Friday November 7

As Veterans Day approaches, I want to take a moment to honor those who have served our nation — and to recognize the families who serve alongside them in quieter, but no less meaningful, ways. Your strength, sacrifice, and steadfast love of country inspire us all.

Just as we honor those who serve our nation, we’re reminded of the importance of serving one another here at home. We are urgently focused on ensuring food security here in Sonoma County. With CalFresh disruptions leaving many families uncertain about their next meal, the County has stepped up to make sure no one goes hungry by allocating funds to the Redwood Empire Food Bank. From volunteers donating food, hosting foodbanks, delivering groceries to neighbors and checking in on one another, these acts of compassion remind us what service truly means.

Whether through military service or community care, these expressions of commitment to one another show the best of who we are. Thank you for showing, time and again, what it means to care for one another here in West County.

Federal Budget Changes Could Strain

Sonoma County’s Safety Net

Sonoma County may be heading into choppy waters when it comes to federal funding for safety net programs that thousands of local families rely on. At a special meeting last month, County departments and community leaders laid out a stark picture for the Board of Supervisors: while current funding is largely intact, looming changes in federal policy could lead to devastating local impacts as early as 2026.

For the 2025-26 fiscal year, Sonoma County’s budget includes $386 million in federal funds supporting vital programs like Medi-Cal, CalFresh, housing assistance, and public health. These are the backbone services that help people access medical care, afford groceries, and keep a roof overhead. But new federal legislation, HR 1, proposes more restrictive eligibility rules and additional work requirements for programs that provide food and health care. It also scales back support for housing and homelessness.

The potential fallout? Local nonprofits are already seeing signs: rising food insecurity, increased demand for health services, and growing anxiety among families just trying to get by. If these changes take effect, the greatest burden will fall on Sonoma County’s three largest safety-net agencies—Human Services, Health Services, and the Community Development Commission.

County staff are working closely with regional and state partners to advocate for stable funding and build contingency plans. The County is also pursuing legal options to challenge new federal conditions that would tie funding to immigration enforcement and require the elimination of diversity programs, policies that don’t reflect Sonoma County values.

The road ahead won’t be easy. As the need for food, housing, and health care continues to grow, difficult decisions will have to be made. But Sonoma County doesn’t back down from hard problems. This community has a long history of rising to meet challenges with creativity, grit, and heart. Now more than ever, it’s going to take all of us—government, nonprofits, neighbors—pulling together to protect the most vulnerable and make sure no one falls through the cracks. That work starts now.

Watch recording of 10/14 special meeting

Ensuring No One Goes Hungry:
Emergency Funding Approved to Feed Families Impacted by CalFresh Disruption

With the federal government shutdown disrupting CalFresh benefits, thousands of local families suddenly find themselves facing empty cupboards. In response, the Board of Supervisors this week approved up to $1 million in emergency funds to support the Redwood Empire Food Bank’s vital work ensuring no one in Sonoma County goes hungry while waiting for federal aid to resume.

This funding will expand food distributions through the REFB's network of 130 nonprofit and faith based partners through the end of January, providing additional protein and culturally appropriate foods to meet a surge in need — with some estimates forecasting a 20 to 40 percent increase in households seeking assistance.

CalFresh is a lifeline for nearly 43,000 Sonoma County residents. Its disruption has created a ripple effect across our community, and the County is acting quickly to protect food security for our most vulnerable neighbors.

If you or someone you know is facing food insecurity, resources are available now:

Visit getfood.refb.org
Text “FOOD” to (707) 353-3882
Or call 2-1-1 for a list of local food pantries.

Read more here

Honoring Our Lower Russian River Wastewater Citizens Advisory Group

We would like to take a moment to extend heartfelt thanks, on behalf of the County and our entire community, to the extraordinary volunteer members of the Lower Russian River Wastewater Citizens Advisory Group (CAG).

Since 2018, this dedicated group of local residents has rolled up their sleeves and worked tirelessly toward one of our region’s most complex challenges: creating sustainable, affordable wastewater solutions that protect our beloved Russian River and meet new State and County requirements.

If you’ve ever joined a CAG meeting, you know how thoughtful and deeply engaged these members are. They bring local knowledge, vision, and a deep sense of stewardship to every conversation — working side by side with the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board, County staff, and project consultants to help shape the future of wastewater management in the Lower Russian River watershed.

Over the years, the CAG’s insights have directly influenced how policy and regulatory decisions are made. Their advocacy has led to tangible results: improving technical language in County and State regulations, supporting interim solutions for failing septic systems, and advancing a long-overdue countywide approach to wastewater challenges.

This is what community partnership looks like — neighbors coming together to solve problems that affect all of us, with an eye toward both environmental protection and economic fairness.

Thank you to every CAG member, past and present, for your persistence, your expertise, and your service. Because of your work, we are one step closer to a cleaner, healthier, and more resilient Russian River.

To learn more about the Lower Russian River Wastewater Citizens Advisory Group and their work, visit the County’s official page below

Visit the CAG website

Free Holiday Parking at Regional Parks for Veterans & Military

Sonoma County Regional Parks will offer free parking for veterans, active-duty military personnel and their families at all county parks on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 2025.

The free parking is offered in partnership with the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors to honor the contributions of service members. A full list of parks is at SoCoParks.org/Find-A-Park.

To receive the free parking, visitors won't need a special pass but should be ready to show proof of veteran or active-duty status, such as a military or veteran's identification card or discharge certificate. Sonoma County residency isn’t required.

In addition to the Veterans Day offer, Regional Parks provides a year-round Distinguished Veterans Day-Use Pass, which grants free parking to veterans with a 50% or greater disability rating. For more information, visit SoCoParks.org/Renew.

For more information, contact Regional Parks at 707-565-2041 or parks@sonomacounty.gov.

Burn Permit Suspension Lifted

Thanks to cooler temperatures, rising humidity, and the return of damp weather, CAL FIRE has lifted the burn permit suspension in Sonoma County. Residents with valid agriculture or residential burn permits may now resume pile burning on designated permissive burn days. Safety remains the top priority—burn piles must follow all guidelines, and residents are encouraged to exercise caution, stay informed, and never leave fires unattended.

For full details, including contact numbers for local air districts and safe burning requirements, click the link below.

Learn more

West County EIFD Resolution Approved
Public Hearings Coming Soon

Last month, the Board of Supervisors took a major step toward establishing a West County Enhanced Infrastructure Financing District (EIFD), approving a Resolution of Intent and forming a new Public Financing Authority. This marks a shift toward more local control and accountability in funding infrastructure projects. The process now moves into a public hearing phase, where community input will be essential in shaping priorities. Updates will be shared through this newsletter and our Municipal Advisory Councils.

Learn more

Odd Fellows Crossing Closure

In order to prepare for the rainy season, Sonoma County Public Infrastructure will be closing the Odd Fellows Road Crossing for the season on or before November 12, when conditions are safe for the crews.

Wohler Bridge Update

With the first phase of the project concluding, Sonoma County Public Infrastructure shared these photos with us from a neighbor who said “As local residents, we’re grateful to have such a competent team keeping our infrastructure strong. My son loved watching the progress, and we’re excited to see the roadbed improvements next year!”

Upcoming Meetings & Events

Lower Russian River Municipal Advisory Council

Thursday, November 13, 2025
5:30 PM

West County Services Center

16390 Main Street, Suite B, Guerneville

also attend virtually via Zoom

Main Topic: Guerneville Plaza and Russian River Community Park project updates

Community Coffee / Cafecito Comunitario

Monday, November 17, 8:30 - 9:30 AM

West County Services Center

16390 Main Street Suite B, Guerneville

District 5 invites you to drop in to our "Cafecito" drop-in office hours 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.

Todd Hunsdorfer, Clean Water Analyst & Ombudsperson joins us to help answer questions about septic systems and water quality regulations and Juan-Carlos Solis, Program Specialist, will also be here to answer any questions related to Sonoma Water.

Everyone is welcome; we look forward to seeing you!