Sonoma County officials are moving forward with a major new composting site on Slusser Road, just northwest of Santa Rosa. Supervisors recently cleared a key hurdle by approving the project’s environmental review, paving the way for a facility capable of processing 70,000 tons of green-bin waste annually. The move allows the county to handle the bulk of its organic material locally rather than hauling it to distant Bay Area sites. By eliminating those long-haul truck trips, leaders hope to slash greenhouse gas emissions while helping the county stay in compliance with state organic waste mandates.

Santa Rosa police have revealed a major twist in the investigation of a fatal hit-and-run that claimed the life of a man in a wheelchair Monday.

While Isreal Ramirez Sanchez initially surrendered and confessed to being the driver of the lifted GMC pickup, new video evidence and witness statements proved he was actually the passenger.

Investigators have now arrested the other occupant, Fatima Corona Bautista, identifying her as the real driver behind the wheel during the collision at West College Avenue and Clover Drive.

Bautista is facing felony charges for hit-and-run causing death, while Ramirez Sanchez remains in custody as an accessory.

Police say the victim was struck in a marked crosswalk and died at the scene before the pair fled.