Board invokes countywide tenant protections after Russian River floods; supervisors approve temporary eviction ban 4-1

What happened: On Feb. 11 the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors ratified a local emergency proclamation tied to recent atmospheric-river flooding and added a specific amendment invoking the county's tenant-protection ordinance to prohibit terminations of tenancy countywide while the emergency proclamation remains in effect and for 30 days after it is repealed.

Why it matters: County staff and community groups reported that the storm caused evacuations and damage along the Russian River and that tenants and small-business owners were seeking immediate help. County counsel said activating the ordinance's eviction protections can stabilize housing and reduce displacement while emergency response continues.

Key details of the action: County Counsel read and the board adopted an amendment that states, in part, that "the Board of Supervisors does hereby invoke the protections of Section 8 of Sonoma County Ordinance Number 6,496 to prohibit the termination of any tenancy in all areas of the County including the incorporated cities of the County during the duration of the local emergency declared by this resolution." Counsel said the provision will remain "in full force and effect until 30 days after the Board of Supervisors terminates this resolution or otherwise repeals the provision." The board voted 4-1: Supervisors Hermosillo, Corsi, Gore and Chair Hopkins voted yes; Supervisor Rabbit voted no.

Roll call and parliamentary steps: Counsel offered language for insertion into the emergency-resolution packet; the board said there was sufficient support to add it, and counsel indicated staff would return on Feb. 25 with an urgency ordinance implementing targeted modifications. Counsel also advised the board that a geographically narrower emergency ordinance could be drafted and returned at the March 11 meeting for a more refined, area-specific approach.

Debate in public session: Some supervisors expressed concern about applying a blanket, countywide eviction prohibition that would extend to incorporated cities not affected by flooding. Supervisor Rabbit said he could not support a countywide moratorium without broader notice and argued the measure should be reserved for truly countywide disasters. Supporters said the protections were needed immediately to prevent evictions of people already displaced or facing imminent eviction.

Quotes from the meeting:

- "The Board of Supervisors does hereby invoke the protections of Section 8 of Sonoma County Ordinance Number 6,496 to prohibit the termination of any tenancy in all areas of the County ..." (language read into the record by County Counsel Pittman.)

- "If we don't make [a moratorium], then in my opinion it's worthless because we have folks who are facing eviction currently," said Supervisor Corsi, arguing the protections should take effect immediately even if the scope is refined later.

What comes next: Counsel said an urgency ordinance could be adopted on Feb. 25 to take effect immediately and that staff would bring a geographically narrower ordinance for possible adoption at the March 11 meeting. The board directed staff to prepare the urgency ordinance and return with options for tailoring the geographic scope and duration.

Ending: The board approved the amendment and ratified the proclamation 4-1, invoking countywide eviction protections for the duration of the local emergency and 30 days thereafter. Staff will return with an urgency ordinance and a refined, geographically focused option at upcoming meetings.