A Santa Rosa man who sexually assaulted and bludgeoned his victim, leaving her permanently disfigured, walked free after being sentenced to probation instead of state prison over the objection of prosecutors and prison officials.

A 38-year-old man was granted probation after being accused of sexually attacking and bashing in the face of a mom walking her dog, California officials said.

Santa Rosa Police apprehended four suspects after a high-speed chase following a burglary at a marijuana dispensary.

Cal Fire added more than 360,000 acres in coastal Northern California to its fire hazard zones where heightened fire safety regulations will apply. New Southern California maps come out March 24.

A police search of a vehicle pulled over in California turned up drugs, illegally harvested abalone and a pond turtle, California police reported. A 46-year-old Santa Rosa man driving the vehicle was on searchable probation,

The funding would help add 30 permanent supportive housing units reserved for homeless individuals at a growing services hub between Morgan and A streets.