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Sonoma Water Board of Directors approves wholesale water rate adjustment in support of infrastructure
The Sonoma County Water Agency (Sonoma Water) Board of Directors on Tuesday voted to increase wholesale water rates to address the pressing needs of aging infrastructure.The adjusted wholesale water rates are forecasted to make a modest impact on household budgets of between $2 to $3 per month, based on location and water usage. Funds produced by these rates will largely go toward operations and maintenance of Sonoma Water’s supply and distribution infrastructure, including cathodic protection to stave off rusting aqueducts, replacement of aging pumps and valves, enhancements in water treatment processes and upkeep of water storage tanks. Read full story
Local partnership completes first project initiated by Sonoma County’s Climate Resilience Fund
A partnership between local government, conservation districts and environmental groups today announced the completion of a pilot project that removed carbon from the atmosphere by applying compost on agricultural land, the first project initiated by Sonoma County's Climate Resilience Fund. Read full story
Sonoma County residents encouraged to participate in Shake Out earthquake drill on April 18
Sonoma County residents are urged to join the Sonoma County Shake Out drill on April 18 at 10 a.m., as part of the annual observance of National Earthquake Preparedness Month. This exercise offers the community an opportunity to practice the recommended safety action of drop, cover and hold on during an earthquake. Read full story
Santa Rosa man sentenced to life in prison for aggravated sex crimes against child
Javier Cruz Navarro, 35 years old of Santa Rosa, California, was sentenced yesterday to serve an indeterminate sentence of 35 years to life in state prison by the Honorable Dana Simonds. Read full story
Sonoma County seeks public input on proposed update to Cannabis Ordinance
A 30-day public review and comment period on a proposed update to Sonoma County’s cannabis ordinance begins today. County officials are seeking feedback on proposed policy changes that emphasize neighborhood compatibility and environmental stewardship before the project moves forward to the environmental impact report process. Read full story
Violent Third Strike Offender Denied Parole
CDCR Inmate Louis Manuel Moreno, 66 years old of Lakeport, California, was denied parole today by the California State Board of Parole Hearings following a morning hearing held at the Solano State Prison in Solano County. The Parole Board found that Moreno was unsuitable for parole as he continues to pose an unreasonable risk to public safety. Read full story
2024 Biomass Utilization Symposium Planned May 2-3
The 2024 Sonoma Mendocino Economic Development District is sponsoring a Biomass Utilization Symposium that will bring together industry, academia, government, tribes and community-based organizations to explore the opportunities and challenges of implementing forest biomass utilization projects for fire safety, forest health, renewable energy, and wood products, and supporting the appropriate growth of sustainable, stewardship-based, rural economic development. Read full story
New radio system supports rural communities, county operations in streamlined emergency response and recovery
The Board of Supervisors today announced the implementation of a new digital mobile radio system and support for a neighborhood effort designed to enhance communication among county officials, community groups and the Department of Public Infrastructure for greater efficiencies during disaster response and recovery. Read full story
Child Molester Sentenced to Life In Prison
Brian Douglas Schmitt Sr., 78 years old of Petaluma, was sentenced today by the Honorable Robert LaForge to serve thirty years to life in state prison following a jury trial conducted in January at which Schmitt was found guilty of four felony sex offenses committed against a child. Read full story
County of Sonoma modernizes leadership structure to improve effectiveness, efficiency of county government
The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors today consolidated authority for managing the daily operations of county government into its top leadership position, renaming the post as County Executive. Read full story