Transportation updates along the River
Summer has arrived! Take off your mask, breathe some fresh air and smile! I’m so ready to just chill out after this past year. Let’s hope fire season isn’t too bad this year. I guess we were spared the floods, but the drought doesn’t portend well for the summer.
SMART is making it easier to get out this summer with lower fares. Fares are being slashed 40% for the next 12 months. If you want to visit the City, SMART will have $10 unlimited single weekend day passes and only $5 for seniors, youth, disabled, and low-income riders. Train service goes to Larkspur where you need to connect to a ferry to reach San Francisco.
Tesla is looking for more Supercharger hosts in Sonoma County where demand is way over supply. Tesla will take care of all costs and maintenance and just needs a few parking spaces. Although the deadline may have passed last month, any business or public sites interested should contact Tesla soon.
Sonoma County has received $500,000 to study alternative wastewater disposal options for Monte Rio. This study should take two years and will investigate alternative on-site systems, community septic systems, and a sewer system. The county is still working with the state to identify grants and mini-loan programs. For those new to the area, progress takes time in the River, as in decades. In the meantime, let’s hope the county begins to address other sources of illegal sewage dumping such as the caravan of RVs parked along Moscow Rd.
As summer kicks off, it will be interesting to see what activities are back on. Unfortunately, our Independence Day fireworks and related events will not be occurring this year. Villa Grande will have something planned however the canon blast which almost took out a patriot in recent years will not be part of the events. Looks like their secession plans from Monte Rio are thwarted again! With the drought and increased concerns about the effects on pets this may be a turning point in annual fire-works. I loved our fireworks. They were not only the best in the River, they were consistently out-standing and amazing for the size of our town. Hopefully they can return next year with lower noise levels. I can prepare my pet for one day of loud fireworks that are safely administered. What I can’t deal with is illegal fireworks every night.
As we fully reopen, please email me with updates on events and any other items of interest or concern for the community. It will be a busy season so please exercise patience when dealing with tourists on the road or understaffed hospitality restaurant and bar workers. A smile goes a long way, unmask yours. Here’s to a fun summer in the best little hamlet.
Vacation Wonderland: Embracing the past, Welcoming the future.
