Supervisor Mike Reilly, and former Congressman (current Chair of the Coastal Commission) Doug Bosco. Congratulations to them, to us, and to all future residents and visitors to our beautiful County!

Steps both large and small have been made this year toward greater sustainability for the County. The vision of policy makers in adopting and pursuing the innovative Sonoma County Energy Independence Program (SCEIP) continues into its next phase. The early part of 2010 will see us move forward toward a regional approach to retrofitting homes and commercial properties, using the financing mechanism of SCEIP along with developing a “one stop shop” with all the tools needed for retrofits: energy audits (maximizing the return on retrofit investment), financing, maximizing education, incentives, and implementation.

We expect to see results from leveraging American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds which will continue the job creation begun by SCEIP, and result in a much needed, concerted effort at retrofitting existing properties. Retrofitting has been identified as the number one priority for meeting our green house gas (GHG) community targets. Retrofitting benefits individuals through reduced energy costs and our entire planet through lowered GHG emissions. More information can be found at the Regional Climate Protection Authority’s (RCPA) website (www.sctainfo.org/rcpa.htm) or by contacting Dave Brennan of RCPA (dbrennan@sctainfo.org) or Chris Cone at the Climate Protection Campaign (ccone@climateprotectioncampaign.org)

It is expected that the new program will launch in April 2010, with the initial focus on single family residential units, and moving forward with multi-family and commercial properties within the year.

While we’re on the topic of resources and conservation, there will be a continuing focus on reducing our use of water in 2010. Recent changes in state law regarding greywater are propelling our County to look at alternatives to the use of drinking quality water for landscaping and other high use water needs. Public health is a valid concern, but the time to move forward in dramatically reducing our water use is now.

The past few years of drought and the declining health of our river and salmon populations have brought urgency to the topic. While 2009 showed that community concern is high, and urban users can and will reduce their water consumption when needed, much remains to be done to accomplish a permanent behavioral shift. We will continue to move forward, taking a hard look at water reuse and other methods of water reduction.

I’m looking forward to a very wet (but not too wet) winter to give us a necessary buffer while we work on policy, alternatives, and solutions.

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Efren Carrillo - Our Community

Congratulations to everyone involved in the building, design, and planning for Harmony Union School District’s Salmon Creek Falls Environmental Center at their Occidental campus. Victoria Johnson reports that it has earned the very first LEED PLATINUM certification in Sonoma County, and is the only LEED Platinum public school building in the State! This remarkable achievement resulted from true community collaboration and a lot of hard work.

An important special election for the Russian River Redevelopment Oversight Committee (RRROC) will take place on December 18, 2009 between 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Mail in ballots can be sent if they are received by December 17th.

For details about the election and to read candidate statements, visit www.sonoma-county.org/cdc/rrroc_election.htm
The RRROC provides citizen input and makes funding recommendations for the Russian River Redevelopment Project. Information about meetings and updates are also available at the CDC website.

There are five RRROC seats up for the election in 2009:

• Two seats in the Residential Tenant category (candidates: Amber Twitchell, Chris Auzton, and Dawn Robinson-Warner)
• Two seats in the Residential Owner-Occupant/Residential Property Owner category (candidates: Ken Wikle, Rex Good, and Tom Lynch)
• One seat in the Business Owner/Business Property owner category (running unopposed: Elio Buck Sierra)

The Sonoma County Energy Independence Program (SCEIP) recently reached the $40 million mark in applications. This program provides financing for homeowners and building owners to make energy and water upgrades. From new insulation and windows to toilets and heaters and solar panels, this program is making homes and buildings throughout Sonoma County more energy and water efficient. Many thanks go to Assemblyman Jared Huffman for authoring AB811 which paved the way for our SCEIP program and its financing mechanism.

Local residents from large ranches to individual homeowners have taken advantage of this program. The Dutton Ranch near Sebastopol installed solar panels on their workers' housing that offset up to 99% of the building's electricity needs. This system saves more in electricity costs than their payments.

Having a professional perform an audit of your home or building can reveal inexpensive, easy repairs that can save a lot of energy. For example, a few small efficiency improvements such as duct sealing and insulation can reduce the size of a planned solar system substantially and therefore the system cost.

Russell Gaughen of Monte Rio chose to improve his 1950s era home's energy efficiency on his own by replacing windows, doors and insulation. After making sure his building envelope was energy efficient, the SCEIP program allowed Russell the financing mechanism to install the solar upgrade that he had longed for. With his solar panel system in place, he will pay for it over time with the money he saves on energy bills.

Following on the heels of SCEIP, a collaboration developed by the County and major cities (Santa Rosa, Petaluma, and Rohnert Park) resulted in the newly created Sonoma County Regional Climate Protection Authority which will work with the Climate Protection Campaign to design and implement a one-stop retrofit service. The retrofit program, due to launch in April 2010, will provide energy analysis, finance packages and options (SCEIP), and access to certified contractors through a single contact point.

Funded in part by federal stimulus money, the design and implementation of the retrofit program will include stakeholder input and collaboration with existing programs. The first quarter of 2010 is the critical input and design period for the program. For information or to provide resources, contact Chris Cone (ccone@climateprotectioncampaign.org or 525-1665x118).

To take advantage of the SCEIP program, contact Sonoma County Energy Independence Program (www.sonomacountyenergy.org or 521-6200)

This Christmas season is a great time to support the work of Starcross Community, in the Annapolis hills, which serves the needs of children with HIV/AIDS both locally and internationally. The Starcross story shows that the work of few can make a difference in the lives of many. Starcross relies on Holiday sales to support their work year round. This has been an especially challenging for them with their olive harvest reduced by 90%, so please visit their website at www.starcross.org for both inspiration and to show support with a gift purchase or donation.

This year has been difficult for many in our community, and challenges lie ahead for all of us in the coming year...The Holidays are a good time to slow down, breathe, and appreciate friends, family, and our beautiful county. I hope this season brings all of you opportunities for joy and reflection, and a look forward to the turn of the year.

County offices will be closed from Christmas Eve through January 3rd, as part of a cost saving measures agreed to by our employees.

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Efren Carrillo - Our Community

Please join us on December 8th for a forum on Disaster Preparedness at the Guerneville Veteran’s Building from 6-8pm. This forum will focus on area agencies and their capabilities to respond and assist in the event of flooding or other disaster in the Russian River area. Panelists will include County Fire Chief Mark Aston (also Head of Department of Emergency Services), Monte Rio Chief Steve Baxman, Russian River Chief Sean Grinnel, Forestville Chief Dan Northern, County representatives from Transportation and Public Works, Community Development Commission, Sheriff’s Office, PG&E, American Red Cross, and the following community groups: West County Community Services, West County Health Centers, and the Russian River Disaster Preparedness Committee. Each agency will discuss their area of expertise, new capabilities offered, and then the group will be available for questions and comments.

After a tremendous amount of hard work by River area community members led by Jan DeWald, California Housing Opportunities West (CHOW) has been formed to provide staffing and oversight to the Emergency Shelter opening November 15th at the Guerneville Veteran’s building. After searching far and wide for a permanent location for the shelter (over 80 properties were visited), the decision was made to return to last year’s location for what is hoped to be a final year. This is truly a labor of love and compassion by the group, which operates on a shoestring budget while providing shelter and meals every evening and morning to those in need. If you are able to assist CHOW with volunteer time or financial support, please call Jan at 707-478-3718.

Supervisor Shirlee Zane, newly appointed Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District (SCAPOSD) General Manager Bill Keene, staff from the District, and I traveled to Portland at the beginning of October for the National Land Conservation Conference. SCAPOSD presented to the Conference on the topic of integrating multiple strategic objectives in land conservation. We discussed the District’s approach to stewardship which addresses climate change, source watershed protection, local food, healthy livable communities, and the engagement of diverse, traditionally underserved groups. Bringing together the original mission of land conservation with the emerging challenges of our increasingly urban population to meet the needs of the community is another way that SCAPOSD is showing leadership nationwide.

On November 7th, the Leadership Institute on the Ecology and Economy held its first annual Sustainability Awards event. Three individual honorees were celebrated for their commitment to the environment, and I’m pleased to announce that all three were Fifth District residents. The awards recognize community leaders who have displayed remarkable achievements in creating socially, economically, and environmentally sustainable communities. Honored were Ann Hancock (Climate Protection Campaign), Mark Inman (Taylormaid Farms), and Evelina Molina (Youth Green Jobs). Group projects honored were Sonoma Mountain Village, the Accountable Development Coalition, and Petaluma Bounty. Congratulations to them, and our community which has benefited from their efforts.

Recent months have seen a good deal of attention to the County owned dump and our solid waste dilemma. While our problem at the landfill will not be resolved without a good deal of cooperation and effort from everyone in Sonoma County (from individuals to all Cities and County government), it is never too late to take a look at what you can do on your own to reduce waste. Source separation of the various components of your personal waste stream can vastly assist in reducing green house gas emissions, and increase the likelihood of re-use and recycling.

One of the simplest, yet most powerful, things each of us can do is to separate any food products and divert these to your green (compost) can. You’ll not only reduce the component which causes methane production, but Sonoma Compost will have more raw material to return back to our gardens…that’s what I’d call a win-win.

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RR Community Honors Supervisor Carrillo Oct 23rd

On October 23rd, the Russian River Community will experience an evening celebrating and honoring its County Supervisor, Efren Carrillo. The evening is being billed as The First Annual Mexican Fiesta! which means more fun in years to come. “Mexican Food, Wine, Beer, Margaritas and Live Music” states the invitation.

And, of course, since Herman J. Hernandez and his lovely wife, Guillermina, are more or less the ring leaders behind the scenes, authenticity is primo! Guests will be entertained by The Mariachi (Los Caporales) and the Trios of Madrigal Musical Productions directed by Carlos Molina while dining on delicious Mexican food, prepared by Guerneville’s very own La Tapatia!

One might ask why such a large community-wide event to honor Efren when he has only been in office less than a year. The response to that question is as vocal and articulate as the number of people with whom Carrillo has been meeting in the Russian River Community. Without allowing any time for dust to settle after his swearing-in Ceremony, Carrillo immediately began scheduling appointments with the various community groups and individuals who represent the community: RR Recreation and Park District, Monte Rio Recreation and Park District, the RR Rotary, the RR Fire Protection District, RR Redevelopment Oversight Committee and other elected boards. Whether he was on a dais at more formal and structured meetings such as the one held by the Water District, or wandering between tables and chairs at the crowded budget meeting, or at one of the Homeowners’ Associations’ picnics such as the one held by Guernewood Park in Armstrong Woods this past August, Carrillo has been a constant presence in the community, talking and listening to the Citizens.

Before the election, Carrillo promised that he would have an “office set-up” in Guerneville. Reality has found him not at a desk in the Vets’ Hall as he originally envisioned, but rather, going out into the community and meeting with the people in groups, large and small, briefing them on what is happening in government at the County, State and Federal levels as well as trying to assist them in resolving conflicts, the shortages of funds and cuts in services. One of the locals observed that instead of an office day, the Supervisor probably should have promised that he would set up a room with a cot so that he could get some rest in between meetings.

“As Efren has worked hard to know and understand the issues and concerns of the River Community, it’s only fitting that we wish to show our appreciation to our Supervisor,” stated Hernandez. For that reason, the “Friends of Efren Carrillo invite one and all to the First Annual Fiesta honoring Fifth District Supervisor Efren Carrillo”.

In addition to Herman and Guillermina Hernandez, Event Co-Chairs are Michael Nichols, Tom Lynch, Michael de Proto, Wendel & Gwen Trappe, Laura A Wilson, Thera A. Buttaro, and Mike & Judi Reilly. The event will be Friday, October 23, from 5:30 – 9:30 at the Guerneville Veterans Memorial Building (Church St. & 1st St.). Sponsors Reservations are:
$ 300 Platinum, $ 200 Gold, $ 100 Silver or $20 Individual. It is highly requested that people call ahead for reservations: 707.293.67877 or www.efrencarrillo.com.

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Elder Protection Forum - Raising Awareness

Please join me on October 24th when I welcome District Attorney Stephan Passalacqua and a panel of elder advocates who will present an Elder Protection Forum at the Sebastopol Senior Center between 10 a.m. and noon. There will be a focus on financial crimes targeting the elderly, as well as case discussions about other forms of elder abuse. The District Attorney’s office has been working to increase awareness of crimes that victimize our seniors. This will be their 3rd forum this year. Thanks go out to the District Attorney’s office and advocates, Human Rights Commission Chair (and Sebastopol resident) Judy Rice, Councilmember Kathleen Shaffer, the Senior Center, and Burbank Senior Housing community for their effort and support in making this resource available to our West County community.

Did you know that the County of Sonoma and the City of Santa Rosa joined forces to make a difference in our community on United Way’s Day of Caring? This annual event took place on September 9th. Along with employees from private business, hundreds of County and City employees team up to take on projects all over the County. Needed projects were dispensed with at non-profits and neighborhood parks. Our group of 20 painted the entire 17,000 square foot interior of Sam Jones Hall Homeless Shelter. Other projects in our District included graffiti removal, cutter cleanup, yard work, painting and minor construction at homes on Dutton Avenue and Leisure Park, along with bark spread at Ragle Ranch dog park.

Great news came our way in late September when our Coastal Conservancy, chaired by local hero and former congressman Doug Bosco, authorized a major portion (nearly 14 million dollars) of the funds needed for Sonoma Land Trust and our Open Space District to acquire and manage Jenner Headlands. The Headlands property offers a rare opportunity to secure 5,630 acres of rolling coastal terrace and wooded slopes north of the Russian River and ensure stewardship and preservation of its outstanding scenic, habitat and public access resources.

While the Land Trust has a few more hurdles to jump before the acquisition is complete, this vote was a huge leap in the right direction...Big congratulations to Sonoma Land Trust, our Agricultural and Open Space Preservation District, and everyone who lives in or visits Sonoma County now and in the future!

The following is a recap of the first meeting of a reactivated Monte Rio Wastewater Task Group by CDC manager, Kathleen Kane and Dan Fein, Monte Rio resident and taskforce facilitator:
The Sonoma County Community Development Commission recently formed the Monte Rio Wastewater Task Group to help identify feasible wastewater solutions for the area. The 13-member Task Group, (Doreen Atkinson, Suzie Baxman, Chuck Burger, Supervisor Efren Carrillo, Rene DeMonchy, Dan Fein, Gary Getchell, Rich Holmer, Steve Mack, Jim Quigley, Preston Smith, Lee Torr IV, and Ken Wikle) convened its first meeting on September 21, 2009. Under the leadership of Dan Fein, the Group discussed how best to proceed to educate themselves and members of the community about the needs, issues, and range of available alternatives.

Task Group meetings are held in Monte Rio and are open to the public. The Group plans to meet monthly and to maintain a strong, public communication link to ensure a productive flow of information and ideas to and from the community. Anyone who is interested in learning more about the work of the Group, or in participating in the group’s on-going discussions is encouraged to attend Task Group meetings. Meeting dates, times and locations will be posted on the CDC website at: www.sonoma-county.org/cdc/redev_rr_task_groups.htm#wastewater
Monte Rio Recreation and Park District (MRRPD) hosted a very successful “Community Clean-Up Day” on Saturday, September 19, between the hours of 8AM – 2PM. It was located in the main parking lot, across the street from the Rio Theater. The communities served included the towns of Monte Rio, Villa Grande, Duncans Mills, Cazadero, Camp Meeker and Occidental.

The event was coordinated by Dawn Bell, Event Manager at MRRPD, along with the help of Pam Davis of North Bay Corporation in Santa Rosa, and Monte Rio Fire Protection District Chief, Steve Baxman, and his local firefighters. Other vendors on site that day for refuse, recyclables and yard waste, included Goodwill Industries and Industrial Carting & Global Materials Recovery Services, both of Santa Rosa.

MRRPD would like to thank all who participated in the Clean-Up Day event, and look forward to serving our communities again next year.

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Sonoma County's Russian River - More Restoration Needed

On September 8th, I made my second canoe trip down the river this summer, paddling from Burke’s Canoes in Forestville to a takeout spot just east of Guerneville. The purpose of the two trips – hosted and organized by Linda Burke, Russian RiverKeeper Don McEnhill and Sonoma County Water Agency staff – was to experience the river from the viewpoint of a typical Russian River visitor.

I’m happy to say that even with a flow of only 71 cubic feet per second, the river was beautiful. Yes, there were a few areas where the canoes scraped bottom but we never had to portage and there was plenty of water in most stretches. The wildlife was abundant, too. We spotted turtles, blue herons, ducks and several other bird species.

One of the most exciting moments during the trip was when we paddled by a bank stabilization and restoration project being undertaken by the Odd Fellows Park community. Crews were planting willow stumps, moving rocks and sculpting the stream bank to withstand high wintertime flows. This project, which was funded by Odd Fellows residents when State funding was lost at the final hour, was desperately needed to stop erosion that was threatening the community’s new, environmentally sound sewage treatment system. It speaks to the strength of that community that Jack Davies, Association President, was able to rally the funding from residents in just a few weeks.

Of course, all is not perfect with the river. Along with good projects like the Odd Fellows’ we also saw some questionable docks, areas where banks had been scraped clear of vegetation and several small ludwigia patches.

Fortunately, the Sonoma County Water Agency, has recently reiterated its commitment to the health of the river. On August 25, SCWA staff recommended that the Agency Board of Directors (I am a member) focus future water planning efforts on increased conservation, greater use of recycled water and enhanced local supplies.

A resolution that would set aside an environmental impact report for the Water Supply, Transmission and Reliability Project (Water Project) noted that current and future financial constraints could limit construction of large public works. The Water Project contemplated the construction of new pipes, collector wells, and other facilities, including possibly a new water pipeline from Lake Sonoma to bypass Dry Creek, to meet the peak demands of the Agency's customers. The estimated cost of the Water Project was more than $600 million.

The resolution also called for the agency to pursue 12 water supply strategies and to reconsider an application with the State Water Resources Control Board for 101,000 acre feet of water per year.

After hearing public testimony, the SCWA Board decided to consider the recommendation on September 15.

The Friends of Villa Grande won their long effort to procure Patterson Point as a community site. Through a joint effort between the Friends and the Open Space District, funds were raised to purchase the property for public access and habitat restoration. For many years, the group worked hard and long, community members came forward with money, and their effort was rewarded when the Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the acquisition and matching grant on August 11th.

The Consulate of Mexico sponsored my visit to an informative conference in Mexico City with other US elected officials at the end of August. The focus of the 2 day conference was on best practices for coordinating services to underserved populations. Our future efforts, working with the United Farm Workers, Consulate of Mexico, and our Community Based Organizations will be enhanced by information shared at the event.

Our local UFW chapter in Santa Rosa was honored by a visit from Congressman Patrick Kennedy on August 25th. Congressman Kennedy was introduced by UFW national president, Arturo Rodriguez. He addressed the crowd in Spanish, speaking of his long struggle on behalf of immigrant rights. A group of 50 or so UFW and community members attended and some testified to their daily experiences. Our sympathies go out to Congressman Kennedy, whose father Senator Edward Kennedy, lost his struggle with brain cancer later that evening.

Be on the lookout for news related to our local State Parks. A closure list is expected in the next weeks, and when that happens we will all need to work together to assure the future of these valuable assets. We are fortunate to have a strong community group partnering with State Parks to preserve and promote our Russian River area State Parks. Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods offers an informative website updating the budget impacts on Parks…this is a great way to get involved and be informed. The advocacy page is at www.stewardsofthecoastandredwoods.org/advocacy.htm

Their annual fundraiser, the Old Grove Festival, is the last weekend of this month. Please support their important work at this critical time by attending this fabulous event.
Please join us on October 7th for a Coastal Disaster Response Forum at Horicon School in Annapolis from 6-8pm. In partnership with Coast Life Support District, Fire Chiefs from North Coast Fire Departments, the Mendocino and Sonoma Sheriff’s Departments, and Sonoma County Department of Emergency Services will conduct a panel discussion about disaster readiness and capacity which I will moderate.

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Sonoma County Supervisor Efren Carrillo - August 09

Summer in Sonoma County is simply the best. Celebrating our Nation’s Birthday all along the Russian River, I was able to participate in many of the annual celebrations that are uniquely West County. Community spirit is definitely alive in our District.

July saw the opening of our newest Regional Park at Sunset Beach. This project involved many people over the years, and was shepherded through the process by my predecessor, Mike Reilly. Mike and his wife Judi joined me and Mary Burns, Regional Parks Director, along with a happy group of local people and Parks staff to launch this newest Russian River gem.

Perfect weather drew sizable crowds to our County “Fair Before Time.” Worries about the impact of the economy seem to have taken a break, as turnout at the Fair has been close to normal. The Hall of Flowers was particularly spectacular this year, and on the days we visited the crowds seemed to be having a great time.

My colleague, First District Supervisor Valerie Brown, was sworn in as President of the National Association of Counties (NACo) at the end of July. Her term comes at an exciting, yet extremely challenging time for our County. We are fortunate to have her service and close ties with our Federal Government in particular as we look at health care reform and climate change and energy policy. Congratulations, Valerie!

If you’ve driven on River Road this Summer, you’ve probably seen the extensive repair to the Hilton Slide area, just across from the River Pub. This huge hillside reinforcement had been on the books for several years, and was funded by the Federal government late last year. Proposition 1B money was also committed for this $3million project. This complex project began at the top of the slide, and will work its way down and toward completion sometime this Fall.

Stimulus funds have resulted in a number of paving projects in our District, most of these on major arterials. It is fortunate that some Federal funding arrived for road work, as this year’s budget for the Department of Transportation and Public Works has been greatly impacted by the loss of gas tax revenues. Our newly passed State budget calls for another $6.25 million in gas tax revenues to be borrowed from our County allotment.

Ironically, our copy of the final 2009-2010 County budget landed on our desks as the Governor was using his veto powers to take more money than expected from local government. After months of working to arrive at a balanced budget with a $26 million reduction expected, this development will require more sacrifice and loss of service delivery.

The impacts of the current round of cuts will directly affect services needed by the most disadvantaged and underserved members of our community. Children enrolled in Healthy Families , those who receive Cal Works training, recipients of child welfare services, foster families, blind, disabled, and elderly individuals are all due to receive hefty cuts to their support and programs. These program cuts come at a time when the ranks of people needing services are swelling due to the economic downturn. Additionally, community based organizations dealing with donation reductions are less able to fill the gap.

The Healthy Families program currently insures 12,000 children in Sonoma County. 65% of the program costs are funded by the Federal Government, with the State matching 35% of costs. With the program being cut, these children will have very limited access to healthcare, none to primary caregivers, and will be diverted to already overcrowded emergency rooms…the State will save 35%, and 100% of those dollars will be pulled out of our local economy.

The unseen costs of these cuts will be born by our local doctors, hospitals, and health clinics-which are already struggling with the economy and increased uninsured population.

Creativity, perseverance, and increased community engagement will all be necessary to alleviate the pain of these cuts. Now is the time for community members to join together to help those in need. Your time is a valuable gift, and if you are able to volunteer (or if you need help) please call Sonoma County’s Helpline at 2-1-1. If you have the financial means, our community based organizations need our help now more then ever.

www.sonoma-county.org

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Efren Carrillo: Our Sonoma County July 2009

July Topics include:
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA)
Russian River Redevelopment
Monitoring the Russian River
Russian River Estuary Plan
Energy Retrofit Program
Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Sunset Beach River Park
Graton Park planning

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds are beginning to make their way into Sonoma County. One of the most visible and exciting programs funded by this effort is the Sonoma County Youth Ecology Corps, which will provide summer jobs for 332 14-24 year olds. The program was organized and developed by Sonoma County Water Agency (SCWA), Human Services Department and the Workforce Investment Board. Approximately 27 crews working with 22 environmental organizations and city and county departments will help restore critical habitat throughout Sonoma County. They will earn $8 an hour, while learning about our ecosystem and receiving training to help them qualify for a Work Ready Certificate.

Retired Fifth District Supervisor, Mike Reilly, was instrumental in organizing the youth jobs program even before good news came about federal funding. He spent considerable time consulting on the program, and later procuring and delivering tools to the various worksites. Thank you, Mike!

Other ARRA funds($17.5 million so far) will see our road crews doing preventative chip sealing of major arteries, Airport terminal expansion and increased security, additional retraining efforts for the unemployed, improvement of disabled access to public facilities, the purchase of natural gas fueled busses, criminal justice services, and a new rapid response program to help reduce homelessness.

Our Russian River Redevelopment (RRROC) meeting on June 11th focused on how redevelopment financing works and various ways that redevelopment can boost revitalization efforts. Approximately 40 persons representing the public and special districts attended the meeting. Following a Community Development presentation (CDC), staff and I responded to questions regarding a wide range of topics with most of the focus on redevelopment tax increment financing, how it works, how it impacts special districts, and how to apply for redevelopment assistance.

CDC is moving forward with two new activities to help local businesses in and around Guerneville. The Banners and Baskets Program, coordinated with the Russian River Chamber, will feature flower baskets and vertical banners to be placed on street lights advertising Russian River area activities and events. This will provide a visual “welcome sign” and invitation to area residents and tourists to spend time in the downtown area.

Also, CDC will be funding business consulting services through the SRJC Small Business Development Center (SBDC) to Redevelopment Area businesses. The SBDC will sponsor workshops and one-on-one consulting services through the program.

RRROC elections will be held December 18, 2009. Five seats are up for election, and candidate filings are open between August 20-September 14, 2009. Interested parties should contact Al Lerma, Redevelopment Associate at 707-543-7523.

As part of an effort by SCWA to monitor our Russian River during the summer, a float trip was organized to transit the lower reach of the river by canoe. On a beautiful day, we joined the River keeper, Don McEnhill, representatives from our State Legislators’ offices, and Linda Burke to view the condition of the river up close. Our journey will be repeated in August to compare conditions and gauge the impacts of low flows ordered for this season by the Water Quality Control Board. Increased monitoring of bacteria and nutrients in the river has begun for the summer, and you can see the results at: http://www.scwa.ca.gov/newsroom/stateboardorder2009.php

Our June meeting in Jenner was attended by nearly 100 local citizens concerned about the new Russian River estuary plan. Panelists included Dr. Bill Hearn and Monica DeAngelis (Biologists with National Marine Fisheries(NMFS)), Michele Luna (Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods), Norma Jellison (Seal Watch), and Jessica Martini-Lamb (SCWA).

The Biological Opinion and resulting impacts on sandbar management by SCWA were discussed in depth. As part of their efforts to comply with the Marine Mammal Protection Act, SCWA will be collaborating with the Stewards on a monitoring plan of the seal haul out site, which is the largest in Sonoma County. This plan will be submitted to NMFS for review and public comment.

Upcoming meetings and events:

The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, City of Santa Rosa, and PG&E will host a launch of its new Energy Retrofit program on July 17th & 18th from 6-8pm at Sheppard Elementary School. The program includes incentives and rebates aimed at assisting low income households increase the energy efficiency of their homes. Representatives of the Sonoma County Energy Independence program will attend with information
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Our newest regional park, Sunset Beach River Park, is on the Russian River, between Forestville and Guerneville, just west of the Hacienda Bridge. This latest link in the growing chain of public river-access parks operated by Regional Parks offers day-use visitors access to swimming, fishing, hiking and wildlife viewing. The park features a paved parking lot, restrooms, picnic tables, and a ¼ mile accessible gravel trail to the edge of the river. Please join us for the official opening of Sunset Beach River Park on Thursday, June 16th at 5:30 pm…see you there!

A Graton Oark planning meeting will be held at the Graton Fire Station on Saturday, June 18th from 10am until noon. This gathering will bring together the community to discuss the possibility of a future pocket park at the GFD site when the station moves to its new home in the next few years. Your input and comments will be heard by representatives of Regional Parks and the Open Space District. For more information contact HolLynn D’Lil at 829-9440.

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