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DEFENDANT SENTENCED TO 50 YEARS TO LIFE FOR FIRST DEGREE MURDER
Defendant Stephen Joseph Archer, 36 years old of Santa Rosa, was sentenced this afternoon to serve 50 years to life in state prison by the Honorable Troye Shaffer after having been found guilty by a jury of the first-degree murder of victim Manuel Valdez in September. The guilty verdict was reached at the conclusion of a three-week trial during which the jury also found the defendant guilty of unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, and found him responsible for the unlawful use of a firearm during the murder. Read full story
Sonoma County health officials extend freeze warning
The County of Sonoma has extended its freeze warning until Sunday, Dec. 18 in response to the National Weather Service’s prediction of sub-freezing temperatures through mid-week. Originally, the county had issued a warning of potential sub-freezing temperatures from Dec. 8 through Sunday, Dec. 11, which was extended to Wednesday Dec. 14. Officials recommend that residents limit time outdoors, as serious medical conditions including hypothermia and frostbite can develop with prolonged cold weather exposure. Read full story
Sonoma County ‘Department of Public Infrastructure’ made official in merger of Transportation and Public Works and General Services
The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors today officially approved a new department name, Public Infrastructure, to reflect the consolidation of the county General Services and Transportation and Public Works departments. The name of the newly formed Department of Public Infrastructure or Pi, which will comprise the various divisions and operational areas of the former departments, was chosen based on input from county employees. Read full story
Board of Supervisors adopts economic development ‘3.0 Action Plan’ to foster an inclusive and resilient local economy
The Board of Supervisors today adopted the Sonoma County Economic Development Board’s proposed 3.0 Action Plan, which will guide future economic development by partnering with community and business organizations to address persistent issues that constrain the local economy. The plan seeks to enhance EDB’s foundation of business support by expanding its role as a convener to address specific goals such as increasing the earning potential of residents, encouraging investment in high-value local enterprises, and restoring housing affordability in Sonoma County. Read full story
Board of Supervisors adopts economic development ‘3.0 Action Plan’ to foster an inclusive and resilient local economy
The Board of Supervisors today adopted the Sonoma County Economic Development Board’s proposed 3.0 Action Plan, which will guide future economic development by partnering with community and business organizations to address persistent issues that constrain the local economy. The plan seeks to enhance EDB’s foundation of business support by expanding its role as a convener to address specific goals such as increasing the earning potential of residents, encouraging investment in high-value local enterprises, and restoring housing affordability in Sonoma County. Read full story
Earthquake response plan approved
The Board of Supervisors today approved a comprehensive earthquake response plan, establishing guidelines for immediate response and early recovery from a major seismic event including specific actions to be taken by county staff, emergency response personnel, and other agency partners. The plan by the Department of Emergency Management will serve as a supplement to the county’s overall Emergency Operations Plan, which was revised in March following several years of damaging wildfires. Read full story
City of Sonoma and County of Sonoma to open an extreme weather warming center Monday through Thursday morning
The City of Sonoma and County of Sonoma will open a temporary extreme weather warming center for three nights starting tonight at 7:00 p.m. at the Sonoma Veterans Building in Sonoma. Based on freezing temperatures forecasted by the National Weather Service, the center will be open each night from 7:00 p.m. through 9:00 a.m. the following day. Read full story
Sonoma County health officials extend freeze warning
The County of Sonoma has extended its freeze warning until Wednesday, Dec. 14 in response to the National Weather Service’s prediction of sub-freezing temperatures through mid-week. Originally, the county had issued a warning of potential sub-freezing temperatures from Dec. 8 through Sunday, Dec. 11. Officials recommend that residents limit time outdoors, as serious medical conditions including hypothermia and frostbite can develop with prolonged cold weather exposure. Read full story
Sonoma County unveils new pedestrian crosswalk beacon on Old Redwood Highway in Larkfield
The Sonoma County Department of Public Infrastructure today announced the installation and operation of a new high-intensity activated crosswalk signal, or HAWK, at the intersection of Old Redwood Highway and Lark Center Drive in Larkfield. Read full story
Sonoma County adopts updated state building codes with local amendments
The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors voted this week to adopt the California Model Building Codes, which includes requiring the use of electric appliances exclusively in most new residential construction. Read full story