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. | | New forecast warns of elevated wildfire danger this year | | |
Large parts of Sonoma County and Northern California are already facing above-average risks of significant fires. This area is expected to grow in July and August. (National Interagency Fire Center)
Sonoma County is heading into the most dangerous time of the year for wildfires, and this year is already shaping up to be more risky than normal.
During a June 4 presentation to the Board of Supervisors, fire and emergency leaders warned that heavy winter rains followed by a dry spring have created dense, dry vegetation and elevated the potential for fast-moving wildfires. Sonoma County is expected to experience hotter and drier-than-normal conditions through August, further drying out our landscape and creating conditions that can lead to fast-spreading wildfires.
“We’re entering this fire season with conditions that demand heightened vigilance,” said Supervisor Lynda Hopkins, chair of the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors. “Our goal is to stay ahead of these risks through planning, coordination and public engagement.”
This year, the National Weather Service has created a new warning level known as “Particularly Dangerous Situation” to highlight the most extreme type of severe weather, like the conditions that led to the Los Angeles wildfires in January. It will use this term in conjunction with Red Flag Warnings to designate areas that are most vulnerable during dry, windy conditions that fuel rapid expansion of fires.
“We can’t prevent every wildfire, but we as a community can be better prepared to keep ourselves and loved ones safe,” said Jeff DuVall, director of the County’s Department of Emergency Management. “We’ve strengthened our alert systems, updated evacuation maps, and are working hard to ensure the public has timely, accurate information when it matters most.”
You can help, too:
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Sign up for emergency alerts: Knowledge and awareness is critical to knowing what to do next. Sign up for SoCoAlert and Nixle to receive life-saving alerts about emergencies in your area.
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Look up your evacuation zone: Knowing your evacuation zone in advance will help you react fast when needed. Be ready to go when an evacuation warning is issued.
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Make a plan: When action is required, a plan will give you confidence to act and tools to stay safe. Include medical information and know evacuation routes.
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Build a kit: Make sure you have what you need to stay safe. Pack critical necessities for yourself, family members and pets.
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Identify official sources of information: Bookmark or jot down these resources to get the most accurate and timely information during an emergency. First on your list: socoemergency.org.
| | A prudent budget for uncertain times | | |
The Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Tuesday to adopt a balanced budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year beginning July 1 but warned that it may need to adjust spending if the federal or state government cut funding for County programs later this year.
The final budget includes $459 million in discretionary General Fund revenue and $2.33 billion from other sources, including $918 million in state and federal funding. It decreases the size of the County’s workforce by 12 full-time equivalent positions for a total of 4,490 FTE positions.
“The County of Sonoma is facing our greatest moment of fiscal uncertainty since the Great Recession,” said Supervisor Lynda Hopkins, chair of the Board of Supervisors. “While we have adopted a balanced budget today that maintains core services, we are bracing for disruptions from a $12 billion state deficit and potentially draconian cuts in federal funding, some of which may come with unacceptable strings attached. By acting prudently now, we maintain flexibility to navigate through any future challenges that may emerge.”
The Board of Supervisors continued its commitment to pay down the County’s unfunded pension liability, setting aside 0.5 percent of payroll to make prepayments on this debt. Supervisors also reaffirmed their commitment to permanently fund the narcotics unit in the Sheriff’s Office, which was reformed last year as a two-year pilot program.
| | Work starts on new path connecting SSU to Crane Creek Regional Park | | |
Supervisor Rebecca Hermosillo, left, speaks at the May 28 groundbreaking ceremony for the Copeland Creek trail extension. Below, a map of the Copeland Creek trail extension.
Construction on a long-awaited multi-use trail that will connect Sonoma State University to Crane Creek Regional Park got underway last month, when local leaders broke ground on the Copeland Creek Trail extension project.
The 1.8-mile trail will make it easier and safer for walkers, bicyclists, equestrians and people using wheelchairs to access the park, set in the rolling, oak-studded grasslands east of Rohnert Park. The project, more than 15 years in the making, will also expand Crane Creek Regional Park by nearly 72 acres, bringing its total size to more than 200 acres while permanently protecting open space along Hinebaugh Creek, a tributary of the Laguna de Santa Rosa.
“This project will do much more than simply build a trail,” said District 1 Supervisor Rebecca Hermosillo, who represents the area. “It will connect our communities to nature, improve safety for students, and protect vital natural areas. It’s a great example of what we can accomplish through community, collaboration and long-term commitment.”
Once completed, the new trail will also tie into an existing network of paths that link Rohnert Park neighborhoods and the SMART train. Construction will include three pedestrian bridges, a new traffic signal at Petaluma Hill Road and Laurel Drive, and ecological enhancements to help prevent erosion and support the watershed’s native habitat. Work is expected to be completed by spring 2026.
Led by the City of Rohnert Park, the $3.8 million project is funded through a multi-agency partnership including Sonoma Ag + Open Space, Sonoma County Regional Parks, the Metropolitan Transportation Commission and the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria.
| | Wohler Bridge to temporarily reopen as safety upgrades continue | | |
Wohler Bridge, a century-old span over the Russian River, is expected to reopen to traffic next week, offering a temporary reprieve for drivers while crews continue critical seismic safety work.
The bridge has been closed since April 1 as part of the second phase of a major retrofit project to strengthen it against earthquakes. It was scheduled to remain closed through mid-October, but crews discovered unexpected damage and corrosion to the bridge’s top structure. As a result, engineers are now revising the design to replace additional steel beams and structural supports. In the meantime, the deck will temporarily reopen to traffic while crews continue working on the substructure underneath the bridge.
It’s not yet clear when another closure might be necessary. “That will depend on the alternative design solution for the deck and superstructure, which is still being finalized between the County and Caltrans,” said Johannes Hoevertsz, director of the County’s Department of Public Infrastructure. “At this time, there are no additional closures planned for 2025. However, depending on how long it takes to finalize the design and secure funding, we anticipate the next bridge closure will likely occur sometime in 2026 to complete the improvements.”
The $18 million retrofit project, approved by the Board of Supervisors in early 2024, is designed to extend the life of the 103-year-old bridge and improve public safety in the event of an earthquake.
“We want to thank everyone in the community for their patience and flexibility while critical work continues on the Wohler Bridge,” said District 5 Supervisor Lynda Hopkins, who represents the area. “We’re very happy that we can temporarily reopen the bridge while engineers revise the design to address newly discovered issues. We will continue to keep residents updated every step of the way.”
For construction updates or questions, residents can call the contractor at 707-787-4681 or contact Sonoma County Public Infrastructure at 707-565-2533.
| | Head of Sonoma County Transit retires after 40+ year career with County | | |
Left, Sonoma County Transit Manager Bryan Albee with one of the County’s new all-electric public buses. Right, an undated photo of a vintage Sonoma County Transit bus shows just how much technology has changed.
When Sonoma County Transit began in 1980, it consisted of a single bus that ran between Guerneville and Santa Rosa – and only on weekdays. County staff were still using typewriters to conduct business, and young Bryan Albee was a recent graduate of Sonoma State University and the County’s newest intern. The rest, as they say, is history.
Albee, who has overseen the County’s bus system since 1997, will retire this year after more than 40 years of dedicated public service. He helped build an agency that now carries 3,200 people a day.
In the early days, the transit bus fleet consisted of seven used diesel coaches purchased at a bargain from Alameda County. Today, under Albee’s leadership, Sonoma County Transit boasts a fleet of 49 buses that run 19 routes, from Petaluma to Cloverdale, Monte Rio to Sonoma, and everywhere in between.
During his tenure, the transit agency has worked relentlessly to cut pollution, first shifting from diesel to natural gas buses, and now from natural gas to all-electric buses. Half of the entire fleet is expected to be all-electric by 2026, supported by a new electric bus charging facility in Santa Rosa.
Albee also guided Sonoma County Transit through the pandemic, which forced the agency to cut service by 80 percent. Through creative management, Albee has helped return ridership to 85 percent of pre-pandemic levels. He spearheaded numerous efforts to establish fare free programs for college students, military veterans, youth under age 18 and others. These programs have since been adopted by both Santa Rosa City Bus and Petaluma Transit.
“My interest has always been in transit, so it’s an honor to have served Sonoma County residents as transit manager,” Albee said. “It has been a fulfilling 40 years, and I’m grateful to our drivers, mechanics and administrative staff for their support and perseverance. They’re the real transit heroes.”
Sonoma County Transit offers five core intercity routes and local service for the cities of Rohnert Park, Cotati, Sebastopol, Windsor, Healdsburg, Cloverdale and Sonoma. Visit www.sctransit.com for maps, schedules, passes and daily service updates. Customer service is available by calling (800) 345-7433.
| | County seeks input on environmental impact of proposed cannabis regulations | | |
Sonoma County is inviting residents to weigh in on a draft Environmental Impact Report that will shape how land is used by the cannabis industry in unincorporated areas of the County.
The report examines the environmental impacts of proposed changes to the County’s cannabis program. The update would treat cannabis cultivation like other agriculture activities, while cannabis manufacturing, distribution and retail activity would be treated like other permitted uses in industrial and commercial areas.
Public comment on the report will be accepted during a hearing of the Sonoma County Planning Commission at 1 p.m. June 19, in the Board of Supervisors chambers, 575 Administration Drive, Santa Rosa. The Planning Commission will not respond to any of the comments or act on the project at this hearing.
Written comments must be received by Permit Sonoma by 5 p.m. on July 15 to be considered. Comments can be emailed to cannabis@sonoma-county.org or sent to Crystal Acker, Permit Sonoma, 2550 Ventura Ave., Santa Rosa, CA 95403.
“Public sentiment around cannabis land uses and cannabis itself is complicated and evolving,” said McCall Miller, the County’s cannabis program coordinator. “The County aims to increase compatibility between cannabis uses and nearby neighborhoods. We look forward to receiving public comments and will continue to evaluate changing state regulations and actions by other California counties throughout the process.”
| | Help Sonoma County update plan for airport area | | |
What should the future look like around Sonoma County’s airport? Permit Sonoma wants your input.
The County is updating the Airport Area Specific Plan, which was adopted in 1984 and guides development around Charles M. Schulz–Sonoma County Airport. The new plan will outline how the 810-acre area around the airport could evolve, with proposals on land use, infrastructure, design standards and transportation.
At 5 p.m. tonight (June 12), Permit Sonoma will host a public meeting to gather feedback on the scope for an upcoming environmental review of the Airport Area Specific Plan. Attend the meeting at the Sonoma County Office of Education, 5340 Skylane Blvd. or participate via Zoom (The webinar ID is 881 4261 5967; the passcode is 019018).
Written comments about the environmental impact report may be emailed to PRMD-AirportSpecificPlan@sonoma-county.org or sent to Permit Sonoma, Attn: Claudette Diaz, 2550 Ventura Ave., Santa Rosa, CA 95403. Written comments must be received by 5 p.m. on July 2 to be considered.
| | Creek critters carry a message: keep trash out of the Russian River | | |
Last week, a slew of colorful creek creatures clutching litter and recyclables began popping up on Main Street in Guerneville. The whimsical public art installations are part of the County’s new EPIC Campaign – short for Every Piece Inspires Change, a regional effort to raise awareness about how trash enters the Russian River and its tributaries through stormwater systems.
Led by Permit Sonoma’s Stormwater Program, the campaign highlights the pollution threat posed by everyday litter and encourages people to take simple, actionable steps to protect our waterways. It follows similar public art projects in Santa Rosa, Windsor, Healdsburg, Cloverdale and Ukiah.
“We have a duty to keep trash out of our waterways,” said District 5 Supervisor Lynda Hopkins, who represents the Guerneville area. “In addition to creating unique public art installations, the goal of the EPIC Campaign is to inspire people to be better stewards of the Russian River watershed.”
Each critter is holding a piece of garbage identified by a specific color: Blue represents recycling, Green represents compostables, and Pink represents trash. Visitors can scan QR codes at each critter display to learn how individual actions make a difference. For more information, visit www.streetstocreeks.org or follow it on Facebook or Instagram.
| | Supervisor Hopkins named Elected Official of the Year for environmental leadership | | |
Supervisor Lynda Hopkins has been honored as the 2025 Elected Official of the Year by the U.S. Green Building Council California, which saluted her work on environmental sustainability both locally and statewide.
The award celebrates leaders who are working to protect our environment while managing natural resources in ways that ensure they are available for future generations. The nonprofit recognized Supervisor Hopkins’ work on a wide range of environmental initiatives for the County of Sonoma, Sonoma Clean Power, the Regional Climate Protection Authority and other climate-focused organizations, including the California Air Resources Board and the Bay Area Air Quality Management District.
“Sustainability means meeting today’s needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs,” Supervisor Hopkins said. “That’s both a moral obligation and a practical necessity. I’m honored to receive this award, but it truly reflects the work of so many in Sonoma County who believe in a future where people and nature can thrive together.”
The U.S. Green Building Council California works to promote innovative policy solutions and develop sustainable practices that align with California’s progressive climate and environmental goals.
| | Turning old gravel pits into an environmental and community resource | | |
Left: an aerial view of the Hanson Pits (Google Maps). Right: A map displays public access that will be created along the Russian River in an area currently occupied by four former gravel mining pits west of Windsor.
A former gravel mining site along the Russian River will be transformed into a thriving ecosystem for endangered fish and a public recreation area under a long-planned project recently approved by the Board of Supervisors.
The restoration project will fill four large mining pits along the river – known locally as the “Hanson Pits” – and replace the damaged landscape with natural floodplain habitat that will also improve water quality in the river and reduce flooding. Public amenities will include day-use parking, a multi-use trail, and a small walk-in campground that could also be accessed by boat.
The plan for the 358-acre site west of Windsor has been under development for more than a decade. Partners include the Endangered Habitats Conservancy, NOAA Fisheries, California State Coastal Conservancy, the Town of Windsor, local nonprofit Russian Riverkeeper and many other agencies and organizations. On Earth Day, April 22, the Board of Supervisors advanced the project by adopting a use permit and associated General Plan and zoning amendments.
“Restoring our river’s natural floodplain will not only bolster habitat for coho salmon and steelhead, but will also give residents and visitors safe, year-round access to this beautiful stretch of the Russian River,” said Supervisor Lynda Hopkins, chair of the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors. “I’m impressed with the perseverance of Sonoma County staff and leadership and all the work that went into this project that not only restores the environment but will also increase wildfire resiliency.”
The project is estimated to cost $25 million. The County is working with partners to identify funding and hopes to start construction in the summer of 2027. Once funding is secured, restoration grading and planting will occur over four years.
| | Hotline for vacation rental complaints gets new telephone number | | |
A map showing the location of vacation rentals in unincorporated Sonoma County.
Sonoma County’s 24/7 Vacation Rental Complaint Hotline is ready to help with noise, trash or fire-pit problems associated with vacation rentals in unincorporated areas.
The number has changed to (707) 565-1212. Before you call the hotline, please reach out to the property manager to address the problem. Use the Vacation Rental Map or the Permit History Lookup to find their contact information. During daytime hours, the property manager is responsible for contacting the renters to correct the problem within 1 hour; during “quiet hours,” between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m., property managers must correct the problem within 30 minutes.
If the issue isn’t resolved, call the hotline and be prepared to share the date, time and details of the incident, when you contacted the manager, what their response was, and the full address of the rental. For more information, visit our Vacation Rental Complaints webpage.
| | Celebrate the grand opening of the new SMART station in Windsor tomorrow | | |
It’s a party years in the making: join Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit on Friday (June 13) for the grand opening of its new station in Windsor.
The 1:45 p.m. celebration will feature live music, food, refreshments and promotional giveaways at the new station, located just west of the Windsor Town Green at 464 Emily Rose Circle. Arrive in style by train or pedal in on the new SMART pathway connecting Windsor and Santa Rosa.
“It’s not often we get to celebrate a community dream coming to life,” said Supervisor Chris Coursey, who also serves as chairman of the rail system’s board of directors. “This station, and every new mile of track, brings us closer to a fully connected North Bay where people have real choices in how they live, work and travel. I’m proud to see SMART delivering on its promise to reduce traffic, cut emissions, and strengthen regional ties. It’s proof that when we invest in our rail system, we invest in our people.”
SMART, which was approved by voters in 2008, launched service between Larkspur and the airport area north of Santa Rosa in 2017. It began train service to Windsor on May 31 and plans to extend service to Healdsburg by 2028. Eventually, the rail system will stretch to Cloverdale, completing the original vision for a 70-mile commuter rail system.
| | Stay safe on the water: Know the rules before you boat | | |
Whether you're taking your boat out on the Pacific Ocean or enjoying a day at Lake Sonoma, follow some simple guidelines to ensure that you and your passengers safely return home. The Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office has a new webpage that makes it easy.
Anyone operating a vessel must carry a California Boater Card, regardless of age. It’s also essential to review the latest boating and fishing regulations from state agencies and ensure your boat has the proper safety equipment, including life jackets for all passengers.
Conditions on the water can change quickly, especially along the coast. Always check ocean and weather forecasts before heading out, and be aware of advisories such as gale warnings and high surf alerts, which are available through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. “When in doubt, don’t go out” is more than a saying. It can save your life.
A marine UHF radio is essential. For boaters near Bodega Bay, use Channel 9 for boat-to-boat communication, Channel 16A for emergencies and weather alerts, and Channel 21A for Coast Guard notifications. With the right preparation and attention to conditions, you can enjoy Sonoma County’s waters safely and responsibly.
| | Learn how to help your neighbors during a disaster | | |
When disaster strikes, neighbors are often the first to help. That’s the idea behind the Community Emergency Response Team program, which offers free, hands-on classes that prepare volunteers to support their families and communities during wildfires, earthquakes and other emergencies.
The Sonoma County Department of Emergency Management is offering several CERT trainings in 2025, with classes available in both English and Spanish. It includes 24 hours of instruction in basic first aid, light search-and-rescue, fire suppression, and disaster response skills. The program combines classroom learning with realistic scenarios, like a recent simulated disaster where trainees extinguished fires and triaged mock victims. Classes are offered year-round in various formats, including weekends, weeknights, and hybrid online options.
This spring, the County held two trainings in Sonoma Valley – one in English and one in Spanish, the first Spanish-language CERT course ever offered in the area.
“CERT trainings are a vital part of community preparedness,” said District 1 Supervisor Rebecca Hermosillo, who represents the Sonoma Valley and attended both graduation ceremonies at El Verano School. “It is great to know that we have a trained corps of community members who can jump in and assist first responders in a disaster.”
To sign up or learn more about upcoming CERT classes, visit bit.ly/SoCoCERT2025 or contact CERT Program Coordinator Deisy Vargas at deisy.vargas@sonoma-county.org.
| | Join the conversation at SoCo Chat | | Employee legal rights focus of second Charla Comunitaria on June 19 | | |
Join us for our second Charla Comunitaria, a live community conversation entirely in Spanish, at 6 p.m. Thursday, June 19 on Zoom and Facebook.
The hour-long episode will highlight workers’ legal rights, including protections against wage theft. A panel including representatives from the District Attorney’s Office and California Rural Legal Assistance will highlight ways that workers can access support and seek justice when their rights are violated. Our goal is to empower immigrant communities – regardless of immigration status – by raising awareness of workplace protections and the resources available to uphold them.
The program will be rebroadcast on Estrella TV Channel 50 at 9 a.m. Saturday, June 28.
Charla Comunitaria is hosted by former Spanish news anchor and television personality Juan Barragán and our very own Bilingual Communications Specialist Karina Garcia. It marks an expansion of the County’s efforts to ensure Spanish-speaking residents receive timely, accurate, and accessible information about government actions and services.
Stay informed, stay protected – ¡los esperamos!
| | Celebrate Juneteenth at free festival in downtown Santa Rosa on Saturday | | |
The Board of Supervisors presents a gold resolution on June 3 to organizers of the 55th annual Juneteenth/MLK Community Festival.
Sonoma County will proudly celebrate Juneteenth and the legacy of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. on Saturday (June 14) at the 55th annual Juneteenth/MLK Community Festival in Old Courthouse Square in Santa Rosa.
The Board of Supervisors officially proclaimed June 19 as Juneteenth Day in Sonoma County, recognizing it as a pivotal moment in American history and a celebration of Black freedom, resilience and culture. Juneteenth is the day in 1865 when news of emancipation finally reached enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, more than 2 ½ years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.
The local festival, launched in 1970 by Santa Rosa Junior College students inspired by Rev. King, has grown into a cherished community tradition. This year’s event honors that legacy with a celebration featuring live music, dance, art, food, cultural presentations, scholarship awards, and a special presentation from the Entrepreneurs of Tomorrow. It is supported by leading local organizations including the NAACP of Sonoma County, Sonoma County Black Forum, North Bay Black Chamber, 100 Black Men of Sonoma County, and Petaluma Blacks for Community Development.
| | County celebrates Pride in June | | |
The Board of Supervisors gathers with members of the local LGBTQ+ community and their allies on June 3 to celebrate Pride Month.
Sonoma County has officially proclaimed June as Pride Month, a time to celebrate the contributions and vibrant spirit of the local LGBTQ+ community while also acknowledging the history of struggle and the work that remains.
A resolution adopted June 3 by the Board of Supervisors pays tribute to decades of activism in the County’s LGBTQ+ community. Despite the progress that has resulted from their efforts, the resolution acknowledged the mental health challenges and safety risks still faced by LGBTQ+ individuals, including high suicide rates, hate crimes, family rejection and ongoing discrimination.
“In spite of hatred, we call for the protection of human rights,” the resolution declared. “Nobody should be afraid to love or be loved.”
The resolution honored a host of local organizations including Positive Images, Amor Para Todos, Face2Face, the Russian River Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, the Arlene Francis Center, the Sonoma County Libraries and others that champion LGBTQ+ rights.
| | Find room to grow with a County job | | |
The County currently has more than 30 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 June 26 at noon 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 June 26 class or sign up for our mailing list to be notified of future classes.
| | Adopt the pet of the week | | |
My name is Sir Reginald. I’m a 9-month-old pit bull terrier who was brought to the shelter in December. I have only three legs, but that doesn't slow me down. I’ve been living in a foster home while I recover from surgery and practice skills like crate and potty training. Now, I’m back at the shelter waiting to meet my forever family. Will you take me home?
Sir Reginald 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 | | |
(stories may require subscriptions)
| | Upcoming meetings and events | | Upcoming meetings and events | | Getting outside and enjoying the county | | |
June 14 Story Walk – Ragle Ranch Regional Park
June 14 Science Saturdays Scavenger Hunt (morning and afternoon) –
Environmental Discovery Center
June 21 Park Preview – Calabazas Creek Regional Park
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