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County of Sonoma - News and Press Releases

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October 31, 2024 | Clerk-Recorder-Assessor-Registrar of Voters

Early in-person voting expands this weekend for November 5 General Election

Early in-person voting for the Nov. 5 General Election will expand this weekend in Sonoma County, Registrar of Voters Deva Marie Proto reminded the public today. Twenty-four vote centers will open Saturday, joining seven that have been open since Saturday, Oct. 26, for a total of 31. Voters can cast their ballots at any Vote Center in the county; they are not assigned to a specific location. Read full story


October 31, 2024 | County Administrator's Office

CalFire to lift burn permit suspension in Sonoma County

The burn permit suspension in Sonoma County will be lifted on Friday, Nov. 1 at 8 a.m., CalFire has announced. The state fire agency is formally canceling the burn suspension in Sonoma, Colusa, Lake, Napa Solano and Yolo counties. Read full story


October 29, 2024 | Clerk-Recorder-Assessor-Registrar of Voters

Nominations open for the 2024 Collections and Archives Recognition Awards in Sonoma County

The Sonoma County Historical Records Commission is now accepting nominations for their 2024 Collections and Archives Recognition Awards. This award recognizes the accomplishments and contributions of individuals, groups, agencies, collections and archives located within Sonoma County. Nominees located within the boundaries of Sonoma County and practicing the collection and preservation of historical records for the promotion of history and cultural preservation qualify for the award. Read full story


October 25, 2024 | Office of the District Attorney

Parole Denied in The 2012 Vehicular Murder Of Jesse Garcia

Heather Anne Howell, 41 years old of Santa Rosa, was denied parole yesterday following a hearing in front of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Board of Parole Hearings. Read full story


October 24, 2024 | Clerk-Recorder-Assessor-Registrar of Voters

Early in-person voting begins this weekend for November 5 General Election

Early in-person voting for the November 5 General Election will begin this weekend in Sonoma County, Registrar of Voters Deva Marie Proto reminded voters today. Seven Vote Centers will be open for 11 consecutive days from Saturday, October 26 to Election Day, Tuesday, November 5. Hours of operation will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., except on Election Day itself when the hours will be extended from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Read full story


October 22, 2024 | Sonoma County Regional Parks

Prescribed burning operations planned at Monte Rio Redwoods Regional Park and Open Space Preserve

Sonoma County Regional Parks plans to conduct prescribed fire operations at Monte Rio Redwoods Regional Park and Open Space Preserve on Thursday and Friday, Oct. 24 and 25 to reduce fire risk and improve park health. Read full story


October 22, 2024 | County Administrator's Office

Sonoma County awarded $1.84 million for the Northside Russian River Shaded Fuel Break Project

The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors today authorized $1.8 million for three critical fuel breaks that will help protect residents in the Rio Nido, Guernewood and Hacienda areas from wildfires. Read full story


October 22, 2024 | County Administrator's Office

County of Sonoma’s unfunded pension liability down 37 percent since 2020, according to annual report on health of retirement system

The County of Sonoma has reduced its unfunded pension liability by 37 percent since 2020, the result of strong investment returns and decisions by the Board of Supervisors to pay down the County’s unfunded liability, according to the sixth annual State of the Retirement System report presented to supervisors today. Read full story


October 22, 2024 | Department of Health Services

Sonoma County approves Microenterprise Home Kitchen program

The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors today voted to establish a local program to permit small-scale residential retail food facilities, known as Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operations, or MEHKOs, which are authorized by state law. Read full story


October 22, 2024 | Department of Health Services

Former state public health director named Sonoma County interim health officer

Dr. Karen Smith, an experienced public health official who previously served four years as director of the California Department of Public Health and state health officer, has been appointed as Sonoma County’s interim health officer. Read full story