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County of Sonoma - News and Press Releases

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July 17, 2023 | Department of Human Services

Former foster youth in Sonoma County to receive $148,000 in scholarships for higher education

More than three dozen former Sonoma County foster youth will be awarded a total of $148,000 in scholarships Thursday through a partnership between the Valley of the Moon Children’s Foundation and the Sonoma County Human Services Department. Read full story


July 14, 2023 | Office of the District Attorney

Sonoma Man Sentenced to 21 Years Prison in State Prison for Shooting at Deputy

Defendant Nathan James Smart, 44 years old of Sonoma, was sentenced today by the Honorable Mark Urioste to serve 21 years in state prison after pleading “no contest” last month to charges of assault with a firearm on a peace officer. Under the negotiated agreement, Smart also admitted sentencing enhancements for personal use of a firearm, and for a previous conviction of gross vehicular manslaughter dating back to 1999. Read full story


July 14, 2023 | Office of the District Attorney

Insurance Broker Christopher Ramos Sentenced to Prison For Nine Years for Theft of Client Money

Defendant Christopher Ramos, a 45-year-old Insurance Broker from Santa Rosa, CA, was sentenced yesterday by the Honorable Karlene Navarro to 9 years in prison for stealing nearly $190,000 from clients. From around 2013 through 2016, Ramos operated CDR Insurance Agency. During this time, Ramos obtained money from clients for commercial and individual insurance policies. However, rather than applying the money towards the insurance policies the clients thought they were purchasing, Ramos stole the money and used it for his own for personal expenses. This left his victims without the insurance coverage they believed they had, and open to potential losses and liability. At the time of his crimes in Sonoma County, Ramos was already on probation in San Francisco County after being convicted for similar crimes there. Read full story


July 14, 2023 | Office of the District Attorney

Yeti Coolers, LLC Settles Violations Related to Delayed Shipping in California

On July 11, 2023, Judge Brad DeMeo entered a Stipulated Judgement against Yeti Coolers LLC (“Yeti”) in the amount of $40,490 in Civil Case No SCV-273598. This Judgment settles allegations that Yeti misrepresented that customers would receive delivery of certain products by a specified date related to holiday promotions. The case was brought by the consumer protection units of the Sonoma, Napa, and Alameda County District Attorney’s Offices. Read full story


July 14, 2023 | Permit Sonoma

State Designates Sonoma County a ‘Prohousing Jurisdiction’

The state Department of Housing and Community Development today issued a “Prohousing Designation” to the County of Sonoma, opening up greater opportunities for local affordable housing projects. To be eligible for the designation, the county needed to confirm that it will not adopt laws or policies that inhibit or constrain housing production, such as restrictive zoning or development standards, and commit to affirmatively encouraging fair housing. Read full story


July 13, 2023 | Clerk-Recorder-Assessor-Registrar of Voters

Nomination period opens for Nov. 7, 2023 Consolidated Election

Candidate nominations open on Monday, July 17, for various special district offices scheduled for election on Nov. 7, 2023. Candidates residing in Sonoma County who are interested in running for one of the more than 20 available positions must file nomination papers between July 17 and August 11 to have their names placed on the Nov. 7 ballot, according to Registrar of Voters Deva Marie Proto. Read full story


July 13, 2023 | County Administrator's Office

Sonoma County Supervisors to consider Local Coastal Plan during July 17 Special Meeting

The public is invited to share feedback on the proposed Local Coastal Plan on Monday, July 17 at 9 a.m. during a special meeting of the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors. Read full story


July 11, 2023 | Sonoma County Regional Parks

Share your vision for Carrington Coast Ranch Regional Park and Open Space Preserve

Sonoma County Regional Parks is seeking public input on the future development of Carrington Coast Ranch Regional Park and Open Space Preserve. Read full story


July 11, 2023 | Sonoma County Regional Parks

Share your vision for Carrington Coast Ranch Regional Park and Open Space Preserve

Sonoma County Regional Parks is seeking public input on the future development of Carrington Coast Ranch Regional Park and Open Space Preserve. Read full story


July 11, 2023 | County Administrator's Office

Sonoma County completes labor negotiations with all 11 unions, steps up efforts to fill vacant positions

The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors today approved the last of 11 labor contracts up for renewal this year after more than nine months of labor negotiations. Read full story