Marin Water won board approval to replace two leaky pipeline crossings over San Geronimo Creek. Construction is planned for late summer with wildlife safeguards.

A surfer at Dillon Beach in Marin County had a non-injurious encounter with a shark which bumped his board. Local authorities and the CDFW are investigating and have warned the public of increased shark activity.

A man died from a gunshot wound on Christmas Eve in Fairfield after being dropped off at NorthBay Hospital; police are investigating without suspect details.

Serenity at Larkspur, a 342‑unit complex, sold after default on municipal bonds. City reports warn taxpayers lost roughly $3M a year while the project underperformed.

Martinez Refining Company was fined $20,000 by the Bay Area Air District for not properly monitoring air pollutants and is now required to enhance transparency and public access to air quality data.

Santa Rosa police arrested Tahryn Janet Anderson on drug charges after intercepting narcotics meant for her, also charging her for allowing her daughter to use drugs.

Zoe Rosenberg, an animal rights activist, will be under house arrest after her early release from jail for her involvement in a poultry farm protest and her activism with Direct Action Everywhere. Her case has gained attention and sparked debate.

Chef Rob Larman is closing il Fuoco on Jan. 1 after a decade; he cited rising costs and a shrinking customer base. The pizzeria will serve through Dec. 31.

A repeat offender, Eyobell Solomon, was arrested in Santa Rosa for possession of controlled substances for sale and attempting to bring drugs into jail.

Santa Rosa Police seized about a kilogram of fentanyl during a routine traffic stop, leading to the arrest of Fabian Chavez-Carranza on narcotics charges.

After school closures and staff reductions, Sonoma Valley Unified’s first interim report projects a much stronger general‑fund balance and new reserve policy. Trustees still warn the gains aren’t guaranteed.

High-resolution maps show thousands of Sausalito parcels on steep, landslide-prone slopes; city staff say the data provides the technical footing to propose a hillside ordinance in 2026.

After months of permits and upgrades, Papermill Creek Saloon cleared county inspections and its new owner aims to have beer flowing by New Year's Eve. Live music will follow and a grand reopening is planned for January or February.