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Late Correspondence (Uploaded 05-08-2025)

Santa Rosa City Council
May 6, 2025

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Late Correspondence (Uploaded 05-08-2025)
Meeting
May 6, 2025
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Santa Rosa City Council
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12
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Text extracted from the city's file for reading and search. Open the original on legistar.granicus.com. That file is the official record.

From: Clyde Underwood
To: CityCouncilListPublic
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Closing SR fire stations?
Date: Monday, May 5, 2025 8:31:43 PM
Although I apparently missed the 5pm deadline to submit email feedback on this topic, it turns out I cannot attend tomorrow's live session so I'm going to submit this email anyway in hopes that it gets read.

Closing Oakmont's station 7 would be a horrible
decision. Not only was Oakmont hit twice by
wildfires in 2017 (Nun's) and 2020 (Glass), Oakmont is fairly remote from the city proper.

Given that many Oakmont residents are older, it is imperative that station 7 remain open.

PLEASE keep station 7 open!
Thank you,
~Clyde Underwood
, Santa Rosa, CA 95409

From: Joanne Davey
To: CityCouncilListPublic
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Oakmont Fire Station
Date: Tuesday, May 6, 2025 7:57:01 AM
I am writing to encourage you to keep the fire station in Oakmont. When you look at the population of Oakmont, it is bigger than some communities in the county and as a retirement community is more dependent on the quick response of the terrific team at this location.

Thanks for your consideration.

Joanne Davey
Sent from my iPad
From: Patty Wallace
To: CityCouncilListPublic
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Layoffs at fire department
Date: Tuesday, May 6, 2025 10:00:35 AM
Please do not layoff any fireman. They are our biggest need during fire season. We can’t afford to lose any firefighters when we are so vulnerable here in Sonoma county. Please reconsider this.

Thank you
Patty Wallace
From: Betsy
To: CityCouncilListPublic
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Please don"t close the Person Wing
Date: Tuesday, May 6, 2025 10:52:20 AM
I am a senior who has been taking classes at the Person Wing for 10 years. Classes here are essential for seniors' well being physically, socially, community wide.

Please please keep the Person Wing operating. There may be ways to cut expenses and raise fees but closing the center would be devastating to many many seniors.

Thank you for the difficult work you do and for your consideration.

Betsy Westing
From: Blanquita Fuentes C.

To: CityCouncilListPublic
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Do not close the Senior Center at Finley Date: Tuesday, May 6, 2025 1:47:17 PM
Attention city Council,
Please do not close the Senior Center at Finley in Santa Rosa, California.

A lot of us seniors, enjoy several classes that are good, not only for our physical and health wellness, but also for our brains. Besides, we have a great time getting to have good friendships.

Thank you for considering my email.

Blessings
Blanquita Fuentes
From: Christina Daley
To: CityCouncilListPublic
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Findley
Date: Tuesday, May 6, 2025 2:06:50 PM
As a resident of SR and a senior citizen , I use the Senior facility ( Person wing) every day.

It provides so many activities to help Santa Rosa citizens stay healthy and engaged in our community.

Please make it an ongoing resource and do whatever it takes to keep it viable.

Sincerely,
Tina Rogers Daley

From: Steven Zahniser
To: CityCouncilListPublic
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Finley Senior Center the Person Senior Wing Date: Tuesday, May 6, 2025 2:43:14 PM
I was born in Sonoma County (1945) and I've lived here most of my life and I use the facility 3 to 4 times a week. Right now I'm into linedancing but I've taken mahjong lessons, acting lessons and have I have done community theater all at the Center. Without the Senior faculty we seniors would have to go to Sebastopol, Rohnert Park, or Petaluma for the same activities.

Please do not close our much needed Center for seniors.

Steve Zahniser
From: Gwyneth
To: CityCouncilListPublic
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Senior Center at Finley
Date: Tuesday, May 6, 2025 2:55:51 PM
PLEASE do not close it! I go to at least 4 exercise classes a week there, as do many of my friends. The place is always busy, active, and well used. I do not know where else seniors could go for these services if the senior center closes. I think they could afford to raise their rates a little if that would help— right now they are extremely reasonable. The council members should come and see the benefits of the center in person before considering closing it.

Sincerely,
Gwyneth Davis
From: Kay Hartman
To: CityCouncilListPublic
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Closure of Our Finley Senior Center Date: Tuesday, May 6, 2025 3:19:52 PM
What are you thinking !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You’ve already closed the Steele Lane and the Bennett Valley Senior Centers !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What are you thinking!!!!!!!!
I’ve taken countless classes at all three of these Senior Centers over the last 30+ years. I’ve learned so much and benefited from classes and other activities offered. I've formed lasting friendships with the people I’ve met there, too.

Our Finley Senior Center is crucial to the mental and physical health of our large senior population in and around Santa Rosa. What are you thinking !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Do any of you City Council Members have parents, other relatives and friends who are over age 55??????? If so, have they attended activities at our Finley Senior Center? Have they told you about the countless classes and other events that are enjoyed by a signifiant number of seniors every week, of every year??? What are you thinking in closing our Finley Senior Center !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Please stop remodeling the ugly Courthouse Square, and direct those funds to maintenance and operation of our last remaining senior center, our Finley Senior Center !!!!!!!!!!!! Kay Hartman

From: Gayle Reid
To: CityCouncilListPublic
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Finley Center
Date: Tuesday, May 6, 2025 4:14:03 PM
Dear City Council Members,
I am writing to you as a senior who enjoys line dance classes at the Finley Center. I understand that cutting operating finances of Parsons Hall are being considered. I strongly urge you to find other ways to make up any monetary differences and let us seniors continue to take advantage of the many opportunities offered at the Senior Center. Our health and wellbeing depend on it. Please vote NO on cutting the Senior Center at Finley! Thank you for your consideration,
Gayle Reid
From: NSL
To: CityCouncilListPublic
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Finley Center closing???
Date: Tuesday, May 6, 2025 4:48:14 PM
To the City Council,
Please, please don't close the Finley Center. It is an absolute lifeline for so very many seniors. It is for some the only way they - we - have to contribute, socialize, feel useful, and feel wanted.

I know it is a very valuable place for many others, too, but for seniors especially, it is truly a gift.

Please find a way to save the Finley Center. We need it so much.

Sincerely,
Noel LaFortune
From: Kathy Byrne
To: CityCouncilListPublic
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Finley Senior Center
Date: Tuesday, May 6, 2025 5:15:33 PM
Santa Rosa city Council
I can’t believe you would even consider closing the senior center that is such a benefit to the seniors in the community .

I myself take several classes there and would be devastated if they did not exist. The center is booming from morning to night and keeps the seniors engaged in daily life which is so important to our aging community.

I would think twice about buying new buildings and instead support the general public with the money you would save.

Thank you,
Kathy Byrne
Sent from my iPad

From: Carolyn
To: CityCouncilListPublic
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Finley Senior Center
Date: Tuesday, May 6, 2025 5:29:57 PM
Hello,
I just heard about the possibility the Finley Senior Center might close. I just want to voice my opinion about what a valuable resource this is for seniors- for the activities and socialization both. I beg you to do everything you can to keep it open.

Thank you,
Carolyn Case
From: Elinor Biller
To: CityCouncilListPublic
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Finley-Person Senior center
Date: Tuesday, May 6, 2025 5:37:34 PM
Dear City Council members,
I want to voice my concern that the city council is considering closing the Finley-Person Senior Center. I think it is a big mistake.

If you ever go over to the senior center, it is always full of seniors taking a wide variety of classes. It offers classes that aren’t available anywhere else. It’s a wonderful resource for the seniors in our community It gives us a place to meet people and have social interactions which is so important you age. Loneliness a huge problem particularly for seniors.

I hope you keep the Finley-Person senior center open.

Thank you.

Elinor Biller
Sent from my iPhone

From: Sunny Noh
To: City Council Public Comments
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Written Comment Submission for May 7, 2025 Council Meeting, Agenda Item 4.1 Date: Tuesday, May 6, 2025 5:39:12 PM
Attachments: Written Comment for Santa Rosa City Council 2025.05.06.pdf Please see attached for public written comment on item 4.1, regarding the proposal to cut funding to Legal Aid of Sonoma County. I apologize for our late submission.

Thank you,
Sunny Noh

From: Trish Spence
To: CityCouncilListPublic
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Finley Center is vital to the community! Date: Tuesday, May 6, 2025 6:08:58 PM
Please please don’t even think of closing Finley! It means so much to so many. Especially the Senior Center.

Isolation is a big factor in the health of older adults! We need a place to meet and pursue common interests. It is invaluable!
Sincerely,
Trish Spence
From: Tim Mcclish
To: CityCouncilListPublic
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Budget
Date: Tuesday, May 6, 2025 6:33:30 PM
To whom it may concern,
I was just informed that the Finley Center may be closing due to the budget shortfall. If this is true, please reconsider since this is the only affordable option for seniors. The city provides so many classes and exercise options and it would be a huge loss for our seniors of which I am a part of and take classes at the center.

Thank you,
Tim McClish
From: Daniel Podell
To: CityCouncilListPublic
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Do NOT cut Person Senior Wing funding Date: Tuesday, May 6, 2025 7:01:58 PM
Dear SR City Council Members,
Please do not cut funding for the Person Senior Wing. This is the premier senior center in Sonoma County and provides vital services, programs, classes, and social connections to the Santa Rosa senior community.

It is a wonderful, efficiently run facility with many regular users and a real quality of life enhancer for our seniors (including myself). I believe usage statistics are available from Person Wing administration if you care to check out the numbers yourself. Again, please do not cut funding or consider closing the center.

Thanks,
Daniel Podell
Santa Rosa

From: Helgi Teixeira
To: CityCouncilListPublic; Helgi Teixeira
Subject: [EXTERNAL] proposed closure of the senior center at Finley Date: Tuesday, May 6, 2025 7:16:01 PM
I understand the City is considering closing the Senior Center at Finley? This will be quite a travesty for all the seniors who use this facility, many on a daily basis. Senior citizens need to be active to maintain quality of life, and the Senior Center at Finely provides so many opportunities for seniors to be active and contribute to the community.

I participate in classes there 4 days per week. I do not see empty rooms on any day I am there. It is a fantastic center providing a great variety of activities for all seniors who have a variety of interests.

What can be done to reconsider closing the wing? I am even willing to pay higher class fees if that would be helpful. There must be alternative ways of cost savings for the City? Senior citizens are an important part of our Santa Rosa Community. Lets not forget our seniors please!! There has to be other ways to find cost savings that are less harmful to folks who NEED this Center for activity, pleasure and education.

Thank you for listening to my concerns. What can I do to help save our Senior Center? Helgi Teixeira
From: Bill Spence
To: CityCouncilListPublic
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Keep Finley Open
Date: Tuesday, May 6, 2025 7:25:22 PM
Finley center is a jewel of this community.

One of government’s jobs is to provide services. Finley is a big part of this! William Spence
Sent from my iPhone
From: Denise Bergeron
To: CityCouncilListPublic
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Finley Senior Center
Date: Tuesday, May 6, 2025 7:27:41 PM
Dear Council Members,
I am a senior living in Santa Rosa. I take classes at the Finley Center and have for many years. I love it because there are classes offered there that I cannot find anywhere else and it is a wonderful place to meet other seniors. Socialization is critical for seniors who live alone and only connect with people when they attend classes. It is a place that enriches the lives of all who attend or teach there.

I have a number of senior friends who have, and still do, depend on the affordable Finley Center for classes of all types.

The range of differing class types makes it a rich learning and social experience. It would be a huge loss to lose that Center. I currently am taking two classes there and would be very unhappy at such a loss in the community.

It is also a wonderful place for crafts fairs and art exhibits for all of Santa Rosa through out the year. The Center is a great community resource and it would be a terrible loss if it were to close.

Thank you,
Denise Bergeron

From: Judy McBride
To: CityCouncilListPublic
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Senior center
Date: Tuesday, May 6, 2025 7:51:52 PM
Dear council persons - I hope that you will reconsider closing the Finley Senior Center. It serves a great many people who enjoy and benefit from its offerings. It would be a large loss to the community.

Thank you for your consideration.

Judy McBride
Sent from my iPhone
From: Teresa Obrien
To: CityCouncilListPublic
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Finley senior center
Date: Tuesday, May 6, 2025 7:53:29 PM
What ridiculous is this the senior center might be shut down??? No way !!! We need it and a lot of us use and depend on it!!!
Sent from my iPhone
From: HILARY LINES
To: CityCouncilListPublic
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Fire Station - Oakmont
Date: Tuesday, May 6, 2025 8:18:24 PM
We need to keep the Fire Station here in Oakmont. The firefighters and EMTs are invaluable to our well being. They have helped and saved many of my friends and neighbors. We are a high risk population and a high fire risk area and speed of help is of the essence.

I live around the corner and hear how many times the truck and its team go out on calls.

Please don’t close the station
Respectfully,
Hilary Lines
From: SONIC
To: CityCouncilListPublic
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Don’t Close Finley Center!
Date: Tuesday, May 6, 2025 9:34:00 PM
Dear Santa Rosa City Council,
The Finley Center serves an important role in the Santa Rosa Community. It is a thriving center which serves the elders in our community. The activities at Finley start active relationships that go beyond the center, but they start at Finley. Without the center, a large part of Santa Rosa would stop thriving. It’s a bad idea to close it! Sincerely,
Elaine Dolcini
Sent from my iPad
From: Dan Hackett
To: CityCouncilListPublic
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Budget comment from SRPMA
Date: Tuesday, May 6, 2025 9:47:54 PM
City Council Members,
I strongly considered delivering a public comment in person tomorrow but ultimately felt that a written message would be the most effective and appropriate, way to communicate my concerns as you provide guidance on the upcoming budget cuts.

I am writing on behalf of not only myself, but the Santa Rosa Police Management Association (PMA). We feel deeply betrayed by actions taken by some members of the City Council. Both the PMA and the POA have continuously worked in good faith with the City - during contract negotiations and more recently in discussions about budget reductions. We have refrained from inflammatory social media campaigns designed to pressure or embarrass the City. Instead, we were the first labor union to come to the table when asked, and we focused on finding solutions, not creating conflict.

At one point, the PMA even
declined additional compensation offered during negotiations – demonstrating our willingness to collaborate and prioritize the City’s needs.

In return, we are facing disproportionate cuts to our department—cuts that are not backed by data. Meanwhile, another union that rejected a historic contract offer last summer and chose to rally public sentiment through social media, rather than working with City leadership, is being spared. This sends a troubling message about how the City values cooperation.

The Santa Rosa Police Department responds to an average of over 320 calls for service each day. On one of our busiest days, we handled more than 100 calls in a single hour. In contrast, the Fire Department averages about 75 calls per day. Many police calls are high- risk, requiring experienced leadership to manage effectively. Reducing our already limited command staff—especially lieutenants—heightens the City’s liability. For context, departments our size typically have 10 lieutenants; our last staffing study indicated that we were negligent for not having more. We simply cannot afford to cut further from our ranks just to avoid browning out a firehouse.

Moreover, the Fire Department’s reported call volume is misleading. They have included calls handled by inRESPONSE, even though that unit does not diminish their capacity for traditional fire service. Additionally, Fire Chief Westrope noted that roughly 70% of their calls are EMS-related. In my nearly 20 years in law enforcement, I’ve been present at many of these medical calls. In most cases, firefighters ask the same basic questions I do and then wait for an ambulance to arrive. Occasionally they check vitals, but it’s rare to see them provide meaningful medical care. Anyone who participates in a ride-along will observe this multiple times per shift.

If 70% of fire calls fall into this category and their numbers are further inflated by including inRESPONSE, we need to ask: what is the actual workload and liability? The City absolutely should consider browning out a firehouse before eliminating any more police officers—particularly lieutenants. When it comes to reducing liability and ensuring public safety, well-trained officers and supervisors are indispensable. A fire engine waiting with a patient until an ambulance arrives does not mitigate City liability the way professional police response does.

There is ample data available showing which departments shoulder the most responsibility and risk. I urge you to make budget decisions based on facts and data—not emotion or political pressure. I understand the fear and urgency that surrounded the fires of 5–8 years ago. But current staffing levels in the Fire Department are not supported by today’s data.

Conversely, outside reviews and internal assessments alike continue to confirm that the Police Department—especially at the lieutenant level—is understaffed.

Please don’t reward the disruptive tactics of one union by cutting from the one that has been working with you from the beginning. Make the tough decisions where the evidence points—not where the pressure is loudest.

Respectfully,
Dan Hackett
SRPMA board member
From: Sara Roberts
To: City Council Public Comments
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Elimination of City Positions
Date: Tuesday, May 6, 2025 10:08:52 PM
My name is Sara Roberts and I am a City of Santa Rosa
employee and a Teamsters Local 856 shop steward.

I take issue with the fact that a year ago we were given a minute each to speak, and during the meeting today
were denied the opportunity to speak in solidarity with each other.

Why would you not want to hear from people
that represent your organization daily?
I was born, raised and have chosen to raise my own
family in this City.

Besides a brief period when my
husband and I were first married, I have proudly lived my entire life within these City limits. I was so excited when I got my job offer
to become a public servant for the city I
call home. I was hired in one of the first hiring groups after the recession, as a senior administrative assistant, so I have lived through the aftermath of decisions that you are undertaking. I know they were felt long after the recession ended, and some departments and teams
were never made whole again, if not in numbers,
definitely in morale.

I know my fellow members have shown up for this City at midnight in firestorms, stayed for days during the
recovery from those fires, risked their health during the pandemic to serve the public, and have endured the
uncertainty of the past few weeks without a reduction in the quality of service the public expects.

I want to take this moment to remind you that those
people aren’t just your employees and numbers in a
forecast, they are more than likely your constituents,
participants in the programs and events this City puts on, and are your best ambassadors to their friends and
neighbors.

When you make that decision to eliminate
their livelihoods, you are making a family in your City less secure, and possibly ruining their foreseeable future.

You are telling someone who likely puts this City first above themselves and sometimes their families, that
they are a number to be reduced.

You negotiated and settled on a contract less than a year ago with my unit, and also with my fellow Teamsters in
the miscellaneous units, and our brothers and sisters in SEIU and OE3. The proposal, less than a year later, to
cut the pay of your employees through illegal furloughs and eliminating filled positions flies in the face of those agreements.

In Solidarity,
Sara Roberts
From: HILARY LINES
To: CityCouncilListPublic
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Finley Person Senior Center - Please Don’t Close! Date: Tuesday, May 6, 2025 10:17:29 PM
The Person Senior Center has literally saved my life and provided opportunities for me to stay healthy and participate in various classes.

When I retired in 2016, I joined exercise classes and the Bill’s Beginners & Beyond Ukulele classes.

Most importantly in about 2020-21, my wife was diagnosed with dementia. I was extremely depressed, unprepared and experiencing anticipatory grief. I was referred to and joined the Dementia Caregivers Support Group. The group talked me off of a cliff and is still providing much needed support.

The center provides much needed support, opportunities to stay active and healthy, socialize, and meet new friends.

I have attended presentations on legal aid/advice, how to get ride of cable TV. The Bennett Valley Senior Center closed down several years ago and there are no alternatives for Seniors in Santa Rosa.

For these reasons, please don’t close the center.

Respectfully,
Hilary Lines

From: Matt North
To: CityCouncilListPublic
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Budget reductions-Liability Concerns Date: Wednesday, May 7, 2025 5:01:08 AM
Dear Mayor and Councilmembers,
My name is Matt North, and I am a 27-year law enforcement professional who has proudly served in key leadership roles within the Santa Rosa Police Department.

I’m reaching out to express deep concern over the proposed elimination of my Lieutenant position. While this may appear to be a modest cut on paper, the reality is far more consequential— both operationally and legally.

Santa Rosa’s population has continued to grow over the past three decades, yet police staffing has not kept pace. In 1990, we had 1.19 officers per thousand residents. By 2025, that number has dropped to just 1.05 per thousand, along with a 21% decrease in civilian staff. These reductions have created a dangerous gap in both front-line resources and supervisory oversight.

The elimination of a Lieutenant from our already lean command structure presents a clear liability risk. As one of only a few mid- level leaders bridging field operations and executive
management, I provide direct oversight during use of force incidents, pursuits, internal performance matters, and critical incident response. Reducing leadership at this level increases span of control, dilutes accountability, and exposes the City to foreseeable claims of inadequate supervision or failure to train.

Leadership gaps are rarely obvious—until something goes wrong.

And when it does, the first question asked is: “Who was in charge?”
Beyond that, I ask you to consider the human impact. This proposal effectively ends my leadership role in a city I’ve been proud to serve and represent through some of its most difficult moments. I’ve built trust, led teams, built and fostered relationships across our great community, and helped uphold the department’s integrity backed by nearly three decades of experience, consistency, and a deep understanding of this community. My current rank has also afforded me the
opportunity to represent the City of Santa Rosa in a positive light —collaborating with regional partners, teaching for POST supervisory courses, and mentoring the next generation of law enforcement leaders. That credibility comes from the position I hold, not just the work I do.

I respectfully urge you to reconsider this particular reduction— not only for what it removes in the short term, but for what it may cost the City long-term in operational continuity, civil liability, and community confidence.

Thank you for your time and leadership during this difficult process.

Respectfully,
Matt North
From: Doug Dahme
To: City Council Public Comments
Subject: [EXTERNAL] May 6 and 7th meeting comment item 4 Study session Date: Wednesday, May 7, 2025 6:10:15 AM
Santa Rosa City Council
100 Santa Rosa Ave
Santa Rosa, CA 95404
RE:

Violations of the Brown act
Firefighter Opposition to Budget Proposal Eliminating Ladder Truck

Dear Mayor and Members of the City Council,
As a citizen I am submitting this letter to bring to your attention what appears to be a violation of the Brown Act. During the meeting on May 5
th, 2025 you held a “Regular Meeting”.

During which you also included a study session without public comment. This is a violation of Government code and the brown act. Please see my comments below.

As a firefighter for You and the City of Santa Rosa, I am writing to express my deep concern and professional opposition to the current budget proposal that would eliminate one (1) of your department’s two (2) ladder trucks.

From where I stand—on the front lines—this is not simply a budget line item; it’s a decision that will directly impact public safety,……… firefighter safety,…….. and the level of service we can provide to the community we are sworn to protect.

I want to be absolutely clear: ladder trucks are
not specialty tools used only in rare situations
as inferred in the budget packet……….They are vital components of our daily operations.

They carry critical equipment that engines do not carry. <!--[if !supportLists]-->• <!--[endif]-->The Jaws of Live - for vehicle extrication
<!--[if !supportLists]-->• <!--[endif]-->Tools for vertical ventilation - Saws, axes and pikepoles
<!--[if !supportLists]-->• <!--[endif]-->Forcible entry equipment - for fast access to burning buildings.
<!--[if !supportLists]-->• <!--[endif]-->High-angle rescue - Ropes, carabiners, stokes baskets for patient rescue.

And last but not least

<!--[if !supportLists]-->• <!--[endif]-->Elevated water streams……..They are the only option to provide access to multi-story buildings, which are increasingly common in our city and are indispensable during structure fires and complex rescues. When a ladder truck is not available, it is not a matter of delayed service—it’s a matter of compromised service.

Beyond the impact to the public, removing a ladder truck puts firefighters at greater risk.

These trucks are staffed with personnel whose primary roles include ventilation, search and rescue, and rapid intervention. When those functions are delayed or not available, the conditions inside a fire deteriorate quickly, making it significantly more dangerous for us and victims alike.

Fewer resources mean more risk, slower operations, and a greater chance that someone— civilian or firefighter—doesn’t make it out.

As you are aware, Santa Rosa voters just approved
Measure H, intended to enhance fire
protection and emergency response—not diminish it. Cutting one of our two ladder trucks immediately after this voter-approved mandate sends the wrong message. It suggests the city is not honoring the intent of the measure or the trust that residents placed in their fire department when they voted in favor of increased investment in our services.

We are already stretched thin. Calls for service are increasing, fire risks are growing, and our city continues to grow. Eliminating a critical unit like a ladder truck at a time like this is not just poor planning—it’s dangerous.

It makes our job harder, increases response times, reduces our ability to perform key tasks, and places an unfair burden on the remaining crews and equipment.

As an employee under your care, I urge you to reconsider this proposal. Please do not reduce the tools and personnel we rely on to do our jobs safely and effectively. The residents of Santa Rosa deserve a fire department that is fully equipped to meet their needs—and so do the men and women who risk their lives to protect them.

Doug Dahme
From: Lyn Maher
To: CityCouncilListPublic
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Finley Hall
Date: Wednesday, May 7, 2025 7:15:04 AM
I just heard today that you are considering closing the Finley Center. This is something that should never happen. If you ever attended any of the classes or just walked through the doors, you will see vibrant faces of so many people over the age of 60 to 90 enjoying life. This is their social outlet with classes from dance to playing billiards. This would be such a mistake!
There has to be another solution. How about a fundraiser or ask people to help with a donation. I will be willing to help with any fundraising activity to save Finley. Please reconsider. These people are truly enjoying life due to the gift of the Finley Center Lynda Maher
Sent from my iPhone
From: Adina Flores
To: CityCouncilListPublic; CMOffice; Stricker, Teresa
Cc: Matt Finnegan; Robert Maddock; Bittner, Jeff; Kramer, Kaiya; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; Noceti, Catherine; Huffman, Chris; [email protected]; J Bell Subject: [EXTERNAL] Potential Brown Act Violation: May 6, 2025 Santa Rosa City Council Budgeting Study Session Date: Wednesday, May 7, 2025 7:38:11 AM
Attachments: Agenda.pdf

5.7 agenda SR.pdf

5.6 agenda SR.pdf
Good Morning,
While I unfortunately missed yesterday's budgeting study session, I had the opportunity to attend the non-agenda public comment period during the regular afternoon calendar.

It was upsetting to hear the remarks made by City Staff represented by Teamsters 856. Your staff has felt excluded from sharing the feedback on the budgeting process. Because they are scheduled to work while the study sessions take place, how can they genuinely be included? Written comments submitted to Council often go ignored and stakeholders should have the opportunity to provide verbal public comments.

For reference, I have attached the agenda for the County of Sonoma's annual 3-day budgeting
session. Per the agenda, comments on the budgeting session are allowed every single day, even though the presentations are split over a 3-day period. Because the County of Sonoma has permitted their staff multiple
comment periods, why has the City of Santa Rosa refused to offer the same opportunities. How does exclusion align with the City's newly adopted equity policy
?
While this does not serve as an official Cure & Correct letter, I am seeking a response from the City's legal team regarding the following:

Per Lozano Smith
Attorneys at Law:

Each regular meeting agenda must provide an opportunity for public comment on any agenda item and on any item of interest to the public within the subject matter jurisdiction of the legislative body. For special meetings, the agenda must provide an opportunity for members of the public directly to address the legislative body concerning any item on the agenda; comments on items not on the agenda need not be allowed.

Based on The Brown Act, the City's attached agendas for May 6 & 7, 2025 present a potential violation of the Act. Legally, public comments should have been permitted for the study session on both days. In lieu of sending an official Cure & Correct Letter to the District Attorney, I am requesting for Council to hold an evening public comment period following the study session at a future date before officially taking action on budget cuts.

Thank you & God Bless.
--
Kindest Regards,
Adina Flores

575 ADMINISTRATION SONOMA COUNTY DRIVE, ROOM 102A
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS SANTA ROSA, CA 95403
AGENDA
Susan Gorin, First District
David Rabbitt, Second District
Chris Coursey, Third District
James Gore, Fourth District
M. Christina Rivera, County Administrator
Robert Pittman, County Counsel
Lynda Hopkins, Fifth District
Monday, April 22, 2024, Tuesday, April 23, 8:30 AM Virtual/Board of Supervisors Chambers 2024, and Wednesday, April 24, 2024 575 Administration Drive 102A Budget Workshops
This is a simultaneous meeting of the Board of Supervisors of Sonoma County, the Board of Directors of the Sonoma County Water Agency, the Board of Commissioners of the Community Development Commission, the Board of Directors of the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District, the Sonoma County Public Finance Authority, and as the governing board of all special districts having business on the agenda to be heard this date. The five District Supervisors also serve as the Board of Directors of the Sonoma County Water Agency, the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District, the Sonoma County Public Finance Authority, and as the Board of Commissioners of the Community Development Commission. Each of the foregoing entities is a separate and distinct legal entity. The Board welcomes you to attend its meetings which are regularly scheduled each Tuesday at 8:30 a.m.

Your interest is encouraged and appreciated.

Meetings are held in person in the Board of Supervisors chambers, located at 575 Administration Drive, Room 102A, Santa Rosa, Cal
ifornia. The County will broadcast most meetings via Zoom with Spanish translation and closed captioning provided. Please note that the County cannot guarantee that the Zoom system will be available for the entirety of every meeting.

COMMITMENT TO CIVILITY: The Board of Supervisors has adopted rules of procedures which include a commitment to civ
ility. To assure civility in its public meetings, the public is encouraged to engage in respectful dialog that supports freedom of speech and values diversity of opinion. Board Members, staff and members of the public are expected to establish and maintain a cordial and respectful atmosphere during discussions; and foster meaningful dialogue free of personal attacks. Members of the public must also adhere to the speaking time limit.

Members of the public can watch or listen to the meeting using one of the three following methods:

1. WATCH LIVESTREAM:
https://sonoma-county.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx
Once the meeting has started, click the “In Progress” hyperlink to begin viewing.

April 22, 2024

2. LISTEN TO MEETING IN ZOOM:

Partic
ipate by computer, tablet, or smartphone application:

Go to: https://sonomacounty.zoom.us/j/97061936400?pwd=ZE9FT3VmNDlkQWdzaFU2ZEFGMlk0QT09 Enter meeting ID: 970 6193 6400
Enter Passwo
rd: 919371
Listen through Zoom by phone:

Dial
+1 (669) 900 9128
Enter meeting ID: 970 6193 6400
Enter password: 919371

Page 1 of 8 ends

Board of Supervisors Agenda April 22-24, 2024
April 23, 2024

2. LISTEN TO MEETING IN ZOOM:

Partic
ipate by computer, tablet, or smartphone application:

Go to: https://sonomacounty.zoom.us/j/96628431349?pwd=RGNBUEZUR1MvOGgzb3k0cVJXZmV0Zz09 Enter meeting ID: 966 2843 1349
Enter Passwo
rd: 919371
Listen through Zoom by phone:

Dial
+1 (669) 900 9128
Enter meeting ID: 966 2843 1349
Enter password: 919371
April 24, 2024

2. LISTEN TO MEETING IN ZOOM:

Partic
ipate by computer, tablet, or smartphone application:

Go to: https://sonomacounty.zoom.us/j/91601830504?pwd=QTk0ME5nYlZWaklKVUFnVGlvOW9SQT09 Enter meeting ID: 916 0183 0504
Enter Passwo
rd: 919371
Listen through Zoom by phone:

Dial
+1 (669) 900 9128
Enter meeting ID: 916 0183 0504
Enter password: 919371

3. LISTEN AND ATTEND IN PERSON: Members of the public may attend the meeting in person in the Board of Superv
isors Chambers located at 575 Administration, Room 100A, Santa Rosa, CA 95403. Members of the public may also listen to the Board meeting in the Administration Building hall or outside the main entrance. Overflow seating will be available in the building hall, if necessary.

PUBLIC COMMENT: Public Comment may be made live, in person, in the Board Chambers. Available time for comments is determ
ined by the Board Chair based on agenda scheduling demands and total number of speakers. In order to guarantee that your comment is received and considered by the County, attend the meeting in person or submit your comment in writing in advance of the meeting to [email protected].

In Board Chambers: Members of the public who wish to comment in the Board Chambers may do so according to the following procedure. Commenters will be requested to line up in the rear of the Chambers when the Board Chair announces Public Comment to commence. Upon completion of a comment, the individual would be asked to exit the Chambers or take a seat. No standing unless in queue to speak. This process is to be repeated to comment on any subsequent items.

AGENDAS AND MATERIALS: Agendas and most supporting materials are available on the Board’s website at https://www.sonoma-county.legistar.com/. Due to legal, copyright, privacy or policy considerations, not all materials are posted
online. Materials that are not posted are available for public inspection between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, at 575 Administration Drive, Room 100A, Santa Rosa, CA.

SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIALS: Materials related to an item on this agenda submitted to the Board after distribution of the agen
da packet are available for public inspection in the Board of Supervisors office at 575 Administration Drive, Room 100A, Santa Rosa, CA, during normal business hours.

APPROVAL OF THE CONSENT CALENDAR: The Consent Calendar includes routine financial and administrative actions that are usu
ally approved by a single majority vote. There will be no discussion on these items prior to voting on the motion unless Board Members request specific items be discussed and/or removed from the Consent Calendar. There will be an opportunity for the public to comment on the consent calendar prior to it being voted upon.

PUBLIC TRANSIT ACCESS TO THE COUNTY ADMINISTRATION CENTER: Sonoma County Transit: Rt. 20, 30, 44, 48, 60, 62; Santa Rosa Ci
tyBus: Rt. 14; Golden Gate Transit: Rt. 80. For transit information call (707) 576-RIDE or 1-800-345-RIDE or visit or http://www.sctransit.com/

Page 2 of 8 ends

Board of Supervisors Agenda April 22-24, 2024
ACCOMMODATION REQUEST: If you need an accommodation, an alternative format, or required another person to assist you while attending this meeting, please contact the Clerk of the Board at (707) 565-2241 or [email protected] within 72 hours of the meeting to ensure arrangements for accommodation.

LANGUAGE INTERPRETERS: Spanish Translation is available through Zoom for Regular Board Meetings. Any additional lang
uage services are available at all regular and special Board and Committee meetings if made at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting to help ensure availability. For more information or to request services: Contact (707) 565-2241.

AVISO EN ESPAÑOL: Traducción al español para las reuniones regulares de la junta está disponible a través de Zoom.

Servic
ios de traduccción a otros idiomas están disponibles en todas las reuniones regulares y especiales de la Junta y el Comité si se piden al menos 48 horas antes de la reunión para ayudar a garantizar la disponibilidad. Para más información o para solicitar servicios: Comuníquese al (707) 565-2241.

BOARD CHAMBERS SECURITY SCREENING: Security screening is conducted for all individuals attending Board meetings in th
e Board Chambers and for those making public comment in the Board Chambers. Individuals planning to participate in Board meetings are advised to allow extra time to complete the screening process. The full policy can be found at http://sonomacounty.ca.gov/Board-of-Supervisors/

DISCLOSURE OF CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS
Pursuant to Government Code section 84308, members of the Board of Supervisors are disqualified and not able to participate in any agenda item involving contracts (other than competitively bid, labor, or personal employment contracts), franchises, discretionary land use permits and other entitlements if the Board member received more than $250 in campaign contributions from the applicant or contractor, an agent of the applicant or contractor, or any financially interested participant who actively supports or opposes the County’s decision on the agenda item since January 1, 2023. Members of the Board of Supervisors who have received, and applicants, contractors or their agents who have made, campaign contributions totaling more than $250 to a Board member since January 1, 2023, are required to disclose that fact for the official record of the subject proceeding. Disclosures must include the amount of the campaign contribution and identify the recipient Board member and may be made either in writing to the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors prior to the subject hearing or by verbal disclosure at the time of the hearing.

Page 3 of 8 ends

Board of Supervisors Agenda April 22-24, 2024
Esta es una reunión simultánea de la Junta de Supervisores del condado de Sonoma, la Junta Directiva de Sonoma County Water Agency, la Junta de Comisionados de Community Development Commission, la Junta Directiva de Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District, la Sonoma County Public Finance Authority y el Consejo Directivo de todos los distritos especiales que tengan asuntos en el orden del día a escucharse en esta fecha.

Los cinco supervisores distritales también sirven como la Junta Directiva de Sonoma County Water Agency, de Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District, de Sonoma County Public Finance Authority y como el Consejo Directivo de la Community Development Commission. Cada una de las entidades anteriores es una entidad legal independiente. La Junta le invita a asistir a sus reuniones, las cuales se programan regularmente cada martes a las 8:30 de la mañana. Alentamos y apreciamos su interés.

Las reuniones se llevan a cabo en persona en las cámaras de la Junta de Supervisores, ubicadas en 575 Administration Driv
e, Sala 102A, Santa Rosa, California. El Condado retransmitirá la mayoría de las reuniones a través de Zoom con interpretación al español y subtitulado. Tenga en cuenta que el Condado no puede garantizar que el sistema Zoom esté disponible durante la totalidad de cada reunión.

COMPROMISO CON LA CORTESÍA: La Junta de Supervisores ha adoptado reglas de procedimientos que incluyen un com
promiso con la cortesía. Para asegurar la cortesía en las reuniones públicas, se anima el público a participar en diálogo respetuoso que apoye la libertad de expresión y que valore la diversidad de opiniones. Se espera que los miembros de la Junta, el personal y los miembros del público establezcan y mantengan una atmósfera cordial y respetuosa durante las discusiones y que fomenten un diálogo significativo libre de ataques personales. Los miembros del público también deben acatar el límite de tiempo para sus comentarios.

Los miembros del público pueden ver o conectarse a la reunión usando uno de los tres siguientes métodos:

1. VER LA TRANSMISIÓN EN VIVO:
https://sonoma-county.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx
Una vez comience la reunión, haga clic en el hiperenlace “In Progress” para comenzar a ver. 22 de abril de 2024

2. ESCUCHAR LA REUNIÓN EN ZOOM: (solamente para escuchar e interpretación al español) Partic
ipe por computadora, tableta o aplicación de teléfono inteligente:
https://sonomacounty.zoom.us/j/97061936400?pwd=ZE9FT3VmNDlkQWdzaFU2ZEFGMlk0QT09 Escriba el ID de la reunión: 970 6193 6400
Escrib
a la contraseña: 919371
Escuche en Zoom por teléfono:

Marqu
e +1 (669) 900 9128
Escriba el ID de la reunión: 970 6193 6400
Escriba la contraseña: 919371
23 de abril de 2024

2. ESCUCHAR LA REUNIÓN EN ZOOM: (solamente para escuchar e interpretación al español) Partic
ipe por computadora, tableta o aplicación de teléfono inteligente:

Vaya a: https://sonomacounty.zoom.us/j/96628431349?pwd=RGNBUEZUR1MvOGgzb3k0cVJXZmV0Zz09 Escriba el ID de la reunión: 966 2843 1349
Escrib
a la contraseña: 919371
Escuche en Zoom por teléfono:

Marqu
e +1 (669) 900 9128
Escriba el ID de la reunión: 966 2843 1349
Escriba la contraseña: 919371

Page 4 of 8 ends

Board of Supervisors Agenda April 22-24, 2024
24 de abril de 2024

2. ESCUCHAR LA REUNIÓN EN ZOOM: (solamente para escuchar e interpretación al español) Partic
ipe por computadora, tableta o aplicación de teléfono inteligente:

Vaya a: https://sonomacounty.zoom.us/j/91601830504?pwd=QTk0ME5nYlZWaklKVUFnVGlvOW9SQT09 Escriba el ID de la reunión: 916 0183 0504
Escrib
a la contraseña: 919371
Escuche en Zoom por teléfono:

Marqu
e +1 (669) 900 9128
Escriba el ID de la reunión: 916 0183 0504
Escriba la contraseña: 919371

3. ESCUCHE Y ASISTA EN PERSONA: Los miembros del público pueden asistir en persona a las Cámaras de la Junta de Superv
isores. Los miembros del público también pueden escuchar la reunión de la Junta en el vestíbulo del edificio administrativo o fuera de la entrada principal. En caso necesario, también hay más asientos en el vestíbulo del edificio.

COMENTARIO PÚBLICO: Los comentarios públicos se pueden hacer en vivo, en persona, en las cámaras de la Junta. El presid
ente de la Junta determina el tiempo disponible para los comentarios con base en las necesidades de programación del orden del día y el número total de participantes. Para garantizar que su comentario sea recibido y considerado por el Condado, asista a la reunión en persona o envié su comentario por escrito antes de la reunión a [email protected].

EN LAS CÁMARAS DE LA JUNTA: Los miembros del público que deseen hacer comentarios en la cámara de la junta pued
en hacerlo de acuerdo con el siguiente procedimiento. Se pedirá a los comentaristas que se pongan en fila en la parte de atrás de la cámara cuando el presidente de la junta anuncie el comienzo de los comentarios públicos. Una vez finalizado el comentario, se le pedirá a la persona que deje la sala o tome asiento. No se permite estar de pie a menos que se esté en la fila para hablar. Este proceso se repetirá para comentar cualquier tema posterior.

POR FAVOR TOME EN CUENTA: No habrá asientos públicos en las cámaras de la Junta. Miembros del público que deseen h
acer comentarios públicos en persona pueden observar la reunión en las estaciones de observación y escucha afuera de las cámaras de la Junta y serán admitidos a las cámaras de la Junta únicamente para proveer comentario público.

ÓRDENES DEL DÍA Y MATERIALES: Las órdenes del día y la mayoría de los materiales de apoyo están disponibles en la página web de la junta en https://www.sonoma-county.legistar.com/. Debido a consideraciones legales, derecho de autor, p
rivacidad o política, no se publican todos los materiales en línea. Los materiales no publicados están disponibles para la inspección pública entre 8:00 a.m. y 5:00 p.m., de lunes a viernes en 575 Administration Drive, Sala 100A, Santa Rosa, CA.

MATERIALES SUPLEMENTARIOS: Los materiales relacionados a un asunto de este orden del día entregados a la Junta despu
és de la distribución del mismo están disponibles para la inspección pública en la oficina de la Junta de Supervisores en 575 Administration Drive, Sala 100A, Santa Rosa, CA, durante horas hábiles.

SOLICITUD DE ADAPTACIÓN: Si necesita una adaptación, un formato alternativo o requiere que otra persona le ayude mien
tras asiste a esta reunión, por favor contacte a la secretaria de la Junta al (707) 565-2241 o a [email protected] en un plazo de 72 horas de la reunión para garantizar los arreglos para la adaptación.

REVELACIÓN DE CONTRIBUCIONES DE CAMPAÑA
De co
nformidad con la sección 84308 del Código de Gobierno, los miembros de la Junta de Supervisores están descalificados y no pueden participar en ningún punto del orden del día que implique contratos (que no sean de licitación, laborales o de empleo personal), franquicias, permisos discrecionales de uso del suelo y otros derechos si el miembro de la Junta recibió más de $250 en contribuciones de campaña del solicitante o contratista, un agente del solicitante o contratista, o cualquier participante financieramente interesado que apoye o se oponga activamente a la decisión del Condado sobre el punto del orden del día desde el 1 de enero de 2023. Los miembros de la Junta de Supervisores que hayan recibido, y los solicitantes, contratistas o sus agentes que hayan hecho contribuciones de campaña por un total de más de $250 a un miembro de la Junta desde el 1 de enero de 2023, están obligados a declarar el hecho para el registro oficial del procedimiento en cuestión. Las divulgaciones deben especificar el monto de la contribución de campaña e identificar al miembro destinatario de la Junta y pueden presentarse por escrito a la Secretaría de la Junta de Supervisores antes de la audiencia en cuestión o mediante revelación verbal al momento de la audiencia.

Page 5 of 8 ends

Board of Supervisors Agenda April 22-24, 2024
8:30 A.M. CALL TO ORDER
I. ROLL CALL / BOARD MEMBER TELECONFERENCE DISCLOSURE OR VOTE, IF APPLICABLE

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
II. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
(Items may be added or withdrawn from the agenda consistent with State law) III. 9:15 A.M. PUBLIC COMMENT ON BUDGET WORKSHOP
IV. REGULAR CALENDAR

1. Fiscal Year 2024-25 Budget Workshops
Receive the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Department Budget Presentations Department or Agency Name(s): County Administrator
2023-1475
V. 3:45 P.M. - PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT LISTED ON THE AGENDA BUT

WITHIN THE SUBJECT MATTER JURISDICTION OF THE BOARD AND ON BOARD

MEMBER REPORTS
(Comments are restricted to matters within the Board’s jurisdiction. The Board will hear public comments at this time for up to thirty minutes. Each person is usually granted time to speak at the discretion of the Chair. Any additional public comments will be heard at the conclusion of the meeting. While members of the public are welcome to address the Board, under the Brown Act, Board members may not deliberate or take action on items not on the agenda.) NOTE: THE BUDGET WORKSHOPS WILL BE CONTINUED TO TUESDAY, APRIL 23, 2024 AS NEEDED.

Page 6 of 8 ends

575 ADMINISTRATION SONOMA COUNTY DRIVE, ROOM 102A
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS SANTA ROSA, CA 95403
AGENDA
Susan Gorin, First District
David Rabbitt, Second District
Chris Coursey, Third District
James Gore, Fourth District
M. Christina Rivera, County Administrator
Robert Pittman, County Counsel
Lynda Hopkins, Fifth District
Monday, April 22, 2024, Tuesday, April 23, 8:30 AM Virtual/Board of Supervisors Chambers 2024, and Wednesday, April 24, 2024 575 Administration Drive 102A Budget Workshops
TUESDAY, APRIL 23, 2024 - 8:30 A.M. CALL TO ORDER
I. ROLL CALL / BOARD MEMBER TELECONFERENCE DISCLOSURE OR VOTE, IF APPLICABLE

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
II. 8:35 A.M. PUBLIC COMMENT ON BUDGET WORKSHOPS
III. REGULAR CALENDAR

1. Fiscal Year 2024-25 Budget Workshops
Receive the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Department Budget Presentations Department or Agency Name(s): County Administrator
2023-1475
NOTE: THE BUDGET WORKSHOPS WILL BE CONTINUED TO WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2024 AS NEEDED.

Page 7 of 8 ends

575 ADMINISTRATION SONOMA COUNTY DRIVE, ROOM 102A
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS SANTA ROSA, CA 95403
AGENDA
Susan Gorin, First District M. Christina Rivera, County Administrator David Rabbitt, Second District Robert Pittman, County Counsel Chris Coursey, Third District
James Gore, Fourth District
Lynda Hopkins, Fifth District
Monday, April 22, 2024, Tuesday, April 23, 8:30 AM Virtual/Board of Supervisors Chambers 2024, and Wednesday, April 24, 2024 575 Administration Drive 102A Budget Workshops
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2024 - 8:30 A.M. CALL TO ORDER
I. ROLL CALL / BOARD MEMBER TELECONFERENCE DISCLOSURE OR VOTE, IF APPLICABLE

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
II. 8:35 A.M. PUBLIC COMMENT ON BUDGET WORKSHOP
III. REGULAR CALENDAR

1. Fiscal Year 2024-25 Budget Workshops 2023-1475
Receive the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Department Budget Presentations Department or Agency Name(s): County Administrator
IV. ADJOURNMENT
NOTE: The next regular meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 30, 2024. (All dates are tentative until each agenda is finalized)

Page 8 of 8 ends

SONOMA COUNTY CALENDAR OF SIGNIFICANT ITEMS
2024
*
ACTTC/ CAO Cannabis  Business Tax Annual Review‐ SECOND READ CONSENT ‐ CAO Santa  Rosa Downtown EIFD Infrastructure Finance Plan Discussion #2 REGULAR 1.00                * CAO Cannabis  Local Equity Program Update CONSENT *
DHS Tiered  Advanced Life Support/Basic Life Support Ground Ambulance Services Update
REGULAR 1.50                *
DHS Tobacco  Retail License (TRL) Ordinance Changes REGULAR 1.00 PRMD Vacation  Rentals Update REGULAR 1.00                * SPI Public Health Lab/Morgue Relocation Project Update CONSENT Total 4.50
BUDGET WORKSHOPS 4/22/24 ‐ 4/24/24
4/30/2024
Revised 4/18/2024 Page 1
SONOMA COUNTY CALENDAR OF SIGNIFICANT ITEMS
2024

MONTHLY
TOTAL =

14.50 CAO Receive  final Investment Grade Audits of facility energy use and Energy Conservation Assessment Report and Approve energy upgrades to existing County Facilities
REGULAR 1.00                RI 1.1
CAO/CDC Casa  Roseland Awards REGULAR 0.50
DHS/SPI Sonoma  County Animal Services Facility Rehabilitation Update Plan REGULAR 1.00                * OOE Language Access  Plan and Policy (LAP) Final Adoption REGULAR 1.00                * RESJ 4.4 PRMD/CAO/CC Cannabis Code Enforcement Ordinance Update (1st Reading)  REGULAR 1.50 SO AB 481 Military Equipment  REGULAR 0.75
Total 5.75
CAO TRUTH ACT FORUM ‐ 3PM REGULAR 2.00                * OOE Racial  Equity Action Plan (REAP) Workshop REGULAR 1.50 Total 3.50
CAO PLA ‐  Master Agreement REGULAR 1.50                * EDB Annual  BIA Renewal‐ Resolution of Intent CONSENT ‐ APOSD Vegetation Management Program  4th round of grant recommendations
CONSENT ‐
DHS CARE  Court Implementation Plan REGULAR 1.00                * DHS Sonoma  County Animal Services and Tobacco Administrative Citation Resolution
REGULAR 0.75                *
CAO/CC Renter Protections Matrix Options REGULAR 1.50
PRMD Local  Coastal Plan Update CONSENT ‐

MAY MONTHLY
AVAILABLE =
18 RACIAL EQUITY

ANALYSIS

STRATEGIC
PLAN

ALIGNMENT
5/14/2024
5/17/2024 Special Meeting
5/21/2024
Revised 4/18/2024 Page 2
SONOMA COUNTY CALENDAR OF SIGNIFICANT ITEMS
2024
SCWA/ OCSD/
RRCSD/
SPCSD/ SVCSD
Sewer Rate Hearing REGULAR 0.50                *
Total 5.25
Revised 4/18/2024 Page 3
SONOMA COUNTY CALENDAR OF SIGNIFICANT ITEMS
2024

MONTHLY
TOTAL =

8.25 CAO/ ACTTC SCEIP  Interest Rate Determination/Program Update REGULAR 0.25 EDB Annual  BIA Renewal‐ PUBLIC HEARING REGULAR 0.75
DHS Dairy  Program Update REGULAR 1.00
DHS Contract  Awards for Homelessness & Continuum of Care programs REGULAR 1.00                * PRMD On‐site Wastewater  Treatment System (OWTS) Manual Update REGULAR 2.00 Total 5.00
DEM Wildfire  Preparedness Update  REGULAR 1.00
OOE Community  Engagement Plan Final Adoption REGULAR 0.75                * OE 2.2; RESJ 4.1 PRMD Habitat  Conservation Plan Development Discussion REGULAR 1.50 Total 3.25
*
CAO FY  24/25 Budget Hearings  REGULAR * OE 1.1; OE 2.3

MONTHLY
AVAILABLE =
12 RACIAL EQUITY

ANALYSIS

STRATEGIC
PLAN

ALIGNMENT
6/4/2024
SPECIAL MEETING 6/10/24
BUDGET HEARINGS 6/11/24 ‐ 6/18/24 & 6/20/24 ‐ 6/21/24
JUNE
Revised 4/18/2024 Page 4
SONOMA COUNTY CALENDAR OF SIGNIFICANT ITEMS
2024

MONTHLY
TOTAL =

13.50 CAO District  Formation Funding Update  REGULAR 1.00                * CAO Mid ‐Year Review of Calendar of Significant Public Interest REGULAR 1.00 CAO South  Santa Rosa Annexation Pre‐Agreement‐ PLACEHOLDER FOR

POTENTIAL
REGULAR 1.00                *
CAO/ACTTC Transient  Occupancy Tax Ordinance ‐ First Reading REGULAR 1.00 DHS Opioid  Settlement Funds Programming REGULAR 1.00                * Total 5.00
CDC Place Bay Area  Regional Housing Bond Measure on November 2024 Ballot
REGULAR 1.00
EDB Public  Art Plan REGULAR 1.00
PRMD Well Ordinance  Implementation Update and Plan REGULAR 1.00 Total 3.00
CAO Legislative Update (PLACEHOLDER) REGULAR 1.00
PRMD Land  Use Placeholder REGULAR 1.00
PRMD Springs  Specific Plan REGULAR 2.00                * SPI Present options for the New County Government Center Project and Financial Plan
REGULAR 1.50                * RI 1.1
Total 5.50

JULY MONTHLY
AVAILABLE =
18 RACIAL EQUITY

ANALYSIS

STRATEGIC
PLAN

ALIGNMENT
7/9/2024
7/16/2024
7/23/2024
Revised 4/18/2024 Page 5
SONOMA COUNTY CALENDAR OF SIGNIFICANT ITEMS
2024

MONTHLY
TOTAL =

8.25 CAO Living  Wage Ordinance Periodic Hourly Rate Adjustment (true up) REGULAR 1.00                * CAO  Approve the Climate Resilience Comprehensive Action Plan REGULAR 1.50                * RI and/or CAR, depending on
specific actions
OOE Racial  Equity Action Plan (REAP) Final Adoption REGULAR 1.00                * potentially RESJ

1.4, 4.1, 4.2
CAO Countywide  Septic System (OWTS) Mapping Study and Analysis REGULAR 0.75 Total 4.25
CAO  Review State of the County’s Immigrant Community Workplan REGULAR 1.50                * EDB Broadband  Program Update CONSENT ‐                   * RI 4.1; RI 4.2 DHS Cannabis  Health Ordinance Amendment REGULAR 1.50                * PRMD Land  Use Placeholder REGULAR 1.00
Total 4.00

MONTHLY
AVAILABLE =
12 RACIAL EQUITY

ANALYSIS

STRATEGIC
PLAN

ALIGNMENT
8/13/2024
8/20/2024
AUGUST
Revised 4/18/2024 Page 6
SONOMA COUNTY CALENDAR OF SIGNIFICANT ITEMS
2024

MONTHLY
TOTAL =

8.00 PRMD Public  Safety & Environmental Justice General Plan Elements REGULAR 2.00                * SPI/ CC Vehicle  Code Changes ‐ Limiting RV Parking REGULAR 1.00                * Total 3.00
Total 1.00
CAO Climate Action  and Resiliency Blueprint Approval REGULAR 1.00                * DHS Homelessness  Program Update‐2024 Point In Time Count REGULAR 1.00

DHS/EDB/PRM
D
Consideration of Micro‐Enterprise Kitchen Implementation REGULAR 1.00                * PRMD Land  Use Placeholder REGULAR 1.00
Total 4.00
9/10/2024
9/17/2024
9/24/2024

SEPTEMBER MONTHLY
AVAILABLE =
18 RACIAL EQUITY

ANALYSIS

STRATEGIC
PLAN

ALIGNMENT
Revised 4/18/2024 Page 7
SONOMA COUNTY CALENDAR OF SIGNIFICANT ITEMS
2024

MONTHLY
TOTAL =

9.25 AG + OPEN
SPACE/ CAO
Vegetation Management and Coordinated Wildfire Resilience Program Update
REGULAR 1.00                * CAR 1.2; CAR

1.3 AG + OPEN
SPACE/ CAO
Endowment Investment Policy and Proposed Legislation  CONSENT CAO Unincorporated  Governance Ad Hoc Update  REGULAR 1.00                * Total 2.00
CAO Labor  Neutrality Policy Discussion REGULAR 1.00
PRMD General Plan Status  Update REGULAR 3.00                * Total 4.00
CAO/ SCERA/
ACTTC/ CC
State of Pension System Report REGULAR 0.75
IOLERO/ SCSO IOLERO  Annual Report and Sheriff's Response REGULAR 1.50 Sonoma Water/Sanitation Code Update REGULAR 0.50                * Sonoma Water/Cost Recovery Fee Schedule REGULAR 0.50                * Total 3.25

OCTOBER MONTHLY
AVAILABLE =
18 RACIAL EQUITY

ANALYSIS

STRATEGIC
PLAN

ALIGNMENT
10/8/2024
10/15/2024
10/22/2024
Revised 4/18/2024 Page 8
SONOMA COUNTY CALENDAR OF SIGNIFICANT ITEMS
2024

MONTHLY
TOTAL =

8.50 CAO Fall  Fiscal Forecast & Budget Update  REGULAR 1.00                OE 1.1; OE 2.3 HSD Food  Assessment Presentation REGULAR 1.00                * HSD/ OOE/
CAO
ARPA Community Resilience Program Update REGULAR 1.00                * EDB Business  Diversity Program Evaluation & Recommendations REGULAR 1.50                * Total 4.50
PRMD Zoning  and Land Use Technical Corrections REGULAR 1.00 PRMD Cannabis  Program Update and Environmental Impact Report REGULAR 2.00                * PRMD Land  Use Placeholder REGULAR 1.00
Total 4.00

NOVEMBER MONTHLY
AVAILABLE =
12 RACIAL EQUITY

ANALYSIS

STRATEGIC
PLAN

ALIGNMENT
11/5/2024 [General Election Day]
11/19/2024
Revised 4/18/2024 Page 9
SONOMA COUNTY CALENDAR OF SIGNIFICANT ITEMS
2024

MONTHLY
TOTAL =

4.00 CRA‐ROV Presidential  Election November 5, 2024, Official Canvass CONSENT ‐ PRMD Housing  Element Implementation Round 2 REGULAR 1.00                * Total 1.00
CAO & HR Clerk‐Recorder ‐Assessor Departmental Structure Review REGULAR 1.00 PRMD Land  Use Placeholder REGULAR 1.00
PRMD Permit  Sonoma Management Review Implementation Conclusion

PLACEHOLDER
REGULAR 1.00
Total 3.00

MONTHLY
AVAILABLE =
12 RACIAL EQUITY

ANALYSIS

STRATEGIC
PLAN

ALIGNMENT
12/3/2024
12/10/2024

DECEMBER
Revised 4/18/2024 Page 10
City of Santa Rosa
City Hall, Council
Chamber
100 Santa Rosa Avenue
Santa Rosa, CA 95404

CITY COUNCIL

REGULAR MEETING AGENDA AND

SUMMARY REPORT
MAY 7, 2025

CONTINUED BUDGET STUDY SESSION
9:00 A.M. - STUDY SESSION

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC CAN PARTICIPATE IN THE MEETING BY ATTENDING IN-PERSON FROM COUNCIL CHAMBER AT 100 SANTA

ROSA AVENUE (IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT SOCIAL DISTANCING BE OBSERVED).

THE PUBLIC CAN ALSO VIEW OR LISTEN TO THE MEETING LIVE AT:

1. HTTPS://SANTA-ROSA.LEGISTAR.COM/CALENDAR. CLICK ON THE "IN PROGRESS" LINK TO VIEW;

2. VIA ZOOM WEBINAR BY VISITING
HTTPS://SRCITY-ORG.ZOOM.US/J/84471867952, OR BY DIALING 877-853-5257 AND ENTERING WEBINAR ID: 844 7186 7952;

3. COMCAST CHANNEL 28, AT&T U-VERSE CHANNEL 99; AND

4. VIA YOUTUBE AT HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/CITYOFSANTAROSA Public Comment may be made live during the meeting In-Person from Council Chamber or submitted in advance via email at
[email protected] by 5:00 p.m. the Monday before the City Council Meeting.

IN THE EVENT A COUNCIL MEMBER PARTICIPATES REMOTELY BASED

ON JUST CAUSE OR EMERGENCY CIRCUMSTANCES PURSUANT TO AB 2449, THE CITY WILL ALSO ALLOW FOR PUBLIC COMMENT THROUGH THE ZOOM LINK OR DIAL-IN NUMBER ABOVE.

Regular Meeting Agenda and Summary Report
City of Santa Rosa

Page 2 of 4 ends

MAY 7, 2025City Council

PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL E-MAILS SENT TO THE CITY COUNCIL ARE

CONSIDERED TO BE PUBLIC RECORDS AND SUBJECT TO
DISCLOSURE UNDER THE CALIFORNIA PUBLIC RECORDS ACT.

PUBLIC COMMENT WILL BE HEARD AT THE CONCLUSION
OF PRESENTATIONS.

COUNCIL MAY RECESS AT APPROXIMATELY 12:00 NOON FOR A
LUNCH BREAK.
9:00 A.M.

1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL

2. REMOTE PARTICIPATION UNDER AB 2449 (IF NEEDED)
To consider and take action on any request from a Council Member to participate in a meeting remotely due to Just Cause or Emergency Circumstances pursuant to AB 2449 (Government Code Section 549539(f)).

3. STUDY SESSION (CONTINUED FROM THE MAY 6, 2025, REGULAR MEETING)

3.1 REVIEW OF FISCAL YEAR 2025-26 OPERATIONS AND

MAINTENANCE BUDGET AND CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM
BUDGET
It is recommended by the City Manager and Finance Department that the City Council hold a Study Session intended to provide City Council the opportunity to receive information and ask questions related to the City’s overall financial stability and the proposed Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-26 Operations and Maintenance Budget and the Capital Improvement Program budget. This item is provided for Council’s information, and no action is required.

Day 1, May 6:

City Attorney
City Council
City Manager
Regular Meeting Agenda and Summary Report
City of Santa Rosa

Page 3 of 4 ends

MAY 7, 2025City Council
Communications and Intergovernmental Relations
Human Resources
Finance
Non-Departmental
Information Technology
Housing and Community Services
Fire Department
Police Department
Day 2, May 7:

Planning and Economic Development
Recreation and Parks
Transportation and Public Works
Santa Rosa Water
Capital Improvement Program
Staff Report
Presentation Full (Uploaded 05-01-2025)
Presentation Day 1 (Uploaded 05-01-2025)
Presentation Day 2 (Uploaded 05-01-2025)
Attachments:

PUBLIC COMMENT WILL BE TAKEN ON THIS ITEM ON WEDNESDAY, MAY 7, 2025, AFTER ALL DEPARTMENTS HAVE MADE THEIR PRESENTATIONS.

4. ADJOURNMENT OF MEETING
The Open Government Ordinance was adopted by City Council in December 2020 (ORD-2020-018) and amended in July 2021 (ORD-2021-007). These ordinances added and amended Chapter 1-10 to the City Code to codify the City of Santa Rosa's commitment to embrace a culture of open government to ensure public trust, engage the community, and establish a system of transparency, public participation, and collaboration. To view a full versions of the Open Government Ordinances go to http://srcity.org/OpenGovOrdinance and http://srcity.org/OpenGovOrdinanceAmend. To request paper copies of the Open Government Ordinances contact the City Clerk's Office at 707-543-3015 (TTY Relay at 711) or [email protected].

The City of Santa Rosa does not discriminate against individuals with disabilities in its employment, services, benefits, facilities, programs, or activities. Requests for accommodations, auxiliary aids, or services necessary to participate in a City program, service, or activity, including printed information in alternate formats, are available by contacting the City Clerk's Office at 707-543-3015 (TTY Relay at 711) or [email protected]. If the request is received at least 7 business days prior to the City Council meeting, the copy shall be provided no later than two (2) business days prior to the City Council meeting.

Meeting information can also be accessed via the internet at http://srcity.org Regular Meeting Agenda and Summary Report
City of Santa Rosa

Page 4 of 4 ends

MAY 7, 2025City Council
Any writings or documents provided to a majority of the City Council prior to this meeting regarding any item on this agenda, excluding closed session items, are available for public review in the City Clerk's Office, Room 10, City Hall, 100 Santa Rosa Ave, during normal business hours.

City of Santa Rosa
City Hall, Council
Chamber
100 Santa Rosa Avenue
Santa Rosa, CA 95404

CITY COUNCIL

REGULAR MEETING AGENDA AND

SUMMARY REPORT
MAY 6, 2025
12:00 P.M. - STUDY SESSION
4:00 P.M. - REGULAR SESSION

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC CAN PARTICIPATE IN THE MEETING BY ATTENDING IN-PERSON FROM COUNCIL CHAMBER AT 100 SANTA

ROSA AVENUE (IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT SOCIAL DISTANCING BE OBSERVED).

THE PUBLIC CAN ALSO VIEW OR LISTEN TO THE MEETING LIVE AT:

1. HTTPS://SANTA-ROSA.LEGISTAR.COM/CALENDAR. CLICK ON THE "IN PROGRESS" LINK TO VIEW;

2. VIA ZOOM WEBINAR BY VISITING
HTTPS://SRCITY-ORG.ZOOM.US/J/84471867952, OR BY DIALING 877-853-5257 AND ENTERING WEBINAR ID: 844 7186 7952;

3. COMCAST CHANNEL 28, AT&T U-VERSE CHANNEL 99; AND

4. VIA YOUTUBE AT HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/CITYOFSANTAROSA Public Comment may be made live during the meeting In-Person from Council Chamber or submitted in advance via email at
[email protected] by 5:00 p.m. the Monday before the City Council Meeting.

IN THE EVENT A COUNCIL MEMBER PARTICIPATES REMOTELY BASED

ON JUST CAUSE OR EMERGENCY CIRCUMSTANCES PURSUANT TO AB 2449, THE CITY WILL ALSO ALLOW FOR PUBLIC COMMENT THROUGH THE ZOOM LINK OR DIAL-IN NUMBER ABOVE.

Regular Meeting Agenda and Summary Report
City of Santa Rosa

Page 2 of 12 ends

MAY 6, 2025City Council

PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL E-MAILS SENT TO THE CITY COUNCIL ARE

CONSIDERED TO BE PUBLIC RECORDS AND SUBJECT TO
DISCLOSURE UNDER THE CALIFORNIA PUBLIC RECORDS ACT.

DEADLINES AND ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTION FOR PUBLIC COMMENT ARE SET FORTH BELOW.

COUNCIL MAY RECESS DURING THE EVENING FOR BREAKS.

PUBLIC HEARING MATTERS WILL BEGIN NO EARLIER THAN 5:00 P.M.

MATTERS ON THE AGENDA MAY BE TAKEN OUT OF ORDER.

PUBLIC COMMENTS:

Except for public hearing items, comments from the public will be allowed on all agenda items at the time each item is called. Comments on public hearing items may be made when the hearing is opened.

Live Public Comment: Members of the public can provide comment on an Agenda Item In-Person from Council Chamber by completing a Speaker Card or signing up with the Administrator in Council Chamber.

Advanced Public Comment Via E-mail: To submit an e-mailed public comment to the City Council, please send to: [email protected] by 5:00 p.m., the Monday prior to the Council Meeting. Identify in the subject line of your e-mail the Agenda Item Number on which you wish to comment, and provide your name and comment in the body of the e-mail. E-mail public comments received by the deadline will be distributed to City Council members and uploaded to the agenda prior to the start of the City Council Meeting for public access.

Non-Agenda Items are the time when any person may address the Council on matters not listed on this agenda, but which are within the subject matter jurisdiction of the Council. The first public comment period on non-agenda items (Agenda Item 14) will begin no earlier than 5:00 p.m. and will be limited to twelve speakers selected randomly by the Mayor. Each speaker will be allowed up to three minutes. Speakers who do not have an opportunity to Regular Meeting Agenda and Summary Report
City of Santa Rosa

Page 3 of 12 ends

MAY 6, 2025City Council
speak during this time will be allowed to make public comment under Agenda Item 18.
12:00 P.M.

1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL

2. REMOTE PARTICIPATION UNDER AB 2449 (IF NEEDED)
To consider and take action on any request from a Council Member to participate in a meeting remotely due to Just Cause or Emergency Circumstances pursuant to AB 2449 (Government Code Section 549539(f)).

3. ANNOUNCEMENT OF CLOSED SESSION ITEMS - NONE.

Following the announcement of Closed Session items and prior to recess into Closed Session, the public may speak up to three minutes on items to be addressed in Closed Session.

RECESS CLOSED SESSION(S) AND RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER AND VIA ZOOM.

4. STUDY SESSION
Study Session items are items for in-depth discussion and possible direction to staff. No action will be taken.

4.1 REVIEW OF FISCAL YEAR 2025-26 OPERATIONS AND

MAINTENANCE BUDGET AND CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM
BUDGET
It is recommended by the City Manager and Finance Department that the City Council hold a Study Session intended to provide City Council the opportunity to receive information and ask questions related to the City’s overall financial stability and the proposed Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-26 Operations and Maintenance Budget and the Capital Improvement Program budget. This item is provided for Council’s information, and no action is required.

Day 1, May 6:

City Attorney
City Council
Regular Meeting Agenda and Summary Report
City of Santa Rosa

Page 4 of 12 ends

MAY 6, 2025City Council
City Manager
Communications and Intergovernmental Relations
Human Resources
Finance
Non-Departmental
Information Technology
Housing and Community Services
Fire Department
Police Department
Day 2, May 7:

Planning and Economic Development
Recreation and Parks
Transportation and Public Works
Santa Rosa Water
Capital Improvement Program
Staff Report
Presentation Full (Uploaded 05-01-2025)
Presentation Day 1 (Uploaded 05-01-2025)
Presentation Day 2 (Uploaded 05-01-2025)
Late Correspondence (Uploaded 05-06-2025)
Attachments:

PUBLIC COMMENT WILL BE TAKEN ON THIS ITEM ON WEDNESDAY, MAY 7, 2025, AFTER ALL DEPARTMENTS HAVE MADE THEIR PRESENTATIONS.

RECESS THE STUDY SESSION TO WEDNESDAY, MAY 7, 2025, AT 9:00 A.M.

AND RECONVENE TO THE COUNCIL'S REGULAR SESSION.
4:00 P.M.

5. ANNOUNCEMENT OF ROLL CALL (IF NEEDED)

6. REPORT, IF ANY, ON STUDY AND CLOSED SESSIONS

7. PROCLAMATIONS/PRESENTATIONS

7.1 PROCLAMATION - AFFORDABLE HOUSING MONTH
ProclamationAttachments:

Regular Meeting Agenda and Summary Report
City of Santa Rosa

Page 5 of 12 ends

MAY 6, 2025City Council

7.2 PROCLAMATION - BIKE TO WORK MONTH AND DAY
ProclamationAttachments:

8. STAFF BRIEFINGS
This time is reserved for City staff to provide a five-minute briefing to the Council on departmental issues of interest. No action will be taken on these matters except to possibly place a particular item on a future agenda for Council consideration.

8.1 COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT PLAN UPDATE
This is a standing item on the agenda. No action will be taken except for possible direction to staff.

9. CITY MANAGER’S/CITY ATTORNEY’S REPORTS

10. STATEMENTS OF ABSTENTION/RECUSAL BY COUNCIL MEMBERS

11. MAYOR'S/COUNCIL MEMBERS’ REPORTS

11.1 MAYOR'S/COUNCIL MEMBERS' SUBCOMMITTEE AND LIAISON

REPORTS (AND POSSIBLE COUNCIL DIRECTION TO BOARD

REPRESENTATIVE ON PENDING ISSUES, IF NEEDED)

11.1.1 Council Subcommittee Reports

11.1.2 Sonoma County Transportation Authority/Regional Climate Protection Authority (SCTA/RCPA)

11.1.3 Sonoma County Water Agency (SCWA) - Water Advisory Committee

11.1.4 Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG)

11.1.5 Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District Advisory Committee

11.1.6 Sonoma Clean Power Authority (SCPA)

11.1.7 Zero Waste Sonoma (formerly known as Sonoma County Waste Management Agency (SCWMA))
Regular Meeting Agenda and Summary Report
City of Santa Rosa

Page 6 of 12 ends

MAY 6, 2025City Council

11.1.8 Groundwater Sustainability Agency (GSA)

11.1.9 Sonoma County Homeless Coalition

11.1.10 Renewal Enterprise District (RED)

11.1.11 Public Safety Subcommittee

11.1.12 Other

11.2 BOARD, COMMISSION & COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS

11.2.1 CHAIRPERSON APPOINTMENTS FOR BOARDS, COMMISSIONS,

AND COMMITTEES
Mayor will announce Chairperson for the Design Review and Preservation Board and recommends that the Council, by motion, approve selection.

Attachment 1 - Council Policy 000-06Attachments:

11.3 COUNCIL TO PROVIDE DIRECTION ON POSSIBLE LETTER OF SUPPORT ON HR 2269

11.3.1 LETTER OF SUPPORT FOR H.R. 2269
The City Council may provide direction to Mayor Stapp regarding signing the attached letter of support of recent initiatives set forth in H.R. 2269 WIPPES Act - Wastewater Infrastructure Pollution Prevention and Environmental Safety.

Letter of Support - HR 2269Attachments:

12. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

12.1 April 1, 2025, Regular Meeting Minutes.

Draft MinutesAttachments:

12.2 April 15, 2025, Regular Meeting Minutes.

Draft MinutesAttachments:

Regular Meeting Agenda and Summary Report
City of Santa Rosa

Page 7 of 12 ends

MAY 6, 2025City Council

13. CONSENT ITEMS

13.1 MOTION - CONTRACT AWARD - B STREET AND THIRD STREET

RIGHT HAND TURN POCKET IMPROVEMENTS
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended by the Transportation and Public Works Department that the Council, by motion, award Contract Number C02408, B Street and Third Street Right Hand Turn Pocket Improvements (“Project”), in the amount of $738,076 to the lowest responsible bidder, Argonaut Constructors, Inc. of Santa Rosa, California, approve a 15% contract contingency, and authorize a total contract amount of $848,787.40.

Staff Report
Attachment 1 - Location Map
Attachment 2 - Summary of Bids
Attachments:

13.2 RESOLUTION - APPROVAL AND ISSUANCE OF A PURCHASE

ORDER FOR THE PURCHASE OF TOYOTA TACOMA SR PICKUPS

UTILIZING THE PRICING FROM CALIFORNIA STATEWIDE FLEET

VEHICLE CONTRACT
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended by the Fleet Maintenance Division of the Transportation and Public Works Department that the Council, by resolution, approve the use of the pricing from California Department of General Services Statewide Fleet Vehicle Contract 1-22-23-20C and issue a Purchase Order to purchase ten (10) Toyota Tacoma SR pickups for an amount not to exceed $383,209.20 to Cappo Management XXXIV, Inc. dba Freeway Toyota of Hanford, California.

This purchase will replace existing vehicles used in Santa Rosa Water that have met fleet replacement requirements.

Staff Report
Attachment 1- Contract User Instructions
Attachment 2 - Contract Pricing
Attachment 3- Contract Bid Specification
Attachment 4 - Vendor Pricing
Resolution
Attachments:

13.3 RESOLUTION - CALIFORNIA HYBRID AND ZERO-EMISSION TRUCK Regular Meeting Agenda and Summary Report
City of Santa Rosa

Page 8 of 12 ends

MAY 6, 2025City Council

AND BUS VOUCHER INCENTIVE PROJECT APPLICATIONS
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended by the Transportation and Public Works Department that the Council, by resolution: 1) authorize the Director of Transportation and Public Works or designee to execute and file required assurances and any other documents necessary enabling bus manufacturers to submit funding voucher applications for the California Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project for transit bus vouchers to be applied towards the City of Santa Rosa’s battery electric transit bus purchases; and 2) authorize the Chief Financial Officer to increase appropriations equal to the portion of any issued vouchers.

Staff Report
Resolution
Attachments:

13.4 RESOLUTION - DECLARATION OF 0 COFFEY LANE, APN
058-033-014 AS SURPLUS
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended by the Transportation and Public Works Department that the Council, by resolution: 1) supersede and replace Resolution No. 2023-205 and declare, pursuant to Government Code Section 54221, certain City-owned parcel located at 0 Coffey Lane, APN 058-033-014 (“Property”) as surplus; and 2) authorize the City Manager or their designee to take all necessary action to fully comply with the Surplus Land Act (“SLA”), as applicable.

Staff Report
Resolution
Attachments:

13.5 RESOLUTION - APPROVAL OF MEMORANDUM OF

UNDERSTANDING WITH THE COUNTY OF SONOMA PROBATION

DEPARTMENT FOR EXTENSION OF THE VIOLENCE PREVENTION
PARTNERSHIP’S GUIDING PEOPLE SUCCESSFULLY PROGRAM
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended by the Recreation and Parks Department, Violence Prevention Partnership, that the Council, by resolution: 1) approve the Memorandum of Understanding with the County of Sonoma Probation Department for extension of the Santa Rosa Violence Prevention Partnership’s Guiding People Successfully Program through June 30, 2028; 2) authorize the City Manager or Regular Meeting Agenda and Summary Report
City of Santa Rosa

Page 9 of 12 ends

MAY 6, 2025City Council
designee to approve and execute any amendments thereto, subject to approval as to form by the City Attorney; 3) increase appropriations to the amount of $160,000 per fiscal year, totaling $480,000; and 4) approve a limited term 1.0 Community Outreach Specialist for the term of July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2028.

Staff Report
Resolution
Exhibit A - Memorandum of Understanding
Attachments:

13.6 RESOLUTION - ACCEPT GRANT OF PUBLIC SANITARY SEWER EASEMENT OVER PUBLIC SEWER MAIN AT 5107 MIDDLEBROOK

COURT AND APPROVE SUMMARY VACATION OF EXISTING

PUBLIC SANITARY SEWER EASEMENT
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended by the Water Department and Real Estate Services that the Council, by two separate resolutions: 1) accept the grant of a 2,216 square foot public sanitary sewer easement over the area of an existing sewer main; 2) approve the summary vacation of approximately 2,218 square feet of public sanitary sewer easement where no utilities exist; and 3) authorize the Assistant City Manager to execute necessary documents to effectuate same, in order to reflect the actual location of the sewer main on the property commonly known as 5107 Middlebrook Court.

Staff Report
Resolution 1
Exhibits A and B
Resolution 2
Exhibits A and B
Attachments:

14. PUBLIC COMMENT ON NON-AGENDA MATTERS
This is the time when any person may address the Council on matters not listed on this agenda, but which are within the subject matter jurisdiction of the Council. This public comment period will begin no earlier than 5:00 p.m. and will be limited to twelve speakers selected randomly by the Mayor. Each speaker will be allowed up to three minutes. Speakers who do not have an opportunity to speak during this time will be allowed to make public comment under Agenda Item 18.

Regular Meeting Agenda and Summary Report
City of Santa Rosa

Page 10 of 12 ends

MAY 6, 2025City Council

15. REPORT ITEMS - NONE.

16. PUBLIC HEARINGS
Public Hearing matters will begin no earlier than 5:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as the matters are reached on the agenda.

16.1 PUBLIC HEARING - BENNETT VALLEY GOLF COURSE FEES
BACKGROUND: The purpose of this Public Hearing is to provide an update regarding the proposed two (2) year revised fees for the Bennett Valley Golf Course (BVGC) Enterprise and for Council approval by resolution of the revised fees, effective on July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2027.

The Public Hearing provides citywide notification allowing members of the public to provide input as part of the City Council’s consideration of the fees.

RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended by the Recreation and Parks Department that the Council: 1) hold a Public Hearing to discuss increasing golf fees; and 2) by resolution, approve revised Bennett Valley Golf Course Fees to supersede and replace the Bennett Valley Golf Course Fees and requirements set forth in Resolution No.

RES-2024-062, effective on July 1, 2025, for the Bennett Valley Golf Course.

Staff Report
Attachment 1 - RES-2024-062
Attachment 2 - Golf Fee Comparison
Resolution
Exhibit A - BVGC Fees
Presentation
Correspondence
Public Hearing Notice
Attachments:

17. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS

17.1 LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
· State Bill - Support Letter for SB 454 (McNerney): Local Regular Meeting Agenda and Summary Report
City of Santa Rosa

Page 11 of 12 ends

MAY 6, 2025City Council
government: State Water Resources Control Board: PFAS
Mitigation Program. Provided for information.
· State Bill - Support Letter for AB 237 (Patel): An act to add Section 422.3 to the Penal Code, relating to crimes.

Provided for information.
· State Bill - Support Letter for AB 60 (Papan): An act to amend Section 108980 of the Health and Safety Code,
relating to public health. Provided for information.
· State Bill - Support Letter for AB 532 (Ransom): Water rate assistance program. Provided for information.
· State Bill - Opposition Letter for SB 601 (Allen): Water:
waste discharge. Provided for information
· State Bill - Opposition Letter for AB 933 (Farías): Organized residential camps: organized day camps. Provided for
information.

Legislative Memo
SB 454 Letter of Support - City of Santa Rosa
SB 454 Bill Text
AB 237 Letter of Support - City of Santa Rosa
AB 237 Bill Text
AB 60 Support Letter - City of Santa Rosa
AB 60 Bill Text
AB 532 Support Letter - City of Santa Rosa
AB 532 Bill Text
SB 601 Letter of Opposition - City of Santa Rosa
SB 601 Bill Text
AB 933 Letter of Opposition - City of Santa Rosa
AB 933 Bill Text
Attachments:

18. PUBLIC COMMENT ON NON-AGENDA MATTERS
This is the time when any person may address the Council on matters not listed on this agenda, but which are within the subject matter jurisdiction of the Council and not able to speak under Agenda Item 14. Each speaker will be allowed up to three minutes.

Regular Meeting Agenda and Summary Report
City of Santa Rosa

Page 12 of 12 ends

MAY 6, 2025City Council

19. ANNOUNCEMENT OF CONTINUED CLOSED SESSION ITEMS, RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION IN THE MAYOR’S CONFERENCE ROOM, RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION, AND ANNOUNCEMENTS [IF NEEDED]

20. ADJOURNMENT OF MEETING

21. UPCOMING MEETINGS
This schedule is tentative and subject to change pending final publication and posting of the City Council Meeting Agenda.

21.1 UPCOMING MEETINGS LIST
Upcoming Meetings ListAttachments:
*Did not appear on the preliminary agenda.
**Quasi-judicial or adjudicative action, ex-parte communication disclosure is required.

The Open Government Ordinance was adopted by City Council in December 2020 (ORD-2020-018) and amended in July 2021 (ORD-2021-007). These ordinances added and amended Chapter 1-10 to the City Code to codify the City of Santa Rosa's commitment to embrace a culture of open government to ensure public trust, engage the community, and establish a system of transparency, public participation, and collaboration. To view a full versions of the Open Government Ordinances go to http://srcity.org/OpenGovOrdinance and http://srcity.org/OpenGovOrdinanceAmend. To request paper copies of the Open Government Ordinances contact the City Clerk's Office at 707-543-3015 (TTY Relay at 711) or [email protected].

The City of Santa Rosa does not discriminate against individuals with disabilities in its employment, services, benefits, facilities, programs, or activities. Requests for accommodations, auxiliary aids, or services necessary to participate in a City program, service, or activity, including printed information in alternate formats, are available by contacting the City Clerk's Office at 707-543-3015 (TTY Relay at 711) or [email protected]. If the request is received at least 7 business days prior to the City Council meeting, the copy shall be provided no later than two (2) business days prior to the City Council meeting.

Meeting information can also be accessed via the internet at http://srcity.org Any writings or documents provided to a majority of the City Council prior to this meeting regarding any item on this agenda, excluding closed session items, are available for public review in the City Clerk's Office, Room 10, City Hall, 100 Santa Rosa Ave, during normal business hours.

From: Kathie Rutherford
To: CityCouncilListPublic
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Finley Senior Center URGENT
Date: Wednesday, May 7, 2025 7:46:52 AM
I am a member of the Senior Center and received an email about the possible closure.

Rather than having a meeting at 100 Santa Rosa Avenue, I urge the Council to schedule a meeting at Finley Senior Center in the auditorium. This will allow the Council to meet the members and hear their concerns about a possible closure.

Thank you very much.

From: Tommy Isachsen
To: CityCouncilListPublic
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Spare SOME Police
Date: Wednesday, May 7, 2025 8:08:21 AM
City Council Members,
I strongly thought about delivering a public comment in person tomorrow, but a written message would be the most effective way to communicate my concerns as you provide guidance on the upcoming budget cuts.

This will allow me to fully express my feelings without getting overly emotional.

I am writing on behalf of not only myself, but the Santa Rosa Police Management Association (PMA). We feel deeply betrayed by the actions taken by some members of the City Council. The PMA and the POA have continuously worked in good faith with the City during contract negotiations and, more recently, in discussions about budget reductions. We have refrained from inflammatory social media campaigns designed to pressure or embarrass the City. Instead, we were the first labor union to come to the table when asked, and we focused on finding solutions, not creating conflict.

At one point, the PMA even
declined additional compensation during negotiations, demonstrating our willingness to collaborate and prioritize the City’s needs.

We put our trust in you and our City Manager.

In return, we are facing disproportionate cuts to our department—cuts that are not backed by data.

Meanwhile, another union that rejected a historic contract offer last summer and chose to rally public sentiment through social media, rather than working with City leadership, is being spared. This sends a troubling message about how the City values cooperation.

The Santa Rosa Police Department responds to an average of over 320 calls for service each day. On one of our busiest days, we handled more than 100 calls in a single hour. In contrast, the Fire Department averages about 75 calls per day. Many police calls are high-risk, requiring experienced leadership to manage effectively. Reducing our already limited command staff—especially lieutenants and sergeants— heightens the City’s liability. For context, departments of our size typically have 3 Captains, 10 lieutenants; our last staffing study indicated that we were negligent for not having more supervision. We cannot afford to cut further from our ranks to avoid browning out a firehouse.

Other cities in the Bay Area
are brownout stations to overcome budget constraints.

Moreover, the Fire Department’s reported call volume is misleading. They have included calls handled by inRESPONSE, even though that unit does not diminish their capacity for traditional fire service.

Additionally, Fire noted that roughly 70% of their calls are EMS-related. In my nearly 24 years in law enforcement, I’ve been to many of these medical calls. In most cases, firefighters ask the same basic questions the police do and then wait for an ambulance to arrive, or they arrive after the ambulance and don't get off their fire truck and keep
driving. Occasionally, they check vitals, but it’s rare to see them provide meaningful medical care. Anyone who participates in a ride-along will observe this multiple times per shift.

Also, I'd like to ask frequently: Why does the Fire Department not work shifts like the police department? Does the Fire Department need the same number of firefights at 3 AM as they do at 3 PM? The police department does not. Both Fire and Police have access to mutual aid should an incident arise. Good leaders make it work.

If 70% of fire calls fall into this category and their numbers are further inflated by including inRESPONSE, we need to ask: What is the actual workload and liability? The City absolutely should consider browning out a firehouse before eliminating any more police officers—particularly lieutenants. When it comes to reducing liability and ensuring public safety, well-trained officers and supervisors are indispensable. A fire engine waiting with a patient until an ambulance arrives does not mitigate City liability like a professional police response does.

There is ample data available showing which departments shoulder the most responsibility and risk. I would like you to make budget decisions based on facts and data, not emotion or political pressure. I understand the fear and urgency that surrounded the fires of 5–8 years ago. But current staffing levels in the Fire Department are not supported by today’s data. Conversely, outside reviews and internal assessments alike continue to confirm that the Police Department—especially at the lieutenant level—is understaffed.

As a fire survivor, browning out a station does not concern me and when looking at the facts, I support it.

Please don’t reward one union's disruptive tactics by cutting from the one that has been working with you from the beginning. Make the tough decisions where the evidence points, not where the pressure is loudest.

Sincerely,

Tommy Isachsen
From: Helen Thomson
To: CityCouncilListPublic
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Finley Senior Center
Date: Wednesday, May 7, 2025 9:51:00 AM
City Council Members:

I am a retired licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and love Finley. It is a very important part of my week; where over 50 of us play ukuleles, lead by volunteers Bill and Trish Spence. I have been a member for 8 yrs and have felt very enriched socially, mentally and emotionally. Finley keeps seniors connected with each other. Retirement can be isolating. We need the support from you to keep it open. It took years to fund it and get it finished.

One day each of you will also retire and will need some place beautiful, safe and nurturing, a place to gather and be together.

As you know many residents of California do not live near their families. This is where we connect and feel that we are welcomed, a cool place for seniors, now that our school and work activities are not the central focus of life.

Keep Finley Open.

Thank you, Helen Thomson,
Resident since 1981
Sent from my iPhone
From: Mary Fierro
To: CityCouncilListPublic
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Save Finley, Save Firefighters
Date: Wednesday, May 7, 2025 10:25:42 AM
Dear City Council Members,
As you consider how to balance your budget, I implore you to put safety first. Namely, save all firefighting units for the physical safety of our people and city's infrastructure.… and save the Finely Center for our mental and physical wellness.

With every spare inch of previously open space now covered in industrial-looking apartment complexes throughout our city, don’t we have the tax base to support these vital services? Thank you!
Mary Fierro

From: Bolla, Rhonda
To: City Council Public Comments
Subject: FW: [EXTERNAL] Proposal to the City of Santa Rosa Date: Wednesday, May 7, 2025 11:09:15 AM
Attachments: 2025 City of Santa Rosa proposal from SFC.pdf

From: CHANDLER JORDANA <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, May 6, 2025 3:39 PM
To: Goldfine, Kate <[email protected]>
Cc: Margaret McCabe <[email protected]>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Proposal to the City of Santa Rosa

Hi Kate,

Please find the proposal attached.

Thank you,
--
Chandler Jordana (He/Him)

Interim Director of Fundraising & Operations
Secure Families Collaborative
(801) 920-2608

2025
Sonoma County Secure Families Collaborative Proposal
for the City Council of Santa Rosa

Contact Information:

Margaret Flores McCabe, Executive Director
Secure Families Collaborative
Email: [email protected]

Phone: (925) 698-8834

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. RESPONSE OF SECURE FAMILIES COLLABORATIVE TO RAPIDLY CHANGING IMMIGRATION POLICIES 3 II. HISTORY - BUILDING SONOMA COUNTY’S REMOV AL DEFENSE CAPACITY 3 III. INNOV ATING FOR IMPACT: A NEW PHASE OF OUR COLLABORATIVE MODEL 3 IV . KEEPING SONOMA COUNTY IMMIGRANT FAMILIES TOGETHER 6 V . COLLABORATIVE PARTNERSHIPS 7
V . CONCLUSION 10
Exhibit 1 - Case Statistics and Demographics 12
Exhibit 2 - Proposed Funding Request 19

2 I. RESPONSE OF THE SECURE FAMILIES COLLABORATIVE TO RAPIDLY CHANGING

IMMIGRATION POLICIES

Since 2018, The Secure Families Collaborative (SFC) has remained steadfast in its commitment to ensuring that immigrant families are informed, supported. and empowered amid shifting and often unpredictable immigration policies. In recent months, we have witnessed the sharp erosion of legal pathways to citizenship and a breakdown in due process protections. These changes are not only impacting individuals with criminal histories, but are broadly threatening our entire immigrant community. Families face separation, transfer to out-of-state detention centers with inhumane conditions, and deportation to countries they have not lived in for decades.

SFC is uniquely positioned to respond to this crisis through our integrated model of legal services, outreach and education, and community-based support. With the support of the City Council of Santa Rosa, we can continue to scale our efforts to protect vulnerable families, uphold fundamental rights, and promote long-term stability and justice for immigrant communities across the county.

II. HISTORY - BUILDING SONOMA COUNTY’S REMOV AL DEFENSE CAPACITY IN THE

FACE OF FAMILY SEPARATION

The Board of Supervisors established the Secure Families Fund, presently known as the Sonoma County Secure Families Collaborative (SFC), to increase removal defense capacity in Sonoma County. SFC employs a unique collective impact model to provide comprehensive support to county immigrants. The Collaborative continues to offer pro bono removal defense and other immigration legal services, along with essential wraparound social service navigation. It prioritizes community collaboration by partnering with community-based organizations to achieve grassroots collective impact.

As highlighted in Sonoma County Board of Supervisors Resolution #2021-0427, more than one in four county residents (120,000 individuals) have a family member without legal status who could face separation from their families through deportation. This affects both long-term immigrants who have contributed to the Sonoma County economy for years and newer immigrants arriving from dangerous situations in countries like Ukraine, Palestine, Venezuela, Haiti, Nicaragua, and other Central American nations. These groups would be at risk of persecution, violence, or death if forced to return to their home countries.

III. INNOV ATING FOR IMPACT: SFC'S FOUR 2025 PILLARS - A NEW PHASE OF OUR

COLLABORATIVE MODEL

SFC's current emphasis on four pillars is grounded in extensive community input and analysis and will serve as the foundation for our new strategic plan.

Pillar One: Expand pro bono removal defense capabilities and related immigration legal services.

Pillar Two: Facilitate resource navigation.

Pillar Three: Attorney-informed education, outreach and resources

Pillar Four: Provide fundraising guidance and support to immigrant-serving nonprofits and community-based organizations in all County supervisorial districts. 3 PILLARS DEFINED:

Pillar One - Expanding pro bono removal defense capabilities and related immigration legal services

The Collaborative has significantly increased its capacity to meet the growing demand for pro bono removal defense and affirmative legal services.

After beginning with two attorneys in 2018, the Collaborative will have a team of seven legal staff members, including six attorneys in 2025:

● USF - Jacqueline Brown (Removal Defense)
● USF Legal Fellow (Removal Defense - to begin in August) ● SIS - Vicki Handron (Affirmative)
● SIS - Bernice Espinoza (Removal Defense) /Santa Rosa office ● SIS - Maureen McSorley (SIJS) /Santa Rosa and Windsor offices ● Catholic Charities - (Removal Defense -to begin in spring 2025) Santa Rosa ● Catholic Charities - (Removal Defense- to begin in summer 2025) Santa Rosa

Pillar Two - Resource Navigation

Hand Holding, not Warm Handoffs or Cold Referrals

In 2024, the Collaborative brought on Beth Aldridge, an experienced healthcare administrator with over 40 years of experience, to serve as Resource Navigator. In collaboration with Jessica Magana Carmona, SFC’s bilingual and bicultural Outreach Coordinator, Beth is spearheading a transformation in resource navigation delivery. These SFC staff are dedicated to offering hands-on support throughout the entire process to ensure clients receive accurate information and timely assistance.

Upon discovering that many publicly available resource guides were outdated and unreliable, Beth also developed an internal resource guide with regularly updated, vetted information - ensuring clients receive accurate, timely support every time. She created this guide, which now contains over 300 community-based organizations, where county immigrants can receive crucial support. This guide and the information collected from the Local Immigration Integration and Inclusion Grant’s (LIIG) community-based organizations (CBO) survey project will be shared with 211 to update their resources.

Due to an increase in demand, SFC has expanded its resource navigation team this year to include youth-specific support. Marsha Sendar, a dedicated volunteer, will now focus solely on assisting youth clients (21 and under). She will work closely with SFC’s SIJS attorney, Maureen McSorley, to ensure that young people receive tailored wraparound support.

Building on Existing County Infrastructure in Collaboration with EDC and United Way of the Wine Country

The Secure Families Collaborative, in partnership with the Economic Development Collaborative of Sonoma County, was awarded the California Board of Governors’ LIIG grant. This grant has provided support for two projects. The first project is an ongoing survey of Sonoma County’s immigrant-serving CBOs. This study’s goal is to identify organizations’ current capacity and gaps in service provision. The results will be used to update the county website’s immigrant service provision section and will be shared 4 with the United Way of the Wine Country to update their 211 resources.

The second project consists of individual surveys being collected at six immigrant-serving “survey clinics” across all county supervisorial districts to assess the critical needs of immigrant communities. This data will be aggregated and presented to the Board of Supervisors (and shared with the City Council of Santa Rosa) to help develop an innovative and responsive model that is sensitive to current immigrant needs. Additional Sonoma County organizations are also being identified to ensure cross-organizational collaboration and eliminate service duplication.

Pillar Three - Attorney-Informed Community Outreach

The Collaborative’s innovative model prioritizes education and outreach. As a community-informed organization, SFC listens to immigrant priorities and provides timely information and connection, bridging the gap between legal services providers, CBOs, and immigrant families. We provide access to critical resources and trustworthy information at trusted community spaces.

Jessica Magana, the Collaborative’s bilingual and bicultural outreach coordinator, plays a key role in connecting our organization with its served community. As a Sonoma County local and daughter of immigrant parents, Jessica is intimately aware of the immigrant experience and is uniquely qualified to reach immigrants where they are.

Pillar Four - Fundraising and Fund Development Support for CBO’s

By the end of 2025, SFC will have raised over seven million dollars since its inception, 85 percent of which will have been distributed directly to immigrant-serving organizations. This would not be possible without the annual grant from the City Council of Santa Rosa. This funding has built community trust in the Collaborative and validates the Collaborative’s impact, governance, and alignment with public priorities - often opening doors to additional philanthropic and institutional support.

The following is a list of local CBOs and nonprofit organizations that have received / continue to receive funding from the Secure Families Collaborative:

● Catholic Charities of Northwest California
● Corazon Healdsburg
● Immigration Institute of the Bay Area
● Legal Aid of Sonoma County
● Queer Asylum Accompaniment of the North Bay Organizing Project (QAA) ● Sonoma Immigrant Services
● USF Law School
● Vital Immigrant Defense Advocacy & Services (VIDAS)

The Collaborative has seven years of experience in fiscal management and programmatic oversight. Most recently, the County Board of Supervisors decided to grant $500,000 (75K admin.) in pass-through funding for immigration services and outreach to the Collaborative. As such, SFC is now responsible for administering $425,000 in pass-through funding on behalf of the County. This funding will be distributed to immigrant-serving CBOs and/or immigration legal service providers in the County. (This also attests to the need for additional funding for SFC, as the Collaborative’s administrative role in this pass-through funding disqualifies it from receiving said funding.)
5 The Collaborative assembled an external and impartial grant review committee to expeditiously review proposals. SFC will be responsible for the management, oversight, and data accumulation / management for the County Administrator’s Office. Gina Carter, an accomplished retired attorney, has volunteered to assist the Secure Families’ administrative team with grantee management and oversight to ensure SFC meets all expectations outlined in the county scope of work.

In addition to programmatic and fiscal oversight, the Collaborative provides pro bono fundraising capacity-building services to organizations requiring assistance with grant writing. Recently, the Collaborative facilitated a removal defense grant application to the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) on behalf of Sonoma Immigrant Services. SFC also secured grants from local foundations to support Queer Asylum Accompaniment. Lastly, SFC has pledged support to the Development Department at Catholic Charities of Northwest California to mitigate their budget deficit resulting from the recent defunding of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) grant.

Secure Families is also working in collaboration with other funders in the county - the Community Foundation Sonoma County, the Evelyn and Walter Haas Jr. Fund, the Catalyst Fund, and First 5 Sonoma County.

IV . KEEPING SONOMA COUNTY IMMIGRANT FAMILIES TOGETHER

The Sonoma County Secure Families Collaborative remains committed to adapting and evolving to address the unprecedented challenges facing the County’s immigrant communities. By providing effective and innovative legal services, as well as vital and supportive social services, the Collaborative does everything possible to keep immigrant families together.

Due to seemingly overwhelming challenges at the federal level, swift collective action from local actors is needed, including the state and county government. Despite overwhelming obstacles, the Collaborative, through a coordinated effort with county, city, legal and social service partners, continues to offer hope and a literal lifeline to Sonoma County immigrants.

The Collaborative’s provision of services to the County’s immigrant communities has been critical to support public health and safety. We also ensure these communities access aid and other resources. Many undocumented immigrants are ineligible for federal benefit programs, but they need counsel before applying for or accepting some forms of public benefits, as this could put their ability to become legal residents at risk. By providing legal answers on public assistance questions, the Collaborative can secure family health and safety in the short term and emphasize long-term immigration options.

The Collaborative is committed to a grassroots, community-centered approach. This positions us well to continue to provide critical legal and supportive assistance. As such, the Collaborative will expand its social service navigation, increase partner numbers, continue to emphasize geographic diversity to serve all areas of the County, and streamline coordination among agencies and law firms offering immigration legal services. Such coordination and leadership are crucial to effectively responding to current immigration challenges and promptly mobilizing limited legal resources to meet the needs of all immigrant residents of Sonoma County, both documented and undocumented.

The Collaborative will also enhance its relationships with other legal service providers to meet frequently-changing legal needs. These efforts will include an initial forum on upcoming policy changes, cross training between agencies, and the development of a coordinated response for efficient interagency collaboration and mobilization.
6 An integral component of the Collaborative’s structure is continual learning from clients about how best to support their collective and individual needs. Similar to the federal government’s
policies, our proactive approach is constantly evolving and is community-centric. The Collaborative was founded on a commitment to stand with the over 42,000 undocumented Sonoma County community members (as per Undocufund) impacted by federal immigration policies.

V . COLLABORATIVE PARTNERSHIPS

As an imperative component of its success, the Collaborative builds on the work of existing organizations.

Current Collaborative partners include: the USF Immigration and Deportation Defense Clinic - Healdsburg (USF); The United Way of the Wine Country - Santa Rosa; Sonoma Immigrant Services - Sonoma and Santa Rosa (SIS); Nuestra Comunidad - Windsor; Queer Asylum Accompaniment - Sebastopol (QAA); the Sonoma County Economic Development Collaborative (EDC); and Catholic Charities Diocese of Northwest California - Santa Rosa (CCNWC).

These strategic partnerships ensure the Collaborative’s long-standing goal of reaching each County geographic
area is met. By supporting existing organizations and facilitating broad-based coalition work through the direct involvement of immigrant communities, we multiply our collective impact. As a core organizational value, we believe that we are stronger together than working independently. These current partners will build upon past successes.

The USF Immigration and Deportation Defense Clinic (Healdsburg) continues in a leadership role in immigration legal services. USF is an invaluable collaborative resource due to its position as both educator and service provider. Jacqueline Brown is a nationally renowned immigration and removal defense expert.

As the Collaborative’s Legal Director, she will continue to provide pro bono assistance with removal defense cases and supervise the Collaborative’s partners’ legal teams. She also works with Gina Garibo at the North Bay Rapid Response Network to set up an “attorney of the week”. Moreover, nationally renowned Attorney Bill Ong Hing, Founder of the USF Immigration and Deportation Defense Clinic and the Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC), advises partner legal teams on an as needed basis.

Sonoma Immigrant Services (Sonoma Valley, Santa Rosa, and Windsor) prioritizes their mission of strengthening the community through education and advocacy, including immigration legal services.

Like the USF Immigration and Deportation Clinic, they offer pro bono representation to families or individuals in removal proceedings.

Sonoma Immigrant Services (Sonoma Valley) continues to lead the Collaborative's immigration and outreach efforts, providing citizenship classes, Know Your Rights training, training the trainer 7 opportunities, and general immigration outreach at schools, community spaces, immigrant resource centers, and similar locations.

Sonoma Immigrant Services (Santa Rosa) - Bernice Espinoza has 14 years of prior experience as a public defender and specializes in the intersection of criminal law and immigration. This office also provides outreach, education, and advocacy.

Sonoma Immigrant Services (Windsor) - Maureen McSorley, who has over 32 years of experience and is a renowned expert on Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) cases, fulfills a demonstrable need among Sonoma County’s immigrant youth.

.

In 2025, Catholic Charities of Northwest California (CCNWC) will play a critical role in the Collaborative as a direct immigration legal services provider and educator. CCNWC has been a cornerstone of support for Sonoma County's immigrant community for over 50 years, providing essential immigration legal services to over 3,000 immigrants annually. Their team of DOJ accredited representatives and attorneys (Two will be joining the team this year.) offer a wide range of services, including assistance with citizenship applications, family petitions, DACA renewals, and deportation defense. Additionally, CCNWC plays a vital role in educating the community through citizenship classes and Know Your Rights workshops, empowering immigrants with knowledge and resources.

Recent funding cuts have forced CCNWC to implement fees for their services, creating a financial barrier for many low-income immigrants who are already struggling. This situation is particularly dire given the current political climate, where anti-immigrant rhetoric and policies have created a climate of fear and uncertainty. The increased demand for legal services, coupled with the funding shortfall, has created an urgent need for additional financial support to ensure that CCNWC can continue to provide accessible and affordable legal services to those who need them most.

Queer Asylum Accompaniment (Sebastopol) will continue to support LGBTQIA+ asylum seekers. QAA is a component of the North Bay Rapid Response Network (NBRRN) and assists asylum seekers with essential needs such as housing, food, and social services. Queer Asylum Accompaniment is a local community of volunteers dedicated to welcoming and supporting at-risk LGBTQIA+ people to start new lives in Sonoma County.

North Bay Organizing Project (Countywide) - USF and other immigration legal services partners work in collaboration with NBOP and the North Bay Rapid Response Network (NBRRN) to set up an “attorney of the week” to ensure immigrants receive timely support and advice from a trusted, expert attorney. 8 United Way of the Wine Country (Santa Rosa / Countywide) envisions a day when all families are empowered to gain access to the resources and opportunities they need to achieve financial stability and contribute to the well-being of our shared communities. They will work with the SFC Administrative Team and the County’s Economic Development Collaborative to update their 211 resource directory based on data received from CBO survey results. The United Way is a BIPOC-led partner collecting immigrant surveys, facilitating an accurate assessment of current needs and experience for Sonoma County immigrants. They will collect at least 1,000 surveys in 2025.

Nuestra Comunidad (Windsor), the County’s first resilience hub, is dedicated to improving the health, safety, and well-being of the County’s immigrant community. They foster a culture of preparedness and train immigrant allies. They provide office space as-needed to immigration attorney staff.

The Sonoma County Economic Development Collaborative (Countywide) is focused on growing a healthy economy by helping businesses in Sonoma County. In partnership with the United Way and the SFC Administrative Team, EDC jointly manages the California Board of Governors’ Local Immigration Integration and Inclusion Grant (LIIG). This grant supports two critical research projects explained in greater detail in the application.

The County of Sonoma Board of Supervisors granted $500,000 ($75,000 of which is administrative funding) in pass-through funding for immigration services and outreach to the Collaborative. As such, the County and SFC jointly administer $425,000 in pass-through funding. This funding will be distributed to immigrant-serving CBOs and County immigration legal service providers. The County and the Collaborative will coalition build throughout 2025 with grant recipients. 9 In addition, the Collaborative is working with the County’s Communication Team to update the county’s immigrant services webpage.

The Petaluma Family Resource Center (Petaluma) supports vulnerable immigrants enrolled in Petaluma City Schools and their families. With support from Secure Families and the City of Petaluma, the Petaluma Family Resource Center will be providing immigration legal services consultations, naturalization workshops, referrals, Know Your Rights events, and Family Preparedness Plan workshops with IIBA, Lideres del Futuro, and VIDAS

VI. CONCLUSION

The federal government has made their intention to oppress immigrants clear. As such, addressing the challenges facing the immigrant community cannot wait. The Secure Families Collaborative continues to serve as a legal and social service lifeline to Sonoma County’s immigrant community. The Collaborative is committed to bringing together existing organizations, adding legal resources, and listening to clients regarding essential needs.

The Collaborative has become a staunch representation of Sonoma County values, coalescing with local and tribal governments, foundations, businesses, and individuals to stand up on behalf of our immigrant community to say, “We recognize the critical role you play in our community and we stand with you.”

In eight years, we have served over 3000 clients (both individuals and families) with legal and strategic supportive services. The Collaborative has created an equity-driven model for collaborative community response. By focusing organizational resources on the specific needs of underserved immigrant populations, critical service gaps can continue to be identified and addressed. The City Council of Santa Rosa remains a key financial and strategic partner in this effort. Your continued financial assistance helps our immigrant communities confront the legal threats of the immigration system and family separation, understand new rights and opportunities, access social services, and overcome persistent social inequities.

The following resolution of The Board of Supervisors in 2021 reflects the true understanding of local government, the contributions and obstacles faced by the local immigrant community, and their need for assistance.

“The County recognizes that the diversity of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences of undocumented immigrants contribute to the cultural richness and economic wellness of our nation and communities, and the legal status of undocumented immigrants currently restricts many aspects of their lives, including employment options and access to certain safety net programs. The County is supportive of all residents having the right to pursue a dignified life with meaningful employment opportunities and access to community safety nets including disaster relief aid.”

“Current immigration law does not provide a clear pathway to citizenship for most undocumented immigrants in this county. Without a path to citizenship, community members continue to be faced with 10 hardships including but not limited to barriers in securing safe and dignified housing and employment, increased vulnerability during times of disaster, lack of access to healthcare, and facing the constant threat of deportation and family separation.”

The Secure Families Collaborative appreciates the ongoing support of the City Council of Santa Rosa. It enables the organization to maintain its strength and ability to meet the expanding needs of local immigrant communities that were so clearly defined in the Board's Resolution above.

11 Exhibit 1: Partner Deliverables Report

Partner Deliverables Report
01/01/2024 – 12/31/2024
422 Larkfield Center, #227
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
Tel.: 707-856-4988
www.sonomacountysecurefamilies.org

12 Total Cases Served Since Inception (2018): 2912

Legal Services: Affirmative

Total Cases Served Year to Date (YTD): 174 (7% increase from FY 2023) Consultations YTD: 324
Base Cases: 126 (4% increase from FY 2023)
● DACA: 36
● Naturalization: 23 (9% increase from FY 2023)
● FOIA: 20
● EAD (non-AOS): 9 (29% increase from FY 2023)
● Work Permit: 8 (166% increase from FY 2023)
● TPS (Initial Application): 7 (17% increase from FY 2023) ● FBI Background Check: 4
● Afghan Parole: 3
● Family Petition: 3
● Permanent Residency: 3
● SIJS: 3
● Advance Parole: 2 (1 completed in FY 2023)
● TPS Renewal: 2
● U Visa: 2
● Afghan Re-parole: 1
● Fiancé Visa: 1

Complex Cases: 48 (15% increase from FY 2023)
● Adjustment of Status: 21 (40% increase from FY 2023)
● U Visa: 10 (66% increase from FY 2024)
● Asylum: 3
● Consular Processing: 3
● DACA: 2
● Family Petition: 2 (1 in FY 2023)
● Removal of Condition: 2 (1 in FY 2023)
● SIJS: 2
● Waiver of Inadmissibility: 2
● Removal Defense: 1

14 Legal Services: Affirmative

Services with three cases or less are not in the above chart, but are included in the above information.

Legal Services: Removal Defense
*Removal Defense cases typically take an average of 5-7 years to close.

Open and Active Removal Defense Cases-
USF Law School: 94
Sonoma Immigrant Services (Santa Rosa branch): 43
Waitlist closed at 100

These numbers only represent new removal defense cases taken from waitlist 2024

New Case Type: 10
● Asylum: 8
● SIJS: 1
● Asylum/SIJS: 1

Resource Navigation and Referral
Total Resource Navigation Deliverables: 120 (59% increase from FY 2023) ● Housing / Homelessness Prevention: 103 (5 in FY 2023) ● Other Services: 30
● Outbound Legal Referrals: 13 (1 in FY 2023)
● Benefit Enrollment: 12 (0 in FY 2023)
● Financial Stability / Assistance: 9 (0 in FY 2023)

16 Client Demographics: Country of Origin

Summary of Countries of Origin:
● Mexico: 336
● Other: 67
● Guatemala: 22
● El Salvador:17
● Honduras: 8
● Nicaragua: 4
● Other: 88
o Includes: Afghanistan, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Eritrea, Germany, Haiti, Japan, Panama, Peru, the Philippines, South Korea, Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, and Venezuela

Client Demographics: City of Residence

Summary of City of Residence
● Santa Rosa: 187
● Petaluma: 94 (18% increase from FY 2023)
● Sonoma: 52
● Rohnert Park: 44 (69% increase from FY 2023)
● Healdsburg: 31
● Windsor: 15
● Other: 31
o Includes: Cloverdale, Cotati, Fulton, Geyserville, Glen Ellen, Penngrove, Sebastopol, and Valley Ford

17 Client Demographics: Race/ Ethnicity

Summary of Race
● Hispanic/Latine: 419
● Black: 16 (45% increase from FY 2023)
● Asian: 14
● Other: 3
● White: 2
● Non-Hispanic/Latino:2

Client Demographics: Gender & Spoken Language

Summary of Spoken Language
● Spanish: 376
● English: 69
● Other: 9
o Includes French, Japanese, Mandarin, and Portuguese

Summary of Gender
● Male: 227
● Female: 225
● Non-Binary or Trans: 2

18 Exhibit 2 – Proposed Funding Request: $50,000

City of Santa Rosa Secure Families Collaborative Funding Request:

Category City of Santa Rosa Contribution
SIJS attorney salary, Maureen McSorley (32 years of experience), .25FTE $50,000.00 employed by SIS

Total

2025 Total Budget for Secure Families is $1.9M.
19 From: Judy Navas
To: CityCouncilListPublic
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Closing Finley senior center
Date: Wednesday, May 7, 2025 11:24:14 AM
This would wreck an extremely harsh action on our seniors at which I'm one. The center provides so many tangible benefits to our seniors contributing greatly to our social, physical and mental health. Please find another less harmful solution to closing the budget gap.

Thanks, Judy Navas
From: George Calmenson
To: CityCouncilListPublic
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Person Center
Date: Wednesday, May 7, 2025 11:29:43 AM
I’ve heard that there is a proposal to shut down Person Center to save money. This is a terrible idea. The center came into being through community partnerships with the city. Respecting those partnerships is the foundation for any future community support. The years of work resulted in the successful realization of the vision. It's a process, and the city must not walk away from the process for the sake of an expedient solution to the budget shortfall.

George Calmenson
From: Melissa Mower
To: CityCouncilListPublic
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Please don"t close Finley Senior Center! Date: Wednesday, May 7, 2025 12:16:32 PM
Dear City Council Members,
I’ve attended a few classes over the years at Finley Senior Center, including some on writing and ping pong.

Recently, I joined a group that plays Kaluki, a card game variant of rummy. It’s been wonderful since the end of March to have found a way to engage my brain while meeting other seniors at the delightful center.

It’s a wonderful gathering place, such an important element for everyone, especially senior citizens, to join with others rather than become socially isolated. The senior center is so much more than a meeting place. Please consider all possible options to keep it open!
Thank you,
Melissa B. Mower
Santa Rosa, CA 95404

From: TONY GALLOWAY
To: CityCouncilListPublic
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Closure of the Finley Senior Center Date: Wednesday, May 7, 2025 12:27:47 PM
I would like to protest the possibility of the council considering closing the Finley Senior Center at 2060 West College Ave.

This center is attended by many seniors from all over Sonoma County and is a focal point for socializing.

I understand that the council has to try to balance their budget but it would be a very devastating loss to so many people. If raising the fees for the center would be a real alternative to a closure then the attendees at the center could understand that decision.

I have seen the center many times so crowded that I cannot understand how it is not paying its way. I realize that there are other factors to consider, yet I believe it is wrong for the citizens of Sonoma County to lose such a vital community service.

Please do not close the center.

Tony Galloway.

From: Cathrine Wolf
To: CityCouncilListPublic
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Person Senior Center
Date: Wednesday, May 7, 2025 1:01:29 PM
To my City Council leaders:

There is word about town that you may close the Person Senior Center in Finley Park — or significantly alter the pay structure for activities there.

I am writing to urge you to drop any such plans. The senior center is a crucial facility for the growing number of seniors in the area. Participating in the many wonderful activities offered helps keep us healthy,
both in mind and spirit. This should be a priority for us all as the general population ages.

Anyone who votes to close or jack up fees at Person will lose my vote —and the votes of many older Santa Rosans
and their families!
Thank you for listening.

Sincerely,
Cathrine Wolf
From: Cadance H. Allinson
To: City Council Public Comments
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Public Comment for Item May 8 PFA Meeting, Item 2.2 Date: Wednesday, May 7, 2025 1:16:39 PM
Attachments: DAO Comments for PFA 5.8.25.pdf
Attached, please find comments from the Downtown Action Organization for Agenda Item 2.2 on the Public Financing Authority's May 8 Agenda.

Thank you,
Cadance Hinkle Allinson
CADANCE HINKLE ALLINSON | Santa Rosa Downtown District, Executive Director 50 Old Courthouse Square, Suite 110, Santa Rosa, CA 95404 P 707-636-2845 | F 707-545-6914
DOWNTOWNSANTAROSA.ORG

Memo

To: Public Financing Authority
From: Downtown Action Organization (DAO)
Date: May 7, 2025
Re: Recommendations for the Enhanced Infrastructure Financing District (EIFD) Draft Infrastructure Financing Plan (IFP)

--

The DAO’s support of the EIFD is based on the belief that this funding mechanism is an ideal vehicle to create substantial economic impact within the district. Including a potential mix of housing, catalyst development projects, and placemaking infrastructure investments that are at a scale to increase foot traffic, development investment, and vitality within the district. We support honing in on priorities that will have a substantial impact by directly increasing property values and tax revenues as well as business revenue and sales tax revenue. It is paramount that the investments are aligned within the district itself, and benefit both new and existing properties.

At the April 23 DAO Board Meeting, the board discussed the current draft IFP and made the following recommendations for the Public Financing Authority to consider including in the next draft:

1. The DAO brought forward and supported the concept of an EIFD as a mechanism for providing much needed funding for Downtown infrastructure and placemaking and believes that should remain a central component of the IFP. A minimum of 50% of the funds generated should support Downtown infrastructure and placemaking, not directly tied to a catalyst project.

2. Since both affordable housing and a catalyst project are dependent on outside partners as well as additional criteria to come to fruition, there should be flexibility in fund allocation, with a maximum amount of 50% of funding being allocated. Additionally, both a catalyst project and affordable housing projects within the EIFD boundaries would require and rely on enhanced infrastructure and placemaking in the Downtown.

3. Any catalyst project should be in, or immediately adjacent to the EIFD, with easy pedestrian access to Downtown businesses and properties within the EIFD boundaries.

We look forward to continued discussions about the EIFD and appreciate the work of the staff and elected officials who are working to bring this concept to Santa Rosa.

Chair Vice Chair
Pauline Block Chris Denny

cc:

Daryel Dunston, Assistant City Manager
Gabe Osburn, Director of Planning & Economic Development F om
To _CityCouncil ist ubl c
Subject [EXTERNA ] wd a k Budget and Spending on Maintainance Date Wednesday May 7 2025 1 26 54 M
5/7/25
Dear City Council, Please read this important Parks email to our City Manager as you discuss Budget funding and cuts.

Thank you, Mary Lou Erickson, Coffey Park Resident since 1987 Begin forwarded message:

From: Mary Lou Erickson <[email protected]>
Date: May 7, 2025 at 1:12:39 PM PDT
To: [email protected]
Subject: Park Budget and Spending on Maintainance
5/7/25
Dear Santa City Manager, As you discuss our new budgets, please spend our money on the care of parks we already have! We need more maintenance help to keep what we have nice. Please, in this time of cuts and uncertainty, do not spend on creating new parks that won’t be maintained due to poor staffing. So much time and money was put into rebuilding Coffey Park and it’s a sad mess. Please help make people want to move their families to well maintained home communities surrounded by well kept parks.

Here are 2 recent pictures of our poorly maintained Coffey Park, that means so much to us! It is currently overgrown with shoulder-high weeds.

Please do not slash park maintenance crews!
Sincerely, Mary Lou Erickson
Coffey Park resident since 1987

Enjoy the beauty of each day! Mary Lou
From: Kathleen Emery
To: CityCouncilListPublic
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Please do not close !!
Date: Wednesday, May 7, 2025 1:46:55 PM
Hello
Please do not close the Sr Center at Finley! Many of us are just recovering from the loneliness and isolation of Covid and we are
finally meeting new people, making friends and becoming active again.

Please consider raising the rates and asking some of us to volunteer our time to do administrative work. I want to help the Sr Center continue to be a valuable resource for our community.

Kathleen Emery
Santa Rosa
From: Jenna Cresta
To: CityCouncilListPublic
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Police Budget Cuts Comments
Date: Wednesday, May 7, 2025 2:00:38 PM
Good afternoon,
My name is Jenna Cresta, and I’m a former law enforcement officer. I served with pride and dedication, and I understand firsthand the sacrifices officers and their families make every day to serve their communities. I’m speaking to you today not only as a former officer, but as a wife, a mother of three, and someone deeply impacted by the proposed budget cuts to the Santa Rosa Police Department, with my wife, Kelly Cresta, possibly facing demotion.

Several years ago, I served in San Jose, where I had every intention of building my career. But when budget cuts were implemented there, my salary was drastically reduced. Along with many of my colleagues, I was forced to make the heartbreaking decision to leave. It wasn’t just a job I walked away from—it was a life I had built, and a promise I had made to my community.

My wife, a dedicated officer herself, left the Hayward Police Department for the opportunities the city of Santa Rosa promised. She worked tirelessly, proving herself day in and day out until she earned the rank of sergeant— something she, and I, are incredibly proud of. But now, because of these budget cuts, she may be stripped of that position, demoted, and asked to accept a significant pay cut.

We have three children at home. We don’t live extravagantly, but like so many families, we plan carefully, we budget, and we do everything we can to give our kids a stable, secure life. These cuts would shake that foundation.

They would force us to make impossible decisions.

We love Santa Rosa. We believe in public service. But we can’t ignore the very real impact these cuts will have on families like mine—and on the future of this department.

Please, consider not just the numbers in a budget spreadsheet, but the lives, the careers, and the families behind those numbers.

Thank you.

Sincerely,
Jenna Cresta

From: Kelly Head
To: CityCouncilListPublic
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Police Budget Cuts Comment
Date: Wednesday, May 7, 2025 2:02:21 PM
Hello Council,
My name is Kelly Cresta and I’m a sergeant with the Santa Rosa Police Department. I was promoted just last year—an achievement that reflects years of hard work, dedication, and a deep commitment to serving this community. But today, that accomplishment hangs in the balance.

There is talk of eliminating a lieutenant position. While that may appear to be a single personnel change, it creates a ripple effect throughout the department. As the most junior sergeant, I would likely be one of the first impacted—potentially demoted, not because of any misconduct or poor performance, but simply due to budget cuts.

What’s especially troubling is that these cuts seem to disproportionately target the police management union. We are constantly being asked to do more with less, and yet it’s our ranks—our leadership—being reduced first. The last staffing study conducted for our department made it clear: we were already operating below safe and effective management levels. Cutting our numbers further only deepens that negligence and puts our department, our officers, and our community at risk.

Fairness must be a core principle in these decisions. We’re facing increased call volumes and rising crime rates—now is not the time to cut leadership or supervisory staff. These roles are critical for accountability, operational effectiveness, and officer safety.

Stripping away these positions will only compromise the quality of service we can provide to the residents of Santa Rosa.

Personally, I’m also a mother of three young children. My wife and I have built our lives here, relying on the stability this city once promised.

I urge you—don’t let short-term budget solutions come at the long-term cost of public safety and fairness. There are other paths forward—through retirements, attrition, and better planning—without tearing down the hard-earned progress of committed public servants.

Thank you for your time and for hearing our voices.

Respectfully,
Kelly Cresta
P.S. These are just some of the people that will be affected

From: Kelly Head
To: CityCouncilListPublic
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Police Budget Cuts Comment
Date: Wednesday, May 7, 2025 2:02:21 PM
Hello Council,
My name is Kelly Cresta and I’m a sergeant with the Santa Rosa Police Department. I was promoted just last year—an achievement that reflects years of hard work, dedication, and a deep commitment to serving this community. But today, that accomplishment hangs in the balance.

There is talk of eliminating a lieutenant position. While that may appear to be a single personnel change, it creates a ripple effect throughout the department. As the most junior sergeant, I would likely be one of the first impacted—potentially demoted, not because of any misconduct or poor performance, but simply due to budget cuts.

What’s especially troubling is that these cuts seem to disproportionately target the police management union. We are constantly being asked to do more with less, and yet it’s our ranks—our leadership—being reduced first. The last staffing study conducted for our department made it clear: we were already operating below safe and effective management levels. Cutting our numbers further only deepens that negligence and puts our department, our officers, and our community at risk.

Fairness must be a core principle in these decisions. We’re facing increased call volumes and rising crime rates—now is not the time to cut leadership or supervisory staff. These roles are critical for accountability, operational effectiveness, and officer safety.

Stripping away these positions will only compromise the quality of service we can provide to the residents of Santa Rosa.

Personally, I’m also a mother of three young children. My wife and I have built our lives here, relying on the stability this city once promised.

I urge you—don’t let short-term budget solutions come at the long-term cost of public safety and fairness. There are other paths forward—through retirements, attrition, and better planning—without tearing down the hard-earned progress of committed public servants.

Thank you for your time and for hearing our voices.

Respectfully,
Kelly Cresta
P.S. These are just some of the people that will be affected

From: KATE JOHNSTON
To: CityCouncilListPublic
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Please do not close Finley Center
Date: Wednesday, May 7, 2025 2:27:16 PM
I urge you not to close this vital and important part of our community. I, along with so many other seniors, rely on it for our classes and as a gathering place. One of the biggest difficulties in aging is having a continued sense of purpose, of belonging, and being able to stay active. Finley serves all these and many other important roles. Closing it would have a devastating effect on the community and in particular, our seniors. Thank you for protecting this essential part of our community. Kate Johnston
From: Diane Kettering
To: CityCouncilListPublic
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Closing Finley Senior Center
Date: Wednesday, May 7, 2025 2:53:09 PM
Please change your mind regarding closing the Finley center, the beautiful facility means so much to so many of us.

We have enjoyed many of your card groups and other activities since you have opened. I don’t think any of us would mind paying an extra fee just to save the center… Thank you so much for listening.

Sent from my iPad
From: Diane Kettering
To: CityCouncilListPublic
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Senior center closure
Date: Wednesday, May 7, 2025 2:59:44 PM
Hello… I am so sad that you anre even considering closing the Finley senior center, it is a lifeline for so many of us.

I have heard that you are leaning towards increasing fees, my friends and I are all in favor of this if it means keeping the center open.

Thank you,
Diane Kettering
Sent from my iPad
From: Heather Chagnon
To: Heather Chagnon
Subject: [EXTERNAL] The Safety of Our City"s Youth is at Stake - Please Fund SROs Date: Wednesday, May 7, 2025 3:47:14 PM
Good afternoon,
My name is Heather Chagnon Gruenbaum, a 20 year resident of Santa Rosa and a local business owner, as well as the Vice President of the Montgomery Education Foundation.

I am writing to implore you to fund and reinstate the Santa Rosa City Schools SRO program.

My two children are students of Montgomery High School. We moved to Santa Rosa because of the quality of life; to raise our children in safe schools. I juxtapose that basic goal with the abject horror of trying to communicate with my daughter on lockdown at Montgomery High School during the 2023 stabbing tragedy, not knowing if she was safe. Is loss of life in our schools the new reality we accept for our Santa Rosa families? The increase in violence on our school campuses cannot continue. With the dismantling of the SRPD gang task force, crime among youth has mushroomed. Why does the largest city, the largest school district in our county, not have SRO’s? The Santa Rosa community has overwhelmingly clamored for SROs in our schools. The Santa Rosa School District Board of Trustees has voted to bring back this crucial safety program. SRPD supports bringing back SROs. Why is the city of Santa Rosa waiting to act? The transfer and population numbers do not lie - families are already moving their tax dollars out of Santa Rosa and into Windsor and Rohnert Park, cities whose school districts have SROs and better safety records. Please do not condemn our city to violence when the path to increased safety is so clear and within our reach.

Our children are the foundation of our city’s success. If we do not invest in their very safety, if Santa Rosa is KNOWN to NOT have safe schools, if this basic civic duty is not met, we are NOT a successful city. Please make the choice to invest in our community's safety.

Thank you for your time, and for all that you do for our city and community.

Sincerely,
Heather Chagnon Gruenbaum
Vice President, Montgomery Education Foundation
From: Marjorie Smith
To: _CityCouncilListPublic
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Person Senior Wing
Date: Wednesday, May 7, 2025 3:49:11 PM
To the Santa Rosa City Council;
It has come to my attention that the powers that be are considering closing the Evert Person Senior Wing. I would strongly urge that that not happen.

I am a lifelong Santa Rosa resident and worked many years at The Press Democrat starting when Mr. and Mrs. Persons owned the paper. Their generosity to this town is legend including the Senior Center.

When my husband passed away a few years ago, I searched for a place where I could relate to other seniors and stimulate my mind. Those places are few but I found that place at Finley. I go 4 days per week for card games and dance classes. I would hate to think that the “senior class” would lose this place of friendship and fun. This is not just given to us free as we pay a small amount for each class.

Please keep our requests and needs in mind as you deliberate.

Thank you for your consideration.

Marjorie Smith

From: Patricia Seffens
To: _CityCouncilListPublic
Subject: [EXTERNAL] HR comments during budget meeting regarding proposed alternatives opportunity Date: Wednesday, May 7, 2025 3:53:32 PM
Good afternoon, Councilmembers. I just left chambers for another meeting when my phone starting blowing up about HR’s public comment regarding Unit 9 Police being asked about alternative cut ideas when we met with them.

Let me be clear, we were absolutely not given the opportunity nor were we asked. We discussed furloughs and the organizational impact of the proposed cuts. Which, by the way, did not include the position of Police Lieutenant.

It is upsetting that they were allowed to make that statement and imply we had the opportunity and chose not to take it. We have been nothing but cooperative during this process, and the implication we may not have been is insulting and is a dismantling of the trust we thought we had built with the City.

Thank you,
Patricia Seffens
President
SRPMA
Sent from my iPhone
On May 6, 2025, at 18:11, Patricia Seffens <[email protected]> wrote:

Dear City Council Members,
I am writing to address the proposed
budget cuts affecting our police
department, particularly the consideration
of eliminating the lieutenant position. I
want to be clear: this move is ill-advised
and detrimental to our community’s safety
and well-being.

SRPD management is dangerously
understaffed based on our size and Santa
Rosa’s population. We are at the bottom
of all comparable agencies. Livermore PD
and others, with half the population and
half the number of sworn officers, have
nearly as many lieutenants as us.

Roseville PD with over 30,000 less
population and over 50 fewer sworn
officers currently has more lieutenants
than us, and Hayward PD, our most
comparable in size and population has 10
lieutenants to our current 7.

Reducing leadership within our force
compromises our ability to respond
effectively during critical incidents and
undermines the trust we have established
with community members. A reduction at
the lieutenant rank reduces oversight and
will limit this agency’s ability to swiftly and
properly respond to critical incidents,
thereby creating a public and officer safety
risk, as well as exposing the City to
extreme financial liability.

I urge you to reconsider this approach and
focus instead on strategies that preserve
essential staffing while addressing
budgetary concerns. Our community
deserves a fully functioning police
department with adequate leadership to
ensure public safety and support for our
officers.

Thank you,
Patricia Seffens
President
Santa Rosa Police Management
Association
From: robin macquarrie
To: _CityCouncilListPublic
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Finely Center
Date: Wednesday, May 7, 2025 4:55:18 PM
I would hope that the rumor re. the closing of the Finely senior center is simply that. It's a valuable resource for so many older people, myself included. It's a lifeline to a community within a community. Please don't let that happen. Robin MacQuarrie
From: David Benjamin Gruenbaum
To: David Benjamin Gruenbaum
Subject: [EXTERNAL] SRO"s
Date: Wednesday, May 7, 2025 4:57:44 PM
My name is David Benjamin Gruenbaum and I’m a Montgomery HS parent. I'm writing you about funding SRO’s in high schools.

Thank you for doing what you do. We all know that you have a brutal job right now, and we appreciate you!
It’s been five years since the SRO’s were dropped, and the mood on campuses remains at extreme anxiety. A friend of mine was hired as an administrator for Elsie Allen. He lasted for less than a month. Every day he said it was just weapons, weapons, knives, guns, etc. He said he was terrified and that’s why he quit.

We all know about the terrible tragedy at Montgomery high school a few years ago, the same school where my daughter attends. Could that tragedy have been averted by the presence of an SRO on our campus? We will never know.

We have an amazing principal at Montgomery, April Santos, who has restored as much order as possible, but she’s severely handicapped by not having the presence of SRO’s on campus.

There’s one main bathroom on the Montgomery campus where many of the violent fights have happened. I’m terrified that my little girl will have to use this bathroom one day, and she’ll be attacked. So, all of us parents desperately seek hidden bathrooms on the Montgomery campus, hoping that our children will be safe from assault. How pathetic is that? The next thing I am going to tell you will be completely shocking to you.I run a tutoring company and teach students throughout the Bay Area. Whenever I bring up where I live, Santa Rosa, the first thing I hear from parents in other areas is the deadly, “Oh…” you know, the oh you never want to hear when you know someone is going to express pity.

Then, they start asking me about which private school my daughter attends because surely I wouldn’t send her to a Santa Rosa Public High School with all the gang problems and violence. So, that’s our reputation in California now. Crazy, huh?

This is Santa Rosa, one of the most beautiful places in the world.You want more money so that you don’t have to face horrible budget decisions, right? It all starts with restoring Santa Rosa’s reputation so that we don’t lose students and tourists. When people feel safe, they spend money.

But there is good news! There’s been a big change in the Santa Rosa School Board, Great, new board that is reversing the mistakes of the past and would gladly welcome SRO’s back to our campuses. So, please do the right thing and allocate money for SROs to keep our children safe.

Thank you!
David Benjamin Gruenbaum

From: Marianne Causley
To: _CityCouncilListPublic
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Santa Rosa native
Date: Wednesday, May 7, 2025 5:32:54 PM
I was born in Santa Rosa in 1949 and cherish having a senior center in my town. I have met many new friends through the center and learned skills. I hate to think of that all disappearing.

What can I do to support Finley center?
Marianne Causley
Sent from my iPhone

From: Claude Rosenthal
To: _CityCouncilListPublic
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Finley senior center
Date: Wednesday, May 7, 2025 6:14:36 PM
Please do what ever it takes to keep the senior center open. So many seniors including myself use it activities and social contact without which many of us would lonely and isolated. Thank you. Claude Rosenthal From: Carla Lockwood
To: _CityCouncilListPublic
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Closing Senior Center?? NO!!
Date: Wednesday, May 7, 2025 7:32:01 PM
Please do NOT consider closing the senior center! The services they provide are not only recreational; they are essential to some older persons who are isolated as they age. The senior center is an essential benefit provided by the city. Thank you.

Carla Lockwood,
age 81, Kaluki player
Sent from my iPhone
From: Gloria Richardson
To: _CityCouncilListPublic
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Senior center closure
Date: Wednesday, May 7, 2025 7:46:41 PM
For many of us seniors, the Center is our only way to be with others, our age, to intermingle and stay active and not a burden to you, our elected officials. Santa Rosa is above other cities in caring for their elders by having this wonderful center in our midst. Please keep working to keep it open.

Sent from my iPhone,
Gloria

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