ONTHECOVER
September 1 was Building and Code Staff Appreciation Day!
Our Building Division and Code Compliance Teams are focused on ensuring Public Health and Safety standards are maintained throughout the City.
Read through to learn more!
The Friendly City SPOTLIGHT
CITYWIDE PAVEMENT MAINTENANCE
Beginning July 1, the Preventative Maintenance (slurry seal) Project started across 162 streets within the City of Rohnert Park
Preventative maintenance improves roadway pavement conditions and longevity. Work includes street cleaning, removal, and replacement of striping, crack sealing and slurry seal of the affected roadways. The majority of crackseal and slurry seal work has now been completed, however there may be localized áreas of clean-up work The contractor is now replacing the striping over the slurry-sealed roads. During striping placement, the roadways will remain open but may have momentary closures. Work is expected to be completed by the middle of September
Details about the project, including the most current schedule, are available here.
Questions?
Contact Jason Sampietro, Associate Engineer, in our Public Works Department at (707) 5882235 or jsampietro@rpcity.org.
You are invited to the Rohnert ParkCotati Housing Fair!
The Cities of Rohnert Park and Cotati, in partnership with the Rohnert Park-Cotati Regional Library, are hosting a housing fair on Saturday, September 14, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Rohnert Park - Cotati Regional Library (6250 Lynne Conde Way, Rohnert Park).
The fair will include:
The Yuca Mami food truck, and tacos from Los Gallos Taqueria
Tenant/landlord rights workshop at 11:00 a.m., led by Legal Aid of Sonoma County and Fair Housing Advocates of Northern California Fun activities for kids and families
Resources from community-based organizations and affordable housing providers including: Burbank Housing
Petaluma People Services Center (PPSC)
SHARE Sonoma County
Generation Housing
The ADU Center
Sonoma County Community
Development Commission (CDC)
Sonoma County Housing Authority (SCHA)
Sonoma County Human Services
Employment + Training Division
4Cs Sonoma County
Family Justice Center of Sonoma County
Los Cien
SPRECKELS PERFORMING ARTSCENTER 2024-25
SEASON
Spreckels is delighted to announce our 2024/25 Season! Our entertaining and inspiring selection of plays ensures there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this exciting season. We look forward to seeing you at the shows!
For tickets and more information, click here.
The season begins with You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown (revised) from August 30 to September 15, 2024. The beloved Peanuts characters spring to life in a charming and tuneful musical that celebrates the simple joys of being yourself.
Next, we celebrate the legendary music and life of Carole King in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, running from September 27 to October 13, 2024 This Broadway hit offers dozens of Carole King's hit songs while sharing her journey from teenaged wunderkind to superstar.
Step back in time with It's A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play, running from November 22 to December 15, 2024. This delightful adaptation of the beloved holiday classic is presented in the style of a 1940s radio broadcast.
In a special, one-weekend-only holiday event from December 13 to 15, 2024, we offer the inspiring true story of camaraderie, music, and peace in All Is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914. (This is a special event, and not included in the subscription series )
The new year begins with Mary Shelley's Body, from January 24 to February 2, 2025. This one-woman show featuring Spreckels Artistic Director, Sheri Lee Miller, imagines the deceased writer of "Frankenstein" telling the story of her life, loves, and the terrifying secret she took to her grave. An exciting mix of fact and fiction
In March, we offer the sensitive and riveting drama Morning Sun by Simon Stephens, running from March 14 to 30, 2025. Set in Greenwich Village a generation or so ago, this piece reveals one woman’s life, from birth to death, highlighting the inherent interest and worthiness of every life story.
We close the season with the classic Sondheim musical, Company, running from May 2 to 18, 2025. We join Bobby as he navigates love, friendship, and self-discovery in this musical-comedy filled with Stephen Sondheim's sensational score and razor-sharp wit.
Our STEP (Spreckels Theatre Education Program) Productions also bring familyfriendly fun with Disney’s Frozen Jr. from February 14 to 23, 2025. Our STEP musical theatre camps are designed to inspire and entertain, offering a special opportunity for young performers to build skills, make friends, and discover new talents!
LOCAL HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN UPDATE
The city is beginning an update of its Local Hazard Mitigation Plan!
This plan helps protect public safety, reduce harm to existing and future development, and prevent damage to economic, cultural, and environmental assets. Having an approved plan will also ensure that Rohnert Park can be reimbursed for expenses by FEMA in the event of a natural disaster.
R E C Y C L E Z O N E
It’s easy to recycle in the Friendly City thanks to our local Recycle Zone site, the city's premier CRV (California Redemption Value) redemption center.
Open to serve you every Wednesday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Recycle Zone is more than just a recycling center. It's a community resource dedicated to sustainability and environmental responsibility.
Recycle Zone is a collaboration among CalRecycle, Zero Waste Sonoma and United Cerebral Palsy. Proudly supported by the City of Rohnert Park, CalRecycle, Zero Waste Sonoma and United Cerebral Palsy of the North Bay, Recycle Zone embodies our city's commitment to sustainability and community partnership
When you recycle with Recycle Zone, you can:
Reduce landfill waste and conserve valuable resources
Receive guidance through the recycling process from Recycle Zone’s knowledgeable staff
Turn recyclables such as aluminum cans, glass and plastic bottles and more into cash through convenient CRV Redemption.
To ensure a smooth experience, please check that containers are clean and properly labeled Please separate refundable from nonrefundable materials. Refunds are not issued for contaminated items.
Learn how easy it is to recycle when you visit Recycle Zone (6591 Commerce Blvd.).
Together, let's build a cleaner, greener future for the City of Rohnert Park.
“GOREQUEST” SMARTPHONEAPP
The City of Rohnert Park offers an easy way to sub it t b t ffiti l d i stor mor Sca here sma Play Pref Visit Issu Report concerns from wherever you are! GoR duri If yo plea
AREYOUREGISTEREDTOVOTE?
National Voter Registration Day is everyday in Rohnert Park!
According to election data, one in four Americans are not registered to vote or do not know if they are registered to vote.
Celebrate National Voter Registration Day on September 17 and get Vote Ready in time for Election Day this November 5, 2024.
Voter Registration Forms are available at the Rohnert Park City Clerk's Office, Sonoma County Registrar of Voters, local libraries, Department of Motor Vehicles Offices, and U.S. Post Offices.
Not sure if you’re registered to vote or need to register to vote? Click here to check your voter registration status or register. Remember, you must reregister if you moved, changed your name or political affiliation
To get Vote Ready: Register to vote 1. Make a plan to vote 2 Know what’s on the ballot 3. Locate poll places or Vote by Mail 4. Make sure your voice is heard! 5. For more election information click here.
2024CITY ELECTION UPDATE
Voters in District 1, 3, and 4 nominated their current incumbents as candidates for the November 5, 2024 Election Since the current incumbents are the only qualified candidates and are running unopposed, the City Council met on August 20, 2024 and voted to cancel the municipal election scheduled November 5, 2024 to elected members of District 1, 3 and 4. At that time, the current incumbents were appointed to being a new term of four years, to expire December 2028
Rohnert Park voters will still receive a ballot for the presidential race, state and county measures and any other offices Rohnert Park voters are eligible to vote at this election; however, the ballot will not include the City Councilmembers.
To see the Council meeting discussions and read the staff report regarding the election cancelation please click here.
Qualified Nominees and Appointed Councilmembers:
District 1: Samantha Rodriguez
District 3: Gerard Giudice
District 4: Jackie Elward
If you want to learn more about the Council, please visit this page.
BEONESTEPAHEADOFDISASTER: NATIONALPREPAREDNESSMONTH
The Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety (RPDPS) is the City’s primary source for emergency services. During earthquakes, floods, fires and power outages, RPDPS works as a team to lead community support services RPDPS also helps prepare the community for emergencies at home.
Here are a few safety tips to keep yourself and your loved ones one step ahead of an emergency or disaster:
Create an emergency plan to prepare for any natural disaster with tools from Ready.gov, a national, multi-language resource for emergency preparedness. Keep essential items stocked at home and for on-the-go These supplies should support your family for up to a week. The non-profit Emergency Prep Help offers “go bags” to seniors, as well as free safety workshops. Think ahead about heat and cooling resources needed during power outages.
Stay connected to critical alerts from Nixle and Socoemergency RPDPS utilizes Facebook, Instagram and Nixle for shelter in place and evacuation orders. Find your neighborhood evacuation zone by visiting Socoemergency’s “Know Your Zone” interactive map. Collaborate with your neighborhood. Create a network among your neighbors and exchange contact information. Take note of anyone in your area that may need extra help due to age, disability or special circumstances
Teamwork is super important during emergencies. We appreciate the community’s commitment to our “Friendly City” mission through your willingness to look out for one another.
Check out more safety resources online via Emergency Prep Help. Ready.gov, and Rohnert Park’s emergency preparedness page.
ROHNERTPARKRECEIVES$670,000STATEGRANT TOBOOSTPROHOUSINGINITIATIVES
The City of Rohnert Park recently received financial support for its prohousing initiatives On August 1, the State awarded the city $670,000 to support predevelopment of affordable housing units in Downtown Rohnert Park. The city received these funds through a grant program called the Prohousing Incentive Program.
In 2023, Rohnert Park earned the State Prohousing Designation The state awards this special distinction to agencies with robust local prohousing policies that go beyond state law. Being a “prohousing jurisdiction” is helpful in receiving and qualifying for grant funding. The state has only granted this designation to 50 jurisdictions.
On August 27, the Rohnert Park City Council selected CenterCal Properties, Inc. to develop the 28-acre site near the Rohnert Park SMART station.
This development will include retail, a hotel and outdoor community space It will also include 300 to 500 new housing units, with 25 percent being affordable low-income households. In the coming months, city staff will finalize contracts with the CentralCal Properties, Inc and create a development timeline.
The city expects planning and predevelopment to begin in 2025.
MAKEA DIFFERENCE INROHNERT PARK!
Make a difference in Rohnert Park by filling a vacancy on a City advisory body! Advisory bodies encourage public involvement in creating a thriving, familyfriendly community.
Three seats are available on each of the advisory bodies below:
The Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee maintains the City’s Bicycle Master Plan, reviews bicycle transportation and safety matters and participates in countywide bike trail coordination efforts. The committee meets on the fourth Monday of the month at 5:30 p.m.
The Mobile Home Parks Rent Appeals Board prevents unreasonable rent increases for controlled mobile homes. The board meets on the first Thursday of the month at 6:00 p.m.
The Parks and Recreation Commission reviews policies and programs and makes recommendations to City Council and the recreation department. The commission meets on the first Monday of the month at 5:30 p.m.
The Planning Commission manages the General Plan, Zoning Ordinances and review of development applications. The commission meets on the second and fourth Thursday of the month at 6 p.m.
The Senior Citizens Advisory Commission identifies and brings awareness to our elderly community's needs Commissioners must be at least 60 years old. The commission meets on the third Thursday of January, April, July, and October at 12:30 p.m.
One seat is available on the Building Appeals Board. This board works with the building division to review and make decisions on matters related to Building Standards Codes and other regulations Meetings occur as needed.
Community input from advisory bodies ensures that our City is a safe, enjoyable place to live, work and play The application period closes on Nov. 15. Get involved now and apply through the city’s website.
For more information, email cityclerk@rpcity.org or call 707-5882227. You can also visit us at the City Clerk’s Office at 130 Avram Avenue, Rohnert Park, weekdays from 8 a m to 5 p.m.
JOINTHE COMMUNITY ROUNDTABLE
The Community Round Table (CRT) is a bridge between the City of Rohnert Park and our community.
The CRT facilitates conversations and strengthens relationships. It lets City leadership know about the community’s views and concerns on public safety matters. These conversations are the guiding focus of our law enforcement services
The Community Round Table is comprised of a diverse group of people who care about our community.
This includes those who live and work in Rohnert Park. Members of the Round Table meet every other month to discuss a range of topics related to policing and community engagement. Members also take part in community outreach, police events, ride-alongs, tours, and more.
We are currently accepting applications for the 2024 Community Round Table. If you are interested in contributing to the direction and focus of Rohnert Park’s public safety and working together to best serve our community, please apply! The application period will remain open until positions are filled.
Learn more and apply at rpcity org You may also apply in person at Rohnert Park Public Safety (500 City Center Drive).
Did you know that pet licenses are required for all dogs and cats in the City of Rohnert Park?
These licenses help keep our pets and community safe
To make this process easier, we’re thrilled to announce the launch of our new partnership with DocuPet!
You can now license or renew your pet's license: Online In-person Mail Phone
Visit rpanimalshelter.org/licensing to learn more
STRATEGIC PLANUPDATE
COMMUNITY WORKSHOP
Join Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART) for an in-person Community Workshop on Wednesday, September 25 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Petaluma Arts Center (230 Lakeville Street, Petaluma), to help shape SMART's Strategic Plan
This is an opportunity to share your thoughts and ideas on SMART’s priorities and objectives for the next five years. Review draft goals and strategies, and help craft a plan that reflects the needs of riders and the North Bay community
Click here to learn more and RSVP. You can also submit a comment form, here
JOIN OUR TEAM!
Looking to apply for a new position, or know someone interested in joining our team?
Check out our latest open positions! Click here to learn more or apply.
BUILDING INSPECTOR I/II
$78,038.16 - $104,702.64
Closes September 19, 2024 | 5:00 p.m.
$7,541.99 - $10,722.37 Monthly
ANIMAL SHELTER ASSISTANT (2) (PART-TIME)
$18.00 - $21.00 Hourly
$18.00 - $21.00 Hourly
$5,428 42 Monthly
NATIONAL POLICE WOMAN DAY
Thursday, September 12 is National Police Woman Day!
Join us in honoring and celebrating the eleven women who serve our community in our Department of Public Safety, and across America.
Thank you for your dedication in protecting and serving your communities
NATIONAL IT PROFESSIONALS DAY
National IT Professionals Day is celebrated the third Tuesday in September, and honors the Information Technology pros that we all rely on to keep us connected
Our Information Systems Team is responsible for maintaining and verifying availability of the City's business communications platforms, including phone, email, and internet/intranet.
The Information Systems Team handles:
Annual cybersecurity awareness training and best practices instructions to all city staff Information and network security systems maintenance
Regular desktop support and preventative maintenance for department workstations
Regular review and analysis of current information and security systems for reliability, efficacy, and value
Troubleshooting and administrative help for city-wide systems such as Tyler Technology ERP, the City Website, and GoGov/Reach Rohnert Park
Department specific systems including Trakit Building and Code Compliance, Perfect Minds Community Services platform, and support for the Sonoma County Public Safety Consortium
The Information Systems Team accomplished the following in the past year:
Implemented an enhanced network security and automated threat response system
Improved primary systems backup and disaster recovery solution
Upgraded the City's business call manager system and improved e911 location identification
Migrated city intranet to a cloudbased solution for added security and functionality
BUILDING+CODESTAFF APPRECIATIONDAY
This week we celebrated Building and Code Staff Appreciation Day!
Our Building Division and Code Compliance Teams are focused on ensuring Public Health and Safety standards are maintained throughout the City
The Building Division is responsible for Building Code Maintenance and Implementation and handle:
Building Permits
Building Inspections
Business license site inspections
Our Code Compliance Team is responsible for enforcing zoning, building and housing code and partner with other division as needed. This team handles:
Property Nuisance Complaints
Housing Inspections of BMR units
Business License compliance
Weed abatement
Shopping Cart compliance
Homelessness Outreach
Together the Building and Code team accomplished the following in the past year:
Processed 1,786 Building Permits
Conducted 8,102 Inspections
Processed 1708 Code Complaints
Closed 1636 Code Compliance Cases
Completed 24 Housing Inspections of BMR units
Brought 163 businesses into business license compliance
Initiated the Weed Abatement Program for the 2024 season
Continued the Shopping Cart Abatement Program
Thank you for all you do to keep our community a safe and enjoyable place to live, work, and play!
LOCAL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
707 FADE LOUNGE
In this episode of our Local Business Spotlight, we visit 707 Fade Lounge Barber Shop, which has been a member of the Rohnert Park family for several years. 707 Fade Lounge is owned and managed by Sara the Barber, who is an award-winning barber with over 12 years of experience. You might remember her as the previous owner of Barber’s Garage and Old Times Barbershop.
Services Offered. Step into 707 Fade Lounge and instantly feel at ease. Listen to some music, catch the game on TV, or have an ice-cold drink while you wait for your appointment Fade Lounge specializes in gentlemen’s haircuts and hot towel straight razor shaves. However, Fade Lounge also welcomes children and teens who are looking to get a fresh cut for the new school year. Their list of services are on their Booksy Appointment App, and include gentlemen’s haircuts, senior haircuts, taper fades, razor fades, and haircut and beard trims. If you fancy yourself a proper gentleman, then treat yourself to the “Lounge Deluxe”, a relaxing service that includes a haircut, shampoo, hot towel shave, eyebrow trim, black mask, facial cleanser & exfoliation and ends with a cold towel following a soothing facial massage.
The Barbers. 707 Fade Lounge has five experienced barbers to choose from. Sara not only owns the Fade Lounge, but she still produces award winning cuts.
John “JFK” does haircuts for all ages, fades, texturing cuts, razor shaves, and was recently crowned the “Fastest Fade” champion in 2023. Sal Perez is an apprentice barber finishing up his apprenticeship; if fresh and classic cuts are your style, then book an appointment with Sal. Johnny is a High School Coach for Santa Rosa High School who spends his weekends at 707 Fade Lounge cutting amazing designs for clients. José is known for taking his time with his cuts and expertly blending in even the shortest razor fades. Fade Lounge has an opening for a barber, so if there are any interested barbers looking for a great working environment, give 707 Fade Lounge a call!
Why Rohnert Park? Not only do the Fade Lounge barbers work in Rohnert Park, but they also live close by as well. Fade Lounge loves being a part of a great community a neighborhood and enjoys providing a service to those in their community. You can book an appointment through the Booksy App, or if you aren’t sure if Fade Lounge is right for you, try a walk-in appointment and experience the relaxed environment for yourself.
LOCAL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHTS
The Rohnert Park Business Spotlight is your and the City’s chance to give a special “thank you” to all those unique, fun, and community businesses that make Rohnert Park a great place to live, work, and eat!
We love to take the time to visit with our local business owners, write a little about their business in The Friendly City Spotlight, and feature their business on the City’s social media platforms.
Head on over to our new Rohnert Park Business Spotlight Form today and nominate your business. You can choose your best time to be contacted by our Economic Development team and what you would like to feature.
Maybe you have a business milestone coming up, are new to the Rohnert Park business family, or maybe you want to let everyone know something unique about your business
Whatever it is, we are looking forward to hearing from you!
#CONNECT
The City of Rohnert Park
Rohnert Park Police + Fire
Rohnert Park Community Services
Rohnert Park Animal Services
Spreckles Performing Arts Center
IN
MEET YOUR CITY COUNCIL
The Rohnert Park City Council is elected by the Rohnert Park voters to serve for four year terms There are five members of the Council, including a Mayor and a Vice Mayor.
The City Council adopts goals and policies during Council meetings to set the direction for the City. The Council approves and adopts the City's Financial Plans, General Plan and the Capital Improvement Plan
The City Council appoints the City Manager, the City Attorney, and members of City Commissions, Committees, and Boards.
To find your district, please click here and simply type in your address at the top-right search bar of the interactive map.
Council District 5
Phone: (707) 899-3085
sadams@rpcity.org
Council District 3
Phone: (707) 899-3087
ggiudice@rpcity.org
Council District 4
Phone: (707) 899-3086
jelward@rpcity.org
SAMANTHA RODRIGUEZ COUNCILMEMBER
Council District 1
Phone: (707) 899-3092
srodriguez@rpcity.org
Council District 2
Phone: (707) 899-3088
esanborn@rpcity.org
CITYCOUNCIL MEETINGS
The City of Rohnert Park welcomes your participation at City Council meetings at 5:00 p m , on the second and fourth Tuesdays of every month.
If you are interested in learning about issues going on in your own backyard, community events, and other hot topics, please feel free to watch on Cable Channel 26, YouTube, or by clicking here.
Come get involved!
Want to receive email notifications when agendas are posted? Subscribe here.
UPCOMING CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS
Tuesday, September 24, 2024 | 5:00 p.m.
Rohnert Park City Council Chambers
130 Avram Avenue, Rohnert Park
Tuesday, October 8, 2024 | 5:00 p.m.
Rohnert Park City Council Chambers
130 Avram Avenue, Rohnert Park
Sign-up for agenda posting notifications
Visit Meeting Central here to sign-up for email updates
Review Agenda Materials
Visit Meeting Central at here to view agenda materials for upcoming and past meetings
Attend the meeting in-person or watch live from home
Meeting Central YouTube Cable Channel 26
Provide Public Comment
Provide public comment in-person during the meeting or from home by emailing your comment to publiccomment@rpcity.org
