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. | | Fighting Sonoma County’s opioid crisis with $5 million in new funding | | |
Drug overdose death rates by ZIP code. Click here to view the map.
The growing presence of fentanyl in opioids and other drugs is taking a deadly toll in Sonoma County, where a dozen people die from drug overdoses every month. Men are three times more likely than women to die from opioid overdoses, and people experiencing homelessness – just 1 percent of the population – account for 10 percent of the deaths.
To confront this crisis, the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors approved $5 million in funding last week to expand local drug treatment, recovery housing, and harm reduction services. The investment utilizes money the County received from national settlements with opioid manufacturers and distributors, which are expected to yield $44 million over the next 14 years for programs to combat opioid abuse in Sonoma County.
“This is an important opportunity to make a significant impact on opioid addiction in our county,” said Supervisor Lynda Hopkins, chair of the Board of Supervisors. “With this thoughtful rollout of the initial funding coming our way, the Board is hopeful that progress in this area will accelerate. Too many lives have been ruined due to the extremely harmful nature of these substances.”
The largest award, $3.9 million to Buckelew Programs, will create 68 new recovery housing beds in west Sonoma County and the Russian River area, which has the region’s highest opioid death rates. The project will focus on residents most in need, including black, indigenous and other people of color, men with children, and people with severe substance use disorders.
West County Health Centers will receive $637,000 to expand harm reduction services in west Sonoma County, including distribution of fentanyl test strips and Narcan, a life-saving medication that can quickly restore the breathing of a person experiencing an opioid overdose. The money will also be used to fund a mentoring program and social media campaign.
Drug Abuse Alternatives Center will receive $489,000 to expand its Wellness on Wheels mobile program. The Santa Rosa nonprofit will use the money to distribute Narcan, conduct drug treatment and education programs, exchange syringes, and test for infectious diseases.
In February, the Board of Supervisors approved a broad plan that prioritized $16.1 million in spending on drug treatment and prevention programs, setting aside almost $12 million to distribute to community organizations. The County’s Department of Health Services will return to the Board later this year with recommendations on how to spend another $9.1 million in settlement funds.
| | Westside Road reopens after repairs to fix major storm damage | | |
Johannes Hoevertsz, second from left, director of Sonoma County Public Infrastructure, and Senior Engineer Anthony Moore, far right, cut the ribbon to reopen Westside Road on Aug. 28
Westside Road in Forestville is open once again, marking a major milestone in Sonoma County’s recovery from last winter’s storms.
The road, which collapsed in February during an atmospheric river that sent a nearby home sliding into the Russian River, reopened to traffic last week following months of emergency construction. County leaders, project partners and neighbors gathered last Thursday to cut the ribbon and celebrate the progress.
The project is one of six high-priority projects approved by the Board of Supervisors to repair landslides and bridge damage from the destructive storms last winter. Repairs are underway on Wohler Road, West Soda Rock Lane, two landslide sites on Cavedale Road, and Giovannetti Road. Another site, North Fitch Mountain, was added to the emergency list after successive landslides this year. Most of the projects are expected to be complete by late fall.
“The Board’s swift approval of emergency funding allowed us to expedite construction and restore these vital connections,” said Johannes Hoevertsz, director of Sonoma County Public Infrastructure. “We’re proud to be delivering on that commitment.”
The Westside Road project was a collaborative effort between Sonoma County Public Infrastructure, Geo-Logic and Ghilotti Construction, with strong support from local businesses and community partners.
District 5 Supervisor Lynda Hopkins, who represents Forestville, was in a Board of Supervisors meeting during the ribbon-cutting ceremony but shared her gratitude afterward.
“Westside Road is a lifeline for our community, which is why we pushed so hard to reopen it as quickly as possible,” Supervisor Hopkins said. “This was a huge project that required hard work and coordination, and I’m proud of how our County team and contractors worked tirelessly to deliver results. I’m especially grateful to the community for their patience during the closure — it truly showed the strength and resilience of our neighbors coming together in challenging times.”
| | Sonoma County’s 24/7 mobile crisis services respond to more than 18,600 calls for help | | |
When someone is experiencing a mental health emergency, there are teams of trained specialists ready to help, day or night, anywhere in Sonoma County. Instead of dispatching police to these calls, teams of mental health clinicians and alcohol/drug counselors are now sent straight to the scene, providing compassionate, on-the-spot help.
Demand for these services has surged in the last year since the County and its partners expanded the use of mobile crisis teams, according to a report presented to the Board of Supervisors last week. This expansion has been funded, in part, by Measure O, the quarter-cent sales tax approved by voters in 2020 to support mental health, addiction and homelessness services for 10 years.
Together, three mobile crisis teams cover every corner of Sonoma County. They are now handling an average of 50 calls for help every day, or more than 18,600 each year, according to the report by the Sonoma County Department of Health Services. In most situations, the teams respond without law enforcement. They work to calm the situation, assess the crisis, provide psychiatric evaluations when needed, and create a safety plan. They can also transport people to a safe place and connect them to longer-term care and resources.
“Every one of those calls represents a person in crisis who got help instead of being left to struggle alone,” said Supervisor Lynda Hopkins, chair of the Board of Supervisors. “These mobile crisis teams are saving lives, easing the burden on our emergency rooms and law enforcement partners, and showing that Sonoma County can build a system of care that is compassionate, effective and fiscally responsible. Thanks to Measure O, we’ve turned a vision into a reality, and we are just getting started.”
In Santa Rosa, the inRESPONSE team answers calls within city limits. The SAFE team — Specialized Assistance for Everyone — serves Petaluma, Cotati, Rohnert Park and Sonoma State University. The County’s own Mobile Support Team responds in Cloverdale, Healdsburg, Windsor, Sebastopol, Sonoma and all unincorporated areas, and also backs up the other teams when needed.
In July, the Board of Supervisors provided $6 million in Measure O funds to sustain local mobile crisis programs for another 12 months. The County is now working to integrate the three programs into a single data system and complete Medi-Cal certification, which will allow them to draw down federal funds and ensure the system is fiscally sustainable for years to come.
Help is just a phone call away. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency or see someone who needs assistance, dial 1-800-746-8181 to reach the 24/7 call center operated by the Department of Health Services.
| | County takes new approach on community grants to strengthen nonprofits | | |
For years, community groups seeking County support have had to make their case during budget hearings. While these grants served the public interest, the informal process could be unpredictable.
This summer, the Board of Supervisors voted to change course. As part of this year’s budget, the Board approved $500,000 to launch a new process that will prioritize fairness, accountability and long-term impact when distributing community grants. Rather than running the process internally, the County will partner with Community Foundation Sonoma County to issue grants through the Resilient Organizations Program, which helps nonprofits build the skills, strategies and connections they need to adapt and thrive.
The partnership means community-based organizations will now apply through an open, competitive process managed by the Community Foundation. The County’s $500,000 investment will be matched with at least $100,000 from the Community Foundation – and could grow even further through private contributions, increasing the amount of money flowing into local nonprofits. Grants will focus on helping nonprofits strengthen their operations, adapt to funding losses and collaborate more effectively to meet community needs.
In addition to distributing funds, the Community Foundation will collect data on the health of local nonprofits and their needs. This information will help the County and donors better understand gaps in the safety net and guide future investments.
“Nonprofits are the backbone of our community, providing vital services and support in every corner of the county,” said Supervisor Lynda Hopkins, chair of the Board of Supervisors. “By partnering with the Community Foundation, we’re making sure that County funds are distributed in a fair and transparent way, while also strengthening the nonprofit sector at a time when state and federal funding is shrinking.”
| | Faces of Sonoma County: Meet Sarahi Martin | | This is part of an ongoing series of profiles highlighting public servants across a variety of departments at the County of Sonoma. | |
Name: Sarahi Martin
Title: Employment & Training Counselor, Sonoma County Job Link
Years with County: 2
Personal side: I'm originally from Tepatitlan de Morelos, a city in the central Mexican state of Jalisco, and I'm very proud of my heritage. I've lived in Petaluma for almost my entire life, which I'm equally proud of. I love spending time with my husband, family and our dog. Spending time outside and traveling whenever I can is something I also really enjoy.
Education and/or certifications: I have a bachelor's degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing from Sonoma State University; associate degrees in Social Services and Business Administration from Santa Rosa Junior College; and a certificate in Human Resources from Sonoma State University.
What do you do? Sonoma County Job Link provides free services for local job-seekers and employers. We are part of the Sonoma County Human Services Department, which bolsters the health, safety and well-being of our community with programs that build bridges to opportunity. As an Employment & Training Counselor, I help empower individuals to achieve their career goals. I guide clients through every step of their job search, from creating a resume and preparing for interviews to navigating employment barriers.
Beyond direct client services, a significant part of my role involves optimizing our internal processes and supporting my colleagues. I've developed and implemented robust Excel-based case management systems, which have made us more efficient and improved our ability to track data on job search and training outcomes. I've had the opportunity to lead and facilitate initiatives within our team, acting as a liaison between counselors and management to ensure client access to services. This includes setting up a new appointment and traffic tracking system that works in the cloud, so the whole team can access and update it from anywhere. I trained all staff on this new system and provided ongoing technical support and Excel training to my colleagues, fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment.
What gives you fulfillment? Honestly, I genuinely enjoy every aspect of my job, which I know is rare! My supervisor and management are incredibly supportive, always encouraging our team to find innovative solutions to serve our community. I absolutely love helping clients and our community find jobs and explore new career paths. My work on our job search workshop for Spanish-speaking members of our community holds a special place in my heart; as a Mexican woman, helping fellow Latinos find employment is incredibly meaningful to me as well. I care deeply about diversity, equity and inclusion, and I’m proud to work for a county that shares and supports those values.
What is one of the biggest misconceptions about the Employment & Training Division? Some people mistakenly think we are simply a “temp agency” or just provide basic job listings. In reality, we offer a much more comprehensive and personalized approach to career development. We provide in-depth career counseling, one-on-one coaching, skill-building workshops, and access to training programs. We work with clients to address and overcome significant employment barriers, develop long-term career strategies, and connect them with resources far beyond just a job board. We’re truly invested in our clients’ long-term success and career growth, not just finding them a quick job.
Passions outside of work? I run my own business, Mexology Bar Co., a mobile bar service for corporate gatherings, weddings, birthday parties, private cocktail classes and other events. My website – mexologybarco.com – is getting a new look, but you can find me and all my latest events on Instagram at @mexologybarco. I started Mexology with a dream of building a mobile bar business that celebrated my Mexican heritage and personal journey. The vibrant spirit of Jalisco inspires everything I do, from crafting classic Mexican cocktails with a flavorful twist to creating a fun, celebratory atmosphere for every event.
I also have a consulting business. I conduct research for a retired state Court of Appeal judge, helping him prepare presentations for audiences enrolled in a life-long learning program. I recently helped develop an in-depth presentation about the O.K. Corral and am currently working on the history of the Supreme Court and the Constitution. I also enjoy traveling to Mexico to visit my family and, of course, spending time with my husband and brainstorming new business ventures for my mobile bar.
| | County plan invests $23 million in jail programs and alternatives | | |
The Board of Supervisors approved a plan last week to protect public safety while funding alternatives to jail and giving offenders the tools they need to build new, productive lives.
The annual plan is required under a 2011 state law that made counties responsible for incarcerating and supervising individuals convicted of lower-level felonies. That state policy, known as “adult realignment,” was designed to reduce overcrowding in state prisons by shifting much of that population to county jails and probation departments.
In Sonoma County, 581 people who once would have been sent to a state prison were under local custody or supervision in June. Of these, 103 were in the county jail and 478 were in the community under Probation Department supervision. In addition, another 665 individuals were being monitored by the Probation Department on pretrial release, which is largely funded through realignment.
The $22.9 million plan approved last week by the Board of Supervisors will cover the cost of incarcerating and supervising people shifted into the County’s custody under realignment. Most of the costs are reimbursed by the state.
The plan maintains the many programs and services funded by realignment in previous years while backfilling state funding cuts that helped to support the Day Reporting Center, a local alternative to jail that offers job training, mental health and substance use treatment, life skills classes, and assistance accessing public benefits. The plan also offsets a loss of funding for the Programs Unit in the Sheriff’s Office, which offers a wide range of classes and rehabilitation programs inside the jail, from education and job skills to art therapy and parenting support.
“Our responsibility is to help keep the community safe, recognizing that when individuals under supervision make positive behavior changes with the right support, it can lead to long-term public safety,” said Vanessa Fuchs, chief of the County’s Probation Department and chair of the Community Corrections Partnership. “This plan will allow us to hold people accountable while also giving them the opportunity and support they need to succeed when they return to the community.”
| | Board approves agreement to keep local bus rides free for youth | | |
Funding for a popular program that allows youths to ride Sonoma County Transit buses for free ended this summer, but the County has found a way to keep the program going. Last week, the Board of Supervisors approved an agreement that secures long-term funding for Sonoma County Transit’s fare-free bus programs, ensuring that thousands of youth can continue to travel without paying a fare.
The County launched the Youth Fare-Free program in 2023 with the help of Climate Resiliency Funds, providing free bus rides to youth 18 and under. That funding expired this summer, but the new agreement with the Sonoma County Transportation and Climate Authorities ensures the program will continue.
The program will now be funded by Go Sonoma, the quarter-cent sales tax approved by voters in 2020 to improve local transportation. Administered by the Transportation and Climate Authorities, these funds will cover the Youth Fare-Free program and other local fare-free routes for the 20-year life of the sales tax.
Riders of all ages will continue to enjoy free rides on nine local routes served by Sonoma County Transit, thanks to partnerships with local cities and the County. Veterans and college students continue to ride free anywhere on Sonoma County Transit.
“Public transit is a lifeline for students, families and workers across Sonoma County,” said Supervisor Lynda Hopkins, chair of the Board of Supervisors. “This funding makes sure cost is never a barrier to getting to school, work or community activities.”
| | Join the conversation at SoCo Chat | | |
Karina Garcia, left, bilingual communications specialist, speaks with Eddy Cumins, general manager of Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit, during a recording of SoCo Chat.
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, recently sat down with SoCo Chat to talk about 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.
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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- More than half of children in Sonoma County will live apart from one parent by age 18. Helping them get the financial support they need is the mission of the Sonoma County Department of Child Support Services. Alberto Botello and Dora Muro, supervisors with the department, demystify the process of opening a case, establishing parentage, and accessing payment tools or legal support.
| | Standing up for the rights of women | | |
The Board of Supervisors proclaimed Aug. 26 as Women’s Equality Day in a gold resolution presented to Melanie Jones-Carter, middle, vice chair of the Commission on the Status of Women.
Women in Sonoma County shape our communities in many ways, yet true equality remains a work in progress. Last week, the Board of Supervisors reaffirmed the County’s commitment to advancing gender equity by proclaiming Aug. 26 as Women’s Equality Day, marking the 105th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote.
A resolution adopted by the Board celebrates the progress women have made in education, the workforce and leadership while also recognizing the challenges that remain. According to county data, local women working full-time still earn only 86 percent of what men earn, with women in agriculture and service industries earning even less.
Sonoma County has been a leader in promoting women’s rights, establishing one of California’s first Commissions on the Status of Women in 1976. The commission continues to address barriers such as access to affordable childcare, housing and health care, including reproductive and mental health services.
The proclamation calls for renewed efforts to eliminate systemic barriers and ensure equal pay for equal work, accelerating opportunities for women and girls across the county.
| | Free webinar: Prepare your home and community for the next wildfire | | |
Wildfire season is here, and preparation is key. Join Permit Sonoma, local Fire Marshals and wildfire prevention specialists on Sept. 10 at a free online workshop that will give you practical tools to reduce risks to your home and strengthen our community’s ability to survive a wildfire.
At the 6 p.m. webinar, you’ll learn:
- How home hardening and defensible space can protect your property and affect insurance and regulations
- How to reduce wildfire risk to your home and land
- How to request a free wildfire risk assessment (not code enforcement – just helpful guidance)
- Where to find resources and programs that support wildfire safety across the county
Whether it’s clearing vegetation near your home or working with neighbors to form a Firewise Community, this free one-hour workshop will help you take steps to safeguard your family, your home and your neighborhood.
| | Learn how Ag + Open Space conserves Sonoma County lands | | |
For every $4 you spend in Sonoma County, Sonoma County Ag + Open Space gets a penny of your sales tax dollars. Those cents add up and enable Ag + Open Space to conserve natural and working lands across the county, forever.
You can learn more about this vital local agency by attending a series of webinars that will outline the origins of Ag + Open Space and how it carries out its mandate from the voters. The four-part series examines why land conservation is so important – especially in the face of climate change and other threats – and the benefits the community receives in return for their sales tax dollars.
A recording of the first installment, Ag + Open Space 101, can be viewed here. The second webinar, Land for Agriculture, will be held at 5 p.m. Nov. 13. The schedule for the final two installments, Land for Climate Resilience and Land for All, will be announced later on the series landing page.
| | Help shape conservation priorities in Sonoma County | | |
Sonoma County is home to some of California’s most sensitive habitats and species. We want your input on how to protect and preserve these vital natural resources while balancing local priorities and needs.
Attend a Sept. 22 interactive workshop for an update on Conservation Sonoma, the County’s initiative to develop a countywide Habitat Conservation Plan and a Natural Community Conservation Plan. Once completed, the two plans will streamline regulatory permitting under state and federal endangered species laws while implementing an on-the-ground conservation strategy for some of the County’s most sensitive habitats and unique plant and animal species.
The 6 p.m. workshop will review feedback submitted during the recent public comment period, share results from a countywide survey on local priorities and concerns, and provide clarification on the Conservation Sonoma process. Participants will also have the opportunity to offer additional input to ensure the plan reflects the needs and values of the community.
The two-hour workshop will be offered both in-person and virtually. Details about the in-person meeting will be available soon on the Conservation Sonoma webpage.
| | Mental health awareness and suicide prevention focus of new Charla Comunitaria on Sept. 11 | | |
Join us for the next Charla Comunitaria, a live community conversation entirely in Spanish, at 6 p.m. next Thursday (Sept. 11) on Zoom and Facebook.
This hour-long episode will focus on mental health awareness and suicide prevention. A panel including representatives from the Sonoma County Behavioral Health Division, Humanidad Therapy and Buckelew Programs will discuss how to recognize warning signs, seek help and support one another as a community. The conversation will also highlight self-care, resilience, and local and national resources available in Spanish.
Charla Comunitaria is hosted by former Spanish news anchor and television personality Juan Barragán and our very own Bilingual Communications Specialist Karina Garcia. It is part of the County’s ongoing efforts to ensure Spanish-speaking residents receive timely, accurate and accessible information about health, safety and community resources.
Together we create hope – ¡los esperamos!
| | Nominations open for 2025 historical records awards | | |
The Sonoma County Historical Records Commission is now accepting nominations for its 2025 Collections and Archives Recognition Awards, which honor individuals and organizations preserving the county’s history. Eligible nominees include local people, groups and agencies that collect and safeguard historical records to promote cultural preservation.
Nominations are due by Nov. 30 and can be submitted online at sonomacounty.gov/hrc. Awards will be presented in March at the Sonoma County Historical Society’s annual meeting.
Last year’s honorees included Sonoma Valley historian Michael Acker, cemetery preservationist Eowyn Medieros, and longtime railroad archivist Charlie Siebenthal.
| | 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 Sept. 10 at 5:30 p.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 Sept. 10 class or sign up for our mailing list to be notified of future classes.
| | Adopt the pet of the week | | |
My name is Lobo. I’m a 3-year-old male Siberian husky who was brought to the shelter in February. Will you bring me into your family?
Lobo 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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