Sonoma County 5th District Newsletter

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Wednesday October 8

Dear Friends and Neighbors,


As we settle into October — with crisp mornings, soft golden light, and the last glimmers of summer in the air — I wanted to share a few timely updates from around West County.


Tomorrow, Thursday October 9 at 5:30 PM, the Lower Russian River MAC will host a hybrid meeting (in-person at the West County Services Center and on Zoom) featuring an important presentation from the Eel-Russian Project Authority. They’ll be discussing what comes next for future diversions from the Eel River to the Russian River as PG&E winds down the Potter Valley Project. I encourage folks to tune in.


Looking ahead to Monday, October 14, we’ve got two key items on the calendar. At our regular Board of Supervisors meeting, we’ll be considering the formation of a West County Enhanced Infrastructure Financing District (EIFD), a potential tool to fund local infrastructure without new taxes, by reinvesting in our community. Later that day, at 4:30 PM, we’ll hold a special evening session focused on how potential changes to the federal budget might impact County services and programs. 


I’m also excited about a new countywide internship program available to all 11th and 12th graders, launching this coming spring (Jan–May 2026). Students will be able to gain 40 hours of flexible, real-world experience. We're looking forward to hosting a student intern in our office and you can read below to learn more about how you may be able to participate by hosting an intern also.


As always, you’ll find practical updates in here too: voting information and key dates to help you plan ahead, and a friendly reminder that Recology customers in unincorporated areas are eligible for four free bulky-item pickups per year. Don’t let those old mattresses pile up!


Thank you, as ever, for being part of this community — for showing up, staying informed, and looking out for each other. It’s an honor to serve you.


Warmly,

Lynda (signature)


Board of Supervisors Special Meeting
Federal Impacts Update

Sonoma County logo

The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors will hold a special evening meeting on Tuesday, October 14 at 4:30 PM, to assess how proposed federal budget cuts could impact our local community.


H.R. 1, the federal budget bill currently under consideration in Congress, includes sweeping funding reductions and policy changes that could directly affect Sonoma County’s ability to deliver vital services. The October 14 session will provide a comprehensive overview of the potential impacts, including threats to housing programs, nutrition support, Medicaid, and other essential safety net services.


In addition to presentations from County departments, community partners will share how proposed changes could affect education, immigration services, LGBTQIA+ rights, nonprofit organizations, and local federally qualified health centers. The agenda also includes an update on legal actions the County has joined in response to concerning aspects of the bill.


This public meeting builds on the Board’s adoption of a $2.8 billion balanced budget in June, which maintained core services while acknowledging looming fiscal uncertainty tied to possible state and federal funding shifts. The October 14 meeting is an important next step in preparing for that uncertainty.


Staff from the Fifth District office encourage residents to attend or tune in to stay informed. Understanding what’s at stake now will help ensure our communities remain strong and supported—especially those most vulnerable to funding disruptions.


The meeting will take place in the Board Chambers at 575 Administration Drive in Santa Rosa. All are welcome. Additionally, the meeting can be watched virtually via links that will be published on the agenda at the calendar link below.

National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)

Current Status and Local Impacts

The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is a lifeline for communities like ours, where winter storms and rising waters are a recurring challenge. Unfortunately, that lifeline is currently impacted by the federal government shutdown. The NFIP’s authority to issue new flood insurance policies expired on September 30, 2025, and because Congress has not yet reached a funding agreement, the program’s reauthorization is on hold as part of broader budget negotiations.


Existing NFIP policyholders can maintain their coverage, but anyone needing a new policy — for example, to close on a home or refinance — will experience delays until Congress restores authorization. Since 2017, the NFIP has operated under a series of short-term extensions, leaving the program vulnerable each time federal funding lapses. A full reauthorization would provide long-term stability and help ensure that essential coverage isn’t disrupted during future shutdowns.


If you’d like to share your thoughts about the NFIP or learn more about where things stand, you can reach your congressional representatives through the U.S. House of Representatives or U.S. Senate websites. We’ll continue to share updates as new information becomes available.

West County EIFD on October 14

BOS Regular Meeting Agenda

At the regular Board meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 14, the Board of Supervisors will consider the formation of an unincorporated West County Enhanced Infrastructure Financing District (EIFD). This is a financing tool that uses a portion of future property tax growth to support community infrastructure projects without levying new taxes. Access the agenda and board materials when they are published at the link below.

Fife Creek

Each summer and fall, Sonoma Water conducts several creek projects as part of the Stream Maintenance Program in Sonoma County. Activities occur mainly along urban streams to provide flood protection and restore habitats, and include managing vegetation, clearing sediment and garbage, repairing eroded banks, and planting native trees.


During the week of September 22nd, Sonoma Water conducted a project to improve water quality, restore fish and wildlife habitats, and reduce the risk of flooding from the creek.

Community Preparedness

The Sonoma County Office of Equity wants to hear from you! They are launching a community survey to help learn about residents’ experiences with disasters, preparedness, response and recovery.


Your input will guide recommendations for how Sonoma County improves its long-term disaster recovery framework. The survey is anonymous and open through October.

Seasonal Closure of Vacation Beach Crossing
Thursday October 9

It's that time of the year again. In order to meet the October 15 environmental permitting deadline for removal, the Vacation Beach Crossing in Guerneville will be closed the morning of Thursday October 9.

Recology Bulky Item Pickup in Unincorporated Sonoma County

Do you have an old couch, mattress, or appliance that needs to go? Recology Sonoma Marin offers four free bulky item pickups per year for residential customers in unincorporated Sonoma County. It’s an easy and responsible way to dispose of large household items that won’t fit in your regular collection bins.


Accepted items include furniture, mattresses, large household goods, and appliances. Commercial customers can also schedule bulky item pickups for a fee. To schedule a pickup, call 1-800-243-0291 or email RecologySonomaMarin@recology.com.

Voting in Nov. 4 Special Election Has Begun

Check your mailbox: Every active, registered voter in Sonoma County is being mailed a ballot this week for the Nov. 4 Statewide Special Election.

 

Voters have three ways to return their completed ballot: place it in an Official Ballot Drop-Box, send it back by mail, or deliver it to an in-person Vote Center before the polls close at 8 p.m. on Nov. 4.

 

  • On Tuesday (Oct. 7), 22 Official Ballot Drop-Boxes opened at convenient locations across the county.
    
  • Prefer to return your ballot in the mail? Ballots must be postmarked on or before Election Day (Nov. 4) and received by Nov. 12 to be counted.
    
  • Voters may also return their mail-in ballots – or cast a ballot in person – at any of the County’s 14 official Vote Centers. Seven Vote Centers will open daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., beginning Oct. 25. An additional seven will open on Nov. 1. On Election Day, all 14 Vote Centers will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. 
    
  • Note: the West County Services Center at 16390 Main Street in Guerneville will be open as a Vote Center from November 1-4

 

In the Statewide Special Election, voters will decide on Proposition 50, a proposed amendment to the state constitution that would temporarily change Congressional district lines. Some 5th District voters will also weigh in on the election of three directors to the Timber Cove County Water District.

 

The last day to register to vote is Oct. 20.

Countywide High School Internship Program

We’re excited to share a new opportunity for young people in our community: Path to Purpose, an internship initiative that helps local high school students gain real-world experience, build transferable skills, and explore life beyond the classroom.


The program is led by the Career Technical Education (CTE) Foundation, in partnership with the Sonoma County Office of Education and the County of Sonoma and the Santa Rosa Metro Chamber.


Hosting an intern is easier than you might think. The CTE Foundation takes care of the logistics — things like applications, vetting, placement, and compliance — so what you’re really offering is your time, your perspective, and a welcoming place to learn. You don’t need to be part of a big company or have a formal training program. Just a willingness to show a young person what work looks like in your corner of the world.


These internships aren’t just for students with a clear career plan — they’re about exploration, confidence-building, and learning transferable skills like communication, teamwork, and responsibility. Even a short experience in a professional setting can help a student grow and see new possibilities.


Applications are now open for Sonoma County 11th and 12th graders interested in Spring 2026 internships (January–May). Each placement includes 40 hours of workplace experience - many are paid!


We’ll be hosting an intern in the Fifth District office, and we hope others will consider joining us. Mentors often gain just as much as they give — interns bring curiosity, energy, and fresh ideas. To learn more, apply, or sign up to host an intern, contact Brandon Jewell at the CTE Foundation.


Let’s help young people in our community take their first steps into the world of work, and show them they belong here.

Upcoming Meetings & Events

River MAC Logo, 3 trees and flowing water

Lower Russian River Municipal Advisory Council Thursday, October 9, 2025

5:30 PM

West County Services Center

16390 Main Street, Suite B, Guerneville


Main topic: David Manning, Executive Director of the Eel-Russian Project Authority (ERPA) will provide an update on the Eel-Russian Project Authority’s efforts to develop a new facility to continue to divert water from the Eel River to the Russian River after PG&E decommissions the Potter Valley Project and removes the project’s dams.


The presentation will cover the importance of continued Eel River diversions to the Russian River watershed, project status, and next steps.

Logo for River Arts featuring a silhouette of a tall pine tree on the left with a winding river path leading into a black circle

Community Art Creation Event - Mask Making

Saturday, October 12, 2025

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 the second Saturday of each month.

Sonoma County District 5 logo with a river and trees and a rainbow

Community Coffee / Cafecito Comunitario

Monday, October 20, 8 - 9 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 will join us to help answer questions about septic systems and water quality regulations.


In November, 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!

free vaccine event flyer with pink background and colorful papel picado banners at the top that say covid 19 coronavirus flu virus influenza and rsv respiratory syncytial virus large text in the center reads free vaccines for you and your family below is an illustration of a diverse family with an elderly couple two adults a baby and a syringe with a heart outline event details saturday november 1 from 1 to 5 pm at 16375 first street guerneville california 95446 no cost completely free no insurance needed open to everyone in the community text reads why get vaccinated vaccines are a safe and effective way to protect your health and the health of your loved ones contact norma pichardo at 707 843 2960 bottom text says protect yourself protect your loved ones we look forward to seeing you logos at the bottom include the sonoma county department of health services and rr promotoras trabajando juntos por la comunidad note at bottom says these events are brought to you by the sonoma county department of health services with funds approved by the sonoma county board of supervisors
Coast MAC Logo

Sonoma County Coast Municipal Advisory Council

Thursday, November 20, 2025

5:30 PM


More details will be available 72 hours prior to the meeting

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

Lynda.Hopkins@sonomacounty.gov


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