A person was pronounced dead after being hit by a train in Santa Rosa Monday, the city’s police department said.
Officers said they were notified regarding a SMART train that struck a bicyclist. The incident occurred near south side of the train tracks at Piner Road, according to authorities.
Police, fire and medical personnel were immediately dispatched to the scene. The male bicyclist was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Based on a preliminary investigation, it is believed the bicyclist was riding westbound on Piner Road on the side of the tracks when he was struck by a SMART train traveling southbound.
It appeared that all train warning signals were properly functioning at the time of the collision, authorities added.
Investigators said they believe the victim is a Hispanic male in his 30s. They are currently attempting to verify the his identity.
The police department said the investigation is ongoing, and additional information may be released when it’s completed.
Two teenagers were injured during a shooting and armed robbery at the Santa Rosa Transit Mall on Sunday, and the suspects are still at large, police said.
The incident happened at about 6:26 p.m. at the mall located at 500 2nd Street. The Santa Rosa Police Department said in a press release that officers responded to multiple reports of a shooting at the mall and found a 15-year-old boy who had been shot, with the bullet traveling through his body, leaving entry and exit wounds in his upper shoulder and mid-back area.
The teen was taken to a hospital with injuries that were not life-threatening, police said.
About 20 minutes later, another victim – a 14-year-old boy – was found to have a gunshot grazing wound to the waist, police said. It’s believed the injury came from the same bullet that struck the 15-year-old. The second teen was also taken to a hospital; both teens have since been treated and released, police said.
Investigators determined that four teenage boys were waiting for a bus at the Transit Mall when they were accosted by two young adult men wearing ski masks and dark clothing. Police said the men demanded the boys hand over personal property while one of the suspects pulled out a handgun, and that during the robbery, the 15-year-old victim was “pistol-whipped” on the side of his head and then shot once in the shoulder.
The suspects fled from the scene with the victims’ property before officers arrived, running in the direction of Julliard Park, police said. A search for the suspects included support from the department’s K9 unit and a Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office helicopter, but no suspects or the firearm used were found.
The Transit Mall was temporarily closed during the suspect search and investigation into the shooting.
The Sonoma County Alliance Community Engagement and Safety Rewards Fund was offering $2,500 for information leading to the arrest of the two suspects involved.
Anyone with information about the incident was encouraged to contact the Santa Rosa Police Department’s violent crimes tipline at 707-543-3590 or submit tips anonymously online at srcity.org/CrimeTips.
Several residents of a senior housing tower in Santa Rosa were displaced following a fire that broke out New Year’s Eve, firefighters said.
Around 3 p.m., the Santa Rosa Fire Department was called to the Bethlehem Tower at 801 Tupper Street following a fire alarm call. Crews arrived within two minutes.
Upon arrival, firefighters found no sign of smoke or fire. Crews were told by building maintenance that there was a water leak on the 12th floor.
When firefighters reached the 12th floor, they found water coming out from an apartment. Once they opened the door, heavy smoke was found inside the apartment, prompting a second alarm.
Firefighters said a sprinkler was holding the fire in check and crews used hose lines to put out the fire.
Additional crews also evacuated residents on the 11th and 12th floors. Evacuees were evaluated for medical complaints and none were found, according to the fire department.
Officials said several apartments on the 12th floor and the floors below sustained water damage. A building inspector red-tagged the unit where the fire took place, while seven other units were yellow-tagged due to water damage.
The Red Cross was brought to the scene and worked with evacuees to find temporary housing.
Firefighters said the cause of the fire is under investigation.
According to Reiner Communities, which operates the property, the tower was built in 1973 and is the tallest building in Santa Rosa.
A preliminary magnitude 4.2 earthquake hit the North Bay Sunday afternoon, according to the United States Geological Survey.
The earthquake was just southwest of Santa Rosa, near Glen Ellen, at about 3:30 p.m. About eight minutes later, the USGS recorded a preliminary magnitude 3.1 earthquake.
There have been no immediate reports of injuries or damage.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
As Thanksgiving travel begins, here are tips for Sacramento residents
6 P.M. WE’RE STARTING THIS FRIDAY EVENING WITH A LIVE LOOK HERE AT THE ROADWAYS ACROSS OUR AREA. AND THIS IS HIGHWAY 50 IN RANCHO CORDOVA, I-5 IN SACRAMENTO, WHERE IT’S SLOWING THROUGH THAT S-CURVE RIGHT THERE THROUGH DOWNTOWN AND I-80 AND ROSEVILLE. WE HAVEN’T REACHED THE BIG THANKSGIVING TRAVEL RUSH JUST YET, BUT PEOPLE ARE ALREADY THINKING ABOUT GETTING OUT TO THEIR DESTINATION ALREADY. MILLIONS WILL BE DRIVING, FLYING, MAYBE TAKING A TRAIN SOMEWHERE AHEAD OF THE BIG HOLIDAY NEXT THURSDAY. THANKS FOR BEING WITH US TONIGHT AT SIX. I’M GULSTAN DART AND I’M EDIE LAMBERT, SO THE BUSIEST DAYS WILL BE NEXT TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY BEFORE THE HOLIDAY, AND THEN THE SUNDAY AFTER THANKSGIVING IS EXPECTED TO BE EVEN MORE CROWDED. FOR A LOOK AT THE AT THE ROADS RIGHT NOW, LET’S GO OUT LIVE TO KCRA 3’S MARICELA DE LA CRUZ SHE’S LIVE. TRACKER THREE. WHAT ARE YOU SEEING OUT THERE? EDIE? WE ARE DRIVING ALONG INTERSTATE 80 WESTBOUND AND YEAH, THIS. ISN’T THAT HOLIDAY TRAFFIC JUST YET, BUT IT IS EXPECTED THAT MORE THAN 11 MILLION CALIFORNIANS WILL BE TRAVELING. SO THIS IS SOMETHING OF WHAT WE MAY BE SEEING OVER THE NEXT FEW DAYS. THOSE PEOPLE TRAVELING ON THE ROAD FOR THANKSGIVING, BECAUSE MORE THAN 9 MILLION PEOPLE ARE EXPECTED TO HIT THE ROAD ACROSS THE STATE. NOW, IF YOU’RE LEAVING FROM THE SACRAMENTO AREA, TRIPLE A RECOMMENDS GIVING YOURSELF EXTRA TIME AND CHECKING YOUR ROUTE BEFORE YOU GO. THEY DID A STUDY FROM SAN FRANCISCO TO SANTA ROSA, AND THEY’RE EXPECTING THAT DRIVE TO TAKE MORE THAN TWO HOURS. SO IF YOU’RE PLANNING ON DRIVING ON INTERSTATE 80, JUST BE PREPARED FOR THAT. NOW, IF YOU’RE FLYING. GOOD NEWS. AIR TRAVEL IN THE STATE WILL BE MUCH LIGHTER AT AROUND 1.1 MILLION PASSENGERS AT THE SACRAMENTO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, A SPOKESPERSON TELLS US THEY’LL BE FULLY STAFFED NEXT WEEK. BUT WITH SO MANY PEOPLE HEADING OUT, THEY’RE ENCOURAGING TRAVELERS TO TAKE RIDESHARE TO THE AIRPORT. NOW, TODAY, WE HEARD FROM SOME OF THOSE TRAVELERS WHO DECIDED TO LEAVE TODAY BECAUSE THEY SAY TICKETS WERE A LITTLE CHEAPER AND THEY WERE ALSO TRYING TO AVOID THE CROWDS. I ALWAYS DO WHERE I CHECK EACH DAY, AND IT WAS A CHEAP DAY, SO THAT WAS PART OF IT. I JUST DIDN’T WANT TO TRAVEL THE WEEK OF. IT’S MORE EXPENSIVE. FRIDAY WAS MORE CHEAPER, AND THEN SATURDAY AND SUNDAY I FEEL LIKE IT WOULD BE MORE CROWDED. MY AUNT JUST DROPPED US OFF BECAUSE WE THOUGHT IT WOULD BE A LOT OF CARS AND STUFF LIKE THAT. AND AND IF YOU’RE STILL SET ON PARKING, JUST A HEADS UP, IT COULD TAKE UP TO AN HOUR. FROM THE MOMENT YOU PARK TO THE MOMENT YOU REACH YOUR TERMINAL. NOW, WE’RE TOLD BY A SPOKESPERSON AT THE SACRAMENTO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT THAT THEY WILL BE PLANNING ON OPENING THE WEST ECONOMY LOT. IF IT DOES GET PRETTY PACKED OUT THERE, ADDING AN ADDITIONAL 3000 PARKING SPACES. FOR NOW, WE’RE LIVE IN LIVE. TRACKER MARICELA DE LA CRUZ KCRA THREE NEWS. ALL RIGHT, THANK YOU FOR THE UPDATE, MARICELA. WELL, IF YOU’RE DRIVING, YOU’LL HAVE TO PAY FOR GAS, OBVIOUSLY, UNLESS YOU’VE GOT AN EV. AND HERE’S A LOOK AT PRICES RIGHT NOW. YOU CAN ALSO SCAN THE QR CODE ON YOUR SCREEN. TRIPLE A SAYS THAT THE NATIONAL AVERAGE RIGHT NOW IS 309 A GALLON. THAT’S FOR REGULAR. THAT’S A FEW CENTS MORE THAN WHAT WE SAW LAST YEAR. WE’RE PAYING MORE HERE IN CALIFORNIA FOR 63
As Thanksgiving travel begins, here are tips for Sacramento residents
With Thanksgiving next week, some travelers are getting a jump start on their holiday journey on Friday. Travelers leaving from the Sacramento area for Thanksgiving are advised to plan ahead, as road trips are expected to be lengthy while air travel is anticipated to be lighter than usual.AAA conducted a study from San Francisco to Santa Rosa, expecting the drive to take more than two hours, so those planning to travel on Interstate 80 should be prepared.For those flying, air travel in California will be much lighter, with around 1.1 million passengers. At Sacramento International Airport, a spokesperson said they will be fully staffed next week and encouraged travelers to use rideshare services to reach the airport.”I just didn’t want to travel the weekend. It’s more expensive,” said Desiree Lee, explaining her travel strategy. The lower cost also appealed to Itzylay Saucedo. “Friday was cheaper and then Saturday and Sunday, I feel like it’d be more crowded. My aunt just dropped us off because we thought there would be a lot of cars and stuff like that,” Saucedo said. Travelers who plan to park at SMF should be aware that it could take up to an hour from the moment they park to the time they reach their terminal. The West Economy lot will be open if needed, adding an additional 3,000 spaces.See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel
With Thanksgiving next week, some travelers are getting a jump start on their holiday journey on Friday.
Travelers leaving from the Sacramento area for Thanksgiving are advised to plan ahead, as road trips are expected to be lengthy while air travel is anticipated to be lighter than usual.
AAA conducted a study from San Francisco to Santa Rosa, expecting the drive to take more than two hours, so those planning to travel on Interstate 80 should be prepared.
For those flying, air travel in California will be much lighter, with around 1.1 million passengers. At Sacramento International Airport, a spokesperson said they will be fully staffed next week and encouraged travelers to use rideshare services to reach the airport.
“I just didn’t want to travel the weekend. It’s more expensive,” said Desiree Lee, explaining her travel strategy.
The lower cost also appealed to Itzylay Saucedo.
“Friday was cheaper and then Saturday and Sunday, I feel like it’d be more crowded. My aunt just dropped us off because we thought there would be a lot of cars and stuff like that,” Saucedo said.
Travelers who plan to park at SMF should be aware that it could take up to an hour from the moment they park to the time they reach their terminal.
The West Economy lot will be open if needed, adding an additional 3,000 spaces.
A Sonoma County judge allowed Asia Lozano Morton to await trial outside jail under strict supervision and set her next court date for Dec. 4, according to court records.
Morton must wear a GPS ankle monitor, surrender her passport and get permission from the court before leaving California. She’s also barred from owning guns or using drugs and from contacting her boyfriend, Richard Lund.
Tuesday’s hearing was Morton’s first court appearance since her arrest Friday in the Oct. 3 shooting death of Mark Calcagni.
Lund, 43, remains in custody without bail. Police say he’s accused of shooting Calcagni five times near Calcagni’s home on Brookwood Avenue before driving off in a Toyota RAV4.
Investigators believe the killing was planned and may be connected to Calcagni’s decision to fire Lund and Morton from their jobs at the Condor Club, a North Beach landmark known as the nation’s first topless bar.
Police arrested Lund at his home in Dublin. Morton was taken into custody at San Francisco International Airport when she returned from a trip to Spain.
Police said Calcagni had returned home from work around 5 a.m. when he was shot. A passerby found his body on a nearby sidewalk about 90 minutes later.
About 260 sexual abuse lawsuits were paused when the Catholic Diocese of Santa Rosa filed for bankruptcy in 2023. That has been a frustration for survivors who want the actions of their abusers, and the failings of the powerful institution that obscured the crimes, dragged into the daylight.
Now, it looks like a few of those survivors may have their days in court.
The judge in the bankruptcy, Charles Novack of the Northern District of California, recently put a small set of lawsuits on the path to trial, where they are expected to set a baseline for the diocese’s potential financial liability.
It’s an important step, those involved say, in pushing insurance companies to enter into a global settlement with the diocese and the dozens of people who say they were harmed by predatory church figures. And it could offer a rare chance for claimants to speak openly of their abuse in a courtroom, and to gather additional information through the legal discovery process.
When cases are “quieted” by bankruptcy, said Dan McNevin, who is on the board of directors of the advocacy group Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, or SNAP, it means “the public won’t have a clear read on who enabled the abuse, who covered it up and whether those people are still in power and behaving in that fashion.”
When McNevin was molested in the Oakland Diocese, he said, the bishop there told him his abuser, the Rev. James Clark, had no prior record. After he sued, McNevin found out Clark had in fact been convicted of a sex crime before moving into his parish.
“His file was sanitized. There was no record of his probation,” McNevin said. “We got the information by deposing the former chancellor of the diocese. So discovery is really important.”
Little has been revealed publicly about the cases Novack is allowing to proceed.
Should any of the plaintiffs win those lawsuits, it’s likely funds recovered in judgment would be held in trust, said Jennifer Stein, an attorney with Jeff Anderson & Associates, a Los Angeles-based firm that has represented thousands of victims of predatory priests. That money would be distributed later among qualifying survivors.
The Santa Rosa Diocese, which oversees 42 parishes reaching from American Canyon in Napa County to Crescent City near the Oregon border, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in March 2023. Like Catholic dioceses across the U.S., the local jurisdiction said it was facing an existential threat from a massive wave of sex abuse suits.
Bishop Robert Vasa of the Catholic Diocese of Santa Rosa, Oct. 13, 2025. (Kent Porter / The Press Democrat)
Christopher Chung/The Press Democrat
Mike Tarvid filed a lawsuit against the Santa Rosa Catholic Diocese after harboring a secret for nearly 50 years involving his abuse at the hands of North Coast priest Gary Timmons. Photo taken in Santa Rosa on Dec. 12, 2022. (Christopher Chung/The Press Democrat)
Kent Porter/The Press Democrat
Father John Crews, the former executive director of the Hanna Boys Center in Sonoma Valley, was among 39 names released in 2019 by the Santa Rosa Diocese, listing those who committed child sexual abuse or were credibly accused of such crimes. Hanna Boys Center is a co-defendant in dozens of lawsuits against the Santa Rosa Diocese. Crews resigned in 2013, when he was first accused of child sex abuse by the widow of a man who had been assaulted at a Sebastopol church. He was last known to be in South Carolina. (Kent Porter/The Press Democrat)
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Bishop Robert Vasa of the Catholic Diocese of Santa Rosa, Oct. 13, 2025. (Kent Porter / The Press Democrat)
By that time, the Santa Rosa Diocese had been served with about 160 claims of sexual abuse under a 2019 state law that opened a three-year window for survivors 40 and older to file personal injury cases for past child sex abuse cases.
By August 2023, the diocese had paid out at least $35 million in settlements, dating back to the 1990s, at the onset of a painful worldwide reckoning with sexual abuse by clergy within the Catholic church.
In January 2019, the diocese released a list of 39 of its priests and bishops who committed sexual abuse and misconduct, or had been credibly accused of doing so, between the 1960s and the 2010s.
The efforts of survivors are now moving along two tracks. There is Novack’s courtroom, the setting for one of 17 bankruptcy cases nationwide involving Catholic dioceses, including six in California — Oakland, San Francisco and Sacramento among them. Another 20 dioceses have emerged from bankruptcy since 2005.
And there’s Judicial Council Coordinated Proceeding 5108, or JCCP 5108, which consolidates hundreds of lawsuits against multiple Catholic dioceses in Northern California. That proceeding is being administered in Alameda County Superior Court.
The decision by religious leaders to file for bankruptcy demonstrates the strength of the abuse cases, according to Stein. “They would not be taking such expensive, egregious measures if there weren’t fear of liability,” she said.
Bishop Robert F. Vasa of Santa Rosa, leader of the diocese since 2011, acknowledges the gravity of the threat.
“It’s absolutely no secret that sexual abuse lawsuits, even in the secular world, bring huge judgments in a court of law,” Vasa said. “So there’s no doubt in the case of the church they be equally large if not larger. But it’s beyond our scope to generate the money to pay for those. Regardless of whether it’s a $1 million judgment or a $2 million judgment, we don’t have the resources in a million years is to pay for those.”
Long list of co-defendants
A bankruptcy court exhibit filed in April offers detail on sites connected to the alleged abuse in the Santa Rosa Diocese.
The largest share of complaints, 60 in all, name Hanna Boys Center, the 80-year-old residential school and service campus for at-risk youth that has sought to remake itself with a retooled mission even as new suits piled up alleging long-ago abuse.
But the list of diocesan sites is long and varied.
Camp St. Michael, an outdoor ministry in Mendocino County that ceased operation in 2011, is named in 25 claims. The diocesan cathedral, St. Eugene’s in Santa Rosa, is named in 13. Nine are tied to St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in Eureka, nine to St. Rose of Lima church in Santa Rosa, seven to St. Apollinaris in Napa and six to Cardinal Newman High School in Santa Rosa.
In all, 27 diocese sites are represented.
The exhibit laying out that information pertains to a subset of 207 cases that include co-defendants. The state court is currently weighing a request to allow those suits to proceed against the co-defendants, even if they are paused against the diocese. The church is fighting the effort, arguing that because co-defendants such as Hanna Boys Center and Cardinal Newman are covered by the same insurance policies as the diocese, any legal fees or settlements they end up paying will only further deplete the money potentially available for the wider pool of survivors.
The Santa Rosa Diocese estimates the sexual abuse cases levied against it would average $2 million each in monetary demands — liability that could surpass half a billion dollars if the church were to lose all the cases. In its bankruptcy petition, the diocese reported unidentified assets valued between $10 million and $50 million.
To get a more accurate read on liability, it is common in litigation spanning multiple districts for the court to select one or more cases to proceed to trial. Novack signaled his approval in the bankruptcy, and the diocese worked with a committee of unsecured creditors in the case — made up of sex abuse survivors — to identify a handful of representative cases.
“The committee wanted several cases released for trial to kind of set a benchmark — what are these cases worth in a real trial?” Vasa said. “Just to say to the insurers, ‘If these go to trial, there may be a huge judgment.’”
Insurers called out
Insurance companies are a major player in these bankruptcy proceedings. Some of the other parties believe they are an impediment.
The insurers have been “woefully deficient in fulfilling contractual promises” to pay claims, said attorney Rick Simons, who serves as a liaison for the hundreds of sex abuse cases that make up JCCP 5108, the consolidated civil action.
“They sold these policies in the ’70s, the ’80s, the ’60s, some into the 2000s, for $25,000, $35,000 and $55,000 apiece,” Simons said of the insurers. “Now they owe, nationally, billions and billions of dollars in claims. They don’t care about rules and laws. They just want to keep saying no so they can negotiate a lump sum that’s like 8 cents on the dollar.”
Just over a year ago, the creditors committee petitioned for a two-hour court conference allowing survivors to read personal statements. “This proceeding is likely the only opportunity that Survivors in Santa Rosa will have to seek acknowledgement and justice for the decades of isolation and pain they endured,” the committee argued.
The church supported the motion. At least five insurance companies opposed it — Lloyd’s of London, Pacific Indemnity, Pacific Employers Insurance, Century Indemnity and Westchester Fire Insurance, the latter four all under the umbrella of Pacific. Novack granted the petition over their objections, and survivors were allowed to read statements during a private conference on Feb. 6.
Meanwhile, committee members have joined the diocese and its insurers in several rounds of court-approved mediation. Vasa insists all parties, including the church, are working hard to reach an agreement everyone can live with.
“It’s kind of a dance,” the bishop said. “What is a reasonable number that the committee will accept, so that survivors will see they’ve done their due diligence? We can never compensate for all the harm done. But we can manifest care and concern, and demonstrate that we are not trying to stand in the way of what is just.”
You can reach Phil Barber at 707-521-5263 or phil.barber@pressdemocrat.com. On X (Twitter) @Skinny_Post.
Santa Rosa detectives arrested a Lake County man accused of running an organized retail theft operation centered on stolen LEGO sets, uncovering tens of thousands of pieces during a raid on his home, police said Wednesday.
Robert Lopez, 39, of Hidden Valley Lake, was arrested Monday after a monthlong investigation by the Santa Rosa Police Department’s detectives, who allege Lopez directed others to steal high-end LEGO sets from Target and Walmart stores, then bought the stolen merchandise at reduced prices to resell for profit.
Investigators served a search warrant at Lopez’s home in the 18000 block of Spyglass Road, where they found what police described as a “large-scale operation” involving the collectible toys. The living room, kitchen, and garage were filled with tubs, bins, and desks covered in LEGO pieces, unopened boxed sets, and hundreds of disassembled minifigures sorted by facial expression.
Police said Lopez appeared to be systematically sorting and packaging the pieces for resale, a common practice in fencing operations. Detectives recovered more than $6,000 worth of stolen LEGO products.
During the search, officers also found a pump-action shotgun with a drum-style magazine, an assault rifle, a loaded handgun, and ammunition. Since Lopez is a convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.
He was booked into Sonoma County Jail on suspicion of organized retail theft, conspiracy, and possession of firearms and ammunition by a felon, among other suspected crimes.
Police said digital evidence indicates Lopez was communicating with local retail thieves and directing them to steal specific merchandise for him.
Organized retail theft involving collectible items such as LEGO sets has become a growing concern because the items are valuable, easy to conceal, and difficult to trace once resold through online marketplaces or informal channels, according to police.
Authorities in Sonoma County have arrested three people and executed multiple search warrants following a 10-month investigation into several massage businesses suspected of illicit activity.
According to the Santa Rosa Police department, the investigation stemmed from an Oct. 2024 inspection of massage businesses, some of which were suspected of human trafficking.
During the operation, warrants were served at the Palm Tree Spa in Santa Rosa and the Daily Care Spa in Petaluma. Three women were rescued from the Palm Tree Spa and were offered services.
Over the course of the investigation, police said detectives identified the three suspects, who were linked to at least five illicit massage businesses in Sonoma County, four of which were in Santa Rosa.
“The three suspects were believed to be involved in a variety of crimes, including pimping, pandering, keeping a house of prostitution, wage theft and other financial crimes, and conspiracy,” police said in a statement.
Search warrants were obtained for the suspects, along with three businesses that were not searched during the operation in October.
With the assistance of the FBI, state officials and code enforcement officers, police served the warrants at locations in Santa Rosa and San Francisco on Tuesday.
The first suspect, identified as 69-year-old Hae Suk Howard, was arrested during a traffic stop around 6:10 a.m. Detectives said they located financial documents linking Howard to several massage businesses along with $2,000 and a customer log during searches of her home and vehicle.
According to police, Howard managed Palm Tree Spa, Daily Care Spa and AAA Spa in Santa Rosa, which has since been shut down.
Around 7:25 a.m., police arrested 68-year-old Allan Nutall of San Francisco without incident. Police said Nutall is the licensee of all the massage businesses in the investigation and is involved with more than 20 additional massage businesses in the Bay Area.
During searches of his home and vehicle, detectives said they located financial documents and cash linking Nutall to the businesses.
Two hours later, authorities served a warrant at the home of 52-year-old Liqun Yao of Santa Rosa. Yao was taken into custody after police said she initially refused to surrender.
On Tuesday afternoon, authorities served warrants at Redwood Wellness on 4th Street, the Santa Rose Healthy Center on College Avenue and the Sunset Spa on 3rd Street. Police said they seized electronic devices, condoms, lingerie and other items at the businesses.
Two women at the businesses sought help and were provided resources, police said.
“The Santa Rosa Police Department has zero tolerance for massage businesses engaged in commercial sex operations,” chief John Cregan said. “These establishments not only violate the law but also exploit vulnerable individuals, often victims of human trafficking.”
Howard, Nutall and Yao were arrested and booked into the Sonoma County Jail. Police said all three suspects are facing charges of pandering, conspiracy, keeping a house of ill fame and wage theft.
Tim Fang is a digital producer at CBS Bay Area. A Bay Area native, Tim has been a part of the CBS Bay Area newsroom for more than two decades and joined the digital staff in 2006.
A man was arrested for alleged sexual assault in Santa Rosa that involved the suspect posing as a police officer and threatening to report the victim to immigration authorities, police said Wednesday.
Earlier this month, a woman came to the Santa Rosa Police Department to report she was the victim of a violent sexual assault, police said in a public safety alert and on social media. The woman told officers that in June, she was sleeping in her vehicle on Montgomery Drive near 2nd Street when a man who identified himself as a police officer – wearing a uniform and a badge – threatened to call U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement as he forced his way into her vehicle.
The man then sexually assaulted her, the woman told police. The woman said she was scared to report the incident because of the threat of ICE being contacted, but a family member convinced her to file a report, police said.
Peni Cere
Santa Rosa Police Department
Investigators identified the suspect as 42-year-old Santa Rosa resident Peni Cere, who worked as a uniformed security guard at various locations in the city, often working night shifts. Officers conducted a search and surveillance operation to locate Cere, and at 9:15 p.m. on Aug. 7, officers observed Cere park a vehicle on College Avenue about four blocks away from the location of the sexual assault, police said.
Cere was arrested and later booked into the Sonoma County Main Adult Detention Facility on suspicion of assault with attempt to commit rape, threatening arrest or deportation to commit sexual assault. He was being held on $250,000.
Police said that based on the boldness of Cere’s alleged actions, and that he identified himself as “police” and threatened to report the victim to ICE, investigators believe there may be more unidentified victims who are too scared to come forward.
The Police Department said in its public alert that it adheres to the California Values Act, also known as California’s sanctuary law, which bars local police from investigating or arresting people solely based on their immigration status and limits cooperation with ICE enforcement actions.
“SRPD policy goes even further by explicitly prohibiting officers from inquiring about a person’s immigration status or cooperating with ICE enforcement actions,” said the department. “Our priority is public safety, and we are here to support every member of our community without fear of deportation or immigration consequences.”
Police said that no additional details about the crime will be released due to the nature of the incident and to protect the victim’s identity.
“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the victim for her bravery and trust in our department,” police said.
Police urged anyone with information about this case, or who believes they have been victimized by the suspect, to contact the department’s domestic violence/sexual assault unit at 707-543-3595.
Jose Figueroa Baltazar, 30, was sentenced Monday after being convicted by a jury in April of premeditated attempted murder, shooting into an occupied vehicle, and assault with a firearm. The Sonoma County District Attorney’s Office said Baltazar pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
On May 22, 2022, Baltazar was drinking beer with his 29-year-old victim and their mutual friend. Prosecutors said that at some point during their drinking, Baltazar got out of the driver’s seat of his vehicle, opened the rear driver’s door, and shot the victim once through the neck and spinal cord.
“A neighbor’s Ring Camera captured the shooting, as well as the defendant subsequently dragging the victim out of his vehicle and driving over the victim while fleeing the scene. Baltazar was arrested approximately 20 minutes later by Santa Rosa police officers after a short foot pursuit,” the District Attorney’s Office said.
Baltazar admitted to the shooting, saying he did it after the victim “playfully” slapped his shoulder and touched his knee. He also admitted to discarding the unregistered 9mm firearm, which was found the following day, along with an extended 30-round magazine.
The victim spent months in the hospital and was diagnosed as a quadriplegic, authorities said.
According to prosecutors, Baltazar had an “extremely cavalier attitude” over the shooting and he carried a loaded illegally obtained firearm because he thinks “people think it’s cool,” and “it’s just a thing” to him.
“This was an inexplicable act of violence. The callousness with which Mr. Baltazar nearly ended another young person’s life, ultimately paralyzing him, is impossible to understand. He clearly is a dangerous individual that belongs in state prison,” District Attorney Carla Rodriguez said.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis highlighted law and order priorities, including protecting from fentanyl and illegal drugs, and curbing illegal immigration, with Attorney General Ashley Moody, Sheriff Grady Judd, and others in law enforcement.
Last year, Governor DeSantis signed legislation establishing the State Assistance for Fentanyl Eradication (SAFE) grant program, which provides law enforcement with the funding needed to conduct large-scale drug operations across the state, including many in Central Florida.
Florida has also enacted a suite of legislation to crack down on crime, curb illegal immigration, increase penalties for drug and human traffickers, and recruit law enforcement officers to the state.
And when two state attorneys refused to carry out the duties of their positions and enforce the law, Governor DeSantis removed them from office.
“Leadership matters,” said Republican Governor Ron DeSantis. “Law and order is maintained when leaders insist on enforcing the law. Florida has enacted legislation to combat crime, recruited police officers from all over the country, refused to allow cities to defund the police, and—when necessary—removed rogue state attorneys who refused to enforce the law.”
“Florida is a law-and-order state, and through proactive leadership and diligent law enforcement efforts we continue to prosper, break tourism records and lead in new business formations,” said Attorney General Ashley Moody. “This is due in large part to the brave men and women in law enforcement, and we will always work to ensure they are supported by Florida leadership.”
In 2023, the Governor approved $20 million in funding for Florida’s SAFE program administered by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. This state-funded grant has allowed local law enforcement agencies to effectively fight against drug trafficking and get hundreds of pounds of deadly drugs off our streets.
“I commend Governor DeSantis and the Florida legislature for their support of law enforcement in Florida,” said Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd. “We are a law and order state, and proud of it. Because of this, our communities are thriving. Florida is a safe place to live, work, and play.”
Examples of Florida being a law and order state from SAFE grant success stories include:
In January 2024, the Polk County Sheriffs Office utilized SAFE to arrest 11 suspects trafficking in fentanyl and cocaine, seizing 30 pounds of cocaine and nearly 8 pounds of fentanyl.
In March 2024, Santa Rosa County and Escambia County Sheriffs’ offices, working alongside the DEA, seized 3 grams of fentanyl, marijuana, prescription pills, and several handguns.
In April 2024, FDLE operations in conjunction with Sheriffs’ Offices in Seminole County and Palm Beach County resulted in arrests of nearly 40 drug traffickers.
In April 2024, officers in the Fort Myers region successfully seized nearly 4kg of cocaine, 90g of fentanyl, 69g of MDMA, 375g of marijuana, two AR-15 weapons, and more than $60,000 in currency.
In July 2024, FDLE Pensacola, Santa Rosa County and Okaloosa County Sheriff’s offices, Fort Walton Beach Police Department, FHP, and the DEA announced the arrest of 19 drug traffickers facing charges including trafficking in cocaine, methamphetamine, fentanyl, conspiracy to distribute, and racketeering.
In August 2024, a SAFE-funded investigation dismantled a drug trafficking operation in St. Petersburg which was responsible for manufacturing hundreds of doses of fentanyl daily throughout Polk County, specifically in Lakeland.
Officers confiscated 10.7 kilos of fentanyl, along with cocaine, oxycodone, marijuana, 3 illegal firearms, and over $500,000 in cash.
“Florida is a national model in eradicating drugs from our communities and taking criminals off the street,” said Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Executive Director Dave Kerner. “In every corner of this great state, you will find State Troopers and local law enforcement working together to interdict drugs and arrest those who profit off of it. Instead of being demonized, Governor DeSantis celebrates the dangerous work our law enforcement officers do every day, and our men and women in law enforcement deeply appreciate that.”
In total, SAFE funds have resulted in over 650 arrests and the seizure of more than 145 pounds of fentanyl, 220 pounds of cocaine, and 60,000 fentanyl pills – numbers officials say show Florida is a law and order state.
“Thanks to Governor Ron DeSantis and his leadership, Florida’s law enforcement officers have arrested hundreds of dangerous drug traffickers and taken fentanyl and other deadly drugs off our streets,” said Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Mark Glass. “Florida is a national role model and stands in stark contrast to crime-plagued blue states.”
Police arrested two Santa Rosa residents after allegedly finding guns, ammunition and what appeared to be ‘ghost gun’ manufacturing equipment in their home on Thursday, according to a press release from later that day.
Detectives from the Santa Rosa Police Department’s Gang Crimes Team searched the residence on the 800 Block of Yuba Drive in Southwest Santa Rosa under a warrant, with the help of the department’s Special Enforcement and Downtown Enforcement Teams.
Officers found a short barreled assault rifle, a 5.7x28mm handgun, ammunition, two manufactured polymer 80 handgun lower receivers, a 3D printer, Dremel drill equipment and two polymer 80 lower receiver jigs during their search.
The 3D printer, Dremel drill equipment and polymer 80 lower receiver jigs are commonly used to make polymer 80 handguns, or “ghost guns,” according to the press release.
A 26-year-old male resident was arrested on suspicion of possession of precursor firearm parts, possession of an assault rifle, offer for sale of an assault rifle and unlicensed sale of an assault rifle.
An 18-year-old male resident was charged with possession of an assault rifle, offer for sale of an assault rifle and possession of firearm by a prohibited person.
Authorities in Sonoma County said they have busted an alleged bird fighting ring following an investigation into a break-in that took place earlier this year.
According to the Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety, the investigation stemmed from a burglary at a storage facility on the 6000 block of Commerce Blvd. on March 19. The victim told officers that an estimated $22,000 in items were stolen.
During their investigation, officers identified a suspect in the theft. Police in Santa Rosa arrested the suspect, identified as Audrina Renee McPeters, on March 21.
McPeters was booked into the Sonoma County Jail on suspicion of conspiracy, burglary and grand theft.
The next day, detectives served a search warrant at a home on Stony Point Road in Santa Rosa and found stolen property belonging to the victim.
During the search, police discovered “numerous” animal cruelty violations, including at least 1,000 game birds believed to be raised for fighting. Officers also arrested Jesus Miguel Santoyo Rodriguez on 36 misdemeanor counts of possession of gaffs / slashers used for cockfighting.
Sonoma County Animal Services were called to the property and recovered five horses and two dogs, which police said were malnourished. The birds were also quarantined.
A third person, identified as Jose Guadalupe Luna-Ruiz, was arrested by Santa Rosa Police on April 2. Police said Luna-Ruiz is suspected in the original theft of the storage unit.
Luna-Ruiz was booked on suspicion of conspiracy, burglary, grand theft and receiving stolen property.
The Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety said that the investigation continues. Anyone with additional information is asked to contact the department at 707-584-2600, referencing case number 24-0882.
Police in Santa Rosa are looking for the driver of a pickup truck that collided with a motorcyclist Tuesday afternoon, sending the motorcyclist to the hospital with life-threatening injuries.
Just before 3 p.m., police and fire arrived at the intersection of Hopper Avenue and Airway Drive after multiple witnesses called 911 to report that a pickup had hit a motorcyclist and fled the scene.
First responders found the motorcyclist lying in the road and unresponsive and took the person to the hospital.
According to investigators, the motorcyclist was traveling eastbound on Hopper with a green light. The pickup truck made a left turn in front of the motorcycle from westbound Hopper, in an attempt to turn southbound on Airway. After the collision, the pickup did not stop and sped away.
Witnesses have described the truck as a Ford F150, possibly gray or silver in color. Police are trying to find the truck and its owner, but the public should be on the lookout for one with front-end damage.
Anyone who may have information helpful to this case is encouraged to contact Officer Howard with the Santa Rosa Police Department at (707) 543-3636.
Police in Santa Rosa are seeking a man suspected of robbing a bank on Thursday afternoon.
The suspect entered a Chase Bank at 2300 Sonoma Ave. at about 1:55 p.m. and presented a note to a teller demanding cash, according to police.
No weapon was threatened or brandished, and after taking an undisclosed amount of cash, the suspect left the bank.
Officers responded to the area, but didn’t find the suspect. He is described as a white man between 40 and 50 years old, standing 5 feet, 8 inches, to 5 feet, 10 inches tall and weighing approximately 200 pounds.
He was wearing a black jacket, dark pants, and a black Cali beanie.
Detectives are continuing to investigate the robbery and would like to speak with anyone who has information related to the case. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the SRPD Violent Crimes Investigations Team at 707-543-3690 or through an online tip line at www.srcity.org/CrimeTips.
A reward of up to $2,500 is being offered by the Sonoma County Alliance Community Engagement and Safety Rewards Fund. The reward is for information leading to the arrest of the suspect or suspects involved in the case.
Santa Rosa police arrested two juveniles Saturday night for allegedly having loaded handguns on them at a motel.
At approximately 9:25 p.m., police were patrolling Motel 6 South, at 2760 Cleveland Avenue, when they located several juveniles standing outside room 109.
The officers allegedly smelled marijuana emitting from the room. The officers were familiar with several of the juveniles from prior contacts.
Officers conducted a pat search of each of the subjects for concealed weapons. One of the juveniles allegedly possessed a loaded, concealed, Colt 38 special revolver.
A second juvenile allegedly possessed a loaded, concealed Smith and Wesson 38 special revolver. The juveniles were prohibited from possessing firearms, police said.
Both subjects were booked into juvenile hall on suspicion of carrying a loaded firearm in a public place and carrying a concealed weapon.
Police said due to their ages, the juveniles’ names will not be released.
Welcome to Santa Rosa, CA, a city with a blend of natural beauty, wine country charm, and a strong community spirit. From the scenic vineyards of Sonoma County to the historic Railroad Square, Santa Rosa offers residents a unique blend of opportunities and experiences. Whether you’re searching for a new home in Santa Rosa or eager to explore what Santa Rosa is known for, this Redfin article is your guide to uncovering the distinctive qualities that make Santa Rosa a welcoming and culturally rich community.
1. Sonoma County Seat
Santa Rosa is known for being the seat of Sonoma County. As the county seat, Santa Rosa serves as the administrative center and hub of government activities for the entire county. It is where important county offices, such as the courthouse and government buildings, are located.
2. Luther Burbank Home and Gardens
This historic site was the home and experimental garden of renowned horticulturist Luther Burbank. Visitors can explore the beautiful gardens, learn about Burbank’s innovative plant breeding techniques, and gain insight into his contributions to the field of agriculture.
3. Russian River Valley Wine Country
Santa Rosa is known for the Russian River Valley Wine Country. This region is famous for its picturesque vineyards and world-class wineries. Wine enthusiasts can indulge in wine tastings, vineyard tours, and learn about the winemaking process. The Russian River Valley Wine Country offers a unique and immersive experience for wine lovers.
4. Historic Railroad Square
This charming district is home to beautifully preserved historic buildings, unique shops, and delicious restaurants. Visitors can take a stroll through the square, admire the architecture, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. Historic Railroad Square is a testament to Santa Rosa’s rich history and cultural heritage.
5. Charles M. Schulz Museum
Dedicated to the life and work of the beloved cartoonist Charles M. Schulz, this museum showcases original Peanuts comic strips, interactive exhibits, and memorabilia. Visitors can learn about the creation of iconic characters like Snoopy and Charlie Brown, and gain insight into Schulz’s impact on popular culture.
6. Annadel State Park
Nature enthusiasts can explore the park’s scenic trails, enjoy picnicking by the lake, and observe the diverse wildlife. Annadel State Park offers opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the beauty of the outdoors.
7. Santa Rosa Junior College
As a leading community college, it provides a wide range of educational opportunities for students. The college offers academic programs, vocational training, and transfer options to four-year universities. Santa Rosa Junior College plays a vital role in shaping the educational landscape of the city.
8. Proximity to Sonoma Coast
Located just a short drive away, residents and visitors can easily access the stunning beaches and scenic coastline. Whether it’s enjoying a day at the beach, exploring tide pools, or taking in breathtaking ocean views, the proximity to the Sonoma Coast adds to Santa Rosa’s allure.
9. Cultural and arts events
Santa Rosa hosts a variety of festivals, concerts, and performances throughout the year, showcasing local talent and attracting artists from around the world. From music festivals to art exhibitions, Santa Rosa offers a rich and diverse cultural scene that caters to all artistic interests.
10. Santa Rosa Plaza Shopping
This premier shopping destination features a wide range of stores, from high-end retailers to popular brands. Shoppers can explore the mall’s diverse selection of fashion, accessories, electronics, and more. Santa Rosa Plaza Shopping provides a convenient and enjoyable shopping experience for residents and visitors alike.
