Press Release Index
Commission on Human Rights Requesting Adjustments of Percentages of Measure O
With the Federal cutbacks introduced last week the homeless organizations of Sonoma County are in absolute turmoil. Remember back in 2020 when we were in lockdown and so many individuals and families lost their housing? This will be a hundred times worse. Read full story
Commission on Human Rights Statement on Law Enforcement Oversight and Accountability
The Sonoma County Human Rights Commission (CHR) believes that trust between law enforcement and the community is foundational to a healthy, safe, and free society. Our county’s law enforcement agencies (LEA) publicly declare commitments to professionalism, fairness, compassion, integrity, and respect. These are values we strongly support. Yet the lived experiences of many residents, and the structural challenges faced by our local oversight systems, show that these commitments are not consistently upheld. Read full story
Commission on Human Rights Statement on Food Insecurity In Sonoma County
The Board of Supervisors is currently considering executing a funding agreement with the Redwood Empire Food Bank in an amount up to $200,000 for the month of November, in response to the federal government shutting down CalFresh (SNAP) benefits as of November 1, 2025. However, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) feels this is underserving the 43,000 residents affected, when comparing Napa County’s approval of $1 million in funds to serve their 10,700 affected residents for November and December 2025. Read full story
Statement on Domestic Violence
We, the Sonoma County Commission on Human Rights, speak today with profound concern and an unwavering call to action. Recent remarks by President Trump—characterizing domestic violence as a “lesser crime” or mere “little fights” within the home—do more than echo outdated societal norms. They actively undermine efforts to prevent and respond to a crime that continues to endanger countless lives every day. Read full story
The Commission on Human Rights Supports the Migrant and Undocumented Communities in Sonoma County
The Commission on Human Rights reaffirms the principle that no human being is “illegal” or outside the protection of the law or exempt from receiving human rights. Read full story
Ceasefire Letter
On February 22, 2024, the Sonoma County Commission on Human Rights voted unanimously to pass a ceasefire letter that reads the following: In light of the severe human rights violations occurring in Gaza, Palestine, and Israel, the Sonoma County Commission on Human Rights extends this appeal to all parties involved and affected community members. Acknowledging that the impact of armed conflict reverberates through generations, we understand that healing begins with a collective commitment to ending violence in all its forms. Read full story
Human Rights Commission Calls for Immediate Winter Freeze Relief for Unsheltered Persons Experiencing Homelessness
The human right to housing has been affirmed by Article 25 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and reaffirmed by Article 11(1) of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. Read full story
Commission on Human Rights, NAACP, ACLU to Hold Sheriff Candidate Forum April 6
The Commission on Human Rights will partner with the Santa Rosa Chapter of NAACP, ACLU Northern CA, North Bay LGBTQI Families, the Committee for Law Enforcement Accountability Now and the North Bay Organizing Project to present a Sheriff Candidate Debate/Forum on April 6, 2022, 6:30pm. All three candidates in the race, Dave Edmonds, Eddie Engram and Carl Tennanbaum, will be present. Read full story
<p>CHR Statement onDavid Ward</p>
The Commission on Human Rights would like to express not only our sincerest condolences to the family and friends of David Ward, but additionally include our solidarity in seeking justice for the wrongful killing of Mr. Ward. As reported by the Press Democrat on February 2, 2022, jurors found Sonoma County Sheriff's Deputy Charles Blount not guilty of involuntary manslaughter and assault by a Peace Officer. Blount has been acquitted from all charges. Read full story
<p>Holocaust MemorialVandalism Statement </p>
<span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-size: 13.3333px;">The Sonoma County Commission on Human Rights (SCCHR) stands in solidarity with the Jewish Community of Sonoma County against racism and xenophobia of any and all circumstances. The holocaust in Europe in the 1930s and 1940s stands as one of the greatest genocides in history with nearly 12 million people perishing with 6 million of those being people of Jewish origin.</span> Read full story
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