On Tuesday, September 17, the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors passed a novel renter protection ordinance in a 3-1 vote. In response to seven years of community organizing during multiple climate catastrophes, the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors approved a first-in-the-nation package of renter protections that includes a moratorium on evictions during declared emergencies and stronger Just Cause eviction protections for unincorporated Sonoma County.
Tenants and their supporters rally at a press conference following a 3-1 vote in support of disaster-triggered renter protections and just cause. (Lina Blanco-Ogden, North Bay Organizing Project)
The 2017 Sonoma Complex Fires centered Sonoma County renters on the frontlines of a housing crisis exacerbated by climate change. Sonoma County renters will have spearheaded a more equitable path forward, by building power with one another, to ensure the public health imperative of stable housing during declared emergencies.
Tenant leaders of Sonoma County continue to transform local, regional, and national policies that address social inequality, housing displacement, and climate injustice. Since 2008, frontline community leaders of the North Bay Organizing Project (NBOP), supported by allied organizations such as Legal Aid of Sonoma County, have organized to secure anti-eviction policies, language justice in emergency response systems – many of which are the first-of-their kind in California, and set nation-wide policy on climate change and housing.
These new package of tenant protection policies in Sonoma County are a testament to the self-determination of working class and immigrant communities to ensure all solutions center equity and justice in the face of the climate crisis. After Tuesday’s vote, Sonoma County is now among the first in the nation to prioritize the stability of climate-impacted communities and affirm the health and dignity of working families before the next disaster strikes.
Click to watch the livestream press conference:
From our broad coalition:
“On behalf of the First 5 Sonoma County Commission, we have profound concerns about the impacts of the housing crisis on families with young children in our community. It is extremely challenging for so many families to afford the combined high cost of rent and child care, not to mention other basic needs including transportation, food and clothing. When families lack basic protections and rights as tenants, any financial stability the family may achieve can be easily undermined by eviction, sometimes even resulting in becoming unsheltered. The stress of housing insecurity negatively affects parents’ mental health and children’s development and long-term health and academic success. First 5 Sonoma County applauds the Board of Supervisors for limiting evictions and mitigating the impact of evictions.”
– ANGIE DILLON SHORE (SHE/HER)
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, FIRST 5 SONOMA COUNTY
“We’ve learned from Sonoma County’s history of disasters that we can’t afford to wait until the next disaster hits, especially for our undocumented community members, who are among the most marginalized. That’s why we have been pushing for these strong eviction protections now, transforming the immediate crises our undocumented neighbors face into forward-thinking policies. With strong community backing, we’re ensuring our government takes responsibility for everyone’s dignity and self-determination in future disasters—because we refuse to let those most impacted be left behind.”
– BEATRICE CAMACHO (SHE/HER)
DIRECTOR, UNDOCUFUND
“The renter protections just passed in Sonoma County are nothing short of groundbreaking. We know that working class and immigrant communities are most often left behind in moments of climate catastrophe — and that these devastating events are only increasing in frequency and scope. North Bay Organizing Project and Legal Aid of Sonoma County have created a policy that proactively anticipates the next climate crisis and establishes a commitment from Sonoma County to ensure every renter is safe in their housing during states of emergency. They have also provided a blueprint for how local governments can be proactive and responsive to climate crises that has the potential to change many lives across the nation.”
– DAWN PHILLIPS (HE/HIM)
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, RIGHT TO THE CITY ALLIANCE
“When there’s unity, so much can be achieved – even things we never thought possible. As a Unite Here member from Local 49, then becoming a labor organizer with Local 2, I have learned first-hand that my coworkers struggle with the consequences of disasters, even the threat of losing their homes from lack of income during the most difficult moments of their lives. This win is not just for me and my community, but also for my family.”
– ZITA RAMIREZ (SHE/HER)
ORGANIZER, UNITE HERE LOCAL 2
“Legal Aid's data show that over 30% of eviction notices are not due to any fault by the tenant. Arbitrary evictions cost our community dearly and are existential threats to low-income families—a burden that falls hardest on families with children and People of Color. The Board has taken courageous action here to limit the harm of displacement in Sonoma County.”
– PATRICK McDONELL (HE/HIM)
HOUSING TEAM SUPERVISOR, LEGAL AID OF SONOMA COUNTY
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