Weekly roundup for October 25, 2024

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

1. Boost wildfire safety with free risk assessment
2. Early voting underway ahead of Nov. 5 General Election
3. Black Cod Week supports local fishing industry through Oct. 27
4. Sonoma County Regional Parks launches equity survey
5. This week's podcast: Managing water in a changing climate
6. Other Sonoma County news of note

Boost wildfire safety with free risk assessment

Small tasks like clearing leaves from your roof and gutters and removing flammable debris from around your home can make a big difference in wildfire protection. Home hardening projects can make an even bigger impact.

To see if you are eligible for a free wildfire risk assessment and up to $10,000 in rebates to create defensible space or complete home hardening tasks, visit https://permitsonoma.org/socoadapts.

1. Sign up for alerts: https://socoemergency.org/receive-alerts/
2. Know your zone: https://socoemergency.org/get-ready/evacuation-map/
3. Have a Go Bag ready: https://socoemergency.org/get-ready/build-a-kit/

Early voting underway ahead of Nov. 5 General Election

Is your ballot still sitting where you left it? Or maybe it's filled out, but not yet sent out? Why wait for Election Day when you can make your voice heard right now.

Whether you're mailing it in or dropping by the Registrar of Voters office, early voting gets that ballot off your countertop and into the ballot box.

For all the info you need, please visit: https://socovotes.com/.

Black Cod Week supports local fishing industry through Oct. 27

With commercial crabbing season cut short and salmon season canceled for the second year in a row, Black Cod is now taking the spotlight.

Available right off the Sonoma Coast, this delicious and sustainable fish is being celebrated by local restaurants, markets and tasting rooms through Oct. 27. Support Sonoma County's fishing community by tasting incredible Black Cod dishes, crafted by chefs showcasing its versatility.

Prefer to cook at home? Local markets will have fresh Black Cod for you to create your own masterpiece. Find participating locations at https://www.sonomacounty.com/black-cod-week/.

Sonoma County Regional Parks launches equity survey

Sonoma County is seeking input to help create regional parks that are welcoming, accessible and inclusive for everyone. Share how you use our parks and help shape an Equity & Accessibility Framework to guide our efforts.

Your anonymous feedback is crucial in ensuring every visitor feels a sense of belonging and full participation in park experiences.

Please take the survey today at https://socoparks.org/EAF.

This week's podcast: Managing water in a changing climate

Many of us take it for granted that water will start flowing every time we turn on the faucet. But do you really know where your water comes from, and how it gets to our homes? Grant Davis, general manager of Sonoma Water, explains all of that and much more in the newest episode of the County's weekly podcast, SoCo Chat.

View the podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=scZVEtb9src

Other Sonoma County news of note

Early in-person voting begins this weekend for Nov. 5 General Election
https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/early-in-person-voting-begins-this-weekend-for-november-5-general-election

Prescribed burning operations planned at Monte Rio Redwoods Regional Park and Open Space Preserve
https://parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov/prescribed-burning-operations-planned-at-monte-rio-redwoods-regional-park-and-open-space-preserve

County of Sonoma's unfunded pension liability down 37 percent since 2020, according to annual report on health of retirement system
https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/county-of-sonomas-unfunded-pension-liability-down-37-percent-since-2020-according-to-annual-report-on-health-of-retirement-system

Sonoma County approves Microenterprise Home Kitchen program
https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/sonoma-county-approves-microenterprise-home-kitchen-program

Sonoma County awarded $1.84 million for the Northside Russian River Shaded Fuel Break Project
https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/sonoma-county-awarded-184-million-for-the-northside-russian-river-shaded-fuel-break-project

Former state public health director named Sonoma County interim health officer
https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/former-state-public-health-director-named-sonoma-county-interim-health-officer-x130681

Prescribed burning operations planned at Tolay Lake Regional Park
https://parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov/prescribed-burning-operations-planned-at-tolay-lake-regional-park-x130680

Sonoma Water to update climate change models for Russian River watershed
https://www.sonomawater.org/news/post/20183/