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March 11, 2025

As the days stretch a little longer and the first hints of summer peek through, West County is buzzing with opportunities for people of all ages to learn, explore, and connect.

In this newsletter, we have updates on the Vacation Beach summer dam installation, which may face delays. Fortunately, the summer crossing is still on track - unless high river flows push back the timeline.

We’re also highlighting fantastic opportunities for high schoolers, from an outdoor adventure program with Regional Parks to the Model Emergency Operations Center, where students get a front-row seat to emergency response. And for those passionate about food, the Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operations (MEHKO) learning program is helping home chefs turn their talents into small businesses.

Meanwhile, our libraries are offering digital literacy workshops, and Elderberry Commons in Sebastopol is officially welcoming residents into its supportive housing community—a big step in our ongoing efforts to provide stable, dignified housing.

~ Lynda

Potential Delay in Vacation Beach Dam Installation

We want to keep our community informed about an important update regarding the installation of the Vacation Beach Dam. Originally scheduled for mid-June 2025, the project may face delays due to an unexpected dam release last August, which required early removal. The Russian River Recreation and Park District (RRRPD) has shared that they are actively working to meet the necessary repair and approval requirements following inspections and directives from the Division of Safety of Dams (DSOD).

While the timeline remains uncertain, RRRPD is taking every possible step to expedite the process, collaborating closely with engineers and regulatory agencies to move forward efficiently.

From the County’s perspective, Sonoma County Public Infrastructure should still be able to proceed with the summer crossing installation. However, if river flows are high, there could be delays.

RRRPD's installation of the Johnson’s Beach Dam remains on schedule for mid-June.

For the latest updates directly from RRRPD, sign up for their newsletter here.

YES! RIVER – A Summer of Adventure on the Water! 

Does your child want to swim, kayak, explore, and make an impact this summer? YES! RIVER is an 8-week adventure where young people (ages 13-18) will:

• Get outside—swim, kayak, paddleboard & hike in amazing river spots
• Dive into the Russian River’s history, culture & ecosystems
• Take action—protect the watershed & explore environmental careers
• Connect with a great crew while building leadership & wilderness skills
• Make a difference—while having a blast!

WHEN: Fridays, June 13 - August 1 | 9 AM - 4 PM

HOW: Spots are limited—apply by June 1st!

WHERE: Meet in Guerneville—transportation, lunch & snacks provided! No cost!

Sign up now! Space is limited!

MODEL Emergency Operations Center (EOC): June 16 - 20, 2025

High School Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors (Classes of 25, 26 and 27) — Join the Department of Emergency Management for a week-long program to explore the behind-the-scenes operations during disasters (e.g., floods, earthquakes, wildfires)!

Gain exclusive insight into the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) that include a disaster simulation exercise, field trip to explore first responder locations, and preparedness education.

This award-winning program was recently recognized internationally for its innovative approach to engaging students in emergency management. At the International Association of Emergency Managers conference, Sonoma County will be honored for its Model Emergency Operations Center initiative, which gives students a front-row seat to real-world emergency response. In fact, last year’s participants witnessed firsthand how emergency managers tackled the Point Fire as it unfolded.

Take advantage of this no-cost opportunity to gain invaluable knowledge, build community resilience, and even explore future career paths in emergency management. Lunch is provided, and transportation can be arranged if needed.

Spaces are limited—sign up today!

Free Vamos a Nadar Water Safety Class at Rio Nido Road House

Saturday May 3

Thanks to the initiative and efforts from Friends of Monte Rio, our staff collaborated with Regional Parks to bring this program to the Lower Russian River this spring.

Mobile Dental Clinic in Timber Cove April 15

With financial support from District 5 Infrastructure funding, Mendonoma Health Alliance and Santa Rosa Memorial Health have joined together to bring affordable Mobile Dental Services to the North Coast! The next service date is on Tuesday, April 15t at Fort Ross School.

Appointments will be available for children 0-16 years old and will include dental exams, x-rays, cleaning, sealants, and referrals. The mobile dental clinic will be located at Fort Ross Elementary School in Timber Cove from 9:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m.

To book an appointment, use the link below or contact Mendonoma Health Alliance at (707) 412-3176 x102. Be sure to let us know if you need assistance with transportation to the clinic.

Community Meeting on Sheriff's Equipment

In accordance with AB 481, the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office is hosting a community meeting to discuss and answer questions about the equipment it uses. The meeting will take place on Thursday, March 20, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Sheriff’s Main Office (2796 Ventura Avenue, Santa Rosa).

The meeting will begin with a brief presentation on AB 481 and an overview of the Sheriff’s Office equipment, followed by an opportunity for community members to ask questions.

📌 Important Note: None of the listed equipment comes from the military, though it falls under the legal definition outlined in AB 481. The current inventory of equipment will be available online starting March 13 at sonomasheriff.org/publications.

For those unable to attend, comments can be sent via email to sheriff-feedback@sonoma-county.org. This meeting and the inventory list fulfill AB 481 requirements for the Sheriff’s Office, Sonoma Police Department, and Windsor Police Department.

Celebrating Civil Grand Jury Appreciation Month – And Your Chance to Serve!

On March 11, the Board of Supervisors recognized March 2025 as Civil Grand Jury Appreciation Month, honoring the dedicated volunteers who spend a year ensuring our local government is transparent, efficient, and accountable. These citizen watchdogs play a crucial role in strengthening our community—and now, it’s your turn to get involved.

Applications for the 2024–2025 Sonoma County Civil Grand Jury are open, and the deadline to apply is May 2, 2025. If you’ve ever wanted to take a deep dive into how local agencies operate and make a real impact, this is your chance.

To be eligible, you must be at least 18, a U.S. citizen, and have lived in Sonoma County for at least a year. It’s a big commitment, but for those who love asking questions, seeking solutions, and working for the greater good, it’s an incredibly rewarding experience.

Digital Literacy Workshops and More at Sonoma County Library

Sonoma County Library offers endless ways to brush up on your tech skills including digital literacy workshops, one-on-one tech help, video tutorials, online courses and more.

Learn about digital literacy workshops on topics including the internet, cybersecurity, email, and navigating files and tools. Sonoma County Library is among over 130 public libraries nationwide awarded funding by the Public Library Association (PLA) to increase digital literacy.

Every Sonoma County library will offer digital literacy workshops, scheduled from March through May 2025. Most classes will be held in English, with some in Spanish. Every participant will take home an 8GB flash drive on a lanyard.

See a schedule of all the classes at sonomalibrary.org/computerbasics.

Big news for Sonoma County’s Home Chefs!

Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operations

On December 3, 2024, the Board of Supervisors adopted an ordinance amending Chapter 14 of the County Code to allow Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operations (MEHKOs) under certain conditions.

So what does this mean? MEHKOs are small-scale food businesses that let people prepare and sell meals right out of their own homes—think of it as a mini-restaurant, whether for dine-in or take-out. This concept was made possible by a series of California laws (AB 626, AB 377, and AB 1325) designed to create opportunities for aspiring food entrepreneurs, especially those who might struggle with the high costs of opening a traditional restaurant.

For many, this is a game-changer. It gives people—especially caregivers, retirees, and those facing barriers to traditional employment—a chance to turn their love of cooking into a business. It also expands access to unique and diverse food options in our communities, bringing more cultural and regional flavors to the table.

The Cook Alliance is offering the Cook Academy, an eight-week online course with a curriculum that will equip participants with essential skills to successfully operate their own MEHKO businesses, covering topics such as:

• MEHKO regulations
• Standard operating procedures
• Personal vs. business finances
• Menu pricing
• Brand management 
• Social media and marketing
• Food photography
• And more!

Classes will be virtual and available to watch at your own pace, with optional weekly zoom office hours offered for any questions or support. The first class (orientation) and last class (graduation) will be live over Zoom from 5:30-7:30pm and require mandatory attendance. Graduates will receive a grant of $3,000 and be eligible to earn three units of college credit.

The Cook Alliance is now accepting applications on a rolling basis.

Elderberry Commons Welcomes

Permanent Supportive Housing Residents

A roof over one’s head isn’t just housing—it’s healthcare. Elderberry Commons in Sebastopol is officially welcoming its first permanent supportive housing residents, offering not only a place to live but a foundation for stability, dignity, and well-being.

Originally acquired by the County of Sonoma in 2020 through the state’s Project Homekey program, this former motel in Sebastopol is now owned and operated by Burbank Housing. With renovations recently completed and lease-up underway, the site is being transformed into 29 studio apartments designed for individuals transitioning out of homelessness. But housing alone isn’t the solution—wraparound services provided by West County Community Services (WCCS) will ensure that residents have access to case management, mental health support, and resources to help them thrive.

We’ve seen the success of this approach in WCCS’s Russian River supportive housing programs, where safe, stable housing paired with compassionate care has helped break the cycle of homelessness. Now, Sebastopol will have its own model of “housing as healthcare,” recognizing that when people have a secure home, they are better able to manage medical conditions, seek employment, and rebuild their lives.

This is more than a housing project—it’s a step toward a healthier, more resilient community.

Upcoming Meetings & Events

The Sonoma County Department of Emergency Management invites you to learn and provide feedback on the County's draft Recovery Operations Plan, which will outline the County's strategy for conducting recovery operations after future disasters.

Several open houses are scheduled in March. Attend virtually via Zoom or in-person at the North Coast Builders Exchange in Santa Rosa. The content and topics are the same for each, so please only attend one.

If you represent a community organization that provides services for people vulnerable to disasters, the Department of Emergency Management will have a separate open house for these organizations on Thursday, March 13, 2025, that focuses on supporting your organization’s mission. Please contact Derek Morrison (Derek.Morrison@constantassociates.com) or James Cooper (James.Cooper@sonoma-county.org) if you believe you should be participating in that open house. 

Open House #2

Date: Wednesday, March 12, 2025

Time: 5:30 – 8:30pm

Location: North Coast Builders Exchange Training Center, 1030 Apollo Way, Santa Rosa, CA 95407

Registration Link

Open House #3

Date: Wednesday, March 19, 2025

Time: 1:00 – 3:00pm

Location: Zoom

Registration Link

Lower Russian River Municipal Advisory Council March 13, 5:30 PM

West County Services Center (former B of A building)

16390 Main Street, Guerneville

Main Topic: Sonoma County Tourism Bureau: Diversity, Sustainability & Stewardship. Introducing the Wine Country for All of Us intiative.

Parents and Babies Support Group

beginning Thursday March 13, 10 - 11:30 AM

West County Services Center 16390 Main Street

In this FREE 8 week series for pregnant folks, new and new again moms, and new and new again dads, meet other parents who are going through it too. Get support from experienced therapists and learn about parenting and bonding with your infant, and get help with the emotional upheaval that is new parenthood. Babes in arms are welcome.

This group will be held in Spanish. Registration required. If you have questions, or to express interest in a future English language class, please call 707-585-6108 x1100 or email intake@calparents.org.

Community Coffee / Cafecito Comunitario

Monday March 17, 8 - 9 AM



West County Services Center, 16390 Main Street

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 coffee, tea, hot chocolate and pastry and then go about your day. Everyone is welcome; we look forward to seeing you!

Sonoma County Coast Municipal Advisory Council Jenner Community Center

10398 CA-1, Jenner, CA

Thursday March 20, 2025 Main Topic: $9 M WiConduit Broadband Infrastructure Grant potentially impacting Timber Cove, Walsh Landing, Fort Ross, Jenner and Seaview

Forestville Town Hall

Thursday March 27

Doors at 5 Program begins at 5:30

El Molino Library

7050 Covey Road

Lower Russian River MAC: Vacancies

Fifth District Supervisor Lynda Hopkins | County of Sonoma | 707-565-2241

Lynda.Hopkins@sonoma-county.org

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