Press Releases
Maria Christina Rivera, County of Sonoma Executive Officer, announces retirement
Maria Christina Rivera, County of Sonoma Executive Officer, has announced her plan to retire in early 2026. Rivera’s nearly 30-year career in public service, marked by her unwavering dedication, integrity and change-making leadership, culminated in becoming the first Latina to lead the County. Read full story
Sonoma County creates online hub to help communities reduce wildfire risk
Sonoma County today announced the launch of SonomaCountyResilient.org, a new website that makes it easier than ever to find information and funding for land management projects that reduce wildfire risk and protect local ecosystems. The website will serve as a one-stop hub for residents, landowners, resource managers and organizations seeking technical assistance, funding and practical tools for local forest and watershed management projects. Read full story
Sonoma County plans for reenvisioned government center by 2030
Within five years, County employees will have offices in a new five-story office building being planned for the current County Government Center at 585 Administration Drive in Santa Rosa. That was the vision that was presented to the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors today. Read full story
Sonoma County Energy Independence Program to phase out loans for residential property owners
A Sonoma County program that helps homeowners pay for improvements that utilize energy and water more efficiently and hardens buildings against wildfires and earthquakes, is being phased out amid new federal requirements. Read full story
Public hearings on 2025-2026 Sonoma County budget to begin June 10
The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors will hold its annual budget hearings on Tuesday, June 10 at 9 a.m. Public comment is welcome at the opening of the hearings, which may continue June 11 and 13 if needed. At the conclusion, the board will adopt a spending plan for the 2025-2026 fiscal year beginning July 1. Read full story
Board of Supervisors takes first step toward expanding access and participation on County boards and commissions
On Tuesday, the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors approved an agreement with the Justice Collective, LLC to work with the County’s Office of Equity in conducting an assessment of the County’s boards and commissions that will yield recommended compensation and meeting policies as well as identify the infrastructure needed to implement the recommended policies. Read full story
Horse racing canceled for 2025 Sonoma County Fair
The Sonoma County Fair Board, after lengthy discussions, has made the hard decision to cancel horse racing at the 2025 Fair. The decision was made due to the declining horse population in Northern California, resulting from the closing of Golden Gate Fields and the elimination of stabling at the Alameda County Fairgrounds. Significant changes have resulted in the majority of horse owners, trainers and support workers relocating to Southern California and other out-of-state race facilities. Read full story
Board of Supervisors approves cannabis cultivation tax rate decrease following review of market changes
he Sonoma County Board of Supervisors voted today to reduce County tax rates for cannabis cultivation in unincorporated areas to rates equivalent to 2.5 percent of gross receipts, converted to a square footage rate, following an annual review of market changes and data reported by local operators. The local cannabis tax rates for retail and manufacturing operations in unincorporated areas will remain the same. The amended Cannabis Business Tax Ordinance, which will go before the Board of Supervisors for final approval on May 6, 2025, will be effective July 1. Read full story
Sonoma County Board of Supervisors honors groups advancing transgender rights
The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors today adopted a gold resolution acknowledging the critical work of local organizations that support the transgender community. At Board direction, County staff also raised a transgender pride flag outside the Sonoma County Administration Building in honor of International Transgender Day of Visibility. Read full story
Sonoma County reaffirms support for immigrant communities after ICE incident at Probation Department
The County of Sonoma is reiterating its commitment to all who are in need of services, especially immigrant communities, and providing guidance and support for County staff after an individual was detained Thursday by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in the lobby of the County Probation Department. Read full story
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