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Hi Neighbors,
I hope you are enjoying this stretch of warm winter days we've been having. There's plenty happening in West County, from summer camp sign-ups to wildfire preparedness and expanded local services. This newsletter includes updates and resources to help you stay connected and informed.
| | Summer Camp Registration is Open | | |
Registration is underway for Regional Parks’ 2026 Summer Camps, offering kids hands-on adventure and outdoor learning all season long. Camp options include Discovery, Junior Lifeguard, Nature Explorers and Junior Rangers—each designed to build skills, confidence and a connection to nature through play, teamwork and exploration.
Partial scholarships covering 75% of camp fees are available for families with need, thanks to the Sonoma County Parks Foundation. Spots are limited, and camps fill quickly. Learn more and register online.
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The Sonoma County Clerk-Recorder-Assessor’s Office is teaming up with the California Secretary of State to host an Apostille Pop-up Shop on Thursday, February 26, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 435 Fiscal Drive, Santa Rosa. This one-day event makes it easier than ever to get your documents authenticated for international use—without a trip to Sacramento or Los Angeles.
Attendees should bring their original-signed documents, a completed request cover sheet, and payment. Apostilles cost $20 each, with an additional $6 fee for each unique official signature. Payment accepted via Visa, Mastercard, check or money order made payable to the “Secretary of State.” No cash accepted.
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Expanded Hours at the
West County Services Center
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Thanks to our partnership with the Human Services Department, the West County Services Center is now open more often—making it easier for working families, caregivers, and seniors to get help close to home. Medi-Cal services are now available Tuesdays from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and General Assistance continues Thursdays from 12:30 PM to 5:00 PM.
Starting the week of February 16, the Center will also be open for County services navigation Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (closed for lunch and closed on February 16 in observance of Presidents’ Day).
These expanded hours are part of a continuing effort to bring more direct services to West County—because everyone deserves access to the support they need, right in their own community.
| | Become a Pinniped Monitor with the Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods | | County Invests in Wildfire Resilience through Vegetation Management Grants | |
Sonoma County has approved $1.5 million in new vegetation management grants to reduce wildfire risk, improve evacuation routes, and build local capacity for land stewardship. Now in its fourth year, the County’s Vegetation Management Grant Program—funded through the PG&E wildfire settlement—continues to support collaborative, community-driven projects that prioritize safety and long-term resilience.
This latest round includes funding for ten projects countywide, four in the 5th District:
- Jenner/Fort Ross: $300,000 to construct a shaded fuel break from Muniz Ranches to Fort Ross Road.
- Occidental: $100,000 to reduce fuels along the southern Bohemian Highway corridor.
- Guerneville: $75,000 to clear defensible space around a critical communications tower on Siri Ridge.
- Fort Ross/Cazadero: $50,000 to expand ongoing fuel reduction work in the surrounding hills .
These projects are rooted in local expertise and represent thoughtful partnerships between landowners, fire professionals, conservation groups, and County staff. Together, they advance the goal of a more fire-adapted, resilient West County.
| Good Fire at Carrington Coast Ranch | | Emergencies can be unpredictable and happen without warning. Prepare now and know your evacuation zone before the next emergency strikes. Look it up now and write it down so it's easy to find quickly. | | Upcoming Meetings & Events | | |
Forestville Town Hall
Thursday February 5, 2026
El Molino Library
7050 Covey Road
Doors at 5:30
Program 6 - 8, featuring an update from Supervisor Hopkins, the Front Street Project, the Mirabel Widening project and updates from non-profits.
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Lower Russian River Municipal Advisory Council
February Meeting is Cancelled due to County Observance of Lincoln's Birthday
March 12, 2026
5:30 PM
West County Services Center
16390 Main Street, Suite B, Guerneville
| Main topic: Sonoma County Habitat Conservation Plan
Meetings are hybrid - in person and via Zoom. Public comment may be made in either format. Agendas are published at the River MAC Meeting Calendar page no later than 72 hours before the meeting. | | | | |
Community Coffee / Cafecito Comunitario
Monday, February 23, 9:00 - 10:00 AM
West County Services Center
16390 Main Street Suite B, Guerneville
District 5 invites you to visit our "Cafecito" drop-in office hours on the third Monday most months, the 4th in February due to the Presidents' Day holiday.
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@sonomacounty.gov
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