The Friendly City Spotlight | May 23, 2024

SPOTLIGHT The Friendly City

ONTHECOVER

The City’s Human Resources Team took a well-deserved popsicle break during Public Service Appreciation Week.

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The Friendly City SPOTLIGHT

The Friendly City Spotlight is a bi-weekly, digital publication, and includes current information and news, program and project updates, upcoming events, and more!

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CITYOFROHNERTPARK HOLIDAYCLOSURE

MONDAY, MAY 27, 2024

Cityofficeswillbeclosedon Monday,May27inobservanceofMemorialDay.

WewillreopenonTuesday,May28,2024at8:00a.m.

HAPPY PRIDE MONTH!

LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning, and More) Pride Month is celebrated annually in June and works to achieve equal justice and equal opportunity for LGBTQ+ Americans.

From historic parades and colorful street art to massive festivals and star-studded concerts, California honors Pride in a big way. In fact, California was the first state in the country to designate June as its official LGBTQ+ Pride Month in 2018.

It’s no surprise that California’s history of LGBTQ+ activism runs deep: The first LGBTQ+ business association was founded here in 1962; Laguna Beach was the first city in the U S to elect an openly gay mayor; and the iconic rainbow flag was even designed in San Francisco.

The Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety will once again be participating in the 2024 Sonoma County Pride Parade on Saturday, June 1! We hope to see you there.

And - don’t miss Rohnert Park and Cotati’s very own Pride Night on Friday, June 14 at Party on the Plaza!

To learn more about Sonoma County Pride, please click here.

NATIONAL PUBLIC WORKS WEEK 2024

Thank you to everyone that joined us for our 2024 National Public Works Week Showcase this week!

If you missed it, you can check out the action, here!

LEARNABOUT COMPOSTING DAY

Because of a law called SB1383, residents in Rohnert Park are required to separate organic waste from regular trash. This means we're making big efforts to take care of the environment. By putting all of our food scraps and yard waste into special bins for composting, we’re helping to reduce pollution and save our natural resources.

But it's not just about putting stuff in bins. The things we compost don't just sit there; they break down and become rich soil that helps plants grow

At the Rohnert Park Community Center’s North Parking Lot (5401 Snyder Lane), residents can see composting in action. Compost can also be picked up for free - we want to make it easy for everyone to be eco-friendly!

ROHNERTPARK CONTINUESTO MAKEPROGRESS ONHOMELESSNESS

An annual homelessness survey conducted in 2023 counted 210 individuals experiencing homelessness in Rohnert Park. This represents a 43% decrease from 2022.

The City Council identified homelessness as a top priority issue in 2021. Since then, the City has achieved some significant milestones, including:

Helped 189 people move from homelessness into their own permanent homes

Helped 181 people access interim housing

Opened Labath Landing, a 60-unit interim housing facility

Reorganized a 130-person unregulated encampment at the Roberts Lake Park and Ride into a Safe Sleeping Program with services and security

Successfully closed the Safe Sleeping Program, with 72% of residents exiting to permanent or interim housing

Launched a By Name List to better track and understand the needs of people experiencing homelessness in our community

Received a pro-housing designation from the State, making us more competitive for future funding opportunities

These successes would not be possible without our partner homeless services organizations, including Unsheltered Friends Outreach, Catholic Charities, HomeFirst and SHARE. This would also not be possible without dedicated City staffing and ongoing commitment of City dollars.

We actively seek out funding opportunities to ensure the continued operation of our homeless service programs is sustainable This year, the City received over $2.5 million in State and County funds to help offset the costs of operating Labath Landing and the Roberts Lake Safe Sleeping Program.

Homelessness is, at root, an affordable housing issue. Over the next few years, the City will be implementing programs from our Housing Element, the City plan that outlines our community’s housing needs and strategies to provide for them.

ADOPT THESEPETS!

Discover a world of cuddly companions waiting to find their forever homes at the Rohnert Park Animal Shelter! Located at 301 J Rogers Lane off Redwood Drive, our doors are open from Wednesday to Sunday, 1:00 - 5:30 p.m.

To ensure you receive the best experience, we recommend giving us a call at (707) 5841582 to schedule your visit. Complete and submit an adoption questionnaire before arriving to streamline the process, ensuring more quality time with your potential new family member.

View all our charming animals and access the adoption questionnaire at rpanimalshelter.org Your search for your new BFF (best furry friend) begins today!

Remember those adorable little pups we rescued a couple weeks ago?

Meet their parents! We took in eleven adult dogs from the same overcrowded home.

They're a mix of breeds, ranging from 18 pounds to 43 pounds. These sweet dogs are great with other dogs and even cats, but they're new to the world outside their previous environment. That means you'll need lots of patience as they learn about leashes, walks, toys, and the rules of the house. Having a mentor dog at home would be a big help!

Once they're comfortable on a leash, training is a must; these dogs need all the support they can get! But if you're looking for a snuggly companion and have the time and energy to change a dog's life, come meet them!

REPTAR

SCARLETT

HOWIE

Meet Howie, our lovable boy with a heart as big as his girth!

Originally brought in as a stray, he was adopted from the shelter just last year and recently found himself back here after his owners tragically lost their home to a fire.

At 3-4 years old, and 18 pounds, Howie's a distinguished gentleman who is full of love and ready to bring joy to a new family. With his affectionate nature and gentle spirit, Howie is sure to melt your heart.

They say that the 3rd time is a charm so don't miss out on the chance to give this sweet boy the forever home he deserves

HERMES

Say goodbye to fast fashion, hello to timeless companionship!

Meet Hermes, our fur-bulous luxury bunny, straight from SaveABunny. This sweet boy loves kids, dogs, cats, and polite rabbits-making him the paw-fect addition to your designer life.

Ready for a commitment that's as chic as it gets?

Come meet Hermes and let the luxury love affair begin!

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 JACKIE ELWARD COUNCILMEMBER

Council District 4

Phone: (707) 899-3086

jelward@rpcity.org

SAMANTHA RODRIGUEZ COUNCILMEMBER

Council District 1

Phone: (707) 899-3092

srodriguez@rpcity.org EMILY SANBORN COUNCILMEMBER

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, May 28, 2024 | 5:00 p.m.

Rohnert Park City Council Chambers

130 Avram Avenue, Rohnert Park

Tuesday, June 11, 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

LOCAL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: TURMERIC CUISINEOF INDIA

Variety is the spice of life that gives it all its flavor, and where can you find more authentic flavor than Rohnert Park’s own Turmeric Indian Cuisine of India!

Using clay ovens and a robust blend of herbs and spices to create its delicious dishes, Owner Mahesh Bamane has brought the wonderful aromas and cuisines of North India right here to the Friendly City from the soft naan bread to the tenderness of its chicken masala.

Stop by and enjoy one of Turmeric’s signature plates. Or, enjoy them all every day at the buffet!

Click here to watch their business spotlight!

The 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 play (and eat!)

These minute-long videos, posted to the City’s social media accounts, give you and other locals a snippet of what makes each restaurant, entertainment zone, toy store, and business, such a great fit in the Friendly City.

Have a business you think is worthy of a special shoutout? Request them to be in one of our upcoming Rohnert Park Business Spotlights!

If you have one in mind, or if you are a business owner yourself, please email Senior Analyst Kevin King at kking@rpcity.org and let’s shine a light on your favorite Rohnert Park business today!

FREEPET ADOPTION DAY!

We’re joining 150 shelters throughout California for a one day special – Free Pet Adoptions on Saturday, June 1!

Bring home your new BFF (best furry friend) for FREE during this one-day promotion to find every shelter animal a new fur-ever family.

Brought to you by CalAnimals and supported by the ASPCA and SF SPCA

Check out our fabulous adoptable animals at rpanimalshelter.org.

November is upon us, and you will soon be electing our leaders, some at a State and some at a Federal level. If you live in Rohnert Park Districts 1, 3, and 4, you will also be electing your representative member of the council for a period of 4 (four years)

Are you ready? To register or preregister to vote in California simply visit registertovote.ca.gov.

If you moved, changed your name, or want to change your political party you can visit voterstatus.sos.ca.gov. You can also contact the Registrar of Voters office by phone at (707) 5656800 or by email at rov-voterreg@sonomacounty.org.

For your convenience, paper voter registration forms are also available in our City Clerk's Office. You can also get the form at the Sonoma County Registrar of Voters, most local libraries, and U.S. Post Offices. You don’t even need to pay postage!

Remember; it is important to register at least 15 days before an election. If you miss that deadline, you will need to complete the same-day voter registration process. Through that process, you will request your ballot in person at your county elections office or polling location

If you live in Rohnert Park and you want to participate in our local elections this November, please scan the QR code or click here You may also call us at (707) 588-2227 or email us at cityclerk@rpcity.org.

Remember, your vote is your voice, and your voice is important!

CITYBOARD COMMISSION+ COMMITTEE VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Rohnert Park has several advisory bodies to help shape the community. Commissions, committees, and boards ensure public involvement in creating a thriving, family-friendly community that is a safe, enjoyable place to live, work and play. Do you want to make a difference in Rohnert Park?

We invite you apply to any of the City commissions, committees and boards on the next page.

More information and application forms may be obtained online here, or by contacting the City Clerk via email at cityclerk@rpcity.org or by calling (707) 588-2227.

You can also inquire in person at the City Clerk’s Office located at 130 Avram Avenue, Rohnert Park, CA 94928.

The Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee maintains the City’s Bicycle Master Plan, reviews issues concerning bicycle transportation and safety, and participates in countywide bike trail coordination efforts The Committee meets on the fourth Monday of the month at 5:30 p.m.

The Building Appeals Board hears and decides appeals of orders, decisions and determinations made by the Building Division relative to the application and interpretation of Title 24: California Building Standards Codes and other regulations. The Board meets as needed

The Mobile Home Parks Rent Appeals Board assists with preventing unreasonable rent increases for controlled mobile home rental spaces in Rohnert Park. 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 Meets the first Monday of the month at 5:30 p.m.

The Planning Commission is charged with development of the General Plan, implementation and administration of the Zoning Ordinance, and review of development applications. The Commission meets the second and fourth Thursday of the month at 6:00 p.m.

The Senior Citizens Advisory Commission helps to identify the needs and to create awareness of the elderly in our community. 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.

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JOINOURTEAM!

Looking to apply for a new position, or know someone interested in joining our team?

Check out our latest open positions below! Click here to learn more or apply.

COMMUNITY SERVICES

Part-Time Community Services Coordinator - Camp Director

Part-Time Facility Attendant

Part-Time Humane Educator - Critter Camp Leader

PUBLIC WORKS

Collection System Supervisor

Collection System Operator I/II/III

PUBLIC SAFETY

Lateral Public Safety Officer

Public Safety Officer Trainee