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. | | Open Doors Mobile Services brings County programs directly to rural communities | | |
For many rural residents, accessing County services can mean a long drive. A new program aims to change that.
Last week, Sonoma County launched Open Doors Mobile Services, bringing essential County programs directly into neighborhoods using a pair of 24-foot Sprinter vans converted into mobile offices. By partnering with local nonprofits, the County can meet residents in trusted, familiar spaces where they already seek support. The mobile model also provides a flexible, cost-effective way to expand access to County services without the time or expense of establishing new offices in distant communities.
Staff from the Human Services Department, Department of Health Services and Department of Child Support Services will travel to communities across the county, offering help with food assistance, health coverage and family services. At each stop, residents can apply for CalFresh and Medi-Cal, replace EBT cards, manage BenefitsCal accounts and connect to behavioral health, employment and family support programs.
“For many people, getting to a County office can be a real challenge, especially in the more rural parts of our county,” said Supervisor Rebecca Hermosillo, chair of the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors. “Open Doors Mobile Services brings County resources and support directly into those neighborhoods. It’s a simple idea, to ‘Open our Doors’ more widely so that constituents can get the help they need with one less barrier in their way. This innovative program will make it easier for everyone to access the care and support they need and deserve.”
The initiative was unveiled April 14 during a ribbon-cutting ceremony outside the Board of Supervisors chambers. The first mobile service day took place Tuesday in Cloverdale, with upcoming visits planned for Windsor on May 5 and Healdsburg on May 12. Additional dates and locations will be shared at OpenDoorsSC.com.
Want to know more about how the program works? Listen to an interview with Human Services Director Angela Struckmann, who recently sat down with the County’s podcast, SoCo Chat, to explain the initiative.
| | Meet David Guhin: a Q&A with your new County Executive | | |
Join us in welcoming David Guhin, who began serving as County Executive on Monday. As the County of Sonoma’s top administrator, Guhin leads more than 4,300 employees who implement the Board of Supervisors’ policies and deliver services that keep residents healthy, safe and supported.
Guhin has more than two decades of government leadership experience in the North Bay, most recently serving as city manager for the city of Sonoma. Previously, he held senior leadership positions with the city of Santa Rosa and the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria. His career has focused on tackling complex local issues – from infrastructure and housing to economic development – while working closely with community partners to find practical solutions.
As he steps into this new role, we asked Guhin about his priorities, leadership style and vision for Sonoma County.
What guides your work in public service, and how will that shape your leadership as County Executive?
I got into public service because I believe local government is where people feel the day-to-day impacts in our neighborhoods and communities. That direct connection to residents is something I take seriously, and it's always inspired me to ask how we can do even better, finding new ways to deliver the services people count on and making sure we're meeting our community where they are.
Public service requires a willingness to listen, to question, and to try new approaches. As the County Executive, I want to create an environment where staff feel empowered to find innovative solutions to meet the goals and priorities identified by the Board and the community, and where the focus remains on measurable outcomes for the people we serve.
What are your top priorities as you begin this new role?
The first thing I want to do is listen. I plan to get out into all five supervisorial districts to hear directly from residents and community organizations about what's working and what isn't. In addition, understanding what our departments and staff need to deliver for the community is equally important. I want to hear where the obstacles are, where opportunities exist, and make sure those insights inform how we move forward together.
Another priority will be to focus on alignment and support. The Board has a clear direction, and my job is to ensure that the Board and staff move toward it together. That means serving as a clear bridge between the two: translating the Board's priorities into actionable directions for staff, and ensuring staff perspectives and needs are represented back to the Board. Beyond communicating priorities, my focus will be on actively removing barriers and giving departments the tools and backing they need to deliver, creatively and effectively, for our community. I see the County Executive role as one of service to both the Board and to our staff, and I want to show up that way from day one.
Looking ahead, what's one major challenge and one opportunity you see for Sonoma County?
One of the most pressing challenges is the uncertainty surrounding federal funding for critical services our community relies on. The programs under pressure, including health care access, housing support, and food assistance, are ones our most vulnerable residents depend on. And these things don't exist in isolation. When one program is cut, there are ripple effects across other services. We are going to have to get creative and be honest with our community about the pressures we face, while doing everything we can to protect what matters most.
The opportunity, and I think it's a real one, is partnership and collaboration. Throughout my career, I've seen that the most meaningful progress happens when government, nonprofits, and community groups work together. We need real, impactful collaboration to keep serving our community well. I'm especially excited about finding ways to encourage and support local organizations in partnering with one another in coordination with the County. That kind of ecosystem, where government, nonprofits, and community are genuinely aligned, is how we can meet challenges that no single organization can solve alone.
| | County commits $2.8 million to keep people housed and improve access to homeless services | | |
Two key programs that help prevent homelessness and connect people to shelter and services will continue with new funding approved by the Board of Supervisors.
The Board recently approved $500,000 to continue the Keep People Housed program, a pilot effort operated by Petaluma-based Committee on the Shelterless (COTS) that helped nearly 800 residents avoid homelessness last year. The Board renewed the program March 24 for an additional two years. It provides financial assistance to households at risk of eviction, focusing on those least likely to stay housed without help – including families with children and seniors – using data to target resources where they can have the greatest impact. In its first year, 94 percent of participants remained housed six months after receiving assistance, helping reduce pressure on shelters, emergency services and health care facilities.
Last week, the Board also approved a $2.3 million agreement with San Jose-based HomeFirst Services to continue operating the County’s Coordinated Entry System for an additional three years. In place since 2015, the system serves as the front door to the County’s homelessness services, assessing people experiencing homelessness, prioritizing those with the greatest needs, and connecting them to housing and support in a consistent and equitable way.
“These two programs work in different ways, but they’re both focused on supporting people when it matters most,” said Supervisor Rebecca Hermosillo, chair of the Board of Supervisors. “One helps keep people housed and prevents a crisis, while the other creates a clear path to shelter and services. Together, they strengthen the health and stability of our entire community.”
| | County invests $12.8 million to replace two aging bridges near Sonoma and Freestone | | |
Watmaugh Road Bridge south of Sonoma.
Two well-traveled bridges in Sonoma Valley and west Sonoma County are getting long-overdue upgrades.
The Board of Supervisors approved $12.8 million in construction contracts last week to replace aging spans near Sonoma and Freestone. Together, the projects will leverage federal and state funding to strengthen the bridges against earthquakes and make travel safer for drivers.
In Sonoma Valley, the County will replace the 97-year-old Watmaugh Road Bridge over Sonoma Creek with a new two-lane structure. The project will improve roadway approaches and safety features without increasing traffic capacity, preserving the current function of the road while bringing the historic bridge up to current design standards. Most of the $8.5 million cost will be covered through federal reimbursement.
“This bridge has served our community for generations and replacing it is essential to ensuring the safety, reliability, and resilience of a critical connection in Sonoma Valley,” said District 1 Supervisor Rebecca Hermosillo, who represents the area. “The current bridge no longer meets modern safety and seismic standards. We’re making long-term investments to build a new bridge that will strengthen our infrastructure and improve emergency access.”
In west Sonoma County, the one-lane Freestone Flat Road Bridge built in 1955 over Salmon Creek will be replaced with a wider, two-lane crossing that meets modern safety requirements. The new bridge will be constructed alongside the existing structure, allowing traffic to continue during construction. The $4.3 million project is eligible for full federal funding.
“Roads are lifelines for people who live and work in rural parts of our county,” said District 5 Supervisor Lynda Hopkins, who represents the Freestone area. “This project reflects our commitment to investing in infrastructure across all parts of the county, including our rural communities.”
| | Water managers outline stable supply outlook after dry spell | | |
From a wet start to record-breaking heat and a sharp turn to dry conditions in March, Sonoma County’s water outlook has changed quickly this year.
Last week, officials with Sonoma Water, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the California Department of Water Resources walked residents through those shifts during a public webinar, explaining what the changes mean for local reservoirs and river flows in the months ahead.
The update highlights a mixed picture. Lake Sonoma, the county’s largest reservoir and primary source of drinking water, is filled to near capacity, the result of strong early-season storms and water management strategies that help capture and store runoff. Lake Mendocino, a smaller reservoir near Ukiah, is trending lower after a drier spring and less rainfall than last year.
The Russian River is now experiencing “dry water supply conditions,” a formal designation triggered when water levels at Lake Mendocino fall below set thresholds. The designation means less water will be released from both reservoirs, reducing minimum flows in the Russian River later this summer. The reason water managers take this approach is to ensure there is plenty of water in the reservoirs for the following year, should next winter be a dry one.
Looking ahead, forecasters are watching the potential for an El Niño pattern this winter. However, experts cautioned that even a “super” El Niño is not a reliable predictor of how much rain Sonoma County will receive, and forecasts this early in the year remain uncertain.
| | College classes create new paths for youth at Juvenile Hall | | |
Two students receive their associate degrees from Santa Rosa Junior College during a graduation ceremony last December at Juvenile Hall. Their faces are blurred to protect their identities.
On any given day inside Sonoma County Juvenile Hall, students are logging into college classes, completing assignments, and taking their next steps toward graduation, careers, and a fresh start.
Through a partnership between Santa Rosa Junior College and the Sonoma County Probation Department, youth in custody can earn college credits and work toward their degrees. Currently, 15 students are enrolled in college courses, which are offered both online and in person.
The program is supported by a network of partners. The college’s Rising Scholars program provides academic support and guidance for students during and after incarceration, while its Second Chance program helps them stay on track once they return to the community. A dedicated Senior Probation Corrections Officer also works one-on-one with students, helping with applications, financial aid, and enrollment. Many of the students continue their education after release, supported by the same network that begins during custody.
Since the program’s inception in 2021, five students at Juvenile Hall have earned an associate degree from SRJC. Several have continued to pursue their education at a four-year university.
“Higher education gives young people an opportunity they may not have considered before, to change direction,” said Chief Probation Officer Vanessa Fuchs. “They start to see new options for their future. We’re here to help them take that next step.”
| | County renews Sonoma County Transit contract as ridership rebounds | | |
Bus ridership is growing at Sonoma County Transit, which is renewing its long-term partnership with the nation’s largest operator of public transportation systems.
The Board of Supervisors last week approved an $82 million contract with Transdev Services, which has operated the County’s bus and paratransit system since 1989. The company won a competitive bidding process for a new five-year agreement beginning this fall.
Last year, Sonoma County Transit carried 800,519 passengers, an increase of 8 percent over the previous year. Ridership has returned to approximately 88 percent of pre-COVID levels, driven in large part by a program that allows all youth ages 18 and under to ride fare-free. The program is subsidized by the Sonoma County Climate Resilience Program and Go Sonoma funding.
Sonoma County Transit carries over 2,700 passengers a day on 19 routes that cross the county, from Petaluma to Cloverdale and Monte Rio to Sonoma. Ridership is anticipated to return to pre-pandemic levels during the upcoming fiscal year that begins July 1.
To plan your trip, download the Transit App or visit sctransit.com for route maps and schedules.
| | Get ready before disaster strikes: attend the free Fire and Earthquake Expo on Sunday | | |
Wildfires and earthquakes can happen without warning. Planning for emergencies in advance can make the difference between being prepared and being overwhelmed.
This Sunday (April 26), learn how you can protect your family and home at the free Wildfire and Earthquake Expo at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds, a hands-on event designed to build awareness and turn your knowledge into action.
Watch emergency demonstrations and live simulations, experience the earthquake Shake Trailer, and learn how thoughtful landscape design – like spacing plants and choosing fire-resistant materials – can help slow the spread of wildfire around your home.
From live demonstrations and interactive exhibits to expert-led training sessions, the Expo offers practical tools families can use right away. Attendees can meet first responders, practice using a fire extinguisher, and explore ways to protect homes, pets, and neighborhoods.
Enjoy a complimentary pancake breakfast and take home a free go-bag (one per family, while supplies last). Registration is not required, but guests who sign up in advance will be entered to win a 1-hour defensible space consultation with EcoLogiCal Solutions or a one-year subscription to Watch Duty Pro.
| | Remembering every life: Annual memorial for unclaimed returns May 2 | | |
Last year, more than 4,400 people passed away in Sonoma County. When no next of kin can be found, or they don’t have the means to make final arrangements, the Public Administrator’s Office steps in to ensure each person is cremated and laid to rest with dignity and care.
On May 2, the public is invited to join the Public Administrator team and other County leaders at a memorial service honoring the lives of 59 individuals who died last year and had final arrangements made by the County. The 2 p.m. ceremony will take place at Pleasant Hills Memorial Park and Mortuary, 1700 Pleasant Hill Road in Sebastopol.
The Human Services Department began holding annual memorial services in 2023 to ensure those cremated by the County receive a respectful and meaningful farewell. Since 2010, the program has interred the remains of approximately 680 individuals at Pleasant Hills Memorial Park. Some were unhoused or estranged from family, while others simply outlived their loved ones.
“Every person deserves to be treated with dignity, not only in life but also in death,” said Angela Struckmann, director of the Sonoma County Human Services Department. “These individuals were part of our community, and this memorial is a way for us to pause, remember and honor their lives. It reflects our commitment to ensuring no one in our community is forgotten.”
| | Discover Sonoma County’s spring wildflowers with this free trail guide | | |
It’s wildflower season in Sonoma County! Warm weather means it’s time to hit the trails to look for baby blue eyes, California poppies, Henderson's shooting stars and other spring blooms. Want to know how to tell a mule's ear from a monkey flower? Download Sonoma County Regional Parks’ free Wildflower Guide to take with you on the trail.
Join one of Regional Parks’ guided wildflower walks, where staff and volunteers help you spot standout blooms and share what makes them unique. If you’d rather explore on your own, check out one of the parks featured on our blog.
Want to learn more? Follow #WildflowerWednesday on Regional Parks’ social channels, where we spotlight some of Sonoma County’s most unusual wildflowers. And don't forget to share what you see by tagging us @SonomaCountyParks on Instagram.
| | Join the conversation at SoCo Chat | | |
Matt Brown, left, supervising communications specialist in the County Executive’s Office, speaks with Angela Struckmann, director of the Sonoma County Human Services Department, during a new episode of SoCo Chat.
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. In a new episode of SoCo Chat, 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.
Subscribe to SoCo Chat on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music and YouTube, and check out our growing library of episodes in both English and Spanish (Descubre nuestra creciente selección de episodios en inglés y español). Recent guests and topics of discussion have included:
- 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.
- When a young person enters the juvenile justice system, what happens next can shape their future. Vista Academy, a partnership between Circuit Rider Community Services and Sonoma County Probation, provides a structured alternative to Juvenile Hall. Circuit Rider CEO Rob Izzo explains how the program works to reduce re-arrest rates, prevent gang involvement, and help young people build skills, confidence, and stronger decision-making habits.
| | Adopt the pet of the week | | |
My name is Rocky. I’m a 3-year-old black and chocolate Labrador Retriever mix who was brought to the shelter in September. I’m a friendly, large dog (I weigh 98 pounds) who likes attention and would benefit from training and plenty of play time. I’ve jumped a couple of 6-foot fences, so I will need someone who can watch over me and keep me safe. Will you bring me into your family?
Rocky 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:
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Sonoma County Coast Municipal Advisory Council – Advises the Board of Supervisors on planning and management issues affecting the Sonoma Coast while providing a forum for community input and communication between residents, businesses and County leaders.
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Local Task Force on Integrated Waste Management – Advises the Sonoma County Zero Waste Agency and the Board of Supervisors on waste reduction, recycling, composting and disposal issues.
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Workforce Investment Board – Develops regional and local workforce plans and helps guide job training, employment and youth workforce programs under federal workforce law.
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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