[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6565242,"mediaKeyId","3224131-03e77400a90a88942659ab17967d4d3a","parentId",3224131,"title","Sonoma council adopts three regional priorities for county mayors meeting: homelessness, emergency preparedness, shared resources","audioSeconds",883,"startMs",5672460,"endMs",6556350,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3224131-03e77400a90a88942659ab17967d4d3a&start=5672&end=6556","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3224131-03e77400a90a88942659ab17967d4d3a/thumbnail_5672460.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6565242/Sonoma-City/Sonoma-County/California/Sonoma-council-adopts-three-regional-priorities-for-county-mayors-meeting-homelessness-emergency-preparedness-shared-resources","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6565242-73126bb7b58c9b3ec9ea6bdb81b69482/orig.mp4?Expires=1771213561&Signature=WAy8TK9v3jPCRugklJ9xzHSofX~AYIljIv9kPckNNHad-mY5VF6pwv1W1orRZBlBQHCljHu8j5pLX504UsT4k01ym5PgU7VSHdEVZ7N5Ecm85H67fYmzFIJgGPXxpVM-uKMTYDNvyzMHiKxB95eSovjj1vv0eIHbzUhJkb89VA1EuabGWS~pdw0s5lzzqc-BoPP1~rPrGvuKxhmVB4u13fZlvO-B0HFYX-QNjcGoy4WMsslvJI1dzP2JwDb6w-zrOl-Mn2AoHFF1rqFlkghjYGVhdf0S--dwiPao~7dBePBTvZ-06MqTa-1LRXt1RCYi9cgXxkVvMtoVefDKjRHWQQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Sonoma, CA","date","2025-05-05T21:19:21Z","article","The Sonoma City Council voted unanimously on May 7 to endorse three proposed regional priorities for discussion at the County Mayors and Council Members board meeting: homelessness and housing with mental-health services; emergency preparedness and resilience for extreme events; and interagency coordination and shared resources.

The list was presented to the council as a starting point for a countywide set of three priorities where cities could align their requests and advocacy with county supervisors and state lawmakers. The suggested items included coordinating funding for homeless services and affordable housing, boosting access to mental-health facilities (including possible use of Measure O funding), improving regional planning and infrastructure for extreme events (wildfires, storms, mudslides, earthquakes) and strengthening joint emergency response operations, and reviewing and enhancing regional partnerships and equitable funding models for shared public facilities.

Council members discussed the list and largely supported the three areas while suggesting edits and emphases. Council member Low said emergency preparedness and response—including police and ambulance response times and traffic safety—remains the public’s top concern and should be emphasized. Other council members noted the importance of regional coordination for non-profit support, immigration-related community safety and potential near-term economic challenges tied to tourism and regional revenues.

The council authorized staff to forward the three priorities (with minor clarifications gathered in the discussion) to the county mayors’ group. The motion passed by voice vote with all members in favor.

The county meeting will consider submissions from other cities and the final set of countywide priorities will shape joint advocacy on funding and interjurisdictional programs.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council - 07 May 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Council approved three proposed county-level priorities to present to the Sonoma County mayors and council members: (1) homelessness/housing/mental health coordination; (2) emergency preparedness and resilience; and (3) interagency coordination and shared resources.","taxTitle","Sonoma City, Sonoma County, California","taxId",72202,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6565245,"Sonoma council approves Cultural & Fine Arts Commission 2025 work plan, funds utility-box art pilot",1074,2948235,4022380,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3224131-03e77400a90a88942659ab17967d4d3a&start=2948&end=4022","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3224131-03e77400a90a88942659ab17967d4d3a/thumbnail_2948235.jpg","/articles/6565245/Sonoma-City/Sonoma-County/California/Sonoma-council-approves-Cultural-Fine-Arts-Commission-2025-work-plan-funds-utility-box-art-pilot","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6565245-bc7b629a2e2c2edecf39997cf5527358/orig.mp4?Expires=1771213561&Signature=VJq45-t3yA6xzGDk5GkT~lkKoQvr-UIXyk7jX8lM5ELtf~u37OVZBVd~ZUMS7b7P~UYa~5erfEYTFQk2GVobbDb1nimOWlyuqSYC3bzuNL25fIQddjT6JqV4-FmrUrSTwWx8nR-1y7D83a8FXQ6tIt9t0XcxcoDBg~QHngD5h17VMlOXlFFqIIFtiGEyZ38GxyQMhZdPtW3iqJZyULJHlcsmEfp595kh0JXk6nA63IgK2-DWfGhd3BlIt4qYhonGrTiVjA9~URfhQlJ8mLiMivmND6Ux~qfMCyjSdPBelyhhnABQnWAGCXtsSV5XUVxsfPNMsM9wicHsJ8bofnDvlw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Sonoma City Council on May 7 unanimously approved the 2025 work plan proposed by the Cultural & Fine Arts Commission (CFAC), authorizing staff to move forward on several public-art initiatives including a utility-box art wrap pilot and creation of a public-art toolkit.

Sarah Tracy, the city’s senior management analyst and public information officer, presented the commission’s plan. Key elements include producing a public-art toolkit (templates, engagement tools and site maps), launching a utility-box wrap pilot with a call-to-artists in June and installations likely in fall 2025, and exploring a public-art master plan in coordination with a forthcoming Parks and Recreation director. The utility-box pilot was described as the first temporary art project to use the newly activated public art fund and carries an estimated budget of $15,000.

Connie Schleyling, chair of the Cultural & Fine Arts Commission, said the commission has long prioritized a master plan and that recent changes—Measure T funds and the imminent Parks & Rec director—create an opportunity to move from planning to implementation. The commission also plans to reconnect with past awardees, continue annual artist and student award programs and expand rotating exhibits.

Council members praised the commission’s work and suggested possible locations for future public art, including the plaza fountain and a vacant park site on Fifth Street West as places to prioritize. The council voted to approve the work plan by voice vote; the motion passed unanimously.

The approval activates a funding pathway for temporary and small-scale public art projects and instructs staff and the commission to continue work on public-art policies, community engagement and pilot projects through 2025.","The City Council approved the Cultural & Fine Arts Commission's 2025 work plan, which includes creating a public-art toolkit, launching a utility-box art-wrap pilot (estimated $15,000) and activating a public art fund account.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6565250,"Sonoma council approves cemetery fee changes and two new columbarium units amid wait lists",1623,4022920,5646360,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3224131-03e77400a90a88942659ab17967d4d3a&start=4022&end=5646","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3224131-03e77400a90a88942659ab17967d4d3a/thumbnail_4022920.jpg","/articles/6565250/Sonoma-City/Sonoma-County/California/Sonoma-council-approves-cemetery-fee-changes-and-two-new-columbarium-units-amid-wait-lists","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6565250-e850eefb1e927e4560dc6048051b3cdb/orig.mp4?Expires=1771213561&Signature=iiRMuuNUE~6DU3g-KYPmge-lU~ohKyI~18stBA7eK7FMuYEqKIFAz8NcbwWORzenc-EN1gJt5uRfBOWVN51UKZLDpYScCLF9vV3SjnawT04G53QLh33KYZjKw~LfgbSAA~iItk4kXL207ptj3M74PmbSw5b1HYXflyYB8poWqerVaByrbx5S4GkFJM1MkJx1XirQzhliN2jDroP00l9vcvrNWU8aayafOtGrQq~jNh-mWqD9TcZvxQXPqGux0RICGnx31HNW~f3KSQtMY5eQaWCaM5SprNR06qpokDdXDzxxxk4~OXw11SMwnKNHa5MJhItFzt40y8TBMy2McNgzcg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Sonoma City Council unanimously adopted a resolution on May 7 approving cemetery fee adjustments and adding two above-ground columbarium units to expand available interment options.

Cemeteries manager Carolyn Fulton presented the update, saying the city faces growing demand across its three cemeteries and is moving to create sustainable inventory and operations. Fulton said the city will install a 32-single-unit columbarium at the Veterans Cemetery and an 82-unit columbarium at the Mountain Cemetery (25 of those units are double-depth niches). Public Works is scheduled to install the first units the week of May 15.

Fulton described several operational improvements made since her July hire: creating an administrator position for records and family inquiries, pursuing a senior maintenance-worker hire, launching a GIS-based mapping project for Mountain Cemetery with the Sonoma Valley Historical Society, updating cemetery brochures and website information, and coordinating volunteer cleanup and fuel-reduction work with Conservation Corps North Bay.

She told the council the city currently has about 30 people on a wait list for cremation interment at the Veterans Cemetery, roughly 30 people waiting for casket interment options citywide, and about 40 and growing on the wait list for niches. Fulton said staff will likely need to proceed to phase two of columbarium construction quickly to meet demand.

Fulton also proposed pricing adjustments to better reflect direct, indirect and capital costs, endowment care and administrative fees to move the cemetery program toward financial sustainability and away from General Fund dependence. She said the Veterans pricing carries a lower rate for resident families, a common practice among cemetery operators. Specific dollar amounts were presented in the staff packet and summarized in Fulton’s slides.

Public commenters praised the operational work and raised points for staff to consider. Tom Conlin and Patty Deferne — long-time valley residents — urged the city to coordinate with valley-wide studies and to ensure cemetery rules are culturally sensitive. Deferne specifically asked staff to reconsider policies that limited how long families could decorate graves; Fulton responded the city is revising rules and will be thoughtful and considerate in enforcement. Council members complimented staff and the historical-society partnership; Vice Mayor Wallander highlighted the cultural and historical value of the cemeteries and supported the GIS mapping.

Council adopted the resolution by roll call. Council member Gurney, Vice Mayor Wallander, Council member Ding, Council member Low and Mayor Patricia Farrar Rivas all voted in the affirmative.

The resolution funds near-term capital steps (consulting, geotechnical work and installation logistics are noted as part of project costs) and tasks staff with continued outreach and inventory management to address the wait lists and provide additional in-ground and memorial options.

","Council adopted a resolution approving new pricing and adding two columbarium units — a 32-unit at the Veterans Cemetery and an 82-unit (including 25 doubles) at the Mountain Cemetery — citing strong demand and active wait lists for burial options.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6565255,"Sonoma council approves safety-element contract amid public calls to use KLD SAFE evacuation study",510,2404744,2915180,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3224131-03e77400a90a88942659ab17967d4d3a&start=2404&end=2915","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3224131-03e77400a90a88942659ab17967d4d3a/thumbnail_2404744.jpg","/articles/6565255/Sonoma-City/Sonoma-County/California/Sonoma-council-approves-safety-element-contract-amid-public-calls-to-use-KLD-SAFE-evacuation-study","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6565255-cc7c427e06ca8fb183c08a1e62024f23/orig.mp4?Expires=1771213561&Signature=JvITHxEChn2mNCjfm5dkAOJd5AWVLW6LN2w2q2NoGy1Puwl30LKjylYkAyiHWDqEayWMPO5Q028W5lwIQ5deB1juP4ftxNywKV11Oc3wL06X0r-q4XaQ4psC5m7P7rC8N35eQkIjR8oKcwQnUA-eHq4bux2Vs-vkDJlAO3hQppTcUkyaYF5wBDw4FDsn6M25T-989xDyqhQh8DfWZmkK4nsUxNwYmCfNiMua3xGLopcCLxR6q7ne9sJQ6-b195ObRQJANVofH3qK6z~Q~F-VYV6eov1Xjd10rXBqyQ7MS6E8KOarkgPSGrFObPq41QGnCrxpPF32NBX~1DTXUp63yA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Sonoma City Council on May 7 unanimously approved a consent-calendar contract addendum for the General Plan safety element after public comment urged the city to account for an earlier KLD “SAFE” evacuation study and to broaden the consultant scope.

Supporters of the KLD SAFE study and other residents said the proposed scope and budget for the city’s selected consultant may not produce an evacuation analysis as comprehensive as the community needs. They urged the council to consider KLD’s earlier work and to clarify whether the contract includes weekend-event scenarios and an explicit wildfire-event identification task.

The concerns came during public comment before the council voted on the consent calendar. Bean Anderson, who helped commission the SAFE study, said the KLD team had already mapped roads and evacuation issues across Sonoma Valley and told the city it could expand that work to include the Town of Sonoma. Norman Gilroy of Sonoma Valley Next 100 said roughly $80,000 in privately raised funds already supported the valley study and urged the city to coordinate so the city’s effort would join, not duplicate, valley-level work.

City staff told the council all comments received on the General Plan materials are logged on the city’s General Plan website and would be considered as the draft safety element language is produced. A staff response during the meeting said the safety element work is being incorporated into the General Plan process and that the firm being hired will work as part of that process. The staff reply also noted the county has a draft study that will be evaluated and incorporated where appropriate.

Speakers pressed specific items in the published consultant proposal. One commenter asked about an “Optional Task 1.2” that would bring in wildfire-risk experts to identify the most likely wildfire events and shape evacuation scenarios; the commenter said it was unclear whether that optional task was in scope or excluded. Another concern raised was that the current scope explicitly excludes weekend-event scenarios, despite high weekend visitation for some local events.

Council briefly discussed procurement and scope—staff confirmed the safety-element work is part of the broader General Plan contract and that data from county efforts will be considered. The council then approved the consent calendar by roll call. Council member Gurney, Vice Mayor Wallander, Council member Ding, Council member Low and Mayor Patricia Farrar Rivas all voted in the affirmative; the motion carried unanimously.

The approval advances the General Plan safety-element work but leaves open questions the public asked the council to clarify: whether the city will incorporate the KLD SAFE study or solicit a separate bid from KLD, whether the optional wildfire-risk task will be included, and whether the analysis will account for high-traffic weekend-event evacuations. City staff said comments will continue to be collected during the draft-review and EIR stages of the General Plan process.

Votes at a glance: Consent calendar (includes Safety Element contract addendum) — approved unanimously (5–0).

","The City Council unanimously approved a consent-calendar contract addendum to advance the General Plan safety element, prompting public speakers to press the city to consider the valley-wide KLD SAFE evacuation study and to clarify the contract's scope and weekend-event scenarios.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Sonoma council adopts three regional priorities for county mayors meeting: homelessness, emergency preparedness, shared resources

Sonoma council approves Cultural & Fine Arts Commission 2025 work plan, funds utility-box art pilot

Sonoma council approves cemetery fee changes and two new columbarium units amid wait lists

Sonoma council approves safety-element contract amid public calls to use KLD SAFE evacuation study