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

Burgundy background with yellow and cream text announcing the opening of the application period for city of Sonoma commissions, committees and boards.

Get Involved in Your Local Government – Join a Commission

Posted on March 11, 2025

Are you passionate about local planning? Committed to enhancing community engagement? Want to give back to your city? Now’s your chance to make a difference! The City of Sonoma is currently seeking applications for the following positions on city and regional commissions, committees, and boards: Current Recruitment(s): City Commissions and Committees Planning Commission One Member...
Olsen Park

Olsen Park Design Update – Join the Parks, Recreation & Open Space Commission This Wednesday!

Posted on March 10, 2025

Exciting progress is underway for Olsen Park! LandCulture LLP, the landscape architecture firm hired to renovate the Park, will present the 50% design for the park at the upcoming Parks, Recreation and Open Space Commission meeting on Wednesday, March 12th at 6:00 p.m. This is a key milestone in the project, offering a look at...
A backlit photo of a hand putting a ballot in a box.

City Council Selects Five-District Option and Draft Map B for Further Consideration

Posted on March 7, 2025

The City of Sonoma is in the process of transitioning from "at large" elections to district-based elections, which will change how City Council members are elected by establishing distinct geographic districts. As part of this process, the City Council is reviewing draft district maps and gathering public input to determine the final boundaries before adopting...
A photo of a person crossing the street with the aid of new RRFBs.

New Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) Crosswalk Installed at Third Street West & West Spain Street

Posted on February 28, 2025

The City of Sonoma is excited to announce the installation of a new Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) crosswalk at the intersection of Third Street West and West Spain Street. This improvement is part of the City’s ongoing commitment to enhancing pedestrian safety and accessibility. Approved by the Traffic Safety Committee in November 2024, the...
Color photo of stone, two story building with trees and blue sky in the background with text and an official city seal.

5th Annual Earth Day Photo Contest: Capture Sonoma’s “Hidden Gems” (Joint Press Release)

Posted on February 28, 2025

View this Joint Press Release as a PDF February 28, 2025 - Sonoma, CA – The City of Sonoma, in partnership with the Sonoma Community Center, is excited to announce the 5th Annual Earth Day Photo Contest, inviting photographers of all ages to celebrate the hidden natural beauty of Sonoma Valley. The theme for 2025...
a photo of two people shaking hands from above with items related to construction on a table below.

City of Sonoma Launches Pre-Reviewed ADU Plans Program to Streamline Construction and Reduce Costs

Posted on February 28, 2025

The City of Sonoma is excited to announce the launch of its Pre-Reviewed ADU Plans Program, an initiative designed to make Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) construction easier, faster, and more cost-effective for homeowners and designers. ADUs, also known as in-law units or granny flats, provide a valuable opportunity to add affordable housing options while generating...
A backlit photo of a hand putting a ballot in a box.

Third Public Hearing on District Elections – Review & Comment on Draft Maps

Posted on February 27, 2025

The City of Sonoma is moving forward in its transition to district-based elections, and community input is essential in shaping the final district boundaries. The third public hearing during a special meeting that will take place on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers (177 First Street West), where the...
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 to Dedicate Larry Murphy Bridge

Posted on February 27, 2025

View this Press Release as a PDF February 28, 2025 - Sonoma, CA – The City of Sonoma will officially dedicate the Larry Murphy Bridge in honor of the late Larry Murphy during a special ceremony on Friday, March 14, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 Noon. The event will take place on France Street,...
A photo of a trail with a view of hills and blue sky with text.

Temporary Closure of Upper Overlook Trail for Repairs March 5 – May 21, 2025

Posted on February 27, 2025

The City of Sonoma, in partnership with the Sonoma Overlook Trail Stewards and American Conservation Experience, will be making improvements to the Upper Sonoma Overlook Trail this spring. To complete necessary repairs and rebuild the rocky trail bed, the Upper Overlook Trail will be closed from March 5 through May 21, 2025. What’s Open? The...
A tablet displaying an online questionnaire on the screen.

Share Your Thoughts: Pet Cemetery Services in Sonoma 

Posted on February 20, 2025

The City of Sonoma is exploring the possibility of expanding cemetery services to include designated areas for pet burials. We want to hear from you! Would you find this service valuable? What features matter most to you? Your feedback will help shape future offerings and ensure they meet the needs of our community. The short...
A backlit photo of a hand putting a ballot in a box.

Deadline Approaching: Submit Your District Map!

Posted on February 14, 2025

The City of Sonoma is transitioning to district-based elections, and we need your input! The deadline to draw and submit your district map is coming up—don’t miss your chance to participate! 📅 Submit your map by February 26th! 💡 New! Hardcopy map kits are now available for those who prefer to draw by hand. Download now...
A before and after photo of Sonoma City Hall showing the effects of a recent cleaning.

Keeping History Bright—City Hall’s Stonework Restored

Posted on February 14, 2025

Sonoma’s City Hall has stood proudly in the heart of the Plaza since 1908, a symbol of the community’s history and civic pride. Designed with four identical facades so that merchants on all sides of the Plaza could say the building faced their businesses, it remains one of Sonoma’s most photographed landmarks. To help preserve...
A colorful graphic promoting the Student Creative Artist Award.

Now Accepting Entries for the 2025 Student Creative Artist Award!

Posted on February 14, 2025

The City of Sonoma’s Cultural and Fine Arts Commission (CFAC) is excited to announce that entries are now open for the 2025 Student Creative Artist Award! Since its inception in 1988, this program has recognized over 80 talented student artists, awarding more than $60,000 to help them further their artistic growth. This program recognizes outstanding...
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 Seeks Entries for 2025 Student Creative Artist Award

Posted on February 14, 2025

View/Download this press release as a PDF Sonoma, CA – February 14, 2025 - The City of Sonoma (City) Cultural and Fine Arts Commission (CFAC) is now accepting entries for the 2025 Student Creative Artist Award Program. This award program is open to high school juniors and seniors who reside within the Sonoma Valley Unified...
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 Hosts Reception to Honor Margaret Hatcher as 2025 Treasure Artist (Press Release)

Posted on February 14, 2025

View/Download this Press Release as a PDF Sonoma, CA – February 14, 2025 - The City of Sonoma and the Cultural and Fine Arts Commission are excited to announce a special reception to honor Margaret Hatcher as the 2025 Sonoma Treasure Artist. This free community event will take place on April 4, 2025, from 5:00...
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