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Residents of the Roseland County Island may soon be doing their building permits and zoning change requests through the city of Santa Rosa. On Thursday Nov. 19th Tennis Wick, the director of the Sonoma County Permit and Resource Management Department, told the
Roseland Annexation Sub-Committee his department would soon be switching these activities to the city to make for a smoother transition for the annexation. The joint city and county subcommittee has been meeting for two years on an intermittent basis to discuss how to accomplish annexation. What is interesting about this proposal on the part of Mr. Wick is the annexation may still be as much as two more years away from occurring. Yet Mr. Wick would like to see this function of county government be given over to the city right away.
This was the first meeting of the joint sub-committee in over six months, so there was much to catch up on with Santa Rosa Mayor John Sawyer and City Council Member Ernesto Olivares hosting over 22 various city and county staff members. The City Manager Sean McGlynn was there as well as Assistant City Manager Chuck Regalia who is handling the annexation project and the Roseland Specific Plan now underway for a year. The city presented its “Terms” to the county for the annexation to move forward. The Sonoma County Supervisors in attendance were Shirlee Zane and Efren Carrillo who appeared eager to get the annexation completed.
But Santa Rosa city staff is now seeking at least 15 different “terms” they require for the Annexation Agreement to proceed to successful completion. These terms include requests for the “county to contribute $18 million per year over a 10 year period to make the proposed improvements” to streets, street lighting and pedestrian connectivity. The city is also asking for an additional $8 million over 10 years “to cover the gap between the cost of services and the revenues.” Plus the city wants “$1.3 million to cover one time start-up costs of providing services when the annexation is complete.” This comes close to $30 million over a ten year period and the amount caused the county officials to hesitate in their acceptance of these terms.
Now the county has taken the list of terms under consideration and will begin the process of negotiating for some compromises based upon money the county has already spent on parks and roads in Roseland. Supervisor Carrillo was quick to point out the county has made a commitment to Roseland by siting a new branch of the Sonoma County Library as well as assisting with the redevelopment of the former Roseland Village Shopping Center in the future. While those activities are underway the county has also helped to get a branch of the Boys and Girls Club opened at the same building as the library branch. This is in the Dollar Tree store building on the west side of the 7-acre Roseland Village parcel now owned by the county taxpayers. These are currently in
a two year agreement to stay there while the development of the “Roseland Plaza” envisioned for the site is completed.
The meeting was mostly upbeat and positive “investment opportunities” were discussed including a possible location of an “Urban Farm” by the Sonoma County Agriculture and Open Space District in Roseland. Also, “Santa Rosa is evaluating ways to expedite provision of Santa Rosa Police Service to the Roseland unincorporated area before the annexation is complete.” Still to be discussed is what will happen to the South Park Sanitation District and the disposition of Special Districts such as the Roseland Fire Protection District. There is still much work to do for the city and county to come to agreement
but unfortunately most of it is not being done where the public can follow the process.
Roseland residents will need to contact Supervisor Carrillo’s office and Chuck Regalia’s office to get the most recent information. You can also ask for updates there on the new homeless encampment established at Roseland Village “until a suitable long-term solution can be found.” The phone for Supv. Carrillo is (707) 565-2241 with email efren.carrillo@sonoma-county.org. Mr. Regalia is at cregalia@srcity.org and phone (707) 543-3010.
This is the season for gathering with friends and family. When December rolls around, so does the spirit of giving. Our giving extends beyond our immediate circle to include our community, especially those who need our support. There are so many ways we can lend a
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hand, and extend the season’s caring.
I like to give small gifts, found locally, that are Edible, Reusable, Readable,
or Recyclable. One year, I gave a friend a book he was interested in: it was
all wrapped up, but from the library! I know it sounds weird, but he really appreciated the funny gift gestalt. It’s not that I’m annoyingly frugal, or worse yet, cheap. But if you can tickle a funny bone it’s a double bonus. For the person on your list who doesn’t want more “stuff” why not share an experience such tickets to go to a play or concert together? Or a pampering pedicure? How about a date to go for tea?
Consignment and thrift shops ring the Reuse and Recycle bell, where you’ll find a treasure trove of one-of-a-kind gifts. Scarves and jewelry show little wear, and have that “new-to-you” element. Or, consign or donate your own items you aren’t using. Give someone else a crack at loving them.
In Penngrove, the kooky End of the Road Thrift Shop is on Main Street near Adobe Road. This spot’s name gives a clue to what’s inside. Enjoy the hunt and you’re sure to find something. (Reminder: the goofy gift exchange is coming!) This is where I added to my Day of the Dead altar last month, with an amazing tree of life tin candelabra and a Mexican dancer doll. Both for under $5!
Secret Santa and Open House – Dec. 12
While in Penngrove, drop by the charming gift shop Hello Penngrove in The Grove Plaza. The shop. specializes in hand-made, locally-made and one- of-a-kind items. The baby and child section is irresistible,
“We try our best to select things that are made in the United States, by teeny- tiny, small or smallish companies,” said owner Kaitlin Lowenthal. “We love items made from recycled materials, repurposed items and gifts made with the safety and well-being of the user and the planet at heart. Many things are made right here in Sonoma County. We have candles, jewelry, floral arrangements, stickers, baby clothes and accessories, children’s toys, refinished furniture, and more.”
The shop will host a community Open House on Saturday, Dec, 12 from Noon to 5 pm. “We are a community sponsor for the Sonoma County Secret Santa giving tree,” said Lowenthal. “You select a heart with a person’s age and wish, then bring the wrapped gift back to us for delivery.” The Secret Santa non-profit project was founded in1989. Partners are Volunteer Center of Sonoma County, KZST Radio Station and Friedman’s Home Improvement. To learn about other locations all over the county at www.secretsantanow.org .
“We will also host a general children’s gift drive that day, in addition to the Secret Santa hearts. We will offer a discount of 10% when you buy a children’s gift to donate. You’ll receive raffle tickets, whether you bring or purchase a
gift to donate. Our raffle prize includes a gift certificate to Hello Penngrove, a mini-portrait session with local photographer Andrea Freidman, and other gifts from the shop. We will have a fun holiday photo booth, cookies, and some holiday specials.”
Lost Creek Etching
Recently, I met Jennifer Bell of Penngrove, owner of Lost Creek Etching. Her specialty is engraved memorials on stone and rock.to commemorate a pet, loved one or occasion. She began by painting portraits on rock while working for a veterinarian. Soon, clients were requesting names of pets on stones, along with the pet’s own paw print. A self-taught etcher, she uses a sandblasting method to cut deeper than a laser. Her work includes garden stepping stones, small memorials stones, address markers, and personalized gifts in stone and glass. Bell completed more than 230 bricks for the Walnut Park renovation. Every year, Forestville Youth Park builds another path with etched bricks. She has created stone etchings for St. Vincent’s High School, Mark West Elementary School, Petaluma Little League and Sonoma Academy.
Please email your Penngrove news or idea by the first week of each month.
I’d love to hear from you!