March 2026

In this edition:

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Support Monte Rio School

Patterson Point Preserve Work Days

Moscow Road/Highway 116 Update

Spring Swing

SUPPORT MONTE RIO SCHOOL

A note from Christie George:

Hi Friends & Neighbors,

Happy New Year! As many of you know from years past, I organize a small fundraiser for our beloved Monte Rio School — and this year, we're buying books!

We're using Bookshop.org wishlists for each classroom, because Bookshop supports our local bookstore, Russian River Books & Letters in Guerneville. When you purchase from a list, books ship directly to the school, to the appropriate teacher's attention (you'll see the school address as an option at checkout). As items are purchased, each list updates automatically.

My goal is to fill these wishlists by the end of next month. If everyone receiving this email bought one book, we'd clean out the list. I'll send a few reminders over the next three weeks. For the past couple of years we've been buying supplies for our school — it's been a wonderful way to show the school community that we've got their backs. This year, let's fill their shelves.

Shop the Wishlists:

• Ms. Jessica's TK/Kindergarten Wishlist — https://bookshop.org/wishlists/15a9bf46a7c66c384be6bca3cd327981fc904c1b

• Vanessa's 1st/2nd Grade Wishlist — https://bookshop.org/wishlists/8a9881eb1f789de4765045a7d7d8e5b62d5f4c23
• Mr. A's 3rd/4th Grade Wishlist — https://bookshop.org/wishlists/cce80e166219dd3fa69656093560022aa1cc535c
• 5th/6th Grade Wishlist — https://bookshop.org/wishlists/4cf891ba894f693b6f36a586ea2fc2d21200a7c4
• 7th/8th Grade Wishlist — https://bookshop.org/wishlists/e08fc14453ef6b944e37f8b7d35bf3512d8a47dc

A word from Principal Liza Eichert:

"Books open doors — to learning, imagination, empathy, and possibility. This year, we are making a strong commitment to diversifying our book offerings so that every child can see themselves reflected in the stories they read, and can also learn about the experiences of others. Representation matters. When students recognize themselves, their families, and their communities in books, they feel seen, valued, and inspired to read more deeply and more often."

I'm really inspired by Principal Eichert's commitment and energy. Every book purchased is a gift to a child in our community. Thank you so much for your generosity and for continuing to show up for Monte Rio School.

Come join a work party at Patterson Point Preserve!

This Sunday, 3/15/26, from 9-11am we will be doing some invasive plant weeding. Bring gloves! The first three volunteers who show up will get hats!  

You can also join us for an afternoon work party on Sunday March 22 from 2-4pm. 

Also a group from Conservation Corp North Bay (CCNB) will be working with Kaya in the preserve the week of the 16th. So if you see them say hi! 

If you have any questions please reach out to Pattersonpointpreserve@gmail.com. 

A Message from Sonoma County Public Infrastructure:

Dear Moscow Road Community,

We want to share an update regarding current conditions along Moscow Road and steps being taken to support safety for residents and travelers.

As many of you are aware, Caltrans is currently conducting major repairs along Highway 116 near the Russian River following severe winter storm damage earlier this year. That project involves stabilizing the roadway with a grade-beam wall and other structural work and is expected to take eight months to one year to complete. During this period, traffic patterns in the area have shifted, and Moscow Road is being used more frequently as an alternate route.

We understand that the increased traffic on Moscow Road — particularly on a narrow two-lane road — has created challenges for residents, especially when drivers are unfamiliar with the roadway or traveling faster than is safe for current conditions.

Public Infrastructure is actively monitoring the situation and will be implementing several near-term measures intended to help slow traffic and improve visibility along the corridor. These steps include installing additional delineators (vertical roadway markers) in select locations to visually narrow the roadway and encourage slower speeds. We will also place additional signage to alert drivers to changing roadway conditions and install a refreshed stop bar and small flashing beacons at the intersection to improve traffic control.

These are initial steps intended to help calm traffic and improve safety so residents can more easily enter and exit their homes while the regional construction work continues. Our team will continue observing conditions and adjusting measures as needed.

Supervisor Lynda Hopkins’ office has also been working to address these concerns. Her team recently contacted the California Highway Patrol to alert them that Moscow Road may be serving as a bypass for drivers attempting to avoid slowdowns along Highway 116 during the repair work. CHP Captain Andre Sirenko confirmed on Tuesday that patrol units will be routed to the area to investigate the concern.

This email begins what we anticipate will be periodic updates as we monitor the impacts of the Highway 116 project and work to support the Moscow Road community. We appreciate your patience and cooperation as we respond to changing traffic patterns and work to keep the roadway as safe as possible.

SPRING SWING

FoVG’s Spring Swing was a wonderful success! It was the perfect evening to gather, celebrate, and enjoy the energy of longer days and a new season.

Friends and neighbors came together to share conversation, laughter, dancing, and the simple pleasure of spending time together. The warm atmosphere, weather, great music, and strong community spirit made the evening especially memorable.

Special thanks to Chef Dave Mau for preparing a delicious dinner, and to Nancy Lopes for leading the organization and setup. Their efforts helped the evening run smoothly and ensured everyone had a wonderful time. 

We are also grateful to the vendors who generously donated items that helped make the evening even more special. Support for our community is truly appreciated.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make the night so memorable. We look forward to the next gathering!