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. | | County launches Open Doors to simplify access to vital services | | |
Finding food, housing, child care and other types of assistance can feel overwhelming when each service has its own system to navigate. Last week, Sonoma County launched a major innovation designed to connect residents to the help they need, no matter whose door they knock on first.
The initiative, known as Open Doors, unites government, nonprofits and community-based organizations that deliver critical safety net services to vulnerable populations. Their shared goal: to create an interlinked system of care where people are quickly connected to the services they need.
A new website, www.OpenDoorsSC.com, offers a searchable directory of more than 600 social service providers across 12 categories. By centralizing information that was previously scattered across agencies, the website makes it easier for the public and service providers alike to quickly find the support an individual needs. The website can be viewed in 10 languages, making it accessible to a wide section of Sonoma County.
Behind the scenes, the Human Services Department and its partners have been working to better coordinate services and train employees on the new approach. No matter where someone turns for help, the goal is to connect them with the right support as quickly as possible.
Open Doors complements the 211 Sonoma County call line, operated by United Way of the Wine Country, giving residents multiple ways to access help when they need it. Residents can continue to call 211 for live assistance or use the Open Doors website for quick, easy online access to information.
“By streamlining access to essential services and building stronger bridges between government and nonprofits, we’re creating a more compassionate and coordinated safety net for Sonoma County,” said Supervisor Lynda Hopkins, chair of the Board of Supervisors. “With Open Doors, people no longer have to navigate layers of referrals alone or be needlessly shuffled around before finding help. Every door should lead them to the services they need.”
| | 2024 crop report highlights resilience of Sonoma County farmers in the face of challenges | | |
Agriculture is a central part of Sonoma County’s identity, shaping our landscape, supporting local jobs and placing food and wine on our tables. While the county’s ag sector remains strong, it also faced serious challenges last year.
Local agricultural production dropped to $857.6 million in 2024, a 9.3 percent decline from the previous year, according to the annual Sonoma County Crop Report, which was presented to the Board of Supervisors last week.
Several key sectors lost ground in 2024. The value of Sonoma County’s grape crop, which accounts for nearly three-fourths of the county’s ag output, fell more than 12 percent last year to $626.6 million as weaker demand left some fruit unharvested. Poultry farmers experienced a 49 percent drop, to $20.8 million, as they struggled to recover from an outbreak of avian influenza in 2023 that caused the loss of 1.2 million birds from commercial flocks
Nursery products decreased 7 percent to $62.7 million, driven by declines in demand for bedding plants sold to consumers and grapevines sold to the wine industry. The value of the county’s legal cannabis crop plunged 53 percent, to $12.2 million, amid a sharp decline in wholesale prices.
Other sectors grew in 2024. Dairy, the second-largest part of the county’s agricultural sector, jumped 38 percent to $80 million, led by increases in sales of organic milk. Apples rose 21 percent to $3.9 million, the result of higher yields and stronger late-season prices.
“Sonoma County’s agricultural community continues to demonstrate resilience in the face of challenges, from market fluctuations to disease outbreaks,” said Supervisor Lynda Hopkins, chair of the Board of Supervisors. “This year’s report underscores the dedication of our farmers, ranchers and producers who bring high-quality, sustainable products to local residents, restaurants and markets.”
| | Homeless census reveals progress and growing needs | | |
In June, Sonoma County shared preliminary results from its annual homelessness census. The final 2025 Point-in-Time Count, published last week, confirms the encouraging trend: homelessness dropped 23 percent over the last year, reaching its lowest level since the County began tracking data in 2007.
The new report goes beyond the totals, offering insight into where homelessness is most concentrated, who is most affected, and what barriers people face in securing housing. Overall, volunteers and outreach teams counted 1,952 people experiencing homelessness across the county during the one-day census, which took place Jan. 31. Nearly two-thirds were counted in Santa Rosa, while smaller but significant populations were recorded in Petaluma, Rohnert Park, Sebastopol and west Sonoma County.
Survey results shed light on the challenges behind the numbers. More than half of respondents reported living with a disabling condition such as mental illness, PTSD, or a substance use disorder. Many cited the housing process itself as a barrier – describing it as too difficult to navigate – along with lack of income and the high cost of moving.
Progress varied across groups. The number of veterans experiencing homelessness fell by nearly 40 percent, and youth homelessness declined by almost 20 percent. But the number of families without stable housing grew by more than a third, and the population of chronically homeless individuals – those living without housing for a year or longer with a disabling condition – rose by 20 percent.
“These numbers tell a more complete story of both progress and need,” said Supervisor Lynda Hopkins, chair of the Board of Supervisors. “We’ve shown that local investments can make a difference, but the work is far from over. With potential cuts to federal and state funding on the horizon, we face the very real risk of losing ground. Continued support for housing programs is essential if we are to sustain this progress and prevent more of our neighbors from falling into homelessness.”
| | Southwest Airlines coming to Sonoma County in 2026 | | |
From left, airport manager Jon Stout, Supervisor James Gore, Southwest Airlines Chief Operating Officer Andrew Watterson and Supervisor David Rabbitt announce the beginning of Southwest Airlines service on Sept. 10, 2025.
Wanna get away? Flying in and out of Sonoma County is about to get even easier: Southwest Airlines is starting service to Charles M. Schulz–Sonoma County Airport in 2026.
The Dallas-based carrier announced plans last week to offer nonstop flights to Denver, Las Vegas, Burbank and San Diego, beginning April 7. Tickets are now available at southwest.com.
The San Diego and Las Vegas routes will operate daily, including two San Diego roundtrips on peak days. Burbank flights are planned five days per week, while Denver connections will return with service on Saturdays.
“I can’t tell you how pleased I am to welcome the newest member of our airline family,” said Airport Manager Jon Stout. “Southwest has long been a heavily requested carrier, and I’m proud to deliver for the people of Sonoma County. I look forward to a long-lasting partnership.”
The announcement comes just a month after Avelo Airlines ceased operations at STS. Despite that loss, the airport is on track to set a new record this year by serving between 812,000 and 849,000 passengers.
Local travelers have been clamoring for direct flights to Denver since United Airlines ended its popular route in 2020 during the pandemic. With Southwest’s arrival, passengers will regain service to Denver but also easy connections to eastbound flights across North America through the nation’s fourth-largest airline.
“We welcome Southwest Airlines to the North Bay family and are excited about this diversity of new destinations,” said District 4 Supervisor James Gore, who represents the airport area.
| | COVID update: clearing up confusion about fall vaccines | | |
The California Department of Public Health published new vaccine recommendations this week.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration last month approved updated COVID vaccines from Pfizer, Moderna and Novavax for the fall season. However, it limited eligibility to people 65 and older, and, people with health conditions that place them at a higher risk of becoming very sick. That’s led to a lot of confusion and conflicting messages about vaccines.
It’s a good time to take a deep breath, says Dr. Karen Smith, the County’s interim health officer and former director of the California Department of Public Health. She offers the following guidance:
Flu and RSV vaccines are not affected. You can still get your flu and RSV vaccines just like you normally would, and they are still covered by insurance.
California is stepping up. We're lucky to live in a state that is working hard to make sure the new COVID vaccine is available to everyone over the age of 6 months. A new state law approved this week will ensure vaccines are available at pharmacies, clinics and doctors’ offices, and fully covered by insurance. Click here to view the updated vaccine recommendations from the California Department of Public Health.
Our guidance will be based on science. This new law allows California to base its vaccine recommendations on advice from trusted medical experts – like the American Academy of Pediatrics and other physician groups – so you can be confident in the guidance you receive.
We're not in this alone. California has joined forces with Washington, Oregon and Hawaii to form the West Coast Health Alliance, ensuring we work together to provide reliable information and access to vaccines.
The Sonoma County Department of Health Services will continue to update the public as new information becomes available.
| | Sheriff’s Office updates uniforms, patrol cars | | |
Change you can see. It encapsulates the approach Sheriff Eddie Engram is taking in his third year leading Sonoma County’s largest law enforcement agency, which is celebrating 175 years of service in 2025.
The traditional tan-and-green uniforms worn by the department’s 650 employees are gradually transitioning to a new all-green design, giving officers a sharper, more unified appearance. Patrol vehicles are also shifting from all white to the classic black-and-white style, making them more visible and recognizable in the community.
“While our look is changing, our commitment to serving you remains the same,” Sheriff Engram said.
Last year, the Sheriff’s Office implemented policy updates that improved public safety and performance, introduced a new generation of leaders and prioritized staff development and wellness. This year, Sheriff Engram is focused on enhancing internal efficiencies, increasing training and staff development to improve service, and refining evaluation and promotional processes to better recognize and reward employee excellence.
“We are now more approachable and engaged, and we’re creating an environment that values diverse perspectives, backgrounds and experience,” Sheriff Engram said. “We’re looking for highly-qualified candidates who are committed to providing professional, fair and compassionate public safety services with integrity and respect. If that sounds like you, please explore our career opportunities at joinsonomasheriff.com.”
| | Meet Your Street on Oct. 3-5 | | |
During an emergency, simply knowing your neighbors can improve everyone’s chances of survival.
On Oct. 3-5, neighbors across Sonoma County are invited to take part in Meet Your Street, a weekend dedicated to building stronger, safer and more connected communities. The idea is simple: host a gathering that brings neighbors together, whether it’s a few chairs in your driveway for a casual BYOB meet-and-greet or a larger potluck in your backyard or a local park. Encourage everyone to join in, however they feel most comfortable.
The event is sponsored by the Sonoma County Department of Emergency Management. Register in advance to get a free promo kit, which includes ready-to-use flyers, neighborhood signs, fun raffle prizes, and even emergency preparedness materials to share with neighbors. Then, take your neighborhood to the next level by learning about other ways you can work together to prepare for an emergency.
“There really is safety in numbers,” said Nancy Brown, the department’s community preparedness program manager. “It all starts with just one person – and we hope that person is you.”
| | Looking ahead: rainfall, reservoirs and Sonoma County’s water outlook | | |
How much water will be available for our community in the coming year? Learn how local, state and federal agencies are working together to manage one of our most precious resources during a Sept. 29 webinar hosted by Sonoma Water.
Climate change is intensifying severe weather in California, leading to rapid swings from extreme dry to extreme wet conditions. In response, Sonoma Water is investing in tools that improve its ability to forecast storms and manage local reservoirs, ensuring they have enough space to absorb rain and prevent flooding while storing as much water as possible in case of drought.
The 11:30 a.m. webinar will provide an update on our local water supply and a new forecast for the upcoming winter. Members of the public will have an opportunity to pose questions to a panel of experts from Sonoma Water, the California Department of Water Resources and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Supervisor Lynda Hopkins, chair of the Board of Supervisors, will moderate the discussion.
| | Public invited to weigh in on Sonoma Developmental Center environmental review | | |
A tree protection plan for the Sonoma Developmental Center campus, shown above, is one part of the Environmental Impact Report on the project.
The next step in planning the future of the Sonoma Developmental Center campus is underway, and community voices are needed.
Permit Sonoma is beginning a formal environmental review of the Specific Plan for the Eldridge campus, where a developer is seeking to build a mixed-use community with 990 housing units, a 150-room hotel, commercial space, public parks and other community amenities. Because of the project’s scale and location, the Environmental Impact Report will analyze a wide range of potential environmental impacts, from traffic and water use to wildlife habitat and wildfire safety.
Community members are encouraged to help shape that analysis. A public scoping meeting will be held at 6 p.m. next Thursday (Sept. 25) at Altimira Middle School, 17805 Arnold Dr. in Sonoma, with both in-person and Zoom options. The meeting will begin with an open house where attendees can review information stations and ask questions. At 7 p.m., County staff and consultants will present the project, followed by opportunities for oral comments from residents, organizations and public agencies.
Comments may be submitted at the meeting or emailed to sdc@sonomacounty.gov through Sept. 29. Feedback received during this scoping period will guide what issues are studied in the Draft EIR.
“I want to thank the Permit Sonoma team for listening to both my feedback and the concerns of the community, and for ensuring that a scoping meeting is being held here in Sonoma Valley,” said District 1 Supervisor Rebecca Hermosillo, who represents the area. “This is our community’s opportunity to help shape the environmental review process and make sure it addresses the issues that matter most to us and the unique impacts on the Valley.”
| | Join the conversation at SoCo Chat | | |
Matt Brown, left, supervising communications specialist, speaks with Leonardo Lobato, executive director of La Luz Center, during a recording of SoCo Chat.
For more than 40 years, La Luz Center has helped Latino families in the Sonoma Valley attain their dreams by connecting them to education, health care and economic opportunity. Leonardo Lobato, executive director of the Sonoma nonprofit, describes the challenges these local families are facing every day – and how La Luz is evolving to help them thrive – in a new episode of SoCo Chat.
Subscribe to SoCo Chat on Spotify, Apple Music, 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:
- SMART is changing the way people move through the North Bay, where a record 4,700 riders now take the train every weekday. The regional rail system is poised for even more growth as it prepares to expand north to Healdsburg and Cloverdale. Eddy Cumins, general manager of Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit, explores the system’s future, the challenges ahead, and why the rail project matters to everyone in Sonoma and Marin counties — whether you ride the train daily or have yet to hop on board.
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The Living Room is a haven for women, children and their pets in times of need, providing shelter, food and safety when they have nowhere else to turn. Alethea Larson, executive director of the Santa Rosa nonprofit, explains the role of this important community resource.
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California Rural Legal Assistance provides free legal services to low-income and rural residents. Fernando Torres, a community worker with the Santa Rosa nonprofit, walks through its various support programs and explains how CRLA can help you protect your legal rights.
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The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce supports local entrepreneurs and is working to build a more inclusive business community in Sonoma County. Hector Velazquez, the group’s executive director, discusses the power of connection, cultural leadership, and economic opportunity.
| | Out and About: Fiesta de Independencia | | |
Nearly 6,000 people celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month on Sept. 14 at the 16th annual Fiesta de Independencia at Luther Burbank Center for the Arts. Held in recognition of the anniversary of Mexican Independence from Spain, the event offered authentic Mexican food, music, games, and family activities. Thanks to all who stopped by the Central Communications table to say hi and chat with us.
Congratulations to Maria Guzman and Leopoldo Hernandez, who won our raffle drawing for two free Sonoma County Regional Parks passes by signing up to receive SoCo Correspondent in their email inboxes twice a month.
| | Find room to grow with a County job | | |
The County currently has more than 40 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 Oct. 8 at 10 a.m. 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@sonoma-county.org to register for the Oct. 8 class or sign up for our mailing list to be notified of future classes.
| | Adopt the pet of the week | | |
My name is Niko. I’m a 20-month-old pit bull terrier/Australian cattle dog mix who was brought to the shelter in February. I weigh 51 pounds and I’m bursting with energy and enthusiasm. My caretakers say I’m a playful guy who loves attention and will eagerly come when called, although my curiosity about the world can lead to some distractions. If you’re ready for a fun-loving companion who’s eager to learn, please visit me at the shelter and take me home into your family.
Niko is one of dozens of cats, dogs, rabbits and other animals at Sonoma County Animal Services in need of adoption.
| | Support your community by getting involved | |
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:
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 and employment opportunities | | |
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