Good morning, Santa Rosa.

North Bay food banks are preparing for a surge in demand as federal SNAP cuts and high living costs squeeze local families.

The Redwood Empire Food Bank in Santa Rosa is using state emergency funds to meet increasing needs — officials call for policy revisions to avoid a hunger crisis.

Rising energy prices and interest rates are slowing Sonoma County's growth as sectors like agriculture, healthcare + hospitality face labor challenges and tourism dips; local leaders are monitoring job growth and housing permits to plan for future shifts.

Cal Fire fought to contain the Cooley Fire near Cooley Ranch Road and Highway 101 by Monday, Oct.

19; the fire burned 1,365 acres & reached 45 percent containment with no structure damage or evacuations ordered.

Santa Rosa officials completed a vegetation-management project in Fountaingrove and Skyfarm using funds from the city’s Fire Safety Measure to clear hazardous fuels (with help from local agencies and fire groups) nine years after the 2017 fires.

Federal, state, and Sonoma County leaders gather in Bodega Bay today to celebrate $2.78 million in funding for Spud Point Marina’s aging ice facility plus new energy-efficient refrigeration will support 250 fishing vessels while bidding begins in 2027.

Santa Rosa Police Chief John Cregan and Fire Chief Scott Westrope urge residents to follow Halloween safety guidelines as large crowds are expected during Saturday festivities with celebrations extending later.

Drivers are advised to slow down & families should carry flashlights and inspect treats since Daylight Saving Time ends Sunday morning.

Officials say the plan to bring police officers back to schools remains stalled due to budget shortfalls and financial strain following past cuts.

A proposed sales tax measure on the Nov. ballot could help restore the program by 2027 as the city focuses on campus safety improvements.