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Sonoma County highlights essential work of civil grand juries, urges residents to volunteer for service
The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors today honored the important work of civil grand juries, which investigate and report on local government to ensure it is operating efficiently, honestly and in the best interest of the public. Read full story
Sonoma County Board of Supervisors reduces fees for affordable housing projects
The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors today approved a plan to eliminate millions of dollars in impact fees charged to developers that build affordable housing, part of an ongoing effort by the County to make housing more affordable and accessible. Read full story
Sonoma County Cannabis Equity Program to award $520,000 to help local entrepreneurs in legal cannabis industry
The Board of Supervisors today authorized a Cannabis Equity Grant agreement with the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development including $520,000 in state funds to be distributed to qualified applicants who have been negatively or disproportionately impacted in the past by cannabis prohibition and the war on drugs. The State of California set aside funds through the Cannabis Equity Grants Program for Local Jurisdictions to reduce or remove barriers to enter the newly regulated cannabis industry as well as to aid the state in its goal of eliminating the illicit cannabis market by bringing more operators into the legal market. Read full story
Environmental and culinary benefits of induction cooking on display March 15 at spring Induction Cooking Expo
Learn how induction cooking can save money, help the environment and improve your culinary skills during a free demonstration event at the spring North Bay Induction Cooking Expo on March 15 in Santa Rosa. Read full story
Arizona Man Sentenced to 50 Years to Life For Petaluma Murder
Defendant Paul Coilton, fifty-nine years old of Salome, Arizona, was sentenced today by the Honorable Laura Passaglia to serve a term of 50 years-to-life in state prison after having pled guilty in February to a charge of first-degree murder and admitting an enhancement for using a firearm during the commission of the murder. Read full story
Santa Rosa Man Granted Probation Over District Attorney’s Objection Following Convictions for Sexually Assaulting And Disfiguring A Stranger
Defendant Trevor Colombano, 38 years old of Santa Rosa, was sentenced today by the Honorable Dana Simonds to a term of probation after he pled “no contest” to charges including mayhem (with a further allegation that he used a deadly weapon,) assault with a deadly weapon (with a further allegation that he inflicted great bodily injury upon the victim,) as well as sexual battery. The District Attorney’s Office, the Court’s Probation Department, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, and the victim, all recommended or requested Colombano be sentenced to state prison. Read full story
Creative Sonoma announces $180,000 in grants to 45 arts and cultural nonprofits
Creative Sonoma is pleased to announce the recipients of its Arts Impact Grants for Organizations program, designed to sustain Sonoma County’s creative and cultural nonprofits and demonstrate the power of the arts to contribute to the social cohesion of our communities. A record 45 arts and cultural nonprofits will be awarded a total of $180,000 to provide programs and services across the county. For 2025, these general operating support and arts project grants are funded by the County of Sonoma and the National Endowment for the Arts. Read full story
Judge extends order allowing Sonoma County to issue non-emergency well permits
Permit Sonoma can continue issuing non-emergency well permits until at least March 27. A Sonoma County Superior Court judge recently signed an order to extend a pause on an earlier directive that had temporarily stopped the County from issuing well permits. Read full story
Public invited to review and comment on CalFire wildfire hazard severity maps
The public is invited to review and comment on newly published Fire Hazard Severity maps, which CalFire has updated to show areas of Sonoma County with the greatest wildfire risks. The maps show areas of Sonoma County that have moderate, high, and very high fire hazard severity, defined as having physical conditions that create expected fire behavior over a 50-year period. Sonoma County Fire Districts can recommend changes to the maps during a 120-day adoption period. Local fire districts must adopt these maps per Government Codes 51179 and 51177(e). Read full story
Vamos a Nadar water safety classes begin March 9
Sonoma County Regional Parks' Vamos a Nadar program, starting March 9th, provides free bilingual water safety and introductory swimming lessons to families with children aged 5 and up, aiming to reduce drowning deaths and promote safe water recreation. Read full story