The month of Ramadan in North America will begin on Saturday, August 22, 2009. This is a special time of year for Muslims worldwide. It is a time for inner reflection, devotion to God, self-control, and good deeds. Ramadan Mubarak!
Food Bank
Several city employees spent a couple of nights helping out at the Redwood Empire Food Bank. We boxed 241 boxes of food in 45 minutes. The next night we bagged 2,000 pounds of green beans. Thought you might enjoy a photo or two.
Federal Economic Stimulus Funds for City Streets
On Tuesday the City Council awarded a $2.6 million contract to overlay City streets as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. This project will construct pedestrian ramps and place an asphalt overlay on West College Avenue from the railroad tracks west to Tyara Way (near Stony Point Road) and on Summerfield Road from Sonoma Ave south to Santa Rosita Court. Portions of these streets will also be restriped for bike lanes. Thank you to the staff that acted quickly to demonstrate that this project was “shovel ready” and to obtain approval for the Federal stimulus funds. This project is expected to create 26 jobs that will benefit our local economy.
Ernesto Olivares - North Bay Division of the League of California Cities
Councilmember Ernesto Olivares was elected President of the North Bay Division of the League of California Cities. The next time you see Ernesto wish him congratulations!
Hot Dogs, Get Your Hot Dogs!
We have a new vendor downtown! Check out Russotti’s Hot Dogs starting August 17 in the Comstock Mall. He will be there from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will be located at the west end near Santa Rosa Avenue.
Water Use Increased Due to Hot Weather – Remember to Keep Conserving
The Sonoma County Water Agency, the City’s wholesale water supplier, has announced that water demand for our region has increased over the last few days because of the hot weather. To ensure that the Water Agency can meet the demand of all of its customers, we are reminding customers to be diligent in their conservation efforts.
The City’s Water Conservation Program provides information on numerous ways you can reduce your water. A simple way to reduce water use and eliminate water waste is to follow the Top Ten Water Saving Tips available on the Water Conservation website at www.srcity.org/wc. Another way to quickly reduce water use is to focus on your outdoor use. Your landscape does not need that much additional water during periods of hot weather. To irrigate your landscape efficiently, water during the pre-dawn hours, use repeat start times, and follow the watering recommendations of the City’s Turf Time Line - 707-543-3466 or on our Turf Time website. For additional information on water conservation assistance, please call the City’s water conservation hotline at 707-543-3985.
New GIS Information
As part of an ongoing usage of GIS (Geographic Information Systems), the Transit and Information Technology Departments have collaborated to generate a new map analyzing proximity of residential units to current CityBus stops. The spatial analysis done by the GIS team compares Single Family, Multi Family and Senior residential units with current locations of CityBus stops to answer the question of “What percentage of our residential units are within ¼ mile from a current CityBus stop?”. The analysis and visual map can be found on www.srcity.org/maps: click on the “Downloadable PDF Maps”, then select the “CityBus” category of maps. The map is titled “CityBus Route Coverage Analysis”.
Homeless Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing
On August 7th, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) notified the City of Santa Rosa that its Substantial Amendment to the 2008/2009 Action Plan had been approved. This approval allows the City to proceed with its Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program (HPRP) which will be implemented in conjunction with the County of Sonoma to provide one integrated program that helps residents overcome homelessness through housing placement and assistance. HPRP will be providing assistance to Sonoma County residents by the end of September 2009.
Summer Concert Series at Juilliard Park
This Sunday is the last concert of the summer concert series at Julliard Park. I encourage you to check it out if you have not been yet. It is a fun event and the season ends by celebrating Rockabilly Day with The Buckshot Boys. Click here for more information.
South Park’s Summer “Day and Night Festival”
As part of Gang Prevention Awareness week, Saturday, August 14, is South Park’s Summer “Day And Night Festival” in Martin Luther King Park from Noon to 11 p.m. There will be entertainment, games, food and a free outdoor movie “Ratatouille” will be showing at 9 p.m. Sounds like a good time for the whole family!
Remember - some City offices will be closed tomorrow. Have a great weekend!