New Year Brings Northern California Commercial Dungeness Crab Fishing, Central Coast Zones on Hold for Whale Safety
The CDFW announces the opening of the Dungeness crab commercial fishery in Northern California with a pre-soak period starting January 2, 2024, while areas further south remain closed to protect whales.
Suspected Car Thief's Baggy Pants Foil Getaway in Rio Vista, Ends in Arrest Near McDonald's
A suspected car thief was humorously apprehended in Rio Vista after his pants fell down during a foot chase, which started when police spotted the stolen vehicle through an automated camera system.
Marin City Welcomes Vital Grocery Outlet Store, Offering Jobs and Local Access to Affordability
A new Grocery Outlet opened in Marin City, offering local employment and easier access to groceries where a CVS once was, with festive launch promotions.
Abbott Laboratories to Close Fairfield Plant, Nearly 200 Workers to Be Laid Off Amid Cost-Cutting Efforts
Abbott Laboratories is set to close its manufacturing plant in Fairfield, impacting about 200 workers, with layoffs beginning May 18. This aligns with the discontinuation of ZonePerfect bars and broader cost-cutting measures.
Travis Credit Union and FHLBank San Francisco Launch Grant Program to Support Homebuyers in Northern California
Travis Credit Union partners with FHLBank San Francisco offering grants to assist first-time homebuyers in California with down payments, aiming to promote homeownership in 12 counties.
Santa Rosa Man Charged with Felony Assault Following Stabbing in Transitional Housing
Santa Rosa police detained Tommy Lewis after an alleged stabbing stemming from a dispute with his roommate in transitional housing; collected evidence includes knives.
Bay Area Tesla Superchargers Vandalized in Vallejo, Reflecting Rising Trend of Metal Theft
Tesla supercharging stations in Vallejo, California, were vandalized as cables were cut, causing significant inconvenience and repair costs, reflecting a trend of metal theft targeting the valuable copper within the cables.
Sonoma County Produce Grower to Pay Over $31K in Back Wages Following Labor Violations, Says U.S. Department of Labor
The U.S. Department of Labor fined Humberto Castaneda Produce for multiple labor violations, including unfair pay practices and inadequate housing for H-2A visa workers.
Lodge at Bodega Bay Crowned 'Best Hotel in the World' in 2024 Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards
The Lodge at Bodega Bay was named "Best Hotel in the World" by Condé Nast Traveler's 2024 Readers' Choice Awards for its exceptional setting and hospitality.
Grocery Giant Albertsons Ordered to Pay $3.96 Million in Settlement for Misleading Advertising
Albertsons Companies, Inc. will pay almost $4 million to settle a lawsuit over misleading advertising and weight discrepancies of products at its stores.
Costco Makes Grand Debut in Napa, Promising Economic Growth and Expanded Retail Choices
Costco opens in Napa with a vast selection of goods and wines, signaling economic growth and job creation for the city. Mayor and residents celebrate the new store, a product of years of planning.
Napa County Wins Compliance Case Against Hoopes Vineyard for Unauthorized Wine Tastings
The Napa County judiciary ruled against Hoopes Vineyard in a compliance case, confirming the importance of following winery permit processes for public health and fairness in business operations.
Kohl's Confirms Closure of 27 Stores Nationwide, Including Five in Bay Area, Amid Business Restructuring
Kohl's is closing 27 stores, including 5 in the Bay Area, amid strategic real estate reevaluation, despite challenges reflected in its stock drop and layoffs at locations like Pleasanton.
Kohl's Announces Shutdown of Five Bay Area Stores Amid Nationwide Closures and Business Restructuring
Kohl's confirms closing five Bay Area stores, part of 27 nationwide by April 2025, citing underperformance and strategic focus. Affected employees offered severance or roles at other locations.
Valero Energy Considers Closing or Restructuring Benicia Refinery, Benicia Braces for Economic Impact
Valero Energy may close or downsize its Benicia Refinery, impacting California's refining capacity and jobs. The city of Benicia is seeking clarity on the future and plans to support affected residents.
Six Flags Cites Economic Challenges as It Cuts 135 Jobs Following Merger with Cedar Fair, CEO Remains Optimistic Amid $220M Net Loss
Six Flags, post-merger with Cedar Fair, confirms 135 job cuts in California parks due to a $220 million net loss, while planning a $1 billion investment in its parks.
Santa Rosa Psychologist Slaps Costco with $14 Million Lawsuit Over Alleged Injuries from Falling Display
A psychologist sues Costco for $14 million, claiming a display fell on her causing severe injuries, including a traumatic brain injury. The lawsuit alleges negligence and seeks damages for pain, suffering, and economic losses.
Ohio Furniture Designer Arhaus Sues Bay Area's RH, Alleging Former Exec Swiped Trade Secrets
Arhaus sued RH, accusing ex-CMO Lisa Chi of taking trade secrets to RH. Arhaus claims RH's products resemble theirs post Chi's move. They seek damages for alleged ongoing harm. RH has not commented.
Former Google Executive David Drummond Expands Sonoma County Wine Holdings, Acquiring Reeve and Martha Stoumen Wineries
Former Google executive David Drummond has expanded his wine empire, Overshine Collective, with the acquisition of Reeve Wines and Martha Stoumen Wines.
Walmart Settles for $5.6 Million in California Overcharging and False Advertising Case
Walmart settles for $5.6 million over overcharging and weight mislabeling claims, as alleged by California prosecutors, with measures to ensure future price and weight accuracy.
Napa Valley Winemakers Grapple with $65 Million in Losses Following Pickett Fire
The Napa Valley wine industry estimates $65 million in losses from the Pickett Fire, primarily from smoke damage across over 1,500 acres, affecting winegrapes and beehives. Remedies for smoke taint in wine remain limited.
Forget 'Russian Manicures' - Anastasiia Arabadzhy Left Turmoil in Ukraine to Become California's 'Queen of Ukrainian Nails'
A Ukrainian national who ended up in San Francisco after leaving her tumultuous country behind has quietly risen to the top San Francisco's competitive nail scene, staking her claim as the budding "Queen of Ukrainian Manicures." Her story proves that sometimes the most unlikely entrepreneurs create the most revolutionary businesses.
California Throws Open the Bar With New Craft Spirits Shipping Law
AB 1246 opens California to qualifying out‑of‑state craft distillers in 2026, but new permits, taxes and a one‑year pilot will shape how far that access goes.
Anheuser-Busch to Close Iconic Fairfield Brewery After 50 Years, Shaking Local Economy
Anheuser-Busch is closing its Fairfield brewery by early 2026 due to declining market trends and consolidation efforts, impacting the local economy and job market.
Petaluma Pot Goes Prime Time With First North McDowell Dispensary
Farmhouse Artisan Market opened Petaluma’s first in-person cannabis storefront last week, converting a seven-year delivery service into a visible shop on North McDowell. The opening follows a 2024 City Council vote to allow three storefront dispensaries.
Bay Area Air District Issues $20,000 Penalty to Martinez Refinery for Monitoring Failures, Demands Increased Transparency
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.
Valero Announces Idling of Benicia Refinery by 2026, Commits to Supply Chain Stability in Bay Area
Valero plans to idle its Benicia Refinery by 2026, continuing production until then. It will support employees with relocation or outplacement services. Governor Newsom supports Valero's move, noting California's efforts to secure fuel supply.
Arista Winery Closes After 2024 Vintage in Healdsburg
Arista Winery, a Russian River favorite, will stop producing wine after its 2024 vintage. The family sold the Westside Road estate in 2025 and is releasing the last bottles while supplies last.
Sausalito's Famed Trident Restaurant Closes Amid Landlord's Financial Woes with City
The Trident Restaurant in Sausalito has closed, with the city revealing the landlord's two-year-long issues with unpaid rent, unrelated to the restaurant management's decision to shutter.
Sonoma Asphalt Supplier Hit With $1.28 Million Fine Over Noxious Smoke And Stench
BoDean agreed to a $1.28M settlement after regulators said emissions from its Santa Rosa and Windsor sites produced weeks of foul odors and visible smoke.
Napa Wine War: Family Vineyard Battles County Over $4 Million Judgment
Pacific Legal Foundation asked a judge to vacate a nearly $4 million judgment against Hoopes Vineyard, arguing the fines and fees are unconstitutionally excessive. The move adds a national legal voice to a years‑long Napa enforcement fight.
Sonoma Shock: Carneros Winery Shutdown Becomes Fourth Big Wine Layoff
Jackson Family Wines closed its Carneros Hill facility in Sonoma and cut 13 jobs, the latest in a string of major industry consolidations. The moves reflect weaker demand and distribution shifts.
Napa, Sonoma Vines Get The Ax As Wine Glut Hits Home
Tens of thousands of acres of California vineyards have been ripped out and industry experts warn another wave of pullouts is coming as demand slumps and imports rise. Analysts say the correction could last into 2026.
Santa Rosa Upstart Vows to Cool AI Heat Wave Without Leaving Town
Santa Rosa maker Orbis Electric says its HaloDrive Cooling Engine can cut data‑center energy use and scale local manufacturing as AI demand grows. The company is lining up pilots and space in Sonoma County.
Korbel Owner Quietly Reclaims Shuttered Kenwood Vineyard In Sonoma Shake-Up
Kenwood Vineyards' tasting room is closed after the 33‑acre Sonoma property was bought by an LLC tied to Korbel owner Gary Heck. A WARN filing says 14 employees could be laid off.
Downtown Napa Shaken As Charlie Palmer Steak Calls It Quits After Nearly a Decade
Charlie Palmer Steak at the Archer Hotel will close April 12, ending the chef's only Napa outpost. The hotel plans to rework the space into a downtown 'living room' lounge while Palmer eyes a new wine-country location.
Napa Wine Dynasty Bows Out as Chanel Grabs Last Rudd Estate
Chanel-backed St. Supéry has purchased Rudd Estate’s Oakville vineyards and Crossroads label; Samantha Rudd says Press Restaurant will continue operating. The purchase price was not disclosed.
Sebastopol’s Barlow Heats Up With Bigger Shops, New Bites, Weekend Crowds
The Barlow in Sebastopol is adding new shops and eateries this spring — from an enlarged Rust Boutique to a Wild Poppy location with on-site tofu production. Permits and events are lining up to bring more visitors this summer.
Napa Wine Heavyweight Shakes Up C-Suite As Luxury Sips Slow
Constellation Brands warned U.S. high‑end wine demand is soft as Bill Newlands exits and Robert Mondavi prepares to reopen, raising pressure on Napa tasting rooms.
South Napa Forge Pizza Goes Dark After Decade-Long Run
Forge Pizza Napa has closed its South Napa Century Center location after roughly ten years, leaving a popular wood‑fired pizzeria dark as the center shifts toward temporary recreation uses.
Secret Deal, Extra Water Rules: Napa Supes Put Arrow&Branch on a Short Leash
Supervisors approved extra well‑monitoring conditions tied to a confidential settlement over Arrow&Branch’s expansion while demanding the county review the full agreement first.
Westerville Sauce Giant Drops $400 Million on Bachan’s Barbecue Upstart
Westerville-based Marzetti closed a $400M deal to buy Bachan’s, adding the Sebastopol-born Japanese barbecue sauce to its portfolio. The purchase brings a fast-growing, clean-label brand with about $87M in trailing sales.
Hall of Flowers Bails on Santa Rosa, Heads for Sacramento Show
After eight years at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds, Hall of Flowers is shifting its NorCal trade show to Sacramento for Nov. 4–5, 2026. Organizers say better access for buyers and brands motivated the move.
Billionaire’s Big Bet Brings Clos Pegase Back To Life In Calistoga
Clos Pegase has reopened in Calistoga after a yearlong restoration under Jay and Tammi Adair, who repainted the Michael Graves landmark and revived its art program. Tastings resume with a $50 signature flight and new gallery programming.
Sonoma Shock as Constellation Pulls Plug on Quarry Lake Winery, Seven Jobs Gone
Constellation Brands will close the Quarry Lake winery in Sonoma on June 25, 2026, and seven staff will be laid off, according to a state filing.
Medtronic Pulls Plug On Santa Rosa Hub, Puts Hundreds Of High-Tech Jobs On The Line
Medtronic will wind down most work at its Fountaingrove campus in Santa Rosa, affecting about 370 jobs as operations shift to larger hubs over a phased exit through spring 2028.
Highway 29 Lifeline Snaps As Yountville, Calistoga Papers Hit Final Deadline
A Napa nonprofit that rescued the Yountville Sun and Calistoga Tribune is shutting down next Friday, leaving roughly a dozen staff without work and the papers without an owner.


























































