News
January 9 Storm Update - 4:45 PM
According to the 3PM NOAA Forecast, the Russian River is expected to crest at 32.1’ in Guerneville at 1AM Tuesday. It is good news that the rain came in below predictions, and that the River will barely reach flood stage with this storm series. Even better, the lights have come back on in many Lower Russian River communities! Mutual aid crews from Idaho and Washington states helped bring electrical service back to Guerneville, Rio Nido, and parts of Monte Rio today. Read on for more information about community support centers for charging and water; shelter at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds; evacuation resources for pets & livestock; and transportation services between Guerneville, Monte Rio, Forestville and the emergency shelter at the Fairgrounds. Read full story
January 8 Storm Update – 4:30 PM
There is a High Wind Warning in effect tonight through tomorrow morning. Stay home and off the roads if at all possible. We will likely see additional trees down, with impacts to our road system and electrical infrastructure. Gusts could hit 80mph in the Coastal Range. Currently, NOAA projects that the River will enter flood stage (32’) in Guerneville on Monday evening and 34.7’ on Tuesday morning. The River is expected to subside below flood stage Wednesday morning. Read full story
District 1 January 2023 Short Newsletter
Happy New Year from me and the District 1 team! Here we are earlier in December gathered for an end of year celebration. I hope you, your family, and your friends had a lovely, relaxing holiday season! Continue reading below for announcements, information on upcoming events, and community news!Original Publishing Date: 1/5/23 Read full story
7:15 PM Thursday Storm Update - January 5, 2022
The winds have died down tonight and the River isn’t flooding. It’s looking like we have a couple of days to breathe, take stock, and prepare before the River starts to rise again. I want to take the break in the storm as an opportunity to share a little of the behind-the-scenes work that goes on during a disaster. In my six years on this job, I don’t think I’ve ever witnessed the level of collaboration I’m seeing come together in this storm event. Read full story
8 AM Thursday Storm Update - January 5, 2022
As of this morning NOAA is *NOT* predicting the Russian River to reach flood stage from the first storm. The peak is expected to be a beautiful 25.4’ in Guerneville — beautiful because it’s nice see the river that full yet not impacting our homes and businesses. For the most up-to-date County resources, please visit SocoEmergency.org.NOAA *is* predicting the River to reach flood stage from the second storm. However, where previously they were predicting a 40’ peak, NOAA has now downgraded the potential peak to 36.1’ (good news for many local businesses and homes). The second storm event is expected to impact us starting Saturday, with Russian River water levels peaking in the wee hours of Monday morning (around 4AM). Read full story
Storm Update, Wednesday Evening - January 4, 2022
We are bracing for what may well be prolonged, repeat flooding of the Russian River in the days to come. Read full story
Wet. Windy, & Wild in West County
We are all closely watching the forecasts for the coming storms. With the ground saturated from prior rain and the rivers and creeks already high, flooding is likely — both from creeks overflowing their banks, as well as from the main stem of the Russian River. Read full story
ABC 7: West County Prepares for Incoming Storm
Here's how region is preparing for dangerous atmospheric river heading to Northern California Read full story
District 3 Year-End Newsletter
Read Supervisor Coursey's Year in Review Newsletter for a recap on the county's work on climate action, racial equity, housing and other initatives. Read full story
West County Progress - December 21, 2022
This is part 2 of our series of newsletters highlighting some of the key accomplishments across West County in the past year. Read full story