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. | | Voting in Nov. 4 Special Election begins next week | | |
Get ready to check your mailbox: Every active, registered voter in Sonoma County will be mailed a ballot next week for the Nov. 4 Statewide Special Election.
Voters have three ways to return their completed ballot: place it in an Official Ballot Drop-Box, send it back by mail, or deliver it to an in-person Vote Center before the polls close at 8 p.m. on Nov. 4.
Starting Tuesday (Oct. 7), 22 Official Ballot Drop-Boxes will be open at convenient locations across the county.
Prefer to return your ballot in the mail? Ballots must be postmarked on or before Election Day (Nov. 4) and received by Nov. 12 to be counted.
Voters may also return their mail-in ballots – or cast a ballot in person – at any of the County’s 14 official Vote Centers. Seven Vote Centers will open daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., beginning Oct. 25. An additional seven will open on Nov. 1. On Election Day, all 14 Vote Centers will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
In the Statewide Special Election, voters will decide on Proposition 50, a proposed amendment to the state constitution that would temporarily change Congressional district lines. Some Sonoma County voters will also weigh in on two local measures: a proposed parcel tax in the Petaluma Joint Union High School District and the election of three directors to the Timber Cove County Water District.
The last day to register to vote is Oct. 20.
| | Board of Supervisors to hold Oct. 14 meeting on federal budget impacts | | |
The Board of Supervisors will hold a special evening meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 14, to review the potential impact of federal budget actions on local programs and services.
H.R. 1, the federal budget bill, includes sweeping cuts and new requirements that could significantly affect Sonoma County’s ability to deliver services. The Oct. 14 meeting will include presentations on the County’s budget, an assessment of federal funding now at risk, and an overview of the legal efforts the County has joined against the federal government. Other presentations will include an update on potential changes to safety net services like nutrition and housing programs and Medicaid benefits. Community partners will present on impacts to education, immigration, LGBTQIA+ rights, local nonprofits and federally-qualified health centers.
“Make no mistake, the draconian budget cuts and benefit requirements that are coming from the federal government will have a huge impact locally,” said Supervisor Lynda Hopkins, chair of the Board of Supervisors. “We need to be ready with a plan as we prepare our budgets going forward. The first step in that process is to take stock of all of the impacts.”
The 4:30 p.m. public meeting will take place in the Board Chambers at 575 Administration Drive in Santa Rosa. The meeting builds on the County’s adoption of a $2.8 billion balanced budget in June, which maintained core services while warning of looming fiscal uncertainty tied to potential state and federal funding cuts. By holding this special session, the Board hopes to increase community awareness of the risks ahead and ensure that Sonoma County remains prepared.
| | Supervisors, Fair Board to discuss professional soccer opportunity at Fairgrounds | | |
Could Santa Rosa become home to a professional soccer team? That question will be at the center of a joint public meeting on Oct. 17 between the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors and the Sonoma County Fair Board as they consider whether to enter discussions with the United Soccer League to bring a professional soccer team to Sonoma County.
The meeting will update the public on USL’s interest in building a multi-purpose stadium at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds, which could host professional men’s and women’s soccer along with youth sports, concerts and community events. With the end of horse racing at the Fairgrounds, County and Fair leaders have an opportunity to reimagine the 200-acre site as a long-term hub for sports and entertainment while continuing to host the annual Sonoma County Fair.
“The Fairgrounds has been a gathering place for our community for nearly 150 years,” said Supervisor Lynda Hopkins, chair of the Board of Supervisors. “We now have an opportunity to imagine how this space will evolve into the future. A multi-purpose stadium could bring energy, jobs and investment to the site, and it’s essential that we move forward in a way that reflects community values and keeps the Sonoma County Fair at the heart of it all.”
USL already operates more than 200 clubs in the United States and Canada, including teams in Sacramento, Monterey and Oakland. Santa Rosa has been identified as a promising location due to its growing population, strong economy and high youth soccer participation rates.
At the meeting, staff will share examples of comparable stadium projects in other California communities, review the timeline of discussions between USL and the City of Santa Rosa, and present possible next steps.
“Santa Rosa is a natural fit for professional soccer, and the Fairgrounds could be an incredible home for it,” said District 3 Supervisor Chris Coursey, who represents the Fairgrounds area and surrounding neighborhoods. “This is a complex decision that requires careful study. We look forward to collaborating with the Fair Board and the City of Santa Rosa to determine the best path forward for the Fairgrounds and our community.”
The joint public meeting will take place at 9:30 a.m. in Saralee and Richard’s Barn at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds, 1350 Bennett Valley Road, Santa Rosa. Community members are encouraged to attend.
| | Deputies honored with Carnegie Hero Award for Russian River rescue | | |
From left, Sheriff Eddie Engram honors Sgt. Gary Lawson and Deputy Cody McCready for rescuing a woman from the Russian River.
Two Sonoma County Sheriff’s deputies have received one of North America’s highest honors for civilian heroism after risking their lives to save a woman from the rain-swollen Russian River in Guerneville last year.
Sgt. Gary Lawson and Deputy Cody McCready were awarded the Carnegie Medal for Heroism, joining 15 other individuals recognized by the Carnegie Hero Fund in March for extraordinary acts of bravery across the United States and Canada.
On Feb. 25, 2024, Lawson and McCready responded to a 911 call about a woman struggling in the river’s fast-moving, 10-foot-deep current. Lawson removed his gear, donned a life vest, and swam 75 feet to reach the woman, keeping her afloat as the current carried them nearly 1,000 feet downstream. The woman, who was intoxicated, repeatedly pushed Lawson underwater before he managed to stop their drift at a small island. McCready entered the water, swimming against the current to reach the island, where he helped to secure the woman until firefighters arrived with a rescue boat. Lawson, who spent 25 minutes in the frigid water, was shivering uncontrollably when he was pulled to safety. He is now retired from the Sheriff’s Office.
“Sgt. Lawson and Deputy McCready demonstrated extraordinary courage in the face of life-threatening danger,” Sheriff Eddie Engram said. “This rescue is a powerful reminder of the risks our deputies are willing to take to protect others.”
The Carnegie Medal has been awarded since 1904 to individuals who risk their lives to an exceptional degree while saving or attempting to save others.
| | Sonoma County prepares for sweeping changes under Proposition 1 behavioral health reform | | |
Sonoma County is preparing for a major shift in how behavioral health services are funded and delivered.
Proposition 1, a ballot measure approved by voters in 2024, prioritizes services for people with the most significant mental health needs while adding treatment for substance use disorders, expanding housing assistance and introducing stricter state accountability requirements. It requires counties to develop a comprehensive three-year plan that brings together all behavioral health funding sources – from state taxes to federal grants – into one coordinated framework.
For Sonoma County, the changes will mean both opportunities and challenges. The Department of Health Services estimates it will receive about $33 million next year in annual funding from the Behavioral Health Services Act. However, the new funding structure requires that 30 percent be dedicated to housing and 35 percent to Full-Service Partnerships, a term for intensive programs that provide 24/7 support to people with the most acute behavioral health needs. This redirection means some current mental health programs, especially prevention efforts, will lose funding or be discontinued.
“Proposition 1 will bring us resources for housing and substance use treatment that we’ve never had before, but it simultaneously takes funding from mental health programming that we have grown accustomed to, so it forces us to make difficult choices about which existing programs we can continue. There is no new or additional funding with BHSA,” said Nolan Sullivan, director of the Sonoma County Department of Health Services. He briefed the Board of Supervisors about the upcoming changes at its Sept. 16 meeting.
To prepare, the Department of Health Services has launched an extensive community planning process, including surveys, town halls, focus groups and more than 40 stakeholder meetings. Nearly 30 stakeholder representatives, from youth advocates to justice-system partners, are helping shape the County’s first Behavioral Health Services Act Integrated Plan for fiscal years 2026-2029.
The plan will be drafted in early 2026, undergo public review and hearings in the spring, and return to the Board of Supervisors for approval next June before submission to the state.
While implementation will be complex, Sullivan said the goal is clear: to build a more responsive, equitable and accountable behavioral health system that meets the needs of Sonoma County’s most vulnerable residents.
| | Petaluma River Place brings 50 new affordable apartments to Sonoma County | | |
Supervisor David Rabbitt, left, joins local leaders at the Sept. 18 ribbon-cutting ceremony for Petaluma River Place, right.
An undeveloped parcel of land along the Petaluma River has been transformed into homes for 50 families, farmworkers, and people transitioning out of homelessness. The new apartment community, Petaluma River Place, marks another step forward in the County’s effort to expand affordable housing options for working families and vulnerable residents.
The $39.7 million project was developed by Burbank Housing with support from the Sonoma County Community Development Commission, which provided $6.2 million in funding through the federal Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery program and the state No Place Like Home program. In addition, the Community Development Commission will subsidize rents for 15 apartments with project-based housing vouchers. Additional funding came from state housing programs and private partners.
“Petaluma River Place is a symbol of our commitment to building a more resilient community,” said District 2 Supervisor David Rabbitt, who represents Petaluma. “This isn’t just homes we are building. We are creating a sense of community where all residents, including essential farmworkers and families, live and thrive. This is a key step forward in our mission to create a place for everyone.”
The three-story property was completed in May. It includes a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments for households earning less than 60 percent of the area’s median income. Fifteen units are set aside as permanent supportive housing for people exiting homelessness, with onsite case management and services provided by the local nonprofit COTS. These residents will receive help finding and retaining employment, health care and other resources to help them thrive.
“The need for affordable housing spans across all demographics,” said Larry Florin, CEO of Burbank Housing. “We are thrilled to bring to life a project that delivers quality housing for not only families, but also essential farmworkers and those who have been previously facing homelessness.”
| | 3rd annual Job and Resource Fair to support unsheltered residents | | |
People experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless will find opportunities, support and services at the 3rd annual Job and Resource Fair, which takes place Wednesday (Oct. 8) at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds in Santa Rosa.
The fair, created by retired Job Link Supervisor Antonio Vigil, is hosted by the Sonoma County Human Services Department and Department of Health Services in collaboration with a wide network of local organizations. Returning partners include the Committee on the Shelterless, Department of Rehabilitation, Rotary Club, Petaluma Family Resource Center, Individual & Family Support Network, and Goodwill, along with several new participants this year.
Attendees will have access to job opportunities, support services, free haircuts and help with their resumes, along with a complimentary lunch and snacks.
The fair will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the fairgrounds inside the Garrett Building. Employers who wish to participate may email socojobandresourcefair@gmail.com for more information.
| | County moves to strengthen Bodega Bay marinas | | |
An aerial view of Bodega Bay shows the County’s three marinas.
Sonoma County’s marinas are at a crossroads. Built decades ago to serve a thriving commercial fishing fleet, they now face new realities: declining salmon and crab seasons, aging infrastructure, and a fleet that has shrunk from more than 1,000 vessels in the 1980s to just 78 today. While slips remain nearly full, revenues swing with fishing seasons, leaving Spud Point Marina especially vulnerable to boom-and-bust cycles. The three County-owned marinas in Bodega Bay – Spud Point, Mason’s Marina and the Sport Fishing Center – need more than $12 million in repairs.
To address these challenges, the Board of Supervisors approved a package of reforms last week that will stabilize the marinas’ finances and give marina users a greater voice in their governance. The Board also tentatively approved a plan that will modernize laws regulating their operations.
First, the County is consolidating the three separate marina enterprise funds into a single fund. This will improve the County’s ability to compete for larger grants while allowing stronger facilities like Mason’s Marina, which currently operates with a budget surplus, to help cover urgent needs at other marinas. A top priority: upgrading the aging icehouse at neighboring Spud Point, the only facility of its kind between San Francisco and Fort Bragg, making it indispensable for local fishers and fish processors.
Second, governance will expand. A five-member advisory committee created in 1984 to represent users at Spud Point will be expanded to seven members and provide oversight to all three marinas. The advisory committee will include commercial, recreational and charter users, along with an at-large member, ensuring that decisions reflect the full range of marina stakeholders.
Finally, the County introduced an ordinance to update its code for marina operations. The changes would strengthen safety and pollution controls, authorize new visitor-serving berths and overnight accommodations, and clarify enforcement authority. The Board of Supervisors will consider final approval of the proposed ordinance later this month.
“Our marinas are the heart of Bodega Bay’s working waterfront, and play a vital role in our coastal economy,” said District 5 Supervisor Lynda Hopkins, who represents west Sonoma County. “These changes will help to stabilize the finances of the marinas and improve their ability to serve everyone, from our commercial fishing fleet and charter operators to families who use our marinas as a gateway to experience the beauty and power of the Sonoma Coast.”
| | McClelland Dairy conserved as cornerstone of sustainable agriculture in Two Rock Valley | | |
The McClelland Dairy
A scenic family dairy west of Petaluma is now conserved forever, thanks to an easement acquired by Sonoma County Ag + Open Space in partnership with George and Dora McClelland.
The $2.6 million conservation easement will permanently protect the McClelland Dairy from development, ensuring it can continue as a working farm while also safeguarding the habitat, waterways and natural beauty of Two Rock Valley. The project helps form a block of nearly 1,500 acres of Ag + Open Space-protected farms and ranches in the area.
“Conserving our farms and ranches is a critical endeavor,” said Supervisor David Rabbitt, who represents the Two Rock Valley and is a member of the Ag + Open Space Board of Directors. “Our county’s agriculture economy is core to the local economy, providing food, jobs, and supporting the health of local ecosystems. Conserving McClelland is a great step in the right direction.”
The nearly 350-acre property was originally composed of six parcels that could have been sold for rural residential estates. The one-time payment for the conservation easement will help the McClelland family consolidate ownership and purchase nearby grazing land, strengthening the long-term viability of their dairy. The easement also ensures that landscapes along Bodega Avenue – a scenic corridor cherished by local artists, cyclists and car clubs – remain in farming for years to come.
The McClelland family has stewarded the land for six decades with a deep commitment to sustainability. Their practices include riparian habitat restoration along Stemple Creek, carbon farming to sequester greenhouse gases, and soil-building techniques that improve both productivity and ecological health. The family also developed a Carbon Farm Plan, and they have nearly completed all its ambitious goals.
“We’re honored to work with the McClelland family to conserve their vibrant dairy,” said Misti Arias, Ag + Open Space general manager. “With this acquisition we conserve so much for all who live in Sonoma County. It’s a productive agricultural operation that exemplifies how agriculture and natural resource management can and do go hand-in-hand. And even beyond that, their commitment to welcoming the community onto the farm and their work to secure its diverse agricultural and natural resources for future generations is an inspiration.”
Sonoma County Ag + Open Space has protected more than 127,000 acres of land over the last 35 years. It is funded by a quarter-cent sales tax approved by voters in 1990 and reauthorized in 2006.
| | Occidental wastewater pipeline project secures $1.45 million in federal funding | | |
An aerial view of Occidental displays the path of the proposed wastewater pipeline, shown in red.
A long-term solution for Occidental’s wastewater challenges is taking shape. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $1.45 million to the Occidental County Sanitation District to design a seven-mile pipeline that would carry the community’s wastewater to a treatment plant in Graton.
The project would replace the costly and inefficient system now in place, which requires wastewater to be trucked from Occidental along narrow, winding roads to a treatment plant near Charles M. Schulz-Sonoma County Airport. The pipeline would reduce greenhouse gas emissions from trucking, improve public safety, and stabilize wastewater treatment rates for customers in both Occidental and Graton.
The Occidental wastewater treatment plant shut down in 2018 to meet regulatory requirements, forcing the community to rely on expensive trucking. A feasibility study found that constructing a pipeline – estimated to cost between $10 and $12 million – would save money over time, especially if supported by outside funding sources like the EPA grant.
If completed, the project would allow Occidental’s wastewater to flow directly into the Graton Community Services District’s system for treatment, reuse and disposal. The partnership is expected to reduce environmental risks, create economies of scale and provide rate stability for years to come.
“This is a smart investment that will benefit two communities and our environment,” said District 5 Supervisor Lynda Hopkins, who represents west Sonoma County. “With this grant, we are moving closer toward a cost-effective, long-term solution that will create a more efficient wastewater treatment system for both Occidental and Graton while cutting greenhouse gas emissions and improving safety on our roads.”
The Board of Supervisors, acting as the Board of Directors for Sonoma Water, voted last week to accept the EPA grant. Water Systems Consulting, Inc. has been selected to provide engineering and design services for the project. The current funding will cover 90 percent of the design work, including environmental compliance documents, while the Occidental County Sanitation District seeks additional grants for final design and construction.
| | Dine out and shop local during Black Cod Month | | |
Sonoma County invites you to savor the taste of the coast during Black Cod Month, a month-long celebration of our local fishing families, markets and chefs. All month during October, restaurants and retailers across the county will be showcasing creative dishes and products featuring this buttery, sustainable fish.
“Our fishermen have worked tirelessly through repeated closures and restrictions, and Black Cod Month gives them a chance to thrive while bringing new business to local restaurants and shops,” said District 5 Supervisor Lynda Hopkins, who represents the Sonoma Coast. “This is the kind of partnership that keeps Sonoma County strong.”
The growing event, which began last year as a week-long celebration, is organized by the County’s Economic Development Collaborative in partnership with Sonoma County Tourism and Supervisor Hopkins’ office. It is a fun way to support the local fishing families, merchants and chefs who contribute to the vitality of Sonoma County’s economy and food scene.
Known for its rich flavor and heart-healthy Omega-3 fatty acids, black cod is harvested along the Sonoma Coast under some of the world’s most rigorous sustainability standards. Throughout October, restaurants and retailers across the county will feature special menus and products highlighting this versatile fish.
Visit your favorite participating restaurant or take some black cod home to make your own culinary creation. Share your experience on social media with the hashtag #BlackCodMonth.
| | Join the conversation at SoCo Chat | | |
Matt Brown, left, supervising communications specialist, speaks with Marsha Lucien, executive director of the Family Justice Center, during a recording of SoCo Chat.
Sonoma County’s Family Justice Center empowers victims to live free from domestic violence and abuse. It is a model of collaboration, uniting government, law enforcement agencies and nonprofits to deliver comprehensive services to victims through a single point of access. Marsha Lucien, its executive director, joins SoCo Chat to explain how the Santa Rosa agency protects the vulnerable, stops violence and restores hope.
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:
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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.
- 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.
| | Fall Economic Perspective to spotlight entrepreneurship and Sonoma County’s future | | |
Learn how entrepreneurship is shaping Sonoma County’s economy at the 2025 Fall Economic Perspective, happening Oct. 23 at Sonoma State University.
Hosted by the County’s Economic Development Collaborative, the event will explore how different generations approach business, offering inspiration for current and future entrepreneurs alike. Keynote speaker Jeff Bellisario, executive director of the Bay Area Council Economic Institute, will provide an update on current trends and share an economic outlook for Sonoma County.
The program begins at 9 a.m. with networking and a continental breakfast, followed by a multi-generational panel discussion moderated by Nikko Kimzin, founder of Kimzin Creative. Panelists include Kirk Lok, CEO of the Lok Group of Companies; Monica Lopez, general manager of Bacchus Landing; Crista Luedtke, chef and owner at Boon hotel + spa; and Mariam Martinez, founder of Fruteria Diosa.
“This event brings together voices from across our economy to look at Sonoma County’s future through the lens of innovation, sustainability and generational perspectives,” said Ethan Brown, director of the Economic Development Collaborative. “It’s a valuable opportunity for business owners, entrepreneurs, and community members to connect and learn from each other.”
Tickets are $60, plus fees, and include breakfast. Table reservations are available with the purchase of 10 tickets. The deadline for reservations is Oct. 22.
| | Find room to grow with a County job | | |
The County currently has nearly 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 Bear. I’m a 5-year-old female German shepherd mix who was brought to the shelter in March. Will you bring me into your family?
Bear 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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