Wine Country Fires: 7 Sonoma Wines to Buy Right Now to Support Fire Relief

By Sarah Stierch
Iron Horse Vineyards - Gratitude Wine

“Buy our wine!” has become the rallying cry of Sonoma County winemakers and vintners since wildfires ravaged the wine producing region. While several Sonoma wineries were damaged or destroyed by the ferocious flames, others remain deeply affected by the catastrophe – many winery owners and workers lost their homes and/or jobs during the fires. These wineries are now taking resolute steps toward recovery, but their success relies on the support of locals and visitors alike.

Buying wine directly from local wineries is one way to help those affected by the fires – directly, by helping winery employees pay their bills and feed their families, and indirectly by boosting the local economy and, in turn, investments in initiatives serving the local community and those impacted by the fires. For every $100 you spend purchasing wine directly from a Sonoma County winery, 48% of that purchase goes back into the local economy (if you purchase wine from a chain, only 14% is returned to the local economy).

A number of Sonoma County wineries are now also supporting fire relief efforts by donating part of the proceeds to local non-profits. If you’d like to help Sonoma wineries and support the local economy, we have picked out a selection of wines to buy that not only taste great, but also benefit a good cause – a win win (or should that be “wine-wine”?) for everyone. Click through the gallery above for all the details.

Looking for more wines to buy to support fire relief efforts? Check out additional wineries throughout California supporting fire efforts here.

 

Wine Country Fires: Artists and Designers Create Artwork, Decals, Prints for Fire Relief

By Karen Kizer

Following the devastating North Bay Fires, volunteers continue to mobilize in great numbers, taking on various roles to care for affected community members. Among those eager to help are local artists and designers who, after the fires broke out, immediately went to work within their realm of expertise – creating images of hope and solidarity.

Click through the gallery above for a selection of artwork and designs inspired by the North Bay Fires. The sales from the items featured here will benefit those affected by the fires. We will continue to add to this gallery in the coming weeks. The Sonoma Strong sentiment evident in this work is now so sought after that some of these local artists are having trouble keeping up with demand while running their regular businesses. Please check back for notices of replenished stock.

 

Where to Find Unique Halloween Outfits in Sonoma County

By Karen Kizer

With Halloween around the corner, you might be needing a costume for yourself or your child. For some, this means a true retail adventure, while others feel burdened by the task. Sonoma County stores can answer the call in either scenario, and that doesn’t mean you’re limited to the “big box” offerings. Here are some finds to help you achieve maximum or minimum levels of disguise. Click through the slide show above for details.

Russian River Brewing Launches “Sonoma Pride” Campaign to Support Sonoma County Fire Victims

By Jess Poshepny Vallery

North Bay residents have spent the days since Monday morning, October 9, experiencing terror, loss, and heartbreak. They’ve been fighting fires with garden hoses, preparing their homes against the onslaught of raging flames, and waiting in evacuation centers for news of loved ones and updates regarding the survival of their homes. In the past few days, firefighters battling blazes in Napa and Sonoma counties have continued to make gains, with containment numbers increasing. When the fires are quenched begins the road toward recovery.

In an effort to help rebuild their local community, Natalie and Vinnie Cilurzo, owners of Santa Rosa’s Russian River Brewing Company, have partnered with former professional cyclist Levi Leipheimer’s King Ridge Foundation to launch the charitable endeavor Sonoma Pride. The campaign will raise funds through direct donations to the King Ridge Foundation, sales of Sonoma Pride beer (to be released on October 31) and $25 donations for a chance to win Pliny the Younger line-cutting privileges in 2018.

The Sonoma Pride donation site, which has already realized over $162,959 in charitable contributions, will continue to collect and distribute funds through December; 100 percent of proceeds will be donated to victims of the Sonoma County wildfires.

Commenting on the Sonoma Pride campaign, Natalie Cilurzo says, “It was important to Vinnie and me to partner with a local non-profit that would ensure the money raised stays in Sonoma County…one with no overhead or administrative fees so all of the money goes directly to the wildfire victims.”

As part of this fundraising effort, Russian River Brewing Company has invited breweries from across Sonoma County and around the world to create beers under the Sonoma Pride label. Bear Republic Brewing Company in Healdsburg was the first to sign on for the collaboration.

“Being a retired firefighter myself” says Richard Norgrove Jr., Bear Republic owner and master brewer, “it was important for us to be a part of this.”

As part of the Sonoma Pride campaign, Bear Republic has partnered with St. Florian’s Brewery in Windsor to make a collaborative beer called “Mutual Aid.” Firetrucks from Healdsburg and Windsor will be pictured on the label. Aron Levin, owner and master brewer at St. Florian’s Brewery (St. Florian is patron saint of firefighters), is a fire captain and has been fighting on the front line since the North Bay wildfires broke out.

Bear Republic is planning a similar collaboration with Petaluma’s 101 North Brewing with a label representing Richard Norgrove’s and 101 North master brewer Joel Johnson’s alma mater Cardinal Newman. The proceeds from this collaborative brew will go directly toward rebuilding Cardinal Newman High School, which was damaged in the Tubbs Fire. Bear Republic Brewing is also donating 50 cents on ever case sold to help fire victims; the brewery estimates this will net $70,000 for the charitable endeavor.

Meanwhile, Sonoma Springs Brewing in Sonoma Valley plan to brew a juicy-style IPA under the Sonoma Pride label, which will be released on draft in November. On November 11th, the brewery will honor the Sonoma Valley Volunteer Fire Department at their annual Sottile Red Party fundraiser.

In addition to Russian River Brewing, Bear Republic, St. Florian’s, 101 North and Sonoma Springs, Santa Rosa breweries HenHouse and Cooperage are brewing a collaborative beer under the Sonoma Pride label and local breweries Plow, Third Street Aleworks, Seismic, Moonlight, Crooked Goat, Fogbelt, Barrel Brothers and 3 Disciples are also joining the fundraising effort.

All Sonoma Pride beers will be available on draft from October 31. Russian River Brewery and Bear Republic will be producing 10,000 barrels; they will bottle some Sonoma Pride for national distribution. Russian River Brewing Company’s Sonoma Pride release party is scheduled on October 31st, more details can be found on the brewery’s Facebook page.

Locals and families affected by the fires can apply for funds online through the King Ridge Foundation; families with children are given preference. The Sonoma Pride campaign has also secured donations from Trek and Specialized of 1,000 new bicycles; families with children who lost bikes in the fires or children who don’t own a bike may apply for one here. North Bay residents who are in need of basic necessities like toiletries, shoes, and clothing may apply for assistance in obtaining those items here.

More information about Sonoma Pride, and how to make a donation, here.

National breweries planning to brew beers under the Sonoma Pride label include: 
Alvarado Street (Monterey, CA), New Bohemian (Santa Cruz, CA), Eight Bridges (Livermore, CA), Morgan Territory (Tracy, CA), The Bell Marker (San Diego, CA), Crux Fermentation Project (Bend, OR), Boneyard (Bend, OR), Creature Comforts (Athens, GA), Scarlet Lane (McCordsville, IN), Cigar City (Tampa, FL), Ballast Point (San Diego, CA), and Sierra Nevada (Chico, CA), Sante Adairius Rustic Ales (Capitola, CA), Bagby Beer Company (Oceanside, CA), Three Weavers (Inglewood, CA), St. Archer (San Diego, CA), J Dubs Brewing (Sarasota, FL), Allegory Brewing (McMinnville, OR), and Revision Brewing (Sparks, NV) — more are expected to join.

Sonoma Family Meal Serves +16,000 Meals of Wholesome Food to Fire Victims

By biteclub
Sonoma Fmaily Meal

UPDATE: PLEASE VISIT OUR VOLUNTEER PAGE if you’d like to help us out.

As of Wednesday night, Sonoma Family Meal had served 16,000 free chef-made lunches and dinners to anyone affected by the wildfires ravaging the North Bay – give or take a few thousand. Because, when you’ve got people who’ve lost everything waiting in line for a warm meal, keeping counts isn’t really the point.

Through dinner Saturday, anyone in Sonoma County (and beyond) who needs a little help feeding friends and family can simply show up at the Sonoma Family Meal pop-up at the Santa Rosa Junior College’s Culinary Arts Center parking lot (1700 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa) for a pre-packaged to-go meal for 4-6 people, made by some of the best chefs in the Bay Area. Just drive up, pick up, and then get back to your family.

And trust us when we say, you don’t have to be needy to be in need. We’ve seen Mercedes and broken down vans pull up for meals. Disaster doesn’t discriminate – anyone can be affected – and we’re all in this together.

So, what’s this initiative all about? The idea to create Sonoma Family Meal came to me as my own family was displaced after the Nuns Fire engulfed Santa Rosa’s Annadel. Fortunately, a friend from San Francisco offered his apple farm and ranch home for my 94-year-old grandmother, my son and my parents to stay in while they were evacuated.

Sitting around a huge harvest table, I saw that – despite our fortunate situation – our family of ten was struggling to put together a meal. We were traumatized, and cooking was the last thing anyone wanted to do. We ate whatever anyone could gather together — pre-made salads, a quiche, some risotto cakes, a loaf of bread — not exactly a cohesive meal, but we were grateful to simply eat together, all of us safe. I figured we were hardly the only ones in this situation – not in an evacuation center, not necessarily in financial difficulty, but simply in need of a warm, nourishing, healthy meal. 

I spent Saturday working every contact in the restaurant world I could think of. It turned out that a number of chefs in Sonoma County and San Francisco – including Sonoma’s Sondra Bernstein (girl and the fig) and Sheana Davis (Epicurean Connection), Traci des Jardines (SF’s Jardiniere), Miriam Donaldson (Petaluma’s Wishbone), Marianna Gardenhire and Daniel Kedan (Forestville’s Backyard), John Stewart and Duskie Estes (Zazu Kitchen and Farm, Sebastopol) and Evelyn Cheatham’s Worth Our Weight (Santa Rosa) – had already started high volume feeding programs for first responders and fire victims in shelters.

But, so far, no one was feeding the folks who weren’t in shelters, but needed some extra assistance feeding a house full of family and friends; who didn’t have gas or electricity, or were coming home to a house full of spoiled food in their fridges. While grocery stores were slow on restocking, maybe these people wanted to take something to a friend in need, or they were older folks caring for a wife or husband after having been evacuated from senior centers. The stories of need were endless, but had one common theme: These were people afraid to ask for help because they thought other people needed it more.

And there were many other chefs who wanted to help in any way they could. Unfortunately, shelters couldn’t accommodate pans of lasagna, gourmet cookies, cupcakes, tofu scrambles and veggies for vegan folks, and the myriad of other contributions they wanted to make.

Sonoma Family Meal (named for the hearty “family meal” that restaurant staff enjoy together before starting service) bridged that gap. Offers to help started pouring in: 800 meals from SF Chefs Fight Fire, 800 meals from Jackson Family Wine’s gourmet kitchen, trays of lasagna from Single Thread, 100 burgers and fries from Healdsburg Bar and Grill, 1000 meals from Operation BBQ, a pallet of fresh vegetables from FEED Sonoma, trays of gourmet cupcakes and cookies from Moustache Baked Goods, tubs of pasta from Josh Silvers’ Jackson’s (Silvers lost his home) and the list kept growing.

We needed a place for operations, and John Franchetti of Franchetti’s Wood Fire Kitchen stepped up first. With gas cut off, the Santa Rosa restaurant was closed, but the kitchen was available for bringing in racks of food, keeping it refrigerated and handling it in a professional environment.

On Sunday morning, a team of volunteers showed up at Franchetti’s and went to work: Holly Hansen PR and other volunteers worked their social media magic to get the word out while professional chefs manned the kitchen (Trisha Davis of Whole Pie coordinated operations), volunteers handed out food (including my parents) and I worked the phones. Chaco’s Catering offered hundreds of chicken paella meals, along with many other contributions from local chefs throughout the day. That first day, we served 4,000 meals through our little pop-up, drive-up service with the help of many locals (including Zazu’s John Stewart who brought trays of meat and sides from operations at the Vets Building after emergency calls went out when we ran out of food during dinner service).

On Tuesday, Sonoma Family Meal moved to Worth Our Weight, taking over the Santa Rosa restaurant space and bringing in so much food we overloaded the walk-in refrigerator. Cold Stone Creamery served free ice cream sundaes that were a big hit with children, who walked away with sprinkle-covered face as their parents brought home bags of fresh produce and trays of food. 

To support our effort, the board of Santa Rosa Junior College decided (in an emergency session) to offer their Burdo Culinary Arts Center as a kitchen and pick-up location. 

And so, on Wednesday morning, we moved again. This time, Aaron Jonas of Aaron Jonas catering brought an entire team to cook fresh food that was being donated by the pallet and needed to be used before it went to waste – in addition to the thousands of meals donated. Miriam Donaldson of Petaluma’s Wishbone is sharing the space to coordinate her ongoing meal services. We all hope to figure out a way to continue food operations for the foreseeable future.

There’s no way to thank everyone who has supported, and continue to support, Sonoma Family Meal, but in the coming weeks I will try. Nor can I find the words to share every heartbreaking story I’ve heard, or convey the desperation felt in the wake of the fires and the humanitarian crisis that we now face in Sonoma County. We are simply chefs, volunteers, friends, family and one restaurant writer who want to make sure everyone in our community can get a hug, a nourishing and dignified meal and a little more hope as we face an uncertain future together. 

For more details, visit facebook.com/sonomafamilymeal 

Innovative ‘Freetail’ Stores Open for Fire Victims in Sonoma County

By Karen Kizer

Providing disaster relief to thousands of displaced people requires more than just kindheartedness, and many relief workers now find themselves inundated with good intentions in the form of heaps of donations to sort. But volunteers from Corazon Healdsburg and Just Between Friends are helping change the game in Sonoma County with innovative ways to manage donations and get them to those in need.

At the Healdsburg Free Store, victims of the North Bay Fires may “shop” a collection of donated new items from numerous sources. The price of everything is free.

“It’s a warehouse-y, free retail setting,” says organizer Ariel Kelley. “Freetail,” she calls it.

Kelley, a board member of Corazón Healdsburg , says the nonprofit drew from its fundraising and organizing skills to create the Healdsburg Free Store to provide disaster relief after the North Bay Fires.

Their supply of donations has outgrown two spaces, first a storage unit, then a church, and now they are at capacity in a very large warehouse. 

“It’s a small community with incredible people,” says Kelley, who moved with her family to Healdsburg two years ago from San Francisco.

Equipped with some fifty volunteers and countless bins full of new goods and clothing that have come from as far as Oregon, the East Coast and Europe, the Free Store opened their doors on Monday and plans to be open for business  “as long as we have a need and volunteers,” according to Kelley.

The local chapter of Just Between Friends, a franchise consignment business that has pop-up sales twice a year in Sonoma County, is joining the front lines of distribution and “freetail,” and is taking a page from their own playbook after the Lake County fires two years ago.

In their 2015 effort to help a volunteer staff taxed with sorting a large number of donated items, Just Between Friends, along with the 20-30 Club and Expressway Storage in Rohnert Park, pre-sorted clothing by size and gender, packaging five outfits to a bag.

“The response was unexpected,” says Jennifer Hundley of Just Between Friends. “Volunteers on the receiving end at the Moose Lodge were almost in tears, pleasantly surprised that someone would take the time to sort into packages before dropping off, so they didn’t have to.”

When Just Between Friends learned of the fires breaking out on October 9, they knew a similar effort was needed and called volunteers to help carry out the same plan.

With the fires hitting so close to home this time, and many of the group’s friends among those affected, Just Between Friends planned a two-prong approach: delivery of packages to those unable to get to their Expressway Self Storage location in Rohnert Park, and the creation of a mini-store for people to “shop” at no cost, as in “freetail.”

Hundley credits the “overwhelming support of the community” with bringing their facility to “overflowing.” Undaunted by the volume, she believes that, “with the sheer goodness of our charity partners (Active 20-30 Club and Expressway Self storage), we expect these efforts to continue weeks, even months down the road.”

Just Between Friends’ next distribution will be held on Sunday, October 22, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. at Expressway Self Storage, 6001 Commerce Blvd, Rohnert Park.

Healdsburg Free Store is open daily 9 a.m.-7 p.m. at seven days a week at 190 Foss Creek Circle Unit K (north of the Healdsburg post office) Healdsburg.

Please note that the Healdsburg Free Store only accepts donations from major distribution hubs in Rohnert Park and Petaluma or from sources offering large scale donations. Individuals wishing to donate small items are encouraged to order from the Free Store’s wishlist at Goodler.com/Wishlist/10157

Newborn Antelope Tubbs, Named for Santa Rosa Fire, Dies at Safari West

By Sofia Englund

Update: We are very sorry to share the news that the four-day-old Tubbs, named for the devastating fire that ravaged Santa Rosa, died Monday at Safari West in Santa Rosa. The young Nile lechwe, an endangered species of aquatic antelope, died of “intestinal complications,” according to Aphrodite Caserta, spokeswoman for Safari West. In his short lifetime, Tubbs had become a beacon of light amid the smoke and fires of Northern California. He brought hope and joy to many. The article below was written early Monday, October 16.

The story of Safari West’s baby Tubbs, born Friday the 13th in the raging Northern California wildfires, is a reminder that amid nature’s destruction, there is also life.

The newborn Nile lechwe — named Tubbs for the devastating fire that killed at least 22, destroyed neighborhoods and threatened the Santa Rosa wildlife preserve — is a member of an endangered aquatic antelope family that is no stranger to adversity. Native to South Sudan and Ethiopia, the Nile lechwe antelope has been affected by civil wars, human displacement and resettlement, as well as firearm attacks and hunting.

On Friday, safe on Sonoma County soil, Tubbs posed on wobbly legs as local photographer Will Bucquoy captured his first few steps. Five days earlier, on the morning of Oct. 9, Tubbs’s mother was rescued from the flames, along with some 1,000 other animals that reside on the preserve, by Safari West owner Peter Lang. Confronted with the choice between protecting his own home and Safari West, Lang grabbed a garden hose and, by continuing to douse the hot spots, he managed to save all the animals.

In the wake of the wildfires, there are others among these smaller “feel good” stories: Odin, a Great Pyrenees and guardian of livestock who, when the fire hit his rural home, refused to leave behind eight bottle-fed rescue goats. Odin, and the goats, survived.

Izzy, a nine-year-old Bernese Mountain Dog, disappeared when her family fled the ferocious fire, only to emerge out of the ashes to greet them as they later returned to the site of their burned down home. And then there’s the story of Stardust, the pony who got a ride to safety in the back seat of a 2001 Honda Accord.

In the past few days, campaigns have been launched to help animals affected by the fires, and to reconnect displaced animals with their owners. And at the Petaluma and Santa Rosa fairgrounds, now serving as evacuation centers, veterinarians, volunteers and displaced residents are working hard to care for hundreds of rescued animals, some of them with life-threatening injuries.

The story of Tubbs’s birth, along with stories of brave pets and rescued farm animals, do serve a purpose. Dwarfed as they are by losses of human life and homes, businesses destroyed, the heroism of firefighters and first responders, the bonding together of neighbors faced with a common struggle, these stories seem to provide some comfort and encouragement; a respite from the unfathomable destruction of the wildfires.

If you would like to help animals affected by the North Bay fires, visit the following Facebook pages:
Sonoma Humane Society
Napa/Santa Rosa Animal Evacuations Info
More information about how to help animals affected by the fires available here.

Sonoma County Wildfires: Frequently Asked Questions, Useful Numbers and Resources

By Sonoma Magazine Staff

As the fires continue to ravage Sonoma and Napa counties, we continue to collect and share useful information with our readers. Below is a list of resources for those affected by the fires, organized by frequently asked questions. Please email us with more information. The gallery above is composed of photos and stories from the fires.

Where are the wildfires? 

Find out how close the fires are to you with this continuously updated map showing current hot spots and fire lines: pressdemocrat.com/multimedia/7516058-181/live-map-of-wildfires-burning

Live updates on the latest news about the active fires in Sonoma County, plus news from Mendocino, Lake and other North Bay counties can be found here: pressdemocrat.com/news/7521925-181

Fire containment can be tracked at the top of this page: pressdemocrat.com

Where are evacuations taking place right now?

Get information regarding mandatory and voluntary evacuations in your area directly to your cellphone by texting your zip code to 888-777.

Click these links for updates lists of evacuation areas in Sonoma County:
sonomacounty.ca.gov/Public-Safety/Confirmed-Evacuations
pressdemocrat.com/news/7512171-181/evacuation-information-for-sonoma-county

Where are shelters located?

The following evacuation centers are open and accepting people evacuated:
sonomacounty.ca.gov/Public-Safety/News/Evacuation-Shelters

Please note: Evacuation Centers are not checking immigration status, however they may ask for identification. The purpose of this is to locate missing persons. You do not have to provide identification and you may only share your name if you choose.

How do I report, or receive information about, a missing person? 

On Thursday, October 12, officials said crews are working to find at least 285 people who have been reported missing in Sonoma County. There were originally 600 reports of missing people, but officials said that 315 were located safely. The numbers had been inconsistent while authorities tried to get confirmation.

Register yourself as “Safe and Well”, or search for loved ones at safeandwell.org.

How can I prepare for an evacuation? 

If there’s a chance you might need to evacuate, here are 10 things you can do now:
pressdemocrat.com/lifestyle/7512221-181/10-things-you-can-do

How can I help those affected by the fires?

As the fires continue to ravage Sonoma and neighboring counties, we are heartened by the kindness, compassion, resilience and resourcefulness evident in our community. Calls for help and donations have been answered by thousands of locals eager to support those in need.

Here’s where you can volunteer, donate and support fire victims:
pressdemocrat.com/news/7512190-181/how-to-help-volunteer-donate

A number of fundraising events will be held in support of the fire victims in the coming days and weeks, check this article for updates:
sonomamag.com/fundraisers-for-sonoma-and-napa-fire-victims

Which roads are closed due to the fires? 

For updated information on road closures, go to the County of Sonoma here and the CHP here. A continuously updated list of road closures can be found here: pressdemocrat.com/news/7512184-181/road-closures-due-to-fires

How do I protect myself from the smoke? 

The wildfires have brought with them the worst air quality levels ever recorded in some parts of the Bay Area, according to Bay Area Air Quality Management District. The air quality in Sonoma County now rivals the Chinese capital of Beijing.

Here are some tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on how to protect yourself: cdc.gov/features/wildfires

Where can I receive medical care if I have been evacuated, or my hospital has been evacuated?

If you have been evacuated to a shelter in Sonoma County,  a number of locations offer enhanced services such as mental health and acute medical assistance, including Sonoma-Marin Fairgrounds (175 Fairgrounds Drive, Petaluma), Elsie Allen High School (599 Bellevue Avenue, Santa Rosa), Santa Rosa Veterans Building (1351 Maple Avenue), and Sonoma County Fairgrounds Pavillion (1350 Bennett Valley Road, Santa Rosa). More information here: sonomacounty.ca.gov/Public-Safety/News/Evacuation-Shelters

Kaiser Permanente:
Kaiser Permanente medical centers in Santa Rosa remain closed until further notice. If you live in an affected area, see a complete list of open and closed emergency, primary and pharmacy locations here: kaiserpermanente.org/article/fires-northern-california. For more information, call 1-866-454-8855.

Sutter: 
Sutter Santa Rosa Regional Hospital remains closed. If you live in an affected area, see a complete list of open and closed emergency, primary and pharmacy locations here: sutterhealth.org/for-patients/community-alert. For more information, call 1-866-961-2889.

When will power be restored? 

Pacific Gas & Electric Co. reported 51,000 Sonoma County customers were still without power Thursday morning, October 12, with the largest outage area on the west side of Santa Rosa where about 15,500 homes and businesses are powerless. Some power has now been restored.

Continuously updated power outage data provided by PG&E can be found on this interactive map: pressdemocrat.com/multimedia/7522448-181/current-pge-outages

Where do I pick up my mail if I have been evacuated?

Santa Rosa residents: The Santa Rosa Post Office will be providing mail pickup on Saturday and Sunday, October 14 and 15, for customers displaced by evacuations and wildfires. Please have proper photo ID on hand to retrieve mail. More information about where and when to retrieve your mail: srcity.org

Residents of Sonoma, Glen Ellen, Kenwood, Eldridge, El Verano, Vineburg and Boyes Hot Springs: The Sonoma Valley post offices are temporarily using the Petaluma Casa Grande Carrier Annex at 1601 Corporate Circle in Petaluma. Pick up service is available 12-6 p.m. Monday through Friday until further notice. Bring photo ID. More information here: about.usps.com/news/state-releases

How do I apply for federal financial assistance?

Sonoma County residents who are wildfire victims are eligible to apply for federal financial assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Small Business Administration. FEMA has opened a relief center on the first floor of The Press Democrat building on 427 Mendocino Ave. in Santa Rosa. This is a one-stop shop for obtaining personal documents, filing insurance claims, obtaining a driver’s license and other items.

Residents — even those who are covered by homeowner, commercial and auto policies at the time of the disaster — are urged to apply online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by phone at 800-621-3362.

Depending on their needs, residents could receive up to $34,000 in FEMA disaster grants to provide for temporary housing, essential home repairs and losses that are not covered under personal property or homeowner policies.

The grants do not have to be paid back and are considered nontaxable income that does not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicaid or other federal benefits.

More information here: pressdemocrat.com/news/7522592-181/sonoma-county-fire-victims-urged

Where can I get assistance processing home and auto insurance claims?

Representatives from five insurance companies (Allstate, The Hartford, USAA, Liberty Mutual and Safeco) are at Finley Park in Santa Rosa to help residents impacted by fires file and process home and auto insurance claims. The representatives are able to also provide money for living expenses.

Bring insurance information if available and a personal ID. If neither is available, the representatives will be able to help through company information with a customer’s name.

How do I best respond to my child’s emotional needs during this time of crisis?

Thousands of children have been temporarily or permanently displaced by the wildfires, and most of the schools in Sonoma County remain closed. As a parent, remember to take care of yourself. Children depend on the adults around them to feel safe and secure, and are likely to be more affected by your emotional state than by your words.

For more useful tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics on how to support your children during this difficult time, click on this link: healthychildren.org

To offer some relief in this devastating situation, a number of Sonoma and Bay Area museums and activity centers are offering free admission to families affected by the fires: sonomamag.com/free-museums-indoor-activities-for-families-affected-by-the-sonoma-napa-fires

How can I take care of myself, emotionally, during this time of crisis? 

From the Red Cross: Disasters are upsetting experiences for everyone involved. Children, senior citizens, people with disabilities and people for whom English is not their first language are especially at risk and are likely to need extra care and help. But everyone, even the people that others look up to for guidance and assistance, is entitled to their feelings and deserves support throughout the recovery process.

More information about emotional responses, and recovery, here: redcross.org

For local mental health resources during this time of crisis, click this link: recamft.org/local-resources

Which restaurants are open?

Here is a list of restaurants serving the public, evacuees and first responders: sonomamag.com/biteclub/where-to-eat-restaurants-open-and-serving-in-sonoma-county

Public Information: Numbers and Resources

EOC Hotline: 707-565-3856 or call 2-1-1
Santa Rosa Public Information Line: 707-543-4511
Santa Rosa Emergency Information: srcity.org/610/Emergency-Information
City of Santa Rosa Fire Department Facebook Page: facebook.com/SantaRosaFD
County of Sonoma Emergency Information: sonomacounty.ca.gov/Home
County of Sonoma Facebook: facebook.com/SonomaCountyCal
County of SonomaTwitter: twitter.com/CountyofSonoma
Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office Nixle: local.nixle.com/sonoma-county-sheriffs-office (to get notifications, text your zip code to 888777)
SoCoAlert: SoCoAlert.com – click on “Sign Up Today”
Press conferences and public safety briefings are held at 1 p.m and 6 p.m. daily, and are lives streamed here: facebook.com/sonoma.sheriff

Sonoma Breweries Offer Support to North Bay Fire Victims

By Jess Poshepny Vallery

In the wake of the devastating wildfires, a band of brewery brothers and sisters are offering a helping hand, a meal and a pint to those affected by the North Bay Fires. Click through the gallery above for more information. If you have know about more local beer venues supporting those affected by the fires, please email us. 

Do you need food due to the fires? Let us help

By biteclub

As of Saturday afternoon, most Sonoma County shelters have reported being fine on food through Sunday. However, there are many chefs in Sonoma County and beyond who are desperate to help — and can make several hundred meals in commercial kitchens for as long as it is needed. People with special diets can be accommodated. 

Chefs from San Francisco, Kendall-Jackson, Backyard and others have been working tirelessly, but need to know how to help.

Prepared meals for fire victims at Valette restaurant. (Facebook)
Prepared meals for fire victims at Valette restaurant. (Facebook)

Any central location that needs food — be it evacuees, first-responders, government workers, media or other groups who are working through this event to help people — is welcome to contact me. Are you helping with animals and need food? Let us know.

Also, if you have a spot where people with family members staying with them can pick up meals, contact me. There are families with 10 people crammed into a house, and they need food too.

I am collaborating with food trucks and chefs who can continue to serve food throughout the next few weeks for folks that might be overlooked. If you have special needs — a shelter was trying to have a fun football themed dinner — I can try to arrange that. We are all here to help. Here are some ways to contact me: 

facebook.com/heather.irwin1

facebook.com/groups/sonomafirefoodtrucks

facebook.com/groups/foodforsonoma

email heather.irwin@pressdemocrat.com