Emergency

It grows everywhere out here. Leaves of three, let it be. Within 10 minutes of contact, 50% of the oil can still be removed by washing. Within 15 minutes, only 25%. After 30 minutes, the oil has absorbed and a reaction is likely. Keep Tecnu on set. It's available at Lark Drugs in Guerneville.

A February 2026 report found 7.41% of ticks tested positive for Lyme disease on Sonoma County trails. Check your body after every outdoor activity. Wear light-colored long pants. Treat clothing with permethrin spray. Remove ticks with fine-tipped tweezers pulling straight up. Infection requires 24-48 hours of attachment, so early removal prevents disease.

About 75 estimated in Sonoma County. No recorded attacks in Sonoma County parks. If you see one, do not run. Face it, make yourself look big, speak loudly, and back away slowly. They are almost never aggressive toward adults.

Northern Pacific rattlesnakes live in the area, active on Austin Creek Road near Cazadero. Watch where you step, especially on warm rocks and sunny trails. If bitten, stay calm, do not apply a tourniquet, and get to a hospital.

The Sonoma Coast has extremely dangerous currents and sneaker waves. Never turn your back on the ocean. Do not swim at Goat Rock, Shell Beach, or other open coast beaches. People die here every year. Admire from a safe distance.

Cazadero has one road in and out. In an evacuation: Cazadero Hwy to Hwy 116 to Guerneville to Hwy 101. Mountain roads in smoke are not an option. Best to sign up before you arrive: SoCoAlert (socoemergency.org/get-ready/sign-up), Nixle (text ZIP code 95421 to 888777), PG&E PSPS alerts (pge.com/psps).

Roads are narrow, winding, and dark at night. No streetlights. Deer, foxes, and raccoons are active at dawn and dusk. Drive slow, high beams when safe. If someone behind you flashes their lights, pull off and let them pass. Some roads flood in heavy rain.

Every carrier is unreliable in Cazadero. If you get a bar, consider it a bonus. Free WiFi at the General Store and firehouse (network: EQAC). Download maps, music, and anything you need before driving up. Walkie-talkies are recommended for on-set communication.

Yellow jackets are out in spring and more aggressive than bees. They look similar but they're not bees. If you see a nest or get swarmed, move away quickly. They're attracted to food and sugary drinks, so keep craft services covered.

Around 6pm the mosquitoes show up, especially near water and in the forest. They're intense for an hour or two, then taper off. Sawyer Picaridin works well and won't damage camera gear or synthetic fabrics the way DEET can.

There is no gas station in Cazadero. Nearest is Lambert's 76 in Guerneville (21 min). I've learned to fill up every time I pass through Guerneville.

Palm Drive Hospital in Sebastopol has been closed since 2014. The nearest ER is Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital, 50 minutes away. For non-emergencies, Russian River Health Center in Guerneville (20 min) sees walk-ins.