Russian River Beach Illegal Use

Use of private property along the Russian River just west of Sonoma County Regional Park's Steelhead Beach has been going on for years. Neighbors tolerated the parking, the trash, and annoyance until it escalated into late night parties, drunken behavior, and violence. Then they called in the authorities and held a meeting near the spot where people park and cross River Road to the beach trail. 

UPDATE: The RESULTS of this meeting and neighborhood action are that the CHP and County Sheriff wiil be patrolling this area, especiially on busy weekends - No Parking signs will be going up on all impacted streets, enforcement will be there to back this all up, and everyone needs to watch where this rowdy crowd goes next. In essence - we need to chase them wherever they set up, so they follow the same rules and mode of decent conduct the rest of society abides. Please pass the word that this area is off-limits from now on. SEE COMMENTS below...

When talk and efforts at cooperation fail, its time to call the cops. Attending the meeting were neighbors along Old River Road and up into the hills above River Road, as well as authorities from California Highway Patrol, Sonoma County Sheriff, Regional Parks and Efren Carrillo, 5th District Supervisor. Because the land is privately owned, no one entity has jurisdiction to patrol the beach, but when violence erupts, and accidents occur, sirens blare and helicopters fly.

Someone got hit by a car while crossing the road, another person nearly drowned in the river, another got into a fight that turned violent, drugs and alcohol play a part, women become vulnerable, and peple get beligerant with each other. It's time to stop the party.

E-mails went back and forth among neighbors until everyone agreed to a solution that they can all live with. On May 22nd the issue will come before the Board of Supervisors to get approval to put up No Parking signs along this stretch of Old River Road, to patrol the beach and arrest trespassers, and to block parking. Because social media plays a part in this escalating problem, hopes are that people will pass the word that this is no longer a place to play with no authorities looking on. This party is over.

Neighbors have agreed to the text in a letter and petition to sign to gather additional support for this action. Anyone interested in supporting this effort are encouraged to attend the meeting on the 22nd, and to help gather signatures from neighbors impacted by this illegal activity.

LETTER TO SIGN: 05/15112

Respectfully  submitted to Tom Kane & our 5th Dist. Supervisor, Efren Carrillo;

It is of the same mind of the residents of the Rio Dell subdivision, Namely, Rio Vista Road, Dell Road, Westside Road, Trenton Road across (rom the Steelhead entrance, and Martinelli Roads attached to River Road, that there will be "No Parking" signs on the complete stretch of River Road from Rio Vista down to Martinelli Road; As well as "No Parking" signs on each side of Rio Vista Road, Dell Road, Westside Road,Trenton Road across from the Steelhead entrance,  and Martinelli Road up to 100 feet, where possible, into these roads; on each side.

At the north side of Old River Road on the East side of the bridge, 5 parking spaces allowed.

This request is in the interest of not only the residents of this neighborhood, but in the interest of public safety, fire safety, road and highway safety, natural preserve management,  gang related safety issues, etc.

"No Littering" signs on River Road with (fines posted) would be welcome as well.

Thank you for your consideration, Kindly,

From the residents and concerned citizens of Forestville,  CA 95436

If you agree with this letter - please send or e-mail it to Efren Carrillo in time for the MAY 22nd hearing. Heres a LINK to submit comments to the Board of Supervisors

COMMENTS can be e-mailed to vesta@sonic.net