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Jun 16, 2026
Largely ceremonial state budget passed, negotiating continues until July 1
The $356 billion dollar budget lawmakers approved seeks to delay social service cuts.
Local News
Jun 15, 2026
Napa County subbasin residents to pay new groundwater fee in December
The groundwater fee will range anywhere from $38 to $129 per acre per year.
Jun 12, 2026
Sonoma County Sheriff watchdog names interim director
Matthew Chavez, an oversight auditor at Sonoma County's Independent Office of Law Enforcement Review and Outreach will lead the agency while the county holds nationwide search for a new…
Jun 11, 2026
'Hip Hop Gameshow' debuts in Santa Rosa
MCs will be competing in games such as ‘no rhyming’ challenges.
Jun 11, 2026
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…
Jun 10, 2026
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.
Jun 10, 2026
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.
Jun 10, 2026
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.
Jun 09, 2026
‘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.
Jun 08, 2026
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.
Jun 08, 2026
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.
Jun 05, 2026
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.
Jun 05, 2026
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.
Jun 05, 2026
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.
Jun 04, 2026
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.
Jun 04, 2026
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.
Jun 04, 2026
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.
Jun 04, 2026
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.
Jun 03, 2026
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.
Jun 03, 2026
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.
Jun 03, 2026
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.
Jun 02, 2026
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
Jun 02, 2026
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.
Jun 02, 2026
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.
Jun 02, 2026
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.
Jun 01, 2026
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.
Jun 01, 2026
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.
Jun 01, 2026
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.
May 29, 2026
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.
May 28, 2026
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.
May 28, 2026
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.
May 27, 2026
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.
May 26, 2026
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 harvests.
May 26, 2026
Sonoma County couple grow and eat extremely hot peppers
The Trefry family discovered a love for all things spicy during the pandemic.
May 26, 2026
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.
May 22, 2026
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.
May 20, 2026
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.
May 20, 2026
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.
May 19, 2026
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.
May 18, 2026
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.
May 18, 2026
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.
May 15, 2026
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, but not on wine, some hope that'll change.
May 15, 2026
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.
May 15, 2026
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.
May 14, 2026
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.
May 13, 2026
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.
May 12, 2026
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.
May 11, 2026
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.
May 08, 2026
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 across the state.
May 07, 2026
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.
May 07, 2026
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.
May 06, 2026
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.
May 06, 2026
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.
May 05, 2026
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.
May 05, 2026
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.
May 01, 2026
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.
May 01, 2026
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.
May 01, 2026
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.
Apr 30, 2026
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.
Apr 29, 2026
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.
Apr 29, 2026
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
Apr 28, 2026
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.
Apr 28, 2026
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.
Apr 27, 2026
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.
Apr 24, 2026
Artist selected to design the Sonoma County Fire Memorial
Creative Sonoma hosted an online conversation to introduce artist Cliff Garten.
Apr 23, 2026
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.
Apr 22, 2026
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.
Apr 22, 2026
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.
Apr 21, 2026
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.
Apr 21, 2026
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.
Apr 20, 2026
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.
Apr 20, 2026
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.”
Apr 20, 2026
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.
Apr 17, 2026
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.
Apr 16, 2026
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.
Apr 15, 2026
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.
Apr 15, 2026
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.
Apr 14, 2026
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.
Apr 10, 2026
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.
Apr 10, 2026
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.
Apr 09, 2026
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.
Apr 08, 2026
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.
Apr 08, 2026
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.
Apr 08, 2026
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.
Apr 07, 2026
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.
Apr 07, 2026
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.
Apr 06, 2026
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.
Apr 03, 2026
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.
Apr 02, 2026
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.
Apr 01, 2026
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.
Mar 31, 2026
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 the Air."
Mar 31, 2026
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.
Mar 28, 2026
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.
Mar 26, 2026
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.
Mar 26, 2026
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.
Mar 25, 2026
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.
Mar 25, 2026
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.
Mar 25, 2026
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.
Mar 25, 2026
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.
Mar 24, 2026
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.
Mar 24, 2026
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.
Mar 23, 2026
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.
Mar 20, 2026
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.
Mar 20, 2026
“A huge decrease in trust, especially in our immigrant community," says Santa Rosa's police chief on immigration fears
"I started in 1999 as a police officer, and from 1999 to now, never once, have I seen a local police officer ask immigration enforcement, arrest someone or detain them for their immigration status. It's completely separate and distinct," Cregan said.
Mar 19, 2026
“I didn’t feel safe calling police." Fear of ICE is changing public safety in Santa Rosa
The impact on public safety is being felt beyond immigrant neighborhoods, says the city's police chief.
Mar 18, 2026
Man yelled 'shoot me' before Santa Rosa police shooting, investigators say
The Santa Rosa Police Department will conduct a separate administrative review, and the officer involved has been placed on paid administrative leave.
Mar 18, 2026
Popular Estero Americano Preserve attracts wave of visitors and concern from neighbors
Sonoma County approved parking restrictions in the Bodega Harbor neighborhood, citing the need to allow emergency vehicle access to the area.
Mar 17, 2026
Former Press Democrat co-owner sued by billionaire mentor and close friend
Darius Anderson, a wealthy and well-connected political lobbyist himself, has been taken to court by Southern California businessman Ron Burkle.
Mar 16, 2026
Marin County construction trades program enables public housing residents to rebuild their own community
Thanks to a pilot program, some of the renovations at Marin City’s historic Golden Gate Village will be done by the project’s tenants.
Mar 13, 2026
2nd District Supervisor David Rabbitt won't seek fifth term as four candidates jump in the race
Rabbitt, on the Board of Supervisors since 2010 made a late announcement he wouldn't run. Four candidates are vying to replace him.
Mar 13, 2026
California lawmakers grill DMV director on deadly failures
The project has found that the state of California -- led by the DMV -- routinely allows dangerous drivers with horrifying histories to continue to get behind the wheel, where they go on to kill.
Mar 12, 2026
Reviewing the abrupt closure of Sebastopol's Soft Medicine
"When it opened in 2022, people in Sebastopol were really thrilled because it was like this kind of gorgeous, non-alcoholic elixir bar and event space."
Mar 12, 2026
Audrey Denney calls out corporate influence in Washington as she runs for CA 1st District House seat
Denney, a Chico Democrat, is campaigning for the newly-drawn 1st District seat. She twice ran against the late Rep. Doug LaMalfa, in 2018 and 2020.
Mar 12, 2026
Marin County's TRUTH Act forum reveals how a blue county responds to national ICE crackdown
The fingerprints and booking information for all individuals booked into the Marin County Jail are sent to the California Department of Justice, which shares the data with federal agencies.
Mar 11, 2026
Wineries suffer tariff hangovers despite SCOTUS ruling
According to a new report from the Wine Institute, 2025 was the most catastrophic single-year trade decline in the history of U.S. wine exports.
Mar 10, 2026
Santa Rosa prepares for March 28 'No Kings' protest as police expect record crowds
The Santa Rosa Police Department is preparing for crowds even larger than last fall’s march, which drew more than 10,000 people, one of the biggest demonstrations in the city’s history.
Mar 10, 2026
CSU sues to challenge 'lawless overreach' in federal Title IX probe
In January, the Trump Administration announced it was investigating Santa Rosa Junior College and 17 other schools for "allegations of discrimination against women and girls by entities which reportedly allow males to compete in women’s sports."
Mar 09, 2026
Measure to continue funding Sonoma Marin Area Rail Transit heading before voters
Voters across Sonoma and Marin counties will be asked whether to extend the 1/4 cent sales tax funding the passenger rail service to 2059.
Mar 09, 2026
Marin County considers waste collection rate hike in West Marin
Recology sought approval to purchase two new garbage trucks for the region, which would have pushed the total proposed increase to 21.8%.
Mar 09, 2026
Checking in with Santa Rosa Junior College's Oak Leaf staff
The publication's co-editor-in-chief says the current class is one of the largest in recent memory.
Mar 05, 2026
Healdsburg exploring community led housing land trust
The housing trust would function similar to a wilderness trust, buying select properties independent of the city, but would use them for new homes.
Mar 05, 2026
Immigrant workforce central to Sonoma County’s economic stability, experts tell 2026 Economic Perspective
Speakers at the 2026 Economic Perspective describe how immigrant participation shapes economic life in Sonoma County.
Mar 04, 2026
After La Onda cancellation, Sonoma County leaders work to keep Latino celebrations going
Luna Media USA hosts four large free events every year, including El Grito Fest, which attracted thousands of people to downtown Santa Rosa in the fall. But in some cases, they said, partners have been concerned about immigration enforcement and pulled out of events.
Mar 04, 2026
CA GOP lawmakers are incensed over a gas tax study; rural groups say they need it
California has taxed drivers at the gas pump since 1923 and relies on that revenue for 80% of the state's highway maintenance and road repairs.
Mar 03, 2026
Petaluma pulls back controversial downtown zoning rules
Petaluma's city council chose to repeal a contested general plan amendment instead of putting the issue to voters following a public referendum.
Mar 03, 2026
Sonoma County supervisors vote to put SMART measure on June ballot
In total, 71,847 signatures were filed across Marin and Sonoma counties, meeting the requirement that at least 10 percent of the district's registered voters support placing the measure on the ballot.
Mar 02, 2026
State Senator Mike McGuire says Democrats need to stand up and fight
KRCB News asked McGuire what the Democratic Party needs to do to unite, after McGuire clashed with the chair of the state Democratic Party at their convention in San Francisco.
Mar 02, 2026
He saw an abandoned trailer. Then, he uncovered a surveillance network on California's border
Now as many as 40 are feeding information into Trump administration databases as the Democratic-led state chafes over the federal government's massive deportation program.
Feb 27, 2026
Bird flu detected in elephant seals along Bay Area coast
At least 30 pups have been infected.
Feb 26, 2026
Sonoma County day laborers face fewer jobs amid a harsher national immigration climate
Sonoma County’s job market still hasn’t recovered from the pandemic, and agriculture, the sector many day laborers rely on, is contracting.
Feb 25, 2026
Los Cien urges Sonoma County to end voluntary ICE cooperation
The Latino leadership organization says rising national immigration enforcement is creating real fear locally, and county leaders need to draw a clear line.
Feb 24, 2026
Sonoma-Marin rail system tax extension will appear on June ballot
As a citizen initiative, only a simple majority is required to enact the sales tax extension.
Feb 24, 2026
Portion of Highway 1 closed north of Fort Bragg
The highway is closed from MacKerricher State Park to Bruhel Point Road because of flooding and a possible slide.
Feb 24, 2026
Evacuation warning issued for area of Guerneville due to landslide risk
The evacuation warning went out for Neeley Road and Orchard Avenue in Guerneville due to a landslide and tree fall risk.
Feb 20, 2026
2 sentenced in fraud scheme posing as roofing contractors
Marin County's district attorney's office urges homeowners to verify that contractors have a valid license before agreeing to any work by checking the California State Department of Consumer Affairs website.
Feb 20, 2026
Avalanche expert explains why thin snowpack made Sierra conditions so dangerous
The avalanche struck a group of 15 backcountry skiers near Castle Peak during a winter storm Tuesday morning.
Feb 18, 2026
Public’s help is critical in preventing mosquito‑borne diseases, district says
One of the biggest concerns, according to the Marin Sonoma Mosquito and Vector Control District, is invasive Aedes mosquitoes, which are not native to the area.
Feb 17, 2026
Small Napa County winery contests 'ruinous' fine over on-site tasting
The seeds of the court battle involving Hoopes Winery were planted in 2020, when the county said wine tastings and tours weren't allowed at the property.
Feb 17, 2026
Money is tight and campus fees are rising at Cal State schools
Rising fees have prompted outcry from some students, particularly when the Cal State system is increasing tuition while cutting course sections and degrees because money is so tight.
Feb 17, 2026
Lightning strike knocks out power to Santa Rosa elementary school
Lightning reportedly struck a power pole outside of the campus.
Feb 16, 2026
Interview: First 5 Sonoma County distributes funds from Measure I
The Sonoma County Child Care & Children's Health Initiative was passed by voters in 2024, authorizing a quarter-cent sales tax.
Feb 13, 2026
Shoppers injured after car crashes into front of Santa Rosa grocery store
The car drove through the storefront and into the check stand area just before noon.
Feb 12, 2026
Santa Rosa weighs options for limiting city cooperation with federal immigration authorities
Sonoma County's largest city hasn't taken any concrete steps yet, but could limit Immigration & Customs Enforcement from accessing city property.
Feb 12, 2026
Local construction company BoDean agrees to nearly $1.3 million air pollution fine
The $1.28 million collected as part of the settlement will go towards funding projects that will improve air quality in the nine counties that the Bay Area Air District encompasses.
Feb 11, 2026
Sonoma city manager selected as next Sonoma County executive
Guhin has a master's degree in organizational development from Sonoma State University.
Feb 11, 2026
Sonoma County Commission on Human Rights marks 100 years of Black history commemorations
60,000 Black people call Sonoma County home.
Feb 11, 2026
Sonoma County awards over $10 million for homeless and mental health care but doubts over future funding remain
The money, awarded by Sonoma County's Department of Health Services, will go to 18 different community organizations and city partners.
Feb 09, 2026
Santa Rosa prepares for federal immigration operations as council reviews public safety concerns
The topics include urging Congress to adopt stronger training and conduct standards for federal immigration agents, and exploring a local rule, modeled after one in San Jose, that would bar federal immigration officers from using city‑owned property as staging or processing sites.
Feb 09, 2026
Wildlife advocates threaten lawsuit against Trump administration over Clear Lake Hitch
The Center for Biological Diversity has notified the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service they intend to go to court to get protections for the threatened fish.
Feb 06, 2026
Sebastopol asking for input on possible traffic flow changes
The city is asking for responses to a public survey about changes to traffic flow around the Sebastopol Plaza, and on Main Street and Petaluma Avenue.
Feb 06, 2026
Carpool hours set to change again on Highway 101 in Marin and Sonoma
Caltrans is shifting the morning HOV hours during commute times to run from 6 AM - 9 AM, and the afternoon hours from 3 PM - 6:30 PM.
Feb 06, 2026
Cal State to back three proposals on nursing ed, campus safety and more
The university system estimates its backlog of deferred maintenance exceeds $8.6 billion; CSU is now banking on a statewide bond measure to help chip away at those towering costs.
Feb 04, 2026
Popular Sonoma County vegetable farm hopes for permanent sale
Tierra Vegetables has operated near the Sonoma County Airport since 2002. Now siblings Lee and Wayne James are looking to buy the farm land.
Feb 04, 2026
Inside Santa Rosa’s Taco Tuesday bike ride, a weekly community gathering
“We're here for each other and for bikes and just to get outside and have a good time,” said co‑founder Juan Chavez of the weekly Santa Rosa ride.
Feb 02, 2026
Museum of Sonoma County seeking $100K for 'Running Fence' anniversary exhibit
Christo and Jeanne-Claude's massive art installation spanned Sonoma and Marin counties in 1976, attracting global interest to the North Bay.
Jan 30, 2026
Sonoma County board chair responds to public frustration over immigrant community support
"I come from a mixed‑status family," said Hermosillo. "I understand the impacts. I also understand the impacts of when you come to the United States, there are laws that we all have to follow."
Jan 30, 2026
Q&A: Sonoma County’s new 2026 board chair focuses on ‘innovative’ strategies amid federal budget cuts
Hermosillo discusses housing, nonprofit strain and new service models as federal cuts take effect.
Jan 29, 2026
Inside the Sonoma County “Clothing Closet” helping teens access free clothes
Volunteer Jennifer Roventini, who runs the closet, says she got involved after hearing a student presentation at a school board meeting about five years ago.
Jan 29, 2026
Bachelors degrees at community colleges: lawmakers say yes, UC and CSU say slow down
Community colleges say the state is too big and spread out to limit public four-year degrees to just the Cal State and UC.
Jan 28, 2026
Possible hydrogen cyanide leak investigation prompts shelter-in-place order
Just after 6 p.m. on Wednesday, the county sheriff's office lifted all shelter orders.
Jan 28, 2026
Santa Rosa healthcare workers mourn nurse shot by federal immigration agent in Minneapolis
“This could have been us. It’s heartbreaking. In a sense, we are all Alex," said one local healthcare worker.
Jan 27, 2026
"It's slowly getting better;" Sonoma State students and faculty mark one year since announcement of dramatic cuts
This week, professors and students marked one year since the 2025 academic and athletic cuts at SSU; they delivered a box of messages to new SSU President Michael Spagna.
Jan 26, 2026
Sonoma County supervisor calls ICE actions ‘abhorrent’ and urges end to any local cooperation
Supervisor Chris Coursey is condemning ICE's actions and calls for Sonoma County to end all collaboration with ICE, which continues at the level of the sheriff’s office.
Jan 26, 2026
CA cities just saw their lowest homicide rates in decades; it's not clear why
California's population was about 20 million people the last time the state recorded such low homicide numbers, half of what it is today.
Jan 23, 2026
Sonoma County leader shifts views on ICE collaboration
Sonoma County Supervisor Chris Coursey says in a statement he no longer supports the county’s cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Jan 22, 2026
Napa County health officials confirm isolated measles case, first since 2012
Napa County health officials say all exposed individuals have been notified, and that the infected child is recovering at home.
Jan 21, 2026
Sonoma State welcomes new president
The new president said his goals are to increase enrollment; review, support and expand the university's academic programs; and to explore reviving athletics at the school.
Jan 20, 2026
Northern California cities contend with federal lawsuit over on-hold building code
The U.S. Department of Justice is suing Petaluma, and the City of Morgan Hill, over their now-suspended bans on new natural gas hook ups.
Jan 19, 2026
Santa Rose Junior College facing federal investigation over transgender athlete policies
This comes the same week the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments on behalf of transgender athletes barred by their states from participating in women's and girls' sports.
Jan 16, 2026
Windsor school board faces backlash after rejecting ‘Scythe’ from curriculum
“I think this is a wake up call for all of us in Sonoma County," said Windsor Library Commissioner Deborah Doyle. "We don't want to be banning books.”
Jan 14, 2026
LandPaths acquires historic 69-acre Calvi Ranch near Occidental
There are currently no trails on the property; LandPaths staff say the site will not be ready for public access for at least two-to-three years.
Jan 14, 2026
Governor denies Louisiana's request to extradite Sonoma County-based doctor
Louisiana prosecutors have accused the Sonoma County-based doctor of shipping abortion medication into the state, prompting a legal clash.
Jan 13, 2026
Tenants at Sebastopol's Woodmark Apartments still in their units in the new year
The remaining 14 households, who have been holding out against threats of eviction since the fall, have now formed an organized tenant union.
Jan 12, 2026
So far, so good...Bodega Bay crabbers cautiously optimistic as season gets underway
“Our whole fishing economy now is on wheels, going out of state; there's no more processors in California, except for Anthony’s [Seafood of Bodega Bay] here and Pier 45—that's it for cooking crabs,” said one Bodega Bay crabber.
Jan 12, 2026
Cyclist dies after train collision Monday morning
The cyclist wasn't carrying identification and police are trying to figure out who he was.
Jan 11, 2026
Thousands gather in Santa Rosa's Courthouse Square to protest fatal ICE shooting
The rally was organized by multiple groups including the local chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America.
Jan 09, 2026
Parents sue Healdsburg private school over student's August 2025 death
The then 15 year old student died after using a makeshift water slide on the boarding school campus east of Healdsburg.
Jan 09, 2026
3 coastal beaches cleared for public use after Russian River sewage spill
Beaches on the Russian River downstream from the Russian River County Sanitation District treatment plant spill in Guerneville are still off-limits; the plant on Neeley Road was overwhelmed during heavy rains Tuesday night.
Jan 08, 2026
Indivisible Sonoma County weighs in on Avelo Airlines' decision to halt deportation flights
The local grassroots organization organized months of protests at the Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport in 2025.
Jan 08, 2026
Bodega Bay crabbing fleet heads out to sea despite price uncertainties
Crab associations in Bodega Bay and elsewhere announced the fleets were sitting out this week’s opening because buyers had refused to commit to what they considered to be a fair price.
Jan 07, 2026
Sonoma County Office of Education offers free mental health workshops for families
The first series of workshops in January are in partnership with Common Sense Media.
Jan 07, 2026
Windsor school board rejects award-winning YA novel, prompting censorship debate
A multi-award-winning young adult science fiction novel has been removed from the Windsor school district’s proposed curriculum, sparking a local debate over censorship and classroom content.
Jan 06, 2026
Storm runoff and tidal surge bring glimpse into forecast future for Marin's waterfront
U.S. Rep. Jared Huffman and Marin County officials toured the aftermath of weekend flooding that inundated homes and snarled traffic.
Jan 06, 2026
Two teens shot in brazen robbery at Santa Rosa Transit Mall
Santa Rosa PD says the suspects were wearing ski masks and are still at large.
Jan 06, 2026
Rep. Doug LaMalfa, longtime NorCal lawmaker, dies at 65
LaMalfa was known for his dedication to water access and forestry management, key issues for his largely rural district. His death leaves House Republicans with an even more precarious majority that could struggle to pass Republican legislation.
Jan 05, 2026
Emergency repairs sought after Sonoma Valley Sanitation pipeline rupture
Sonoma County supervisors are prepping to okay emergency repairs of burst pipe in the Sonoma Valley reclamation system.
Jan 04, 2026
E-bike safety; a recent Marin County crash prompts change
KRCB News speaks with the author of a recent New York Times Magazine cover story on e-bikes.
Jan 03, 2026
Stay informed on unfolding Venezuala story
Get the latest news updates on the unfolding situation with Venezuela and the U.S. arrest of Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro.
Jan 02, 2026
California faces grim budget outlook to start 2026
Disaster aid for the LA wildfires and ballooning Medi-Cal costs erased predictions of a small surplus, and the state now faces an $18 billion deficit.
Dec 31, 2025
Recent North Bay winter shark encounters fall out of the ordinary seasonal pattern
Bodega Bay sits at the north point of the "Red Triangle" a shark hot spot. Incidents involving humans in the area often occur in the autumn months.
Dec 30, 2025
California Dungeness crab season nears opening day
Commercial boats will be allowed to set a limited number of traps from the Sonoma-Mendocino county line south to Pt. Conception starting Jan. 5.
Dec 30, 2025
Northern California ICE arrests surge; Sonoma County mother describes fallout
ICE arrests across Northern California have more than tripled this year, recent data shows. Those arrests affect not only the individuals detained but also the families left behind.
Dec 29, 2025
Data reveals ICE arrests across Northern California more than tripled this year
As ICE arrests continue to increase, a recent study finds that 48% of people ICE arrested in Northern California have no criminal record.
Dec 26, 2025
Trump administration to review proposed dam removal in Mendocino, Lake counties
Water from the system is used in multiple counties, including Sonoma County.
Dec 24, 2025
Santa Rosa's (not so secret) teenage Secret Santa raises over $40,000 for holiday gifts
Cannon Meiers has raised over $84,000 over 12 years to donate Christmas gifts through CVNL's Sonoma County Secret Santa program.
Dec 24, 2025
Thousands lose power across Northern California during strong overnight storm
Pacific Gas and Electric says over 125,000 customers lost power in Northern and Central California, as overnight winds hit 109 miles an hour.
Dec 23, 2025
Pediatric clinic at Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital to close in March
Providence says the decision is due to low use of the bed space, but the move means pediatric patients will have to travel to SF for long term care.
Dec 22, 2025
More rain blowing into the North Bay through Christmas week
Some parts of Sonoma County received close to five inches of rain over the past 72 hours, with more on the way.
Dec 22, 2025
What's next for Medi-Cal? A former state health leader weighs in
A new statewide commission is charged with creating a 10-year blueprint for a program that covers more than 14 million low-income residents and pays for key services from childbirth to nursing home care.
Dec 21, 2025
Rohnert Park couple forfeit cash for allegedly operating illegal fish biz from home
The couple was accused of using a fishing vessel that wasn't commercially registered, using people who weren't commercially licensed, and failing to file paperwork that allowed them to circumvent paying fees and declaring fish sales for tax purposes.
Dec 19, 2025
Data reveals wide gaps in Sonoma County school performance
New reporting shows Sonoma County’s high schools have rising graduation rates but persistently low test scores, revealing wide gaps in student performance.
Dec 17, 2025
Neighbors roundly concerned with large townhouse project on historic Carrillo Adobe property
Swenson Builders is floating plans to build 162 three-story townhomes on the Carrillo Adobe property, a historic landmark in Santa Rosa.
Dec 17, 2025
Tenants at Sebastopol's Woodmark Apartments remain in wait as new year looms
The Press Democrat's Marisa Endicott speaks with KRCB News about her latest reporting on the situation at the Woodmark Apartment complex.
Dec 16, 2025
Coming rain should dispel month-long tule fog conditions
A National Weather Service meteorologist says she recommends an early start on home storm prep, with a stronger storm system forecast for the Christmas holiday week.
Dec 16, 2025
While thousands of acres of grape vines are being pulled out, why are these wineries replanting?
“I wouldn't say it was an easy decision, but it was the right decision in thinking about the future of the brand for the next 50 years—not the next three to five."
Dec 16, 2025
Sonoma County health centers urge enrollment before Medi‑Cal cutoff
Health centers in Sonoma County are urging eligible immigrants to sign up for Medi‑Cal before the Dec. 31 deadline.
Dec 15, 2025
KRCB Interview: CalMatters politics reporter on Mike McGuire's congressional run
The new California congressional District 1 is "drawn in a way where just by sheer numbers, registered Democrats outnumber registered Republican voters."
Dec 15, 2025
Planners tussle with developer over environmental impact of Lucas Valley subdivision
The houses will be built one way or another. In May, the development was permitted ministerially through a Housing Compliance Report, a streamlined process set in place by the state's 2019 Housing Accountability Act.
Dec 12, 2025
Sebastopol doctor at the center of Texas lawsuit over abortion care
The Sebastopol doctor has been sent a cease and desist letter from Texas' Attorney General, and is wanted in Louisiana for mailing mifepristone.
Dec 12, 2025
Sonoma County father weighs self-deportation after weeks in ICE custody
State experts say the Trump administration is pressuring immigrants to leave the country by detaining them for minor infractions and using unlawful tactics.
Dec 11, 2025
Cloverdale approves water supply assessment for proposed Esmeralda development
The water supply assessment found Cloverdale can take on the increased demand from the new subdivision if built as planned in 2040.
Dec 10, 2025
Volunteer training starts soon for free tax preparation program
United Way of the Wine Country is training tax preparers, intake coordinators and Spanish language interpreters.
Dec 10, 2025
Bipartisan bill aims to ease Trump tariff strain on wine and specialty crop farmers
North Bay congressman Mike Thompson partners with Doug LaMalfa in writing a bill providing direct payments to growers of winegrapes, nuts, fruit and vegetables who can show financial losses from the tariffs.
Dec 09, 2025
Next-generation Clipper cards set to make rides smoother, cheaper for regional travelers
Locally, over 20 public transit agencies across the nine Bay Area counties -- including Marin, Napa and Sonoma -- are a part of the cloud-based system update.
Dec 08, 2025
Report shows Santa Rosa Junior College generates over 5% of Sonoma County's annual GDP
The report finds that roughly 1 in 17 jobs in Sonoma County is filled by a SRJC alum or supported by the college's operations.
Dec 05, 2025
SMART track crossing at Jennings Avenue in Santa Rosa clears important hurdle
Santa Rosa approved a revised agreement on legal liability for the project and pedestrian crossing, which now goes before the SMART board.
Dec 04, 2025
State cannabis excise tax revenue tops $177M after short‑lived rate increase
Sonoma County ranks among California’s top cannabis buyers per capita.
Dec 03, 2025
Animal rights activist handed 90-day sentence for 2023 action at Petaluma Poultry
Zoe Rosenberg was found guilty in October of conspiracy and trespass from the 2023 incursion, where she took 4 chickens from Petaluma Poultry.
Dec 03, 2025
Santa Rosa's police department asks for funding boost as mental health calls increase
The Santa Rosa Police Department is asking the city council to approve state grant funding allowing for six new employee hires to keep the crisis response team on-call daily.
Dec 01, 2025
Bay Area leaders mark World AIDS Day with vow to achieve zero new HIV infections
According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 40.8 million people were living with HIV globally in 2024.
Nov 30, 2025
High surf advisory, sneaker waves expected on coast through midweek
Breaking waves are forecast to be 10-14 feet high with lulls of 10-20 minutes or longer in between sets.
Nov 28, 2025
Apple TV spotlights Michelin-starred Mendocino Coast chef in new reality show
Kammerer's food is rooted in what grows and lives around Elk; nearly everything on the menu starts at the restaurant's 300-bed farm, which, depending on the season, supplies up to 90% of the produce served at the hotel.
Nov 28, 2025
Drivers remain rolling as roundabout at Big Bend awaits final touches
The roundabout at the intersection of State Route 116 and State Route 121 has been partially open since January 2025.
Nov 26, 2025
Potter Valley Project public workshop focuses on future water sources after decommissioning
The century-plus-old infrastructure was built in the middle of significant fish spawning grounds, which has harmed Native groups, their treaty-protected fishing rights and traditional practices.
Nov 26, 2025
State Senator Mike McGuire says California voters want change in Congress
McGuire spoke with KRCB News this week about his motivation to run for the newly redrawn 1st congressional district seat.
Nov 25, 2025
Santa Rosa lines up interim city manager to take over in January
Lori Ann Farrell, a longtime civil servant from Southern California has been tapped for the job, once Maraskeshia Smith heads to Sacramento.
Nov 25, 2025
Fort Bragg PD says its Flock cameras are keeping privacy intact
Use of the popular public safety camera system has faced increasing pushback in recent months.
Nov 25, 2025
Santa Cruz-area winegrowers create new heritage district to attract tourism
The new Santa Cruz Mountains Heritage District is located within the Santa Cruz American Viticultural Area, which comprises approximately 1,600 acres of vineyards.
Nov 24, 2025
Santa Rosa drug and alcohol recovery center expansion approved by Planning Commission
The Press Democrat's Paulina Pineda speaks with KRCB News about the recovery center's plans to expand and neighborhood opposition.
Nov 24, 2025
Suspect in Cloverdale homicide found dead after standoff with sheriff SWAT team in Santa Rosa
A shelter-in-place order was issued by the Santa Rosa Police Department during the response.
Nov 21, 2025
New federal proposal would consider use of SNAP, Medicaid in green card applications
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security under the Trump Administration announced this week it wants to roll back a Biden-era rule that broadened eligibility for green card applicants.
Nov 20, 2025
Trump administration announces plan for new oil drilling off California coast
Governor Newsom calls the plan idiotic, North Bay Congressman Jared Huffman says it's asinine and Senator Alex Padilla calls it outrageous.
Nov 20, 2025
Rohnert Park's plans for a new downtown take big step forward
The 6400 State Farm Drive property, once a campus owned by the insurance giant, will be the site of the city's future downtown.
Nov 20, 2025
Pest control firms agree to settlement with Sonoma and several other CA counties for violations
Three pest control companies that improperly disposed of hazardous waste at dozens of sites around the state and failed to secure sensitive customer records have agreed to pay over $3.1 million.
Nov 19, 2025
"People are going to die;" Bay Area homelessness leaders speak out about federal HUD cuts
Michael Gause, ending homelessness manager for the Sonoma County Department of Health Services, says the changes felt like a gut punch.
Nov 19, 2025
Decommissioning process moves forward for Potter Valley Project dams
According to the City of Cloverdale, the pending decommissioning raises questions about long-term water reliability for Cloverdale and other downstream communities like Geyserville.
Nov 19, 2025
Sonoma State announces new president
Michael E. Spagna, currently interim president of Cal Poly Humboldt, will take over at Sonoma State in January.
Nov 18, 2025
Cal State wants to offer bigger raises to campus presidents while cutting elsewhere
The president of the California Faculty Association, which represents 29,000 members, said in an interview the executives have mismanaged state and tuition money and don’t deserve raises.
Nov 17, 2025
Wave powered desalination buoy arrives in Fort Bragg ahead of test launch
The City of Fort Bragg and Quebec-based Oneka Technologies are partnering on the first-in-California wave powered desalination program.
Nov 17, 2025
WinterBlast draws thousands to Santa Rosa for magical lighted parade
The annual event features decorated sofas that are pushed down South A Street, as well as music, art, and winter fun.
Nov 14, 2025
Sonoma County volunteers start 'Grocery Buddy' Facebook group to keep neighbors fed
The group has now buddied over 65 different families in two weeks, and packaged 40 emergency boxes, all from Jackson's living room.
Nov 13, 2025
Catholic Charities calls on Sonoma County to give the gift of citizenship
The total cost of test fees, legal services and classes is about $1,400 per person.
Nov 13, 2025
Short-lived atmospheric river lashes Bay Area
Despite some impressive rainfall totals---close to 4 inches in some areas---the rain brought minimal disruption and damage to Sonoma County.
Nov 13, 2025
Schools, farms grapple with lost funding after federal program is gutted
The amount of money a school receives -- and now stands to lose from the Local Food for Schools program -- depends on its size,
Nov 13, 2025
Controversial anti-Semite with Sonoma County ties faces federal trial in Tennessee
The man, a former Petaluma resident, founded in 2018 what has been described as a "loosely organized neo-Nazi network."
Nov 13, 2025
Democrat Mike McGuire challenges GOP Rep. Doug LaMalfa for new Prop. 50 seat
McGuire will face heavy skepticism from some northern rural residents in the 1st Congressional District.
Nov 13, 2025
Debate continues over calls for Sonoma County sanctuary designation
Some immigration rights activists are lobbying county supervisors to officially name Sonoma County a 'sanctuary county,' but others are concerned the designation will simply put a bullseye on Sonoma County.
Nov 12, 2025
North Bay small farmers suffer trickle-down impacts of federal shutdown
Agricultural Institute of Marin members include over 400 small to mid-sized farmers, ranchers, fishers, dairy producers and food makers.
Nov 12, 2025
Northern lights visible over Northern California as solar storm slams into Earth
A series of coronal mass ejections over the past week have made aurora borealis - the Northern Lights - visible across the U.S.
Nov 12, 2025
Educator Colby Smart announces 2026 run for Jared Huffman's seat
Smart is an Independent from Eureka and is running to unseat Rep. Jared Huffman in California’s 2nd congressional district in the 2026 midterm election.
Nov 11, 2025
With some help from his friends, local teen creates 'Sonoma County Honor Field'
The Honor Field will be on display through the weekend, with closing ceremonies taking place on Sunday, Nov. 16. from 11 to 2 pm.
Nov 11, 2025
North Bay congressmen criticize latest deal to end government shutdown
“We were not doing this to shut down the government, we were doing this to try to prevent the healthcare system from crashing," Jared Huffman told KRCB News.
Nov 10, 2025
Cancellations continue across Bay Area airports weeks before major holiday travel
Four flights have been cancelled Monday at Sonoma County's regional airport, according to FlightAware.
Nov 07, 2025
Federal shutdown means no Coast Guard in this year's Petaluma Veterans parade
The event's organizer says they'll have a different group of veterans leading the parade this year.
Nov 07, 2025
Press Democrat reporter talks latest details in Ken Mattson's bankruptcy case
Many of disgraced real estate mogul Ken Mattson's property holdings are nearing, or have gone to market as the bankruptcy case proceeds.
Nov 06, 2025
Food bank in "crisis mode" receives overwhelming community support
With federal assistance to buy food on pause, since November 1st due to the federal shutdown, Sonoma County residents are going hungry.
Nov 06, 2025
Sonoma County responds to urgent need for food as CalFresh benefits are halted
A new program facilitates porch pick-ups for food donations, and the county Board of Supervisors are allocating emergency funds to Redwood Empire Food Bank.
Nov 06, 2025
Sebastopol approves targeted and temporary renter protections
The 'just cause' tenant protections, spurred on by the mass eviction threat at the Woodmark Apartments, will expire in January 2027.
Nov 05, 2025
ELECTION RESULTS: Prop. 50 passing; in Petaluma, Measure I not reaching 2/3 threshold
Proposition 50 is passing in Sonoma County, by a long shot, with 74% 'yes' votes so far.
Nov 04, 2025
Sonoma County records first bird flu outbreaks of winter season
Press Democrat reporter Phil Barber speaks with KRCB News about the outbreaks at commercial poultry facilities in Sonoma County.
Nov 04, 2025
New poll finds Latino voters are most concerned about cost of living, inflation
If Prop 50 passes, Latinos could gain more representation in newly drawn districts, making their votes even more critical as the 2026 midterms approach.
Nov 03, 2025
Rain and strong winds forecast to move into Sonoma County over next 48 hours
A National Weather Service forecaster said wind gusts could touch 50 miles an hour, likely bringing down some trees and branches.
Nov 02, 2025
'Renaissance Petaluma' embraces proposed Appellation hotel as good for downtown business
After Charlie Palmer opened Hotel Healdsburg and Dry Creek Kitchen in 2001, it sparked a transformational influx of upscale businesses in downtown Healdsburg that alienated some residents.
Oct 31, 2025
Protesters call for non-collaboration ordinance outside of county jail
A non-collaboration ordinance is what protesters want the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors to pass: it would make it clear the county’s policy prohibits the sheriff from working with ICE.
Oct 31, 2025
'This American Life' creator and host visits Santa Rosa on tour
"It is just an odd time to be a journalist when so much of the country is not interested in the facts of things," said Glass.
Oct 31, 2025
California's Senate leader tells KRCB News why he thinks Prop. 50 is crucial
"Everything the Republicans are doing in red states: Missouri, Texas, Florida, the Carolinas— that redistricting is permanent. In California, it's temporary.”
Oct 30, 2025
New mental health and conservatorship laws come at a cost to Sonoma County
SB43 goes into effect January 1st, and Sonoma County health staff estimate 50 new individuals will enter conservatorships as a result.
Oct 30, 2025
Sonoma County sheriff talks about what DHS told him and other county leaders about planned ICE activity
ICE has "been given a target by the administration or their bosses or whoever, and they will go where they are more likely to hit their numbers. Sonoma County is not that place."
Oct 29, 2025
Animal rights activist found guilty in Sonoma County court
Zoe Rosenberg, 23, faces up five years in prison for her role in taking chickens from a Petaluma Poultry truck in 2023.
Oct 29, 2025
Santa Rosa Community Health announces new pediatric clinic
Santa Rosa Community Health's new pediatric clinic, their second, will take over Providence's urgent care clinic on Corporate Center Pkwy.
Oct 28, 2025
Sonoma County Sanctuary Coalition calls for greater protections against ICE actions
Community organizers say Sonoma County could do more to protect migrant residents from the threat of immigration raids.
Oct 28, 2025
New DHS field director shares immigration enforcement plans with Sonoma County sheriff
Sonoma County Sheriff Eddie Engram tells KRCB News he was told the county would be spared of large--scale immigration actions, for now, while the federal Dept. of Homeland Security focuses on more heavily populated areas.
Oct 28, 2025
Sonoma County makes COLAs for pensioners a top priority in 2026 legislative platform
Here in Sonoma County, county government retirees haven't seen a COLA for several years.
Oct 27, 2025
2 arrested in homicide of 60-year-old man found shot outside Santa Rosa home
Both suspects were allegedly former employees at an adult nightclub in San Francisco managed by the murdered man.
Oct 24, 2025
Sonoma County community organizers repeat calls for greater protection for migrant community
Community, faith, and labor leaders are calling for Sonoma County to adopt a non-cooperation rule with federal immigration authorities.
Oct 24, 2025
Local brewer namechecked on Jeopardy! game show
Vinnie Cilurzo, co-owner of Russian River Brewing Company, said he was surprised by a flurry of texts from friends and family during the Oct. 23, 2025 broadcast.
Oct 24, 2025
Providence announces closing of pediatric care ward at Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital
The closure is expected in the first quarter of 2026.
Oct 23, 2025
Tens of thousands Sonoma County residents may not receive November CalFresh benefits
There are about 47,000 people in Sonoma County enrolled in CalFresh, the state’s food assistance program.
Oct 22, 2025
Sebastopol moves forward with tenant protections with protection for Woodmark Apartments in mind
Some Woodmark Apartment residents are hoping "just cause" protections will prevent potential evictions in spite of farm work requirements.
Oct 22, 2025
Newsom to deploy CA National Guard after millions at risk of delayed food assistance in shutdown
The governor unveiled the move Wednesday, days after the California Department of Social Services began notifying counties to prepare for the possibility that federally-funded food benefits, known as CalFresh in California, could be disrupted
Oct 21, 2025
Petaluma city council takes issue with recall effort
Many acknowledge a citizens' right to initiate the recall process, but her fellow councilmembers say they're unaware of any misconduct warranting recall of councilmember Janice Cader-Thompson.
Oct 21, 2025
Assembly member Chris Rogers says California's Prop 50 will counter political gamesmanship
Rogers is a co-author of the ballot measure before voters now in the Nov. 4 special election.
Oct 21, 2025
Don't pass the Buck: Institute studying science of aging offers free guided tours
Plans for the Buck were created by noted architect I.M. Pei, who designed such famed buildings as the Louvre Pyramid in Paris.
Oct 20, 2025
Petaluma high school bond measure on the ballot this fall
Petaluma's Measure I would add some $3 million annually for Petaluma's high schools if approved by two-thirds of voters.
Oct 20, 2025
New study forecasts economic impacts of mass deportations in the North Bay
A new study quantifies the economic contributions of undocumented immigrants in California and models potential impacts of mass deportations in the North Bay.
Oct 19, 2025
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.
Oct 16, 2025
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.
Oct 16, 2025
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.
Oct 16, 2025
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.
Oct 15, 2025
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.
Oct 14, 2025
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.
Oct 11, 2025
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.
Oct 10, 2025
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.
Oct 09, 2025
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,
Oct 09, 2025
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.
Oct 08, 2025
Deadline extended for residential earthquake retrofits grants
Grant applications are being accepted through Oct. 17 at earthquakebracebolt.com.
Oct 07, 2025
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.
Oct 06, 2025
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.
Oct 06, 2025
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.
Oct 06, 2025
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..
Oct 02, 2025
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.'
Oct 02, 2025
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.
Oct 02, 2025
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.
Oct 01, 2025
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.
Oct 01, 2025
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.
Sep 30, 2025
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.
Sep 29, 2025
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.
Sep 29, 2025
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.
Sep 28, 2025
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.
Sep 26, 2025
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
Sep 25, 2025
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.
Sep 25, 2025
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.
Sep 25, 2025
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.
Sep 24, 2025
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.
Sep 24, 2025
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.
Sep 23, 2025
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.
Sep 23, 2025
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.
Sep 22, 2025
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.
Sep 19, 2025
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.
Sep 18, 2025
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."
Sep 18, 2025
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.
Sep 17, 2025
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.
Sep 15, 2025
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.
Sep 15, 2025
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.
Sep 11, 2025
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.
Sep 11, 2025
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.
Sep 11, 2025
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.
Sep 11, 2025
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 .
Sep 10, 2025
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.
Sep 09, 2025
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.
Sep 08, 2025
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.
Sep 05, 2025
Climate change forcing Napa vintners to make hard choices
Some Carneros growers have begun planting varieties more suited for warmer climates, such as merlot.
Sep 05, 2025
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."
Sep 04, 2025
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..
Sep 03, 2025
Fires caused by lightning break out throughout California
These fires have mostly broken out in California’s Central Valley.
Sep 03, 2025
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.
Sep 02, 2025
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.
Aug 31, 2025
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.
Aug 31, 2025
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.
Aug 28, 2025
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
Aug 27, 2025
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%.
Aug 27, 2025
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.
Aug 26, 2025
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."
Aug 26, 2025
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.
Aug 25, 2025
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.
Aug 25, 2025
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.
Aug 24, 2025
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.
Aug 23, 2025
Fast moving vegetation fire sparks Sunday afternoon in Lake County
Evacuation orders have been lifted as of Sunday night.
Aug 21, 2025
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.
Aug 21, 2025
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.
Aug 21, 2025
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.
Aug 20, 2025
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.
Aug 19, 2025
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.
Aug 18, 2025
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.
Aug 15, 2025
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.
Aug 14, 2025
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.
Aug 13, 2025
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.
Aug 12, 2025
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.
Aug 11, 2025
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.
Aug 11, 2025
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.
Aug 11, 2025
Sonoma Valley launches rapid rehousing program
Landlords who rent through the program are offered up to $1,000 in incentives.
Aug 08, 2025
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.
Aug 08, 2025
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.
Aug 08, 2025
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."
Aug 08, 2025
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.
Aug 07, 2025
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.
Aug 07, 2025
Neighbor complaints spurs Sebastopol Porchfest move to public park
High Street residents expressed concerns about the safety and permitting of 2024's event.
Aug 07, 2025
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.
Aug 07, 2025
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.
Aug 05, 2025
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.
Aug 05, 2025
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.
Aug 04, 2025
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.
Jul 31, 2025
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.
Jul 31, 2025
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.
Jul 31, 2025
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
Jul 30, 2025
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.
Jul 30, 2025
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.
Jul 30, 2025
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.
Jul 29, 2025
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.
Jul 28, 2025
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.
Jul 27, 2025
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.
Jul 25, 2025
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.
Jul 23, 2025
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.
Jul 23, 2025
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.
Jul 23, 2025
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.
Jul 22, 2025
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.
Jul 22, 2025
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."
Jul 21, 2025
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."
Jul 17, 2025
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.
Jul 17, 2025
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.
Jul 16, 2025
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.
Jul 15, 2025
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.
Jul 14, 2025
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.
Jul 11, 2025
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.
Jul 10, 2025
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.
Jul 10, 2025
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.
Jul 09, 2025
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.
Jul 08, 2025
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.
Jul 08, 2025
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.
Jul 07, 2025
Press Democrat newsroom downsized
Four employees were recently laid off, and a fifth took a buy out offer from the paper's new ownership.
Jul 04, 2025
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.
Jul 03, 2025
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.
Jul 03, 2025
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.
Jul 03, 2025
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.
Jul 02, 2025
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.
Jul 01, 2025
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.
Jun 30, 2025
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.
Jun 30, 2025
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.
Jun 27, 2025
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.
Jun 27, 2025
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.
Jun 26, 2025
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.
Jun 26, 2025
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.
Jun 24, 2025
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.
Jun 24, 2025
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.
Jun 23, 2025
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.
Jun 19, 2025
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.
Jun 18, 2025
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.
Jun 18, 2025
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.
Jun 17, 2025
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.
Jun 17, 2025
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.
Jun 16, 2025
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.
Jun 16, 2025
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.
Jun 13, 2025
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.
Jun 12, 2025
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.
Jun 11, 2025
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.
Jun 11, 2025
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.
Jun 10, 2025
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.
Jun 09, 2025
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.
Jun 06, 2025
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.
Jun 06, 2025
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.
Jun 05, 2025
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.
Jun 05, 2025
Calistoga gets clean-power backup system
The batteries and fuel cells are expected to keep the lights on for about 48 hours or longer.
Jun 05, 2025
Two Ukiah students earn first-ever Seal of Biliteracy in Northern Pomo language
The recognition comes after 4 years of study in the dormant Indigenous language.
Jun 05, 2025
Ukiah's annexation workshop leaves many residents frustrated
Once Ukiah city staff announced there wouldn't be a Q&A section of the meeting, about half of the attendees left the conference center.
Jun 04, 2025
Health care advocates call on North Bay's state senator to avoid cuts to Medi-Cal
Governor Gavin Newsom has proposed cuts to service and caps on Medi-Cal enrollment ahead of the June 15th budget deadline.
Jun 04, 2025
Sonoma County officials warn of dangerous wildfire season ahead
Residents are encouraged to sign up for emergency alerts, clear space around their homes and review evacuation plans.
Jun 04, 2025
Fights over planned Koi Nation casino resort, Pt. Reyes ranching continue
The Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, the main opponents to the Koi casino project, have hired former US Solicitor General Neal Katyal for the case.
Jun 03, 2025
California Senate to consider extension of Habitat Conservation Fund
The Habitat Conservation Fund contributed $650,000 for the purchase of 198 acres of McCormick Ranch in Sonoma County, protecting the land in perpetuity by adding it to the Hood Mountain Regional Park and Open Space Preserve.
Jun 03, 2025
14-year-old Santa Rosa boy remains in critical condition following Sat collision with car
investigators think the boy may have been on a skateboard.
Jun 02, 2025
Geyserville vineyard management company settles labor dispute with seven workers
Redwood Empire Vineyard Management agreed to pay over $33,000 in back pay to the affected workers.
May 31, 2025
Installation begins on Russian River season rubber dam
Sonoma Water says the main purpose of the dam is to help recharge local groundwater supplies.
May 30, 2025
Windsor SMART service starts Saturday
The new station near the Windsor Town Green will be followed in the coming years by new stations in Healdsburg and then Cloverdale.
May 30, 2025
Sonoma County's Jennifer Bice an early pioneer of NorCal artisan food scene
Today, Bice's Redwood Hill Farm spans 20 acres and boasts approximately 100-120 goats, with around 60 actively milked.
May 29, 2025
Sebastopol and Sonoma County's creative agreement for Measure U & I tax collection
A state-mandated 'combined rate' taxing cap of 2% prohibits Sebastopol and Sonoma County from both collecting voter-approved sales taxes.
May 28, 2025
5 more dead gray whales found in Bay Area in past week
So far in 2025, 13 gray whales and one minke whale have died in the region; three of the deaths were likely caused by vessel strikes.
May 27, 2025
BottleRock Napa Valley draws huge crowds over Memorial Day weekend
Benson Boone, who appeared on both the Culinary Stage and prior to Justin Timberlake, was a big draw for many fans.
May 27, 2025
KRCB Reporter's Notebook: 150 staffers face layoffs at Santa Rosa City Schools
KRCB News speaks with the Press Democrat's education reporter about Santa Rosa City School's latest board meeting.
May 24, 2025
Bay Area injunction protecting international students expanded throughout nation
The preliminary injunction preserves the immigration status of approximately 25 international students at Bay Area colleges and universities.
May 22, 2025
FBI arrests Ken Mattson for alleged million-dollar Ponzi scheme
Embattled Sonoma real estate mogul Kenneth Mattson has been indicted on allegations of wire fraud, money laundering and obstruction of justice.
May 21, 2025
Sonoma County legislator advances bill to help health clinics with drug pricing in California
The new bill seeks protects health clinics and Planned Parenthood's access to a federal discount prescription drug program.
May 21, 2025
North Bay Congressional App Challenge winners focus on wildfire impacts
The Congressional App Challenge enters it's tenth year this fall, with over 40,000 students from all 50 states having competed since its start.
May 21, 2025
SF Bay fish contaminated with levels of forever chemicals that could harm anglers
The chemicals are likely contaminating ocean fish throughout California, but no statewide studies have been conducted.
May 21, 2025
Google's $125 million deal with California for local news is already shrinking
Gov. Gavin Newsom has proposed to slash the state's initial commitment to the journalism fund by two-thirds.
May 20, 2025
Mendocino food aid groups buckle under pressure of federal funding cuts
The Mendo Food Network has had to cut two pantry coordinator positions due to the sudden drop in funding.
May 19, 2025
Healdsburg renames community center after city's first Latino mayor: Abel De Luna
The celebration featured speakers like workers' rights activist Dolores Huerta, as well as presentation of $500,000 to Corazón Healdsburg.
May 19, 2025
Expanded carpool lane hours coming to 101 in Marin, Sonoma counties
The new uniform set of hours will apply along the entire 52-mile corridor from Windsor to Sausalito.
May 16, 2025
New round of budget proposals bring some hope for Sonoma State's finances
Governor Gavin Newsom's revised May budget adds back funding to the Cal State system, lowering the projected SSU deficit for 2025-26.
May 15, 2025
Two Ft. Bragg nonprofits awarded private foundation grants after Trump cuts funding
The Mendocino County arts orgs received emails stating "the NEA is updating its grantmaking policy priorities to focus funding on projects that reflect the nation's rich artistic heritage and creativity as prioritized by the President."
May 14, 2025
Santa Rosa prepares final touches on Active Transportation Plan
The bike and pedestrian infrastructure planning document is getting a review the same day as Bay Area Bike to Work or Wherever Day.
May 13, 2025
New owner of The Press Democrat offer buyouts to newsroom staff
Bay Area News Group, a subsidiary of MediaNews Group, made the offer Tuesday morning to Press Democrat Guild staff members.
May 12, 2025
Federal funding cuts could worsen wildfire season
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has experienced staffing cuts and could see further loss of funding, potentially impacting red flag warnings, prescribed burns, and more.
May 11, 2025
Court allows cuts to Sonoma State athletic programs, majors to proceed
Friday's ruling lifted a temporary restraining order on the decision to discontinue the programs, allowing the cuts to proceed.
May 08, 2025
Nets, Bees, Action! Bumble bee hunting comes to Sonoma County
The California Bumble Bee Atlas brings together volunteers and experts each year to survey for the some of the state's native pollinators.
May 06, 2025
How tariffs on Chinese imports are impacting local businesses
“We've had to raise prices, I think that’s the only way we can really stay in business."
May 06, 2025
Santa Rosa Zine Fest celebrates creativity and self expression
Organizers say there were over 80 exhibitors on hand with zines, as well as workshops, screen printing and more at the free event on May 3rd.
May 04, 2025
NorCal firefighters prepare for difficult fire season
While Cal Fire officials say the agency and all the local Bay Area fire departments are fully staffed and prepared for the coming fire season, cuts at the federal level affecting the U.S. Forest Service and National Park Service will play a significant role in how fires are fought.
May 01, 2025
Press Democrat announces surprise sale to MediaNews Group
MediaNews Group, which owns the Marin IJ and San Jose Mercury News, is controlled by controversial investment firm Alden Global Capital.
May 01, 2025
Black bear killed in truck collision near Forestville
According to the county's regional parks agency, the bear population seems to be increasing in Sonoma County, so sightings and encounters may become more frequent.
Apr 29, 2025
Roseland College Prep school slated to close after 2025-26 school year
Plans call for students at the public charter school be relocated to Roseland University Prep and Roseland Accelerated Middle School.
Apr 29, 2025
Lisa August steps in as acting superintendent of Santa Rosa City Schools
August, an executive in the district, takes over from the recently departed Daisy Morales, who was dismissed after less than a year.
Apr 29, 2025
Bodega Bay isn't what it used to be. How an ailing industry has transformed this fishing village
Lucrative salmon harvests -- sometimes exceeding a million fish in a season -- and a robust population persisted through the mid-2000s, before the fish seemed to cross a tipping point, collapsing almost to extinction in 2009.
Apr 28, 2025
Santa Rosa City Schools abruptly parts ways with superintendent
Daisy Morales was on the job for less than a year before the school board of trustees voted 5-1 to oust her on April 23.
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Apr 25, 2025
Santa Rosa High School's ArtQuest Theatre program wins national honor
The Dramatists Legal Defense Fund Defender Award honors free expression in the dramatic arts. ArtQuest will accept the award April 28.
Apr 25, 2025
Immigration advocates sue feds over Trump's registration order
According to federal agencies, the rule applies to immigrants who plan to remain in the U.S. for more than 30 days, with exceptions for certain visa holders and green card recipients.
Apr 25, 2025
Pt. Reyes ranchers reiterate support for settlement amid congressional investigation
House Republicans on the Natural Resources Committee are calling for scrutiny on the deal to end many of the Seashore's ranches & dairies.
Apr 23, 2025
Caltrans, CHP investigating haz-mat dumping along Hwy 101 in Mendocino County
The string of incidents began in November with two illegal dumps in Hopland.
Apr 22, 2025
Marin water board explores Russian River pipeline
The idea now is to capture up to roughly 3,800 acre feet of water from the Russian River during big storm events.
Apr 21, 2025
Students killed in collision identified as community mourns
Four West Marin girls aged 14-16 died; two other students were in critical condition after the collision.
Apr 21, 2025
Sebastopol Times/KRCB News: city manager's departure; Analy cell phone policy
The city council, in a 3-2 vote, abruptly parted ways with city manager Don Schwartz after just 15 months.
Apr 20, 2025
Press Democrat Guild waives contract clearing path for paper's sale to Hearst
Members of the editorial staffer's union will receive a payout as part of the deal to end the contract that was set to expire in August 2026.
Apr 18, 2025
Sonoma County installs three new health to go vending machines
The vending machines offer free items like Narcan, fentanyl test strips, socks, and other items to improve health and safety in the community.
Apr 18, 2025
CA sets aside $170 million to thin vegetation, forests to help prevent wildfires
The money comes from a $10 billion bond measure for environmental projects approved by California voters last year.
Apr 17, 2025
Local faith leaders declare houses of worship sanctuaries, call for Sonoma County to do the same
Multiple Christian congregations, as well as a Sonoma County synagogue, are committing to protect individuals targeted by federal authorities.
Apr 15, 2025
Sonoma County House Reps hear input and concern about Social Security threats
Representatives Jared Huffman and Mike Thompson hosted a round table with various elderly and disability advocates in Santa Rosa.
Apr 15, 2025
Sonoma County Superior Court judge halts SSU and CSU leaders from eliminating academic programs
Judge Kenneth English issued a temporary restraining order against SSU's Interim President and the CSU Chancellor on Tuesday.
Apr 15, 2025
Sonoma State’s plan to cut more than a dozen majors is on pause
Lawyers for the students argued that Sonoma State didn’t follow system procedures for terminating academic programs.
Apr 15, 2025
Commercial salmon season is shut down — again
California’s commercial fishery has never been closed for three years in a row before.
Apr 15, 2025
State Farm moves one step closer to emergency California rate hike
If the judge approves, starting in June the company's customers will see average increases of 17% for homeowners.
Apr 14, 2025
A license to kill
The California DMV routinely allows dangerous drivers with horrifying histories to continue to operate on our roadways. Too often they go on to kill. Many keep driving even after they kill. Some go on to kill again.
Apr 11, 2025
The North Coast Wine Challenge shines a spotlight on local wines
This year the contest featured some new wine categories that reflect current trends in the market.
Apr 10, 2025
New charitable giving group looks to fill funding gaps for West Sonoma County nonprofits
Called the Sebastopol West 100, the focus is on charitable giving in Sebastopol, Graton, Forestville, Occidental, and Freestone.
Apr 10, 2025
Avelo Airlines closing Santa Rosa hub, opening base in Arizona to service deportation flights
Avelo plans to close their base at the Charles M. Schulz Airport by May 1st. The budget carrier plans to open a new base in Mesa, Arizona.
Apr 10, 2025
Second ICE arrest reported in Sonoma County
Community support group North Bay Rapid Response Network says the arrest occurred at a gas station in Petaluma.
Apr 10, 2025
Local restaurants invited to apply for $5K grants
To be eligible, restaurants must be in PG&E's service area, have no more than five locations, and generate less than $3 million in annual revenue per location.
Apr 08, 2025
North Bay nonprofit wins Cal Fire grants for wildfire prevention, work on private land
The grants will be used by the nonprofit's North Bay Forest Improvement Program to plan and implement wildfire risk reduction and forest health projects on private property in Lake, Mendocino, Sonoma and Napa counties.
Apr 07, 2025
Thousands show up in Santa Rosa to protest Trump administration policies
The Saturday crowd was estimated at about 5000 people, and police shut down two city blocks during the demonstration.
Apr 07, 2025
Sebastopol Times reporters talk Department of Ed. cuts, city budget, garden box building
Sebastopol is hoping to get state approval for a city tax rate above the 10.25% cap, and get two hotel projects built to bolster the budget.
Apr 04, 2025
Healdsburg Hospital staff unionize
Almost 200 medical, technical, and custodial staff at the 43 bed hospital are joining the National Union of Healthcare Workers.
Apr 04, 2025
Sonoma County Wildlife Rescue seeks information in death of 4 otters
The animal bodies were found piled together on the side of Old Adobe Road and each had significant head injuries.
Apr 03, 2025
Forklift operator crushed to death by pallet of wine in Windsor
Investigators think the man was operating a forklift on a stack of full wine pallets, each of which weighed about 3,000 pounds.
Apr 02, 2025
Sonoma State faculty weigh no-confidence vote in campus, CSU leadership
The symbolic referendum before the Academic Senate argues the leadership's plan to slash the budget might "potentially destroy" SSU.
Apr 02, 2025
Yountville aims to entice tourists with town-wide discounted wine and beer tastings pass
The Wine & Beer Passport costs $95 for two people.
Apr 02, 2025
More than 100 rallies planned Saturday in CA to protest Trump policies; one set for Courthouse Square
Locally, a group called Indivisible Sonoma County is planning a rally for Santa Rosa's Courthouse Square from 3 to 5 p.m.
Mar 31, 2025
How will federal cuts affect Russian River forecasts?
NOAA includes the National Weather Service and the California-Nevada River Forecast Center.
Mar 28, 2025
Sonoma State joins SFSU, CSU East Bay to pitch plan to combine finance, admin services
Cal State officials emphasized that the plan, which they called the San Francisco Bay Region Network, is not a merger.
Mar 28, 2025
Will this be the end of California's housing v. environment wars?
A new bill would exempt most urban housing developments from the 55-year-old California Environmental Quality Act.
Mar 27, 2025
Sonoma County's first cannabis consumption lounge opens in Cotati
The Lounge at Mercy Wellness was over 5 years in the making due to permitting and regulations.
Mar 27, 2025
Santa Rosa school board votes to reinstate police officers in public high schools
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Mar 27, 2025
Petaluma Argus-Courier reporter on mobile home park closure threats
Jennifer Sawhney speaks with KRCB's Noah Abrams about the closure notice sent to residents of Little Woods Mobile Villa in Petaluma.
Mar 27, 2025
California in settlement negotiations with Uber, Lyft in massive wage-theft case
Gig companies never complied with AB 5. Instead, they spent more than $200 million to put Proposition 22 on the ballot, promising higher pay and better benefits for gig workers.
Mar 26, 2025
Gas station opponents hope to scuttle one of few remaining planned stations
The site at 874 N. Wright Road, has long been eyeballed for a gas station and small market, with plans stretching back over a decade.
Mar 26, 2025
Marin County moves to ban certain e-bikes for kids under 18
Public safety concerns over children riding class 2 e-bikes with throttles has prompted Marin County to consider implementing tighter regulations.
Mar 24, 2025
Sebastopol Times reporters talk parking ban lawsuit, Analy budget concerns, and supportive housing
Laura Hagar Rush and Dale Dougherty of the Sebastopol Times caught up with KRCB's Noah Abrams to talk the latest headlines.
Mar 24, 2025
Tsunami week on North Coast; test planned for part of Sonoma, Napa counties Thursday
Along the North Coast, a multi-county tsunami response exercise is planned for Wednesday morning. On Thursday, some Sonoma Valley residents will hear an emergency alert test.
Mar 21, 2025
Sonoma State University students will protest during a Week of Action
The protests are in conjunction with the California Faculty Association, March 24-27, 2025.
Mar 21, 2025
Santa Rosa City Schools shakes up admin roles within the district
Various high level admin have been reassigned or removed in recent weeks, as four school closures loom over the 2025-26 school year.
Mar 20, 2025
Cheese trail map offers road trip ideas for Bay Area foodies
In 2010, Vivien Straus, whose family owns and operates Straus Family Creamery in Petaluma and its ranch in Tomales Bay, created the Cheese Trail map.
Mar 19, 2025
Petaluma Historical Library and Museum raises alarm about local impact of Trump executive order
The March 14 executive order calls for the severe reduction of the Institute of Museum and Library Services, among other organizations.
Mar 19, 2025
Sonoma County Ag & Open Space District tries inventive model to keep small farms afloat
The Buy-Protect-Sell program is being piloted in 2025; with plans to purchase, protect, and sell one farm property this year.
Mar 19, 2025
Students call on CA colleges to protect campuses from immigration enforcement
The California Community Colleges system, which serves the largest share of students in California who lack permanent legal status, issued a directive to its 116 colleges reminding administrators of their obligations "to prevent students, staff, and faculty from participating in federal immigration enforcement efforts…
Mar 18, 2025
Sonoma County's small farmers grapple with unstable future
Sonoma County lost almost 500 farms between 2017 and 2022, and small farmers are feeling the squeeze as their fixed costs increase.
Mar 18, 2025
Scenes of loss---and resilience---at Sonoma State campus facing drastic cuts
The number of students at Sonoma State has plunged dramatically, from 9,400 students in 2015 to a nadir of about 5,800 in 2024.
Mar 17, 2025
Comedian Andy Samberg says a Saturday Night Live sketch was inspired by an encounter at a Petaluma theater
Samberg talked about going to a show at The Phoenix Theater during an episode of "The Lonely Island and Seth Meyers Podcast"
Mar 14, 2025
Sonoma Valley Unified trustee resigns after fiery comments about Trump supporters
In her Feb. 28 post, Winders said that now is the time to "stop being so damn polite."
Mar 14, 2025
Santa Rosa City Schools board calls last-minute meeting to address layoff notices
The school board was sent a cease-and-desist order over elimination of a teaching position called a restorative specialist.
Mar 14, 2025
KRCB Wine Beat: Industry players say tariffs on Canada are bad business for CA wineries
After a 30-day pause, the new taxes went into effect on March 4.
Mar 13, 2025
DOGE plans to close Bureau of Land Management field office in Ukiah
The office also manages The Geysers, an isolated area straddling the Sonoma-Lake County border that is home to one of the world's largest geothermal field.
Mar 12, 2025
Marin County declares shelter crisis; move paves way for Pt. Reyes ranch worker housing
Back in January, 11 family ranchers and over 90 tenants on ranches at the national park learned they could no longer run cattle operations.
Mar 11, 2025
5 years later: Sonoma County's health officer reflects on COVID-19
"Sonoma County has an outstanding and very versatile epidemiology team that works every single day, monitoring all kinds of disease processes."
Mar 11, 2025
7 student-athletes sue Sonoma State over athletic department cuts
Filed March 7 in Sonoma County Superior Court, the suit alleges fraud and misrepresentation by the defendants and asks a judge to set aside the decision.
Mar 10, 2025
Sonoma County housing market shows volatility
Some areas, like Petaluma's Westside, showed impressive increase in price per square foot, while places like Glen Ellen saw a steep decline last month.
Mar 10, 2025
Are California wines really full of scary additives?
For the last few years, ads on social media have been telling consumers that there’s a lot more than just grapes in the average bottle of California wine.
Mar 07, 2025
US Representatives, local healthcare leaders speak out against Medicare cuts
Representatives Mike Thompson and Jared Huffman addressed House Republican's budget plan which will slash federal healthcare spending.
Mar 07, 2025
Summerfield Cinemas closes with free screenings of movies shot in Santa Rosa
The films Shadow of a Doubt, Smooth Talk, and Smile feature familiar landmarks like McDonald Avenue, the Vets Building, Santa Rosa Plaza and Howarth Park.
Mar 06, 2025
Sebastopol Times editor talks city's dashed news media contact protocols
Laura Hagar Rush, of the online publication Sebastopol Times, spoke with KRCB's Noah Abrams about the controversial proposal.
Mar 06, 2025
Educators sue to block Trump anti-DEI policy
Santa Rosa City Schools assistant principal Roderick Castro notes the letter criticizes using race as a factor in hiring and training.
Mar 05, 2025
Sonoma County asks for public input on new fire hazard maps
Cal Fire released the updated fire hazard severity zone maps for Sonoma County and the Bay Area on February 24th.
Mar 05, 2025
Well permitting window extended to March 27
A judge allowed Sonoma County to permit new non-emergency wells starting in February, even as a lawsuit over the rules moves forward.
Mar 05, 2025
Scientific literacy and fun at the North Bay Science Discovery Day in Santa Rosa
The free annual event at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds features hands on STEM activities aimed at kids aged 9 to 14, but is open to all ages.
Mar 04, 2025
North Bay congressman tapped as designated survivor; voices deep concerns in KRCB News interview
"There's a group right now in Congress that are trying to [privatize Social Security], and to get what appears to be the blessing from Elon Musk should frighten everybody," said Thompson.
Mar 02, 2025
Immigration attorney advises clients to carry 'red cards" and remain silent
Trump’s executive orders to increase deportation efforts has heightened anxiety within immigrant communities.
Feb 28, 2025
Biodiversity, regenerative agroforestry the focus at Cazadero nonprofit Teravana
The nonprofit's name is a mash-up of the Latin word for earth and the Buddhist principle of nirvana.
Feb 28, 2025
Mendocino county supervisors reject ordinance to regulate water extraction and selling
During California's prolonged drought of 2020 to 2022, Mendocino County was among the hardest-hit areas, forcing some local businesses to temporarily close due to low water supplies.
Feb 27, 2025
Local Indigenous youth selected for Brave Heart Fellowship
A member of the Dry Creek Rancheria Band of Pomo Indians is one of the current cohort of 10 Brave Heart Fellows, working on energy independence for tribal communities.
Feb 27, 2025
New fire hazard maps for Sonoma County, North Coast released by Cal Fire
The updated map designates 7,555 acres of unincorporated Sonoma County as a 'very high' fire hazard area.
Feb 26, 2025
15-year-old arrested for attempted murder in Santa Rosa classroom fight
SRPD says detectives are still investigating the reason for the altercation between the boys.
Feb 25, 2025
Clothes dryers due for closer look as possible culprit for spread of microplastics
The San Francisco Estuary Institute is studying microfiber pollution from commercial and residential clothes dryers into the local environment.
Feb 23, 2025
Congressman Thompson and Assemblyman Rogers host public forum in Santa Rosa
Overflow crowds showed up to hear what local lawmakers are doing about federal actions from the Trump administration.
Feb 21, 2025
Unions rally before legislative forum at Sonoma State
As of 6:30 p.m. Friday, the session was still going with people lined up to address the lawmakers during public comment.
Feb 20, 2025
Sonoma State University faculty proposes a different way to solve the budget crisis
'Forever United for Sonoma Excellence' or FUSE is a coalition of faculty, students, and community members all focused on saving Sonoma State.
Feb 19, 2025
Decision on Santa Rosa school closures awaits
Santa Rosa City Schools trustees are considering closing Elsie Allen High School as part of a cost-saving school closure plan.
Feb 18, 2025
Hundreds rally on Presidents' Day against second Trump administration
The Monday gathering in Santa Rosa, dubbed "No Kings Day", was just one of many protests held across the country over the holiday.
Feb 18, 2025
Evacuation warning finally lifted for low lying river areas
The Sonoma County Sheriff's Office gave evacuation orders due to flood risk on February 4th.
Feb 18, 2025
Covering the story: Santa Rosa City Schools plans for campus closures
Due to a multi-million-dollar budget deficit., Sonoma County's largest public school district is closing entire campuses.
Feb 14, 2025
Study shows Sonoma Valley roads are insufficient during wildfire evacuations
The $90-thousand-dollar study showed that traffic delays in emergency evacuations could be over 4 hours along Arnold Drive and Route 12.
Feb 12, 2025
The Sonoma Botanical Garden contributes citizen science to long-term study
USA National Phenology Network monitors the influence of climate on the phenology of plants, animals, and landscapes.
Feb 12, 2025
Workers picket Providence Healthcare across Napa, Humboldt, and Sonoma counties
Providence caregivers say they are understaffed and underpaid compared to other caregivers and medical staff on the North Coast.
Feb 11, 2025
The U.S. wine industry is in a ‘demand reset,' industry watchers say
California grape grower ripped out 20,000 acres of vineyard last year as demand for wine fell.
Feb 07, 2025
Press Democrat/KRCB Community Conversation: SSU program cuts
Some 500 attendees submitted questions about the proposed budget cuts at Sonoma State during The Press Democrat’s virtual “community conversation."
Feb 07, 2025
Sonoma County resumes issuing new water well permits
A temporary court order is allowing Permit Sonoma to issue non-emergency well permits for at least two weeks.
Feb 07, 2025
Sonoma County UC Master Gardeners get over $1-million grant to transform eastern Santa Rosa parcel into Teaching and Demo Garden
The grant from Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation + Open Space District is for a 4.5-acre parcel that was damaged in the 2020 Glass Fire.
Feb 06, 2025
Santa Rosa public schools choosing among six different proposals on school closures
Montgomery and Elsie Allen High School were ranked most likely to close at the high school level.
Feb 05, 2025
West county reacts to moderate Russian River flooding
Murdock said river levels are expected to fall through Thursday morning, but a smaller storm system is forecast to pass through Sonoma County Thursday and Friday.
Feb 04, 2025
Sheriff issues evacuation order along Russian River
The current forecast predicts that the river will crest at 35.2 feet at Guerneville on Wednesday at 7 a.m.
Feb 04, 2025
Mudslide sends Forestville home into Russian River
A mudslide triggered Tuesday afternoon near the intersection of Westside and Rio Vista roads in Forestville.
Feb 04, 2025
Demand for immigrant legal services spikes at California colleges
An estimated 3.3 million Californians live in mixed-status households, according to data from Equity Research Institute, a USC research group.
Feb 02, 2025
Anger, disppointment permeate SSU virtual town hall meeting
As the crowd gathered in the heart of the campus vented their frustration, speakers in the virtual meeting made their disapproval known too.
Jan 31, 2025
Sonoma County looking at splitting registrar of voters from clerk-recorder assessor into appointed position
Salary and benefits for the position would be an estimated $350,000 a year, according to the staff report.
Jan 30, 2025
Anger and frustration palpable at Sonoma State rally
Hundreds gathered Thursday afternoon at the SSU campus to protest a plan to eliminate six entire departments, the athletics program and 16 additional degree programs.
Jan 30, 2025
Sonoma County Board of Supervisors accused of "pay-to-play" politics
The county's largest public employees union says Supervisor David Rabbitt took a closed door meeting on a property deal with a donor who contributed to his campaign.
Jan 29, 2025
Stanford's Center on Longevity tackles ageism at annual summit
By 2034, older adults are projected to outnumber children for the first time in U.S. history.
Jan 28, 2025
Entire CSU system braces for possible cuts in classes, sports
Budget problems and enrollment drops are threatening programs at schools across the 23 campus system, not just Sonoma State.
Jan 28, 2025
Cotati city council weighing options to fill seat after Rivers resigns
Rivers, on the council since 2022, abruptly resigned on January 21, citing personal and professional reasons.
Jan 27, 2025
Trump's promise of mass deportations looms over California's wine industry
A recent U.S. Department of Labor survey estimates that undocumented immigrants make up 51 percent of the state’s agricultural workforce.
Jan 26, 2025
Ukrainian winemaker and US veterans team up to show the best of Ukraine, a glass at a time
A group of American veterans and diplomats who served in Kyiv are teaming up with a Ukrainian winery owner to bring a taste of the Black Sea coast to a U.S. audience.
Jan 24, 2025
Tears and disappointment punctuate reactions to SSU budget cuts
46 faculty members will be released as part of the budget cut to the university.
Jan 24, 2025
What LA schools can learn from NorCal districts that survived wildfires
Santa Rosa's public school district established a redundant server in a separate location so officials could still communicate with their school community in the event that their primary servers went down or were burned.
Jan 23, 2025
Joe Matos Cheese Factory is closing at the end of January
One of the first artisan cheese makers in the North Bay, the Matos family made cheese inspired by their homeland, the Azores.
Jan 23, 2025
Students, faculty sound off on Sonoma State budget cuts
Six academic departments, over a dozen degree programs, and the entire collegiate athletics program are slated for cuts to fix a $23.9 million deficit.
Jan 22, 2025
Sonoma State discontinuing athletics, eliminating several degree programs
Enrollment numbers have dropped 38% in the past decade.
Jan 22, 2025
Federal dollars continue to flow into Potter Valley Project makeover
North Coast Representative Jared Huffman recently announced a $15 million award for restoration and construction work on the Eel River.
Jan 21, 2025
Conflicting messages about when Mitote Food Park in Roseland will close
A social media post by Mitote Food Park says the space will close at the end of this month due to expedited construction schedules, but Sonoma County officials say the lease ends in June, not January.
Jan 20, 2025
CalMatters tracked CA's lawsuits against Donald Trump. Here's where the state won and lost
Roughly half of the lawsuits that the state filed against the Trump administration the first time around were related in some way to the environment.
Jan 17, 2025
SchoolsRule Sonoma County names new ambassador
Lorez Bailey was previously the editor of the North Bay Business Journal and Executive Director of Chop's Teen Club.
Jan 17, 2025
Sonoma County residents feeling PTSD in wake of Los Angeles fires
Memories of Sonoma County's devastating fires in 2017, 2019, and 2020 are triggering PTSD in residents here as they see similar tragedies in Los Angeles County.
Jan 16, 2025
Newsom committed CA to make its own insulin; it's at least a year behind schedule
A 2020 law aimed partially at bringing down insulin prices allowed Newsom to negotiate the 10-year, $50 million contract with Civica.
Jan 15, 2025
Sonoma County updates flood risks maps for lower Russian River
FEMA's latest assessment, the first in 30 years for the lower Russian River, expands the map of high risk flood zones into developed areas.
Jan 15, 2025
Two teens arrested for shooting another teen near Santa Rosa school
The 16-year-old was shot multiple times in the legs and is in stable condition after the Monday afternoon shooting.
Jan 14, 2025
Governor's budget proposal may lead to higher-ed cuts at CSU, UC
A proposed budget cut of almost 8% for next year could lead to larger class sizes, fewer course offerings and staff reductions unless it is reversed.
Jan 13, 2025
Sonoma County schools push to enhance arts education with Prop 28 funding
School districts received nearly $9.5 million for news arts and music education in the 2023-24 school year, however many have not yet used the funds.
Jan 13, 2025
KRCB 2-WAY: Can California keep ICE away from schools?
School districts have also doubled down on their efforts to protect students and families.
Jan 10, 2025
Avian flu outbreaks cause shortages, drive up prices of eggs for consumers
Sticker shock when reaching for a dozen eggs? Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza has hit producers across the state, and nation, sending prices high.
Jan 10, 2025
LA fires could drastically drive up insurance premiums, test CA's new market rules
An estimated 1 in 5 homes in the upscale neighborhood were covered by the insurer known as the FAIR Plan.
Jan 08, 2025
Agreement reached on Point Reyes National Seashore
Six dairies and six beef ranching operations will vacate the park within the next 15 months.
Jan 08, 2025
Sonoma County sends fire crews to battle wildfires in Los Angeles County
SRFD Division Chief Fire Marshall Paul Lowenthal says some of the fire personnel sent to Southern California fought in Sonoma County's October 2017 wildfires.
Jan 08, 2025
Santa Rosa police investigating potential homicide after four found dead in mobile home
SRPD were on scene around 3 PM Wednesday, and found four deceased after executing a welfare check at a senior mobile home residence.
Jan 08, 2025
Finding a bounty of wild mushrooms in the North Bay
Though some can cost 50 dollars or more by the pound in specialty stores, they’re free for the picking for those who know where to look.
Jan 06, 2025
Windsor's public library getting a makeover
A mini-library will operate from the Windsor branch's meeting room for the duration of the full remodel project, estimated to take 2 to 3 months.
Jan 06, 2025
Santa Rosa police weigh use of drones as first responder program
A community meeting to discuss the possibilities will be held on Jan. 22.
Jan 06, 2025
How CSU's first Black woman trustee influenced the university system
Hampton was the first African American trustee of the California State University, serving on the board from 1974 to 1994.
Jan 02, 2025
Federal fishery disaster declaration requested to aid the albacore fishing industry
State officials say California’s albacore fishery declined 71% in volume and 65% in value last year.
Dec 31, 2024
More than 30 restaurants participate in the first-ever North Bay Pizza Week
Some restaurants are preparing special menu items to celebrate, and even donating to local charities.
Dec 31, 2024
New CA law bans many toxic chemicals in makeup
The FDA says cosmetic companies are responsible for selling safe products and keeping records.
Dec 30, 2024
New year starts with new laws impacting education
New California state laws will protect the privacy of LGBTQ+ students and make it more difficult to discriminate against people of color based on their hairstyles.
Dec 29, 2024
Marin County high school district settles suits for tennis coach abuse
Two victims sued the district, alleging negligence, and a Marin County jury agreed in 2022.
Dec 26, 2024
Energy expert weighs in on CA decreasing gas prices
Oil refiners have been required to report certain price data to the state for the past year and a half.
Dec 26, 2024
Christmas at San Quentin
What the holidays look like inside the walls of the state's oldest prison.
Dec 24, 2024
Three people rescued after being swept up by an ocean wave north of Bodega Bay
Two members of Sonoma County Fire District happened to be nearby when the call came in.
Dec 24, 2024
Uncertain future ahead Point Reyes Seashore ranches and ranch workers
West Marin attorney Andrew Giacomini is fighting to keep ranch employees and their families in their homes if the ranches close via settlement.
Dec 23, 2024
Aloha Caftan Society celebrates colorful holidays in Sonoma County
The group gathered at the Flamingo Resort for the Sippin' Santa pop-up, wearing fabulous caftans.
Dec 20, 2024
Northern California residents sue members of Congress over Israel military aid votes
Organizers with group Taxpayers Against Genocide say over 500 people have signed on to the class action suit against Reps. Huffman and Thompson.
Dec 20, 2024
Twice-delayed commercial crab season set to open in early January
Bodega Bay crabbers have had to agree to a 50% reduction in gear for regulators to let them fish.
Dec 19, 2024
A closer look at ocean research off the Sonoma coast
Come aboard a research vessel heading to the Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary.
Dec 18, 2024
North Bay residents plan class action suit over military aid to Israel
Some 500 Northern California residents, organized as Taxpayers Against Genocide, are seeking federal court intervention.
Dec 18, 2024
Sonoma County honors legacy farming families who have farmed for at least 100 years
There were 22 families honored at the inaugural Century Club celebration hosted by Sonoma County Winegrowers.
Dec 17, 2024
Santa Rosa organization advocates for affordable housing and pedestrian only zones
Santa Rosa YIMBY (which stands for Yes in my Backyard) wants to build Santa Rosa into an affordable, low-carbon, and vibrant city for all.
Dec 16, 2024
Secret Santa program brings joy to Sonoma County residents for the past 36 years
Over 13,000 gifts are being distributed this year by the Center for Volunteer and Nonprofit Leadership
Dec 13, 2024
Alexander Valley wine workers fight for back wages
The employees of Reynoso Family Vineyards say they're owed unpaid wages dating back to May.
Dec 13, 2024
83% turnout means about 54,000 Sonoma County voters sat out the election
Nearly 180,000 people in Sonoma County voted for the Harris/Walz ticket; over 63,000 voted for Trump and Vance.
Dec 13, 2024
Japanese poet who translated the entire Peanuts comic strip catalog dies at age 92
Shuntaro Tanikawa began translating the comic strip in the late 1960s.
Dec 12, 2024
Novavine nursery partners with Redwood Empire Food Bank for pilot program
The nursery is growing culturally relevant produce for the food bank during their off-season, employing nursery workers who might normally be laid off.
Dec 11, 2024
Countering referendum results, Lake County supervisors endorse Kelseyville name change
The final decision to change the name to Konocti – or something else entirely – rests with the U.S. Board of Geographic Names.
Dec 10, 2024
Sonoma County's largest provider of immigration legal services in 'emergency preparedness' mode
Attendees at the 'Know About Your Rights' sessions learn specifics for what to do if they’re stopped or detained.
Dec 10, 2024
Susan Gorin honored as elected tenure in local politics ends
Gorin, first elected as Sonoma County's District 1 Supervisor in 2012, did not seek re-election in 2024.
Dec 09, 2024
Franchettis' Gasthaus + Biergarten is saying auf Wiedersehen and arrivederci
The popular German-Italian restaurant in Santa Rosa is closing its doors for good this month, but it is not the end of the story for owners John and Gesine Franchetti.
Dec 09, 2024
Sonoma city council votes to shift to district-based elections
Sonoma plans to adopt district-based elections by March 2025.
Dec 06, 2024
Dungeness crab season again delayed in California's waters
A large number of migrating whales and the threat of trap entanglement, plus the presence of domoic acid in some crabs, prompt latest delay.
Dec 06, 2024
Human composting coming to CA, says local end-of-life doula
Two free events this weekend in Santa Rosa and Sebastopol will explore end of life choices, including a new burial option.
Dec 05, 2024
North Coast's state reps report on quake aftermath
The 7.0-magnitude quake at 10:44 a.m. Thursday struck off Cape Mendocino.
Dec 05, 2024
Tsunami warning now cancelled; 7.0 earthquake strikes off coast
An estimated 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck offshore at 10:44 a.m. Thursday.
Dec 04, 2024
Stepping back into history at Sonoma County's oldest artist studios
The Studio Santa Rosa is housed in former naval barracks that were part of a military airport commissioned in 1943.
Dec 03, 2024
County guidelines for Sonoma Developmental Center off the table
Sonoma County's supervisors were forced to repeal their site-specific plan for the SDC due to a lawsuit and a "builder's remedy" for the project.
Dec 03, 2024
Local wine businesses brace for potential tariffs in 2025
Winemakers say tariffs would result in a host of negative effects that would put additional pressure on the U.S. wine industry in a down market.
Dec 02, 2024
Mario Savio honored on 60th anniversary of "Bodies Upon the Gears" speech
Savio, the leader of 1964's Free Speech Movement at UC Berkeley, lived in Sebastopol and taught at Sonoma State University in the 1990s.
Dec 02, 2024
Santa Rosa animal rescue nonprofit heals without borders
Once they arrive in Santa Rosa, these now-lucky dogs — big or small, furry or wire-haired, barking or silently quivering — all go through the same intake process.
Dec 01, 2024
Annual Windsor town green display a draw for locals and visitors alike
On December 5, the Windsor town green will be lit up with holiday lights, with "snow" in the air, carols and Santa letter writing.
Nov 27, 2024
LEGO fans of all ages gather in Santa Rosa
Adults and children flocked to the Santa Rosa Veterans Memorial building to celebrate LEGO.
Nov 27, 2024
Objections grow to barred owl hunt on federal land, including Point Reyes
The animal welfare groups' lawsuit argues the plan is a violation of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
Nov 26, 2024
Coast Guard says caution vitally important when boating in winter months
The stretch of coastline along Salmon Creek Beach has claimed multiple lives from capsized boats in November.
Nov 25, 2024
What's going to happen to my kids: California prepares to resist Trump deportations
Immigrant Legal Resource Center, a national nonprofit that provides legal training and does pro-immigrant policy work in California and Texas, estimates 70 to 75% of ICE arrests in the interior of the U.S. are handoffs from another law enforcement agency, such as local jails or state or federal prisons.
Nov 22, 2024
Record rain continues across Sonoma County and the North Bay
Forecasts from the National Weather Service show a chance for moderate flooding along the Russian River in Guerneville early Saturday.
Nov 20, 2024
Valley Ford murder suspect had encounter with Sheriff's deputies just hours before deadly assault
The suspect, a 44-year old Fairfield resident, due to be arraigned Monday morning, is being held without bail.
Nov 19, 2024
Covered California starts offering health care to DACA immigrants. Will Trump’s win deter them?
The move is expected to provide relief to thousands of so-called Dreamers, especially those who are freelancers, self-employed or have no other means of health coverage.
Nov 18, 2024
Sonoma County's airport looking for new tenants, including for the Victorian home it owns
The airport has made seven parcels, some on, and some off airport grounds, available for development.
Nov 18, 2024
Salmon return to lay eggs in historic habitat after largest dam removal project in US history
There have been lower concentrations of harmful algae blooms and the river's water temperatures are lower since the dam removal.
Nov 15, 2024
Press Democrat/KRCB 2024 Election Poll
Find insights into what motivated local voters in the November 5, 2024, General Election.
Nov 15, 2024
Coastal Commission approves overhaul of Sonoma County's coast land use plan
Some of the changes focus on new goals such as encouraging more affordable housing development and combatting sea level rise.
Nov 15, 2024
The Lost Church searches for a new home
The intimate venue in downtown Santa Rosa will host its final show on November 23rd.
Nov 15, 2024
Sonoma County kids spread kindness with new book
Peptoc Fest celebrates a book launch, and exciting new projects.
Nov 14, 2024
Food production layoffs continue at Sonoma County companies
The largest staff reduction is at Amy's Kitchen, where over 300 workers are being laid off in December.
Nov 14, 2024
UC plans hefty tuition increase for non-Californians
The increase for now is a one-time hike, but UC could raise tuition further for future entering classes when it sets its budget for future years
Nov 14, 2024
Super Saturday at Redwood Empire Food Bank
Various groups are stepping up on Saturday to help collect food and raise funds for the food bank.
Nov 13, 2024
Plans pending for new asphalt plant in Forestville
Canyon Rock Inc. is hoping to co-locate a new asphalt plant, which the company says is sorely needed, at its Pocket Canyon quarry west of Forestville.
Nov 11, 2024
Petaluma's Veterans Day celebration keeps tradition going
Petaluma has been hosting a Veterans Day parade since 1967; started then by World War I veterans.
Nov 11, 2024
Care Court coming to Sonoma County
Sonoma County is adding a behavioral health specialist and client support specialist to help with the Care Court rollout, starting December 1.
Nov 08, 2024
WinterBlast brings 'fairy winterland' to Santa Rosa
The popular annual arts festival returns Saturday featuring open studios, live music and the lighted sofa parade.
Nov 08, 2024
Measure J lessons: Contested animal farm ban revealed public's lack of knowledge about food systems
Sonoma County's Ag Commissioner said the Yes on J campaign argued Sonoma County was the perfect spot to ban factory farming because of its progressive liberal politics, even though the problems were not necessarily bad there.
Nov 06, 2024
Post-election debrief with SSU political scientist Dave McCuan
"The agricultural community is understanding that they have to visit some of these issues as well."
Nov 06, 2024
Sonoma County voters reject Measure J
Voters are giving a thumbs down to a ballot measure that targeted ag operations in Sonoma County
Nov 05, 2024
Election 2024: A last look at Measure J and animal welfare
Props 2 and 12 set high standards compared to the rest of the country for how egg laying hens, calves, and pigs are treated.
Nov 05, 2024
Local psychologists give tips for handling high anxiety on this Election Day
Voters in West Sonoma County are feeling some intensity today, as KRCB News heard outside two polling places there. So we spoke with two local psychologists for tips on how to manage the complex tangle of emotions coming up on this momentous day.
Nov 04, 2024
Election 2024: A last look at Measure J and economic impacts
The two sides of the campaign have put forward competing and divergent forecasts for how the passage of Measure J would impact the local economy.
Nov 04, 2024
Red flag warning prompts warning of possible power shutoffs
PG&E officials say they have been taking proactive measures to ensure the reliability of service to key election facilities.
Nov 04, 2024
New report advises regulators on how to deal with high potency cannabis
The report urges the state to limit the manufacture and sale of high-THC products, require better consumer information, and make cannabis products less attractive to children.
Nov 01, 2024
Election 2024: A last look at Measure J and bird flu
Sonoma County declared a local emergency because of the HPAI outbreaks
Nov 01, 2024
Sonoma County elections department expects 85 to 90% voter turnout
Sonoma County's election department is livestreaming ballot processing around the clock until the vote is certified, likely in December.
Oct 31, 2024
Tour Santa Rosa's McDonald Avenue Halloween Celebration
The main attraction on McDonald Avenue is a sprawling mansion called Mableton.
Oct 31, 2024
Election 2024: A last look at Measure J and the environment
Animal ag, especially cows, does create a lot of emissions, but with 42 of Sonoma County's 50 dairies being certified organic, emission levels are lower in than in places like the Central Valley.
Oct 31, 2024
'Halloweird' evokes Petaluma's vaudeville past
After seeing a burlesque and variety show in Oakland a decade ago, Ward said he was encouraged to start creating his own version called North Bay Cabaret.
Oct 30, 2024
Election 2024: A last look at Measure J and CAFOs
A summary series of KRCB News' reporting on Sonoma County's Measure J.
Oct 30, 2024
Visitors from the opposite side of the Pacific taking up residence along the west coast
Separated for a quarter million years, scientists theorize a warming ocean is re-uniting these distant cousins
Oct 29, 2024
Revised Guenoc Valley development plan aims to allay wildfire concerns
Despite the loss of an appeal, the 1400-home proposed new development in Lake County could win final approval next year.
Oct 29, 2024
60 years later, activists remember PG&E's plan for Bodega Head nuclear plant
A Bodega Bay waitress named Hazel Mitchell overhead two utility workers confirm what many had suspected.
Oct 29, 2024
Some California cities could see big changes in rent control if Prop. 33 passes
A measure on the California ballot would repeal a state housing law limiting how cities can regulate rents, letting local governments make that decision.
Oct 28, 2024
Monte Rio and Villa Grande homeowners weighing wastewater system options
One plan would install up-to-standard septic tanks and group neighboring properties into shared leach fields positioned in the hills.
Oct 24, 2024
Tunnel Vision: A look at California's $20 billion solution to its water crisis
What happens in the Delta directly impacts salmon fishermen and women in Bodega Bay, since salmon rely on the these same waters for survival.
Oct 23, 2024
Local economy rebounding, but housing prices creating headwinds
Most economic sectors doing well, but office vacancies, declining population and housing costs are limiting factors.
Oct 22, 2024
Micro-restaurants, food services may flourish under newly approved rules
Ordinance would allow home cooks to launch public-serving businesses January 1.
Oct 22, 2024
Regional advocacy group quizzes candidates on transit issues
Survey responses find agreement on some issues, disparate opinions on others
Oct 21, 2024
Seven of eight candidates for Petaluma Council debate issues
Some share similar visions, other offer contrasts in race for three district council seats
Oct 21, 2024
Wine industry still feeling the ‘Sideways effect’ after 20 years
USDA figures show that merlot plantings in California declined 35 percent between 2004 and 2023. Meanwhile, pinot noir acreage almost doubled.
Oct 18, 2024
The race for Santa Rosa's District 5 city council seat
Jeremy Newton, chair of the Santa Rosa Housing Authority, is looking to fill the council seat being vacated by Chris Rogers.
Oct 18, 2024
Two newcomers vie for Santa Rosa's District 5 city council seat
Caroline Bañuelos, a Santa Rosa Junior College trustee, is vying to fill the seat being vacated by the long-serving Chris Rogers.
Oct 17, 2024
Power shutoffs possible for 1000+ Sonoma County PG&E customers
PG&E says more than 3,000 customers in Napa County and 1,010 in Sonoma County are on the current power shutoff forecast list.
Oct 16, 2024
Marin County adopts roadmap to wean buildings off of gas appliances
In 2022, 85% of the emissions from Marin's buildings came from the burning of natural gas in appliances and equipment.
Oct 15, 2024
What Proposition 2 would mean for Sonoma County school districts
This year, because Proposition 2 is also on the ballot, districts can double their local education bond dollars, with state dollars.
Oct 14, 2024
Photos of dead cattle show bird flu is overwhelming Tulare County. How did the virus get in?
Without avian influenza, “there just wouldn't be that many dead cows."
Oct 11, 2024
Sonoma County Artistry: Defending, celebrating our sacred bond with Mother Earth
The Sebastopol-based filmmaker charts a personal journey, questioning the natural world around us and the need to heal the planet as we heal ourselves.
Oct 11, 2024
Transforming the playground for a changing climate
California is starting to help public schools replace asphalt with green spaces, but childcare providers haven't gotten the same kind of support.
Oct 10, 2024
More California first responders headed to Florida
Hundreds of California firefighters have been dispatched to the East Coast to assist in disaster recovery, in addition to electric line crews from PG&E.
Oct 09, 2024
Outcome of Measure J likely to get a close eye across the country
Animal agriculture industry interests have been active against efforts similar to Measure J, both in California, and other states.
Oct 08, 2024
Traffic circles near the wagon wheel? Cotati could reverse roundabout ban
Roundabouts and traffic circles were outlawed by Cotati voters over a decade ago. Next month they could reverse the prohibition.
Oct 08, 2024
Five-way race for two council seats in Cloverdale
Mayor Todd Lands is seeking re-election, Councilwoman Melanie Bagby is stepping aside.
Oct 07, 2024
Measure J has prompted record campaign spending - who's behind the money?
Press Democrat reporter Phil Barber spoke with KRCB's Jacob Resneck about where the money for things like mailers and billboards is coming from.
Oct 04, 2024
Two CA dairy workers infected with bird flu, latest human cases in US
The new cases confirmed Thursday were found in dairy workers who had contact with cattle on separate farms in California's Central Valley.
Oct 02, 2024
Airport officials, consulting firm prepping proposals aimed at reducing aircraft noise
Workshops this week to explain scope and scale of developing plans aimed at reducing noise complaints related to planes arriving and alighting from Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport.
Oct 02, 2024
Local schools facing multiple challenges, including finding elected leaders
Declining enrollment, financial uncertainty and divisive national conversation on education appears to curb ambition of prospective school board candidates.
Oct 02, 2024
Dungeness crab named official state animal
California's governor also signed a bill establishing the critically endangered black abalone as the state's official seashell.
Oct 01, 2024
Is the food in the fridge still good? California wants to end the guessing game
The state is the first to ban food labels such as “sell by” or “best before” under a law signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom.
Sep 30, 2024
Fans and foes of Measure J continue campaigning
Sonoma County's farm bureau head says farmers feel the measure has created awareness about the challenges they face.
Sep 29, 2024
Koi Nation faces mounting opposition as it waits for U.S. Dept. of Interior decision
A tiny tribe is getting pushback for betting big on a $600M casino in Sonoma County.
Sep 26, 2024
What to do with old flares? Question that's befuddled boaters may soon be answered
Recreational boaters in California have few options but to hold onto their emergency marine flares, even well after the listed expiration date.
Sep 26, 2024
Records show Cal Fire employee accused of arson was former inmate firefighter
A court complaint filed by the Sonoma County District Attorney's Office revealed the man's criminal record and subsequent experience as an inmate firefighter.
Sep 25, 2024
New state law gives tenants more time to respond to eviction notices
Language barriers, lack of transportation and work schedules can also slow tenants' ability to respond.
Sep 24, 2024
Hearing set for next month for alleged firefighter-turned-arsonist
At a brief appearance Tuesday, defendant held without bail.
Sep 22, 2024
California governor signs law banning all plastic shopping bags at grocery stores
The new measure approved by state legislators last month bans all plastic shopping bags starting in 2026.
Sep 20, 2024
Firefighter accused of sparking multiple Sonoma County wildfires in custody
Cal Fire law enforcement officers contributed to the arrest of one of the agency's own employees; he is suspected of starting five recent Sonoma County wildfires.
Sep 20, 2024
'Real Neato' returns for sixth year on the Russian River
The one-day music festival promises an afternoon of rocking Bay Area acts at the Rio Nido Roadhouse.
Sep 19, 2024
Save the Redwoods League aims to conserve Sonoma coast redwoods
The 1,624-acre property includes second-growth redwoods and coastal prairies.
Sep 19, 2024
Cheated farmworkers made whole following federal intervention
Investigation reveals multiple violation of labor standards at local farm.
Sep 19, 2024
Two Santa Rosa ballot measures likely to lift cost of vacation rentals
Measure EE would modestly raise hotel tax, FF would require some operators to buy business licenses.
Sep 17, 2024
Sonoma County supervisors move ahead with residential tenant protections
The tenant protections bolster those included in California's Tenant Protection Act, but only apply to specific types of housing in unincorporated areas.
Sep 17, 2024
Marin ag trust joins opposition to Measure J
Marin is home to 19 dairies, Sonoma County 48; California’s organic milk production is concentrated in just three places, according to state statistics: Humboldt, Marin and Sonoma counties.
Sep 13, 2024
Exploring Petaluma's links to abolition and the Underground Railroad
Figure who arrived to work as a minister in the latter half of the 19th century, played a significant role in the fight to abolish slavery.
Sep 12, 2024
More questioning November's Measure O in Healdsburg
Some say the proposal is too broad and will rapidly shift vibes in a town at the intersection of quaint and tony
Sep 11, 2024
County approves carbon neutrality framework
Detailed plan seeks to rein in carbon emissions by local government, become carbon neutral by decade's end.
Sep 11, 2024
Coastal ranch land returned to tribal hands for stewardship
The 466-acre Dillon Beach Ranch property is between Dillon Beach and Bodega Bay.
Sep 11, 2024
Advocates say refined rope-less crab gear showing promise
Manufacturers and some crabbers say technology added to the humble crab pots all but eliminates conflicts with migrating whales, enabling longer crabbing seasons.
Sep 09, 2024
Yields rise as local agriculture continues growth
Another banner year for grape growers, apple orchards in Sonoma County.
Sep 08, 2024
Graton tribe gifted coastside West Marin property
The Graton Rancheria is receiving the 466-acre property from the Western Rivers Conservancy….which bought the West Marin cattle ranch last year.
Sep 06, 2024
False positives on hospital drug tests are triggering newborn child protective services cases
One Santa Rosa hospital says in a statement it "typically gets consent to drug-test patients for medical reasons, and as a mandated reporter under state law, it refers potential exposures of newborns to illicit drugs to child welfare authorities."
Sep 06, 2024
Local election called off after no challengers emerge
With all three council seats uncontested, and no local measures on the ballot, November's election will proceed, but only with state and federal races.
Sep 05, 2024
Camp Meeker trails enter public domain
The property transfer is expected to be recorded this month, legally opening the public land to non-motorized access.
Sep 04, 2024
Health workers supporting Measure J link factory farms with pandemic illnesses
Rallying in front of Petaluma Poultry, animal rights advocates say overcrowded hen houses and treating cattle with anti-biotics could turn an animal disease into a human epidemic.
Sep 03, 2024
Californians to face steep fines for violating water orders under new legislation
California water watchers and regulators have long bemoaned the state's limited powers to police its water rights system, which establishes priority among users of finite supply of water from rivers and streams.
Aug 30, 2024
Seasonal dam fails on Russian River
Part of the Vacation Beach Dam's structure appears to have given way Thursday night, August 29, sending a surge of water down the Russian River.
Aug 30, 2024
Cal Fire adds massive military cargo plane to its fleet
Cal Fire's first C-130H air tanker is the largest plane in the agency's fleet.
Aug 30, 2024
"Don't forget us!" Classified staff call on Santa Rosa school district for raises
Classroom aides, custodians, office secretaries, and other classified public school staff in Santa Rosa are calling for a fair raise from the school board.
Aug 29, 2024
Major crash on Highway 12 in Santa Rosa
One person died and several were injured in the chain-reaction crash.
Aug 28, 2024
Court strikes down Sonoma County well ordinance; says officials blew off environmental rules
Legal battle may mean more groundwater restrictions are in the pipeline.
Aug 27, 2024
More questions, more answers at PG&E virtual town hall
The utility giant says it's rolling out the latest advancements and additional resources to keep North Coast communities safe from fires.
Aug 26, 2024
Santa Rosa okays regional homelessness prevention pilot program
The program pairs financial assistance with housing stabilization services and referrals to legal services for households most at-risk of losing their housing.
Aug 23, 2024
Sonoma County's best-kept secret? Monte Rio's 75-year-old movie house 'still kicking'
The Rio Theater first opened in 1949 on the banks of the Russian River.
Aug 23, 2024
Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria backs Newsom's call to halt new casinos
Sonoma County is home to five federally recognized tribes.
Aug 23, 2024
Sonoma supervisors approve new tenant protections
New rules require landlords to provide tenant rights information in English and Spanish when tenants are asked to leave a unit or when they're being evicted.
Aug 21, 2024
Local elected leaders weigh in on scuttled housing bond measure
The Bay Area Housing Finance Authority made the decision to pull the $20 billion bond from the November ballot due to weak polling numbers.
Aug 19, 2024
Cash infusion welcomed as county looks to bolster mental health teams
The nearly $4.5 million, from Measure O sales taxes and county coffers, is going towards Sonoma County's mobile crisis mental health response teams.
Aug 19, 2024
Agreement waits between Santa Rosa and its firefighters
Santa Rosa has settled up new contracts with all but one of the city's municipal employee unions: rank-and-file firefighters.
Aug 16, 2024
‘Come Over October’ aims to give ‘Sober October’ a run for its money
The idea behind the campaign is also to provide an alternative to Sober October—a movement that encourages people to take a month off from drinking.
Aug 16, 2024
Windsor sounds off on Koi Nation resort and casino environmental documents
Residents decried many facets of the environmental review and proposed mitigations for the proposed resort and casino.
Aug 16, 2024
Opposition solidifies against Measure J in Sonoma County
A wide collection of elected officials and farming community leaders have united against the November ballot measure.
Aug 15, 2024
2nd compliance report since Kincaid Fire shows PG&E addressing deficiencies
The fire, caused by equipment on a transmission tower near Geyserville that broke in high winds, caused the largest evacuation in Sonoma County history of nearly 200,000 people.
Aug 15, 2024
Study finds farmworkers face immense pressure to work in dangerous conditions
In Sonoma County, researchers found that a program aimed at determining when it was safe to work during wildfires did not adequately protect farmworkers.
Aug 14, 2024
Newsom announces big grant to help built stalled Sebastopol housing
Conversion of the site to a used car lot likely to be short-lived.
Aug 14, 2024
Getting permitted for street vending in Sonoma County
In 2018, former governor Jerry Brown signed the Safe Sidewalk Vending Act, decriminalizing street vending. In Sonoma County, 219 vendors hold a county permit.
Aug 14, 2024
Santa Rosa's renewed Athena House ready for addiction recovery
Athena House had its grand re-opening in June of this year; the site features eight new buildings along with a pickleball court, gym, garden and playground.
Aug 13, 2024
Measure W would continue extra support for county libraries
Additional library funding, approved by voters in 2016, would continue should Measure W win in November.
Aug 12, 2024
No new taxes? Tax initiatives draw the ire of skeptics
Voter led tax initiatives, like Sonoma County's Measure I, have been criticized taxpayer groups like the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association.
Aug 09, 2024
Lightning fast response holding blaze on Stony Point Rd. near Cotati
Firefighters raced to the scene of a blaze burning through dry grass near Cotati and Rohnert Park. In less than an hour and half, a menacing wildfire that erupted along Stony Point Rd. near Cotati appears to have been brought under control.
Aug 09, 2024
Utility tells regulators work to secure and protect power lines is reducing the need for pre-emptive blackouts
Burying lines, and installation of new technology is helping reduce frequency, duration and scope of PSPS blackouts
Aug 09, 2024
Sebastopol adopts budget, residents decry sewer fund loan
Officials dig into financial reserves, make minor cuts, hope for better days ahead.
Aug 08, 2024
Toddler tax? Measure I puts public childcare funding before voters
The Our Kids Our Future campaign is pushing for the measure, which would raise an estimated $30 million for local child care and health services.
Aug 08, 2024
Suicide prevention hotline volunteer bikes for Buckelew
The brother and sister bicycled the STP to raise money for Buckelew Programs, a nonprofit that provides mental health and addiction services in the North Bay.
Aug 06, 2024
US Health Secretary Xavier Becerra meets with farmworkers to talk extreme heat
California is one of a handful of states that has mandatory heat protections for outdoor workers.
Aug 06, 2024
Proposed Koi casino raises concerns from leader of Graton Rancheria
Graton tribal chairman Greg Sarris says BIA approval of competing facility would upend tribal sovereignty precedent.
Aug 06, 2024
Healdsburg voters to weigh easing restrictions on development
Measure O would lift some restrictions on market rate rental housing construction in some parts of town.
Aug 06, 2024
Grant program aims to open career paths for youth
Seed money funding apprenticeships with stipends and support for youth 'disconnected' from education.
Aug 05, 2024
Affordable housing for another generation: CA trusts pull properties off the market
Indigenous tribes, immigrant neighborhoods and formerly-affordable inland cities are among the communities experimenting with community land trusts.
Aug 02, 2024
Examining the rural need for helicopter membership in Mendocino County
Orsi's helicopter ride alone would have cost her $117,000, but thanks to the membership her husband secured for their entire family as the fire chief of Fort Bragg Volunteer Fire Department, she never paid a penny.
Aug 01, 2024
Lane, ramp closures on 101 next week as Hearn Ave. overpass replacement effort commences
Overnight work will force detours, lane closures on part of US 101
Jul 31, 2024
Fast food workers ask state for further wage increases
Several union members said that restaurants have cut their hours in response to April's wage increase, all but offsetting the bump in wages.
Jul 30, 2024
Russian River Redwoods destined for long-term preservation
The forested property will eventually be transferred to Sonoma County.
Jul 29, 2024
Biden immigration order could help thousands of CA children
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will begin accepting applications in August.
Jul 26, 2024
Governor's executive order takes new approach to homeless sweeps
A spokesperson indicated Sonoma County does not plan to make major changes to their homeless policy despite the Governor's order.
Jul 25, 2024
Uber, Lyft, DoorDash workers remain contractors after CA Supreme Court ruling
More than 1.4 million Californians are app-based gig workers for companies such as Uber, Lyft, DoorDash and Instacart, according to the industry's latest estimates.
Jul 25, 2024
North Coast Congressman weighs in on controversial policy plan
CA 2 Representative Jared Huffman has taken the lead in pushing back against the conservative Project 2025 policy agenda.
Jul 23, 2024
Shipping channels would narrow on Petaluma River to protect bridge
Proposed replacement of buffers around Petaluma River bridge support piers would narrow safe passage zones for shipping.
Jul 22, 2024
What's the status on local COVID numbers?
Sonoma County's health officer says there's been 39 COVID-19-caused local deaths in 2024, 15 in the past two months.
Jul 21, 2024
Bay Area, state officials react to Biden stepping down
North Bay congressman Mike Thompson lauded Biden Sunday for his "steadfast and honest leadership."
Jul 21, 2024
Woman wins Wine Country half marathon for first time
The event raised $62,000 for the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research.
Jul 19, 2024
Petaluma's Minna Stess is set to skate Summer Olympics in Paris.
Stess is following up a third place finish at the 2023 World Championship in park skating with a shot at an Olympic medal.
Jul 18, 2024
Sebastopol voters to weigh 1/2-cent sales tax increase in November
Sebastopol council unanimously puts sales tax initiative on ballot.
Jul 18, 2024
Sonoma residents will face decision on upping the city's sales tax
The half-cent sales tax measure, meant to fund city services like parks and recreation, will go before residents in November.
Jul 18, 2024
Windsor ballot measure would trash competitive bidding for garbage contract
Supporters of Measure Q, backed by current hauler, suggest comparing bids may actually be more pricey.
Jul 17, 2024
Focusing on Mendocino County's Jackson Forest
Created in 1947 to allow sustainable harvesting, the area has been logged repeatedly but currently grows more new trees than are harvested.
Jul 16, 2024
Sonoma County strips park rangers of peace officer status
Sonoma County Regional Parks Rangers will be reclassified as "public officers".
Jul 15, 2024
Environmental docs available for comment on Koi Nation casino plan
The county board of supervisors voted to oppose the development after receiving letters of opposition from five other federally recognized tribes in Sonoma County.
Jul 12, 2024
State regulators push for electrification could raise PG&E bills even higher
California Public Utilities Commission opens door for possible additional rate hikes.
Jul 12, 2024
IOLERO seeks judgement for whistleblower complaint subpoenas
The Sonoma County Sheriff contends the subpoenas violate the Letters of Agreement between IOLERO, the Sheriff's Office, and employee groups.
Jul 11, 2024
Can California’s health care providers help solve the state’s homelessness crisis?
Medi-Cal changes have health providers tip-toeing into housing construction.
Jul 11, 2024
At long last, Petaluma's Helen Putnam Regional Park set to add most of Scott Ranch
Long fought development battle appears headed for amicable resolution.
Jul 10, 2024
California bracing for the worst as fires burn vastly more acres than last year
CalFire has staffed up and more firefighting planes and firefighters are on the way, but the public must remain aware, vigilant and extremely careful.
Jul 10, 2024
New airport fuel tank project prompts lawsuit
One of the main flight service companies operating at the airport is suing the county over a new above-ground fuel tank being installed by a competitor.
Jul 09, 2024
Local white sturgeon fish moves closer to endangered status
Scientists say new water capturing projects are going to directly affect the white sturgeon, which only spawns when river levels are excessively high.
Jul 05, 2024
Prop 4: $10 billion bond for resilience, wildfire prevention makes ballot
Major projects funded by the bond revenue would include drinking water infrastructure and wildfire prevention.
Jul 03, 2024
Proposed Sebastopol hotel wins three-year extension, builders hope to wait out high interest rates
With permits expiring, planned boutique hotel wins three-year agreement as developers hope financing coalesces.
Jul 03, 2024
Pacific Gas & Electric says grid holding stable so far
The utility is taking an all hands on deck approach to guard against incidental fires and keep residents powered up during the week long heatwave.
Jul 02, 2024
Toll Fire burns 50 acres; firefighters starting to turn the corner on containment
Evacuation orders for zones NPA-E113 and NPA-E103 in Napa County were downgraded to warnings shortly before 5:30 PM.
Jul 01, 2024
Heat wave could cause blackouts
Utility Pacific Gas & Electric Co. is warning that extreme temperatures and overnight warmth may damage transformers, interrupting power.
Jun 28, 2024
Environment groups suing feds over vanishing shark
Federal moves to consider listing the tope shark, also called the school shark or soup fin shark, as threatened or endangered stalled in 2022.
Jun 27, 2024
Santa Rosa City Schools selects new superintendent
Daisy Morales takes over the city's largest district, having last lead Live Oak Elementary District in Santa Cruz.
Jun 27, 2024
Rough waters--controversy brewing over riverbank access in Forestville
Kayakers, canoers claim private security keeping people off of public river 'beach.'
Jun 27, 2024
Little Woods owners will appeal, vow to close park unless rent hike goes through
Owners of a Petaluma mobile home park double down after arbitrator rejects substantial ground rent increases.
Jun 26, 2024
A new park in Healdsburg? One idea is being floated for the future
Healdsburg-born landscape architect Eric Arneson has for years envisioned a riverfront park to replace the gravel mine on the Russian River Bendway.
Jun 24, 2024
Grand Jury: County finances opaque, lax oversight of bond measures, sales tax
A Civil Grand Jury report found spending poorly tracked, with few safeguards against potential misuse.
Jun 24, 2024
What CA's new indoor heat rules mean for workers
The rule's final approval Thursday capped a dramatic three months of actions that further delayed a regulation the Legislature first called for in 2016.
Jun 22, 2024
Arbitrator nixes big rent increases sought by mobile home park
Owners sought to triple the monthly charges for parking mobile homes at a Petaluma mobile home park.
Jun 21, 2024
After pandemic lull, local homelessness rising again
With staggering shelter costs, aid programs ending, more poor people are finding themselves on the streets.
Jun 19, 2024
Evacuation order lifted for Point Fire
As of Wednesday, the Point Fire -- which started Sunday above Dry Creek Valley near Stewarts Point-Skaggs Springs Road -- was 50% contained.
Jun 18, 2024
Point Fire Update: Ag Pass activated, poor air quality expected
Smoke from the 10,000 acre Sites Fire in Colusa County has deteriorated air quality in some parts of Sonoma and surrounding counties.
Jun 18, 2024
Food justice group ends boycott of Amy's Kitchen
Amy's executives, employees, and the Food Empowerment Project came to a recent agreement, after improved working conditions and communication.
Jun 17, 2024
Sunday turns surreal for some in Point Fire's path
KRCB News speaks with some evacuated Dry Creek Valley residents.
Jun 17, 2024
Evacuation orders issued for wildfire near Lake Sonoma
The vegetation fire sparked around 12:30 pm on Sunday. Smoke from the fire can be smelled and seen across the Bay Area.
Jun 13, 2024
Innovation and incentives encouraging construction of small affordable homes
Napa County program encouraging ADUs is getting results, and recognition.
Jun 13, 2024
Supervisors considering reducing housing impact fees
While driving up the cost of construction, reducing thousands of dollars in fees may prove difficult while delivering underwhelming results.
Jun 13, 2024
Sonoma County Artistry: Petaluma Pete moves on
Longtime downtown Petaluma entertaining is moving to Southern California next month.
Jun 12, 2024
Ukrainian winemakers visit Napa Valley to learn how to heal war-ravaged vineyards
The six vintners visited the Grgich Hills Estate winery last week to learn about regenerative organic farming.
Jun 12, 2024
Millions flowing to Klamath region to boost community and opportunity
Multi-million dollar donations to fund community building grants along the far North Coast.
Jun 11, 2024
End of an era: famed Napa Valley winemaker Warren Winiarski dies
Warren Winiarski's Napa Valley cabernet sauvignon bested top French wines at a blind tasting in 1976, transforming the reputation of California wine.
Jun 11, 2024
CA gig worker law withstands challenge from Uber
More than 1.4 million workers in California do app-based driving and delivery work for big gig companies such as Uber, Lyft, DoorDash and Instacart, according to the industry's latest estimates.
Jun 06, 2024
Local libraries bracing for cuts as deficit crisis hits Sacramento
Free summer lunches, park passes, inter-library transfers, all in the crosshairs as officials work to finalize California's budget amid large deficit.
Jun 04, 2024
Raising children in California? They may have college savings accounts you don't know about
Some already have a growing nest-egg to help cover tuition, and are entirely unaware.
Jun 03, 2024
Marin gains more oversight over county-line RV camp
Anything outside of RVs may now be confiscated
Jun 01, 2024
Agreement between Sonoma State students and admin overruled
Acting SSU President Nathan Evans released a new "Path Forward for SSU" and overruled the "points of agreement" made by students and President Lee.
May 31, 2024
Rehabilitated pelicans released after weeks of care
Some of the hundreds of brown pelicans found starving along the coast have been successfully treated and released.
May 30, 2024
Marin County considering options as rising seas threaten Stinson Beach
Rising seas threatening to turn much of Stinson Beach into west coast Atlantis.
May 29, 2024
Impacts of Measure J likely to be far reaching, even without consensus on just how far
Two recently commissioned reports look at what the economic impacts would be should Measure J pass.
May 29, 2024
Healdsburg: Zen-inspired retirement community leading new wave of more personalized senior housing
New Healdsburg retirement community embracing impermanence.
May 28, 2024
UC student workers expand strike to two more campuses as they demand amnesty for protestors
Organizing, protests spreading to more University of California campuses
May 24, 2024
PG&E holding North Coast fire season webinar on Wednesday
Details on hardening infrastructure, precautions and what to expect as fire season nears are part of an interactive talk led by PG&E set for Wednesday.
May 23, 2024
Higher sales taxes being pursued as Sebastopol faces looming crisis
With few other options, water rates already up, fire departments consolidated, Sebastopol commits to asking voters to lift sales taxes up to half a percent.
May 21, 2024
CalFresh dollars are matched at farmers markets, but for how much longer?
The much loved Market Match supplemental nutrition program is under threat due to a proposed budget cut by Governor Gavin Newsom.
May 20, 2024
Students address SSU president's controversial retirement
Students are calling for the new interim Sonoma State president to honor the agreement made with President Lee.
May 17, 2024
California cracked down after a crash killed 13 farmworkers. Why are workers still dying on the road?
Workers are still dying in crashes — in vans current laws don't cover.
May 16, 2024
Sonoma State president retires following controversial agreement with protesting students
SSU President Mike Lee, in a May 15 message to students and staff, expressed regret for "unintended consequences" from a deal with students.
May 15, 2024
Sonoma State encampment to disband as SSU president agrees to divest
Sonoma State administrators have agreed to disclose and financially divest the school from companies and organizations that support and profit from Israel's occupation of Gaza.
May 13, 2024
California could gain first indigenous-named marine sanctuary in U.S.
Sanctuary status bans new offshore oil and gas development, disturbing wildlife and historical resources, discharging sewage and more.
May 13, 2024
Clover joins global methane reduction effort
Clover Sonoma, the regional dairy joined a global effort to reduce methane emissions.
May 10, 2024
Wildfire season is fast approaching - what's the outlook?
State Senator Mike McGuire and Cal Fire Chief Joe Tyler gave an updated look at where the state stands in the effort to protect against wildfires at a virtual town hall this week.
May 10, 2024
Federal, state govt's, forestry companies to coordinate, collaborate on shaded fuel breaks
Public agencies, forestry industry partnering, envisioning connected network of shaded fuel breaks.
May 10, 2024
Forget Sim-City and City Skylines 2, Petaluma holding real world "Plan-fest"
Locals welcomed, if not urged to help shape Petaluma's future.
May 10, 2024
Cloverdale joins other localities in revising rent control rules for mobile home parks
Cloverdale strengthens tenant rights in mobile home park rule revision.
May 10, 2024
Petaluma cuts school-zone, downtown speed limits
In bid to reduce injuries and crashes, Petaluma is cutting speed limits in some areas.
May 10, 2024
Comment period opens as NPS considers removing elk fence from Point Reyes
Elk fence could come down.
May 09, 2024
Faculty join the ranks of Sonoma State solidarity camp
Faculty are calling on the school to disclose and divest from any financial ties to Israel and are joining students to negotiate with administration.
May 07, 2024
KRCB's Wine Beat: Behind the barrel
For centuries, this labor-intensive craft has been passed down through generations—and much of the work is still done by hand.
May 07, 2024
Sonoma State students show no sign of leaving
Students say they will remain at the encampment on Person Lawn until the university meets their demands, including disclosure and divestment.
May 06, 2024
California colleges agree on how to interpret in-state tuition for undocumented students
Access to state financial aid and in-state tuition can be a critical factor for undocumented students, who are barred from receiving federal financial aid.
May 06, 2024
How Congress is letting die an internet connectivity lifeline for millions
More than 23 million American households, about 45% of all those eligible nationwide, will no longer receive the full subsidies that previously helped them get online.
May 03, 2024
Roseland ready for this year's Cinco de Mayo celebrations
The Cinco de Mayo celebrations held at Mitote Food Park will be celebrating 15 years of the organized event, promising to have elements of a quinceañera.
May 02, 2024
Pervasive and harmful, understanding PFAS and how you can limit exposure
The darker side of some miracle chemicals is becoming more visible.
Apr 30, 2024
Departing Santa Rosa Schools Superintendent shares reflections on time in the role
SRCS Superintendent Anna Trunnell announced this month she will be departing the district after four years, three as superintendent, in order to be closer to her family.
Apr 29, 2024
Sonoma State students join growing ranks of campus solidarity camps
Sonoma State Students for Justice in Palestine set up a Palestine solidarity encampment with demands for disclosure and divestment of university holdings "that support and profit from the occupation in Palestine."
Apr 26, 2024
What military grade equipment does the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office have? Annual report offers details
Since 2022, law enforcement agencies in California have been required to report their inventory and use of certain military-grade equipment.
Apr 26, 2024
Checking in with SRJC's Oak Leaf newsroom
Santa Rosa's community college has an award-winning student-produced newsmedia program.
Apr 25, 2024
Court ruling could give sardines a better chance to rebound
An environmental lawsuit may lead to big changes for small fish.
Apr 24, 2024
Petaluma mobile home residents take their fight on the road
Littlewoods Mobile Villa residents traveled from Petaluma to Stockton to protest in front of property management company Harmony Communities.
Apr 24, 2024
Uncertainty, overwork and unfilled jobs dominate county budget hearings
Tough choices ahead as Sonoma County elected officials dig in on next year's spending plan
Apr 23, 2024
California senate supports Berryessa Snow Mountain expansion
Proposals now before Congress expand the monument by 3,900 acres in Lake County.
Apr 22, 2024
Changes coming to Sonoma County's cannabis tax code
Taxes on cultivation and manufacturing will be eased for the next fiscal year, while retail sales tax will be brought in line with those in local cities.
Apr 22, 2024
Sonoma County moves away from embattled homeless services provider
Disaster response and homeless services nonprofit DEMA will continue running Sonoma County's emergency shelter site and Mickey Zane Place on a week-to-week basis.
Apr 19, 2024
Voices urging federal disaster declaration grow; salmon restoration efforts continue
Salmon in crisis now, but restoration efforts may spawn a comeback.
Apr 19, 2024
Sonoma County finalizes much-debated tree ordinances
Exemptions were included for property maintenance, safety and fire defense, and for certified foresters to perform routine work.
Apr 18, 2024
Supervisors ask for closer look at possible impacts of animal ag ballot measure
Skipping other options this week, Sonoma County elected officials order a report on possible effects on county agencies and the community should the measure pass.
Apr 18, 2024
Reorganization of Sonoma County bureacracy approved by supervisors
The move shifts Sonoma County's government from a county administrator model, streamlining more day-to-day agency operations under a county executive model.
Apr 18, 2024
Remote public comment will continue, despite racist, antisemitic outbursts
Locking neo-Nazis out of public comment would also freeze out locals.
Apr 18, 2024
Ire among activists as Sebastopol punts Gaza cease-fire resolution yet again
Peace activists infuriated after council declines to take a stand.
Apr 17, 2024
A lack of parking counters goal of more middle-income housing in Healdsburg
Fears of scarce parking temper Healdsburg's push for growth.
Apr 16, 2024
Why tortillas sold in California may be forced to add a new ingredient
The legislation would require that producers add 0.7 milligrams of folic acid to every pound of masa.
Apr 15, 2024
California requires new homes to have solar panels. Should wildfire victims get a break?
Many of those rebuilding homeowners have ended up on the hook for tens of thousands of dollars, thanks to state laws that require solar panels on new homes — even on those that didn’t have them before they burned down.
Apr 15, 2024
A bounty of healthy produce for all at heart of Petaluma's volunteer urban farm
Petaluma Bounty is aiming to acquire the three-acre farm property from the current owners to preserve the community farm in perpetuity at the former Stonitsch & Arvold lumber mill site.
Apr 13, 2024
Water contamination by PFAS chemicals a growing local concern; additional tests scheduled
Santa Rosa rejected a national PFAS settlement. What happens next?
Apr 12, 2024
Sebastopol may cease virtual public comments to thwart neo-Nazis
Repeated disruptions of council meetings has Sebastopol considering dumping live public comments via Zoom.
Apr 11, 2024
Another closure of salmon fisheries exposes state's water politics
Those in the seafood industry say big agriculture is not limited in their water use, but fisheries get hit with constraints.
Apr 11, 2024
De La Cruz passing torch at county Equity office; much accomplished, much work remains
Triumphs, transformation and challenges on path to equity in Sonoma County.
Apr 10, 2024
Feds contributing another $20 million toward fixing State Route 37
Big grant to help protect road, drivers from rising seas, sinking embankment.
Apr 10, 2024
Calls, home visits, counseling help get students back to school
Interviews with districts show that many excused absences are mental health and illness-related.
Apr 08, 2024
KRCB's Wine Beat: The sound of wine in the Alexander Valley
The idea was to create a three-dimensional soundscape that would envelop the listener from all angles while telling the story of the ranch and winery.
Apr 06, 2024
Parade will go on; Sebastopol finds cash for Apple Blossom festival
City officials say Sebastopol may be unable to offer such largess in the future.
Apr 05, 2024
Rohnert Park's safe sleeping site closes less than two years after city sanction
The Roberts Lake safe sleeping camp, which began as an unsanctioned homeless encampment, has been vacant since the end of January.
Apr 05, 2024
Groundbreaking on new roundabout at Big Bend
Highways 116 and 121 converge at Big Bend, just north of the Sonoma Valley Airport and surrounded by vineyards. The new roundabout should be ready in 2026.
Apr 04, 2024
Sebastopol city council nixes homeless housing on former RV safe parking site
Fears that Sebastopol would be left holding bag if St. Vincent de Paul supportive housing plan falters leads council to pull plug.
Apr 03, 2024
Delta tunnel supporters, opponents respond to Newsom's updated water plan
"The water system in California was designed for a world that no longer exists," Newsom said.
Apr 03, 2024
Nominations due soon for local Latinx community awards
Nominations for Los Cien’s annual Puente y Ganas Awards are due on April 8.
Apr 02, 2024
Controversial ballot measure aims to downsize animal farms
The ballot measure is supported by the group Coalition to End Factory Farming, who want to end large-scale concentrated animal feeding operations in Sonoma County.
Apr 01, 2024
Financial backer says CapRadio should merge with Sacramento’s PBS affiliate KVIE
You've heard CapRadio stories on KRCB local newscasts; here's the latest about our news partner in Sacramento.
Mar 29, 2024
Bay Area health officials say measles on the rise
Most cases in the U.S. have been among children aged 12 months and older who had not received the MMR vaccine.
Mar 28, 2024
County raising hundreds of fees by an average 8%
"This year, you'll see that most fees that are increasing are going up between 5 and 10%. This is a little bit higher than we often have seen."
Mar 27, 2024
Factory farming ban ballot measure secures needed signatures
If passed, the new regulations would phase out large scale animal agriculture operations over a three year period.
Mar 27, 2024
The feds want to study giving cash to renters. Will Californians be included?
The idea of giving cash directly to people in need, known as guaranteed income, is swiftly gaining traction in California.
Mar 27, 2024
Napa County supervisors approve groundwater sustainability work plans
The work plans aim to help the county meet its goal to reduce pumping from the subbasin by 10%.
Mar 25, 2024
CA is clearing criminal records, including violent crimes, to offer second chances
When the automatic felony expungement begins in July, about 225,000 Californians will qualify, said Californians for Safety and Justice, with more becoming eligible in the future as more time passes after their convictions.
Mar 25, 2024
Russian River Brewing Company celebrates 20 years of Pliny the Younger
The release of Russian River Brewing Company's most acclaimed ale came late this year, but the lines remained.
Mar 23, 2024
Mixing tradition with innovation, local artisans elevate cheese to new heights
It's American cheese, but American Cheese, it is not.
Mar 20, 2024
Bumpy path ahead as Sebastopol considers tightening belts, raising fees
Sebastopol City Manager Don Schwartz has put together a laundry list of potential fixes for the city of 7,500, which faces average budget deficits estimated at just under $3 million dollars a year---though the next decade.
Mar 20, 2024
Sebastopol's empty coffers forcing tough choices
"The average shortfall, from the current year through fiscal 2033 is $2.9 million. That's the on-going gap that needs to be closed."
Mar 20, 2024
Wi-Fi returning to Healdsburg Plaza, more security cams may go up around town
A 10-camera system was estimated to cost $37,500. Councilmembers suggested cameras also be placed at Gibbs Park, which Rodriguez says would need two for effective coverage.
Mar 19, 2024
Have questions about homelessness? Sonoma County wants to answer them
The March edition of Sonoma County's monthly public web forum on homelessness dives into the basics of the issue.
Mar 19, 2024
Sebastopol faltering under growing deficit
Discussion Tuesday evening to focus on bitter pills to fill funding gap
Mar 18, 2024
Oyster Cove seeks permission to start grading site ahead of final approvals
Developers warn that without a waiver, they'll lose financing and nothing will get built.
Mar 18, 2024
Racism declared local public health emergency
"African-Americans have ten years less of a life expectancy in Sonoma County than whites. We've seen a significant increase in the likelihood that Blacks are going to be homeless in Sonoma County.
Mar 18, 2024
Grifters bilked PG&E customers out of nearly $900,000 last year
photo credit: Marc Albert/KRCBPG&E's Petaluma substation Scams targeting PG&E customers at all time high.
Mar 18, 2024
Pot in Petaluma? Cannabis regulations getting renewed look in near future
Alterations could come to the city's cannabis regulations as soon as June.
Mar 16, 2024
Special water sourcing adds ‘sense of place’ to Napa Valley brewer’s beers
For one North Bay brewer, it’s more about the story of where the water comes from. It’s part of something he calls “origin brewing.”
Mar 12, 2024
Petaluma Health Center lays off 32 staff as Covid funds dry up
Petaluma Health Center CEO Pedro Toledo says the move is part of a restructuring to insure the non-profit can continue to sustainably serve patients.
Mar 12, 2024
Local farmer commended for eco-conscious, 'regenerative' methods
"Just by managing our land better, in such a way where we are mimicking nature, we have improved water capacity in our pastures, we have improved growth rates in our pastures."
Mar 12, 2024
Public comment period opens on Shiloh Resort and Casino enviro report
The Koi Nation's proposed casino, resort, and hotel would sit just south of the Windsor town limit on Shiloh Road.
Mar 12, 2024
3 retail theft suspects arrested after police chase, crash on 101
The crash snarled traffic on 101 southbound between Cotati and Petaluma Monday afternoon.
Mar 11, 2024
3 Santa Rosa residents suffer minor injuries after plane crash lands
The parachute carried the aircraft down into trees near Yellow Road in Whitethorn in Mendocino County, about 6 miles from the airport.
Mar 08, 2024
CERES moves everything and the kitchen sink following S.A.Y. bankruptcy
Ceres, the non-profit meal service, was forced to vacate their Santa Rosa kitchen and consolidate in Sebastopol and Novato after Social Advocates for Youth filed for bankruptcy.
Mar 08, 2024
Last Sausalito 'anchor out' floating home removed from Richardson Bay
As part of the agreement with the state, a small number of vessels will be allowed to remain anchored if they are deemed "seaworthy," at least through October 2026.
Mar 08, 2024
CSU schools struggle to graduate Black students; cultural centers aim to help, but not at SSU
There are currently five Cal State campuses without a designated Black resource center; Sonoma State is one of those.
Mar 07, 2024
Santa Rosa show spotlights emerging women artists
Artist Jacklyn Finkle has command of that other artistic challenge: knowing when to put down the brushes. Her vibrant oil pastel 'Make Lemonade' is creating something of a splash.
Mar 06, 2024
Who's going to represent Sonoma County in Sacramento? Multiple races still to be decided
The races to replace State Senator Bill Dodd and Assembly member Jim Wood are still too close to call.
Mar 06, 2024
New plan for long vacant Cotati lot
Current plans call for 177 apartments to rise in six buildings across the nearly eight-acre site.
Mar 06, 2024
State inviting crabbers to test rope-less gear
The aim is to reduce or eliminate fatalities of whales trapped in crab trap lines.
Mar 06, 2024
2nd Assembly District race too close to call on election night
The large majority of votes in the district are split amongst a crowded field of Democrats.
Mar 06, 2024
Early results show sales tax for fire service with sizable lead
Measure H appears to have gained the upper hand with voters.
Mar 04, 2024
First farmworker resource fair held in Windsor
The County of Sonoma organized event aimed to connect agricultural laborers with resources from government agencies and community organizations.
Mar 04, 2024
Key races: Assembly District 2, Santa Rosa to the Oregon border
A total of $3.69 million has been invested in this race, $2.49 million was contributed directly to the candidates and $1.20 million in outside spending.
Mar 03, 2024
Getting paid to go to school? California community colleges try it out
Some students will receive monthly payments of nearly $2,000 in a new kind of guaranteed income program.
Mar 01, 2024
Family farmers, researchers, experts, gather for small farm conference
SRJC's Shone Farm hosted a day of workshops as part of the week long programming for the 36th edition of the California Small Farms Conference
Mar 01, 2024
Brief relief from soaring utility bills on the way
Governor Gavin Newsom Thursday announced the credits will appear on bills in April, automatically.
Mar 01, 2024
Unpermitted short-term rental saga ends in $500,000 settlement
County officials described settlement talks as "prolonged," but the $500,000 settlement amount covers expenses.
Feb 29, 2024
Santa Rosa City Schools become latest district to green light staff cuts
The district, like others in Sonoma County and around California, is struggling to balance budgets with big drops in state funding forecast.
Feb 28, 2024
Supervisors ponder impacts, reaction after three employers announce plans to shutter
"I think the county can do certain things, but the county cannot keep a business in business,"
Feb 28, 2024
If passed, Proposition 1 spells tradeoffs for Sonoma County
A number of community-based mental health and prevention programs could be on the chopping block if Prop. 1 passes.
Feb 27, 2024
Staying the "Course-y"? 3rd District incumbent supervisor runs for re-election
Chris Coursey, current 3rd District Supervisor, was first elected to the seat in 2020, ousting then Supervisor Shirlee Zane.
Feb 27, 2024
Healdsburg set to stay course for SMART station location
Healdsburg’s historic train depot has long been eyed as the new home for SMART’s sole stop in the city when the North Bay's commuter train line is eventually extended north.
Feb 27, 2024
Ecological revival returning life to Laguna, removing contaminants, easing flood danger
Once a thriving wetland, history hasn't been kind to the Laguna de Santa Rosa.
Feb 26, 2024
Petaluma set to remove another housing roadblock
Much of the intention is to remove some of the guesswork around winning approvals for a project.
Feb 26, 2024
Hermosillo running for 1st District supervisorial seat
Rebecca Hermosillo, a district representative for North Bay Congressman Mike Thompson, has the backing of outgoing incumbent Susan Gorin.
Feb 26, 2024
Why does California elect local judges?
If you want to see how much money a candidate has raised and from whom you can check county elections office websites, where they're required to file disclosure forms.
Feb 26, 2024
Disagreement over what to teach kids in public schools
A new study by USC researchers finds there are deep partisan divides regarding LGBTQ+ inclusion and racial justice in K-12 curriculum.
Feb 26, 2024
Could Santa Rosa's ten school districts become one? Report says it's possible
While an independent analysis finds that nine state-mandated criteria would be met, it says a serious fiscal plan would need to be in place for unification.
Feb 23, 2024
Gaza still a smoldering topic, despite failure of local cease-fire resolution
"Long term peace cannot be successfully negotiated while bombs are dropping from either side."
Feb 21, 2024
Santa Rosa Councilman Rogers touts local roots in race for 2nd Assembly seat
Chris Rogers, city councilor and former Santa Rosa Mayor, has wracked up a long list of endorsements including State Senate leader Mike McGuire.
Feb 21, 2024
Striking professors accept tentative CSU contract
Recent economic trends have eroded the value of pay.
Feb 20, 2024
Yurok leader Myers brings unique experience to Assembly race
Frankie Myers, Vice Chairman of the Yurok Tribe, is the only tribal leader running in the crowded field for Assembly District 2.
Feb 20, 2024
West Sonoma County high schools closed from fallen tree
District officials expect both Analy and Laguna High to re-open for class Wednesday.
Feb 20, 2024
Report confirms difficult, downward trends in local fishing
In the feast or famine world of commercial fishing, last year had plenty of both.
Feb 20, 2024
Grounded fishing boat response near Bodega Bay pivots to salvage operation
The Coast Guard attempted to remove all diesel from the vessel, but now says such operations are unsafe due to the weather and the degraded condition of the boat.
Feb 20, 2024
Cal State faculty approve new salary agreement
76% of California Faculty Association members, which represents about 29,000 professors and lecturers, voted in favor of the agreement.
Feb 16, 2024
'Outsider,' now supervisor Ted Williams seeks to replace Wood in Assembly
A former firefighter, Mendocino County Supervisor Ted Williams now seeks a seat in the state Assembly.
Feb 16, 2024
Greer vows to champion education, rural communities in Assembly bid
"I think sometimes government gets in the way of our lives."
Feb 16, 2024
Voters weighing more robust fire services against sales tax increase
Measure H on the March 5th primary election ballot seeks to do a few things: staff each engine with three firefighters, replace waning participation in volunteer units with professionals, improve response times and devote more resources to fire prevention among other goals.
Feb 14, 2024
Napa County considers ordinance aimed at foodware waste
Food sellers would be required to use reusable or compostable items.
Feb 13, 2024
Last apple processor in Sonoma County plans to shutter
Manzana Products, the 101-year-old apple processor in Graton, recently announced plans to move operations to Washington state.
Feb 12, 2024
Deep cuts to staff greenlit at Sonoma Valley schools
Sonoma Valley Unified School District trustees voted to eliminate 35 full time teaching and classified positions due to budget constraints.
Feb 12, 2024
Voters may soon decide $1 billion offshore wind bond
Humboldt County has plans to build a port expansion project.
Feb 09, 2024
Candidate forum as Medina challenges Coursey for county supervisor seat
The Sonoma County chapter of the League of Women Voters hosted the 90-minute forum.
Feb 09, 2024
Primary election coming up March 5; Sonoma County voters getting ballots this week
California’s primary election is coming up on March 5, and ballots are arriving in Sonoma County mailboxes this week.
Feb 08, 2024
Sonoma County Democrat sworn in as California Senate leader
The Healdsburg Democrat listed housing and homelessness, fixing the home insurance market and fending off the impacts of climate change as his top priorities.
Feb 07, 2024
Wine consumption is declining. So what's the wine industry doing about it?
Recent data from NielsenIQ shows that consumers are increasingly drinking less wine, swapping their glasses of pinot and chardonnay for cocktails or beer, or even nonalcoholic drinks.
Feb 07, 2024
Hungry sea otters are helping save California’s marshlands from erosion
A Sonoma State University marine ecologist co-authored the new study published this week in Nature.
Feb 07, 2024
Troubled robotaxi service faces another round of public ridicule in regulatory hearing
The judge didn’t set a timetable for resolving the matter.
Feb 05, 2024
Atmospheric river wallops Sonoma County over the weekend
Rain gauges saw as much as six and half inches over the weekend as high winds brought down trees and power lines across Sonoma County.
Feb 04, 2024
What is an atmospheric river?
The meteorological phenomenon known as 'atmospheric rivers' has a significant impact on the frequency and severity of floods and droughts in the Bay Area of Northern California. Advanced forecasting techniques currently being developed to monitor these storms could mitigate the impact of floods while preserving the…
Feb 01, 2024
Salmon fleet foundering with no season, promised financial aid still outstanding
"When your entire community, your entire industry is belly up, it's really hard to support each other."
Feb 01, 2024
Mixed reaction for Santa Rosa 'transit-oriented development' proposal
Conceptual plans call for 672 apartments spread among 25 three-story buildings, along with 100 single family homes and commercial space.
Feb 01, 2024
CA governor vows multi-pronged salmon restoration efforts
Newsom is doubling down on dam removal, calling attention to efforts underway to remove several obsolete dams on the Klamath River.
Jan 31, 2024
Sand bags fill up as rain comes down across Sonoma County
All nine cities and the county have opened sand bag filling stations for residents to protect against the deluge.
Jan 30, 2024
Former SDC open space lands getting much needed attention
State Parks staff, Cal Fire, and contractors are getting started right away with stewardship work on parts of the 650 acres of open space transferred from the SDC to California State Parks control on January 4th.
Jan 29, 2024
What's happened since CA cut home solar payments? Demand has plunged 80%
The state Public Utilities Commission in late 2022 slashed by about 75% the rate that utilities pay homeowners with new solar panels when they sell surplus power to the grid.
Jan 26, 2024
KRCB's Wine Beat: Sober hospitality in wine country
Cocktail bars, restaurants and even wineries in Napa and Sonoma are welcoming a new type of tourist – the sober-curious kind.
Jan 25, 2024
How accessory dwelling units are giving rise to new cities of longevity
In-law houses, garage buildouts, attic and basement additions are all increasing in numbers since the California Legislature passed over a dozen bills to encourage their production.
Jan 25, 2024
Napa County supervisors ok sale of fairgounds, speedway to Calistoga
According to the county, the sale "aligns with the historical uses of the property."
Jan 25, 2024
Park owners battle mobile home tenants as arbitration continues
The virtual hearing will decide a dispute over rent hikes at Youngstown Mobile Home Park. No ruling is expected for weeks.
Jan 24, 2024
Little butterfly gets big boost from new restoration effort
The endangered Behren's Silverspot Butterfly was historically found between Salt Point State Park and the town of Mendocino. A new restoration project aims to help the species survive.
Jan 24, 2024
Full calendar forces Sonoma County supervisors to choose priorities
Sme supervisors urging action on one of the top complaints from residents---noise.
Jan 23, 2024
Sonoma State, CSU faculty end historic strike after one day
After only a day on the picket line, the California Faculty Association and the California State University system have tentatively agreed to a new contract, bringing the 23-campus strike to an end.
Jan 23, 2024
Sheriff's office rejects claims it's upped cooperation with ICE
"That is not correct, we have always followed the guidelines of SB-54 and continue to do so," Dillion said.
Jan 22, 2024
Sonoma State faculty join CSU wide strike to start semester
A tentative agreement has been reached to end the system wide strike after faculty at the Rohnert Park campus and all other CSU's walked off the job to start the spring semester.
Jan 22, 2024
Heavy rain brings downed trees, flooded roads
The Guerneville School District in Sonoma County closed on Monday due to localized flooding.
Jan 19, 2024
Local foothold of Mediterranean Oak Borer rings alarm bells
The Town of Windsor is dealing with the invasive beetle with a mix of tactics, and other municipalities are taking note.
Jan 19, 2024
With talks at impasse, faculty prepare for weeklong walkout
"It's an unfortunate situation because none of us are wanting to go on strike, but we've reached a series of impasses..."
Jan 18, 2024
Healdsburg home hosts First Lady Jill Biden for fundraiser
The nation's First Lady, Jill Biden, touched down in Santa Rosa for a brief visit to Sonoma County Thursday afternoon for a fundraiser as part the President's re-election campaign.
Jan 18, 2024
Series of 3 storms forecast to douse North Bay this weekend
Be prepared for the rapid rise of rivers and streams along with minor "nuisance" flooding across the region, says the NWS.
Jan 18, 2024
Healdsburg pondering moves to bring more housing
"The impact of that would be that we could potentially see some actual, market-rate multi-family housing built in Healdsburg."
Jan 17, 2024
Sonoma County DA's fentanyl ad features fake storyline
DiNardo said 'Lindsey’s Story' never aired on the radio, and admits it was fabricated.
Jan 17, 2024
Sonoma County resident new chair of California Coastal Commission
Caryl Hart, Sonoma County resident and former director of Sonoma County Regional Parks, speaks with KRCB about her new role as chair of the California Coastal Commission.
Jan 15, 2024
Advocates urge Biden Administration to use powers to expand Berryessa monument
The expansion involves a swath of land excluded from the monument’s original designation in 2015.
Jan 15, 2024
10 inches of snow falls on Sierra, North Bay gets most rain
Up to 5.5 inches of rain fell around Mount Tamalpais over a 48-hour period.
Jan 12, 2024
Plans for new Santa Rosa cell tower frays neighbor's nerves
A Santa Rosa Planning Commission meeting took a heated turn as some residents vented frustration over plans for a new cell phone tower.
Jan 12, 2024
Living peacefully amidst mountain lions
"They prey on deer. They leave those carcasses for other, lower predators, soils are enriched and it really does effect the overall quality of the landscape and water quality and the biodiversity in general."
Jan 12, 2024
Commercial crab fishery soon opens south of Sonoma-Mendo line
The state agency postponed the opening of the crab season late last year because of high numbers of migrating humpback whales spotted off the California coast.
Jan 10, 2024
Cotati calls for ceasefire and end to Gaza in conflict
Cotati, with a population of about 7,500, is the first city in Sonoma County to officially call for a permanent ceasefire and peace between Palestinians and Israelis.
Jan 10, 2024
Supervisors talk lofty goals, but mundane needs may eclipse
Nearly every department head told supervisors that they face challenges both recruiting and retaining staffers. What once were considered solid salaries, no longer measure up.
Jan 10, 2024
CSU faculty union vows to strike over final pay offer
The breakdown in negotiations was consistent with the tenor of relations between the two camps, which has been marked by frustration and a lack of trust.
Jan 08, 2024
Local youth could lose shelter in latest nonprofit vs feds conflict
Changing regulations have turned a locally supported youth home into a white elephant.
Jan 08, 2024
EdSource: CA education issues to watch in 2024
A 'fiscal cliff' is coming, due to the expiration of billions in federal Covid relief, declining enrollment in nearly three-quarters of districts, and a leveling off from record state funding.
Jan 06, 2024
A look at what's next as Sebastopol safe-parking nears end of the road
On March 3rd, the lot is set to close permanently---to make way for permanent supportive housing for people with little if any income.
Jan 05, 2024
Jack London State Park adds hundreds of SDC open space acres
Some 750 acres in all will transfer from the Sonoma Developmental Center into State Park control as an addition to Jack London State Historic Park.
Jan 03, 2024
California farm animal cruelty law takes full effect
The pork industry appealed Prop 12 to the U.S. Supreme Court, which upheld states' right to regulate the meat industry.
Jan 03, 2024
Mendocino National Forest grows by nearly thousand acres
A large tract of oak woodland hills were added to the national forest boundary after a transfer from the Wilderness Land Trust.
Jan 02, 2024
What parents of English learners need to know
If a language other than English is spoken in the home, the school is required to assess the student's level of English within 30 days after enrollment by giving them a test.
Dec 31, 2023
Fire danger opening training, job opportunities
Fire settlement funds helping train crews for important work reducing vulnerability of power lines to future wildfire.
Dec 29, 2023
Storm kicking up big waves to deliver deluge Friday evening
Winds are expected to reach as high as 30 mph, with gusts to 50 mph along the coast and over mountain ridges.
Dec 28, 2023
Food bank use on the rise in Sonoma County heading into 2024
The Redwood Empire Food Bank CEO David Goodman says thousands more are turning to food bank aid than did in 2022 on average.
Dec 28, 2023
Massive waves pounding coast
Surging waves, associated with the system have already forced mandatory evacuations.
Dec 27, 2023
Pressing CA universities to repatriate thousands of Native American remains and artifacts
Vast collections of Native remains and artifacts are still being held illegally in California's public university systems.
Dec 27, 2023
Big changes may be on the way for North Bay mass transit
A comprehensive revamp could reduce trip times, making transit a viable alternative to vehicular travel and not just the choice of those with no alternative.
Dec 26, 2023
Sonoma Valley tiny home village for the unhoused fully opens
Construction recently wrapped on the 20 tiny home project set up by Homeless Action Sonoma.
Dec 26, 2023
Nonprofit gets $6 million grant to help low-wage workers climb higher
A mission to help young workers who are stuck in sectors such as retail, restaurant or gig work find their hidden talents and build skills.
Dec 26, 2023
Big changes coming for Medi-Cal in the new year
The plans must better integrate physical and mental health care among other stipulations.
Dec 21, 2023
Medi-Cal now extended to all undocumented immigrants eligible
Undocumented immigrants ages 26 to 49 will be eligible for comprehensive health insurance under Medi-Cal.
Dec 20, 2023
California approves rules that turn sewage into drinking water
Often dubbed “toilet-to-tap,” the process is actually much more extensive and complex, requiring multiple treatment steps overseen by 63 pages of detailed rules.
Dec 19, 2023
New year brings required zero emission landscaping equipment
California says small-engine devices made after January 1, 2024 must be zero-emission in order to be sold here---the first state in the nation to do so.
Dec 18, 2023
Teen exonerated for fatal Montgomery High stabbing released
The Santa Rosa 16-year-old was found to be justified in using self-defense during the March 1, 2023 classroom fight, and has been released to his parents.
Dec 18, 2023
Governor scolds counties over delays in mental health law
in October, lawmakers significantly loosened long-standing rules limiting who can be placed in involuntary treatment.
Dec 15, 2023
Napa winemaker who helped put CA wine on the map dies at 100
Miljenko 'Mike' Grgich, born in Croatia, made his way to Napa Valley in 1958, going on to make award winning wine and helping elevate the region as a premier wine making destination.
Dec 15, 2023
Parade of big storms appearing likely to ring in new year
The jet stream, typically oscillating toward the arctic and tropics as it traverses the Pacific, has recently become unusually straight.
Dec 15, 2023
Cotati drawn into growing mobile home park battle
Owners of the city's 55-plus mobile home park vow to shut after city bars conversion to all-ages.
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