Features

Alarming number of rapes 

SANTA ROSA — The number of reported rapes is on the rise in Santa Rosa, in line to be the highest level in the past nine years, police and social workers say. 

Most of the crimes involve people who know each other. Only two of the 72 reported rapes involved strangers. 

“The common perception is rapists are strangers, and that rapes occur in dark alleys in the middle of the night,” Santa Rosa Police Cmdr. Scott Swanson said. “The reality is the assailant is probably known and known quite well and trusted by the victim.” 

Petaluma fire injures one 

PETALUMA — A firefighter was injured and four businesses were damaged in a three-alarm blaze in downtown Petaluma’s shopping district early Monday. 

The blaze started about 10 a.m. in the attic of the Kentucky Street building that houses the Buona Sera restaurant, two antique stores and a barber shop, according to Michael Ginn, Petaluma fire marshal. The cause was under investigation, Ginn said.