SoCo Correspondent delivers the latest news from the County of Sonoma, twice a month, to your email inbox. Subscribe in English or Spanish and share with your friends and neighbors. | | Don't wait until Election Day: Vote early or use an official ballot drop box | | |
Election Day is less than two weeks away, but you don't have to wait until Nov. 3 to cast your ballot. Early voting is already underway, and more places to vote are opening this weekend.
Voters can cast their ballots in person now at the Registrar of Voters Office, 3880 Brickway Blvd. in Santa Rosa, near the Charles M. Schulz–Sonoma County Airport.
Seven Vote Centers open Saturday, Oct. 24, giving residents another way to vote in person before Election Day. They will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., including weekends. Another 25 locations open Oct. 31, bringing the countywide total to 32. On Election Day, all will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Already filled out your ballot? Don't wait to return it. The U.S. Postal Service cannot guarantee that mail will be postmarked the day it is collected. As a result, the Registrar of Voters recommends returning your ballot at one of 23 Official Ballot Drop Boxes across Sonoma County instead of using a USPS collection box.
Mailed ballots must be postmarked by Nov. 3 and received by Nov. 10. If you use an Official Ballot Drop Box, make sure your ballot is in the box before 8 p.m. on Election Day. Returning it early means one less thing to worry about as the deadline approaches.
Not registered to vote? You still have time. Although the regular registration deadline has passed, Same Day Registration is available through Nov. 3. You can sign up and vote in person at the Registrar of Voters Office or a Vote Center, where you'll receive a provisional ballot.
Ready to vote? Visit socovotes.com to find a nearby Vote Center or Official Ballot Drop Box, along with other election information.
| | Flu season is arriving early. Now is the time to get vaccinated. | | |
Flu season is getting an early start in the Bay Area, and Sonoma County emergency rooms are already seeing an increase in patients with respiratory illnesses. With flu and COVID-19 circulating, County Health Officer Dr. Mia Shim is encouraging residents to protect themselves and their loved ones by getting vaccinated now.
Vaccination is one of the best ways to prevent serious illness, hospitalization and death from respiratory viruses. Dr. Shim recommends updated flu and COVID-19 vaccines for everyone 6 months and older. RSV immunization is also recommended for adults 75 and older, adults over age 50 with certain health risks, pregnant women and eligible infants.
“Getting vaccinated is one of the most important things we can do to protect ourselves and the people around us,” Dr. Shim said. “With the holidays approaching, getting vaccinated now can help protect the people we love, especially older family members and people who are more vulnerable to serious illness.”
Thanksgiving is just five weeks away, making this a good time to get vaccinated before gathering with family and friends. It takes about two weeks for your body to build protection after vaccination.
Flu and COVID-19 vaccines can be given during the same appointment. They're available through health care providers, pharmacies and community clinics. Residents can also find vaccination appointments through California's My Turn website. Recommended vaccines remain covered by health insurance regulated in California.
To provide additional protection, Dr. Shim has issued a health order requiring health care personnel and visitors to wear masks in patient care areas of some facilities, including skilled nursing facilities, rehabilitation facilities, infusion centers and dialysis centers. The requirement takes effect Nov. 1 and continues through March 31.
Track local flu, COVID-19 and RSV activity on the County's respiratory virus dashboard.
| | Three fallen Sonoma County deputies honored with Highway 101 memorial | | |
From left, Detective Sgt. Ed Wilkinson and Deputies Brent Jameson and Bliss Magly.
One was returning from a search for a missing 9-year-old girl. Two others were returning from a mission to help officers track down a shooting suspect. All three died in helicopter crashes while serving Sonoma County. Now, nearly five decades later, an overcrossing along Highway 101 bears their names.
The Airport Boulevard overcrossing north of Santa Rosa has been named in honor of Detective Sgt. Ed Wilkinson, Deputy Brent Jameson and Deputy Bliss Magly.
“It's a tragedy whenever we lose one of our own in the line of duty,” Sonoma County Sheriff Eddie Engram said. “Detective Sgt. Wilkinson, Deputy Jameson and Deputy Magly finally have the memorial that they deserve.”
Wilkinson, 41, died April 17, 1977, after his helicopter ran out of fuel and crashed while returning from a search for a missing girl. A 17-year veteran of the Sheriff's Office, Wilkinson established the department's helicopter program and served as its first pilot. The program continues today, supporting search and rescue, law enforcement and medical air ambulance operations. The Wilkinson Valor Award was established in his memory to recognize extraordinary acts of heroism and courage.
Three years later, on Oct. 23, 1980, Jameson, 30, and Magly, 27, died when their Sheriff's Office helicopter crashed in heavy fog. Jameson was the pilot and Magly was the observer. They were returning from a mission to assist officers searching for a man who had fired a shotgun at a California Highway Patrol officer.
Their deaths inspired the creation of scholarships at Santa Rosa Junior College for criminal justice students and the Sheriff's Office Awards Banquet, which recognizes outstanding service. Both deputies were posthumously awarded Gold Medals of Valor.
State Sen. Mike McGuire, D-Healdsburg, sponsored legislation naming the overcrossing, while the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors approved $20,000 last year to fund memorial signage along Highway 101. An inauguration event is planned for later this year.
| | New airport service lets Sonoma County travelers clear security before heading to SFO | | |
Travelers flying out of San Francisco International Airport will soon have a new way to begin their journeys closer to home: checking their bags and clearing airport security at Charles M. Schulz–Sonoma County Airport.
Starting Nov. 17, a new service called Straight to Gate will transport passengers directly from Sonoma County Airport (STS) to the secure side of SFO, allowing them to proceed to their departure gates without going through security again.
The service, operated by Landline in partnership with STS and SFO, will be available to passengers flying United, Alaska, Hawaiian, American and JetBlue. Travelers can check in, drop off luggage and complete TSA screening at STS before boarding a nonstop motorcoach to SFO. Their checked bags will be transferred to their flights.
“STS is widely regarded as the most convenient airport option in the Bay Area,” said Jon Stout, Charles M. Schulz-Sonoma County Airport manager. “Landline extends that convenience by offering our travelers an incredible array of domestic and international options while still maintaining the STS experience they know and love.”
Landline will offer eight daily round trips, with departures from STS between 5 a.m. and 8 p.m. One-way fares are $55 per adult, while children 15 and under ride free with a paying adult.
For the return journey, passengers arriving at SFO on any airline can board a Landline coach outside baggage claim for a nonstop trip to Sonoma County Airport. Coaches feature extra-legroom seating, Wi-Fi, power outlets and onboard restrooms. They are also wheelchair accessible.
Reservations are open at sfo.landline.com.
| | Sonoma County cuts pension obligations by $176.6 million over four years | | |
Sonoma County has reduced its pension debt and liabilities by $176.6 million over the past four years, a 28.5% decline that strengthens the County's finances, according to a new report.
The pension system was 94.6% funded at the end of 2025, up from 92.9% in 2021. Managed by the Sonoma County Employees' Retirement Association, it held $3.85 billion in assets at the end of 2025, based on an actuarial valuation that smooths investment gains and losses over time.
The County's unfunded pension liability – a mix of pension bond debt and the County's share of SCERA's unfunded liability – fell to $352.2 million as of June 30, down from $528.8 million in 2022, according to the annual State of the Retirement System report presented to the Board of Supervisors on Oct. 13.
Why does this matter? Money the County spends paying off pension liabilities is money it can't use for other priorities, including services residents depend on. Reducing those obligations can free up money for public services in future years while helping the County fulfill its pension commitments to employees and retirees.
“Every dollar we don't spend on pension debt in the future is a dollar that can remain available for the services our communities depend on,” said Supervisor Rebecca Hermosillo, chair of the Board of Supervisors. “The progress in this report shows why we need to keep taking the long view: paying down our obligations, preparing for future costs and making sure the retirement system remains financially sound.”
The reduction reflects a combination of strong investment returns, regular County contributions and continued repayment of pension bonds. The Board has also taken steps to reduce pension liabilities faster, authorizing $28.6 million in additional payments to SCERA since 2015 to lower future interest costs.
| | County celebrates investment in Bodega Bay's fishing community | | |
From left, Supervisor Lynda Hopkins, Rep. Jared Huffman, Coastal Conservancy chairman Doug Bosco, Regional Parks director Bert Whitaker and fisherman Dick Ogg.
Federal, state and County leaders joined members of Bodega Bay's fishing community at Spud Point Marina on Tuesday to celebrate $2.78 million in funding to modernize the marina's aging ice-making facility.
The County-owned marina has the only bulk ice production facility between San Francisco and Fort Bragg, serving approximately 250 commercial vessels, charter operators and recreational fishers. However, the facility has exceeded its expected lifespan. Frequent breakdowns disrupt fishing operations and create real economic risk for harbor users and the broader coastal economy.
The upgrades will improve reliability, reduce energy costs and help ensure locally caught seafood stays fresh on its way to market.
“A reliable source of ice isn't a luxury for our fishing fleet. It's essential to getting their catch to market,” said District 5 Supervisor Lynda Hopkins, who represents the Sonoma Coast. “This investment will support local jobs, strengthen our economy and help keep Bodega Bay's fishing fleet working for generations to come. I'm grateful to everyone who helped us get the funding across the finish line.”
The project is funded through a $1.5 million grant from the California State Coastal Conservancy, $1.2 million in federal funding secured by Rep. Jared Huffman, D-San Rafael, and $75,000 from the California Air Resources Control Board.
The project, which will take several years to complete, is managed by Sonoma County Regional Parks and expected to go out to bid in 2027.
| | Help shape Sonoma County's future at upcoming General Plan workshops | | |
What should different parts of Sonoma County look like in the years ahead? Residents will have an opportunity to weigh in during a series of community workshops in November as Permit Sonoma continues work on updating the county's General Plan.
The workshops will give residents a chance to review maps of draft study areas and share their thoughts about the types of land uses – such as housing, business districts, farms and industry – that should be considered in different parts of the county.
Four in-person workshops are scheduled, with dinner provided. A virtual meeting will offer an overview of the study areas and a demonstration of an upcoming interactive map.
Upcoming workshops:
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Sonoma Valley: Wednesday, Nov. 4, 6-8 p.m., Flowery Elementary School, 17600 Sonoma Hwy.
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Forestville: Thursday, Nov. 5, 6-8 p.m., Laguna High School, 7050 Covey Road
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Virtual meeting: Tuesday, Nov. 10, noon-1 p.m., via Zoom. Register here.
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Penngrove: Wednesday, Nov. 18, 6-8 p.m., Penngrove Elementary School, 365 Adobe Road
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Geyserville: Thursday, Nov. 19, 6-8 p.m., Geyserville Elementary School, 21485 Geyserville Ave.
Reservations are not required. Mark your calendar and join the conversation about Sonoma County's future.
| | Sonoma County Transit to replace eight aging paratransit vehicles | | |
The Board of Supervisors last week approved the purchase of eight new wheelchair-accessible minibuses, a nearly $1.5 million investment to maintain safe, reliable transportation for hundreds of Sonoma County residents with disabilities.
The new vehicles will replace aging minibuses in the Sonoma County Paratransit fleet, which provides transportation for people whose disabilities prevent them from using regular public buses. Nearly 800 residents actively use the service, which provided more than 54,000 passenger trips during the fiscal year that ended June 30, a 15% increase over the previous year.
“Hundreds of Sonoma County residents depend on paratransit to get to medical appointments, buy groceries and go about their daily lives,” said Supervisor Rebecca Hermosillo, chair of the Board of Supervisors. “We need to make sure the vehicles providing those rides are safe and reliable. Replacing aging minibuses is an important investment in a service our community depends on.”
Sonoma County Paratransit operates 34 vehicles, including 24 cutaway minibuses, seven accessible minivans and three sedans. The eight replacement minibuses will feature wheelchair lifts, mobility-aid securement positions, video surveillance systems and other safety equipment.
Paratransit is a shared-ride service that picks up passengers and takes them to their destinations. It operates within three-quarters of a mile of Sonoma County Transit's regular bus routes, on the same days and during the same hours. The service is operated by the Center for Volunteer & Nonprofit Leadership under contract with the County.
| | How can Sonoma County compete for the workforce of the future? Find out at the Fall Economic Perspective | | |
Sonoma County's economic future depends in part on creating a community where young people can build careers, find opportunities and have a voice in shaping the region's future.
On Nov. 5, the Sonoma County Economic Development Collaborative will bring business professionals and community leaders together to hear from young professionals and explore how to build an economy that works for future generations at its 2026 Fall Economic Perspective. Attendees will gain insights into the needs of young adults and how local leaders can create a community where they want to live and work.
Supervisor Rebecca Hermosillo, chair of the Board of Supervisors, will open the conference. Keynote speaker Jen Elena Romano, who co-founded an AI-powered startup that helps college students prepare for careers, will examine how opportunities for young people are evolving as the economy changes. A panel of young professionals and local leaders will discuss ways to give younger generations a greater voice in shaping their communities and help Sonoma County compete for the workforce of the future.
The event, held at Sonoma State University, runs from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Tickets are $60 plus fees. Limited scholarships are available.
| | New dashboard explores County investments in the creative sector | | |
From grants for artists and cultural organizations to programs that build skills and connections, Creative Sonoma invests in the people and infrastructure that shape Sonoma County's creative sector. A new online dashboard illustrates its reach, bringing more than a decade of support into view.
The Creative Sonoma Impact Dashboard lets residents explore the grants and events delivered by the County agency. It shows that Creative Sonoma has distributed $3,617,532 through 681 grants to 375 recipients over the last 11 years. Visitors can view funding by program, award year, supervisorial district and recipient type, including individuals, organizations and educational recipients.
The dashboard also shows how Creative Sonoma brings people together. It tracks more than 330 events that have supported professional development, arts education, disaster preparedness and network building across the creative sector. These events, which have drawn a combined 10,436 people to date, strengthen leadership, expand knowledge and connect artists and professionals working in a wide array of creative fields.
Creative Sonoma grew out of countywide planning efforts that recognized the arts as an important part of Sonoma County's economy and quality of life. A division of the County's Economic Development Collaborative, the agency serves artists, creative businesses and cultural organizations through funding, leadership initiatives and training opportunities. It seeks to increase the supply of local creative goods and services while building demand for them across the county. In the future, the agency hopes to expand the dashboard to include additional metrics, such as student access to school and community arts programming.
Looking ahead, Creative Sonoma is inviting the community to help shape the conversation around its work through its upcoming State of the Arts Benchmark Study, a countywide study of the creative sector's strengths, challenges and opportunities. Artists, creative businesses and nonprofits are invited to complete surveys and join discussions about their experiences and needs. Their feedback will help prioritize future goals, programming, investments and resources.
| | Find room to grow with a County job | | |
The County currently has nearly 30 job openings posted on its website. How can you improve your chances of landing one?
Sign up for the next Start Here! class, which provides an overview of the County of Sonoma's job application, examination and selection processes. The next two-hour class will be held Nov. 12 at noon on Zoom.
The free class is intended for the public, whether you are looking for a new position now or planning for a future employment opportunity. Participants will learn how to submit a thorough application, best practices for the interview and examination, and much more.
Contact us at careers@sonomacounty.gov to register for the Nov. 12 class or sign up for our mailing list to be notified of future classes.
| | Adopt the pet of the week | | |
Meet Clara and Chloe. These 5-year-old sisters arrived at the shelter in May. Clara is a discerning girl who is perfectly comfortable in her own space and selective about who she chooses to share it with. She isn’t unfriendly – she simply prefers to take her time, build trust, and connect on her own terms. Chloe is a friendly girl who has been steadily coming out of her shell. She enjoys gentle pets and brushing, but she does have her limits, and will thrive in a home that understands and respects her boundaries.
Clara and Chloe are among dozens of cats, dogs, rabbits and other animals at Sonoma County Animal Services in need of adoption.
Animal Services helps match pets and families through an adoption process designed to support your lifestyle and the animal's needs. Shelter staff are ready to assist with applications, answer questions and share details about each animal's health, temperament and care. All animals adopted through the shelter go home spayed or neutered, microchipped and up to date on vaccinations, giving your new companion the healthiest start possible in your forever home.
| | Get involved with County government | | |
Government is only as good as the people who step forward to serve. There are many opportunities available now to support the community by serving on County boards, commissions and committees. Here are just three examples:
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Aging and Disability Commission of Sonoma County – Advises the County on issues affecting older adults and people with disabilities, including services, programs, accessibility and policies that support independence, well-being and quality of life.
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Child Care Planning Council of Sonoma County – Assesses child care needs throughout Sonoma County, identifies service gaps and helps develop plans and strategies to improve access to affordable, quality child care and early childhood education.
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Commission on Human Rights – Promotes equal rights, dignity and respect for all Sonoma County residents by addressing discrimination, fostering understanding among diverse communities and advising the County on human rights issues.
Check out the full list of vacancies and discover how you can help shape the future of Sonoma County.
| | Volunteer and employment opportunities | | |
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