Sonoma County Democratic Party

July 31, 2009

Sonoma County Democratic Party supports acquisition of Bohemia Ranch

The Sonoma County Democratic Party has unanimously approved a resolution urging the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District to purchase Bohemia Ranch (also known as Waterfall Park). The 862-acre Bohemia Ranch in western Sonoma County includes 400 acres of forested land, part of the Dutch Bill Creek Watershed, and supports steelhead trout and coho salmon.

Full text of the resolution passed at the June meeting of the Sonoma County Democratic Party’s Central Committee follows:

RESOLUTION to urge the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District to acquire Bohemia Ranch, aka Waterfall Park:
    WHEREAS, Bohemia Ranch, aka Waterfall Park, has been a long-sought open space asset, and is now available for public purchase, and
    WHEREAS high priorities for the voters who created the District are the natural hillside landscapes that citizens cherish, the visual separations between and around our cities, unique plant and animal habitats, scenically beautiful watersheds that protect the quality of our water and acquisition of the Bohemia Ranch would honor those high priorities;
    WHEREAS, Bohemia Ranch is a significant west county open space comprising approximately 17 percent of Dutch Bill Creek Watershed, supports coho salmon and steelhead runs, and has been the focus of considerable expense and restoration effort by multiple public agencies and nonprofit organizations, all of which support protecting this property, and
    WHEREAS, Bohemia Ranch has 862 acres, with about 400 acres in fir forest with redwoods, creating an opportunity to sell carbon credits to support it as a new park, has an existing developed campground site with great views, four cabins, outdoor showers and a new road,
    THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Sonoma County Democratic Party urges the Sonoma County Open Space District to consider purchasing Bohemia Ranch as open space in an expedited manner, and
    BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Sonoma County Democratic Party will communicate this resolution and supporting documents to all members of the Sonoma County Open Space District Board, the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors, and district/area legislators, urging all to support this purchase.


Contact: Stephen Gale, Chair
Sonoma County Democratic Party
(707) 537-9348
stephengale1@yahoo.com

Pass by unanimous vote on July 8, 2008

A Resolution in Support of the Financial Stability of the City of Petaluma and in Opposition to the Wastewater & Water Service Initiative that will appear on the November 2008 Petaluma ballot.

Whereas the City Manager, Financial Officer, and professional staff of the City of Petaluma, and all of the members of Petaluma’s City Council unanimously affirm that passing the Wastewater and Water Service Initiative in November will severely undermine the financial stability of Petaluma, and may expose it to major financial ruin, and

Whereas we have reviewed the details of this irresponsible Initiative and note the long term harm that it will cause to the City of Petaluma, and the adverse effects it will have on the quality of life of Petaluma's families,

We, the Sonoma County Democratic Central Committee, therefore, unreservedly give our support to the people of Petaluma and urge the voters of Petaluma to reject the Wastewater and Water Service Initiative.

We strongly urge a "NO" vote in November

March 20, 2008

Recent Shooting Prompts Sonoma County Democratic Party to Renew Call for Law Enforcement Citizens’ Review Board and Improved Mental Health Services

The recent fatal shooting of a woman by a Rohnert Park police officer has prompted Sonoma County Democratic Party members to call once again for a Public Citizens’ Review Board that would provide for full disclosure of matters of significant importance to the public.

“A loss of life in this manner is yet another tragic example of why we need greater oversight and transparency to those we entrust with our safety,” said Maria Peluso, Chairperson of the Sonoma County Democratic Party.

“We ask again of our county supervisors to establish a citizens’ review board for such oversight, propose ways to coordinate information between crisis professionals and law enforcement, and find a way to provide mental health services to those in dire need, before this type of tragedy repeats itself,” Peluso added.

The Sonoma County Democratic Central Committee, the body that leads the local Democratic party, passed three related resolutions just last year, stressing each issue as of great social importance for public concern and safety. In each resolution, the party calls on elected leaders to take action accordingly in combating the social ills that affect all citizens of Sonoma County and neighboring communities.

Peluso concludes, “Our call for action does not lay responsibility for the death of Heather Kathleen Billings March 16 at the feet of police. However, law enforcement officials constantly remind us that ‘due to an ongoing investigation,’ they cannot comment on the matter. In this case, the Rohnert Park police chief is attending a weeklong conference in San Francisco and, even if he were here, he wouldn’t comment. As a result, many are left with a sense of distrust for ‘blind justice’ and we need to restore that trust.”

Accompanying Documents
2007-07-01_MentalHea197A5B.doc
2007-08-04_MentalHealth.doc
2007-10-03_CitizensR197A50.doc
3.20.08_Press_Releas197A77.pdf