Rohnert Park Ripples by Gina Belforte - May 2017

Most graduating seniors in Sonoma County are preparing for a fun filled evening after graduation, safely celebrating with their classmates at a decades old event, Project Graduation. The event was created as a way to keep celebrating seniors safe, and in one place, the night after graduation.

Unfortunately, organizers of Cotati-Rohnert Park Project Grad learned recently the treasurer embezzled all the funds for this years event. Organizers estimate the loss at over $50,000.Many members in the community are stepping up to help, the most notable at this point is the Rohnert Park Public Safety Officers Association. They will be putting on a very large pancake breakfast at Fire Station 2 on the corner of 5200 Country Club Drive and Golf Course Drive in RP on May 13 at 8 am.

Donations can be dropped off at Fire Station 2 any time. Any funds raised will be go directly back to Project Grad. Donations can also be mailed or dropped off at: Rancho Cotate High School 5450 Snyder Lane in Rohnert Park, Technology High School, 1801 East Cotati Avenue, Rohnert Park or Project Grad P.O. Box 702 in Cotati, CA 94932.http://crpprojectgrad.org/donations

All checks should be made payable to Cotati-Rohnert Park Project Graduation.

The goal is to raise enough funds so these graduating seniors from Cotati and Rohnert Park will have the same safe, fun filled place to spend their graduation night as many of their counterparts have had before them. Coming together to turn this unfortunate issue into to a strong community event is a great way to show our youth how to find a very positive solution to a gut-wrenching problem.

New Turf Coming to Sunrise Park

The city council recently approved an all-weather field for both the soccer/lacrosse field and the softball field at Sunrise Park, located along the Rohnert Park Expressway. After much, and fascinating deliberation, the council reached an agreement with a developer who offered to donate additional funds so both fields could be converted from water loving grass to the all-weather synthetic turf. This will be a much-needed improvement to the park which is often unusable due to winter rains and muddy conditions. The park at Santa Dorotea will also see new park equipment being installed in the very near future. City staff met with homeowners neighboring the park and asked their input on a choice of playground equipment.

Spreckels Performing Arts, The Broadway of Rohnert Park

Rohnert Park is proud to be the home of the award winning Spreckels Performing Arts Center led by manager/director Gene Abravaya. Two highly entertaining shows are planned for the April and May.Songs For a New World runs April 21 to May 7. This show weaves characters and history together, from the deck of a 1492 Spanish sailing ship to a ledge, 57 stories above Fifth Avenue illuminating the timelessness of self-discovery. From a determined young man who believes basketball will be his ticket out, to a woman who finds herself in the wealthy marriage she dreams of only to find it is soulless. It’s about that one moment, when you make choice or take a stand or perhaps turn and run the other way. Disney’s MusicalTarzan opens May 5 through May 21. Music and lyrics byPhil Collins. The classic tale of a young boy raised by apes in West Africa, enjoying the freedom of living in the jungle until he encounters humans like himself for the first time. For tickets please call the Spreckels Box Office at 707-588- 3400. “A Spreckels Theatre Company production is Broadway right here in Rohnert Park.” Barry Willis, President, San Francisco Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle.

Rohnert Park Town Hall

The City of Rohnert Park will be holding another Town Hall event on May 3 at the Rohnert Park Community Center starting at 6 pm. This is a terrific way to learn about what is happening at the city, how to become involved and share comments or concern with the city council.