Susan Gorin represents the First District as a member of the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors, an area that includes the entire Sonoma Valley.
Getting Involved In Government
I frequently hear from residents of my district who are passionate about issues facing their community and want to know, how do I get involved? One of the best ways to be active in Sonoma County is to serve on one of the county Boards, Committees, and Commissions, many of which include seats appointed by your county Supervisor. Many First District representatives serve on these bodies, and I’m so grateful for their time and dedication. For those not yet involved, vacancies occasionally arise, and following are the public bodies in the First District with current vacancies.
The North Sonoma Valley Municipal Advisory Council (MAC) includes the unincorporated communities of Glen Ellen and Kenwood, and has been meeting since 2020. It currently has three vacancies. The MAC advises the Supervisor’s office and hears presentations on matters of local concern, including housing and development, road conditions, and bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure. Additionally, the MAC serves as a space for community members to communicate their needs to county government. Additionally, the MAC collaborates with other local entities on community projects, such as the Glen Ellen Firehouse Triangle beautification project in partnership with the Glen Ellen Forum.
The North Sonoma Valley MAC meets at 5:30 p.m. on the third Tuesday of the first and third months of each quarter. That means: January, March, April, June, July, September, October and December.
The Springs Municipal Advisory Council (MAC) has two vacancies, and represents the communities of Agua Caliente, Fetters Hot Springs, Boyes Hot Springs and El Verano in the Springs area of Sonoma. The MAC serves as a bridge for communication between the County and local residents and businesses on topics of importance for the Springs area, including traffic and safety, equity, emergency preparedness and mental health, among many other topics. The Springs MAC also organizes and supports local community events, such as the Springs Winter Celebration, coming up on its third year, and a recent event to decorate bike racks to be placed throughout the Springs community.
The Springs MAC meets on the second Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Sonoma Valley Unified School District Board Room.
The Sonoma County Commission on Human Rights provides leadership, education and advocacy to ensure that all members of our community – especially those who are marginalized, disadvantaged, or whose rights are being violated – enjoy the full range of human rights to which everyone is entitled. The Human Rights Commission currently has one vacancy. Its activities include creating awareness of human rights issues, working in partnership with community organizations and county agencies, assisting with media campaigns, educational programs and training, and advocating for policy changes, among other work.
The Commission meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month, beginning at 5:30 p.m.. These meetings are held in the Large Training Room of the Human Resources Department at 575 Administration Drive, Suite 116C, in Santa Rosa.
I urge anyone interested in serving on any of these bodies to submit an application to my office: [email protected]. If there is a Board, Commission, or a Committee that intrigues you, but for which there is not currently a vacancy, you can still apply and applications are kept on file should a future vacancy arise.
To learn more about and apply to county Boards, Committees, and Commissions, visit: https://sonoma-county.granicus.com/boards/w/808bd6e42edf8e0f/boards/.
