Sonoma’s kelp forests vanished — scientists just discovered why
Discovery identifies cause of devastating sunflower sea star decline. An international team of scientists recently announced a major breakthrough in understanding sea star wasting disease, a mysterious epidemic responsible for decimating sunflower sea stars (*Pycnopodia helianthoides*). More than 90% of this crucial...
California Man Arrested After Multiple Homemade Explosives Found In Search
A California man under investigation for arson was arrested after he was found to allegedly be in possession of homemade explosives, authorities said. The Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office said deputies were conducting an arson investigation Tuesday on Pine Flat Road, an area of wine country north of Santa Rosa, and...
Legendary sticky buns hidden in 1860 North Coast store
Elizabeth Perillat returns in our September issue. Your journey starts where the Russian River meets the Pacific at Jenner, a tiny outpost with big views and bigger seals. Early mornings at Goat Rock Beach deliver solitude and wild waves. Jenner Inn offers quirky history; River's End Restaurant serves sunsets worth...
ACLU Sues Sonoma County over Warrantless Drone Surveillance Program
A photo included in the ACLU lawsuit shows aerial images obtained by drones flown by Sonoma County code enforcement officers. (Sonoma County via ACLU) Plaintiffs claim program involves hundreds of warrantless drone flights over people’s homes, violating privacy rights. “This horrible experience has shattered my sense...
Ford dealership files for bankruptcy after recall sparked freeze in sales – but owner...
A FORD dealership has filed for bankruptcy protection after a recall forced the automaker to stop selling many vehicles. Despite the bankruptcy, the dealership owner insisted that the shop would keep on pushing. The dealership, located in Napa, California, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, which allows the company...
Fashion giant Shein hit with massive fine over claims it deceived millions of customers:...
"We fully cooperated with the investigation." Fashion giant Shein hit with massive fine over claims it deceived millions of customers: 'Repeatedly violated that trust' first appeared on The Cool Down .
Felon with active warrant arrested in Stallion Springs, allegedly with stolen gun & drugs
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — A convicted felon with an active arrest warrant out of Sonoma County was arrested in Stallion Springs Friday afternoon. Police said officers allegedly found a stolen gun and drugs during the arrest. The Stallion Springs Police Department said on August 1, 2025, at around 3:10...
The obscure and delightful language of learning
A back-to-school vocabulary trip you didn’t know you needed. Ah, September. The pencils are sharpened, the lunchboxes are mispacked, and parents across Sonoma County are trying not to weep tears of joy at the return of structure. While the kids dive into math and reading, we, dear readers, shall plunge into something...
Finishing Up the Neighbor’s Road, Clearing Brush Off It
Sunday August 3, 2025 Guerneville CA. I had some work to finish up at one of my neighbor’s. I needed to finish clearing all the brush off this old road. I rode on over and parked my rig here, hopefully far enough away from where I’ll be working Skiddy as not to run into this machine, like I did the other day....
Good neighbors detain woman hitting child in Novato
On July 30 at about 1 p.m., Novato Police officers responded Code 3 (emergency lights and sirens) to an apartment complex on Ignacio Boulevard about a woman hitting a young boy and attempting to steal his bicycle. While officers were on the way, community members restrained the woman, stopping the...
