News & Updates

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 "News & Updates," the Sonoma City e-newsletter and subscribe to meeting agendas and minutes for the City Council and Commissions.

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Latest News Posts

NWS graphic explains Moderate HeatRisk with guidance to stay hydrated wear light clothes limit heat exposure and open windows at night.

Weather Awareness: Potential for Heat and Fire Weather Later This Week

Posted on September 15, 2025

While no heat or fire weather advisories are currently in effect, the National Weather Service (NWS) is monitoring conditions that could impact the Bay Area and Sonoma Valley later this week. Heat Risk: Temperatures are expected to remain above normal through Wednesday, with widespread Moderate HeatRisk. This means heat-related illness is possible, especially for older...
Police Officers and Vehicles in front of Sonoma City Hall.

A Back-to-School Traffic Safety Reminder from the Sonoma Police Department

Posted on August 15, 2025

The first week of school is behind us, and we want to thank the Sonoma community for helping keep our students safe as they returned to Sonoma Valley Unified School District campuses. As we all settle into new routines, please continue to be especially mindful on the roads—particularly between 8:00 and 9:00 a.m. when students...
A photo of a clipboard with an emergency preparedness checklist with a flashlight, ace bandage, batteries, water bottles and a first aid kit surrounding.

Stay Ready: Wildfire and Disaster Preparedness Matters Year-Round

Posted on August 15, 2025

While Sonoma has enjoyed a cooler-than-usual summer and lower local wildfire activity, other parts of California have seen significant fire incidents this season. Peak fire season continues through October and disasters can strike at any time - now is the time to prepare so our community can respond, withstand, and recover when it happens here....
A background photo of a person crossing a crosswalk with yellow crosswalk signs on either side with text over it, "Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program"

City Launches Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program & Online Reporting Form

Posted on August 11, 2025

The City of Sonoma is proud to launch its first-ever Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program, a comprehensive guide to help residents and city staff work together to address traffic safety concerns in local neighborhoods.  The program provides a structured process for evaluating and implementing traffic calming measures—such as signage, striping, temporary speed bumps, or more involved...
A map showing the route s for a 5k and Half Marathon race in the area July 19 & 20, 2025.

Traffic Advisory: Rosé 5K and Napa to Sonoma Wine Country Half Marathon Return to Sonoma This Weekend

Posted on July 18, 2025

The Rosé 5K and Napa to Sonoma Wine Country Half Marathon return to the Sonoma Plaza this weekend, bringing thousands of runners and visitors to the area. Please be advised that both events will result in temporary road closures and traffic delays. Rosé 5K – Saturday, July 19, 2025Motorists should expect traffic impacts along the...
A graphic with information about upcoming public meetings to discuss the County of Sonoma's Emergency Operations Plan.

Public Input Sought on County Emergency Operations Plan Sonoma Valley Meeting Scheduled for August 7

Posted on July 18, 2025

The Sonoma County Department of Emergency Management is updating the County’s Emergency Operations Plan and is inviting community members to provide input. The plan serves as a high-level guide for how the County and its partners, including the City of Sonoma, prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies such as wildfires, floods, and other...
Screenshot of a map that shows current prescribed burns.

Prescribed Fire Activity in and Around Sonoma Valley

Posted on June 26, 2025

Following yesterday’s successful operation at Montini Preserve, two additional prescribed burns are now underway in Sonoma Valley: Fire Forward’s “Triangle G” burn on Sonoma Mountain (in the Diamond A area, west of the City of Sonoma) A training burn by Sonoma Valley Fire District in the field across from Hanna Center, this burn is occurring...
A photo of two firefighters wetting a perimeter of a controlled burn operation.

Prescribed Burn Planned at Montini Preserve the Week of June 23

Posted on June 9, 2025

A prescribed burn is planned on approximately 20 acres of the Montini Open Space Preserve during the week of June 23, 2025, as part of a joint effort by the Sonoma Valley Fire District, Sonoma Ecology Center, CAL FIRE, Sonoma Resource Conservation District, and the City of Sonoma. The operation will occur on one day...
A 'bug's eye view' of tall grasses and weeds with blue sky in the background.

Vegetation Management & Weed Abatement: Fire Safety Starts with You

Posted on May 16, 2025

Temperatures are rising, grasses are drying, and fire season is near – it’s time to take measures to create defensible space around your home by managing vegetation. Proper Vegetation Management and Weed Abatement play a critical role in reducing potential fire hazards. The Sonoma Valley Fire District’s (SVFD) Annual Weed Abatement Program is in full swing and is...
A map showing the Fire Hazard Severity Risk.

Fire Hazard Severity Zone (FHSZ) Map – Council Consideration on May 7, 2025

Posted on May 5, 2025

The City of Sonoma is moving forward with adopting the Fire Hazard Severity Zone (FHSZ) map, which designates areas based on their level of wildfire risk. This map is required under Government Code Section 51179 and has been reviewed in partnership with the Sonoma Valley Fire District (SVFD) and CalFire. The updated FHSZ map is...
An aerial view of 5th Street East and Harrigton Drive in City of Sonoma showing a section of a road that will be temporarily closed.

TRAFFIC ADVISORY: Partial Closure on Harrington Drive

Posted on April 30, 2025

Please be advised that a section of Harrington Drive near 390 Harrington Drive will be closed to through traffic beginning Thursday May 1, 2025, due to construction activity related to a new residence. LOCATION: Harrington Drive near 390 Harrington Drive, between the intersection with Manor Drive and the driveway to 390 Harrington Drive. Local driveway...
Information about an evacuation exercise.

Residents East of Highway 12 in Agua Caliente, Fetters, and Boyes: Join the May 3 Evacuation Drill — Sign Up and Share!

Posted on April 28, 2025

If you live east of Highway 12 in parts of Agua Caliente, Fetters Hot Springs, or Boyes Hot Springs — or know someone who does — we encourage you to sign up or help spread the word about a community evacuation drill happening on Saturday, May 3, 2025. While the exercise is not taking place...
A map showing the Fire Hazard Severity Risk.

Public Hearing for Fire Hazard Severity Zone (FHSZ) Map at April 22nd Council Meeting

Posted on April 18, 2025

Sonoma City Council will hold a public hearing to consider adopting the Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map at their upcoming regular meeting on April 21st at 6:00 p.m.  The Fire Hazard Severity Zone (FHSZ) map, which follows guidelines provided by CalFire, designates areas as Moderate, High, or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones, and is...
A crosswalk with new pedestrian safety measures.

Sonoma Plaza Pedestrian Crosswalk Improvements Enhance Safety

Posted on April 10, 2025

The City of Sonoma is pleased to announce the completion of key pedestrian safety improvements on the Sonoma Plaza. Recently upgraded mid-block crosswalks on First Street West and Spain Street now feature additional safety measures, including bollards at the beginning of the crosswalks and clear, fresh paint to improve visibility. In addition, a new sign...
A photo of a hand holding a smart phone with an emergency alert showing on the screen.

Alert and Warning System Test Scheduled for March 27 in Sonoma Valley

Posted on March 21, 2025

Sonoma and Napa counties, in partnership with local law enforcement and fire agencies, will conduct a targeted emergency alert and warning system test on Thursday, March 27, 2025. This test will focus on the SON-6F4 evacuation zone, located in Sonoma Valley near the Sonoma-Napa County line. Between 10:45 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., residents and visitors...
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