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Advisory lifted for remaining coastal and river beaches downriver from Russian River wastewater spill
After two days of water sampling by Sonoma County’s environmental health agency at the remaining coastal beaches (Goat Rock, Stillwater, Black Point and Gualala) and river beaches (Johnson’s, Monte Rio and Patterson Point), the advisory to stay out of the water at these locations has been lifted today. The water testing was done following last week’s sewage spill at the Russian River County Sanitation District treatment plant in Guerneville and samples were within State Recreational Health standards. Read full story
Advisory lifted for three coastal beaches downriver from Russian River wastewater spill
After two days of water sampling by Sonoma County’s environmental health department at Doran, Campbell Cove and Salmon Creek beaches, the advisory to stay out of the water at these three beaches has been lifted. The water testing was done following this week’s sewage spill at the Russian River County Sanitation District treatment plant in Guerneville and the samples were found to be in the appropriate range. Read full story
Shawn Naputi Sentenced to More Than Five Years for Theft Spree Across Eleven Bay Area Counties
On May 8, 2024, Shawn Naputi walked into the Friedman's Home Improvement store on Santa Rosa Avenue, filled a trash can with more than $2400 worth of Friedman's merchandise, and headed for the exit. A sharp-eyed Friedman's employee recognized Mr. Naputi and his vehicle from prior Friedman's thefts and called the police. When employees started observing Mr. Naputi inside the store and Sonoma County Sheriff deputies arrived outside, Mr. Naputi abandoned the trashcan full of merchandise and walked out of the store. Sheriff Deputies spoke to the Friedman's employees and connected Mr. Naputi to seven (7) other Friedman's thefts, dating back to January 2024. Read full story
Fatal Sonoma DUI Crash Leads to Maximum Sentence
At the conclusion of a hearing Tuesday afternoon in front of the Honorable Mark Urioste, the court sentenced Defendant Abdulhadi Awad to the maximum term of 12 years and 8 months in state prison for causing a deadly DUI crash that occurred on January 26, 2020 in the city of Sonoma. The crash resulted in the death of Jamie Narkunski and caused life-threatening injuries to his wife, Natalie Weiss. Judge Urioste told Awad that he had seen “no remorse” from Awad during the pendency of the case. Read full story
Sonoma County health officer issues advisory to not eat wild mushrooms after death of county resident
A Sonoma County resident died this past weekend after consuming wild mushrooms. Statewide, there were 35 cases of wild mushroom poisoning, including three deaths and three liver transplants, between Nov. 18 and Jan. 4. Given that, in an average year, fewer than five cases statewide would normally be expected, Sonoma County interim health officer Dr. Michael Stacey is advising residents not to eat wild mushrooms. Read full story
Sonoma County to reopen Cavedale Road after major dual landslide repairs
Sonoma County Public Infrastructure will mark the reopening of Cavedale Road with a brief ribbon-cutting ceremony at 1:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 9, at the retaining wall site on Cavedale Road, alongside Sonoma County Board of Supervisors Chair Rebecca Hermosillo. The ceremony will formally recognize the completion of major repairs following storm-related landslides. Read full story
Hermosillo elected chair of Sonoma County Board of Supervisors; Coursey named vice chair
Supervisor Rebecca Hermosillo today was elected 2026 chair of the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors, becoming the first Latina to lead the five-member body in the County of Sonoma’s 176-year history. Supervisor Chris Coursey was named vice chair, and Supervisor David Rabbitt was named chair pro-tem. Read full story
Husband and Wife Plead to Charges for Operating an Illegal Fish Business Out of Their Home
Sonoma County District Attorney Carla Rodriguez announced today that defendants Richard and Shalley Tran of Rohnert Park pleaded to two counts of illegally selling and exchanging fish for profit or personal gain. Read full story
Windsor Man Convicted of Attempting to Murder His Ex-Girlfriend Receives Life Sentence
Rafael Onofre-Remigio, 31 years old of Sebastopol, was sentenced yesterday by the Honorable Kenneth J. Gnoss to serve 3 years in state prison following a conviction for driving under the influence of alcohol. This offense was Onofre-Remigio’s 4th DUI conviction in the past 10 years – his 2nd felony and his 5th overall. Read full story
Joshua A. Myers selected as Sonoma County Counsel
Joshua A. Myers, a seasoned attorney with more than two decades of experience, including 16 years with the County of Sonoma, has been appointed County Counsel. Most recently serving as Chief Deputy County Counsel, Myers was selected after a nationwide search. He will take over for County Counsel Robert Pittman, who is retiring. Read full story
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