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Around 8am this morning, ICE vehicles were spotted parked on 116 between Forestville and Graton. An hour and a half later, a Forestville resident was arrested by ICE, possibly in Santa Rosa between Colgan and Santa Rosa Avenue.
We have all seen what ICE has done in communities across the nation. We have seen the videos of people being shot, of children being pulled away from parents and abandoned sobbing on the sidewalk. We have heard about “Operation Safe California,” and the increasing presence of ICE in the Central Valley. We have worried that the ICE surge would find its way to the Bay Area. At this point, we do not know whether today’s incident was an isolated arrest of a targeted person or whether it may be part of a broader surge, but we are in active communication with various County departments trying to learn more. I just got off the phone with Brian Morris, our Public Defender, who confirmed that he and his team are coordinating directly with the North Bay Rapid Response Network. Brian knows the identity of the arrested person and plans to offer deportation defense services to that individual.
I am proud of West County for stopping and checking out the suspicious vehicles on the side of the road, confirming that they were ICE, photographing them, and immediately sharing the information with the North Bay Rapid Response Network. I am extremely grateful to the North Bay Rapid Response Network for keeping our community informed and for focusing on Power, Not Panic. We have so many wonderful non profits in our community who are out there taking care of our immigrant community every day. To avoid drawing attention to them and the communities they serve, I will not name them individually in this newsletter, but you know who you are. THANK YOU.
To my undocumented friends: we are with you. We will stand by you and in front of you if needed. And the Fifth District team is here to help. If you are afraid to go to the grocery store or work, if you are afraid to pick up your children from school, if the stress and trauma of what is happening is harming your mental health, or if you need anything at all, please reach out to us at 707-565-4683. I am not saying we have all the solutions and resources because we usually don’t. But we are creative, we do not take “no” for an answer, and we will do our best to create new solutions and resources because that’s just what we do in West County. Come hell or high water, our small towns stick together and take care of each other. I have a truck and a Costco card. We’ve got this.😊
So stay alert, West County. See something? Say something. (You can report ICE activity to North Bay Rapid Response by calling 707-800-4544; please only call if you witnessed it directly.) Check on your neighbors, offer to bring them groceries or run errands for them. Donate to a local immigrant-supporting non-profit. Follow the North Bay Rapid Response Network on socials. We will continue to follow up on the arrest to try to learn more.
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The future of Sonoma County
is being planned now and
your voice belongs in the conversation
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Big-picture planning can sometimes feel abstract, but the General Plan is really about the places we live, work, travel through, and care about every day.
Permit Sonoma has now finalized the Vision and Guiding Principles that will help guide the General Plan update, reflecting more than a year of community input. The County has also released a new, easy-to-digest summary of existing conditions and trends — covering everything from housing and land use to hazards, population and more.
Now comes the next step: taking a closer look at the County’s land use map and identifying places that may deserve further study. That could mean an area where the community sees opportunities for more housing, shops or services — or a place where wildfire risk, water availability or other constraints need to be considered carefully.
This is where local knowledge really matters. Residents know their communities best, and the County wants to hear what’s working, what isn’t, and where a closer look may be needed. The anonymous survey takes about five minutes and is open through October 16.
| | BOS Eliminates Z Combining District, Opening Path for ADUs and Saving Residents Millions | | After years of advocacy from Supervisor Hopkins, the Board of Supervisors took action on Tuesday October 6 to remove the Z Combining District, a zoning overlay dating back to 1985 that prohibited Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) on designated parcels.
The zoning overlay was removed countywide from 3,997 parcels outside of the Coastal Zone. It impacted 1,487 parcels in District 5 alone. By taking one comprehensive action, the County collectively saved property owners roughly $32 million in permit‑related processing costs (and saved 150,000 hours of Permit Sonoma staff time).
The update modernized outdated zoning restrictions, aligned local code with current state ADU laws, and significantly reduces workload for staff and costs for residents. | | Update: West County Water Quality and Recycled Water Supply Feasibility Study | | |
Wastewater infrastructure may not be the flashiest topic, but it has a big impact on the health, resilience and future of West County communities.
Sonoma Water has released a draft Project Advancement Report exploring a possible path forward for improving and regionalizing wastewater services in west Sonoma County. The report builds on years of technical study and looks at what implementation could actually involve — including potential timelines, funding strategies, governance options, challenges and opportunities.
The proposed approach would continue using the Russian River County Sanitation District system in Guerneville while upgrading and expanding its capacity, and would combine the Forestville, Graton and Occidental systems at a new treatment facility in Forestville. The goal is to improve existing wastewater services while also creating opportunities to serve some communities that currently don’t have sewer service.
Nothing is set in stone. This is exactly why public input matters now. Sonoma Water is asking residents to review the draft and share comments before the public comment period closes at 5 p.m. Sunday, October 18.
West County residents know their communities — and their infrastructure challenges — best. This is an opportunity to learn more about what’s being considered and help inform the path forward.
| | Bay Area Air District's New Appliance Rules | | |
The Bay Area Air District Board, which Supervisor Hopkins Chairs, is expected to consider amendments to Building Appliance Rules at an Air District Board hearing on Wednesday, November 4. The rules are intended to reduce harmful air pollution, with projected health benefits including preventing up to 85 premature deaths and 15,000 asthma attacks annually. Here is some factual information to answer common questions about the requirements and where they apply --
First, nobody is required to replace a working gas water heater or furnace. The rules apply to new furnace and water heater installations after the compliance dates. Gas stoves, ovens, dryers, and other cooking appliances are NOT affected.
Second, the Bay Area Air District Board is expected to consider amendments that would provide greater flexibility, including extended compliance deadlines and exemptions for financial hardship or particularly costly installations. Air District staff are incorporating public feedback, including concerns from affordable housing providers, into these proposals. Nothing is set in stone yet.
Lastly, not all of West County falls within the Bay Area Air District. The Fifth District spans two different air quality jurisdictions. Residents can check the Bay Area Air District boundary map or visit the Northern Sonoma County Air Pollution Control District to learn which district serves their property.
Want to weigh in? Written public comments are due to the Air District November 1 at 6 p.m. and can be submitted at the link below.
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The November 3 General Election is coming up, and there are plenty of ways to make sure your ballot gets counted.
Every active registered voter in California will receive a ballot in the mail, which can be returned by mail, dropped at an official ballot drop box, or delivered to a Vote Center. Prefer to vote in person? Vote Centers will be open throughout Sonoma County, with some locations opening as early as October 24.
The Sonoma County Registrar of Voters has put together one helpful page with an interactive map, locations, dates and hours for Vote Centers and ballot drop boxes across the county. West County voters will also have several local options, including the West County Services Center at 16390 Main Street in Guerneville, which will serve as a Vote Center from October 31 through November 3.
Take a minute now to find the location and voting option that works best for you.
| | Watch Out for a Property Tax Scam
Targeting Seniors | | |
Sonoma County Clerk-Recorder-Assessor Deva Marie Proto and Auditor-Controller-Treasurer-Tax Collector Erick Roeser are warning residents about false online claims and scam calls promoting a so-called “Form 1098-SR” as a way for seniors to freeze or reduce property taxes. There is no such IRS form, and these claims are not legitimate.
The scam is especially concerning because it asks property owners to share personal information based on promises of tax savings that don’t exist. The Assessor and Tax Collector offices do not request personal identification by phone, text or email.
There are legitimate property tax relief programs available in California, including Proposition 19, the Homeowners’ Exemption, Property Tax Postponement and certain school parcel tax exemptions. But those programs have specific eligibility requirements and are handled through official state, county or school district channels.
If something sounds too good to be true — especially when it involves taxes and asks for personal information — it’s worth taking a minute to verify it directly with the County before responding.
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Last chance to participate in the
Area Agency on Aging's
Community Needs Assessment
| | | | 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. | | River Ambassador Pilot Recap | | |
If you spent time at the Russian River this summer, you may have spotted a crew in bright orange shirts helping visitors enjoy the river safely and responsibly.
This summer, Sonoma County Regional Parks partnered with nonprofit Russian Riverkeeper to pilot the River Ambassadors, an expansion of its Clean Team. Beginning Fourth of July weekend, River Ambassadors patrolled some of our busiest beaches (and the river between them), sharing water safety and Leave No Trace information with hundreds of tubers, boaters and other visitors while collecting more than 600 bags of litter from the water and other hard-to-reach places along the river.
Swim season is winding down, but you can help, too: Remember to pack out everything you bring to the river, including tubes, fishing line and hooks. Respect nearby neighborhoods and private property, use public restrooms and pack out pet waste.
| | | | Wohler Bridge will remain closed beyond the previously anticipated Oct. 30 reopening date. | | |
The project team is now planning for a winter 2026 reopening while crews work through the remaining construction. Several upcoming activities, including the new concrete bridge deck, are weather-sensitive, so they want to leave enough flexibility as we move further into the fall and rainy season.
Work continues to move forward on several fronts.
The main focus over the past few weeks has been replacing the bridge bearings. Eight of the 12 bearings have now been replaced at Piers 2, 4 and 5, and crews are beginning work on the final four at Pier 3. Crews have also been working most Saturdays and some Sundays since Labor Day to make progress on the schedule.
Meanwhile, the forms that will support the new concrete bridge deck are taking shape. Crews have finished installing the corrugated metal pan decking and the steel studs that will connect the new concrete deck to the bridge structure. They have also started forming the edges of the deck.
Next, crews will finish the bearing replacement at Pier 3 and begin installing the reinforcing steel, or rebar, for the new deck. If weather cooperates, the deck is tentatively scheduled to be poured over three days in mid-October.
Once the deck is poured, the concrete will need time to cure before the bridge can reopen. Crews will also have additional work to complete, including concrete repairs, curbs, the bridge surface, expansion joints, striping, and other finishing work.
We know this closure has been a long one, especially for residents and others who regularly travel Wohler Road. Sonoma County Public Infrastructure thanks you for your continued patience as crews work through these final stages of the project.
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Update: Daytime One Way Traffic Control
On State Route 116 Near Monte Rio
Caltrans will continue daytime one-way traffic control for construction work on State Route 116 (SR 116) near Duncan Road in Monte Rio, Sonoma County. Construction will include drainage improvements, erosion control and new asphalt. Motorists and cyclists are advised to expect delays and allow extra time when traveling. All work is weather dependent.
One-way Traffic Control Schedule:
Monday–Friday, 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. One lane will be closed with flaggers directing one way traffic control.
The roadway will be fully open to two way traffic evenings and weekends.
Motorists and cyclists should follow instructions from on site personnel, and exercise caution when traveling through the work zone.
| | | | Track closures and delays on County-maintained roads within Sonoma County here. Note that the site is not comprehensive, and does not include events on state highways, incorporated city streets, private roads, or any roads outside of Sonoma County. | | | | 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. | | Upcoming Meetings & Events | | |
Sheriff's Guerneville Community Meeting
Wednesday October 14, 2026
Rio Nido Station | 14770 Rio Nido Road
The Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office invites Guerneville residents to join them for a community meeting focused on quality-of-life and public-safety concerns affecting downtown Guerneville.
They’ll share what they’re seeing in the area, discuss how the Sheriff’s Office is responding, and provide an opportunity for residents to ask questions, share concerns, and hear directly from those working on these issues.
A Deputy Division Director for Homelessness Services with the Sonoma County Department of Health Services will also be joining the meeting to listen to community concerns and help answer questions related to homelessness services and resources.
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Occidental Town Hall
Thursday October 15, 2026
3920 Bohemian Highway, Occidental, CA
Supervisor Lynda Hopkins invites you to join her for a Town Hall featuring updates on local projects, services and issues affecting the Occidental community. Hear directly from Supervisor Hopkins and local agency representatives, with an opportunity for community questions and discussion.
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Sonoma County Commission on Human Rights
Flock Camera & ALPR (Automatic License Plate Reader) Community Forum
Monday, October 19, 6 PM
Sonoma County Fairgrounds
Saralee & Richard's Barn Room
1350 Bennett Valley Rd
Santa Rosa
A moderated forum on Flock & ALPRs, featuring local law enforcement officers and city councilmembers and focused on public comment.
The Sonoma County Commission on Human Rights invites you to attend a moderated community forum, featuring a panel including:
- Sonoma County Supervisor Lynda Hopkins
- Sonoma County Sheriff Eddie Engram
- Santa Rosa Police Chief John Cregan
- Rohnert Park Director of Public Safety Rick Navarro
- Santa Rosa City Councilmember Caroline Banuelos
- Rohnert Park City Councilmember Samantha Rodriguez
- Sebastopol City Councilmember Phill Carter
- Oakland Privacy Director of Research Mike Katz-Lacabe
Parking is available at Brookwood Parking Lot - 1450 Bennett Valley Rd.
RSVP for Zoom link. Public comment available in person only.
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Sonoma Winter Ready 2026 - Town Hall
Wednesday October 21
6 - 7:30 PM
Virtual via Zoom
Register here
| The town hall will also be livestreamed at the West County Services Center if you would like to watch on a big screen. 16390 Main St. Guerneville. | | | | |
Lower Russian River Municipal Advisory Council
November 12, 2026
West County Services Center
16390 Main Street, Suite B, Guerneville
and virtually via Zoom
5:30 PM
Main Topic: Update from Sheriff Eddie Engram
River MAC Meetings are hybrid - attend in person or via Zoom. Public comment may be made in either format. Agendas are published on the River MAC Meeting Calendar page no later than 72 hours before the meeting.
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Sonoma County Coast Municipal Advisory Council
Thursday, November 19, 5:30 PM
Location TBD
Main Topic: Sonoma County Regional Parks update on the Bodega Bay Trail
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.
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Fifth District Supervisor Lynda Hopkins | County of Sonoma | 707-565-2241
Lynda.Hopkins@sonomacounty.gov
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