City of Santa Rosa Reopens Some Public Counters Following County’s Entry to Orange Tier

The City of Santa Rosa continues to operate under limited conditions due to the current coronavirus public health crisis; but has expanded services and operations in some areas following Sonoma County’s entry into the orange tier earlier this month.

The fo...

Sonoma County Statement on Johnson & Johnson Vaccine Pause

On behalf of the SoCo Dept. of Health Services, the County of Sonoma issued the following statement from Dr. Urmila Shende, the County’s Vaccine chief, concerning the FDA’s recommendation to “pause” the administration of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

Sonoma County to Move to Orange Tier on Wednesday, April 7

After just three weeks in the red tier within California's Blueprint for a Safer Economy, Sonoma County will move into the less restrictive orange tier beginning on Wednesday, April 7.

Sonoma County Welcomes Increase in COVID Vaccine Supply

Sonoma County has received a significant increase in COVID vaccines from the state, including a shipment of Johnson & Johnson doses specifically for the County’s effort to distribute the vaccine equitably to the most vulnerable communities.

Sonoma County Emergency Rental Assistance Program to Launch on April 19

The County of Sonoma will begin providing support to households impacted by COVID-19 through the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) starting on April 19. The program will provide payment assistance for tenants who are behind on rent and utilities.

Sonoma County Supervisors Appeal to State for Additional Vaccines

The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors on Saturday, 3/27, sent the following letter to state health leaders appealing for an increase in vaccines for Sonoma County "so that we can continue to support our community in an equitable and transparent way."

Sonoma County Reaches Another Milestone With 25 Percent Now Fully Vaccinated Against COVID-19

One in every four Sonoma County residents 16 years of age and older are now fully vaccinated against COVID-19. More than 282,000 vaccine doses have been administered to Sonoma County residents so far (as of 3/29/21).

County of Sonoma Launches Effort to Vaccinate Individuals Who Are Homebound for Medical Reasons

The County of Sonoma has arranged to provide COVID-19 vaccinations to adults 16 years of age and older who are homebound for a variety of medical reasons and have difficulty getting to a clinic.

State Expands Vaccine Eligibility to 50+ Californians Starting 4/1 and All Individuals 16+ on 4/15

The state is expanding vaccine eligibility to more Californians. Starting April 1, individuals aged 50+ will be eligible to make an appointment, and individuals 16+ will be eligible to make an appointment to be vaccinated starting on April 15.

Sonoma County, Santa Rosa Community Health Partner In Opening Roseland Vaccination Clinic

As part of a county objective to distribute COVID-19 vaccines to the most vulnerable and underserved communities, Sonoma County and Santa Rosa Community Health are partnering to open a new vaccination clinic in Roseland.

Bay Area Health Officers’ Statement About COVID-19 Vaccines

"As local health officers, we fully support all three currently available vaccines for COVID-19. All three vaccines are safe and have been shown to be highly effective at preventing symptomatic illness and hospitalization."

Sonoma County Schools Allowed to Reopen With Red Tier Status

The County of Sonoma and Sonoma County Office of Education announced that all schools serving grade levels from TK-12 are eligible to reopen for in-person instruction based on Sonoma County meeting the criteria for the less restrictive red tier.

COVID-19 Update - Sonoma County Moving to Red Tier

Sonoma County, including all of Santa Rosa, will be moving from the most restrictive purple tier for COVID-19 into the red tier beginning on Sunday, March 14 at 12:01 a.m.

Sonoma County Reaches 100,000 Vaccine-Dose Milestone, Shifts Priority to 65+ Beginning Monday, 2/22

Thanks to a multi-agency effort over the past two months, Sonoma County has now administered more than 100,000 vaccine doses to county residents, resulting in more than one in five residents over the age of 16 having received at least one dose.

When Vaccination is Your Destination Ride Fare-Free

Santa Rosa, CA – Santa Rosa CityBus, in coordination with Sonoma County Transit (SCT) and Petaluma Transit (PT), are now offering systemwide fare-free transit and paratransit transportation for any person traveling to or from a City/County COVID-...

Supervisors Strengthen Protections Regarding Evictions and Sick Leave During the Pandemic

The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday adopted two urgency ordinances to support Sonoma County residents who may have access to fewer resources during the pandemic.

Sonoma County Keeping Pace With Other California Counties in Rollout of Vaccinations

In partnership with health care providers, Sonoma County has now provided at least one dose of vaccine to 15% of adult population, including nearly 50% of residents 75 years and older, Supervisors and Department of Health Services leaders announced today.

Revised State Guidance Allows SoCo TK-6 Grades to Apply for In-Person Learning With Safety Plan

County of Sonoma & Sonoma County Office of Education announce that recent guidance under CA's Safe Schools for All Plan allows Sonoma County schools serving grade levels TK-6 to be eligible to return to in-person learning w/ approved COVID-19 Safety Plan.

Sonoma County to Open Three New Vaccination Centers

Three new vaccination centers will open within the next eight days in Sonoma County, serving residents 70 and older, bringing to 19 the number of clinics being supported this week by vaccines from the County of Sonoma Department of Health Services.

Board of Supervisors Approves Funding for Expanded Vaccination Plan

The Board of Supervisors recently approved the allocation of funds for the next phase of the County’s COVID-19 Vaccination Response plan, as laid out by the county Department of Health Services.

County of Sonoma Announces Plans to Vaccinate Those Age 70 and Older

On Friday, 2/5, the County of Sonoma announced plans to vaccinate those 70 and older starting Monday at county-supported clinics and Safeway pharmacies.

Reopening Sports, Gyms and Limited Services Safely in the Purple Tier

The state’s industry guidance page has been updated for three sectors: youth and adult recreational sports, gyms and fitness centers, and limited services.

One-on-one personal fitness training indoors is now permitted as long as they comply with ...

Sonoma County Reaffirms Commitment to Vaccinate Seniors 75 and Older

Sonoma County officials reaffirmed their commitment to prioritizing the County’s most vulnerable population (those 75 and older) in the rollout of COVID-19 vaccinations by announcing new opportunities for seniors in this age group to schedule appointments

Sonoma County’s Regional Stay-Home Order Lifted

SANTA ROSA, CA – The California Department of Public Health today lifted the Regional Stay-Home Order for the 11-county Bay Area region, including Sonoma County, effective immediately. However, many counties, including Sonoma County, will remain in the pu...

Sonoma County to be 1 of 4 California Counties to Take Part in OptumServe Pilot Vaccination Program

SANTA ROSA, CA – Sonoma County has been selected to be one of four counties in the state to take part in a pilot vaccination program through OptumServe, the company known for operating COVID-19 testing sites throughout the state.

Under the pilot program, O...

Sonoma County Supervisors Announce Vaccination Rollout is Ramping Up

SANTA ROSA, CA – Sonoma County’s COVID-19 vaccination efforts are kicking into high gear with five clinics now activated throughout the County and at least two more planned for the coming weeks, Sonoma County supervisors announced today. Already nearly 24...

Dr. Urmila Shende Named as COVID-19 Vaccine Chief for Sonoma County

In her role as Vaccine Chief, Dr. Shende will be responsible for implementing the vaccine distribution strategy, coordinating vaccine administration, & interfacing with health care leaders & other stakeholders as part of the countywide vaccine response.

Sonoma County Partners with Safeway for Vaccination Clinics

Sonoma County has partnered with Safeway to administer COVID-19 vaccinations to County health workers and, eventually, the broader public.

Sonoma County’s Regional Stay-Home Order Extended

 State public health officials have extended a Stay-Home Order for the 11-county Bay Area region, including Sonoma County, due to rising cases of COVID-19, increasing hospitalizations and, specifically, low ICU capacity rates for the larger Bay A...

County of Sonoma Increases COVID-19 Testing Opportunities With Addition of New Sites & Mobile Events

The County of Sonoma continues to ramp up COVID-19 testing, particularly in the neighborhoods most impacted by the virus.

Small Businesses May Apply for a COVID-19 Relief Grant Starting Dec. 30

On December 30, The State of California will open the application period for its announced allocation of $500 million for COVID-19 Relief Grant for Small Businesses, with grants of up to $25,000 to be distributed to underserved micro and small businesses....

Pfizer COVID vaccine arrives in Sonoma County

Two boxes of the vaccine, containing a total of 1,950 doses, arrived at the County’s Public Health Lab on Chanate Road shortly before 9 a.m. today. Three other boxes were taken directly to local hospitals. In all, the County received 4,875 doses.

Joint Statement of the Bay Area Health Officers

COVID-19 vaccine will be distributed following federal, state framework.

Downtown Santa Rosa Parking Fee Waivers Extended

Santa Rosa, CA – The City of Santa Rosa will extend most parking fee waivers and reductions beyond December 31, 2020. The decision, authorized by the City Council at its Tuesday, December 15 meeting, extends parking fee reductions that have been in place ...

Governor Newsom Signs Executive Order on Actions in Response to COVID-19

The order addresses a variety of issues in response to the pandemic, including extending the availability of housing for migrant agricultural workers, tax extensions for small businesses and updating Cal/OSHA requirements related to quarantine guidelines.

Governor Newsom Launches “Vaccinate All 58” Campaign based on Safety and Equity

Front-line health care workers and residents of long-term care settings first to be vaccinated as first COVID-19 vaccine shipments arrive in CA. Broad distribution to happen in months, with California prioritizing essential workers and the most vulnerable

Stay Home Order Effective at End of Day Friday (12/11)

Residents are directed to stay at home except for work, shopping, or other essential activities allowed by the State’s Regional Stay Home Order. All sectors other than retail and essential operations must be closed. Outdoor recreation will be allowed.

Governor Newsom Announces New Regional Stay-At-Home Order

Governor Gavin Newsom announced today, Thursday, December 3rd, a new regional-focused effort to help slow the spread of COVID-19 as well as assist hospitals from becoming overwhelmed with COVID-19 patients. This Regional Stay at Home Order establishes fiv...

Governor Newsom Announces Immediate Assistance for Businesses Impacted by COVID-19

Assistance includes temporary tax relief to support businesses impacted by COVID-19, $500 million in new COVID-19 Relief Grant funding for small businesses, and an additional $12.5 million added to the California Rebuilding Fund.

County Expands Role of On the Move in Providing COVID-19 Community Assistance, Financial Support

The County of Sonoma has expanded eligibility criteria for emergency COVID-19 financial assistance and has allocated additional funding to local nonprofit On the Move for dissemination of financial support to local residents.

Sonoma County Issues Guidelines on Temporary Tents & Canopies for Outdoor Dining/Business Operations

In coordination with the Sonoma County Department of Health Services, the Sonoma County Fire Chiefs Association and Sonoma County Fire Prevention Officers Association today released guidelines for outdoor dining structures for meeting fire protection requ...

Safe Social Distancing Program Completed, Community Invited to Provide Input at Dec. 7 Meeting

Update (11.19.20)

Closure of the Safe Social Distancing Program (SSDP) in the parking lot at Finley Community Center is completed and a virtual community meeting is scheduled for December 7 to help evaluate the program. Established in May as a temporary me...

State Issues Limited Stay at Home Order to Slow Spread of COVID-19

This is the same as the March Stay at Home Order, applied only between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. each day and only in purple tier counties, which includes Sonoma and 40 other counties statewide. It will be in effect from November 21 through December 21.

City to Restore Homeless Shelter Bed Capacity to Pre COVID-19 Levels

UPDATE (11/10/20)

Crews are making good progress in constructing an emergency shelter structure at Samuel L. Jones Hall Homeless Shelter (SJH). The project will restore bed capacity at the City-owned homeless shelter to pre-COVID-19 levels while maintainin...

Sonoma County Joins 8 Bay Area Counties with Recommendations for Safer Holidays

The Sonoma County Department of Health Services today joined health officers from eight Bay Area counties and the city of Berkeley in issuing joint recommendations, including gatherings and travel. for staying safe during the holidays.

CARES Emergency Rental Assistance

The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors approved CARES funding for short-term emergency rental assistance for low-income tenants and landlords. This funding could help approximately 930 Sonoma County households, depending on the amount of assistance needed...

Sonoma County Adopts Enhanced Program to Reduce COVID-19 Transmission & Supporting The Most Impacted

The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors unanimously endorsed a suite of actions to support those most negatively impacted by the spread of coronavirus including those in low-income, essential worker and Latinx communities.

County Expands Testing Opportunities for Residents Disproportionately Impacted by COVID-19

SANTA ROSA – The County of Sonoma is doubling the number of pop-up test sites available to the public beginning Tuesday, Oct. 20 and is encouraging residents, particularly those disproportionately impacted by the coronavirus, to be tested regard...

Celebrate Halloween Safely with Rec & Parks

Sonoma County Public Health Officer has issued COVID-19 Halloween guidelines that align with State Guidance to help us celebrate safely this year. Traditional door to door trick-or-treating is discouraged, so Recreation & Parks has planned some fun (a...

County of Sonoma Provides Guidance for Safe Halloween and Dia de los Muertos Activities

With Halloween and Dia de los Muertos quickly approaching, residents reminded to plan ahead and celebrate safely by avoiding gatherings

City Playgrounds Open, Play It Safe – Follow Precautions!

City Playgrounds Open, Children and Adults Must Follow COVID-19 Precautions

Following September 28, 2020 guidance from the California Department of Public Health, the City of Santa Rosa has reopened all City playgrounds with requirements and precautions to...

Health Order Amendment

Sonoma County’s Health Officer, Dr. Sundari Mase, today (9/23) issued an amended health order to align the existing local health order with the state's revised framework for reopening. The amendment to the Stay Well Sonoma County Health...

Nail Services and Physician-Ordered Electrolysis Allowed to Reopen Indoors

Yesterday (9/22), nail services and physician-ordered electrolysis in Sonoma County, including Santa Rosa, may open for business indoors with certain modifications.

Individuals operating or working at a nail or beauty salon, or offer pers...

Update on Efforts to Address Encampment at Fremont Park

Update 9/03/20

This week, the City’s Homeless Encampment Assistance Program (HEAP) led an operation to address the encampment in Fremont Park (also known as Cancer Survivors Park). Over the past several weeks, HEAP had been monitoring conditions ...

Barber Shops, Hair Salons and Malls Allowed to Reopen in Sonoma County

As of Monday, August 31, barber shops, hair salons and malls in Sonoma County will be allowed to resume indoor operations with modifications. This is in response to the revised health orders issued by Governor Newson last Friday (August 28), and replaces ...

City Council Passes Local Urgency Ordinance

At the August 8, 2020 Santa Rosa City Council meeting, the Council approved an urgency ordinance authorizing administrative enforcement of the public health orders in Santa Rosa. The ordinance mirrors Sonoma County’s recently passed enforcement ...

School of Rec: Distance Learning Camp & Care

No matter what school your child attends or their virtual classroom schedule, the School of Rec - Distance Learning Camp & Care is here to help you support your child during the COVID-19 distance learning challenge! This program provides a learning en...

Stay Safe Santa Rosa

The tail end of a summer unlike any other is upon us and the joys of autumn are coming soon. As you enjoy these last warm days and prepare for fall, please make health and safety your top priority. From dining outdoors to being active in our City parks, t...

Serving Santa Rosa During COVID-19

Even though most City of Santa Rosa facilities may be closed to the public, WATCH this short video and find out how City staff are working around the clock to maintain essential City services and identify new ways to provide services that protect your hea...

Neighbors Helping Neighbors Food & Fund Drive

It’s back! WATCH THIS VIDEO and help us feed our community and make a donation to the Neighbors Helping Neighbors Food Drive. Now through July 22, the City of Santa Rosa is teaming up with Redwood Empire Food Bank to help feed our neighbors in o...

Most City of Santa Rosa Public Counters Closed Thru August 2nd

The City of Santa Rosa is closing most of its public counters beginning Wednesday, July 15 through at least August 2 to help curb a resurgence of coronavirus infections occurring in Sonoma County and statewide. The move follows direction from the Californ...

Additional Business Restrictions Implemented by State

As of July 13, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has ordered new restrictions on bars, restaurants, and other indoor business operations statewide to slow the recent rapid spread of COVID-19 across California. The State has also implemente...

New Business Restrictions Beginning Tomorrow

The California Department of Public Health has ordered new restrictions on bars, restaurants and other indoor business operations in Sonoma County as part of statewide actions to slow the increased spread of the coronavirus.

The restrictions will take effe...

Neighbors Helping Neighbors Virtual Food Drive and Donation Station

Following a successful food drive in April, the City of Santa Rosa is once again teaming up with the Redwood Empire Food Bank (REFB) to host another food donation drive—online and in-person—in response to growing hunger needs amid the ...

Update on City Actions to Resolve Encampments

Homelessness Services Update

UPDATE - 7.2.20

The City is continuing to monitor encampments in Santa Rosa’s Downtown area following last week’s efforts to address encampments at the 101 underpasses and College Avenue and will focus next o...

Santa Rosa Launches Unique Online Marketplace

Santa Rosa, CA – Can social distancing bring the community closer together? That’s the question, and opportunity, presented by a new website recently launched by the City of Santa Rosa.

The site, InsideOutThere.com, is a place to stay c...

NEW Expanded Sidewalk and Parklet Seating Programs for Santa Rosa Restaurants

Update: 6.25.20

To create more outdoor space and support downtown businesses during the public health emergency, the City will temporarily close a 3-block area of 4th Street in downtown starting July 10, 2020. The team (a collaboration between the City, Sa...

New Shelter-in-Place Health Order Aligns County With State

Today, June 18, Dr. Sundari Mase issued a new Health Order allowing more business operations and activities in the County, including the City of Santa Rosa. The new Health Order, effective tomorrow (Friday), June 19 at 12:01 a.m., aligns the County with t...

Health Order Issued 6/5 Expands Access to Recreation & Parks

On Friday, June 5th, the Sonoma County Health Officer issued a new Health Order that eases some public health restrictions on outdoor recreational activities. Santa Rosa Recreation & Parks is excited to open recreational opportunities for our communit...

More Business Operations and Community Activities Allowed with Mitigation

Good news from the Sonoma County Health Officer! Today, June 5, Dr. Sundari Mase issued a new Health Order allowing more business operations and activities in the County, including the City of Santa Rosa. The new Health Order, effective tomorrow (Saturday...

Santa Rosa Recreation & Parks Announces Modified Summer Camps to Meet COVID-19 Precautions

SUMMER DAZE DAY CAMP & CARE Eight weekly sessions: June 15 – August 20Mon – Thu, 8:30am-5:00pm$190 Santa Rosa Residents | $200 Non-Residents Two Locations: Howarth Park (630 Summerfield Rd) & Steele L...

Curbside Pickup

The City wants to help downtown businesses in these challenging times.

To promote fast and easy curbside pickup for customers, short term parking spaces may be designated. If your business is offering retail or restaurant pickup in Downtown Santa Rosa or R...

Parks Access Expanded in Amended Parks Order

On Tuesday, June 2, Sonoma County Health Officer Dr. Sundari Mase issued an amendment to the Parks Order further easing restrictions on Sonoma Coast parks and trails. The amended Parks Order goes into effect today, June 3, 2020.

The amended Parks Order all...

Congratulations, Class of 2020!

Please WATCH this video, as the City of Santa Rosa congratulates all graduates this year, from pre-school to high school, college, and trade schools. We especially want to acknowledge all those graduates who are city employees and their family members too...

SRPD’s Role in Enforcing the Health Officers Orders within Santa Rosa City Limits

While the Governor has set Statewide guidance and a phased approach to reopening, he also has made it abundantly clear that the local Health Officer is empowered to establish their own thresholds and requirements. In Sonoma County, each law enforcement ag...

Shelter-in-Place Order Amended to Expand List of Businesses Allowed to Operate

Today (May 22), Sonoma County Health Officer Dr. Sundari Mase issued a third amendment to the Shelter in Place Order to allow additional business activities, in alignment with the State of California’s Resilience Roadmap. Effective Saturday, May...

Safe Social Distancing Program Update

Please WATCH this short video with Mayor Tom Schwedhelm to learn more about the Safe Social Distancing Program located in the parking lot of the Finley Community Center.

Para ver este video en español, visite: https://youtu.be/_O4H4rmeg...

COVID-19 Disaster Relief Assistance for Immigrants

Starting Monday, May 18, California Human Development (CHD) will begin connecting undocumented individuals in Sonoma County to disaster relief assistance. Qualifying undocumented adult individuals will be eligible to receive $500 in direct assistance, wit...

Virtual Permitting Services

The City of Santa Rosa is pleased to now offer online permit application services for ALL land-use planning and construction activities. The online service improvements will help protect the health of residents and city staff while keeping our community m...

Watch the Replay: Virtual Community Meeting

More than 460 residents tuned in to the virtual community meeting on Thursday evening, May 14th to learn more about the plans for the Safe Social Distancing Site for unsheltered individuals that will open next week in the parking lot of Finley Community C...

Amended Parks Order Allows for Some Expanded City Parks Access and Amenities

Good news for lovers of recreation and parks! Santa Rosa residents may now enjoy basketball, bocce ball, tennis and pickleball, and non-motorized boating either solo or with other household members at some City parks close to their homes. Following the am...

Shelter-in-Place Order Amended to Allow Further Business Reopening

On Thursday, May 14, Sonoma County Health Officer Dr. Sundari Mase issued an amendment to the Shelter-in-Place Health Order allowing the reopening of additional businesses that provide service. The amended Health Order goes into effect at 12:01 a.m. on Ma...

Some City Park Amenities to Reopen Following Amended Park Closure Order

Santa Rosa has some delightful news to share! This afternoon, the Sonoma County Health Officer issued a revised Parks Closure Health Order that eases restrictions on parks usage effective Wednesday, May 13. This update means that the City will start plann...

Virtual Community Meeting: Implementation of Safe Social Distance Site in Finley Parking Lot

The City will host a virtual community meeting addressing the implementation of the Safe Social Distancing Program for unsheltered individuals in the parking lot of Finley Community Center on Thursday, May 14 from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. At this meetin...

Support Local Restaurants

Please WATCH this message from Santa Rosa Mayor, Tom Schwedhelm, explaining how you can help support local restaurants during this public health crisis. Bon appetite!

Para ver este video en español, visite: https://youtu.be/d7bGabK7YxE

Visit SRCi...

Shelter-in-Place Order Amended for Additional Business Allowances

The Sonoma County Health Officer amended the Public Shelter-in-Place Health Order to reopen retail stores for curbside pickup and delivery, effective May 8, 2020.These businesses include but are not limited to:

• bookstores
• jewelry stores
• toy stores
• clothing st...

Safe Social Distancing Program for Unsheltered Individuals

The City of Santa Rosa is preparing to open a City-owned parking lot for temporary use to provide safer social-distancing space for unsheltered individuals amid the coronavirus pandemic. A section of the parking lot at Finley Community Center located at 2...

A Message from Mayor Tom Schwedhelm

An Important Message from Santa Rosa Mayor Tom Schwedhelm

We are flattening the curve by sheltering in place.It’s up to all of us to do our part.

Please WATCH this message from Santa Rosa Mayor, Tom Schwedhelm, as he discusses Sonoma County Health...

Checklist for Essential Businesses

The Sonoma County Health Officer’s modified Shelter in Place Health Order effective May 4, 2020 reduces Shelter-in-Place restrictions for a few industry areas including construction, landscaping services, nurseries, real estate, pool ma...

Statement from the City of Santa Rosa

The City of Santa Rosa – as a claimant in PG&E’s bankruptcy proceedings – will soon submit our ballot to the Bankruptcy Court in support of those elements of PG&E’s Plan of Reorganization that address the Ci...

A Message from the Police Chief (3.30.20)

Santa Rosa Police Chief Rainer Navarro

SRPD employees have tested positive for the coronavirus

Chief Rainer Navarro provides an update about the Santa Rosa Police Department, including news that after testing a total of 107 employees: 92 employees tested ne...

Statewide Shelter-in-Place Order in Effect

On March 19, 2020, California Governor Gavin Newson issued a stay at home order to protect the health and well-being of all Californians and to establish consistency across the state in order to slow the spread of coronavirus. This order follows the Sonom...

Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Information About 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) 

The City of Santa Rosa is in close coordination with the County of Sonoma who is monitoring and coordinating with the State of California regarding novel coronavirus. The novel coronavirus, whic...