Today’s edition of SoCo Correspondent offers important updates, including stories about efforts to treat drug addiction, expand parklands in west Sonoma County and help people experiencing a mental health crisis. And don't miss the preview of Restaurant Week, a County-sponsored event that has become one of the best times of the year to experience our vibrant and diverse culinary scene.

If you have a friend or family member who lives in the area – or you know of a former Sonoma County resident who might be interested in receiving these updates – urge them to sign up for the SoCo Correspondent so they can receive it directly, normally on the first and third week of each month.

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The toll of substance abuse in Sonoma County is heartbreaking. Every 65 hours, on average, another person dies of a drug overdose in Sonoma County. Overall, 135 local men, women and children perished in 2023. Three in four lost their lives because of one type of drug: opioids, primarily fentanyl.

Last week, the Board of Supervisors approved a plan to address this crisis. It allocated $16.1 million for programs that treat addiction and educate the public about the dangers of opioids. The funding comes from drugmakers, distributors and pharmacies that agreed to pay $26 billion nationwide to settle lawsuits by California and other states over the devastation caused by the opioid epidemic.

“The opioid crisis is complex, and these drugs have done significant harm to our community,” said Supervisor Lynda Hopkins, chair of the Board of Supervisors. “The settlement funds will allow for a much-needed opportunity for expansion of extensive education, outreach, care and community services.”

So far, Sonoma County has received $12.7 million from the national settlement. The County is expected to collect an additional $31 million over the next 14 years, including $3.5 million this year. Under the terms of the settlement, the funds must be used on activities tied to ending, reducing or lessening the effects of the opioid crisis.

The 1,517-acre Monte Rio Redwoods Expansion property in Sonoma County. (Justin Lewis / The Coldwater Collective, courtesy of Save the Redwoods League)

For decades, conservationists have been acquiring blocks of forest land in west Sonoma County, with a goal of piecing together an uninterrupted mosaic of protected property stretching from Monte Rio to the Pacific Ocean.

A major piece fell into place last week when Save the Redwoods League announced a $24 million deal to buy a 1,517-acre forest next to Monte Rio Redwoods Regional Park and Open Space Preserve. The San Francisco nonprofit will convey the property to Sonoma County Regional Parks for long-term stewardship after the purchase is completed later this year.

“This project is an exciting piece of a much larger puzzle,” said Misti Arias, general manager of Sonoma Ag + Open Space. “We’ve spent many years working to conserve lands that connect Monte Rio to the coast, and this expansion is essential to making that a reality. Conserving these large swaths of interconnected conserved lands means habitat for plants and wildlife, healthy watersheds and exciting spaces for people to explore and connect with the natural world.”

The property contains 1,287 acres of coast redwood forest that has been in timber production for more than 100 years. It offers stunning views of the Russian River Valley and is home to the headwaters of three Russian River tributaries – Dutch Bill Creek, Freezeout Creek, and Willow Creek – where coho salmon and steelhead trout come to spawn. The redwood forest’s ability to store carbon, a critical tool to combat climate change, has made the property a high priority for conservation.

Ag + Open Space will provide up to $6 million to acquire a conservation easement and recreational covenant over the property, ensuring its natural and recreational resources are conserved forever. Save the Redwoods League and Sonoma Land Trust are pursuing public and private funding to buy the property from Mendocino Redwood Company. Individuals who would like to support the project are invited to visit SaveTheRedwoods.org.

The Sonoma County Department of Health Services reopened its Crisis Stabilization Unit this month following a six-month closure for major repairs.

The unit provides crisis intervention for children and adults experiencing a mental health emergency 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Services include assessment, medication support and up to 23 hours of care for individuals in an acute mental health crisis. People who require longer-term support are then referred to crisis residential units or inpatient mental health facilities.

The Crisis Stabilization Unit was closed in August after the discovery of a serious mold outbreak caused by a leaky roof. Now that it has reopened, the unit is again accepting transfers from hospitals and direct referrals from law enforcement and mobile crisis teams, alleviating the strain on hospital emergency rooms.

“The reopening of the Crisis Stabilization Unit is a critical step in ensuring that those in crisis receive timely and compassionate care,” said Supervisor Lynda Hopkins, chair of the Board of Supervisors. “Sonoma County remains committed to strengthening mental health resources for our community.”

The Board of Supervisors presented a Gold Resolution to members of the NAACP on Feb. 11.

Black History Month is a time to celebrate the many historic achievements of Black Americans. And it is also an opportunity to acknowledge the far-reaching ramifications of a painful truth: our country was built, in part, with the labor of enslaved Africans who were kidnapped from their homeland.

Last week, the Board of Supervisors declared the month of February as Black History Month. “By honoring the past, the beginning of healing can initiate,” the proclamation states. “Let us see Black History Month as a time of honesty, communication, and healing to honor the legacy and current accomplishments of Black people in Sonoma County.”

Supervisor Lynda Hopkins, chair of the Board of Supervisors, presented a Gold Resolution to representatives of the Sonoma County branch of the NAACP on Feb. 11 and congratulated the group on the recent opening of its Home of Intentional Vision for Equity, or HIVE. The Santa Rosa office will serve as a safe space for advocacy, education and community building that centers Black, Indigenous and other People of Color. On Feb. 25, the Board of Supervisors will consider approving a $100,000 grant to support the initiative, she said.

“Every month should be Black History Month, and every month should be Black Future Month,” Supervisor Hopkins told the NAACP delegation. “How can we be better allies to support overcoming the racial injustices of centuries?”

Sonoma State University plays a critical role in the local economy. Every $1 million spent on the Rohnert Park campus generates an additional $625,000 in spending at local businesses, $53,100 in state and local tax revenue, and supports 13 local jobs, according to a 2021 report commissioned by the California State University system.

Deep cuts proposed by the university to close a $24 million deficit at SSU will have far-reaching consequences, the Board of Supervisors warned in a Feb. 4 letter to CSU Chancellor Mildred Garcia and the CSU Board of Trustees. They will impact not only the university and its students, but also the broader Sonoma County community, our local economy and the ability of employers to recruit and retain a skilled workforce.

“We value our local university and urge CSU and SSU leadership to explore alternatives to these cuts that do not compromise the university’s ability to serve students or negatively impact the broader community,” the Board of Supervisors stated in a letter signed by Supervisor Lynda Hopkins, chair of the Board. “We stand ready to collaborate with you to advocate for additional resources and explore innovative funding solutions to ensure that SSU remains a robust engine of opportunity for our region.”

District 3 Supervisor Chris Coursey, who represents the Rohnert Park area, will attend a public forum at the SSU Student Center Ballroom tomorrow (Feb. 21) at 2 p.m. to discuss options with state legislators, university staff and students. A livestream of the three-hour forum can be viewed here.

A group of 50 exceptional County employees with a combined 1,235 years of public service gathered Feb. 7 at the Bennett Valley Golf Club to be honored for their contributions to our community.

The annual dinner recognized 19 employees with 20 years of service, 18 with 25 years of service, 11 with 30 years of service, one with 35 years of service and one who has dedicated 40 years to serving the public.

“The employees of Sonoma County are the heart of our community. Thank you for your service, your commitment to excellence and your role in building a brighter and stronger community for all,” said Supervisor Lynda Hopkins, chair of the Board of Supervisors.

Here’s a smart way to spend your lunch break: jump on an upcoming Zoom webinar with the County’s Energy and Sustainability Division and learn how it can help you improve your home.

The webinars, held at 11:30 a.m. every Wednesday for the next four weeks, are packed with practical information on the following topics:

• Feb. 26: How to create defensible space and harden your home against wildfires. Panelists include Mimi Enright, manager of the UC Master Gardener program in Sonoma County. Presentations will cover information about financing and resources available to get your project started.

• March 5: How to go solar. The program will explore the basics of solar, the use of backup battery systems, and why critical loads are important to determine. Staff will also review incentives and compare available funding options.

• March 12: How to make the switch to an all-electric home. An overview of best practices to get the performance, comfort and savings that are possible with an all-electric home. Chris Bradt from LG Electronics joins the Energy and Sustainability team for a discussion on how to size equipment, sort through must-have vs. nice-to-have features, and set up controls to make an all-electric home work for you.

• March 19: How to fund improvements to your home. A look at the array of incentives, rebates and financing options for projects that will make your home more energy efficient, comfortable and safe from wildfires or earthquakes.

Registration is required. To reserve your spot, click on the links above for the webinars you want to view.

It’s easy to take our regional parks for granted. They are located in every corner of the county. Most are free to enter and are open 365 days a year.

But it takes money to operate and maintain them. You can help. Consider making a donation to the Sonoma County Parks Foundation. The Santa Rosa nonprofit sponsors park programs for underserved communities, seniors and youth; supports the development of environmental education programs; funds natural resources projects to restore habitats and protect wildlife; provides financial support to develop new parks and trails; and hosts popular community events, such as the Spring Lake Water Bark.

There are many ways to give. You can join Park Pals, a monthly giving club. Members receive special invitations to Park Insider events such as new park previews, private guided hikes and more. You can sponsor a bench or picnic table with a personalized plaque commemorating a person or event. There are business sponsorships, legacy gifts, and a host of opportunities to support a specific park or program.

One of the primary goals of the Americans with Disabilities Act is to ensure that all people can participate equally in public life, regardless of their abilities. Since the passage of the landmark civil rights legislation in 1990, the County has been working to remove barriers that limit accessibility to County facilities, programs and services.

To advance this work, the County hired a consultant last year to identify barriers at 72 County-owned and leased facilities. On Feb. 10, the Board of Supervisors approved a plan to eliminate 4,508 barriers to access on sidewalks, curbs, bus stops, parking lots and other County-owned sites. The action implements the final phase of the County’s ADA Transition Plan, which was adopted in 2009 and updated last year.

The work, which is prioritized in the ADA Transition Plan, is estimated to cost $23.8 million and is ongoing.

The Board of Supervisors this month approved an accord with local labor unions that will significantly expand the use of Project Labor Agreements, a type of collective bargaining agreement that benefits workers and their employers.

A Project Labor Agreement sets terms of employment for workers – union and non-union – on certain types of projects. They are negotiated in advance with local labor unions and built into bid specifications for a project. In general, they set wages and benefits for workers, require contractors to hire workers through a union hiring hall, and include no-strike and no-lockout clauses. They may also outline goals for hiring workers from local and disadvantaged communities and supporting small businesses.

The Board of Supervisors has required the use of Project Labor Agreements on County-funded construction projects of $10 million or more since 2014. The updated policy lowers the threshold to $1 million and expands the requirement to cover County maintenance contracts. For the first time, the policy will cover the Sonoma County Fairgrounds, Sonoma Water and four sanitation districts managed by the County water agency.

“These changes will help strengthen our economy and our community,” said Supervisor Lynda Hopkins, chair of the Board of Supervisors. “This agreement with our union partners increases the number of workers who will earn a fair wage and benefits. Employers will benefit, too, by having an existing template for labor agreements, which reduces delays and uncertainty.” 

If you know, you know: The last week of February is one of the best times of the year to dine out in Sonoma County.

More than 110 local restaurants have created special menus and discounts for customers during Sonoma County Restaurant Week, held Feb. 24 to March 2. The annual event, now in its 16th year, is an excellent opportunity to try a new restaurant and sample dishes you may not have tasted before.

The Sonoma County Economic Development Collaborative organized the event as a way to encourage residents to support local restaurants during one of their slowest times of the year. Last year, the event drew more than 80,000 customers and generated $5.5 million in economic activity, according to the Economic Development Collaborative, which provides confidential, no-cost consulting services to businesses seeking to start, relocate and grow in Sonoma County.

Visit socorestaurantweek.org to view prix fixe menus and search restaurants by location, amenities, prices and cuisine. Every restaurant will have at least one prix fixe menu to choose from. You can dine in or order online for takeout. Options are available for dinner, lunch and breakfast, too.

Cases of flu are on the rise for a second time this season and, for the first time, more people this winter have died from the flu than COVID.

If you haven’t gotten your annual flu shot yet, now is the time. Even if you did get the flu vaccine earlier this season, consider getting a booster if you are over 65, have heart or lung disease (like asthma), or have a weak immune system.

The Sonoma County Department of Health Services, in partnership with the California Department of Public Health, will be holding free flu vaccine clinics in Petaluma during February and March at Café Puente, 610 E. Washington St., #C. Vaccinations will be available:

• Friday, Feb. 21 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
• Saturday, Feb. 22 from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Tuesday, March 11 from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
• Saturday, March 15 from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

While everyone should get a flu shot and is welcome at these clinics, it is especially important for farmworkers and others who are regularly in contact with dairy cows and poultry. That’s because it is possible to get infected with both the human flu and the bird flu at the same time. If that happens, there’s a possibility of the viruses mutating into a variant that is potentially dangerous to humans. While a flu shot won’t prevent the bird flu, also known as H5N1, it will protect against more severe flu symptoms and reduce the risk of getting sick from both H5N1 and the flu at the same time.

Jorge Rodriguez, right, community alert and warning program manager in the Sonoma County Department of Emergency Management, speaks with County Communications Manager Paul Gullixson during a recent episode of SoCo Chat. 

It’s known as “mutual aid,” and it plays a vital role in helping communities respond to wildfires and other disasters. When fires devastated several areas of Los Angeles last month, Sonoma County quickly sent workers to help. Jorge Rodriguez, community alert and warning program manager in the Sonoma County Department of Emergency Management, stopped by the SoCo Chat studio to discuss his experiences in Los Angeles and the importance of mutual aid during emergencies. 

Subscribe to SoCo Chat on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music and YouTube, and check out our growing library of episodes in both English and Spanish. Recent guests and topics of discussion have included:

• The Sonoma County Homelessness Coalition plays a central role in efforts to end homelessness in our community. Andrew Akufo, a program planning and evaluation analyst in the Department of Health Services, takes us inside this important initiative.
• Out of the ashes of the 2020 Glass Fire, something extraordinary is blooming in Sonoma County. Join us as we dive into an inspiring story of resilience, renewal and community. Pat Decker, a volunteer with the Master Gardener program and Mimi Enright, program manager at the Sonoma County UC Cooperative Extension, share the story about a once-devastated space that has been transformed into a vibrant and edible paradise for children. 
• Changing the way we think about garbage won’t just extend the life of our landfills. It could also help slow down climate change by reducing emissions of methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Leslie Lukacs, executive director of Zero Waste Sonoma, explains.
• District 5 Supervisor Lynda Hopkins, 2025 chair of the Board of Supervisors, discusses her priorities for the year. At the forefront: Government needs to work better for every member of our community. 

The County has more than 50 job openings posted on its website. How can you improve your chances of landing one?

Sign up for the next Start Here! class, which provides an overview of the County of Sonoma’s job application, examination and selection processes. The next two-hour virtual class will be held March 12 at noon.

The free class is intended for the public, whether you are looking for a new position now or planning for a future employment opportunity. Participants will learn how to submit a thorough application, best practices for the interview and examination, and much more.

Contact us at careers@sonoma-county.org to register for the March 12 class or sign up for our mailing list to be notified of future classes.

Dogs and cats are not the only ones at the Sonoma County Animal Shelter in need of a forever home. Meet Squash. He’s a 2 ½-year-old long-haired rabbit who’s been at the shelter since August. Will you welcome him into your family?

Squash is one of dozens of cats, dogs, rabbits and other animals at Sonoma County Animal Services in need of adoption.

Get involved with local government

Make a difference in Sonoma County! Local government thrives when passionate individuals like you step up to serve. There are countless opportunities for you to get involved and play a crucial role in shaping the future of our beloved Sonoma County. Check out the current vacancies:



• Child Care Planning Council of Sonoma County: Advocating for comprehensive child care planning and coordination throughout our county.
• Community Action Partnership of Sonoma County: Collaborating with low-income families to achieve economic and social stability.
• Emergency Medical Care Council: Enhancing emergency medical care, overseeing and maintaining the system and coordinating long-term planning for public education and injury prevention.
• Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health Advisory Board: Promoting the health and well-being of families, children and adolescents in our community.
• Task Force on Integrated Waste Management: Developing goals, policies and procedures to guide the development of the Siting Element of the county-wide integrated waste management plan.

Your involvement can make a significant impact. Take the first step and explore how you can contribute to a brighter future for Sonoma County.

Volunteer opportunities

Make a difference in your community. Find out how you can give back here.

Employment opportunities

Take your next career step with the County of Sonoma. Explore employment opportunities here.

(stories may require subscriptions)

• Sonoma County airport reports highest-ever number of passengers flown in January (Feb. 19)
• Mitote Food Park in Santa Rosa finds new home (Feb. 19)
• Our Dining Editor’s favorite picks for Sonoma County Restaurant Week (Feb. 19)
• ‘Good for the world ... good for the soul’: New Sonoma County youth magazine features Juvenile Hall poetry (Feb. 19)
• Sonoma County District 1 Supervisor Hermosillo discusses priorities, issues facing Springs community (Feb. 18)
• Familiar face named CEO of Sonoma County Fair (Feb. 18)
• Sonoma County nonprofits take a stand against homelessness (Feb. 17)
• Those working to preserve the Russian River watershed’s native Coho salmon offer hope for a flourishing future (Feb. 17)
• Sonoma County launches survey for residents’ feedback following atmospheric river (Feb. 15)
• 2nd surge in flu cases fuels sharp rise in Sonoma, Napa counties as officials urge more to get vaccinated (Feb. 14)
• He wasn’t the first to drown on Sonoma County’s roads. Why does it keep happening? (Feb. 13)
• Eel River pact redresses past wrongs, provides model for compromise among diverse interests, officials say (Feb. 13)
• Historic pact reached on future Eel River water flows into Russian River (Feb. 12)
• Sonoma County’s Crisis Stabilization Unit reopens after 6-month closure for mold, roof repairs (Feb. 12)
• Sonoma County freezes evictions, declares emergency in wake of latest storm, with damage in region at $8.8 million (Feb. 11)
• Sonoma County supervisors approve $16 million spending plan for opioid settlement funds (Feb. 11)
• Save the Redwoods League signs $24 million deal to purchase Monte Rio redwood forest and expand county park (Feb. 11)
• Sonoma County sets salary range for top position in new Registrar of Voters department (Feb. 11)
• Close to Home: ‘Change you can see,’ sheriff says (Feb. 10)
• Mitote Food Park closes and reopens in Santa Rosa. What’s in store for the dining destination? (Feb. 10)
• Sonoma Valley Point-in-Time homeless count contributes to county’s tracking of homeless crisis (Feb. 10)
• Sonoma County Fair horse racing likely canceled due to high costs, horse shortage (Feb. 10)
• Annual homeless tally held in Petaluma (Feb. 10)
• Judge grants Sonoma County temporary window to issue well permits (Feb. 8)
• Sebastopol council OKs firefighting merger with Gold Ridge, but residents, businesses might balk at ‘parcel tax’ (Feb. 6)
• Hooked on steelhead: Festival returns to Lake Sonoma (Feb. 7)
• SSU conference focuses on impact to economy from climate change (Feb. 5)

Upcoming events

Feb. 20           Fish and Wildlife Commission

Feb. 22           IOLERO Community Advisory Council strategic planning workshop

Feb. 24           Homeless Commission quarterly membership meeting

Feb. 25           Board of Supervisors

Feb. 25           Sonoma Valley Community Advisory Commission

Feb. 25           Human Rights Commission

Feb. 26           Community Development Committee

March 5          IOLERO Community Advisory Council

March 6          Planning Commission

March 11        Board of Supervisors

March 11        Aging & Disability Commission Executive Committee

Getting outside and enjoying the county

Feb. 26           Winging It Wednesday – Spring Lake Regional Park

March 4          Senior Saunter – Helen Putnam Regional Park

March 6          Wildlife Monitoring: Measure M At Work – North Sonoma Mountain Regional Park

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A publication of the County Administrator’s Office – Communications Staff