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 commits $46 million to fix and preserve roads | | |
More than 43 miles of roadways across Sonoma County are slated for repairs or upgrades over the next two years, thanks to nearly $46 million in newly allocated funding through the County’s Pavement Preservation Program.
The Board of Supervisors approved funding for 40 projects at its June 3 meeting, continuing its commitment to make smart investments that prolong the lifespan of roads in the unincorporated area and improve the safety of our transportation network.
The Pavement Preservation Program, launched in 2012, uses a mix of County General Fund contributions, state gas tax revenues, trash hauling fees, and taxes on overnight visitors. Since 2012, the County has spent more than $226 million in discretionary funding to repave and improve 529 miles of roads, focusing on heavily traveled routes important to the local economy and emergency response.
“Sonoma County spends more discretionary dollars on our roads than any other county in California,” said Supervisor Lynda Hopkins, chair of the Board of Supervisors. “These investments do far more than simply fill potholes. They make it safer to travel in Sonoma County by car, bus or bicycle while using taxpayer dollars to prevent bigger costs in the future.”
The 2026–27 plan prioritizes roads that are either in very poor condition or in good condition but at risk of rapid decline. In total, 40 roads were selected for treatment using a data-driven approach that considers factors like traffic volume, bike and bus use, and access to public safety services. Five of the roads serve existing bus routes, and 12 are part of the County’s bike and pedestrian plan.
In addition to resurfacing and sealing, the program includes $2 million for a countywide crack seal initiative and $800,000 for improvements on Occidental Road.
| | 1,500-acre redwood forest conserved for public access and climate resilience | | |
A major conservation initiative in west Sonoma County reached a milestone in June with the transfer of a 1,517-acre redwood forest outside Monte Rio to Sonoma County Regional Parks. The move quadruples the size of Monte Rio Redwoods Regional Park and Open Space Preserve and opens the door to future public access, habitat protection, and climate benefits.
The acquisition was led by Save the Redwoods League, a San Francisco nonprofit that purchased the property from the Mendocino Redwood Company and immediately transferred ownership to Sonoma County Regional Parks. Sonoma Ag + Open Space secured a conservation easement and recreational covenant to ensure the land’s long-term protection. Several partners – including Sonoma Ag + Open Space, Sonoma Land Trust, the California Wildlife Conservation Board and the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria – provided funding and support.
“This land is breathtakingly beautiful — and it’s a vital part of our region’s ecological health, climate resilience and cultural heritage,” said District 5 Supervisor Lynda Hopkins, who represents west Sonoma County.
The property includes redwood and mixed hardwood forest, 3.7 miles of salmon-bearing streams, and connects over 22,000 acres of protected open space between Monte Rio and the Sonoma Coast. Regional Parks plans to steward the land for conservation and eventual public access.
The purchase agreement, announced in February, was completed in June. The property was a high conservation priority for its wildlife habitat and stream headwaters, the future opportunity for public access and the forest’s ability to sequester carbon, a key component of climate change mitigation. Redwood forests store carbon in their rot-resistant wood for centuries, and research has confirmed that young redwoods grow quickly, storing substantial amounts of carbon in a relatively short period. The acquisition also advances the state’s 30x30 goal of conserving 30 percent of California’s lands and waters by 2030.
| | County lays out vision of new Government Center by 2030 | | |
3-D model of the future Sonoma County Government Center in Santa Rosa.
Within five years, County employees will have offices in a new, energy efficient five-story office building being planned for the current County Government Center at 585 Administration Drive in Santa Rosa. That was the vision that was presented to the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday.
A Notice of Preparation, the first step in the year-long environmental process, was issued on June 10. Demolition of existing offices to make way for the new building is slated to begin late next year with construction starting in mid-2027, according to a timeline presented to the Board on Tuesday.
“The current County Government Center is more than 70 years old and is badly in need of an upgrade,” said Sonoma County CEO Christina Rivera. “We are committed to providing infrastructure that better serves the public and enables County employees to realize enhanced collaboration and efficiencies.”
The project includes a master planning effort for the full 26-acre County Government Center site, with the western portion designated for the replacement office building. Approximately 17 acres to the east will be studied in the environmental impact report for possible mixed-use development including up to 1,500 residential units.
| | Regional strategy seeks to strengthen North Bay water supply | | |
The concept is simple but powerful: when water is plentiful during wet periods, store it until it’s needed most. That’s the foundation of a regional water bank envisioned by Sonoma Water in partnership with cities, water districts and groundwater agencies in Sonoma and Marin counties.
The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors, acting as the board of directors for Sonoma Water, voted June 3 to create a regional water bank implementation strategy. The water bank would link key water storage areas in Sonoma and Marin counties – including Lake Sonoma, Stafford Lake and local groundwater basins – to Sonoma Water’s network of pipelines and storage tanks, allowing water to be moved across the region and stored for use during droughts, wildfires, earthquakes or other disruptions.
“This is a smart, forward-looking investment in the resilience of our water supply,” said Sonoma Water Board Chair Lynda Hopkins. “The Regional Water Bank will give us flexibility in managing our resources as we face more extreme weather.”
Sonoma Water awarded a $474,700 contract to Jacobs Engineering Group to develop an implementation strategy, engage with stakeholders, and identify funding sources to bring this regional vision to life. The project builds on a 2021 study that identified a regional water bank as a top opportunity to strengthen the North Bay’s water systems.
| | County’s alert manager honored nationally for innovative leadership | | |
Jorge Rodriguez, who leads Sonoma County’s Community Alert and Warning Program, has been named one of the nation’s “40 Under 40” in emergency management by the U.S. Council of the International Association of Emergency Managers. The award honors young professionals for their leadership, innovation and impact on public safety.
Rodriguez, 38, has been instrumental in transforming Sonoma County’s emergency alert system into one of the most respected in California. The standards he developed – which emphasize clarity, brevity and actionable language – have been adopted by counties across the state. His work was instrumental in the creation of a digital tool by the Federal Emergency Management Agency that helps authorities quickly draft alerts that are complete, clear and consistent with the power to motivate action.
“He is widely respected not only for his technical expertise and innovative practices, but also for his character,” colleagues said in nominating Rodriguez for the award. “He leads with humility, compassion, and a genuine commitment to service. His ability to remain calm under pressure, listen actively, and offer thoughtful support to colleagues and community members alike is what truly sets him apart.”
Rodriguez was selected from more than 113 nominees nationwide. He began his public service career as a dispatcher at UC Merced and served five years as an emergency services coordinator for San Luis Obispo County before joining the Sonoma County Department of Emergency Management in 2020. For the last 18 months he has led the County’s alert and warning program, where his work is shaping how communities across California prepare for emergencies.
| | Need an apostille? State brings pop-up service to Sonoma County | | |
Residents needing to certify documents for use abroad can skip the trip to Sacramento or Los Angeles this summer. Next Thursday (July 17), the California Secretary of State’s team will offer in-person apostille services at a one-day pop-up shop hosted by the Sonoma County Clerk-Recorder-Assessor’s Office.
The event will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 585 Fiscal Drive, Room 103, in Santa Rosa. No appointment is necessary, but early arrival is recommended.
An apostille is an official certificate used to validate the signature of a California public official or notary for documents being sent to other countries. It confirms the authenticity of the signature and seal, but not the content of the document itself.
To receive an apostille, attendees should bring their original signed document, a completed request cover sheet, and payment of $20 per apostille. An additional $6 fee applies for each different public official signature that needs to be authenticated. Accepted forms of payment include Visa, Mastercard, check, or money order payable to the “Secretary of State.” Cash will not be accepted.
This traveling service is part of a statewide initiative to improve access to apostilles, which historically required visiting a state office in Sacramento or Los Angeles. More information and required forms are available at sos.ca.gov/notary/request-apostille.
| | County moves to .gov domain to boost security and public trust | | |
This weekend, the County of Sonoma will update its digital identity with a new website and email addresses ending in .gov – the official domain reserved exclusively for government agencies in the United States.
Residents will begin seeing County emails from @sonomacounty.gov, replacing the old @sonoma-county.org domain. The County’s website will also move to sonomacounty.gov, replacing the previous sonomacounty.ca.gov domain.
The update aligns Sonoma County with federal standards and complies with AB 1637, a California law that requires public agencies to use .gov domains. Many grant programs, vendors and federal systems now require or prefer interactions with government partners using the .gov domain. The new addresses will also reduce the risk of spoofing and help protect residents from fraudulent communications.
“This transition reinforces our commitment to transparency, security and public trust,” said Dan Fruchey, director of the County’s Information Systems Department. “The .gov domain helps residents immediately recognize official government communications and ensures that data exchanged with the County is encrypted and secure.”
The shift will take place over the weekend of July 12-13. During the transition, old website links and emails sent to the old @sonoma-county.org addresses will continue to work, with automatic redirects in place for the next 3 to 5 years. County departments will gradually update brochures, business cards and digital materials to reflect the change. While the shift is mostly behind-the-scenes, it marks a significant step toward safer, more reliable communication between Sonoma County and the people it serves.
| | Sonoma County earns national tech leadership award for third straight year | | |
For the third year in a row, Sonoma County has been recognized as one of the most digitally innovative counties in the nation. The County placed 5th in its population category in the 2025 Digital Counties Survey, conducted by the Center for Digital Government and the National Association of Counties.
The annual survey highlights counties that are using technology to streamline services, enhance cybersecurity, leverage data for smarter decisions, and apply innovative tools to meet community needs. Sonoma County was honored in the 250,000 to 499,999 population category for the fourth time in the last five years.
“This recognition reflects the dedication of our team to serve the public with modern, secure and accessible technology,” said Dan Fruchey, director of the Sonoma County Information Systems Department. “Year after year, we’ve demonstrated that even in times of change, our commitment to innovation and service never wavers.”
In recent years, Sonoma County has rolled out digital forms with integrated workflows, expanded the use of hybrid cloud infrastructure, refined cybersecurity policies and explored the opportunities and risks of artificial intelligence. These efforts build on past projects such as the revamp of the County’s website and the cloud migration of internal systems, ensuring that public services remain available even during emergencies.
| | New restaurant opens at Sonoma County Airport | | |
Travelers and local residents have a new reason to visit Charles M. Schulz – Sonoma County Airport: Flying Ace Kitchen and Taproom is now open near the entrance to the airport’s First Terminal.
The new restaurant replaces Tap & Pour and features an updated dining space, family-friendly menu, and an expanded selection of local wines, beers and spirits.
Operated by SSP America, which specializes in airport-based restaurants, Flying Ace offers both indoor and patio seating with new landscaping, comfortable furnishings and 13 televisions.
“We’re thrilled with the new restaurant,” said Airport Manager Jon Stout. “It’s wonderful to see the space updated, and I can’t wait for travelers and local residents to discover it.”
Flying Ace joins a growing lineup of food options at STS, including Crush Wine Lounge and Apple Spice (post-security), as well as Costeaux on the Go and Runway Wellness in the terminal loop.
The airport offers nonstop flights to 12 destinations, including Seattle, Portland, Los Angeles, Burbank, Orange County, San Diego, Palm Springs, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Dallas, Bend/Redmond and Kalispell.
| | Local students prepare for real-world disasters | | |
Last month, the Sonoma County Department of Emergency Management hosted 16 high school sophomores, juniors and seniors in a hands-on introduction to emergency management at the Sonoma County Emergency Operations Center.
The Model EOC program gives students an inside look at how to prepare for and respond to disasters. Throughout the week, students learned about the different roles within the EOC — Planning, Operations, Logistics, Public Information, Finance and Management — and how these teams coordinate during emergencies. They toured a Cal Fire air attack base, got an up close look at the Sheriff’s Office’s Henry 1 helicopter, and saw a mockup of a temporary evacuation point.
Students even got to put their knowledge into practice by taking on EOC roles and working through a real-time disaster scenario.
“Training students to understand what happens in an emergency is an important mission,” said Nancy Brown, Community Preparedness Program Manager for the Department of Emergency Management. “The more community members know their role and the role of others in a disaster the more resilient our community will become. It is so great to see young people with an eye toward public service as their future.”
| | Join the conversation at SoCo Chat | | |
Miranda Patrick, right, a public health nurse with the Sonoma County Department of Health Services, speaks with Matt Brown, supervising communications specialist, during a recent recording of SoCo Chat.
HIV remains a serious public health issue in Sonoma County. Preventing it from spreading is far preferable than treating people after they become infected. Miranda Patrick, a public health nurse who specializes in sexually transmitted infections, stopped by SoCo Chat recently to break down the latest trends and outline the County’s response.
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:
| | Employee legal rights focus of second Charla Comunitaria on July 17 | | |
Join us for our second Charla Comunitaria, a live community conversation entirely in Spanish, at 6 p.m. Thursday, July 17 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, July 26.
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!
| | 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 July 31 at 2 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 July 31 class or sign up for our mailing list to be notified of future classes.
| | Adopt the pet of the week | | |
My name is Sully. I’m an 11-month-old Siberian husky mix who was brought to the shelter in January. I weigh 45 pounds and I’m a friendly pup who is still a little on the timid side. Like many dogs at the shelter, I would benefit from training and leash work. Will you bring me into your family?
Sully 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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