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Well, the long wait is over... stop the anticipation... it’s done. A whopping “THANK YOU” to the Harris family. The Rio Nido Riverfront has been transferred over to Russian River Rec & Park. What does this exactly mean? Well, for starters, the RN
We are getting a new bridge! The bridge will be replaced with a new bridge and the existing bridge will be demolished. Our bridge was built in 1934. The new bridge will cost up to $20 million. The Federal government will cover all costs, and Caltrans and the
Beach will finally have public access. A meeting was held with RRR&P on Wednesday, October 21st for citizens to speak their mind on the beach and offer their ideas. Suggestions and alternatives include: Sonoma County Regional Park standard signage, which contains a bulleted list including no lifeguard, swim at your own risk, no fires on beach, BBQ in designated areas only, clean up after pets, park open from sunrise to sunset. And consumption of alcohol prohibited. Should the beach be closed 1/2 hour before sunset, should there
be a “no camping” sign and are dogs allowed? These are all questions that will be answered as we round the corner. Stay tuned for more information coming soon.
County will handle the construction. The old bridge will not be retrofitted due to costs and because the lanes are narrow. As it is not earthquake safe, if it were to remain and then a large earthquake were to occur, the debris could damage the new bridge downstream. Guerneville did not have this problem as their new bridge was built upstream from the old “Pedestrian” bridge. Timeline is 3-7 years for design/environmental and 2 years for construction (completion probably around 2022). Currently 3,100 vehicles cross the bridge daily. County Public Works will hold a community meeting for input (design/location options) in early December.
Business as usual in Rio Nido
Water Issues
Other long term plans that appear to be getting closer to reality is a solution to our wastewater issues. At this juncture we know that funds will be available in the form of grants and low interest loans, to assist residents and businesses to upgrade their septic tanks when the time comes. Although it has not been determined yet which options will be available, such as individual septics or neighborhood communal septics, at least the day will arrive when we will be able to renovate, expand, and have new construction, which we badly need in our happy little hamlet. I’ll be first in line at the Pink!
Homelessness and Drugs
Word on the street is heroin is back and is now overtaken meth locally. There have been several meetings held in Guerneville recently. Everything from
hiring private security, to additional law enforcement officers (that didn’t last long), to building a homeless resource center. We are still working on the law enforcement side of things. As for the homeless that want help, the county has funds and will be opening a homeless service center at an undetermined location in Guerneville. This center will house 10 people and will have staff on hand to provide other needed services such as medical and job placement assistance.
Air Quality
Our Air Quality District has committed to continue working with the Russian River Alliance to improve our local air quality. Clean burning in wood stoves requires dry seasoned wood and sufficient air intake. This ensures more heat, for less money, and keeps our air healthier. There should be no visible smoke emissions when burning cleanly. The same applies to any open residential burning. Yes, there are still people who do this instead of using lawn refuse cans or taking lawn debris to the dump. The Air Quality District is also again providing rebates for upgrading to EPA Certified Phase II wood or pellet stoves and fireplace inserts. This funding comes from the Air District’s Community Fund, which is generated by fines for illegal polluting activities. For more information on obtaining a rebate visit sonomacounty.ca.gov/NSCAPCD/
SoCo Pride
PG&E is definitely on top of their game this fall preparing for the winter.
For the past two weeks, PG&E has been working with Davey Tree to cut
back redwood branches from power lines and areas that could be potentially dangerous. The County has also come out and repainted all the “Yield” signage. A big thanks for all the help.
Lower Russian River Branding Signage
Have you noticed the cool new River branding signs? Still waiting on the Rio Nido sign. Not to worry, it is forthcoming shortly. We’re movin’ on up! How exciting!
The RNR always has something fun in store all year round.
November is a great month at the RNR. Come on down and have some fun. Saturday, November 7th: Naive Melodies will perform (Talking Heads
Rio Nido Roadhouse
Tribute band) $7.00 cover charge
Saturday, November 14th: Hot Zone $5.00 cover charge
Saturday, November 21st: Live music with the Tom Finn Band and RNR
Chili Cookoff Fundraiser. (Look for signup sheets at the RNR). More
details coming soon.
Saturday, November 28th: Levi Lloyd and the 501 Blues Band $5.00 cover
From Halloween to Thanksgiving
Gosh, time has been whizzing by... I don’t even know what to say. Seems like Summer was just yesterday. Halloween is always the best holiday in my book. Planning our Halloween costumes is always a fun time. Every Halloween seems to be getting better and a lot more eventful. Now on to Thanksgiving...
I love this holiday as well for it is such a hoot to get together with family and friends over good food, stimulating conversation and excellent beverages. Did someone say “Strawberry Margaritas?”
If you are experiencing poor air quality please contact the Air Quality Board at 707-433-5911 or the Russian River Alliance at russianriveralliance.org
Pet of the Month
Bear the Rottweiler was born April 1st 2002 in Shasta County. Bear was six
weeks old when he came to his forever home. H
bear by accident and fell in love with him
at first sight. Bear is very well loved. When
he was a youngin he loved going to the childrens playground to play with his human siblings. He likes to play with birds and chase shadows. Bear is a good natured boy with
a wonderfully kind disposition and is very protective. His food likes are: veggies, fruit and ofcourse steak. Bear is extremely laid back and friendly. He looks forward to long walks with his Rottweiler bestie, Jesse James of Canyon 6. Let’s all give a warm welcome to RN’s new resident Bear!
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We are looking for volunteers to assist with next June’s Pride Weekend. Please visit and contact us at sonomacountypride.org We are also glad to report that we have raised Sonoma County’s Human Rights Municipal Equality Index from a 72 to 91. More still needs to be done, but we are getting there!
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Monte Rio Supper Club will have their next, always popular, event Monday November 2nd at the Community Center. Catered by Gerard’s Paella and music by Frankie Boots & Country Line.
Monte Rio Chamber will sponsor the annual Casino Night Saturday November 7th at the Community Center. This is a fun fundraiser that supports the Chamber’s 4th of July fireworks. Visit monterio.org for more details.
Giving back to the community at whatever level you can makes a big difference.
Please email me with any comments, and Happy Holidays, Happy Hamlet! 11/15 - www.sonomacountygazette.com - 43