The Press Democrat

Standards and Policies

Mission statement The Press Democrat exists to enhance public understanding of the communities we serve in the heart of Sonoma County and Napa C…

Trump is attacking California’s ability to protect its coastline. The consequences are ‘chilling’

For months, the Trump administration has sought to open the California coast to a radically industrialized future: large-scale desalination plan…

Eight people displaced in Santa Rosa house fire that created large plume of smoke

Smoke may have extended to nearby homes but the fire was contained to a two-story house on Kingwood Street, officials said.

Huffman calls on FAA to keep quieter Sonoma County flight path used during Bohemian Grove gathering

Rep. Huffman, local officials and residents met Wednesday to demand FAA action after The Press Democrat’s recent story showing a long-sought cha…

North Bay preparing for Waymo arrival despite no official launch date

Fire officials in American Canyon hosted an emergency response training though Waymo has yet to confirm when it will deploy its robotaxi service…

Healdsburg’s Bistro Lagniappe announces closure after just 15 months in former Molti Amici space

Bistro Lagniappe, which opened after the collapse of Molti Amici, will close Aug. 30, citing mounting operating costs.

Napa Valley Unified secures $1.4 million in grants to expand college and career readiness

Officials say the funds will support health sciences, engineering, agricultural and culinary arts programs in the school district.

Cidermaker, Slow Food Russian River join forces to operate Sebastopol apple press

Ethic Ciders has partnered with Slow Food Russian River to operate a commercial-grade apple press open to local growers and home orchardists.

Federal, local officials seek funding for Corona Road safety project

Planned improvements at the dangerous Corona Road overcrossing would include protected bike lanes, a pedestrian pathway and a roundabout.

Tip leads to arrest of Penngrove man on suspicion of possessing child sex abuse material

Authorities said detectives located the man after receiving a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

Rohnert Park man charged in suspected gang-related shooting outside Santa Rosa bar

Santa Rosa police said the suspect shot another man during a confrontation outside a bar early Sunday, leaving the victim with a gunshot wound t…

Tech icon Wozniak to be featured in Aug. 17 Sonoma Speaker Series

Silicon Valley icon, technology entrepreneur and philanthropist Steve Wozniak will be featured in a sold-out Sonoma Speaker Series event on Mond…

Kennedy, Oz say crackdown on fraud caused Obamacare enrollment drop. Experts say it was skyrocketing costs

Enrollment in Affordable Care Act plans fell by nearly 3 million this year.

Wildfire smoke from Pacific Northwest prompts Bay Area air quality advisory

The Bay Area Air District issued an air quality advisory through Wednesday as smoke from wildfires burning in Washington, Idaho and Oregon is ex…

This summer isn’t breaking heat records — yet. Wait until El Niño kicks in, scientists say

So far this is only the third-hottest year, behind 2024 and 2025.

Woman testifies at former Windsor mayor’s civil trial she felt sick after drinking wine night of alleged sex assault

A former intern from a Sonoma County winery testified she recalls being sexually assaulted by Dominic Foppoli despite her mind feeling hazy afte…

Foul-tasting tap water in St. Helena returning to normal, officials say

Nearly 100 reports submitted by residents cited foul tap water odor and taste as the city worked to flush its pipes of sediment dislodged after…

New details in fatal motorcycle crash on Napa County highway

A passenger was thrown from a motorcycle and died in a crash on Highway 12 Tuesday, May 12, according to the California Highway Patrol.