From: Michael Angell
To: City Council Public Comments
Cc: Banuelos, Caroline
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Santa Rosa Public Safety- Proposed cuts to SRPD Date: Monday, May 5, 2025 6:47:28 AM
Santa Rosa City Council,
As a property owner in Railroad Square, I strongly urge the City Council to reconsider any proposed cuts to SRPD and Public Safety. Maintaining the Downtown Enforcement Team and InResponse significantly increases perceived and real safety, as well as reducing the homeless issues in the City of Santa Rosa. This leads to increased consumer spending, which increases tax revenue. People will want to come visit a city where they feel safe and secure (once again increasing tax revenue for the City)! What is the risk of reducing SRPD and Public Safety- Just look at what happened to San Francisco when they defunded the police several years ago. Fisherman’s Wharf and Union Square were devatated, as people were scared to visit. Retailers were appalled and saw many closures, as they stated “People are scared to visit-they don’t want their cars broken into”. I lived in the City in the early 2000’s and it was a joyful experience. When I visited 2 years ago, I was horrified. Hopefully they will continue to turn it around.
Please make the correct decision to keep our law enforcement in tact and keeping our community safe! Thank you.
Sincerely,
Michael D.Angell
Property Owner- , Santa Rosa, CA
From: AJ Trombetta
To: City Council Public Comments
Cc: Banuelos, Caroline; Mark Trombetta (TEA email)
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Comment on 5/6 Agenda Item 3.1
Date: Monday, May 5, 2025 8:01:55 AM
Esteemed Council Members,
As a property owner in Railroad Square, I've seen the significant improvement in the perception of safety and reduction in homelessness issues due to the Downtown Enforcement Team, inResponse, and Safe Parking. I see more people at Railroad Square events and
frequenting our downtown area, hopefully generating tax revenue. Our tenant (Chevy's) reports increased sales.
I urge the City Council to reconsider the proposed drastic cuts to SRPD and public safety.
Deep cuts to public safety will not improve the city's economic issues, if anything fewer people will feel safe in downtown pedestrian shopping. I realize Safe Parking funding will expire. We would hate to lose our Downtown Enforcement Team as well. We really appreciate Chief Cregan and the work of SRPD.
As a former policy writer for the LAPD and
analyst for Sonoma County Sheriff following the
Andy Lopez tragedy, I strongly urge the City Council to strive to a best practice ratio of 1 FTE/1,000 residents for both police and fire. Of course, minimizing loss of life is foremost on our minds, but we should also consider the negative consequences of using OT backfilling as standard practice. Burnout and injury issues can tax overburdened first responders and lead to medical leave or untimely disability. Cities can find themselves in more costly re-hire and training cost cycles down the road. Furthermore, public safety services are critical to prevent even greater expenses such as fire devastation or the hidden costs associated with overburdened policing, like lawsuit settlements.
I appreciate your service and know that the budget crisis leaves you with hard choices.
Best regards,
A.J. Trombetta (she/her)
, and
Railroad Square Association board member
From: Collin Thoma
To: City Council Public Comments
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Comments for Agenda Item #4.1
Date: Monday, May 5, 2025 4:46:55 PM
Attachments: Outlook-z2yxpn0a.png
Outlook-ivyke1vx.png
City of Santa Rosa Budget Reductions.pdf
Dear whom this concerns,
I have attached my comments regarding potential budget cuts or reductions for the 2025-2026 budget. Thank you for the opportunity to provide comments on this matter.
My Best,
Collin Thoma
Systems Change Advocate
Disability Services & Legal Center (DSLC)
521 Mendocino Avenue
Santa Rosa, CA 95401
(707)636-3076
City of Santa Rosa Budget Reductions
Dear Santa Rosa City Council,
I am Collin Thoma the Systems Change Advocate for Disability Services and Legal Center (DSLC). We serve people with disabilities and seniors in Sonoma, Napa, Lake and Mendocino Counties. My comments today are to address some concerns regarding reductions or eliminations for the budgets of Homeless Services, Transportation Public Works and the Fire Department.
The cuts to Homeless Services are of great concern, especially the proposed elimination of Seasons of Sharing. At Disability Services and Legal Center Seasons of Sharing has been an extremely sought after and popular program for the past several years. The program is always busy and provides nonstop work for the staff member who helps with Seasons of Sharing applications. There are also hardly any other rental assistance programs available in the county.
This means if Season of Sharing is eliminated or significantly reduced it will further exacerbate the cost of living and housing affordability crises. Furthermore, it will put even more pressure on the few other rental assistance programs that are available. The proposed elimination of warming centers are of significant concern. These centers are vital to those experiencing homelessness by providing a warm space to spend the day or night. Without these centers it jeopardizes their health and safety if they spend the cold days and nights on the street. Furthermore, cuts to HOST, Safe Parking and the reduction of Sam Jones operational funds are of concern. These programs are critical to helping mange the county's homeless population and to help them get rehoused.
The cuts to Transportation Public Works are also a significant concern. People with disabilities and seniors often rely on public transportation to get around the city. Making reductions or cuts to transportation will only exacerbate the currents issues the transit system faces. Additionally, the projects conducted by TPW to make improvements to roadways, the bike and pedestrian network are of concern. These projects are critical to improving the safety and accessibility of people with disabilities and seniors.
The cuts to the Fire Department are also concerning given their importance of public safety. This is especially true for people with disabilities and seniors who may be more reliant on EMS services provided by the fire department. Furthermore, they may need more assistance from the Fire Department during Red Flag Warnings, Fire Weather and wildfires. They may need assistance in safely evacuating and navigating the event.
Thank you for taking time to review my comments regarding the City’s budget. I know figuring out a way to balance the city’s budget will be tough given the uncertainties with the California State budget and of Federal Funding. Regardless it’s still vital that programs such as Seasons of Sharing are still adequately funded to continue to provide assistance to the City’s more vulnerable populations.
Sincerely,
Collin Thoma
Systems Change Advocate
Disability Services & Legal Center (DSLC)
521 Mendocino Avenue
Santa Rosa, CA 95401
(707)636-3076
From: Jim Riggs
To: CityCouncilListPublic
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Fire Departments
Date: Wednesday, April 30, 2025 5:14:42 PM
It seems to me that Oakmont has been struck recently by serious, life and property threatening wildfires.
I think it is a bad idea to cut fire protection for Santa Rosa in general and Oakmont in particular. Many residents of this suburb are at risk in a fire. Please do not cut our protection.
Jim Riggs
Santa Rosa, CA 95409
From: Ron Kaufman
To: CityCouncilListPublic
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Potential closure of fire stations
Date: Wednesday, April 30, 2025 10:04:04 PM
Hello...I am a resident of the wonderful community of Oakmont. One that has approximately 3300 homes and 4400 residents (all above the age of 55 and a majority in their 60's, 70's and 80's; not to mention 90's and 100's).
From what I understand you are considering the closure of fire station(s).
I plead with you not to close our Oakmont fire station for the following reason (this is not withstanding the potential for wildfires):
I have seen firsthand how our fire department has saved lives due to medical emergencies.
The reason they have saved lives is because of the fire personnel/paramedics being here in our community and the ability to respond immediately to those emergencies.
Without that response time, I hate to imagine what
would have happened to our elderly in our community.
I deliver meals on wheels to those in need. Today, as I was entering one of our neighborhoods, I was greeted by a fire engine and a paramedic team. They had just put a person in the ambulance for transport.
On my own street, there have been multiple dispatches of fire personnel/paramedics to my neighbor's homes.
The first to arrive is the fire engine followed by the
paramedics.
I realize that there are other reasons for not closing a fire station, but I wanted to make sure that you understand that as an older community, we need to have that response time.
Thank you for listening.
Ron Kaufman
Oakmont
From: Donna Kaiser
To: CityCouncilListPublic
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Possible Closing of Oakmont Fire Station Date: Thursday, May 1, 2025 11:36:41 AM
Dear City Council Members,
When deciding on whether to close the Oakmont Fire Station, please consider that our residents here in Oakmont depend on our fire station not only to respond to fires, but also to the many medical emergencies and accidents that occur here due to our aging population.
Please do not close the Oakmont Fire Station!
Donna Kaiser
Oakmont Resident
From: Bob Tanner
To: CityCouncilListPublic
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Fire Station Closures
Date: Friday, May 2, 2025 11:56:55 AM
The Oakmont community has experienced the devastating effects of wildfires firsthand.
The proposed closures could diminish emergency response times and resources, leaving vulnerable areas at greater risk. Maintaining strong fire safety measures is critical for safeguarding lives, homes, and the overall wellbeing of our community.
My wife and I have been evacuated twice since 2017. Our community feels much safer with our fire station within our community. The next two closest fire stations are Kenwood and the Middle Rincon station - tripling response times for all types of emergencies that occur in Oakmont. We would suggest the Council focus on fire stations outside of retirement communities or adjacent to one.
Thank you for you time and attention,
, Santa Rosa, CA 95409
From: Diane Wardlaw
To: CityCouncilListPublic
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Oakmont Fire Station #7
Date: Friday, May 2, 2025 2:08:58 PM
We are writing to express our concern about the possible closure of Oakmont Fire Station #7. Not only is Oakmont in a high fire risk area with a history of wildfires, but our senior community really relies on our fire station for 911 medical and other emergency calls.
Please help keep our community protected!
Thank you,
Mark & Diane Wardlaw
Diane Wardlaw
From: Joe Bertacco
To: CityCouncilListPublic
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Closing of fire station 5
Date: Friday, May 2, 2025 2:36:54 PM
I oppose the closing of the new fire station 5. It is located in one of the highest fire danger areas. Calls are up to over 28,000 a year and the council wants to close a fire station and layoff fireman. Wasn’t propositions H and O for more fire protection? Where is that money going? Maybe a million dollars should not have been spent on landscaping for Fountaingrove. Maybe
repaving streets in Fountaingrove wasn’t necessary. Maybe the council should look elsewhere for cuts, 2017 was not that long ago.
From: Wendie Holman
To: CityCouncilListPublic
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Budget and Fire Station decisions
Date: Friday, May 2, 2025 2:48:45 PM
Hello,
Regarding the upcoming budget as it effects Fire Station decisions:
As a resident of Oakmont since 2009, I have lived through the fires that have raged nearby causing fear, evacuations and lingering PTSD.
Our Fire Station is critical in helping lessen the risk of an even more devastating experience.
Thousands of elderly people evacuating to a busy 2-lane highway need all possible assistance.
It would be a foolish risk to think otherwise.
Thank You,
Wendie Holman
From: Peggy Clark
To: CityCouncilListPublic
Subject: [EXTERNAL] SAVE:FIREHOUSE STATION #7
Date: Friday, May 2, 2025 2:51:30 PM
We the residents of Oakmont want Firehouse Station #7 to continue to be staffed. Our community consists of elderly people and we have a greater need to have a firehouse near us.
Please don’t take it away.
Thank you,
Peggy
From: pauline alexander
To: CityCouncilListPublic
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Closing of Fire station 5
Date: Friday, May 2, 2025 3:05:52 PM
I strongly oppose the closing of the new fire station 5. It is located in one of the highest fire danger areas. Calls are up to over 28,000 a year and the council wants to close a fire station and layoff fireman. Wasn’t propositions H and O for more fire protection? Where is that money going? Maybe a million dollars should not have been spent on landscaping for Fountain grove. Maybe
repaving streets in Fountain grove wasn’t necessary. Maybe the council should look elsewhere for cuts, 2017 was not that long ago and many lost their homes and livelihoods! With Verana so close and the impact the fire in 2017 had on that community many people are suffering PTSD. Please don’t spend millions to let this much needed firehouse rot !!!
Regards,
Pauline Alexander
From: R THORNTON
To: CityCouncilListPublic
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Oakmont Fire Station
Date: Friday, May 2, 2025 3:19:22 PM
Dear City Council members,
In Oakmont we have had 2 fires. In 2017, 2 homes were burned down and the local fire fighters were here to help put them out In 2020, we had an even bigger loss due to fires. Three single family homes on the west side of Oakmont and a triplex burned down on the east side. Closing down our Oakmont fire station will cause more losses.
911 was called for my address and the fire station responded quickly. This is a vital service for a retirement community.
My friend on Stone Bridge in
Oakmont has needed their service when calling 911.
Lastly, the Oakmont fire station has a unit that can get into the park for fire and rescue purposes.
It is critical to have a full time fire station in Oakmont.
Lives will be lost if
they are not here.
Roxanne Thornton
Santa Rosa, CA 95409
From: Kimberly Jacobs
To: CityCouncilListPublic
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Firehouse #7
Date: Friday, May 2, 2025 8:11:28 PM
Hello!
Please leave the services of firehouse number seven in tact. We the residents of Oakmont count on this facility. It was originally negotiated when Oakmont was conceived 50 years ago. Please respect our need for this critical service.
Thank you!
Kim Jacobs
From: Suzanne Beck
To: CityCouncilListPublic
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Please Don’t Close our
Date: Friday, May 2, 2025 8:33:23 PM
Dear City Counsel Members,
I’m writing to add my voice to beg you NOT TO CUT our Oakmont fire station.
We depend on the fireman for so many reasons. Their presence is a vital service in the community especially with the threat of wild fire in Annadel and many other health emergencies.
Just having you up the street gives all of us a sense of peace & a security.
Respectfully, and Sincerely
Suzanne Beck
Life is good
From: Tillie Lorenzo
To: CityCouncilListPublic
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Station 7
Date: Saturday, May 3, 2025 1:07:44 PM
I am emailing to ask you to please not close Station 7 in Oakmont on Hiway 12. There are many disabled seniors residents in the area in need of their services.
Sent from my iPad
From: Marcia Murray
To: CityCouncilListPublic
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Fire station closure
Date: Saturday, May 3, 2025 3:06:02 PM
Please keep our Oakmont fire station open! As a resident with Parkinson's, I value the services our fire station provides. They are our first line of defense against fires, they provide emergency medical services and they are here to help me if I fall and can't get up. As a community of senior citizens, we value the men and women who are our neighborhood fire fighters.
Marcia Murray
Oakmont resident
From: Loneto
To: CityCouncilListPublic
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Please do not close Oakmont’s Fire Station Date: Saturday, May 3, 2025 5:11:11 PM
Dear council members,
The Oakmont Fire Station is invaluable for the following reasons.
1. Provides fire protection to Oakmont, a senior community bordered by 2 state parks with significant vegetation.
2. This eastern zone is home to significantly more residents due to the new development at Calistoga Road and Hwy 12 and future plans for a large development just west of Oakmont will increase our population further.
3. Future increases in our population will mean more traffic and more incidents that an Oakmont Fire Station may be called upon to respond to.
4. This Fire Station provides medical assistance in minutes to our residents which saves lives.
Please do not close the Oakmont Fire Station.
Lynda Oneto and Gary O’Shaughnessy
Oakmont residents
Sent from my iPhone
From: Dr. Patrice Rifkind
To: CityCouncilListPublic
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Proposed fire station changes
Date: Saturday, May 3, 2025 7:02:01 PM
I’m emailing you due to proposed Fire station changes. I live on the edge of the Oakmont neighborhood in Wild Oaks and there are a huge amount of older people in this area. Please don’t close our fire station. I know it’s a small one, but it’s really important to all the people here. I have Parkinson’s and I don’t want to have a serious problem and then we have to wait for somebody from the West side of town to come out. Please don’t close the fire station near Oakmont. Thank you, thank you very much!
Patrice Rifkind, Au.D.
From: Gary Kiehne
To: CityCouncilListPublic
Subject: [EXTERNAL] SAVE: Firehouse Station #7
Date: Saturday, May 3, 2025 9:33:59 PM
As residents of Oakmont, we want this station to be continued with staffing.
Gary Kiehne and Marisol Munoz-Kiehne
From: Tom Murray
To: CityCouncilListPublic
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Fire Station 7 - A vital asset for the Oakmont community Date: Sunday, May 4, 2025 10:18:57 AM
I have read that the City of Santa Rosa is considering the closing of at least one fire station as a way of cutting the Fire Department's operating costs. I've also read that one station being considered for closure is Station 7 in Oakmont.
As a ten-year resident of Oakmont, I can attest to the importance of Station 7. Aside from providing quick responses to fires (both large and small), the station also serves a vital role in providing quick medical responses in our 55+ community. I can't count the number of times I have seen the Station 7 crew responding to medical emergencies on my street.
Having to wait
for an engine to arrive from the next closest station (which I believe would be Station 6 on Calistoga Road) could mean the difference between life and death in many of these situations.
Tom Murray
, Santa Rosa
From: Nadine Toby
To: CityCouncilListPublic
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Fire Station Closurers
Date: Sunday, May 4, 2025 10:34:38 AM
The Oakmont community has experienced the devastating effects of wildfires firsthand.
The proposed closures could diminish emergency response times and resources, leaving vulnerable areas at greater risk. Maintaining strong fire safety measures is critical for safeguarding lives, homes, and the overall wellbeing of our community.
My husband and I have been evacuated twice since 2017. Our community feels much safer with our fire station within our community. The next two closest fire stations are Kenwood and the Middle Rincon station - tripling response times for all types of emergencies that occur in Oakmont. We would suggest the Council focus on fire stations outside of retirement communities or adjacent to one.
Thank you for you time and attention,
, Santa Rosa, CA 95409
From: Lee
To: CityCouncilListPublic
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Need for Fire Station
Date: Sunday, May 4, 2025 10:41:48 AM
The need for the on sight Fire Station here in Oakmont is critical. The age and health of the over 4,000 residents emphasizes the criticality.
Elizabeth Ritenour
Sent from Lee's Mini
From: Sadie Bracy
To: CityCouncilListPublic
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Please reconsider
Date: Sunday, May 4, 2025 11:22:04 AM
Dear City Council,
I am writing because I am in total shock of a potential decision to let one of our admin staff from the Fire Department go. There are 6 of us who are here day in and day out who support ALL of the Fire Department; operations, prevention, and management (over 150 staff members).
We are not first responders and are often overlooked but each of us has a vital role in keeping the department running. Without each of us there would be much more to worry about.
While you have the responsibility of focusing on the safety of the community, the backbone of the Fire Department, the admin staff is performing like a well-oiled machine.
One of our six, Cassia is her name, was given the news that for no good reason she would no longer have a job. She is an excellent employee and serves the community well. The employee who is paid the least amount and works just as hard as everyone else would be sent packing. How would this solve anything? Her leaving is going to have a very small impact to the budget and a huge impact to the functioning of the department.
I ask that you reconsider eliminating her position and ask our Chief how this would impact the department.
Sadie
From: Robin Schudel
To: CityCouncilListPublic
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Please be sure to keep our fire station here in Oakmont senior living environment.
Date: Sunday, May 4, 2025 1:45:01 PM
Sent from my iPhone
From: Carol Morse
To: CityCouncilListPublic
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Oakmont Fire Station
Date: Sunday, May 4, 2025 3:03:38 PM
Dear City Council members:
When considering which fire stations you might have to eliminate for budget purposes, please keep in mind how necessary it is for the Oakmont Community to have its own fire station. As a community that has experienced losses in the recent fires, the proximity of fire protection is of utmost importance. Additionally, the prompt response to health emergencies is critical and has been much appreciated by our aging population.
Thank you for your consideration.
Carol and Bob Morse
,
Santa Rosa CA 95409
From: Sean Wall
To: CityCouncilListPublic; City Council Public Comments Subject: [EXTERNAL] 2024-2025 Budget Proposal
Date: Sunday, May 4, 2025 4:39:04 PM
Council Members:
I am a long-time employee of the City of Santa Rosa and a Teamsters Local 856 union steward.
I have proudly worked in many varied assignments at the Police Department for my entire career with the City and take satisfaction in my job and the teams I supervise.
I am contacting you related to the proposed budget, item 4.1, of your May 6th and May 7th, 2025 Council Meetings. In reviewing the proposed budget, I cannot believe that this is the best and most considered budget. It is at best rushed, irrational, over-reactionary, and short- sighted.
At worst, it looks like an Elon Musk/DOGE style attempt to cause as much pain and damage as possible to the City’s ability to deliver services to the community at a critical junction in our nation’s course. When so many Americans are looking for some semblance of stability and reliability, this proposed budget would impose the very confusion, uncertainty, and financial instability now coming from Washington, D.C.
The reduction of almost forty jobs within the City, twenty-five of those are filled, elimination of most of the recreation programs, elimination of DEI and SEED programs which had been a Council priority (are they not now a priority?), and the closing of a fire station in a municipality prone to catastrophic wildfires to just touch on some of the most deleterious proposed cuts reveals this whole proposal lacks forethought and planning. It’s a document that shows a management team being reactive instead of proactive-a plan that was rushed without much consideration of the damage it would do if this was put into practice.
Perhaps the City Manager and Finance Department can explain to all the stakeholders what is actually happening? At the end of the 2023-2024 fiscal year, on page 26 of the City’s Financial Report, it showed that there was a balance (surplus) in the General fund of $166,936,000. The year before there was a balance of $168,185,000. At the end of 2021-2022 there was a balance of $166,157,000.
I went back to 2014. At the end of the 2014-2015 fiscal year, the General Fund balance was $58,553,000. In every year after, the City’s general fund has always maintained a surplus. In ten years, that surplus has gone from $58M to $166M. So, if the City started off this fiscal year with a surplus of $166M from the last year, why are the City Manager and Finance Department pushing the Council to rush head long into making budgetary commitments that will hamstring the City’s ability to deliver vital services to our community.
That illustrates to me that the employees who manage programs, deliver services, and serve the community have been diligent with their tasks and the funds used to make all of that happen.
Each year, it looks like money has been turned back into the General Fund. Though constantly being understaffed and overworked, this dedicated workforce has done the best we can with the resources and personnel we have through wildfires, protests, flooding, economic downturns, and increased workloads.
So, when the City needs that money most, where is it? Why are we as an entity rushing to inflict so much pain and misery? I haven’t seen in any presentation or at a Council meeting the explanation by the Finance Department or the City Manager where all of that cash has gone.
How can we be both in a financial meltdown and have a surplus of $166M from last year? Are the financial documents inaccurate? Or is the $166M not actually there?
If the financial situation has been this bad, for this long, why hasn’t the City Manger and Finance Department meet with stakeholders in the previous years to map out a course to put the City on more stable footing without having to lurch from economic catastrophe to economic catastrophe? Perhaps I am reading the documents to literately or inaccurately, if that is the case an explanation by the City Manager and Finance Department would be incredibly helpful to all the stakeholders.
Managing by fear and panic is not helpful to anyone touched by this situation. It is the exact opposite. It is running an organization by reaction, not by rational thought or planning. That is why I cannot on the whole consider this a serious proposal. Only at the end of the year, when there are temporal constraints to get a budget completed, has much of this financial doom and gloom been brought out into the light for all to see and try to understand.
I urge the Council to find a way to maintain the status quo for the next six months. Let all the stakeholders come to the table to find ways to mitigate any true financial hardships and find the best way to deliver services to the community. I am not doubting that there is a long term financial problem, almost all governmental organizations have it. It is how we react and work our way through it that matters by finding considered, thoughtful ways to address the issue as opposed to a slash and hack plan the eliminates services and desperately needed jobs.
Create breathing room to find ways in the next six-months to continue to deliver the services we need, retain as many highly-skilled and dedicated employees as possible.
I appreciate your time and consideration.
Respectfully,
Sean L. Wall
From: Christine Nota
To: CityCouncilListPublic
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Please Do Not Close Oakmont"s Fire Station Date: Sunday, May 4, 2025 7:51:56 PM
Dear City Council Members,
The Oakmont Fire Station is invaluable for the following reasons.
1. Provides fire protection to Oakmont, a senior community bordered by 2 state parks with significant vegetation.
2. This eastern zone is home to significantly more residents due to the new development at Calistoga Road and Hwy 12 and future plans for a large development just west of Oakmont will increase our population further.
3. Future increases in our population will mean more traffic and more incidents that an Oakmont Fire Station may be called upon to respond to.
4. This Fire Station provides medical assistance in minutes to our residents which saves lives.
Christine Nota and Joe Brewer
Oakmont Residents
Presidents of the Oakmont Parkinson's Support Group
Representing 50 Members
From: Jennie Mast
To: CityCouncilListPublic
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Save Fire Station #7
Date: Monday, May 5, 2025 7:39:15 AM
We can’t afford to lose a Fire department so critically needed in Oakmont. They save lives in our community.
Thank you for listening
Jennie Mast
From: Martin & Brenda Johns
To: CityCouncilListPublic
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Firehouse #7
Date: Monday, May 5, 2025 8:34:08 AM
Please don't ever close Firehouse #7 in Oakmont. It's heavily relied upon for all kinds of first responses, not (thankfully) just fires, by many people who vote. Thanks for your consideration.
From: Mike Earles
To: CityCouncilListPublic
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Save Fire Stations From Budget Cuts Date: Monday, May 5, 2025 9:31:35 AM
It has come to my attention that the City Council is considering closing Fire Stations that serve the Oakmont community. I think that would be a terrible mistake. Our fire stations provide a direct link to the health and safety of the community. I’m not the only one who is concerned about this issue at Oakmont.
Michael Earles
Get
Outlook for iOS
Sent from my iPhone
From: BOB BECK
To: CityCouncilListPublic
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Upcoming Budget Cuts-Potential Fire Station Closures Date: Monday, May 5, 2025 11:04:13 AM
Dear Council Members,
I am a resident of Oakmont Village. It is my understanding, in upcoming budget reviews you may be considering closing
one or more Fire Stations.
Should this happen it is essential that our Oakmont Fire Station remain open. Our Fire Team has saved countless lives
and provided exceptional fire
and medical response to our village!
Since we are a senior's only community, located at the outskirts of the city, in a high fire
zone,
It is Essential to. Keep Our Fire Station OPEN!
Thank for your time and consideration.
Yours truly,
Robert Beck
Santa Rosa, CA 95409
From: Jonathan Hayden
To: _CityCouncilListPublic
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Please save Firehouse #7 Staff
Date: Monday, May 5, 2025 12:46:06 PM
Dear City Council,
Please save our Oakmont Firehouse staff and facility. It is the only one in Oakmont that serves our community that is close to all of us. And there are a lot of us living out here.
This would be a big loss for all of us seniors in Oakmont.
Please save our local firehouse.
Sincerely,
Jonathan Hayden
Oakmont Resident
From: Diane Toso
To: _CityCouncilListPublic
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Firehouse number 7
Date: Monday, May 5, 2025 12:46:27 PM
Please, Santa Rosa city Council, do not get rid of fire house number 7 At Oakmont.
Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPad
From: Laurel Earles
To: _CityCouncilListPublic
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Fire station closures
Date: Monday, May 5, 2025 3:17:04 PM
Dear City Council ,
I’m writing to you because I live in Oakmont and I can hardly believe it would ever be considered to close the fire station here. This area has been evacuated 3 times since 2017. 24/7 , year after year, the people who live here ( and their adult children, are scared to death to think we will be trapped here off of highway 12 because there is one way in and one way out. Unfortunately, Since the last fire evacuation, The city of Santa Rosa has allowed the building of apartments and renovations of abandoned buildings which will add so many more people - not to mention populations with many many more cars. In the latest evacuation, it took 3 hours to get from Oakmont to Montgomery Village area in one car!!!!!
The majority of the people who live here are seniors, so many live alone, where vulnerability is if the highest concern. Many here are elderly, and despite the desire of the residents they could never help their neighbors because they aren’t strong , have huge cognitive uses or not healthy enough.
It’s such a bad situation I can’t believe that anyone from the City ir this State is paying attention at all.
There recently was a huge study regarding evacuations .. I sure you must be aware of the results . ( it’s imperative that you contact the Oakmont office and read the results and understand how bad our situation is!! No one I’ve ever met here , nor at any meetings of hundreds of people ( including their families) can understand why this situation would EVER be considered to remove the fire Dept. From THE most vulnerable population in Santa Rosa.
There are plenty of sources of information with proof why this would be the biggest mistake you could ever make.
Please please please pay attention to what you are trying to do. Pretend that your parents or grandparents live here and see how you would feel if you just had to leave them helpless.
Laurel and Mike Earles
Have a wonderful day!
From: JANIS BLANCHETTE
To: _CityCouncilListPublic
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Fire Station Closures
Date: Monday, May 5, 2025 3:31:51 PM
I understand that you will be considering closure of 2 fire stations in Santa Rosa at an upcoming meeting. I live in the Oakmont Village which has approximately 4500 senior residents. The sheer number of older residents should protect us from losing our fire station. Having the fire department on site is essential for the health and safety of our residents and our community.
We have been evacuated twice because of fires that were an immediate threat to the community. We have limited access to Hwy 12, our only evacuation route.
Santa Rosa has already loss many homes. Closing 2 fire stations would be a reckless decision. 2017 taught us that we were not prepared for a wildfire. Now we may be better prepared, but closing 2 fire stations seems to fly in the face of basic common sense. Santa Rosa needs you to protect its citizens and its structures--not increase the risk of damage and death from fire.
Janis Blanchette