DOJ proposes policy aimed at limiting state bar ethics probes into its attorneys

Signage outside the US Department of Justice (DOJ) headquarters in Washington, DC, US, on Friday, Feb. 17, 2023. (Ting Shen/Bloomberg via Getty Images) (WASHINGTON) — The Justice Department is proposing a new policy that would seek to limit
Sonoma County Supervisors Back 30-Year Extension for SMART Train Tax
Sonoma County leaders are moving to secure the long-term future of the SMART rail system by placing a tax renewal before voters this summer. On Tuesday, the Board of Supervisors voted to put a quarter-cent sales tax
Search Underway for Hit-and-Run Driver After Pedestrian Seriously Injured in Guerneville
Authorities are searching for a hit-and-run driver after a pedestrian was left with major injuries in Guerneville late Monday night. The crash occurred around 11:30 p.m. on River Road, just west of Bonita Avenue. Investigators say the
Medical Emergency Delays Sentencing for Former School Aide in Sexual Assault Case
Sentencing was postponed Tuesday for a former Santa Rosa City Schools employee who admitted to sexually assaulting a young woman with developmental disabilities. The Press Democrat reports 61-year-old Apolinario Santos was absent from court after being hospitalized
Caltrans Rolls Back Highway 101 Carpool Hours After Commuter Outcry
Drivers on Highway 101 are seeing another change to their morning and evening commutes as Caltrans backtracks on a controversial policy. Per the Press Democrat, for the second time in six months, crews have updated signs along
Healdsburg Organizers Propose Nonprofit Trust to Tackle “Missing Middle” Housing
With home prices in Healdsburg now averaging over one million dollars, local organizers are turning to a nonprofit model to keep middle-income residents in the city. Community members presented a proposal for the Healdsburg Housing Trust to
Former Santa Rosa High Coach Pleads Not Guilty to Child Pornography Charges
A legendary local track coach was back in a Sonoma County courtroom Tuesday to face felony charges that have shocked the North Bay running community. The Press Democrat reports 78-year-old Douglas Courtemarche pleaded not guilty to possessing
Landscape Architect Ron Wellander Brings Design and Dialogue to Sonoma Mayor’s Seat
Sonoma’s new mayor is trading his drafting table for the city dais. According to the Sonoma Index-Tribune, Ron Wellander, a landscape architect who took office in January, is being praised by colleagues for his commitment to listening
Petaluma Community Rallies to Save San Antonio High Amid Budget Cuts
Petaluma City Schools is moving forward with $6 million in budget cuts, sparking an emotional plea from the community to spare San Antonio High School. The Petaluma Argus-Courier reports at a recent board meeting, staff and alumni
911 calls from ICE detention center underscore concerns about conditions, advocates say
Texas State Troopers secure the area after dispersing a crowd protesting Immigration and Customs Enforcement at the South Texas Family Residential Center on January 28, 2026 in Dilley, Texas. (Joel Angel Juarez/Getty Images) (DILLEY, Texas) — Emergency