Page 43 - Sonoma County Gazette March 2018.indd

Supervisor Lynda Hopkins held a town hall meeting on 2/24 about establishing MACs (Municipal Advisory Councils). This is a work- in-progress and will be a mechanism for our lower Russian River area residents to have a form of self governance. Hopefully it will also allow
us to have more say in where our TOT hospitality taxes are being spent.
At the moment we have some pretty basic unresolved issues such as who
empties the garbage cans on Guerneville sidewalks and Monte Rio’s Park & Ride Lot. The answer currently is no one is contracted to do this. Lynda has committed to using TOT funds starting in March to handle this.
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Mortgage to open their beautiful, new branch located at 16190 Main Street, Suite C; right across the street from the Plaza, next door to Russian River Realty. This location seemed best to suit your needs, as it is ground level, has easy access and is located smack dab in the middle of Zephyr Real Estate, Millar and Co., Vanguard Properties and Russian River Realty. And let’s not forget Berkshire Hathaway Home Services which is just a short stroll down Main Street! You may recognize the name, Pinnacle Capital Mortgage, as our very own Hans Bruhner, The Loan Guy, also writes a column for this groovy newspaper. If you have any local events, fundraisers, anything you would like to share with our groovy community, please feel free to pop in and say hello or call me at 707- 604-7542! And of course, if you are wanting to re nance your home or need
Community Problems and Solutions: Several groups are working together to address our issues. We had a meeting with Senator Mike McGuire’s o ce and ABC (Alcohol Beverage Control) to enforce regulations against MD Liquors permitting the consumption of alcohol on their premises.
hhh, Spring is almost here! Don’t you just love the Spring? New beginnings, growth, fresh and brightness! Which leads me to my groovy and exciting news: After close to 12 years, I am no longer working at
We also are meeting with West County Health Services on nding ways to improve the healthcare of our most vulnerable residents. Permitting people to drink themselves to death, or abuse substances to death, is not compassion. Having mental illness issues not being addressed is also not compassion.
Community First Credit Union! I have been hired by Pinnacle Capital
Fortunately there is funding coming soon that will allow more social service workers to be on the street to target the people that have caused the most calls for law enforcement and rst responders. The status quo does not help our tourism, our businesses, our families, or the people that need the help the most.
Another alternative that Lynda Hopkins and the Russia River Alliances are supporting is RV safe parking lots. These lots will provide safe, supervised parking for the homeless with RVs. Basics such as trash service, sanitation service, and clean water will be provided. An option has to be provided for people with no options, especially if we expect to reduce the issues we are having with RVs parked on our streets. Several of the RVs that were parked at the Forestville Park & Ride have been relocated to a safe RV park in Sebastopol.
to get pre-approved to purchase a home in our beautiful area, call me! I now have additional loan options available, faster turn times on appraisal/loan contingency removals and no rate lock restrictions! I have close to 30 years of experience to o er you and the best customer service in the county!
Jeniffer Wertz has lobbied for and received grant money for a Workforce Housing Fund to keep our struggling workers from becoming homeless. If you live and work in the lower Russian River area and are having a short=term problem making your rent payment, this program is for you. Jeni er is
also trying to make this initiative self supporting by holding Workforce Wednesdays dinner or drinks fundraisers the rst Wednesdays of the
month at Timberline Restaurant. Folks can also donate to the cause on-line. Andorno’s Pizza also donates 10% of pro ts Monday nights to the fund. russianriveralliance.org
On to your local groovy happenings coming up.
Sonoma County Pride is moving out of the River and will be held in
Santa Rosa this year for the rst time in 9 years. Reasons given for the move is attendance was down last year and we have less parking and lodging available here. It is unfortunate that the River, with its high LGBT population, and our LGBT businesses will lose this event. Fortunately we will still have Lazy Bear.
Creekside Park Café: Aron Parks from Café Aquatica has taken over the café at Creekside Park, as Leah from Cutty Muggs has moved out of state. This is Aron’s third café as he took over ownership of Ninja Star Café in Sebastopol last year. The café is open everyday 8am-3pm and has a very good selection of vegan and gluten-free items. I recommend the avocado toast. They hope to have live music on weekends in the future.
Friends of Monte Rio will host the next Supper Club Monday, March 5 with chef: A la Heart Catering, and music: Odd Job Ensemble.
Curtain Call Theatre is proud to debut the West Coast Premiere of The Language of Flowers, by celebrated playwright, Gavin Kayner. Opening night performance is March 2. russianriverhall.com
Something new and exciting is coming to our local airwaves! Wonderland Radio Hour is a quarterly series of programs featuring stories about the people, places and history of our lower Russian River communities. Each hour will showcase musicians, artists, writers and characters from our area. Community input and participation is welcomed. Following each live performance at the Rio Theater the program will be broadcast on our local NPR station, KRCB 91.1FM Sundays at 4pm. First show will be Saturday May 19. Congrats to Rhian Miller, Paul Dubray and Alain Lecloux! wonderlandradiohour.com.
Vacation Wonderland. We just keep getting better.
First Friday Artwalk is on the 2nd and is going to be extra special with all of
our local artists and crafters displaying their groovy works. Follow the balloons and chalk art on the sidewalks throughout downtown Guerneville. Russian River Chamber of Commerce Mixer will be held on Wednesday the 14th at Paul Mathew Vineyards Tasting Room in Graton. This get-together is open to business members, invited guests and prospective members as great way for you to interact with your new Chamber Board of Directors and local merchants/ business owners. And at the same time, enjoy some yummy treats and fabulous wine! Be sure to go to russianriversisters.com to purchase your bingo tickets in advance for Saturday, March 10th’s fundraiser for our groovy local schools!
The Russian River Sisters bene ciary for March will be the New Horizon School Culinary Program & Monte Rio School Student’s Garden. Monday, March 5th at the Rio Theater in Monte Rio the Russian River Chamber of Commerce is hosting a “Sheriff’s Candidate Forum” for business members and invited guests; the moderator will be our very own Vesta, owner/editor
of Sonoma County Gazette! While I am on the subject of Monte Rio, be sure to experience Curtain Call Theatre located at 20347 Hwy 116! March 2 – March
24 they are presenting The West Coast Premier of The Language of Flowers by Gavin Kayner and director Michael Tabib. It is a “hauntingly beautiful play” and if you have never had the pleasure of attending this theatre, it is a must! Go to CurtainCallRussianRiver.com or call 707-524-8739.
Another great Monte Rio offering is yoga! Be sure to visit Kathleen at monterioyoga.com. There are numerous classes of all levels available at the Community Center! It’s never too soon to begin forming your groovy golf team to participate in the 18th Annual Golf Tournament, Fireworks Fundraiser, to be held on Friday, May 4th! This is a bene t for the Monte Rio Fireworks, sponsored by the Monte Rio Chamber of Commerce. Come and
see me for an entry form at the local Guerneville Branch of Pinnacle Capital Mortgage or email me at rudometkinbeth1@gmail.com. Again, thank you groovy Guerneville for your continued support and I look forward to our new adventure together!
If you have an event or special coming up next month you would like me to share in this groovy column, be sure to email me at rudometkinbeth1@gmail.com.
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