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This edition of SoCo Correspondent contains important information on the storm that shattered rainfall records in Sonoma County last month. You will also find updates on the Nov. 5 election, including a look at how the election results could impact the local economy. Plus, we have a series of stories to get you into the holiday spirit, complete with tips on how you can help needy children, attend a heart-warming event in Boyes Hot Springs or purchase the perfect gift for that special someone.
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.
¿Está interesado en leer sobre lo que hace el Condado de Sonoma dos veces al mes? Este boletín estará disponible en español. Regístrese aquí para suscribirse a nuestro boletín, el SoCo Correspondent.
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County declares emergency after historic rains | |
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The National Weather Service described it as an event that happens only once in a thousand years. Over the course of three days in November, an atmospheric river dumped more than 13 inches of rain on Santa Rosa. In less than a week, the Santa Rosa area got more than a third of the 34 inches of rain it normally receives in an entire year. Some parts of the county received more than 20 inches of rain.
Fortunately, the first major storm of the season did not cause major flooding on the Russian River. Parched landscapes absorbed much of the rain, while a dry summer left local creeks and the Russian River with room to carry away much of the remaining runoff. While people in low-lying areas experienced localized flooding, the Russian River crested at 34.5 feet, just below the level for a moderate flood that can trigger evacuations.
The Sonoma County Department of Emergency Management worked closely with government partners – including cities, fire districts, state agencies and the National Weather Service – to monitor the storm and alert people about the potential for flooding. The County’s social media platforms and SoCoEmergency.org provided continual updates during the storm. Department of Public Infrastructure crews worked around the clock to shut down unsafe roads and respond to flooding, landslides and downed trees.
On Tuesday of this week, the Board of Supervisors ratified a Nov. 26 decision by County Executive M. Christina Rivera to declare a formal emergency in response to the storms, which caused at least $4.5 million in damage. The declaration could open the door for residents who suffered losses during the rains to apply for financial assistance while allowing the County to seek state and federal reimbursement for storm-related expenses, if it becomes available in the future.
The storm is a reminder that climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, warned District 5 Supervisor Lynda Hopkins, who represents the Russian River area. The damage would have been far worse – perhaps comparable to the 1986 flood that inundated Guerneville and other river communities – if the storm had arrived later in the rainy season when local waterways and landscapes were saturated.
“I have never seen the river go from zero to flood stage in one storm before. It is a harbinger of things to come,” Supervisor Hopkins said. “We need to start planning for worst-case scenarios that might unfortunately exceed our imagination. There is no normal any more.”
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County posts final election results | |
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A map displays how local precincts voted in the Nov. 5 presidential election. Blue areas voted for Kamala Harris, red areas voted for Donald Trump.
More than four out of five voters in Sonoma County cast a ballot in the Nov. 5 election, demonstrating once again that local voters are among the most active in the state.
The Registrar of Voters Office certified the final election results on Tuesday after extensive reviews to ensure the count is accurate and complete. Nearly 82.5 percent of the county’s 309,933 registered voters cast a ballot in the Nov. 5 election, currently the seventh-highest turnout rate among California’s 58 counties. Statewide, 71.4 percent of registered voters participated in the election.
Election officials expanded efforts this year to demystify the process used to cast and count ballots in Sonoma County. Deva Marie Proto, the County’s Clerk-Recorder-Assessor and Registrar of Voters, hosted two open houses in August to answer questions from the public about election issues and appeared on the County’s weekly podcast, SoCo Chat, in January, October and November to provide updates. Staff provided tours to schools, candidates, community groups and members of the public, and explained election processes to numerous in-person observers and advocacy groups. Webcams allowed the public to view a livestream of the vote count on YouTube.
Proto thanked her department’s 18 full-time staffers, 39 extra-help workers and 404 poll workers for their efforts. Staff began preparing for the 2024 election cycle in early 2023, working on securing locations and prepping materials. Immediately after the March Primary election was certified, attention shifted fully to preparing for the November election. To make it easy for voters to participate, the County accepted mail-in ballots and operated 31 polling places where voters could cast their ballots in person. Seven opened 11 days before Election Day and the remainder opened Nov. 2, giving voters plenty of convenient options.
“Putting on a major election is an incredible feat that requires so much dedication and commitment to democracy,” Proto said. “We could not have done this without our amazing staff, poll workers and partners. It’s a big group that includes County departments, cities, law enforcement agencies, and an array of organizations that graciously allowed us to set up vote centers on their properties. Everyone went above and beyond to provide exemplary service to our citizens.”
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State approves County’s plan to manage the Sonoma Coast | |
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The California Coastal Commission has certified Sonoma County’s Local Coastal Plan, a foundational planning document that regulates land use and protects resources along the 55-mile shoreline. The Nov. 14 decision ensures the County retains permitting authority for development within the Coastal Zone, which extends from between a half mile and five miles from the coast in Sonoma County.
“With the Coastal Commission’s approval of the Local Coastal Plan, we have enhanced environmental protections for the Sonoma County coast, safeguarding its unique ecosystems, ensuring public access and promoting sustainable practices,” said District 5 Supervisor Lynda Hopkins, who represents the Sonoma coast on the Board of Supervisors. “The Sonoma County coast is not just a scenic treasure but a series of irreplaceable ecosystems that we’ve committed to safeguarding through the Local Coastal Plan.”
Permit Sonoma began work to update the plan in 2013. The Board of Supervisors adopted the Local Coastal Plan in July 2023, sending it to the Coastal Commission for certification.
The Local Coastal Plan addresses changing conditions on the coast that have developed over the past several decades, including the need to adapt to climate change, including sea-level rise. It also includes measures to safeguard public access, protect water resources, conserve coastal ecosystems, preserve agriculture, and mitigate wildfires and other hazards.
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Temporary plaza takes shape in the Springs | |
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Volunteers with the Springs Municipal Advisory Council and County staff collaborated to install picnic tables and chalkboards in a temporary plaza in Boyes Hot Springs.
There are not many places in this world where you can gaze into the future, but one such place exists in Boyes Hot Springs.
The County-owned parking lot at 22 Boyes Blvd. in Sonoma Valley has long been envisioned as the ideal site for a community plaza in the Springs. While relatively small in size, the parking lot is centrally located within walking distance from many homes, shops, restaurants and other businesses.
To demonstrate its potential, District 1 Supervisor Susan Gorin has pushed efforts to create a temporary plaza on the property. The parking lot has been blocked off, and cars have been replaced with picnic tables and chalkboards, where passersby can show off their creativity. District 1 staff, the Springs Municipal Advisory Council and community volunteers are working on additional features such as an entryway, signage and planter boxes for plants and trees.
“I want to reiterate that the current plaza is both in-progress and temporary, an interim project that will hopefully get the community excited about their future plaza and using the space to meet, relax, and connect,” Supervisor Gorin said. “With my tenure as Supervisor ending this year, it was important to me to get things started at the plaza after all the work the community has already put in.”
Want to get involved? Join District 1’s community committee to help with the design, painting, regular cleanups and fun ideas for families.
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Get into the holiday spirit at the Springs Winter Celebration on Dec. 7 | |
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Enjoy a cup of hot chocolate and a cookie with a sweet swirl of community spirit at the third annual Springs Winter Celebration, which returns to Boyes Hot Springs on Dec. 7.
The event, held from noon to 3 p.m. in the temporary plaza at 22 Boyes Blvd., was created in 2022 to help foster a sense of belonging and pride in the Springs. It is sponsored by the Springs Municipal Advisory Council and Sonoma Immigrant Services with support from District 1 Supervisor Susan Gorin, Sonoma Valley Fire and Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn.
The first 100 children will receive gifts from Santa, who will arrive in style on a Sonoma Valley fire engine and sit with families for free photos. Stop by and say hi to members of the County Communications Team, who will be on hand to answer questions, distribute prizes and help people connect with the County’s information platforms.
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Pitch in to help a local foster youth | |
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Foster children can face some difficult challenges, especially during the holidays. You have the opportunity to brighten their season and make a meaningful difference in their lives.
The Valley of the Moon Children’s Foundation and St. Francis Winery are teaming up on a toy and clothing drive to help children in Sonoma County’s foster care system, which protects young people who are removed from their homes because of abuse or neglect.
Here’s what’s needed: new, unwrapped toys, clothes and school supplies for children ages 5 to 17. Coats and hooded sweatshirts, beanies and other cold-weather gear are welcome. Gift cards are also very helpful, along with card games, puzzles and other stocking stuffers, and hygiene kits with soap, shampoo, lotion and lip balm.
Gifts may be dropped off through Dec. 18 at St. Francis Winery, 100 Pythian Road, in the Sonoma Valley. As a heartfelt thank you, enjoy special wine discounts when you donate during your visit.
The Valley of the Moon Children’s Foundation supports the health, well-being and education of current and former foster youth in Sonoma County. The Santa Rosa nonprofit also provides funding and resources to the Valley of the Moon Children's Center, a 24-hour emergency shelter operated by the County for abused, abandoned and neglected children.
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Economic Development Collaborative analyzes impact of election on local economy | |
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Supervisor Chris Coursey opens the annual Fall Economic Perspective on Nov. 21 in Rohnert Park. (Photo by Will Bucquoy)
The November election is not just reshaping the nation’s political landscape, it could also influence the local economy. To explore the potential impacts of the election, the Sonoma County Economic Development Collaborative convened local leaders from the worlds of business, nonprofits and government on Nov. 21 at its annual Fall Economic Perspective conference.
Supervisor Chris Coursey opened the event at Sonoma State University by highlighting the potential effects of mass deportations of undocumented immigrants. He noted that undocumented immigrants account for an estimated 6 percent of California’s workforce and pay more than $10 billion in local, state and federal taxes. Studies suggest that Sonoma County is home to anywhere from 18,000 to more than 25,000 undocumented immigrants, he said.
“The simple fact is that thousands of our neighbors, our employees, our co-workers, in many cases our friends and even family members, are unauthorized immigrants in our community,” Supervisor Coursey said. “I know there are strong feelings around this issue. As the debate goes on, I just ask that we keep in mind that we are talking about moms and dads and children, about our neighbors and our co-workers, about people who play a key role in our economy, and in our community.”
The keynote speaker, UCLA economist Jerry Nickelsburg, said the outlook for the U.S. economy remains strong. Investment and consumption will continue to drive economic growth, he said. Interest rates will likely continue to decline, while infrastructure investments, industrial policy and defense spending will likely add demand to the economy.
In California, the manufacturing and technology sectors will expand over the next two years due to continued investment in the Bay Area, though construction, real estate and agriculture may grow more slowly based on risks related to tariffs, the labor force, taxes, regulation and inflation. Incomes and employment in Sonoma County could grow around 1 percent annually, Nickelsburg predicted. Continued increases in air traffic at the Charles M. Schulz - Sonoma County Airport will be one barometer of local economic growth to monitor.
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County receives international award for expanding awareness of emergency preparedness | |
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Supervisor David Rabbitt, left, addresses students in the Emergency Operations Center during the Model EOC program in June.
A County program that introduces local students to emergency management is getting international attention.
The Sonoma County Department of Emergency Management was honored last month by the International Association of Emergency Managers for its work educating young people about emergency preparedness and response.
Students spent a week inside the County’s Emergency Operations Center last June, learning about the roles of various agencies assigned to the EOC during a disaster and how emergency preparedness can save lives and property. Students observed a real-life emergency unfold as EOC staff responded to the Point Fire, which started June 16 near Lake Sonoma. The fire burned more than 1,200 acres, destroyed 10 structures, and triggered evacuations west of Dry Creek Valley.
“The goals of the project were to help students understand critical decision-making in disasters, get them disaster-prepared, and inspire them to careers in emergency management,” said Jeff DuVall, director of the Department of Emergency Management. “It was also a part of building a more resilient community by having people of all ages integrate disaster preparedness into their lives. When the Point Fire broke out, the students really got to see this in action.”
The Model EOC program was organized by Nancy Brown, the department’s community preparedness manager. It received the IAEM Preparedness Award, which recognizes outstanding accomplishments in preparedness activities and services.
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Creative Sonoma launches campaign to promote careers in arts education | |
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Proposition 28, a 2022 ballot measure known as the Arts and Music in Schools Act, provides $9.5 million annually to Sonoma County schools for new arts programs. School districts with more than 500 students must use 80 percent of that funding on staffing arts teachers.
To promote career pathways in arts education, Creative Sonoma recently launched #TeachTheArts, a new campaign to inform and encourage artists – particularly student artists – to consider a career in arts education. The campaign was created by a committee of local arts, education and cultural partners convened by Creative Sonoma, a division of the Sonoma County Economic Development Collaborative.
“I applaud Creative Sonoma for working to get the word out about this critical support for arts education in schools,” said Supervisor David Rabbitt, chair of the Board of Supervisors. “We know the important role that arts play in a well-rounded education. This campaign not only supports the student experience, but it also bolsters our education workforce.”
The campaign includes a new online resource, CreativeSonoma.org/TeachTheArts, to help individuals learn about the pathways to becoming a credentialed arts teacher or teaching artist. A free workshop will be held Feb. 1 at Sonoma State University to help students and their parents understand more about the creative economy, Prop. 28, and career opportunities.
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Airport releases key parcels for development | |
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Want to launch a business at the growing Charles M. Schulz – Sonoma County Airport? There’s a unique opportunity, if you move quickly.
The airport is releasing seven parcels for development. The land could be used to build hangers for aircraft storage or operate an aeronautical business. One of the parcels is available for non-aeronautical use.
“The Charles M. Schulz – Sonoma County Airport is pleased to offer multiple parcels at our airport for new aeronautical businesses and for existing tenants to expand,” said Airport Manager Jon Stout. “The variety of the sizes and locations will appeal to all types of aeronautical users looking for a single hangar development to a multi-user group accommodating large aircraft.”
Responses are due by 3 p.m. on Dec. 16. Visit the Sonoma County Purchasing Portal for details. The airport welcomes interest from any party capable of designing, financing, developing, managing and operating a parcel.
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Win the holidays: Give someone you love a Sonoma County parks pass | |
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Looking for the perfect gift this holiday season? Consider giving someone special an annual Sonoma County Regional Parks pass.
A membership entitles you to 12 months of parking at more than 60 parks, beaches and marinas, one night of camping at a Regional Park campground, and a slew of discounts at local recreation providers and the popular Spring Lake Water Barks. Plus, passholders can launch trailered boats at Doran, Westside and Spring Lake parks for free.
Best of all, you can be proud of the fact that you are supporting your local park system, ensuring it stays healthy for years to come.
Gift memberships come in the form of a voucher that recipients redeem when they are ready to begin their membership. General memberships are $69. Senior memberships (ages 62 and older) are $49, while Access memberships for people with permanent disabilities are $29. They are available at Oliver’s Markets, REI in Santa Rosa, Sebastopol Hardware, Garrett Ace Hardware in Healdsburg and Windsor, Copperfield’s Books in Petaluma and other locations.
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Add SoCo Chat to your podcast playlist | |
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County Communications Manager Paul Gullixson, left, speaks with Supervisor Susan Gorin on a new episode of SoCo Chat posted today.
District 1 Supervisor Susan Gorin has served the public for nearly three decades, starting on the Santa Rosa School Board in 1996 before moving to the Santa Rosa City Council in 2006. For the last 12 years, she has represented nearly 98,000 residents of the Sonoma Valley and a large swath of southeastern Sonoma County on the Board of Supervisors. At the end of the month, she will step down from the Board and return to being a private citizen.
In a new episode out today of the County’s weekly podcast, SoCo Chat, Supervisor Gorin reflects on her long career in public service and what lies ahead. Listen to the interview here.
Subscribe to the County’s weekly podcast on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music and YouTube, and check out our growing library of episodes in both English and Spanish (Descubre nuestra creciente selección de episodios en inglés y español). Recent guests and topics of discussion have included:
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This year, the County expanded a program that sends teams of mental health professionals to help people in crisis, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Wendy Tappon, who oversees the Mobile Support Team program, explains how it works – and how you can get help for yourself or someone in need.
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HIV cases have increased in Sonoma County over the last five years, and a growing number of heterosexual people are testing positive. Learn who should get tested and how you can protect yourself. We chat with Miranda Patrick, a public health nurse who specializes in sexually transmitted infections.
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The Nov. 3 general election was the first presidential election in Sonoma County to be conducted under a state law that expanded opportunities for voters to choose how, when and where to cast their ballots. Deva Marie Proto, the County’s Registrar of Voters, provides an update on how it worked.
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Find room to grow with a County job | |
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The County currently has 60 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 two-hour virtual class will be held Jan. 9 at 5:30 p.m.
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 Jan. 9 class or sign up for our mailing list to be notified of future classes.
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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:
Your involvement can make a significant impact. Take the first step and explore how you can contribute to a brighter future for Sonoma County.
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