Weekly roundup for December 6, 2024

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

1. Free family fun with Sonoma County Ag + Open Space
2. Secure Families Collaborative offers immigration support
3. Free e-waste recycling events in Petaluma
4. Springs Winter Celebration happens Dec. 7
5. Other Sonoma County news of note 

Free activities with Sonoma County Ag + Open Space

Whether you’re feeling crafty, adventurous or ready to soak up breathtaking vistas, there are several opportunities get outside this winter with Sonoma County Ag + Open Space. 

• Winter Wreaths & Nature Decor Workshop: Craft your own unique wreaths and nature-inspired décor on Dec. 6, Noon–4:15 p.m., Sonoma Garden Park, 19996 7th St. E., Sonoma 
• Charlie Brown Tree Hunt: Channel your inner lumberjack and harvest all the Charlie Brown trees you want on Dec. 7, 9 a.m.–3:15 p.m., Riddell Preserve (meet at Healdsburg Corporation Yard, 550 Westside Road, Healdsburg) 
• Little Black Mountain to Pole Mountain Hike: Tackle a 6-mile hike to the 2,204-foot summit for jaw-dropping views of the Sonoma Coast on Dec. 15, 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Monte Rio Beach parking lot, Monte Rio 

For more information on these and other outings and events, please visit: https://www.sonomaopenspace.org/outings-events. 

Secure Families Collaborative offers immigration support

The Secure Families Collaborative is hosting free Immigration Support Clinics on Sundays across Sonoma County. Get individual consultations and resources to help you and your loved ones on Dec. 8 at Santa Rosa Junior College, 1501 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa, from 1 to 5 p.m.  

Call (707) 856-4988 for more details. Learn about your rights, relief, emergency guardianship and custody family planning. No appointment needed. 

Free e-waste recycling events in Petaluma

Join Zero Waste Sonoma and Conservation Corps North Bay for a free electronics recycling event this Friday through Sunday, Dec. 6 - 8, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Lucchesi Park, 320 N. McDowell Blvd., Petaluma. No appointment is necessary. 

Accepted items include cell phones, tablets, computers, laptops, printers, stereos, TVs, video game consoles and more. Appliances, batteries, lamps, lightbulbs and more are not accepted. 

For more information on acceptable and unacceptable items for this and other e-waste recycling events, please visit: https://zerowastesonoma.gov/e-waste-disposal.  

Springs Winter Celebration happens Dec. 7 

The annual Springs Winter Celebration will take place this Saturday, Dec. 7 at the temporary Springs Community Plaza, 22 Boyes Blvd., Boyes Hot Springs.   

This family-friendly event is hosted by the Springs Municipal Advisory Council in partnership with Sonoma Immigrant Services.  

• Santa Claus himself will arrive in style aboard a Sonoma Valley Fire Engine straight from the Agua Caliente Substation (with a pit stop at the North Pole)
• Free cookies, hot chocolate, coffee & water to keep you warm and jolly
• Fun giveaways and festive vibes all around
• Share your thoughts, ask questions, and connect with your community 

Don’t forget to get on Santa’s Extra-Nice list by walking, biking or carpooling to the event.  

Other Sonoma County news of note

Sonoma County to update its multi-jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan 
https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/sonoma-county-to-update-its-multi-jurisdictional-hazard-mitigation-plan 

Board of Supervisors decertifies EIR and repeals the approval of the Sonoma Developmental Center Specific Plan in response to court ruling 
https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/board-of-supervisors-decertifies-eir-and-repeals-the-approval-of-the-sonoma-developmental-center-specific-plan-in-response-to-court-ruling 

Board of Supervisors approves internet program for low-income households, continues broadband infrastructure development 
https://sonomaedc.org/board-of-supervisors-approves-internet-program-for-low-income-households-continues-broadband-infrastructure-development 

Sonoma County Board ratifies local emergency proclamation in response to November atmospheric river 
https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/sonoma-county-board-ratifies-local-emergency-proclamation-in-response-to-november-atmospheric-river  

Valley Pacific Petroleum Services, Inc. Pays $1.1 Million Dollars to Settle California Environmental Violations 
https://da.sonomacounty.ca.gov/valley-pacific-petroleum-services-inc-pays-11-million-dollars-to-settle-california-environmental-violations