'Hip Hop Gameshow' debuts in Santa Rosa
MCs will be competing in games such as ‘no rhyming’ challenges.
Funding shift threatens mobile crisis response in North Bay counties
Mobile crisis teams made up of mental health professionals have been responding to many police calls in Sonoma County instead of armed officers. Now, the proposed state budget puts California’s mobile crisis teams at risk.
Lawsuit alleges elder abuse at Santa Rosa retirement community
Plaintiff attorneys allege Varenna isn't allowing hired caregivers to assist residents with activities of daily living.
Santa Rosa Junior College pushes forward $830 million bond for campus modernization
The proposal would modernize the 108‑year‑old institution and address facility needs across campuses in Sonoma, Marin and Mendocino counties.
Sebastopol public library closed indefinitely due to mold
City staff and library admin say testing was conducted on peeling wallpaper in the staff room and teen area that exposed mold.
‘An existential challenge’: why Santa Rosa schools are refusing interdistrict transfers
Santa Rosa City Schools is now denying most requests from families who want their children to attend schools outside Santa Rosa.
New Santa Rosa police program transforms home spaces for vulnerable youth
The project partners with law enforcement and community groups to give kids essentials such as beds, dressers and places to study.
Prescribed fire turned wild burning near Lake Berryessa Monday; elevated chance of fire weather this week
After winds picked up, a prescribed burning off Highway 128 escaped the established control line.
North Bay Election Results; What we know so far
We look at unofficial primary results in Sonoma County and the North Bay, according to the Sonoma County Registrar of Voters and the California Secretary of State’s websites on Friday, June 5.
Santa Rosa police warn of immigration scam impersonating Catholic Charities
Catholic Charities does provide legal services, but the organization does not initiate communication through social media messages and will not guarantee specific immigration outcomes.
Immigrant‑rights coalition organizes 50‑mile walk against Bay Area detention expansion
The group will march more than 50 miles to Dublin, demanding a pathway to citizenship and an end to ICE enforcement operations in the Bay Area.
Incumbent North Bay congressmen advance to November, challengers up in the air
2nd District Representative Jared Huffman and 4th District Representative Mike Thompson both prevailed in their respective races.
Santa Rosa nonprofit ordered to pay $6 million for in-home caregiver's alleged abuse
The jury also found that the company's policies and state law were violated when another caregiver became aware of the suspected abuse but as a mandated reporter did not notify any authorities, which allegedly allowed the abuse to continue.
As license plate readers expand, North Bay communities debate the meaning of public safety
Cities say the cameras help solve crimes. Privacy advocates warn they create a vast network that can track people’s movements in ways most residents don’t see.
Statewide election results, what we know so far
We still don’t know the full results for some of the marquee races, but KRCB News is here to keep you updated as the primary election results are finalized in the days ahead, and the focus shifts to November.
McGuire and Gallagher set to square off for Congress come November
Republican Assemblyman James Gallagher is leading the primary in early vote returns and outright won the primary to fill the remainder of the late Representative Doug LaMalfa's term.
Sonoma County approves new plan to stabilize agriculture amid industry decline
The plan calls for an agricultural incubator to support new and small‑scale farmers, affordable long‑term leases, and expanded educational and recreational programming.
ELECTION RESULTS: Supervisor race too close to call; Congressional incumbents win big
Measure B, the SMART sales tax extension, is passing right now with 70 percent "yes" vote.
Rival state legislative leaders outline competing visions in bid for Congress
Republican State Assembly leader James Gallagher is facing off against Democratic State Senator Mike McGuire for 1st District seat in Congress
Education, healthcare, support services front and center for 2nd District Supervisor candidate Joanna Paun
Joanna Paun, a Petaluma City Schools Board member, aims to replace the outgoing David Rabbitt on Sonoma County's Board of Supervisors.
Big spend by two Democrats defines race for California's 4th Congressional District
Rep. Mike Thompson is facing a strong challenge from fellow Napa County resident and Democrat Eric Jones, as well as large field of Republican challengers including Ray Riehle.
Mental health care front and center for challenger to House District 2 seat
Paul Saulsbury, a mobile crisis clinician and Republican from Redding, sees reshaping the mental health response system as core to helping rebuild safe and healthy communities.
Billionaire blitz? Outside interests spend big in crowded race North Bay assembly seat
Grow California, a new political action committee has been splashing major cash in an effort to elect more business friendly state level politicians.
With Rabbitt stepping down, four candidates vie for District 4 seat on Sonoma County Board of Supervisors
A candidate would need to get at least 50% of the vote in the June 2 election to avoid a November runoff between the top two finishers.
Homelessness is down in CA and across the country, says new federal report
California was among the five states that reported the largest decreases in homelessness last year.
Busy week awaits Sonoma County's Registrar of Voters
Mail-in ballots should be dropped off at a polling place or official drop box to ensure they are valid for the the 2026 primary election.
After book ban reversal, young adult author speaks with Windsor High students
Neal Shusterman, author of the book Scythe, spoke virtually with students at Windsor High. Windsor's school board initially denied the use of the novel for a 10th grade English class, before reversing course after community outcry.
Imminent changes to state climate policy could favor oil and gas industry
California's Cap-and-Invest program sets a statewide limit, or "cap," on greenhouse gas emissions from major polluters including power plants, fuel suppliers and large industrial facilities.
COVID restrictions have long since passed but community college students still struggle with online education
About 2 million students attend community college classes in California, but around 40% of community college classes are conducted virtually, which can leave campuses that would otherwise brim with students, rather quiet places.
Pest insect discovered in produce sold at North Bay Costco's causes major alarm
Agricultural authorities in Sonoma and Napa counties have put out alerts after glassy winged sharp shooters, a pest insect that can infect grapevines with incurable Pierce's Disease. Officials fear an unchecked infestation could devastate wine grape…
Sonoma County couple grow and eat extremely hot peppers
The Trefry family discovered a love for all things spicy during the pandemic.
Producer of Climate California series shares how storytelling drives climate action
NorCal Public Media television producer Hannah Lee talks with KRCB's Shandra Back about the station’s climate storytelling work.
Composer of Climate California series shares secrets behind the score
Miguel Brierley joins KRCB's Michelle Marques to share clips and his process of composing the score to this Emmy-award winning show about climate solutions.
Fighting for a foothold: restoration work safeguards fragile ecosystem on Yerba Buena Island
A rich and complex web of life exists, even under major pressure, on the small island connected to San Francisco and Oakland by the Bay Bridge.
Coalition proposes alternate plan to address state water needs
The Water Renaissance Plan for California was presented by multiple conservation groups and Tribes on Wednesday.
Part two: North Bay candidates continue their push for California’s Assembly District 12 seat ahead of June primary
The final three candidates are Steve Schwartz, a nonprofit executive and farmer from Sebastopol, Holli Thier, a Tiburon councilmember and attorney and Eryn Cervantes, a previous correctional counselor at San Quentin.
Man killed by falling branch during weekend's wind event in Santa Rosa
Another person suffered major injuries from a falling limb on Sunday afternoon at a different location.
Clear Lake tests new phosphorus treatment as algal blooms intensify in Northern California
The pilot project is meant to understand whether reducing nutrient release from the lakebed can improve water quality and results could have broader implications across the state.
In a shifting wine market, Latino representation emerges as a powerful force
Latinos make up about one in five working-age adults nationwide, and one in four kids and teenagers — a future customer base that will soon enter its highest-earning years. Many already spend regularly on beer, spirits and ready-to-drink cocktails,…
North Bay water supplies looking stable, save for one scenario, as long term plans head for update
Sonoma Water is updating their urban water management and water shortage contingency plans as part of a routine 5-year refresh.
New play by David Templeton debuts at Montgomery High School
A mostly student cast has had the opportunity to workshop the script with the Petaluma playwright.
North Bay candidates vie for California’s Assembly District 12 seat ahead of June primary
The first three candidates on the ballot are Eli Beckman, a councilmember and business owner from Corte Madera, Jackie Elward, a Rohnert Park councilwoman and educator and Eric Lucan, a Marin County supervisor from Novato.
Sonoma County releases 2025 ICE data at Truth Act forum as community packs chambers
Most public commenters criticized the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office as the only county agency that still communicates with ICE, saying they don’t want tax dollars supporting that cooperation.
Three candidates vie to replace Sen. Mike McGuire in District 2
The seat has been held by Mike McGuire since 2014. McGuire is now running for Congress, opening the seat for three contenders.
Rogers highlights healthcare and climate priorities in bid for state Assembly
The District 2 Assembly seat is currently held by Chris Rogers, the Santa Rosa Democrat elected in 2024.
Northern California’s Homekey successes stand out amid statewide delays and failures
California has spent nearly four billion dollars on Project Homekey — the state’s effort to turn motels and other buildings into long‑term housing for homeless residents. A new CalMatters investigation looks at how those projects have played out…
Northern California officials warn of early fire activity as state enters ‘fire year’
California now operates the largest wildfire aviation fleet in the world, and the Sonoma‑Lake‑Napa unit is among its biggest.
4.2 Magnitude earthquake rattles Geysers area early Thursday morning
The small tremor was detected near the community of Cobb in Lake County. There were no immediate reports of injuries or damage.
Defending beef in DC? Marin County rancher, author, lawyer bids for 2nd Congressional seat
Nicollette Hahn Niman emphasizes the agricultural and rural character of the newly drawn 2nd District in her independent bid for Congress.
Large federal law‑enforcement presence reported at Rohnert Park apartment complex; local department says it was not ICE
Tenants who say they witnessed the response — and videos that appear to show the scene — describe a large law‑enforcement presence.
Greer pledges local accountability and affordability focus in bid for state Assembly
Challenging Assembly member Chris Rogers is Mike Greer, a Del Norte County school board member and longtime education advocate.
New Sonoma State president brings experience leading universities through turmoil
Spagna started his career in the mid-1980s, teaching civics, physics and algebra to middle schoolers at Westmark School, a private college-prep school in Southern California.
Prestwood Elementary School commemorates over 75 years of education with mural
The Sonoma Community Center coordinated the art project as a way to honor the school's legacy as it closes this month.
Candidates for Sonoma County's 2nd Supervisor share positions on housing, disaster prep at Petaluma forum
Four candidates are facing off to replace David Rabbitt as Sonoma County's 2nd District Supervisor.
Appeals court reverses conspiracy, trespassing convictions for activist
Prosecutors said Hsiung and others effectively shut down farm operations at both locations and chained themselves to fixtures at the duck farm.
Tim Kelly plots independent path in bid for 1st District Congressional seat
Kelly, a housing and tenant rights lawyer, says a national rent strike could help galvanize major political change across the country.
Sonoma County sheriff faces scrutiny after ICE information‑sharing policy violation
Advocates say these incidents highlight why they want greater transparency and a complete end to ICE collaboration.
Public memorial service set for deceased people without family, financial means
When no next of kin can be located, or relatives cannot afford final arrangements, the deceased people are classified as unclaimed
Sonoma County passes ordinance restricting county support for federal immigration enforcement; advocates say it doesn’t go far enough
As the board was voting, community members and advocates started singing "We Shall Overcome" because they wanted the board to pass an even stronger local law.
On Workers Memorial Day, Sonoma County day laborers honor injured and fallen workers
At the Graton Day Labor Center, staff say they work closely with employers to ensure workers return home safely.
Family questions Sonoma County jail arrest after man detained by ICE inside facility
Activists said the arrest should not have happened inside the building and urged the sheriff to end all contact with ICE.
Artist selected to design the Sonoma County Fire Memorial
Creative Sonoma hosted an online conversation to introduce artist Cliff Garten.
Dry winter and later rains raise the chance for busy fire season
Late season grass and vegetation growth is raising the risk of wildfire, but state fire officials say they've got lots of resources to bring to bear.
Sonoma County expands free Health To Go vending machines
The machines look like standard vending machines, but instead of snacks, they’re stocked with free health and safety supplies.
9th Circuit blocks California limits on anonymous immigration agents
An 1890 Supreme Court case provides that a state cannot prosecute federal law enforcement officers acting in the course of their duties.
From Haiti to Chile to Sonoma County: one asylum seeker’s search for safety
As immigration enforcement intensifies across the United States, many immigrant families in Sonoma County are retreating further into the shadows.
Richard Minner calls for reforms to electoral process in outsider bid for Congress
Minner, a Santa Rosa resident drawn into the new District 1 by Prop 50, is brand new to electoral politics and campaigning.
Santa Rosa moves to expand wildfire risk zones
If passed by city elected officials, homeowners in the newly-added areas will have to maintain defensible space and follow Santa Rosa’s vegetation‑management rules.
Pigs promote wildfire prevention at North Bay winery
“They love poison oak. They love finding bay nuts and acorns, and they don't mind the hard work.”
Napa County warns of property tax scams
Anyone who received a delinquency notice was urged not to ignore it, as it could be an indication the check was stolen and not received by the county.
Corrupt former Rohnert Park police officers to be sentenced in May
They would stop drivers along U.S. Highway 101 between Rohnert Park and into Mendocino County in order to extort cash and cannabis from them by threatening arrest.
House District 2 candidate waves flag for peace in bid for seat in Congress
Rose Penelope Yee, a former candidate for CA House District 1, is challenging incumbent Jared Huffman for the newly drawn House District 2 seat.
How immigration raid fears are impacting children in Sonoma County
Mixed‑status families are juggling economic struggles, changes to health care access and logistical planning for a potential deportation. Mental health often becomes an afterthought.
Sonoma County adds pair of mobile resource vans to Open Doors services hub
The custom fitted vans offer secure meeting spaces and an on-the-go hub for residents to access county services and support programs.
Anti-ICE protestors present ordinance to Marin County supervisors
The No ICE in Marin group has also called for the sheriff to adopt a zero-communication policy with federal employees.
California tax preparers see sharp drop as many undocumented immigrants stop filing
Undocumented immigrants contribute billions in sales tax revenue, and their consumer spending powers local businesses.
California's 1st Congressional District sees double the elections as Prop 50 makeover looms
CA District 1 voters will see candidates for the new congressional seat on their June primary ballot, and in a special election with the current map in August.
The 'Judgment of Paris' tasting still matters to California wineries 50 years on
It was such a big moment in California’s wine history that it inspired a book, a movie, an opera—and even a rap song.
Despite record breaking March heatwave, wildland fire outlook normal for now in CA
Cal Fire crews in the North Bay have been responding to small fires in recent weeks, but the acreage burned is in range of previous years.
Sonoma County passes immigration non‑collaboration ordinance after activists detained
The disruption began when a group of activists stood and started singing inside the board chambers as supervisors debated a long‑anticipated ordinance limiting how county departments interact with federal immigration authorities.
Sonoma County's youngest civil grand juror says she serves to "keep democracy alive in our community"
"We mention facts, findings, and recommendations....ways they can better whatever area we're researching," Aguilar says.
Police stand-off closes off neighborhood in west Petaluma
One victim was released after about an hour and provided police with information on the suspect.
Ag Institute of Marin plans permanent farmer's market at Marin Civic Center
AIM - the Agricultural Institute of Marin - is building a new innovative permanent home for the Marin Farmer's Market.
Immigrant truck drivers were supposed to get their licenses back. Why is California's DMV stalling?
Thousands of immigrant California truck drivers are in legal limbo after the Trump admin ordered the state to revoke their licenses earlier this year.
Small-scale dredging around North Bay cities could play key role in sustaining wetlands
A pilot project underway in Marin County could open the door to a new, lower-cost and lower-carbon method of wetland restoration.
Cal State students widely use AI tools, but mistrust results and fear job impact
A survey of 80,000 students enrolled at Sonoma State and CSU's other 21 campuses, plus faculty and staff, is the largest and most comprehensive study of how higher education students and instructors perceive artificial intelligence.
The fight to keep Women’s and Gender Studies alive at Sonoma State University
Recently, the school’s new president---Michael Spagna---told The Press Democrat he wants to reimagine Women’s and Gender Studies at Sonoma State.
Sonoma State offered some of the nation’s first Women’s Studies classes; now they’re going away
A flyer from Spring 1976 lists almost 40 different classes, most taught by student instructors. Topics include "Survival as a Mother," "Seminar on Rape," "Lesbian Relationships," "Women and Weight," and even a radio production class called "Women on…
Local clinic puts ketamine assisted therapy in the spotlight
Liminal Medicine recently partnered with a Sonoma County health clinic to offer ketamine assisted group therapy to more patients.
Sonoma County turns out for third 'No Kings'
Gatherings large and small took place all over Sonoma County on Saturday; the largest in Santa Rosa.
Cotati weighs options for response to federal immigration enforcement surge
Leaders in Sonoma County's smallest city say unity with other local governments will be a key part of any response.
Sonoma County mixed‑status families face some of the steepest income losses in the Bay Area if immigration raids occur, report finds
A new report looks at the economic impact of potential immigration enforcement across the Bay Area, and what those findings mean for Sonoma County.
The Lost Church Santa Rosa reopens in new downtown venue
The theater had been closed since November 2025, and will reopen in a space connected to the Glaser Center.
Santa Rosa approves limits on ICE use of city property, says police won’t be asked to enforce them
The ordinance states that Santa Rosa property is reserved for city business, meaning ICE cannot use city‑owned facilities to stage operations.
Mercado Rosa grand opening showcases Latino small businesses in Sonoma County
As local entrepreneurs look for new ways to reach customers, a Latino‑centered marketplace is launching in Sonoma County this weekend.
Annual 'Pliny the Younger' release taps into something deeper
Every year around this time, thousands of beer lovers line up for the annual release of Russian River Brewing Company’s Pliny the Younger IPA.
Santa Rosa weighs ICE access to city property amid public safety concerns
City administrators say they’re recommending the ordinance in response to rising fear in immigrant communities.
Gravensteins on the brink: Sonoma County's signature apple hangs on---just barely
They were to western Sonoma County what Kona is to macadamia nuts, or sockeye salmon to Bristol Bay: a food emblematic of the region.
New Sonoma County plan outlines emergency response to federal immigration actions
Once the county decides the ICE presence is of enough impact, the department says it will notify the public, sending out alerts on social media in the same way it would about any other mass emergency.
Sebastopol, Windsor cut ties with North Bay Animal Services
The troubled shelter service has already been dropped by Petaluma and Clearlake following revelations of substandard shelter conditions.
