On December 30, 2025, significant legal and economic developments unfolded in Northern California, impacting wages and the judicial system. In Novato, the minimum wage is set to increase, while a state appeals court has denied an appeal in a high-profile molestation case from San Rafael.
Minimum Wage Increase in Novato
Beginning this Thursday, the minimum wage in Novato will rise for businesses operating within city limits. The new rates will vary depending on the size of the business. For establishments with up to 25 employees, the minimum wage will increase from $16.50 to $16.90. Businesses with 26 to 99 employees will see a rise from $17.00 to $17.46, while those with 100 or more employees will have their minimum wage adjusted from $17.26 to $17.73.
This wage increase is part of an ordinance implemented in 2019, which mandates annual adjustments to ensure workers receive fair compensation. The adjustments reflect ongoing efforts to enhance the quality of life for employees in the region.
Appeal Denied in San Rafael Molestation Case
In a separate legal matter, a state appeals court has denied an appeal from Santos Diego Velasquez-Gomez, who was convicted of molesting a teenage girl in San Rafael. Velasquez-Gomez, arrested in 2019, was found guilty by a Marin County jury on three counts of committing lewd acts against a victim aged 14 or 15. He was sentenced to three years and four months in prison.
His attorney had challenged the conviction in the 1st District Court of Appeals in San Francisco, arguing that some evidence presented at trial was improperly admitted. However, a three-judge panel upheld the original verdict in a ruling released on December 9, confirming the jury’s decision and subsequent sentencing.
Parole Denied for Bolinas Murderer
In another significant case, Alan Wayne Fredericksen, who was convicted of second-degree murder in 1983, has been denied parole for an additional three years. Fredericksen, now 62, was sentenced to 15 years to life for the brutal murder of 80-year-old Audrey Evans, whom he killed with a hammer before setting her body and home on fire.
Fredericksen was just 19 when he committed the crime, and since then, he has been incarcerated at California State Prison, Solano. His parole petitions have been repeatedly denied, with the latest rejection occurring on December 18.
These developments highlight ongoing issues of worker compensation and the judicial response to serious crimes in Northern California, reflecting both economic trends and the legal system’s commitment to addressing criminal behavior.
