Sonoma County declares local emergency amid December winter storm damages

In a recent meeting of the Solano County Board of Supervisors, emergency services manager Robin Raines provided a critical update on the ongoing challenges posed by the severe winter storms that began in December 2024. The meeting, held on April 17, 2025, focused on the need to extend the local emergency proclamation initially declared in response to the storms, which have wreaked havoc on the region's levees and infrastructure.

Raines highlighted the dire situation at Van Sickle Island, where the levee is in a state of failure, and immediate action is required to prevent further erosion. The water is currently flowing over the levee, rendering traditional emergency measures, such as sandbagging, ineffective. Raines emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, "We're way past that at Van Sickle," and noted that the county is actively seeking state and federal assistance to address the escalating crisis.

The discussion also touched on the ongoing collaboration with reclamation districts and the California Conservation Corps, which recently deployed a crew to assist with sandbagging efforts at Grizzly West. Raines expressed concern over the financial strain on local districts, which have exhausted their resources in responding to the disaster.

As the county awaits a state of emergency declaration from the governor, officials are working diligently to compile damage assessments and documentation to support their request. Raines concluded her update by reaffirming the commitment to securing the necessary resources for both immediate and long-term recovery efforts.

The meeting underscored the pressing need for continued support and action as Solano County grapples with the aftermath of the winter storms, highlighting the resilience and determination of local officials to protect their communities.