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Sonoma County Administrator Sheryl Bratton announces plans to retire in early 2023
County Administrator Sheryl Bratton notified the Board of Supervisors today that she will be retiring from her position at the end of her contract term in March 2023. She recommended that the Board begin the search for her successor soon to provide adequate time to ensure a smooth transition for the organization. Read full story
Parole Denied in the 2012 Alcohol and Drug-Fueled Killing of Jesse Garcia
Heather Anne Howell, 38 years old of Santa Rosa, was denied parole earlier today following a scheduled hearing in front of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitations Board of Parole Hearings. This was the initial parole hearing for Howell, who is serving a sentence of 15-years-to-life for the killing Jesse Garcia, also of Santa Rosa. Read full story
Best-selling author Johann Hari to present county-sponsored lecture on “Rethinking Addiction”
Sonoma County residents are invited to hear best-selling author and journalist Johann Hari, who has written extensively on substance abuse and addiction, speak at the Luther Burbank Center for the Arts on July 21. The free lecture is being sponsored by the Sonoma County Department of Health Services as well as Directing Change, a mental health nonprofit for students. Read full story
Petaluma Man Sentenced to 4 Years State Prison for Fatal Collision
Defendant James Thomas Watkins, 43 years old of Petaluma, was sentenced today by the Honorable Judge Bradford J. Demeo to serve 4 years in state prison after a jury returned a guilty verdict against him in May to charges of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence in connection with a collision he caused in September of 2020 which resulted in the death of Mario Gongora Castaneda. Read full story
Sonoma County celebrates the grand opening of Mitote Food Park in Roseland
Sonoma County residents are invited to take part in the grand opening of the Mitote Food Park, believed to be the first Mexican food park in Northern California, at 4 p.m. on Thursday, July 14. The ribbon-cutting ceremony and celebration will feature music and an assortment of cuisines from local vendors. Read full story
Supervisors approve using $4 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds for homelessness programs
The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors today approved $4 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds for projects addressing homelessness by increasing interim housing opportunities, creating more rental units and bolstering outreach efforts to prevent homelessness by helping individuals stay housed. Read full story
County to acquire former Bank of America building in downtown Guerneville
The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a tentative agreement Tuesday to acquire the former Bank of America building in downtown Guerneville, ensuring residents in lower Russian River communities will continue to have uninterrupted access to critical services. Read full story
Sonoma County proposes rule changes for well permits to protect health of local waterways
In response to evolving California case law that requires local governments to protect the health of rivers and other “public trust resources,” the Board of Supervisors on August 9 will consider new standards for permit applications to drill wells in Sonoma County. The meeting will include a Public Hearing on the proposed amendment to the county’s well ordinance. Read full story
Sonoma County proposes rule changes for well permits to protect health of local waterways
In response to evolving California case law that requires local governments to protect the health of rivers and other “public trust resources,” the Board of Supervisors on August 9 will consider new standards for permit applications to drill wells in Sonoma County. The meeting will include a Public Hearing on the proposed amendment to the county’s well ordinance. Read full story