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.
“I love Always Best Care! They are very responsive and very accommodating. The BEST CAREGIVER”
“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 love Always Best Care! They are very responsive and very accommodating. The BEST CAREGIVER I HAVE EVER HAD THE PRIVILEGE OF KNOWING IS JONEL LEE!! He goes above and beyond for not only my husband but our entire family! He makes sure he completes every household chore within his 7 hours! He’s amazing! He cooks breakfast, lunch, and dinner. He does the dishes, the laundry, takes out the trash and makes sure he spends time with my husband. He genuinely cares about his clients, their needs and their families and their families needs! He is by far the best! I believe he should be the trainer for all caregivers! If everyone worked as hard and as compassionately as Jonel, you would never have another complaint. He’s truly sent straight from God! I just want to say after 10 years, I have finally found the perfect caregiver! Thank you Jonel!”
“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.”
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.
Fire on Marin-Sonoma county border is creating potentially unhealthy air and officials urge residents to reduce smoke exposure.Updated Mon, Sep 21, 2026 at 11:27 am PTSONOMA COUNTY, CA — As firefighters began gaining ground on a fire burning along the Marin-Sonoma border, Sonoma County health officials warned that smoke from the blaze could reach unhealthy levels.Marin County authorities said Sunday evening that fires in the Chileno Valley have been stopped. Firefighters contained one of the smaller fires Sunday ...
Updated Mon, Sep 21, 2026 at 11:27 am PT
SONOMA COUNTY, CA — As firefighters began gaining ground on a fire burning along the Marin-Sonoma border, Sonoma County health officials warned that smoke from the blaze could reach unhealthy levels.
Marin County authorities said Sunday evening that fires in the Chileno Valley have been stopped. Firefighters contained one of the smaller fires Sunday at about 4:50 p.m.
At 6:58 p.m., firefighters contained the two remaining vegetation fires.
The Chileno fires burned about 340 acres combined. Authorities said they will be investigating the source of the blaze. No evacuations were ordered.
Health officials warned that the smoke could cause adverse health effects across Sonoma County and the region, while high temperatures could worsen the effects.
County health officials advised residents to check on neighbors, family members, and others who may need help.
Residents should watch for coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, a scratchy throat, or unusual fatigue. Anyone whose symptoms worsen should contact a health care provider.
Officials also recommended drinking water throughout the day to help the body manage smoke exposure.
Residents should avoid smoking, wood burning, lawn mowing, driving, barbecuing, painting, and other activities that produce dust or worsen air quality. A stove vent should be used while cooking when possible.
Pets should also remain indoors when possible. Farm animals should be checked on them and provided with plenty of clean, fresh water
Air quality can fluctuate across Sonoma County because of several factors. Officials advised residents to monitor conditions where they live and work and take precautions if air quality worsens.
Anyone who must go outside should wear a well-fitting N95 or KN95 mask. People with heart or lung conditions should consult a health care provider before using one.
Residents should use portable HEPA air cleaners when available and set air conditioners and vehicle ventilation systems to recirculate air.
More information for protecting workers outside is available on the Cal/OSHA wildfire smoke emergency standard.
Residents can monitor local air quality through the following resources:
Sign inNapaGrizzlies3-1Friday, Oct 9, 2026Sonoma ValleyDragons1-3Napa Varsity Football @ Sonoma ValleyStreaming & TicketingPurchase TicketsGame InfoThe Napa varsity football team has an away conference game @ Sonoma Valley (Sonoma, CA) on Friday, October 9 @ 7p.ScorekeeperMatchupRosterGame DetailsTeam ComparisonNapa292.8Rushing Yards/GSonoma Valley (Sonoma)123.0Napa36.5Passing Yards/GSonoma Vall...
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NapaGrizzlies3-1
Friday, Oct 9, 2026
Sonoma ValleyDragons1-3
Streaming & Ticketing
Purchase Tickets
Game Info
The Napa varsity football team has an away conference game @ Sonoma Valley (Sonoma, CA) on Friday, October 9 @ 7p.
MatchupRoster
Game Details
Team Comparison
Napa292.8
Rushing Yards/G
Sonoma Valley (Sonoma)123.0
Napa36.5
Passing Yards/G
Sonoma Valley (Sonoma)202.5
Napa36.5
Receiving Yards/G
Sonoma Valley (Sonoma)202.5
Napa329.3
Total Yards/G
Sonoma Valley (Sonoma)325.5
Napa41.0
Tackles/G
Sonoma Valley (Sonoma)-
Napa5.0
Sacks/G
Sonoma Valley (Sonoma)-
Napa-
Points/G
Sonoma Valley (Sonoma)0.0
Napa-
Pancake Blocks
Sonoma Valley (Sonoma)24
Key Players
Avg. Per Game
Eryck Gualberto
#26RB/DB
Rushing Yards
94.589.5
Wylder Gilardi
#28RB/LB
Jack Bottari
#17QB/DB
Passing Yards
36.5202.5
Max Trexler
#18QB
Jax Knecht
#85WR/DB
Receiving Yards
45.0111.5
Chris Murphy
#81WR/DB
Eryck Gualberto
#26RB/DB
Total Yards
96.0219.0
Max Trexler
#18QB
Xavier Marcus Wood
#27RB/LB
Tackles
7.0--
Not Enough Data
Matthew Hutchinson
#70OL/DL/TE
Sacks
2.3--
Not Enough Data
Not Enough Data
Pancake Blocks
--11
Jake Collins
#77OL/DL
Scoring Averages
| Final | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Napa | 33.8 | 11.8 | 13.2 | 3.5 | 5.2 |
| Sonoma Valley | 18.2 | 6.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
Rankings
California
#424
#845
North Coast Section
#43
#86
North Coast Section Division 2
#11
--
North Coast Section Division 5
--
#11
Sacramento
#66
--
San Francisco Metro
#67
#142
Season Recap
Overall Record
3-1
1-3
League
0-0
0-0
Non-League
3-1
1-3
Head to Head
0-0
0-0
Home
1-1
1-1
Away
2-0
0-2
Neutral
0-0
0-0
Common Opponent
0-0
0-0
Playoff
0-0
0-0
In-State
3-1
1-3
Out-of-State
0-0
0-0
Win %
.750
.250
League %
.000
.000
PF
135
73
PA
41
106
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For Immediate ReleaseThe Sonoma County Department of Child Support Services has again been recognized by the State of California for outstanding performance, earning top honors among California’s mid-sized counties for helping families establish child support, encouraging parents to reach agreements outside the courtroom, and quickly delivering financial support to children.The California Department of Child Support Services recognized Sonoma County as the top-performing agency among 14 mid-sized counties in three key mea...
For Immediate Release
The Sonoma County Department of Child Support Services has again been recognized by the State of California for outstanding performance, earning top honors among California’s mid-sized counties for helping families establish child support, encouraging parents to reach agreements outside the courtroom, and quickly delivering financial support to children.
The California Department of Child Support Services recognized Sonoma County as the top-performing agency among 14 mid-sized counties in three key measures during the 2025 federal fiscal year:
“These achievements reflect the County’s commitment to helping families resolve child support matters in ways that reduce conflict and put children’s needs first,” said Supervisor Rebecca Hermosillo, chair of the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors. “When parents can work together and families receive the support they need, children have greater stability and families can focus on building a brighter united future, that benefits our entire community.”
The Department of Child Support Services serves as a neutral third party that helps parents establish parentage, locate noncustodial parents, obtain and enforce child support orders, and ensure children receive the financial support and medical care to which they are entitled. By helping parents reach voluntary agreements whenever possible, the department reduces the need for lengthy court proceedings while encouraging long-term cooperation between parents. Its services are provided at no cost to families.
In 2025, the department managed nearly 9,000 child support cases and distributed $31 million in support to families throughout Sonoma County.
“Our goal is to make the child support process more accessible, supportive and responsive to the unique needs of each family,” said Gigi Mertle, director of the Sonoma County Department of Child Support Services. “We’re proud to be recognized for work that has a meaningful impact on children’s lives.”
The Board of Supervisors will recognize the department’s accomplishments with a Gold Resolution at its Aug. 28 meeting in observance of . Throughout August, the department is engaging parents and community organizations to connect more families with child support services. Staff will participate in community outreach events, meet with local organizations and distribute educational resources to help families understand the department’s services and how to access them.
To learn more about the Department of Child Support Services or to open a case, visit or call (866) 901-3212.
### Media Contact: Ted Appel, Communications Specialist (707) 565-3040 575 Administration Drive, Suite 104A Santa Rosa, CA 9540
Staff with the Sonoma County Department of Child Support Services gather April 27, 2026, to launch the department’s new mobile office, part of the County’s initiative designed to bring services directly into communities.
A campaign seeks up to $200,000 for discovery, legal work, and an alternative development proposal.Updated Mon, Sep 21, 2026 at 5:20 pm PTSONOMA VALLEY, CA — A group fighting plans to turn a prized property in a tiny Sonoma County town into a private housing and hotel development has intensified its push for an alternative for the sprawling property that includes some of the North Bay’s most scenic and valuable land.The campaign seeks up to $200,000 for discovery, legal work, and an alternative development ...
Updated Mon, Sep 21, 2026 at 5:20 pm PT
SONOMA VALLEY, CA — A group fighting plans to turn a prized property in a tiny Sonoma County town into a private housing and hotel development has intensified its push for an alternative for the sprawling property that includes some of the North Bay’s most scenic and valuable land.
The campaign seeks up to $200,000 for discovery, legal work, and an alternative development proposal for the former Sonoma Developmental Center, the Sonoma Index-Tribune reported.
The state closed the 127-year-old institution nearly a decade ago, leaving the future of the property unresolved.
Sonoma Valley Next 100 is using small community gatherings to raise between $150,000 and $200,000 for the next stage of its lawsuit challenging the proposed redevelopment of the 900-acre site, according to the Sonoma Index-Tribune.
During the meetings, Sonoma Valley Next 100 members update residents on the lawsuit, describe the next steps, and answer questions.
Sonoma Valley Next 100 sued the California Department of General Services in 2025 over the agency’s sale of the property to Eldridge LLC.
The state agency oversees the Sonoma Developmental Center, according to reports.
Eldridge LLC proposed redeveloping the property’s 180-acre core campus with 990 housing units, 130,000 square feet of commercial space, and a 150-room hotel, according to reports.
Residents raised concerns about the proposed housing-hotel development including traffic, evacuation routes along the two-lane Arnold Drive, the loss of a wildlife corridor, and threats to Glen Ellen’s small-town character, according to reports.
Sonoma Valley Next is asking residents to host or attend a gathering, learn about the lawsuit, and contribute to the fundraising campaign, the Sonoma Index-Tribune reported.
“I think people in Sonoma need to be more aware of what a huge impact this is going to have on the town of Sonoma,” Bean Anderson, one of the organizers of Sonoma Valley Next 100, told the Sonoma Index-Tribune.
The lawsuit alleges that the Department of General Services violated the Enabling Legislation and established historic preservation laws. It also accuses the agency of failing to protect the property’s natural resources under the Public Trust Doctrine.
As the case enters its next phase, Sonoma Valley Next 100 plans to use the money for discovery, continued legal work, and development of an alternative proposal for the property.
The next gathering is scheduled for Sept. 26. People interested in hosting a meeting can contact the organization at [email protected].
@CALFIRELNUSONOMA COUNTY, Calif. (KGO) -- Four structures were destroyed and three damaged due to the Woodside Fire along the Sonoma County Coast, CAL FIRE said Sunday afternoon.A damage inspection process of 22 structures due to the fire was completed Sunday, revealing the destruction of two single-family residences and two utility structures, according to CAL FIRE.The three structures that received minor damage included two single-family residences and one miscellaneous structure.As of 4 p.m. Sunday, firefighter...
@CALFIRELNU
SONOMA COUNTY, Calif. (KGO) -- Four structures were destroyed and three damaged due to the Woodside Fire along the Sonoma County Coast, CAL FIRE said Sunday afternoon.
A damage inspection process of 22 structures due to the fire was completed Sunday, revealing the destruction of two single-family residences and two utility structures, according to CAL FIRE.
The three structures that received minor damage included two single-family residences and one miscellaneous structure.
As of 4 p.m. Sunday, firefighters were holding the blaze at 152 acres with 50% containment, fire officials said.
The wildfire is burning north of Timber Cove in Sonoma County near the coast.
Crews have been strengthening and holding containment lines while three specialized tree-felling teams remove fire-damaged and hazardous trees that could threaten firefighters and create safety hazards during suppression efforts.
The fire was first reported around 1:45 p.m. Thursday in the 24000 block of Highway 1 in Timber Cove.
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Crews planned to focus on strengthening and holding containment lines as onshore winds of 10 to 15 mph were expected to increase along the coast Sunday afternoon and evening, CAL FIRE said.
Fire officials also requested three specialized tree-felling teams to remove fire-damaged and hazardous trees that could threaten firefighters and create safety hazards during suppression efforts.
The wildfire's size remained unchanged Sunday as firefighters continued working to increase containment.
Dramatic video released by the California Highway Patrol shows firefighters facing intense conditions Thursday night as flames burned on both sides of Highway 1.
At nearby Gerstle Cove Campground, host Tom King said he quickly began evacuating campers as the fire moved closer.
"I started evacuating, immediate evacuation of everything, because it looked like it was going to take over the campground," King said.
The campground was full of summer visitors at the time. Campers left in a hurry, abandoning RVs, tents and other belongings as they fled.
More than 300 firefighters have been assigned to the incident, battling flames in dense coastal forests and rugged terrain.
CAL FIRE Battalion Chief Michael Sacheli said cooler overnight temperatures helped crews gain the upper hand.
"Things are looking a lot better. Crews made good progress," Sacheli said.
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Still, firefighters faced significant challenges from dry vegetation, dead trees and spot fires.
"Fuel moistures and dry trees contributed to lots of spot fires. That's where the challenges were," Sacheli said. "We're trying to get ahead of the fire and protect structures."
Firefighting aircraft made multiple retardant drops around threatened areas. Several homes were coated in pink retardant but escaped damage.
King said the situation was intense as aircraft worked overhead.
"The smoke was right there. They started bombing quick. I about got hit with the pink stuff. It was real close," he said.
Evacuation orders and warnings have been lifted, and firefighters continue working to strengthen containment lines and keep the fire away from homes and critical infrastructure.
Bay City News contributed to this story.
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