It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting Sonoma State Historic Park in Sonoma, CA gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Sonoma, CA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“Good place to work.”
“Shout out Chris Garcia”
“I am a current client of this provider I would like the caregivers to come more,”
“I am a current client of this provider They were able to help her clean up”
“I am a current client of this provider They keep her company and give her good”
“I am a current client of this provider They help the most with my projects in”
“I am a current client of this provider She is very private and tends to spend”
“I am a past client of this provider I like that they sent good quality workers”
“I am a current client of this provider My dad really enjoys them coming out and”
“I am a current client of this provider They are giving me respite care, and it's”
“I am a current client of this provider They provided aids quickly. They go out of their”
“I am a past client of this provider The caregivers helped my mom with everything she”
“I am a current client of this provider The people are very helpful. I haven't had”
“I am a current client of this provider It gives my mom and me a little”
“This place is great! I highly recommend for family care and employment”
“I have worked for Always Best care for over 7 years! I have always been”
“Great company! They care about their clients & their caregivers better than I've seen any”
“I am a current client of this provider The timeframe I have them come out is”
“I am a current client of this provider Their responses to our questions make our experience”
“I am a current client of this provider They're always open and nurturing. They listen and”
“I am a current client of this provider It helps my husband to have additional help”
“I am a past client of this provider I like the person who set up our”
“I am a current client of this provider They do everything I need them to do. I”
“I am a current client of this provider I have been using them for over a”
“I am a past client of this provider The first caregiver fed him well. She sang”
“Good place to work.”
“Shout out Chris Garcia”
“I am a current client of this provider I would like the caregivers to come more, but that's not in the budget. I like that the agency is really trying to give us good caregivers.”
“I am a current client of this provider They were able to help her clean up and take care of her hygiene. I like that all their staff is very friendly.”
“I am a current client of this provider They keep her company and give her good service. She feels safe with them. I like the flexibility.”
“I am a current client of this provider They help the most with my projects in my house, like organizing and filing things. I like everything. I am so pleased with them, they have good communication, and caregivers.”
“I am a current client of this provider She is very private and tends to spend a lot in isolation, with this person coming in every week it gives her conservation, and she has been much brighter. I like the caregivers' efficiency and punctuality, they are reliable.”
“I am a past client of this provider I like that they sent good quality workers when I need to work. I like that every time we needed nurses they came.”
“I am a current client of this provider My dad really enjoys them coming out and taking care of him. They are friendly, they are knowledgeable with their staff, and able to cover their shifts.”
“I am a current client of this provider They are giving me respite care, and it's the first time I can go out independently. They communicate well and are reliable.”
“I am a current client of this provider They provided aids quickly. They go out of their way to accommodate my scheduling needs.”
“I am a past client of this provider The caregivers helped my mom with everything she needed. I like that they were professional and on time.”
“I am a current client of this provider The people are very helpful. I haven't had any bad experiences. They are really good at what they do. We are happy to have them.”
“I am a current client of this provider It gives my mom and me a little piece of mind and relief. My dad feels comfortable as well. The service was quick and if the caregivers don't work out, they always give us somebody different. The scheduler works very hard. The caregivers are patient.”
“This place is great! I highly recommend for family care and employment”
“I have worked for Always Best care for over 7 years! I have always been happy with the professionalism provided by Management & staff! The flexibility and compassion has been exceptional, consistent and friendly. The manager really works hard to match the caregiver’s skills to the client! If you are someone wanting to be a compassionate & a quality caregiver, Always Best Care- Vacaville is a great place to work!”
“Great company! They care about their clients & their caregivers better than I've seen any other companies. The staff is amazing!”
“I am a current client of this provider The timeframe I have them come out is helpful for me. I like that they allow for the caregiver to be on a regular shift, and they go through background checks.”
“I am a current client of this provider Their responses to our questions make our experience positive. I like the flexibility and their quick response to emails and phone calls.”
“I am a current client of this provider They're always open and nurturing. They listen and willing to do whatever. It means a lot to my mom. They're very compassionate, open, and friendly.”
“I am a current client of this provider It helps my husband to have additional help outside our family. He looks forward to our caregiver coming to our home. They help him with daily tasks and housekeeping. The agency has been accommodating to me and my husband.”
“I am a past client of this provider I like the person who set up our services, and others were pretty responsive. I think that it was mainly that we could not get a caregiver that was a good match, the agency could only provide one and that was it.”
“I am a current client of this provider They do everything I need them to do. I like their work and I like their availability.”
“I am a current client of this provider I have been using them for over a year, I have gone from a wheelchair to being able to use a walker so the care has been different throughout. When I first got out I couldn't provide for myself at all so it was imperative. Now, I can provide for myself but they make my life easier by providing laundry services. I like the quality of the majority of caregivers.”
“I am a past client of this provider The first caregiver fed him well. She sang to him. She made him feel comfortable, always had things done for him. The first caregiver was amazing, and the second caregiver was not great.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Maxwell Farms Regional Park in Sonoma, CA with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local El Dorado Kitchen or visit Bear Flag Monument (California Historical Landmark #7), don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Sonoma, CA, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Sonoma, CA understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Sonoma, CA 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.Temple Lodge No. 14 of Free and Accepted Masons — the oldest fraternal organization in the City of Sonoma — will celebrate its 175th anniversary on Saturday, November 15, 2025, marking a proud legacy that reaches back to California’s earliest days and the very founding of the town of Sonoma itself.Granted dispensation on November 25, 1850, and officially chartered on May 6, 1851, Temple Lodge No. 14 has served as a c...
This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.
Temple Lodge No. 14 of Free and Accepted Masons — the oldest fraternal organization in the City of Sonoma — will celebrate its 175th anniversary on Saturday, November 15, 2025, marking a proud legacy that reaches back to California’s earliest days and the very founding of the town of Sonoma itself.
Granted dispensation on November 25, 1850, and officially chartered on May 6, 1851, Temple Lodge No. 14 has served as a cornerstone of Sonoma’s civic and philanthropic life for nearly two centuries. Today, the Lodge continues that legacy through its strong support of local education—donating laptops and iPads to students in need throughout Sonoma Valley’s elementary schools, and contributing more than $10,000 over the past three years to DonorsChoose.org to help teachers purchase essential classroom materials. These initiatives underscore the Lodge’s enduring commitment to education, community service, and the advancement of Sonoma Valley’s next generation.
But the story of Sonoma’s Masons is inseparable from the story of Sonoma itself — and indeed, from the birth of California.
Freemasons played a central role in shaping California’s early identity. Many of the leaders of the Bear Flag Revolt of June 14, 1846 — the rebellion that helped set the stage for California’s transition from Mexican to U.S. governance — were Freemasons. Among them were Dr. Robert Baylor Semple, Captain Granville Perry Swift, Captain John Grigsby, Bartlett Vines, William Henry Hargrave, Peter Lassen, and George C. Yount.
Just weeks later, on July 9, 1846, U.S. Navy Lieutenant Joseph Warren Revere — himself a Freemason and the grandson of patriot Paul Revere — lowered the Bear Flag and raised the Stars and Stripes over Sonoma Plaza for the first time, forever linking Sonoma to the birth of the American West.
Following the Mexican-American War, a number of Freemason Army officers stationed in Sonoma remained to help build the young state’s institutions. Among them were Colonel Jonathan Drake Stevenson, commanding officer of the First Regiment of New York Volunteers and later the first Grand Master of Masons in California, and Lieutenant George Stoneman, Jr., a future Union General and Governor of California (1883–1887).
Their leadership helped establish the principles of community, service, and moral fortitude that became the hallmarks of California Freemasonry.
Temple Lodge’s roots stretch back to a meeting on April 9, 1851, when eight Freemasons gathered in the upstairs room of the Ray House (now the Adler Adobe at 205 East Spain Street). By the following month, the group had received its official charter, with Grand Master Stevenson presiding over the ceremony.
The Lodge’s early members included West Point graduates and Army officers such as Lt. George Horatio Derby (the Lodge’s first Master), Lt. George Stoneman (Secretary), and Lt. Robert Hopkins (Treasurer).
Over the decades, Temple Lodge met in several historic Sonoma buildings — including the Salvador Vallejo Adobe, the Vaslit Building, and the Sonoma Valley Bank Building — before settling in 1909 at 465 First Street West, where it remained for 84 years and grew to over 300 members.
Among the many distinguished Freemasons associated with Sonoma are several who achieved national prominence:
Through earthquakes, fires, and the passage of time, Temple Lodge No. 14 has endured as a living link between Sonoma’s frontier past and its vibrant present. In recent decades, the Lodge relocated to its current home at 669 Broadway, where members continue to uphold the timeless values of brotherly love, relief, and truth.
The Lodge’s 175th anniversary celebration will honor not only the Masons who helped shape Sonoma’s early years, but also the organization’s ongoing contributions to the civic and cultural life of the Sonoma Valley community.
A California county has issued an order that face masks must now be worn inside certain healthcare facilities due to the "risk of COVID, flu and other respiratory virus-related illnesses" over fall and winter months.Sonoma County interim health officer Dr. Karen Smith issued the order on Monday, and the mandate will come into effect on November 1.A Sonoma County Health Department spokesperson told Newsweek, "The timing of this order was done in conjunction with other Bay Area counties and in anticipation...
A California county has issued an order that face masks must now be worn inside certain healthcare facilities due to the "risk of COVID, flu and other respiratory virus-related illnesses" over fall and winter months.
Sonoma County interim health officer Dr. Karen Smith issued the order on Monday, and the mandate will come into effect on November 1.
A Sonoma County Health Department spokesperson told Newsweek, "The timing of this order was done in conjunction with other Bay Area counties and in anticipation of a winter surge in COVID and flu, which is typical nationally, if not globally."
The order is designed to protect the county's "most vulnerable populations" including the elderly and cancer patients in health care facilities during the fall and winter months, a spokesperson for the Sonoma County Department of Health told Fox News. It is also designed to prevent medical staff from getting ill.
Influenza is believed to be emerging this year as even more deadly than COVID in the United States. Last winter, flu made between 47 to 82 million people sick in the U.S., with 27,000 to 130,000 people dying from the illness, according to estimates from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The order applies to the following health care facilities in Sonoma County: skilled nursing facilities, sections of long-term care facilities where nursing care is provided, acute and non-acute rehabilitation facilities, infusion centers and dialysis centers.
Masks will be required in areas including registration desks, waiting rooms, examination rooms, therapy rooms and other areas where patients and health care providers interact.
When asked whether it was possible the order could be extended to additional facilities, the Sonoma County Health Department spokesperson said it was "unlikely."
"That said, hospitals and other facilities can always issue their own masking orders, particularly if the situation becomes dire," the spokesperson added.
There will be some exemptions, including anyone "with a diagnosed medical condition, mental health condition, or disability that prevents the individual from wearing a face mask." People who are hearing impaired and need to see another person's mouth for communication will also be exempt.
The order says that appropriate face masks are surgical masks, or KN95, KF94, or N95 respiratory masks. However, informal masks such as a scarf, ski mask, balaclava, bandana, turtleneck, collar, cloth mask, or any face covering that has an "unfiltered, one-way exhaust valve" does not qualify.
Those who are not exempt and fail to comply with the order may face fines, imprisonment or both.
The Sonoma County health officer has been issuing similar orders since 2017. This year's order affects fewer health care facilities than in previous years, but the county has emphasized that all facilities are "strongly recommended to encourage the use of face masks throughout the respiratory virus season, regardless of vaccination status."
Additionally, Smith also "strongly" advised everyone over the age of six months to get the current COVID, flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccines if they are eligible.
A Sonoma County Health Department spokesperson told Newsweek: "Sonoma County is just coming off of the summer surge and anticipates the winter surge will begin around the winter holidays. Dr. Smith issued the masking order because patients and residents in the specified health care facilities are at greater risk for respiratory virus-related hospitalizations and death. Workers in health care facilities are also at risk for respiratory illness and can transmit the viruses to their clients, patients and coworkers. Moreover, respiratory virus-related illness in health care workers can cause absenteeism, placing strain on limited health care resources."
Dr. Karen Smith said in a statement: "The risk to vulnerable patients of COVID, flu and other respiratory viruses in health care facilities remains significant, so it continues to be important for face masks to be used in patient care areas when seasonal risk of exposure to one or more viruses is high."
She added: "In California, vaccines remain covered by insurance for residents of all ages — and they remain the best protection we have against respiratory virus infections."
The order mandates that masks must be worn in the specified health care facilities from November 1, 2025, until March 31, 2026.
Update 10/10/25, 3:32 a.m. ET: This article has been updated with comment from a Sonoma County Health Department spokesperson.
Did you notice a purple glow over the North Bay night sky Tuesday?It was aurora borealis, the Northern Lights.The biggest barrier for us seeing the aurora again Wednesday night likely will be clouds.The National Weather Service has forecast overcast conditions across Sonoma County, with rain showers likely.According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Space Weather Prediction Center, a third and final coronal mass ejection - that's a kind of energy release from the sun often associated with so...
Did you notice a purple glow over the North Bay night sky Tuesday?
It was aurora borealis, the Northern Lights.
The biggest barrier for us seeing the aurora again Wednesday night likely will be clouds.
The National Weather Service has forecast overcast conditions across Sonoma County, with rain showers likely.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Space Weather Prediction Center, a third and final coronal mass ejection - that's a kind of energy release from the sun often associated with solar flares - is expected to hit Earth's atmosphere Wednesday night.
The SWPC's Michael Bettwy told KRCB News while it's hard to predict the exact effects, this geomagnetic storm could again make the aurora visible across the North American night sky.
Bettwy said people reported seeing the aurora as far south as Tampa Bay, Florida on Tuesday evening. Bettwy said, "the view-ability was influenced largely by the intensity of the storm and a favorable magnetic connection/orientation with Earth's upper atmosphere - both which allowed the aurora to expand farther south than is typically observed."
Northern California residents, including those in Santa Rosa, reported seeing vibrant colorful streaks during the first part of the geomagnetic storm's impact.
This latest coronal mass ejection is the most powerful of the year. And the Space Weather Prediction Center has classified it as severe, sending out eight-times the normal solar background radiation.
Severe geomagnetic storm activity can cause some low-frequency radio signal disruptions and degrade GPS navigation quality.
Bettwy said visible auroras are more likely in northern latitudes.
"While not unprecedented," Bettway said. "It is quite unusual for the aurora to be visible at these low latitudes; probably only occurring once or twice per solar cycle. However, during major events, like we experienced with the G5 storm in May 2024, it can expand to such low latitudes. During that event, aurora was observed in the Florida Keys and points even farther south."
Bettway said a good way to catch a glimpse of the aurora borealis is to get away from city lights, and if it's not clearly visible, to snap a picture with a smart phone, which often have cameras powerful enough to capture the night lights.
Two wine country towns are on a new "most adorable small towns in Northern California" bucket list.SONOMA VALLEY, CA — Sonoma and St. Helena are on a new "most adorable small towns in Northern California" bucket list.Some of the towns are a surprise, others are naturals for the WorldAtlas list, a scholastic-oriented organization whose criteria for the nine towns selected blend brains and beauty.While iconic cities and golden beaches help to define California, the Golden State's beauty also liv...
SONOMA VALLEY, CA — Sonoma and St. Helena are on a new "most adorable small towns in Northern California" bucket list.
Some of the towns are a surprise, others are naturals for the WorldAtlas list, a scholastic-oriented organization whose criteria for the nine towns selected blend brains and beauty.
While iconic cities and golden beaches help to define California, the Golden State's beauty also lives quietly in its smaller towns, tucked between vineyards, mountains, forests, and coastlines, according to the list where St. Helena and Sonoma respectively ranked No. 7 and 8. "Whether you’re sipping Chardonnay beneath ancient oaks, hiking through redwood groves, or watching the sun sink into the Pacific, these destinations promise the kind of experiences that linger long after you’ve unpacked your bags."
The towns also have something to teach visitors. Steeped in heritage, each of these nine towns offers its own brand of magic, according to the site.
ST. HELENA: At the heart of Napa Valley, about 65 miles north of San Francisco, lies St. Helena, whose motto is "The Roots of Napa Valley. This town is a refined yet down-to-earth destination that captures the essence of Wine Country living, according to the list. Wine lovers will find themselves spoiled for choice here. To dig deeper into the region’s roots, step inside the 1881 Napa Wine History Museum, where guests can wander through antique winemaking equipment and browse ephemera from the Early California Wine Trade Archive. When hunger strikes, Gott’s Roadside is a local favorite. What began as a burger stand on Highway 29 evolved into a James Beard Award-winning take on North American comfort food. Literary buffs will appreciate a detour to the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum, which holds the world’s largest public collection of materials related to the famed author of Treasure Island. The exhibits range from rare manuscripts and letters to early editions and family heirlooms.
SONOMA: The motto on the Sonoma visitors' website is, "Come as you are and experience Wine Country your way." One way is to look for the historical landmarks. Sonoma is where California’s story and wine legacy, truly began, according to list. At the heart of the town and all around are lessons in the state's history from Spain, to Mexico, to the Bear Flag. Wander further to find the Toscano Hotel and the home of Gen. Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo, also known as Lachryma Montis — "the crying mountain."
The most adorable bucket-list list includes:
Four-month closure Monday, November 3, 2025 - Saturday, February 28, 2026Sonoma County - Caltrans will implement one-way traffic control on State Route 121 in the Schellville community of Sonoma County to replace bridge railings on the Yellow Creek Bridge, located several hundred feet south of the newly opened Route 116/121 Roundabout at Big Bend.The closure begins just after midnight (12:01 AM) Monday, November 3, 2025, and last until 5:00 AM Saturday, February 28, 2026. During this period, the two-...
Sonoma County - Caltrans will implement one-way traffic control on State Route 121 in the Schellville community of Sonoma County to replace bridge railings on the Yellow Creek Bridge, located several hundred feet south of the newly opened Route 116/121 Roundabout at Big Bend.
The closure begins just after midnight (12:01 AM) Monday, November 3, 2025, and last until 5:00 AM Saturday, February 28, 2026. During this period, the two-lane roadway will be reduced to one lane as northbound and southbound alternate passage through the work zone.
The project schedule is based on typical rainy season conditions in Sonoma County. The contractor will work under a permit that protects the creek from sedimentation and other construction impacts.
The Yellow Creek Bridge was built in 1922. The bridge railings are part of the original structure, serving as guardrails to keep vehicles from veering off the bridge. The weather-worn railings must be replaced to meet current safety standards.
A traffic study and multiple meetings with local first responders were conducted to evaluate construction options. The study compared a full closure with a long detour via Routes 101 and 37 to the proposed one-way traffic control. Based on traffic impacts and emergency access considerations, the one-way traffic control was determined to be the safest and least disruptive option.
This work represents the second phase of a two-bridge safety improvement project. Caltrans recently finished replacing the railings on the Arroyo Seco Bridge on SR-121 near 8th Street, reopening the bridge last night, October 27, around 10:00 PM.
Caltrans thanks motorists and the local community for their patience as we continue to improve bridge safety and infrastructure in Sonoma County.
Please visit Caltrans QuickMap: http://quickmap.dot.ca.gov or follow Caltrans on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/CaltransD4
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