Press Releases
Sonoma County gives initial approval to ordinance restricting camping on public property
The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors today approved a first reading of an amended ordinance limiting camping in public spaces including during daytime hours. The amendments bring Sonoma County’s existing camping ordinance into compliance with recent legal decisions concerning overnight camping while still providing the county options to discourage permanent housing encampments, prevent garbage buildup and address public health issues. Read full story
County Independent Office of Law Enforcement Review and Outreach releases first audit under new state law
The Sonoma County Independent Office of Law Enforcement Review and Outreach today released an audit of a Sheriff’s Office complaint, the first such report to be made public under a new state law for cases involving the use of force against a person by a law enforcement officer that resulted in death or great bodily injury. Read full story
Sonoma County announces Health Resource Fair at Mitote Food Park in Santa Rosa
The County of Sonoma, in partnership with local health care providers and community organizations, is hosting a Health Resource Fair on Saturday April 8 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Mitote Food Park at 635 Sebastopol Road in Santa Rosa. Read full story
Sonoma County, nonprofit partner awarded $500,000 to promote free internet service for low-income households
The Sonoma County Economic Development Board has been awarded $300,000 from the Federal Communications Commission to expand local enrollment in the FCC’s Affordable Connectivity Program, which provides free and discounted internet service to low-income households. Read full story
Sonoma County issues freeze alert
The County of Sonoma is issuing a freeze alert in response to the National Weather Service’s prediction of sub-freezing temperatures overnight tonight through Sunday morning. Officials recommend that residents limit time outdoors as serious medical conditions including hypothermia and frostbite can develop with prolonged exposure to cold weather. Read full story
Sonoma County opens emergency shelter site, announces temporary closure of Joe Rodota Trail
The County of Sonoma opened an emergency shelter site this afternoon at the County Government Center campus, creating a new source of temporary housing for unsheltered individuals camped along Joe Rodota Trail and other public places. Read full story
Sonoma County increases Living Wage to $17.65 an hour starting July 1
The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously today to raise the county’s Living Wage an additional 2.26 percent to $17.65 an hour, effective July 1. Read full story
County Government Center parking lot selected as an emergency shelter site; public forum to be held Monday
County staff have selected a parking lot at 2550 Ventura Ave. on the County Government Center campus as the location for an emergency shelter site where space for up to 90 tents will be provided for homeless individuals to live temporarily while transitioning into permanent housing. Read full story
Sonoma County highlights critical work of grand juries, encourages people to volunteer for service
The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors today honored the important work of civil grand juries in investigating and reporting on local governmental operations to ensure they are being conducted efficiently, honestly and in the best interest of the public. Read full story
Sonoma County issues freeze alert
The County of Sonoma is issuing a freeze alert in response to the National Weather Service’s prediction of sub-freezing temperatures overnight tonight through Thursday morning. Officials recommend that residents limit time outdoors as serious medical conditions including hypothermia and frostbite can develop with prolonged exposure to cold weather. Read full story