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This edition of our newsletter is full of both big-picture county news and the kind of community-powered wins that make me grateful to represent West County. At the Board of Supervisors, we’ve launched a new ad hoc to support immigrant families. This is important work to make sure all of our neighbors feel safe and included. We’re also seeking applicants for several open seats on county boards and commissions, so if you’ve ever thought about lending your perspective to guide local decisions, now's your chance.
You’ll also find stories about the return of Black Cod to local menus, neighborhood preparedness events, and programs that expand access to services and opportunities for our residents. And, as always, we close with a list of upcoming meetings and community gatherings across the district, because showing up for each other is how West County works best.
In community,
| | Supporting Immigrant Communities:
Ad Hoc Group Moves Forward | | |
Yesterday, Tuesday September 23, the Board of Supervisors approved the charter for a new Supporting Immigrant Communities Ad Hoc, a focused workgroup chaired by Supervisor Hopkins with Vice Chair Supervisor Hermosillo. The ad hoc is being established in response to increased federal immigration enforcement and the resulting harm and fear experienced by many Sonoma County residents, particularly immigrant and mixed-status families.
The group will engage directly with community stakeholders, analyze local data, and bring forward recommendations to the full Board. Its work will center on identifying key challenges immigrant families are facing, understanding how enforcement actions are affecting access to services, and developing local policy solutions to reduce harm and improve safety.
As part of Tuesday’s action, the Board also reviewed a draft urgency ordinance that would prohibit law enforcement officers from concealing their identities during operations in unincorporated Sonoma County. This ordinance would require officers to wear visible identification and agency insignia. The Board directed staff to complete the meet-and-confer process with affected labor groups and return with a final version for formal approval.
In addition, the Board directed Human Resources to initiate meet-and-confer discussions to prepare for the implementation of SB 627.
The Supporting Immigrant Communities Ad Hoc is supported by staff from the County Administrator’s Office, the Office of Equity, and County Counsel, ensuring a cross-departmental approach. The goal: to develop actionable strategies that protect immigrant residents and ensure access to vital county services.
What Comes Next
- Labor meet-and-confer is in progress for the urgency ordinance; the final version will return to the Board for adoption.
- Human Resources will begin discussions related to SB 627.
- The Ad Hoc will continue meeting with stakeholders and is expected to present a work plan and policy recommendations at future Board meetings.
Community members who wish to share their input or ask questions are encouraged to contact district5@sonomacounty.gov, or call the District 5 office at 707-565-2241.
| | Seeking Applicants to Boards & Commissions | | |
Your Voice Matters in Local Government!
In a county as diverse and dynamic as Sonoma, strong local governance depends on more than elected officials—it relies on community members stepping up to serve. Boards and commissions exist to bring public insight into the decision-making process, ensuring that policies and programs reflect the real needs and experiences of those who live here. Whether it's advising on housing investments, championing gender equity, or helping shape long-term planning, these bodies are powered by volunteers who offer their time, expertise, and lived experience to help guide county policy. If you’ve ever wondered how you can make a difference close to home—this is your invitation to get involved.
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Want to Help Shape the Future of Housing and Community Investment in Sonoma County?
The Community Development Committee (CDC) is currently seeking a new representative from District 5, and Supervisor Hopkins will be appointing someone to fill this important role. This is a unique opportunity to represent the diverse and vibrant communities of West County—from Sebastopol to Sea Ranch—on a committee that directly influences housing and community investment decisions across Sonoma County.
The CDC meets monthly on the third Wednesday at the Sonoma County Community Development Commission office. While the agenda may include informational updates, it often includes key action items that require votes from committee members. These decisions are more than procedural—they help shape how funding is allocated to support affordable housing, nonprofit services, and critical infrastructure for our most vulnerable neighbors.
Committee members work closely with staff and community stakeholders to review funding proposals, evaluate project plans, and make recommendations to the Board of Supervisors and the Board of Commissioners. This work is vital to ensuring that federal, state, and local resources are used effectively and equitably.
If you're passionate about housing, community development, and want to be part of a collaborative effort to create positive change, we encourage you to apply.
Let’s work together to make sure West County’s voice is heard.
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Be a Voice for Equity: Two Vacancies on the Commission on the Status of Women
District 5 is currently seeking two new Commissioners to serve on the Sonoma County Commission on the Status of Women—a body committed to advancing gender equity and improving the lives of women and girls across our county.
Established in 1975, the Commission’s mission is to promote equal rights and opportunities, eliminate systemic barriers, and uplift the voices of those too often left out of decision-making spaces. Commissioners work to ensure social mobility, economic autonomy, reproductive freedom, and equitable representation in leadership roles.
Commissioners meet at 6 PM on the second Thursday of each month and focus on:
- Studying and reporting on the needs of women and girls in Sonoma County
- Advocating for policies that address discrimination and promote equity
- Highlighting the contributions of women across all sectors
- Identifying service gaps and referring residents to supportive resources
- Consulting with the Board of Supervisors and other agencies to drive progress
This is a meaningful opportunity to use your voice to create change, advocate for your community, and join a team of passionate leaders working to build a more equitable future for all.
| | Black Cod Makes a Comeback on Sonoma County Menus | | |
With salmon season canceled for the second year and commercial crabbing season shortened, our local fishing community has faced more than its share of headwinds. But out of these challenges comes a delicious opportunity to celebrate a lesser-known coastal gem: Black Cod.
This October, chefs and markets across Sonoma County are coming together to shine a spotlight on this flaky, buttery fish—harvested just off our own rugged coastline. From the shores of Bodega Bay to Michelin-starred kitchens, restaurants will feature creative Black Cod dishes that honor both the fish and the fishers who bring it to shore. Whether it’s a refined preparation at SingleThread or a comforting classic at Tides Wharf, each plate tells a story of resilience, flavor, and local pride.
Home cooks can also find fresh Black Cod at local markets—perfect for autumn dinners shared around the table. By choosing Black Cod this season, residents have a chance to directly support the hard-working men and women who make up Sonoma County’s fishing industry—one delicious bite at a time.
| | Ag + Open Space Project
Moves Forward in Graton | | |
Yesterday, Tuesday September 23, the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors, acting as the Ag + Open Space Board of Directors, approved previously allocated funding to support the Graton Town Square project. The funds, matched by $750,000 in community and partner contributions, will reimburse acquisition costs and help fund improvements to the half-acre property at 9155 Graton Road.
The Graton Community Services District, in partnership with local nonprofit Re/Village, has already begun activating the site with more than 20 community events in the past 18 months, including school field trips, potlucks, festivals, and art pop-ups. Volunteers have planted over 100 species of native plants, and the return of the Graton Day festival drew more than 500 attendees, featuring a pie-baking contest and the inaugural zucchini races.
Planned improvements include a terraced lawn and stage, natural playground, pollinator gardens, farmers market area, and connections to the West County Trail. The property will be permanently protected by a conservation easement and recreation covenant, ensuring public use in perpetuity.
The project reflects the courage and commitment of the Graton Community Services District board, who stepped forward to take on this effort and make something truly special happen in their town.
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HCT COPE - Hollydale / Canyon / Terrace Community Organized to Prepare for Emergencies
Evacuation Drill: Saturday 9/27
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Hollydale/Canyon/Terrace (HCT) COPE is having their own community planned and led evacuation drill September 27th from 8am-10am. Their plan is to simulate an evacuation starting at 8:00am, and then pack the car with pet's Go Bag (leave the pets at home) and people's Go Bags (no starting early) and leave, meeting up at the El Molino Campus parking area.
The neighborhood areas involved in the drill are between Martinelli Rd to the east, Summerhome Park Rd to the west, Hillside, Canyon, River Terrace/Terrace extension to the south and River Drive to the north.
What a great community led event, great job empowering your community HCT COPE! If you happen to live in the area, join in! You can email hctcope@gmail.com if you want more information.
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Rainfall & Reservoirs: Water Year Wrap Up
September 29: 11:30 AM
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Join Sonoma Water, Department of Water Resources and the U.S. Army Corps on Sept. 29 at 11:30 a.m. for a webinar to look back at reservoir performance in the 2024-25 water year and ahead to forecasts for the coming year. Panelists include:
Lynda Hopkins
Sonoma Water Board of Directors and
Chair, Sonoma County Board of Supervisors
Jeanine Jones
Interstate Resources Manager, California Department of Water Resources
Nick Malasavage
Chief, Operations and Readiness Division, US Army Corps of Engineers
Donald Seymour
Deputy Director of Engineering, Sonoma Water
| | Local Bus Rides Remain Free for Youth | | |
There’s good news for families across Sonoma County: youth can continue riding Sonoma County Transit buses for free, thanks to a new long-term funding agreement approved by the Board of Supervisors this month.
What began in 2023 as a temporary pilot funded by the County’s Climate Resiliency dollars has now found a sustainable home under Go Sonoma, the voter-approved transportation sales tax.
Administered by the Sonoma County Transportation and Climate Authorities, these funds will support the Youth Fare-Free program and other local fare-free routes for the next two decades—removing a key barrier for thousands of young riders getting to school, work, and extracurricular activities.
Beyond youth riders, the County's partnerships with local cities continue to provide free rides on nine local routes, while veterans and college students ride fare-free throughout the transit system.
These investments are more than just transportation—they’re about access, opportunity, and equity. With this decision, the County reaffirms its commitment to making sure public transit remains a reliable, affordable lifeline for all.
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There’s a new program from Sonoma County Animal Services that we’re especially excited about: Dog Day Out gives local residents the chance to take a shelter dog out for a day of fun and give them a much-needed break from the kennel.
You can head out on a hike, relax at a dog-friendly café, stroll through town, or just hang out at home. No matter what you’re up for, your four-legged buddy will be grateful for the time outside the shelter and the one-on-one attention.
These outings give staff better insight into each dog’s personality, which can make all the difference when it comes to finding them the right forever home.
Animal Services provides everything you need, including a backpack with supplies, a short manual, and a list of suggested places to go. Most of the dogs in the program are medium to large (the ones who benefit most from a day out), and they’ll do their best to match you with a pup that fits your experience and plans.
Dog Day Out appointments are available Fridays and Saturdays, and can be booked up to two weeks in advance, though they tend to fill up quickly, so check back if nothing’s available!
| | Sweetwater Springs Project Update - Guerneville | | After a short delay, construction is scheduled to begin next week. Detour signs are now in place for the planned road closure. The first tasks will include installing temporary water pollution controls (BMPs)—barriers and covers that prevent soil and sediment from washing into waterways. Crews will also clear vegetation, start excavation, and prepare the site for drilling equipment. | | High School Students:
Sonoma Water Video Contest | | |
Sonoma Water & the Russian River Watershed Association's Annual High School Video Contest is here, and this year’s theme is The Future Flows Through Us!
Show how caring for our creeks protects our watershed for future generations by creating a 55-second PSA video and win cash prizes for you and your school!
Winning videos will be shared on social media & at public events.
| | River MAC Application Period Closes Soon | | Coast MAC Application Window Closes Today | | Upcoming Meetings & Events | | |
Bodega Bay Health & Harvest Festival
Saturday September 27, 2025
10 AM - 2 PM
Bodega Bay School
1200 Canon St, Bodega Bay
This free, family-friendly event celebrates the bounty of our land and sea—and the health and wellness of our community. There will be:
- Covid & Flu Vaccines
- Free food, drinks, and ice cream (while supplies last)
- Blood pressure and glucose checks
- Mental health resources
- Art activities
- A petting zoo
- A helicopter landing
- And lots more!
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Community Art Creation Event
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.
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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 Anallyst & 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!
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Fifth District Supervisor Lynda Hopkins | County of Sonoma | 707-565-2241
Lynda.Hopkins@sonoma-county.org
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