View All County Press Releases
County of Sonoma awarded $4.6 million in state funding to assist with homeless encampments
California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced this week that the County of Sonoma will receive $4.6 million to help individuals experiencing homelessness in encampments by moving them off the streets and into safe and stable housing. The county is one of 23 entities targeted to receive the special state funds. Read full story
Purple flags on display in Sonoma County serve as reminder of need for protecting elders from abuse
More than 6,000 purple flags are on display at local senior centers, police stations and other locations during the month of June to spotlight the toll of elder and dependent adult abuse that takes place in the shadows of Sonoma County each year. Read full story
Santa Rosa Man Convicted of Murder Sentenced to Maximum Sentence
Defendant Lloban Martinez-Soto was sentenced earlier today to serve 3 years, plus 40 years-to-life in state prison, the maximum sentence allowed under the law, after being convicted by a Sonoma County jury in March of this year following a month-long trial to charges of second-degree murder and being a felon in possession of a firearm. The defendant also suffered a sentencing enhancement for committing the murder with a firearm. Read full story
Supervisors approve sidewalk and lighting improvements in downtown Guerneville
The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors today approved a project to install Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant sidewalks along Highway 116 in downtown Guerneville. The improvements would also include pedestrian lighting. Read full story
Supervisors approve extreme weather response plan, commit to developing partnerships with local groups
The Board of Supervisors this week unanimously approved a plan for when the county will work with local groups such as faith-based organizations and nonprofits to open heating centers in unincorporated areas during freeze warnings and cooling stations during high-heat events Read full story
Board of Supervisors approves another $3 million in grants for vegetation management projects
The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday approved another $3 million in grants for 17 vegetation management projects that will fortify thousands of acres against wildfires while expanding public access to tools that reduce the threat posed by wildland blazes. Read full story
District Attorney Announces $85,500 Settlement with Taco Bell Over Gift Card Violations
District Attorney Carla Rodriguez announced today that Taco Bell Corporation and its wholly owned subsidiary, GCTB LLC, entered a Stipulated Judgment which orders them to pay $85,500 for violations of California’s Gift Card Regulations. The money includes civil penalties, restitution, and costs to resolve allegations of violating California Civil Code section 1749.5, relating to the redemption of gift cards with a value of less than $10. Read full story
Board of Supervisors boosts funding for county’s pavement preservation program
The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors today unanimously approved a 3 percent boost in the General Fund contribution for resurfacing and maintaining the county road network, an increase that will be equal to $310,145 for fiscal year 2023-24. This is an addition to the $10 million in General Fund dollars that the board already allocates to the program each year, which supplements the gas tax funds that also are spent on road improvements in Sonoma County. Read full story
Sonoma County Supervisors award $3 million for homelessness solutions
The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors today approved $3 million in additional funds for housing-focused homelessness intervention projects as part of the county’s overall goal of reducing the homeless population by 10 percent every year. Read full story
Sonoma County Registrar of Voters seeking public feedback on updated Election Administration Plan
The Sonoma County Registrar of Voters Office announced today that it is taking public comment through June 21 on its updated draft Election Administration Plan. The draft is available online in English and Spanish by going to socovotes.com and clicking on the View New Draft Election Administration Plan link. Read full story