Board of Supervisors to limit verbal public comments to those attending Sept. 26 meeting in person meeting

The County of Sonoma will allow public comments to be made in person or via email for the next regular Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 26.

Members of the public who wish to address the Board during the meeting, beginning at 8:30 a.m., must attend in person in the Board Chambers at 575 Administration Drive, Room 100A in Santa Rosa. Members of the public may watch or listen to the meeting on Legistar, Zoom or phone, but will not be able to comment virtually. The public is also invited to submit comments to bos@sonoma-county.org.

The change is due to the escalating challenges of maintaining civility among those who participate in the Public Comment portion of the Board meeting via Zoom. These challenges include a series of disruptive racist and hate-filled comments at the Sept. 12 regular board meeting and Sept. 19 special board meeting. The changes are necessary to enforce the Board’s adopted rules of order and decorum and ensure that the Board meeting is reserved for its intended purpose — for the Board to complete County business.

Members of the public may watch or listen to the meeting using one of the three following methods:

1. Watch the livestream: 
   • https://sonoma-county.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx

Once the meeting has started, click the “In Progress” hyperlink to begin viewing.

2. Watch in Zoom: 
   Participate by computer, tablet, or smartphone application:
   • Go to: https://sonomacounty.zoom.us/j/95953003079?pwd=TGhKdVJEeWlUbDJxSzVpY1U2VmxOUT09
   • Enter meeting ID: 959 5300 3079
   • Enter Password: 919371

3. Listen through Zoom by phone:
   • Dial +1 (669) 900 9128
   • Enter meeting ID: 959 5300 3079
   • Enter password: 919371

Spanish translation will be available through Zoom.

The Board of Supervisors has adopted rules of procedures which include a commitment to civility. To assure civility in its public meetings, the public is encouraged to engage in respectful dialog that supports freedom of speech and values diversity of opinion. Board members, staff and members of the public are expected to establish and maintain a cordial and respectful atmosphere during discussions and foster meaningful dialogue free of personal attacks. Members of the public must also adhere to the speaking time limit.

The agenda for the Sept. 26 board meeting is available here.

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Media Contact: 
Matt Brown, Communications Specialist 
publicaffairs@sonoma-county.org
(707) 565-3040
575 Administration Drive, Suite 104A
Santa Rosa, CA 95403