Access to accurate and timely information is critical to helping you understand the issues and decisions facing our City Council and Commissions and engage in the policy making process. Stay informed by reading the latest news and updates below, sign up to receive "About Town," the Sonoma City e-newsletter and subscribe to meeting agendas and minutes for the City Council and Commissions.
The State announced a new Regional Stay Home Order on December 3, 2020, that will go into effect within 24 hours in regions with less than 15% ICU availability. It prohibits private gatherings of any size, closes sector operations except for critical infrastructure and retail, and requires 100% masking and physical distancing in all others....
*Update 12/5, 8:30 AM - At this time, it appears that the City of Sonoma would not be impacted by the potential PSPS. Look up an address on the PG&E power outage map to see if a particular location is included in the PSPS Watch. ELEVATED FIRE CONCERNS BEGINNING SUNDAY EVENING The National Weather Service...
The Governor’s office announced this week that California will provide temporary tax relief for eligible businesses impacted by COVID-19 restrictions. The temporary tax relief offers: An automatic three-month income tax extension for taxpayers filing less than $1 million in sales tax. An extension of the availability of existing interest and penalty-free payment agreements to companies...
With growing concern over the climate crisis, the Sonoma City Council unanimously passed a Climate Emergency Resolution at its November 2nd meeting. A key element of the resolution is to reduce city-wide greenhouse gas emissions to net zero no later than 2030. Transportation is by far the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for...
SAHA (Satellite Affordable Housing Associates – affordable housing developer) is beginning to accept applications for Altamira Apartments located at 1269 Broadway in Sonoma. The waiting list for 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom, and 3-bedroom units at Altamira Apartments opened on December 2, 2020 at 9:00 AM. Applications must be submitted online by 5:00 PM on December 16, 2020....
The Sonoma Valley Rotary Foundation is providing locally-owned Sonoma Valley businesses that have 20 or fewer employees with grants of $500 or more to help those businesses navigate the COVID pandemic, ensure safety for employees and patrons, and help keep as many people as possible working. The foundation will award up to $100,000 in total...
A regular meeting of Sonoma City Council will be held on Monday, December 7th at 6:00 pm. The full agenda and staff reports including items on the consent calendar and public hearing items can be found on our CivicWeb Portal. City Council Reorganization is also on the agenda, including a recognition of the outgoing Mayor...
Starting January 1, 2021, the minimum wage rate in the City of Sonoma is $15.00/hour for large employers (26 or more employees) and $14.00/hour for small employers (25 or fewer employees). The scheduled increase is included in the minimum wage ordinance adopted by the City Council in mid 2019 after a minimum wage study, which...
Staying nimble and flexible is part of owning a small business. But this year's challenges of public health restrictions, changing consumer needs, and a dampened economy are testing the resolve of even the most intrepid local business owners. The City works hand-in-hand (in a socially distanced sense, of course!) with our business community because Sonoma...
While there are alarming increases in transmission rates across California, Sonoma County rates have not changed as significantly due, in part, to expanded testing opportunities. Testing is one of the most effective methods of gaining a clearer understanding of COVID-19 spread in our community and residents have been testing at an unprecedented rate over the...
Sonoma County has issued guidelines for outdoor dining structures that meet both fire protection and COVID-19 safety requirements. California’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy states that “outdoor operations may be conducted under a tent, canopy, or other sun shelter but only as long as no more than one side is closed, allowing sufficient outdoor air...
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) issued a Limited Stay at Home Order or “curfew” that went into effect on Saturday, November 21st and remains in effect through December 21st for counties in the widespread (Purple) tier of the State’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy. As of November 24th, Sonoma County remains in the...
12/2/2020 - See the latest update on the Altamira Apartments – Affordable Housing Applications. The Sonoma County Housing Authority will accept applications from Nov. 16 through Dec. 18 for new Project-Based Voucher Waitlists tied to one, two and three-bedroom units at Altamira Family Apartments in Sonoma, CA. Applicants who are selected from the waitlist will...
Please see the most recent Notice of Limited Permitting and Inspection Operations Information regarding processing permit applications and protocols for inspections. Effective: December 1, 2020 - Until Further Notice.
This week’s rain, cooler temperatures and those spectacular fall colors are welcome signs that fire season is nearly behind us and the holiday season is ahead. Of course, as with so many other things in 2020, the holiday season will look different this year as gatherings, traditions and events are being reimagined with COVID-19 health...
In light of an unprecedented, rapid rise in COVID-19 cases across California, Governor Gavin Newsom and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) today announced a limited Stay at Home Order requiring generally that non-essential work, movement and gatherings stop between 10 PM and 5 AM in counties in the purple tier. The order will take effect...
New mask-wearing guidance was issued from the State as part of the Governor's announcement this week that mandates that face coverings be worn at all times when outside of the home with some exceptions listed below. Please read the new guidance which supersedes the existing face coverings guidance. Individuals are exempt from wearing face coverings...
The Sonoma Valley Chamber of Commerce has launched “Send Sonoma” (www.sendsonoma.com) to support local shopping during the holiday season. The portal promotes online shopping, phone orders, curbside pickup, and gift cards as convenient options for those who may not be comfortable shopping in person to find unique gifts while supporting local businesses. There are dedicated...
Businesses in city limits that have expanded service to parklets may be eligible for reimbursement of costs of decorative materials. The City's Parklet Beautification Reimbursement Program is designed to support the use of parklets in the public right-of-way by businesses affected by COVID-19 health regulations and to support a vibrant downtown environment that benefits all...
