Sonoma Supervisors Advance Mental Health, Parks Funding Plans

SONOMA COUNTY, CA — Sonoma County supervisors are set to tackle several decisions with long-term impacts, including a $54.6 million behavioral health treatment expansion, placing a parks sales tax renewal before voters, and appointing a new county health officer.

On Tuesday, the board will consider redirecting the county's behavioral health strategy by advancing new treatment facilities while abandoning a years-old jail-based mental health housing project.

Supervisors are being asked to accept a conditional $54.6 million award from the California Department of Health Care Services to move forward with Behavioral Health Continuum Infrastructure Program projects at the Los Guilicos campus and the Orenda Center.

Staff would also pursue regional partnerships and additional public and private funding to close remaining financing gaps and expand treatment capacity.

At the same time, the board would formally terminate the Sheriff's SB 863 Behavioral Health Housing Unit project, first approved nearly a decade ago, and redirect local funding previously reserved for that project toward the new behavioral health initiative.

Another closely watched item would send the future of Sonoma County's long-running parks sales tax to voters.

The board is scheduled to adopt the final ordinance and call a Nov. 3, 2026, special election asking voters whether to continue the existing one-eighth-cent sales tax supporting Regional Parks and city parks.

The measure also funds water quality improvements and fire safety projects and would continue until voters decide otherwise.

Supervisors also are expected to appoint Dr. Mia Shim as Sonoma County's next health officer, effective July 8. The health officer serves as the county's chief public health physician and plays a central role during disease outbreaks, environmental health emergencies, and other public health matters.

Other agenda items include:

• Affirming Sonoma County's commitment to providing nondiscriminatory access to medically necessary health care, including gender-affirming care.

• Awarding a $356,925 contract to conduct a countywide wildfire vulnerability assessment of county-owned buildings and infrastructure, funded through PG&E's 2017 Fire Settlement.

• Accepting up to $2.775 million in state, federal, and incentive grants to replace the aging icehouse at Spud Point Marina in Bodega Bay.

Sonoma County Board of Supervisors Meeting
9 a.m. Tuesday, July 7
575 Administration Drive, Room 102A, and online