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I hope you’re all doing well and enjoying these first days of spring! There’s a lot happening in our community, and I’m excited to share some important updates with you. From fighting to protect reliable phone service to standing strong for transgender rights and community safety, we’re working hard to build a more just, inclusive, and resilient Sonoma County.
We also have some exciting opportunities to come together, like the upcoming Forestville Town Hall, where I’d love to hear your thoughts and ideas. Plus, don’t miss your chance to help shape the future of Monte Rio Redwoods Regional Park.
As always, I’m grateful for the chance to work for and with all of you. Let’s keep moving forward together!
~ Lynda
| | Protecting Access to Reliable Phone Service | | |
Once again, the issue of AT&T’s role as a Carrier of Last Resort (COLR) is front and center — and it’s starting to feel like déjà vu. Just last June, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) denied AT&T California’s application to withdraw as the COLR in certain areas, citing that the company failed to meet the requirements necessary to relinquish its obligations. Despite that decision, here we are again.
Back then, AT&T California was pushing to abandon its COLR responsibilities, arguing that traditional landlines were becoming obsolete in the shift toward broadband and wireless services. They sought to streamline the process for future withdrawals from other areas, raising alarms about the reliability of wireless service in rural regions prone to power outages, wildfires, and those still entirely dependent on copper landlines.
Now, AB 470 aims to make it even easier for telephone companies like AT&T to walk away from their obligations without meaningful review or approval from the CPUC. Worse still, if communities challenge these decisions, the flawed process only guarantees service for two more years — with no assurances beyond that. Supervisor Hopkins has submitted a letter on behalf of the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors opposing Assembly Bill 470.
The bill’s definition of a “well-served” area is deeply concerning. It requires the presence of three providers, including one wireline provider, offering service at rates comparable to COLR providers. But alternative providers aren’t held to the same standards of reliability, accessibility, or affordability. And by stripping the CPUC of its regulatory authority, AB 470 increases the likelihood of essential services being abandoned without ensuring reliable alternatives.
AB 470 would leave vulnerable and disaster-prone communities at risk. This isn’t about resisting technological progress; it’s about ensuring that progress doesn’t come at the expense of public safety and essential services.
We encourage you to stay informed and make your voices heard. To learn more about the bill and the concerns raised by the Rural County Representatives of California (RCRC), you can read their analysis here.
| | Forestville Town Hall - This Thursday 3/27 | | |
Hey Forestville!
Join us this Thursday March 25 for Forestville Town Hall, from 5 PM to 7:30 PM at the El Molino Library. This is your chance to hear from Supervisor Lynda Hopkins, meet your Forestville and Hacienda Representatives to the Lower Russian River Municipal Advisory Council (MAC), and catch up on local projects and initiatives. Here’s what’s on the agenda:
Welcome from Supervisor Hopkins
Meet Your MAC Representatives – Learn who’s representing your community, what the MAC does, and how you can get involved.
Infrastructure Project Updates – Get the latest on:
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Mirabel Road Bicycle and Pedestrian Lane Project with Regional Parks & Sonoma County Public Infrastructure
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Front Street Improvement Project with an overview of the permit review process and timeline from Cal Trans. Once permitting is complete, the project will be implemented by Sonoma County Public Infrastructure.
Hear from local organizations, including:
- Forestville Planning Association
- Forestville Chamber of Commerce
- see full list of participating organizations here.
Hear about visions for the El Molino Campus
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West Sonoma County HS District – Supporting programs like Laguna Continuation High School and the Non-Comprehensive Academy of Innovative Arts
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Initiative to Unify West County K-12 Schools – reopening El Molino as a Comprehensive High School
Connect & Share – Visit informational tables before and after the program to chat with community organizations and county representatives.
| | Board of Supervisors Resolution Honors Transgender Community and Local LGBTQIA2S+ Organizations | | |
Yesterday, March 25, the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors passed a powerful resolution recognizing the resilience, strength, and contributions of transgender and gender-expansive individuals in our community. The resolution also honored the critical work of Positive Images, LGBTQ Connection, and Amor Para Todos—organizations devoted to advocating for equity, providing mental health resources, and creating safer, more inclusive environments throughout the county.
We remain dedicated to standing in solidarity with the transgender community and are deeply grateful for the tireless efforts of these organizations. The Board’s action acknowledged the harsh realities transgender individuals continue to face, including discrimination, violence, and barriers to essential services like healthcare and housing. It also called attention to the alarming fact that over half of transgender and nonbinary youth in the U.S. have seriously considered suicide in the last year.
By passing this resolution, the Board committed to protecting and uplifting all gender identities. We will continue working alongside these incredible organizations to build a more just, inclusive, and equitable Sonoma County for everyone.
In raising the pink, blue and white transgender pride flag in front of the Board Chambers at 575 Administration Drive in Santa Rosa, the Board is recognizing International Transgender Day of Visibility, celebrated on March 31 each year.
| | Help Shape the Future of Monte Rio Redwoods Regional Park – Share Your Input! | | |
Sonoma County Regional Parks is inviting the public to help shape the future of Monte Rio Redwoods Regional Park and Open Space Preserve! This 515-acre park in western Sonoma County, acquired in 2020, offers trails through beautiful redwood and Douglas fir forests and along Dutch Bill Creek. The department is working on a master plan to guide future uses, including new trails, picnic areas, recreation opportunities, educational spaces, and natural resource protection.
The public survey, available in English and Spanish at SoCoParks.org/MRR-Plan, is open until April 11, 2025. Community feedback will play a key role in developing a draft master plan, which will then undergo environmental review and additional public input before being considered by the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors in winter 2026.
Monte Rio Redwoods is the first regional park of its kind in West County, serving Monte Rio and nearby communities like Camp Meeker, Tyrone, and Occidental. The park features diverse ecosystems, rare plant species, and habitats along Dutch Bill Creek that support steelhead trout and coho salmon.
This is your chance to contribute to the future of a treasured natural resource! Hard copies of the survey and documents are also available by contacting Park Planner Karen Davis-Brown at Karen.Davis-Brown@sonoma-county.org or 707-565-1359. Don't miss this opportunity to make your voice heard and help shape the future of this beautiful new park.
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Sonoma County Sheriff Standing Strong
for our Immigrant Communities
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Sheriff Engram is standing firm in his commitment to comply with SB 54, California’s law limiting cooperation with ICE. We deeply appreciate Sheriff Engram’s leadership and dedication to protecting immigrant communities. In a positive and proactive move, the Sheriff has also announced stricter rules governing when the county jail will communicate with ICE, ensuring even stronger safeguards for our residents.
We're grateful to have a clear, accessible resource to share with our community members who may have questions. To learn more about these changes and what they mean for our community, visit the Sheriff’s Office’s new immigration website by clicking the link or the image below.
| | Seismic Retrofit Planning Underway for Monte Rio Bridge | | |
On Tuesday March 25, the Board of Supervisors moved forward with approval for engineering and environmental work to prepare for a seismic retrofit of the Bohemian Highway Bridge over the Russian River in Monte Rio. The bridge has been flagged by Caltrans as structurally vulnerable to major earthquakes.
While the state initially planned a full replacement, a reassessment in 2023 by the Caltrans Office of Earthquake Engineering shifted the focus to addressing seismic vulnerabilities rather than pursuing a complete rebuild.
This approval marks important progress toward improving safety for the Monte Rio community. But while it’s a necessary step, the community deserves more than just a temporary fix. True resilience will require continued advocacy and investment to ensure long-term infrastructure solutions.
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Cazadero Highway Closure & Planned Power Shutoff
Wednesday April 2, 2025
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Cazadero Highway will be fully closed between 7:30 AM and 5 PM on Wednesday April 2. Traffic will be detoured via Austin Creek Road.
Sonoma County Public Infrastructure will be providing traffic control while PG&E removes several large redwood trees along Cazadero Highway near Hahn Road as part of a critical effort to enhance public safety, reduce wildfire risk, and prevent future power outages.
PG&E will notify customers that will be affected by a temporary power shutoff during this work.
| | Upcoming Meetings & Events | | | | |
Forestville Town Hall
Thursday March 27
Doors at 5, Program begins at 5:30
El Molino Library
7050 Covey Road
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Lower Russian River Municipal Advisory Council
April 10, 2025
5:30 PM
West County Services Center (former B of A building)
16390 Main Street, Guerneville
Main topic: Overview of Sonoma County Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs with Will Tesconi
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Community Coffee / Cafecito Comunitario
Monday April 21, 8 - 9 AM
West County Services Center, 16390 Main Street
District 5 invites you to drop in to our "Cafecito Comunitario" on the third Monday each month. You don't have to stay; you can just stop by to visit with D5 staff, enjoy a delicious pastry and coffee, tea, or hot chocolate; then go about your day. Everyone is welcome; we look forward to seeing you!
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Sonoma County Coast Municipal Advisory Council
Thursday May 15, 2025
5:30 PM, Bodega Bay Grange
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Fifth District Supervisor Lynda Hopkins | County of Sonoma | 707-565-2241
Lynda.Hopkins@sonoma-county.org
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