Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Sonoma County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
9 issues in public safety with high priority
Aircraft noise at Charles M. Schulz Airport
Residents in Windsor, Forestville, Sebastopol and west county have filed more than 46,000 noise complaints this year — up 329% — since the FAA implemented the Redhead departure route in 2024. The county can't force changes because the FAA controls airspace, so it's pursuing voluntary measures and new procedure designs. The 3-2 vote shows even the board is split on whether this spending will actually help.
$2 Million Immigrant-serving Providers Funding
The Board's consent agenda included a $2 million agreement funding legal aid, rapid response, and mental health services for immigrant families, led by VIDAS with a broad coalition. Speakers credited it with reuniting detained residents with families.
Domestic violence response and the high-risk team
The DA and YWCA marked Domestic Violence Awareness Month; the county's domestic violence high-risk team has reviewed 284 cases in two years with zero domestic violence homicides among them.
Extended storm emergency proclamations
The local emergency proclamations from the November 2024 and February 2025 atmospheric rivers stay in effect, keeping recovery aid flowing.
Schmitz et al. v. Permit Sonoma settlement
The county paid $150,000 to settle a lawsuit brought by three people with ACLU backing over Permit Sonoma practices, plus dismissal of the case. Terms will be public once executed.
Restoration of CAPE Mental Health Crisis Teams
A regional look at mobile crisis response — the program that sends trained teams instead of police to some mental health and behavioral emergencies. The update shows how the system is performing across the region.
Sheriff's ICE collaboration and immigrant community concerns
Multiple speakers said they opposed any increased funding or advantages for the sheriff because of his continued cooperation with ICE, urging the county to invest in education, health, and housing instead.
Crisis Stabilization Unit Funding and Sustainability
The county was scheduled to award a design-build contract for a Youth Crisis Center at Los Guilicos, funded through the state's Behavioral Health Continuum Infrastructure Program. It would give young people in Sonoma County a dedicated crisis care facility close to home.
IOLERO v. Sheriff's Office litigation
The Board was scheduled to discuss ongoing litigation between the county's sheriff oversight office (IOLERO) and the Sheriff's Office in closed session. The outcome could affect how sheriff oversight works in the county.