The Watmaugh Road bridge south of Sonoma is closed for a federally funded, $8.5M rebuild, with detours and expected delays through summer 2027.

A 31-year-old woman was found shot inside a pickup at a large illegal marijuana cultivation site outside Covelo. Deputies say multiple suspects are being sought.

A judge dismissed neighbors' challenge to Petaluma's plan for Lafferty Ranch, clearing a legal hurdle for docent‑led access to the 270‑acre preserve.

A Sonoma County judge sentenced James Unick to life in prison for the 1982 rape and murder of 13‑year‑old Sarah Ann Geer. DNA from a discarded cigarette helped prosecutors finally close the case.

Beaulieu Vineyard has reopened its restored 1885 stone winery in Rutherford, unveiling new tasting rooms, a Rarity Room and a culinary program as it reopens to visitors. Reservations begin July 13.

A tiny American mink wandered into a Healdsburg yard and was rescued by animal control before being transferred to Sonoma County Wildlife Rescue. Rehabilitators say the young mink will need time to recover and relearn hunting skills before it returns to the river.

A man was killed outside the Ace & Vine cardroom in downtown Napa after being struck by a vehicle; a 24-year-old suspect has been arrested.

A man detained at the Sonoma County jail was found unresponsive and later died; Marin County’s coroner has launched an independent investigation. Details remain limited.

Supervisors voted July 7 to drop a jail‑focused plan and push a proposed $135M behavioral‑health campus, accepting a conditional $54.6M state award and facing a nearly $50M gap.

A beloved Napa cottage at a busy five‑way junction may be lost to a long‑planned double‑roundabout. Longtime resident Charlie Rossi faces possible displacement.

Napa’s one-night tally jumped 14% to 428 while Sonoma’s official count held near 1,951 — but a big youth spike and a larger by-name list have providers warning the picture is still fragile.

Napa County is asking residents to temporarily care for healthy found kittens while the animal shelter contains a spike in feline panleukopenia.

Sonoma County supervisors unanimously adopted a resolution affirming nondiscriminatory access to medically necessary care, including gender‑affirming services, and asked county staff to notify state leaders and local providers.