Social Security delays, farmers sidelined, veterans wary: Shutdown reaches Sonoma, Napa counties

North Bay communities see mixed picture: steady operations today, but looming questions for tomorrow

The federal government shut down at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday after Congress failed to pass a funding bill, triggering furloughs, service disruptions and uncertainty across the country.

In Sonoma and Napa counties, federally funded services such as Social Security, veterans’ clinics and Head Start centers remained open Wednesday morning, though officials warned staffing cuts and funding lapses could limit operations if the shutdown drags on. Lines formed at Santa Rosa’s Social Security office, veterans crowded a south Santa Rosa clinic and local food banks began preparing for a potential surge in need.

Critical services such as Social Security, Medicare and mail delivery are expected to continue, though with possible delays, while federal courts, national parks and agencies like the U.S. Department of Agriculture face strain.

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By:  Tarini Mehta
Source: Petaluma Argus-Courier

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