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."
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.
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.
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.
North Bay's Rapid Response Network distributes info cards to resist ICE threats
The North Bay Rapid Response Network, a 24-hour-a-day volunteer-run hotline housed within the North Bay Organizing Project, monitors ICE activity in Sonoma, Napa and Solano counties.
Fish counting a key part of the job for Sonoma Water biologists
“I think this is our fourth best year for wild coho at Dry Creek, and it's our best year for coho at Willow Creek this year."
One philanthropic dollar per carbon ton: new study quantifies emissions reductions at local level
"Anything local can make a difference globally. This report is an attempt to say it's actually the only difference you can make."
A flight too far? Plaintiff in case against Permit Sonoma details intrusive drone surveillance
The ACLU of Northern California alleges Permit Sonoma's code enforcement division violated the California constitution with drone searches.
CA scores high in new report on the fight against plastic pollution
Starting next year, the thicker plastic bags now sold at checkout stands will also go away; shoppers will have to go back to using paper bags or bring reusable cloth bags.
Advocates handcuff themselves to Joe Rodota Trail trees in bid to stop cutting
Sonoma County Regional Parks admin say the tree-cutting plan is part of ongoing vegetation management of non-native trees.
Sonoma sheriff identifies victims in 2 separate weekend drownings
A 17-year-old boy from Oakland and a 31-year-old man from San Francisco died Sunday in Sonoma County waters; neither victim was wearing a lifejacket.
Santa Rosa releases FEMA preliminary flood map
Property owners in Special Flood Hazard Areas may need to get more insurance coverage and take mitigation to reduce risks.
One year on from Grants Pass decision, Sonoma County tries to balance homeless efforts
Citations to homeless individuals have soared in some California jurisdictions, but Sonoma County has kept a focus on adding beds.
Nature's recovery after wildfire begins with the birds
Wildfires can leave utter devastation in their wake. But, when it comes to nature's recovery, it's often the birds that make the first notable impact.
How Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill might impact local hospitals, nursing facilities
The package of tax cuts and cuts to Medicaid threaten rural and low-income community hospitals around the Greater Bay Area region.
Rules limiting runoff and erosion from vineyards coming to North Coast
Passed recently by the North Coast Water Board, the rules will cover 65,000 acres of commercial vineyard in the region.
Young sea lion rescued after weeks long stay in the Petaluma River
The young female sea lion likely ventured up the Petaluma River in search of food, but is now being treated at the Marine Mammal Center.
Multi-faith group takes on day of fasting in support of migrants
The Interfaith Public Fast sought to bring attention to the plight of migrants and the LGBTQ community targeted by federal actions.
Press Democrat newsroom downsized
Four employees were recently laid off, and a fifth took a buy out offer from the paper's new ownership.
What does it take to put on a professional fireworks display?
Drew Dominguez shares his experiences working on huge fireworks shows, including the inherent dangers in a hand-lit show.
Providence hospice workers strike against private equity company joint venture
The two day strike in Santa Rosa and Petaluma involved about 120 total workers concerned about increased case loads and cuts to programs.
Sonoma County photojournalist accidently on scene to capture fireworks warehouse explosion in Yolo County
Press Democrat photographer Kent Porter wasn't supposed to be near the Esparto fireworks warehouse just minutes before it exploded.
State Library Parks Pass saved from California budget chopping block
The popular program, which allows library users in California to rent State Park passes, had funding restored in the final state budget.
Sonoma County's emergency evacuation preparedness called into question in recent report
Sonoma County's Civil Grand Jury, a volunteer investigative body, says narrow roads are a barrier to safe and orderly emergency evacuations.
Clipper Card outages reported on first day of transit fare increases
The public transit fare system warned riders to be prepared to pay via alternate means if requested, until Clipper Card service can be restored.
Santa Rosa teenagers organize fundraiser run for fentanyl awareness
Santa Rosa High School's tight knit Civil Unity Club put together the Saturday morning run to raise awareness after multiple peers overdosed.
National Weather Service keeps an eye on conditions, even from your own backyard
The National Weather Service relies on a vast network of weather reporting stations across the country to keep track of the weather.
Local Iranian-Americans react to direct conflict between U.S. & Iran
Questions of war, peace, and who really suffers in conflicts loom large as ceasefire between U.S., Israel, and Iran holds.
Monte Rio Redwoods Regional Park & Open Space adds 1,500 acres
Save the Redwoods League transferred the former timber land to Sonoma County Regional Park for the 1,517 acre expansion.
County of Sonoma and Petaluma join lawsuits against Trump administration
Both jurisdictions are joining court cases over federal funding directives trying to compel local governments to assist immigration enforcement.
Preliminary results show drop in Sonoma County homeless population
While the overall number homeless individuals in the county dropped in comparison to the 2024 count, the number of homeless families grew.
Permit Sonoma unveils plan to balance local environment and development needs
Called Conservation Sonoma, the effort hopes to streamline permitting without sacrificing environmental protections for sensitive areas.
Sonoma Valley eyes conservation and recycling to protect limited water supplies
The Sonoma Valley Groundwater Sustainability Agency has identified two new priority areas for water conservation within the valley.
Packed town hall meeting has Ukiah residents voicing concerns about city annexation
City staffers say the annexation is not about development, rather compensating for an area developed to the city's maximum.
Town hall draws local crowds worried about future of Social Security
Around 107,000 Sonoma County residents receive Social Security, according to Congressman Mike Thompson's office.
Elected leaders, law enforcement, residents flag issues at Sebastopol's Elderberry Commons
Sebastopol police have made dozens of visits to the permanent supportive housing complex since it reopened to residents in March.
Trump's plan to lower egg prices, explained
So far, the government has attempted to fight bird flu by paying chicken farmers to kill their entire flocks if they detect one case of the virus.
Petaluma police report Saturday incident between pickup truck and protestors
PPD pointed out that even with a green light, drivers are legally obligated to yield to any pedestrians in a crosswalk.
Marin County arborists, property owners asked to be on lookout for oak tree pest
Native to Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa, the Mediterranean oak borer was identified in a valley oak in Novato on May 23.
State bill expands eligibility for help with PG&E electric bills
150,000 households may now qualify for PG&E's electric rate assistance program due to state legislation.
Tens of thousands of people turn out across the North Bay for 'No Kings' demonstrations
"Everyone is being targeted by this administration, even people who think that they're safe," said one Santa Rosa protestor.
California Legislature OKs proposal to freeze health care access for some immigrants
California provides free health care to more than a third of its 39 million people.
Vineyard workers detail experience in alleged work place retaliation case
California's Agricultural Labor Relations Board recently brokered a settlement with a Geyserville vineyard management firm and 7 workers.
Santa Rosa joins legal suit against retaliation for "sanctuary" policies
"It's putting as much as $47 million of federal funding at risk," according to Santa Rosa's mayor.
State budget cuts threaten popular state parks library pass program
In a recent survey, 90% of participants planned to visit parks more than seven times a year thanks to the pass.
California car buyers face a 600% higher fee under a bill the CA Senate just passed
The bill allows car dealers to charge buyers up to $500 extra on each vehicle purchase, a blatant departure from promises both parties made this year to lower costs for Californians.
Sonoma County officials urge wildfire preparations ahead of anticipated elevated summer fire season
Local fire officials spoke to the County Board of Supervisors for the Annual Wildfire Preparedness Update on June 3rd.
Arborists from across western states flock to Sacramento for annual competition
40 professional arborists will compete in five skill events for a chance to compete at the international championships this fall.
United Soccer League and Santa Rosa hold first community forum
Santa Rosa is exploring bringing professional men's and women's soccer to Sonoma County's largest city.
New wine industry reporter highlights silver linings amid challenges
Though wineries say they don’t expect to increase their sales in 2025, they do report feeling optimistic about the potential for growth over the next five years.
Calistoga gets clean-power backup system
The batteries and fuel cells are expected to keep the lights on for about 48 hours or longer.
