STRENGTHENINGREGIONALPARTNERSHIPS: ROHNERTPARK,COTATI,ANDSONOMA STATEUNIVERSITYSIGNMOU
On April 21, the City of Rohnert Park joined the City of Cotati and Sonoma State University in officially signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)—a major step forward in strengthening collaboration across our region.
This agreement formalizes years of work between the cities and the university and lays the foundation for future partnerships focused on economic development, education, research, sustainability, and community wellbeing.
“This has been in the works for a long time,” shared Rohnert Park Mayor Gerard Giudice. “It validates things that we’d already been putting into practice. But now we’re putting pen to paper—and we’re all going to flourish because of it ”
The MOU outlines six shared areas of focus:
Economic Development
Research
Culture and Heritage
Place-making
Education and Skills
Public Relations
Cotati Mayor Ben Ford noted the significance of the agreement, saying, “This represents a really important shift Cotati and Rohnert Park are cooperating more closely and more respectfully than has been true in at least the last 20 years.”
Sonoma State University Interim President Emily Cutrer also shared her excitement about the partnership’s future, stating, “We’re using this opportunity as a way to really kick off a Sonoma State that is deeply embedded in its region and deeply embedded in its communities. We see the communities as people, as neighbors that we serve and partner with.”
At its heart, this agreement is about placebased progress making decisions and building initiatives that meet the real needs of the people who live, work, and learn here. It’s about combining our strengths to create stronger, more connected communities for everyone.
We’re proud of what we’ve built together so far and even more excited about what’s ahead.
Directed by Sheri Lee Miller and James Pelican, Company stars Andrew Smith as Bobby, and features a talented ensemble including Evvy Carlstrom, Jeff Cote, Bethany Cox, Alex Delzell, Malcolm March, Allie Norby, Sean O'Brien, Katie Rain, Shannon Rider, Maddi Scarbrough, Maeve Katherine Smith, Tina Traboulsi, and Noah Vondralee-Sternhill With music direction by Lucas Sherman and choreography by Karen Miles, Company promises to be an exuberant celebration of song and storytelling
Fresh off their win for Best Production in the North Bay (San Francisco Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle) Spreckels Theatre Company brings its signature vision and creativity to this Sondheim classic, ensuring a production that is hilarious, heartwarming, and deeply engaging. Company is a must-see for longtime Sondheim fans and newcomers alike
IN A NUTSHELL
What: Company
When: May 2 - 18, 2025
Friday & Saturday at 7:30PM & Sunday Matinees at 2:00PM
Where: The Codding Theater Spreckels Performing Arts Center, 5409 Snyder Lane, Rohnert Park
Prices: $16 - $42
Box Office: 707.588.3400. Hours: Wed.–Sat., noon to 5 p.m., and one hour before the show
Online: www.spreckelsonline.com
Spreckels Performing Arts Center is a cultural gem strategically located on the Green Music Center/Sonoma State corridor of Rohnert Park Expressway in Rohnert Park. Now in its twenty-second year, the Performing Arts Center continues to present award-winning theatre, music and dance. Over 20,000 people a year come through its doors from all over the bay area, making Spreckels not just a locally attended venue but a facility that entertains the entire region.
CITYOFROHNERTPARKHONORS
FORMERSENATORBILLDODDFOR ALEGACYOFSERVICE
During a heartfelt presentation at the April 8th City Council meeting, the Rohnert Park City Council recognized former Senator Bill Dodd with a formal proclamation celebrating his decades of service to both the State of California and the local community.
d Giudice and the Rohnert uncil formally recognized or Bill Dodd for his 25 c service and a decade of pport to the Rohnert Park
esentation, Mayor Giudice ’s legacy of service, and effective leadership nia.
his career from Napa rvisor to the State d Senate Dodd Rohnert Park’s forwardership, particularly in public safety. “You don’t edit for the things you do,” ghting the City's rk and calling Rohnert y.”
bers shared their or the Senator’s ss and consistent ting the lasting impact of he region. Over his career, d 114 bills that were w, shaping policy at both e levels.
nto retirement, the City of extends its heartfelt partnership and full presentation, visit our ube channel.
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.
GOT E-WASTE?
Zero Waste Sonoma partners with Conservation Corps North Bay to host free collection events for e-waste. Bring your e-waste and join us at the next event! Appointments are not required.
For more information, including what is, and is not accepted at the collection events, please click here.
DownloadtheReach RohnertParkApp!
Are you a GoRequest user? Then it’s time to upgrade to Reach Rohnert Park!
Download it in your phone’s app store and let us know what we can fix.
If you need to report any non-emergency issue around the city, do so in our newest app: Reach Rohnert Park! You can also report issues directly on the City’s website: REPORT ISSUES HERE
FLOODEDSTREETS
STREETLIGHT PROBLEMS ABANDONED CARTS GRAFFITI
EXCITINGNEWSFROMTHESENIOR CITIZENSADVISORYCOMMISSION!
Please join us in welcoming Alice Kibwaa and Debby M Mentz (back for second round of service!) and Ellen Giunchigliani, our newest addition to the Rohnert Park Senior Citizens Advisory Commission!
Officially sworn in by the City Clerk at the Commission’s first meeting of the year on April 17, 2025, these incredible community leaders will serve through December 31, 2028.
The Senior Citizens Advisory Commission is the voice of Rohnert Park’s older adults, advising the City Council and City Manager on programs, policies, and priorities that affect seniors throughout the community.
The Commission meets on the Third Thursday of January, April, July and October, at 12:30 p.m. at the Senior Center Click here to learn more about the City’s Senior Citizens Advisory Commission.
We’re here to help! Email cityclerk@rpcity.org or call 707-5882227 if you have questions. If you prefer, swing by the City Clerk’s Office at 130 Avram Avenue, Rohnert Park, CA 94928, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Residents of Rohnert Park are welcome to apply at: https://www.rpcity.org/city hall/com missions committees boards
WELCOMEBRYANRENGELTOTHEBICYCLEAND PEDESTRIANADVISORYCOMMITTEE!
We are pleased to announce that Bryan Rengel was officially sworn in by the City Clerk on April 28, 2025, as a member of Rohnert Park’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) His term will extend through December 31, 2028.
The BPAC serves as an advisory body to the City Council and City staff, focusing on the implementation of Rohnert Park’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan.
Regular BPAC meetings are held on the fourth Monday of each month at 5:30 PM in the City Council Chambers at Rohnert Park City Hall (except holidays).
For more information about the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee, including meeting agendas and minutes, please visit the City's official BPAC webpage by clicking here
We’re here to help! Email cityclerk@rpcity.org or call 707-5882227 if you have questions. If you prefer, swing by the City Clerk’s Office at 130 Avram Avenue, Rohnert Park, CA 94928, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Want to make a difference in your community? Residents of Rohnert Park are welcome to apply at https://www.rpcity.org/city hall/comm issions committees boards
ANEWCHAPTER BEGINSATTHE FORMERBEST WESTERNSITE
A proposed affordable housing project is in the works at 6500 Redwood Drive in Rohnert Park—right where the old Best Western stood This new development will provide 71 much-needed apartment homes, primarily one-bedroom units, with a focus on serving seniors and veterans who have experienced or are at risk of homelessness.
Led by Burbank Housing, the project includes:
70 units of permanent supportive housing
1 on-site manager unit
The City of Rohnert Park is proud to support this initiative and recently submitted a funding application to help bring this project to life.
We’re excited about the potential to create more safe, stable housing for those who need it most.
Want to stay informed or get involved? Contact Burbank Housing Development at rwallach@burbankhousing.org or (707) 526-9782.
MAKEA DIFFERENCE INROHNERT PARK!
Make a difference in Rohnert Park by serving on a City advisory body! Advisory bodies encourage public involvement in creating a thriving, family-friendly community. Whether you're passionate about city planning, advocating for seniors, or supporting local parks, there's a place for you!
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.
The Building Appeals 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
The Golf Course Oversight Committee monitors the lease agreement between the Golf Course operator and the city to insure that maintenance standards established in the lease agreement are met. The Committee meets on the third Tuesday of each quarter, January, April, July, and October at 5:00 p.m. at Foxtail Golf Course
Get involved now and apply through the city’s website. For more information, email cityclerk@rpcity.org or call 707-588-2227.
PETSOFTHE
MONTH:MEET YOURNEW BESTFRIEND!
Theseadorableadopteesare lookingforlove,bellyrubs,and secondchances.
Brew is a 1- to 2-year-old Black Mouth Cur who's been perfectly fermented with sweetness and charm—now he's just waiting to be poured into the right home! This handsome guy is always up for a good romp on the hops with a playful dog buddy or an active family who can keep up with his spirited style
Whether he's lager-ing around with his canine crew or enjoying some enrichment activities, Brew knows how to keep life bubbly. He's a great fit for adults or sturdy kids, though we're still brewing up info on how he feels about cats. If you're looking to add some craft and loyalty to your life, Brew might just be your pint-sized soulmate
Suspected to be brothers and estimated to be around 2 years old, Nash and Crosby are a bonded pair of gentle souls looking for their forever home. These handsome boys may be a little shy at first, but give them a chance to warm up, and you'll see just how affectionate and sweet they truly are.
BUDGETWORKSHOPS
On April 15 and 16, the City of Rohnert Park hosted public study sessions to review and discuss the proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2025/26. These sessions provided an overview of the City's financial outlook, upcoming priorities, and strategies for addressing a projected $5.2 million General Fund deficit.
Key discussions focused on rising costs, such as state-mandated retirement obligations, deferred infrastructure maintenance, and the need to maintain core services. Staff highlighted major upcoming investments, including street repairs, public building upgrades, and new water and sewer projects to meet regulatory requirements.
To help close the budget gap, the City is proposing a mix of hiring freezes, project adjustments, and the responsible use of Casino Supplemental Funds.
Rohnert Park remains committed to maintaining public safety, investing in infrastructure, and supporting community services.
City leaders are focused on meeting today’s challenges while planning for a sustainable future—keeping Rohnert Park safe, well-maintained, and welcoming.
To watch the full presentations, visit the City’s YouTube channel here.
ROHNERTPARKRECAP: PHOTODUMPEDITION
From powerful moments to spontaneous smiles and community connections we’re sharing some of our favorite snapshots from the past few weeks.
Whether it's signing important partnerships, honoring leaders, welcoming new services, or celebrating team wins, these photos capture the heart of what makes Rohnert Park The Friendly City.
Thanks to everyone who helps make this community vibrant, hardworking, and full of heart
HOMETOWNHEROESCELEBRATED DURINGMUNICIPALCLERKSWEEK2025
Whether it’s a handwritten note, a treat, or just a thank you in the hallway, take a moment to celebrate Sylvia, Elizabeth, and Karen for everything they do behind the scenes to keep democracy humming and transparency shining.
Did you know that the role of municipal clerk is one of the oldest in government history? Records show early clerks served in ancient Sumeria over 5,000 years ago. In the United States, one of the first town clerks was appointed in Boston in 1634 Proof that this profession has serious staying power!
Municipal clerks are often the unsung heroes of local government. Their work ensures public meetings happen smoothly, records are preserved accurately, elections run fairly, and residents can participate in the decision making process.
At the April 22, 2025 Council Meeting, Mayor Gerard Giudice was proud to officially proclaim May 5-11 as Municipal Clerks Week.
This is a much deserved shoutout to our incredible City Clerk’s Office, the dream team that keeps our Friendly City organized and transparent.
Meet the Magic Makers Behind the Scenes. Picture from left to right:
Elizabeth Machado, Assistant City Clerk: Records management and research powerhouse, making public info accessible and precise
Karen Mack, City Clerk Office Assistant: Friendly face of the office, grace under pressure, and our official sunshine distributor!
Sylvia Lopez Cuevas, City Clerk and Elections Official: Agenda guru, policy pro, and meeting maestro.
RohnertPark RestaurantsSizzle DuringSonomaCounty RestaurantWeek!
Get ready to CHEER, Rohnert Park! Our local culinary scene absolutely SHINED during the recent Sonoma County Restaurant Week, and we caught up with three of our amazing participants to hear all about their fantastic experiences. Guess what? They're already counting down the days until next year!
We had the pleasure of chatting with the wonderful folks at Fresh Fuji, Sam's Mediterranean Deli and Catering, and the vibrant Turmeric Cuisine, and the resounding message was one of pure joy and excitement. It's clear that their first taste of Sonoma County Restaurant Week was a resounding success!
Mama Kiki from Fresh Fuji was beaming as she recounted the joy of sharing her delectable Japanese and Chinese dishes with both the familiar smiles of her local Rohnert Park family and the welcoming faces of new diners from across Sonoma County. She truly appreciated the spotlight the event shone on our incredible local restaurants, saying it was a fantastic initiative by the County
Then there's the ever-enthusiastic Mahesh from Turmeric Cuisine, who playfully referred to the rest of Sonoma County as "customers he hasn't met yet" – how brilliant is that?! He was thrilled to introduce the intricate and fragrant world of Indian spices to both our local community and visitors from the wider County. What's even better? Mahesh loved being able to cater to everyone with his delicious glutenfree and vegan options. Talk about inclusivity!
Sam from Sam's Mediterranean Deli wholeheartedly agreed, highlighting that one of the best parts of the week was welcoming brand new customers and introducing them to the complex and satisfying flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine Of course, seeing his beloved regulars was a treat too! Sam is a big fan of events that bring attention to our local gems and believes that showcasing the uniqueness and deliciousness of our county through such initiatives is invaluable. In fact, he's already brainstorming some fresh, new Mediterranean flavors to wow us with next year!
All in all, Sonoma County Restaurant Week was a resounding triumph for our Rohnert Park eateries! A massive thank you to all you fantastic, hungry diners who came out in droves, supporting our local businesses and making this event such a delicious success for both Rohnert Park and the entire County! We can't wait for next year – the flavors are just getting started!
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.
Want to be featured in the Rohnert Park Business Spotlight?
You can now schedule a time to chat directly with our Economic Development team!
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
I HEART ROHNERT PARK BE KIND, UNWIND NATIONAL RANDOM ACTS OF KINDESS WEEK
SENIOR PROM
FEB APR APR 05
VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION DINNER
ROHNERT PARK COMMUNITY CENTER 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
BARK IN THE PARK
ROHNERT PARK COMMUNITY CENTER COMPLEX 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
MAY 26
MEMORIAL DAY EVENT
ROHNERT PARK COMMUNITY CENTER 10:00 AM
ROHNERT PARK SENIOR CENTER | AGES 55+ 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM 27 MAY 03 JUN 19
JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION
ROHNERT PARK COMMUNITY CENTER 11:00 AM
PARTY ON THE PLAZA
- AUG DEC JUL OCT OCT NOV 06 04 24 25 11 09-15 2025 CIVIC CENTER PLAZA | FRIDAYS 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
RP JUBILEE
ROHNERT PARK COMMUNITY CENTER COMPLEX 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
THE HAUNT: BREW & SCARE FEST
ROHNERT PARK COMMUNITY CENTER COMPLEX 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
HALLOWEEN CARNIVAL
VETERAN’S DAY EVENT
& DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS 28-29
ROHNERT PARK COMMUNITY CENTER COMPLEX 11:00 AM NOV
HOLIDAY ARTS & CRAFTS FAIRE
ROHNERT PARK COMMUNITY CENTER 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
HOLIDAY LIGHTS + REC T H E HALLS
ROHNERT PARK COMMUNITY CENTER COMPLEX 5:00 PM - 7:30 PM
ROHNERT PARK COMMUNITY CENTER COMPLEX 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM &
