Weekly roundup for December 27, 2024

Published: December 27, 2024

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

Beware of dangerous waves on Sonoma Coast
Paved trails offer fun, safe way to enjoy parks during wet weather
Enter contest to name the 2025 Sonoma County Fair
Sonoma County Homeless Coalition accepting applications for funding
Other Sonoma County news of note

Beware of dangerous waves on Sonoma Coast

Going to the Sonoma Coast this weekend? Please do it safely. Large breaking waves of 20-30 feet will bring life-threatening conditions along the coast this weekend, prompting the National Weather Service to issue a High Surf Advisory through 4 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 29 for all coastal beaches in Sonoma County.

Inexperienced swimmers should stay out of the water. Sudden immersion in cold water can result in cold water shock and increase the risk of drowning. Stay off the jetties, piers and other waterside infrastructure. Keep your eyes on kids and pets. Never turn your back to the ocean.

For more safety tips, visit https://socoemergency.org/

Paved trails offer fun, safe way to enjoy parks during wet weather

Rain or shine, Sonoma County Regional Parks are wonderful places to escape from the hustle and bustle of the holidays and reconnect with nature.

When the weather gets wet, considering hiking on one of our paved trails. Fun options include:

Valley of the Moon Trail at Sonoma Valley Regional Park
Ridge Trail at Helen Putnam Regional Park
Santa Rosa Creek Trail
Beach Access Path at Gualala Point Regional Park
Lake Loop at Spring Lake Regional Park

Sticking to paved routes when the ground is muddy helps protect dirt trails from major damage and costly repairs in the future. Plus, your boots and bikes will thank you!

Plan your next visit at https://parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov/visit/find-a-park

Enter contest to name the 2025 Sonoma County Fair

The Sonoma County Fair is staging a contest to come up with a name for the 2025 fair. Submit your proposed slogan by Dec. 31 for a chance to win a Family Fair Pass including admission, carnival tickets and parking, along with a basket of treats.

The slogan should be short, snappy and easy to remember — just like our previous winner, “Jurassic Jubilee,” for the 2023 dinosaur-themed fair.

The 2025 Sonoma County Fair will spotlight dogs and other pets in a celebration of our furry, feathered, and scaly friends. The fair, which takes place Aug. 1-10, will feature shows starring talented animals and a “Pets & Posies” themed Flower Show.

The winning entry will capture the fun, excitement and tail-wagging joy we have in store in 2025. If more than one person submits the same winning slogan, a drawing will be held to determine the winner, which will be announced on Jan. 10.

Enter the contest by submitting your slogan here: https://conta.cc/41MntLP

Sonoma County Homeless Coalition accepting applications for funding

The Sonoma County Homeless Coalition is now accepting applications from nonprofits, local government agencies and tribal organizations for an estimated $5.5 million in funding for homeless services.

The funding will be awarded to programs that advance the goals and action steps of the Coalition’s 2023-2027 Homelessness Strategic Plan. Under the plan, approximately 80 percent of the funding will be distributed to existing, evidence-based, or proven programs and 20 percent will be targeted for innovative or “promising practice” program concepts with evaluation plans.

Applications are due by Jan. 30. The Homeless Coalition will host a Zoom meeting at 10 a.m. on Jan. 6 to provide technical assistance to organizations interested in applying for the funding. Information is available here: https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/health-and-human-services/health-services/divisions/homelessness-services/sonoma-county-homeless-coalition/annual-homeless-services-consolidated-nofa

The Homeless Coalition coordinates government and nonprofit programs that address homelessness in Sonoma County. It is overseen by a 17-member board consisting of local elected officials, nonprofit representatives, subject matter experts, and individuals with lived homeless experience. View its five-year Strategic Plan here: https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/health-and-human-services/health-services/divisions/homelessness-services/sonoma-county-homeless-coalition/strategic-plan

Other Sonoma County news of note

Development underway for permanent supportive housing project at George’s Hideaway
https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/development-underway-for-permanent-supportive-housing-project-at-georges-hideaway

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