Wednesday July 9

July is in full swing. The days are long, the river is flowing, and the scent of dry grass and redwood needles hangs thick in the air. It’s that quintessential summer moment in Sonoma County where everything feels a bit slower… at least on the surface.

Behind the scenes, the wheels of local government keep turning - sometimes slowly, but steadily. And this month, that steady progress includes opportunities for you to shape the future of emergency preparedness, mental health services, and even public trails.

In this edition, you’ll find details about the Department of Emergency Management’s upcoming community meeting on the 2025 Emergency Operations Plan — a chance to share your perspective on how we prepare for and respond to disasters. We’re also spotlighting local behavioral health resources, a new way to stretch your food dollars with CalFresh and Market Match, and a heartfelt letter from the Gianni Cycling Association, celebrating decades of community-driven trail stewardship at the property now known as Monte Rio Redwoods.

I also want to take a moment to acknowledge something that has been in the news lately: the big bummer of a bill that was signed into law by the President. We anticipate serious impacts on health care and food availability for many members of our community, as well as potential impacts to the County’s budget. However, we don’t yet have details on fiscal or social impacts, or the precise timing of those impacts. (Some of the cuts were purposefully delayed until after mid-term elections.) Our County Health and Human Services departments are coordinating closely with the state to learn more, and we will share information as it becomes available.

Finally, I’ve heard concerns from many of you in recent weeks about the closure of the Bodega fire station, County drone use, and airport noise. There is good news about the Bodega fire station: after community participation in a Monday evening town hall, the Bodega Volunteer Fire Department has agreed to sign a lease with Gold Ridge. We hear the fire station should reopen by the end of this week! With respect to County drone use, I want you to know that I believe strongly in the right to privacy in your own backyard and will work on policies that enshrine that right locally. And finally, while I can’t stop the planes from flying overhead, please know that I’m continuing to battle with the FAA regarding the unacceptably low and loud arrivals and departures to STS. We will have an agenda item on the July 22 Board of Supervisors meeting agenda to fund a study to try to change the FAA’s protocol, with the goal of decreasing noise impacts on our communities.

As always, I’m honored to serve as your Supervisor, grateful for the good work we do together, and grateful for this vibrant, resilient, and outspoken community we call home.

With appreciation,

Lynda

Public Feedback Sought on Plans for Carrington Coast Ranch

Sonoma County Regional Parks is inviting community input to help shape the future of the Carrington Coast Ranch Regional Park and Open Space Preserve. As part of the master planning process, a public survey is open now through July 31 to collect feedback on two draft conceptual plans. These plans explore potential layouts for trails and trailhead development.

The 332-acre property, located on Coleman Valley Road along Highway 1, features open grassland with expansive views of the Sonoma coastline and Salmon Creek meeting the Pacific Ocean. The property has the potential to offer a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, backcountry camping, and outdoor education. It also holds potential for future trail connections, including a section of the 1,200-mile California Coastal Trail.

Community members are encouraged to take the survey and weigh in on draft alternatives that include options for trail routes, day-use areas, and camping amenities. The survey will help identify a preferred design alternative to serve as the centerpiece of the park’s master plan, guiding the long-term vision for public access, recreation, and natural resource protection.

Take the Survey - Closes July 31

Double Your CalFresh Dollars

with Market Match

Did you know you can stretch your food budget while getting the freshest local produce? It’s easy!

When you shop at the Guerneville, Occidental, and Sebastopol Farmers Markets, you can use your CalFresh EBT Card and get Market Match — a dollar-for-dollar match of up to $10.

Learn more

Emergency Operations Plan

Community Meeting

Flyer from the Sonoma County Department of Emergency Management inviting community feedback for Sonoma County’s 2025 Emergency Operations Plan. The flyer shows three people talking at a table with the Sonoma County seal. Text explains that the plan aims to help the whole community, especially at-risk individuals, underserved communities, and people with limited access to emergency resources. Meeting details: West County Community Services, 16390 Main St., Guerneville, Wednesday, Aug. 6, 6–7 p.m. A QR code is included to scan for more details.

Spotlight on Sonoma County Behavioral Health Services

A colorful graphic with a wavy orange border and a smiling flower in the center with the words “Take What You Need” around it. Surrounding the flower are six illustrated symbols with text: a butterfly labeled “Laughter and Joy,” a rainbow labeled “Support and Connection,” an orange slice labeled “Nourishment,” an open book labeled “Time to Reflect,” sparkles labeled “Self-Expression and Creativity,” and a mushroom labeled “Time in Nature.” Logos for the Office of the California Surgeon General and CDPH are at the top.

The Sonoma County Behavioral Health Division offers an extensive range of mental health and substance use disorder services for residents of all ages and backgrounds.

Need mental health resources to help you or someone you care about? Help is available:

24/7 Crisis Help: Feeling overwhelmed or facing a mental health emergency? Call 911 if it’s life‑threatening. For immediate, non‑emergency support, reach out to:

Mobile Crisis Response at 1‑800‑746‑8181
Suicide Prevention Line (call or text) at 988
Access to Care: Call the 24‑hour ACCESS line at 707‑565‑6900 (or toll‑free 800‑870‑8786) to start your journey toward care, including screenings, referrals, and treatment planning

Whether navigating emotional distress, managing long-term mental health challenges, or supporting a loved one, Sonoma County’s Behavioral Health Division provides compassionate, culturally-aware community care—anytime, day or night.

More information

Letter from Gianni Cycling Association

Sonoma County District 5 Community:

We, the Gianni Cycling Association, are excited that after decades of passion, stewardship, and hard work, the land beloved by our community, and previously owned by the Mendocino Redwood Company, has at last become public and will remain open space forever as part of the Monte Rio Redwoods Regional Park and Open Space Preserve. We want to express our gratitude to the community, Sonoma County Regional Parks, Save the Redwoods League, the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District and their partners for making this long-held vision a reality.

For more than 30 years, a dedicated group of community members have come together around a shared vision: to care for the land between Occidental and Monte Rio through responsible recreation and stewardship. The Gianni Cycling Association is an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization named after Gianni, the son of our President, Tom Gonnella. Since 1991, we've built more than trails — we've built a community rooted in connection, respect for the land and a shared love of cycling and the outdoors.

Over the years, our dedicated members — many of whom are land use planners, biologists, foresters, contractors, local firefighters and lifelong residents — have designed, built, and maintained a network of sustainable trails on this property. We've worked in close partnership with the previous landowners, Louisiana Pacific and Mendocino Redwood Company, to create recreational opportunities that focus on minimizing environmental impact while providing access for hikers, bikers and outdoor enthusiasts.

We have always acted with the community and environment in mind, from supporting youth programs and offering group rides to implementing wet-season trail closures and organizing community picnics and campouts. Gianni Cycling has grown because of the passion and stewardship of our hundreds of volunteers. We've built not just a trail system but a place where people come together across generations and backgrounds to care for something bigger than themselves.

Now that the land has transitioned to Sonoma County Regional Parks, we are excited to continue this legacy and expand our community to include more of you than we could in the past, sharing in the deep roots of this community and bringing even greater value to the future of this land. We're here, ready to collaborate, and eager to help ensure that the trails we've cared for over decades remain sustainable, inclusive and a source of joy for the public.

Happy Trails!

Gianni Board of Directors

Tom "Snap" Gonella, President

Ralph Higgins, Trail Crew Leader

Brian Waugh, Events Coordinator

Jennifer Michaud, Secretary

Heather Shepherd, Treasurer

Noelani Price, Membership Coordinator

Jason Hoorn, Trail Crew Leader

Gianni Cycling Association Website

Economic Development Collaborative

Business Owner Survey

The Sonoma County Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) is inviting business owners to participate in the Sonoma County Business Owner Trends Survey. Your input will help shape the future of local business support.

The survey takes just 6-8 minutes to complete, and participants will receive a $10 digital gift card as a thank you (while supplies last). The survey is available in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, and Simplified Chinese, and all responses are 100% confidential.

Whether you're a solo entrepreneur, a family-run shop, or leading a growing team, your feedback is valuable. Help build a stronger, more inclusive business ecosystem in Sonoma County by taking the survey today.

Take the survey

Residential Open Burn Suspension in Effect June 23, 2025

Residential outdoor burning is prohibited and agriculture, land management, and fire training may be allowed with air district permit and CAL FIRE inspection.

High Wildfire Risk for 2025. Sonoma County is expected to experience warmer and drier-than-normal conditions from June through August, with only limited relief from the coastal marine layer. The heavy rains and a drier-than-expected spring have caused an increase in potential wildfire fuel. “We are in a fire year, not a fire season,” said Cal Fire Division Chief Ben Nicholls. “The reports clearly show we need to be vigilant and prepared for an increased threat of large wildfires”.

More information

Create a Firewise Landscape

with Free Chipping Available to Residents in Unincorporated Sonoma County

In the event of a wildfire, having 100 feet or more of defensible space has been clearly demonstrated to help save homes. Likewise, thinning vegetation on access roads can make it safer for residents and firefighters. We hope that free chipper services can help residents dispose of woody debris and assist them in creating beautiful, healthy, and “firewise” landscapes around homes and on roadsides

Permit Sonoma Fire Prevention Division provides free chipper services to residents who are engaged in making their property more wildfire safe. The purpose of the program is to create defensible space, specifically around the home, structures, and access routes to the structures, for properties located in the unincorporated areas of Sonoma County.

Additionally, for unimproved properties, woody debris generated from areas within 30 feet of a structure or 20 feet from a roadway also qualifies for the program. Services such as fuel breaks, fuel management, and defensible space greater than 100 feet from structures and 20 feet from edges of access roads to those structures fall outside the scope of the program.

Click here for more information or to sign up

Upcoming Meetings & Events

Lower Russian River Municipal Advisory Council

Thursday, July 10, 2025

5:30 PM

El Molino Library

7050 Covey Road, Forestville

Main topics: Mirabel Road Widening Project and WiConduit's Forestville Connect community-governed broadband network

Community Art Creation Event

Saturday, July 12

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 every second Saturday of the month.

Sonoma County Coast Municipal Advisory Council

Thursday, July 17, 2025

5:30 PM Del Mar Recreation Center

40600 Leeward Rd.

Sea Ranch, CA 95497

Main topic: Sonoma County General Plan Update - reflections from the first phase of public engagement and next steps.

Community Coffee / Cafecito Comunitario

Monday, July 21, 8 - 9 AM

West County Services Center

16390 Main Street, 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!