“It’s almost impossible for people to change alone. We need to join with others who will push us in our thinking and challenge us to do things we didn’t believe ourselves capable of.” Frances Moore Lappe, American author and social change activist, “Diet for a Small Planet.”
As First District Supervisor, my focus is always on community. The work of creating healthy, cohesive, harmonious community is dynamic, sometimes difficult, but always worth the time and effort involved. When we come together, even when the subject is controversial and emotions are running high, we leave the experience changed. Better for having listened; better for having shared.
On Monday evening, July 27 at Altimira Middle School, over 250 people showed up to express their passion and care for The Springs community. It seems the bright façade colors did more than draw attention to businesses; it drew a community out of their homes to have some tough conversations and to learn more about our way forward.
It was a remarkable experience to listen to people from all walks of life, from all over the Valley, express their concerns, ask questions, listen to each other, and offer support for the business community – even when they disagreed with the facades. And it was important to learn that our business owners and contractor Rico Martin complied with all of the requirements and guidelines of the Façade Loan Program offered through the Sonoma County Community Development Commission.
Many people expressed an interest to learn more about what is happening in The Springs, particularly with regard to community group meetings and business opportunities offered by public-private partnerships. Indeed, the Springs is in the midst of change, and it will require much from all of us to ensure the community we become is the community we work to create. We must encourage each other, challenge our beliefs, and together become greater than we previously imagined possible.
There are many positive developments in the Springs. As the sidewalks are poured and the lighting installed, the infrastructure improvements are not only literal, but also figurative. The County is devoting tools and resources to the community to increase engagement and opportunities. In the coming months, we will launch a community engagement process funded by a $450,000 grant to envision the future of the corridor. Stay tuned for more information about to participate in this process.
Here are some ways to get involved immediately:
The Springs Community Alliance exists to draw together community members of all types and backgrounds to improve the quality of life in the Springs Community. They welcome anyone with an interest in The Springs to attend and weigh in on issues that matter to them. For more information and to become a member (free!) visit http://springscommunityalliance.org/
The SCA August General Meeting is Thursday, August 13, 7-8:30 p.m. at the Sonoma Valley Community Health Center, 19270 Sonoma Highway.
Business development partnerships at work in the Valley
Interested in connecting with businesses in The Springs or the entire Valley? In partnership with the Sonoma Valley Chamber of Commerce and La Luz Center, the Sonoma County Economic Development Board has many programs and opportunities.
As part of the County’s Business Retention and Expansion program, Tim Ricard at the Economic Development Board is partnering with Chamber of Commerce to conduct a series business outreach visits in Sonoma Valley. This program identifies ways the County can help businesses and provides them with valuable resources such as:
- Workforce Assistance – finding qualified employees, on the job training, and hiring incentives
- Permit and Regulatory Guidance
- Business Startup Services
- State Incentives and Sales Tax Exemption Programs
- Alternative lending and Microfinance programs
- Marketing Information, Business Intelligence, and Customized Demographic reports
- Certification as a Sonoma County Green Business
Through this program, EDB staff has been able to work with over 60 Sonoma Valley businesses to help them identify and solve over unique 100 business challenges. This type of proactive business assistance and outreach increases communication and trust between the County and business community and provides support services to help our local businesses grow and thrive in the Valley. To learn more about this program, please call Tim Ricard at 565.7257 or tim.ricard@sonoma-county.org
La Luz Center: Springboard Business Group
Springboard Business Meetings are held the first Wednesday of every month, 7:30 a.m. at La Luz Center, 17560 Greger St. These meetings are a wonderful way to learn about issues and opportunities for the business community. More importantly, they build relationships between business owners in the Springs.
Robert Barnhart, owner of the Lonesome Cowboy Ranch, said of the meetings, “Businesses are fostered through the Springboard Meetings. We are family and here to support each other. We are working together to build our community.” Robert further elaborated on how much he has enjoyed being a part of a “multinational community” and has especially enjoyed working with the Latino business owners.
All are welcome and encouraged to attend. Presentations have included updates on the Highway 12 Phase II construction project and presentations and updates from the Springs Community Alliance. The Plaza Hub is tentatively scheduled for discussion in August.
Microloan Program
The La Luz Center Microloan program provides loans up to $10,000 to help entrepreneurs launch startup businesses and expand operations or finance remodeling projects for existing businesses. Businesses can be for profit or non-profit. La Luz Center staff and local partners also provide small business one-on-one coaching and Small Business Development Workshops, which are free to the public. Requirements:
Business and/or business owner are located in the Springs Communities of Boyes Hot Springs, El Verano, Fetters Hot Springs, or Agua Caliente.
- Owner is or becomes a member of the Springboard Business Group.
- Owner and business are current on payments on other obligations, including personal credit obligations and have not had a bankruptcy in the last two years.
- Owner is a small business with less than 10 employees.
- Owner has at least one year of recent same-industry experience.
- Owner provides evidence of income to cover current debt payments and new loan payment.
For further questions about either the Springboard Business Meetings or the Microloan Program, please contact: Malinalli López (707) 938-5131×103 or email her at malinalli@laluzcenter.org.
Final thoughts
As your Supervisor, I am dedicated to providing tools, information and advocacy to support the efforts of all constituents to better our community. It is a wonderful time for the Springs, Sonoma Valley, and small businesses all over the County. We can and will work together to rise to the challenges and opportunities that are present and forthcoming. I embrace the passion this community feels for The Springs. It takes a strong, resilient, innovative village to dream a wish into a reality. We can and will do this together.
Thank you, Susan, for the update, and for being so involved in the Springs’ evolution. You are the leader and the voice we need to keep these programs on track–a trusted conduit to County resources and an advocate for change with disciplined process. These are important times for the Springs and we are fortunate to have your level-headed guidance.