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Dear West County Neighbors,
Late August doesn’t exactly slow down, and neither do we. This month’s newsletter is full of the kind of work that doesn’t always make headlines but matters deeply: repairing roads before the rains return, responding to mental health crises with care instead of cuffs, and creating space for local artists and home cooks to thrive.
Whether it’s a crosswalk in front of your house or a policy at the county level, it all comes down to the same thing: meeting people where they are and making life just a little more navigable, a little more possible. That’s the work. That’s the point.
Thank you, as always, for your partnership, your ideas, and your relentless hope for a stronger, more connected West County. I’m honored to be in it with you.
In community,
| | Help Is Here: Mobile Support Team Provides 24/7 Mental Health Crisis Response | | |
When someone in our community is experiencing a mental health crisis - whether they’re in danger of harming themselves, unable to care for their basic needs, or behaving in ways that could risk others’ safety - there’s a dedicated team ready to respond with compassion, care, and expertise.
Sonoma County’s Mobile Support Team (MST) operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Anyone in need can call the Crisis Call Center at 1-800-746-8181. Trained staff will listen, assess the situation, and dispatch the most appropriate support.
In most cases, MST can respond without law enforcement. Field teams include licensed mental health clinicians, alcohol and drug counselors, and senior client support specialists. Their work focuses on de-escalation, crisis assessment, 5150 evaluations (when appropriate), safety planning, transportation, and connecting individuals to longer-term care and resources.
This approach is designed to meet people where they are, with the right kind of help at the right time. It’s about reducing harm, avoiding unnecessary arrests or ER visits, and building bridges to ongoing recovery and support.
MST is made possible through funding from Measure O, the voter-approved initiative that strengthens mental health and homelessness services across Sonoma County.
For immediate mental health support
or to request MST support, call 1-800-746-8181.
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Soco Chat podcast:
Compassionate Response in Crisis: Understanding Sonoma County's mobile support, a discussion with Wendy Tappon, Department of Health Services
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Sweetwater Springs Road Project - Guerneville
As one project wraps up, another is just about to begin. Construction on Sweetwater Springs Road will start September 8, and the road will be closed at that time. You’ll start seeing signs go up September 2, and residents will receive notifications in the next two weeks. Electronic message boards will also display closure dates to help keep everyone informed.
The timing works out well: with Westside Road reopening August 28 at noon, neighbors will have a detour route available just as Sweetwater work gets underway. Thank you, as always, for your patience, your partnership, and your good humor as we keep building resilient infrastructure for our community.
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SR-116 Slide Repair Project - Monte Rio
Caltrans has launched a major year-long project on Highway 116 just east of Cnopius Road in Monte Rio. Crews will replace an aging culvert and build a retaining wall to stabilize the steep, failing slope along the north side of the road. With our heavy winter rains and fragile hillsides, this stretch of 116 has long been prone to landslides, making this repair especially critical. Here’s what to expect:
Began August 20: Daytime one-way traffic control with flaggers, Monday–Friday.
September 3: Installation of concrete barriers and the start of 24-hour one-way traffic control, managed by signal lights, for the duration of the project.
This is a $14 million State investment in safer, more resilient infrastructure for our community. Thank you for your patience as Caltrans works to shore up this vital roadway.
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Announcing: Creative Sonoma’s
Arts Impact Grants for Organizations
| | We are thrilled to see District 5's Creative Arts grant projects coming to life across West County and are excited to announce the launch of a new grant application available through Creative Sonoma. This grant aims to support and uplift our local artists and creative organizations, providing them with the resources they need to thrive and continue enriching our community. | | Upcoming Meetings & Events | | |
West County explores regional sewer solutions
Wednesday August 27
4 PM
Virtual Public Meeting
The West County Water Quality and Recycled Water Supply Feasibility Study Stakeholder Committee will meet Wednesday, Aug. 27 at 4 PM, to continue discussing long-term wastewater solutions for unsewered neighborhoods in west Sonoma County. Sonoma Water is conducting the study on behalf of the Russian River County Sanitation District to explore regional treatment options that could help protect water quality in the Russian River and local creeks. The meeting is open to the public.
Read the full press release here.
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Thursday August 28
6 PM
Virtual Workshop
Wildfire season is a reality in Sonoma County—but together, we can make our communities safer. Attend this Wildfire Risk Reduction Workshop to learn how to reduce wildfire risk around your home and neighborhood.
This engaging session will empower you with the tools and resources to reduce wildfire risk around your home and neighborhood. You’ll also learn about free Wildfire Risk Assessments, new building and insurance requirements, and simple, effective steps to harden your home, improve defensible space, and protect what matters most.
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Ever Dreamed of Running a
Restaurant from Your Home Kitchen?
Come Learn About MEHKOs
Tuesday September 2 (English)
Wednesday September 3 (Spanish)
5:30 PM
West County Services Center
16390 Main Street, Suite B
Guerneville
In December 2024, the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors adopted an ordinance allowing Microenterprise Home Kitchens (MEHKOs) for the first time, opening the door to a new kind of homegrown food business.
Thanks to the MEHKO program, residents now have a low-cost pathway to launch a business cooking, serving and selling meals from their primary residence using their home kitchen to build small businesses.
This is an ideal opportunity for those facing barriers to traditional restaurant work, such as caregiving responsibilities or limited access to capital. From tamales to BBQ, home cooks can share meaningful meals that reflect their culture, support their families, and strengthen local connection.
Come to one of these informational session hosted by Sonoma County Environmental Health to learn how MEHKOs are regulated, what’s required, and how to get started.
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Sea Otters Were Here: Coastal Ecology Expo
Saturday, September 6
10 AM - 2 PM
Doran Beach, 201 Doran Beach Rd., Bodega Bay
The event, located at the very end of Doran Beach Road (click for map) will feature interactive booths from local coastal science organizations, businesses, and community groups, including the Kashia Band of Pomo Indians, Sea Otter Savvy, The Marine Mammal Center, Marine Conservation Institute, Defenders of Wildlife, Bodega Bay Oysters, Sonoma Land Trust, and more. Join the event to hear about local coastal restoration efforts and learn about sea otters, their role in healthy coastal ecosystems, and why they are still missing from Northern California waters.
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Sand Castle Competition
A highlight of the day will be the second annual Sea Otter Sand Castle Competition from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
- perfect for creative beachgoers of all ages!
Pictured: 2024 winner
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Lower Russian River Municipal Advisory Council Thursday, September 11, 2025
5:30 PM
West County Services Center
16390 Main Street, Suite B, Guerneville
Main topic: Sonoma Water will provide an update on the Russian River Biological Opinion
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Sheriff's Office Meet & Greet at Graton Fire Department
Thursday, September 11, 2025
5:30 PM
Graton Fire Department
3750 Gravenstein Hwy N
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Community Art Creation Event
Saturday, September 13, 2025
10 AM - 12 PM
West County Services Center
16390 Main Street, Guerneville
The whole family is welcome! It's all FREE. Just come wanting to create and have fun. This special event, made possible by our partnership with River Arts, takes place the second Saturday of each month.
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Community Coffee / Cafecito Comunitario
Monday, September 15, 8 - 9 AM
West County Services Center
16390 Main Street Suite B, Guerneville
District 5 invites you to drop in to our "Cafecito Comunitario" on the third Monday each month. You don't have to stay; you can just stop by to visit with D5 staff, enjoy a delicious pastry and coffee, tea, or hot chocolate; then go about your day. Everyone is welcome; we look forward to seeing you!
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Fifth District Supervisor Lynda Hopkins | County of Sonoma | 707-565-2241
Lynda.Hopkins@sonoma-county.org
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