Events mark 5 years since 2017 firestorm in Sonoma County

Somber reflections and talks of rebuilding are among the gatherings slated to happen in October.|

THE PRESS DEMOCRAT

September 28, 2022

Five years since the firestorm

October marks the fifth year since the North Bay firestorm that devastated the parts of Sonoma, Napa, Mendocino and Lake counties, destroying about 6,200 homes and claiming 40 lives. Over the next five weeks, a team of Press Democrat reporters, photographers and editors will revisit those harrowing days and weeks with an eye toward how the disaster impacted our region and how we come to grips with the inevitability of a future bout with catastrophic wildfire.

Week 1: How living with the reality of fire has changed us and the land we live on.

A Walk in the Ashes of the Tubbs Fire

Five years after firestorm, no one was left unscathed

Week 2: Despite a $13.5 billion trust fund awarded by the courts for fire victims, many have yet to see what they’re owed.

Week 3: Fire took a physical and emotional toll on everyone, especially children.

Week 4: Tales of tragedy, tales of heroism. Where are they now?

Week 5: What we’ve learned, and how we’ll move forward.

If you have a story to share, please email pdnews@pressdemocrat.com.

Sonoma County communities and organizations devastated by the October 2017 fires will begin this week holding events to mark a five-year milestone since the disaster and progress toward the region’s recovery.

Here is a collection of the events planned to mark the occasion.

5th Anniversary Ceremony: The public is invited to hear local leaders speak at a ceremony hosted by the city of Santa Rosa and the county of Sonoma. The event will honor the community’s resilient spirit in the wake of the fires and highlight rebuilding efforts. Speakers will include Santa Rosa Mayor Chris Rogers, Sonoma County Supervisors James Gore, Chris Coursey and Susan Gorin, state Sen. Mike McGuire, Congressman Jared Huffman and Assemblymember Jim Wood. The event will feature ASL and Spanish interpretation, and will stream live on the city of Santa Rosa’s Youtube channel. Oct. 8, Coffey Neighborhood Park, 1524 Amanda Place, Santa Rosa. The event begins at 10 a.m. Free. More information at bit.ly/3fvKHj6.

Sonoma Valley Community Gathering: In observance of the five-year commemoration of the Nuns Fire, Sonoma Valley Fire District welcomes the public to visit with local firefighters and law enforcement to learn about the Valley’s progress in rebuilding and remaining resilient. Oct. 8, Sonoma Valley Fire station 5, 13115 Arnold Dr., Glen Ellen. Event runs 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free. More information at bit.ly/3rIHdMN.

‘Embers of Awakening’: Friends of Pepperwood, in partnership with Listening for a Change, hosts a screening of the documentary “Embers of Awakening: From Firestorms to Climate Health.“ The film tells personal stories of damage and recovery in Sonoma County following the Tubbs Fire, which burned 95% of the preserve, including six structures. The event also features a post-film panel discussion with director and producer Phyliss Rosenfeld in conversation with the preserve’s staff, including Pepperwood Preserve President and CEO Lisa Micheli. Oct. 8, Conte Court at Dwight Center for Conservation Science, 2130 Pepperwood Preserve Road, Santa Rosa. Event begins at 6:30 p.m., film starts at 7 p.m. Free, donations accepted. More information and registration at pepperwoodpreserve.org.

Gathering with Gratitude: Cardinal Newman High School and St. Rose Catholic School in Santa Rosa, which were both damaged in the Tubbs Fire, are inviting families from both schools and local first responders to an event that includes Mass at 10 a.m. in the Cardinal Newman gym, reflections, a dedication to a statue of St. Angela Merici, a barbecue lunch, and Open Houses for both schools. Oct. 9 at 4320 Old Redwood Highway, Santa Rosa. More information at cardinalnewman.org.

Five-Year Commemoration: Paradise Ridge Winery in Fountaingrove is looking back on the Tubbs Fire that destroyed its tasting room and other structures with a private commemoration co-hosted by Sonoma County Supervisor James Gore. The event will celebrate Santa Rosa’s resiliency and will thank the community that supported the winery during its two-year rebuilding effort. The event will include food from Willi’s Wine Bar and Sweet T’s, both of which were also devastated by the fire and which rebuilt. Oct. 9, at 4545 Thomas Lake Harris Drive, Santa Rosa. The event begins at 5:30 p.m. Admission is by invite only. More information on Paradise Ridge at prwinery.com.

Five Years of Service: The Vineyard at Fountaingrove memory care facility was among the many facilities forced to evacuate the night of the Tubbs Fire, and it was among the first to return home, 15 days after the blaze. This month, the staff and residents of the memory care center mark five years since the fire with stories of heroism, courage, and compassion from residents including Patricia Thompson, who was evacuated in 2017 and still calls The Vineyard at Fountaingrove home. The event will also hold a champagne toast and a reception with live music. Oct. 19, at 200 Fountaingrove Parkway, Santa Rosa. The event begins at 5:30 p.m. RSVP at 707-544-4909.

Do you know of any other events? Email us at onlineideas@pressdemocrat.com.