Back to school we go... RP City Council remains divided over fireworks Cotati focuses on cannabis and discrimination Rohnert Park Foundation Small Grant Program Former Sebastopol Mayor arrested Rohnert Park City Council addresses Homelessness Criminal charges filed against PG&E related to the Kincade fire Mobile home fire displaces two in Rohnert Park Sixteen-year prison sentence for armed assault, robbery, burglary Ravitch’s statement regarding allegations related to Windsor mayor Cougars prevail in all time classic ‘Fog Bowl’ Former Sebastopol Mayor accused of sex with minor Healthy food given by NOAH Interception seals the deal Here We Go Again – Glass Fire Sonoma County Enters The Orange Tier 49er Pet store closes its doors Emotions were running high Outbuilding fire quickly extends to two residences Local man arrested on suspicion of sexual assault on minor Rohnert Park recognizes new Futsal Courts at Alicia Park Learning responsibility through ranching Fresh faces on the CRPUSD board December gets festive in Cotati Johnson picks up Las Lomas fumble Palace of Fruit will see better days Combining Art and Education Torch run faces challenges Rohnert Park Leadership transition Mayor supports remodel project Newsom’s vision “cradle to career” Promotions in the Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety Visit the Arts and Craft Faire in RP Rancho eliminates Benicia Updated list as of 9-14-20 Barbershops, hair and nail salons open in RP/Cotati Increasing wildfire risks to communities RP City Council meeting after November election Get away to the Mendocino Coast Cotati Council report Ceres Community Project serves millionth meal Bad air quality cancels sports Official election winners as projected by the VOICE  RP swears in new council member Homelessness spikes in RP FEMA grants Santa Rosa $1M to ensure effective evacuation routes Not in my backyard... 36 New Graduates from El Camino High School People helping people during COVID-19 There is no such a thing as ‘Safe and Sane’ fireworks. All fireworks are dangerous. Iconic trees- No more CRPUSD School Board report Meet the 2020 election candidates Cotati runs up against big government Salvation Army during the time of Covid-19 Child molester gets 756 years in prison CRPUSD-Special Board report School Reopening and Covid-19 Safety Plan Fun family Christmas events in Cotati Cougars’ season comes to a tearful sad conclusion Home delivery changes Another death in California and investigation into E-Cigarette use Annual holiday gift and toy drive Callinan receives RP mayor gavel Another astral performance Is COVID-19 affecting your ability to pay rent? RP City Council held special virtual meetings WillowGlen residents respond Flu season is approaching Local church defies governor Some relief during COVID-19 Following the military ways Five years later Unicorn update The Boring Room Sebastopol City Council resolution condemns anti-Asian American hate Dr. Dominguez and Hawkins named as director and co-director for Hanna Institute University Elementary School to host Maker World at SSU Animal Shelter League of RP receives grant Cotati Council reshuffles seats 73rd Miss Sonoma County competition held at Spreckels More high density in Rohnert Park Put down your phone April is distracted driving awareness month SSU Police make arrest in sexual assault case CRPUSD district’s good news in May Nomination period opens for March 3, 2020, primary election Orangeco settles case for price gouging Rohnert Park storm drains getting a whole new look Public hearings held for school district Dr. Mayra Perez new CRPUSD superintendent PG&E to conduct helicopter patrols in Sonoma County Friar Tucks takes a stand Class of 2020 – Drive through graduations Students learn hands-on with Habitat Garden Sunrise pickleball courts now open Poor air quality in Sonoma County Cooling off at Magnolia Park with ‘Wicked Slush’ 2020 election was on everyone’s mind Rotary sponsored Thanksgiving meal Know the facts, ignore the myths and rumors WSCUHSD Special Board report The Community Voice endorses candidates DA’s office awarded DUI Prosecution Grant Rohnert Park kid joins TCU El Camino graduates Rohnert Park Council says we don’t need another agency Rancho students excel in Poetry Out Loud  SC public safety heroes of the year Don’t drive with an open container Traffic concerns top RP survey SSU Equestrian looks to go national Brace yourself for mosquitos Straus Family Creamery moving to RP Station Avenue project An offer has been made and accepted on Rohnert Park’s corporate yard SMART to offer free rides... SOMO Village overrun by CHP party Worn American flags laid to rest Penngrove man receives life sentence School Board initiates election process change Reducing disposable bottle waste at Hahn Elementary The Community Voice announces a sincere Thank You Part III Life behind the closed door The silver lining among clouds Part III A visual art project for quarantining teens March the Friendly City in support of the Black Lives Matter Movement We make things Columnist Elias wins again for commentary Barbershops, hair and nail salons open in Rohnert Park and Cotati Vehicles, Covid and homelessness Grand Jury indicts So.Co. deputy sheriff Transgender Day of Remembrance - 2020 Unsheltered Friends Outreach Advising boaters to steer clear of whales Frightful, fun, free Halloween activities Cougars crush Ukiah Election projected winners November 6, 2018  Sonoma Clean Power offers no-cost energy upgrades Rancho advances to semifinals RP’s n­ew Director of Public Safety A stand-off with barricaded, suicidal woman ends safely in RP RP has a new director of public safety Mackenzie leaves SMART RP officers spent Sat. car chasing A shimmer of hope against the angry heavy sky SSU to host North Bay Women of Color conference Rancho’s TAG building, now a reality Mayors of So Co write angry letter Dodd’s college student food bill passes TAG building grand opening Rohnert Park caregiver arrested Sheriff’s canine apprehends convicted felon Latino Alliance promotes first festival Discussions on the care facility and apartments PG&E meteorologists forecasting a major winter storm Dark gloomy skies, rain, mud and Timberwolves could not stop CIF 3A NorCal Champions, Cougars AG Becerra reaches settlement alleging anticompetitive practices by Sutter Health Bella Creek, a new housing project How the County of Sonoma shares housing Astronaut Nicole Aunapu Mann talks to students The Community Voice flex operations schedule Schools plan for distance learning Notice to residents Economy first, health second Paying tribute to four excellent athlete graduates Cotati businesses Stimulus Package PVH nurses bring attention to unfair contract negotiations Kaiser to test an investigational vaccine RP City Council report RP City Council Rohnert Park remembers Jerry Bick Halloween Spirit at Evergreen Elementary 2020 Thanksgiving Sonoma County Military banner program still active NOAH strong despite demand RP Health Center doctor receives COVID-19 vaccine Expanding your horizons-workshops Public invited to give input on Downtown RP Site School board candidates voice opinions Woman stabbed on west side of RP LandPaths connects people to protected land Tech High Girl's Soccer Undefeated champions! AG Becerra issues consumer alert on price gouging in fire-affected communities Learn to docent at the SSU Fairfield Osborn Preserve RP Downtown project underway New signs point in the right direction Where are the ski lifts? Is Cotati being targeted? New alcohol fees for Rohnert Park Sonoma State president testifies for tax relief for disaster victims Fixing Cotati’s roads RP driver identified Burglary suspect found with firearms Special education funding complicated Students housing and voting Flu activity widespread CRPUSD announces next steps in new election process Separating with Reconciliation and Grace Sportsmanship, community, lifelong fitness We have prepared a helpful guide Soccer Stars program receives grant Aviso a las residentes The silver lining among clouds Part IV Stimulus Package for Cotati businesses The James Pitt Theater in RP School District – What now? Cotati police department, city officials and citizens work together to eradicate racism Dr. Perez presents her entry plan Biking, driving & construction A Parent’s Transition Journey More Affordable Housing Comes to Cotati Get all the info you need to vote from the Sonoma County Library Farmster Halloween Letters to Santa Redwood Empire Food Bank – A Philosophy of Philanthropy CRPUSD 2020 December report Christmas celebrations throughout the world Putting words into action A multijurisdictional law enforcement program State Farm property steams forward to Station Avenue Scrappers Steal Win RP Foundation issues grant Cotati allows second dispensary New residential building lands approved In Singapore Strait aboard a missile destroyer PG&E has a prediction model USCIS presents free training on how to apply for citizenship RP investigates new site for Corp. Yard Two arrested in RP motel for mail theft  Is Juuling the new norm? Cotati considers $15 min. wage Schools, facilities and bonds: Plans but no money No criminal charges filed against PG&E in northern Ca. wildfires  RP decides on west side Vintage race cars on Sonoma raceway track May CalFresh month celebration Keeping California history alive Cube satellite built by SSU students set to orbit the Earth  So. Co. DA Ravitch announces consumer protection settlement Helping homeowners with energy efficiency Redwood Credit Union celebrates 70 years of service The study session that was not initiated during board Part one: Life behind the closed door Tragedies can occur far too easily The silver lining among clouds Part II Testing capacity in California Fireworks in Rohnert Park Summer camps, meals and groceries for kids November 2020 council elections -Rohnert Park Another listening session in RP California taxpayers affected by wildfires granted extension A look back on Labor Day Donating blood is essential All Sorts of Sports comes to Rohnert Park Trunk or treat at La Plaza Park Cartas a Santa Parolee sentenced Sonoma County Climate Summit: Not just a global issue Sebastopol businesses host lockdown-friendly holiday celebration Sebastopol Project Homekey Rohnert Park Animal Shelter: Still here and open (No Drop-Ins) Sebastopol budget subcommittee meets with non-profit grant applicants Rancho Cotate Band fundraiser BBQ Jessica Holman: Thirty-five years of Rancho Spirit Titans crush Mustangs Station Avenue gets final approval Cotati Council reviews trash plan Baseball League receives donation from local motorcycle club Cotati Police Chief Parish swears in new officer Garber A Sunday afternoon with retired football players Injury collision closes Golf Course Dr. Giving Kids Smiles in Rohnert Park Neighborhood watch meeting scheduled New Executive Director at SSU DUI driver crashes into 7-1 RP man sentenced to prison 23 years for robbery Adolescent birth rate continues to decline November is Native American Heritage month... Thank you for an exciting season PG&E offers hundreds of college scholarships A 1905 up in the air A dinner of joy and contentment School Board approves an emergency resolution Part two Life behind the closed door Mandatory face coverings (mask) Buchanan celebrates during the COVID-19 Cotati-Rohnert Park Co-op Nursery School struggling to survive The failure to act, is an action Rohnert Park Ordinance 944 will not be reconsidered Richard (Rick) P. Stewart succumbs at age of 61 Rohnert Park breaks ground on new fire station Cotati Accordion festival going virtual for 2020 The next step after applying for disaster assistance Tech High Morrow and Brassfield receive scholarships Good-bye to Summer with Fall BBQ Budget Surplus for Cotati Hahn Elementary Hannah Stay at home order Sebastopol City Council fills Planning Commission seats Coming to RP – Mentor Me! Community resiliency survey results heard by Sebastopol council Give the phone a “break” New interim superintendent Krispy Kreme Doughnuts comes to Rohnert Park  Cougars blow past Gauchos  Rohnert Park honors its Veterans and Servicemen CHP reminds all of increased crimes Cougars beat Bulldogs More than 276,000 Dreamers have renewed DACA White receives Matt Walsh Memorial RP and Sunday festivities SSU fraternity banned for five years Name correction: Teen arrested for shooting at RP Grand Jury report on SoCo jail system Former Rancho student convicted A New Experience – Coffee with the Congressman Monitoring wells provide picture of underground water New laws written by Dodd take effect SMART launches an expanded service schedule CA women’s to men’s earnings Milestone for RP Animal Shelter Cotati City Council’s emergency meeting Donated lunches feed many people SMART reduces train service Sportsman’s Report: Fish and game current Covid-19 regulations Wellness Baskets for Seniors Taking care of mental health while quarantining Peleti heading to the East Coast Correction Wildfire season – Are you ready? More distance learning becomes a way of life for schools this year School Board report – So it begins Correction RP City is seeking your input on what is an ideal park RP City Council Report Cub Scouts Halloween Christmas display on Circle Dr. Attention: Special notice to The Community Voice readers WSCUHSD School Board report Gunman and getaway driver sentenced for Healdsburg shooting Cotati Chamber of Commerce Oktoberfest Rancho crushes Analy CA Homemaker Association needs volunteers Active duty honorees at the RP Veterans Day program Santa now knows her secret CPI receives funding to offer counseling in schools Caltrans works toward decarbonizing California transportation The Rancho Cotati Rotary Club hosts Humanitarian Award dinner SSU and SCOE offer high school internship RP votes to restrict fireworks Illegal robocalls and spoofing Farmers’ Market party on the plaza RP Foundation to reinstate Small Grants Program Reported sexually transmitted diseases reach epidemic level Fire management assistance granted Levine applauds investigation into power shut offs New year, new laws, legislation authored by Assembly member Marc Berman to take effect on January 1, 2020 Some strange new laws RP has public hearing for “by-district” Loud parties and shopping carts Rancho Adobe Fire District April Showers California Governor gives updates on COVID-19 Cotati City Council held a special meeting Covid-19 impacts school district Not as they envision Becerra warns consumers on COVID-19 scams What you need to know before tax day Wednesday evening at the Cotati Farmer’s Market Volunteers needed at CRPUSD Rohnert Park opens new west side park Rohnert Park City Council Report – Yes, no, maybe... Taking advantage of quarantine Local school board taking heat Write a letter to Santa Defendant ordered to pay restitution 2021-New year, new laws Policing, building and honoring at Cotati meeting Man sentenced for stabbing, strangling and threatening girlfriends RP’s new interim police chief Big changes to big project in Rohnert Park A possibility for Snyder Lane to have four lanes soon Rohnert Park road updates Sheriff’s Detectives arrest SR man after controlled delivery of ecstasy pills. Cotati comes out against CASA Llamadas ilegales y spoofing Music alive in Cotati Sept. is suicide prevention month Three arrested; stolen items recovered Celebrating National Hispanic Heritage month Paper Delivery Update The evacuation through her eyes So Co DA office awarded grant Heading to Hawaii School Board goals for the future Cotati goes green The Sozo Center - Giving teens a place to go Child Care information in our Community A new family dynamic, quarantining with children Part V: Life behind the closed door Shelter in place order update Kids with big heart New Rohnert Park Advocacy Group Sonoma County reverses routes Much needed help on the way for students PG&E to rotate power outage Breakfast for evacuees October is LGBTQ History Month Rohnert Park City Council Results About COVID-19 Vaccine Shedding light on our watershed Friar Tucks, a victim of COVID-19 Sebastopol Increased development impact fees proposed Cougars arise from pandemic with big win Penngrove Community Church celebrates 120 years Cotati approves tree lighting City of Cotati has apartment housing parking problems Operators ordered to pay for false advertising violations 2018 local stories which made history Becerra urges Ca. businesses resources to help prevent human trafficking Possible change to parking rules Enroll in Transportation Security Administration Elder abuse rising in So Co U10 Cal Ripken champions say Aloha New start at school board meeting In memory of Greg Beedon City of Cotati urges governor to sign affordable housing bill First Annual Latino Festival draws a large crowd Firefighters called to the front 100 birthdays and more to go Sonoma Raceway is hosting John’s march Volunteers needed for Superbowl Sunday tamale benefit Community service projects for youth in Rohnert Park Coach Newton pays homage to the seniors Covid-19 by the numbers A different kind of Easter egg celebration The silver lining among clouds Part I New COVID-19 community testing sites The other side of the Friar Tucks story June is Pride Month Alternative care site at SSU dismantled A great use of recycled plastic bottles Statement on USPS delays from DAV National Commander Rohnert Park fire action near 101 Cotati City Council results Cotati New year, new council, new agenda RP City Council report State of Rohnert Park Sports Annual Easter egg hunt continues with modifications Students at University Elementary discussing the labyrinth Rohnert Park City Council Candidates NHTSA reminds motorists to drive sober this season ArtStart brings art to the RP Senior Center Cotati’s code of conduct School board follows its policy Free school supplies RPDPS receives grant to fight alcohol-related crime Winners of “Discovered: Emerging artists of Sonoma County” Cotati Oktoberfest on the horizon Carrying another on a recovery path Giving students added support A day of celebration and tribute to our veterans New year, new laws School District elections “by-trustee” Public Hearing Cougars extend streak PG&E to customers: Beware of scammers taking advantage of COVID-19 Fears PG&E extends a helping hand City of Cotati and Rancho Adobe Fire District partner for fire prevention Gas Meter Inspectors ACS at SSU – Hoping for the best, preparing for the worst Dr. Perez takes charge as CRPUSD Superintendent RP man sentenced to 33 years in state prison Glimmer of hope... Senator Dodd responds to wildfires Measures 2020 State lifts Regional Stay at Home Orders New Mayor Giudice takes gavel for 2021 SMART and others offer free rides to COVID-19 vaccine appointment The Sebastopol Farmers’ Market past, present and future Fireworks ban to move forward R P Foundation gives grants to NOAH and Petaluma Bounty Summit State Bank annual report FEMA awards Sonoma Water grant Holocaust piano now in Cotati RP moves to curb false alarms Doggone hot days are here! Warnings weren’t enough! ‘Stuff the van’ with school supplies Wake up to social crisis Cannabis cultivation and more projects Downtown RP infrastructure project Ca. Dept. of Public Health issues Public Health advisory School district seeks new superintendent Digital Bookmobile to visit RP-Cotati library Supervisors visit RP City Council Critters melt hearts during an event SMART makes schedule changes Board of Supervisors approves Eviction Defense Ordinance EPA stresses the importance of recycling and proper disposal of PPE Farmers’ Markets open in Cotati and Rohnert Park Results of Cotati resident survey revealed Call to Action in Rohnert Park RCHS to adopt new school scheduling model Applying for FEMA disaster assistance Cotati gears up for Halloween CRPUSD 2020 election Sebastopol sister city holds annual virtual dinner Fence at the Top Accidents on the rise Measures A, B fail at polls Climate, housing and new resolution March for the blind highlights need for more accessible sidewalks Cougar to Bear — Simmons’ new pelt SRJC picks up local quarterback The Cougars defeat the Jaguars at homecoming New laws take effect Jan. 1 CRPUSD seeking a new superintendent Boards approve plan to offset proposed groundwater fee Technology High School construction on schedule Groundwater sustainability fee adopted in Santa Rosa Plain Rohnert Park City Council all about safety Accordion Festival San Francisco Mime Troupe to perform in Cotati Rep. Thompson speaks at SSU on climate change RP to vote on protecting open space and preventing sprawl Pedestrian jumps into path of SMART Train Coming together to have fun and help others New Cotati mayor introduced Construction leads to discussion District map confuses RP City Council We’ll get through this together La Junta de Supervisores aprueba la Ordenanza de Defensa de Desalojo Things to celebrate in June RP Man receives life sentence for child molestation Progressive agenda RP City Council report Corrections to the West Point flower mart opening in RP Breast Cancer Awareness Month ‘Backbone’ of Sebastopol Fire Department Mike Reeser passes Inequity during a Pandemic NOAH receives a gift of a generator Sebastopol endorses climate action platform Cotati council takes up building A community divided Kids and firefighters compete in RP RP local, Petri Alva, 14, a nationally recognized athlete Superintendent search begins SSU named one of the best universities Verity is hiring to work with survivors RP City Council, not business as usual A young child making a big difference Cotati’s first homicide in 24 years Veterans’ housing to open in 2020 RPPS encourages public to drive sober Issues and recognition but no council meeting RCHS Mascot at Welcome Back Rally Raising awareness on the dangers of SIDS So. Co. is here to connect with you Potential maps for by-Trustee Elections Newly improved street soccer court coming to A Park Vamos a superar este crisis juntos Enforcement of Sonoma County public health order Embezzlement When it rains – it pours! Cotati City Council report Kaaron Carver, a long time friend and past associate succumbs at age 71 Sen. Dodd responds to Gov. Newsom’s 2021-22 budget Hit and run fatality Woman sentenced to prison WSCUHSD Sonoma County vaccine rollout hits benchmark Some residents question Cotati police survey No more fireworks in Rohnert Park State Tax deadline for individuals postponed SweetPea celebrates 31 years Seawolves serve up a victory Cotati Council moves ahead Students almost ready for kindergarten Would you make a great foster parent? Grand Jury recommends improvements for So. Co. Water City of Cotati switches to 100% renewable electricity I’m ready, bring ‘em on! Tech High School celebrates 20 years PG&E Wildfire Assistance Program accepting applications for aid Learn to become a naturalist Police and housing topics discussed at Council Coursey on the campaign trail RP voters overwhelmingly renew open space protections SAY’s winter shelter for youth open Cotati regulates ADUs with state law State postpones tax deadlines until July 15 June is Elder Abuse Awareness Month Local band, King Street Giants, to release new album Theft of catalytic converters on rise CRPUSD October 20, 2020 School Board Report West County Soroptimist Club resurrected by Sebastopol residents Highlight contributions of African Americans Morris Street encampment: Why is it permitted? Transgender Day of Visibility - 2021 State updates blueprint to allow additional activities Man sentenced for beating girlfriend Cardinals rout Cougars Planning Commission approves hotel SSI and SSP recipients eligible for CalFresh benefits Five vehicle crash shuts down Golf Course Dr. Happenings at Cotati City Council Trades Intro Program (TIP) leads to career RP City Council: from safety to striping Girls explore STEM possibilities at Tinker Academy Spring Lake Water Bark kickoff Sozo Student Center opens Credo ladies in Trashion show Cougars win behind roaring defensive performance Another long evening at Cotati City council Immigration appointments rescheduled Let hearts soar on Valentine’s Day RCHS Unity week brings out Bollywood dancers Coronavirus in Rohnert Park Doorbell ditch.... Child molester receives life sentence January, human trafficking awareness month RP City Council report Financials, proclamations and more March 2021 Dates to remember CRPUSD Special Board report Former SR police officer convicted of felony domestic violence Cougars bring the heat How to help victims of wildfires Polynesia celebrated at annual Pacific Islander Festival Fire storm anniversary New fire station gets final direction Undercover operation identifies prostitution at local massage parlors Red flags fly at all fire stations during “Red Flag” warnings L J principal promises open door policy DUI driver arrested after collision on RP Exp Contact information needed from about 150,000 PG&E customers A satisfied smile Cotati Council makes it short Cotati is open to new county wide voting system Family Justice Center Sonoma County receives grant awards Commitment to Service earns agents Pinnacle Award Coronavirus en Rohnert Park Mayor Callinan issues an apology Toledo selected to form Ca. 2020 redistristicting commission Sebastopol Inn rechristened as ‘Elderberry Commons’ Planning Commission and Annexation NorCal Teqers have medals on the mind City Council report Rohnert Park Gunman, getaway driver and gun stasher from September Healdsburg shooting plead no contest Consolidation of Analy and El Molino High Schools Miss Sonoma County retains title Plan approved for Station Ave. park Football in full swing, 3rd win Arrests and charges target Apple stores CalFresh clients get Feb. benefits early Cotati fills Planning Commission The long summer grinds Alert resident foiled attempted burglary of neighbor’s home All about the roads Third DUI driver arrested in RP in three days Santa Rosa doctor overprescribing New leadership delivers new start at school board meeting Man takes own life Bound for a peaceful resting place After sluggish start, Cougars explode RP Improvements Update week of October 21st State Fund offers extended credit to policyholders RCH’s soccer team was honored RP man arrested for the Kirk Kimberly homicide COVID-19 Closures & Updates Budget, enforcement and bonds Under-Reporting of COVID-19 cases to local Public Health Departments CRPUSD School Board report Backyard birds threatened by Salmonella outbreak Sebastopol names Kevin Kilgore new police chief Cotati Council touches on evictions and traffic State suspends certain debt collection activities CRPUSD Schools start in-person instruction Annie Rasmussen Celebration of Life Rohnert Park Station Ave. update School district set to begin new year Wrong way bicyclist rides into path of SMART train City, county reach agreement with Homeless Advocates Our words are not enough: Educators call for action First day of school and new friends PG&E Wildfire Assistance Program distributes first checks to victims  Credo Kaplan-Kinsey semi-finalist Focusing on finances... Fire - Community - Businesses American Heart Month Miss Sonoma County 2020 COVID-19 Closures & Updates Sonoma County Supervisors authorize ordinance Age of eligibility for vaccines to drop to 70 in West County CRPUSD wrestles with In-Person Learning Assault on federal agents Child abuse surges in times of crisis Three high school consolidation in West County Revisiting those who lost it all: October wildfire victims still on the road to recovery Cuts suggested for school district Rohnert Park residents awarded law degrees School Year 2019-2020 for free and reduced-price meals Cattle drive comes to SR Man dies in custody Home-based learning on the rise Home invasion robbery, suspects still at large Travis Jenkins Merit Scholar Semi-Finalist Years to launch SMART will run limited service So. Co. Democratic party endorses Measure I An epic musical story of love, isolation and justice Sports update: Covid-19 leads us to unforeseen times Felon in possession of a firearm Man sentenced to nine years in prison for beating pregnant girlfriend League of Women Voters hosts panelists on West County Special Election Sakaki participates in Governor’s Recovery with Equity Taskforce Sebastopol working with Zero Waste Sonoma SMART celebrates a year of service RP Public Safety report card The “Healing Wall” comes to Sonoma County Joint Legislative Wine Committee to meet at SSU Ca. Dept. of Justice announces ammunition regulations Fatal bicycle vs. vehicle collision RPPS investigating sexual assault A slow and painful wait for a downtown RP improvement updates RP road improvements update Take one, leave one – New free library in Cotati Remembering Japanese Internment Spreckels celebrates 30 years of entertainment A note from the publisher BBB Scam Alert: Phony Amazon callers are phishing for your info Sebastopol pulls additional $1.8 million from reserves Gang member sentenced for his role in Jacobs Park shooting Penngrove native set for amazing voyage Cotati votes opposition to oil leases Cotati memorializes victims DMV offices will close for half day Social Security – Care and Beware Urban growth boundary benefits RP Council looks at serious close-to-home issues Fight the flu... get immunized CANCELLATION Updated frugality store in RP Cotati’s homeless and affordable housing PG&E’s pandemic response on customer shutoffs for nonpayment Bird Rescue serves community even during Covid-19 CORRECTION: Sen. Dodd responds to school reopening proposal SC neighborhood sues illegal pot grower Rohnert Park considers firework restrictions Reckless vehicle ends in DUI arrest Do you know the relationship between low impact development and water quality? So. Co. Behavioral Health and Health Services in the county jail Cotati City Council of Aug. 13 USCIS clarifies special immigrant juvenile classification to victims of abuse The Salvation Army expands response to Kincade Fire Coronavirus is rare- giving blood is safe Caltrans activates signs on COVID-19 preparedness Public art installation moving forward—but where to put it? Felony robbery suspect captured after pursuit Former Caltrans employee gets sentenced in bribery case CHP to check motorcycle safety in local area Water Conservation Car washes and water waste Equifax provides $600 million in consumer restitution Cotati sees its first homicide in 24 years New Column Things to know about PG&E’s Public Safety power shutoff SoCo post offices forced to close DA Ravitch warns against price gouging FEMA resolves claim with PG&E Defendant ordered to pay $10,000 in restitution to nonprofit CHANGE Software engineer sentenced for Bodega Bay assaults Repeat sex offender receives life sentence Penngrove grassfire destroys buildings Cotati Accordion Festival still a hit after 28 years RP residents provide input in police chief search Forum hosted by WLV for RP City Council candidates Cotati honors and appreciates Stray sways the crowd Showing off rope tricks Sonoma County Fair reviews safety protocols Gun violence in the U.S. and globally Beautifying Magnolia Park When the power is off, treat signals as stop signs School Board establishes By-Trustee election districts SMART is temporarily cancelling weekend train service State of California awards SMART $1.45m Sex offender denied request for pardon Supply giveaways lend a hand to families Police officers inspect inside of car Lowerys help with campaign Yes on Measure W will keep fire stations open Skating during Cotati Kids Day parade Watenpaugh returns to lead CRPUSD Join CASA of So. Co.’s commitment to helping victims of child abuse Safety and power outages Stay indoors to reduce smoke inhalation Rohnert Park City Council passes Ordinance 947 USCIS launches new online tip form for reporting immigration fraud RP to host community forum for public safety director search Emergency Alert System Test Sept. 10 & 12 Spreckels and Alchemia connects community Help save lives by donating blood Vehicle crashes into house Call to action in Ca. Passenger killed fleeing crash Help with citizenship Consumer alert on price gouging CRPUSD decision looms for board election districts Update on Cotati City Hall operations It wasn’t an easy fight but Rancho wins again RP Safety Dept. climbs in remembrance of 9/11/18 New laws on purchasing and concealing handguns Suicide leading cause of death in youths Impersonating pharmacists Pesticide residue consumed by infants and children Ayuda con ciudadanía Structure fire displaces family Rohnert Park Sports Expo is a success Cotati Council emergency meeting Back to school for Rohnert Park and Cotati Another tough break for roller derby Fencing in Sonoma County PG&E to conduct inspections by helicopter in Sonoma County Correction to the July 26 issue SSU student receives prestigious CSU Trustees’ Award Voters urged to return vote by mail ballots early Seppa reaches a milestone of 100 RP waits to make update to emergency alert system Cougars slay Dragons School district leaders tackle 1.9m deficit Deputy saves overdosing man using department-issued Narcan SR theft suspect caught after lengthy chase Cotati City Council recommends several adoptions Campaign targets vaping-related illness USCIS updates fee waiver requirements Helping elementary kids focus with a sensory path Third pedestrian struck by SMART train Enjoying ribs School district seeking new superintendent Rohnert Park’s Black Blear Diner gets sued Penngrove wastewater pipeline overflows Vote by mail ballots now available for the Nov. 5, consolidated elections Sonoma County 2020 campaign headquarters opening Ca. Senate Fellows Program application period opens Millions in grants for highway safety Little ones with big Polynesian dancing spirit Sidewalk repair gets big break from City of RP Cotati protests CASA compact New safety power shutoff zip code alerts 'Team Trevor' A football team with a heart King and Queen Early voting center opens CORRECTION RP Health Center celebrates anniversary Imitating major leaguers Rohnert Park waiting for approval for canine program School district balances budget The California Highway Patrol implements a regional effort to save lives RP Council talks about fast trains and lawsuits Reckless driver resists arrests, with help from K-9 Max The USCIS application support center in Santa Rosa closed

The Community Voice Thank you to the two council members who ran the town hall and promised to show the video to the other 3 council members. The council puts a lot of energy into their jobs with the best intentions. However, I think residents would appreciate them more if they put more effort into making the city better and less into making it bigger. The city annexed 3 parcels of rural land from the county and now has plans for 5,150 new housing units around Sonoma State and Petaluma Hill Road. Unfortunately, the plans are in conflict with at least 4 sections of the County General Plan: Transportation, Sonoma Mountain Plan, Penngrove Plan and Visual Resource Guidelines. There are questions as to whether the applicable design review process was followed and if the setbacks and visual impacts are compliant with Sonoma County GP 2020. The additional population will place a huge burden on an already congested road. Traffic analysis in the County EIR states that these roads are already saturated without adding any new development. The commercial centers included in these plans will bring suburban blight to this area. Finally, these areas are directly on key recharge points for the Santa Rosa Aquifer. Water experts say there is barely enough water available for the current population. We need a moratorium on new building until the water situation is resolved and a water management plan in place. Then, a re-plan needs to be undertaken to reduce the densities planned on the east side and focus on smart, sustainable development as part of the downtown, especially in light of advent of Smart Rail and departure of State Farm. Interested parties should subscribe via email to join@ruralsonoma.org

James Bracco

Rohnert Park

July 16, 2015