The past week has seen Sonoma County pounded by a series of storms that included high winds, power outages and torrential rains. If you haven’t already, this is a good time to familiarize yourself with the information that’s available on the county's Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram pages as well as on SoCoEmergency.com, where you can get accurate and timely updates about major storms and other emergencies. In this edition of the SoCo Correspondent, we also offer stories on a major investment in the Sonoma County airport, the biggest bridge retrofit project ever undertaken by the county, and an opportunity to shape the design for a future park north of Santa Rosa.

Be sure to tell friends, colleagues and family members about this newsletter and urge them to sign up for the SoCo Correspondent so they can receive it directly, normally on the first and third week of each month.

¿Está interesado en leer sobre lo que hace el Condado de Sonoma dos veces al mes? Este boletín estará disponible en español. Regístrese aquí para suscribirse a nuestro boletín, el SoCo Correspondent.

Avelo Airlines is expanding its investment in Sonoma County, announcing plans last week to open a crew base at Charles M. Schulz – Sonoma County Airport in May.

The move – expected to create 50 local jobs including pilots, flight attendants and aviation maintenance technicians – highlights Sonoma County’s growing importance as a destination and regional transportation hub.

“It’s wonderful to see our airline partners furthering their commitment to Sonoma County and the greater North Bay region,” said Supervisor David Rabbitt, chair of the Board of Supervisors. “My best wishes go out to Avelo as they start their base operations at Sonoma County Airport.”

Avelo will initially base two Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft at STS in addition to employees. It currently offers nonstop flights from Sonoma County to four destinations: Bend/Redmond, Oregon (RDM); Las Vegas (LAS); Los Angeles/Burbank (BUR); and Palm Springs (PSP).

If you are looking for work or considering a career change, this is a great time to explore job opportunities with the County of Sonoma.

The county is preparing to post openings for 100 vacant jobs, Human Resources Director Janell Crane told the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday. Another 300 jobs are currently at some point in the recruitment, examination or department selection process, she said.

Crane outlined a series of actions the county has taken to reduce the vacancy rate in its workforce to 11.5 percent in January, down from 12.3 percent at the end of 2022. These include offering hiring financial incentives for hard-to-fill positions, increasing pay, allowing workers to telework when possible, expanding recruitment efforts, accelerating the hiring process and removing barriers to employment.

Crane encouraged anyone looking for work or considering a career change to view a list of current job opportunities with the County of Sonoma at YourPath2SonomaCounty.Org. Job-seekers can learn how to navigate the county’s hiring process by attending Start Here!, a 2-hour virtual class that provides an overview of the application, examination and selection processes. Email careers@sonoma-county.org to indicate your interest or request more information.

When a series of winter storms threatened to flood local creeks and rivers, knock out power and close roads, there was one place you could count on for timely and accurate information: socoemergency.org

The website, maintained by the county’s Department of Emergency Management, offers information and resources that will help you prepare for an emergency, stay informed during an emergency, and connect with resources to help you recover when an crisis happens.

County staff has kept the website updated recently with information on the opening of community resource centers, road closures, warming centers, and more, including the latest forecasts from the National Weather Service. The site also has updated information on extreme cold events, including the location of local warming centers and the county’s criteria for when they will be opened.

Information is available in English and Spanish. Bookmark the page now in your favorite web browser so you don’t have to look it up during an emergency.

Caption: County Administrator M. Christina Rivera, right, and Sonoma County

Communications Manager Paul Gullixson record an episode of SoCo Chat.

Have you checked out the county’s new podcast, SoCo Chat? If not, what are you waiting for?

The podcast offers lively discussions about pressing county issues and provides listeners with a chance to hear directly from county leaders, staff and partners on matters of public importance.

Listen, watch and subscribe to the SoCo Chat podcast series on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music and YouTube. Recent guests and topics of discussion have included:

• M. Christina Rivera, County Administrator, reflects on her first 12 months as the county’s top administrator and discusses career opportunities at the county
• Andrew Smith, the county’s Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer of Weights and Measures, provides an update on the county’s avian flu outbreak and explains his department’s role in protecting agriculture
• Jeff DuVall, director of the county’s Department of Emergency Management, offers advice on how residents can prepare for winter storms and other emergencies
• Dr. Tanya Phares, the county’s new Health Officer, discusses the latest on COVID and cold season in Sonoma County
• Janell Crane, director of the county’s Human Resources Department, goes in-depth on what the county is doing to address its rate rate of staff vacancies
• Deva Marie Proto, Clerk-Recorder-Assessor-Registrar of Voters, looks ahead at 2024 elections and explores the county’s role in protecting election integrity
• Supervisor David Rabbitt discusses the year ahead and his new role as chair of the Board of Supervisors for 2024 

Upcoming SoCo Chat episodes will feature discussions with Michael Gause, manager of the county’s Ending Homelessness Program; Tennis Wick, director of Permit Sonoma; Ethan Brown, executive director of the county’s Economic Development Board; and Johannes Hoevertsz, director of the county’s Department of Public Infrastructure.

Listen for a chance to win a SoCo Chat coffee mug by answering the trivia question of the week.

A project that provides mental health counseling to students in Sonoma Valley will continue without interruption, thanks to some quick work by the county Human Services Department.

Hanna Center, a social services organization based in Sonoma Valley, will take over the contract to operate the project, which is part of the Community Resilience Program created by the Board of Supervisors to help people who suffered the most during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Social Advocates for Youth, a Santa Rosa nonprofit that was awarded a contract in 2022 to provide these services, notified the county on Dec. 21 that it could no longer serve Sonoma Valley students in the program and asked to end its contract.

“We had to be nimble and work quickly to ensure the students served by this program did not slip through the cracks,” said District 1 Supervisor Susan Gorin, who represents the Sonoma Valley. “Mental health services are desperately needed in the Sonoma Valley. While this won’t come close to satisfying that need, we are grateful that we have capable mental health providers in the Valley who were willing to take over this important project.”

The goal of the school-based project is to support students who lack access to mental health care and support school staff who must address the needs behind student misbehavior. 

Try a new place to eat or support your favorite restaurant during the 15th annual Sonoma County Restaurant Week, which returns Feb. 19-25.

More than 90 local restaurants are creating special menus and discounts for the annual event, which was created by the Sonoma County Economic Development Board to help support the local restaurant industry during one of its slowest times of the year.

Each restaurant will have at least one prix fixe menu for diners to choose from, with prices ranging from $10 to $25 for lunch and $25 to $55 for dinner. In addition to supporting local restaurants, you’ll also be able to discover new and exciting places to dine and try dishes that you may not have had the chance to taste before. From classic comfort foods to innovative cuisine, there’s something for everyone during Restaurant Week.

An ongoing series highlighting public servants across a variety of departments

at the County of Sonoma.

Name: Ibon Nayeli Suazo

Title: Senior election specialist, Registrar of Voters

Years with County: 11

Personal side: I have lived in northern Sonoma County for more than 16 years with my husband. We have three amazing boys who play soccer, basketball and baseball. I love spending time with my family and friends.

Education and/or certifications: I earned a bachelor’s degree from Sonoma State University, majoring in Chicano and Latino Studies.

What do you do? There are 301,006 registered voters in Sonoma County. The purpose of my department is to provide the highest level of service to the voters of Sonoma County by eliminating barriers to participation in the democratic process. I assist candidates, proponents and opponents of ballot measures in a fair and unbiased manner. I also help educate youth as to the importance of the democratic process. I currently oversee programs that allow people to cast their ballots by mail. You can see how it works here. It gives many more options to voters, who are no longer restricted to a specific polling place. Every registered voter in Sonoma County can now mail in their ballot, as long as they are postmarked before or on Election Day. This process includes Sonoma County residents who serve in the military or travel outside the United States during an election. People can also return their ballots at the Registrar of Voters office or safely place them in one of our official ballot drop boxes conveniently located across the county. People who prefer to cast their ballot in person can do so at the Registrar of Voters office or one of our official Vote Centers.

Once the mail-in ballots are returned, we run them through a sorter machine that captures an image of the signature on the exterior of the ballot envelope. These signatures are verified against the signature on the voter's registration form in our files. Signatures that fail this verification review are examined by management and voters are given an opportunity to correct the signature. After the signatures have been verified, the ballot is removed from the envelope, unfolded and reviewed again to ensure it has not been damaged. Then it is counted. It is a rigorous process, but it makes it easy for voters to participate in our elections while ensuring that every ballot counted is legitimate.

What gives you fulfillment? I enjoy processing all the votes by mail that come into our office and meeting deadlines. I also like meeting all the candidates who come into the office to register to run for local and state elections. I also love the energy, excitement and organization it takes to run a successful election in our office. We have a great team that supports each other during election time. I am very thankful for the temporary workers who keep coming back to help us during election crunch time. More than 90 percent of voters in Sonoma County participated in the 2020 general election, more than any other county in California! This is a testament to how hard we work to make sure every legal voter has a chance to participate in our democracy. It also shows just how much local voters care about exercising their right to vote, and making sure their voices are heard.



What is one of the biggest misconceptions about local elections? Many people mistakenly believe their vote doesn't matter, but in reality, every vote counts, especially at the local level.

Passions outside of work? I enjoy spending time with my husband, family and friends. I love going on walks/hikes with our dog, adventures, crocheting and watching my son's sporting events. With a young family you never have a dull moment.

The Board of Supervisors on Tuesday awarded an $18 million construction contract to retrofit the historic Wohler Road Bridge over the Russian River near Forestville, strengthening the 102-year-old bridge to withstand earthquakes.

The one-lane bridge, which was built in 1922, will receive a new lightweight concrete deck, seismic isolation bearings and joints, and reinforcements to its foundation and steel trusses. It is the largest and most complex bridge project ever undertaken by the county.

“Countless stakeholders need to be recognized for getting this project to the construction phase – from the Wohler Bridge Neighborhood Association to the utility companies and partner agencies at the state level, to our dedicated team of engineers and officials at the Department of Public Infrastructure,” said District 5 Supervisor Lynda Hopkins, who represents the area. “I applaud and thank you and look forward to the grand re-opening of this iconic Sonoma County landmark.”

Ghilotti Construction Co. was the lowest bidder for the contract. Construction will begin this summer and is expected to be completed by the end of 2025. The Federal Highway Bridge Program committed to funding 100 percent of the project’s cost.

Every year in January, thousands of steelhead trout return to the mouth of the Russian River and begin making their way upstream to their birthplace, where they will spawn the next generation of fish over the next three months. 

This ritual of renewal will be celebrated Saturday, Feb. 10 at the 15th annual Lake Sonoma Steelhead Festival. The free event draws more than 8,000 people annually, rain or shine, to the grounds of the Milt Brandt Visitor Center at Lake Sonoma.

Adults and children can watch steelhead push their way upstream and leap out of the water as they climb a fish ladder to reach the Congressman Don Clausen Fish Hatchery, built to help replenish the region’s salmon and steelhead population. The family-friendly event features live music, food and beverages, and an array of exhibits and activities to educate visitors about environmental stewardship, preservation of natural resources and protection of threatened and endangered species.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about steelhead, along with the vital work we are doing to protect and revive this threatened species,” said District 4 Supervisor James Gore, who represents the area.

The event is hosted by Sonoma Water, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the Friends of Lake Sonoma.

The vision to preserve land for a future park in the hills north of Santa Rosa began more than two decades ago, when Sonoma County Ag + Open Space started working with three families to purchase and protect their land at the confluence of Mill, Porter and Mark West Creeks. That dream is now coming close to being a reality.

In 2018, Ag + Open Space transferred 1,192 contiguous acres along Porter Creek Road to Sonoma County Regional Parks, which began planning ways to open the property to the public. Now they need your help. Take a 15-minute online survey and let planners know what types of uses and facilities you would like to see in the new park.

In 2022, the county won a $250,000 grant to explore the feasibility of creating a Center for Climate Action and Innovation at the former Sonoma Developmental Center campus south of Glen Ellen. Could it really be done? The answer came last week: it is not just feasible, but there are many ways to do it.

Permit Sonoma released a business plan last week outlining ways to create a hub on the property where government, universities, nonprofits and businesses can work together to find new responses to the ongoing climate crisis. The center could host classrooms, labs, offices and conference facilities, creating an anchor employer for the property if it is redeveloped into a mixture of homes, commercial buildings and open spaces.

The business plan identifies potential partners, governance and management options, funding options and financing recommendations for the center. Additionally, the plan makes suggestions on how to align buildings and open spaces with key priorities identified by climate stakeholders.

“This business plan provides interesting elements that may provide additions to the development of the SDC site,” said District 1 Supervisor Susan Gorin, who represents the area. She noted that the business plan suggests that a climate and innovation center on the site would help create economic diversity, well-paying jobs and a place to collaborate on solutions to one of the greatest threats facing our world today.

But any developer of the site will still need to seek financing to make it work and to actually develop the climate center. “A team of local residents have gathered together over the past few years to provide a foundation for the creation of an energy solutions lab on the site,” Gorin said. “This road map to establish a world-class climate research center in the Sonoma Valley will help that effort move forward.”

Francisca Lemus learned to cook by watching her grandmother prepare traditional meals from Jalisco, Mexico. Her husband Ernesto, a cement mason, encouraged her to open a restaurant that would showcase her talents. In 1992, the couple and their children opened Taqueria Sol Azteca, a small taqueria with six tables in Rohnert Park.

Over the years, the Lemus family expanded the restaurant and opened a catering business. In 2014, their son Frankie purchased the restaurant and catering company from his parents. Last month, it beat 17 other bidders for a $952,650 annual contract to feed people at two homeless shelters operated by the county Department of Health Services.

Under the contract, Taqueria Sol Azteca will prepare and deliver one cold meal a day to up to 90 residents of the emergency shelter site at the County Administration Center in Santa Rosa and two meals a day – one hot, one cold – to up to 60 residents at Mickey Zane Place, which houses people with medical needs. 

Ballots for the March 5 presidential primary election were mailed to registered voters in Sonoma County this week. This year, you have more ways to cast your ballot in a presidential election than ever before.

Once you have filled out your ballot, you may:

• Send it back in the mail, as long as it is postmarked on or before March 5 and received by March 12.
• Drop it off at one of the county’s 21 official ballot drop-boxes, which are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, until 8 p.m. on March 5.
• Return it directly to the Registrar of Voters Office during regular business hours. It is located at 435 Fiscal Dr. in Santa Rosa.

Prefer to vote in person? Stop by one of the county’s 31 official vote centers. Seven will be open daily, including weekends, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. starting Feb. 24; another 24 will open daily starting March 2. All 31 vote centers will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on March 5. All will also have places to drop off mail-in ballots.

View an interactive map of the county’s vote centers and official ballot drop-boxes.

The candidates you see on your ballot will vary, depending on where you live and which political party you're registered with (if any). If you're not sure, you can look up your registration using the California Secretary of State's My Voter Status tool, or contact the Registrar of Voter’s office.

Feb. 20 is the deadline to register to vote in the March 5 election. If you are registering to vote or changing your political party registration less than 15 days before the election, you will need to complete the Same-Day Voter Registration process and request your ballot in person at the county elections office or vote center.

Applications are now being accepted for seats on the Sonoma County Civil Grand Jury, which investigates the effectiveness, efficiency and integrity of local government agencies and their staff.

Nineteen people will be selected to serve a one-year term on the Civil Grand Jury beginning July 1. The time commitment varies, depending on the number of reports the Civil Grand Jury decides to initiate, but applicants are asked whether they are willing to work 10 to 25 hours per week attending meetings, researching issues, interviewing sources and writing reports. Members are paid a small stipend for their work.

The deadline to apply is April 29. 

Are you looking for a new job? Thinking about career options for the future? Learn how you can take the next step in your professional life and join the County of Sonoma family!

Start Here! is a virtual class that provides an overview of the county’s job application, examination and selection processes. The two-hour session provides information on how to submit a thorough application, best practices for the interview and examination, and much more. Send an email to careers@sonoma-county.org and we will invite you to future class opportunities. Let us help guide you through the county’s selection process.

My name is Nala. I’m a female German shepherd mix who weighs 63 pounds and is 3 years old. I was brought to the shelter last April, and I’m currently living in a foster home. My caretakers say I’m a loving and friendly dog who enjoys staying close to my humans but can get bored if I’m left alone.They recommend I go into a home with children 10 years and older. Will you bring me into your family?

Nala is one of dozens of cats, dogs, rabbits and other animals at Sonoma County Animal Services in need of adoption.

Get involved with local government

Make a difference in Sonoma County! Local government thrives when passionate individuals like you step up to serve. There are countless opportunities for you to get involved and play a crucial role in shaping the future of our beloved Sonoma County. Check out the current vacancies: 

• Child Care Planning Council of Sonoma County: Advocate for comprehensive child care planning and coordination in our county.

• Community Action Partnership of Sonoma County: Partner with low-income families to achieve economic and social stability.

• Emergency Medical Care Council: Improve emergency medical care, oversee and maintain the system, and coordinate long-term planning for public education and injury prevention.

• Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health Advisory Board: Promote the health of families, children and adolescents in our community.

• Sonoma County Local Task Force on Integrated Waste Management: Develop policies and procedures for waste management, reduction and recycling.

• Workforce Investment Board: Lead an integrated workforce development system to ensure our county's vitality.

Your involvement can make a significant impact. Take the first step and explore how you can contribute to a brighter future for Sonoma County.

Volunteer opportunities

Make a difference in your community. Find out how you can give back here.

Employment opportunities

Take your next career step with the County of Sonoma. Explore employment opportunities here.

(stories may require subscriptions)



• Historic Wohler Bridge to undergo seismic retrofit this summer (Feb. 6)
• Tens of thousands without power after bomb cyclone batters North Bay, topping trees, damaging roads (Feb. 5)
• Sonoma County aligns with California’s new, loosened COVID-19 isolation rules (Feb. 2)
• Sonoma County releases business plan for climate hub at Sonoma Developmental Center (Jan. 31)
• Sonoma County to lease Aviation Boulevard building as plans for campus overhaul drag on (Jan. 30)
• Avelo Airlines to set up new base operations at Sonoma County airport, add dozens of new jobs (Jan. 30)
• Reviving the rivers: Sonoma County’s mission for salmon survival (Jan. 29)
• Close to Home: Sheriff Eddie Engram on assessing progress, setting goals (Jan. 28)
• Sonoma County may have a new commercial composting site at the county airport (Jan. 28)
• Sonoma County takes a stand against wage theft (Jan. 28)
• Hikers get a preview of new wooded, wild county park in Santa Rosa (Jan. 27)
• Decoding Sonoma County's new septic system rules: What you need to know (Jan. 26)
• Count of homeless residents takes place across Sonoma County (Jan. 26)
• Job gains predicted in Sonoma County economic forecast (Jan. 25)

Upcoming events

Feb. 12 - Lincoln’s Birthday (most county offices closed)

Feb. 14 - Community Development Committee

Feb. 14 - Springs Municipal Advisory Council

Feb. 16 - Planning Commission

Feb. 16 - Homeless Coalition Strategic Planning Committee

Feb. 19 - President’s Day (most county offices closed)

Feb. 20 - North Sonoma Valley Municipal Advisory Committee

Feb. 21 - Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council

Feb. 21 - Fire Memorial Task Force

Feb. 24 - IOLERO Community Advisory Committee strategic planning workshop

Feb. 27 - Board of Supervisors

Feb. 27 - Human Rights Commission

Feb. 28 - Economic Development Board

Feb. 28 - Sonoma Valley Community Advisory Commission

Feb. 28 - Homeless Coalition Board

March 5 - Election Day

March 5 - Board of Supervisors

March 6 - Creative Sonoma Advisory Board

March 6 - IOLERO Community Advisory Council

March 7 - Planning Commission

March 12 - Board of Supervisors

Getting outside and enjoying the county

Feb. 10 - Science Saturdays: Seed Balls (11 a.m. and 1 p.m.) - Environmental Discovery Center, Spring Lake Regional Park

Feb. 20 - Bilingual Dog Training - Andy’s Unity Park

Feb. 24 - Rainbow Hikes: Out In Our Parks - Crane Creek Regional Park

View and sign up for the county's SoCo Chat podcast

Interested in what's going on at the County of Sonoma?

Sign up for the SoCo Correspondent here.

¿Está interesado en leer sobre lo que hace el Condado de Sonoma cada mes? Regístrese aquí para suscribirse a nuestro boletín, el SoCo Correspondent.

A publication of the County Administrator’s Office – Communications Staff