The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has drawn criticism for temporarily adjusting flight paths out of Charles M. Schulz–Sonoma County Airport during the annual Bohemian Grove retreat, a move that provided relief to attendees of the secretive club but intensified frustration among local residents. The FAA rerouted departing aircraft to an older, quieter flight path, known as "Charlie Eight," for the duration of the July encampment, a deviation from the newer, more disruptive "Redhead" route implemented in January 2024.
This temporary shift has ignited outrage among residents in communities like Sebastopol, Forestville, and Guerneville, who have been campaigning for years against the increased aircraft noise attributed to the "Redhead" route. They contend that the FAA's willingness to revert to the quieter path for the elite gathering proves that such relief is feasible for the broader community.
Rep. Jared Huffman, who represents the area, publicly accused the FAA of granting preferential treatment to Bohemian Grove's wealthy and influential guests. "When the Bohemians come to town, they get the response that I’ve spent the better part of two years demanding with my West County constituents," Huffman stated. "But when the private jets go away, we’re not sure what happens. I want to make sure … that the folks I represent get the same consideration as the billionaires and oligarchs who are having a good time in Bohemian Grove."
The Bohemian Club, an all-male organization, has held its annual retreat at its secluded 2,700-acre campground in Sonoma County since the 1870s. The gathering attracts prominent figures from politics, business, and technology.
For residents living near the airport, the club's retreat has become a symbol of perceived privilege. Since the introduction of the "Redhead" departure route in January 2024, residents report a quadrupling of noise complaints, with aircraft flying at lower altitudes over their neighborhoods. During the recent Bohemian Grove encampment, however, approximately 24 daily departures shifted to the "Charlie Eight" route, with only about three flights continuing on the newer path.
The FAA attributed the temporary adjustment to "safety reasons due to the increased air traffic from the nearby Bohemian Grove event." The agency stated that normal operations resumed once the additional traffic subsided. This explanation, however, has been met with skepticism by residents and officials.
"If this relief can be given to the powerful elite for a holiday retreat at a moment’s notice for 27 days, then it can be given to us who live under that flight path every day," said resident Andrea Oreck. Huffman echoed these sentiments, pointing out that the temporary use of "Charlie Eight" contradicted the FAA's previous assertions that the route was no longer a viable option, labeling the situation as "corruption."
Huffman has formally urged the FAA to restore the pre-2024 departure procedures at Charles M. Schulz–Sonoma County Airport and to collaborate with county officials and residents on a permanent solution. Airport officials have previously indicated that the FAA implemented the 2024 route changes without county input. While the county has proposed an alternative route, "Redhead Two," residents argue it will not significantly alleviate the noise issues. Airport administrator Jon Stout has suggested that "Redhead Two" is not a definitive solution, noting that the development of entirely new departure routes could take years.