Page 42 - Sonoma County Gazette August 2019

August already? This year is flying by. The fireworks last month were great as usual. The fireworks, as well as the Variety Show, are enduring historical events that make us proud of our little hamlet. Another recent standout are the efforts by Ed Brochu to beautify our gateway entrance with flowering plants. Kudos again to Ed!
It’s August—BIG things in BODEGA!
We may be getting WCCS Empowerment Center classes at the MRRPD Youth Center building next to the tennis courts. The Empowerment Center will have classes mid-day mid-week. Classes are currently being held in the Russian River Senior Center and the Empowerment Center needs more space.
Sunday, August 4th. Bodega Fire’s Big Event is entirely FREE to attend and park. 39th Annual, Sonoma County’s Shortest Parade 10:30 a.m. Live music 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Bands include Blue Rock, Used Goods and Bohemian Ukuleles. Enjoy crafts fair, games, beer, wine and desserts. BBQ tri-tip or chicken plate w/ chili, salad and garlic bread all for $15/adults $10/children! More information at bodegafire.org.
Update on the Air Quality Sensors: MRFPD unfortunately has decided not to take action on the request that would have provided monitoring sensors for our residents and for our school children.
Then August 24-25, the famous Bodega Seafood, Art & Wine Festival. 25th Annual! Drawing about 10,000 attendees from the Bay Area and beyond, this is a must-see fun time for all. Great music and entertainment for the whole family.
Update on Noise Ordinance: There has been a lot of traction on this recently with over 300 petition signatures in support of a noise ordinance, as well as social media and a local news article on the subject. Russian River Alliance, along with some of its member groups, started this initiative last summer in response to public requests.
Lynda Hopkins thought it would be a good initiative for the MAC to tackle when they were formed, but the MAC has not been able to begin the process of getting it on their agenda yet. There currently is a noise ordinance that only applies to vacation rentals.
In addition to the
amazing wine, microbrews
and cider, the main
attraction is the wide
variety of eats. Boundless
seafood and countless
tasty treats will provide options to please everybody in the group and keep you going back for more. I will be heading for salmon, artichoke, shrimp and Gaspacho’s refreshing fruit - my all time favorite!
There are two issues with this. One, it doesn’t really help maintain peace and quiet if the offenders are not vacation rentals. Second, there are only two people charged with enforcing this countywide (through Permit Sonoma)
and they haven’t even been hired yet. We need a noise ordinance that is fair
for all, covers all, and will be easily enforced. We’ve learned recently that the State had mandated all municipalities in 1992 to enact local noise ordinances. Asking our sheriff department or our county about noise ordinances and they will tell you we don’t have any. Upon further research however, a local resident found that we do have a “Disturbing the Peace” ordinance which does cover noise. The ordinance 4606, is in Sonoma County Municipal Codes Article VII Sec 4-101 and was enacted in 1992. Law enforcement is supposed to visit the offending party and if follow-up calls are later needed, the offending party is to be charged the expense of sending the deputies back out.
There are 90 different advanced artist and crafter booths to explore. You
will find jewelry, ceramics, photography, sculpture, glass, metal, wood,
leather, mixed media, wearables, artisan foods, two-dimensional art & more! Admission is free if under 12, discounted for seniors, teens and military, $15 for adults in advance and $20 at the gate. Located at Watts Ranch, 16855 Bodega Highway, Bodega, CA 94922. Learn more: info@bodegaseafoodfestival.com
There is also CA Penal Code 415 “Disturbing the Peace” which covers excessive noise. So, if you are experiencing excessive noise late at night and have tried to contact the offender but with no satisfactory results, contact the Sheriff department and request they come out per the existing Disturbing the Peace ordinances. If you are still not successful, please email me so this matter can be further addressed. When you call about excessive noise late at night, you shouldn’t have to hear “there is no noise ordinance in unincorporated Sonoma County”. Everyone has the right to quiet enjoyment.
& visit bodegaseafoodfestival.com, where you can buy a combined entry & tasting ticket ($10 off).
Non-profit beneficiaries are the Bodega Volunteer Fire Department and the Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods, which partners with California State Parks in the Sonoma Coast and Russian River region, and will have exciting and interactive environmental displays for all ages.
Looking forward to having all our resorts back open, hopefully in time for Lazy Bear! The new and improved resorts should keep the locals, workers, and tourists happy for many years to come.
Jim Grant got involved in his Bodega community, being drawn to the Fire Department (FD) because it’s essential service. He began
by attending meetings, observing, doing
chores, helping at events, then a need arose
for secretary. He has served as such for nearly 20 years. He is officially stepping down after joining the department 25 years ago.
Vacation Wonderland, we just keep getting better.
He shared that he’s “going to turn it over to the next generation,” as he wants to “get back into the studio” with multi-faceted skills in what he calls “confusion coming together.”
He suffered a stroke two months ago and can’t easily write anymore since his right
hand is injured. He is going to therapy—adapting, exercising, trying to regain strength and learning to do things with both hands. He joked...“Can’t have a secretary who doesn’t write.”
Jim might be retiring, but he’ll still help out and do what he can, just not in the same capacity. Even now, he’s working on the Newsletter and getting permits for the Big Event. Every year, it’s their most intensive event for permitting, but it’s worth it.
He invites you to “Come out to the Big Event!” His favorite part of the FD is “participating in a useful way in the community.”
42 - www.sonomacountygazette.com - 8/19