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 grid of nature photos submitted into the Hidden Gems Earth Day Contest.

Earth Day “Hidden Gems” Photo Contest – Online Exhibition & Voting Open Through April 18

Posted on April 11, 2025

The City of Sonoma’s 5th Annual Earth Day Photo Contest is now live — and this year, it’s all about uncovering Sonoma Valley’s “Hidden Gems”! Thank you to the many talented photographers who submitted images that highlight the beauty of lesser-known natural spots throughout our region. Now it’s your turn to get involved — view...
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...
Photo of the seating in the Sonoma Plaza's Grinstead Amphitheater.

Plaza Seating Gets a Natural Upgrade Thanks to Community Partnership

Posted on April 9, 2025

The City of Sonoma is pleased to share progress on the Sonoma Plaza Improvement Project. Thanks to a generous lumber donation from Sonoma Raceway, City of Sonoma Public Works staff have completed the full replacement of wooden benches in the Grinstead Amphitheater—now finished with a stain that highlights the natural beauty of the wood. With...
A photo of Sonoma City Hall with the word 'Announcement' over the it.

City of Sonoma Launches Second Year of Online Discretionary Funding Application for Fiscal Year 2025/2026

Posted on April 9, 2025

In an ongoing effort to enhance support to our local organizations providing critical and essential programs and services to our community in a transparent and fair manner, the City of Sonoma is excited to announce the second year of its online Discretionary Funding Application. This platform streamlines the process for organizations seeking funding from the...
A backlit photo of a hand putting a ballot in a box.

City Council Selects Final District Map and Election Sequencing

Posted on April 8, 2025

At its meeting on April 2, 2025, the Sonoma City Council selected a final district map and approved the sequencing of elections as part of the City’s transition to district-based elections.​ The adopted map includes five districts with assigned district numbers. The City Council also determined the election timeline for each district:​ Districts 1, 3,...

County of Sonoma Community Survey: Five-Year Consolidated Plan (2025-2030)

Posted on March 31, 2025

The Sonoma County Community Development Commission is currently preparing a new Consolidated Plan. The Consolidated Plan is required by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in order to receive federal funding for affordable housing, public services, and other eligible activities. The Consolidated Plan identifies the most important needs within Sonoma County...
a photo of two people shaking hands from above with items related to construction on a table below.

Meet Our New Building Inspector, Kevin Sullivan

Posted on March 21, 2025

We are excited to welcome Kevin Sullivan to the City of Sonoma’s Community Development Department as our new Building Inspector in the Building Division! Kevin brings with him over 25 years of hands-on experience as a finish carpenter, having worked with several developers throughout Sonoma County. His impressive background also includes roles as a construction...
A backlit photo of a hand putting a ballot in a box.

City Council Advances Revised Draft Map B3 for Final Consideration – Public Input Invited

Posted on March 21, 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 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...
A photo of water from a rein storm draining into a street drain with leaf debris accumulating.

What do you know about storm water? Take our eleven (11) question storm water program effectiveness survey today!

Posted on March 21, 2025

The City of Sonoma is conducting a survey to learn what our residents know about storm water. Surveying our residents about their storm water knowledge and behaviors helps us understand which topics could use more community education and outreach. Please take this 11-question survey to help us improve our public outreach and communication regarding storm water...
A map showing the Fire Hazard Severity Risk.

New Fire Hazard Severity Map for Sonoma & Surrounding Areas – Public Review and Input Encouraged

Posted on March 14, 2025

An updated draft Fire Hazard Severity Map is now available for public review and comment. This map is based on CalFire’s updated Fire Hazard Severity Zones, which determine fire hazard classifications for the City of Sonoma, Sonoma Valley, and surrounding areas based on climate data, fire history, and wildfire modeling. View the Interactive Map & Submit Comments...
Color photo of stone, two story building with trees and blue sky in the background with text and an official city seal.

New Fire Hazard Severity Map Released for the City of Sonoma and Surrounding Areas (Press Release)

Posted on March 14, 2025

View this Press Release as a pdf March 14, 2025 - Sonoma, CA – The City of Sonoma, in partnership with the Sonoma Valley Fire District (SVFD) and the County of Sonoma, has released updated Fire Hazard Severity Maps (FHSZ) for Local Responsibility Areas (LRA) following CalFire’s February 24, 2025, statewide update. These maps use...
Photos of various items that can help reduce home energy use.

Free Energy-Saving Kits, Cooking Demos & Climate Survey – Get Involved!

Posted on March 12, 2025

BayREN (Bay Area Regional Energy Network) is a local government coalition helping residents save energy and lower utility bills. This March, take advantage of free energy-saving kits, live cooking demos, and homeowner webinars—plus, share your input on regional climate action!  North Bay Induction Cooking Expo – March 15 Experience the future of cooking with live...
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...
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