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Sonoma County housing market shows volatility
Some areas, like Petaluma's Westside, showed impressive increase in price per square foot, while places like Glen Ellen saw a steep decline last month.
Are California wines really full of scary additives?
For the last few years, ads on social media have been telling consumers that there’s a lot more than just grapes in the average bottle of California wine.
US Representatives, local healthcare leaders speak out against Medicare cuts
Representatives Mike Thompson and Jared Huffman addressed House Republican's budget plan which will slash federal healthcare spending.
Summerfield Cinemas closes with free screenings of movies shot in Santa Rosa
The films Shadow of a Doubt, Smooth Talk, and Smile feature familiar landmarks like McDonald Avenue, the Vets Building, Santa Rosa Plaza and Howarth Park.
Sebastopol Times editor talks city's dashed news media contact protocols
Laura Hagar Rush, of the online publication Sebastopol Times, spoke with KRCB's Noah Abrams about the controversial proposal.
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Educators sue to block Trump anti-DEI policy
Santa Rosa City Schools assistant principal Roderick Castro notes the letter criticizes using race as a factor in hiring and training.
Sonoma County asks for public input on new fire hazard maps
Cal Fire released the updated fire hazard severity zone maps for Sonoma County and the Bay Area on February 24th.
Well permitting window extended to March 27
A judge allowed Sonoma County to permit new non-emergency wells starting in February, even as a lawsuit over the rules moves forward.
Scientific literacy and fun at the North Bay Science Discovery Day in Santa Rosa
The free annual event at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds features hands on STEM activities aimed at kids aged 9 to 14, but is open to all ages.
North Bay congressman tapped as designated survivor; voices deep concerns in KRCB News interview
"There's a group right now in Congress that are trying to [privatize Social Security], and to get what appears to be the blessing from Elon Musk should frighten everybody," said Thompson.
Biodiversity, regenerative agroforestry the focus at Cazadero nonprofit Teravana
The nonprofit's name is a mash-up of the Latin word for earth and the Buddhist principle of nirvana.
Mendocino county supervisors reject ordinance to regulate water extraction and selling
During California's prolonged drought of 2020 to 2022, Mendocino County was among the hardest-hit areas, forcing some local businesses to temporarily close due to low water supplies.
Local Indigenous youth selected for Brave Heart Fellowship
A member of the Dry Creek Rancheria Band of Pomo Indians is one of the current cohort of 10 Brave Heart Fellows, working on energy independence for tribal communities.
New fire hazard maps for Sonoma County, North Coast released by Cal Fire
The updated map designates 7,555 acres of unincorporated Sonoma County as a 'very high' fire hazard area.
15-year-old arrested for attempted murder in Santa Rosa classroom fight
SRPD says detectives are still investigating the reason for the altercation between the boys.
Clothes dryers due for closer look as possible culprit for spread of microplastics
The San Francisco Estuary Institute is studying microfiber pollution from commercial and residential clothes dryers into the local environment.
Congressman Thompson and Assemblyman Rogers host public forum in Santa Rosa
Overflow crowds showed up to hear what local lawmakers are doing about federal actions from the Trump administration.
Unions rally before legislative forum at Sonoma State
As of 6:30 p.m. Friday, the session was still going with people lined up to address the lawmakers during public comment.
Sonoma State University faculty proposes a different way to solve the budget crisis
'Forever United for Sonoma Excellence' or FUSE is a coalition of faculty, students, and community members all focused on saving Sonoma State.
Decision on Santa Rosa school closures awaits
Santa Rosa City Schools trustees are considering closing Elsie Allen High School as part of a cost-saving school closure plan.
Hundreds rally on Presidents' Day against second Trump administration
The Monday gathering in Santa Rosa, dubbed "No Kings Day", was just one of many protests held across the country over the holiday.
Evacuation warning finally lifted for low lying river areas
The Sonoma County Sheriff's Office gave evacuation orders due to flood risk on February 4th.
Study shows Sonoma Valley roads are insufficient during wildfire evacuations
The $90-thousand-dollar study showed that traffic delays in emergency evacuations could be over 4 hours along Arnold Drive and Route 12.
The Sonoma Botanical Garden contributes citizen science to long-term study
USA National Phenology Network monitors the influence of climate on the phenology of plants, animals, and landscapes.
Workers picket Providence Healthcare across Napa, Humboldt, and Sonoma counties
Providence caregivers say they are understaffed and underpaid compared to other caregivers and medical staff on the North Coast.
The U.S. wine industry is in a ‘demand reset,' industry watchers say
California grape grower ripped out 20,000 acres of vineyard last year as demand for wine fell.
Press Democrat/KRCB Community Conversation: SSU program cuts
Some 500 attendees submitted questions about the proposed budget cuts at Sonoma State during The Press Democrat’s virtual “community conversation."
Sonoma County resumes issuing new water well permits
A temporary court order is allowing Permit Sonoma to issue non-emergency well permits for at least two weeks.
Sonoma County UC Master Gardeners get over $1-million grant to transform eastern Santa Rosa parcel into Teaching and Demo Garden
The grant from Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation + Open Space District is for a 4.5-acre parcel that was damaged in the 2020 Glass Fire.
West county reacts to moderate Russian River flooding
Murdock said river levels are expected to fall through Thursday morning, but a smaller storm system is forecast to pass through Sonoma County Thursday and Friday.
Sheriff issues evacuation order along Russian River
The current forecast predicts that the river will crest at 35.2 feet at Guerneville on Wednesday at 7 a.m.
Mudslide sends Forestville home into Russian River
A mudslide triggered Tuesday afternoon near the intersection of Westside and Rio Vista roads in Forestville.
Demand for immigrant legal services spikes at California colleges
An estimated 3.3 million Californians live in mixed-status households, according to data from Equity Research Institute, a USC research group.
Anger, disppointment permeate SSU virtual town hall meeting
As the crowd gathered in the heart of the campus vented their frustration, speakers in the virtual meeting made their disapproval known too.
Sonoma County looking at splitting registrar of voters from clerk-recorder assessor into appointed position
Salary and benefits for the position would be an estimated $350,000 a year, according to the staff report.
Anger and frustration palpable at Sonoma State rally
Hundreds gathered Thursday afternoon at the SSU campus to protest a plan to eliminate six entire departments, the athletics program and 16 additional degree programs.
Sonoma County Board of Supervisors accused of "pay-to-play" politics
The county's largest public employees union says Supervisor David Rabbitt took a closed door meeting on a property deal with a donor who contributed to his campaign.
Stanford's Center on Longevity tackles ageism at annual summit
By 2034, older adults are projected to outnumber children for the first time in U.S. history.
Entire CSU system braces for possible cuts in classes, sports
Budget problems and enrollment drops are threatening programs at schools across the 23 campus system, not just Sonoma State.
Cotati city council weighing options to fill seat after Rivers resigns
Rivers, on the council since 2022, abruptly resigned on January 21, citing personal and professional reasons.
Trump's promise of mass deportations looms over California's wine industry
A recent U.S. Department of Labor survey estimates that undocumented immigrants make up 51 percent of the state’s agricultural workforce.
Ukrainian winemaker and US veterans team up to show the best of Ukraine, a glass at a time
A group of American veterans and diplomats who served in Kyiv are teaming up with a Ukrainian winery owner to bring a taste of the Black Sea coast to a U.S. audience.
Tears and disappointment punctuate reactions to SSU budget cuts
46 faculty members will be released as part of the budget cut to the university.
What LA schools can learn from NorCal districts that survived wildfires
Santa Rosa's public school district established a redundant server in a separate location so officials could still communicate with their school community in the event that their primary servers went down or were burned.
Joe Matos Cheese Factory is closing at the end of January
One of the first artisan cheese makers in the North Bay, the Matos family made cheese inspired by their homeland, the Azores.
Students, faculty sound off on Sonoma State budget cuts
Six academic departments, over a dozen degree programs, and the entire collegiate athletics program are slated for cuts to fix a $23.9 million deficit.
Sonoma State discontinuing athletics, eliminating several degree programs
Enrollment numbers have dropped 38% in the past decade.
Federal dollars continue to flow into Potter Valley Project makeover
North Coast Representative Jared Huffman recently announced a $15 million award for restoration and construction work on the Eel River.
Conflicting messages about when Mitote Food Park in Roseland will close
A social media post by Mitote Food Park says the space will close at the end of this month due to expedited construction schedules, but Sonoma County officials say the lease ends in June, not January.
CalMatters tracked CA's lawsuits against Donald Trump. Here's where the state won and lost
Roughly half of the lawsuits that the state filed against the Trump administration the first time around were related in some way to the environment.
SchoolsRule Sonoma County names new ambassador
Lorez Bailey was previously the editor of the North Bay Business Journal and Executive Director of Chop's Teen Club.
Sonoma County residents feeling PTSD in wake of Los Angeles fires
Memories of Sonoma County's devastating fires in 2017, 2019, and 2020 are triggering PTSD in residents here as they see similar tragedies in Los Angeles County.
Newsom committed CA to make its own insulin; it's at least a year behind schedule
A 2020 law aimed partially at bringing down insulin prices allowed Newsom to negotiate the 10-year, $50 million contract with Civica.
Sonoma County updates flood risks maps for lower Russian River
FEMA's latest assessment, the first in 30 years for the lower Russian River, expands the map of high risk flood zones into developed areas.
Two teens arrested for shooting another teen near Santa Rosa school
The 16-year-old was shot multiple times in the legs and is in stable condition after the Monday afternoon shooting.
Governor's budget proposal may lead to higher-ed cuts at CSU, UC
A proposed budget cut of almost 8% for next year could lead to larger class sizes, fewer course offerings and staff reductions unless it is reversed.
Sonoma County schools push to enhance arts education with Prop 28 funding
School districts received nearly $9.5 million for news arts and music education in the 2023-24 school year, however many have not yet used the funds.
KRCB 2-WAY: Can California keep ICE away from schools?
School districts have also doubled down on their efforts to protect students and families.
Avian flu outbreaks cause shortages, drive up prices of eggs for consumers
Sticker shock when reaching for a dozen eggs? Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza has hit producers across the state, and nation, sending prices high.
LA fires could drastically drive up insurance premiums, test CA's new market rules
An estimated 1 in 5 homes in the upscale neighborhood were covered by the insurer known as the FAIR Plan.
Agreement reached on Point Reyes National Seashore
Six dairies and six beef ranching operations will vacate the park within the next 15 months.
Sonoma County sends fire crews to battle wildfires in Los Angeles County
SRFD Division Chief Fire Marshall Paul Lowenthal says some of the fire personnel sent to Southern California fought in Sonoma County's October 2017 wildfires.
Santa Rosa police investigating potential homicide after four found dead in mobile home
SRPD were on scene around 3 PM Wednesday, and found four deceased after executing a welfare check at a senior mobile home residence.
Finding a bounty of wild mushrooms in the North Bay
Though some can cost 50 dollars or more by the pound in specialty stores, they’re free for the picking for those who know where to look.
Windsor's public library getting a makeover
A mini-library will operate from the Windsor branch's meeting room for the duration of the full remodel project, estimated to take 2 to 3 months.
Santa Rosa police weigh use of drones as first responder program
A community meeting to discuss the possibilities will be held on Jan. 22.
How CSU's first Black woman trustee influenced the university system
Hampton was the first African American trustee of the California State University, serving on the board from 1974 to 1994.
Federal fishery disaster declaration requested to aid the albacore fishing industry
State officials say California’s albacore fishery declined 71% in volume and 65% in value last year.
More than 30 restaurants participate in the first-ever North Bay Pizza Week
Some restaurants are preparing special menu items to celebrate, and even donating to local charities.
New CA law bans many toxic chemicals in makeup
The FDA says cosmetic companies are responsible for selling safe products and keeping records.
New year starts with new laws impacting education
New California state laws will protect the privacy of LGBTQ+ students and make it more difficult to discriminate against people of color based on their hairstyles.
Marin County high school district settles suits for tennis coach abuse
Two victims sued the district, alleging negligence, and a Marin County jury agreed in 2022.
Energy expert weighs in on CA decreasing gas prices
Oil refiners have been required to report certain price data to the state for the past year and a half.
Three people rescued after being swept up by an ocean wave north of Bodega Bay
Two members of Sonoma County Fire District happened to be nearby when the call came in.
Uncertain future ahead Point Reyes Seashore ranches and ranch workers
West Marin attorney Andrew Giacomini is fighting to keep ranch employees and their families in their homes if the ranches close via settlement.
Aloha Caftan Society celebrates colorful holidays in Sonoma County
The group gathered at the Flamingo Resort for the Sippin' Santa pop-up, wearing fabulous caftans.
Northern California residents sue members of Congress over Israel military aid votes
Organizers with group Taxpayers Against Genocide say over 500 people have signed on to the class action suit against Reps. Huffman and Thompson.
Twice-delayed commercial crab season set to open in early January
Bodega Bay crabbers have had to agree to a 50% reduction in gear for regulators to let them fish.
A closer look at ocean research off the Sonoma coast
Come aboard a research vessel heading to the Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary.
North Bay residents plan class action suit over military aid to Israel
Some 500 Northern California residents, organized as Taxpayers Against Genocide, are seeking federal court intervention.
Sonoma County honors legacy farming families who have farmed for at least 100 years
There were 22 families honored at the inaugural Century Club celebration hosted by Sonoma County Winegrowers.
Santa Rosa organization advocates for affordable housing and pedestrian only zones
Santa Rosa YIMBY (which stands for Yes in my Backyard) wants to build Santa Rosa into an affordable, low-carbon, and vibrant city for all.
Secret Santa program brings joy to Sonoma County residents for the past 36 years
Over 13,000 gifts are being distributed this year by the Center for Volunteer and Nonprofit Leadership
Alexander Valley wine workers fight for back wages
The employees of Reynoso Family Vineyards say they're owed unpaid wages dating back to May.
83% turnout means about 54,000 Sonoma County voters sat out the election
Nearly 180,000 people in Sonoma County voted for the Harris/Walz ticket; over 63,000 voted for Trump and Vance.
Japanese poet who translated the entire Peanuts comic strip catalog dies at age 92
Shuntaro Tanikawa began translating the comic strip in the late 1960s.
Novavine nursery partners with Redwood Empire Food Bank for pilot program
The nursery is growing culturally relevant produce for the food bank during their off-season, employing nursery workers who might normally be laid off.
Countering referendum results, Lake County supervisors endorse Kelseyville name change
The final decision to change the name to Konocti – or something else entirely – rests with the U.S. Board of Geographic Names.
Sonoma County's largest provider of immigration legal services in 'emergency preparedness' mode
Attendees at the 'Know About Your Rights' sessions learn specifics for what to do if they’re stopped or detained.
Susan Gorin honored as elected tenure in local politics ends
Gorin, first elected as Sonoma County's District 1 Supervisor in 2012, did not seek re-election in 2024.
Franchettis' Gasthaus + Biergarten is saying auf Wiedersehen and arrivederci
The popular German-Italian restaurant in Santa Rosa is closing its doors for good this month, but it is not the end of the story for owners John and Gesine Franchetti.
Sonoma city council votes to shift to district-based elections
Sonoma plans to adopt district-based elections by March 2025.
Dungeness crab season again delayed in California's waters
A large number of migrating whales and the threat of trap entanglement, plus the presence of domoic acid in some crabs, prompt latest delay.
Human composting coming to CA, says local end-of-life doula
Two free events this weekend in Santa Rosa and Sebastopol will explore end of life choices, including a new burial option.
North Coast's state reps report on quake aftermath
The 7.0-magnitude quake at 10:44 a.m. Thursday struck off Cape Mendocino.
Tsunami warning now cancelled; 7.0 earthquake strikes off coast
An estimated 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck offshore at 10:44 a.m. Thursday.
Stepping back into history at Sonoma County's oldest artist studios
The Studio Santa Rosa is housed in former naval barracks that were part of a military airport commissioned in 1943.
County guidelines for Sonoma Developmental Center off the table
Sonoma County's supervisors were forced to repeal their site-specific plan for the SDC due to a lawsuit and a "builder's remedy" for the project.
Local wine businesses brace for potential tariffs in 2025
Winemakers say tariffs would result in a host of negative effects that would put additional pressure on the U.S. wine industry in a down market.
Mario Savio honored on 60th anniversary of "Bodies Upon the Gears" speech
Savio, the leader of 1964's Free Speech Movement at UC Berkeley, lived in Sebastopol and taught at Sonoma State University in the 1990s.
Santa Rosa animal rescue nonprofit heals without borders
Once they arrive in Santa Rosa, these now-lucky dogs — big or small, furry or wire-haired, barking or silently quivering — all go through the same intake process.
Annual Windsor town green display a draw for locals and visitors alike
On December 5, the Windsor town green will be lit up with holiday lights, with "snow" in the air, carols and Santa letter writing.
LEGO fans of all ages gather in Santa Rosa
Adults and children flocked to the Santa Rosa Veterans Memorial building to celebrate LEGO.
Objections grow to barred owl hunt on federal land, including Point Reyes
The animal welfare groups' lawsuit argues the plan is a violation of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
Coast Guard says caution vitally important when boating in winter months
The stretch of coastline along Salmon Creek Beach has claimed multiple lives from capsized boats in November.
What's going to happen to my kids: California prepares to resist Trump deportations
Immigrant Legal Resource Center, a national nonprofit that provides legal training and does pro-immigrant policy work in California and Texas, estimates 70 to 75% of ICE arrests in the interior of the U.S. are handoffs from another law enforcement agency, such as local jails or state or federal prisons.
Record rain continues across Sonoma County and the North Bay
Forecasts from the National Weather Service show a chance for moderate flooding along the Russian River in Guerneville early Saturday.
Valley Ford murder suspect had encounter with Sheriff's deputies just hours before deadly assault
The suspect, a 44-year old Fairfield resident, due to be arraigned Monday morning, is being held without bail.
Covered California starts offering health care to DACA immigrants. Will Trump’s win deter them?
The move is expected to provide relief to thousands of so-called Dreamers, especially those who are freelancers, self-employed or have no other means of health coverage.
Sonoma County's airport looking for new tenants, including for the Victorian home it owns
The airport has made seven parcels, some on, and some off airport grounds, available for development.
Salmon return to lay eggs in historic habitat after largest dam removal project in US history
There have been lower concentrations of harmful algae blooms and the river's water temperatures are lower since the dam removal.
Press Democrat/KRCB 2024 Election Poll
Find insights into what motivated local voters in the November 5, 2024, General Election.
Coastal Commission approves overhaul of Sonoma County's coast land use plan
Some of the changes focus on new goals such as encouraging more affordable housing development and combatting sea level rise.
The Lost Church searches for a new home
The intimate venue in downtown Santa Rosa will host its final show on November 23rd.
Sonoma County kids spread kindness with new book
Peptoc Fest celebrates a book launch, and exciting new projects.
Food production layoffs continue at Sonoma County companies
The largest staff reduction is at Amy's Kitchen, where over 300 workers are being laid off in December.
UC plans hefty tuition increase for non-Californians
The increase for now is a one-time hike, but UC could raise tuition further for future entering classes when it sets its budget for future years
Super Saturday at Redwood Empire Food Bank
Various groups are stepping up on Saturday to help collect food and raise funds for the food bank.
Plans pending for new asphalt plant in Forestville
Canyon Rock Inc. is hoping to co-locate a new asphalt plant, which the company says is sorely needed, at its Pocket Canyon quarry west of Forestville.
Petaluma's Veterans Day celebration keeps tradition going
Petaluma has been hosting a Veterans Day parade since 1967; started then by World War I veterans.
Care Court coming to Sonoma County
Sonoma County is adding a behavioral health specialist and client support specialist to help with the Care Court rollout, starting December 1.
WinterBlast brings 'fairy winterland' to Santa Rosa
The popular annual arts festival returns Saturday featuring open studios, live music and the lighted sofa parade.
Measure J lessons: Contested animal farm ban revealed public's lack of knowledge about food systems
Sonoma County's Ag Commissioner said the Yes on J campaign argued Sonoma County was the perfect spot to ban factory farming because of its progressive liberal politics, even though the problems were not necessarily bad there.
Post-election debrief with SSU political scientist Dave McCuan
"The agricultural community is understanding that they have to visit some of these issues as well."
Sonoma County voters reject Measure J
Voters are giving a thumbs down to a ballot measure that targeted ag operations in Sonoma County
Election 2024: A last look at Measure J and animal welfare
Props 2 and 12 set high standards compared to the rest of the country for how egg laying hens, calves, and pigs are treated.
Local psychologists give tips for handling high anxiety on this Election Day
Voters in West Sonoma County are feeling some intensity today, as KRCB News heard outside two polling places there. So we spoke with two local psychologists for tips on how to manage the complex tangle of emotions coming up on this momentous day.
Election 2024: A last look at Measure J and economic impacts
The two sides of the campaign have put forward competing and divergent forecasts for how the passage of Measure J would impact the local economy.
Red flag warning prompts warning of possible power shutoffs
PG&E officials say they have been taking proactive measures to ensure the reliability of service to key election facilities.
New report advises regulators on how to deal with high potency cannabis
The report urges the state to limit the manufacture and sale of high-THC products, require better consumer information, and make cannabis products less attractive to children.
Election 2024: A last look at Measure J and bird flu
Sonoma County declared a local emergency because of the HPAI outbreaks
Sonoma County elections department expects 85 to 90% voter turnout
Sonoma County's election department is livestreaming ballot processing around the clock until the vote is certified, likely in December.
Tour Santa Rosa's McDonald Avenue Halloween Celebration
The main attraction on McDonald Avenue is a sprawling mansion called Mableton.
Election 2024: A last look at Measure J and the environment
Animal ag, especially cows, does create a lot of emissions, but with 42 of Sonoma County's 50 dairies being certified organic, emission levels are lower in than in places like the Central Valley.
'Halloweird' evokes Petaluma's vaudeville past
After seeing a burlesque and variety show in Oakland a decade ago, Ward said he was encouraged to start creating his own version called North Bay Cabaret.
Election 2024: A last look at Measure J and CAFOs
A summary series of KRCB News' reporting on Sonoma County's Measure J.
Visitors from the opposite side of the Pacific taking up residence along the west coast
Separated for a quarter million years, scientists theorize a warming ocean is re-uniting these distant cousins
Revised Guenoc Valley development plan aims to allay wildfire concerns
Despite the loss of an appeal, the 1400-home proposed new development in Lake County could win final approval next year.
60 years later, activists remember PG&E's plan for Bodega Head nuclear plant
A Bodega Bay waitress named Hazel Mitchell overhead two utility workers confirm what many had suspected.
Some California cities could see big changes in rent control if Prop. 33 passes
A measure on the California ballot would repeal a state housing law limiting how cities can regulate rents, letting local governments make that decision.
Monte Rio and Villa Grande homeowners weighing wastewater system options
One plan would install up-to-standard septic tanks and group neighboring properties into shared leach fields positioned in the hills.
Tunnel Vision: A look at California's $20 billion solution to its water crisis
What happens in the Delta directly impacts salmon fishermen and women in Bodega Bay, since salmon rely on the these same waters for survival.
Local economy rebounding, but housing prices creating headwinds
Most economic sectors doing well, but office vacancies, declining population and housing costs are limiting factors.
Micro-restaurants, food services may flourish under newly approved rules
Ordinance would allow home cooks to launch public-serving businesses January 1.
Regional advocacy group quizzes candidates on transit issues
Survey responses find agreement on some issues, disparate opinions on others
Seven of eight candidates for Petaluma Council debate issues
Some share similar visions, other offer contrasts in race for three district council seats
Wine industry still feeling the ‘Sideways effect’ after 20 years
USDA figures show that merlot plantings in California declined 35 percent between 2004 and 2023. Meanwhile, pinot noir acreage almost doubled.
The race for Santa Rosa's District 5 city council seat
Jeremy Newton, chair of the Santa Rosa Housing Authority, is looking to fill the council seat being vacated by Chris Rogers.
Two newcomers vie for Santa Rosa's District 5 city council seat
Caroline Bañuelos, a Santa Rosa Junior College trustee, is vying to fill the seat being vacated by the long-serving Chris Rogers.
Power shutoffs possible for 1000+ Sonoma County PG&E customers
PG&E says more than 3,000 customers in Napa County and 1,010 in Sonoma County are on the current power shutoff forecast list.
Marin County adopts roadmap to wean buildings off of gas appliances
In 2022, 85% of the emissions from Marin's buildings came from the burning of natural gas in appliances and equipment.
What Proposition 2 would mean for Sonoma County school districts
This year, because Proposition 2 is also on the ballot, districts can double their local education bond dollars, with state dollars.
Photos of dead cattle show bird flu is overwhelming Tulare County. How did the virus get in?
Without avian influenza, “there just wouldn't be that many dead cows."
Sonoma County Artistry: Defending, celebrating our sacred bond with Mother Earth
The Sebastopol-based filmmaker charts a personal journey, questioning the natural world around us and the need to heal the planet as we heal ourselves.
Transforming the playground for a changing climate
California is starting to help public schools replace asphalt with green spaces, but childcare providers haven't gotten the same kind of support.
More California first responders headed to Florida
Hundreds of California firefighters have been dispatched to the East Coast to assist in disaster recovery, in addition to electric line crews from PG&E.
Outcome of Measure J likely to get a close eye across the country
Animal agriculture industry interests have been active against efforts similar to Measure J, both in California, and other states.
Traffic circles near the wagon wheel? Cotati could reverse roundabout ban
Roundabouts and traffic circles were outlawed by Cotati voters over a decade ago. Next month they could reverse the prohibition.
Five-way race for two council seats in Cloverdale
Mayor Todd Lands is seeking re-election, Councilwoman Melanie Bagby is stepping aside.
Measure J has prompted record campaign spending - who's behind the money?
Press Democrat reporter Phil Barber spoke with KRCB's Jacob Resneck about where the money for things like mailers and billboards is coming from.
Two CA dairy workers infected with bird flu, latest human cases in US
The new cases confirmed Thursday were found in dairy workers who had contact with cattle on separate farms in California's Central Valley.
Airport officials, consulting firm prepping proposals aimed at reducing aircraft noise
Workshops this week to explain scope and scale of developing plans aimed at reducing noise complaints related to planes arriving and alighting from Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport.
Local schools facing multiple challenges, including finding elected leaders
Declining enrollment, financial uncertainty and divisive national conversation on education appears to curb ambition of prospective school board candidates.
Dungeness crab named official state animal
California's governor also signed a bill establishing the critically endangered black abalone as the state's official seashell.
Is the food in the fridge still good? California wants to end the guessing game
The state is the first to ban food labels such as “sell by” or “best before” under a law signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom.
Fans and foes of Measure J continue campaigning
Sonoma County's farm bureau head says farmers feel the measure has created awareness about the challenges they face.
Koi Nation faces mounting opposition as it waits for U.S. Dept. of Interior decision
A tiny tribe is getting pushback for betting big on a $600M casino in Sonoma County.
What to do with old flares? Question that's befuddled boaters may soon be answered
Recreational boaters in California have few options but to hold onto their emergency marine flares, even well after the listed expiration date.
Records show Cal Fire employee accused of arson was former inmate firefighter
A court complaint filed by the Sonoma County District Attorney's Office revealed the man's criminal record and subsequent experience as an inmate firefighter.
New state law gives tenants more time to respond to eviction notices
Language barriers, lack of transportation and work schedules can also slow tenants' ability to respond.
Hearing set for next month for alleged firefighter-turned-arsonist
At a brief appearance Tuesday, defendant held without bail.
California governor signs law banning all plastic shopping bags at grocery stores
The new measure approved by state legislators last month bans all plastic shopping bags starting in 2026.
Firefighter accused of sparking multiple Sonoma County wildfires in custody
Cal Fire law enforcement officers contributed to the arrest of one of the agency's own employees; he is suspected of starting five recent Sonoma County wildfires.
'Real Neato' returns for sixth year on the Russian River
The one-day music festival promises an afternoon of rocking Bay Area acts at the Rio Nido Roadhouse.
Save the Redwoods League aims to conserve Sonoma coast redwoods
The 1,624-acre property includes second-growth redwoods and coastal prairies.
Cheated farmworkers made whole following federal intervention
Investigation reveals multiple violation of labor standards at local farm.
Two Santa Rosa ballot measures likely to lift cost of vacation rentals
Measure EE would modestly raise hotel tax, FF would require some operators to buy business licenses.
Sonoma County supervisors move ahead with residential tenant protections
The tenant protections bolster those included in California's Tenant Protection Act, but only apply to specific types of housing in unincorporated areas.
Marin ag trust joins opposition to Measure J
Marin is home to 19 dairies, Sonoma County 48; California’s organic milk production is concentrated in just three places, according to state statistics: Humboldt, Marin and Sonoma counties.
Exploring Petaluma's links to abolition and the Underground Railroad
Figure who arrived to work as a minister in the latter half of the 19th century, played a significant role in the fight to abolish slavery.
More questioning November's Measure O in Healdsburg
Some say the proposal is too broad and will rapidly shift vibes in a town at the intersection of quaint and tony
County approves carbon neutrality framework
Detailed plan seeks to rein in carbon emissions by local government, become carbon neutral by decade's end.
Coastal ranch land returned to tribal hands for stewardship
The 466-acre Dillon Beach Ranch property is between Dillon Beach and Bodega Bay.
Advocates say refined rope-less crab gear showing promise
Manufacturers and some crabbers say technology added to the humble crab pots all but eliminates conflicts with migrating whales, enabling longer crabbing seasons.
Yields rise as local agriculture continues growth
Another banner year for grape growers, apple orchards in Sonoma County.
Graton tribe gifted coastside West Marin property
The Graton Rancheria is receiving the 466-acre property from the Western Rivers Conservancy….which bought the West Marin cattle ranch last year.
False positives on hospital drug tests are triggering newborn child protective services cases
One Santa Rosa hospital says in a statement it "typically gets consent to drug-test patients for medical reasons, and as a mandated reporter under state law, it refers potential exposures of newborns to illicit drugs to child welfare authorities."
Local election called off after no challengers emerge
With all three council seats uncontested, and no local measures on the ballot, November's election will proceed, but only with state and federal races.
Camp Meeker trails enter public domain
The property transfer is expected to be recorded this month, legally opening the public land to non-motorized access.
Health workers supporting Measure J link factory farms with pandemic illnesses
Rallying in front of Petaluma Poultry, animal rights advocates say overcrowded hen houses and treating cattle with anti-biotics could turn an animal disease into a human epidemic.
Californians to face steep fines for violating water orders under new legislation
California water watchers and regulators have long bemoaned the state's limited powers to police its water rights system, which establishes priority among users of finite supply of water from rivers and streams.
Seasonal dam fails on Russian River
Part of the Vacation Beach Dam's structure appears to have given way Thursday night, August 29, sending a surge of water down the Russian River.
Cal Fire adds massive military cargo plane to its fleet
Cal Fire's first C-130H air tanker is the largest plane in the agency's fleet.
"Don't forget us!" Classified staff call on Santa Rosa school district for raises
Classroom aides, custodians, office secretaries, and other classified public school staff in Santa Rosa are calling for a fair raise from the school board.
Major crash on Highway 12 in Santa Rosa
One person died and several were injured in the chain-reaction crash.
Court strikes down Sonoma County well ordinance; says officials blew off environmental rules
Legal battle may mean more groundwater restrictions are in the pipeline.
More questions, more answers at PG&E virtual town hall
The utility giant says it's rolling out the latest advancements and additional resources to keep North Coast communities safe from fires.
Santa Rosa okays regional homelessness prevention pilot program
The program pairs financial assistance with housing stabilization services and referrals to legal services for households most at-risk of losing their housing.
Sonoma County's best-kept secret? Monte Rio's 75-year-old movie house 'still kicking'
The Rio Theater first opened in 1949 on the banks of the Russian River.
Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria backs Newsom's call to halt new casinos
Sonoma County is home to five federally recognized tribes.
Sonoma supervisors approve new tenant protections
New rules require landlords to provide tenant rights information in English and Spanish when tenants are asked to leave a unit or when they're being evicted.
Local elected leaders weigh in on scuttled housing bond measure
The Bay Area Housing Finance Authority made the decision to pull the $20 billion bond from the November ballot due to weak polling numbers.
Cash infusion welcomed as county looks to bolster mental health teams
The nearly $4.5 million, from Measure O sales taxes and county coffers, is going towards Sonoma County's mobile crisis mental health response teams.
Agreement waits between Santa Rosa and its firefighters
Santa Rosa has settled up new contracts with all but one of the city's municipal employee unions: rank-and-file firefighters.
‘Come Over October’ aims to give ‘Sober October’ a run for its money
The idea behind the campaign is also to provide an alternative to Sober October—a movement that encourages people to take a month off from drinking.
Windsor sounds off on Koi Nation resort and casino environmental documents
Residents decried many facets of the environmental review and proposed mitigations for the proposed resort and casino.
Opposition solidifies against Measure J in Sonoma County
A wide collection of elected officials and farming community leaders have united against the November ballot measure.
2nd compliance report since Kincaid Fire shows PG&E addressing deficiencies
The fire, caused by equipment on a transmission tower near Geyserville that broke in high winds, caused the largest evacuation in Sonoma County history of nearly 200,000 people.
Study finds farmworkers face immense pressure to work in dangerous conditions
In Sonoma County, researchers found that a program aimed at determining when it was safe to work during wildfires did not adequately protect farmworkers.
Newsom announces big grant to help built stalled Sebastopol housing
Conversion of the site to a used car lot likely to be short-lived.
Getting permitted for street vending in Sonoma County
In 2018, former governor Jerry Brown signed the Safe Sidewalk Vending Act, decriminalizing street vending. In Sonoma County, 219 vendors hold a county permit.
Santa Rosa's renewed Athena House ready for addiction recovery
Athena House had its grand re-opening in June of this year; the site features eight new buildings along with a pickleball court, gym, garden and playground.
Measure W would continue extra support for county libraries
Additional library funding, approved by voters in 2016, would continue should Measure W win in November.
No new taxes? Tax initiatives draw the ire of skeptics
Voter led tax initiatives, like Sonoma County's Measure I, have been criticized taxpayer groups like the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association.
Lightning fast response holding blaze on Stony Point Rd. near Cotati
Firefighters raced to the scene of a blaze burning through dry grass near Cotati and Rohnert Park. In less than an hour and half, a menacing wildfire that erupted along Stony Point Rd. near Cotati appears to have been brought under control.
Utility tells regulators work to secure and protect power lines is reducing the need for pre-emptive blackouts
Burying lines, and installation of new technology is helping reduce frequency, duration and scope of PSPS blackouts
Sebastopol adopts budget, residents decry sewer fund loan
Officials dig into financial reserves, make minor cuts, hope for better days ahead.
Toddler tax? Measure I puts public childcare funding before voters
The Our Kids Our Future campaign is pushing for the measure, which would raise an estimated $30 million for local child care and health services.
Suicide prevention hotline volunteer bikes for Buckelew
The brother and sister bicycled the STP to raise money for Buckelew Programs, a nonprofit that provides mental health and addiction services in the North Bay.
US Health Secretary Xavier Becerra meets with farmworkers to talk extreme heat
California is one of a handful of states that has mandatory heat protections for outdoor workers.
Proposed Koi casino raises concerns from leader of Graton Rancheria
Graton tribal chairman Greg Sarris says BIA approval of competing facility would upend tribal sovereignty precedent.
Healdsburg voters to weigh easing restrictions on development
Measure O would lift some restrictions on market rate rental housing construction in some parts of town.
Grant program aims to open career paths for youth
Seed money funding apprenticeships with stipends and support for youth 'disconnected' from education.
Affordable housing for another generation: CA trusts pull properties off the market
Indigenous tribes, immigrant neighborhoods and formerly-affordable inland cities are among the communities experimenting with community land trusts.
Examining the rural need for helicopter membership in Mendocino County
Orsi's helicopter ride alone would have cost her $117,000, but thanks to the membership her husband secured for their entire family as the fire chief of Fort Bragg Volunteer Fire Department, she never paid a penny.
Lane, ramp closures on 101 next week as Hearn Ave. overpass replacement effort commences
Overnight work will force detours, lane closures on part of US 101
Fast food workers ask state for further wage increases
Several union members said that restaurants have cut their hours in response to April's wage increase, all but offsetting the bump in wages.
Russian River Redwoods destined for long-term preservation
The forested property will eventually be transferred to Sonoma County.
Biden immigration order could help thousands of CA children
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will begin accepting applications in August.
Governor's executive order takes new approach to homeless sweeps
A spokesperson indicated Sonoma County does not plan to make major changes to their homeless policy despite the Governor's order.
Uber, Lyft, DoorDash workers remain contractors after CA Supreme Court ruling
More than 1.4 million Californians are app-based gig workers for companies such as Uber, Lyft, DoorDash and Instacart, according to the industry's latest estimates.
North Coast Congressman weighs in on controversial policy plan
CA 2 Representative Jared Huffman has taken the lead in pushing back against the conservative Project 2025 policy agenda.
Shipping channels would narrow on Petaluma River to protect bridge
Proposed replacement of buffers around Petaluma River bridge support piers would narrow safe passage zones for shipping.
What's the status on local COVID numbers?
Sonoma County's health officer says there's been 39 COVID-19-caused local deaths in 2024, 15 in the past two months.
Bay Area, state officials react to Biden stepping down
North Bay congressman Mike Thompson lauded Biden Sunday for his "steadfast and honest leadership."
Woman wins Wine Country half marathon for first time
The event raised $62,000 for the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research.
Petaluma's Minna Stess is set to skate Summer Olympics in Paris.
Stess is following up a third place finish at the 2023 World Championship in park skating with a shot at an Olympic medal.
Sebastopol voters to weigh 1/2-cent sales tax increase in November
Sebastopol council unanimously puts sales tax initiative on ballot.
Sonoma residents will face decision on upping the city's sales tax
The half-cent sales tax measure, meant to fund city services like parks and recreation, will go before residents in November.
Windsor ballot measure would trash competitive bidding for garbage contract
Supporters of Measure Q, backed by current hauler, suggest comparing bids may actually be more pricey.
Focusing on Mendocino County's Jackson Forest
Created in 1947 to allow sustainable harvesting, the area has been logged repeatedly but currently grows more new trees than are harvested.
Sonoma County strips park rangers of peace officer status
Sonoma County Regional Parks Rangers will be reclassified as "public officers".
Environmental docs available for comment on Koi Nation casino plan
The county board of supervisors voted to oppose the development after receiving letters of opposition from five other federally recognized tribes in Sonoma County.
State regulators push for electrification could raise PG&E bills even higher
California Public Utilities Commission opens door for possible additional rate hikes.
IOLERO seeks judgement for whistleblower complaint subpoenas
The Sonoma County Sheriff contends the subpoenas violate the Letters of Agreement between IOLERO, the Sheriff's Office, and employee groups.
Can California’s health care providers help solve the state’s homelessness crisis?
Medi-Cal changes have health providers tip-toeing into housing construction.
At long last, Petaluma's Helen Putnam Regional Park set to add most of Scott Ranch
Long fought development battle appears headed for amicable resolution.
California bracing for the worst as fires burn vastly more acres than last year
CalFire has staffed up and more firefighting planes and firefighters are on the way, but the public must remain aware, vigilant and extremely careful.
New airport fuel tank project prompts lawsuit
One of the main flight service companies operating at the airport is suing the county over a new above-ground fuel tank being installed by a competitor.
Local white sturgeon fish moves closer to endangered status
Scientists say new water capturing projects are going to directly affect the white sturgeon, which only spawns when river levels are excessively high.
Prop 4: $10 billion bond for resilience, wildfire prevention makes ballot
Major projects funded by the bond revenue would include drinking water infrastructure and wildfire prevention.
Proposed Sebastopol hotel wins three-year extension, builders hope to wait out high interest rates
With permits expiring, planned boutique hotel wins three-year agreement as developers hope financing coalesces.
Pacific Gas & Electric says grid holding stable so far
The utility is taking an all hands on deck approach to guard against incidental fires and keep residents powered up during the week long heatwave.
Toll Fire burns 50 acres; firefighters starting to turn the corner on containment
Evacuation orders for zones NPA-E113 and NPA-E103 in Napa County were downgraded to warnings shortly before 5:30 PM.
Heat wave could cause blackouts
Utility Pacific Gas & Electric Co. is warning that extreme temperatures and overnight warmth may damage transformers, interrupting power.
Environment groups suing feds over vanishing shark
Federal moves to consider listing the tope shark, also called the school shark or soup fin shark, as threatened or endangered stalled in 2022.
Santa Rosa City Schools selects new superintendent
Daisy Morales takes over the city's largest district, having last lead Live Oak Elementary District in Santa Cruz.
Rough waters--controversy brewing over riverbank access in Forestville
Kayakers, canoers claim private security keeping people off of public river 'beach.'
Little Woods owners will appeal, vow to close park unless rent hike goes through
Owners of a Petaluma mobile home park double down after arbitrator rejects substantial ground rent increases.
A new park in Healdsburg? One idea is being floated for the future
Healdsburg-born landscape architect Eric Arneson has for years envisioned a riverfront park to replace the gravel mine on the Russian River Bendway.
Grand Jury: County finances opaque, lax oversight of bond measures, sales tax
A Civil Grand Jury report found spending poorly tracked, with few safeguards against potential misuse.
What CA's new indoor heat rules mean for workers
The rule's final approval Thursday capped a dramatic three months of actions that further delayed a regulation the Legislature first called for in 2016.
Arbitrator nixes big rent increases sought by mobile home park
Owners sought to triple the monthly charges for parking mobile homes at a Petaluma mobile home park.
After pandemic lull, local homelessness rising again
With staggering shelter costs, aid programs ending, more poor people are finding themselves on the streets.
Evacuation order lifted for Point Fire
As of Wednesday, the Point Fire -- which started Sunday above Dry Creek Valley near Stewarts Point-Skaggs Springs Road -- was 50% contained.
Point Fire Update: Ag Pass activated, poor air quality expected
Smoke from the 10,000 acre Sites Fire in Colusa County has deteriorated air quality in some parts of Sonoma and surrounding counties.
Food justice group ends boycott of Amy's Kitchen
Amy's executives, employees, and the Food Empowerment Project came to a recent agreement, after improved working conditions and communication.
Sunday turns surreal for some in Point Fire's path
KRCB News speaks with some evacuated Dry Creek Valley residents.
Evacuation orders issued for wildfire near Lake Sonoma
The vegetation fire sparked around 12:30 pm on Sunday. Smoke from the fire can be smelled and seen across the Bay Area.
Innovation and incentives encouraging construction of small affordable homes
Napa County program encouraging ADUs is getting results, and recognition.
Supervisors considering reducing housing impact fees
While driving up the cost of construction, reducing thousands of dollars in fees may prove difficult while delivering underwhelming results.
Sonoma County Artistry: Petaluma Pete moves on
Longtime downtown Petaluma entertaining is moving to Southern California next month.
Ukrainian winemakers visit Napa Valley to learn how to heal war-ravaged vineyards
The six vintners visited the Grgich Hills Estate winery last week to learn about regenerative organic farming.
Millions flowing to Klamath region to boost community and opportunity
Multi-million dollar donations to fund community building grants along the far North Coast.
End of an era: famed Napa Valley winemaker Warren Winiarski dies
Warren Winiarski's Napa Valley cabernet sauvignon bested top French wines at a blind tasting in 1976, transforming the reputation of California wine.
CA gig worker law withstands challenge from Uber
More than 1.4 million workers in California do app-based driving and delivery work for big gig companies such as Uber, Lyft, DoorDash and Instacart, according to the industry's latest estimates.
Local libraries bracing for cuts as deficit crisis hits Sacramento
Free summer lunches, park passes, inter-library transfers, all in the crosshairs as officials work to finalize California's budget amid large deficit.
Raising children in California? They may have college savings accounts you don't know about
Some already have a growing nest-egg to help cover tuition, and are entirely unaware.
Agreement between Sonoma State students and admin overruled
Acting SSU President Nathan Evans released a new "Path Forward for SSU" and overruled the "points of agreement" made by students and President Lee.
Rehabilitated pelicans released after weeks of care
Some of the hundreds of brown pelicans found starving along the coast have been successfully treated and released.
Marin County considering options as rising seas threaten Stinson Beach
Rising seas threatening to turn much of Stinson Beach into west coast Atlantis.
Impacts of Measure J likely to be far reaching, even without consensus on just how far
Two recently commissioned reports look at what the economic impacts would be should Measure J pass.
Healdsburg: Zen-inspired retirement community leading new wave of more personalized senior housing
New Healdsburg retirement community embracing impermanence.
UC student workers expand strike to two more campuses as they demand amnesty for protestors
Organizing, protests spreading to more University of California campuses
PG&E holding North Coast fire season webinar on Wednesday
Details on hardening infrastructure, precautions and what to expect as fire season nears are part of an interactive talk led by PG&E set for Wednesday.
Higher sales taxes being pursued as Sebastopol faces looming crisis
With few other options, water rates already up, fire departments consolidated, Sebastopol commits to asking voters to lift sales taxes up to half a percent.
CalFresh dollars are matched at farmers markets, but for how much longer?
The much loved Market Match supplemental nutrition program is under threat due to a proposed budget cut by Governor Gavin Newsom.
Students address SSU president's controversial retirement
Students are calling for the new interim Sonoma State president to honor the agreement made with President Lee.
California cracked down after a crash killed 13 farmworkers. Why are workers still dying on the road?
Workers are still dying in crashes — in vans current laws don't cover.
Sonoma State president retires following controversial agreement with protesting students
SSU President Mike Lee, in a May 15 message to students and staff, expressed regret for "unintended consequences" from a deal with students.
Sonoma State encampment to disband as SSU president agrees to divest
Sonoma State administrators have agreed to disclose and financially divest the school from companies and organizations that support and profit from Israel's occupation of Gaza.
California could gain first indigenous-named marine sanctuary in U.S.
Sanctuary status bans new offshore oil and gas development, disturbing wildlife and historical resources, discharging sewage and more.
Clover joins global methane reduction effort
Clover Sonoma, the regional dairy joined a global effort to reduce methane emissions.
Wildfire season is fast approaching - what's the outlook?
State Senator Mike McGuire and Cal Fire Chief Joe Tyler gave an updated look at where the state stands in the effort to protect against wildfires at a virtual town hall this week.
Federal, state govt's, forestry companies to coordinate, collaborate on shaded fuel breaks
Public agencies, forestry industry partnering, envisioning connected network of shaded fuel breaks.
Forget Sim-City and City Skylines 2, Petaluma holding real world "Plan-fest"
Locals welcomed, if not urged to help shape Petaluma's future.
Cloverdale joins other localities in revising rent control rules for mobile home parks
Cloverdale strengthens tenant rights in mobile home park rule revision.
Petaluma cuts school-zone, downtown speed limits
In bid to reduce injuries and crashes, Petaluma is cutting speed limits in some areas.
Comment period opens as NPS considers removing elk fence from Point Reyes
Elk fence could come down.
Faculty join the ranks of Sonoma State solidarity camp
Faculty are calling on the school to disclose and divest from any financial ties to Israel and are joining students to negotiate with administration.
KRCB's Wine Beat: Behind the barrel
For centuries, this labor-intensive craft has been passed down through generations—and much of the work is still done by hand.
Sonoma State students show no sign of leaving
Students say they will remain at the encampment on Person Lawn until the university meets their demands, including disclosure and divestment.
California colleges agree on how to interpret in-state tuition for undocumented students
Access to state financial aid and in-state tuition can be a critical factor for undocumented students, who are barred from receiving federal financial aid.
How Congress is letting die an internet connectivity lifeline for millions
More than 23 million American households, about 45% of all those eligible nationwide, will no longer receive the full subsidies that previously helped them get online.
Roseland ready for this year's Cinco de Mayo celebrations
The Cinco de Mayo celebrations held at Mitote Food Park will be celebrating 15 years of the organized event, promising to have elements of a quinceañera.
Pervasive and harmful, understanding PFAS and how you can limit exposure
The darker side of some miracle chemicals is becoming more visible.
Departing Santa Rosa Schools Superintendent shares reflections on time in the role
SRCS Superintendent Anna Trunnell announced this month she will be departing the district after four years, three as superintendent, in order to be closer to her family.
Sonoma State students join growing ranks of campus solidarity camps
Sonoma State Students for Justice in Palestine set up a Palestine solidarity encampment with demands for disclosure and divestment of university holdings "that support and profit from the occupation in Palestine."
What military grade equipment does the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office have? Annual report offers details
Since 2022, law enforcement agencies in California have been required to report their inventory and use of certain military-grade equipment.
Checking in with SRJC's Oak Leaf newsroom
Santa Rosa's community college has an award-winning student-produced newsmedia program.
Court ruling could give sardines a better chance to rebound
An environmental lawsuit may lead to big changes for small fish.
Petaluma mobile home residents take their fight on the road
Littlewoods Mobile Villa residents traveled from Petaluma to Stockton to protest in front of property management company Harmony Communities.
Uncertainty, overwork and unfilled jobs dominate county budget hearings
Tough choices ahead as Sonoma County elected officials dig in on next year's spending plan
California senate supports Berryessa Snow Mountain expansion
Proposals now before Congress expand the monument by 3,900 acres in Lake County.
Changes coming to Sonoma County's cannabis tax code
Taxes on cultivation and manufacturing will be eased for the next fiscal year, while retail sales tax will be brought in line with those in local cities.
Sonoma County moves away from embattled homeless services provider
Disaster response and homeless services nonprofit DEMA will continue running Sonoma County's emergency shelter site and Mickey Zane Place on a week-to-week basis.
Voices urging federal disaster declaration grow; salmon restoration efforts continue
Salmon in crisis now, but restoration efforts may spawn a comeback.
Sonoma County finalizes much-debated tree ordinances
Exemptions were included for property maintenance, safety and fire defense, and for certified foresters to perform routine work.
Supervisors ask for closer look at possible impacts of animal ag ballot measure
Skipping other options this week, Sonoma County elected officials order a report on possible effects on county agencies and the community should the measure pass.
Reorganization of Sonoma County bureacracy approved by supervisors
The move shifts Sonoma County's government from a county administrator model, streamlining more day-to-day agency operations under a county executive model.
Remote public comment will continue, despite racist, antisemitic outbursts
Locking neo-Nazis out of public comment would also freeze out locals.
Ire among activists as Sebastopol punts Gaza cease-fire resolution yet again
Peace activists infuriated after council declines to take a stand.
A lack of parking counters goal of more middle-income housing in Healdsburg
Fears of scarce parking temper Healdsburg's push for growth.
Why tortillas sold in California may be forced to add a new ingredient
The legislation would require that producers add 0.7 milligrams of folic acid to every pound of masa.
California requires new homes to have solar panels. Should wildfire victims get a break?
Many of those rebuilding homeowners have ended up on the hook for tens of thousands of dollars, thanks to state laws that require solar panels on new homes — even on those that didn’t have them before they burned down.
A bounty of healthy produce for all at heart of Petaluma's volunteer urban farm
Petaluma Bounty is aiming to acquire the three-acre farm property from the current owners to preserve the community farm in perpetuity at the former Stonitsch & Arvold lumber mill site.
Water contamination by PFAS chemicals a growing local concern; additional tests scheduled
Santa Rosa rejected a national PFAS settlement. What happens next?
Sebastopol may cease virtual public comments to thwart neo-Nazis
Repeated disruptions of council meetings has Sebastopol considering dumping live public comments via Zoom.
Another closure of salmon fisheries exposes state's water politics
Those in the seafood industry say big agriculture is not limited in their water use, but fisheries get hit with constraints.
De La Cruz passing torch at county Equity office; much accomplished, much work remains
Triumphs, transformation and challenges on path to equity in Sonoma County.
Feds contributing another $20 million toward fixing State Route 37
Big grant to help protect road, drivers from rising seas, sinking embankment.
Calls, home visits, counseling help get students back to school
Interviews with districts show that many excused absences are mental health and illness-related.
KRCB's Wine Beat: The sound of wine in the Alexander Valley
The idea was to create a three-dimensional soundscape that would envelop the listener from all angles while telling the story of the ranch and winery.
Parade will go on; Sebastopol finds cash for Apple Blossom festival
City officials say Sebastopol may be unable to offer such largess in the future.
Rohnert Park's safe sleeping site closes less than two years after city sanction
The Roberts Lake safe sleeping camp, which began as an unsanctioned homeless encampment, has been vacant since the end of January.
Groundbreaking on new roundabout at Big Bend
Highways 116 and 121 converge at Big Bend, just north of the Sonoma Valley Airport and surrounded by vineyards. The new roundabout should be ready in 2026.
Sebastopol city council nixes homeless housing on former RV safe parking site
Fears that Sebastopol would be left holding bag if St. Vincent de Paul supportive housing plan falters leads council to pull plug.
Delta tunnel supporters, opponents respond to Newsom's updated water plan
"The water system in California was designed for a world that no longer exists," Newsom said.
Nominations due soon for local Latinx community awards
Nominations for Los Cien’s annual Puente y Ganas Awards are due on April 8.
Controversial ballot measure aims to downsize animal farms
The ballot measure is supported by the group Coalition to End Factory Farming, who want to end large-scale concentrated animal feeding operations in Sonoma County.
Financial backer says CapRadio should merge with Sacramento’s PBS affiliate KVIE
You've heard CapRadio stories on KRCB local newscasts; here's the latest about our news partner in Sacramento.
Bay Area health officials say measles on the rise
Most cases in the U.S. have been among children aged 12 months and older who had not received the MMR vaccine.
County raising hundreds of fees by an average 8%
"This year, you'll see that most fees that are increasing are going up between 5 and 10%. This is a little bit higher than we often have seen."
Factory farming ban ballot measure secures needed signatures
If passed, the new regulations would phase out large scale animal agriculture operations over a three year period.
The feds want to study giving cash to renters. Will Californians be included?
The idea of giving cash directly to people in need, known as guaranteed income, is swiftly gaining traction in California.
Napa County supervisors approve groundwater sustainability work plans
The work plans aim to help the county meet its goal to reduce pumping from the subbasin by 10%.
CA is clearing criminal records, including violent crimes, to offer second chances
When the automatic felony expungement begins in July, about 225,000 Californians will qualify, said Californians for Safety and Justice, with more becoming eligible in the future as more time passes after their convictions.
Russian River Brewing Company celebrates 20 years of Pliny the Younger
The release of Russian River Brewing Company's most acclaimed ale came late this year, but the lines remained.
Mixing tradition with innovation, local artisans elevate cheese to new heights
It's American cheese, but American Cheese, it is not.
Bumpy path ahead as Sebastopol considers tightening belts, raising fees
Sebastopol City Manager Don Schwartz has put together a laundry list of potential fixes for the city of 7,500, which faces average budget deficits estimated at just under $3 million dollars a year---though the next decade.
Sebastopol's empty coffers forcing tough choices
"The average shortfall, from the current year through fiscal 2033 is $2.9 million. That's the on-going gap that needs to be closed."
Wi-Fi returning to Healdsburg Plaza, more security cams may go up around town
A 10-camera system was estimated to cost $37,500. Councilmembers suggested cameras also be placed at Gibbs Park, which Rodriguez says would need two for effective coverage.
Have questions about homelessness? Sonoma County wants to answer them
The March edition of Sonoma County's monthly public web forum on homelessness dives into the basics of the issue.
Sebastopol faltering under growing deficit
Discussion Tuesday evening to focus on bitter pills to fill funding gap
Oyster Cove seeks permission to start grading site ahead of final approvals
Developers warn that without a waiver, they'll lose financing and nothing will get built.
Racism declared local public health emergency
"African-Americans have ten years less of a life expectancy in Sonoma County than whites. We've seen a significant increase in the likelihood that Blacks are going to be homeless in Sonoma County.
Grifters bilked PG&E customers out of nearly $900,000 last year
photo credit: Marc Albert/KRCBPG&E's Petaluma substation Scams targeting PG&E customers at all time high.
Pot in Petaluma? Cannabis regulations getting renewed look in near future
Alterations could come to the city's cannabis regulations as soon as June.
Special water sourcing adds ‘sense of place’ to Napa Valley brewer’s beers
For one North Bay brewer, it’s more about the story of where the water comes from. It’s part of something he calls “origin brewing.”
Petaluma Health Center lays off 32 staff as Covid funds dry up
Petaluma Health Center CEO Pedro Toledo says the move is part of a restructuring to insure the non-profit can continue to sustainably serve patients.
Local farmer commended for eco-conscious, 'regenerative' methods
"Just by managing our land better, in such a way where we are mimicking nature, we have improved water capacity in our pastures, we have improved growth rates in our pastures."
Public comment period opens on Shiloh Resort and Casino enviro report
The Koi Nation's proposed casino, resort, and hotel would sit just south of the Windsor town limit on Shiloh Road.
3 retail theft suspects arrested after police chase, crash on 101
The crash snarled traffic on 101 southbound between Cotati and Petaluma Monday afternoon.
3 Santa Rosa residents suffer minor injuries after plane crash lands
The parachute carried the aircraft down into trees near Yellow Road in Whitethorn in Mendocino County, about 6 miles from the airport.
CERES moves everything and the kitchen sink following S.A.Y. bankruptcy
Ceres, the non-profit meal service, was forced to vacate their Santa Rosa kitchen and consolidate in Sebastopol and Novato after Social Advocates for Youth filed for bankruptcy.
Last Sausalito 'anchor out' floating home removed from Richardson Bay
As part of the agreement with the state, a small number of vessels will be allowed to remain anchored if they are deemed "seaworthy," at least through October 2026.
CSU schools struggle to graduate Black students; cultural centers aim to help, but not at SSU
There are currently five Cal State campuses without a designated Black resource center; Sonoma State is one of those.
Santa Rosa show spotlights emerging women artists
Artist Jacklyn Finkle has command of that other artistic challenge: knowing when to put down the brushes. Her vibrant oil pastel 'Make Lemonade' is creating something of a splash.
Who's going to represent Sonoma County in Sacramento? Multiple races still to be decided
The races to replace State Senator Bill Dodd and Assembly member Jim Wood are still too close to call.
New plan for long vacant Cotati lot
Current plans call for 177 apartments to rise in six buildings across the nearly eight-acre site.
State inviting crabbers to test rope-less gear
The aim is to reduce or eliminate fatalities of whales trapped in crab trap lines.
2nd Assembly District race too close to call on election night
The large majority of votes in the district are split amongst a crowded field of Democrats.
Early results show sales tax for fire service with sizable lead
Measure H appears to have gained the upper hand with voters.
First farmworker resource fair held in Windsor
The County of Sonoma organized event aimed to connect agricultural laborers with resources from government agencies and community organizations.
Key races: Assembly District 2, Santa Rosa to the Oregon border
A total of $3.69 million has been invested in this race, $2.49 million was contributed directly to the candidates and $1.20 million in outside spending.
Getting paid to go to school? California community colleges try it out
Some students will receive monthly payments of nearly $2,000 in a new kind of guaranteed income program.
Family farmers, researchers, experts, gather for small farm conference
SRJC's Shone Farm hosted a day of workshops as part of the week long programming for the 36th edition of the California Small Farms Conference
Brief relief from soaring utility bills on the way
Governor Gavin Newsom Thursday announced the credits will appear on bills in April, automatically.
Unpermitted short-term rental saga ends in $500,000 settlement
County officials described settlement talks as "prolonged," but the $500,000 settlement amount covers expenses.
Santa Rosa City Schools become latest district to green light staff cuts
The district, like others in Sonoma County and around California, is struggling to balance budgets with big drops in state funding forecast.
Supervisors ponder impacts, reaction after three employers announce plans to shutter
"I think the county can do certain things, but the county cannot keep a business in business,"
If passed, Proposition 1 spells tradeoffs for Sonoma County
A number of community-based mental health and prevention programs could be on the chopping block if Prop. 1 passes.
Staying the "Course-y"? 3rd District incumbent supervisor runs for re-election
Chris Coursey, current 3rd District Supervisor, was first elected to the seat in 2020, ousting then Supervisor Shirlee Zane.
Healdsburg set to stay course for SMART station location
Healdsburg’s historic train depot has long been eyed as the new home for SMART’s sole stop in the city when the North Bay's commuter train line is eventually extended north.
Ecological revival returning life to Laguna, removing contaminants, easing flood danger
Once a thriving wetland, history hasn't been kind to the Laguna de Santa Rosa.
Petaluma set to remove another housing roadblock
Much of the intention is to remove some of the guesswork around winning approvals for a project.
Hermosillo running for 1st District supervisorial seat
Rebecca Hermosillo, a district representative for North Bay Congressman Mike Thompson, has the backing of outgoing incumbent Susan Gorin.
Why does California elect local judges?
If you want to see how much money a candidate has raised and from whom you can check county elections office websites, where they're required to file disclosure forms.
Disagreement over what to teach kids in public schools
A new study by USC researchers finds there are deep partisan divides regarding LGBTQ+ inclusion and racial justice in K-12 curriculum.
Could Santa Rosa's ten school districts become one? Report says it's possible
While an independent analysis finds that nine state-mandated criteria would be met, it says a serious fiscal plan would need to be in place for unification.
Gaza still a smoldering topic, despite failure of local cease-fire resolution
"Long term peace cannot be successfully negotiated while bombs are dropping from either side."
Santa Rosa Councilman Rogers touts local roots in race for 2nd Assembly seat
Chris Rogers, city councilor and former Santa Rosa Mayor, has wracked up a long list of endorsements including State Senate leader Mike McGuire.
Striking professors accept tentative CSU contract
Recent economic trends have eroded the value of pay.
Yurok leader Myers brings unique experience to Assembly race
Frankie Myers, Vice Chairman of the Yurok Tribe, is the only tribal leader running in the crowded field for Assembly District 2.
West Sonoma County high schools closed from fallen tree
District officials expect both Analy and Laguna High to re-open for class Wednesday.
Report confirms difficult, downward trends in local fishing
In the feast or famine world of commercial fishing, last year had plenty of both.
Grounded fishing boat response near Bodega Bay pivots to salvage operation
The Coast Guard attempted to remove all diesel from the vessel, but now says such operations are unsafe due to the weather and the degraded condition of the boat.
Cal State faculty approve new salary agreement
76% of California Faculty Association members, which represents about 29,000 professors and lecturers, voted in favor of the agreement.
'Outsider,' now supervisor Ted Williams seeks to replace Wood in Assembly
A former firefighter, Mendocino County Supervisor Ted Williams now seeks a seat in the state Assembly.
Greer vows to champion education, rural communities in Assembly bid
"I think sometimes government gets in the way of our lives."
Voters weighing more robust fire services against sales tax increase
Measure H on the March 5th primary election ballot seeks to do a few things: staff each engine with three firefighters, replace waning participation in volunteer units with professionals, improve response times and devote more resources to fire prevention among other goals.
Napa County considers ordinance aimed at foodware waste
Food sellers would be required to use reusable or compostable items.
Last apple processor in Sonoma County plans to shutter
Manzana Products, the 101-year-old apple processor in Graton, recently announced plans to move operations to Washington state.
Deep cuts to staff greenlit at Sonoma Valley schools
Sonoma Valley Unified School District trustees voted to eliminate 35 full time teaching and classified positions due to budget constraints.
Voters may soon decide $1 billion offshore wind bond
Humboldt County has plans to build a port expansion project.
Candidate forum as Medina challenges Coursey for county supervisor seat
The Sonoma County chapter of the League of Women Voters hosted the 90-minute forum.
Primary election coming up March 5; Sonoma County voters getting ballots this week
California’s primary election is coming up on March 5, and ballots are arriving in Sonoma County mailboxes this week.
Sonoma County Democrat sworn in as California Senate leader
The Healdsburg Democrat listed housing and homelessness, fixing the home insurance market and fending off the impacts of climate change as his top priorities.
Wine consumption is declining. So what's the wine industry doing about it?
Recent data from NielsenIQ shows that consumers are increasingly drinking less wine, swapping their glasses of pinot and chardonnay for cocktails or beer, or even nonalcoholic drinks.
Hungry sea otters are helping save California’s marshlands from erosion
A Sonoma State University marine ecologist co-authored the new study published this week in Nature.
Troubled robotaxi service faces another round of public ridicule in regulatory hearing
The judge didn’t set a timetable for resolving the matter.
Atmospheric river wallops Sonoma County over the weekend
Rain gauges saw as much as six and half inches over the weekend as high winds brought down trees and power lines across Sonoma County.
What is an atmospheric river?
The meteorological phenomenon known as 'atmospheric rivers' has a significant impact on the frequency and severity of floods and droughts in the Bay Area of Northern California. Advanced forecasting techniques currently being developed to monitor these storms could mitigate the impact of floods while preserving the…
Salmon fleet foundering with no season, promised financial aid still outstanding
"When your entire community, your entire industry is belly up, it's really hard to support each other."
Mixed reaction for Santa Rosa 'transit-oriented development' proposal
Conceptual plans call for 672 apartments spread among 25 three-story buildings, along with 100 single family homes and commercial space.
CA governor vows multi-pronged salmon restoration efforts
Newsom is doubling down on dam removal, calling attention to efforts underway to remove several obsolete dams on the Klamath River.
Sand bags fill up as rain comes down across Sonoma County
All nine cities and the county have opened sand bag filling stations for residents to protect against the deluge.
Former SDC open space lands getting much needed attention
State Parks staff, Cal Fire, and contractors are getting started right away with stewardship work on parts of the 650 acres of open space transferred from the SDC to California State Parks control on January 4th.
What's happened since CA cut home solar payments? Demand has plunged 80%
The state Public Utilities Commission in late 2022 slashed by about 75% the rate that utilities pay homeowners with new solar panels when they sell surplus power to the grid.
KRCB's Wine Beat: Sober hospitality in wine country
Cocktail bars, restaurants and even wineries in Napa and Sonoma are welcoming a new type of tourist – the sober-curious kind.
How accessory dwelling units are giving rise to new cities of longevity
In-law houses, garage buildouts, attic and basement additions are all increasing in numbers since the California Legislature passed over a dozen bills to encourage their production.
Napa County supervisors ok sale of fairgounds, speedway to Calistoga
According to the county, the sale "aligns with the historical uses of the property."
Park owners battle mobile home tenants as arbitration continues
The virtual hearing will decide a dispute over rent hikes at Youngstown Mobile Home Park. No ruling is expected for weeks.
Little butterfly gets big boost from new restoration effort
The endangered Behren's Silverspot Butterfly was historically found between Salt Point State Park and the town of Mendocino. A new restoration project aims to help the species survive.
Full calendar forces Sonoma County supervisors to choose priorities
Sme supervisors urging action on one of the top complaints from residents---noise.
Sonoma State, CSU faculty end historic strike after one day
After only a day on the picket line, the California Faculty Association and the California State University system have tentatively agreed to a new contract, bringing the 23-campus strike to an end.
Sheriff's office rejects claims it's upped cooperation with ICE
"That is not correct, we have always followed the guidelines of SB-54 and continue to do so," Dillion said.
Sonoma State faculty join CSU wide strike to start semester
A tentative agreement has been reached to end the system wide strike after faculty at the Rohnert Park campus and all other CSU's walked off the job to start the spring semester.
Heavy rain brings downed trees, flooded roads
The Guerneville School District in Sonoma County closed on Monday due to localized flooding.
Local foothold of Mediterranean Oak Borer rings alarm bells
The Town of Windsor is dealing with the invasive beetle with a mix of tactics, and other municipalities are taking note.
With talks at impasse, faculty prepare for weeklong walkout
"It's an unfortunate situation because none of us are wanting to go on strike, but we've reached a series of impasses..."
Healdsburg home hosts First Lady Jill Biden for fundraiser
The nation's First Lady, Jill Biden, touched down in Santa Rosa for a brief visit to Sonoma County Thursday afternoon for a fundraiser as part the President's re-election campaign.
Series of 3 storms forecast to douse North Bay this weekend
Be prepared for the rapid rise of rivers and streams along with minor "nuisance" flooding across the region, says the NWS.
Healdsburg pondering moves to bring more housing
"The impact of that would be that we could potentially see some actual, market-rate multi-family housing built in Healdsburg."
Sonoma County DA's fentanyl ad features fake storyline
DiNardo said 'Lindsey’s Story' never aired on the radio, and admits it was fabricated.
Sonoma County resident new chair of California Coastal Commission
Caryl Hart, Sonoma County resident and former director of Sonoma County Regional Parks, speaks with KRCB about her new role as chair of the California Coastal Commission.
Advocates urge Biden Administration to use powers to expand Berryessa monument
The expansion involves a swath of land excluded from the monument’s original designation in 2015.
10 inches of snow falls on Sierra, North Bay gets most rain
Up to 5.5 inches of rain fell around Mount Tamalpais over a 48-hour period.
Plans for new Santa Rosa cell tower frays neighbor's nerves
A Santa Rosa Planning Commission meeting took a heated turn as some residents vented frustration over plans for a new cell phone tower.
Living peacefully amidst mountain lions
"They prey on deer. They leave those carcasses for other, lower predators, soils are enriched and it really does effect the overall quality of the landscape and water quality and the biodiversity in general."
Commercial crab fishery soon opens south of Sonoma-Mendo line
The state agency postponed the opening of the crab season late last year because of high numbers of migrating humpback whales spotted off the California coast.
Cotati calls for ceasefire and end to Gaza in conflict
Cotati, with a population of about 7,500, is the first city in Sonoma County to officially call for a permanent ceasefire and peace between Palestinians and Israelis.
Supervisors talk lofty goals, but mundane needs may eclipse
Nearly every department head told supervisors that they face challenges both recruiting and retaining staffers. What once were considered solid salaries, no longer measure up.
CSU faculty union vows to strike over final pay offer
The breakdown in negotiations was consistent with the tenor of relations between the two camps, which has been marked by frustration and a lack of trust.
Local youth could lose shelter in latest nonprofit vs feds conflict
Changing regulations have turned a locally supported youth home into a white elephant.
EdSource: CA education issues to watch in 2024
A 'fiscal cliff' is coming, due to the expiration of billions in federal Covid relief, declining enrollment in nearly three-quarters of districts, and a leveling off from record state funding.
A look at what's next as Sebastopol safe-parking nears end of the road
On March 3rd, the lot is set to close permanently---to make way for permanent supportive housing for people with little if any income.
Jack London State Park adds hundreds of SDC open space acres
Some 750 acres in all will transfer from the Sonoma Developmental Center into State Park control as an addition to Jack London State Historic Park.
California farm animal cruelty law takes full effect
The pork industry appealed Prop 12 to the U.S. Supreme Court, which upheld states' right to regulate the meat industry.
Mendocino National Forest grows by nearly thousand acres
A large tract of oak woodland hills were added to the national forest boundary after a transfer from the Wilderness Land Trust.
What parents of English learners need to know
If a language other than English is spoken in the home, the school is required to assess the student's level of English within 30 days after enrollment by giving them a test.
Fire danger opening training, job opportunities
Fire settlement funds helping train crews for important work reducing vulnerability of power lines to future wildfire.
Storm kicking up big waves to deliver deluge Friday evening
Winds are expected to reach as high as 30 mph, with gusts to 50 mph along the coast and over mountain ridges.
Food bank use on the rise in Sonoma County heading into 2024
The Redwood Empire Food Bank CEO David Goodman says thousands more are turning to food bank aid than did in 2022 on average.
Massive waves pounding coast
Surging waves, associated with the system have already forced mandatory evacuations.
Pressing CA universities to repatriate thousands of Native American remains and artifacts
Vast collections of Native remains and artifacts are still being held illegally in California's public university systems.
Big changes may be on the way for North Bay mass transit
A comprehensive revamp could reduce trip times, making transit a viable alternative to vehicular travel and not just the choice of those with no alternative.
Sonoma Valley tiny home village for the unhoused fully opens
Construction recently wrapped on the 20 tiny home project set up by Homeless Action Sonoma.
Nonprofit gets $6 million grant to help low-wage workers climb higher
A mission to help young workers who are stuck in sectors such as retail, restaurant or gig work find their hidden talents and build skills.
Big changes coming for Medi-Cal in the new year
The plans must better integrate physical and mental health care among other stipulations.
Medi-Cal now extended to all undocumented immigrants eligible
Undocumented immigrants ages 26 to 49 will be eligible for comprehensive health insurance under Medi-Cal.
California approves rules that turn sewage into drinking water
Often dubbed “toilet-to-tap,” the process is actually much more extensive and complex, requiring multiple treatment steps overseen by 63 pages of detailed rules.
New year brings required zero emission landscaping equipment
California says small-engine devices made after January 1, 2024 must be zero-emission in order to be sold here---the first state in the nation to do so.
Teen exonerated for fatal Montgomery High stabbing released
The Santa Rosa 16-year-old was found to be justified in using self-defense during the March 1, 2023 classroom fight, and has been released to his parents.
Governor scolds counties over delays in mental health law
in October, lawmakers significantly loosened long-standing rules limiting who can be placed in involuntary treatment.
Napa winemaker who helped put CA wine on the map dies at 100
Miljenko 'Mike' Grgich, born in Croatia, made his way to Napa Valley in 1958, going on to make award winning wine and helping elevate the region as a premier wine making destination.
Parade of big storms appearing likely to ring in new year
The jet stream, typically oscillating toward the arctic and tropics as it traverses the Pacific, has recently become unusually straight.
Cotati drawn into growing mobile home park battle
Owners of the city's 55-plus mobile home park vow to shut after city bars conversion to all-ages.
Santa Rosa school board ok's SRO and alternative ed programs
After a marathon, contentious meeting, Santa Rosa school officials are moving forward with pathways for improved campus safety.
Counseling for the overwhelmed and those in crisis available throughout county in 2024
Mental health crisis teams expanding county-wide next year
Sonoma County moves to make mental health response teams 24/7
The mobile support teams must include a licensed medical professional known as a Licensed Practitioner of the Healing Arts, or LPHA.
New Sebastopol mayor charting path out of financial hole
Inclusion, equity and financial health are goals as Rich assumes mayoralty.
Downtown Petaluma Starbucks joins in nationwide union push
The downtown Starbucks location is the first in Sonoma County to unionize, and the 31st in California.
Petaluma's mobile home rent control challenged as 'unconstitutional'
Owners of two Petaluma mobile home parks have filed lawsuits protesting the city's rent control ordinance.
Did a Sonoma County deputy OD from touching fentanyl? Experts say no
“The whole thing from a poisoning perspective just does not hold together," says one member of the American Colleges of Medical and Clinical Toxicology.
Conflict in Gaza causes fallout between local writer and North Bay publication
Local reporter Peter Bryne, who had contributed news stories and features to the North Bay Bohemian for nearly two decades, recently split with the publication over coverage on the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.
Feds offer emergency loans to idled salmon industry
The loans must be repaid over a 30-year term, though no payments are required over the first year.
New regional body formed to transform Potter Valley Project
The new authority will manage the transition of the Potter Valley Project from its current condition to a new smaller footprint, dubbed the new Eel-Russian Facility.
Sonoma County officials punt again on adding protections for rural renters
With Supervisor James Gore absent, the board asked for staff to prepare community outreach events and return with a more concrete set of rules by summer 2024.
Flurry of activity on North Bay highways as cash influx lets Caltrans tackle delayed projects
Road repairs targeting infamous bottlenecks; preparing for higher seas.
Payment delays causing crisis for nonprofit and those it serves
County contractors left in lurch, they say.
Organic growers see new role in the age of climate change
Gradually, more conventional farmers are moving into organics, some transforming their multi-generational farmlands.
Avian flu affects Petaluma poultry flocks
According to the US Department of Agriculture, over 250,000 birds have been affected across the two farms in Petaluma.
Animal rights activist sentenced to 90 days in county jail
Despite the three month sentencing, activist and lawyer Wayne Hsiung is likely to be released in a week's time due to time served and credit.
Blue power: Will ocean waves be CA's new source of clean energy?
So far, a handful of small demonstration projects have been launched off the West Coast, although none has produced commercial power for the grid.
Cotati joins ranks in tightening rules for mobile home parks
Cotati's city council unanimously approves a special zoning district to protect the city's sole seniors-only mobile home park.
Will a new bond measure help build or remodel CA schools?
Although California has lavished money on schools in the past few years, most of that money is earmarked for efforts to help students recover from the pandemic.
Teen acquitted for fatally stabbing peer at Montgomery High
The judge concluded the defendant was justified in using self-defense against a planned attack inside a Montgomery High School classroom.
Residential therapeutic care coming for local foster kids
The pilot program is designed to keep foster children from Sonoma County within their community.
Families await judge's decision in Montgomery High stabbing case
The last words from both the defense and prosecutors are now in, and a judge's verdict is expected soon.
Many details of ambitious SDC rebuild still up in the air
Size and scale of planned redevelopment of former state-run campus remains unknown.
Trial over stabbing at Montgomery High School nears end
Prosecutors gave their initial closing remarks in the case against the student accused of fatally stabbing a fellow Montgomery High student in March.
PG&E takes first step in dam decommission process
Utility giant Pacific Gas & Electric publishes the first draft surrender and decommissioning plans for the Potter Valley Project in Lake County
Many Latino Californians aren't voting; can US Senate candidates motivate them?
Latinx voters account for just 25 percent of the state's likely voters despite making up 36 percent of the adult population statewide.
Local writer, activist talks good fire practices with KRCB
Local writer Kristina Rizga sat down with KRCB News to discuss her latest work, prescribed burning, and community awareness over good fire practices.
Goodbye fix-it ticket, hello free repair voucher
Petaluma handing out repair vouchers instead of tickets for some vehicle problems.
SoCo Artistry: Revisiting the radio play in Cloverdale
Cloverdale is home to an active theater community, centered at the Cloverdale Performing Arts Center.
Alfresco seating removed from Sebastopol's Main Street
'Parkets' banished: although Sebastopol tried resisting, ultimately, on state highways, Caltrans calls the shots.
Sonoma County Artistry: Honoring past generations
Pomo artist channels ancestry in keeping art form vibrant.
Lawsuit chugs on as county's groundwater wells keep pumping
After settling one lawsuit accusing Sonoma County of harming local rivers and aquatic habitats by not keeping tabs on underground aquifers, environmental groups are taking the county back to court.
Unique college-in-prison program to get guaranteed Cal State transfer admission
The nation's largest public university system is developing a new college transfer program with Mount Tamalpais College, which is located within San Quentin State Prison.
First atmospheric river of winter arrives with a whimper
Cloudy skies to linger but deluge not materializing.
First steps on long road to carbon neutrality
Problems, solutions all around as SoCo looks to cut enviro impacts.
Sonoma State, CSU state leaders look to reduce tension, hate incidents on campus
Bias was most commonly based on sexual orientation, followed by race and ethnicity.
Juggling act is name of the game as fire season winds down
For fire officials, wildfire prevention is often about threading the needle between wet and dry, wind and rain.
Service, respect and remembrance in Santa Rosa for Veteran's Day
Veteran's Day marked by recognition, camaraderie.
Internal documents reveal the story behind California’s unemployment crash
State reports have found that 5 million Californians saw unemployment payments delayed during the pandemic, and at least 1 million saw benefits improperly denied.
Petaluma considers process as ire over hotel plan smolders
Formerly known as the Hotel Weaver project, a proposed new downtown hotel sparks fractious debate in Petaluma.
No criminal charges in fatal 2022 shooting by sheriff deputy
Sonoma County's DA said the officers involved were "in fear of being killed," by a man holding rocks and hand tools.
Petaluma police replace tickets with free repair vouchers
Petaluma police now can provide vouchers for free repair at a participating local auto repair shop, instead of issuing a ticket.
Gleaners toiling to ease local hunger
Bound for food banks, fruit and vegetables supplement shelf-stable basics.
Harnessing, but not over-pumping--finding balance in groundwater use
State funds to aid locals in assuring aquifers aren't overtaxed.
Petaluma to weigh resuming public comment, following racist disruptions
Could public comment return without disruption?
Medicaid ‘unwinding’ breeds chaos
So far states have terminated coverage for about 10 million enrollees.
Guilty verdict for animal right activist, five years after protests
A sentencing hearing for Wayne Hsiung has been scheduled for November 30.
State pours millions into Sonoma County for groundwater
The money will pay for an aquifer census, of sorts.
Experts: Upcoming CA gas-blower ban requires money, education, tolerance
Starting January 1st, California's ban on the sale of new gas-powered mowers and blowers will go into effect.
Palestine solidarity rally draws over 100 in Santa Rosa
Thousands turned out across the Bay Area over the weekend calling for a halt to the violence in Gaza and expressing solidarity for Palestinians. Ongoing rallies are in the works.
New book chronicles 2017 firestorm as it threatened Santa Rosa seniors
A studio interview with the authors of a new book that chronicles the harrowing events of the deadly 2017 Tubbs Fire.
Newsom visit underscores EV reality: China holds keys to battery industry
The Chinese hold 80 percent of the world's cobalt processing, which is used for lithium NCM batteries.
Cloverdale looking to move urban growth boundary, with eye on annexation
Even if city voters eventually agree, it doesn't mean development will come quickly---the area isn't served by water or sewer infrastructure.
Red Flag warning issued for North Bay
Besides preparing for critical fire weather, cover your plants tonight; a frost advisory has been issued for the North Bay valleys.
Jury still out in Sonoma County trial of animal rights activist
Jurors had two clarifying questions for the prosecution and defense but ultimately broke for the day without a final decision.
SoCo Artistry: Elevating random found objects into works of art
As part of KRCB News' ongoing series on the breadth and diversity of Sonoma County artists, we meet Santa Rosa's Nick Mancillas.
E-cigs and flavored tobacco banned in unincorporated Sonoma County
County supervisors have voted to ban the sale of flavored tobacco products and electronic cigarettes in unincorporated areas of the county.
Cal State graduation rates remain flat for second year
The socioeconomic gap in graduation rates between low-income and higher-income students increased to 12 percent.
Petaluma PD investigating threats written on high school wall
Police said over the weekend that they will have an increased presence on campus Monday.
Next stop Petaluma - SMART ok's north side train station
The Petaluma North SMART station, the commuter rail's 13th of 16 planned stations, is coming into view.
A decade after the killing of Andy Lopez, reflections on trauma, oversight linger
Andy Lopez shooting, ten years on.
With wildfires growing, California writes new rules on where to plant shrubs
The regulations will apply to new construction first in 2025. For existing homes, the rules would be implemented in 2026.
Once abundant, Bird scooters fly the Santa Rosa coop
Maybe you have noticed, maybe you haven’t, but those rentable electric scooters dotting the streets of Santa Rosa are no more. Why?
4.2 earthquake near Isleton; for many across Bay Area, false alarm
The quake was initially reported as a 5.7-magnitude earthquake before the USGS downgraded it minutes later.
Investigation continues into fatal Silverado Trail bicyclists accident
A load of lumber shifted on the flatbed and struck the bicyclists.
PG&E's plan to bury power lines and prevent wildfires faces opposition because of high rates
PG&E's plan, which includes projects in addition to burying power lines, would raise customer rates an average of nearly 18%.
Up-front hotel pricing among the new bills signed by governor
Healthcare workers in Sonoma County and around the state will soon get a minimum hourly wage of $25.
KRCB Two-Way: Sonoma County company facing record fine for stream pollution
KRCB's Noah Abrams speaks with Will Carruthers, news editor at the North Bay Bohemian
New constraints on CA sturgeon fishing to save species
The new regulations close key spawning spots to sturgeon fishing.
Sonoma County Harvest: Gold Ridge Farms
Other than a minor uptick in scab--a pest that can blemish fruit--one local farmer says yields should be about normal this year.
Hearing looks into wildfire prevention, home insurance
Experts on climate science, firefighting, and the insurance market discussed issues and potential solutions to the state's ailing home insurance market.
Napa County gets new fire administrator, boosts fire mitigation efforts
The county's first fire administrator, David Shew, will oversee the distribution of $37.5 million in federal wildfire resiliency grants.
Napa County approves residential firearm storage ordinance
The new ordinance goes into effect Nov. 9.
Tentative plans for controlled burn on Mt. Tam this week
During the burn, West Ridgecrest Boulevard will be closed to vehicle traffic, and nearby trails closed to the public.
CA set to simplify process of overturning wrongful convictions
The legislation will will direct judges to give great weight to a prosecutor's concession that a person has been wrongfully convicted.
Kaiser workers strike stretches into third day
Striking workers are planning to return to work 6 AM Saturday morning.
Kaiser workers out on strike, including in Sonoma County
The latest major labor unrest in the U.S. is happening across California and the nation. Picketing has begun at Kaiser Permanente hospitals in Sonoma County and elsewhere, with some 75,000 striking workers saying under-staffing is hurting patient care.
The Bay-Delta ecosystem is collapsing. California just unveiled rival rescue plans
State water officials have said that existing requirements must be updated “to halt and reverse the ecosystem collapse.”
Petaluma locks in senior-only designation at 5 mobile home parks
The council voted unanimously, stating a goal of preserving a diverse range of housing options in Petaluma.
A look at the education rights for youth in the child welfare system
Child welfare cases are complex, and outcomes depend on a multitude of factors.
Hwy 12 in Sonoma Valley reopens after new bridge finished early
A month of traffic headaches near Agua Caliente is over.
With negotiations stalled, teachers near Petaluma preparing for walkout
Old Adobe inching toward strike.
SoCo sheriff's deputies used canine bites "too quickly," oversight board finds
In a statement, the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office responded by saying IOLERO auditors lack " experience relative to law enforcement tactics."
Somber news overshadows local Armenian celebration
Bay Area Armenians in shock as crisis unfolds overseas.
Wildfires can make your California red taste like an ashtray. These scientists want to stop that
Dozens of smoke sensors have been installed in vineyards in the three states, financed in part by a $7.65 million USDA grant.
SMART looks at adding railbike operation out of Cloverdale
The proposal would re-open tracks as far as a damaged tunnel to the north, allowing for a round trip of just more than five miles.
Unpacking hate: antisemites, racists use zoom 'bombing' to air views
KRCB News speaks with an expert from the Southern Poverty Law Center.
California condors sighted in Bay Area
Of the six condors that flew near Mount Diablo, three have been treated for lead poisoning at some point in their lives.
PG&E in multi-million dollar tax standoff with Sonoma County
PG&E says Sonoma County overcharged property taxes by $6.25 million.
Santa Rosa rolls out home-buying help
Applications open October 2 for two new Santa Rosa down payment loan programs.
Rain called for Monday across the North Bay
The North Bay, particularly northern and coastal Sonoma County, is likely to see widespread showers.
Fire risk today, smoke expected to clear over weekend
A red flag warning was in effect earlier this week.
Petaluma seniors unite for fight to keep their mobile homes
Residents of the seniors-only mobile home park say they have faced unethical, and potentially illegal, retaliation from the park's ownership.
Sonoma County supervisors end public comment via Zoom after hate-filled rants
Caller after caller during the Sept. 12 regular board meeting made antisemitic and racist remarks in what appeared to be a coordinated attack.
Finding and fixing vulnerabilities; free county service shores up houses against wildfire
In a calamity, does your home have a fighting chance?
Santa Rosa advances plans to replace downtown parking with housing
Housing and overpass projects move forward.
Sales tax increase on March ballot would fund fire-related services
The measure would impose an additional 0.5 percent sales tax in both incorporated and unincorporated areas of the county.
Sonoma County to replace temp shelters with larger, more permanent ones as homeless count dips
A Santa Rosa emergency shelter will be replaced by a site that will include spaces for RVs, trailers, and tiny houses.
Petaluma rejects food truck park and marketplace
The plan envisioned a public, solar-powered gathering spot on an unused lot.
Sonoma County buys 3 mobile EV charging stations for local parks
The cost of each unit--$81,595--is funded by the county's Climate Resilience Fund, using settlement money from PG&E.
Honorees spread the message of peace at annual dedication
Three new names have been added to Sebastopol's Living Peace Wall.
Awaited trial of Bay Area animal rights activists begins
Animal rights activists and agriculture industry voices agree the trial could set important precedent.
Support for union election grows at Sonoma Mission Inn
A group of hotel employees, community supporters, and faith leaders delivered a petition to hotel management calling for an end to interference in the unionization process.
As more children die from fentanyl, some prosecutors are charging their parents with murder
Prosecutors targeting parents after children suffer overdose deaths,
A look at California's civil grand juries, the last of their kind in the nation
A peek inside California's last of its kind civil grand juries.
Second IOLERO audit of K9 uses finds major issues
IOLERO's audit found the use of a canine unit during a 2021 arrest violated Sonoma County Sheriff policy and prevailing state law, an internal Sheriff investigation found otherwise.
Demanding better conditions for captive marine mammals
Plans were far underway to release Toki back to the Pacific Ocean before her death on August 18, 2023.
Sebastopol joins growing list amending mobilehome rent rules
Sebastopol chose to cap annual rent increases to 3%, which has been pointed to as the average annual increase within the city currently, lower than the standard 4% adopted by other Sonoma County cities.
30-day closure of Highway 12 near Agua Caliente
Highway 12 between Madrone Road and Agua Caliente Road will be closed to take down and rebuild Hooker Creek Bridge.
Research finds school funding overall worked as designed for those getting the most money
What mattered was not just the amount of the increase but the number of years in a row that students benefited.
Incarcerated Californians can now earn master's degrees
Tuition for the program is about $10,500 and students or their families will be responsible for covering the costs.
Out with the old, in with...the New Eel-Russian Facility?
The new proposal appears set to bring closure to the uncertain future of the Potter Valley Project.
Heat-related deaths are on the rise in California
Heat-related deaths are increasing in California and the nation and not only because it’s getting hotter. Drug use and homelessness are also significant factors.
Billionaires want to build a new city in eastern Solano County; they must convince voters first
North Bay congressman Mike Thompson said he met with the founder of Flannery Associates this week; saying afterwards he thinks all the secrecy was unnecessary and will hamper any forward progress on the "vision."
State launches audit of Mendocino County over late reports, alleged inaccuracies
Audit underway in Mendocino County as leaders spar over finance, responsibility.
More major paving work ahead as work on Hwy 12 proceeds
Repaving work to close Hwy 12 later this month.
The Supreme Court slashed water protections - what now?
The Supreme Court's ruling in Sackett v EPA rolled back a half-century of precedent guarding streams, wetlands, and waterways from development.
Petaluma mobile home park residents rally against closure
Joining together under the banner Littlewoods Neighbors United, residents are looking to stop a potential closure of the 78 unit mobile home park.
Fires up north, shifting winds, foul local air
Heavy wildfire smoke blowing south from Siskiyou County and Oregon.
Achievement, access, inclusion and relevancy key as Garcia takes helm at SRJC
One on one with Santa Rosa Junior College's new President, Angelica Garcia
Cloverdale mobile home park residents unite against eviction
Residents at the aging mobile home park on Rockwell Road say they're hoping to gain more time beyond the October 2nd eviction date to assess relocation possibilities.
Changing coast more than just shifting sands and turning tides
Sea level rise coupled with more powerful waves spells change for the coastline itself, and puts infrastructure at risk in the coming decades.
Students provide tactics, strategies to limit hurt caused by cyberbullying
Limit the harm of on line bullying.
Should elk fence stay or go, Pt. Reyes asking public to weigh in
Public can weigh in on Pt. Reyes elk fence
Santa Rosa-born reporter talks freeway history, new "Greenway"
Reporter Andrew Bowen speaks with KRCB's Greta Mart about his podcast Freeway Exit, the history of freeways, and the failed extension of Highway 12 over Spring Lake Regional Park in Santa Rosa near his childhood home, which will soon become a city park.
Developers file for super-sized SDC
New plan for Developmental Center restores hundreds of excised residences.
Struggling Sonoma Valley Hospital wins help from Sacramento
Troubled Sonoma Valley Hospital gets multi-million dollar state loan
Efforts to elevate Highway 37 get $155M boost
The federal funding will help in elevating the highway by 30 feet over Novato Creek by 2029.
Sonoma County's more rural areas set to grow
Development coming to rural areas after push from Sacramento.
Healdsburg officials entertain new SMART station locations
Healdsburg city council looking at possible station locations closer to downtown.
UFW, Padilla urge stronger work protections after farmworker’s heat-related death
Farmworker's death spurs calls for further protections
Local leaders, activists mobilizing to block Ft. Ross power plant
Locals vowing to block pumped storage hydro plant
Federal disaster loans made available for Marin, Sonoma
Low interest Federal disaster recovery loans for business and individuals will be available for property damaged during this winter's storms.
Tribal casino workers lobby at state capitol
Wednesday's action was part of workers' rights advocacy day organized by Unite Here, the union representing thousands of tribal casinos workers in California.
California researchers race to find solutions to wildfire smoke-tainted wine
Scientists, industry searching for ways to counter smoke damaged grapes
Community meeting set on Ft. Ross pumped storage proposal
Environmentalists and local politicos to discuss project.
Federal grants will replace tunnels beneath roads that let water pass but not fish
Biden announces $200 million effort to aid fish by replacing old culverts
Stinson Beached! Sailboat grounds ashore in West Marin
The 33 foot sailboat has been stuck on Upton Beach in the small West Marin enclave of Stinson Beach since the end of July.
Making borrowing easier, amendment to state constitution could unlock billions for housing
A coalition of housing developers, unions, local governments and pro-housing groups want to lower that electoral bar.
CA Fire Foundation collecting relief for Maui fire victims
The foundation exists to help communities and members of the fire service.
Cotati approves first of its kind cannabis lounge
Mercy Wellness, the popular cannabis dispensary with locations in Santa Rosa and Cotati will expand its Cotati location to include a consumption lounge.
PG&E touts fire risk reduction, urges public readiness
Undergrounding wires, reducing fuels, new tech helping reduce fire threat.
Santa Rosa housing project fends off appeal over parking
The Santa Rosa City Council is moving ahead with the housing project as planned.
Just what the doctor ordered: Prescription could pay for your fresh fruits and veggies
Food prescriptions are part of the "food is medicine" movement that views nutritious food as a way to prevent, manage, and reverse chronic disease.
Santa Rosa brings homelessness laws in line with federal rules
In a move mirroring Rohnert Park and the County of Sonoma, Santa Rosa updated transience rules this week to comply with a precedent-setting court case.
Petaluma disputes critique of privatized planning department
The city has agreed to hold a new bidding process then and will consider competitors.
Latest proposal for Potter Valley Project future put to PG&E
The future is in flux for the North Bay's fresh water sources and a trio of local bodies are looking to secure it.
Santa Rosa seeks public input for 2050 General Plan
Santa Rosa recently put out the first publicly available draft of the city's 2050 General Plan, the guiding document for city planning.
Caltrans says unable to pay for full replacement of Monte Rio bridge
Caltrans in 2012 found multiple concerns with the Bohemian Highway Bridge
Proposed new water rules aim to mitigate impact of vineyards
State water regulators look to regulate sediment and chemical discharge from vineyards to waterways.
Big jump in water rates likely in Sonoma
The council's vote enables the city to mail notifications to customers, as required by state law.
Sonoma looking to fix city's cemeteries
A recent investigation prompted a response and action from the City of Sonoma to fix systemic problems at three city-owned cemeteries.
1970s-era 'back-to-the-landers' now aging in place together
Aging at home is still the healthiest, most affordable option for seniors, but it requires a communal approach.
Family of farmworker killed by police in 2022 demand accountability
Family of slain man hold rally, demand DA bring charges in officer-involved shooting.
Mendocino County plugs budget gap with opioid settlement cash
The money was meant to be spent on addiction treatment and prevention.
Save the Redwoods steward talks old growth past and future
A deal is in place to preserve nearly 400 acres of redwood forest along the Russian River. This week Save the Redwoods League announced their intent to purchase the Russian River Redwoods property between Guerneville and Monte Rio.
Agreement in place for sale of beloved redwood forest land
Save the Redwoods League has agreed to buy the 394 acre property, averting a timber harvest across much of the site.
County sending needy to website, says staff overwhelmed w/aid requests
Those needing help facing longer waits.
Shortage of nurses hurting Calif., big gulf on solutions
Many nurses needed in Calif., but leaders can't agree on how to fill jobs
State labor officials aim to protect vulnerable guestworkers
A recent settlement between Healdsburg vineyard management company Mauritson Farms and 21 H2A visa guest workers put the controversial program, and ag worker struggles, back in the spotlight.
Behind the scenes: California's new arts education plans
Proposition 28 guarantees an annual funding stream for music and arts education that equals 1 percent of the state's general fund spending on K-12 -- roughly $1 billion this year.
Downsizing at Rohnert Park safe sleeping site continues
Over half of the program's 68 original residents have exited since the site was transitioned into safe sleeping in November of last year.
Limited water no impediment to Santa Rosa growth
Santa Rosa growth may proceed, after officials find water supplies adequate.
Workers hail settlement with vineyard management company
The $328,000 settlement between Healdsburg's Mauritson Farms and 21 H2A guestworkers comes after state investigators found evidence of retaliation against workers who had raised legitimate workplace complaints.
With some changes, Santa Rosa finalizes new vacation rental rules
Slightly amended, short term rental rules sail to approval in Santa Rosa.
Sonoma County lowers PLA threshold for construction projects
After recent debate, Sonoma County supervisors are moving forward on lowering the county's PLA threshold for projects costing $1 million or more.
California pilots new legal aid program for farmworkers
The pilot program will help connect farm and agricultural workers who are involved in official workplace complaints with legal assistance.
Here's how California's electric cars can feed the grid and help avoid brownouts
California energy officials have high hopes for a new power source called bidirectional charging.
Library adds huge haul of Spanish content to streaming services
From introspective high art to kid's shows to over-the-top telenovelas, stream it all with your library card.
West Sebastopol winemakers hope for new AVA
The Sebastopol Hills Wine Growers Association recently submitted an application for a Sebastopol Hills AVA with the Tax and Trade Bureau.
Falling oak tree limb injures 6 in Santa Rosa park
Six attendees at a meet up of Lao-Thai church groups at Spring Lake Regional Park were injured when the oak limb crushed their picnic bench, but all are expected to recover.
Mobile home park owner threatens closure over new city regs
Ownership at Little Woods Mobile Home Villa has begun to explore closing the park - citing a potential profit hit.
EdSource: Excerpts from probe into Title IX at Sonoma State
EdSource looks at a recent audit of CSU campuses, including Sonoma State, vis-a-vis Title IX.
Families with young children face hardship as Covid aid ends
Experts estimate up to one million children could lose medical insurance in California.
KRCB FireCast Resources
FireCast is a collection of the internet's best fire monitoring tools - all tuned for Sonoma County. The FireCast resource page is available on our website at krcb.org/firecast and on our free NorCal Public Media app. The app is available at in the iTunes App Store and via GooglePlay. Explore where all fires are…
Popularity of local climate funding measure in doubt
It’s coming up on crunch time for Sonoma County to meet its climate goals, but a tax measure seen as crucial to funding local action on climate change looks in jeopardy.
Petaluma strengthens rent control for mobile home dwellers
New rules allow smaller maximum rent hikes.
Solar panel recycling gets off the ground in Sonoma County
Unsure about what to do with your old or broken solar panels? One fledgling effort to recycle panels in Sonoma County hopes to see the precious material inside find second life.
Seaside power plant proposed near Fort Ross
Ocean-side power plant proposal raising enviro concerns Marc Albert/KRCB Sonoma County coast Federal regulators have given the go-ahead for a Texas-based company to study building a large energy facility along Sonoma County's coast. The location is about a mile and a half from Fort Ross State Historic Park. While…
New drone technology adds to growing uses in wildfire, urban firefighting
Drones powered by artificial intelligence can help predict wildfires and detect them early.
What's the trouble in Peacetown? Article details investigation; nonprofit "firmly rejects" allegations
Board members respond to allegations of improper use of Peacetown organizational funds: where's the evidence?
Strike looms for UPS workers
Negotiations between UPS and the Teamsters union have broken down with both sides unable to agree on financial terms, and now a nationwide strike looks to be set for August 1st.
Another insurance company drops coverage in California
Farmers' Insurance also plans to stop issuing new homeowners' policies.
All aboard! SMART to Windsor, fully funded; service expected in 2025
Next stop, Windsor! Roughly 30 percent of the extension's work is complete and that more construction should commence in a matter of months.
After decades of strife, trauma, artist confronting, healing from past
Art therapy helped her turn the page, now she'd like to help others
Animal rights activists call for leniency, action from Sonoma County DA
Three Direct Action Everywhere activists are set to go to trial starting September 8 over two separate actions dating to 2018.
It's free summer outdoor concert season
With summer well underway, so are free outdoor concerts across the region. Here's a quick roundup of some North Bay offerings.
Shootings raise concern over gang activity in Santa Rosa
After two recent shooting deaths in as many weekends, the Santa Rosa community is looking for answers, and city leaders are looking at ways to prevent more gun and possible gang related violence within the city.
Inside the legal battle over elk and fences at Point Reyes
Confident she'll prevail, an animal rights attorney delves into the Point Reyes elk case.
Forecast looks promising for holiday fireworks shows
In the North Bay, the forecast shows fairly clear skies around 9 p.m. or 9:30 p.m., when most fireworks are scheduled to pop off.
Cal Fire adds 24 aircraft to statewide fleet
Cal Fire says has the largest civil aerial firefighting fleet worldwide.
Graton Rancheria tribal chairman appointed to UC Board of Regents
Sarris told KRCB News he thinks education is just as critical for individuals as society as a whole.
Food fight? Planning dispute prompts questions on food truck policy
Food truck fights - permitting purgatory - community cravings. One Petaluma project is garnering attention around the city.
Civil grand jury finds issues with Sonoma County's delivery of services
Warming centers, Petaluma's planning department and city-owned Sonoma cemeteries focus of Grand Jury report.
Santa Rosa couple takes fight for health and home to court
Eduardo Escamilla and Luisa Cordero are fighting what they say is a discriminatory eviction, having already fought illegal rent increases.
Newly-signed state budget has fewer cuts for K-12
The final deal also offers more immediate relief for struggling child-care providers and help for parents of young children.
Sea otter reintroduction once again on the table
The US Fish and Wildlife Service is searching for community feedback on possible sea otter reintroduction at a series of open houses.
Erosion poses concerns and questions for Sonoma Coast
Some areas of the Sonoma Coast are receding by as much as a foot per year.
Sonoma County Drag Story Hour events hit with protests
Anti-Drag Story Hour protestors were met with large counter protests at libraries in Windsor and Santa Rosa.
Graton Rancheria to fund, support Native American filmmakers
Artists and prospective filmmakers with Native California ancestry will gain new opportunities and mentorships.
County libraries stand firm in commitment to inclusivity
Part of Pride Month programming at public libraries across the county, the event will feature a performer reading books to an all-ages crowd.
Popular local radio host talks cancellation and future plans
"The Drive with Steve Jaxon" came to an abrupt end this month after a nearly 15-year run on KSRO.
Activists target Petaluma Poultry
The action Tuesday by a Berkeley based group was aimed at a fourth poultry processor in the Petaluma area.
Supes seek to balance priorities, funding in budget talks
Many priorities, limited funding as county budget takes shape.
Santa Rosa businesses targeted with anti-LGBTQ+ messages
SRPD said police have reached out to the affected businesses and began investigating each instance.
Reconnecting cycles, soils, and carbon key to forest health
Mending and tending our wild spaces sometimes means seeing them differently.
Drivers elevate to new roadway through 'Novato Narrows' this weekend
Expect to see a change this weekend when driving south on 101 from Sonoma to Marin county.
Park Service tentatively backs removing elk fence from Pt. Reyes Nat'l Seashore
Elk gain upper hoof in Point Reyes cow controversy.
The new payday loans? CA moves to regulate cash advance apps
Consumer advocates say some of these apps are essentially high-tech payday loans, and can lock workers into a cycle of debt and reborrowing.
NASCAR weekend at Sonoma Raceway starts Friday
With an expected 50,000 fans attending, traffic is around the raceway at Sears Point is expected to be heavy with long delays on area roadways.
Enough is enough, vacation rental regulations approved in Windsor
Windsor drops hammer on vacation rentals in neighborhoods.
Brush clearing goats gain health and safety protections
Fire preventing goats gain health and safety standards.
Central Sonoma County ambulance service changes hands
The Board of Supervisors awarded the five year ambulance service contract to the Sonoma County Fire District.
Stricter vacation-rental rules taking shape, but issue lingers
Vacation rental showdown proves inconclusive.
Initial steps underway, Santa Rosa might provide cash aid under state initiative to prevent underprivileged from being locked out of cannabis trade
Equity program under pot legalization could lead to cash aid for some cannabis startups.
Short-term-rental rules up for revision Tuesday in Santa Rosa
Santa Rosa Council set to again revise vacation rental rules.
Farm Aid introduces Spanish language crisis line
Farmworkers and their advocates have been fighting in Sonoma County for greater protections and hazard pay. That's as disasters and climate changes have hit pocketbooks and well being hard.
Forests & fire have a long relationship, what's the balance?
It’s easy to picture dense underbrush in the forests of West Sonoma County and see the landscape as verdant and healthy, but things are not always as they seem.
State to send $95 million to undocumented flooding victims
California will send millions to flood victims in a long-awaited program to assist undocumented residents suffering hardship and damage from the recent months of storms.
Sonoma County adds three new judges to the bench
Paige Hein, Lynette Brown, and Jane Gaskell were recently appointed to the County Superior Court by Governor Gavin Newsom.
Local bookstore staff closer to union membership
Almost two months after announcing plans to do so, staff at a local bookshop are unionizing.
Legal showdown looming in county ambulance contract
AMR threatens Sonoma County with lawsuit over ambulance service contract.
Holocaust survivor's journey from camps to forgiveness
A 95-year-old survivor of the Nazi death camps visits Rohnert Park to tell her story.
Housing, counseling, tranquility helping once-homeless vets rebound
Homes, help and healing for formerly homeless is found at Windsor Veterans Village.
BottleRock a celebration of music, culture and perfect weather
The 10th edition of BottleRock Napa Valley festival took place this weekend, drawing large crowds to a sunny Napa.
Newsom plan for San Quentin rehab center unfunded for now
On San Quentin, lawmakers declined Newsom’s request for $360 million dollars to build a rehabilitation center.
We hear all about saving salmon. Here's an inside look at it
In Marin County, government and nonprofits make extensive efforts to restore habitat for coho salmon populations
Sonoma State and CSUs looking at tuition hikes
The California State University system has some of the lowest tuition rates in the country. But a huge budget gap could force new tuition hikes.
Farm workers march past upscale event calling for hazard pay
Close to 200 marched past the Healdsburg Wine and Food Experience calling for better pay and protections for farm workers in hazardous conditions
North Bay food bank feeding double the number from pre-2020
California’s food banks are reporting alarming spikes in demand.
Educators and community gather to hear "youth perspective"
School safety, educational opportunity, and course tracking were all part of a broad ranging discussion led by a panel of local high school students.
Affordable housing vouchers becoming less scarce
Cheever said the county has improved how it handles vouchers. Nonprofit agencies are tasked with helping recipients locate housing. "That program is highly successful,"
Napa growers see ag harvest jump 20 percent in value
Vineyards led 2022 surge in crop value, other sectors struggled under drought
California Transportation Commission OK's Highway 37 tolls
The vote doesn't set toll rates or designate a start date, but does give local transportation authorities permission to establish both in the future
Sonoma County cannabis cultivators facing new tax rates
The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors gave preliminary approval Tuesday to new business tax rates for cannabis cultivators in unincorporated areas of the county that would nearly double the top rate for indoor growers.
Sonoma County supes dedicate $1.5M to mobile support teams in preparation for expansion
Sonoma County is bolstering its mobile behavioral crisis response teams ahead of a deadline at the end of the year set by the state.
Nascent California offshore wind industry looks to new port in Humboldt Bay
KRCB News attends an offshore wind symposium hosted by the California Energy Commission.
Zero Waste Symposium returns in person to the North Bay
The symposium saw close to 150 attendees from across the sustainability and waste management world discuss efforts towards achieving zero waste.
More Bay Area tolls? Big changes could come to Highway 37
Tolling on the stretch between Sears Point and Mare Island wouldn't go into effect until improvements are complete.
Wildwood retreat granted reprieve from county and rezoned
A longtime LGBT retreat center in the redwoods of rugged Cazadero is working to reopen after code violations forced its shut down four years ago.
Sonoma County supes approve new contract with largest county worker union
The three year bargaining agreement goes into immediate effect.
Newton Minow, former FCC chief and public TV advocate, has died at 97
Newton N. Minow, who as chairman of the Federal Communications Commission in the early 1960s famously decried the state of American television as a "vast wasteland," died Saturday at age 97. Minow, appointed to head the FCC by President John F. Kennedy, stayed in the post for just two years. Even so, his stinging…
Price cheating and overcharges on the rise across the county
Officials say the rise is likely due in part to inflation pressures but that the number of repeat offenders is causing alarm
Biomass energy, and local use of it has real drawbacks, activists claim
Local activists question green credentials promised by biomass energy
Confusing legalese sparks row over coastal plan
“It actually encourages development in small communities where we don’t want to see development along the coast, like Valley Ford, Duncans Mills and Jenner."
Union drive at Sonoma hotel resort draws NLRB scrutiny
Of 58 allegations, the National Labor Relations Board found 43 had sufficient evidence to support a complaint, 13 lacked merit and two more need further investigation.
Helping Sonoma County seniors age-in-place and prepare for wildfire
More on a local program to help senior harden their homes against fire and add safety improvements for aging-in-place.
Housing costs a crisis for the region, advocates say
A growing exodus of young adults from the region, which the report links to housing costs, is having knock-on affects. Sharp declines in the number of school-age children causing school closures.
Sonoma Mountain vernal pools protected for generations
Sonoma Land Trust will protect and manage the sensitive property for the foreseeable future.
Arrival of whales spurring new crabbing restrictions
Migrating whales trigger new crab fishing restrictions
AMR seeking redress, claims underhanded process doomed ambulance bid
Losing bidder for Sonoma County's ambulance contract cries foul
Petaluma's Birth Center officially shuttered despite protest
Nurses from obstetrics and other units picketed with community supporters against the full closure as the possibility of litigation over the closure looms
Sonoma County adopts incentive program for new hires
The pilot program will offer incentives between $10,000 and $25,000 for certain hires as part of a one year trial
County's largest employee union ratifies new contract
The 2,000 plus member union had been working without contract for over a month
County to blaze new trails
Prospects have improved for two planned off-road walking and cycling paths, one leading south from Sonoma and another through Bodega Bay.
County takes aim at homeless with rules on public camping
The new ordinance places new restrictions on when and where individuals can set up camp
Record precipitation aids outlook for start of fire season
Forecasts for late summer months remain uncertain but outlook for wildfire in early summer months shows lessened risk.
PG&E's undergrounding plan for Sonoma County in '23: 2 miles
Ongoing work by utility PG&E to bury some ten thousand miles of powerlines is drawing local criticism.
Sonoma County makes stricter rules for vacation rentals
Just two weeks before a ban on new vacation rentals expires, Sonoma County supervisors have voted for stricter rules, limiting where and how many more homes can legally be rented to vacationers.
Rehab coming for Sonoma County's aging flood control infrastructure
The Central Sonoma Watershed Project, built in the late 1950's and early 1960's helps regulate flooding within Santa Rosa - and is in need of repair
Addressing fire fears and aging needs, Sonoma County nonprofits join forces to harden seniors’ homes — for free
Fire Safe Sonoma, a nonprofit serving Sonoma County, has forged a rare partnership with Sonoma County’s Habitat for Humanity chapter, using a county grant to retrofit the homes of low-income Sonoma seniors so they could age more safely in place.
Lakeville Creek receives big boost in restoration efforts
The State of California recently awarded Sonoma Land Trust over $2 million to undertake the 4,240 foot long creek restoration.
Closure draws nearer for Petaluma's Family Birth Center
Providence Healthcare plans to shutter Petaluma Valley Hospital’s Family Birth Center on May 1st. The move comes in spite of protests from staff, the healthcare district board, and the operating contract.
RCPA targets local funding program for green transition
Transitioning and reducing transportation emissions remain the largest hurdles to meet Sonoma County emissions target.
New well permits will require additional time and money in Sonoma County
Under the new rules, all new well approvals, no matter where they are, will come requirements for water efficient fixtures and landscaping. Measures will be stricter near navigable waterways.
Petaluma skating prodigy talks Olympic prep, finding balance
17 year old Minna Stess already has a national women's park skateboarding championship under her belt, with eyes on Paris 2024
Central Valley farmers reeling as flooding wreaks havoc on dairy industry
Floodwaters from an overflowing Lake Success reached the Tule River next to Joseph Goni's Tulare family dairy on March 15, in the middle of the night, much faster than he had expected.
Local woman recognized for helping save Athena House
Local whose focus and determination saved critical program named woman-of-the-year.
Deadline Thursday for affordable apartment lottery
Looking for housing in Santa Rosa? A lottery held this week is for a chance to rent at a brand new affordable housing complex currently under construction in downtown Santa Rosa.
US poet laureate and Sonoma native Ada Limon on creativity
KRCB speaks with the current US poet laureate, Sonoma County's own Ada Limon.
Petaluma makes permanent tenant protection rules
Renters won a number of protections including $9,000 in moving assistance for certain evictions over strong protests from local landlords
CSU student workers move to unionize
Student workers at Sonoma State and across California State University campuses filed Monday with the state to form a union, saying it would help them advocate for better pay and working conditions.
North Bay congressman host town hall, answer questions
North Bay Representatives Jared Huffman and Mike Thompson spoke after Wednesday's town hall
NorCal Public Media backs NPR and PBS by Leaving Twitter
April 13, 2023 A STATEMENT FROM DARREN LASHELLE, PRESIDENT & CEO of NORTHERN CALIFORNIA PUBLIC MEDIA Dear Friends and Supporters of Northern California Public Media (KRCB TV, KPJK TV, KRCB FM), Last week the social media platform Twitter labeled PBS and NPR’s official Twitter accounts as “state-affiliated media,” a…
Report of shooting at Windsor middle school unfounded, says sheriff
Reports of a shooter at Windsor Middle School in Sonoma County on Friday are unfounded, the county Sheriff's Office said.
Analy students walk out calling for an end to gun violence
Students marched through downtown and heard speeches in the city plaza calling for safe schools.
Petaluma bookstore staffers unionize
Staffers at the Petaluma location of North Bay bookstore chain Copperfield’s are unionizing.
New cinema center offers exciting opportunities for students
AV Film, formerly the Alexander Valley Film Society, plans to open new cinema and educational center in downtown Healdsburg
Rohnert Park officials to examine homeless response
The Rohnert Park City Council this week will review the status of homelessness there and discuss the city's response.
NorCal politicians call for federal relief for commercial salmon fishers
Federal authorities are expected to follow industry groups and officially close the fishery for the 2023 season.
Bennett Valley educators authorize strike as talks continue
The Bennett Valley Teachers Association and district leadership remain in mediation in an attempt to agree on a new contract and avoid a walk out
SoCo supes move closer to limiting daytime camping in public spaces
The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday unanimously approved the first reading of an ordinance that would limit camping in public spaces during daytime hours.
Despite deluge, recycled wastewater bolsters water security
Standing under a shady tree drooping with pomegranates late last year, Brad Simmons, a retired metal fabricator who has lived in Healdsburg for 57 years, showed off his backyard orchard. Along with the apple, cherry, and peach trees, he's packed one pear tree, two lemon trees, and a century-old olive tree into his…
Uncertainty looms over future of Sonoma-Marin Fairgrounds
The city's plan to re-exert direct control over the grounds comes amid protest from the fairgrounds leadership.
County introduces slate of new regulations for water wells
Among the changes: new water conservation measures and monitoring requirements
Healdsburg's workers wonder about their place in the city
Healdsburg's wealth and reputation is built on it's historic agricultural, and current viticulture bounty, but workers question if they can remain in the community
PG&E settlement funds aiding housing construction
Administrators of a multi-million dollar local loan fund established to speed post-wildfire reconstruction say it's starting to pay dividends--327 dwellings under construction, and another 295 in the pipeline.
Water rate hikes loom from Sonoma Water
Santa Rosa remains strident in their opposition to proposed increases
Students get help planting message of peace at school
The peace poles are just one of many ArtStart projects Sonoma County's students help to build
Wine grapes avoided a disastrous freeze, what comes next?
Some winemakers have been hesitant to make strong claims this early, but many agree the year's precipitation is good for thirsty soils
Con-man who scammed millions from vintners, collectors, dead
Anderson's death bookends a case that brought down producers, stunned an industry
Salmon fishermen reflect on causes, future as closure looms
Many anglers agree more can be done to prevent future closures as some say they are more well positioned to weather the potentially ruinous closure
New play looking squarely at gun violence makes local debut
The play draws from, and is the first stage adaptation of the 2019 book If I Don't Make It, I Love You
Deadline nears to join committee that will select firestorm remembrance monument
Locals can help shape a planned Sonoma County memorial commemorating the loss and recovery from the 2017 wildfires, but time is running out. Officials are forming a citizen task force to help select an artwork and shepherd the project through to completion. The budget is a quarter million dollars, but may rise.…
Healdsburg repeals longstanding cannabis business ban
Dispensaries will be allowed under the new plans, but other cannabis business actvities remain restricted
Vineyard managers eyeing coming freeze
Just as new buds have begun to sprout on the grape vines in Sonoma County, the National Weather Service has issued a frost advisory through early Sunday morning.
Research & studies at Bodega Bay to continue as county and UC ink deal
Fifty-acres of tidelands in Bodega Harbor will stay a nexus for environmental research for at least another quarter century. The land will remain, as it has since 1965, under the aegis of the Bodega Marine Reserve, one of 41 sites managed by the University of California. That's thanks to a deal announced last week…
Elders urge end to oil exploration, banks cease financing
Collectively they mean to draw attention to an issue a day after a dire report from the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
Need a county service? It will cost you more this summer
Prices for a menu of Sonoma County services are going up
Backlog of audits cleared as IOLERO ramps up operations
The agency is working to shore up communication with the sheriff's office and is approaching full staffing under new head John Alden
Search continues for Santa Rosa senior, missing three weeks
Officially missing three weeks as of Monday, the family of Santa Rosa resident Larry Atchison is redoubling efforts. Over the weekend, family members passed out three hundred care packages to area homeless, each with Atchison's photo. On Monday, Atchison's daughter made the rounds of San Francisco shelters, soup…
California Indian Museum and Cultural Center’s 'Being with Bears' program launches into second year
Youth in the program learn to reconnect with nature and history
Lake Pillsbury more at risk to seismic activity than thought
A new seismic analysis sheds light on the vulnerability of Scott Dam to a catastrophic earthquake
Drought, management decisions, ocean conditions blamed for salmon crash
Calif. Fish & Wildlife head says many factors taking toll on salmon
New rules adopted for winery events in county's rural areas
The ordinance comes after years of debate and deliberation over the regulations
Palms Inn residents, supporters call for oversight and aid
Residents and advocates say not enough changes have been made at the troubled supportive housing site
County joins local cities in prohibiting new fueling stations
Echoing a number of local municipalities, Sonoma County officials Tuesday narrowly prohibited new gas and diesel infrastructure in parts of the county. The move won't force any of the 46 stations located in unincorporated areas to close, though they won't be allowed to add more pumps. Cashless stations dispensing gas…
Storm damage: stately tree takes out powerlines, streetlamp in Santa Rosa
More than nine hours after a stately tree toppled in Santa Rosa, road, tree and electrical crews were still hard at work restoring order photo credit: Marc Albert/KRCB
Dearth of salmon prompts calls to cancel all fishing
Fishing Association calls for season closure, allow salmon recovery while idling fleet
Top Montgomery HS admin out; former principal in for rest of school year
Two administrators at Montgomery High School in Santa Rosa have been placed on leave, two weeks after the fatal stabbing of a student at the campus.
Community anger persists after high school stabbing
Students and community members speak out as suspect appears before a judge.
Housing the focus of interest, ire in Healdsburg
Residents voiced their hopes and hurt over the state of housing within the city
Community listening session held following Santa Rosa high school stabbing
Hundreds turned out to listen and speak during hours long meeting Tuesday night.
Plaintiffs: parking ban a fig leaf for anti-homeless policy
Litigation against the city of Sebastopol over a parking ordinance said to discriminate against homeless people prompted elected leaders to meet behind closed doors this week. The city is under pressure to repeal rules barring people from sleeping in vehicles.
Marin coroner releases Chavez autopsy report
More than six months after KRCB News requested to see the coroner's report in a fatal officer-involved-shooting near Healdsburg last summer, a copy has been sent to the newsroom.
Students call for accountability from Montgomery High admin
Students and community supporters heard speeches from students and parents during a walk out at the campus shaken by last week's murder
'Don't fence me in;' pressure on national park service to put elk first at Point Reyes
Point Reyes National Seashore. A small slice of the Bay Area where natural systems proceed unmolested. Or perhaps not. According to environmental campaigners, nature takes a back seat to ranching at the park.
Compromise ends two decade battle over Petaluma's Scott Ranch
Bitter Scott Ranch saga ends in sweet compromise.
Investigation continues in fatal Montgomery High stabbing
Students, staff, and community search for answers after fatal stabbing on Montgomery High's campus
Cannabis glut upending growers; tax revenue falling short
County elected leaders again shifted gears on the contentious issue of cannabis Tuesday, opting to keep in place a taxation system some growers say is squeezing them out, while adjusting tax rates. Broader changes are likely in the future as work on an environmental assessment proceeds.
Student dies after stabbing at Montgomery High in Santa Rosa
A 16-year old Santa Rosa high school student has died following a campus fight Wednesday morning. Santa Rosa police said they got a call just after 11 a.m. about a fight at Montgomery High School on Hahman Drive.
New documentary focuses on Sonoma County's pottery luminary
In the forested hills above Guerneville sits the historic Pond Farm - a world renowned pottery studio and longtime home to one of the 20th century’s great potters. Marguerite Wildenhain was a German Jewish potter, and the first female master potter in Germany. From the 1950's to the 1980's Wildenhain taught hundreds…
County workers rally hours before current contract expires
With their union contract expiring at midnight February 28th, a large crowd of county employees rallied outside the board of supervisors chamber Tuesday afternoon, pushing for an improved contract. "We are the union," County workers chanted. "The mighty mighty union."
Fairly simple, mostly inexpensive ways to fortify your home against wildfire
With rains enlarging standing pools on a soggy landscape, an out of control wildfire tearing into neighborhoods seems impossible. In just a few months, that won't be the case. With time still available to prepare, state fire prevention officials Monday detailed ways to reduce the chance a home will be lost to fire.…
African American experience in Healdsburg put in focus
Community members and city officials gathered once again this month for the latest Healdsburg encuentro. They're series of meetings that seeks to understand the experience of residents from various socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds.
Sonoma County families receive their first $500 monthly check
The first five-hundred-dollar monthly checks have gone out to just over three hundred Sonoma County families. It's part of a two-year pilot to gauge the success of unrestricted cash aid to those who need it most. Amid the local bounty, there's plenty of need. More than six thousand applied.
Parks Service readies removal of small dam in Marin
Hike through Marin’s Tennessee Valley and you’ll pass by a small duck pond set just back from the beach. Holding in the pond: a small earthen dam - whose days are numbered. The dam was originally built by a private landowner around 1960 according to Julian Espinoza with the National Parks Service - the same time that…
County transportation agency approves millions in funding
Many more millions will be pouring into local transportation projects after the Sonoma County Transportation Authority secured $67 million in project funds earlier this month. The funding comes from both grants and a variety of tax streams like Measure M and Measure BB also known as Go Sonoma.
Sonoma County launches guaranteed income pilot program for families in poverty
Hundreds of low-income families in Sonoma County will begin to receive $500 a month in a two-year trial of a new guaranteed income program, the county announced Wednesday. The Pathway to Income Equity pilot program mirrors similar programs throughout the state that provide guaranteed, relatively unconditional payments…
Thunder, rain, snow…all happening this week in North Bay
The North Bay is experiencing a rare mixture of weather phenomena on Thursday as cold temperatures bring rain that turns to snow in some areas while thunderstorms are forecast for the evening. A mixture of hail and graupel -- slushy snow pellets -- pelted Vallejo around noon and more hail was reported in Santa Rosa…
Sebastopol proceeding with road repair, 'unsafe' bike lanes
Reconstruction of part of Sebastopol's pothole-choked Bodega Avenue should be completed this fall. But the mood among city leaders agreeing to move forward was more regret and misgiving, than celebration.Few deny the deeply rutted obstacle course filling the role of major arterial is well past its expiration date.…
$50 million sought to boost Geysers energy production
Local officials are hoping to snag a fifty million dollar federal grant to bring emerging technology to the Geysers geothermal field, potentially boosting power generation by a third. The technology aims to provide more carbon free electricity when solar and wind sources drop off, such as on cloudy, still days and…
Public drinking moves closer to a reality in Healdsburg
Healdsburg could soon join the city of Sonoma in allowing public drinking within the city's plaza. The city's Community Services Director Mark Themig said Healdsburg's new ordinance would continue relaxed pandemic era regulations.
Cotati weighs new city seal
A city’s official seal...some are intricate, some simple...many go unnoticed. If you’ve driven on Old Redwood Highway through Downtown Cotati there’s a good chance you’ve seen the city’s seal adorning the billboard out front of the Rancho Adobe Fire station.
Rising demand for counseling, senior services in West County
'Doing-more-with-less' is a saying that's practically cliché. At the same time, for many, it's reality. And the agencies and other entities tasked lending a hand, they're often in a similar boat. Not enough funding, or not the right kind. With its $6 million dollar budget and 70 full and part time employees, that's…
Chavez family waits while Sonoma County DA decides if charges filed in police killing
Relatives and supporters of David Palaez-Chavez gathered in Courthouse Square on Friday Aug 5 2022, protesting what they described as an unjust, extrajudicial killing of a man by Sonoma County Sheriff DeputiesPhoto Credit: Marc Albert More than six months after a Sonoma County sheriff’s deputy killed 36-year-old David…
Sonoma County to lift COVID-19 public health emergency
The Sonoma County Department of Health Services will be lifting the COVID-19 local public health emergency status after three years of having it in place. County health officer Dr. Sundari Mase on Thursday announced that the public health emergency will expire on Feb. 28, the same day that Gov. Gavin Newsom ordered…
Healthcare board tussles with Providence over birth center
Tensions continues to rise over plans to close the maternity center at Petaluma Valley Hospital, as Providence and the Petaluma Healthcare District Board continue to fight over the future of the Family Birth Center. Board Vice President Elece Hempel said the board feels as though the decision has been dictated to them.
Bees to swarm Healdsburg as county inks deal to store commercial hives
Healdsburg will welcome thousands of new seasonal residents in the months ahead. There's no negative buzz, however. That's because they'll be winged, and randomly gathering pollen. Sonoma County announced this week a deal with Tauzer Apiaries to store bee boxes near the county's transfer station. Claire Tauzer is…
New bill aims to make direct physician employment permanent
For the past 20 years California hospitals have experimented with directly employing physicians - bypassing the traditional method of a private practice doctor with admission privileges. Now North Bay state assembly member Jim Wood is hoping to make that experiment permanent for California’s rural hospitals, Cathy…
Staff speak out against planned closure of birth center
Providence Healthcare is planning on closing the birth center at the Petaluma Valley Hospital this year. It's a move that has come as a shock to many - but not necessarily a surprise. Despite a contractual obligation to keep the hospital’s Family Birth Center open for five years following its 2021 purchase, in January…
Newts find helping hands in journey across a corner of Sonoma County
Newts. They’re small, orange, wet and slimy, and they’ve got to dodge a big obstacle. But as KRCB found out, they’ve got some helping hands. When the rain comes down most of us cozy up inside. But in the Chileno Valley, west of Petaluma - the rain brings one amphibian out in droves: newts.
Newly rehabbed, school for developmentally-challenged students unveiled
Years in the making, educators in Rohnert Park have unveiled a $10 million school remodel to encourage learning and community among pre-school children with developmental disabilities. Mandy Corbin is associate county superintendent...and before a ribbon cutting in front of a pint-sized-climbing wall, an element of a…
Hotel workers and supporters gather to support union drive
A large crowd of close to 200 people stood in front of the Fairmont Sonoma Hotel Thursday night, there in solidarity with hotels workers trying to unionize. Labor leaders, community figures, a representative for newly-elected State Assembly Member Damon Connolly, and hotel workers themselves addressed the…
Local State of the Union guest details experience
North Bay congressional representative Mike Thompson was notably absent from this year's State of the Union address. That's because he was a designated survivor, meaning the congressman took in the speech from a secure location in case of a catastrophe at the U.S. capitol. KRCB spoke with Thompson’s guest attendee…
Bringing astronomical utility bills back down to earth
Receive a shockingly high bill from Pacific Gas and Electric this month? You’re not alone. While PG&E says it's not to blame and the governor demands an investigation, the company says it can help those struggling to pay. Unless you're completely off grid, you've probably heard that incoming utility bills are bringing…
Ruth Asawa Fountain return edges closer
The Asawa Fountain was once a defining feature of Santa Rosa's Old Courthouse Square, before a 2016 reconfiguration. The artwork was sculpted in the late 1980’s by the famed late San Francisco artist Ruth Asawa, with help from then-students at Santa Rosa’s Burbank Elementary school.
Learning and adaptability crucial to groundwater plans
Regional groundwater sustainability plans were recently approved by state water regulators, earlier than expected. Sonoma County is home to around 40,000 registered wells. Groundwater is central to the everyday life of Sonoma County, its people, its plants, and its produce.
Video looking into Sonoma County's future climate debuts
When it comes to reversing climate change, one group in Sebastopol is looking into Sonoma County’s future as a place to start. A buzzy crowd around 60 strong, many friends, neighbors, or at the very least acquainted, gathered recently at the Sebastopol Grange for a first look at “Sonoma County Climate 2050.”
Even with new money, a fix for SR 37 still a long way off
If you read recent headlines concerning the regional measure three lawsuit, you might think the heavy equipment is ready to roll into place to fix Highway 37. That's not exactly the case. The suit, by the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association put money raised by a bridge toll increase in limbo. Now, officials are…
Supes ponder bond measure to repair, upgrade Vets buildings
Part club house, community center and shelter of last resort, Sonoma County's veterans halls are in sorry shape. The vast majority of halls were built immediately after the second world war and are showing their age. An issue that has caught the attention of the County. Supervisor David Rabbitt said they have long…
County's three Groundwater Sustainability Plans good to go
Sonoma County’s three groundwater sustainability agencies formed back in 2017. The state has now approved long-awaited plans to keep Sonoma County and Napa Valley's underground aquifers full far into the future. Petaluma Valley GSP Cover photo credit: Petaluma Valley GSA The groundwater sustainability plans were…
Pedaling Petaluma for fun and purpose; advocates hope to entice locals onto two-wheels
As light waned late Friday afternoon, just more than a dozen cyclists began rolling through Petaluma. Part happy hour alternative, part sight seeing and light exercise, the monthly first Friday ride also has a political purpose--visibility and setting an example. As the gloaming gave way to nightfall, cycling…
Cómo escuchar la cobertura bilingüe del Estado de la Unión de NPR - esta noche a las 6 pm
Hoy dia, el Presidente Joe Biden dará el discurso anual del Estado de la Unión. Por primera vez, NPR News transmitirá la cobertura y análisis en inglés y español.
Commission advances county-wide ban on new gas stations
Fuel derived from fossils inched a bit closer to extinction Thursday, at least locally. Sonoma County officials are advancing a ban on new retail gasoline and diesel fueling stations in unincorporated areas. Several municipalities, including Petaluma, Sebastopol and Santa Rosa, have already taken the step. But the…
Rural areas could finally see fast internet service
People left in the slow lane of what was once billed as the information superhighway, may finally be able to dump the DSL and dial-up... and merge into graphics-heavy parts of the internet. On Tuesday, officials from the Golden State Connect Authority told Sonoma County officials that an ambitious program to extend…
Strategic pruning, watering can buttress trees againt soupy soil, high winds
Late Sunday night, a towering tree gave way in a residential part of Santa Rosa, striking and severely damaging a home as it plummeted to earth, as reported in the Press Democrat. While unusual, Jamie Hodge of Santa Rosa's Atlas Tree Surgery, said recent weather likely played a role. "We had a bunch of rain, and then…
County to ponder costs, details as further study of new county office complex approved
Another major public construction project will move forward, at least in concept, after county supervisors Tuesday unanimously agreed to further explore replacing the Sonoma County's mid-century office complex. The two proposed options, costing an estimated $721 and $682 million respectively, would cover only part of…
Sebastopol's Climate Action Committee holds first climate action framework community meeting
Last year Sebastopol adopted a climate action framework to help guide the city’s transition away from fossil fuels. To help with Sebastopol’s green transition the City's Climate Acton Committee set up a series of community meetings to spur public involvement, starting January 26th. Flyers for Third Act, the nonprofit…
Residents, officials gather for conversation about honoring indigenous history and place in Healdsburg
Efforts to knit a more inclusive, connected Healdsburg continue. That includes a series of community encuentros - meetings - on topics from housing to migrant labor to indigenous history. A mixed crowd of around 60 people turned out for the year's first encuentro. That included residents and nonprofit workers,…
Planned closure of Petaluma Birthing Center prompts unified pushback
Petaluma Valley Hospital's Family Birthing Center has received international recognition and has one of the highest in-hospital breastfeeding rates in the state. But Providence Healthcare, who owns Petaluma Valley Hospital through its secular subsidiary, NorCal Health Connect, has announced a plan to close the center…
City of Sonoma still has ground to make up in efforts to mitigate homelessness
Sonoma County’s 2023 point in time homeless count took place Friday, January 27th. In advance of the survey, the Sonoma City Council received an update on where the city’s efforts to mitigate homelessness stand. Hoping to get a clear picture on the state of homelessness in the Sonoma Valley, the City of Sonoma brought…
Legal battle brewing over Sonoma Developmental Center re-use plans
Two local environmental groups are awaiting a case number and initial hearing date, after filing a lawsuit against the county over re-use plans for the sprawling, Sonoma Developmental Center. The twelve page petition accuses the county of failing to adequately study the impacts of turning the abandoned 945-acre campus…
State approves sustainability plans for major North Bay groundwater basins
Plans for ensuring the long-term viability of four major groundwater basins in the North Bay were approved Thursday by state water regulators. The State Department of Water Resources announced that it gave the okay to plans developed for the Napa Valley Subbasin in Napa County and the Santa Rosa Plain Subbasin, the…
Legal decision frees up funding for SMART rail extension to Windsor and Healdsburg
According to Santa Rosa's mayor, SMART rail should reach Windsor by 2025 and Healdsburg by 2026. Friday morning, Mayor Chris Rogers said in a Twitter thread that a ruling this week by California's supreme court means $40 million dollars in funding specifically for the extension of the SMART train will soon be…
New research finds prescribed burns may emit more carbon as trees die faster in CA forests
More trees are dying and drying out in California's forests due to a hotter temperatures and prolonged droughts, which is causing more severe wildfires and a mass altercation in how forests store carbon. That's according to Cal Fire-backed researcher Marissa Goodwin at a research webinar Wednesday. Goodwin, a graduate…
A single, super school district a real possibility for Santa Rosa as enrollment continues slide
Responding to years of financial pressure worsened by declining enrollment, Santa Rosa school trustees are pushing ahead with a study on consolidating ten school districts into one. The proposal is almost certain to drum up controversy over fears of a loss of local control and the possibility of school closures. That,…
County workers rally ahead of bargaining session
More than three hundred county workers briefly picketed and rallied in front of Sonoma County's administration building this morning, as contract talks continue. The rally occurred as county supervisors met inside, and a day ahead of the next bargaining session. Amos Eaton, a county employee who provides help to the…
Vineyard community makes case for new water district
Facing an uncertain and highly variable water future, a group of landowners in Alexander Valley are talking about forming a new water district. That's according to wine industry figure and former Santa Rosa mayor, Mike Martini, who addressed the Healdsburg City Council about the proposal at recent meeting. "The…
Local public library governing board raises policy questions over displays and signage
For some, public libraries are meant to be neutral ground when it comes to civic disputes over culture, values, and identity in America. That's not always the case, including in Sonoma County. Walk into any one of the 14 different public libraries around Sonoma County and you’ll likely see Pride and Black Lives Matter…
Community, recovery, future, all on the mind at Healdsburg's Raven Theater
How are local performing arts venues faring after the dark days of the pandemic? In Healdsburg, the return of live performances have breathed new life into the Raven Theater. Their latest production: Cesar Died Today from playwright Gabriel Fraire. "As a writer, people always come up to you and say, I got this great…
When disaster strikes, locals often first to help
While state and federal disaster recovery groups like the Red Cross and FEMA are still mobilizing, the nonprofit Russian River Alliance is already handing out aid. Through fire, flood, personal setbacks and tragedy, gift cards handed out from a minivan is often the first bit of help offered. "Larger organizations will…
Many still in need as storm relief funds run out
Special county relief funding had already run out Wednesday as a few people were still turning up at Guerneville's community health center, hoping to get help. Waitress Anna Haynes was among them. She said riding out the storm itself had her on edge. "The trees falling all around us. That was scary, hearing the trees…
Train crushes pickup left on tracks, authorities searching for owner
Napa police are trying to find whoever owned a pick up truck that was destroyed Saturday night when the Napa Valley Wine train slammed into it. No one was injured either in the pick-up or aboard the train, according to Lieutenant Chris Pacheco of the Napa Police Department. Pacheco said the train was rounding a slight…
Rain and research opportunities abound with parade of atmospheric rivers
The series of atmospheric rivers hitting the west coast have caused serious damage to infrastructure. The storms are also being studied extensively, including by Ryan Torn. "My work relates to understanding what is the predictability of landfall atmospheric rivers on the west coast of the United States," Torn said.…
Woman lost in flood leaves huge void, authorities ID two who perished in Sea Ranch
Authorities have identified the woman killed when her vehicle was apparently swept off of Trenton-Healdsburg Road Tuesday as 43-year-old Daphne Fontino of Ukiah. Fontino's body was found Wednesday morning in her vehicle under eight to ten feet of water in a vineyard, about 100 yards off the road, according to the…
What does this stream of rain mean for groundwater levels? Here's what one expert has to say
The consistent stream of rain and mountain snow that’s rolled through California has raised lots of questions about drought conditions and groundwater levels. Marcus Trotta, groundwater expert with Sonoma Water, said it’s complicated. "Groundwater recharge is really one of the more challenging things to really…
Rising reservoir levels put Army Corps of Engineers back at the helm of release valves
The Army Corps of Engineers has been busy during the recent barrage of rainfall. Lake Sonoma and Lake Mendocino under normal conditions are co-managed by the Corps of Engineers and Sonoma Water, but with the influx of rain, that’s changed at Lake Mendocino, according to Nick Malasavage, chief of operations for the…
Ever-changing conditions a challenge for supercomputers tasked with building accurate flood forecasts
Just a few days ago, Guerneville and just about every low-lying community along the Russian River were on edge, awaiting cataclysmic flooding that thankfully never arrived. A forecast issued Tuesday morning expected the river to jump its banks in Guerneville around 4 pm Thursday. According to a revision Tuesday…
Protected and Connected - Residents call for increased spending on climate friendly bike infrastructure
Each year Santa Rosa takes public input on goals and priorities for the city budget. One group is pushing the city to make good on previous promises. Cris Eggers is a volunteer with that group: Bikeable Santa Rosa. "Bikeable is a volunteer group who think that Santa Rosa is ready for a protected and connected bike…
Woman found dead in flooded vehicle near Forestville
A Ukiah woman was found dead on Wednesday after her vehicle apparently became submerged in flood water in Forestville, according to the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office. Sheriff's dispatch received a call at about 10 a.m. Tuesday from the California Highway Patrol reporting that a car was stuck in flood waters in the…
Remote failure risks lurk as Lake Hennessey fills to capacity
There's something of a rare sight to see right now in the hills north of Napa. Thanks to a string of atmospheric river storms, Lake Hennessey has risen high enough to reach the dam's spillway, something celebrated by more than a few locals. Joy Eldredge is deputy utilities director for the City of Napa, which owns the…
Help on standby as deluge pounds region
If you're feeling a little weather whiplash, you're not hallucinating. The switch from a desiccated landscape to an inundated one has been swift. Officials with the state department of water resources say more storms are on the way. That's after five have slammed into California since late December. "California is…
Break in the clouds offers respite before next round of rain and flood projections
The muddy water keeps flowing and county work trucks keep moving along River Road, but earlier flood predictions failed to materialize on a sunny Monday afternoon in Guerneville. Pre-staged service trucks remain in place though, while cars and RV’s have been moved to higher ground in spots along River Road. Sandbags…
County infrastructure team regroups as more storms approach
This week’s powerful storms battered the landscape and wreaked havoc on power and communications infrastructure. While this storm wasn’t unprecedented, its impact on trees across Sonoma County was, Johannes Hoevertsz, Sonoma County's Director of Public Infrastructure said. "Yeah, it was an unprecedented number of…
Winds might back off but trees can still come down in coming storm
Sonoma County experienced a tragedy this week when a 2-year-old boy died during Wednesday's storm after a tree toppled and crashed down on his family's home in Occidental. While fierce storms aren't new to the North Bay, the number of downed trees so far is unusual. One local arborist has insight. "Advice is your best…
Concerned about a potential tree fall? Local arborist has advice
With so many trees coming down from high winds and rain, many people in Sonoma County might be thinking twice about that birch, oak, or redwood in the yard. Fred Frey is a licensed, certified arborist and owner of Vintage Tree Care in Santa Rosa. He said even in the midst of stormy weather, it’s not too late to take…
Storm coverage from Monte Rio
All photos by Lauren Spates Guerneville resident Tommy and his dog, Waylon, enjoy the Russian River during a break in the rain. The iconic Highland Dell hotel sits high and dry over the Russian River in Monte Rio. Under new management since 2022, The Monte Rio Theater and Extravaganza staff prepared sandbags to…
Heavy storm fells trees, powerlines, and claims a life in West Sonoma County
A night of serious rain and wind felled trees and power lines across the North Bay - fatally so in west county. The current atmospheric river lashed Sonoma County with serious force last night - claiming the life of a two year old in Occidental, according to Sonoma County Sheriff’s spokesman Sgt. Juan Valencia.…
Early estimates projected a dry winter - one expert explains the wet conditions
Wet weather continues and the forecast calls for serious rain tonight - KRCB News spoke with Rick Canepa, meteorologist with the National Weather Service’s Bay Area office in Monterey about it. Canepa said a storm of this strength is not unheard of. "I mean, we quickly reference a benchmark storm back in December,…
Officials closely monitoring mudslide risk where Glass Fire burned
orm One of the areas of highest concern during the current storm system is the roughly 70,000-acre footprint of the 2020 Glass Fire primed for mudslides. Officials are monitoring the area closely. Paul Lowenthal is a division chief and fire Marshal with Santa Rosa Fire. "It is susceptible to slippage and that could…
Heavy rain and winds on the way - Here's what you need to know
Johannes Hoevertsz is director of Sonoma County Public Infrastructure - formerly Transportation and Public Works. He told KRCB News people should prepare now for Wednesday’s deluge. "So if you need sandbags, I would recommend that you go get them now you're probably a little behind, but I think there's still time,"…
'Bomb cyclone' on the way; dire storm forecast for the Bay Area
The entire Bay Area will be under a flood watch beginning Wednesday due to a heavy storm system expected to be as bad or worse than Saturday's deluge and which will likely result in the loss of human life, according to a dire forecast update from the National Weather Service. The update issued Monday afternoon…
Celebrations continue at Sonoma County's third annual Kwanzaa event
Christmas is over, Hanukkah is passed, but the candles of Kwanzaa still burn. Derived from the Swahili word for “first” - Kwanzaa is celebrated widely, from Canada to the Caribbean. A decade ago polling showed that 4% of Americans planned to celebrate the week-long holiday - while 3% planned for Hanukkah. N’gamè Gray…
West County Health Centers grapple with creative care models and industry pressures
As with so many overlooked aspects of daily life, Covid-19 brought into focus the importance of robust and accessible healthcare. Dr. Jason Cunningham, CEO of West County Health Centers, said providing that care poses a worthy challenge. "Healthcare, it should be different," Cunningham said. "So we're not just…
Parade of atmospheric rivers to pound North Coast, flooding expected, mudslides possible
Today's light rain is expected to intensify Friday night, raising the chance of flooding and possibly mud slides. Local officials say their readying for the challenge, while forecasters say more storms next week could pressure those preparations. With just more than six inches of rain possible through Saturday in one…
Legal settlement forces county to consider impacts on rivers, streams before approving wells
Environmentalists and Sonoma County recently settled a legal case over water, wells and their interplay with the Russian River. The deal will bring more regulations and higher costs...while also safeguarding local rivers and reducing the chance of wells running dry. Sean Bothwell is executive director of California…
A victory for salmon as superfluous dam comes down
From the Elwha River in Washington to the Klamath in California dams are coming down and fish are moving back up the freed waterways. Not all dam removals are large scale though. Just south of the little hamlet of Leggett where Highway’s 1 and 101 meet in Mendocino County sits Cedar Creek. A tributary of the South…
How exactly does federal money get spent? Health care infrastructure in West County is one way
The proposed 2023 federal spending package is 1.7 trillion dollars, with over half of that spending, $858 billion dedicated towards defense spending. Some federal dollars are destined to make their way to Northern California though once the omnibus spending package is signed by President Biden. West Sonoma County’s…
Petaluma adopts increased gun safety laws
Having a handgun inside your home puts occupants at increased risk - more than double - for a deadly homicide than those without handguns in the home. Hoping to mitigate the risk for those who do own firearms, Petaluma recently introduced new gun rules. Petaluma Deputy Police Chief Brian Miller explained them. "What…
Big spending package in Congress means money earmarked for local projects - District 2 Rep. discusses details
Earmarks are always a part of any major federal spending bill, many confuse them with pork barrel spending, but earmarks are important ways to pay for expensive local projects. North Coast Representative Jared Huffman says the federal dollars that may soon make their way back to Northern California are crucial.…
Floating solar panel array latest project in Petaluma's green transition
Petaluma continues to move its infrastructure away from fossil fuels. Like Healdsburg, Petaluma is putting a floating solar array at the city’s water treatment plant - called the Ellis Creek Water Recycling facility. The solar array will be operated by the same company behind Healdsburg’s - White Pine Renewables. At…
Two die in hunting club accident
UPDATE 12/20/22 1 PM Here's the latest update from the Santa Rosa CHP office: Last night at approximately 5:42pm, Santa Rosa CHP and Monte Rio Fire personnel responded to a crash on private property at the Happy Hills Hunting Club. Response and rescue efforts by emergency personnel were hampered by difficult access…
Supervisors approve SDC plan with 620 homes, real number could be much higher
The future of the shuttered Sonoma Developmental Center has been decided, at least in concept. But the most contentious aspect---the eventual number of homes on the site---remains something of a mystery. Slightly scaled back, but still ambitious redevelopment plans for nearly 1,000-acres of Sonoma Valley were approved…
Finding funding for carbon neutrality work the next challenge for RCPA
Sonoma County has ambitious goals to reach carbon neutrality even sooner than the state. Right now the process is focused on raising funding and public awareness - so said Sonoma County Supervisor Lynda Hopkins. "We are actually serious about securing funding for what is really, truly the greatest crisis of our…
Meet the new mayor - same (name) as the old mayor - Natalie Rogers takes the helm in Santa Rosa
Any celebratory breaks have been short-lived for Natalie Rogers. Selected by a 4-3 vote within the city council, Rogers, who also works in mental healthcare at Kaiser in Santa Rosa, was right back to work on the overnight shift the day after her ascension to the mayoralty earlier this week. She said she doesn’t take…
Signs of movement, but no solutions yet for struggling organic dairies
Organic dairies, souring under a crippling jump in feed prices that's threatening businesses in Sonoma County and throughout western states, aren't suffering in silence. Local, state and federal officials have a growing awareness of the problems plaguing diaries, and are discussing solutions. Navdeep Dhillon is farm…
Sonoma County earmarks $4 million to boost housing opportunities and tackle homelessness
The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors this week approved $4 million for projects that tackle homelessness. The money will come from the American Rescue Plan Act, federal legislation to inject cash into communities impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Much of the money is being earmarked for a more robust housing plan…
Advocates ratchet up efforts to boot cattle from Point Reyes
Environmental and animal rights group, In Defense of Animals, has enlisted actor and narrator Peter Coyote in a campaign opposing cattle ranching at Point Reyes National Seashore. The on-going struggle pits the natural local fauna---free running Tule Elk, against longstanding ranching operations. "Hundreds of these…
Clarification offered over concerns about coastal agriculture
An updated version of Sonoma County’s Local Coastal Plan is on the horizon. Some in the farming community concerned over what it might mean for agriculture along the Sonoma Coast. One major priority of the California Coastal Act is the protection of productive agricultural lands within the “coastal zone”. Wendy…
Substance abuse rehab center met with opposition at Planning Commission
A proposed substance rehab center in Santa Rosa drew a large virtual crowd to a recent Santa Rosa Planning Commission meeting with many concerns. Tensions have been growing in the Skyhawk neighborhood in Northwest Santa Rosa over a proposed private residential treatment facility just off Highway 12. City planner…
Feds appropriate funds to upgrade outmoded Lake Hennessey spillway
Considered a looming threat for decades, Congress has approved millions to address hazards at the seventy-six-year-old dam holding back the North Bay’s Lake Hennessey. Money to greatly improve the earthen dam's antiquated spillway and funding to study dredging the Napa River was added to the recent, must-pass National…
Operators, opponents seeking revisions to Santa Rosa vacation rental rules
Santa Rosa officials heard hours of public input Monday evening on the thorny issue of short term rentals, as the city looks toward revising its recently enacted rules this spring. Barely more than a year old, in general, officials believe the regulations are working. Monday's meeting was an opportunity for the public…
Water main break in Santa Rosa causes minor flooding, repairs under way
A major water main broke this morning in Santa Rosa causing road closures and lack of water for some area residents, according to a statement from the Santa Rosa Police Department. The break occurred on Carissa Avenue near Summerfield Road just before 4 a.m. and caused minor flooding of the roadway. Carissa Avenue was…
More than shelter; high hopes Labath Landing and projects like it can help end homelessness
The city of Rohnert Park’s unsheltered population has increased fivefold in 7 years.... to more than 250 people in 2022. After responding for decades in a way similar to many other California cities, earlier this year Rohnert Park began building small economical lodging paired with basic services and counseling. In…
Despite reforms, state's efforts to help developmentally disabled riddled with complexity
Problems in California's system of care for the developmentally disabled are well known, and persist. That's was the main take-away from a two hour meeting Thursday of California's Little Hoover Commission. An independent oversight agency, the commission can propose far reaching reform. Aaron Carruthers, executive…
Secret Santa program carries on in third decade running
The holidays are just around the corner and gifts are beginning to gather, including for a good cause. You might’ve seen paper hearts placed around businesses, banks, or buildings in Sonoma County recently and wondered what exactly they are. "It started with people needing help at Christmas and the Volunteer Center…
Newly unveiled mural transforms school walls and students in the process
Art transforms the world around us - just as it does the artist in action. One mural has helped the transformation of people and place in Santa Rosa. Amarosa Academy is hidden in plain sight among industrial spaces in Southwest Santa Rosa. Georgia Ioakimedes is the school’s administrator. "So our program exists…
Afghan refugee recounts travails on long journey to Petaluma
When the United States withdrew from Afghanistan last year, the world witnessed the plight of fleeing Afghans on their small screens. The cameras have gone and those who left their homes have begun to rebuild their lives, many in the US, some right here in Sonoma County. At recent meet and greet for the Afghan…
Doors open on renovated Sonoma State lecture hall
Recently Sonoma State University officials cut the ribbon on a remodel of one of the campus’ major lecture halls. Gone are the multi-million dollar lawsuit alleging asbestos-lined walls and dingy corridors of Stevenson Hall. Excitement for the renovated three story building is palpable; so said the dean of the School…
Restoration and conservation efforts help Marin's salmon overcome sizable hurdles
With the recent rains, KRCB’s checked in with local fisheries experts Eric Ettlinger and Josh Fuller. Here’s more from the conversation with Ettlinger, Marin Water’s Aquatic Ecologist. Last winter residents around the North Bay were wowed by video of salmon swimming through neighborhood creeks and small tributaries in…
First-ever California offshore wind auction nets more than $400 million so far
The first auction for leases to build massive wind farms off California's coast netted bids reaching $402.1 million Tuesday, signaling the beginning of a competitive market for a new industry producing carbon-free electricity. The auction -- the first on the West Coast -- includes five sites about 20 miles off Morro…
Diversion of millions won't delay bike/ped bridge, officials say
Though millions set aside for it will now be spent elsewhere, Santa Rosa officials finalizing designs for a bike and pedestrian bridge over 101 say it will still open in 2026. The meeting Thursday mainly focused on accoutrements---lighting, fencing, paint colors and artwork rather than the core design, which has…
Santa Rosa reduces rent Jan. rent hikes at most mobile home parks
Residents of most mobile home parks in Santa Rosa will likely see smaller rent increases than expected after the city council opted to forestall a pending inflation-linked jump set for January. Set to rise nearly 6 percent, the rent increase at regulated mobile home parks was trimmed to 4 percent. At the suggestion of…
Rain heralds return of salmon to North Bay waterways
Winter rains signal salmon runs. We may not have gotten a lot of it so far, but fisheries experts weighed in about what the rain does mean for local salmon populations. Including Eric Ettlinger. "We've been anxiously awaiting this rain because it's been a pretty dry November and we've seen very few Coho salmon so…
Top ADA plaintiff pleads guilty to evading taxes on monies collected from settlements
A 60-year-old California man pleaded guilty Tuesday in federal court in Sacramento to filing a false tax return and admitted that he failed to report more than a million dollars he received from settling litigation he initiated under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Scott Norris Johnson, a quadriplegic who uses a…
PG&E mobilizing ahead of storm, says crews will race to repair outages
Clouds are gathering and winds picking up as the first significant winter storm approaches. Megan McFarland, a spokesperson for Pacific Gas & Electric Co., said utility teams are getting ready. "Our meteorologists see this storm coming in, hitting our service area late tonight and really all day Thursday and we're…
Senior dining about more than just the early bird special
The thought of dinner at the local senior center isn't likely to inspire most people - but most people aren’t Anna Grant. "We call it the Bistro on Matheson," Grant said. "I am biased, but hey, it's the best meal in town." Grant is Healdsburg’s senior services director. What began as a simple inquiry into why the city…
Fact finder recommends actions mostly in line with Gravenstein District offer in labor dispute
The winter holiday period often breaks up schedules and puts school on the back burner. For Sebastopol’s Gravenstein Union school district, this year’s holiday might herald a strike. Maybe not the Grinch, but mean-spirited all the same. That’s the feeling staff at the district say they felt towards the conclusion of a…
Reinventing the wheel or creating community? A look at house-sharing in Sonoma County
Interviews and audio for this story comes courtesy of Nor Cal Public Media's Isabel Fischer as part of the series Bay Area Bountiful SHARE Sonoma County is an organization that matches someone seeking housing with someone who can provide housing – often a person with an empty bedroom that could be occupied by a tenant…
Passed over for grants, Santa Rosa considering digging into reserves, other funds for Hearn Ave overpass
Passed over by federal and state agencies, Santa Rosa leaders Tuesday will consider a few radical fiscal moves to fast-track long promised overhaul of the outmoded Hearn Avenue overpass. A relic with its short ramps, sharp turns and no sidewalks, officials have had replacing the overpass over US 101 on the books since…
Paxlovid available to uninsured
Considered a life-saver for many COVID patients, the drug Paxlovid---administered after one has been infected---has been difficult to obtain without speedy attention and good medical insurance. That's changing in Sonoma County where a free clinic is connecting the uninsured with the new treatment. A dozen years after…
Upcoming holiday celebrations around the North Bay
Though snow is never part of the equation, the Bay Area still loves to celebrate the holidays. Many cities and towns have free events for the whole family. Joyful and triumphant revelers can roam from county to county to take part in the season's fealty, buy one-of-a-kind Christmas crafts, enjoy the Hanukkah Festival…
Petaluma rolls back development fees for affordable housing
In a push to encourage more affordable housing, Petaluma leaders have erased millions of dollars of impact fees it normally bills for new construction. The council unanimously approved the fee exemption for certain planned or under construction affordable housing projects. City Attorney Eric Danly said results won't…
New moves from Cotati help to streamline multi-family housing permitting
More changes have been made in Cotati to help meet the city's housing construction goals. Convoluted and restrictive zoning laws have kept many cities in Sonoma County and across the state filled with low density, single family homes. New state laws have pushed cities to change their zoning rules - including Cotati.…
Gap in homeless services for North Sonoma County filled by new center in Healdsburg
Sonoma County’s most recent point in time homeless count showed an increase in the number of unhoused individuals in Healdsburg and North County. Healdsburg continues to make moves to address the issue. Healdsburg Housing Director Stephen Sotomayor said the city has completed a major objective towards trying to end…
Questions of belonging, inclusion, community on the table at Sebastopol town hall
Some in West Sonoma County have faced high profile scrutiny following a number of discriminatory interactions at Analy High School. Community members reflected on how to confront systemic issues and push for a more welcoming school culture following a recent town hall on inclusion and belonging held at the school.…
Police say surveillance tech offers them more tools but Sebastopol has placed a high bar for approval
Police surveillance tech has been met with push back around the Bay Area - this week Sebastopol added itself to the list of cities putting greater scrutiny on the controversial technology. A 2020 audit of Sebastopol’s police department raised the question of whether the city’s values were reflected in its policing…
Petaluma considering dumping impact fees to speed affordable housing
Hoping to speed construction of more affordable housing, Petaluma officials this evening will consider waiving a host of development fees usually tacked on to new construction. The proposal would waive impact fees for traffic, open space and park acquisition, park development and city facilities development for…
Local organic dairies withering under huge jumps in production costs
After decades of growing demand, drought and a far-away war are laying low local organic dairy farmers and processors. Without cash soon, it's feared several local dairy operators may soon close up shop. "We have a drought crisis that is extreme," said Albert Straus, founder and CEO of Straus Family Creamery and…
Respiratory illnesses at 'extraordinary' levels in Sonoma County, especially for children
Health experts in Sonoma County gave an update this week about the surge of respiratory illnesses plaguing the county and filling hospital beds. Influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases are clogging hospitals across the state, especially children's hospitals, according to the California Department of…
Santa Rosa commits to 'functionally ending' homelessness
Vowing to make homelessness rare, brief and non-reoccurring, Santa Rosa elected leaders this week unanimously approved a strategy to functionally end homelessness in the county seat by 2027. More a framework than a step-by-step roadmap, the 'strategic plan' commits the city and nonprofit agencies it contracts with to…
Residents' appeal against Sebastopol RV village shot down
The fight over a sanctioned area for people living in RVs continues in Sebastopol. The city currently faces a challenge in federal court to its RV parking ban ordinance that applies to elsewhere besides the Horizon Shine RV Village. Planning Director Kari Svanstrom noted, the city does not exist in a vacuum. "There is…
Sonoma County celebrates newly-remodeled and expanded airport terminal
The long-awaited refurbished terminal at Sonoma County Charles M. Schulz Airport (STS) saw some fanfare Tuesday. Various county dignitaries and the public gathered to mark the completion of a big remodeling and expansion job and celebrate added capacity. Craig Schulz, one of the sons of the famed cartoonist, shared…
California commission overhauls rooftop solar proposal
The California Public Utilities Commission last week released a long-awaited overhaul of its proposal to regulate rooftop solar installations, removing an unpopular new fee but reducing how much utilities would pay homeowners for supplying power to the grid. The revised proposal comes after the CPUC earlier this year…
Cotati gives the green light to urban agriculture
Residents say it’s been a long time coming, but Cotati’s rules for urban farming have come together. Open hours between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; parking access; two market days a week - those are just after some of the rules put in place after lots of back and forth. Now Cotati residents have the green light to open their…
What to make of the midterms? KRCB News asks a local expert
As part of our 2022 midterm election coverage, KRCB News spoke with Sonoma State University's David McCuan, chair of the political science department and a local politics expert. Below are excerpts from the conversation between McCuan and KRCB's Noah Abrams on November 9, 2022. Abrams: "So I know we're, we're still…
Votes pour in and smiles abound as candidates wait on final results
As is customary, local candidates held election night watch parties, KRCB spoke with some on the ballot in Sonoma, and one in Marin County at their gatherings of friends, family, and supporters as results rolled in. The days of decisive Election Day results may be behind us as the switch to mostly vote-by-mail ballots…
County's winery event rules get further re-tool
Adding rules to Sonoma County’s wine industry is never easy, and the latest attempt to regulate winery events is causing a stir. "Unfortunately, the commission got lost in the weeds and the recommendation is an attempt to micromanage a business that the commission does not understand and it challenges that they cannot…
Santa Rosa looks to shore up strategy to keep Eel River water available for use
PG&E has begun relinquishing its control of the Potter Valley Project. Concerned that this will reduce water supplies, Santa Rosa is exploring options. Mendocino County's century old Potter Valley Project consists of two Eel River dams, a tunnel diverting some of the Eel into the East Fork of the Russian River, and an…
Oak Grove Superintendent says teachers and district remain at odds
Negotiations between teachers and Oak Grove Union School District have reached an impasse. Following up on yesterday’s report featuring union members, Superintendent Amber Stringfellow laid out the opinions of the small district outside of Sebastopol. Stringfellow has led the little two-school Oak Grove Union district…
Another set of Sonoma County teachers poised to strike
Another Sonoma County school is staring down a teachers strike. This time - Oak Grove Union just north of Sebastopol. Educators in the two-school district say they have reached the end of their rope - 93% of Oak Grove Union Elementary Educators Association members have authorized a strike. 84% expressed no confidence…
IOLERO chief talks hopes and expectations in first sit down interview
Social unrest during the summer of 2020 invigorated the movement for justice and accountability in American policing. Over two years have passed from those days of demonstrations in Sonoma County and across the nation. KRCB sat down with the new leader of the county's sheriff oversight group for a conversation about…
Sebastopol braces for lawsuit over RV camping ban
Morris Street in Sebastopol may be clear of RV’s, but the reverberations from the city’s effort to relocate RV dwellers and clean up the once sprawling encampment continue. Lawyers from the ACLU of Northern California and Sonoma County Legal Aid, among others, filed suit in federal court last week against Sebastopol…
Pressure and pushback against solar incentives reform push grows
California regulators have postponed a decision yet again on the future cost of rooftop solar systems...while advocates accuse them of undermining solar at the behest of utilities. The decision, which would overhaul incentives and payments for residential solar systems has been postponed until next August at the…
Gravenstein Union support staff prepared to strike for higher wages
Sonoma County’s cost of living is near the highest in the state, and many educators struggle to make ends meet. In a bid for higher wages, another strike is looming - but this time it isn’t teachers at this West County School district. In the tiny two school Gravenstein Union School District outside Sebastopol,…
McGuire faces newcomer Gene Yoon in re-election bid
In the November 8th election, longtime incumbent and highly favored Democrat Mike McGuire faces Republican newcomer Gene Yoon to represent the sprawling 2nd state Senate district, stretching along the coast from the Golden Gate to the Oregon line. Atypical of Republican office-seekers, Yoon was once on the other side,…
Winery events may soon get a closer look from County
Planning a vineyard party? Barrel tasting bash or wedding? Events at wineries in Sonoma County are slated for some changes. On Tuesday, the County Board of Supervisors will hear a new winery event ordinance - one that has already gone through a lengthy revision process with the county's planning commission. Meant to…
Prescribed fire - medicine for nature
With September’s record heat behind us, and fire risks fading, firefighters and conservation groups are wasting little time, conducting controlled burns ahead of winter. Thursday, October 27th, firefighters intentionally set alight part of Pepperwood Preserve northeast of Santa Rosa---fighting fire, with fire. Aiming,…
Thompson, Brock spar on vision for 4th Congressional District and the nation
Next up in our ongoing election 2022 coverage, the race for the fourth congressional district seat in the US House of Representatives. Redistricting after the 2020 US Census changed a number of local districts. Mike Thompson is running for re-election in what is now California’s 4th Congressional District, the new…
Declining enrollment pressuring school districts; some exploring consolidation
A confluence of demographic trends, COVID impacts and rising costs are pinching many local school districts, likely forcing some tough choices. "The new normal is declining enrollment, learning to live with less students in the public schools, which means the revenue is going to be down. The new normal is, we have a…
Petaluma moves to regain direct control of city's fairgrounds
Democracy was on the docket last night in Petaluma with a special meeting of the city council focused on the future of the city’s fairgrounds that stretched nearly 6 hours. Deliberation and debate is the name of the small ‘d’ democratic game - and when it comes to deciding the future of Petaluma’s fairgrounds, there’s…
Rallyers gather to remember those lost and push for greater change
Since 1996, activists around the United States have rallied on October 22nd for a national day of protest against police brutality. This year’s day of protest saw around 60 people gather outside the Sonoma County administrative offices in Santa Rosa. "No Justice! No Peace! No Racist Police!" Attendees chanted. Many in…
Sonoma County housing advocates call for expanded tenant protections
Roughly 3000 people are living on the streets of Sonoma County, according to the latest point in time count. And now that a county-wide eviction moratorium expired on October 1st, housing advocates are expecting that number to rise. "One of the primary predictors of homelessness is housing and affordability and…
Wide open race as five newcomers seek three slots on Sebastopol Council
In Sebastopol, where three city council incumbents are choosing not to seek re-election, November's contest is wide open. In all, five candidates are seeking a spot on the dais of the proudly alternative town. Three of the candidates in the race, Dennis Colthurst, Jill McLewis and Oliver Dick did not respond to…
Amid ominous signs, California releases first student test scores since the pandemic
Californians had their first statewide look at test scores measuring the toll the pandemic took on students -- and the way state education officials have handled the rollout provides plenty of clues that the news is not good. Earlier this fall the state Education Department refused a media request to immediately…
Four vying for Petaluma mayor's office
A project manager, a conservationist and two council members are running the be the next mayor of Petaluma, here's a look at the race and its contenders. It's a four-way race to succeed Teresa Barrett as the elected leader of the county's second-largest city, something of a microcosm of the county as a whole, and…
Online wine delivery company settles consumer complaint, customers can get refund
The online wine seller Naked Wines has agreed to settle a consumer protection lawsuit brought by multiple district attorneys, according to Napa County District Attorney Allison Haley. Haley said in a statement that Nakedwines.com, Inc. had settled a complaint alleging the company had not followed California's…
Stapp, Rossiter compete for Santa Rosa's 2nd Council District
Next up in our ongoing election 2022 coverage, the race for the second district seat on the Santa Rosa City Council. Mark Stapp is a member of Santa Rosa’s Design Review Board, an administrator at Sonoma State, and has served on the city’s Measure O oversight committee. Mason Rossiter is a political science student at…
Number of homes, connection with State Route 12 still stumbling blocks as SDC plan proceeds
With details of the county's re-use plan for the Sonoma Development Center still reverberating, the area's representative board of supervisors remains hopeful there's still room for compromise. Released earlier this week, redevelopment plans for the Sonoma Developmental Center are still being digested. A thousand…
Healdsburg takes stock of carbon footprint and begins climate mobilization
Lowering greenhouse gas emissions has become a top priority for many of Sonoma County’s cities. The timeline for action continues to accelerate. Healdsburg officials this week reviewed the city's inventory of greenhouse gas emissions and took steps to create a climate mobilization strategy. "Healdsburg is a leader in…
ELECTION 2022: Huffman and Brower on ballot for congressional district 2
For our ongoing election coverage, we’re speaking to candidates in key local races. One of those is for the representative for California's second congressional district. Spanning from the Golden Gate Bridge to the Oregon border, Jared Huffman has represented the roughly 700,000 residents of the second district in US…
Sonoma County requires flu vaccine for health care, congregate care facility workers
Sonoma County health care workers will be required to get a flu shot by the end of November under an order issued Wednesday by the county's top health official. The order, which takes effect Nov. 1, will require workers to get the annual flu vaccine or, if granted a medical or religious exemption, wear a surgical mask…
Napa County officials pursue regulatory, legal action over new vineyard project
Napa County officials fired back this week at a well-known winemaker in an escalating dispute over whether the county has regulatory authority over a new vineyard project on his land. On Oct. 13, Jayson Woodbridge of Hundred Acre Wine Group sued the county over claims that local officials have overstepped in their…
Three challenging Fleming for Santa Rosa's 4th district council seat
The Sonoma County Elections Divisions started sending out 2022 general election ballots in the mail on October 10th. Over the coming days, besides stories on statewide propositions, we’ll be airing interviews with local candidates. In Santa Rosa's fourth district, three challengers are attempting to unseat city…
Aminzadeh, Connolly contest new Assembly District 12 seat
The Sonoma County Elections Divisions started sending out 2022 general election ballots in the mail on October 10th. Over the coming days, besides stories on statewide propositions, we’ll be airing interviews with local candidates. KRCB News spoke with the two candidates running for the State Assembly's 12th District…
'Final' SDC plan calls for 1,000 homes, 900 jobs at Eldridge campus
Sonoma County officials appear to be ploughing ahead with bold re-use plans for the sprawling Sonoma Developmental Center. A total of 15 pages of revisions to the site's specific plan and a 2,500+ page environmental impact report were released to the public Tuesday. The county's planning commission is scheduled to…
Jacobi, Okrepkie face off in Santa Rosa's District 6
The Sonoma County Elections Divisions started sending out 2022 general election ballots in the mail on October 10th. Over the coming days, besides stories on statewide propositions, we’ll be airing interviews with local candidates. KRCB News spoke with the two candidates running for the 6th District seat on the Santa…
One year on - Roseland Library full of life in latest home
An improved-but-still-temporary Roseland Regional Library has been open for about a year on Sebastopol Road in Santa Rosa. On a foggy mid-October morning students from Victor Guadarrama’s sixth grade class from nearby Sheppard Elementary darted around the main room. He said he thinks the library is a great resource…
Sonoma will weigh annexations at county's request
The City of Sonoma is being pushed to expand, but less forcefully. A final report prepared by Sonoma County's Local Area Formation Commission...also known as LAFCO [laugh-coe]…..is scheduled for public release today. It recommends Sonoma swallow several unincorporated 'islands,' a few peripheral areas that have…
Drought likely to persist as forecasters expect 'La Nina' to linger through most of winter
Water supplies are dipping and the outlook for the coming rainy season is iffy at best. That's the main takeaways from Thursday's online drought town hall held by Sonoma County. Officials say Lake Sonoma stands at forty-four percent capacity. Brian Garcia, with the National Weather Service, said precipitation dropped…
Mental healthcare workers and Kaiser still deadlocked after two months
Mental healthcare workers at Kaiser Permanente are marking two months on strike across Northern California today. "We're here for the patients, not for ourselves," said Christine Naber, a neuropsychologist at Kaiser in Santa Rosa and member of the National Union of Healthcare Workers. She said the ongoing strike is…
CalMatters: This is how much you'll get from the California gas rebate
California is sending money directly to millions of residents to help with rising costs and high gas prices. The payments, which started going out Oct. 7, range from $200 to $1,050, depending on income and other factors. About 18 million payments will be distributed over the next few months, benefiting up to 23…
Cotati brings Dutch designs to California
For now the cannabis shops are the main thing Cotati and Amsterdam have in common, but soon enough Cotati’s neighborhoods may look a lot more Dutch. "The sum result of all of this is the creation of a series of outdoor living rooms," Cotati planner Autumn Buss said. The living rooms Buss is talking about: Woonerfs. A…
Sonoma County's civil grand jury foreman on the state of housing in the county
Sonoma County needs lots of new homes - almost 15,000 to be precise, and failing to meet that goal within the next decade could prompt the state to take over control of local housing development. One group that has done a deep investigation of local housing needs is Sonoma County’s civil grand jury. "Civil grand…
New engagement chief sets out her vision for IOLERO in the community
Sonoma County’s sheriff oversight body IOLERO, has seen a number of changes recently. Including a new community engagement manager. With a degree in criminal justice from Sonoma State in hand, Lizett Camacho said she saw the writing on the wall when IOLERO needed a new community engagement lead. "I've been in the…
Impacts, competing interests vie for attention as county revises well rules as suit proceeds
Following hours of deliberations last week, Sonoma County supervisors decided to not issue any new permits for water well drilling, at least until next April. The moratorium comes as the California Coastkeeper Alliance continues legal action against the county, accusing officials of environmental mismanagement by…
Heartbreak, loss, strength and resilience honored five years after Tubbs Fire
As the fog cleared Saturday morning, elected leaders, firefighters, and local residents gathered to mark the 5-year anniversary of the Tubbs Fire. Other than a few scars on the pavement, Santa Rosa's Coffey Park looks like a recently completed subdivision, trees not yet casting much shade. After igniting north of…
New simulation predicts devastating floodwaters far inland in major tsunami
A wall of water walloping Doran Spit. Estero Americano changing course, channeling the pacific upstream, nearly to Valley Ford, water lapping at the edges of the Rocky Memorial Dog Park in Petaluma. The disaster scenario comes courtesy of the California Geological Survey, which Friday released updated tsunami…
Tubbs anniversary: Forthcoming book tells story of 'senior citizens left in the path of a ferocious firestorm'
It's been five years since a wildfire killed 22 people in Sonoma County and destroyed thousands of homes and buildings. Ceremonies took place this past weekend in Santa Rosa and Sonoma to mark the anniversary of the Tubbs Fire and remember those who perished and the loss of whole neighborhoods. KRCB News invited two…
Kaiser mental healthcare strike continues
Mental healthcare staff at Kaiser Permanente in Santa Rosa remain on strike, holding out for better working and patient-care conditions. After nearly two months some Kaiser employees have returned to work, unable to continue on without pay. Alexis Petrakis, a mental healthcare worker at Kaiser's Santa Rosa facility,…
Groundbreaking agreement made official for tribal authority at holy lake
Since 2019 Sonoma County Parks and the Graton Rancheria have co-managed Tolay Lake Regional Park outside Petaluma. That interim agreement has been cemented for the next 20 years. Tucked away at the end of a quiet lane off Lakeville Highway sits Tolay Lake. Though reduced from its original size after settlers in the…
Loss still reverberating five years after the Tubbs Fire
Five years ago, hot dry winds roared into Calistoga, fanning what would become an apocalyptic, deadly wildfire reaching into urban Santa Rosa. As part of KRCB News's coverage of the anniversary, reporter Marc Albert reached out to Jonathan Coke, currently a resident of Chico, whose Aunt, then 83 year old Carmen…
Crop Report: Apples, dairy, poultry slammed by drought, grapes and cannabis up
In spite of crushing drought, Sonoma County's farms, ranches, orchards and vineyards delivered crops and products worth nearly a fifth more than last year. But the county's latest annual crop report is far from universally sunny. Ag is in flux, with some traditionally strong sectors floundering under drought and lower…
Elections are right around the corner. Here's the basics
On Monday, Sonoma County starts sending out ballots for the November 8th midterm election and a number of seats are up for election across Sonoma County. Registrar of Voters Deva Marie Proto said there's plenty opportunities for voters to cast their ballots by November eighth. "In person voting, we have seven…
Tensions and concern remains around RV village and Sebastopol homeless
This week the city of Sebastopol provided an update on a safe parking site for homeless residents. While public opinion is unsurprisingly divided, the situation remains complex. "The simple solution seems to be to try to squeeze the balloon as they say, you squeeze one in and you push them out somewhere else,"…
Protected bike lanes, add'l parklets eyed for short stretch of Mendocino Avenue
Officials meeting in Santa Rosa Tuesday batted around concepts aimed at making part of Mendocino Avenue more of an extension of downtown, and less of an escape route. While no decisions were made, it seems nearly inevitable that one of the two northbound lanes between Fourth Street and College Avenue will be…
Petaluma housing plans near completion
The city of Petaluma is working on a blueprint for where to build hundreds of new houses, condos and apartments. 1,910 - the number of housing units the state says Petaluma needs to build in the next eight years. City planner Christina Paul said the community has outlined a number of housing priorities. "We have a…
Official responses to civilian oversight on housing shortage are in; blame and responsibility still in contention
Affordable housing. Everyone’s talking about it, like Caitlin Cornwall with the Sonoma Valley Collaborative. "Housing affordability is a crisis across the whole county." Cornwall said to the Sonoma City Council at a meeting earlier this year. Building affordable housing is another thing. This year Sonoma County’s…
Scale, density and preservation remain concerns as SDC reuse proposal gels
Roughly one hundred people showed up at the Sonoma Developmental Center Thursday, where the county's planning commissioners held an on-site meeting and walking tour of the shuttered 19th century campus in the Sonoma Valley. Officials continue refining re-use plans for the nearly one thousand acre site. Brian Oh, with…
Former PG&E execs settle wildfire victims' suit for $117 million
Former PG&E executives and directors have settled a lawsuit for $117 million in damages caused by the utility in connection with North Bay fires and the Camp Fire in Butte County, which was the deadliest fire in California history, the PG&E Fire Victim Trust announced Thursday. After more than a year of negotiations…
Frustration mounts in the struggle for sheriff oversight
Disappointment and confusion continue to surround the struggle for oversight of the Sonoma County sheriff’s department. Local resident Kimi Barbosa recently made her thoughts on the matter known to the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors. "You proved us right," Barbosa said. "In 2020 we said we did not want you to…
Sutter healthcare scientists join ranks of striking workers in Santa Rosa
Fall has officially begun with perhaps another “Strike-tober” ahead as healthcare workers at Sutter Heath in Santa Rosa started early in their fight for a new contract. Chants of "We’re on strike!" came from the lab scientists, pharmacists, social workers, and other ESC’s, engineers and scientists, at Sutter Health in…
Sonoma County Airport on course to serve a record number of passengers in 2022
With the pandemic waning, more of us are taking to the skies from Sonoma County. The passenger count at the Sonoma County Charles M. Schulz Airport is nearing 400,000 so far this year. That's more than double 2020's record low. Airport Manager Jon Stout said, "We're projecting we'll finish the year around six hundred…
After a decade of resistance, Sebastopol relenting on SmartMeters
For nearly a decade, propelled by activists concerned about long-term exposure to certain frequencies of radio waves, the City of Sebastopol has delayed the roll-out of new, high-tech utility meters. This week, years after state regulators ruled municipalities had no jurisdiction and couldn't block them, Pacific Gas…
County to study developing 'climate adaptation center' at SDC site
There's a new subplot in the on-going drama over re-use of the Sonoma Developmental Center, the shuttered state facility for the developmentally challenged in the Sonoma Valley. County officials say it won't impact the timeline. A final Environmental Impact Report and Specific Plan are still due by December thirty…
Anti-Semitic flyers left at Santa Rosa homes ahead of Jewish new year
Dozens of residents in eastern Santa Rosa awoke Friday morning to leaflets left at their homes overnight blaming followers of Judaism for the COVID pandemic. It's the latest flyer drop possibly linked to a Petaluma man, who operates an anti-Semitic conspiracy website. The flyers, placed on porches driveways or in…
Sebastopol relents in battle over high tech water meters
Concerns about grave health impacts from exposure to radio waves has prompted one Sonoma County city to back off, up to a point. The Sebastopol city council unanimously approved a measure last week allowing residential customers to keep their old water meters, if they insist. Like other cities and towns around…
Windsor extends vacation rental moratorium, developing permanent rules
With a moratorium on vacation rentals in Windsor set to expire, town leaders there Wednesday moved to extend it for nearly a year. Set to elapse a week from Saturday, officials had hoped to present permanent rules regulating short term rentals, but a draft ordinance wasn't ready. While Airbnb and VRBO are the most…
Some question efficacy of new wildfire smoke protections in Sonoma County; others celebrate progress
This is the third and final story in a series from KRCB in collaboration with the USC Annenberg Center for Health Journalism California Fellowship, looking at the detrimental health effects of wildfire smoke and the dangers Sonoma County's agricultural workers face. Living and working in the midst of wildfires and the…
Greater protections from wildfire smoke are in place but effectiveness largely untested
This is part two in series from KRCB in collaboration with the USC Annenberg Center for Health Journalism 2022 California Fellowship looking into the danger wildfire smoke poses to Sonoma County's agricultural workers. Wildfire smoke can leave wounds that last long after the fire has been put out. In October of 2017,…
Sonoma, Marin counties receive $10 million for carbon farming partnership
Sonoma and Marin counties will soon launch a partnership program that supports farmers initiating climate-friendly practices designed to create an exchange of climate-smart agricultural products between the two counties. Announced last Wednesday, the counties are set to receive up to $10 million from the U.S.…
Wildfires capture attention - but smoke remains the inescapable threat
This is part one in a three part series by KRCB, in collaboration with the USC Annenberg Center for Health Journalism 2022 California Fellowship on wildfire smoke, its effect on our health, and how workers in the farms and fields of Sonoma County are responding to the threat. Wildfires are changing. With their new…
Hotel, housing complex near Sonoma closer to reality
An affordable housing project and hotel planned for an area near Sonoma cleared a critical hurdle this afternoon. The county board of supervisors approved surrendering part of Old Maple Avenue just north of Sonoma. A portion of the road, which parallels Verano Avenue, will make way for a 120 room hotel and 72 unit…
Early storm kneecaps, but doesn't eliminate fire danger
The risk of major wildfire across Sonoma County and the north coast is just about nil for the next week or so. That's according to a federal inter-agency weather and fire forecasting agency. Recent early season rains drenched some areas, and quenched others. But, fire season isn't quite over. Brent Wachter is a Fire…
Petaluma moves to shore up groundwater supply
Like just about everyone else in Sonoma County, Petaluma is looking for more water. They recently made it happen. Aiming to stave off any shortage, last week Petaluma moved forward with a new municipal well - this time on the city’s west side. Called the Oak Hill Municipal Well, Dan Herrera, a civil engineer for the…
Locals bash SDC plans as too big
After the recent release of proposals related to re-using the Sonoma Developmental Center, the public had it's first opportunity Thursday to sound off on plans for a thousand homes, nearly as many jobs and a road connecting Arnold Drive with State Route 12. Sound off they did. Officials tried framing the proposal as…
Kaiser mental healthcare strike stretches into second month
Kaiser Mental Health Care workers rallied at the Santa Rosa Kaiser facility on Bicentennial Drive in Santa Rosa Friday afternoon as their strike entered its 33rd day. With a breakdown at the bargaining table, Kaiser workers were picketing in Santa Rosa, saying overcrowding and under-staffing by Kaiser is hurting…
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Living Downstream
Our podcast "Living Downstream" is the recipient of the 2022 Edward R. Murrow Award and has been named by the Global Center for Climate Justice as one of "Five Climate Justice Podcasts You Need to Follow." Wow: https://bit.ly/2Xkbs0D
Listen to some recent episodes! Generations in Houston's Fifth Ward Contend with Contamination, Cancer Clusters will break your heart, and perhaps solidify your resolve to make change. The Sea Next Door is told in true partnership with the community living near California's Salton Sea, an environmental powder keg, where the state has no idea how to avoid a coming health disaster.
Get them here, or wherever you get your podcasts.
First News
Start your weekday mornings with the Sonoma County First News podcast, bringing you the top local headlines and a detailed weather forecast to kick off your day.
Stay informed with the latest breaking news, updates on county government, elections, environmental issues, cultural events, and stories from communities across Sonoma County—from Petaluma to Cloverdale, Sonoma to Bodega Bay, and everywhere in between.
Subscribe to the Sonoma County First News podcast through the NorCal Mobile App, NPR Podcasts or iTunes/Apple Podcasts.
Postcards
Postcards from Northern California...
... What people are talking about around YOUR neighborhood.
Each week, we report news from all over Northern California through a weekly check-in, or "postcard," of what people are talking about in their area. Not always "news," but still worthy of a mention. It's our way to give voice to communities that may not make it into the everyday news cycle.
We play these in a random rotation throughout the week. Each postcard airs from Sunday morning at midnight through Saturday at 11:59:59 pm.
If you have an idea for a postcard from your community, email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and put your community's name in the subject line.
We archive all our postcards here. Have a listen!
Greetigns from Monte Rio
A joyful, colorful marker of spring all around Sonoma County, are the magnificent magnolias in full bloom. Michele Torr McDonell shares the history of Monte Rio's iconic specimens.
Greetings from Occidental
Get Up - Stand Up features OCA artists’ creations for our annual Black History Month show. Half of this show features the Black History collection of Raynetta James of Forestville. Because she lived through the Civil Rights movement that grew out…
Greetings from Guerneville
Residents of West Sonoma County hit by the recent floods, attend a Post-Storm Recovery Resource Event at the District 5 field office in Guerneville, to meet with groups offering everything from financial assistance, permitting advice and free…
Greetings from Santa Rosa
E Street Studio features two sound studios and two editing stations, available for storytellers to make podcasts, lay down album tracks, or produce movies.
Greetings from Monte Rio
The Monte Rio Middle School students present their annual Dinner Theater featuring the murder mystery Whodunit, Pompley's Peril, Wednesday, February 5. Doors open 5pm, show starts at 6:15 Public Welcome, tickets at the door.
Greetings from the Lower Russian River
Cynthia Halliday leads the kickoff of the establishment of the COPE Program for the Hollydale/Terrace/ Canyon neighbors and surrounding areas. The gathering was held at the Hollydale Community Clubhouse, home base for the FireWise Counsel and soon,…
Greetings from Petaluma
The Petaluma Arts Center is an inclusive community arts center that cultivates curiosity and open minds. Recently, PAC presented the work of award-winning photojournalist, Erik Castro.
Greetings from Santa Rosa's Railroad Square
The California Welcome Center, managed by the Santa Rosa Metro Chamber of Commerce, is located in the Railroad Square Historic District. It is housed in the restored 1904 train depot alongside the SMART train station.
Greetings from Bodega Head
Sonoma County residents and visitors to Bodega Head in Bodega Bay express their hopes for the New Year.
Greetings from Duncans Mills
Nancy Ferreira brought the holiday spirit to her Christopher Queen Art Gallery in Duncans Mills by inviting her guests to sing a song and win a signed copy of a Thomas Kinkade print.
Greetings from Guerneville
"It's not a cult, It's a vibe," is the mantra of Nick Schwanz and Spencer Scott, founders of Solar Punk Farms in Guerneville - described as a climate hub focused on bioregional regeneration, engaging the queer community, youth, and all others who…
Greetings from Monte Rio
Monte Rio's resident punk rocker, known to all as Roddy, wrote and recorded a song about his town- released in 2019 by his band KICKER on their album "Pure Drivel."
Greetings from Sebastopol
From the gardens at Gravenstein Elementary School to the kitchen and more gardens at Hillcrest Middle School, meet the Gravenstein District Superintendent Kari Pugno and the Hillcrest head chef Shawna Brumley. Brumley serves nearly 1,000 snacks and…
Greetings from Sonoma County Bilingual Services
Meet Karina Garcia, Sonoma County's Bilingual Communications Specialist, serving our mono-lingual and bi-lingual Latino community, with resources including a bimonthly newsletter and a podcast.
Greetings from Armstrong Woods
Photo credit: Stuart Handloff The serene, majestic beauty of this Grove is a living reminder of the magnificent primeval redwood forest that covered much of this area before logging operations began during the 19th century. Armstrong Redwoods…
Greetings from Bennett Valley
Mike and Diane Merzenich of Bennett Valley invite family and friends to help harvest their modest grove of Tuscan olives.
Greetings from Jenner Headlands
Jenner Headlands is a spectacular 5,630-acre mosaic of redwood and Douglas-fir forests, oak woodland, chaparral and coastal prairie overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It is the single largest nonprofit land acquisition in Sonoma County history that is…
Greetings from Monte Rio Dia de los Muertos
The Annual Dia de Muertos Celebration at the Monte Rio Community Center, attracted over a hundred West County residents who enjoyed a beautiful, sunny day filled with art activities, sharing a traditional tamale meal, and dancing to the music of…
Greetings from Gualala
Scott Willoughby hosts tastings of the family owned, Seebass Wines, at the Surf Market in Gualala, CA. On the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the wine obsessed movie, "Sideways," Willoughby explains how one line drastically affected wine…
Greetings from the Santa Rosa Pumpkin Patch
The Santa Rosa Pumpkin Patch on Stony Point Road joins 100's of other farms around the country who are creating Snoopy themed corn mazes to mark the 75th anniversary of the iconic "Peanuts" comic strip.
Greetings from Sonoma County
We meet Roger Coryell. He's the new editor at the Sonoma County Gazette. The monthly, free magazine features news articles and columns Written by Readers on political and social issues that impact our home in Sonoma County with news from local…
Greetings from Rohnert Park
Join the Rohnert Park Community Services Department in honoring loved ones who have passed by participating in thier Community Dia de los Muertos Altar. The Community Center invites you to drop off photos and memento, including flowers,…
Greetings from Santa Rosa
Working in collaboration with the Sonoma County Lowrider Council, an exhibition at the Museum of Sonoma County is a representation and celebration of lowrider culture and lifestyle.
Greetings from the Sonoma County Registrar of Voters #2
The Sonoma County Registrar of Voters is dedicated to safe, secure, and transparent elections. Stop by their office to tour the facility and learn about how elections are conducted, try voting at a mock voting center, and get your questions…
Greetings from the Sonoma County Registrar of Voters #1
The Sonoma County Registrar of Voters is dedicated to safe, secure, and transparent elections. Stop by their office to tour the facility and learn about how elections are conducted, try voting at a mock voting center, and get your questions…
Greetings from Petaluma
Being a poll worker is a great way to serve your community, take an active role in democracy, and become part of a dedicated team working to make the election process easy and accessible to everyone.
Greetings from Sonoma County Transit Route 28
Sonoma County Transit provides free fare shuttle service throughout the region. Today we join riders on the Route 28 bus to Guerneville. This bus runs Monday–Saturday, with 8 scheduled trips on weekdays and 6 on Saturdays. The route serves up to 45…
Greetings from Rio Nido Beach
Rio Nido residents Tony and Linda share some memories of growing up along the Russian River in Rio Nido - and remind us why the area is still such a magical place to be.
Greetings from the Petaluma Community Center
Being a poll worker is a great way to serve your community, take an active role in democracy, and become part of a dedicated team working to make the election process easy and accessible to everyone.
Greetings from the Sonoma County Library
The Sonoma County Regional Library provides a wide variety of classes, workshops and volunteer opportunities for teens. The Santa Rosa Central Library houses the E Street Studios, where patrons can RESERVE a full access audio and editing suite- and…
Greetings from Fiesta de Independencia
This celebration, kicking off Hispanic Heritage Month, honors Latin American countries that recognize their independence during this month. Hispanic Heritage Month runs September 15 through October 15, 2024
Greetings from Fort Bragg
Paul Bunyan Days has been a Fort Bragg tradition since 1939. Named after the larger than life logger and his giant blue ox, Babe, it is a celebration of the history of the community and pays tribute to the strength of the people who made their…
Greetings from Stillwater Cove
KRCB's Greta Mart occasionally camps overnight at the Stillwater Cove campground, part of Sonoma County Regional Parks. In this postcard, we get to know the campground's host.
Greetings from Cazadero Highway
Cazadero Historian and long time resident, George Juilly, presents, "A Historic Road Trip Up Cazadero Highway" in a showing of over 100 slides of his postcard collection.
Greetings from the Gravenstein Apple Fair
One feature of the Gravenstein Apple Fair in Sebastopol is the community information booths - including one staffed by two nurses from Kaiser Permanente's stroke unit, who want us to know the signs of having a stroke.
Greetings from Forestville
Kindergym is a free program offered by River to Coast Children's Services every Thursday from 10am to noon at The United Methodist Church, 6550 Covey Road in Forestville. Parents and guardians with their 0- 5 year olds are welcome
Greetings from Forestville
Forestville's Volunteer of the Year, Lucy Hardcastle, will celebrate her 80th birthday by hosting a "Pie In the Park" fundraiser for the community-owned, downtown Oaks Park.
Greetings from Armstrong Redwoods
The Forrest Theater was the venue of this year's Poetry in the Parks, featuring the voices of Elvida "Hannah" Banuelos, and Forrest Gander, among others.
Greetings from Sebastopol
The Slow Food Community Apple Press at Luther Burbank Experiment Farm in Sebastopol allows residents to press up to 100 lbs. of apples in a 20-minute appointment, producing around 5 gallons of juice. Volunteers are on hand to assist, and residents…
Greetings from the Sonoma County Fire Memorial Public Art Project
The Sonoma County Fire Memorial Public Art Project will create and install a commemorative artwork recognizing the lives of those who perished in the 2017 wildfire complex.
Greetings from West County
Becky and Don Herzog host the annual Redwood Empire Garden Railroad Society Open House.
Greetings from the Sebastopol Farmers Market
The Sebastopol Farmers market is dedicated to supporting small producers, promoting eco-friendly practices, and fostering a fun, inclusive space that celebrates the best of our community!
Greetings from the Sonoma County Historical Society
Since 1962, the Sonoma County Historical Society has been collecting, preserving and retelling Sonoma County's stories.
Greetings from Healdsburg
Vamos al Tianguis in Healdsburg is a monthly informal pop-up marketplace in Healdsburg celebrating vibrant Latino culture.
Greetings from Point Arena
The Redwood Coast Land Conservancy protects iconic Mendonoma landscapes, restores habitats, and connects people to nature. Board director, Mark Escajeda and volunteer Chris (pictured), invite the public to an Open House and Walking Tourat the Mill…
Greetings from Monte Rio's Fire Chief
A firehouse visit with Monte Rio's Chief Baxman, who is already reporting to work two weeks after suffering a broken back.
Greetings from Petaluma - Global Partners for Development
Global Partners for Development, based in Petaluma, showcases the Homa Bay Blueprint, an innovative water management project in East Africa, at a major event in Washington, D.C.
Greetings from the Sonoma Coast
The Sonoma Coast Junior Lifeguard Program emphasizes Aquatic Safety, Teamwork, and Leadership for youth ages 9-15.
Greetings from Rio Fest
The band, Papa Dulce and the Combo Bites, opens the 4th annual RioFest at the Monte Rio Amphitheater.
Greetings from Santa Rosa
Residents celebrate inclusion and relay stories of the history of Sonoma County’s 54th Annual MLK Juneteenth Community Festival in Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park.
Greetings from West Sonoma County
Noel Yates is an artist, actor, author, and happy resident of West Sonoma County. Her new children's book is called, "Meet the Greens."
Greetings from Forestville
An Annual Parade and BBQ raises fun and funds for the Forestville Youth Park which has been funded and operated by the community since 1960.
Greetings from Art at the Source Open Studios
Art at the Source is a self-guided tour of artists in their personal studios all over Sonoma County. Learn more at artatthesource.org.
Greetings from the Sonoma County Library BiblioBus
The BiblioBus is a mobile library branch for Sonoma County Regional Library which expands the reach of Library services to outlying areas in the county.
Greetings from the Cool Petaluma Resource Expo
The City of Petaluma and Cool Petaluma held its Third Annual Resource Expo at the Petaluma Fairgrounds on May 21st.
Greetings from the Robert Ferguson Observatory
The Robert Ferguson Observatory is an astronomy observatory located within Sugarloaf State Park. The observatory, which is almost completely volunteer-run, holds various classes and events to inspire a love for astronomy in the community.
Greetings from Women's Weekend on the Russian River
The Russian River Resort Area is well known as a gay friendly vacation spot and for over 40 years. This year's Women's Weekend has attracted visitors from across the country. Hear some voices from the event.
Greetings from the Russian River Women's Weekend
The Russian River Resort Area is well known as a gay friendly vacation spot and for over 40 years. Hear more voices from this year's Women's Weekend!
Greetings from Monte Rio Beach
The Russian River Resort area is a popular summer destination for locals and visitors alike. Monte Rio Beach is the largest public beach on the River.
Visit the Petaluma Historical Library & Museum
The Petaluma Historical Library & Museum preserves the unique history of Petaluma and provides an educational and cultural space for the community.
The Inclusion Festival is a sensory-friendly music and arts event for all
The Inclusion Festival is a sensory-friendly music and arts event dedicated to honoring people with disabilities, their friends, families, and allies.
Acorn MusEcology Project performs in the Redwoods
The Acorn MusEcology Project performs in the Forest Theater at Armstrong Redwoods State Park. Led by music director, Sarah Saulsbury Dupre and creative director, Robin Eschner, the chorus enchanted the audience with songs about nature, stewardship…
Greetings from Rio Nido
The Russian River Historical Society and The Friends of Rio Nido present "The River Remembers: Rio Nido." Sunday, May 5, starts at 11AM.
Greetings from Petaluma
Arts Alive meets monthly to connect and promote Petaluma’s vibrant arts community. This meeting was a collaboration with the community to build a farm inspired Rhode Island Red Chicken float for the 41st annual Butter & Eggs Days parade.
Greetings from Duncan's Mills
This historical marker, located in Duncan’s Mills, commemorates the first-time poetry was left at a stage holdup. The plaque tells the story of Black Bart who robbed the state heading from Fort Ross to Duncan’s Mills in May of 1877 and left a poem…
Greetings from the Guerneville Library
Home cook Salome Arenas and her family presented a workshop at the Guerneville Library to teach their style of making hand made tortillas and preparing salsa in a molcajete. Sonoma County Library has 15 regional branches offering a wide variety of…
Greetings from Forestville
We visit the Fix-it Clinic and Reuse Fair in Forestville. To reduce waste and costs, fix-it fairs repair various items like bicycles, lamps, and clothing free of cost to keep them out of landfills.
Greetings from Rio Nido
Families gather in Rio Nido for the Annual Easter EggsTravaganza!
Greetings from the North Bay Science Discovery Day
Over 10,000 visitors explored the 100 hands-on interactive exhibits at the The North Bay Science Discovery Day at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds.
Greetings from Guerneville
District 5 Field Representative, Debbie Ramirez, welcomes the community to the newly opened satellite office located in the former Bank of America building in Guerneville.
Greetings from the Sebastopol Community Cultural Center
We visited the Sebastopol Community Cultural Center as they were hosting the 2024 Sonoma County Bluegrass & Folk Festival. The Community Cultural Center features events of all kinds for children, adults, and families.
Greetings from the Museum of Sonoma County
Museum of Sonoma County Executive Director and Art Curator, Jeff Nathanson, takes us on a tour of their permanent collection and oral history project, "Sonoma County Stories."
Greetings from Farm to Fight Hunger
Farm to Fight Hunger is a non-profit organization that grows, harvests and delivers fresh nutritious produce, free of charge, to those in Sonoma County in need of healthy food.
Greetings from Sonoma State University
College students share their perspectives on voting in 2024 elections.
Greetings from Petaluma
African American artists have used art to preserve history and community memories as well as for empowerment.
Greetings from the Lower Russian River (Aired: Week of February 18th, 2024)
Sunday afternoons at the Marshall House annex of the Russian River Senior Center is where you'll find a gathering of enthusiastic ukulele strummers at their weekly Wine Country Ukulele Jam Session. Call Annie for more details at (707) 888-3346
Greetings from Guerneville (Aired: Week of February 11, 2024)
There was a full house in the Guerneville Library community room for their event, “Rainbows by the River: Preserving LGBTQIA+ History in West County.”
Greetings from Monte Rio Beach (Aired: Week of February 4, 2024)
Pop up food trucks have become a familiar sight these days, but a chance encounter in the Monte Rio Beach parking lot revealed a different kind of pop up experience. Local musician, Amber Steffen, invites you to join her group on Saturday…
Greetings from Monte Rio (Aired: Week of January 28, 2024)
West County Residents can meet with the Clean Water Ombudsman Micheal Makdisi, about the Monte Rio/Villa Grande Wastewater Solutions Pilot Project and related policies and regulations. Makdisi can address what the general plans are and what…
Greetings from Pond Farm (Aired: Week of January 14, 2024)
Justin Lindenberg, Executive Director of Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods announces the National Historic Landmark designation of Pond Farm Pottery and notice of a gallery exhibition opening and film screening at Santa Rosa Jr College to mark the…
Greetings from the lower Russian River (Aired: Week of January 7, 2024)
The opening of Moscow Road, after four years, is a cause for celebration and an example of how community-wide involvement can make things happen.
Greetings from Monte Rio (Aired: Week of January 1, 2024)
West County residents gather to celebrate La Posada at the Monte Rio Community Center.
Greetings from the Lower Russian River (Aired: Week of December 24, 2023)
A chat with Bohemian Highway resident Kear Koch about his found art sculptures, that provide a drive by gallery for passing cars.
Greetings from Cazadero (Aired: week of December 17, 2024)
A visit to the Cazadero History Learning Center with Russian River Historical Society President, Jane Barry.
Greetings from Healdsburg (Aired: week of December 10, 2023)
Who knew that there was a Sonoma County Wine Library? Healdsburg Library Branch Manager, Jon Haupt and Wine Library Curator, Megan Jones invite the community to an Open House for music, crafts, food and to learn about all of the amazing FREE…
Greetings from Cloverdale (Aired: Week of November 27, 2023)
Here’s glimpse into the Cloverdale Farmer’s Market. This fun community market is a collaboration between local farmers, food purveyors & craftspeople, and is open every Tuesday rain, or shine. Winter hours are from 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm in Cloverdale’s…
Greetings from the Lower Russian River (Aired: week of November 19, 2023)
Local Russian River author, John McCarty, whose historical fiction novels have focused on Rio Nido, Guerneville and Monte Rio, introduces his latest novel, Journey to Duncans Mills.
Greetings from the Lower Russian River (Aired: Week of November 20, 2023)
Phil Tymon gives an update on the activities of River Arts, a community-based organization for the support and promotion of creative expression in the lower Russian River Area.
Greetings from Ukiah (Aired: Week of November 12, 2023)
The Grace Hudson Museum in Ukiah, CA highlights regional art, culture and natural history with significant holdings of Pomo Indian artifacts (particularly basketry).
Greetings from Ukiah (Aired: Week of November 12, 2023)
The 2023 Acorn Conference was held over 3 days in Ukiah, CA featuring acorn exhibits, speakers, demonstrations, Pomo dancers, and Acorn taste testing!
Greetings from Villa Grande (Aired: week of November 5, 2023)
Neighbors create a magical, spooky Halloween trail through Villa Grande to the delight of youngsters and oldsters alike. (Photo credit: Rian Miller)
Greetings from Santa Rosa (Aired: week of October 29, 2023)
Jeannette Anglin and members of the Sonoma County Filipino community at the Oct. 24, 2023 board of supervisors meeting, where October 2023 was declared Filipino American History month.
Greetings from Monte Rio (Aired: Week of October 30, 2023)
Volunteers gather at the Monte Rio Community Center to set up the ofrenda for the Annual Dia de Muertos celebration.
Greetings from Jenner (Aired: Week of October 16, 2023)
Jenner Headlands Preserve hosted a spooky themed hike on Friday the 13th. Hikers explored the wildlife that lurks around the historic ranch and just beyond …
Greetings from Spring Lake Regional Park (Aired: Week of September 25, 2023)
Puppies enjoy the annual Water Bark at Spring Lake Regional Park in Santa Rosa.
Greetings from the Santa Rosa Underground (Aired: Week of September 25, 2032)
Did you know there is a creek flowing beneath your feet when you’re near Santa Rosa City Hall? This twilight tour of the huge underground culvert and fish ladder where Santa Rosa Creek runs under Downtown Santa Rosa is thrilling and fascinating in…
Greetings from the Global Roots Festival (Aired: Week of September 25, 2023)
Global Roots Sonoma is a new, two-day music festival at Green Music Center with multiple stages, workshops, and bands from around the globe.
Greetings from Santa Rosa Fiesta de Independencia (Aired: week of September 24th, 2023)
Postcards from Sonoma County
ArtBeat
The Sonoma County ArtBeat
With Satri Pencak
Satri Pencak is an independent art curator with an M.A. in Art History. She writes about the visual arts for her website, www.satripencak.com, her Facebook Blog, and other publications. Satri loves knowing what’s going on in the art world and sharing her knowledge and enthusiasm with others.
Hammerfriar Gallery presents: The Edge Knows. The Rock Is.
The current exhibition at Hammerfriar Gallery is titled The Edge Knows. The Rock is. This two-person exhibition features the work of Brooke Holve and Catherine Richardson, with a selection of mixed-media work that focuses on the process of creation…
Forest Unseen at the Petaluma Arts Center
Forests are vital to life on Earth, supporting all living beings. While we deeply value them, global warming has turned forests into a double-edged sword, with increasing wildfires and environmental threats. Yet, despite these challenges, more…
Petaluma Arts Center presents Black Artists of Northern California
The current exhibition at the Petaluma Arts Center is Black Artists of Northern California. The exhibition showcases the work of 28 regional artists, and features work in a variety of styles and media.
The Visual Art of Johnny Otis at Calabi Gallery through August 31st
Legendary R&B and jazz musician Johnny Otis also painted, drew, sculpted, and cartooned. His creative energy was boundless and could not be limited to a single medium. Calabi Gallery is fortunate to be able to show a collection of his art consigned…
Reverberations 2024 at Sebastopol Center for the Arts
The current exhibition at Sebastopol Center for the Arts is Reverberations 2024 an intriguing cross-discipline exploration. The exhibition combines visual art with poetry, and perceptions on art collecting.
Cruisin’ at the Museum of Sonoma County
The current exhibition at the Museum of Sonoma County is called Cruisin’ – Sonoma County Lowriders and The Art of Justin Favela. It is on view through November 24 at the Museum of Sonoma County on Seventh Street in Santa Rosa.
Sonoma Valley Museum of Art features Arthur Monroe: A Tow to Carry
The current exhibition at the Sonoma Valley Museum of Art is Arthur Monroe: A Tow to Carry. This is a retrospective show of work by the late Oakland-based artist, Arthur Monroe. The more than 25 works that are featured are drawn from a seven decade…
On Tap: Sonoma County Hops and The Beer Revolution
A fascinating exhibit currently on view at the Museum of Sonoma County is called On Tap: Sonoma County Hops and The Beer Revolution.
Art at the Source final weekend June 8 - 9, 2024
Art at the Source was launched more than 30 years ago by a handful of passionate people — and it is still going strong!
Art at the Source weekends are back in June
Art at the Source was launched more than 30 years ago by a handful of passionate people — and it is still going strong! .
Art of Materials at Petaluma Arts Center thru June 22nd
The Art of Materials brings together artists who are working with paper, fabric, industrial felt, metal, steel, cement, clay, plastic, cork, and wood. Some of the artists combine disparate materials that embody imaginative content or reuse…
"Nature as Muse" at Calabi Gallery through June 8th
Since the earliest days of humankind, people have been making art. From the beginning until now, the natural world has been a major source of inspiration. "Nature as Muse" will run April 6th through June 8th, 2024, at Calabi Gallery in Santa Rosa.
The Beauty of Purpose at Sebastopol Center for the Arts
The current exhibition at Sebastopol Center for the Arts is called The Beauty of Purpose: A Functional Ceramics Show. It remains on view through March 31st
Sonoma County Art Beat: Museum of Sonoma County presents "A Question of Balance" through May 26, 2024
The new major exhibition that just opened at the Museum of Sonoma County is called A Question of Balance.
Farm Tales
Savoring Sonoma
Savoring Sonoma: The Hour is about the many beautiful, delicious, significant, and memorable elements of Sonoma County and food cultures everywhere, that not only enrich our lives and local community, but the world in general.
You'll hear conversations about what's importantly and delicious in Sonoma County and how that connects with others worldwide, with folks from here and around the world, you'll be glad you met.
Host Clark Wolf is a nationally recognized, James Beard Award-winning food and restaurant consultant, author, and columnist who now lives in what he calls “the Eden of All the Earth," in a 100-year-old logger’s cabin in the Redwoods of Sonoma County. Guests have included local heroes and stars, as well as luminaries from around the country and around the world.
Hear Savoring Sonoma: The Hour every 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month at 6 pm on KRCB 104.9 FM. Streaming live at krcb.org.
You can hear Clark's weekly Savoring Sonoma: Short Takes HERE.
Ear to the Wild
KRCB is proud to partner with Jack Hines, environmental advocate and soundscape ecologist, presenting sounds of nature in the North Bay through his award winning radio program, Ear to the Wild!
Listen for Chinook salmon swimming to spawn, birds at dawn at Ledson Marsh, and Pacific Tree Frogs. These soundscapes are created to make you stop, listen and start your own conversations.
Ear to the Wild soundscapes are created to put you in a calm centered space, a quiet sanctuary that helps melt away stress. Soundscapes are a quiet world, a natural resource, the stillness of the mind.
Jack and his Public Media Award
Sugarloaf Ridge State Park, 2023
Photo Credit John Roney
All Ear to the Wild recordings are captured with professional recording equipment. Recording sites and microphone placement are carefully selected to provide the listener with a rich auditory perspective.
Ear to the Wild is also a Podcast! Find it streaming on the NorCal App, the NPR Podcast Network, and Apple Podcasts.
www.eartothewild.com
www.wildsanctuary.com
www.jackhines.com
YouTube Channel: Soundscape
YouTube Channel: Music
Arts Briefs
North Bay Arts Briefs connects and collaborates with local arts nonprofit organizations, as we share the voices of youth involved with the arts.
Northern California
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