City Manager's Update | August 11, 2023

CITY MANAGER'S UPDATE

The long-awaited public access improvements for Fitch Mountain Park and Open Space Preserve are underway!

With construction activities that include the use of heavy equipment and hauling of materials, we are required to close all trail access from the Villa Chanticleer lower and upper parking lots, along with trail access from North Fitch Mountain Road.

The main trail and all connection trails will be inaccessible during construction. To ensure your safety, please do not proceed past the closure signage and do not cross construction fencing.

During Fitch Mountain’s construction activities try walking or hiking at the 155-acre Healdsburg Ridge Open Space Preserve located off Parkland Farms Boulevard and Arabian Way Keep an eye out for the fascinating wildlife, including an otter residing in Fox Pond.

For more information on the Fitch Mountain Public Access Improvement Project, visit healdsburg.gov/fitchmountain.

Thank you for your understanding!

RETAIL CANNABIS applications currently under review

The Healdsburg City Council has authorized up to two retail cannabis businesses to operate within the City of Healdsburg, and has adopted a competitive process to select the two businesses that will receive permits.

The application period closed on Sunday, July 30, and the City is currently reviewing the eight applications that were received.

For a listing of the applicants, their proposed locations, and the timeline for selection, click here.

To stay informed on the cannabis process, please subscribe to receive cannabis information via email by visiting healdsburg gov/subscribe, scroll down to the "News Flash" section, and select "cannabis."

Questions?

Questions can be directed to cannabis@healdsburg.gov.

CITYOFHEALDSBURG ADOPTSSAFE STORAGEOF FIREARMS ORDINANCE

On Monday, August 7, 2023, the Healdsburg City Council unanimously adopted an ordinance requiring the safe storage of firearms in Healdsburg

This new ordinance calls for all firearms within city limits to be stored in a locked container or secured with a locking device. This ordinance also requires any person who owns or possesses firearms to report a missing firearm to the Healdsburg Police Department within 48 hours of the time they suspected or knew their firearm is missing if the person is a resident of Healdsburg or the firearm went missing in Healdsburg.

"Requiring safe firearm storage is intended to decrease the risk of harm to children and the entire community from unauthorized access to firearms,” said Healdsburg Chief of Police Matt Jenkins

This ordinance fills a gap in existing law and aims to reduce accidental gun shootings, gun-related homicides and suicides and the theft of unsecured firearms.

The Healdsburg Police Department recently partnered with Project ChildSafe to provide free gun locks to the community. The free gun locks are available to Healdsburg residents in the Police Department lobby. The City of Healdsburg also plans to pair this new ordinance with community outreach and education efforts to ensure that residents are aware of the new regulations as well as best practices for preventing gun-related tragedies.

To learn more about this new ordinance, please visit healdsburg gov

HEALDSBURG'S BUSINESSLICENSES ARENOWONLINE!

On Thursday, June 1 the City of Healdsburg launched its new, online business license portal

The online portal streamlines the application process and allows businesses the ability to:

Apply and renew entirely online Track their progress in real-time Complete a secure, online payment Receive their license electronically immediately upon completion

The previous business license application and renewal processes required businesses to manually complete paper forms and return them via mail and/or in person to City Hall.

If you have not renewed your City of Healdsburg business license that expired on June 30, 2023, be sure to do so before September 1, 2023, to avoid late fees.

To learn more about the new process, and to apply online, visit healdsburg.gov/businesslicense.

MITIGATION PLAN LOCAL HAZARD

Did you know that having a local hazard mitigation plan (LHMP) can help reduce the impact of natural disasters on our community?

The City of Healdsburg is vulnerable to: droughts wildfires flooding landslides earthquakes

An LHMP identifies risks and vulnerabilities that area-specific natural disasters pose, serves as a long-term strategy for reducing identified risks and associated impacts to people and property, and provides a framework for future requests for Federal assistance.

The City of Healdsburg has published the 2023 LHMP Public Review Draft as part of the five-year LHMP update process. The 2023 LHMP update process will work to reassess risks outlined in the 2018 Local Hazard Mitigation Plan and provide the City with the necessary tools to prioritize future actions for reducing those risks.

Scan the code or visit healdsburgemergency.org to read the draft Plan and provide feedback before Friday, September 1.

healdsburgemergency.org

DOLLAR DAYS SWIM PROGRAM!

affordable ways to cool off

June 10 to August 13 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Looking for an affordable way to cool off this summer?

Check out the City of Healdsburg Community Services Department's new Dollar Days Swim Program!

Every weekend from June 10 to August 13 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., families can enjoy admission to the Swim Center for just $1 per person, with a maximum of $5 per family.

That means additional family members can swim for free!

It's the perfect way to beat the heat and have some fun with the whole family, without breaking the bank.

Don't miss out on this amazing deal –mark your calendars for Dollar Days Swim Program!

For more information, click here.

SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARK

Experience the magic of performing arts in West Plaza Park!

The Raven Performing Arts Theater and the Raven Players have joined forces with the City of Healdsburg Community Services Department to bring you nine captivating live performances this summer - and the best part is, they're all free of charge!

This year's centerpiece is "The Comedy of Errors," one of the Bard's most uproarious plays Get ready for a wild ride filled with two sets of twins, mistaken identities, and hilarious misunderstandings!

The story unfolds as Antipholus and Dromio (of Syracuse) unknowingly find themselves in the hometown of their long-lost twins, sparking a series of comedic events.

But that's not all - the Raven Players have added a contemporary twist by setting the production in modern-day New Orleans during the vibrant Mardi Gras celebration, promising an extra level of excitement and fun!

The final shows will be held August 11 and 12 at 7:30 p.m.

Gather your friends and family, bring your picnic blankets, and immerse yourself in this delightful theatrical experience.

For more information, click here.

SUMMER MOVIE SERIES

indiana jones + the last crusade

Experience the magic of cinema under the stars at our latest outdoor movie event in the Healdsburg Plaza!

Presented by the Healdsburg Community Services and AVFilm, join us for an enchanting evening of free, family-friendly entertainment right in the heart of Healdsburg.

Gather your loved ones, spread out your blankets, and settle in for a captivating movie night As the sun sets, the outdoor screen comes to life, showcasing the thrilling adventure of "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade" (1989)

Embrace the nostalgia and excitement of this classic film as you relax in the cozy atmosphere created by your own chairs and blankets.

Arrive early on Friday, August 18 before the 7:15 p.m. showtime to claim your spot. No tickets required.

CURRENT EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Interested in joining the Healdsburg team?

Act quickly – the deadline to apply is around the corner!

Full-Time:

Police Officer (Entry-Level/Lateral)

Police Officer Recruit Senior Civil Engineer

Part-Time:

Senior Center Recreation Leader I-III

H E A L D S B U R G . G O V / J O B S

HEAT PUMP INCENTIVES

There is no better time to convert to an HVAC Heat Pump. There are a variety of incentives available to you, Healdsburg rebates, statewide rebates and also federal tax credits.

Here in Healdsburg, we offer $1,500 per unit ($2,000 per unit if existing natural gas heater is removed).

TECH Clean California is offering a Statewide Heat Pump Incentive of $1,000 per unit in single family homes

For the 30% Federal tax credit up to $2,000, we recommend you use the IRA Calculator at RewiringAmerica.org. Also consult your tax professional to see what programs you qualify for!