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Hi everyone,
Sonoma County is updating its Public Safety Element and drafting a new Environmental Justice Element—two key pieces of the General Plan that will shape how we prepare for disasters, protect our most vulnerable communities, and make land use decisions that reflect our values. These draft plans aren’t just technical documents—they’re a chance to decide what kind of place we want to live in, and who gets centered in that future.
There’s also good work unfolding across the district, from new supportive housing at Elderberry Commons to local efforts around fire safety and sustainability. And with major cycling events taking place on our scenic roads this May, a heads-up to drivers: California law requires giving cyclists at least three feet when passing. It’s not just a good idea—it’s the law, and it helps keep everyone safe.
Whether you’re weighing in on a policy, clearing defensible space, or stopping by a block party in Guerneville—thank you for staying involved. This community runs on participation, and your voice matters.
See you out there,
~ Lynda
| | Draft Safety & Environmental Justice General Plan Updates Open for Public Feedback | | |
Sonoma County is in the process of updating our General Plan's Public Safety Element and developing a new Environmental Justice Element. These documents guide how the county plans for natural hazards, health, and equity in land use decisions.
The project will develop goals and policies to protect the public from unreasonable hazard risks and to prioritize the needs of environmentally burdened and under-resourced communities.
The drafts are available for public review until April 30. You can get get involved in three ways:
Take an online survey
Join a virtual workshop
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Environmental Justice Element: Tuesday, April 22, 6–7:30 PM
Register here
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Safety Element: Wednesday, April 23, 6–7:30 PM
Register here
Send written comments to: GeneralPlan@sonoma-county.org
After April 30, staff will revise the drafts based on community input before they go to the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors.
| | Get Ready for Fire Season | | |
Resilient Landscaping Workshop – April 26
Join the Resilient Landscapes Coalition and Safer West County for a free workshop on creating defensible space that is both beautiful and sustainable. Learn science-based strategies for fire-wise landscaping across the 0–100' zones around your home, with practical guidance on plant selection, design, and maintenance. The workshop takes place on Saturday, April 26, from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM at the Forestville Community Library. Space is limited.
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Free Curbside Chipping Available Now
Sonoma County has launched its free Residential Curbside Chipper Program early this year to help residents reduce wildfire risk. Eligible properties in unincorporated areas can receive up to two hours of complimentary chipping—twice per year—to create defensible space and clear vegetation along access roads.
Chipping visits are scheduled first-come, first-served. Be sure to prep your piles according to the guidelines before applying.
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Ride Season Returns
Watch for Cyclists: on May 3 & 10
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As spring settles in across Sonoma County, two large-scale cycling events will take to our scenic roads in May, bringing an increase in bicycle traffic and support vehicles. These are permitted, non-competitive rides with no planned road closures—but they do mean more wheels on the road.
Community members are encouraged to stay alert and plan ahead. See route maps to help you plan your travels. Thank you for your patience and attentiveness during these spring weekends on the road.
Saturday, May 3 – Wine Country Century
This annual ride draws up to 2,500 participants. Starting and ending at the Luther Burbank Center for the Arts, cyclists will be on route throughout the day, choosing from 34-, 62-, or 100-mile options. Support vehicles, clearly marked signage, and rest stops will be in place to ensure safety. Riders are expected to follow all traffic laws and ride respectfully through local communities.
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Saturday, May 10 – King Ridge Supreme Ride
This West County ride will bring 400 cyclists through some of our region’s most challenging and beautiful terrain. Departing from Duncans Mills in the morning, riders will tackle routes of either 65 or 91 miles, each featuring steep climbs and timed hill segments. Volunteer support, EMT vehicles, and rest
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Green Halo, a new construction and demolition waste tracking platform developed by Permit Sonoma, goes into effect May 5 and aims to reduce landfill waste and improve recycling compliance across the county.
Under new requirements, builders must recycle 100% of inert materials (such as concrete and asphalt) and at least 65% of other construction waste. Green Halo simplifies reporting and helps align local efforts with California’s environmental standards.
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Elderberry Commons is now open in Sebastopol, offering 29 units of permanent supportive housing for formerly unhoused residents. A true community effort, the project was made possible through Project Homekey and a partnership between Burbank Housing, West County Community Services, and the Sonoma County Community Development Commission.
Photo Credit: Loren Hanson, Burbank Housing
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California Coastal Commission May 8 Hearing:
Updating the Coastal Maps that Support Sonoma’s LCP
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On February 4, 2025, the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors formally certified the County’s updated Local Coastal Program (LCP)—a major milestone in the years-long effort to modernize land use policy along our coastline. Now, the California Coastal Commission is preparing to take the next step: updating the official Post-Certification Jurisdiction Maps that show where Commission permitting authority and appeal rights still apply.
These maps—originally drafted in the early 1980s—are being revised with modern GIS technology, refined boundary data, and input from both Coastal Commission staff and Permit Sonoma. The changes don’t reopen or alter the policy framework adopted in February; rather, they provide the clarity needed to implement it consistently and transparently.
The May 8 hearing is part of the regular process that follows certification—bringing the maps in line with the policies and ensuring that sensitive areas like tidelands, public trust lands, and coastal estuaries are accurately represented.
| | Click the Thursday tab, and scroll to item #10 | | Upcoming Meetings & Events | | Rise Together to Tackle Drug Overdose | | |
Saturday, April 26th
2pm - 3:30pm
575 Administration Drive
Santa Rosa
Join the Sonoma County Youth Commission on Human Rights for a FREE and YOUTH-LED community event focusing on addressing drug overdose and gaining insights from community experts like Face2Face and Micah's Hugs.
There will be free resources, food and NARCAN available for attendees. Please RSVP here.
Open to students ninth grade and above & community members.
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West County Fix-it Fair
Saturday May 3rd
10 AM to 2 PM
El Molino Campus in Forestville
This is a free community event focused on waste reduction, reuse, and sustainability. Visit the community info area where among other community groups, the Lower Russian River MAC representatives will be present, along with Zero Waste Sonoma, who will be sharing information about the new Green Halo program mentioned above.
Plus: enjoy a taco truck, live DJ, and lots of community connections.
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Guerneville Mayday Block Party
Saturday May 3rd noon - 4 PM
Larks Parking Lot
The Russian River Chamber is putting on a Block Party to help the businesses downtown who have been affected by the construction!
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Community Coffee / Cafecito Comunitario
Monday May 19, 8 - 9 AM
West County Services Center
16390 Main Street, Guerneville
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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Fifth District Supervisor Lynda Hopkins | County of Sonoma | 707-565-2241
Lynda.Hopkins@sonoma-county.org
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