Sonoma Coast and Lower Russian River MAC
Recruitment Period Open Now | | |
Want to help shape the future of West County? Consider applying to serve on the Lower Russian River or Sonoma Coast Municipal Advisory Council (MAC)!
MACs are an important way for community members to have a direct voice in County government. Members engage with residents, learn about community priorities, and provide input and recommendations to County decision-makers.
Serving on a MAC is a great way to get involved, learn more about County government, and advocate for the place you call home. You don’t need to arrive knowing all the ins and outs of County government — members learn along the way, bringing their own experiences, perspectives, and knowledge of the community to the table.
If you live in the Lower Russian River or Sonoma Coast area and have ever thought, “Someone should get involved with this!”… maybe that someone is you.
Thoughtful, engaged community members who care about West County are encouraged to apply.
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We are currently recruiting applicants from the following areas
for terms running from January 1, 2027 - December 31, 2028
Use this interactive map to see if you live within one of the areas
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Lower Russian River MAC
Forestville
West Forestville (Hacienda on map)
Rio Nido
Guerneville
Guerneville South / Pocket Canyon
Monte Rio / Villa Grande
Cazadero / Duncans Mills
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Sonoma Coast MAC
The Sea Ranch / Annapolis
Fort Ross / West Cazadero
Jenner
Bodega Bay
Bodega / Valley Ford
| | Sea otters & sand sculptures at Doran Beach | | |
On Saturday, September 12, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., we are excited to cohost Sea Otters Were Here with Sea Otter Savvy! This is a free community event celebrating sea otters and the incredible marine ecosystem along the Sonoma Coast.
The day will feature interactive booths with local scientists, conservation organizations, fishermen, businesses, and community groups, along with a sea otter sand sculpture competition (from 11 AM to 1 PM). Attendees can learn about the history of sea otters in our area, their important role in healthy kelp forests and seagrass meadows, and ongoing conversations about their potential return to the North Coast.
Sea otters once thrived along the Sonoma Coast before the maritime fur trade nearly wiped them out in California. Their return could help restore balance to coastal ecosystems — and give future generations the chance to experience this remarkable keystone species close to home.
Come learn, get sandy, and celebrate the wild and wonderful Sonoma Coast!
See "Sea Otters Were Here: Coastal Ecology Pop-Up" in the Upcoming Meetings & Events section below for exact location and parking information.
| | Please Use Caution in Crosswalks | | |
September is California's Pedestrian Safety Month and we'd like to remind both drivers and pedestrians to use caution in and around crosswalks.
Know your crosswalk types
Unmarked crosswalks: Every intersection is a legal crossing, even without paint. Drivers must yield; pedestrians should not step suddenly into traffic.
Marked crosswalks: Painted stripes make crossings more visible, but the rules are the same.
RRFBs Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs): Push the button; flashing yellow lights alert drivers, who must yield until the crosswalk is clear.
High-intensity Activated Crosswalk (HAWK) Beacons: Dark until pressed.
Walking: Push the button at RRFBs; at HAWKs, start on WALK, don’t start on the flashing hand (even if some cars stop); make eye contact before stepping in; finish on the countdown.
Driving:
- Solid red = stop
- flashing red = stop, then proceed if clear.
Biking: Yield to pedestrians, and remember you don’t get pedestrian right-of-way unless you dismount. Obey RRFBs and HAWKs just like drivers.
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| Regional Parks Class I Multi-Use Trail Update | As of Tuesday, Sept. 8, the south (gravel) side of the Santa Rosa Creek Trail will be closed from Fulton Road to Willowside Road through Friday, Oct. 16. Public access will remain open on the north (paved) side. | | |
This trail closure is necessary to protect public safety during construction of the following projects: City of Santa Rosa Fulton Road Sewer Replacement and the Sonoma Water Flood Control Channel Maintenance. Regional Parks ask that you please respect closures and follow posted detour signs.
The rest of the trail remains open. Check a park or trail status online at SoCoParks.org/FindAPark.
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Porchfest Belmont Terrace, unincorporated Sebastopol
September 12, 2026
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Road closures 11:30 AM - 6:30 PM. Event staff will be stationed to escort local residents through barricades.
- Norlee at Dan Mar
- Norlee at Bella Vista
- Dorthel at Tocchini
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Russian River Pride Event, Guerneville
September 19, 2026
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Temporary closure along First St. 8 AM to 7 PM
Church St to River Rd (Hwy 116) in Guerneville, . First St will be used as walking/festival area between Lark Drugs parking lot and Guerneville Plaza, the food & vendors location.
Main Street / Hwy 116 closure with parade staging along 3rd Street
Parade begins at noon and the route includes 3rd St, Mill St, Main St (Hwy 116), and Armstrong Woods Rd. Traffic will be directed around closures along Brookside Ln, 4th Street and Armstrong Woods Rd
| Road Construction Projects | |
Forestville: Hwy 116 at Jones Creek Bridge (near Packing House Rd)
One-way traffic control lights while bridge railings are replaced. The one-way traffic control will be in place until late October 2026, when permits allowing construction work adjacent to waterways expire. The traffic controls will be implemented again in June 2027, when Caltrans is once again permitted to work alongside creeks during the dry season. (Caltrans)
Forestville: Hwy 116 at 7525 Hwy 116
Occasional one-way flag control as Canyon Rock rebuilds its Highway 116 driveway to improve safety and traffic flow, adding a covered entrance with sight‑distance improvements and tire‑washing equipment to prevent track‑out.
Sebastopol: Hwy 116 at Blucher Creek Bridge (near Stony Point Rd).
One-way traffic control lights while bridge railings are replaced. The one-way traffic control will be in place until late October 2026, when permits allowing construction work adjacent to waterways expire. The traffic controls will be implemented again in June 2027, when Caltrans is once again permitted to work alongside creeks during the dry season. (Caltrans)
Sebastopol: Bodega Ave between Pleasant Hill Rd. and Golden Ridge Ave. PG&E will be doing work in the area this week and beginning next week, a hillside will be cut back in the same block and supported with a retaining wall.
Traffic impacts are anticipated to continue through the end of August 2026. (via City of Sebastopol)
Guerneville / East Monte Rio: Hwy 116 (ongoing Caltrans - completion expected September 2026)
West of Monte Rio: Hwy 116 (ongoing Caltrans)
Wohler Bridge: The bridge will remain closed to all traffic through October, 2026. See fishing access detour information here.
| | | | Track closures and delays on County-maintained roads within Sonoma County here. Note that the site is not comprehensive, and does not include events on state highways, incorporated city streets, private roads, or any roads outside of Sonoma County. | | | | To get the most up-to-date information regarding Caltrans road conditions & closures, use QuickMap. Click on the the icons to expand for more information. | | |
Please participate in the Area Agency on Aging's Community Needs Assessment | | | | The Sonoma County Area Agency on Aging (AAA) is conducting its Community Needs Assessment, and they want to hear from you. Your input helps guide funding, programs, and services for older adults, adults with disabilities, and caregivers across the county. The survey takes about 5-10 minutes and is completely anonymous. Thank you for taking the time to share your experiences. | | Upcoming Meetings & Events | | | | |
Lower Russian River Municipal Advisory Council
Tonight - September 10, 2026
West County Services Center
16390 Main Street, Suite B, Guerneville
and virtually via Zoom
5:30 PM
Main Topic: Project 100 & the 100 River Babies Initiative. Working to create a robust and well-utilized system of care that fosters each baby’s healthy early childhood development and striving towards assuring that all children between the ages of 0 and 5 in the Lower Russian River Area thrive in safe, stable, and nurturing relationships and environments.
River MAC Meetings are hybrid - attend in person or via Zoom. Public comment may be made in either format. Agendas are published on the River MAC Meeting Calendar page no later than 72 hours before the meeting.
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Sea Otters Were Here: Coastal Ecology Pop-Up
Saturday September 12
Doran Beach, at the Jetty
10 AM - 2 PM (sand castle competition 11 AM -1 PM)
Join Sea Otter Savvy, the Marine Mammal Center, Defenders of Wildlife and more at this Sea Otter & Coastal Ecology special event hosted by District 5 at the end of Doran Beach. Come learn about sea otters and how they are still missing from northern California communities and participate in a sea otter sand castle competition. Family friendly and free
Note: $8 parking fee. Free for Sonoma County Regional Pass holders. Learn about the Vehicle Entry Pass (VEP) available for limited-income residents through partnerships with Sonoma County Human Services (CalFresh and CalWORKs), local schools, and community organizations. If eligible, pay $5 for a full year of free parking at Sonoma County Regional Parks.
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Sonoma County Coast Municipal Advisory Council
Thursday, September 24, 5:30 PM
Valley Ford Schoolhouse
14355 School Rd, Valley Ford
Main Topics: Overview of the new Zone 0 defensible space regulations recently approved by the California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection and the Area Agency on Aging's Community Needs Assessment.
Coast MAC Meetings are hybrid - attend in person or via Zoom. Public comment may be made in either format. Agendas are published on the Coast MAC Meeting Calendar page no later than 72 hours before the meeting.
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Lower Russian River Municipal Advisory Council
October 8, 2026
West County Services Center
16390 Main Street, Suite B
Guerneville
5:30 PM
Main Topic: Active Transportation & Safe Routes to School
River MAC Meetings are hybrid - attend in person or via Zoom. Public comment may be made in either format. Agendas are published on the River MAC Meeting Calendar page no later than 72 hours before the meeting.
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Fifth District Supervisor Lynda Hopkins | County of Sonoma | 707-565-2241
Lynda.Hopkins@sonomacounty.gov
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