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Protecting Wildlife Corridors, Watersheds, and Recreational Access
A major conservation milestone was reached in 2025 with the permanent protection of 1,517 acres of redwood forest near Monte Rio. I was proud to champion this effort — securing County support and funding, working closely with Regional Parks, and partnering with conservation organizations to nearly quadruple the size of the Monte Rio Redwoods Regional Park and Open Space Preserve. This historic expansion creates a contiguous protected landscape of more than 22,000 acres, safeguarding critical wildlife corridors, protecting watershed habitats, and laying the groundwork for future public access and recreation. It’s an investment in climate resilience, biodiversity, and the long-term health of West County.
Fighting for Fair Flight Paths in West County
Over the past year, we’ve heard from many West County residents who have been deeply impacted by changes to flight patterns out of the Sonoma County Airport. Concentrated flight paths over our neighborhoods have disrupted daily life and significantly increased noise impacts. In response, I formally urged the Federal Aviation Administration to reconsider these altered routes and return to more equitable procedures — such as the former CHRLY8 route — while a full environmental review is completed. As Board Chair, I sent a letter calling for relief, transparency, and a decision-making process that meaningfully includes local voices. West County deserves fairness, accountability, and respect when it comes to decisions that affect our quality of life. Read more and see the letter in our April 8 Newsletter.
West County Road Safety and Repairs
In 2025, we made progress on several important West County road and safety priorities. We purchased a radar speed cart for District 5 and initiated a speed study on Mirabel Road to inform future traffic-calming efforts. Funding was also set aside to repair the failing Giovanetti Road culvert, and to finish the paving work on Pleasant Hill and Joy Roads. These projects address urgent safety needs, but they are just part of the larger effort required to maintain and modernize our rural road network. There is still much work ahead, and I remain committed to advocating for the resources West County needs.
Ensuring Storm Recovery and Repairs
Following heavy winter storms that triggered a major mudslide, sending a home into the Russian River and severely damaging Westside Road, our office worked closely with the Department of Public Infrastructure as crews sprang into action. The damaged hillside was stabilized, the roadbed rebuilt, drainage and retaining structures installed, and contractors coordinated to restore this critical connection between Healdsburg and Forestville. By late August 2025, Westside Road was reopened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, marking a major milestone in storm recovery. This reopening represents the first of several priority road repairs completed to support residents, emergency response, and everyday travel throughout West County.
Supporting West County Residents Impacted by the Opioid Crisis
This year, the Board of Supervisors approved $5 million from an opioid manufacturer and distributor settlement to expand critical substance use disorder services. Recognizing that West County has been disproportionately impacted, I worked to ensure that the bulk of these funds are directed to District 5. These resources will support naloxone and fentanyl test strip distribution, recovery housing, mobile outreach, school-based prevention education, perinatal care coordination, syringe exchange, substance use disorder treatment, and testing and care for infectious diseases. I also worked with the Sheriff’s Office to maintain investment in the County’s Narcotics Unit to combat illegal drug activity. Addressing this crisis requires a comprehensive, compassionate, and community-centered approach — and that remains my focus.
Supporting Guerneville Businesses During Downtown Caltrans Construction
When Caltrans began its major Highway 116 pedestrian improvement project in downtown Guerneville — bringing ADA-compliant sidewalks, widened walkways, new signals, and streetscape enhancements — it also brought real disruption to local businesses. Our office worked closely with the Guerneville Chamber of Commerce to help mitigate these impacts by maintaining open lines of communication with Caltrans, supporting businesses in navigating relief opportunities, and promoting events and initiatives that encouraged residents and visitors to keep shopping and dining locally during construction.
Expanding Local Access to Services
In partnership with the Human Services Department, we worked to expand the hours and services available at West County Services Center. CalFresh and Medi-Cal services are now available on Tuesdays from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, while General Assistance continues on Thursdays from 12:30 to 5:00 pm. Residents can also access the community clothing closet and a small emergency food pantry to help meet immediate needs while waiting to receive EBT cards. We are continuing to work toward bringing even more direct services to West County and hope these expanded hours make it easier for working families, seniors, and caregivers to access support.
Supporting Food Security
In response to disruptions in CalFresh benefits during the federal government shutdown, the Board of Supervisors provided up to $1 million in emergency support to help the Redwood Empire Food Bank continue feeding our community. I also dedicated an additional $50,000 in Tourism Impact Funds to support food security initiatives specifically serving West County residents, with a focus on seniors, low-income families, and immigrant households.
Supporting Our Fishing Community
After the success of last year’s Black Cod Week, this year it grew into Black Cod Month. This expanded celebration highlighted sustainable fishing practices, showcased the work of local fishermen and women, and gave residents and visitors more opportunities to support the fishing community that has been part of West County for generations.
Regional and State Leadership on Clean Air and Climate
In 2025, I had the honor of serving not only as Chair of the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors, but also as Chair of the Bay Area Air Quality Management District’s Board of Directors, working with leaders across nine counties to advance clean air protections and climate resilience. In February, Governor Newsom appointed me to serve on the California Air Resources Board, the state body responsible for setting and implementing air quality and climate policy. These roles allow me to help shape decisions that benefit Sonoma County while contributing to a healthier, more resilient future for all Californians.
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