Are we ready for the next big fire?

Could another major wildfire happen in Sonoma County—and are we more prepared today than we were in 2017?

In this episode of Explore with Gore, Supervisor Gore sits down with Chief Marshall Turbeville of Northern Sonoma County Fire District to discuss how wildfire risk has changed across northern Sonoma County and what communities are doing to prepare for the future.

The conversation explores lessons learned from the 2017, Kincade, Walbridge, and Glass fires, along with the major changes made to evacuation planning, emergency coordination, and fire response systems over the past decade. They also discuss the growing role of vegetation management and prescribed fire in reducing fuel loads and creating healthier, more resilient landscapes.

From defensible space and community preparedness to regional collaboration and long-term fire resilience, this episode looks at how Sonoma County is adapting to a new era of wildfire—and what residents can do to stay prepared.

Board of Supervisors to hold TRUTH Act Forum on May 12 to review Sheriff's Office interactions with ICE

The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors will hold a public TRUTH Act Forum TODAY, Tuesday, May 12 at 5:30 PM in Board Chambers at 575 Administration Drive in Santa Rosa. The meeting will also be available live on Zoom, with Spanish interpretation provided both in person and online.

This annual community forum gives residents an opportunity to learn more about the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office’s interactions with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), review related data, ask questions, and provide public comment.

Under California law, local jurisdictions are required to hold this public meeting if information was shared with federal immigration authorities regarding individuals in county custody during the previous year.

The Sheriff’s Office does not enforce federal immigration law, honor immigration detainers, or ask individuals about immigration status for enforcement purposes. In limited cases defined by state law, the jail may notify ICE when someone charged with or convicted of certain serious or violent crimes is scheduled for release.



Community members are encouraged to attend, learn more, and share their input.

Sonoma County Airport announces non-stop service to three destinations on Alaska Airlines

Charles M. Schulz–Sonoma County Airport (STS) will soon offer even more convenient travel options for North Bay residents, with Alaska Airlines announcing three new seasonal nonstop destinations beginning Nov. 1: Boise, Idaho; Phoenix, Arizona; and Salt Lake City, Utah. Phoenix will feature daily round-trip service, while Boise and Salt Lake City will operate on variable schedules with daily flights during peak travel periods. With the additions, Alaska Airlines will now offer nonstop service from STS to 12 destinations across the western United States.

“Today’s announcement expands convenient travel options for our residents and strengthens our connections to key regional and national destinations,” said Supervisor James Gore. “These new routes make it easier for visitors to experience everything Sonoma County has to offer, while giving our residents more accessible, efficient options to travel for business and leisure.” Travelers flying out of STS continue to benefit from convenient parking, shorter lines, and a streamlined airport experience close to home.

Residents encouraged to share input on emergency communications

Sonoma County residents are invited to attend an emergency preparedness Town Hall in Windsor on May 19 from 1 to 3 p.m. at 21 Bluebird Drive to help improve how critical information is shared before, during, and after disasters. Hosted by the Sonoma County Department of Emergency Management (DEM) and emergency management consulting firm CONSTANT, the meeting will focus on identifying communication gaps and barriers that impact residents during emergencies, including wildfire evacuations, alerts, and recovery efforts.

The County is especially encouraging participation from older adults, people with disabilities, caregivers, individuals experiencing homelessness, and those with language access needs, along with the organizations that support them. Spanish interpretation and translated materials will be available, and additional accessibility accommodations can be requested in advance.

Sonoma County opens Chipper Program early to reduce wildfire risk

Sonoma County has launched its free Residential Curbside Chipper Program for the 2026 wildfire season, helping residents reduce hazardous vegetation, improve defensible space, and better protect homes and neighborhoods from wildfire. Administered by Permit Sonoma’s Fire Prevention Division, the program provides eligible properties in unincorporated areas with up to two hours of complimentary chipping service and includes pre-approval for a second visit. Appointments are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Research continues to show that maintaining at least 100 feet of defensible space, combined with home hardening measures, significantly improves a home’s chances of surviving a wildfire. The program also helps clear vegetation along roadways, improving access for emergency responders and evacuation routes during emergencies. Residents are encouraged to apply early and carefully follow pile preparation guidelines to avoid delays in service.

Help create the Sonoma County Fire Memorial

The creation of the Sonoma County Fire Memorial is entering a new phase – and the community’s voice will help shape what comes next.

As artist Cliff Garten begins shaping the vision for the memorial, community members are invited to reflect on their experiences and contribute ideas that will help inform the design.

There are two ways to participate:

• Focus groups: Join a small, facilitated conversation to share memories, hopes and ideas in an interactive setting. Sessions will take place May 21-23 during the artist’s site visit. Space is limited, and early registration is encouraged.
• Community survey: Prefer to participate on your own time? An online survey allows residents to reflect and respond at their own pace. Feedback will be shared directly with Garten to guide his creative process.

In 2022, the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors approved a plan to create a memorial honoring those who lost their lives in the 2017 wildfires. The public art installation, which will be located in Nagasawa Community Park in Santa Rosa, is intended to reflect the community’s resilience, offer a place for remembrance, and serve as a space for healing. Creative Sonoma, a division of the Economic Development Collaborative, is facilitating the project.