Weekly Roundup for October 4, 2024

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

1. October’s heat is here – one less spark, one less wildfire
2. Sonoma County Voter Guides arriving soon
3. Know your status – HIV testing available
4. North Bay Zero Waste Week Oct. 12 - 19
5. Latest County of Sonoma career opportunities
6. Other Sonoma County news of note

October’s heat is here – one less spark, one less wildfire

October's heat is here and wildfire season is in full swing! Let’s work together to prevent fires—because one less spark means one less wildfire. Here’s how you can help:

• Mow your lawn before 10 a.m. – keep a fire extinguisher or hose nearby.
• Avoid using power tools that create sparks near dry vegetation.
• Fully extinguish campfires – drown, stir, feel.
• Keep grills away from dry vegetation.
• Maintain vehicles to prevent sparks – secure all chains and remove dragging parts.
• Follow local burn regulations and bans – plan, verify, apply.
• Clear dry leaves and debris from your yard.

Learn more at https://www.fire.ca.gov/what-we-do/wildfire-prevention

For additional preparedness tips, visit: https://socoemergency.org/get-ready/

County Voter Information Guide available now

County Voter Information Guides for the Nov. 5 General Election are in the mail and will arrive soon if they haven’t already. Inside, you'll find everything you need to know about what's on your ballot and where to vote. The County guides are mailed to all active, registered voters in Sonoma County, except for voters who opted out of receiving such mailings.

For those who prefer to view online, the guide is available at: www.SoCoVotes.com. Official ballots will be mailed out starting Oct. 7.

Learn more here:
https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/county-voter-guides-for-november-general-election-begin-going-out-in-the-mail-tomorrow

HIV testing reminder – Know your status

Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent transmission of HIV. The great news is that HIV is no longer life-threatening with proper care. People living with HIV who take medication and maintain an undetectable viral load can live long, healthy lives. That’s why early diagnosis is important. Everyone aged 13–64 should get tested at least once and those at higher risk should be tested annually.

Available testing options include:

• Face to Face, 873 Second St., Santa Rosa, (707) 544-1581: https://f2f.org/services/hiv_testing_at_facetoface-html/ 
• West County Health Centers — Third Street House, 16312 Third St., Guerneville, (707) 824-3398: https://www.wchealth.org/location/third-street-house/
• Have free at-home tests mailed to your home:  https://Takemehome.org

North Bay Zero Waste Week Oct. 12 - 19

Zero Waste Week is full of inspiring eco-friendly events dedicated to reducing waste and embracing sustainability. Zero Waste Week is all about raising awareness on the environmental impact of waste and discovering ways to live a zero-waste lifestyle.

Across the North Bay, local groups will showcase their commitment to the cause through public education events and activities that highlight reducing, reusing, recycling, repurposing and composting. Plus, explore how zero waste principles extend to conserving resources like water and energy.

Check out the event calendar to see how you can get involved: www.northbayzerowasteweek.org.   

Latest Sonoma County career opportunities announced

The County of Sonoma released new job opportunities this week, including:

• Health Services Recruitment and Payroll Manager, Health Services - https://bit.ly/4eFHG9f
• Senior Eligibility Specialist, Human Services - https://bit.ly/4gC4mZG
• Deputy Sheriff II - Court Security, Sheriff’s Office - https://bit.ly/4gyZUuQ
• Assistant General Manager - Sonoma Water - https://bit.ly/3TvIipG
• Senior Engineer, Permit Sonoma - https://bit.ly/4eqaimI

Discover more job opportunities by visiting the County of Sonoma Careers Facebook page at https://bit.ly/4dHZ6kU or career portal at https://bit.ly/3Js0XOg, or call (707) 565-2331.

Other Sonoma County news of note

Sonoma County Health Officer extends health advisory concerning heat wave
https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/sonoma-county-health-officer-extends-health-advisory-concerning-heat-wave 

Sonoma County Health Officer issues health advisory concerning heat wave; County to open cooling centers
https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/sonoma-county-health-officer-issues-health-advisory-concerning-heat-wave-county-to-open-cooling-centers

Sonoma County best mid-sized county in state at helping parents reach successful child support agreements
https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/sonoma-county-best-mid-sized-county-in-state-at-helping-parents-reach-successful-child-support-agreements

State grant renews invasive quagga mussel prevention program at Lake Mendocino
https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/state-grant-renews-invasive-quagga-mussel-prevention-program-at-lake-mendocino

Free holiday parking at Regional Parks for veterans and active-duty military
https://parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov/free-holiday-parking-at-regional-parks-for-veterans-and-active-duty-military-x130585

Safeway, Albertsons, and Vons Pay Nearly $4 Million to Resolve Allegations of Price Overcharges and False Weight Advertising
https://da.sonomacounty.ca.gov/safeway-albertsons-and-vons-pay-nearly-4-million-to-resolve-allegations-of-price-overcharges-and-false-weight-advertising