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This morning’s approval of the Guernewood Shaded Fuel Break Project on the consent calendar marks a significant and exciting milestone for the 5th District. Years of collaborative effort, coordination between community groups, agencies, and landowners, and critical funding from the CALFIRE Wildfire Prevention Grant program have brought us to this point. The Guernewood project is one of three shaded fuel breaks forming the Northside Russian River initiative, designed to create 13 miles of defensible space along our northern ridgelines, protecting vulnerable communities from the increasing threat of wildfires.
As Sarah Yardley, a Hacienda community member, aptly said during public comment, “Communities could not achieve construction on the shaded fuel break project on their own.” This project truly reflects the power of collaboration. We are deeply grateful for the tireless efforts of Permit Sonoma, the Sonoma and Gold Ridge Resource Conservation Districts, and our project consultants at Environmental Resource Solutions, along with CALFIRE, Ag + Open Space, and so many others. Special thanks to Ben Nicholls, Misti Arias, Caryl Hart, Marshall Tuberville, Robert Aguero, and Kim Batchelder, whose expertise and dedication have been instrumental in getting us to this point.
The Guernewood, Rio Nido, and Mount Jackson fuel breaks will provide a much-needed buffer for the residents of Guerneville, Guernewood, and surrounding areas, with completion slated for December 2026. These projects are not just about fire prevention—they represent a model for sustainable community resilience and climate action. The work we are doing today is directly aligned with Sonoma County’s strategic goals of enhancing climate resiliency and wildfire preparedness.
A heartfelt thank you to the countless partners and community members who made this possible. Your dedication to a safer, more resilient future for our district is deeply appreciated. Together, we are creating a lasting legacy of preparedness and protection for the landscapes and communities we hold dear.
Lynda
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Election Day - November 5 | |
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The Nov. 5 General Election is less than two weeks away. If you missed the October 21 registration deadline, you can still register to vote – all the way up to and including Election Day – but you will need to complete a conditional registration form and cast a provisional ballot that won’t be counted until your information is verified. Visit voterstatus.sos.ca.gov to see if you are currently registered to vote in California.
Vote-by-Mail ballots for the Nov. 5 election have been sent to 306,796 active, registered voters in Sonoma County and began arriving in mailboxes last week. There are three ways to return your ballot:
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Fill it out and return it in the mail. To count, it must be postmarked on or before Election Day and must be received by the Registrar of Voters Office by Nov. 12. Ballots returned to USPS collection boxes must be deposited before the last collection time listed on the box.
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Drop it in one of 22 Official Ballot Drop Boxes throughout Sonoma County. All drop boxes will be open 24/7 daily until 8 p.m. on Election Day.
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Drop it off at any open Vote Center. Seven Vote Centers will be open daily starting Oct. 26; an additional 24 Vote Centers will be open daily starting Nov. 2. All 31 Vote Centers will be open Election Day from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Find a Vote Center.
The drive-thru drop-off box in front of the Sonoma County Registrar of Voters Office is permanently closed. The nearest 24/7 drive-thru drop box is located just two blocks away in front of the County Administration Building at 575 Administration Drive. There is also now a 24/7 walk-up drop box in front of the Sonoma County Registrar of Voters Office.
Voters who do not want to vote by mail can cast their ballots in person at a Vote Center instead, starting Oct. 26.
Voters can track their ballot – when it is mailed, received and counted – by signing up for BallotTrax at WheresMyBallot.sos.ca.gov.
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Occidental Town Hall October 23 | |
Join Supervisor Hopkins and the Occidental Community Council for an important Town Hall Meeting on Wednesday, October 23, from 6–8 PM at Harmony School’s Falls Building. This is your opportunity to engage with local leaders and learn more about key issues impacting Occidental, including roads and infrastructure updates, emergency preparedness, public arts funding, and community center plans. Come voice your concerns, ask questions, and be part of shaping the future of Occidental. | |
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Lower Russian River Wastewater
Citizens Advisory Group Meeting October 24
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Comprehensive Transportation Update Survey | |
It's Black Cod Week October 18 - 27 | | |
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You know Sonoma County for our Dungeness Crab and freshly caught Chinook Salmon, but have you tried Black Cod?
With the crabbing season shortened and salmon fishing on hold for a second year, Black Cod is a tasty and sustainable option fresh off our coast. To support our local fishing community, we’re re-introducing this delicate fish for one special week in October.
Participating eateries across the county are featuring creative Black Cod dishes. Local markets are also offering fresh Black Cod for the at-home chef to craft their own delicious creations.
Support Sonoma County’s fishing industry and discover Black Cod by visiting one or more participating restaurants or markets at the link below.
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Enhanced Infrastructure Financing District (EIFD) Planning | |
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The City of Sebastopol and Sonoma County are exploring the creation of an Enhanced Infrastructure Financing District (EIFD) to fund critical infrastructure projects in Sebastopol and unincorporated West Sonoma County. An EIFD is a funding mechanism that uses future property tax revenues from new developments to invest in local infrastructure, including roads, water and sewer systems, parks, recreational amenities, affordable housing, and climate resilience projects. Notably, an EIFD does not create new taxes but captures growth in property tax revenue to reinvest in community improvements.
The feasibility study for this EIFD is currently underway, led by Kosmont Companies, and includes public outreach, district boundary analysis, and identification of infrastructure funding needs. The process is in its initial stages, with community input playing a crucial role in shaping the direction of the EIFD and determining the types of projects to prioritize. The project aims to address the aging infrastructure of West County, including improvements to roads, flood mitigation, recreational facilities, and other community needs.
Community participation is vital, and several public meetings will be held throughout the process to gather input and refine project priorities. For more information about the study or to participate in upcoming meetings contact District5@Sonoma-County.org.
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High School Students:
Share Your Voice on the Lower Russian River MAC
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The Lower Russian River Municipal Advisory Council (MAC) is seeking a youth representative to join the council and provide valuable input on local issues. Participate in local government, advocate for your community, and gain hands-on experience. There is also an opportunity to earn school credit. Reach out to district5@sonoma-county.org for more information. | |
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Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event
Sea Ranch | November 23
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Zero Waste Sonoma is hosting a Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Collection event in Sea Ranch on Saturday, November 23, 2024 between 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM. Sonoma County residents may bring their unused and unwanted HHW items such as paint, fertilizers, batteries, fluorescent lamps, sharps, or antifreeze to name a few. This event is FREE for residents; qualifying small businesses may also participate for a fee. Sonoma County residents only.
HHW Collection Event—Sea Ranch
When: November 23, 2024; 9A-1P
Where: 39250 CA-1, Sea Ranch, CA 95497
Appointments are required
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Upcoming Meetings & Events | |
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Black Cod Week
October 18 - 27
All week long at restaurants & markets throughout Sonoma County
Occidental Town Hall
October 23, 6 - 8 PM
Harmony School, Falls Building
1935 Bohemian Highway
Main topics: Roads, Occidental to Graton Pipeline, Community Space Project, Emergency Preparedness, Public Arts, Public WiFi, Pickleball and Community Center updates; as well as time for Q & A.
Lower Russian River Wastewater Citizens' Advisory Group
October 24, 6 - 8 PM
Monte Rio Community Center
20488 Hwy 116
Talk With Your Mouth Full
October 24, 5 - 6:30 PM
The Playground Café
St. Stephens Episcopal Church
500 Robinson Road, Sebastopol
Supervisor Hopkins will lead a discussion on how parents of young children can get involved in community leadership. She will also explore how those from more represented generations in leadership roles can uplift, mentor, and support emerging leaders from younger generations.
Fall Community Fair
Saturday, October 26, 1 - 4 PM
Guerneville School
14630 Armstrong Woods Road
This free event will offer a range of wellness services, arts, games, food, entertainment, prizes, music, and more. Costumes are welcome, so bring the whole family for a fun-filled day. Representatives from the Lower Russian River Municipal Advisory Council (MAC) will be available to answer questions and gather feedback from the community. They are especially interested in hearing your thoughts on what events, workshops, and services you’d like to see at the 5th District’s West County Services Center.
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Fifth District Supervisor Lynda Hopkins | County of Sonoma | 707-565-2241
Lynda.Hopkins@sonoma-county.org
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