Sonoma County is inspecting homes and properties to make sure that owners have cleared weeds and cut overgrown grass on their lots. This is the first time Sonoma County is doing defensible space inspections in partnership with local fire districts to make sure that firefighters can best protect homes from wildfires. Sonoma County Fire Chief James Marshall told the board of supervisors on Tuesday that about half of the properties inspected by officials so far are out of compliance with the…

Paying your library fines might not seem like a big deal. It usually adds up to spare change. But earlier this month, the Sonoma County Library decided to remove that burden from its patrons in the name of fairness. Rushing quietly into the Sonoma County Library, a mother heaves a bag filled with children’s books onto the returns desk. She may not know it, but she won’t be penalized if the books are overdue. The library has decided that fines are a financial burden and prevent patrons from borrowing more materials. Ann Hammond, Sonoma County Library director, says…

NorCal Public Media brings you the universe with SUMMER OF SPACE, a multiplatform experience that includes a month full of science and history programs, all commemorating America’s journey into space. Check out norcalpublicmedia.org as well as our Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram pages for exciting images and videos…

Making a financial donation to Northern California Public Media has never been easier with our Text-to-Give service. Text the word NorCal to the number 2 4 3 7 2 5. You will immediately receive a link that takes you to our simple smartphone donation screen. Select the amount you want to give, then…