Your May City Connections Newsletter: Read about Santa Rosa 2050, weed abatement season, wildfire recovery, family events, and more

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

City Connections Header

May 2019

N e w s   |   E v e n t s  &  M e e t i n g s   |   V o l u n t e e r   |    J o i n  O u r  T e a m

City News


Put Your Stamp on the Future of Santa Rosa!

Santa Rosa 2050: My City, Our Vision

Help envision the future by participating in the City's General Plan Update -- Santa Rosa 2050. The General Plan will help the City to lay the groundwork for generations to come, including how we build housing, create jobs, foster resilient neighborhoods, manage natural resources, and more. The Plan was last updated a decade ago and this update is just getting started with an expected completion of 2022. The City is hosting a series of community conversations over the next several weeks. LEARN MORE

Get involved now by answering a one-question survey. It takes just a minute! TAKE SURVEY


Weed Abatement: Prepare for the Upcoming Fire Season

Close-up of weeds and tall grass in open field

The City has a Weed Abatement Ordinance that exists to help reduce the threat of fires during fire season. The ordinance applies to owners of:

  1. Properties located in the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) Area
  2. Developed parcels over .5 acres having over .5 acres of unimproved land
  3. Undeveloped properties (vacant lots) which includes those in the fire rebuilding area

The ordinance requires these property owners to cut weeds and grasses that are over four inches in height once fire season is declared and to maintain that level of compliance through the duration of the season. Owners of properties that do not take action to comply may be cited and abated by the City of Santa Rosa and held responsible for the costs incurred. LEARN MORE


Wildfire Recovery Update

Rebuilding in fire-impacted neighborhood


Residential Rebuilding

Construction is moving along in rebuilding neighborhoods with a total of 1,933 homes engaged in the rebuild process, including 1,189 homes which are currently under construction and another 271 which have completed rebuilding. There’s more work to be done, but the resilience of our community continues to be inspiring. Learn more about rebuilding efforts in Santa Rosa on the City's Rebuilding website. GO THERE NOW

New Permit Requirements for Fork Lifts Operating within Public Right of Way

With an increase in rebuilding activity, comes an increase in construction equipment operating within the public right of way to travel between home construction sites. To help manage construction traffic and ensure the safety of workers and community members who have repopulated their neighborhoods, encroachment permits will be required for use of forklifts and lift trucks within the public right of way beginning June 1, 2019. READ MORE

Street Light Recovery Update

Over 500 City-owned street lights were damaged during the Tubbs Fire. Staff have been working closely with PG&E to re-energize both individual and groups of streetlights when requested by residents and where possible as the electrical infrastructure must still be intact. For areas where the streetlight infrastructure was damaged by the fires, the City has taken a phased approach to rebuild, re-energize and redesign street light systems and fixtures as needed. READ MORE

CalHome Disaster Assistance Loan Program – Deadline Extended

For eligible Coffey Park homeowners still looking for a way to close the gap in financing reconstruction of your residence, please consider the CalHome Disaster Loan Assistance Program – deadline to apply for the program has been extended. Gap funding of up to $100,000 per applicant is available. Be sure to review the eligibility requirements to see if this may be a fit for your rebuilding needs. READ MORE

Addressing the Needs of Renter Households Post-Fire

There is still significant work to do to support recovery needs for home renters in our community. Since the fires, and working in partnership with the California State Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD), the City has been narrowing in on how best to address this issue through an available federal disaster recovery resource known as Community Development Block Grant - Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funds. HCD was allocated $124.15 million in CDBG-DR funds from the Federal government for all 2017 California disasters. HCD developed an action plan for how to utilize that funding and allocated $38.46 million specifically to the City of Santa for a new multi-family housing program. This funding is critical for helping to address Santa Rosa's rental housing needs and will be used to provide gap financing and secure affordability in new rental housing developments. READ MORE

Artists Selected for Coffey Neighborhood Park Public Art Project

The City of Santa Rosa Public Art Program has selected the artist for the public art project in Coffey Neighborhood Park. Wowhaus, an award-winning team made up of Ene Osteraas-Constable and Scott Constable, was selected as the project artist after an extensive review process and was recently recommended for approval at a Special Meeting of the Art in Public Places Committee. READ MORE


Sign-up for SoCoAlert

SoCoAlerts

Are you prepared for an emergency? Sign-up for SoCoAlert and be notified by Sonoma County’s first responders in the event of a local emergency. Messages regarding the safety, property, or welfare of our community will be shared using the SoCoAlert system. These alerts may include evacuation notifications, shelter-in-place orders, boil water advisories, and flood warnings. SIGN UP 


Homeless Shelter to Receive Funding for New Roof

Sam Jones Hall

The City has been approved for $1.2 million towards a new roof at Samuel L. Jones Hall Homeless Shelter, which serves approximately 700 people annually. In April, Sonoma County’s homeless system of care, named "Home Sonoma County," allocated more than $14 million in homeless services funding for projects throughout the county. The City’s $2 million request to help provide new homeless services at the former Bennett Valley Senior Center did not receive funding. More information about the City’s efforts to address homelessness in Santa Rosa is available online. READ MORE


Input Opportunity: Annual Action Plan for Funding of Housing and Community Development Programs

Community members have until May 7th to provide comment on the draft Annual Action Plan for 2019 - 2020, which outlines how the City intends to distribute federal funding, including monies from the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program, HOME Investments Partnership Program (HOME), and Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA). LEARN MORE


May is Water Awareness Month

May Water Awareness

Now that the sun is shining, adjust your watering timers and check your irrigation system for leaks. Santa Rosa Water makes it easy to care for your landscape by offering free, weekly watering recommendations. WaterSmart tools, rebates, and support are also available to Santa Rosa residents. Call 707-543-3985 to schedule a free WaterSmart Home check-up or access these resources on our website. LEARN MORE


CityBus Adds Four New Buses to Fleet

New CityBus

CityBus has added four new buses to its fleet purchased with federal, state, and local funds to replace four older buses. The buses operate on clean diesel and are equipped with state-of-the-art filters to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and particulate matter. LEARN MORE


Public Structures Demolition Project

A total of 32 vacant, City-owned structures have been identified for demolition within and outside of the Santa Rosa city limits. These structures include former commercial buildings, residential structures, park maintenance buildings, and a public restroom. Demolition of these structures will allow for new opportunities for alternative and expanded use of City-owned land. READ MORE

Events and Community Meetings


Downtown Plan Community Workshops

Interested in Downtown Santa Rosa

May 1 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m at Central Santa Rosa Library, 211 E St OR
May 4 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Chop’s Teen Club, 509 Adams St
Attend a workshop to provide your input on an update to the Downtown Station Area Specific Plan, which will help guide how the City plans for the Downtown’s housing, job, retail, and entertainment needs. LEARN MORE


Eco-Friendly Garden Tour

Saturday, May 4 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. throughout Sonoma and Marin counties
This free, self-guided Eco-Friendly Garden Tour promotes sustainable landscaping practices by showcasing inspiring gardens throughout Sonoma and Marin counties. Registration required. REGISTER  


FREE WaterSmart Irrigation Controller Workshops

irrigation workshop

Saturday, May 4 from 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Santa Rosa City Hall Sustainable Education Garden
In partnership with the Eco-Friendly Garden Tour, the City of Santa Rosa is offering two FREE WaterSmart Irrigation Workshops so you can learn how to program your irrigation controller and other WaterSmart resources and tools for your yard or garden. REGISTER 


IRONMAN – Village and Event

Ironman_Bike

Wednesday, May 8 to Sunday, May 12, at Courthouse Square in Downtown Santa Rosa
The world's most elite athletes swim, run, and bike from Lake Sonoma to Downtown Santa Rosa in the ultimate test of endurance. Join athletes at the IRONMAN Village during the week and watch racers cross the finish on the day of the event, May 11. Full event calendar and road closures available online. LEARN MORE


Walking Down Cemetery Lane Tour

history tour

Saturday, May 11, tours depart 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. at Santa Rosa Rural Cemetery, 1600 Franklin Ave
Take a free 90-minute docent-led walk through Santa Rosa’s pioneer cemetery. LEARN MORE


Mother's Day Plant Sale & Chosen Spot Expo 

Luther Burbank Home & Garden

Sunday, May 12, 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Luther Burbank Home & Gardens
Enjoy the spring gardens, home tours, activities and gorgeous plants for sale. LEARN MORE  


Santa Rosa 2050: Community Conversations

May 13, 14, 15 & 20, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. (Locations vary)
The kick-off to Santa Rosa's General Plan Update will begin wth these meetings. Attend one to take part in helping to shape the future of our city. Additional meetings scheduled in June. LEARN MORE


FREE WaterSmart Compost

WaterSmart Compost

Saturday, May 18 from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Laguna Compost Facility, 4301 Llano Rd
For one day only, WaterSmart Compost is FREE and available for residents to pick up at the Laguna Compost Facility. WaterSmart Compost, made with biosolids and green waste is an excellent amendment for landscaping and gardening, closing the recycling loop locally and sustainably. LEARN MORE


Kids to Parks Day

Kids to Parks Day

Saturday, May 18, 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Howarth Park, 630 Summerfield Rd
Celebrate this nationwide day of outdoor exploration and play with a scavenger hunt, activities, and treats. Designed for children 6-12 and their families, though all ages welcome. LEARN MORE


WaterSmart Expo

Wednesday, May 22 from 5:00 to 8:30 p.m. at the Wednesday Night Market in Downtown Santa Rosa
Ask an expert about sustainable landscaping. Learn about free, easy-to-permit landscape design templates for rebuilding. See demonstrations of gray water and rainwater harvesting systems. Discover native/drought tolerant plant displays. Pick-up FREE WaterSmart tips and tools, and enter to win WaterSmart prizes. LEARN MORE 


SR City Works Festival

Wednesday, May 22 from 5:00 to 8:30 p.m. at the Wednesday Night Market in Downtown Santa Rosa
Celebrate Public Works Week and learn about infrastructure that makes our City a great place to live, work, and play. Climb aboard construction equipment, discover infrastructure with a scavenger hunt, watch a pipe-cleaning demo, and explore what makes your City work. LEARN MORE


Memorial Day at the Rural Cemetery

Rural Cemetery

Monday, May 27 at 12:00 p.m. at Santa Rosa Rural Cemetery, 1600 Franklin Ave
Honor the day with special guests and tours of veterans’ graves. LEARN MORE

Volunteer Opportunities


Sierra Park Creek Clean-up

Creek Clean Up

Saturday, May 4, 2019, 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Strawberry School at 2311 Horseshoe Dr
Help care for a neighborhood creek along with Strawberry School students, scouts, and neighbors on Bennett Valley Clean-up Day. Tools and refreshments provided. LEARN MORE 


First Saturday Clean-up on the Prince Memorial Greenway

Saturday, May 4, 2019 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Olive Park near 1698 Hazel St
On the first Saturday of every month you can help care for Santa Rosa Creek. Volunteers help pick up trash and participate in plant care. Tools and refreshments provided. LEARN MORE 


Love Your Mother (Earth) at the Steele Creek Clean-up

Saturday, May 11, 2019, 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Steele Creek near 1090 Jennings Ave 
This Mother's Day weekend spend a little time caring for Mother Earth at the Steele Creek Clean-up. Tools and refreshments provided. LEARN MORE


Park-A-Month: Franklin Community Park

Park a Month

Saturday, May 11 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Franklin Community Park, 2095 Franklin Ave
Bring your friends and work together or come and meet new people while helping to keep our parks in great shape! LEARN MORE

Join Our Team


Job Openings

The City of Santa Rosa offers outstanding career opportunities with excellent salary, a generous benefits package, including retirement through CalPERS, a competitive leave package, a choice of three health plans, flexible spending program, and top of the line, employer paid vision and dental coverage.  

Water quality supervisor

Water Quality Supervisor | Full-Time | $89,975.00 to $107,984.00 Annually | Santa Rosa Water 
The Water Quality Supervisor is responsible for planning, reviewing, and evaluating water quality programs and activities to ensure Santa Rosa Water meets state and federal water quality standards. Opening Soon

Parking Operations Aide | Part-Time | $40,026.00 to $48,671.00 Annually | Finance 
Parking Operations Aides provide customer assistance to parking patrons, disseminate information to the public and monitor and address activities in parking facilities to ensure the safety and comfort of parking patrons. Opening Soon

Parking Enforcement Officer | Full-Time | $3,982.92 to $4,835.33 Monthly | Finance 
Parking Enforcement officers enforce appropriate codes, laws, and regulations pertaining to public parking within the City of Santa Rosa. 

Bus Operator Trainee | Part-Time | $17.09 to $18.74 hourly | Transit
Bus Operator Trainees are trained by the City to be a CityBus Driver; no commercial license required. CityBus drivers safely operate a transit bus, transport passengers on a fixed route basis, and effectively interact with the public.

VIEW ALL CURRENT JOB OPPORTUNITIES


Seasonal Employment Opportunities 

Jobs-Lifeguard

The Recreation & Parks Department hires over 300 seasonal employees each year for job positions in aquatics, sports, neighborhood services, customer service, park maintenance, concessions, recreation classes, and camps. These are part-time, temporary positions. APPLY NOW