Springs Splash by Thomas Martin - May 2018

May 2, 2018

Real axle busters!

Potholes and rough pavement are standard fare for drivers in El Verano, Boyes Springs, Fetters, and Agua Caliente. “Pull down your goggles, veer right then left, scoot by the first pothole, straddle the next one, watch for the car on the corner, dodge the woman and her baby carriage, brake around the next series of bumps, and careful for the fellow leaving El Gran Taco.” This is the daily routine traveling Calle del Monte to Highway 12.

The streets of the Springs need repair! Streets extending from central arteries are a mass of patches, holes, bumps, and crevasses. Travel Riverside Drive from Boyes to Craig, or E. Robinson from Hwy 12 to Central, or streets branching off Greger like Pine, and the streets north of Highway 12. Wish to report a pothole or state a need for road improvements? Go to sonomacounty,ca.gov/TPW/Roads/.

The Future of the Sonoma Developmental Center - Discussed At Packed Meeting In Mid-April!

There’s only seven months remaining in the year and the fate of the SDC and its 250 plus residential clients remains unknown. The State of California Department of Developmental Services plans to move the developmentally disabled clients to other facilities by the end of 2018. After that is the question of what is to become of the 860-acre property and its 142 buildings? This was the issue placed before a standing room only house of citizens at Dunbar School in mid-April.

The Glen Ellen Forum presented a series of reports followed by breakout sessions composed of 5-8 people who reported their views to the body as a whole. The Forum speakers included Alice Horowitz, Ellie Insley, Richard Dale (Sonoma Ecology Center), Tracy Salcido, Jim Shere (Historical Society), John McCaull (Sonoma Land Trust), and Susan Gorin, First District Supervisor.

The speakers indicated that the three most likely directions the development would follow is for the State to retain ownership, sale to private developers, or the formation of a trust like the Presidio Trust in San Francisco.

Speakers and committee reports seemed to focus on the trust scheme. Several committees emphasized the need for locally appointed trustees. It was repeated by several breakout reporters that a trust should focus on accommodating educational, scientific, and cultural programs. A center for the study of developmentally disabled children was posed. A northern California Emergency Center was suggested. Whatever is to come there was near universal support for the preservation of existing structures, and maintenance of open space. There was a plea for no professional sports organizations. Water resources and the need for preservation were common concerns.

Mid-Summer Report Anticipated…

What is known is that the firm hired by the State to evaluate the facility is expected to make its report in mid-summer. Following that, a representative of Sen. Mike McGuire’s office said it is likely there will be another community forum. In the final analysis the outcome will be determined by the Legislature and Governor.

Student Work On Display The Entire Month of May! El Verano, Flowery andCharter School Fourth Grade Students Display projects, maps, papers, and artwork at the Sonoma Petaluma State Park Barracks.

Fourth grade students study California history and geography. The annual Fourth Grade California History exhibits are on display at the Sonoma Petaluma Barracks at Spain Street and 1st Street East. Student exhibits from most public and parochial schools are in the Barracks viewing room. There will be periodic presentations by students and teachers for the visiting public. Be certain to see Sonoma student scholarship and research at Sonoma State Park. Student work will be on display through Memorial Day, May 28.

Be Prepared!

SF, April 18, 1906 – 112 Years Later The Hayward Fault Extends Through The Bay And Sonoma Valley – Protect family, pets, and neighbors

Geologists report that the Hayward fault that runs through the eastbay could erupt at any time. That fault extends under SF Bay through the southern Sonoma Valley. Be prepared, set aside water and food supplies, protect personal documents and papers, provide for your pets and children.

Tom Martin. retired teacher and teacher union organizer, lives in the Boyes Springs area. He taught American History and Government at Santa Barbara High School for over twenty years. For another twenty years he served as Field Representative for the California Federation of Teachers, AFL-CIO, representing teachers in the five counties region north of the Golden Gate Bridge. He works with the Sonoma Valley Democrats, serves as a Docent at the Sonoma/Petaluma State Park, and is a member of the Sonoma Valley Citizens Advisory Commission. Contact: 707-938-5025/tvmsonoma@att.net.