Democratic Rep. Jared Huffman takes his seat Thursday in the 113th Congress, facing big issues — budget cutbacks, the national debt limit and gun control — with a remarkably diverse freshman class and, he believes, a will to get things done.

As Santa Rosa native Scott Bartley settles in as mayor, he’s hopeful the Santa Rosa City Council can work together to strengthen the economy, get projects back on track.

A project that would clear up to 146 acres of forest for vineyards in northwest Sonoma County is nearing state approval. The controversial proposal, put forward by Napa-based Artesa Vineyards has been on the drawing board for more than a decade.