Cotati
CRIME & SAFETY
Man Arrested After Starting Small Gras Fire in Santa Rosa with Fireworks
A Santa Rosa man has been arrested for starting a small vegetation fire near homes and a school with fireworks. On Monday afternoon, the fire was reported in the 2000 block of Moraga Drive in southwest Santa Rosa. Firefighters quickly responded and put down the blaze that burned a 2,500-square-foot area of mowed grass. Investigators believe 20-year-old Salvador Castillo Lopez ignited a firework inside a PVC pipe and it launched in an opposite direction than was intended. He was arrested for unlawfully causing a fire and faces up to six months in jail and a fine if charged and then convicted.
Fatal Motorcycle Crash on SR-1 Near Santa Rosa Claims One Life, CHP Seeks Witnesses
A tragic motorcycle accident has claimed a life on SR-1 near Santa Rosa, according to authorities. The California Highway Patrol reported that the incident occurred just north of Bay Hill Road at around 7:30 pm on Monday. A 2021 Yamaha motorcycle, while navigating a curve heading south on SR-1, struck a guardrail, which led to the rider being thrown from the bike. Locals nearby stepped in to assist the victim until emergency responders arrived.
Driver wearing 'Jason' mask arrested on illegal assault rifle charge in California: PD
The Santa Rosa police officer then located an AR-15-style rifle slightly concealed by a blanket in the back seat. Police said the firearm, which was unloaded, was an unregistered assault weapon and is not legal to possess. The driver, identified as Adonay Efriem, 27, of Santa Rosa, was placed under...
Santa Rosa Man Arrested After High Speed Chase Ends in Crash
A Santa Rosa man is facing charges after allegedly leading police on a high-speed chase that ended with a crash. Police say the pursuit began late Sunday night when officers attempted to pull over Jersain Meza for an alleged traffic violation. Meza allegedly refused to pull over and continued onto Highway 101, where he allegedly turned off all his car lights and sped up to 100 miles per hour before crashing into the center divide. Police say he fled the scene on foot, but officers caught up to him and arrested him on several charges.
Crews search for possible drowning victim in Russian River
(KRON) — Search crews were unable to find a missing man in the Russian River on Wednesday, according to Steve Baxman of the Monte Rio Fire Protection District. Crews responded to the Villa Grande Beach for the report of a possible drowning in the river at about 6:20 p.m. The beach is about a mile […]
All fireworks are illegal in Unincorporated Areas of Sonoma County and the City of Sonoma
Our severe risk of wildfires requires that NO fireworks be set off except those used during officially sanctioned events. During the Fourth of July celebration, the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Department will be strictly enforcing the ban on all fireworks, including sparklers, within the unincorporated areas of the county. If you are found using any type of fireworks, you can be arrested and you may be fined, sentenced to jail or both. The fines and penalties increase if you are found in possession of fireworks classified as dangerous.
Crews working to contain Toll Fire in Napa County; evacuation warnings remain
Cal Fire crews responded to a wind-driven fire in Napa County on Tuesday that was near the community of Calistoga.Cal Fire named it the Toll Fire and said about 50 acres had burned as of 12:16 p.m. The fire was burning in a southwest direction and firefighters were using seven fixed-wing aircraft and three helicopters to fight the fire. The total number of personnel on the fire was 300. By 4:30 p.m., crews had stopped the fire's forward progress and worked containment to 10%. Cal Fire said they also mapped the acreage better and updated the acres burned to 40. Around 5:30...
Motive Remains Unclear Around Decapitation of Santa Rosa Grandmother
A Santa Rosa man’s motives for beheading his grandmother remain unclear. Santa Rosa resident Luis Aroyo-Lopez was sentenced last week to 26 years to life in prison for the death of his grandmother, Elvia Aroyo-Lopez in November of 2023. Authorities said in court that it was his goal to kill her just one day after he was released from prison. Lopez had been serving a sentence for probation violation related to an assault with a deadly weapon conviction. He got to his grandmother’s Santa Rosa home on Pomo Trail and his arrival was unexpected. He had been in street gangs since he was 15 but wouldn’t say if it was connected to the killing. When officers questioned him about the murder, he explained it was “easy money” for him.
Roadway In Monroe District Closed Due To Crash, Broken Gas Line
A roadway in Santa Rosa's Monroe District was closed off to the public early Wednesday morning after a crash occurred in the area, according to police. Around 12:30 a.m., motorists were advised to avoid the portion of Ridley Avenue between Guerneville Road and Jennings Avenue. "Due to a vehicle collision...
Meet one of Novato’s finest
We are super excited to announce Officer Wax’s promotion to Police Corporal! Corporal Wax is excited for the challenge ahead and is looking forward to his new role on patrol. Corporal Wax began his career in policing at NPD as a Police Intern in 2015, later becoming a Police Officer in 2016.
Police To Increase Dui Patrols For Holiday Week
Novato police will be staffing extra officers through Sunday evening to patrol for drivers who may be driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The increase in staffing is due to the Fourth of July holiday and the long weekend to follow. According to a press release from the department, the Fourth of July week tends to see a spike in fatal car crashes -- including those involving alcohol -- higher than other holiday weeks.
Patelco Credit Union cyberattack hits home in Wine Country
It’s not always true that a wine’s best friend is time. Just ask Charles Hampton, who needs $5,200 out of his Patelco Credit Union accounts to bottle his Sonoma Valley wine. It’s been five days since the Dublin-based credit union experienced what it called a “serious security incident”...
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