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. | | Make a plan to vote in the June 2 primary election | | |
Voting in Sonoma County is underway, with multiple options that make it easy for every eligible voter to participate in the June 2 Statewide Direct Primary Election and make their voices heard at the ballot box.
Ballots were mailed this week to 317,190 active registered voters in Sonoma County. Depending on where they live, voters will decide a variety of key contests, including two seats on the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors, a proposal to extend a quarter-cent sales tax that funds the Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit District, two school district measures, and primaries for a range of federal and state offices including governor.
Voters can return their ballot by mail (no postage required), drop it off at one of 23 official ballot drop boxes open across the county, or vote in person at a Vote Center.
Early in-person voting begins May 23 at seven Vote Centers, with 25 additional sites opening May 30 through June 1. On Election Day, June 2, all 32 Vote Centers will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Voters can cast a ballot at any Vote Center in the county.
Residents are encouraged to check or update their voter registration by May 18 at RegisterToVote.ca.gov. After that date, conditional voter registration is available at the Registrar of Voters office or any Vote Center.
Voters may also pick up replacement Vote by Mail ballots or vote early in person at the Sonoma County Registrar of Voters Office. The Registrar of Voters is now serving the public from a new office at 3880 Brickway Blvd. in Santa Rosa. The facility, located near the Charles M. Schulz - Sonoma County Airport, provides expanded space to improve public access and support growing voter participation.
“With the continued growth of our county and the increasing number of registered voters, our office has needed to expand to meet the demands of our public,” said Evelyn Mendez, Sonoma County Registrar of Voters. “This new location provides the space and functionality we need to better serve voters and candidates while maintaining the integrity of our elections.”
| | Public invited to May 12 forum on Sheriff’s Office interactions with ICE | | |
Sonoma County residents are invited to learn how the Sheriff’s Office interacts with federal immigration authorities during a public forum on Tuesday.
The TRUTH Act Community Forum will take place at 5:30 p.m. during a special meeting of the Board of Supervisors in the Board Chambers at 575 Administration Drive in Santa Rosa. The meeting can also be viewed on Zoom. Spanish interpretation will be available online and in-person.
The annual forum is required under state law to provide transparency about when and how local law enforcement shares information with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
State law strictly limits those interactions. The Sheriff’s Office does not enforce federal immigration law, honor immigration detainers, or ask about immigration status for enforcement purposes. In limited cases defined by state law, the jail may notify ICE when someone charged with or convicted of certain serious or violent crimes is scheduled to be released. An individual may be transferred to ICE custody only if a judge has issued a warrant.
In 2025, ICE made 601 requests to be notified when individuals in County custody were scheduled for release, up from 484 the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office responded to 69 of those requests and transferred one individual to ICE custody based on a federal warrant, compared to 64 responses and two transfers in 2024. ICE made 20 arrests in the jail, up from 10 the year before. No ICE interviews were conducted inside the jail.
The forum comes as the County continues to take steps to support immigrant communities. Last week, the Board of Supervisors gave final approval to an ordinance prohibiting County employees from cooperating with federal immigration enforcement operations. The ordinance bans immigration authorities from using County property for enforcement actions and makes clear that the County does not collect or share immigration status except when required by law. The Board also approved $1.5 million for programs that help local immigrants obtain legal services, mental health resources, and other support services.
| | County upgrading alert system to improve communications during emergencies | | |
Sonoma County is modernizing the technology behind its emergency alerts to improve the way critical information is delivered to the public during wildfires, floods and other fast-moving disasters.
The update focuses on the system that powers SoCoAlert, the County’s primary alert and warning program. While the technology behind the scenes is changing, how residents receive alerts will remain the same. Community members will continue to get notifications in English and Spanish through familiar channels, including text messages, phone calls, Wireless Emergency Alerts, weather radios, and local TV and radio stations.
The new system will make it easier for the County and its nine cities to coordinate emergency alerts, enabling agencies to work from a single platform with consistent procedures and real-time visibility into alert activity. It will also improve agencies’ ability to target alerts at specific neighborhoods or emergency zones. Built-in testing, backup systems, and monitoring tools are intended to strengthen reliability during high-pressure situations.
To implement these changes, the Board of Supervisors last week approved a $395,903 contract with HQE Systems, Inc. to upgrade the County’s alert and warning system by June 5 and operate it for three years.
“Timely communication makes all the difference during an emergency,” said Supervisor Rebecca Hermosillo, chair of the Board of Supervisors. “This upgrade strengthens how we coordinate alerts and helps ensure people receive information that is relevant to where they are and in a language they understand. When residents understand what’s happening and what to do, they can act quickly to help protect themselves and their loved ones.”
| | Board of Supervisors authorizes environmental studies on proposed compost facility | | |
What happens to the material in your green bin after it’s collected?
Currently, most yard trimmings and food scraps are transported out of Sonoma County for processing. To change that, the County is considering building a new compost facility on Slusser Road just west of the Charles M. Schulz - Sonoma County Airport.
The proposed facility would process the materials collected in residential green bins and turn them into compost for local residents, farmers, and businesses. Last week, the Board of Supervisors authorized the start of environmental studies on the proposal, which is still in the early planning stage.
The proposed facility would process up to 70,000 tons of material each year, about 80% of the residential green bin material generated in the county. Bringing composting closer to home could reduce truck travel and lower greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with climate goals in the County’s five-year Strategic Plan, which seek to reduce emissions and work toward carbon neutrality by 2030.
The proposal would also create a more resilient local system to manage organic waste by restoring local composting capacity, reducing reliance on out-of-county facilities, and supporting compliance with state requirements for organic waste recycling.
Residents are invited to learn more and share feedback at two open house workshops next week. The workshops will be held Thursday, May 14, 5-7 p.m. and Saturday, May 16, 12-2 p.m. Both meetings will be held at Zero Waste Sonoma, 195 Concourse Blvd., Suite B, Santa Rosa. Community members can stop in at any time during the events to ask questions and talk with staff. Spanish interpretation will be available.
To learn more or sign up for updates, visit the project website at www.sonomacounty.gov/SoCoCompost or email spi-compost@sonomacounty.gov.
| | Get ready for wildfire season | | |
Don’t wait until there is smoke in the air to prepare for wildfire season. Protect your home and your family by taking simple steps now.
May is Wildfire Community Preparedness Month, a reminder that people who live in fire-prone areas should take action before the hottest months arrive. Sonoma County emergency managers will share the annual fire season outlook at the Board of Supervisors meeting on May 19.
The County offers tools and services to help residents reduce risk and stay prepared. Here are some ways to get started:
Permit Sonoma’s Fire Prevention Division provides free chipper services to residents in unincorporated areas who are creating defensible space around their homes. Residents in two parts of the county – Larkfield-Wikiup and Guerneville – can sign up for no-cost wildfire risk assessments, which provide personalized recommendations for defensible space and home hardening.
Even the smallest steps – like clearing debris, maintaining defensible space, or replacing vents – can make a meaningful difference. When neighbors and communities take action together, these individual efforts add up to create stronger, safer, and more wildfire resilient communities for everyone.
| | Recognizing the workers who keep Sonoma County running | | |
The County’s 4,300 employees play a vital role in keeping Sonoma County safe, healthy and running smoothly. Their work, often behind the scenes, supports residents in ways both large and small, from maintaining roads and protecting public health to responding in emergencies and helping people through difficult moments.
On Wednesday, the County marked Public Service Recognition Week by honoring that work. County leaders served lunch to nearly 2,300 employees at the Santa Rosa Veterans Memorial Building, offering a moment of appreciation for the people who deliver essential services every day.
“Public service takes compassion and a real commitment to making a difference in people’s lives,” said County Executive David Guhin. “Every day, our employees deliver critical services that residents rely on, often without recognition. This event is a small way to express our deep appreciation for the work they do and the care they bring to Sonoma County.”
| | New licensing program improves oversight of cannabis businesses | | |
Sonoma County is launching a new licensing program that creates a simpler, more consistent way to regulate local cannabis businesses.
Beginning July 1, all cannabis operations in unincorporated areas will be required to obtain an annual business license from the County. The $531 annual fee will cover the cost of administering the licensing program, including registration, compliance tracking and coordination with state licensing agencies.
The new system is part of a broader overhaul of cannabis regulations. Previously, the County required cannabis operations to obtain a land use permit, adding time and expense. The updated ordinance, approved by the Board of Supervisors last December, will allow cannabis operations in certain zones without requiring a permit. The cannabis business license provides a simpler way to track businesses and ensure they comply with local and state regulations.
Last week, the Board of Supervisors approved a plan to fund the licensing program by charging an annual fee. In a related action, the Board also suspended taxes on cannabis cultivation and manufacturing for one year while County staff review alternative ways to fund regulation of the industry. The County will continue collecting taxes on retail cannabis sales.
| | Join the conversation at SoCo Chat | | |
Matt Brown, left, supervising communications specialist in the County Executive’s Office, speaks with County Executive David Guhin during a new episode of SoCo Chat.
The County of Sonoma has a new top administrator, and he’s hitting the ground running. In a new episode of SoCo Chat, County Executive David Guhin discusses the County’s budget challenges and looks ahead at some big initiatives looming in the future. Drawing on his background as an engineer and systems thinker, Guhin shares his approach to leadership and why he sees collaboration with community partners as key to navigating the uncertainty ahead.
Subscribe to SoCo Chat on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music and YouTube, and check out our growing library of episodes. Recent guests and topics of discussion have included:
- Getting to a County office isn’t always easy. But what if services came to you? Sonoma County has launched Open Doors Mobile Services, a new program delivering food assistance, health resources, and family support directly into local communities. Human Services Director Angela Struckmann explains how the program works, who it’s designed to reach, and why bringing services on the road could make a real difference for residents across the county.
- The first five years can shape a lifetime. Angie Dillon-Shore, executive director of First 5 Sonoma County, examines the impact of early childhood investment and explains how Measure I, the 2024 voter-approved sales tax, is helping families and young children across the county. Learn how these programs work, who they serve, and how you can connect to resources that help Sonoma County kids thrive.
- The County is facing some big decisions, from budget challenges and road repairs to expanding mental health services and supporting local immigrants. Supervisor Rebecca Hermosillo, who stepped into a new role as Chair of the Board in January, reflects on lessons from her first year in office and outlines her priorities for the year ahead.
| | Help create the Sonoma County Fire Memorial | | |
The creation of the Sonoma County Fire Memorial is entering a new phase – and the community’s voice will help shape what comes next.
As artist Cliff Garten begins shaping the vision for the memorial, community members are invited to reflect on their experiences and contribute ideas that will help inform the design.
There are two ways to participate:
Focus groups: Join a small, facilitated conversation to share memories, hopes and ideas in an interactive setting. Sessions will take place May 21-23 during the artist’s site visit. Space is limited, and early registration is encouraged. Sign up here.
Community survey: Prefer to participate on your own time? An online survey allows residents to reflect and respond at their own pace. Feedback will be shared directly with Garten to guide his creative process. Take the survey here.
In 2022, the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors approved a plan to create a memorial honoring those who lost their lives in the 2017 wildfires. The public art installation, which will be located in Nagasawa Community Park in Santa Rosa, is intended to reflect the community’s resilience, offer a place for remembrance, and serve as a space for healing. Creative Sonoma, a division of the Economic Development Collaborative, is facilitating the project.
| | Get help with your sewage bill | | Planning ahead to keep Sonoma County fed during disasters | | |
With insights from years of responding to wildfires and other emergencies, Sonoma County agencies, nonprofits and farmers are now working to improve how food reaches residents in times of crisis.
UC Cooperative Extension is leading the development of a Community Emergency Feeding Framework, a plan that will coordinate how food is distributed during emergencies. The effort brings together the County, cities, community organizations and agricultural producers to strengthen collaboration and response.
The framework focuses on improving coordination, clarifying roles and responsibilities, and identifying resources to support feeding efforts outside government-run shelters during and immediately after a disaster. It is one component of the North Coast Emergency Food System Partnership, a six-county initiative working to strengthen local food systems, support farmers’ economic well-being and improve regional food security.
As the plan is finalized this summer, local organizations will have an opportunity to participate in a tabletop exercise to test the system in real-world scenarios. These guided sessions help identify gaps, strengthen communication and ensure the County is prepared to meet community needs when it matters most.
Organizations interested in participating can contact Mimi Enright at menright@ucanr.edu.
| | Nominations open for 2026 Spirit Awards honoring local changemakers | | |
The Sonoma County Commission on the Status of Women is now accepting nominations for the 2026 Spirit Awards, which honor women and girls who are creating meaningful change across Sonoma County.
The awards recognize individuals who speak up, inspire action and advance equity, diversity and inclusion in their communities. One honoree will be selected from each of the County’s five Board of Supervisors districts and celebrated at an event on June 11 in Rohnert Park.
Community members are encouraged to nominate someone whose leadership, voice or actions are helping shape a more inclusive future, whether through advocacy, service or everyday impact.
Nominations are open through May 18.
| | Sonoma County Fair opens entries for community exhibits | | |
Whether your talent is baking a mouth-watering pie, capturing a perfect photo or welding scrap metal into a sculpture worthy of Burning Man, there’s a place to showcase your work at the Sonoma County Fair.
Entries for the Fair’s 2026 Competitive Exhibits program are now being accepted through June 30. Community members of all ages and experience levels are encouraged to participate, whether you’re a seasoned artist or trying something new for the first time.
The contest features a wide range of categories, from fine arts and crafts to sewing, knitting, hobbies and food preservation. Participants can earn recognition for their work and take part in a long-standing Sonoma County tradition. All participants will receive a complimentary admission pass.
Exhibitor guidebooks with entry details and rules are available at the Fair’s website and at local libraries. Fair staff are also available to answer questions.
The Sonoma County Fair runs Aug. 7-16.
| | Adopt the pet of the week | | |
My name is Ivy. I’m a 1 ½ year-old pit bull terrier mix who was brought to the shelter in November. I’m bursting with energy and enthusiasm for life. While I can be a little shy when first meeting people, I warm up quickly with some re-assurance and love. Will you bring me into your family?
Ivy is one of 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:
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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