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.ย  Stay informed by reading the latest news and updates below,ย 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 graphic with information about the Juneteenth Holiday.

City Offices Closed June 19 in Observance of Juneteenth

Posted on June 11, 2025

The City of Sonoma will recognize Juneteenth as an official holiday on Thursday, June 19, 2025, and non-essential City offices will be closed for the day. This is a new closure intended to honor the significance of Juneteenth in American history and support community reflection and understanding. At its June 4 meeting, the Sonoma City...
A photo of two firefighters wetting a perimeter of a controlled burn operation.

Prescribed Burn Planned at Montini Preserve the Week of June 23

Posted on June 9, 2025

A prescribed burn is planned on approximately 20 acres of the Montini Open Space Preserve during the week of June 23, 2025, as part of a joint effort by the Sonoma Valley Fire District, Sonoma Ecology Center, CAL FIRE, Sonoma Resource Conservation District, and the City of Sonoma. The operation will occur on one day...
Color photo of stone, two story building with trees and blue sky in the background with text and an official city seal.

Montini Preserve to Undergo Prescribed Burn to Protect Homes, Habitat, and Hillside Health (Press Release)

Posted on June 9, 2025

JOINT PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release Date: June 9, 2025 Sonoma, CA โ€“ A coalition of local agencies, including the Sonoma Valley Fire District, Sonoma Ecology Center, Sonoma Resource Conservation District, the City of Sonoma and CAL FIRE, is preparing to conduct a prescribed burn on approximately 20 acres of the Montini Open Space Preserve...
Budget

Recording Available: FY 2025โ€“2026 Budget Study Session

Posted on June 5, 2025

Thank you to all who attended or submitted comments for the City of Sonomaโ€™s Budget Study Session held on May 22, 2025. The session provided the City Council an opportunity to review key elements of the proposed Fiscal Year 2025โ€“2026 Operating and Capital Budget and offer feedback ahead of formal adoption at their meeting scheduled...
A graphic with the words "Call for Artists" in colorful letters.

Call for Artists: Bring Creativity to Sonomaโ€™s Streetscape

Posted on June 2, 2025

The City of Sonoma is excited to launch its Utility Box Art Wrap Pilot Programโ€”and weโ€™re inviting local artists to be part of it! As part of the Cityโ€™s Public Art Program, this new initiative will turn everyday utility boxes into eye-catching public art installations. Selected designs will be professionally printed on vinyl and wrapped...
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 Launches Utility Box Art Wrap Pilot Program – Call for Artists Now Open (Press Release)

Posted on June 2, 2025

View this Press Release as a PDF Sonoma, CA โ€“ June 2, 2025 - The City of Sonoma is pleased to announce a call for artists for its new Utility Box Art Wrap Pilot Program. As part of the Cityโ€™s growing Public Art Program, this initiative invites artists and artist teams to submit original artwork...
A burgundy logo with a rendering of the top floor and roof line of Sonoma City Hall with the words "General Plan 2045"

Draft Local Economy Element Now Available for Review

Posted on May 30, 2025

The City of Sonoma invites community members to review and comment on the newly released Draft Local Economy Element of the General Plan Update. This element outlines strategies to strengthen Sonomaโ€™s economic vitality while preserving its historic character and quality of life. It includes goals and policies related to sustainable development, business diversity, tourism, and...
A phot of the sun setting behind a water spigot.

2024 Water Quality Report Now Available

Posted on May 30, 2025

The City of Sonomaโ€™s 2024 Water Quality Report is now available online. This annual report provides important information about the City's drinking water, including the results of water quality testing conducted throughout the past year and details about where our water comes from, how itโ€™s treated, and how it compares to state and federal standards....
A before and after photo of a portion of the Sonoma Overlook Trail before it's repair and after.

Upper Sonoma Overlook Trail Reopens Following Accessibility and Drainage Improvements

Posted on May 22, 2025

The City of Sonoma is pleased to announce that the Upper Sonoma Overlook Trail has reopened on schedule following a planned closure for repairs and trail improvements. The work, completed over five hitches by crews from the American Conservation Experience (ACE) in partnership with the Sonoma Overlook Trail Stewards, focused on enhancing trail accessibility and...
Budget

Reminder: City Council to Hold Budget Study Session May 22

Posted on May 21, 2025

The Sonoma City Council will hold a public Budget Study Session on Thursday, May 22, 2025, beginning at 9:00 a.m. in the Cityโ€™s Emergency Operations Center (177 First Street West). This study session is an opportunity for the City Council to review and provide feedback on the proposed Fiscal Year 2025โ€“2026 Operating and Capital Budget...
An aerial view of 5th Street East and Harrigton Drive in City of Sonoma showing a section of a road that will be temporarily closed.

TRAFFIC ADVISORY: Partial Closure on Harrington Drive

Posted on May 16, 2025

Please be advised that a section of Harrington Drive near 390 Harrington Drive will beย closed to through trafficย beginningย Monday May 19, 2025, through Tuesday, May 27, 2025, due to construction activity related to a new residence. LOCATION: Harrington Driveย near 390 Harrington Drive, between the intersection with Manor Drive and the driveway to 390 Harrington Drive. Local...
A 'bug's eye view' of tall grasses and weeds with blue sky in the background.

Vegetation Management & Weed Abatement: Fire Safety Starts with You

Posted on May 16, 2025

Temperatures are rising, grasses are drying, and fire season is near โ€“ itโ€™s time to take measures to create defensible space around your home by managing vegetation. Proper Vegetation Management and Weed Abatement play a critical role in reducing potential fire hazards.ย Theย Sonoma Valley Fire Districtโ€™sย (SVFD) Annual Weed Abatement Program is in full swing and is...
An arial view of a lot with text informing of a draft EIR.

Draft Environmental Impact Report and Initial Study for Montaldo Apartments Project Now Available for Public Review

Posted on May 5, 2025

The City of Sonoma has released the Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) and Initial Study for the proposed Montaldo Apartments project, located at 19320 Sonoma Highway. The public is invited to review and comment on the document during the 45-day comment period from May 12 โ€“ June 25, 2025. About the Project The Montaldo Apartments...
A map showing the Fire Hazard Severity Risk.

Fire Hazard Severity Zone (FHSZ) Map โ€“ Council Consideration on May 7, 2025

Posted on May 5, 2025

The City of Sonoma is moving forward with adopting the Fire Hazard Severity Zone (FHSZ) map, which designates areas based on their level of wildfire risk. This map is required under Government Code Section 51179 and has been reviewed in partnership with the Sonoma Valley Fire District (SVFD) and CalFire. The updated FHSZ map is...
Photos of the three Student Creative Artist Award Recipients.

Announcing the 2025 Student Creative Artist Award Recipients

Posted on May 2, 2025

Teagan Rhodes, a senior at Sonoma Valley High School, has been selected by the City of Sonomaโ€™s Cultural and Fine Arts Commission as the recipient of the 2025 Student Creative Artist Award, which includes a $2,000 prize. This year, the Commission also recognized two additional students with merit awards: Margaret (Maggie) Brown received a $500...
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