FAA swaps flight path for Bohemian Grove guests, sparking local outrage

When the Bohemian Club held its annual retreat at the secluded grove, the FAA temporarily suspended the recently introduced “Redhead” departure corridor and directed the majority of flights out of Charles M. Schulz-Sonoma County Airport onto the older “Charlie Eight” route. Residents of Sebastopol, Forestville and Guerneville, who have complained about increased aircraft noise since the new path began, saw the shift as a special concession for the club’s billionaire guests.

Representative Jared Huffman denounced the adjustment as favoritism toward the elite and called for the agency to reinstate the original departure procedures. He also wrote to FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford demanding a lasting solution for the community. Airport administrator Jon Stout acknowledged that the county’s proposed “Redhead Two” alternative may not fully address the noise problem and that creating a completely new route could take years. The episode has intensified tensions between the powerful club and the local population, who argue that the temporary relief proves the FAA can reduce noise if it chooses to do so.