Press Releases
Sonoma County opens emergency shelter site, announces temporary closure of Joe Rodota Trail
The County of Sonoma opened an emergency shelter site this afternoon at the County Government Center campus, creating a new source of temporary housing for unsheltered individuals camped along Joe Rodota Trail and other public places. Read full story
Sonoma County increases Living Wage to $17.65 an hour starting July 1
The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously today to raise the county’s Living Wage an additional 2.26 percent to $17.65 an hour, effective July 1. Read full story
County Government Center parking lot selected as an emergency shelter site; public forum to be held Monday
County staff have selected a parking lot at 2550 Ventura Ave. on the County Government Center campus as the location for an emergency shelter site where space for up to 90 tents will be provided for homeless individuals to live temporarily while transitioning into permanent housing. Read full story
Sonoma County highlights critical work of grand juries, encourages people to volunteer for service
The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors today honored the important work of civil grand juries in investigating and reporting on local governmental operations to ensure they are being conducted efficiently, honestly and in the best interest of the public. Read full story
Sonoma County issues freeze alert
The County of Sonoma is issuing a freeze alert in response to the National Weather Service’s prediction of sub-freezing temperatures overnight tonight through Thursday morning. Officials recommend that residents limit time outdoors as serious medical conditions including hypothermia and frostbite can develop with prolonged exposure to cold weather. Read full story
Sonoma County to host two meetings to solicit public input on emergency housing sites for unsheltered people
County officials are inviting the public to take part in one of two meetings over the next week to discuss a plan to create emergency housing sites for unsheltered people on the county campus and potentially on one additional site, possibly at the Santa Rosa Veterans Memorial Building. These community meetings are in response to actions taken during a special Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday to address the growing homeless encampment on the Joe Rodota Trail. Read full story
Guaranteed income pilot program begins $500 monthly payments to 305 Sonoma County families
A pilot program that will provide a guaranteed income to 305 families in Sonoma County will begin issuing $500 monthly payments today to applicants selected for the 24-month trial. Read full story
Sonoma County issues freeze alert
The County of Sonoma is issuing a freeze alert in response to the National Weather Service’s prediction of sub-freezing temperatures overnight tonight through Sunday morning. Officials recommend that residents limit time outdoors as serious medical conditions including hypothermia and frostbite can develop with prolonged exposure to cold weather. Read full story
Board of Supervisors approves comprehensive plan to clear Joe Rodota Trail and create up to two safe sleeping areas for homeless
The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors voted today to approve a multi-step plan to address the recurring homeless encampments along Joe Rodota Trail, declaring a shelter crisis and authorizing the creation of up to two emergency housing sites for unsheltered people to camp. Read full story
Sonoma County partners with local bee farmer to establish seasonal apiary near Healdsburg Transfer Station
Sonoma County today announced a three-year agreement with Tauzer Apiaries of Northern California to host up to 120 beehives seasonally on a portion of vacant county property adjacent to the Healdsburg Transfer Station, the county’s refuse disposal and recycling facility on Alexander Valley Road. Read full story