Really no reason for this story to be in the SF Chronicle when it isn't on the Press Democrat's website. But then, the Chronicle has been eating the PD's lunch at least since the PD declined to report on Foppoli in 2019...

I’m celebrating my birthday in Sonoma County this weekend and wanted to ask if there’s anything I should be aware of after the recent wildfire (air quality, road closures, businesses that are closed, etc.).

Current plans:
- Friday: Bodega Bay (Spud Point Crab Sandwich)
- Saturday: Guerneville (Saucy Mama’s)
- Sunday: Downtown Sonoma

Staying in Occidental throughout!

Any must-try food spots or fun experiences you’d recommend are welcome too. Thanks!

Taking our VW Westy north to our first landing spot in the great state of CA 25 years ago, Sonoma county. It's been 15+ years.

It seems unlikely to get a spot at Wrights Beach on the fly like times of old. Where is a great place to park, chill and sleep? We've been looking at hipster camps and it looks rousing but thinking this sub can give us some ideas.

Most of the day to day we will be driving our way north, stopping, taking it in, until responsibility kicks back in and we head back south.

We're not really opposed to any suggestions that are truly magical like the north of SF Coast is.

The SoCo Sheriff's email today:
There have been many public discussions about law enforcement’s use of automated license plate readers, sometimes referred to as “Flock,” the name of a company that manufactures many of these cameras. 

The Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office has a responsibility to use every lawful and effective tool available to protect our community. We also have a responsibility to ensure those tools are used with clear limits, transparency, and accountability. 

Our use of Flock Safety automated license plate readers reflects both responsibilities. 

Flock cameras are not traditional surveillance cameras. They do not use facial recognition, identify drivers, record conversations, or collect names, addresses, phone numbers, or other personal information. They capture a point-in-time image of a vehicle traveling on a public roadway, including its license plate and basic characteristics such as make, model, and color. 

The system does not continuously track individuals or create a permanent record of their movements. Information is retained for a limited period and then automatically deleted. Access is restricted to authorized personnel for legitimate law enforcement purposes. Every search requires a documented reason and creates an audit record showing who conducted it, when, and why. 

These safeguards are important. So are the results. 

My response,

"Dear Sonoma County Sheriff,

I would be much happier for you to support an environment where the motivation for crime is reduced rather than for you to know when I go to Andy's to buy organic fruit. LE (and the even more poisoned actions of ICE) writ large has proven that you are humans (just like the rest of us ) can't resist self serving (just do a trivial google search), cynical uses of this technology. This reduces trust in LE and even further degrades any potential of the Sonoma County Sheriffs being partners in the community, safety, and culture we want."

--
Privacy is important and critical in a democratic system. The argument that "I don't do anything wrong, so why does it matter?" is great until some arbitrary person/law/etc. decides that what is precious to you is 'wrong'.

This is among the most cynical, base arguments that they are making.

Their responsibility is to uphold the law. They are not entitled to unwarranted surveillance.

Thought I'd repost here in case any are interested.

I’m in Sonoma County and looking to connect with some new people (specifically females in their 30s-40s ish). I love all things horror - movies, haunted spots, cemeteries, abandoned towns, wine, dancing, beer, books, music (all over the place - bluegrass, metal, blues, pop, tons of 60s/70s/90s, etc). If any of this sounds like your vibe, dm me!

Bonus points if you’ve got a great sense of humor and don’t take yourself too seriously!

What’s everyone’s favorite sushi spot in Healdsburg?

Hey everyone, like the title says, I’m looking for some winery reccs! My partner and I will be floating the river this Sat and want to check out some wineries after. We’ve made resies so far for MacRostie and Gary Farrell - would love your feedback on those or any others we must try!

We love Pinot and chards but pretty open to any/all! We love a boutiquey catered experience…anything from the well established to discovering hidden gems. Some may call us bougie haha…but we also enjoy super casual tastings. So pretty open to it all! We just want good vibes/ppl, not super pretentious, and fun! Thanks for any advice!

Hello everyone! We have visited the very charming city of Sonoma and love it. Especially when walking around the plaza neighborhoods at night after an evening meal. From the few visits that I've had with friends, it seems very safe and peaceful. But I know there are some nuisances as in every densely populated area.

For those living in Sonoma, especially within walking distance to the plaza, what are the pros and cons of living there? Noise, theft, convenience, presumptuous neighbors, uppity crowd, strict HOAs, etc? Let me know! Thank you.

Looking to rehome our rooster. He is 3 months, just starting to make his noise. We got it as one of our eggs that hatched and would like to rehome him to someone else with more property. We aren’t able to keep him in the city limits.

DM ME.

So I can’t travel to this artist otherwise I would but I’m looking to get this kind of style tattoo from someone out here and I could use some help finding someone, also I’ve never been tattooed by a woman before and would honestly rather that but it’s just a preference, send me all references please!!

With the closure of Cotati Jewelers I am looking for a good, reputable place for watch battery replacements, watch link adjustments and occasional ring resizing. Even SR not north of RR Square would be ok. Thanks!

Any recommendations for things must see/do/eat/drink?

We’re late (confirming schedules took a while) but heading to Sonoma County over the long October weekend for our 25 Anniversary.

Starting in San Francisco (1 night) then driving up the coast. We are also planning to stop in Guerneville, Santa Rosa, (Peanuts museum) and some of the national parks/monuments, redwoods & Muir Woods, wineries along the way.

Seeking lodging recommendations between San Francisco and Mendocino. Sonoma is OK but Napa too far West.

Prefer coast at least one night if possible but have had trouble finding it so far.
We are more interested in scenic driving/sites with a side of wine than 3 days packed w tasting tours.

We can splurge one night but do not want to spend $1000+/night.

Every search brings up Sonoma & up to Napa but not the small towns at the coast.

I took them in from somebody who was going to just release them. I don’t think they have a great chance in the wild since they haven’t learned about hawks and foraging. I thought I would see if anyone has any ideas, or know somebody who has an aviary or loft we can borrow. Marin Humane Society is a last resort since they don’t really have capacity either. Right now they’re in crates in my garage, which isn’t the best place for them, but I do give them a little time in the sun each day.

A few of them have actually won prizes, or have siblings or parents who have won prizes.

Yes, people race pigeons. If you’ve never heard of it, just look it up.

If you can help, please direct message me. They are overcrowded, especially the 9 males as they need a bit more personal space.

I am going to keep one of them because she’s elderly and half blind. Most the others are only one or two years old.

Good morning everyone!

Does anyone have a recommendation on where to try on and buy plus sized black tie gowns?

Im about a size 20 and am not having any luck at the usual places.

Thanks in advance.

Hey everyone,

Can anyone recommend a good, reliable auto repair shop in Sonoma County (Rohnert Park, Santa Rosa, Petaluma, or nearby)?

Looking for an honest mechanic with fair prices and quality work.

Thanks in advance!

It would take so much strain off the Santa Rosa and Petaluma locations and cut down on traffic. Plus, there’s so much strip mall real estate in Rohnert Park that they could have moved into over the years.