Sonoma County 5th District Newsletter

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November 20, 2024


We Take Care of Us - Virtual Town Hall Tonight

Join the Virtual “We Take Care of Us” Town Hall Tonight!


Supervisor Hopkins is inviting residents to come together for an inspiring and informative virtual town hall event tonight, November 20, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. This is your chance to connect with local leaders and learn about vital community resources that can help us navigate uncertain times.


Featuring remarks from Supervisor Lynda Hopkins, Assemblymember Damon Connolly, and a pre-recorded message from Congressman Jared Huffman, this town hall will spotlight the outstanding work of local organizations and the opportunities for community involvement.


As we face a changing future, it’s more important than ever to know what resources are available and how we can support each other.


The event will include a live Q&A session through Zoom, where participants can post questions. Spanish interpretation will be available to ensure all community members can engage.


  • What: Virtual Town Hall: “We Take Care of Us”
  • When: Tonight, November 20, from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
  • Where: Online – Join via this Zoom link
  • Who: Supervisor Lynda Hopkins, Assemblymember Damon Connolly, local organization leaders, and a message from Congressman Jared Huffman


Don’t miss this opportunity to explore how we can work together to strengthen our community. Let’s take care of each other!

Sonoma County District 5 logo with a river and trees and a rainbow
Join Virtual Town Hall

Strong Atmospheric River Impacting Sonoma County

The National Weather Service has issued a Wind Advisory and Weather Alert for Sonoma County and surrounding areas from late Tuesday November 19 through Saturday November 23. Strong wind gusts up to 45 MPH below 900 feet and up to 69 MPH between 900-2500 feet.


Strong winds are expected today and tonight. Flooding is a concern, though with a lot of capacity left in the river, most impacts will be to smaller creeks and streams and low-lying, flood prone areas, rises in small streams, and overflowing poor drainage areas. The combination of heavy rain and strong winds will likely cause tree damage and related impacts.

A High Surf Advisory has also been issued with large breaking waves between 14 to 19 feet along well exposed west facing beaches.


Sonoma County Public Infrastructure will close the following roads beginning at 3 PM on Wednesday November 20:


  • Trenton Healdsburg Road: Between River Road and Mark West Station Rd
  • Mark West Station Road: Between Trenton Healdsburg Road and Slusser Rd / Starr Rd

Additional road closures may be necessary and will continue to be monitored. See the list of County-maintained road closures here.

SocoEmergency Resources
Image of a generator

Introducing the SoCo Provided Energy Resilience Kit (P.E.R.K)

The P.E.R.K. is a rapidly deployable power assistance kit available to local communities and community organizations during emergency incidents, Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS), and emergency Enhanced Powerline Safety Shutuff (EPSS) events. Ten kits are available through the Department of Emergency Management. A request can be made by any Sonoma County City or Town, unincorporated area partner, or community group supporting the power loss incident.


To learn more or request a P.E.R.K., please call the Department of Emergency Management (DEM) Duty Officer at 707-565-3419.

Sonoma Coast MAC Meeting Canceled

The Sonoma Coast Municipal Advisory Council meeting previously scheduled for Thurday November 21st in Fort Ross has been cancelled due to the forecasted hazardous weather conditions.

Prescribed Burning:

Where There's Smoke There Might Be Good Fire

click to play video about prescribed burning

Prescribed burns are a critical tool for preventing destructive wildfires. It's important to know why prescribed burns matter and what to expect when a prescribed burn is happening near you. Watch this video and hear from the experts.

 

Organizations like Sonoma Land Trust, CAL FIRE, and The Nature Conservancy recognize that returning good fire to the land is an essential tool for restoring balance and resilience in our forests. A couple of hours of smoke from a prescribed burn could reduce the risk of days and weeks of harmful smoke from a wildfire. 


To see current smoke alerts, visit:


Wait List Lottery Application Open for

Fife Creek Commons Housing - Closes at the end of November

The Sonoma County Housing Authority is accepting applications to their waitlist lottery now through Nov 30 for one- and two-bedroom units at 7 locations, including Fife Creek Commons in Guerneville. Eligible households earn 30% or less of Area Median Income (AMI) annually.


One-bedroom units are typically assigned to households of one to three people, and two-bedroom units to households of two to five people, in line with Housing Authority standards.


For disability-related accommodations, please contact (707) 565-7500/TDD (707) 565-7555. Translation services are available upon request.


Submit applications by Friday, Nov. 29 at 5 p.m. in person (141 Stony Circle, Suite 210, Santa Rosa) or online by Saturday, Nov. 30 at 11:59 p.m. at www.waitlistcheck.com/CA085.

Eligibility Chart

Income limits based on 30 percent of Area Median Income AMI: 1 person 29,070, 2 person 33,210, 3 person 37,350, 4 person 41,490, 5 person 44,820, 6 person 48,150, 7 person 51,450, 8 person 54,780
Apply for wait list lottery

Local Coastal Plan Certified by Coastal Commission

with Addendum

On Thursday, November 14, the California Coastal Commission approved Sonoma County's Local Coastal Plan with an addendum which preserves support for agriculture and vegetation management. We were able to preserve the intent of our ordinance with language acceptable to the Coastal Commission. We are grateful to the Permit Sonoma staff and the Commission staff who worked up to the last minute to come to consensus on the language. Public comment was overwhelmingly supportive. The Board of Supervisors will receive an update at their December 3 meeting, with a final vote to be scheduled in the new year.

Sonoma County Commission on Human Rights: Vacancy

commission on human rights logo

The Commission on Human Rights plays a vital role in promoting better human relations among all people in Sonoma County through education, collaboration with local agencies, and proactive initiatives. If you're passionate about creating positive change, consider applying for an open seat on the commission! This is a unique opportunity to make an impact and work alongside others committed to advancing human rights. Learn more and apply today!

Learn more / Apply to the Commission on Human Rights

Lower Russian River MAC: Upcoming Vacancy

Guerneville South / Pocket Canyon Alternate

We are now accepting applications for an alternate position on the Lower Russian River Municipal Advisory Council (MAC), representing the Guerneville South / Pocket Canyon area. (see map) This position is for a two-year term beginning January 2025.


The MAC plays a vital role in community engagement, providing input to the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors on a range of important topics. These include health and human safety-net services, land use, transportation and transit priorities, and general plan amendments. The MAC also reviews significant topics that will be heard by the Board of Supervisors, helping ensure local voices are heard on decisions that impact our community.

By serving on the MAC, you can act as a bridge between the county and your community—ensuring that local concerns and insights help shape policies and services. Interested in applying? Visit bit.ly/MACapply for more information or to submit an application.


Map of Guerneville South / Pocket Canyon Area
Check Address
Apply

Upcoming Meetings & Events

We Take Care of Us - A virtual Town Hall

Wednesday November 20, 6 PM

Zoom

Showcasing local organizations who are dedicated to supporting LGBTQIA folks, undocumented community members, the social safety net, mental health services, and the environment.

Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Event - Sea Ranch, Sat Nov 23

Zero Waste Sonoma is hosting another Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Collection event in Sea Ranch on Saturday, November 23, 2024 between 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM. Sonoma County residents may bring their unused and unwanted HHW items such as paint, fertilizers, batteries, fluorescent lamps, sharps, or antifreeze to name a few. This event is FREE for residents; qualifying small businesses may also participate for a fee. Sonoma County residents only. Appointment required.

Appointments required: Book your time here

Cafecito Comunitario

Monday December 16, 8 - 9 AM

West County Services Center, 16390 Main Street

District 5 invites you to our "Cafecito Comunitario." You don't have to stay; you can just stop by for a delicious coffee and pastry and go about your day. Everyone is welcome; we are waiting for you!

Child Parent Institute logo

Parents and Babies Support Group

Thursdays | January 9 - March 13, 10 - 11:30 AM

West County Services Center 16390 Main Street


In this 10 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 English and a Spanish support group will begin in March. Registration required. For questions, call 707-565-6108 x1100

Register for Parent & Babies Support Group

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

Lynda.Hopkins@sonoma-county.org


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