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

A photo of Sonoma City Hall with the word 'Announcement' over the it.

City of Sonoma to Launch Online Payment System for Transient Occupancy Tax and Tourism Improvement District Fees

Posted on December 20, 2024

Starting January 1, 2025, property owners and operators of guest rental properties in Sonoma will have a convenient new way to manage their Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) and Tourism Improvement District (TID) fees. The City of Sonoma is excited to announce the launch of an online portal for filing and paying TOT and TID, making...
a logo for keep people housed with graphics of houses and an apartment complex with hearts on them.

New Resource Now Available to Support Sonoma County Residents at Risk of Homelessness

Posted on December 19, 2024

The Keep People Housed – Sonoma County Homelessness Prevention Program launched this week and is now open to help eligible residents facing housing insecurity. This vital resource offers temporary financial assistance and services to those at high risk of homelessness or housing loss, addressing critical needs like back rent, move-in costs, rental assistance, utilities, and...
A photo of the five members of Sonoma City Council at their December 18th meeting.

Sonoma City Council Wraps Up 2024 and Looks Ahead to 2025

Posted on December 19, 2024

The City of Sonoma held its final City Council meeting of 2024 last night, marking the end of a productive year with celebrations and leadership transitions. Celebrating Community Achievements The council recognized the Dragons football team for their outstanding achievements this year, commending their dedication and hard work. A photo was taken to honor the...
A aerial photo of Sonoma City Hall.

Thank You, Sonoma, for Your Support!

Posted on December 19, 2024

We are pleased to announce that Measure T has been approved by the voters with 58.82% voting in favor. This significant step reflects the community’s commitment to maintaining and enhancing essential City services. Measure T, a half-cent (0.5%) increase in the local sales tax, is projected to generate approximately $3 million annually and will go...
a photo of two people shaking hands from above with items related to construction on a table below.

Now Hiring: Building Inspector for the City of Sonoma

Posted on December 13, 2024

The City of Sonoma is currently seeking a dedicated Building Inspector to join our Community Development Department. This is an exciting opportunity for individuals who are passionate about ensuring safe and quality construction in our community. Salary Range: Building Inspector I: $7,173.98 to $8,720.01 per month Building Inspector II: $7,888.43 to $9,588.44 per month As...
A photo of the Sonoma City Hall with information about a request for qualifications.

City of Sonoma Requests Qualifications for Historic Resource Evaluations

Posted on December 13, 2024

The City of Sonoma is issuing a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) from qualified firms or individuals to join a panel providing historic preservation services. These services will assist planning staff and City Commissions in evaluating historic resources in the city. Key Information: The selected consultants will be expected to provide the following services: Site visits...
A map of the San Francisco Bay Area showing Sonoma County colored in green to signify the area that is under a flood watch.

Weather Awareness: Flood Watch Issued Friday – Sunday

Posted on December 12, 2024

A flood watch has been issued by the National Weather Service from 2 PM Friday (December 13th) through 4 PM Sunday (December 15th) due to the likelihood of a rain event that could range from 2 to 3 inches in the Valley. Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying...
Photo of a high school football team on on a graphic with a dark brown background with white text.

SVHS Dragons Football Team to be Honored as the Next “Celebrate Sonoma” Recipients

Posted on December 10, 2024

The City of Sonoma is excited to announce that the Sonoma Valley High School Dragons Football Team will be the next honorees in the “Celebrate Sonoma” program. Sonoma City Council will recognize the team during the Sonoma City Council meeting on Tuesday, December 18, 2024, at 6:00 PM in Council Chambers. Under the guidance of...
Two images with information about a warming center open december 9th and 10th in Sonoma

Warming Center to Open in Sonoma December 9th and 10th, 8 PM – 8 AM

Posted on December 9, 2024

With colder weather expected over the next few days, the County of Sonoma, in partnership with the City of Sonoma, will open an Emergency Warming Center on Monday and Tuesday nights. Located at 151 First St West at the City of Sonoma Emergency Homeless Shelter (formerly known as the Haven), the center will provide a...
Color photo of stone, two story building with trees and blue sky in the background with text and an official city seal.

Sonoma City Council Approves Resolution Declaring Intent to Initiate Procedures to Transition to District-Based Elections (Press Release)

Posted on December 5, 2024

View/Download a PDF version of this Press Release Sonoma, CA — December 5, 2024 — On December 4, 2024, the Sonoma City Council approved a resolution to transition from at-large elections to district-based elections for City Council. The decision is a forward-thinking step taken by the Council to reduce potential legal risks. While the City...
A photo of sonoma city hall with text about a request for proposals over it.

City of Sonoma Issues Request for Proposals for Comprehensive Tree Inventory and Urban Tree Canopy Mapping

Posted on December 5, 2024

The City of Sonoma is seeking proposals from qualified individuals or firms to conduct a comprehensive tree inventory, data reporting, and mapping of the urban tree canopy. This project aims to assess and expand the city's urban tree shade canopy to improve climate resilience and urban landscapes. Proposal Overview: The selected consultant will be responsible...
A photo of Sonoma City Hall with the word 'Announcement' over the it.

City of Sonoma Announces Updates to Business License Procedures

Posted on December 4, 2024

The City of Sonoma is excited to share updates to its business license procedures, which aim to simplify tax remittance and enhance support for our business community. To achieve this, the City has partnered with HdL Companies, a trusted leader in business license administration, to handle all business license-related needs. Through the HdL Business Support...
A photo of a pile burn operation in a field.

Pile Burning Scheduled for December 3rd at Montini Open Space Preserve

Posted on December 2, 2024

The Sonoma Ecology Center has confirmed that controlled pile burning will take place at Montini Open Space Preserve on Tuesday, December 3rd, as part of wildfire risk reduction efforts funded by the State Coastal Conservancy. What to Expect: Smoke Visibility: Residents and visitors may see smoke rising from north of Sonoma Plaza during the burn....
A photo of a woman in a pink shirt with 4 photos of unique costumes.

Sonoma Names Margaret Hatcher as 2025 Treasure Artist

Posted on November 22, 2024

The City of Sonoma is delighted to announce Margaret Hatcher as the 2025 Treasure Artist Award recipient. A celebrated artist and costume designer, Hatcher is known for her imaginative creations, leadership in the arts community, and commitment to sustainability through projects like Trashion Fashion Sonoma. Hatcher’s work has enriched Sonoma Valley’s cultural landscape for over...
Color photo of stone, two story building with trees and blue sky in the background with text and an official city seal.

City of Sonoma Honors Margaret Hatcher as the 2025 Treasure Artist (Press Release)

Posted on November 22, 2024

View/Download this press release as a PDF Sonoma, CA — November 22, 2024 — The City of Sonoma is proud to announce Margaret Hatcher's selection as the 2025 Sonoma Treasure Artist Award recipient. Established in 1983 by the Cultural and Fine Arts Commission (CFAC), the award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the...
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