City, County, State Officials Talk Recovery, Rebuilding at Wake Up

(view more photos of the event)

California Treasurer John Chiang, State Senator Mike McGuire, Sonoma County Supervisor James Gore, and Santa Rosa Mayor Chris Coursey spoke about recovery and rebuilding efforts to about 175 attendees last week’s Wake Up Santa Rosa.

The conversation began with a recap of the emergency response and the beginnings of recovery and rebuilding.

Supervisor Gore commented on lessons learned so far. “The only thing that is perfect is imperfect, relentless progress,” he said referencing rumor control related to rebuilding Fountaingrove and reimagining Coffey Park. Mayor Coursey seconded that idea: “We’re not pushing for rebuilding outside of what residents want.”

Mayor Coursey also spoke about changes taking place at the permit department that include prioritizing permits for rebuilding homes, upstaffing the permit department, expedited plan reviews, encouraging accessory dwelling units, and allowing second units on a property as rebuilding is taking place.

Senator McGuire gave an update on the millions of dollars in loans the Small Business Administration has guaranteed, the number of shelters that are no longer needed, progress on clean-up, and the over $19 million raised and being distributed through the North Bay Fire Recovery fund. “We talk about recovery and rebuilding as percentages and programs,” he said, “but we have to remember the individuals, and that to them each home is a sacred site.”

Treasurer Chiang spoke about moves the state was making, including government-backed low-interest financing, putting money back into the largest economic center in the region to keep the community working. “I want to do all I can to make sure you have a rapid recovery,” he said. “We will overcome and prevail.”