Providing a safe place for teens
In Sonoma County, the second-leading cause of death among girls age 15-19 is suicide. The third-leading cause of death in that age group is homicide. These sobering figures come from the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Teen dating violence plays a role in these deaths. 1.5 million teens in the U.S. are victims of physical, emotional, sexual and verbal abuse at the hands of a dating partner. In the Bay Area, about one out of every three teens experience this abuse. The rate of dating violence far exceeds any other type of violence experienced by youth.
Boating safety is no accident
I have logged over 70,000 miles in the last 30 years at sea. In this time, I have seen many dangerous situations as well as unnecessary accidents as well as deaths, that could have been prevented with a bit of common sense as well as preventative measures. By writing this article I hope it helps to give a helping hand to all that enters the water this year, by boat or simply just swimming in our waters.
Healdsburg council approves move to six-stage water shortage contingency plan
The Healdsburg City Council had a unanimous vote last week in approval of changing the city’s three-stage water shortage contingency plan of the Healdsburg Municipal Code to a six-stage plan, aligning with the California Department of Water Resources recommendations on water contingency plans.
Sebastopol council preparing for relaunch, discussing new police practices and efficiency
Scattered across the Sebastopol City Council’s Oct. 19 agenda are several items with the potential to define the city in its policing practices, economic relaunch, energy efficiency and water conservation and more. The meeting will be held at 6 p.m. over Zoom. The agenda and Zoom link are available here.
Californians 50 and older eligible for vaccinations next week
Gov. Gavin Newsom announced this week that all Californians 50 and older will be eligible to be vaccinated on April 1, while everyone 16 and older will qualify two weeks later.
Hart appointed as interim general manager of Ag + Open Space
Former county parks director will serve while national job search is conducted
Benedetti car wash is headed to Sebastopol Avenue
The Sebastopol City Council gave the highly debated Benedetti car wash the greenlight after nearly three hours of discussion at its extended March 2 public hearing and deliberation.
Sebastopol City Council adopts mid-year budget adjustments
The Sebastopol City Council received a mid-year budget review presented by Administrative Services Director Ana Kwong at the Feb. 16 city council meeting, unanimously approving a resolution to adjust the city’s adopted operating budget for the fiscal year of 2020-21.
Five-hour standoff leads to arrest in Forestville
A Forestville man was arrested Tuesday following a five-hour standoff with Sonoma County deputies.














