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County of Sonoma - News and Press Releases

All County Press Releases


May 15, 2026 | Sonoma County Regional Parks

Splash into summer with Sonoma County Regional Parks

Sonoma County Regional Parks kicks off the summer season Memorial Day weekend with the reopening of Spring Lake’s Water Park, swimming lagoon and boat rentals, plus the return of the Russian River Shuttle and seasonal river recreation services countywide. Read full story


May 15, 2026 | Human Resources Department

Women, Longevity & Equity: A Community Conversation

The Sonoma County Commission on the Status of Women released a new position paper examining the growing challenges facing older women in Sonoma County, including economic insecurity, housing instability, and limited access to essential services. Shaped by lifelong inequities such as lower wages, caregiving responsibilities, and longer life expectancy, many older women struggle to access support within fragmented and underfunded systems. Drawing on expert panel discussions and community testimony, the paper highlights these interconnected issues and calls for improved coordination, housing assistance, transportation, caregiving resources, and access to information and services. Read full story


May 14, 2026 | Office of the District Attorney

Herc Rentals, Inc. Settles Environmental Protection Case for $243,291

Sonoma County District Attorney Carla Rodriguez announced today the settlement of an environmental protection lawsuit against Herc Rentals, Inc., which was approved by the Sonoma County Superior Court. The defendant will pay $243,291 to settle a civil law enforcement complaint alleging that Herc Rentals violated California’s Underground Storage of Hazardous Substances laws and regulations at its Rohnert Park facility.  Read full story


May 14, 2026 | Department of Emergency Management

Sonoma County emergency officials to warn of dangerous wildfire season

Sonoma County emergency management officials urging residents to prepare for a potentially high-risk wildfire season. Officials, who will update the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, are preparing for the upcoming hot, dry months of summer and fall, when the danger of a wildfire is at its peak. Read full story


May 14, 2026 | Registrar of Voters

Deadline to register to vote in June 2 Statewide Direct Primary Election is May 18

Sonoma County Registrar of Voters Evelyn Mendez would like to remind residents that the deadline to register to vote in the upcoming June 2 Statewide Direct Primary Election is next Monday, May 18. However, eligible voters who miss the deadline still have the option to “conditionally” register (also known as “same-day registration”) and vote in person at the Registrar of Voters (ROV) Office or at any Vote Center. Read full story


May 13, 2026 | Sonoma County Regional Parks

Sonoma County increases access to parks with expanded library pass program

Sonoma County Regional Parks and Sonoma County Library are expanding their popular library pass program with 350 additional free parking passes beginning June 1, making it easier for residents to visit more than 60 regional parks, trails and beaches. Read full story


May 08, 2026 | Permit Sonoma

Sonoma County opens Chipper Program early to reduce wildfire risk

Sonoma County has launched its free Residential Curbside Chipper Program for the 2026 season. This continues efforts to help residents reduce wildfire risk, improve defensible space, and enhance community safety. Read full story


May 08, 2026 | County Executive's Office

Petaluma businesses earn California Green Business Certification; community invited to celebrate May 12

A cohort of 16 forward-thinking Petaluma businesses has successfully achieved or are working to achieve California Green Business Certification through a collaborative program led by local climate action nonprofit, Cool Petaluma. The initiative supports businesses in adopting environmentally responsible practices that reduce waste, conserve resources, and improve operational efficiency. Read full story


May 07, 2026 | Office of the District Attorney

Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Murdering Father With Rock

Defendant Patrick Schieber of Santa Rosa, California, was sentenced today to 15 years to life in the state prison by the Honorable Laura Passaglia for the murder of his elderly father in 2023. Read full story


May 07, 2026 | Sonoma Public Infrastructure

Board of Supervisors authorizes environmental review for proposed compost facility

The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors on April 28 authorized environmental review for a proposed new compost facility. Sonoma County is inviting residents and community members to learn more about the proposed compost facility and share feedback at two upcoming public meetings. Read full story