Madison Smalstig

Breaking News Reporter at The Press Democrat

breaking news @northbaynews | previously @indystar @indyrecorder @Oregonian @idsnews | IU | I pretty much love my friends, musicals and writing | she/her 🏳️‍🌈

Articles

Healdsburg to host 1st Pride event, marking milestone for LGBTQ+ visibility

4 days ago | pressdemocrat.com | Madison Smalstig

What began as a wish among friends will become a milestone moment this Sunday, when Healdsburg holds its first-ever Pride celebration. While the city has supportedLGBTQ+-related programming since at least 2019 — beginning with its first proclamation recognizing June as Pride Month and raising a Pride flag annually since 2021 — this weekend’s event marks the first large-scale, community-centered gathering in honor of Pride.
Man arrested after Cotati stabbing leaves 1 hospitalized

4 days ago | pressdemocrat.com | Madison Smalstig

A man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder Monday after police said he stabbed another man in Cotati. The man who was stabbed was still in the hospital as of Tuesday morning, Cotati Police Chief Chris Simmons told The Press Democrat. He would not give details about the man’s condition. Police responded around 4:35 p.m. Monday to Valparaiso Avenue, just down the road from the Cotati police station, after someone reported a stabbing.
Police arrest man accused of groping 3 students on SSU campus after posing as student

5 days ago | sanluisobispo.com | Madison Smalstig

A Santa Rosa man with a history of sex offenses was arrested last week on suspicion of inappropriately touching at least three students, according to Sonoma State University police. Gregg Nathan, 50, was booked Tuesday into the Sonoma County jail on suspicion of two misdemeanor counts of sexual battery, police said. He was held on $40,000 bail but was no longer in custody as of Monday. Charges have not been filed in Sonoma County Superior Court.
No protest at Rohnert Park drag story hour as community shows up in support

5 days ago | pressdemocrat.com | Madison Smalstig

They came prepared to defend joy. They stayed to feel it themselves. Outside the Rohnert Park-Cotati library Sunday, dozens of people waved flags and held signs, ready for a protest that never came.
SSU police arrest man accused of groping 3 people after posing as student

5 days ago | pressdemocrat.com | Madison Smalstig

These local, state and national contacts are available to help with various crises:• National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: 988 (call or text)• inRESPONSE mobile mental health support team responding to mental health crises in Santa Rosa: 707-575-HELP (4357)• YWCA Sonoma County operates a 24/7 domestic violence crisis hotline and a confidential Safe House shelter. Call 707-546-1234 for help.
Pedestrian killed in late-night collision west of Santa Rosa

5 days ago | pressdemocrat.com | Madison Smalstig

A pedestrian was struck and killed late Saturday night while crossing Piner Road just west of Santa Rosa, authorities said. The person was heading south across the two-lane road around 11:30 p.m. when they stepped into the path of an eastbound BMW just east of Willowside Road, according to the California Highway Patrol. That section of Piner Road cuts through a rural area lined with vineyards, trees and a few homes. The speed limit is 45 mph, and the road lacks sidewalks.
Arson suspected in fire at Santa Rosa’s historic ‘Believe It Or Not!’ church

1 week ago | sanluisobispo.com | Madison Smalstig

A fire that scorched the exterior of one of Santa Rosa's oldest churches may have been deliberately set, officials say. Santa Rosa firefighters responded about 7:45 p.m. Sunday to an alarm and report of flames at the back of the Church of One Tree, a 19th-century landmark on Sonoma Avenue built in 1873 from a single redwood tree. Flames were reported at the rear of the building, which faces Juilliard Park.
Arson suspected in fire at Santa Rosa’s ‘Believe It Or Not!’ church

1 week ago | pressdemocrat.com | Madison Smalstig

A fire that scorched the exterior of one of Santa Rosa’s oldest churches may have been deliberately set, officials say. Santa Rosa firefighters responded about 7:45 p.m. Sunday to an alarm and report of flames at the back of the Church of One Tree, a 19th-century landmark on Sonoma Avenue built in 1873 from a single redwood tree. Flames were reported at the rear of the building, which faces Juilliard Park.
Sonoma County Pride sets new police rules after protests - supporters see compromise, critics see failure

2 weeks ago | pressdemocrat.com | Madison Smalstig

After months of heated debate, the Sonoma County Pride Board has released new guidelines for law enforcement participation in this year’s parade — a decision that some say attempts compromise but has left others feeling unheard. The move follows last year’s protest and petition opposing law enforcement involvement in Pride events, which drew hundreds of signatures and called police participation a barrier to inclusion for some marginalized groups.
Santa Rosa man arrested in 2-month arson spree targeting homes

2 weeks ago | sanluisobispo.com | Madison Smalstig

A man accused of setting five fires at two Santa Rosa homes - including at least four where residents were inside - was arrested Tuesday, police said. The first fire was set overnight March 24, when someone ignited a fence attached to a home on Exeter Drive, according to Santa Rosa police. Over the next two months, four more fires were reported - including one more at the Exeter Drive home and three at a second property on Warren Lane.