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This week, both the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors and the Cloverdale City Council will consider a series of impactful decisions that directly affect our climate, water systems, open spaces, and community health. On Tuesday, September 23, the Board will vote on projects ranging from open space preservation in Graton and sustainable agriculture protections to major climate funding, clean energy programs, and rural water infrastructure. Then on Wednesday, September 24, the Cloverdale City Council will take up items including biosolids management, open space conservation at Soda Springs Ranch, and enhancements to community parks and waste systems. These are critical opportunities for SCCA members to show up, speak out, and support a sustainable, equitable future for Sonoma County. Your voice can help ensure that local policies reflect our shared environmental values, please join us and make an impact!

Become an SCCA Board Monitor

Wednesday, September 24th
Cloverdale - 6:00 pm - City Council
Items to Watch

• Item F.6: Award of Contract for Pond 3 Biosolids Removal Project
Issue Summary:
This item approves a $453,964 contract for the removal, hauling, and land application of biosolids at the City's Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Why it matters: Proper biosolids management is critical for preventing groundwater contamination and methane emissions. This supports sustainable wastewater operations and protects local ecosystems.

• Item F.4: Approval of Solid Waste, Recycling, and Organic Waste Collection Rates (Recology)
Issue Summary:
Approves new maximum allowable rates for solid waste, recycling, and organic waste collection, effective October 1, 2025.
Why it matters: While financially driven, waste rate structures impact resident behavior regarding recycling, composting, and landfill use—core components of environmental sustainability.

• Item G.1: Adoption of a Mitigated Negative Declaration for Soda Springs Ranch Open Space Preserve
Issue Summary:
Council to adopt a Mitigated Negative Declaration and monitoring plan for a conservation easement on Soda Springs Ranch.
Why it matters: This preserves critical open space and natural habitat, aligning with conservation goals and protecting land from development.

• Item F.7: Public Works Agreement for Site Improvements at Soda Springs Ranch
Issue Summary:
Authorizes a contract for site work including improvements for public access at the newly preserved Soda Springs Ranch open space.
Why it matters: Enhances community access to open space and supports safe, sustainable public use of conservation land.

• Item F.8: City Park Gazebo & Picnic Structure Project
Issue Summary:
Awards $132,957.90 for the construction of a gazebo and picnic area in City Park.
Why it matters: Increases the usability of public green space, supporting outdoor recreation and community engagement in nature—important for quality of life and environmental education.

Tuesday, September 23rd
Sonoma County - 9:00 am - Board of Supervisors
Items to Watch

• Item 4: Graton Town Square Matching Grant Project
Issue Summary:
The Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District proposes a $750,000 matching grant to the Graton Community Services District for the acquisition and improvement of a parcel to serve as a town square. The project includes public access, passive recreation, and permanent protection via an open space easement.
Why it matters: It enhances community access to green space and ensures long-term preservation in an unincorporated area, supporting equity and climate resilience goals.

• Item 5: Conservation and Sale of Haroutunian North Property
Issue Summary:
This item authorizes the sale of a property to Tierra Vegetables, Inc., with permanent protection through an agricultural conservation easement and restrictive covenant.
Why it matters: Preserves local farmland and prevents future development, contributing to food system sustainability and climate-friendly land use.

• Item 8: Rebudgeting for Climate and Strategic Plan Initiatives
Issue Summary:
Reallocates over $6.7 million to support the implementation of multi-year Climate Resilience and Strategic Plan goals, including existing project continuations.
Why it matters: Ensures uninterrupted funding for critical climate mitigation and adaptation projects, aligning with long-term emission reduction goals.

• Item 10: Extend Water Hazards Program Manager Term
Issue Summary:
Extends the term of the Water Hazards Program Manager to June 2026, supporting flood risk reduction, cyanobacteria response, and emergency coordination.
Why it matters: Climate change is intensifying extreme weather events; this supports proactive water hazard management and public health protections.

• Item 13: Marin-Sonoma Coordinated Transit Service (MASCOTS) Plan
Issue Summary:
Presentation of a regional plan to improve coordination between transit providers in Marin and Sonoma counties.
Why it matters: Advancing integrated public transportation reduces emissions from car travel, increases access, and supports equitable mobility.

• Item 14: Water Transmission System Cathodic Protection
Issue Summary:
Approves a $285,000 contract to study corrosion prevention for 42 miles of Sonoma Water’s aqueduct system.
Why it matters: Prevents infrastructure failures, protects drinking water supply, and reduces environmental damage from pipeline breaks.

• Item 15: Occidental Wastewater Transfer to Graton System
Issue Summary:
Approves $1.45 million in grant funding and $1.75 million for engineering to divert Occidental wastewater to Graton's system, resolving prior disposal issues.
Why it matters: Longstanding water quality and infrastructure issue now gets a sustainable solution that protects local waterways and rural communities.

• Items 20–22: Water System Tax Assessments – Freestone, Jenner, Salmon Creek
Issue Summary:
Public hearings on special tax assessments to fund water system operation and maintenance in rural communities.
Why it matters: Critical to keeping safe drinking water systems functional in small coastal towns vulnerable to climate impacts.

• Item 23: Sonoma County Energy Independence Program (SCEIP) Bonding Authorization
Issue Summary:
Renews bonding authority to finance energy and water conservation improvements through property assessments (PACE model).
Why it matters: Enables residents to invest in solar, efficiency, and resilience upgrades—directly reducing emissions and improving housing sustainability.

Volunteers Needed

We are seeking club volunteers to help table and collect signatures in the coming weeks for the SMART Initiative and Prop 50. Can you help?

• Tabling at Cloverdale Senior Center Farmers Market every Friday 10-11am
• Collecting signatures standing outside the Sunday Cloverdale Farmers' Market every Sunday 9:30am-1pm. (We also have permission to place a table in front of the Chamber office.)
• Collecting signatures at Indivisible events and other area events
• Host neighborhood house party to answer questions about Proposition 50, SMART Initiative, other local and national concerns

Sign up at our Volunteer page and a volunteer coordinator will be in touch. The more people who volunteer, the lighter the load—and we may have some fun together! You can also request Prop 50 yard signs and Prop 50 postcards.