Late Correspondence (Uploaded 03-10-2026) — Santa Rosa City Council, March 10, 2026

From: Julie O
To: City Council Public Comments; CityCouncilListPublic Subject: [EXTERNAL] Turf Fields
Date: Sunday, March 8, 2026 11:35:39 AM
Dear Santa Rosa City Council,
I am writing to express my support for Agenda Item 15.1 and the proposal to install a turf field at Martin Luther King Jr. Park. My two kids played soccer for `10 years through a local club and I can still recall the holes in the grass fields, the cancellations, and the injuries.

Santa Rosa’s current grass fields are often closed during the winter months, leaving many youth sports programs without reliable places to practice or play. For many kids, soccer and other sports are now year-round activities, and the lack of consistent field access can make it difficult for them to stay involved.

Installing a turf field would provide dependable access to safe playing space for local youth and community programs throughout the year. Youth sports play an important role in helping kids stay active, develop teamwork and discipline, and build lifelong healthy habits.

Many neighboring communities and local high schools already utilize turf fields to support their student-athletes. Moving forward with this project would help ensure that Santa Rosa’s youth have the same opportunities to participate and grow through sports.

Thank you for your time and for considering the needs of the many families and young athletes who rely on our community’s parks and fields.

Sincerely,
Julie O'Malley
Santa Rosa resident
From: Cadance Hinkle Allinson
To: City Council Public Comments
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Support for Item 15.1
Date: Sunday, March 8, 2026 11:45:16 AM
Mayor Stapp, Vice Mayor Okrepkie and Members of Council, I am writing as a member of the community to express my support for Agenda Item

15.1 and the proposal to install a turf field at Martin Luther King Jr. Park.

As a parent of two children who play youth sports in Santa Rosa, both through Rec & Parks and a private club, I see a tremendous need for this type of facility in our city.

The grass fields our kids rely on for practice and games are often in poor condition and difficult to maintain. The fields are hardly usable during the winter months, if open at all. When fields are difficult to play on or unavailable, keeping children safe, engaged and involved becomes a challenge.

This type of facility would be an
excellent step toward creating usable year-round facilities for the community.

Supporting safe, manageable spaces for youth sports is critically important for the community and I hope you will show your support by moving forward with turf installation at MLK Jr. Park.

Thank you,
Cadance Hinkle Allinson
Parent / U6

From: Anne Rhodes
To: City Council Public Comments
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Turf fields
Date: Sunday, March 8, 2026 11:53:05 AM
Dear Santa Rosa City Council,
I am writing to express my support for Agenda Item 15.1 and the proposal to install a turf field at Martin Luther King Jr. Park.

As a parent of children involved in youth sports, I see firsthand how difficult it can be to find reliable field space for practices and games. Santa Rosa’s grass fields are often closed during the winter months due to weather and field conditions, leaving many teams without places to play.

When fields are unavailable, practices are canceled or teams are forced to travel outside the community, which can be challenging for families.

Youth sports are more than just games. They help children stay active, build confidence, learn teamwork and discipline, and form meaningful friendships. Having dependable, year-round access to safe playing fields allows kids to stay engaged in positive activities and strengthens the sense of community for families.

Many neighboring communities and local high schools already utilize turf fields to support their student-athletes and youth programs. Installing a turf field at Martin Luther King Jr. Park would provide a reliable space for Santa Rosa’s youth to practice, compete, and grow throughout the year.

Thank you for your time and for considering the needs of the many families and young athletes who rely on our community’s parks and recreational spaces.

Anne Rhodes
From: Faun
To: CityCouncilListPublic; City Council Public Comments Subject: [EXTERNAL] In support of Agenda Item 15.1
Date: Sunday, March 8, 2026 12:21:41 PM
Dear Mayor and City Council Members,
I am writing in support of Agenda Item 15.1 — the installation of a turf field at Martin Luther King Park. As a parent of a youth soccer player in Santa Rosa, I've seen firsthand how grass fields often close during winter, leaving kids without safe, consistent places to practice. Many children now play year-round, and turf fields make that possible. Other cities and local high schools already offer this — Santa Rosa kids deserve the same opportunities to stay active, healthy, and engaged in their sport. This investment in our parks is an investment in our children. I strongly urge the Council to vote yes.

Thank you for your time and service to our community.

Sascha “Faun” Winter
Rincon Valley
From: Eric Culbertson
To: City Council Public Comments; CityCouncilListPublic Subject: [EXTERNAL] Support for Agenda Item 15.1 - MLK Park Turf Field Date: Sunday, March 8, 2026 12:22:29 PM
Dear Santa Rosa City Council,
I’m writing to you today as a parent to share my support for the new turf field at Martin Luther King Jr. Park (Agenda Item 15.1).

To be honest, it’s frustrating how often our kids' games and practices get canceled during the winter because the grass fields are too muddy or closed for maintenance. My two boys play soccer year-round, and having a reliable, safe place to play—no matter the weather—would make a huge difference for us and so many other families in Santa Rosa.

A lot of neighboring towns and local high schools already have these fields. Our kids deserve that same level of investment in their health and their sports programs. It keeps them active, outside, and connected to their teammates.

Please vote YES
on Item 15.1. It’s a win for our parks and a big win for the kids in our community.

Thank you for your time and for listening to local families.

Eric Culbertson
Santa Rosa resident and father of two soccer players

From: Sarah Soliman
To: City Council Public Comments
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Turf field
Date: Sunday, March 8, 2026 12:54:14 PM
comment is for Agenda Item 15.1
Turf fields help my kids stay active we end up using Sebastopol’s for a lot of playing and when schedule allows trione
It helps if we have more especially if they have lights It is important that it be a balance of being rented out to club spaces and the public that can’t participate in these higher sports.

Thank you for improving our parks
Sarah Soliman
From: Sandy Scott
To: CityCouncilListPublic
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Turf in Rincon Valley
Date: Sunday, March 8, 2026 1:01:14 PM
To Whom It May Concern, please consider turf fields in our area. It keeps our son active and striving. Our 14-year old says “I’d rather be playing soccer then cooped up in the house. So I can play soccer and be with my friends.” Sent from my iPhone
From: brittany barlett
To: CityCouncilListPublic
Subject: [EXTERNAL] AGENDA ITEM 15.1
Date: Sunday, March 8, 2026 1:30:57 PM
Subject: Strong Support for Agenda Item 15.1 – Turf Field Installation Dear Santa Rosa City Council,
I am writing to strongly support Agenda Item 15.1 regarding the installation of turf fields. This decision is not just about sports fields—it is about the opportunities we provide for the children in our community.

Right now, when it rains, grass fields close. They close during storms and often remain closed for days or weeks afterward while they dry out. When the fields close, the opportunities for our children close with them. Practices are canceled. Games are postponed. Entire weeks of development disappear. The message that sends to our kids is that their opportunity to play, grow, and be active depends entirely on the weather.

Our children deserve better than that.

Youth sports are not just extracurricular activities. For many kids, they are where confidence is built, friendships are formed, discipline is learned, and resilience is developed. The field is where kids learn to work together, push through challenges, and believe in themselves. When those fields are unavailable for large portions of the season, we are taking away far more than practice time—we are taking away opportunities that shape who these kids become.

Turf fields change that.

Turf fields remain playable during and after rain. They provide consistency, reliability, and access. They ensure that children have a safe place to practice, play, and compete even during the rainy months when grass fields become unusable. They protect the continuity of youth programs and allow kids to stay engaged in something positive year-round.

The reality is simple: when cities invest in turf fields, they are investing in their children. They are choosing to prioritize healthy activity, teamwork, and community. Surrounding cities and local high schools have already made that investment because they recognize how important reliable field access is for youth development.

Santa Rosa’s children deserve that same commitment.

Kids who want to show up, work hard, and be part of something bigger than themselves should not lose those opportunities because the field is too wet to use. If we are serious about supporting youth, supporting healthy activity, and supporting the programs that keep kids engaged in positive environments, then providing reliable playing spaces must be a priority.

Turf fields are not a luxury. They are an investment in our children’s opportunities, growth, and future.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
Brittany Barlett
From: Gabriela Carmona
To: City Council Public Comments; CityCouncilListPublic Subject: [EXTERNAL] Comment for Agenda 15.1
Date: Sunday, March 8, 2026 1:33:23 PM
Hello, as a mother of three athletes and reside in Santa Rosa Rincon Valley area my plea for a turf field at a home base would benefit our athletes tremendously. We have had to drive to Petaluma and El Molino high for two of our athletes that play soccer all year long and have no field access during the fall and winter . Although Maria Carillo is a few minutes away from home their field is used for their students and cannot always be shared . During Covid we realized as a family that sports play a huge advantage in our children’s health and having access to fields makes a great difference and benefit for their mental and physical health year around.

Gabriela Campos
From: NATALIE BONDI
To: City Council Public Comments; CityCouncilListPublic Subject: [EXTERNAL] Comment on Agenda Item 15.1
Date: Sunday, March 8, 2026 1:51:20 PM
Dear Santa Rosa City Leaders,
I am writing to share my support for the development of additional turf fields in Santa Rosa and to highlight how important these spaces are for our local kids and youth sports programs.

Grass fields are often closed during the winter months due to rain and field conditions.

When that happens, many youth teams are left without a safe place to practice or play.

For kids who are committed to their teams and activities, this can mean weeks or even months without access to the fields they rely on.

Many children today participate in year-round sports, especially soccer. These programs provide structure, teamwork, and healthy physical activity. Turf fields allow consistent access regardless of weather conditions, which helps ensure that practices, games, and training can continue safely throughout the year.

Youth sports play an essential role in helping kids stay active, healthy, and engaged.

They build confidence, teach teamwork, and give young people a positive outlet for their energy. When field space is limited or unavailable, it directly impacts these opportunities for our children.

Investing in turf fields would be an investment in the health, development, and well- being of our community’s youth. I encourage the city to continue exploring and supporting solutions that expand reliable field access for local sports programs.

Thank you for your time and for your commitment to the families and children of Santa Rosa.

Kindly,
Natalie Bondi
From: Paul Gelinas
To: City Council Public Comments
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Agenda Item 15.1
Date: Sunday, March 8, 2026 3:02:18 PM
Dear Santa Rosa City Council,
I am writing to express my support for Agenda Item 15.1 and the proposal to install a turf field at Martin Luther King Jr. Park.

Santa Rosa’s current grass fields are often closed during the winter months, leaving many youth sports programs without reliable places to practice or play. For many kids, lacrosse, soccer and other sports are now year-round activities, and the lack of consistent field access can make it difficult for them to stay involved and compete at the same level as surrounding communities. .

Many neighboring communities (Petaluma, Rohnert Park etc.) and local high schools already utilize turf fields to support their student-athletes. Moving forward with this project would help ensure that Santa Rosa’s youth athletes have the same opportunities to participate and grow through sports.

Thank you for your time and for considering the needs of the many families and young athletes who rely on our community’s parks and fields.

All the Best
Paul Gelinas

Santa Rosa, CA 95405

From: Heidi Fridriksson
To: City Council Public Comments; CityCouncilListPublic Subject: [EXTERNAL] Turf fields at Santa Rosa Parks
Date: Sunday, March 8, 2026 3:19:56 PM
Hello and first off thank you for all the work that you do for our community.

My comment is for Agenda Item 15.1. I’m writing in support of the installation of a turf field at Martin Luther King Jr. Park in Santa Rosa and other parks as and when possible. Kids sports is such a big part of community building and health for kids who live in an evermore tech, focused world and turf fields make more sports possible for a greater portion of the year.

Thank you for your consideration
Heidi Fridriksson, Rincon Valley resident
From: Lauren Chamberlain
To: City Council Public Comments
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Agenda item 15.1
Date: Sunday, March 8, 2026 3:25:55 PM
Dear Santa Rosa City Council,
I am writing to express my support for Agenda Item 15.1 and the proposal to install a turf field at Martin Luther King Jr. Park.

Thank you for your time and for considering the needs of the many families and young athletes who rely on our community’s parks and fields.

Sincerely,
Lauren Chamberlain (mother of 3)
Santa Rosa, Bennett Valley Resident

Sent from my iPhone
From: Morgan
To: City Council Public Comments; CityCouncilListPublic Subject: [EXTERNAL] Turf fields
Date: Sunday, March 8, 2026 7:23:43 PM
Hello,
I am writing in support of installing a turf field at Martin Luther King Park, for the following reasons:

Grass fields are often closed in winter, leaving kids without places to practice Many kids now play year-round soccer, and lacrosse is a growing sport in the area
Turf fields provide consistent access to safe playing space Youth sports help kids stay active, healthy, and engaged Other cities and local high schools already have turf fields, and Santa Rosa kids deserve the same opportunities
Thank you for your consideration.

Morgan McDonald
From: Odilon Martinez
To: City Council Public Comments
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Turf field
Date: Sunday, March 8, 2026 7:39:38 PM
Dear Santa Rosa City Council,
I am writing to express my support for Agenda Item 15.1 and the proposal to install a turf field at Martin Luther King Jr. Park.

Thank you for your time and for considering the needs of the many families and young athletes who rely on our community’s parks and fields.

From: Axel Martinez
To: City Council Public Comments; CityCouncilListPublic Subject: [EXTERNAL] Turf Field
Date: Sunday, March 8, 2026 7:46:30 PM
Dear Santa Rosa City Council,
I am writing to share my support for Agenda Item 15.1 and the proposal to install a turf field at Martin Luther King Jr. Park.

Currently, many of Santa Rosa’s grass fields are closed during the winter months because of rain and field conditions. When that happens, youth sports teams often struggle to find places to practice or play. Since many sports now run year-round, the lack of consistent field access can make it harder for kids to stay involved.

A turf field would allow the space to be used much more consistently throughout the year.

This would give youth sports programs and community groups a dependable place to practice, compete, and stay active.

Sports play an important role in young people’s lives. They help kids stay healthy, learn teamwork and discipline, and build confidence. Providing reliable field space supports these opportunities for many families in our community.

Many nearby communities and schools have already added turf fields to support their student- athletes. Moving forward with this project would help ensure that Santa Rosa’s youth have similar opportunities.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
Axel Martinez
Santa Rosa
From: Derek Torio
To: City Council Public Comments; CityCouncilListPublic Subject: [EXTERNAL] Support for Agenda Item 15.1 – MLK Park Turf Field Date: Sunday, March 8, 2026 8:57:44 PM
Dear Santa Rosa City Council,
I am writing in support of Agenda Item 15.1 and the proposal to install a turf field at Martin Luther King Jr. Park.

As a Santa Rosa parent with a child in youth soccer, I’ve seen how often our grass fields are closed during the winter months. When that happens, hundreds of kids across local programs lose valuable practice and playing time simply because there aren’t enough reliable fields available.

A turf field would allow the City to make better year-round use of an existing park space and provide consistent, safe access for youth sports and community programs. Youth athletics play an important role in keeping kids active, connected, and engaged, and reliable field access is critical for the many families who depend on these programs.

Many nearby communities and local high schools already use turf fields to support their athletes. Supporting this project would be a meaningful step toward ensuring Santa Rosa’s kids have the same opportunities to participate, develop skills, and stay involved in healthy activities.

I respectfully encourage the Council to approve this project and continue investing in recreational infrastructure that benefits families throughout our community.

Thank you for your time and for your service to Santa Rosa.

Sincerely,
Derek Torio
Santa Rosa Resident
From: Mazie Klein
To: City Council Public Comments
Cc: CityCouncilListPublic
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Email in support of Agenda Item 15.1 Date: Sunday, March 8, 2026 9:08:31 PM
Dear Santa Rosa City Council,
As a mom to two avid soccer players I am writing to express my support for Agenda Item 15.1 and the proposal to install a turf field at Martin Luther King Jr.

Park.

Santa Rosa’s current grass fields are often closed during the winter months, leaving many youth sports programs without reliable places to practice or play.

For many kids, soccer and other sports are now year-round activities, and the lack of consistent field access can make it difficult to impossible for them to stay involved.

Thank you for your time and for considering the needs of the many families and young athletes who rely on our community’s parks and fields.

Sincerely,
Thank you,
Mazie
Sent from my iPhone

From: Julio Caceres
To: City Council Public Comments; CityCouncilListPublic Subject: [EXTERNAL] Agenda item 15.1 Proposal to install turf field at Martin Luther King Jr. Park Date: Sunday, March 8, 2026 9:51:41 PM
Dear Santa Rosa City Council,
I am writing to share my support for Agenda Item 15.1 regarding the installation of a turf field at Martin Luther King Jr. Park.

Currently, many of Santa Rosa’s natural grass fields are closed during the winter season due to weather and field conditions. This creates challenges for youth sports organizations that depend on consistent field access for practices and games. As many sports programs, particularly soccer, now operate year-round, the limited availability of playable fields can make participation difficult for young athletes.

A turf field would provide a durable and reliable playing surface that could be used throughout the year, helping ensure that local youth leagues and community programs have a dependable place to train and compete. Organized sports are an important part of childhood development, encouraging physical activity while also teaching teamwork, commitment, and leadership.

Many nearby cities and local schools have already adopted turf fields to better support their athletic programs. Investing in this type of facility would help Santa Rosa keep pace and provide similar opportunities for the young people in our community.

Thank you for your service to our city and for considering improvements that benefit local families and youth programs.

Sincerely,
Julio Caceres

From: Vargas Esmeralda
To: City Council Public Comments; CityCouncilListPublic Subject: [EXTERNAL] Agenda Item 15.1 and the proposal to install a turf field Date: Sunday, March 8, 2026 9:58:15 PM
Dear Santa Rosa City Council,
I am writing to express my support for Agenda Item 15.1 and the proposal to install a turf field at Martin Luther King Jr. Park.

As a mother in a family of six, I see firsthand how important these facilities are. My family thrives on being able to participate in after-school activities and growing relationships within our community, and consistent access to local parks is central to that experience.

Thank you for your time and for considering the needs of the many families and young athletes who rely on our community’s parks and fields.

Sincerely,
Esmeralda Vargas
Rincon Valley Neighborhood
From: Courtney Graves
To: City Council Public Comments; CityCouncilListPublic Subject: [EXTERNAL] Turf Fields
Date: Monday, March 9, 2026 8:14:29 AM
This comment is for Agenda Item 15.1
Turf Fields would be incredibly beneficial to our city and youth:

Every city has adapted and created turf fields to allow for kids to play sports year round.

Due to competitive clubs, many kids now play year-round soccer, and they are left without a practice and game field unlike the other towns.

Turf fields provide consistent access to safe playing space Youth sports help kids stay active, healthy, and engaged Other cities and local high schools already have turf fields, and Santa Rosa kids deserve the same opportunities
We could actually host more sports tournaments if we had the facilities, allowing us to bring income into the city by increasing families staying at hotels and dining in our local restaurants. This would be a huge asset to the town but currently we are the ones traveling to other cities because we don't have fields in the winter.

Thank you for your consideration!

From: Justin Mutschler
To: City Council Public Comments; CityCouncilListPublic Subject: [EXTERNAL] Agenda item 15.1 Turf Field at MLK Park Date: Monday, March 9, 2026 8:26:25 AM
Dear Santa Rosa City Council,
I am writing to express my support for Agenda Item 15.1 and the proposal to install a turf field at Martin Luther King Jr. Park.

Access to sport is often the barrier preventing kids from joining a new sports program. In Santa Rosa, public spaces that are available and accessible year round for kids to access sport for the first time, or as a regular season, are in short supply. This limited access causes parents to increase their already limited budgets and spend more time traveling further so their children can access the sports they need for healthy bodies and healthy mental wellbeing.

I hope that you take seriously this request as it affects not only the children of this generation, but the access of many generations to come to sport and community that are desperately
needed.

Thank you.

Justin Mutschler
From: matt chisam
To: City Council Public Comments; CityCouncilListPublic Subject: [EXTERNAL] Agenda Item 15.1 - Our Kids Need More Room to Play Date: Monday, March 9, 2026 8:54:59 AM
Dear Santa Rosa City Council Members,
I'm writing in support of Agenda Item 15.1. My name is Matt, and I'm a parent and youth sports coach here in Santa Rosa. I coach both baseball and soccer, and I see firsthand what our kids are up against when it comes to finding places to play.

Winter is actually when we need fields the most. Our kids want to keep playing, they're motivated, and we have the coaches and the programs to support them. What we don't have is the space. Our grass fields close when the weather turns, and we simply don't have enough indoor facilities to absorb that demand. The kids who get squeezed out aren't sitting at home staying active — they're just sitting at home.

Even when fields are technically open, the condition of grass fields through a long season is a real challenge. Turf gets torn up, lines disappear, and wet or uneven surfaces limit what we can actually do with our teams. As a coach, it's hard to build on progress week to week when the field itself is a variable you can't control. Turf solves that. It's the same surface every time, which lets us focus on actually developing players.

It's also worth recognizing that school PE has been steadily reduced over the years. For a lot of our kids, club sports are the primary way they stay physically active and learn what it means to be part of a team. When we can't field them, we're not just canceling a practice, we're interrupting something that genuinely matters to their development...and as a parent I've got to say, off the video games!

High schools in our area already have turf. Cities around us already have turf. Our kids are just as deserving of that opportunity, and the families in this community are asking for it.

I hope the Council will support this investment. It'll pay off for years.

Thank you,
Matt
From: Julie Frost
To: City Council Public Comments; CityCouncilListPublic Subject: [EXTERNAL] Turf Field ( Please)
Date: Monday, March 9, 2026 9:23:41 AM
Dear Santa Rosa City Council,
I am writing to express my support for Agenda Item 15.1 and the proposal to install a turf field at Martin Luther King Jr. Park.

When we travel outside of Sonoma County it's so apparent how behind we are with providing year around fields. It's actually quite SAD how little our city council invests in our kids' outdoor fields. This move will be pushing us in the right direction and hoping more year round turf fields will come.

Thank you for your time and for considering the needs of the many families and young athletes who rely on our community’s parks and fields.

Sincerely,
Julie Frost ( Bennett Valley)
From: Ana Favela Vega
To: City Council Public Comments; CityCouncilListPublic Subject: [EXTERNAL] Martin Luther King Park
Date: Monday, March 9, 2026 9:28:14 AM
Dear Santa Rosa City Council,
I am writing to express my support for Agenda Item 15.1 and the proposal to install a turf field at Martin Luther King Jr. Park.

Santa Rosa’s current grass fields are often closed during the winter months, leaving many youth sports programs without reliable places to practice or play. The many skills they have acquired from their coaches and their hard work can be lost.

For many kids, including my own, soccer and
other sports are now year-round activities, and the lack of consistent field access can make it difficult for them to stay involved.

Thank you for your time and for considering the needs of the many families and young athletes who rely on our community’s parks and fields.

Sincerely,
Ana Favela Vega
Southwest Santa Rosa Community Member
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From: Paul Miller
To: CityCouncilListPublic; City Council Public Comments Subject: [EXTERNAL] In favor of turf fields
Date: Monday, March 9, 2026 10:18:53 AM
I am a Santa Rosa resident, who lives approximately half a mile from Martin Luther King Park. I am also a coach of an Empire Soccer competitive team, and I play recreational soccer regularly at Santa Rosa Middle School and Trione fields.

I want to voice my support for turf fields in Santa Rosa, and at Martin Luther King Park, in particular.

Currently, when it is raining or wet, grass fields are unusable, or if they are used, they are heavily damaged. Additionally, grass fields are expensive to maintain, and are rife with bare patches and gopher holes or cracks, which can lead to injuries or liability issues.

Turf fields have virtually no maintenance, and can be used during all times of the year, and have a level of play that consistent from patch to patch, and is superior to grass fields.

I would encourage the Santa Rosa city council to install turf fields at Martin Luther King Park, as well as in other parks when they are considering grass replacement.

Sincerely,

Paul Miller

Santa Rosa, CA

Paul Miller, Esq.

Estate Planning Law
Tel: (707) 546-3491
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.paulmillerlaw.com
Address: 703 Second Street, Suite 414, Santa Rosa, CA 95404

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From: Wallace Francis
To: City Council Public Comments; CityCouncilListPublic Subject: [EXTERNAL] ITEM 15.1
Date: Monday, March 9, 2026 11:55:02 AM
I am writing in support of installation of a turf field at MLK Park. I am in FULL support of this request. We cannot claim to be dismayed at the way that our children are stuck to their screens and phones and being drawn away from healthy outside activities.

Reducing Addiction: Regular, intense physical activity acts as a protective factor against smartphone addiction in young people, boosting self-confidence and reducing available time for device usage.

Effective Interventions: Both aerobic and mind-body exercises are effective in reducing smartphone dependency.

Mental Health Boost:

Physical activity fosters resilience, reduces stress, and decreases anxiety, which helps break the cycle of excessive phone use.

With the World Cup coming Soccer remains one of the fastest growing sports in the US and 1 in 4 children play soccer. It is a foundational athletic activity The turf field will provide a valuable resource well past the investment.

Let's invest in our kids.
***
All the best,
Wallace Francis
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From: stephanie gleason
To: City Council Public Comments
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Agenda item 15.1
Date: Monday, March 9, 2026 11:57:59 AM
Hello City Council of Santa Rosa,
I am a parent of two youth soccer players. We have played in both the Empire and SR South leagues. There are often field closures during the season due to rain or inclement weather. The kids miss out on practice or games due to field conditions. Please consider installing turf fields in Santa Rosa parks and schools to allow year round sports participation.

Thank you,
Stephanie Gleason

From: Mark Marcarian
To: City Council Public Comments
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Turf Field at MLK
Date: Monday, March 9, 2026 12:56:00 PM
Dear Santa Rosa City Council,
I am writing to express my support for Agenda Item 15.1 and the proposal to install a turf field at Martin Luther King Jr. Park.

Thank you for your time and for considering the needs of the many families and young athletes who rely on our community’s parks and fields.

Sincerely,
Mark Marcarian
Dir of Comp Soccer, Santa Rosa Empire Soccer Club
PS. There are lighted tennis, pickleball, and softball courts and fields throughout our city. There is not a single community soccer field with lights! When you look at the number of players per square foot on these sports fields, soccer is well and above any other sport. I feel much greater resources should be directed at a sport that provides so many of our residents with a healthy option, especially in the formative youth years.

From: Tommy Isachsen
To: Stapp, Mark; Okrepkie, Jeff; Rogers, Natalie; Fleming, Victoria; MacDonald, Dianna; Banuelos, Caroline; Alvarez, Eddie
Cc: City Council Public Comments; CityCouncilListPublic; Tommy Isachsen; Benjamin Goldstein; Kelly Roberts; Jarrett Gardner; John Macken
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Santa Rosa Youth Deserve Safe, Year‑Round Fields—SRYSL Supports Turf Installation Date: Monday, March 9, 2026 1:58:12 PM
Dear Santa Rosa City Council Members,
On behalf of the Santa Rosa Youth Soccer League (SRYSL) Board of Directors, which supports more than 2,600 competitive and recreational soccer players from across our city, I am writing to express strong support for installing synthetic turf soccer fields with lighting for youth sports in Santa Rosa.

First and foremost, we wish to highlight the strong support from community youth programs that would directly benefit from year-round access. We stand with Kristoc Camacho, coach of the South Park Futbol Club, who has emphasized that turf and field lighting would significantly strengthen their ability to serve local kids and families.

Expanded access to reliable, all-weather fields would allow the club—and many others like it—to run consistent practices, games, and activities year-round, ensuring that young athletes always have a safe, dependable place to play close to home. Year-round, predictable access to safe playing surfaces is not merely an athletic amenity; it is a practical public safety strategy that keeps young people engaged in positive, supervised activities and helps reduce idle-time risks that can lead to delinquency.

Modern synthetic turf offers a practical, durable, and high-performing solution for youth sports. Unlike natural grass, turf fields remain consistent regardless of weather, eliminating the mud, uneven footing, and surface deterioration that often disrupt play.

The surface provides reliable traction, uniformity, and shock absorption, creating a stable environment that supports safe and predictable play for athletes of all ages. Turf fields can withstand heavy use day after day without needing rest or recovery periods, ensuring that practices, games, and community activities can continue year-round.

In addition to performance benefits, modern synthetic turf fields help address long- standing maintenance and environmental challenges. They eliminate the need for irrigation, mowing, pesticides, and fertilizers, reducing both water use and chemical exposure in city parks. This creates a more sustainable, low-maintenance athletic surface that stays green and usable year-round. By providing a dependable, all-weather field, turf ensures youth programs can operate consistently, free from closures and cancellations that often affect natural grass facilities.

Santa Rosa is currently the only city in Sonoma County without turf fields and lights dedicated to youth soccer. At the same time, several city parks provide lighting for tennis and pickleball courts, as well as for softball and baseball fields. Our soccer community deserves comparable investment, particularly because this community is often among the most underserved, historically disinvested, and under-resourced in our park system.

Importantly, Santa Rosa Recreation & Parks has noted that expanding turf field capacity would increase youth access to reliable play spaces, while also producing an estimated 30 percent reduction in long-term operations and maintenance costs. This alignment between community need and departmental support underscores the value of moving forward with additional turf field installations.

Installing lighted turf fields would expand access, support local families, and provide a safe, structured outlet for youth—benefits widely recognized as promoting positive youth development. Year-round playable fields at complexes such as A Place to Play would also create economic benefits by enabling Santa Rosa to host more youth tournaments, attracting visiting teams and families who would stay in local hotels and support local businesses. Currently, many Santa Rosa families must travel outside Sonoma County to attend tournaments in other communities that have reliable turf facilities. Developing our own tournament-ready fields would keep those opportunities—and the associated economic activity—within our city.

Investing in modern turf and lighting is an investment in the health, safety, and future of Santa Rosa’s youth and the vitality of our community. We respectfully urge the Council to prioritize this project and bring our city in line with neighboring communities that have already recognized the value of durable, year-round athletic facilities.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
Santa Rosa Youth Soccer League Board of Directors
·
Tommy Isachsen
· Benjamin Goldstein
· Kelly Roberts
· Jarrett Gardner
· John Macken
From: Leia
To: CityCouncilListPublic
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Turf Fields Needed in City
Date: Monday, March 9, 2026 2:28:07 PM
Dear City Council,
As a soccer player for more than 40 years, I know how valuable being able to keep the body moving and fit is to mental, and physical health. As a coach and a parent, I have also seen the benefits of the social and emotional development of children as they learn to play together as a team, bond with other children and support each other as friends and humans. I also know how difficult it is to get playing time on fields in Santa Rosa and most of the fields shut down with rain and kids stuck inside. Poppy Bank Epicenter is a great resource but it gets booked up in the rainy months and most teams cannot afford to use this on a regular basis.

I have also seen the unsafe conditions on some of the city fields that teammates have twisted their ankle in deep gopher holes, stuck on the muddy ground etc.

Santa Rosa needs to support health and wellness for its citizens. Turf is a great way to provide this for all during inclement weather often when the days are darker and the spirits need lifting.

Please put funding towards turf fields for both adult and children alike to support mental and physical health for all.

Thank you,
Leia Giambastiani
Soccer Player (SCWSL and Sports City)
Coach Empire Soccer
Parent Empire soccer
From: Maitane Elorza Zubimendi
To: City Council Public Comments; CityCouncilListPublic Subject: [EXTERNAL] Turf field at Martin Luther King Park Date: Monday, March 9, 2026 2:50:03 PM
Dear Santa Rosa City Council,
I am writing to submit my comments regarding Agenda Item 15.1.

I would like to express my strong support for the development of a turf field at Martin Luther King Park and hopefully in other
areas of the city, as they provide essential benefits for our children and youth sports programs.

Currently, grass fields are closed during the winter months, which leaves many kids without a reliable place to practice. With many children now playing soccer year-round, turf fields would provide consistent access to safe playing spaces regardless of the season.

Participating in youth sports is vital for helping kids stay active, healthy, and engaged with their community. Other cities and local high schools in our area already provide turf fields for their athletes, and I believe Santa Rosa kids deserve the same opportunities to develop their skills on high-quality surfaces.

Thank you for your time and for considering these points in your decision.

Best regards,
Maitane Elorza

From: Nora Pike
To: CityCouncilListPublic
Subject: [EXTERNAL]
Date: Monday, March 9, 2026 3:03:42 PM
Dear Santa Rosa City Council,
I am writing to express my support for Agenda Item 15.1 and the proposal to install a turf field at Martin Luther King Jr. Park.

Reliable access to fields is essential for youth sports in Santa Rosa, and grass fields are often closed during the winter months when many programs are still active. Additional turf fields would provide safe, consistent playing space for local kids and help support the many families and community organizations that rely on our parks.

Thank you for supporting opportunities that keep Santa Rosa youth active, healthy, and engaged through sports.

Sincerely,
Nora Pike, Rincon Valley Resident
From: Zach Serber
To: City Council Public Comments; CityCouncilListPublic Subject: [EXTERNAL] Agenda Item 15.1 – Investing in turf fields for our kids Date: Monday, March 9, 2026 3:05:18 PM
Dear Members of the City Council,
I’m writing regarding Agenda Item 15.1 and the discussion around turf athletic fields.

I’m a Santa Rosa parent, and like many families here, a big part of our lives revolves around youth sports. For kids, fields aren’t just pieces of grass, they’re where friendships form, confidence grows, and healthy habits take root.

One of the biggest challenges our kids face right now is simply finding a place to play. During the winter months many of our grass fields are closed, which means practices get canceled or squeezed into whatever small windows of availability exist. At the same time, youth sports, especially soccer, have become year-round activities. Kids want to keep improving, stay active, and be part of their teams, but the lack of accessible fields makes that difficult.

Turf fields help solve that problem. They stay playable during the rainy season and hold up to the heavy use that youth sports require. Instead of constantly worrying about closures or damaged fields, kids and coaches have reliable places to train and compete.

There’s also a broader benefit here. Youth sports are one of the best ways we have to keep kids healthy, connected, and engaged in positive activities. Time spent on a field is time spent away from screens and in a community environment where kids learn teamwork, discipline, and resilience.

When I look around the region, many nearby communities and high schools have already invested in turf fields. Their kids get consistent access to high-quality playing spaces year- round. Santa Rosa’s kids deserve those same opportunities.

Investing in turf fields is really an investment in our community’s youth—giving them safe, reliable places to play, grow, and thrive.

Thank you for your time and for considering what this means for the kids and families of Santa Rosa.

Sincerely,
Zach Serber
Santa Rosa Resident
From: Margarita
To: City Council Public Comments; CityCouncilListPublic Subject: [EXTERNAL] Agenda item 15.1
Date: Monday, March 9, 2026 3:11:48 PM
Kids need turf fields!
Grass fields are often closed in winter, leaving kids without places to practice
Many kids now play year-round soccer
Turf fields provide consistent access to safe playing space Youth sports help kids stay active, healthy, and engaged Other cities and local high schools already have turf fields, and Santa Rosa kids deserve the same opportunities

Help keep families happy and wanting to stay in Santa Rosa. We’ve already lost too many who want better things for their families. This is evidenced in our school district.

Please provide opportunities to make our city a desirable place to live.

Thank you,
Mara Guzman
From: Megan Castillo
To: CityCouncilListPublic; City Council Public Comments Subject: [EXTERNAL] Comment on Turf Fields in Santa Rosa - 3/10/26 Agenda Item 15.1 Date: Monday, March 9, 2026 3:11:53 PM
Dear Santa Rosa City Council,
I am writing to express my support for Agenda Item 15.1 and the proposal to install a turf field at Martin Luther King Jr. Park.

Thank you for your time and for considering the needs of the many families and young athletes who rely on our community’s parks and fields.

Sincerely,
Megan Castillo
Santa Rosa Parent (JC Neighborhood)
From: Deanna Basham
To: City Council Public Comments
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Turf Fields Agenda Item 15.1
Date: Monday, March 9, 2026 3:12:07 PM
Agenda Item 15.1. Please allow our youth to have turf fields. Not having them has caused a disadvantage to our teams when playing away games as the do not have familiarity with these types of fields.

Turf fields benefit kids and youth sports, such as:

Grass fields are often closed in winter, leaving kids without places to practice
Many kids now play year-round soccer
Turf fields provide consistent access to safe playing space Youth sports help kids stay active, healthy, and engaged Other cities and local high schools already have turf fields, and Santa Rosa kids deserve the same opportunities
Sent from my iPhone
From: Kristen Swenson
To: City Council Public Comments; City Council Public Comments Subject: [EXTERNAL] Agenda Item 15.1
Date: Monday, March 9, 2026 3:52:35 PM
In regard to installing turf field at Martin Luther King Park, I want to voice opposition to this action. As a soccer player of over 25 years, I cannot state enough how painful it is to play on turf compared to grass and dirt. The rubber pellets BURN the skin. Much like carpet burns, but with actual abraisions and blood. At least consider leaving parks with BOTH options of field types, grass AND turf. Please DO NOT REPLACE ALL OF OUR NATURAL GRASS FIELDS. Thank you for your time and consideration.
- K.A.

From: Ed Zeidler
To: CityCouncilListPublic
Cc: City Council Public Comments
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Agenda Item 15.1 (Turf Field at MLK Jr. Park) Date: Monday, March 9, 2026 4:07:57 PM
Dear Santa Rosa City Council,
Thank you for taking the time to consider the proposal for a turf soccer field at MLK Jr. Park (Agenda item 15.1). I believe this would have a great effect on Santa Rosa youth.

My name is Ed Zeidler. I am a local elementary school teacher. In addition, I have been a sports' coach for decades. I began coaching track and field for elementary-age students. in addition, I spent a couple years coaching tee-ball/baseball for Rincoln Valley Little League. As of now, I am in my 8th year coaching competitive soccer here in Santa Rosa.

Coaching competitive soccer presents more weather-related challenges since we play and practice throughout the year.

Rain presents the greatest challenge. Often our city fields (Rincoln Valley Park & Galvin Park) are closed during rainy periods in the Winter and Spring. This brings obstacles for maintaining consistent practice times and especially for scheduling and rescheduling home games.

I understand that money and resources are limited. If there is any chance, however, that the City of Santa Rosa would consider building a turf field for local residents, that would be a great asset to our youth....both now and years to come.

Soccer is a popular sport in California and among the most popular for youth in Santa Rosa. I ask that you consider agenda item 15.1 to build a turf field at MLK Jr. Park.

Thank you for your service and time.

Respectfully
Ed Zeidler
Bennett Valley
From: Lori Norcia
To: CityCouncilListPublic
Cc: [email protected]; City Council Public Comments
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Turf Field Comment - Agenda Item 15.1 Date: Monday, March 9, 2026 4:27:15 PM
Dear Santa Rosa City Council,
I am writing to express my support for Agenda Item 15.1 and the proposal to install a turf field at Martin Luther King Jr. Park.

Thank you for supporting opportunities that keep Santa Rosa youth active, healthy, and engaged through sports.

Sincerely,

Lori Norcia
, Santa Rosa 95403

From: Dan Hackett
To: CityCouncilListPublic; City Council Public Comments Subject: [EXTERNAL] Support for Turf Fields (Agenda Item 15.1) Date: Monday, March 9, 2026 4:50:05 PM
Dear Members of the Santa Rosa City Council,
My name is Dan Hackett, and I have been involved in youth soccer for nearly 40 years. I grew up in Santa Rosa playing in the Santa Rosa Youth Soccer League. My oldest daughter played for Rincon Valley Soccer Club while it was still active, and all three of my children have played for Empire Soccer Club. Two of my children have also gone on to play for Maria Carrillo High School. In addition, I have served on the board of Empire Soccer Club for 13 years, including an eight-year term as the club’s president. Empire Soccer Club currently serves nearly 1,700 youth athletes in our community. My children and I have also served as referees for the club for almost 10 years. I share this background to demonstrate my long- standing commitment to maintaining and improving the quality of youth soccer in Santa Rosa. At present, the most significant challenge facing our programs is the lack of adequate fields.

Not only is there a shortage of available fields for our children to play on, but the modern standard for soccer facilities increasingly involves turf fields. When Empire teams travel to compete against clubs in other cities and counties, they are frequently playing on turf. Turf fields allow for year-round use and, in my experience, are significantly safer than many of the grass fields currently available in Santa Rosa.

Many of the grass fields our teams use contain hazards such as potholes and large ruts. As a club, we often have parents on standby with materials to fill holes prior to games. Last year, while officiating as a referee, I rolled my ankle in a hole at Galvin Park. Visiting teams frequently express concerns about the condition of our fields, and in some cases have even protested games due to unsafe playing surfaces.

For these reasons, I strongly support the installation of a turf field at MLK Park, even though it is not traditionally used by Empire Soccer Club. Expanding the number of turf fields in Santa Rosa would bring our facilities in line with the standards commonly expected for youth soccer. Our players already compete on turf fields in many other cities, including other communities within Sonoma County. I would also encourage the City to consider installing turf at additional park locations in the future. Doing so would increase access to year-round recreational opportunities for Santa Rosa’s youth and provide a safe, structured environment for them to participate in sports.

Furthermore, year-round playable fields at larger complexes such as A Place to Play would provide meaningful economic benefits. Facilities capable of hosting youth tournaments would attract visiting teams and families to Santa Rosa, increasing demand for local hotels, restaurants, and other businesses.

Investing in modern turf facilities is an investment in the health, safety, and future of Santa Rosa’s youth. I respectfully urge the City Council to approve and prioritize this project.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
Dan Hackett
Vice President, Empire Soccer Club

From: Aimee Andreis
To: [email protected]; CityCouncilListPublic
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Turf Fields in Santa Rosa
Date: Monday, March 9, 2026 4:57:47 PM
To Whom it May Concern,
I am writing to comment on agenda item 15.1 to build a turf field/ fields in Santa Rosa for use by all athletes, especially our youth. As the years progress, the need for year around field use only increases. Sports no longer stop when winter arrives; teams need a place to play when grass fields are closed or when daylight fades at 5 p.m. Sports keep our youth focused, and involved
in healthy activities. Given the amount of technology available to our youth, non- screen time and activities which include communication skills and teamwork will become increasingly crucial for building successful, well-rounded citizens. My children have been playing competitive soccer for the last 6 years and I played competitive soccer myself and everywhere else we travel, fields have turf and lights. I believe it is unfair that other clubs practice year round with updated facilities
but our Santa Rosa kids do not. Since 2016 the
population in Santa Rosa has declined most likely due to rising costs and a lack of initiatives to engage residents. I think the City needs to start investing in its citizens' well-being and build what the people want.

Thank you for reading my email.

Sincerely,
Aimee Andreis

Santa Rosa City CouncilMarch 10, 2026

Santa Rosa City Council
March 10, 2026