News

Sent: August 11, 2023

To: Chris Coursey, James Gore, Susan Gorin, Lynda Hopkins, David Rabbitt 

Re: Support for Potter Valley Project proposal by Sonoma Water group and Request for continued project support

Dear Sonoma Water Board of Directors:

The Sonoma County Alliance was originally formed to advocate for the creation of Warm Springs Dam to provide a sustainable and resilient water supply for our region.  We continue this work today through our Water Supply Committee which stays informed about water issues that impact the business community in Sonoma County.  The mission of our committee includes being involved with decision and policy makers, becoming educated, and bringing information forward to Alliance leadership and membership. 

The Water Supply Committee has been closely following local water supply and resiliency efforts as well as state-wide trends.  A variety of water experts have provided us with a deeper look at water issues, including meetings with Sonoma Water. 

Today we met with PG&E to understand their timeline and position on the Potter Valley Project.  We are encouraged by the bold and visionary approach the Sonoma Water group presented to continue diversion to the Russian River while allowing fish passage.  The Sonoma County Alliance is supportive of this proposed pathway forward and we request your continued support for this appropriate and important project.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sonoma County Alliance

Janet Connors, 2023 President

Water Supply Committee Co-Chairs:  Dick Dowd & Marlene Soiland

Committee members:  Lisa Badenfort, Harry Davitian, Art Deicke, Joe Gaffney, Mark Hale, Ken Lafranchi, Brian Ling, Ross Liscum, Mike Martini, Curt Nichols, Tawny Tesconi

The Board of Directors of the Sonoma County Alliance is delighted to announce Ty Mooney as the organization's new Executive Director. Mooney has been an integral part of the Sonoma County Alliance since October 2022 as the Membership & Events Director and quickly advanced to her new position effective July 19,2023.  

2023 President Janet Connors expressed her enthusiasm for the appointment, saying,  "We couldn't be more thrilled to welcome Ty into her new role as Executive Director. Ty's remarkable contributions during her tenure as Membership & Events Director have been invaluable to the organization. Her dedication, visionary leadership, and unwavering commitment to our mission have already made a significant impact in the organization. With Ty at the helm, I am certain that the Sonoma County Alliance will flourish as we work together to achieve our shared vision for Sonoma County.”

Mooney, a resident of Petaluma, CA, brings a wealth of experience in the nonprofit sector working as an employee and contractor for Sonoma County non-profits for nearly 10 years. Her expertise in leadership, communication, and marketing will undoubtedly prove to be instrumental in advancing the mission of the Sonoma County Alliance.

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Ty has actively contributed to the community as a youth coach, sports program director, Boosters President, foster parent and serves on the Sonoma County Democratic Fundraising Committee.

Mooney expressed her excitement about her new role, saying, “I feel an immense sense of honor and gratitude to lead an organization with such a rich history of community service, dating back to 1975. The Sonoma County Alliance has been a driving force in advocating for the betterment of our economy and environment, and it fills me with pride to be part of this legacy.” 

Members of the Board of Directors are confident that Mooney's strong leadership abilities and dedication to the community will not only build on the Alliance's current successes but also chart a new course for the organization's growth and impact.

“As the new Executive Director, I am thrilled to be stepping into this exciting period of growth and change for the Alliance,” Mooney said. “It is a time full of opportunities to make a lasting impact, and I am eager to embrace the challenges ahead. Together with our dedicated Board of Directors and passionate members, we will continue to diversify and expand our membership, ensuring that we can continue to effectively advocate for our county needs.”

About Sonoma County Alliance: The Sonoma County Alliance is a prominent organization dedicated to promoting the overall welfare and prosperity of Sonoma County through cooperation, dialogue, and collaboration with businesses, residents, and government entities. By fostering partnerships and advocating for impactful policies, the Alliance works to create a thriving and inclusive community.

For media inquiries or more information, please contact: Ty Mooney, Executive Director Sonoma County Alliance 707-338-4767 | ty@sonomacountyalliance.com | sonomacountyalliance.com

As part of our literacy initiative, the Sonoma County Alliance Education Committee has purchased a Book Vending Machine for Abraham Lincoln Elementary School in Santa Rosa.

Why Abraham Lincoln Elementary School?

Abraham Lincoln Elementary School serves 270 students grade K-6th. Of the student population 97% belong to a minority group and 84% are from limited-income families, eligible for free or reduced lunch programs.*

At Abraham Lincoln Elementary School, only 15%-19% of students are achieving proficiency in reading/language arts. That is 36% lower than the average California State School. *

"The Sonoma County Alliance Education Committee's funding of a Book Vending Machine is part of their initiative to bring equity to education and remove financial barriers for children and families who need it most." - Ty Mooney, Director of Events and Membership

The Book Vending Machine has the familiar look of a snack vending machine but dispenses books using a token system. Students are awarded tokens from their teachers for academic achievements and good behavior.

Through the book vending machines the Education Committee is supporting the school in providing access to quality reading material, improve literacy skills, support academic success, and promote a love of reading.

"We purchased the book vending machine at Lincoln Elementary in hopes of making reading more fun and entertaining for students." - Michael Menenedez, Co-Chair of Education Committee (Co-Committee Chair is Jason Lea, Ed.D.)

The Education Committee gives all of the 100% tax deductible donations directly to the schools answering teachers wish lists and providing supplies and tools to use in the classroom. 

To learn more about the Sonoma County Alliance's Education Committee and to support our partnership with local schools, please join us on June 10th for our annual fundraiser Bocce for Books.

Enjoy great food & drinks from Taft Street Winery, an incredible auction, and Bocce for KIDS!

Register here > https://www.sonomacountyalliance.com/event-5186309

*data provided by https://www.publicschoolreview.com/abraham-lincoln-elementary-school-profile/95401

Yesterday the Sonoma County Alliance Environmental Committee sat down with CEO of Sonoma Clean Power Geof Syphers for a tour of their eco friendly offices and a discussion on the agency's renewable energy initiatives.

Sonoma Clean Power is a public agency that provides electricity to Sonoma and Mendocino County customers. Syphers discussed the formation of Sonoma Clean Power and the cost savings for customers, including those who have solar power systems. He also discussed the agency's experiments with geothermal energy in GeoZones and other renewable energy options like wind and hydro.

In addition, the committee had the opportunity to tour the GridOptimal building, which uses a microgrid to provide reliable and sustainable energy. The building was impressive and Syphers passion around creating bright, lively, and comfortable community spaces for his team was inspiring. 

The biggest conversation of the day was around the agency's plan to invest in geothermal power. This exciting development in the realm of renewable energy could have a significant impact on the county's carbon footprint and offer new avenues for sustainable economic growth.

Geothermal energy is generated by harnessing the natural heat below the surface of the earth. By tapping into this heat, geothermal systems can provide a reliable and consistent source of energy while dramatically cutting greenhouse gas emissions. Unlike solar and wind power, which are dependent on the availability of sunlight and wind, geothermal energy is available 24/7, making it an attractive option for meeting the needs of both residential and commercial customers.

The potential benefits of geothermal energy for Sonoma County are significant. Not only does it offer a clean source of energy, but it could also provide a boost to the local economy. The geothermal industry is growing rapidly, and investing in this technology could create new jobs and stimulate economic growth. 

Want more on the Environmental Committee? Join us for our upcoming meetings:

• May 23 from 12-1:30pm with special presenter Anne Morkill of the Laguna de Santa Rosa Foundation to talk about the Grant from Sonoma Water for creek restoration. 
• July 25 from 12-1:30pm with Suzanne Smith, Executive Director of the Regional Climate Protection Authority and Tanya Narath, Director of Climate Programs for an update on strategic plan and community programs. 

In a 2020 poll released by Public Policy Institute of California, voters stated that homelessness was the top issue facing California.

Now, after facing multiple wildfires and a global pandemic there is a visible increase of unhoused individuals in our community confirming that in 2023, homelessness is still a top issue.

In fact…. just this morning the Press Democrat released an article about the Board of Supervisors holding a special meeting tomorrow to discuss the possibility of creating two managed camps at the Santa Rosa Veterans Building for unhoused individuals on the Joe Rodota trail.

Although it seems we are dealing with a moving target, I find hope in stories like Bradly Browns, a formerly homeless individual who changed his stars with the help of some incredible local programs and services.

There is a seat saved for you at our next program, A Discussion on Homelessness set for March 1st. Join us as we learn more about the complexities of this delicate issue and the opportunities we have to play a role in its solution.

I hope to see you there.

Register Now

Sonoma County Alliance is thrilled to welcome the new Director of Membership & Events, Ty Mooney.

Ty is an experienced Marketing and Events professional specializing in rebranding, development, and fundraising for nonprofits. Ty is passionate about living a local lifestyle; supporting local businesses, engaging with local government, and actively volunteering at local events.

Ty holds a certificate in grant writing and events from Sonoma State University and serves as the President of the Boosters Leadership Program at Petaluma High School and as a fundraising committee member of a local political group.

Ty is a proud foster parent and a coach at Petaluma High School spending her spare time camping in her converted sprinter van, hiking local trails and reading historical fiction novels.

Sonoma Clean Power hosted our bi-monthly meeting this month to show off their Advanced Energy Center on 4th Street in Santa Rosa.

Committee members enjoyed learning about the newest clean energy technology and financing availability.

The showroom includes educational space as well as installations and details on induction cooking, heat pump water heaters, smart thermostats, remote control, solartubes, and battery storage.

SCP can also connect customers to contractors that can provide installation services.

Thank you to Store Manager, David Harvey.

During the past decade, the Sonoma County Alliance’s Reward Fund has provided funds to combat local crimes totaling over $44,000 to credible tipsters whose leads helped investigators solve open cases.

In cooperation with   law enforcement agencies – including the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Department and the county’s 9 municipal police departments – 45 recipients who came forward to assist investigators have been rewarded since 2012. They received rewards ranging from $250 to $5,000, helping to solve homicides, robberies, narcotics-related cases, and vandalism, while also helping law enforcement get dozens of illegal firearms off the streets.  

Sonoma County Alliance leaders established the reward fund in 2005 with $15,000 in donations from the North Coast Builders Exchange, the Airport Business Center, and other Alliance members who pitched in. The fund has gradually grown to its current floating balance of $21,500, thanks to contributions which Alliance members may opt into when renewing their annual dues.

Each partnering law enforcement agency may now offer up to $2,500 per case to incentivize leads in difficult-to-solve crimes. The Sonoma County Alliance Board of Directors serve as fiscal stewards of the fund and have no influence over how investigators choose the cases eligible for a reward offer.