August 6, 2026 email from Supervisor Rabbitt +
other correspondence and attachments focused on Penngrove’s sewage crisis:

  • August 6, 2026 email from Supervisor Rabbitt, including links to Executive Summary and FAQ on Penngrove Sanitation Zone Capacity from Sonoma Water

  • July 2, 2026 letter sent to Board of Supervisors

  • Penngrove Cares summary of sewage crisis documentation

  • Flow chart (no pun intended) illustrating how each Penngrove sanitary sewer overflow (SSO) is currently handled

  • Full documentation based on Penngrove Cares’ Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request

  • Sanitary Sewer Capacity Evaluation, from Sonoma Water:
    Sonoma Water completed a hydraulic capacity evaluation of the Penngrove Sanitation Zone (PSZ) sewer collection system to assess the system’s ability to convey peak wet weather flows and comply with the State Water Resources Control Board’s 2022 Waste Discharge Requirements for sanitary sewer systems. The study assessed both existing conditions and projected future development conditions within the Penngrove service area.

July 2, 2026

Board of Supervisors
575 Administration Drive, Room 100A
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
Phone: (707) 565-2241
Email: bos@sonomacounty.gov

Dear Sonoma County Supervisors and Administrators, 

Penngrove Cares respectfully submits the attached information regarding wastewater infrastructure and sewer capacity constraints affecting the Penngrove community.

The purpose of this communication is to bring attention to concerns that limited sewer capacity presents significant challenges for public health, environmental protection, community planning, and future development decisions. 

The attached 3 documents summarize available information regarding existing system limitations, potential risks, and the implications of continued growth in an area with highly finite wastewater capacity.

We plan to encourage a thorough review of the facts and start a transparent public discussion about the long-term sustainability of wastewater service in Penngrove. Decisions affecting land use, housing, infrastructure investment, and community development should be informed by a clear understanding of existing capacity constraints and their potential dire consequences.

We appreciate your time, consideration, and service to Sonoma County. I hope the enclosed information helps you evaluate the challenges and opportunities facing Penngrove and supports informed decision-making for current and future residents.  We look forward to your discussion and actions.

Respectfully, Lyndi Brown
Chair, Penngrove Cares

And, from Penngrove Cares members and residents: Kathy Bottarini, Emma Mann, Eartha McClellan, John Mazzella, Molly Mazzella, Don Seppa, Gregg Stebben, Jody Stebben, Bob Moretti, Kim Hanson

 

DISTRIBUTION:
Rebecca Hermosillo, District 1
David Rabbitt, District 2
Chris Coursey, District 3
James Gore, District 4
Lynda Hopkins, District 5
Scott Orr, Permit Sonoma
David Guhin, County Executive

CC:
Sylvia Lemus 
Joanna Paun
Erin Carlstrom, JD.

Visit us at: www.penngrovecares.org