News from the Fifth District by Lynda Hopkins — March 2019

5TH DISTRICT SUPERVISOR - SONOMA COUNTY

February 27, 2019

In Roseland, the Roseland Village project is moving forward.

In the coming months it is expected that the City of Santa Rosa will give approvals for site work to begin. The initial phase of construction will involve laying the ground for infrastructure improvements such as new roads and utilities. Sometime this summer, it is expected that a “plaza temporal” will begin operating on a portion of the site. This amenity, which is in development, will include a gathering spot and food providers. This will provide a gathering spot which can be present during the phases of development, and hopefully increase the future success of the planned Mercado or food business incubator planned for the project. The Santa Rosa Planning Commission hearing on the development proposal will have taken place on February 28. I’m hopeful that this area will become the cultural center and gathering place intended by the Sebastopol Road Vision Plan.

Caltrans Draft TCR

On March 7, Caltrans will present its draft TCR, or transportation concept report, for Highway 1 to the Sonoma County Coast Municipal Advisory Council. This draft TCR is Caltrans’ long-term planning document for the northern part of Highway 1, running from the southern part of Marin County up to the Sonoma/Mendocino county line. The TCR is an effort to address two major issues we’re facing on Highway 1: How to (1) ensure Highway 1 meets the needs of all the people it serves, both residents and tourists, while (2) protecting and enhancing its natural environment that is becoming increasingly subject to the irreversible effects of climate change?

It is important that our coastal communities that rely on Highway 1 have an opportunity to not only understand Caltrans’ concept and plans — which will literally pave the way for the Coast Highway’s future — but to also have a voice in the matter. Caltrans will provide attendees with the next steps, including ways to provide Caltrans with feedback. If you’re interested in seeing the draft TCR, please email our office and we will share a copy with you, as it is not available online. Copies will also be available at the March 7 meeting.

What: Presentation on Caltrans Draft Transportation Concept Report at Coast MAC Meeting

When: Thursday, March 7, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Where: Bodega Bay Grange

What about the Sonoma Coast Marathon?

In early February, a proposal for a Sonoma Coast marathon came to light. At the county level, the event has been discussed with the Department of Transportation and Public Works, but it is not yet in the application stage. Special events like this proposed marathon must go through a rigorous process involving permits from agencies, such as Caltrans, California Highway Patrol, Permit Sonoma, the Department of Transportation and Public Works and State Parks in order to receive approval. Our understanding is that these permit applications are underway.

As such the Coast MAC will also convene a special meeting on Sunday, March 31 from 2 to 4 p.m. to hear a proposal from the organizers of the proposed Sonoma Coast Marathon. During the special meeting, the MAC and attending public will be able to hear a presentation from the marathon organizers. MAC representatives will be able to ask questions and the public will be able to provide comment during a public comment period.

What: Special Meeting of the Coast MAC

When: Sunday, March 31, 2019 2 to 4 p.m.

Where: Bodega Bay Grange

Visit www.sonomacounty.org/sccmac for more information; the agenda will be posted at least 24 hours before the meeting date.

In other MAC news…

The Lower Russian River Municipal Advisory Council (River MAC) held its first meeting on Monday, Feb. 25 at the Guerneville Elementary School. Its next meeting will be Thursday, April 18, 2019 at the Monte Rio Community Center. The MAC will invite the Lower Russian River Wastewater Citizens Advisory Group to present on upcoming new state regulations

We are excited to announce the chairs and vice chairs for the Lower Russian River and Sonoma County Coast Municipal Advisory Councils:

River MAC:

Chair: Mike Nicholls, Cazadero Representative

Vice Chair: Cynthia Strecker, Monte Rio Representative

Coast MAC:

Chair: Che Casul, Bodega/Valley Ford Representative

Vice Chair: Scott Farmer, Timber Cove Representative

Supervisor Lynda Hopkins represents Sonoma County’s geographically large and economically diverse Fifth District. Her area includes the wild and beautiful Sonoma County coastline, the redwoods in the lower Russian River, many unincorporated rural villages, the city of Sebastopol, and the Southwestern portion of the city of Santa Rosa. Lynda’s education focused on land use and public policy, and her professional life included stints in community journalism and organic food farming prior to holding elected office. Along with her husband Emmett, Lynda is raising two daughters who are the fourth generation to pick apples from their Gravenstein apple trees on the property that is now Foggy River Farm.