Sonoma County is facing real challenges—from increasing traffic and safety concerns in rural communities to the long-term protection of our groundwater and natural resources.
John King’s priorities are grounded in years of hands-on experience, advocacy, and action. He has worked directly on the policies affecting Sonoma County and has taken steps to protect its resources when others failed to act.
This campaign is focused on practical solutions, accountability, and protecting the future of our communities.
Got traffic? got water? got a representative that cares and takes action?
Protecting Sonoma County's Water
Water is one of Sonoma County’s most critical resources—and one of its most vulnerable.
After decades of increasing development and groundwater use, many areas in the 2nd District are already experiencing serious strain on local water supplies. John King has seen these impacts firsthand.
When groundwater levels dropped near his own property in Penngrove, John didn’t wait for someone else to act. He worked with neighbors, gathered data, and became a leading voice calling for responsible groundwater management across the region.
His efforts helped bring attention to the long-term risks of over-pumping and unsustainable development—issues that continue to affect Sonoma County today.
John believes that growth must be balanced with responsibility. Without sustainable water policies, future development will come at the expense of the communities that already live here.
Key Priorities:
- Protect groundwater recharge areas from overdevelopment
- Ensure new development does not outpace available water resources
- Support long-term, sustainable groundwater management
- Hold agencies accountable for responsible planning decisions
Water is not a short-term issue—it’s a long-term responsibility, and we have to get it right.
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John King is the only person in Sonoma County history to have litigated the issue of Rohnert Park’s over-pumping of groundwater supplies, addressed concerns about valley floor subsidence from Penngrove to Windsor, and successfully blocked development on state-identified groundwater recharge lands—protecting vital water resources for communities and cities that depend on sustainable groundwater.
What sets John apart?
Preserving Agricultural Land & Open Space
Sonoma County’s farms and open spaces are essential to our economy, environment, and way of life.
Raised on a family farm in Penngrove, John understands firsthand the importance of protecting agricultural land—not just as a resource, but as a legacy that supports local families, food systems, and the character of our region.
He believes growth should never come at the expense of the land that sustains our communities.
John will continue to support policies that preserve farmland, protect open space, and ensure that agriculture remains a vital part of Sonoma County’s future.
Key Priorities:
- Protect farmland from incompatible development
- Preserve open space and rural community character
- Support local agriculture and family farms
- Uphold programs like the Williamson Act that keep agriculture viable
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Responsible Development
Sonoma County needs thoughtful, balanced growth—not decisions that prioritize short-term gain over long-term stability.
John supports development that strengthens the local economy and creates jobs, but he also believes that projects must be evaluated carefully to ensure they do not negatively impact water resources, infrastructure, or surrounding communities.
He understands that unnecessary delays can hurt local businesses, but so can poor planning.
That’s why John supports a practical approach—streamlining processes where appropriate while maintaining the oversight needed to protect the public.
Key Priorities:
- Streamline permitting processes to reduce unnecessary delays
- Cut excessive red tape while maintaining accountability
- Support job creation and economic vitality
- Ensure development aligns with community needs and infrastructure capacity
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Traffic, Public Safety & Community Services
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Quiet Penngrove intersection on a Sunday afternoon
Looks very different on a weekday afternoon
access to county services
Emergency services
support for seniors
& veterans
Traffic congestion in Penngrove has reached a critical point, creating unsafe conditions for residents, pedestrians, and especially school children along the town’s main street between the Firehouse and Penngrove School.
As commuter traffic increases, drivers are diverting off Highway 101 onto Petaluma Hill Road and Adobe Road, pushing significant traffic into rural Sonoma County and placing additional strain on small communities like Penngrove.
The Sonoma County General Plan, adopted in 2008, was specifically designed to address these challenges. However, key provisions intended to manage traffic and protect rural communities were never implemented by our County Supervisors.
John King was directly involved in developing this plan, dedicating years of work alongside community members—including personally funding legal efforts to establish enforceable protections. Despite these efforts, the plan has not been carried out.
John is committed to ensuring that existing policies are enforced, improving traffic safety, and protecting the quality of life in Sonoma County’s rural communities.
Transparent, Accountable Leadership
The people of Sonoma County deserve leadership that is open, responsible, and accountable.
John believes government should operate with transparency, ensuring that decisions are made in the best interest of the public—not behind closed doors or without proper oversight.
He supports responsible fiscal management and believes taxpayer dollars should be used efficiently and with clear accountability.
Most importantly, John is committed to listening—holding regular conversations with residents and making sure their concerns are heard and represented.
Key Priorities:
- Promote transparency in county decision-making
- Ensure responsible use of taxpayer dollars
- Support oversight and accountability at all levels of government
- Maintain open communication with constituents
Good government starts with trust—and trust is built through transparency and accountability.
