Two arrests cap a seven-month Sonoma County probe into copper thefts that damaged utility infrastructure; detectives recovered suspected stolen wiring in Santa Rosa.

Three suspicious blazes hit downtown Petaluma in the pre‑dawn hours; police have opened an arson probe and are asking residents to check camera footage.

A high-speed chase that began on U.S. 101 ended in Kenwood when an SUV rolled into a vineyard and the driver surrendered, authorities said.

No Kings 3 rallies will stage across Sonoma and Napa on March 28, with marches planned from Sonoma Plaza to Santa Rosa and Petaluma. Organizers have posted routes and volunteer sign‑ups.

Sonoma County Fire District is moving to annex Rancho Adobe and parts of CSA 40; officials say parcel taxes won’t rise and Measure H dollars and crews will shift to the larger district.

Festival Napa Valley’s 20th season runs July 4–19, 2026, with a commissioned Jake Heggie opera, Renée Fleming, a Wynton Marsalis gala and new Allegro passes.

Staff told supervisors that slowing tax receipts and rising costs have thinned Napa County's budget cushion. A pre‑hearing workshop was requested to weigh reserves, cuts or new revenue.

A former French Laundry dishwasher filed a representative wage-and-hour lawsuit in Napa County, alleging unpaid hours, missed breaks and inaccurate paystubs. The restaurant group denies the claims.

Trustees approved exclusive talks with Napa United and Napa Valley 1839 FC to study a privately financed upgrade of the college’s rundown football field into an 1,800‑seat soccer stadium. Backers say the project would be funded by donors and a loan.

Chef Ari Weiswasser is opening SMASH, a fast‑casual smashburger and fried‑chicken spot on Sonoma Plaza. The restaurant will occupy the Taub Outpost and aims to open in May.

Chef Jason Pringle has opened Juju's, a Moroccan‑inspired pop‑up in the Acorn Café space on Healdsburg Square, serving tagines, mezze and small plates Thursday–Sunday.

A bright new brunch spot on East Washington mixes Champagne pancakes, global omelets and a selfie‑ready interior from chef Debra Cargile.

Ben Gongora has sued Napa Valley Unified after his dismissal over a disputed 2025 game, asking to clear his name and be reinstated. The petition seeks removal of 'assault' references from his personnel file.