Researchers at a June smoke summit said new screening tools and sensory work are closing the gap between lab numbers and what drinkers taste as Napa braces for an active fire season.

A late-night single-vehicle crash on State Route 128 near Lake Berryessa left one person dead, the CHP says.

A San Rafael traffic stop for illegally tinted windows turned up a loaded .22, 58 rounds and about 54.7 grams of suspected meth; a 33‑year‑old man was booked on multiple charges.

A Santa Rosa maker and national data show small Bay Area firms are pausing hiring as investor caution and new benefit work rules collide.

Santa Rosa police say arrests were made after the city's first homicide of 2026; detectives say the investigation is active and follow-up work is ongoing.

Five orphaned black bear cubs released in November 2025 hibernated successfully and returned healthy, state wildlife officials say. The fall release was an experimental test.

A new, celeb‑filled short called "Comeback City" frames San Francisco’s rebound — and campaign filings show who paid for the pitch.

As wine demand softens, Napa and North Bay family wineries are adding RV sites, chef tables and farm stays to steady income. New state rules make small, regulated camping easier.

Glenn County says it will end its Willows law‑enforcement contract on June 30, citing a near‑$1M shortfall; calls will be routed to other agencies as talks continue.

Alesta has quietly opened at 7233 Healdsburg Ave., bringing Turkish and Eastern Mediterranean meze to a Sebastopol strip‑mall spot. Expect manti, saganaki and branzino.

Palm Tree Music Festival expands to a two-day Napa event this fall with Kygo, Zedd and Disclosure headlining. VIP Palm Club and resort packages are part of the offering.

A Piner High graduate has sued Santa Rosa City Schools, alleging staff failed to report grooming by a wrestling coach. The suit names district employees and cites California reporting law.

A disturbance call in Santa Rosa ended with officers finding a loaded 9mm hidden behind a child car seat and a woman booked on weapons charges.