News Index
Weekly Roundup for May 26, 2023
Today’s digest provides helpful and important updates on the following: 1) Latest edition of SoCo Correspondent available; 2) Public input sought for tree protection ordinance; 3) Local animal adoption event May 27; 4) Digital equity survey to improve internet access; and 5) Other Sonoma County news of note Read full story
Sonoma County hosts summit on potential reintroduction of sea otters to the North Coast
Marine biologists, economists, tribal representatives, elected leaders as well as local environmental advocates and other stakeholders are taking part in a conference in Bodega Bay today to explore the possibility and impacts of reintroducing southern sea otters to their former habitat on the Sonoma Coast. Read full story
Sonoma County Department of Health Services recommends awarding ambulance contract to Sonoma County Fire District
The Sonoma County Department of Health Services today announced it is recommending that the Board of Supervisors award a contract to the Sonoma County Fire District for advanced life support ground ambulance services for Exclusive Operating Area No. 1, which includes Santa Rosa, Rohnert Park and much of central Sonoma County. Read full story
County Independent Office of Law Enforcement Review and Outreach, Sheriff and Unions clarify investigative powers
The County of Sonoma and two labor groups representing county law enforcement employees today announced the finalization of an agreement to strengthen law enforcement oversight in the county. The County and the Associations came together in a mutual effort to implement the voters’ will, ensure that IOLERO’s expanded authority represented smart and effective law enforcement oversight, and treat the associations’ members fairly. Read full story
Sonoma County saw 22 percent decrease in homelessness, annual Point-in-Time count shows
Sonoma County saw an overall 22 percent decrease in the area’s homeless population last year including a 24 percent decline in those identified as being chronically homeless, according to preliminary results of the 2023 Sonoma County Point-in-Time count in January. Read full story
Marin, Sonoma Agricultural Report Details Preparedness for Next Drought
Thanks to significant rainfall over the past several months, the North Bay region has rebounded well from the drought that ravaged Marin and Sonoma county agricultural businesses from 2019 to 2022. Reservoirs, creeks, and other freshwater sources that feed farms and ranches – and thus feed humans --are well-stocked again. Now, the agricultural community is analyzing its response to the emergency. Read full story
Board of Supervisors adopts Clean Transit Rollout Plan to ensure zero-emission public transportation by 2040
The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors today adopted a plan that ensures within five years all new county public transit buses purchased will be zero-emission vehicles and all fossil-fueled buses will be retired within 17 years, in accordance with state law. Read full story
County survey finds most residents are content with quality of life, divided on direction
Sonoma County residents are divided about the direction the county is headed, but a majority is content with their quality of life, particularly within their own neighborhoods, according to the results of a community survey presented today to the Board of Supervisors. Read full story
Interest rates to increase July 1 for financing through Sonoma County Energy Independence Program
The Sonoma County Energy Independence Program, which helps property owners pay for improvements that utilize energy and water more efficiently and strengthen buildings against wildfires and earthquakes, announced today that interest rates on new financing will increase a half percent to 7.49 percent on July 1. Read full story
Sanitation Rate Relief Program for low-income property owners launched by Sonoma Water
The Sonoma County Water Agency (Sonoma Water) Board of Directors has approved a Sanitation Rate Relief Program, allocating up to $1 million for low-income property owners in the eight sanitation districts and zones managed by Sonoma Water. The new program will reduce qualified residential property owners' sanitation rates by 50% of their total annual sewer service charge. Read full story