Weekly Roundup for December 22, 2023

Published: December 22, 2023

Today’s digest provides helpful and important updates on the following:

Tips for winter weather driving and preparedness
AB 114 Community-based program funding deadline January 5
Cold and flu season reminder ahead of the holidays
Other Sonoma County news of note

Tips for winter weather driving and preparedness

As new storms bring more rain, please be prepared for possible flooding, winds and power outages. The National Weather Service is forecasting that this moderate rainfall can bring the potential for moderate to rapid rises along some rivers, stream and creeks, causing nuisance flooding. Mark West Creek, Green Valley and Laguna de Santa Rosa are the most likely areas to see these rises.

As rain accumulates, remember to slow down when behind the wheel and prepare for longer commute times. Other tips include:

Never drive through flooded roadways — Turn Around, Don’t Drown.
Turn on your headlights.
Stay current with the forecast.

For more detailed information, please visit: https://www.weather.gov/mtr/

More emergency preparation questions? Visit: https://socoemergency.org/emergency/flooding/

Community-based program funding deadline January 5

The Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office, Probation and District Attorney encourage all community-based programs, government entities, and schools to apply for funding in support of evidence-based programs. The funding is made available under California Assembly Bill 114, as part of the Budget Act of 2023.

The final day to apply for funding is by January 5 for all programs designed to:

Combat drug abuse
Divert gang activity
Provide positive intervention for high-risk elementary and secondary school students.

For more information or to apply, please call (707)565-8848 or email maria.galvan-lopez@sonoma-county.org.

Cold and flu season reminder ahead of the holidays

‘Tis the season to protect your loved ones and greater community from respiratory viruses. Here are some suggestions from the California Department of Public Health on how to stay safe and healthy this holiday season:

Stay up to date on vaccines. To make an appointment, visit https://www.vaccines.gov/.
Those who are 60 years and older or pregnant should also get the RSV vaccine.
Fever or chills? New loss of taste or smell? Stay home and test.
Seek treatments if you test positive for flu or COVID-19.
Consider masking indoors, especially if you are at higher risk for severe disease (over 65 years of age and/or persons with certain health conditions).
Wash your hands and cover your cough.

To learn more about respiratory virus protection, please visit:
https://go.cdph.ca.gov/respiratory-viruses.

2023 industry report on agriculture now available

While the 2023 winegrape harvest season is a bright spot for Sonoma County’s agriculture industry, dairy producers continue to face challenging economic headwinds. For more detailed information on the recent performance, pricing, expenses and long-term outlook for county agricultural products, see the 2023 Industry Insider report on Agriculture from Sonoma County’s Economic Development Board.

Read the full report at: https://bit.ly/4aoyDbn.

Other Sonoma County news of note

Sonoma County Housing Authority awarded $1.18 million in funding for new housing vouchers
https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/sonoma-county-housing-authority-awarded-118-million-in-funding-for-new-housing-vouchers

Russian River Inflatable Dam lowered in advance of forecasted storm
https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/russian-river-inflatable-dam-lowered-in-advance-of-forecasted-storm-x127304