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County of Sonoma - News and Press Releases

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June 01, 2023 | Department of Emergency Management

Evacuation exercise planned for upper Mark West Springs watershed community

The Sonoma County Department of Emergency Management, in partnership with community preparedness groups, will be holding an evacuation exercise on Sunday, June 11 for the upper Mark West Springs watershed community. Read full story


June 01, 2023 | Department of Human Services

Sonoma County to hold first-ever memorial service for 500 unclaimed people buried without a funeral

Sonoma County leaders will host the county’s first-ever memorial service of its kind on June 10 to honor the lives of hundreds of homeless, poor, elderly and other people who have died in the county without family or money to make burial arrangements. Read full story


June 01, 2023 | Natural Resources

State approves Sonoma Water’s Request for Temporary Changes in Russian River Flows

The State Water Resources Control Board (State Board) recently approved a request by the Sonoma County Water Agency (Sonoma Water) to modify Russian River instream flows. The Temporary Urgency Change Petition (TUCP) filed by Sonoma Water in April, and approved by the State Board on May 19, amends Sonoma Water’s water rights permits and State Board Decision 1610 in order to comply with the 2008 Russian River Biological Opinion and to enhance salmonid habitat in Dry Creek and the mainstem Russian River. Read full story


May 30, 2023 | Office of the District Attorney

Concord Man Convicted for 2019 Petaluma Outlets Murder

Defendant David Kyle Lubkin, 29 years old of Concord, CA, was convicted today by jury of First Degree Murder and Discharging a Firearm at a Motor Vehicle causing death. These convictions stem from the September 28, 2019 killing of 19 year-old Ezequiel Garcia at the Petaluma Outlets. Read full story


May 30, 2023 | Sonoma Public Infrastructure

SMART launches on demand microtransit shuttle connecting the train to the Sonoma County Airport (STS)

The Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit District (SMART) is pleased to announce the launch of the SMART Connect microtransit shuttle providing a first and last-mile connection between the SMART Airport Station and the Charles M. Schulz-Sonoma County Airport (STS), and the surrounding business corridor. Read full story


May 26, 2023 | County Administrator's Office

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


May 26, 2023 | Department of Health Services

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


May 25, 2023 | Sonoma County Regional Parks

Spring Lake celebrates summer with new amenities and commemorates 50 years

Spring Lake Regional Park in Santa Rosa, California, celebrates summer with new amenities and commemorates its 50th anniversary. Read full story


May 24, 2023 | Independent Office of Law Enforcement Review and Outreach

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


May 24, 2023 | Department of Health Services

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