Sonoma County Transportation Authority Mon., Feb. 9 3 p.m. Sonoma County Permit & Resource Management Department, 2550 Ventura Avenue, Santa Rosa The county authority looks at transport-related issues. Sonoma city councilmember August Sebastiani is the local liaison. School Board Tues., Feb. 10 Open session: 6:30... Continue

The Sonoma City Council proved itself pro-pet on Wednesday night, supporting plans by SVDOG (Sonoma Valley Dog Owners and Guardians) to develop a “joyfully reverent” pet memorial project. The community group spearheading the project didn’t ask much – just that the council approve the “canvas”... Continue

At its weekly Wednesday evening meeting, the City Council narrowly rejected 3-2 a Plaza smoking ban recommended by the Community Services and Environment Commission. The CSEC first discussed a possible smoking ban in September 2008, touching on the health effects of second-hand smoke and the... Continue

The Sonoma Valley Vintners and Growers Alliance had record attendance at its annual “State of the Alliance” meeting on Tuesday. Michael Muscardini of Muscardini Cellars introduced the community theme that ran through all the speeches, saying, “Success comes from all of us working together.” He... Continue

A fire destroyed the cooking area at Black Bear Diner early Tuesday morning and caused significant smoke damage. The total damage is estimated at over $100,000. A local deputy driving on West Napa Street spotted the fire at 3 a.m. on Tuesday and called it... Continue

Assemblyman Jared Huffman warned on Friday that the next few months are “not going to be pretty.” He said that there will undoubtedly be a hike in student fees at junior colleges, and the UC and CSU schools. He also said that it looks like... Continue

Sonoma County Clerk Janice Atkinson has lovebirds in mind this Valentine’s Day and is keeping the office open to issue marriage licenses and perform civil marriage ceremonies on Feb. 14 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Appointments to be married are recommended, but not required.... Continue

The line of people waiting for food baskets at La Luz Center on Friday was the longest it has ever been. Over the course of the morning, 1,318 received food baskets, twice as many people as received them in July. Non-profits like La Luz, FISH... Continue

The Sonoma County Water Agency is expected to announce on Monday mandatory water rationing for 750,000 residents in portions of Marin, Sonoma and Mendocino counties. The SCWA has scheduled a news conference for 11 a.m. at Healdsburg Memorial Beach on the Russian River (near the... Continue