Randy and I know it has been a challenging year and an incredibly troublesome fire season, but we also feel your endurance and ability to adapt and come together. We Californians have a way about us that enables adjustability and persistence in the face of adversity. Sonoma County has the incredible gift to make us all forget the hurdles with one whiff of its intoxicating sea air, a cool breeze, and warm rays from the sun.
Randy and I know the environmental challenges we face living in this incredible landscape. As a whole, we believe we are getting better at meeting the obstacles head-on. The First Responders, CalFire, and all the other vital organizations we need in crisis have done an incredible job identifying the threats, organizing the responses, and working towards a successful conclusion. The capacity to pivot in times of stress is an essential part of changing and lasting.
While we face still more challenges ahead, think of the things that are uniquely Sonoma County. The picturesque landscapes right outside your door, long walks on a sandy beach, hiking, biking, running, canoeing, and a wide variety of other outdoor activities you can enjoy well up into December and then again as early as February. The people. A wealth of people of different origins, thought processes, and beliefs. The food, the lifestyle, the culture. Stop and remember all that is good and beautiful about our community and savor the feelings they summon. These characteristics are worth pivoting for in difficult times. New threats may creep in and remind us we are not indestructible, but we are strong enough to push through, and each time we do, we will get better at it.
Remember, we will get through this time, and we will come out more knowledgeable and committed to our state and each other. Hang in there. We are with you!