January 10, 2022
Sonoma County Mayors’ and Councilmembers’ Association
City of Cotati
Lauren Berges, City Clerk
201 W. Sierra Ave.
Cotati, CA 94931
RE:
Vacancy Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District Advisory Committee Letter of Interest
Dear Honorable Mayors and Council Members:
I write to you all to ask respectfully for the consideration to the appointment to the Citizens Advisory Committee of the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District.
As a long time Latinx/e resident of Sonoma County I have firsthand experience in the important need for preservation of our natural resources and open spaces. With my business entrepreneurship background and as nonprofit consultant I believe I would be a strong asset to serve on this advisory committee.
As board memb er for more than five years at Healdsburg Forever an Affiliate of Community Foundation Sonoma County, I have experience in how grant programs and funding work together and how interconnected they are in achieving goals for betterment of our community.
As Vice Mayor of Healdsburg, I strongly advocated for affordable housing on two parcels at the Montage development site, a project that included extensive open space, trails, and public access.
In doing so, I dove deeply into CEQA, easements, mixed housing product types, and a 10- year Development Agreement. I believe my firsthand experience in this would be vital for this Committee.
In my time on Healdsburg City Council, I have had to balance the delicate need between, housing development, open space preservation, equity, and economic diversity. My experience in business, the nonprofit sector, civic government, and public service would be well suited and would be meaningful for our broader community in Sonoma County.
CITY OF HEALDSBURG
401 Grove Street
Healdsburg, CA 95448-4723
Phone: (707) 431-3317
Fax: (707) 431-3321
Visit us at www.healdsburg.gov
Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District January 10, 2022
Lastly, as a longtime resident of Sonoma County for over 30 years there is no place more beautiful than here in our County. My family comes from a long line of agricultural workers, farmers, and cattle ranchers in Jalisco Mexico. Working with landowners, easements, and preserving the natural wonder of this place is what is calling me to serve on this committee. I would welcome an opportunity in helping to preserve public access for outdoor recreation for many generations to come.
Thank you for your consideration. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions at [email protected]
.
Respectfully,
Ozzy Jimenez, Mayor
City of Healdsburg