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Santa Rosa Snippets - by Elaine B. Holtz - July 2018

2018 Election Results Effecting Santa Rosa and Voter Turnout Results:

Congratulations we have a new sheriff for Sonoma County,

What was particularly frustrating to me about this election, was the voter turnout. According to the Sonoma County Register of Voters, Sonoma County had a voter turnout of 26% and the state only 22%. To me this is shameful. With so many issues that we are facing what this tells me is that folks are not aware of what it means to live in a Democracy or what is needed to maintain it.

I thought for the sake of this conversation to provide the Definition of Democracy by Merriam-Webster: merriam-webster.com/dictionary/democracy

1. A government by the people; especially : rule of the majority. b: a government in which the supreme power is vested in the people and exercised by them directly or indirectly through a system of representation usually involving periodically held free elections. 2: A political unit that has a democratic government.

Small cell installations on city light poles put on hold:

While at the Santa Rosa City Council meeting on June 5, to accept a Resolution of the Juneteenth Festival I found that the council has found itself caught in the middle of a controversy between wireless carriers seeking to deliver better wireless telephone and data services to the city and residents who worry about the aesthetic and possible health impacts of such equipment so close to their homes.

After listening to an array of concerns from citizens and their health concerns, the council reaffirmed that they are unwilling to let Verizon Wireless install antennas and wireless equipment on city light poles, putting the carrier’s plans to boost network coverage in the city on hold indefinitely.

According to Council Woman Julie Combs, the council has concerns with both safety and aesthetics. “We want these to be on city property and right of ways where we can regulate them,“ she said. Combs strongly believes it is important to keep them away from residential neighborhoods. Combs went on to explain that the city is open to having then use some of the city poles, however Verizon needs to prove that their ideas will work well with neighborhoods and home owners and if that happens she said, “We might consider it.” Excellent overview of the meeting by Kevin McCallum can be found in thePress Democrat. pressdemocrat.com/

Sonoma Wine Country Games for participants 50+ Celebrated its 8th Year:

The annual event’s mission statement is to encourage health activity and social engagement for anyone 50+ through education, connections, and the spirited competition of sport, inspiring all to take an active role in determining the quality of aging. This year the Celebration of Athletes event was held Saturday, June 9 from 6-9pm at the Epicenter in Santa Rosa. According to Leigh Galten—Sonoma Wine Country Games coordinator and Volunteer Coordinator for Council on Aging, over 1,100 people from across the USA and Canada competed in thirteen areas of sports which included soccer, table tennis. golf, pickle ball, lawn bowling, bowling, archery, badminton, volley ball, basketball, track and field, and tennis.

There were 21 soccer leagues competing and Canada’s team the “Golden Cleats” took home the Gold Medal. Congratulations to Santa Rosa’s team, “Krush the Elder,” who after a strong game, led by their team captain, Collette Weber took second place with a silver medal. It was so exciting for me to hear about this as my daughter, Susan Jensen played on the Santa Rosa team.

This is Gatlen’s 5th season and she is constantly overwhelmed about how kind and appreciative the athletes are and are so happy to have an opportunity to enjoy the sports they love. “I’m Amazed at the level of skill those who participate have,” she reports. For those interested the program takes place annually in June and there is a small fee of $50.00 which includes a tee shirt. For more information go to winecountrygames.com/

Santa Rosa City Council Looking forSuggestions for Time Capsule:

According to Vice Mayor Chris Rogers, “The time capsule is being buried later this year in conjunction with the 150 year anniversary of the city. Items should give 2068 Santa Rosans a feel for what life in the city is like today—what are our challenges, what are our values, and what did we think the future would hold for Santa Rosa.” Any suggestions you might have please email Vice Mayor Rogers at rogers@srcity.org

Something to think about:“Nobody will ever deprive the American people of the right to vote except the American people themselves, and the only way they could do this is by not voting.” Franklin Delano Roosevelt Sr., often referred to by his initials FDR, was an American statesman and political leader who served as the 32nd President of the United States from 1933 until his death in 1945.

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