Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting

Agenda

1. Welcome & Land Acknowledgement – Bert Whitaker, Director of Sonoma County Regional Parks

The County of Sonoma recognizes that we are on the ancestral lands of the Coast Miwok, Pomo, and Wappo who are the original caretakers of this area. We respectfully acknowledge the Indigenous peoples who have been stewarding and maintaining relationship on this land as knowledge keepers for millennia. The County of Sonoma is dedicated to understanding and educating the public about historical and ongoing connections between land conservation and social inequities. This includes the histories of genocide, forced removal and displacement, and broken promises with Indigenous peoples as a part of American history. Indigenous people are not just in our histories. We strive to optimize Indigenous voices to share their own history, as to not perpetuate another form of being silenced. While recognizing the past, we honor the resiliency of Native people still in their ancestral territories in relationship with their land and culture.

This acknowledgement does not take the place of authentic relationships with Indigenous communities but serves as a gesture in respect to the land we are on.

2. Call to Order & Duties of the Commission – Commission Chair Nathan Junge
   1. To act in an advisory capacity to the Board of Supervisors in promoting, aiding and encouraging public recreation, including the development of recreation, park and open space facilities;
   2. To act in an advisory capacity to Regional Parks Director in the maintenance, development and operation of recreation areas and facilities serving the residents of the county;
   3. To establish general procedures to carry out the purpose of the advisory commission.
3. Comments from the Public – Lead by Commission Chair

Public may address the Commission on matters that are not on the agenda. Members of the public wishing to suggest an item for a future Commission agenda may do so during this public comment period.  The Ralph M. Brown Act (the State local agency open meeting law) prohibits the Commission from acting on any matter that is not on the agenda.  Speakers are limited to three minutes each; the Commission Chair or Vice-Chair may adjust the time limit in light of the number of anticipated speakers.

4. Approval of the Minutes (Action Item) – Commission Chair

Approval of the minutes for the February 5, 2025, Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission meeting.

Motion to approve:

Second:

5. Commissioner Reports (Informational) – Commission Chair
6. Director’s Report (Informational) - Bert Whitaker, Director of Sonoma County Regional Parks
7. Equity Framework (Informational) – Nubia Padilla, Accessibility & Equity Manager of Sonoma County Regional Parks
8. Trails Update (Informational) – Planning Division, Sonoma County Regional Parks
9. Adjournment – Commission Chair