Smog checks available now—always ready when you are

Hamilton's Smog

Grab a coupon or to book online: https://sites.google.com/view/hamiltons-smog/home?pli=1 We test all vehicle, all ages 1976-2026. Experience quick and convenient service at Hamilton's STAR Smog Check, your local Novato inspection station. Since 2021, we've been serving the community with efficient smog checks for all types of vehicles, including gasoline, diesel, and hybrid cars, as well as large trucks and RVs. Our certified technicians perform both STAR and non-STAR inspections, ensuring your vehicle meets all state requirements. Simply drive in for a hassle-free inspection, with most vehicles completed in under 30 minutes.

Marin County

Albert Gregory

Bay Area

Novato

California

Grab a coupon or to book online: https://sites.google.com/view/hamiltons-smog/home?pli=1 We test all vehicle, all ages 1976-2026. Experience quick...

Gathering Thyme

Gathering Thyme is a women-owned and operated herb store run by clinical western herbalists who are always available to help you with your healthcare needs. We provide our customers and clients with the highest quality herbal and nutritional supplements as well as a wide range of body care and aromatherapy products, herb books, candles, incense and so much more. In addition to our retail store, we run an herb clinic and teach many herb programs, both short-term and long-term through our non-profit school - Gathering Thyme School of Western Herbalism. Founded in 2010 by Cheryl Fromholzer in Marin County, we are thrilled to be a part of, and support for, the Petaluma community.

Sonoma County

Angela Woodall

Petaluma

Gathering Thyme is a women-owned and operated herb store run by clinical western herbalists who are always available to help you with your...

Award Winning Music Teacher and Music School

Cheryl Teach Music

Music Education and Instruction Instrumental and Vocal Any Age and All Abilities Life Long Music Educator Patient, Kind, Professional, Excellent Reputation

Sonoma Valley

Music Education and Instruction Instrumental and Vocal Any Age and All Abilities Life Long Music Educator Patient, Kind, Professional, Excellent...

Grand Opening &amp; Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Schafer's ATA North Petaluma located at 1370 Redwood Way in #Petaluma Pictured is the ATA Martial Arts team and Petaluma Area Chamber of Commerce Board member, Mike Harris.

Grand Opening &amp; Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Schafer's ATA North Petaluma located at 1370 Redwood Way in #Petaluma

Pictured is the ATA Martial Arts team and Petaluma Area Chamber of Commerce Board member, Mike Harris.

​Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for...

​Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Schafer's ATA North Petaluma 

Neighbor News

Rohnert Park-Cotati

San Anselmo-Fairfax

San Rafael

Larkspur-Corte Madera

Mill Valley

Napa County

Napa Valley

Contra Costa County

Pinole-Hercules

Solano County

Benicia

Ride the Rails to the Russian River
Looking for the perfect Memorial Day Weekend outing?
Celebrate the start of summer with Russian River Railbikes — Sonoma County’s unforgettable outdoor railbike experience through vineyards redwoods and the scenic Russian River.
Pedal easy-to-ride railbikes along historic rail lines while enjoying:
<ul><li>Stunning river and forest views</li><li>Fresh air and open spaces</li><li>A fun experience for couples, families, and groups</li><li>One-of-a-kind photo opportunities</li><li>A perfect pairing with local wineries, breweries, and coastal day trips</li></ul>
Holiday weekend departures are filling quickly.
Reserve your Memorial Day Weekend ride now: www.RussianRiverRailbikes.org
Create a new Memorial Day tradition in Sonoma County.
Follow the adventure: Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/russianriverrailbikes/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">@russianriverrailbikes</a> Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/RussianRiverRailbikes?utm_source=chatgpt.com" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#RussianRiverRailbikes</a>

Local Event: Celebrate Memorial Day Weekend on the Russian River Railbikes

Cloverdale

Celebrate Memorial Day Weekend on the Russian...

Ride the Rails to the Russian River
Looking for the perfect Memorial Day Weekend outing?
Celebrate the start of summer with...

Celebrate Memorial Day Weekend on the Russian River Railbikes

The Sonoma Valley community will gather at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, May 25, at Sonoma Veterans Memorial Park for the 68th Annual Sonoma Valley Joint Memorial Day Observance, presented by the Sonoma Veterans Memorial Park Association. The location address is: 126 First Street West, Sonoma, CA 95476 (Adjacent to the Sonoma Veterans Building). 
This year’s Guest of Honor and keynote speaker will be retired United States Marine Corps Colonel Harry “Bucky” Peterson, a Sonoma resident and distinguished 33-year Marine Corps veteran whose service included combat and leadership assignments in Vietnam, the Middle East, Somalia, Kuwait, Iraq, and Afghanistan. During his military career, Colonel Peterson commanded units ranging from rifle platoons in Vietnam to an entire Marine Infantry Regiment. Following his retirement in 1999, he returned to active duty after the September 11 attacks to help oversee Marine operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. His military honors include the Distinguished Service Medal, the Defense Superior Service Medal, two Legion of Merit awards, and three Combat Action Ribbons.
The ceremony will include the traditional Grand March of Veterans, with all veterans encouraged to arrive by 10:30 a.m., as seating is limited. Additional program highlights will include patriotic performances by the Sonoma Hometown Band under the direction of Therese Pasquale Hill; Color Guard presentations by both the United States Marine Corps and the Civil Air Patrol Cadet Color Guard; and a Rifle Salute presented by local veterans’ organizations.
Musical tributes will feature the National Anthem performed by Miss Sonoma County 2026 Addison Carver, “God Bless America” sung by vocalist Cathy Slack, and ceremonial selections by bagpiper John Noonan and bugler Therese Pasquale Hill. Korean War veteran Olyn Hicks will present a Memorial Day poem, while regional pageant titleholders will lead the Pledge of Allegiance.
Additional participants will include Sonoma Mayor Ron Wellander, who will deliver an official proclamation; Vietnam veteran Gene Campagna, who will offer the invocation; and Reverend Peadar A. Dalton, who will deliver the benediction. The ceremony will also feature a civilian aerial flyover provided by the Sonoma Sky Park Aviators.
Serving as Master of Ceremonies will be Carl “Chip” H. Allen, a graduate of the United States Naval Academy and former U.S. Navy Polaris submarine officer.
Immediately following the ceremony, guests are invited to attend the complimentary “All-American Picnic” hosted by the three Sonoma Rotary Clubs and the Native Daughters of the Golden West at the Sonoma Veterans Memorial Building.
Guests will also have an opportunity to contribute to the ongoing Star of Honor pledge drive, which supports the preservation of Sonoma Veterans Memorial Park and its black marble Star of Honor Fountain — a lasting tribute inspired by the late World War II Navy veteran James “Jim” L. Parks.

Local Event: The 68th Annual Sonoma Valley Joint Memorial Day  Observance 

The 68th Annual Sonoma Valley Joint Memorial...

The Sonoma Valley community will gather at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, May 25, at Sonoma Veterans Memorial Park for the 68th Annual...

The 68th Annual Sonoma Valley Joint Memorial Day  Observance 

If you are searching for a staffing agency in the San Francisco Bay Area, you will find no shortage of options ranging from global staffing giants to boutique local firms. The Bay Area job market spans wildly different communities: San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose, Silicon Valley, the East Bay, and the North Bay including Marin County and Sonoma County. Each submarket has its own hiring culture, salary norms, and employer base.
Not every staffing agency serves every Bay Area market equally. Some are national chains with Bay Area offices. Some are San Francisco-focused firms with limited reach across the bridge. A select few are genuinely rooted in specific Bay Area communities. This guide breaks down the top staffing firms across the full Bay Area, compares their strengths and limitations, and helps both employers and job seekers find the right partner for their situation.
Quick comparison: Bay Area staffing agencies at a glance
Bay Area Focus Locally rooted Bay Area firm SF / Bay HQ Bay Area headquartered National National chain, Bay Area office Agency Founded Bay Area Presence Temp Staffing Direct Hire Govt / Nonprofit Perfect Timing Personnel Services	1988	Bay Area Focus	Yes	Yes	Yes Nelson Connects	~1970	SF / Bay HQ	Yes	Yes	Limited Certified Employment Group	~1980s	SF / Bay HQ	Yes	Yes	Limited Scion Staffing	2006	SF / Bay HQ	Yes	Yes	Nonprofit McCall Staffing	~1980s	SF / Bay HQ	Yes	Yes	Nonprofit Career Group Companies	~1981	SF / Bay HQ	Yes	Yes	Limited Star Staffing	1995	SF / Bay HQ	Yes	Limited	No Robert Half	1948	National	Yes	Yes	No Insight Global	2001	National	Yes	Yes	No 
Agency-by-agency breakdown
Perfect Timing Personnel Services Best for the San Francisco Bay Area, Locally Owned
San Rafael, CA | Founded 1988 | North Bay HQ
Perfect Timing Personnel Services is the only staffing agency headquartered in San Rafael with a primary focus on the broader Bay Area region. It's been recognized as one of the top Bay Area Staffing firms by the Marin Independent Journal for the past 10+ years. Founded in 1988, the firm has operated continuously in the Bay Area for over 35 years, making it one of the most tenured locally owned staffing companies in the entire Bay Area.
Perfect Timing specializes in temp, temp-to-hire, and direct hire placements across administrative support, accounting, finance, healthcare, government, and nonprofit sectors. The firm holds long-standing institutional contracts with some of the region's most respected employers, including Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (a client since 2011). That kind of deep institutional trust is rare in the staffing industry and speaks directly to the quality and consistency of the firm's placements.
Perfect Timing brings a people-first philosophy to recruiting. Candidates are not treated as transactions. The firm's recruiters build real relationships with both employers and job seekers throughout the Bay Area.
Strengths
<ul><li>35+ years serving Bay Area employers</li><li>Deep government and nonprofit expertise</li><li>Institutional contracts with Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory</li><li>Community-rooted, boutique firm</li><li>Covers the full Bay Area</li><li>HQ'd in San Rafael</li></ul>
Limitations
<ul><li>Not focused on tech or engineering roles &zwj;</li></ul>
<a href="www.perfecttiming.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">www.perfecttiming.com</a>

Learn more at <a href="www.perfecttiming.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">www.perfecttiming.com</a>

The Best Staffing Agencies in the San Francisco...

If you are searching for a staffing agency in the San Francisco Bay Area, you will find no shortage of options ranging from global staffing giants...

The Best Staffing Agencies in the San Francisco Bay Area: An Honest Comparison for 2026

🌱 Patch AM: ATM Ambush Sparks Petaluma Manhunt...

And on the Petaluma Patch calendar - Celebrate Memorial Day Weekend on the Russian River Railbikes

🌱 Patch AM: ATM Ambush Sparks Petaluma Manhunt In Minutes

Community Corner

Los Angeles County

Los Angeles

Gray Wolf Spotted In Sequoia National Park For...

California's wild wolf population grew 10 percent last year, according to wildlife officials.

Gray Wolf Spotted In Sequoia National Park For First Time In More Than 100 Years

Pets

Warnings, Resources Amid Wind-Driven Hazards...

Strong offshore winds across the North Bay trigger deadly debris incidents, serious injuries, and a surge in emergency responses. 

Warnings, Resources Amid Wind-Driven Hazards Escalating Across Northern California

Weather

San Diego County

San Diego

5 Dead, Including 2 Teen Suspects, In San Diego...

"This is a city and a community's absolute worst nightmare," the police chief said.

5 Dead, Including 2 Teen Suspects, In San Diego Mosque Shooting

Crime & Safety

ATM Ambush Sparks Petaluma Manhunt In Minutes

Police track suspect across neighborhoods by helicopter after ATM confrontation at a Petaluma bank. 

Photos: 'Salute To American Graffiti' Car Shows...

This year marked the 50th anniversary since the movie partially filmed in Petaluma was released on the big screen.

Photos: 'Salute To American Graffiti' Car Shows Draws 550 Entries

The Family Who Hatched Petaluma's Annual Cutest...

It was 1984 when Steve Mahrt of Petaluma Farms held the first Cutest Little Chick In Town Contest, his son Jonathan Mahrt, 33, tells us.

The Family Who Hatched Petaluma's Annual Cutest Little Chick Contest

Photos: 15th Annual Petaluma Music Festival 

The annual event has brought in more than $400,000 for music programs at Petaluma public schools.

Emily Rahhal 

9 Sonoma Restaurants On 2022 Wine Spectator List

A glass of wine is nice with dinner but these Sonoma restaurants go above and beyond with their extensive lists and service. 

Restaurants & Bars

Photos: Cutest Little Chicks Flock To Butter &...

This year's theme, "Community–The Heart of Petaluma," celebrated the opportunity for Petalumans to gather after a two-year hiatus.

Nearby Communities

State Edition

National Edition