To: Board of Supervisors
Department or Agency Name(s): Human Resources Department
Staff Name and Phone Number: Janell Crane, 707-565-2885
Vote Requirement: Majority
Supervisorial District(s): Countywide
Title:
Title
Commission on the Status of Women Ordinance Amendments
End
Recommended Action:
Recommended action
Adopt an Ordinance to amend Chapter 2 Article IX of the Sonoma County Code governing the County of Sonoma Commission on the Status of Women to clarify authorized approvers of the Commission’s bylaws, budget, and work plan. (Second Reading/Ready for Adoption).
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Executive Summary:
The Sonoma County Commission on the Status of Women Ordinance refers to Ordinance No. 1850, passed in1975, which established the Sonoma County Commission on the Status of Women to fight gender discrimination and promote equal rights for women and girls in areas like housing, education, and services. This ordinance created an official county body that advises the Board of Supervisors and advocates for policies to enhance women's lives. Approval is being sought to revise the ordinance to align regular meetings with current practice of not holding a meeting in December, modify what constitutes a quorum to facilitate Commission business, clarify approval of the work plan and budget, and authorize approval of amendments to the bylaws to the Commission, with review and approval by the Director of Human Resources and the County Executive.
On January 27, 2026, the Board of Supervisors adopted a resolution introducing, reading the title of, and waiving further reading of an Ordinance to amend Sonoma County Code Chapter 2 Article IX governing the Commission on the Status of Women. Staff now recommends final adoption of the ordinance.
Discussion:
The Board of Supervisors of the County of Sonoma declared, in 1975, its policy to take affirmative action to eliminate the practice of discrimination and prejudice on account of sex, and the Board established the Sonoma County Commission on the Status of Women pursuant to this policy. Under the guidelines of the Creating Ordinance, the Commission continues to address the needs of the community. The purpose of the Commission is to promote equal rights and opportunities that enhance the quality of life for all women and girls and to address issues of discrimination and prejudice that negatively affect women in Sonoma County.
The requested amendments to the ordinance will allow the Commission to retain flexibility in the conduct of its affairs and execute its obligations. The proposed ordinance would align regular meetings with current practice of not holding a meeting in December, modify what constitutes a quorum to facilitate Commission business, clarify approval of the work plan and budget, and authorize approval of amendments to the bylaws to the Commission, with review and approval by the Director of Human Resources and the County Executive.
Updating the ordinance involves a two-part process in which there is a first reading and the introduction of the ordinance. On January 27, 2026, the Board of Supervisors introduced the attached Ordinance (Attachment 1) to amend Chapter 2 Article IX. This item seeks adoption of the ordinance. The effective date of the ordinance change will be 30 days after adoption.
Strategic Plan:
N/A
Racial Equity:
Was this item identified as an opportunity to apply the Racial Equity Toolkit?
No
Prior Board Actions:
January 27, 2026 (item 36)- Adopt a Resolution introducing, reading the title of, and waiving further reading of an Ordinance to amend Chapter 2 Article IX of the Sonoma County Code governing the Sonoma County Commission on the Status of Women to clarify authorized approvers of the Commission’s bylaws, budget, and work plan. (First Reading)
December 8, 2009 (item 44) - Adoption of ordinance amendment on the Commission on Human Rights and Commission on the Status of Women County Codes
Fiscal Summary
N/A
Narrative Explanation of Fiscal Impacts:
N/A
Narrative Explanation of Staffing Impacts (If Required):
N/A
Attachments:
Ordinance
Exhibit A
Related Items “On File” with the Clerk of the Board:
N/A