Authorities have confirmed the body of 38-year-old Wen Wu of Rohnert Park, who went missing in April, has been identified. Wu’s car was found in the Marin Headlands, sparking a massive search. A month later, remains washed up on San Francisco’s Ocean Beach. DNA testing confirmed Wu’s identity last week. His family has been notified. Police announced the identification Wednesday.
Petaluma police have arrested 21-year-old Andy Pacheco Cruz of Rohnert Park after finding a loaded .45-caliber Glock under the seat of his car. Officers stopped him September 13th on Old Redwood Highway for driving without a license plate. Because the gun was loaded and improperly stored, Pacheco Cruz was taken to Sonoma County Jail. Police remind drivers that firearms must be unloaded and locked in the trunk or a secure container, with ammo stored separately.
The Sonoma Valley Grange Hall, a community hub since 1924, may be forced to close due to a failing roof. The original trusses gave way last year, leaving much of the building unsafe. Leaders have launched a “Raise the Roof” campaign to raise $250,000 for repairs, but so far, donations are under $1,000. Without funding, officials warn the century-old hall could be lost to the community.
Authorities recovered a body from Clear Lake near Lakeshore Boulevard and Beach Street in Nice. Scanner traffic first reported the call around 7:15 last night and first responders later confirmed an 11-44 — law enforcement code for a deceased person. The Lake County Sheriff’s Office was called to the scene. No identity has been released, and details remain limited as the investigation continues.
Santa Rosa City Schools is facing possible state takeover. Sonoma County’s superintendent says the district is running out of time to fix its budget after already closing six schools and cutting more than 150 jobs. Another $10 to $15 million in cuts may be needed by February to avoid insolvency. The district, with more than 12,000 students, could lose local control if it doesn’t act quickly.
A Sonoma County startup that spent a decade working on plastic-to-fuel technology is leaving California. Resynergi announced it’s moving operations from Rohnert Park to another state, citing heavy regulations and community opposition. The company is seeking faster permitting and economic incentives elsewhere. Since 2015, Resynergi has developed microwave technology to recycle plastics into fuel and new materials. Leaders say they still aim to expand nationwide.
Middletown Middle School broke ground Monday on a new $12 million gym. Funded by the Measure H bond, the 14,000-square-foot facility will feature courts for basketball, volleyball, and pickleball, plus classrooms, locker rooms, and seating for 500. Construction is expected to take 14 months. Officials say the project will modernize facilities and improve safety for students.
Downtown Kelseyville will be packed with food, music, and fun this Saturday for the 31st annual Pear Festival. The day kicks off with a pancake breakfast, followed by the Main Street parade at 9:30. Highlights include kids’ activities, contests, pear tasting, and performances by local musicians and the Lake County Pomo Traditional Dancers. The festival runs from 7:30 in the morning to 4 p.m.
