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. | | Sonoma County strengthens protections and support for immigrant communities | | |
The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors took two significant steps this week to protect and support immigrants who live and work in our community.
The Board of Supervisors tentatively approved an ordinance Tuesday that would limit the use of County resources in federal immigration enforcement. The policy would prohibit County employees from cooperating with immigration enforcement operations, bar the use of County property for those activities, and affirm that immigration status is not collected or shared unless required by law.
In addition, the Board approved $1.5 million to support immigrant communities. The funding could be used to expand legal and mental health services for immigrants, improve access to information in multiple languages, and assist families impacted by detainment. County staff will return to the Board of Supervisors with specific recommendations for use of the funds.
“With this ordinance, the Board is reaffirming our commitment to stand with Sonoma County’s immigrant communities, uphold their civil rights and dignity, and put meaningful safety nets in place to support them,” said Supervisor Rebecca Hermosillo, chair of the Board of Supervisors. “ICE raids are not welcome in Sonoma County.”
The actions build on previous commitments by the County to ensure public services remain accessible to all residents, regardless of immigration status. The ordinance was developed by an ad hoc committee formed by the Board last August to support immigrant communities in response to increased federal immigration enforcement.
“We have spent the last year listening to immigrant communities, hearing their anxieties, their needs and their fears,” said Supervisor Lynda Hopkins, who served on the ad hoc committee with Hermosillo. “By dedicating this funding stream, we can now say that we have a mechanism to start addressing these concerns.”
The ordinance largely formalizes existing County policies and practices. It applies to County departments overseen by the Board of Supervisors. Under the law, it cannot be extended to independently elected officials. The Sheriff’s Office has outlined its policies on immigration enforcement here.
The ordinance will return to the Board of Supervisors for a final vote later this month.
| | Southwest Airlines debuts service at Charles M. Schulz-Sonoma County Airport, expanding travel options | | |
Southwest Airlines arrived in Sonoma County on Tuesday, ushering in a new era of expanded air service for the North Bay as it began its first flights at Charles M. Schulz–Sonoma County Airport.
The nation’s fourth-largest airline will initially offer nonstop service to Burbank, San Diego, Las Vegas and Denver, giving residents more convenient travel options while making it easier for visitors across the country to reach Wine Country. With access to Southwest’s broader national network, local travelers have even less reason to drive to larger airports in San Francisco, Oakland and San Jose.
The milestone builds on strong momentum at STS, which is also served by Alaska Airlines and American Airlines. The airport recorded its busiest year ever in 2025, reflecting steady demand for local, accessible air travel. Southwest’s entry adds even more options for leisure and business travel, supporting a key driver of the local economy.
“Every new flight into Sonoma County is an opportunity for our community,” said Claudia Vecchio, president and CEO of Sonoma County Tourism. “It means more people discovering our vintners, farmers, makers, small businesses and the landscapes that make this place so special.”
Joined by Snoopy, County officials and tourism leaders greeted passengers on the inaugural flight Tuesday with gift bags showcasing the flavors and character of the region.
“Today marks the culmination of years of work to expand air service for Sonoma County,” said District 4 Supervisor James Gore, who represents the airport area. “Southwest Airlines has consistently been one of the most requested carriers by local travelers and businesses. Its arrival reflects what’s possible when government, the airport and our tourism partners work together to deliver for our community.”
Southwest is already planning to expand service to Sonoma County. The Denver route, currently offered once a week on Saturdays, will increase to five nonstop flights a week in August. In October, it will launch service to Austin, Texas.
| | County honors Christina Rivera as leadership transition begins | | |
County Executive Maria Christina Rivera took her seat at the dais one final time Tuesday as the Board of Supervisors celebrated a career dedicated to public service.
In a gold resolution honoring her 30 years with the County of Sonoma, supervisors recognized Rivera’s legacy as a steady, values-driven leader who helped guide the organization through challenge and change. She made history as the first Latina and first bilingual County Executive, overseeing more than 4,000 employees and a $2 billion budget while advancing equity, responsible budgeting and community-centered governance.
The resolution notes that Rivera “spearheaded organizational improvements that enhanced transparency, strengthened fiscal stewardship, and ensured that County resources were allocated strategically and equitably to meet the needs of Sonoma County’s most vulnerable residents.” It also credits her “unwavering professionalism, high ethical standards, and leadership with compassion, humility, and humor.”
Rivera began her career with the County in 1996 as an administrative trainee and worked her way up to become the top executive at Sonoma County’s largest employer. Over three decades, she strengthened the County’s capacity to deliver services with dignity, fairness and accountability while paving the path for women and people from a wide range of backgrounds to become leaders.
“Thirty years ago, when I decided to become a public servant, I would have never imagined that it would lead me to serve as your county executive,” Rivera said, thanking supervisors, County staff and her mentors for their support. “It’s been a joyous experience.”
Her final day with the County is April 10. She will be succeeded by David Guhin, who will step into the role of County Executive on April 20.
| | Public invited to weigh in as County begins work on challenging budget | | |
The Board of Supervisors will hold a series of public workshops April 20-23 to begin building the County’s budget for the upcoming fiscal year, expected to be one of the most difficult in years. Residents are invited to share their priorities and learn more about shifts in federal and state funding that could affect the County’s ability to deliver critical services.
The workshops begin at 9 a.m. each day and include an overview of the County’s preliminary 2026-27 budget, along with presentations from departments across health, public safety, infrastructure and community services. Public comment will be accepted at the start of each session.
“This year’s budget is the start of what we expect will be some challenging years ahead,” said Supervisor Rebecca Hermosillo, chair of the Board of Supervisors. “Changes at the federal and state level are putting significant pressure on the services our community relies on every day, and those impacts are likely to grow. These workshops are an important opportunity for the public to learn about what’s ahead, understand the tradeoffs, and help shape the tough budget decisions my colleagues and I will have to make.”
The proposed budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1 totals $2.7 billion, a 1.2 percent increase from the current year. Feedback from the workshops will be used to develop a recommended budget from the County Executive’s Office, to be published on May 13. The Board of Supervisors will consider the proposal and any adjustments during budget hearings that begin June 9.
| | Did we get enough rain? April 15 webinar offers answers | | |
Did we get enough rain over winter to avoid another drought in Sonoma County? That’s one of the questions local water experts will tackle next week during a public webinar hosted by Sonoma Water.
The webinar will be held at noon on Wednesday, April 15, providing an update on rainfall, reservoir conditions and what they indicate for water supplies in the months ahead. These indicators are used to shape water use, conservation and planning across the region.
Sonoma Water, which provides drinking water to more than 600,000 residents in Sonoma and northern Marin counties, plays a central role in monitoring and managing the region’s water resources. The update connects residents directly with the policymakers tracking conditions across the Russian River watershed.
Speakers include Supervisor Rebecca Hermosillo, chair of the Sonoma Water Board of Directors, along with representatives from the California Department of Water Resources and Sonoma Water. Residents are encouraged to attend and hear directly from the experts shaping regional water policies.
The free webinar will be held in English, with Spanish captions available on YouTube after the event.
| | Wohler Bridge closes for ongoing seismic upgrades | | |
Wohler Bridge closed this week for the spring and summer as work continues on a major seismic retrofit project designed to strengthen the century-old crossing over the Russian River.
The bridge will be closed around the clock through Oct. 30, affecting residents, visitors and local businesses who rely on the one-lane crossing each day. The $22.8 million project, approved by the Board of Supervisors in 2024, will extend the life of the 104-year-old structure and improve safety in the event of an earthquake.
Over the last two years, crews have focused on strengthening the bridge’s foundation and support system. Workers expanded and reinforced the piers that hold the bridge up and installed systems that will help the structure better absorb movement during an earthquake. In the next phase of construction, crews will install a new lightweight concrete deck on the bridge.
“This project is the largest and most complex bridge project ever undertaken by the County of Sonoma,” said Johannes Hoevertsz, director of Sonoma County Public Infrastructure. “We know that any closure is inconvenient, but this work is necessary to ensure the bridge remains safe and reliable for years to come.”
| | Sonoma County helps secure $1.1 million settlement in consumer protection case | | |
A consumer protection effort backed by Sonoma County is delivering results for used car buyers across California.
Sonoma County District Attorney Carla Rodriguez joined prosecutors from five other counties to reach a $1.1 million settlement with CarMax, resolving allegations that the company failed to transfer vehicle ownership documents to customers on time.
The case focused on delays in submitting registration paperwork to the Department of Motor Vehicles and delivering certificates of ownership, also known as “pink slips.” Under state law, dealerships must complete these steps within 30 days of the sale. When delays occur, buyers may be unable to resell, refinance or use their vehicle as collateral.
“Used car buyers have the right to receive transfer of ownership on time,” Rodriguez said. “Our Environmental and Consumer Law Division is working with other District Attorney’s Offices throughout California to hold companies accountable and enforce California’s consumer protection laws.”
The settlement includes $900,000 in civil penalties and requires CarMax to implement new safeguards to ensure timely processing of ownership documents. These include stricter sales procedures, employee training and oversight to prevent vehicles from being sold without clear title.
| | Vamos a Nadar returns with low-cost water safety classes | | |
Teaching a child how to swim can save their life. Sonoma County Regional Parks makes it easy and inexpensive. On Saturday (April 11), the County kicks off its annual Vamos a Nadar program – Spanish for “Let’s Go Swimming” – providing low-cost, bilingual water safety classes for children and their families.
Workshops are designed for families with children age 5 and older. Children get an introduction to swimming, while parents learn how to recognize hazards, evaluate water conditions and supervise children in areas without lifeguards. Families also receive guidance on water safety rules and simple rescue techniques. Each session costs $5, and families receive a coupon for additional lessons at a reduced price.
The program, created in 2004 to help prevent drowning along the Russian River, has reached more than 3,500 young people since its inception. It is offered from April to July at eight swimming pools across the county. Registration is recommended, but walk-ins are welcome as space allows.
“Our goal for the program is for families and individuals to feel comfortable enjoying the summer and being able to splash in the water to cool off,” said Andrew Traverso, Regional Parks’ recreation program coordinator. “Our main message is don’t be afraid of the water: learn water safety and learn to swim.”
| | Faces of Sonoma County: Meet Maverick Cheney | | This is part of an ongoing series of profiles highlighting public servants across a variety of departments at the County of Sonoma. | | |
Name: Maverick Cheney
Title: Supervising Lifeguard, Sonoma County Regional Parks
Years with County: 6
Personal side: I’m from Santa Rosa and currently attend UC San Diego, where I study theater and try to get out to the beach as much as possible. I have worked as a lifeguard for the County since I was 17. At the end of summer, I will head back down to college.
What do you do? I’m one of 25 lifeguards who make it safe and fun to swim at a County park. This summer, we’ll staff the swimming lagoon and water park at Spring Lake Regional Park, as well as the swimming area at Healdsburg Veterans Memorial Beach. As a supervisor, I set up the beach, schedule shifts, and lead training sessions and workouts that keep our team prepared. I’m also there to support visitors – answering questions, addressing concerns, and helping resolve situations when families have questions about things like swim tests.
We perform rescues, administer first aid and teach water safety. It’s an excellent career pathway for people who are interested in working in emergency services or becoming first responders one day. It's also a terrific way to develop leadership skills and start a career with the County — the person who leads Regional Parks today, Bert Whitaker, began here as a lifeguard and worked his way up to become the department’s director. We are currently hiring lifeguards for the summer season at Spring Lake, which runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day. It’s a great job for people who like helping others, being outdoors and developing skills that can save lives. If you’re interested, check out our Lifeguard Services page.
What gives you fulfillment? The best part of my job is seeing a lifeguard jump into action during an emergency and provide care without hesitation. Being able to comfort and support someone in a difficult moment reminds me how important this work is and how much of a difference we can make.
What is one of the biggest misconceptions about the work of a lifeguard? The biggest misconception is that “all we do is sit in a chair all day.” I understand where that comes from – that’s what the public sees – but it’s only a small part of the job and I wouldn’t still be working here if it were true. The truth is we are constantly doing work behind the scenes to keep the park safe. We train every day and practice our skills in mock emergencies so we can be prepared for any situation. From cleaning and maintaining the water park to rescuing flipped kayaks, there are a lot of responsibilities that happen just outside of the public’s view.
Passions outside of work? Outside of work I love acting and making theater. Theater gives me a space to be the energetic, crazy performer that would be offputting to see on a lifeguard stand.
| | Join the conversation at SoCo Chat | | |
Matt Brown, left, supervising communications specialist in the County Executive’s Office, speaks with Angie Dillon-Shore, executive director of First 5 Sonoma County, during a new episode of SoCo Chat.
The first five years can shape a lifetime. In a new episode of SoCo Chat, Angie Dillon-Shore, executive director of First 5 Sonoma County, examines the impact of early childhood investment and explains how Measure I, the 2024 voter-approved sales tax, is helping families and young children across the county. Learn how these programs work, who they serve, and how you can connect to resources that help Sonoma County kids thrive.
Subscribe to SoCo Chat on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, 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 County is facing some big decisions, from budget challenges and road repairs to expanding mental health services and supporting local immigrants. Supervisor Rebecca Hermosillo, who stepped into a new role as Chair of the Board in January, reflects on lessons from her first year in office and outlines her priorities for the year ahead.
- When a young person enters the juvenile justice system, what happens next can shape their future. Vista Academy, a partnership between Circuit Rider Community Services and Sonoma County Probation, provides a structured alternative to juvenile hall. Circuit Rider CEO Rob Izzo explains how the program works to reduce re-arrest rates, prevent gang involvement, and help young people build skills, confidence, and stronger decision-making habits.
- Respiratory virus season is here in Sonoma County. Dr. Michael Stacey, the county’s new interim health officer, breaks down the latest trends with COVID-19, flu and RSV and shares some practical tips to stay healthy. We clear up confusion around new federal vaccine guidance for children, share where to find reliable health information, and dig into a concerning spike in toxic mushroom poisonings.
| | Emergency preparedness fair brings hands-on learning to Sonoma Valley | | |
What would you do in an earthquake or wildfire? A community event in Sonoma Valley next week could help you answer that question before disaster strikes.
The Sonoma Valley Emergency Preparedness Fair will be held at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday (April 15) at Altimira Middle School, offering families a chance to build skills and learn how to stay safe during emergencies.
Hosted by Sonoma Valley Community Health Center in partnership with the Sonoma County Department of Emergency Management, the two-hour fair features interactive demonstrations and information from local response agencies. A highlight of the event is the Big Shaker, a mobile earthquake simulator that lets participants experience the force of an 8.0 magnitude quake in a safe environment.
The event is designed to raise awareness and reduce preventable harm by giving participants practical tools to prepare for disasters.
“The fair provides hands-on learning opportunities, emergency preparedness supplies, and useful resources to community members to help keep residents and their loved ones safe during an actual emergency or natural disaster,” said Nancy Brown, the County’s community preparedness program manager.
| | 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 May 6 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@sonomacounty.gov to register for the May 6 class or sign up for our mailing list to be notified of future classes.
| | Adopt the pet of the week | | |
My name is Lenny. I’m a 5-year-old shorthair cat who was brought to the shelter in January. I am a certified Very Smart Cat (I’ve even figured out how to open the door to my kennel). If you’re looking for a clever, curious cat who keeps life interesting and stays one step ahead, I’m ready to mastermind my way into your heart.
Lenny is one of dozens of cats, dogs, rabbits and other animals at Sonoma County Animal Services in need of adoption.
Animal Services helps match pets and families through an adoption process designed to support your lifestyle and the animal’s needs. Shelter staff are ready to assist with applications, answer questions and share details about each animal’s health, temperament and care. All animals adopted through the shelter go home spayed or neutered, microchipped and up to date on vaccinations, giving your new companion the healthiest start possible in your forever home.
| | Get involved with County government | | |
Government is only as good as the people who step forward to serve. There are many opportunities available now to support the community by serving on County boards, commissions and committees. Here are just three examples:
Check out the full list of current vacancies and discover how you can help shape the future of Sonoma County.
| | Volunteer and employment opportunities | | |
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