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 map of the bay area showing northern regions in green indicating a flood watch.

Weather Awareness: Flood Watch and Wind Advisory Issued

Posted on November 19, 2024

A flood watch and wind advisory have been issued by the National Weather Service. The wind advisory will be in effect from Tuesday night, November 19th, through Friday, November 22nd, while the flood watch will be in effect from Wednesday morning, November 20th, through Friday morning, November 22nd. These advisories are due to a rain...
A pile of sand with a sign in front.

Free sand now available to residents at Depot Park – BYO sandbags!

Posted on November 18, 2024

With our first Atmospheric River on the way this week, we encourage you to take time to prepare for the rainy season ahead. If your property has a history of flooding, please don’t wait for a storm to prepare sandbags. Sandbags can be prepared and kept on hand throughout the winter. Free sandbags are now...
Sonoma City Hall with green colored uplighting.

Sonoma City Hall Lights Up Green for Tonight’s SVHS Football Championship Game

Posted on November 15, 2024

Join us in celebrating the Sonoma Dragons as they take on the Hayward Farmers in tonight’s championship game! City Hall will shine green in honor of our undefeated Dragons, who have wowed us this season with a 10-0 overall record and 6-0 in league play—their first undefeated season since 1992! Game Details: Location: Midgley Field...
A photo of Sonoma City Council presenting a proclamation to presented Tribal Councilwoman and Tribal Secretary Melissa Elgin

City of Sonoma Proclaims November as Native American Heritage Month

Posted on November 15, 2024

The City of Sonoma has officially designated November 2024 as Native American Heritage Month, honoring the rich cultural heritage and contributions of Native Americans throughout the United States. On November 6th, Mayor John Gurney and Sonoma City Council acknowledged the City of Sonoma is located in the ancestral territory of the Federated Indians of Graton...
a photo of two people shaking hands from above with items related to construction on a table below.

City of Sonoma Launches Online Appointment Scheduling for Building Inspections

Posted on November 15, 2024

The City of Sonoma is excited to announce a new, convenient feature for scheduling inspections through its OpenGov Permit and Application Portal at sonomaca.portal.opengov.com. Previously, appointments could only be made over the phone. Now, users can easily request inspections online with just a few clicks, streamlining the process for residents, contractors, and business owners. How...
An ariel view of Sonoma City Hall and surrounding area with the header, "What's Your Vision for the Future of Sonoma?"

Save the Date: Sonoma General Plan Update Land Use Workshop on January 30

Posted on November 14, 2024

Mark your calendars! The City of Sonoma invites you to a General Plan Update: Land Use Workshop on Thursday, January 30th, from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Vintage House, located at 264 First Street East. This workshop is a valuable opportunity for community members to learn about and provide feedback on proposed land...
A portion of an official notice of the 2025 minimum wage in the City of Sonoma.

New Sonoma Minimum Wage Rates effective January 1, 2025

Posted on November 13, 2024

Starting January 1, 2025, the minimum wage rate in the City of Sonoma is $18.02/hour for large employers (26 or more employees) and $16.96/hour for small employers (25 or fewer employees). The scheduled increase is included in the minimum wage ordinance adopted by the City Council in 2019 after a minimum wage study, which became Chapter 2.80 of...
Photos of three new below market rates homes that are now accepting applications.

Applications Now Being Accepted for Below Market Rate Homes in Hummingbird Cottages Development

Posted on November 8, 2024

DeNova Homes is now accepting applications for Below Market Rate (BMR) homes at Hummingbird Cottages in Sonoma, located at the corner of West MacArthur and 5th Street West. Available Homes and Pricing: 498 Fortuni Court, Homesite 1 – 1,330 Sq. Ft., 2 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths, 2-Car Garage Price: $400,338 488 Sanchez Court, Homesite 6 –...
A photo of Fred Allebach and information about his Celebrate Sonoma recognition on November 20th.

Fred Allebach to be Honored as the Next “Celebrate Sonoma” Recipient

Posted on November 7, 2024

The City of Sonoma proudly announces that Fred Allebach will be the next honoree recognized in the Celebrate Sonoma program. This special acknowledgment will take place during the Sonoma City Council meeting on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, beginning at 6:00 PM. This occasion will mark a significant tribute to Fred Allebach’s extensive contributions to the...
Ukrainian citizens posing in front of a donated City of Sonoma ambulance after it arrived in Ukraine.

Sonoma’s Ambulance Donation Completes Journey to Kaniv, Ukraine

Posted on November 7, 2024

The City of Sonoma’s donated ambulance, stocked with essential medical supplies, has now reached Ukraine after a months-long journey, marking a meaningful milestone in Sonoma’s humanitarian support for its Sister City, Kaniv. This important delivery was made possible through the efforts of the Sonoma Sister Cities Association's Sonoma-Kaniv Committee and the dedication of US Ambulances...
A photo of Sonoma City Hall with the word 'Announcement' over the it.

Nominate Now for Sonoma’s 2025 Honorary Alcalde!

Posted on November 6, 2024

The City of Sonoma is thrilled to kick off nominations for the prestigious title of Honorary Alcalde 2025. Open to the public, we encourage community members to propose worthy candidates for this esteemed recognition. Nomination Deadline: January 3, 2025, 5:00 p.m. Since 1975, the City Council has annually selected outstanding citizens for the title of...
A map of the San Francisco Bay Area showing areas in Red Flag Warning

Fire Safety Reminder as Red Flag Warning Goes Into Effect this Week

Posted on November 4, 2024

The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning that includes the City of Sonoma and the entire Sonoma Valley due to an offshore wind pattern that will bring strong wind gusts and dry conditions that will increase fire risk and may lead to unplanned power outages. Red Flag Warning Details: ⏰ When: Tuesday,...
Burgundy rectangle with text about Commission and Committee openings with a QR code to the online application.

Sonoma Needs You! Serve Your Community on a Regional Commission or Committee

Posted on November 1, 2024

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 Youth...
A map of the sonoma valley showing the different regions.

Spotlight on the Sonoma Valley Community Advisory Commission: Join their Upcoming Meeting

Posted on November 1, 2024

The Sonoma Valley Community Advisory Commission (SVCAC) plays a vital role in shaping the future of our beloved Sonoma Valley. Established through a Joint Powers Agreement between the County of Sonoma and the City of Sonoma, the SVCAC serves as a forum for public discussion on planning decisions affecting both the City and the surrounding...
a photo of two people shaking hands from above with items related to construction on a table below.

Express Building Permits Now Available!

Posted on November 1, 2024

Starting November 1, the City of Sonoma’s Building Division is offering Express Building Permits to make your home projects easier. This means you can apply online for certain home projects and get instant approval. These projects include kitchen and bathroom remodels, HVAC replacements, and window replacements (some rules apply). For more information, visit the City...
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