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State grant renews invasive quagga mussel prevention program at Lake Mendocino
The Sonoma County Water Agency’s watercraft inspection program at Lake Mendocino will continue for another two years, thanks to $400,000 in state grant funding that went into effect on Sept. 16. The California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways grant will fund the program to keep invasive quagga and zebra mussels from being introduced to Lake Mendocino until Sept. 15, 2026. Read full story
County voter guides for November General Election begin going out in the mail tomorrow
County Voter Information Guides for the Nov. 5 General Election will begin going out in the mail tomorrow, Deva Marie Proto, Sonoma County Clerk-Recorder-Assessor-Registrar of Voters, announced today. The County Guides will be mailed to all active, registered voters in Sonoma County, with the exception of voters who have opted out of receiving such mailings. Read full story
Sonoma-Marin Saving Water Partnership wins two 2024 WaterSense® Sustained Excellence awards
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today recognized the Sonoma-Marin Saving Water Partnership with two WaterSense Sustained Excellence awards – one as a Promotional Partner and one for the partnership’s Qualified Water Efficient Landscaper program as a Professional Certifying Organization. WaterSense honored its Sustained Excellence, Partner of the Year and Excellence Award winners during the WaterSmart Innovations Conference in Las Vegas. The Sonoma-Marin Saving Water Partnership was one of 19 Sustained Excellence Award winners. Read full story
Sonoma County Economic Development Collaborative secures funding, partnerships to strengthen local immigrant services
The Board of Supervisors on Tuesday approved a grant agreement with the California Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development to authorize state funding in the amount of $141,235 to strengthen and support current programs and services available to the local immigrant population. Read full story
Technical Advisory Board Announced for OWTS Manual Update
Permit Sonoma is seeking septic design professionals and septic contractors/operators/maintenance providers to participate in future updates to Sonoma County’s Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems Regulations and Technical Standards (OWTS Manual). Permit Sonoma will be forming a OWTS Manual Technical Advisory Committee (OWTS Manual TAC). Read full story
Wetland Habitat Restoration at Shiloh Ranch Regional Park
Sonoma County Regional Parks completed a wetland habitat restoration project at Shiloh Ranch Regional Park near Windsor. The project repaired significant erosion, restored riparian and wetland habitat for native plants and animals, and enhanced an old stock pond to create an improved refuge for wildlife and a more attractive destination for park visitors. Read full story
Santa Rosa Man Sentenced To 39 Years-To-Life in Prison For Point-Blank Shooting in Residential Neighborhood
Defendant Jose Figueroa Baltazar, 30-years-old of Santa Rosa, was sentenced today by the Honorable Troye K. Shaffer to serve 39 years-to-life in state prison after being convicted by a jury in April of premeditated attempted murder, shooting into an occupied vehicle, and assault with a firearm. On the day of trial, Baltazar pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Therefore, the jury did not consider those charges. The defendant’s sentence also included a sentencing enhancement for a prior “strike” conviction. Read full story
Sonoma County to host October 3 webinar on updated plan to meet goals of Americans with Disabilities Act
The County of Sonoma will host a virtual public meeting on Oct. 3 to provide an overview of recent updates to its plan to bring all County-owned properties into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Read full story
Sonoma Water Board approves updated Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
The Sonoma County Water Agency (Sonoma Water) Board of Directors on Tuesday approved an updated Local Hazard Mitigation Plan, reinforcing the agency's commitment to disaster preparedness and infrastructure resilience and clearing the way to obtain Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) hazard mitigation funds. Read full story
Home Depot Settles Violations Related to California Price Accuracy Law for $1,977,251
District Attorney Carla Rodriguez announced today that her office, in conjunction with the District Attorneys of the Counties of San Diego, San Bernardino, Orange, Los Angeles, and Alameda, settled a civil enforcement action against Home Depot U.S.A., Inc (“Home Depot”) for violations of California’s Price Accuracy, False Advertising Law and Unfair Competition law. The Stipulated Judgment entered on August 26, 2024, by Judge Richard S. Whitney, provides that the company will pay $1,977,251 in civil penalties, costs, and restitution. Read full story