1 City of Sebastopol City Council
Agenda Item Number 10: Public Comment
To: Honorable City Councilmembers
From: Fred Engbarth
Subject: Agenda Item Number 10: Consideration of Potential 2025 Discussion Topics for the Sonoma County Mayors and Councilmembers Board of Directors Meeting-Public Comment
I thank you for your dedication and service to the citizens of Sebastopol and the West County.
In the interests of time, I submit this public comment and request its incorporation into the record of today's meeting, as if fully presented at this this evening's meeting.
I am submitting this statement in my personal capacity.
INTRODUCTION:
I believe that the challenges we face during this time of change exceed the capacity of any one person or organization to address alone.
Natural disasters, pandemics, and economic recessions reveal our vulnerabilities but also underscore the power of collaboration. By pooling resources, sharing expertise, and fostering unity, collaboration becomes not just an option but an essential strategy for resilience and recovery.1
In times of crisis, we should avoid maladaptive "natural responses" such as:
Doing the same old thing: Familiar coping mechanisms may be useful in some situations; they may not be sufficient or even appropriate during a crisis. It emphasizes the importance of adapting coping strategies to the specific demands of the situation and seeking help when needed.
Crisis fragmentation: The breakdown of processes during a crisis, leading to a lack of coordination, integration, and effective response. It can manifest in various forms, including political, economic, and social divisions, as well as within organizations and even at the individual level. It can lead to a loss of trust, impede global cooperation, exacerbate existing inequalities, and increase the risk of instability and conflict.
However, this is the time that we should embrace the change for its potential for growth, innovation, and transformation. Crises can force us to re-evaluate our 1 In her speech before Emerge on April 30, 2025, Kamala Harris referred to an event which occurred during a 5.2 magnitude earthquake at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park when a herd of elephants instinctively formed an "alert circle" to protect their young. This behavior, a natural response to perceived threats, highlighting their protective instincts and the strong bonds within their herds. See, how elephants protect their young during an earthquake https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tiozjt9Yflw
2 strategies, embrace new approaches and develop greater resilience. They can also lead to new opportunities for an improved community.2
An approach to leadership which is community-centered, and collaborative is not merely a style; it is a transformative approach that redefines the relationship between public entities and the communities they serve.
By prioritizing inclusivity, transparency, empowerment and accountability, leaders can foster environments where collaboration thrives, and shared growth becomes a reality.
The value of this leadership model extends far beyond individual communities, serving as a blueprint for creating a more equitable and interconnected society.
I request that you consider the following elements during your deliberations:
A. COLLECTIVE IMPACT & COLLABORATION
Collective impact3 is a framework for addressing complex social problems by bringing together individuals, organizations, and other actors from different sectors to work collaboratively towards a common goal.
The key principles of collective impact include:
A common agenda: All participants must have a shared understanding of the problem and a joint vision for change.
Shared measurement: Progress is tracked and shared consistently across all participants, allowing for continuous learning and improvement.
Mutually reinforcing activities: Participants integrate their activities to maximize their combined impact.
Continuous communication: Building trust and fostering strong relationships is crucial for success; and,
A backbone organization: A dedicated team is responsible for aligning and coordinating the work of the collective.
A collaborative approach acknowledges the fact that no single person or organization has all the answers in a crisis, and this is where the collective wisdom that arises from collaboration becomes invaluable. Different stakeholders bring unique perspectives 2 The Chinese proverb "The Farmer and His Horse" teaches the importance of not jumping to conclusions about whether something is good or bad. It highlights that unforeseen circumstances can lead to unexpected positive outcomes, even after what initially appears to be a misfortune. The farmer, initially disheartened by his lost horse, later finds it returning with additional horses, and then his son's injury leads to him being spared from conscription. The story emphasizes the unpredictable nature of fate and the need to remain open to possibilities. See, 塞翁失馬，焉知非福 (with English Translation) https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/塞翁失馬，焉知非福
and
VIDEO: The Old Man of the Frontier Loses his Horse - 4-Character Sayings https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=csC9mEZWMmU
3 Collective Impact https://ssir.org/articles/entry/collective_impact 3 and specialized knowledge to the table. For example, in disaster response scenarios, collaboration between meteorologists, engineers, healthcare providers, and local authorities ensures a comprehensive approach. Each group provides insights that collectively, create effective strategies for mitigation and recovery.
Collaboration is not just a strategy—it is a necessity.
By uniting strengthening resources, and fostering innovation, collaborative efforts amplify our ability to respond to challenges and build a more resilient future. Whether on a local or global scale, the power of working together has the potential to transform crises into opportunities for growth, solidarity, and lasting change. As we navigate an increasingly complex and interconnected world, embracing the spirit of collaboration will remain essential for overcoming adversity and thriving in the face of uncertainty.
Does the agency under review demonstrate its commitment to collaboration? B. MEANINGFUL COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Public entities, ranging from local governments to non-profit organizations, serve as the backbone of communities across the County of Sonoma. At the same time, the communities which are served are potentially the entities' greatest asset.
Members of the community can play a crucial role in shaping societal norms, delivering essential services, and fostering development. At the heart of their success lies the concept of community-centered leadership—a model that prioritizes the needs, aspirations, and active participation of the people they serve.
Meaningful community engagement involves actively involving community members in the process of addressing issues that affect their well-being. This means going beyond simply informing the community and instead, working collaboratively with them to identify problems, generate solutions, and make decisions that impact their lives.
The value of meaningful community engagement lies in its ability to transform individuals, neighborhoods, and the larger society. It builds connections, empowers participants, enables problem-solving, and drives sustainable development. Beyond tangible outcomes, it nurtures a spirit of belonging, purpose, and pride, ensuring the flourishing of both the individual and the collective.4 As we navigate the complexities of the time, fostering meaningful community engagement stands as an essential practice. It reminds us that each person has a role to play in creating a better future—one that is built not in isolation, but collectively, with shared dreams and efforts.
4 See, for example, Community engagement: How to create meaningful connections in an age of distrust https://thesocialchangeagency.org/blog/community-engagement-in-age-ofdistrust/#:~:text=Canvas%20%5BFree%20Resource%5D- ,What%20is%20community%20engagement?,and%20programming%20a%20community%20event. 4 Does the agency under review demonstrate its commitment to meaningful community engagement?5
C. OVERSIGHT6
The value of oversight lies in its ability to foster accountability, mitigate risks, improve efficiency, and promote transparency. It is an indispensable element for success in any arena, ensuring that actions align with intentions and that resources are utilized effectively.7
Whether applied to governance, businesses, academia, or personal projects, oversight remains a cornerstone of progress, integrity, and trust. By embracing oversight and continuously refining its mechanisms, individuals and organizations can navigate complexities and achieve their objectives with confidence.
Community oversight of public entities is a vital component of modern governance, ensuring that transparency, accountability, and trust remain at the forefront of public administration. By empowering citizens to play an active role in monitoring and guiding the actions of public entities, oversight mechanisms create a more equitable and responsive society. While challenges persist, the potential benefits far outweigh the obstacles, making community oversight an indispensable tool for fostering good governance.
As we move forward, it is crucial to continue refining and promoting these mechanisms, ensuring that public entities are held to the highest standards of integrity and service. In doing so, we not only strengthen our institutions but also reinforce the trust and unity that form the foundation of a thriving democracy.
Does the entity under review facilitate and welcome oversight by the community and its governing body of its programs and services?
5 Assessing Meaningful Community Engagement https://nam.edu/our-work/programs/leadershipconsortium/assessing-meaningful-communityengagement/#:~:text=It%20often%20involves%20partnerships%20and,CDC%20Principles%20of%20Community% 20Engagement
6 For a general discussion, see, What Is Oversight and How Does it Relate to Governance? https://www.caaf-fcar.ca/en/oversight-concepts-and-context/what-is-oversight-and-how-does-itrelate-to-governance and What is Oversight? https://levin-center.org/what-is-oversight/ 7 Jury's Report on Taxes and Spending, with responses: m County Auditor-ControllerTreasurer-Tax Collector https://sonoma.courts.ca.gov/system/files/grand-jury/gjtaxes-and-spending-sonoma-county-auditor-controller-treasurer-tax-collectorresponse.pdf Follow-up article from the PD Sonoma County agencies must improve how tax spending is relayed to the public, grand jury report
says https://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/news/sonoma-county-grand-jury-taxspending 5 D. PUBLIC COMMONS & COLLECTIVE WELL-BEING8
Public commons represent spaces, resources, and systems shared by members of a community, acting as a foundation for collective well-being, cultural exchange, and democratic participation. These commons are vital in fostering a sense of unity, belonging, and shared responsibility, and they span various domains, from physical spaces such as parks and libraries to digital platforms and natural resources.
Public commons are assets accessible to all members of a society, regardless of social, economic, or cultural background. They are maintained for communal benefit and include natural environments, public infrastructure, cultural heritage, and shared knowledge. The idea of the commons is rooted in the principle that certain resources should be preserved for collective use rather than privatized or exploited for individual gain.
Does the agency under review strive to foster collective well-being, cultural exchange and democratic participation?
CONCLUSION
Before closing, I would be remiss if I did not reference my personal support for the inclusion of the following three entities in the Mayors and Councilmembers Board of Directors Meeting 2025 Agenda: (1) Library Joint Powers Authority; (2) Sonoma County Clean Power; and (3) Emergency Operations
Please, do not hesitate to contact me at [email protected] if you have any questions or would like to discuss this comment.
Yours respectfully,
Fred Engbarth
Sonoma County Resident since 1971
8 The Public Commons approach, also known as a commons-based approach, advocates for the collective management and governance of shared resources, often with a focus on local communities and democratic decisionmaking. It's an alternative to both private ownership and state control, emphasizing shared benefits and the importance of mutual responsibility. See, for example, The Commons: More than just resources https://seas.umich.edu/news/commons-more-just-resources and BOOK: Governing the Commons: The Evolution of Institutions for Collective Action (Political Economy of Institutions and Decisions) https://www.amazon.com/Governing-Commons-Evolution-Institutions-Collective/dp/0521405998