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County of Sonoma - News and Press Releases

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July 13, 2022 | Office of the District Attorney

Petaluma Man Sentenced to 4 Years State Prison for Fatal Collision

Defendant James Thomas Watkins, 43 years old of Petaluma, was sentenced today by the Honorable Judge Bradford J. Demeo to serve 4 years in state prison after a jury returned a guilty verdict against him in May to charges of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence in connection with a collision he caused in September of 2020 which resulted in the death of Mario Gongora Castaneda. Read full story


July 13, 2022 | County Administrator's Office

Sonoma County celebrates the grand opening of Mitote Food Park in Roseland

Sonoma County residents are invited to take part in the grand opening of the Mitote Food Park, believed to be the first Mexican food park in Northern California, at 4 p.m. on Thursday, July 14. The ribbon-cutting ceremony and celebration will feature music and an assortment of cuisines from local vendors. Read full story



July 12, 2022 | County Administrator's Office

Supervisors approve using $4 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds for homelessness programs

The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors today approved $4 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds for projects addressing homelessness by increasing interim housing opportunities, creating more rental units and bolstering outreach efforts to prevent homelessness by helping individuals stay housed. Read full story


July 12, 2022 | County Administrator's Office

County to acquire former Bank of America building in downtown Guerneville

The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a tentative agreement Tuesday to acquire the former Bank of America building in downtown Guerneville, ensuring residents in lower Russian River communities will continue to have uninterrupted access to critical services. Read full story


July 11, 2022 | Permit Sonoma

Sonoma County proposes rule changes for well permits to protect health of local waterways

In response to evolving California case law that requires local governments to protect the health of rivers and other “public trust resources,” the Board of Supervisors on August 9 will consider new standards for permit applications to drill wells in Sonoma County. The meeting will include a Public Hearing on the proposed amendment to the county’s well ordinance. Read full story


July 11, 2022 | County Administrator's Office

Sonoma County proposes rule changes for well permits to protect health of local waterways

In response to evolving California case law that requires local governments to protect the health of rivers and other “public trust resources,” the Board of Supervisors on August 9 will consider new standards for permit applications to drill wells in Sonoma County. The meeting will include a Public Hearing on the proposed amendment to the county’s well ordinance. Read full story


July 08, 2022 | Office of the District Attorney

Las Vegas Man Convicted by Sonoma County Jury for Attempted Murder of Elder Victim

On July 6, 2022, a Sonoma County jury found defendant Gerald Jacinth guilty of charges of premeditated attempted murder and shooting at an inhabited dwelling. They also found true enhancements for personal use of a firearm and inflicting great bodily injury. Read full story


July 06, 2022 | Economic Development Board

Creative Sonoma Announces Recipients of First-Ever Arts and Cultural Equity Fellowships

Creative Sonoma, in collaboration with Kimzin Creative, a local arts and equity consulting group, is happy to announce the inaugural class of Arts and Cultural Equity Fellows. The fellows are emerging to mid-career artists and culture workers who work within, on behalf of, or to support Sonoma County’s communities of color. Read full story


July 05, 2022 | Natural Resources

Virtual town hall on drought to update long-range weather forecast, impacts on Russian River, parks

Sonoma County officials and environmental leaders will present an update on the drought and its impacts on Sonoma County during a virtual town hall meeting at 4 PM on Thursday, July 7, 2022, the third in its series of monthly public forums on the drought. Read full story