Forestville Town Hall

Program recording

Program Recap:

The meeting began with a welcome and updates from Sonoma County 5th District Supervisor Lynda Hopkins 

Supervisor Hopkins shared that when she was running for office, she was frustrated by how unincorporated communities often lack a voice. Voters in such areas only get to elect one member of the Board of Supervisors, who can be outvoted by others they didn’t choose. In response, upon being elected, she helped establish two MACs—one for the Lower Russian River and one for the Coast.

These MACs allow communities to self-select representatives. Forestville currently has two community reps and one for Hacienda. Alternates also participate actively. The MAC members serve as liaisons to local organizations, bringing issues to the supervisor and receiving support from the District 5 team, including Debbie Ramirez, Tracy Lyons, Che Casul, Lupe Catalan, and Jason Wilson.

Next she provided an update on the Monte Rio Redwoods Regional Park. The county is working on a master plan for the original 500 acres, and a proposed 1,500-acre expansion is pending before the Board of Supervisors in May. This land, previously owned by a timber company, will be transformed into parkland connecting Monte Rio to the coast. The Save the Redwoods League has led this acquisition and also helped secure the Silver Estates parcel, preventing logging in Guerneville. That parcel has since been transferred to the Russian River County Sanitation District and may eventually become a regional park.

Supervisor Hopkins recognized Jacque Braziel for her work advocating for the Forestville Skatespot, emphasizing continued efforts on that front.

Wohler Bridge & Westside Road:

The Wohler Bridge replacement project, which has been planned for decades, will begin in earnest. When the supervisor was newly elected, the California Transportation Commission (CTC) criticized the county for failing to fix bridges they funded 20 years prior. The project now faces “use it or lose it” deadlines for both permits and the $17 million in funding. The bridge closed on April 1st.

Three options were considered for Westside Road:

1. Bailey Bridge: Initially promising, but steel tariffs made steel unavailable.
2. Temporary Retaining Wall: Would cost half as much as the permanent wall but take just as long—and would need to be torn down.
3. Permanent Fix: The county opted to pursue this aggressively.

On April 15th, the Board of Supervisors will consider $5 million in funding, including $1.5 million for Westside Road. Director of Public Infrastructure, Johannes Hoevertsz, committed to obtaining contractor bids immediately. As an emergency project, it doesn’t require a full bidding process. The speaker hoped for a 2–3 month timeline and emphasized coordination with public safety agencies to avoid overlapping road closures during fire season.

Housing Element:

Responding to a question, Supervisor Hopkins shared that the housing element has been submitted to the state, and the county is no longer in a “builder’s remedy” situation. This means new applications must go through a normal review process. At the time of the meeting, there were no active housing applications in Forestville, although there is one in project in Graton that was intiated under the "builders remedy" protocols.

Road Collapse on Wohler Road:

A resident asked about a recent collapse near the centerline of Wohler Road. The supervisor confirmed that funding for this site and the Giovannetti culvert failure will be brought before the Board on April 15th. Although the site hasn’t caused full road failure yet, it’s being monitored closely by Public Infrastructure and CHP.

Community Discussion: Speed Limits & Road Safety on Mirabel Road

A community member raised concerns about the speed limit on Mirabel Road, which they described as dangerously high given the residential nature of the area and the presence of children. The supervisor acknowledged this frustration and explained that current state laws make it difficult to lower speed limits, even in areas where residents feel it’s urgently needed.

Under California law, speed limits are based on the 85th percentile rule, which means the speed limit is set according to how fast 85% of drivers travel on a given road—even if that speed is too fast for the conditions. This system often results in higher limits, even on roads with pedestrian traffic, schools, and homes.

There has been some legislative progress in recent years: a state bill passed within the last year or two gives local governments more flexibility to lower speed limits in densely populated or high-pedestrian areas. However, the law doesn’t apply to connector roads like Mirabel unless certain conditions are met (such as proximity to schools or businesses).

As the chair of the Sonoma County Transportation Authority, the Supervisor shared that she has requested a countywide survey to identify roads eligible for lower speed limits. She also encouraged residents to contact their state legislators to advocate for broader reforms.

Additionally, she explained that while the county can technically post lower speed limits, those limits become unenforceable if they don’t meet state criteria. That means law enforcement, including CHP, cannot issue speeding tickets based on them.

The County has experimented with traffic-calming strategies, such as mobile speed feedback signs, which can temporarily change driver behavior. Permanent signs, by contrast, tend to be ignored after a few weeks. Moving mobile units around the community helps keep drivers more alert.

Residents were encouraged to share feedback on other traffic-calming measures like speed bumps or rumble strips. While some areas have successfully implemented speed bumps, county policy is currently restrictive due to liability concerns—for example, if a vehicle is damaged crossing a bump.

The supervisor shared that she is working to revisit that policy and hopes to bring proposed updates before the Board of Supervisors later this year. Residents were invited to email the District 5 office with specific requests so the county can initiate engineering assessments.

Crosswalks & Student Safety

Another resident brought up the need for crosswalks at key locations: Giusti Road, Davis Road, Nolan, and Mirabel near Speers Market. They highlighted the dangers faced by school children who must cross fast-moving traffic to reach bus stops, especially with drivers regularly exceeding the posted speed limits.

In response, Public Infrastructure representatives acknowledged the concern and confirmed that crosswalks at Davis and Giusti are being considered as part of the Mirabel Road shoulder widening project. These may be included in a later phase of the plan. If not immediately feasible, they suggested exploring alternate funding sources, such as the Quarry Mitigation Fund or District-specific infrastructure funds set aside for projects like these.

The supervisor emphasized that while lighted crosswalks are very expensive, there are lower-cost options that can still improve pedestrian safety. She welcomed emails with specific proposals and confirmed her office would follow up.

Concerns About Road Widening and Speed

A longtime Mirabel Road resident expressed excitement about the planned bike lanes—something they’d been waiting for over a decade—but also voiced concern that widening the road could inadvertently encourage faster driving. The resident wanted clarification on how much total width would be added, including the new bike lanes (7 feet each side), Class 1 trail (8 feet), and buffer zones.

Project engineers clarified that while the travel lane widths (12 feet) would remain unchanged, additional shoulder width would be added on either side, primarily for bike and emergency access, not to create more driving lanes. They explained that surveyors are currently completing assessments to determine exactly how much right-of-way exists and whether utility poles or storm drainage systems would need to be relocated.

The Supervisor added that wider shoulders were also a priority for public safety, especially for fire response and evacuation during emergencies. Mirabel Road is a key egress route for Forestville, and improving shoulder access could be critical during natural disasters like fires or floods.

Concerns About Property Impact

A resident raised a concern about property encroachment, asking whether the road widening would affect their front yard or come too close to their house.

The Supervisor and County staff reassured the resident that no one’s kitchen would become part of the bike lane. Final designs will depend on the completed survey, and staff offered to set up a follow-up meeting to discuss property-specific impacts using the engineering drawings once they are finalized.

Caltrans & County Coordination: Front Street Improvements Project

The presentation transitioned to an update from Caltrans, with speakers Jeff Weiss (Public Information Officer) and Sahar Yousefi (Transportation Engineer). They clarified Caltrans’ role in the Front Street Improvements Project, which has generated some confusion in the community.

Jeff began by explaining that while Caltrans owns the roadway, the project itself is being led and built by Sonoma County. Caltrans’ role is primarily regulatory oversight, ensuring the county’s plans comply with state standards, design manuals, and encroachment permit requirements.

Using a helpful analogy, Jeff described Caltrans as the “landlord” of the roadway, with the county acting as the “tenant” making renovations. Caltrans must review and approve the plans to ensure improvements meet safety, environmental, and engineering standards. However, because the county is funding the project through local sources like Measure M, they have more flexibility in design choices—such as selecting decorative lighting or street fixtures not typically used in Caltrans projects.

Jeff emphasized that any project on a state right-of-way requires an encroachment permit before construction can begin.

Permit Review Process

Sahar Yousefi then walked the audience through the technical review and permit approval process. She explained that because the project encroaches on state-owned right-of-way, her role is to manage and coordinate internal reviews across multiple Caltrans divisions—such as hydraulics, design, and materials.

The goal of this process is to ensure all elements of the project, including excavation, installations, lighting, and electrical infrastructure, meet state requirements. Once all feedback is gathered, it is returned to the project team for any necessary revisions. Only when all concerns are addressed will Caltrans issue the final encroachment permit.

As of the meeting date, the most recent submittal from Sonoma County had been received on March 12th, with internal Caltrans review beginning the next day. Sahar shared that she is waiting to receive all division feedback before returning a single, consolidated response to the County—avoiding delays caused by back-and-forth revisions.

Once the reviews are complete and the maintenance agreement between the county and Caltrans is finalized (regarding features like lighting and pull boxes), Sahar will have 30 days to issue the permit—though she aims to do it more quickly.

Tree Maintenance & Sidewalk Conditions

A resident asked who is responsible for maintaining the downtown Forestville trees and sidewalks, particularly noting that overgrown branches create safety issues on walkways.

Jeff responded that maintenance responsibility can be murky when formal agreements don’t exist—especially with projects implemented many years ago. However, Caltrans now requires signed maintenance agreements for newer projects to clearly establish who will care for trees, lighting, and other infrastructure.

To report tree or sidewalk issues, Jeff recommended using the Caltrans Customer Service Request (CSR) tool available on the Caltrans District 4 website. Submissions are routed directly to the maintenance team, and residents receive a case number to track the issue. Jeff also encouraged following up with his office or using that number in future communication.

The Supervisor added that while formal responsibility may be unclear for older infrastructure, the county can coordinate with Public Infrastructure and the Forestville Water District, particularly since upcoming sidewalk improvements funded by quarry mitigation money could present an opportunity to revisit tree care responsibilities as well.

Forestville Parade Permit

During this discussion, a resident mentioned they were working with Sahar to secure an encroachment permit for the upcoming Forestville Parade. Sahar confirmed she had received the request, and the supervisor added that the insurance documentation required for the permit would be submitted shortly—ensuring the parade will proceed as scheduled.

Water Line Coordination

Another attendee asked about plans to install a new water or sewer line under Front Street and whether this work would be coordinated with the county’s improvements to avoid tearing up new sidewalks.

A representative from the Forestville Water District confirmed that the district is undertaking a system-wide sewer rehabilitation program, which includes downtown Forestville. The district is currently coordinating with the county to ensure this work is completed before sidewalk and streetscape improvements begin. He emphasized that the goal is to avoid the inefficiency and cost of digging up freshly installed infrastructure.

The supervisor thanked the Water District for its collaboration, highlighting this as a successful example of inter-agency coordination that prevents redundant work and saves taxpayer dollars.

Traffic Enforcement & Safety Concerns on River Road and Mirabel

A resident voiced concern about excessive speeding on Mirabel Road, particularly by trucks. They noted that although having CHP (California Highway Patrol) present might help deter speeding, drivers tend to warn each other via radio, minimizing the effect. As a possible alternative, the resident suggested installing automated speed enforcement cameras that would issue citations by mail.

The Supervisor responded with appreciation for the suggestion and acknowledged the long-standing safety concerns along River Road, especially near Speer’s Market. She mentioned an incident where a vehicle “burritoed” itself inside a bus—a serious crash that thankfully resulted in no fatalities but highlighted the dangers of that stretch.

She noted that the section of River Road from the Farmhouse Inn to Steelhead has been particularly hazardous, with multiple traffic incidents in recent years. The county recognizes this as a priority area for traffic-calming measures, and while enforcement is one part of the solution, infrastructure improvements are also being explored.

Forestville Planning Association (FPA) Update

Lucy Hardcastle, representing the Forestville Planning Association, shared a brief history of the organization. Originally formed in 2002 to provide information and host town halls, the FPA has evolved into more of a community partnership group. Today, they work closely with other organizations, like the Forestville Skate Spot and the Chamber of Commerce, to support projects that benefit the town.

Lucy noted that the FPA is considering a name change, as the word “Planning” no longer reflects their current focus. Their work now includes managing funds, supporting local events, and fostering partnerships across the community.

She highlighted “Pie in the Park”, a signature event that raises money for Oaks Park, and reminded the audience not to forget the Youth Park BBQ—another beloved Forestville tradition.

Lucy then introduced Vikki Miller, a fellow board member, to provide an update on the Forestville Community Fund.

Vikki Miller, recently appointed chair of the Forestville Community Fund, explained the fund’s mission: to support innovative, educational, recreational, and beautification projects that benefit the Forestville area.

The Community Fund was established in 2007 and is made possible through generous annual contributions from Canyon Rock and Bodine Quarries. Their support has funded a wide range of local initiatives, from murals downtown to comfort animal programs at the elementary school.

Vikki announced that the 2025 grant application cycle opens April 1st and will remain open through June 13th. Grant amounts will cap at $100, and applications are available at the FPA table or online at 95436.org.

She encouraged community members to apply for funding, volunteer for the grant review committee, or simply stop by the FPA table to learn more.

Forestville Chamber of Commerce Update

Wendi Flowers Gianni, President of the Forestville Chamber of Commerce, gave a lively overview of the Chamber’s mission and upcoming events.

She encouraged residents and business owners to join the Chamber, noting the organization’s dedication to community support, including offering financial assistance to individuals and businesses in need. She also mentioned that the Chamber has taken on tree-trimming duties downtown to keep sidewalks safe.

Key upcoming events included:

• Citizen, Volunteer, and Business of the Year Dinner – April 5th
• Easter Egg Hunt at Youth Park – April 13th at 10 AM
• Fix-It Fair at El Molino – May 3rd, 10 AM to 2 PM
• Opening Day of the Farmers Market – May 13th from 4:30 to 7:30 PM, with Gas Money as the opening band
• Youth Park Parade – June 7th

Wendi reminded everyone that the Chamber supports local events, posts community updates, and promotes small businesses. Applications for the farmers market and parade participation are available at the Chamber’s table.

She closed by encouraging the audience to shop local—reminding everyone that every dollar spent in Forestville supports a neighbor’s dream.

West Sonoma County High School District & El Molino Campus Vision

Chris Meredith, Superintendent of the West Sonoma County Unified High School District acknowledged that while the community has gone through a difficult transition following the high school consolidation, the district is now focused on creating something new and dynamic for Forestville and the broader West County area.

Beginning this fall, El Molino will start with a freshman cohort as part of the newly launched Academy of Innovative Arts. The program will expand each year to ultimately serve grades 9 through 12. Chris emphasized that the district is committed to both utilizing the campus fully and providing relevant, engaging education for students in rural communities.

He then introduced Greg Alexander, principal of Laguna High School and lead for the new academy, to explain more about the program.

  Academy of Innovative Arts – El Molino

Greg described the academy as a project-based, hands-on learning environment designed to nurture creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking. The curriculum will be interest-driven, allowing students to explore real-world skills through community partnerships and technical education.

Some key features of the program include:

• A Community School Model with strong connections between students, educators, families, and local organizations
• Opportunities for students to build, create, and tinker using tools and materials, preparing them for a variety of post-high school paths—including college, trade school, or immediate employment
• A partnership with Dale Dougherty, founder of Make: Magazine and the Maker Movement, to renovate the on-campus makerspace
• A founding teacher, Cole Smith, who brings expertise in construction and design, including tiny homes and trailers

Greg invited community members to get involved, especially those who want to volunteer, mentor, or share professional skills with students.

He also announced:

• An Academy Preview Night on Thursday, April 3rd from 6:00 to 7:30 PM
• A free summer Maker Camp for middle school students, running August 4–8, also hosted on the El Molino campus

Unification Initiative for West County K–12 Schools

Max Broome, chair of the Forestville School District Board, and Kimberly Lambert, a local parent advocate, discussed an ongoing effort to unify West County’s K–8 and high school districts.

Max explained that the Sonoma County Office of Education recently completed a unification feasibility study, which showed promising results: 7 out of the 9 required state criteria have already been met, meaning that unification is not only feasible but within reach with continued planning.

The goal of unification is to:

• Create a seamless K–12 educational experience for students in the Russian River region
• Reopen El Molino as a comprehensive high school, fully integrated with the region’s elementary and middle schools
• Ensure local control and decision-making for rural communities that often feel left out of larger systems
• Increase efficiency, coordination, and access to resources across school sites

Kimberly stressed that this effort is about more than buildings—it’s about our kids. She called on the community to get involved, stay informed, and help shape the future of education in West County.

They invited everyone to stop by their informational table to learn more about how to support the initiative and join upcoming discussions.

Doors open at 5 PM — Arrive early to explore informational tables before the program begins at 5:30 PM.

• Welcome  from Supervisor Hopkins

• Meet your Forestville and Hacienda Representatives to the Lower Russian River Municipal Adivisory Council

  • Learn who represents your community, the MAC's roles and responsibilities, and how to share your input. Visit the MAC table for more information.

• Infrastructure Project Updates:

  • Mirabel Road Bicycle and Pedestrian Lane Project — Regional Parks and Sonoma County Public Infrastructure
  • Front Street Improvement Project — Caltrans will provide an overview of the the permit review process and timeline regarding the County's Front Street Improvements project.
    
    

• Community Spotlights:

  • Brief introductions from these local organizations, followed by tabling and conversations:
    • Forestville Planning Association
    • Forestville Chamber of Commerce
    • Visions for the El Molino Campus:
      • West Sonoma County High School District
        • Laguna Continuation High School
        • Non-Comprehensive Academy of Innovative Arts
      • Initiative to Unify West County K-12 Schools
        • Reopening El Molino as a Comprehensive High School

Before and after the Program:
Connect with presenters and community organizations at informational tables: