Applications due for lower Russian River, Sonoma Coast councils

Residents scattered among small communities along the Sonoma Coast and the lower Russian River, all dependent on a single locally elected representative, are about to launch an experiment designed to give them greater input into policies and decisions that affect their lives and neighborhoods.

As promised during her 2016 campaign, 5th District Sonoma County Supervisor Lynda Hopkins is overseeing formation of two elected advisory councils to enhance representation of local constituents and improve communication between far-flung residents and county government.

Applications for the two nine-?member panels are due by 5 p.m. Wednesday.

Final selections will be made in the ensuing weeks, though the process is different for the two groups. The plan is to have the groups up and running by January, Hopkins said.

“My purpose is really local self-?governance and community empowerment,” Hopkins said. “I see this as almost an unincorporated town council.”

The Lower Russian River and Sonoma Coast Municipal Advisory Councils are the product of more than a year of public meetings and groundwork by government officials and west county residents to decide on boundaries and representation within each citizen panel.

Their mission is the same. The councils will be asked to review land-use and use-permit applications, to help prioritize transportation and transit improvements, to consider health and human services and other topics, as requested, and advance recommendations to the entire Board of Supervisors and other officials.

They also will be in position to consider matters that arise within communities and may be appropriate for higher level intervention.

“As far as the issues, it’s everything under the sun, practically - from homelessness to the roads to improving our sidewalks, better security, the sheriff’s department, parking, events. Whatever affects that town,” said Jordan Lebovich, 56, who has applied to represent Guerneville on the Lower Russian River council.

Community members who have attended formation meetings and otherwise have engaged in recruitment and organization of council elections said they are eager to see what Timber Cove Fire Capt. Scott Foster called “enthusiastic, organized and fair-minded” people represent the regions.

“I am definitely excited for this opportunity,” said Timber Cove recruiter Carolyne Singer, who lives outside Salt Point State Park. “This is a place for the communities along the coast to communicate with each other and discover common issues, discover common needs.”

But organizers acknowledged, as well, that each council will be a work in progress as its members develop their approach to pressing topics and familiarize the public.

Brooks Rooney, who is applying to represent Bodega Bay, said challenges will include fairly addressing issues of interest only to certain communities while establishing a collective voice.

“I know that fire is a big deal up north, where it’s not so much here,” said Rooney, 77. “We have a fishing industry, which some of them don’t have up there. So there’s differences, but we have to establish a relationship together. … That’s where I think you have to go first.”

Existing municipal advisory councils in the Dry Creek Valley and the Mark West Springs area north of Santa Rosa may offer cues. Another council is being developed for The Springs area of the Sonoma Valley.

About 20 people either have filed or signaled their intent to file candidacy for the new west county councils, Hopkins’ aide Amie Windsor said. Organizers still hope to recruit more applicants before elections.

The Lower Russian River council is to have two representatives each for Forestville and Guerneville, and one each for Hacienda, Rio Nido, Monte Rio/Villa Grande, Cazadero/Duncans Mills and Pocket Canyon - as well as an alternate for each district.

Ballots will be mailed to registered voters Nov. 7 and can be returned by mail by Nov. 17 or delivered in person during a daylong candidates’ event at Guerneville Elementary School that same day, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Those who are not registered voters also may obtain provisional ballots during the event, with proof of residency.

On the Sonoma Coast, two representatives will be selected for The Sea Ranch/Annapolis and for Bodega Bay, while one person will represent each of the communities of Timber Cove, Fort Ross/West Cazadero, Jenner, the Kashia Band of Pomo Indians and Bodega/Valley Ford. Alternates are being recruited, as well.

Ballots also will be mailed to voters in the region but have different due dates. There also will be community meetings to learn about the candidates. See sonomacounty.ca.gov/Sonoma-County-Coast-Municipal-Advisory-Council/ to learn more.

Applicants must be at least ?18 years old, live in the district boundaries and be prepared to attend regular meetings lasting about four hours each. More information is available from District 5 Field Representative Amie Windsor at 707-565-2866 or Amie.Windsor@sonoma-county.org.

You can reach Staff Writer Mary Callahan at 707-521-5249 or mary.callahan@pressdemocrat.com. On Twitter @MaryCallahanB.