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Crime & Safety

Russian River Beaches to Get Extra Holiday Attention from CHP, Sheriff

The Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office will be keeping an eye on Russian River beaches over the holiday weekend, so don’t plan on taking your party down to the river.

Healdsburg’s Fitch Mountain beaches at Camp Rose and Del Rio Woods are two of the primary targets for deputy watchfulness, along with Steelhead Beach in Forestville.

“We want folks to have a good time and enjoy the river this weekend, but over the last couple of years, the Fitch Mountain neighborhood has been overwhelmed by large parties and rowdy revelers,” said County Supervisor Mike McGuire, a Healdsburg native.

“These enhanced patrols will keep the narrow roads clear, visitors and locals safe and drunk drivers off of the streets. I truly appreciate the CHP and Sheriff’s offices working together over the holiday weekend.”

This effort was started in 2011 in response to the prior year’s activities which left the beach, roads and neighborhoods heavily impacted by litter, drunken beach goers and unsafe parking.

This year, the Sheriff’s Office and CHP will be supported by coordination with private property owners who live along the Russian River. Don Dana, lead for the ownership group at Camp Rose, will be hiring private security Memorial Day weekend to ensure visitor and neighbor safety.

Sonoma County Sheriff Steve Freitas commented, “We appreciate people visiting our County’s recreations spots to enjoy the summer, but we want to ensure they are safe and respect the neighborhoods impacted.”

California Highway Patrol Captain Greg Tracey added, “We want folks to come home safe. This program sends a message that we have no tolerance for public intoxication, drinking and driving nor illegal parking which endangers beachgoers. Hopefully this year we will see folks better self-regulating and respecting the environment.”  

Security guards will also be hired on Fourth of July and Labor Day at Camp Rose.

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