Press Releases

Showing: 1 – 50 of 128

  • Permit Sonoma Releases Draft Local Coastal Plan to Protect Sonoma’s Coast

    Published on June 22, 2021
    Permit Sonoma, Sonoma County’s land use and resource management department, released a draft Local Coastal Plan (LCP). The LCP regulates land use, protects coastal resources, and guides coastal development.

  • Sonoma County Planning Commission to Hear Draft Winery Events Ordinance

    Published on May 18, 2021
    Permit Sonoma has published Sonoma County’s first draft Winery Events Ordinance, which would set new standards for winery events like parking requirements, food service, event coordination, traffic management, and noise standards to address the impact of winery visitor-serving uses on agricultural land.

  • Oficinas del Departamento de Servicios Humanos abren el 6 de julio con medidas de seguridad, horas reducidas y servicios limitados

    Published on June 30, 2020

    Las oficinas del Departamento de Servicios Humanos del Condado de Sonoma (HSD) abren sus puertas al publico el lunes, 6 de julio 2020, con horas reducidas y servicios limitados. Clientes y empleados aun serán requeridos seguir las medidas de seguridad del Covid-19.

  • Voter Registration Deadline Midnight Tonight

    Published on February 18, 2020

    Deva Marie Proto, County Clerk-Recorder-Assessor-Registrar of Voters, reminds Sonoma County residents that the deadline to register to vote in the upcoming March 3, 2020, Presidential Primary Election, is tonight, February 18, 2020 at midnight Pacific Time. 

  • Kincade Fire Rebuilds

    Published on November 14, 2019

    In response to the Kincade Fire County leadership recognized the need for swift action so property owners could start the rebuilding process as quickly as possible. Important elements include debris cleanup, expedited permitting processes, and additional services for fire survivors. 

  • Debris Removal Resources

    Published on March 2, 2019
    Flood debris drop-off sites available through March 4.

  • Sonoma County Storm Update: Evacuation Orders Lifted

    Published on March 1, 2019 at 12:40 PM
    Sonoma County crews and partner agencies have conducted evaluations and have determined it is safe to allow residents back into evacuation areas along the Russian River. The Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office have sent notifications lifting evacuation orders. Please be aware that roads will still have some debris. Use caution when entering these areas. If you see road crews, please make way for them to get through to keep clearing debris.

  • Sonoma County Animal Services Hosts Coffee with an ACO

    Published on October 1, 2018

    Sonoma County Animal Services invites members of the community to its Coffee with an ACO (Animal Control Officer) event on Wednesday October 3rd from 7:00 to 9:00 AM at Kaffe Mocha located at 397 Aviation Boulevard in Santa Rosa.

  • City and County to Host Rebuilding Community Meeting on February 15 2018

    Published on February 9, 2018

    The City of Santa Rosa and County of Sonoma encourage residents rebuilding from the October 2017 wildfires to bring their questions to a Rebuilding Community Meeting on Thursday, February 15, 2018.

  • County Issues First Cannabis Business Permit

    Published on January 19, 2018

    The County of Sonoma has issued the first Cannabis Cultivation Permit on Monday, December 4. Shannon and Cameron Hattan, co-founders of Fiddlers Greens, were issued a Zoning Permit from the Department of Ag Weights and Measures which allows up to 10,000 square feet of outdoor medical cannabis cultivation on their property outside of Sebastopol.

  • County Approves Ordinances to Reduce Sewer Service Charges and Allow Temporary Connections for Residents Displaced by the Fires

    Published on January 19, 2018

    he Sonoma County Water Agency (Water Agency) Board of Directors and the Board of Directors of the Sonoma Valley County Sanitation District unanimously approved an ordinance to prorate annual sewer charges for residents whose homes were damaged or destroyed in the Sonoma Complex Fires in October, 2017.

  • Map Identifies Areas at Risk of Flooding, Mudflows In Aftermath of Wildfires

    Published on January 19, 2018

    The devastating October wildfires that swept through Sonoma County created a significant flood risk for people living in and nearby the burned areas until vegetation is restored.

  • SBA Opens Business Recovery Center at the Sonoma County Economic Development Board Offices

    Published on November 1, 2017

    The U.S. Small Business Administration opened a Business Recovery Center at the Sonoma County Economic Development Board, in partnership with the City of Santa Rosa. The office is located at 141 Stony Circle, Suite 155, Santa Rosa at The Courtyard building. The hours will be from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday.

  • IBank Approves New Disaster Relief Loan Programs for Sonoma County

    Published on October 26, 2017

    Thanks to direct efforts of EDB staff,  the California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank’s (IBank) approved a new Disaster Relief Loan Guarantee Fund Program and an expanded micro loan program on October 24th, 2017, to assist businesses affected by the wildfires in Sonoma County and other state declared disaster areas.

  • Sonoma County Contracts with Magellan Advisors to Develop Broadband Strategic Plan

    Published on August 9, 2017

    SANTA ROSA, CA—The Sonoma County Economic Development Board (EDB) has engaged Magellan Advisors to assist the county in developing a Broadband Strategic Plan. Magellan’s senior team of consultants will work with the county, EDB and Access Sonoma Broadband (ASB) to successfully develop a plan for Sonoma County’s broadband future. 

  • Strategic Sonoma Launches

    Published on August 6, 2017

    The Sonoma County Economic Development Board (EDB) announces the launch of Strategic Sonoma, an innovative economic development planning effort in partnership with Santa Rosa Junior College, and the Sonoma County Workforce Investment Board. 

    “The goal of Strategic Sonoma is to create a five year plan that identifies economic development opportunities for residents and businesses in Sonoma County,” said Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Shirlee Zane. “We look forward to meeting with the community, hearing what they have to say, and developing a plan to further grow our local economy.” 

  • Blue-Green Algae Toxins Detected in Russian River

    Published on July 26, 2017

    On Wednesday, July 26, 2017 DHS received test results indicating that a low-level of blue-green algae toxins are present in certain areas of the river. In accordance with state guidance, the level of toxin present is enough to trigger the posting of “Caution” signs. Signs in both English and Spanish will be posted at the ten major beaches along the Russian River.

  • Monte Rio Reopens, Latest Results Show Coliform Bacteria Levels Reduced

    Published on July 12, 2017

    The Department of Health Services (DHS) is re-opening Monte Rio Beach after follow-up testing of samples taken showed diminished levels of coliform bacteria. DHS will remove the closure signs placed at the beach. The beach is open and safe to swim in.

  • Celebrating National Economic Development Week

    Published on May 8, 2017

    Sonoma County celebrates National Economic Development Week from May 8-13th. The goal of National Economic Development Week is to increase awareness for local programs that create jobs, advance career development opportunities and increase the quality of life in Sonoma County.

  • Celebrating National Economic Development Week

    Published on May 8, 2017

    Sonoma County celebrates National Economic Development Week from May 8-13th. The goal of National Economic Development Week is to increase awareness for local programs that create jobs, advance career development opportunities and increase the quality of life in Sonoma County.

  • Public Workshop for Airport Area Specific Plan

    Published on April 10, 2017
    Sonoma County will hold an Airport Area Specific Plan Public Workshop on Thursday April 13th, 5:30-7:30 PM, at the Windsor High School Library. Attendees will explore land use, circulation, and public improvements to the Airport Area over the next 20 years.

  • New and Modified Zoning Regulations for Housing

    Published on March 7, 2017
    The Board of Supervisors adopted code changes for accessory dwelling units (“accessory units”) and junior accessory dwelling units (“junior units”). This action was in response to changes in State law and the housing crisis.

  • 2017 Sonoma County Restaurant Week Launches

    Published on March 1, 2017

    Sonoma County Restaurant Week, the tastiest time of the year, will be held March 6 -12, 2017 and will feature a wide variety of restaurants and culinary options that feature local ingredients at great prices.

  • Announcement of Community Open House for the Springs Specific Plan

    Published on February 24, 2017
    Event Date: March 9, 2017 at 6:00 PM. Open house to introduce the community to three potential land use and circulation options for the Springs Specific Plan. One of these alternatives will be used as a basis for the draft Specific Plan. The public is encouraged to attend the meeting and provide input on the alternative they prefer.

  • Sonoma County Adopts Opioid Prescribing Guidelines for Safe Management of Pain

    Published on January 23, 2017

    Today the Committee for Healthcare Improvement, a coalition of healthcare providers that is part of Sonoma County Health Action, announced health care organizations across Sonoma County are implementing common guidelines for safe pain management.

  • How Do We Adapt to Sea-Level Rise on Our Coast?

    Published on October 27, 2016

    The Sonoma County Permit & Resource Management Department (PRMD) is holding a Public Workshop on Tuesday, November 29, 2016, 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM at the UC Davis Bodega Marine Laboratory. Community members are invited to participate in the workshop and share their input on ways to adapt to sea-level rise and protect the Sonoma County Coast.

  • Jen Lewis Selected for New National Leadership Program to Build Culture of Health

    Published on September 22, 2016

    Sonoma County Department of Health Services’ Jen Lewis is selected to participate in the Culture of Health Leaders program. Lewis is currently the Department’s Special Projects Director and formerly was the Health Program Manager for the county-wide initiative Health Action.

  • Board of Supervisors Consider Options to Protect Community Separators

    Published on July 8, 2016

    The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors will conduct a public hearing on on Tuesday, July 19, 2016 at 2:30 PM to consider the proposed ballot measure on the November 8, 2016 general election ballot, amend General Plan maps to expand Community Separators, related policy amendments, and related rezoning to add the SR (Scenic Resources) overlay zone.

  • Sonoma County Holds Study Session on Winery Events

    Published on June 29, 2016
    The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors will conduct a Winery Events Study Session at approximately 3:10 PM on Tuesday, July 12, 2016 during their public board meeting. This session will explore the County’s General Plan policies that guide winery promotional and event activities. It will take place in the Board of Supervisors’ Chambers located at 575 Administration Drive, Room 102A, Santa Rosa.

  • Springs Specific Plan Community Design Process Moves Forward

    Published on June 22, 2016

    A community design workshop for the Springs Specific Plan will be held on Wednesday June 29th, 6:00 p.m., at the Sonoma Charter School Multi-Purpose Room, in Sonoma. The public is encouraged to attend and provide input into this exciting planning project for the Springs area, which includes the Highway 12 corridor from Agua Caliente Road to Verano Avenue.

  • Sonoma County Launches New Permit System

    Published on June 13, 2016

    The Sonoma County Permit and Resource Management Department (PRMD) has launched a new permitting system enabling customers to participate more effectively in the County’s permitting process. Known as Permit Sonoma, the new system delivers more transparent services to support sustainable development and environmental protection in unincorporated Sonoma County.

  • County Takes Steps to Protect Against Sprawl

    Published on June 10, 2016

    Community Separators are rural open space lands identified in the County’s General Plan that separate cities and other communities.  They preserve city and community identity by providing visual relief from continuous urbanization.

  • Announcement of Second Community Workshop for Springs Specific Plan

    Published on May 9, 2016

    The second of five community workshops on the Springs Specific Plan will be held on Monday, May 16, 2016 at 6:00 PM, at the Altimira Middle School Multi-Purpose Room, in Sonoma.

  • First Positive Case of Zika Confirmed in Sonoma County

    Published on April 28, 2016

    Today, the Sonoma County Department of Health Services (DHS) confirmed an individual tested positive for the Zika virus in Sonoma County. This individual is the first case of Zika in our county. While traveling in Central America the Sonoma County resident was bit by mosquitoes. Spread of the Zika virus occurs primarily through infected Aedes mosquitoes which are present throughout the Caribbean, South and Central America.

  • Mendocino and Sonoma Counties Call for Input on First Joint Five-­Year Economic Development Plan

    Published on March 23, 2016

    The Sonoma-Mendocino Economic Development District (EDD), created through a joint powers agreement between Sonoma County and Mendocino County in January 2015, today launched a new website.

  • Announcement of Public Workshops on Community Separators

    Published on March 18, 2016

    Community Separators are lands that function to separate cities and unincorporated communities, contain urban development, and preserve distinct community identities by providing visual relief from continuous urbanization.

  • Announcement of Public Workshops on Community Separators

    Published on March 18, 2016

    Community Separators are lands that function to separate cities and unincorporated communities, contain urban development, and preserve distinct community identities by providing visual relief from continuous urbanization.

  • Sonoma County Adopts New Grading System for Food Facilities

    Published on March 2, 2016

    Today, the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors unanimously adopted an ordinance to establish a new grading system for food facilities using a color-coded placard program.

  • Traffic Calming Solutions on Highly Traveled Agua Caliente Road

    Published on February 17, 2016
    The Sonoma County Department of Transportation and Public Works is implementing new traffic calming measures on Agua Caliente Road West, between Sonoma Creek and Highway 12, to improve traffic safety conditions for motorists, cyclists, pedestrians and public transportation users.

  • Announcement of First Community Meeting for Springs Specific Plan

    Published on February 10, 2016

    The first of five community engagement workshops on the Springs Specific Plan will be held on Monday, February 29, 2016 at 6:00 PM. The public is encouraged to attend and provide input into this exciting planning project for the Springs area, which includes the Highway 12 corridor from Agua Caliente Road to Verano Avenue.

  • Creative Sonoma Seeks Advisory Board Members

    Published on January 25, 2016

    This week, Creative Sonoma, a division of Sonoma County’s Economic Development Board, opened up the recruitment process for individuals who are interested in serving on its first Advisory Board.

  • County Activates Cold Weather Response

    Published on November 24, 2015

    Effective Tuesday, November 24, 2015, Sonoma County is issuing a “Code Blue” advisory in response to the National Weather Service’s Severe Weather Alert of extremely cold nights predicted for the next week.

  • Board of Supervisors Dedicates $13.5 Million for Roads

    Published on November 17, 2015

    On Tuesday, November 10th, the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors approved new one-time funding that will help build approximately 100 miles of new roads. The Board added $13.5 million of funding, which brings the total general fund contribution to roads to a record $25 million.

  • Department of Health Services Releases Results of Local Farmworkers Health Survey

    Published on October 19, 2015

    Today, the Sonoma County Department of Health Services (DHS) released the first- ever study of local farmworkers' health and well-being. The main finding from the study found that the vast majority of farmworkers permanently reside in Sonoma County with their families.

  • Heat Warning: Sonoma County Residents Urged to Stay Safe as Temperatures Rise

    Published on September 9, 2015

    The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for the Bay Area, including Sonoma County, warning of high temperatures today and through the end of the week. 

  • Health Warning: Keep Animals Away from Russian River

    Published on September 4, 2015

    On Friday, September 4, 2015, the Sonoma County Department of Health Services issued a health warning to the public to keep animals away from the Russian River.

  • First 5 Sonoma County Awards $10.97 Million to Community

    Published on August 7, 2015
    The First 5 Sonoma County Commission announces the release of multiple contracts totaling $10.97 million to 12 different community partners. First 5 Sonoma awards this critical funding as part of the Commission’s 2010-2020 Strategic Plan prioritizing support of all children entering kindergarten ready to succeed.

  • Summer Arts Youth Program Grants Announced

    Published on July 24, 2015

    The Board of Supervisors announced today that 12 grants have been awarded for summer arts youth program across the County.  Summer Arts programs will take place between now and September 30 at art centers, schools and community centers.  The grant program was administrated by Creative Sonoma, a countywide arts initiative through the County's Economic Development Board.

  • Sonoma County Expands Online Services

    Published on July 21, 2015
    Transportation & Public Works provided a leadership role in developing SoCo Report It, which provides people with the ability to submit and monitor the status of service requests for common maintenance and repair issues in the unincorporated county area using both the Internet and smartphone applications. The app provides a convenient way to submit service requests, such as reporting a pothole or streetlight outage, and make it easy to attach a photo of the problem. Additionally, the app automatically records the location via the GPS location services on the smartphone. The submitter can track progress of the request from submission to resolution.

  • Highway 12 Southbound Detour July 9 th

    Published on July 6, 2015
    On July 9 th , 2015 southbound traffic on Highway 12 will be detoured onto Madrone Road, Arnold Drive, and Verano Avenue from 9 am - 8 pm. There will be access to homes and businesses throughout the detour. This is the second of two detours that will allow PG&E to complete an essential tie-in of their gas transmission lines for the Highway 12 Improvement Project.
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