|
We live in a wild world, don’t we? It feels like many post-apocalyptic novels and movies are on the verge of coming true. The thoughtcrimes of 1984, an out-of-control police state. (Who had “taxpayer funded electroshock gloves for a federal police force with a bigger budget than the US Marines” on their 2026 bingo card? How about women seeking reproductive care being tracked by Flock cameras?) National news these days reads like a soap opera or telenovela at best, or an impending zombie apocalypse at worst.
And, of course, there’s the whole robots taking over the world while humans get dumber and permanently screw up the planet thing. If you haven’t watched Wall-E, consider it for your next movie night as the least depressing and most charming selection from the the hitting-too-close-to-home apocalyptic movie category.
Which brings me to AI. We are receiving an increasing number of AI-generated emails. To protect the sanity and human integrity of the D5 team, we are not going to spend our time arguing with bots.
So: if you send an AI generated email, you will get a response requesting that you send an email from a human. (How do we tell it’s AI? You can kinda just tell. But I do admit that when we *think* it’s AI, we use an AI program to confirm it’s AI… takes one to know one, I guess.)
When you get an email back from our fantastic D5 team — me, Tracy, Che, Debbie, Lupe, or Jason, real honest-to-goodness, live, caring humans — will there be typos and grammatical errors? Quite possibly. Will it take more time than a response from a bot? No doubt. Will there be personal touches (say, in response to a small business owner — omg I love your bookstore/restaurant/hardware store)? Of course. Will I sometimes write something snarky in response to a particularly spicy constituent email at 10pm, let it sit overnight, then tone it down before hitting send? ABSOLUTELY.
Let’s face it. Email can be an overwhelming, constant, never-ending pain in the butt. I understand the urge to automate it. But the small human moments of interaction, even through sans serif typeset on a screen, are still part of one the great joys of human existence: the cross-community communications that pull us together rather than apart. Emailing between humans is still human communication. As we drift into a world where corporations can’t even bother to pay out-of-country call center workers less than living wage, and instead turn to bots for everything, we lose that human voice. We lose that human touch.
There are, without a doubt, beneficial uses of AI. But we seem to be collectively jumping off a cliff without knowing anything about what’s below us. There are real ramifications for our workforce, for our environment, for our communities. I have friends who have already lost jobs due to AI. Data centers (which, by the way, are not an allowed use in the Sonoma County zoning code for unincorporated areas) are threatening local power grids, polluting the air, and increasing greenhouse gas emissions. And mass AI generated emails are threatening the democratic process. In Southern California, an AI generated email campaign helped sink a progressive climate policy on the South Coast Air Quality Management District. A similar campaign started in the Bay Area, and fortunately was identified early on by local journalists. We’re in uncharted territory with rapidly evolving AI, and should think carefully about the ramifications for our democracy, our government, our workforce, and our communities.
So, here’s a friendly reminder to not spend too much time talking to Claude, ChatGPT, or Gemini. As Summer starts to turn the corner into Fall, spend some time outdoors soaking up the changing leaves, the muted foggy mornings, the blue-skied afternoons. Community connection is its own form of power: go for a walk with a friend. Text or call your mom/dad/grandparent/sibling/cousin/friend. Send us an email to say hi. I promise we’ll say hi back.
| | Human Services: Connecting Residents with Help, Hope and Stability | | | | |
Most of us will need a helping hand at some point in our lives. A job loss, an illness, the rising cost of groceries or an unexpected emergency can quickly turn a stable situation into an uncertain one. When that happens, it matters enormously to have compassionate, knowledgeable people who can help you understand what assistance is available and how to access it.
That is the work Sonoma County’s Human Services Department employees do every day.
| | |
Nearly three in ten Sonoma County residents are enrolled in Medi-Cal. Many more rely on CalFresh, General Assistance and other programs that help put food on the table, provide access to health care and create a little more stability during difficult times.
But the work of Human Services extends far beyond economic assistance programs. HSD teams provide protective services for children and vulnerable adults; support veterans, seniors and people with disabilities; administer SonomaWORKS, which provides cash assistance and employment services to families with children; and connect residents with other resources designed to help people build greater stability and independence. It is an incredibly broad range of work, touching people at nearly every stage of life.
Behind all of these programs are dedicated Human Services Department employees helping residents navigate complicated systems, determining eligibility, carefully administering public funds and connecting people with resources that can help them move toward greater stability and self-sufficiency.
That work is not always easy, and it is deeply important.
The Human Services Department also plays a critical role when disaster strikes. HSD is responsible for establishing and operating Temporary Evacuation Points — otherwise known as TEPs, because of course government loves an acronym! — and, when needed, evacuation shelters.
During the recent Woodside Fire response, the HSD TEP team mobilized quickly, with very little notice, to establish and staff the Temporary Evacuation Point around the clock. Team members created a safe and welcoming place where evacuees could receive information, access resources and get help as the situation evolved.
When residents are forced to leave their homes during an emergency, frightened and unsure about what comes next, a calm voice and a compassionate welcome can make an enormous difference. That is exactly what the HSD team provided.
Whether protecting a vulnerable child or adult, helping a family enroll in health coverage, connecting a senior or veteran with services, helping someone find employment, or supporting residents during an emergency, HSD employees serve the community every day with professionalism, compassion and dedication.
Their work deserves recognition — both the work the community sees during moments of crisis and the quieter, everyday work that helps thousands of Sonoma County residents find support, stability and hope.
| | Students are headed back-to-school! | | |
We were honored to host a Family Resource Fair on July 30 — and what a wonderful evening of community it was!
Dozens of local students headed home with new backpacks filled with school supplies, ready to start the school year. Meanwhile, their families had the opportunity to connect with County programs and local nonprofits and learn more about the resources available to support them.
A huge thank you to everyone who joined us, and to all of the organizations and partners who helped make the day possible. Here’s to a great school year!
| | International Year of the Woman Farmer | | |
Sonoma County Regional Parks seeking
Youth Commissioners
| | |
Apply to serve as a Youth Commissioner on the Sonoma County Regional Parks - Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission. Youth commissioners ages 16–24 bring their perspectives, experiences and ideas to help inform recommendations to Regional Parks leadership.
The commission meets in-person approximately six times per year at the Sonoma County Regional Parks main office in Santa Rosa (near SMART Train and public transportation stops).
Youth Commissioners:
- Attend and participate in Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission meetings
- Share experiences and ideas
- Receive presentations from Parks staff on various topics and current events
- Work within a team of 7 commissioners to provide insights and suggestions to Regional Parks
No previous experience is required, and Regional Parks staff will provide orientation and support throughout the term.
Applications are due by 6 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 21, 2026. Questions? Email ParksPublicMeetings@SonomaCounty.gov.
| | August is Emergency Awareness Month | | |
This month, we recognize the dedicated emergency management professionals working behind the scenes to keep Sonoma County safe.
Here in Sonoma County, we know a thing or two about disasters. Wildfires, floods, earthquakes — our communities have been through a lot together. And while everyone hopes for many boring, disaster-free years ahead, hope is not a strategy. Being prepared matters.
Sonoma County’s Department of Emergency Management works year-round to coordinate the people, resources and strategies that protect lives, property and the environment before, during and after disasters. From modernizing emergency plans to coordinating response efforts and training thousands of disaster service workers, this team helps make sure our communities are ready when the unexpected happens.
Emergency preparedness is one of those things that’s easy to put off until tomorrow. (There is always something more exciting on the to-do list!) But preparedness really is a community effort, and everyone has a role to play.
So this month, please join us in recognizing the professionals who do this vital work — and take a little time to prepare at home, too. Know your evacuation routes. Make a plan with your family. Check your emergency supplies. Sign up for alerts.
We can’t always prevent the next disaster. But together, we can help make Sonoma County safer, stronger and more resilient — before, during and after an emergency.
| | | |
Meet Your Street Weekend
Meet Your Street is a countywide event, October 2-4, designed to help neighbors connect and build stronger communities. It all starts with just one person — and we hope that person is you! The Department of Emergency Management has everything you need to host a great gathering for you and your neighbors.
More info & Sign Up
| | | |
Private Event: Outdoor Concert and Benefit for LandPaths
6101 Bohemian Hwy, Occidental
Sunday August 16, 11 AM - 10 PM
Up to 370 participants are anticipated, including staff and volunteers.
| |
Private Event: Reggae to the Rescue, fundraiser for Goatlandia
1567 Cunningham Rd, Sebastopol
August 22, 1 - 5 PM
Up to 235 participants are anticipated, including staff and volunteers
| | |
Forestville: Hwy 116 at Jones Creek Bridge (near Packing House Rd)
One-way traffic control lights while bridge railings are replaced. The one-way traffic control will be in place until late October 2026, when permits allowing construction work adjacent to waterways expire. The traffic controls will be implemented again in June 2027, when Caltrans is once again permitted to work alongside creeks during the dry season. (Caltrans)
Forestville: Hwy 116 at 7525 Hwy 116
Occasional one-way flag control as Canyon Rock rebuilds its Highway 116 driveway to improve safety and traffic flow, adding a covered entrance with sight‑distance improvements and tire‑washing equipment to prevent track‑out.
Sebastopol: Hwy 116 at Blucher Creek Bridge (near Stony Point Rd).
One-way traffic control lights while bridge railings are replaced. The one-way traffic control will be in place until late October 2026, when permits allowing construction work adjacent to waterways expire. The traffic controls will be implemented again in June 2027, when Caltrans is once again permitted to work alongside creeks during the dry season. (Caltrans)
Sebastopol: Bodega Ave between Pleasant Hill Rd. and Golden Ridge Ave. PG&E will be doing work in the area this week and beginning next week, a hillside will be cut back in the same block and supported with a retaining wall.
Traffic impacts are anticipated to continue through the end of August 2026. (via City of Sebastopol)
Guerneville / East Monte Rio: Hwy 116 (ongoing Caltrans - completion expected September 2026)
West of Monte Rio: Hwy 116 (ongoing Caltrans)
Wohler Bridge: The bridge will remain closed to all traffic through October, 2026. See fishing access detour information here.
| | | | To get the most up-to-date information regarding Caltrans road conditions & closures, use QuickMap. Click on the the icons to expand for more information. | | Please Share your Perspective | Help Shape Transportation Priorities | |
The Sonoma County Transportation and Climate Authorities (SCTCA) are seeking public input to help prioritize transportation projects for future federal, state, and local funding.
The projects included in this survey have been submitted by Sonoma County jurisdictions and transit agencies for consideration through the SCTCA Funding Program. Public feedback will help SCTCA understand community priorities as projects are evaluated for current and future funding opportunities.
You can review and comment on as many or as few projects as you'd like. Each project includes a brief description and a link to the complete Funding Program Application if you'd like to learn more before providing feedback.
Estimated time: 5–25 minutes, depending on how many projects you choose to review.
| Community Needs around Aging | | | | The Sonoma County Area Agency on Aging (AAA) is conducting its Community Needs Assessment, and they want to hear from you. Your input helps guide funding, programs, and services for older adults, adults with disabilities, and caregivers across the county. The survey takes about 5-10 minutes and is completely anonymous. Thank you for taking the time to share your experiences. | | Upcoming Meetings & Events | | | | |
Community Coffee / Cafecito Comunitario
Monday, August 17, 9:00 - 10:00 AM
West County Services Center
16390 Main Street, Suite B, Guerneville
District 5 invites you to visit our "Cafecito" drop-in office hours on the third Monday of each month.
Everyone is welcome; we look forward to seeing you!
| | | | |
Lower Russian River Municipal Advisory Council
September 10, 2026
West County Services Center
16390 Main Street, Suite B
Guerneville
5:30 PM
Main Topic: Project 100 & the 100 River Babies Initiative. Working to create a robust and well-utilized system of care that fosters each baby’s healthy early childhood development and striving towards assuring that all children between the ages of 0 and 5 in the Lower Russian River Area thrive in safe, stable, and nurturing relationships and environments.
River MAC Meetings are hybrid - attend in person or via Zoom. Public comment may be made in either format. Agendas are published on the Coast MAC Meeting Calendar page no later than 72 hours before the meeting.
| | | | |
Sonoma County Coast Municipal Advisory Council
Thursday, September 24, 5:30 PM
Valley Ford Schoolhouse
14355 School Rd, Valley Ford
Coast MAC Meetings are hybrid - attend in person or via Zoom. Public comment may be made in either format. Agendas are published on the Coast MAC Meeting Calendar page no later than 72 hours before the meeting.
| | |
Fifth District Supervisor Lynda Hopkins | County of Sonoma | 707-565-2241
Lynda.Hopkins@sonomacounty.gov
Not Subscribed? Sign up here to receive the newsletter.
¿No está suscrito? Suscríbase aquí para recibir el boletín.
| | | | |
