Springs attack sparks protest walk

In response to last Thursday’s sexual assault in Boyes Hot Springs, area residents are planning to take to their streets this evening with light and music.
“Bright lights, involved neighbors, and police response make neighborhoods less vulnerable,” reads one of the fliers dotting the area in English and Spanish. “As we march through our streets, we are letting it be known that there are a lot of people who do care about the women, children and men of this neighborhood, and we will be watching. … If you have candles, bring them. If you only have a minute, please join us for that minute.”
Dmitra Smith, said more than 20 people showed up Monday evening to help organize the march. She said marchers will begin at 5 p.m. from Barking Dog Coffee Roasters, 18133 Hwy. 12, or can join in from their homes as the crowd passes by. The march will be followed by a roadside vigil.
The victim, a 28-year-old Sonoma Valley woman, was walking in the area of Calle Del Monte and Vallejo Avenue at about 9 p.m., Nov. 6, when she was forced into the brush and trees alongside the roadway by a man wearing a mask and wielding an eight-inch kitchen knife, according to Det. Sgt. Dave Thompson of the county’s Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Unit.
The suspect is described as having a stocky build with wide shoulders and a deep voice. He spoke English without a discernable accent and was wearing a dark-colored, hooded sweatshirt, blue denim jeans and a “Mike Myers”-style mask, as seen in the movie “Halloween.”
Thompson said Tuesday that detectives have been conducting witness interviews and checking local surveillance systems. He asked anyone with information about the case to call the Sheriff’s Department at 707.565.2650.