Thousands of protesters gather for No Kings rally in Santa Rosa
The rally featured protesters marching from the Junior College and Juilliard Park and converged on Doyle Park.
Inclusive cycling event kicks off weeklong coastal California ride in Santa Rosa
The Challenged Athletes Foundation increases visibility of disabled athletes while raising money to cover the high cost of adaptive sports equipment.
Esmeralda founder makes case for new walkable development in eastern Cloverdale
The project promises over 500 new units, a mix of detached homes and attached flats, as well as a new 158-acre public river park.
Department of Homeland Security visits Sonoma County Sheriff's Office
The Sonoma County Sheriff's Office said the Department of Homeland Security requested a 'meet-and-greet' with the new DHS supervisor who oversees a region spanning from Santa Clara to the Oregon border.
A local startup sold a plastic recycling dream; neighbors call it just another incinerator
The plan sounded like a magic bullet from the future to solve one of the world’s most vexing environmental waste problems.
County-run Bodega Bay marina funds consolidated
The Bodega Bay fishing fleet---which used to be more than a thousand strong---now sits at 78 boats.
Senior peer counseling programs help older adults connect
Volunteers, like 73-year-old Rita Wengler of Cotati, often help clients who don't know where to get started.
Former Press Democrat reporter detained while covering Gaza aid flotilla
Emily Wilder worked at the newspaper from 2021-22, and was reporting on the Gaza Freedom Flotilla for Jewish Currents when detained.
Woodmark residents in Sebastopol face eviction threat; deed says apartments for farmworkers
The project got off the ground with a $1 million dollar Section 514 loan from the US Department of Agriculture,
Rebuilding and delays continue on 8th anniversary of the Tubbs Fire
According to the City of Santa Rosa’s Resilient City Recovery Reporting dashboard, just over 2,500 structures have been rebuilt since the October 2017 wildfires.
Deadline extended for residential earthquake retrofits grants
Grant applications are being accepted through Oct. 17 at earthquakebracebolt.com.
Federal grant cancellations threaten Sonoma State teachers residency program
The program prepares teachers to serve in high-need public schools across Sonoma, Napa, Mendocino and Solano Counties.
Poets and printers gather to share art in Graton
The North Bay Letterpress Arts and ReVillage Green Valley recently hosted a new festival focused on printing and poetry.
A week without driving? Sonoma County leaders reflect on nationwide transportation campaign
15 local elected and education officials participated in this year's 'Week Without Driving' campaign.
Sonoma County declines official sanctuary status; instead creates supervisorial committee focused on immigrant community
Sonoma County staff say the county’s urgency ordinance about police masking aligns with another bill recently signed by Governor Newsom, which imposes similar police unmasking requirements statewide starting in 2026..
Recycling startup Resynergi announces company leaving Rohnert Park
This summer, the Bay Area Air District sent out a notice to parents or guardians of students at Credo High School, located fewer than 1,000 feet from the 'proposed new source of air pollution.'
Local nonprofit clinics struggle as federal shutdown pauses telehealth payments
Medicare and Medi-Cal, which pay for healthcare for low-income people, are still up and running, but telehealth coverage is on pause.
Sonoma County superintendent warns of potential state takeover of Santa Rosa schools
Amie Carter, the county's superintendent of schools, says the district is in dire financial waters, and will need to make more budget cuts.
A unique library in Monte Rio offers borrowers to pursue their musical dreams
Borrowing from the library requires providing information from your driver’s license. There are no fees involved, and the borrowing period can last weeks.
IOLERO investigators actions called into question by Deputy Sheriff's Association
An attorney for the Sonoma County Deputy Sheriff's Association has accused IOLERO investigators of harassment and retaliation.
What a government shutdown will mean for Californians
About 150,000 federal employees work in California, not counting the military service members who also will go without pay during a shutdown.
Novato Narrows carpool lanes officially opens in north and south directions
Caltrans has received a large volume of criticism for expanding HOV hours in the area.
Dispute deepens over Sheriff's Office law enforcement oversight procedures
Three Sonoma County Sheriff's officers accused IOLERO investigators of harassment in an investigation of a 2022 officer involved shooting.
Hours-long public comment airs widespread opposition to latest plan for Sonoma Developmental Center
Sonoma County is preparing a new environmental impact report for the project developers want to build on the nearly 1000-acre property.
Los Cien's State of Latino Community address highlights hope and community solidarity
Over 600 people attend the all-day event organized by Los Cien, Sonoma County's largest Latino leadership organization
Guerneville's Wildwood Retreat looks for last hour reprieve as sale looms
The 210-acre, longstanding LGBT retreat center has been dormant after an unsuccessful capital campaign to help bring the property up to code.
Falcons help local winemakers protect their crop at harvest time
“The birds sit on top of those wires, and as you can imagine, they come down and snack on grapes all day," says Bouchaine Vineyards' head winemaker.
Windsor unites with neighboring sanitation district to achieve 100% recycling of treated wastewater
Because storage is now jointly managed, Windsor avoids having to discharge wastewater into Mark West Creek and the Russian River Basin.
New study on Latino Californians reveals health care obstacles
Although Latinos represent 40% of California's population, the proportion of Latino health care providers is disproportionately low.
Rohnert Park team advances to Cal Ripken World Series
The baseball team is heading to Branson, Missouri in August 2026 to compete as a 12U team.
Latino voter survey reflects impact of broken promises
Although 54% of Latino voters expressed general support for redistricting, awareness of Prop 50 itself remains low, with 29% saying they have heard little about the Texas redistricting.
Activists aim to draw attention to weapon maker's local ties with Healdsburg demonstration
Sonoma County's Jewish Voice for Peace chapter held a symbolic Jewish New Year ritual, targeted at General Dynamics' local presence.
Lowes settles consumer protection case, Sonoma County's weights and measures dept. key in investigation
The judgment also requires the retailer to pay just under $90,000 to cover investigation costs.
Santa Rosa vigil responds to SCOTUS ruling on immigration enforcement
The vigil was led by the Graton Day Labor Center, an organization that connects day laborers and domestic workers with employment opportunities.
Marin, Sonoma....and Modoc? Newsom's redistricting maps would combine very different perspectives
"There are plenty of win-win solutions," Jared Huffman said of conflict between ranchers and environmentalists. "I'm not an absolutist. I'm a problem solver."
Petaluma's B'nai Israel Jewish Center celebrates 100 year anniversary
The unique Jewish Center was opened in August 1925, a joint effort of socialist chicken farmers and observant Jews in Petaluma.
Santa Rosa celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with El Grito Fest
Thousands flocked to downtown Santa Rosa to ring in Hispanic Heritage Month and celebrate the independence days of Mexico and other Latin American countries.
Pedestrian bridge to rise above Highway 101 in Santa Rosa
A long-envisioned pedestrian link across Highway 101 may finally break ground soon in Santa Rosa.
Sonoma County’s new ‘Open Doors’ initiative helps residents access services
On the Open Doors website, Sonoma County residents can connect with more than 600 service providers in categories including food assistance, mental health and substance use.
Layers of history on display at Sonoma Coast's Fort Ross
Today, it’s a state historic park co-managed by the Fort Ross Conservancy and California State Parks.
Santa Rosa Open Studios returns for second year with more than 50 artists
The event is presented by the Santa Rosa Urban Arts Partnership and adds another way for artists to exhibit to the public.
Sonoma County's 2024 Crop Report shows gains in organic milk, challenges for wine and poultry
The value of wine grapes harvested saw an overall decline of about 12% compared to 2023, due partially because "significant tonnage was left on the vines due to decreased demand," according to the county's agricultural commissioner.
Newsom's bid to fast-track delta tunnel stalls again
"No amount of compensation for Delta communities would make up for the project's lasting harm," said one state lawmaker from Suisun City .
Southwest Airlines coming to Santa Rosa's regional airport
Charles M. Schulz – Sonoma County Airport manager Jon Stout says Southwest service will start next April.
Murder charges filed in fatal DUI crash that killed six
The coroner's office said it was having difficulty finding the next of kin for the decedents, who all appear to have been farm workers.
Californians asked to track monarch butterfly sightings to help save declining population
The 28th annual Western Monarch Count results found 9,119 monarchs over-wintered in the state, down from millions in the decades past.
Climate change forcing Napa vintners to make hard choices
Some Carneros growers have begun planting varieties more suited for warmer climates, such as merlot.
Santa Rosa's Lost Church finds new location
Venue operators say they'll keep the original intimate and warm vibe; "the feeling like you're gathering with an actual group of people, not just a bunch of ticket buyers."
As harvest season nears, fears over federal immigration raids grow
North Bay vintners and growers are hosting workshops for employees, putting up 'No Trespassing" signs and keeping their ranch gates locked during business hours..
Fires caused by lightning break out throughout California
These fires have mostly broken out in California’s Central Valley.
Governor Newsom hasn’t released any of his 2025 calendars as required by state law
Governor Gavin Newsom has been everywhere this year. But exactly where remains a mystery.
Kaiser nurses prepare for 24-hour strike; allege 'unsafe staffing and burnout'
"The strike notice includes caregivers at Northern California Kaiser Permanente facilities from Sacramento to Fresno, and across the Bay Area," says the nurses union.
Santa Rosa, Jenner, Ukiah join nationwide Labor Day demonstrations against Trump Administration
Over 140 organizations from across the country formed a coalition called May Day Strong to promote the events.
Fire involving multiple trailers shuts down Northbound 101 in Santa Rosa Sunday afternoon
A vegetation fire impacted multiple trailers off Highway 101 at Baker Avenue.
Rohnert Park city council hears opposition to expanded plastic recycling plant
Public comment on the current application will be accepted by the Bay Area Air District through October 3
KRCB Wine Beat: Wineries adapt to a rise in nondrinking visitors
In previous years, said one industry insider, maybe 3 or 4% of tasting room visitors didn’t drink. Now, it’s closer to 20%.
Pickett Fire could cost an estimated $65 million in damage to vintners and other ag
A survey reported damage to about 1,500 acres, or over 3 percent of Napa Valley's produce acreage.
California Senate committee to consider streamlining geothermal energy projects
"California has a permitting process for geothermal that is so risky that developers are saying we're going to go everywhere else first and California last."
North Bay homeowners, landlords eligible for up to $10K in earthquake retrofit aid
Grants of $3,000 will be awarded to offset the cost of seismic retrofitting, specifically the cost of bolting houses to their foundations and bracing crawl space walls.
UC Berkeley poll finds more California voters support Prop 50 than oppose
A proposal for a new seat in the heart of Sonoma County that could be a key puzzle piece for Democrats as they hope to win the House.
Firefight continues for Pickett fire burning near Calistoga
Evacuation orders are still in effect for nine sparsely-populated Napa County zones. The Pickett Fire has burned over 13 square miles since Thursday afternoon.
Facing financial strain, Ukiah senior center cuts back on programs and services
With membership open to any age, Ukiah's senior center has about 700 members and serves over 4,000 needs per month.
Fast moving vegetation fire sparks Sunday afternoon in Lake County
Evacuation orders have been lifted as of Sunday night.
California redistricting plan may swing on this Sonoma County shakeup
Santa Rosa Democrat Chris Rogers said the map unites communities with different politics but common issues.
Heat wave prompts new wildfire preparedness push, including online resource hub
Sonoma County has launched a website for wildfire risk reduction strategies, including grants and other funding opportunities.
Dungeness crab pop-up gear testing profitable for fishermen and safe for whales
Under an experimental fishing permit, a small group of crabbers were allowed to deploy their pop-up crab gear despite the presence of whales, which would normally close the fishery.
Gourd-geous racers steal the show at Sonoma's Tuesday night market
One of the winners this year was a zucchini fashioned into a sushi roll.
Dale Webster, world record holder for longest surfing streak, dies at 76
Webster, a Sonoma County resident since the 1970's, surfed at least three waves everyday for over 14,600 days in row from 1975 to 2015.
Sonoma County grappling with tragic spate of fatal domestic violence incidents
There have been six separate domestic violence-related murder-suicides in Sonoma County over the past year, claiming 14 lives.
Community pushback extends comment period on proposed Rohnert Park plastic recycling plant
The industrial facility would use microwaves to break down plastic into oil used to make new plastic.
Alleged armed suspect shot, killed by police after overnight standoff in Santa Rosa
The Sonoma County Sheriff's Office will investigate the officer-involved shooting.
Great excitements pairs with piecemeal progress in latest Great Redwood Trail update
The Great Redwood Trail Agency is in the master planning process for the 307 mile rail to trail path connecting Humboldt Bay with the SF Bay.
State legislators discuss Sonoma State recovery plan at latest forum
State Senator Mike McGuire, an SSU grad from Healdsburg, announced an additional $45 million infusion of state funds for the school.
Six local small producers join forces under new wine collective
Organizers say the business model allows small wineries to do something they could never afford to do on their own—hire a national sales team to sell their wines.
2 Sonoma County Sheriff's Office employees dead in apparent murder-suicide
Police tried to get the off-duty deputy to peacefully surrender, and a SWAT team negotiated with him until about 2 a.m. Monday, when he shot himself and died.
Sonoma Valley launches rapid rehousing program
Landlords who rent through the program are offered up to $1,000 in incentives.
Developer says Cotati Hotel project expected to restart construction in coming weeks
The Cotati Hotel, as well as projects in Sebastopol and Windsor, have struggled to secure stable financing post-COVID.
State leaders ramp up partnership with AI companies for use in schools
Governor Gavin Newsom has been spearheading an effort to partner AI companies to expand AI training in K-12 schools and colleges.
Some California winemakers don’t want tariffs on their European competitors
'The chaos that is present now is an existential threat to the world that we live in."
With a new home for Eames Institute comes an expanded curatorial mission
The abandoned structure aside 101 between Novato and Petaluma will be transformed by the same architects who designed the de Young Museum in Golden Gate Park.
Sonoma County AmeriCorps fellows reflect on chaos of DOGE cuts to service programs
Over 5,600 AmeriCorps public service workers in California were affected by the cuts rolled out by the Trump administration in late April.
Neighbor complaints spurs Sebastopol Porchfest move to public park
High Street residents expressed concerns about the safety and permitting of 2024's event.
California Supreme Court hands victory to rooftop solar panel owners
At issue is a 2022 decision by state regulators to reduce by about 75% payments to solar panel owners for excess power.
Sonoma County Radio Amateurs keep information flowing in an emergency
Most Ham operators use handheld radios and many have more elaborate radio shacks at their homes. But the real magic of amateur radio rests in its resiliency.
Novato city workers strike over sales tax funds
"The city has failed to be transparent about where they are going to be spending the Measure M money," says an employee union representative.
Sebastopol police sued for civil rights violations over violent 2024 arrest
Jeffrey Callaghan, a former Sonoma County resident, says police arrested him on suspicion of a DUI, which was actual a diabetic episode.
Santa Rosa Water begins major sewer rehabilitation project
Driving on Llano Road, you may see some black pipes sitting above ground; those will be used to transport the sewer that goes in the trunk line typically to the Laguna Treatment Plant.
Reporter's Notebook: Santa Rosa Junior College eyes possible bond measure
The junior college district stretches into Mendocino, Napa, and even Marin County, but the bulk of taxpayers are in Sonoma County.
Hunger strike planned outside Sonoma County admin center
The Sonoma County Sanctuary Coalition says it wants the county sheriff's office to stop sharing info with ICE.
Sonoma County CERT volunteers train for local emergencies and disasters
Established in 2019, Northern Sonoma County CERT has since trained more than 180 volunteers in emergency preparedness and disaster response
Sonoma County winegrowers and vintners explore a 'Wine Improvement District'
Not everyone supports the idea, which would apply an assessment on direct-to-consumer sales.
Already struggling, area food banks brace for higher demand brought on by SNAP cuts
Congress approved a $186 billion cut to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program in early July.
Tsunami surge expected to hit Sonoma coast after midnight
The National Weather Service says tsunamis are a series of waves dangerous many hours after initial arrival time. And that the first wave may not be the largest.
Local Resource Conservation Districts grapple with changes to federal grant funds
More than 50 farmers and ranchers in Sonoma and Marin counties are putting conservation practices into place.
Federal cuts threaten rural health care for half of Mendocino County residents
The legislation's cuts could lead to permanent closures of hospitals and clinics in rural parts of California and throughout the country.
Body found Sunday in Russian River believed to be missing man
Just after 5:30 PM Saturday, someone reported a man using a rope swing to jump into the water but then did not resurface.
Trump administration cuts to NOAA affects global buoy network, accurate weather forecasting
HIs young crew is "relying on my judgment to get them income and bring them back home safely," says one Bodega Bay commercial fisherman who relies on NOAA forecasting capabilities.
Sonoma County's cooperation with ICE focus of packed annual public forum
Sonoma County's sheriff says in 2024, ICE made 484 requests in the county, 64 for which the sheriff’s office provided info.
Empty map kiosks and budget tightening at Trione-Annadel State Park
Brochure maps are running out and some staffing may be limited at Sonoma County's state parks.
You can always make a summer splash at Spring Lake
The popular regional park in Santa Rosa offers a variety of amenities - like the swim lagoon - and activities beyond hikes and bikes.
