Surviving and Living Fully: The River’s Response to AIDS

In the 1980s and 1990s, as HIV/AIDS devastated LGBTQ+ communities across the country, something remarkable happened along the Russian River. Rather than dividing, gay, lesbian and straight neighbors came together to care for one another. The community built health care, food delivery, hospice and support networks that became a model for rural communities everywhere.

For the past two years, the Russian River Historical Society has worked to document and preserve this history through oral histories, digitized records from the West County Health Centers, and stories shared by the people who lived it. Join us for the closing celebration of this project, timed to World AIDS Day.

The day takes place at Dawn Ranch, once Fife’s, the legendary resort at the heart of gay life on the River. We’ll begin with walking tours of historic Gay Guerneville, gather for a program of stories and voices from the past, present and future, and close the day with a reception with food, drinks and a dance floor.

This event is free for the whole community thanks to our generous sponsors. Registration is required.

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11am–2pm · Walking tours
Small-group tours through downtown Guerneville, departing at 11:00pm, 12:00pm and 1:00 pm from the Safeway parking lot (near Guerneville Taco Truck). Tours will visit places that mattered, from the bars that raised money to the health center that cared for the sick. Pre-registration required via Eventbrite. You are also welcome to wander the grounds of Dawn Ranch (the old Fife's) on your own.

2pm–4pm · Main presentation
A short presentation on the Russian River's community response to the AIDS Epidemic featuring voices from the oral history archive, many unheard for twenty years. We'll move from the hardest years toward hope, leaving time for you to share your own memories, and close with a look at HIV today.

4pm–6pm Hosted Reception and Dance
DJ Deks spins a disco-inspired set for every generation. Come celebrate queer joy, the way the River always has.

• A remembrance table where you can write the names and stories of people you've lost
• Exhibits and tables from Face to Face, Food for Thought, West County Health Centers, Positive Images, Sonoma County Library's Here & Queer archive, and the Russian River Historical Society, including archival photos, the original ACT UP banner, and records from the Russian River Health Center.

We need help with welcoming guests, parking, setup and breakdown, and supporting speakers.. Sign up to volunteer →

Questions? [email protected]

• A note on care: This history holds deep grief alongside joy. We've tried to design the day to begin with remembrance and move toward hope. Please take breaks as you need them; you’re welcome to step outside or join in at any point.
• Walking tours: Please arrive 10 minutes early. Tours run about 45 minutes on sidewalks and streets; wear comfortable shoes and dress for December weather.
• Accessibility: Dawn Ranch has paths around the grounds, and the main tent is located close to the parking lot.
• Parking: Additional parking is available across the street from Dawn Ranch and around downtown Guerneville.

The Russian River Historical Society was awarded a grant from the California State Library’s Preservation & Accessibility of California’s LGBTQ+ History program to document, preserve and make accessible the unique history of how the Russian River LGBTQ+ community and their allies responded to the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the 1980s and 1990s. The project created a digital archive of historical records from the West County Health Centers, and recorded and transcribed over 30 oral histories and interviews from community members and health care providers recorded in 2003, 2005 and 2026. They will all be made publicly accessible through a collaboration with Sonoma County Library.

With special thanks to the California State Library, whose Preservation & Accessibility of California’s LGBTQ+ History grant made this project possible. The project has moved forward due to volunteers and support from various community organizations, including Sonoma County Library, West County Health Centers, and Positive Images. Thanks also to Dawn Ranch for hosting and supporting this special community event.

This community event is free, but preserving our history is not. Optional donations go directly to the Russian River Historical Society to continue collecting, preserving and sharing the full, inclusive story of our Russian River community.

Info: Discover the rich history of gay men and lesbians in Guerneville as we walk through downtown Guerneville. Learn about some of the people who made  Guerneville a "gay mecca”. Which of the early Gay bars are still open? Where was the "Women’s Weekend" headquarters?  Where did people go for treatment and support when they were diagnosed with HIV? All this and more in a quick 45 minute walk starting at the Safeway parking lot at 11:00am,  12 noon and 1:00 pm. Tour spots limited, please register for only one tour and release your spot if your plans change.

Info: We’ll share what this project uncovered and why the Russian River’s community response was so unique: the county’s own AIDS commission, a medical community ahead of its time, and organizations that chose collaboration over competition. Through stories, photos and recorded voices, we’ll honor people who cared, organized, fought back and were lost. There will be time for you to share your own memories, and we’ll close with reflections about what we’re carrying forward.

Info: Food, drinks and a dance party with DJ Deks who will spin a disco-inspired set for every generation. Come celebrate queer joy the way the river community always has.

Info: Dawn Ranch has kindly invited guests to explore the grounds on their own, including historic areas from the Fife’s era. Look for signs on the property. You'll also be welcome to visit tables and displays from community partners, along with a remembrance table to write a name or bring a photo of someone you’ve lost.

Event venue & nearby stays

Dawn Ranch, 16467 CA-116, Guerneville, United States

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