Caring for Our Community’s Future
Summary: October 26, 2023 Town Hall Meeting
Topics discussed:
- The results of our “sticky dot” survey of what folks want for the town.
- Sidewalk/Crosswalk project for downtown.
- Updates on “The Housing Element” hearing from Burbank Housing and Generation H Housing on what affordable housing can look like.
- How the County works when it comes to Permits for projects.
- Follow up on your environmental concerns about the proposed Asphalt Plant.
Read more here: Summary from October 26 Town Hall meeting
Latest Blog Posts
- Steelhead Beach ADA Project (So Co Community Develop Comm is submitting a request for $75k to make the beach ADA compliant – ramps, etc.)
- Canyon Rock Asphalt Facility Project Permit Sonoma Process Timeline
- Sonoma County’s Statement on the Housing Element, November 2023
- Project/Environmental Review Process Notices
- The 2023-2031 Housing Element Update Project
New President’s Message
Twenty years later and here we are!
At one of the very first meetings the FPA hosted in 2002 the attendees came up with a list of what they valued about Forestville. Twenty and a half years later we pulled out that list, created a 10’ by 3’ banner using butcher block paper, wrote down those early values and asked folks at the March 2023 Town Hall to show what still resonated. Through our “sticky dot” survey we came up with an actual statement that reflects our current values and what we hope to attract to our town.
Ready for Some Happy (WiFi) News?
In mid-November 2023, FREE WIFI will be available throughout Forestville for approximately 3 years thanks to President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. More info coming soon but just let this sink in for now after years of struggling in downtown Forestville just to try to call home to ask what groceries are needed.
Free Chipper Program
Be Fire Safe! Take advantage of the County’s Chipper Program!
They have purchased more chippers to help homeowners clear vegetation from their property.
The program is FREE but has specific rules to the length and width of what you’ll be chipping.
What a relief you’ll feel when those piles are gone! Read more on Sonoma County Permit department pages.
Reflective Signs
At the recent Town Hall meeting, a rep from the Sonoma County Fire Department mentioned how important it is to have a reflective sign for your address sign. Why? Because this is how the fire department, ambulances and others can find you especially when you are calling for help. This is known as the Green Sign Program because the signs are green.
2023 Forestville Community Grants Awarded
9 recipients were awarded grants this year. $17,000+ funds distributed.
See the selections HERE.
Know a “Hometown Hero?”
With so many involved citizens who volunteer their time to make this town special the FPA has created a Hometown Hero section on the site.
Go here to see who has been recognized: Hometown Heroes
Go here to nominate your own hero: Hometown Heroes Form
Attorney and Volunteer Max Broom of Forestville mowing the upper area of the Oaks Park.
Russian River Valley News
River Valley News is a monthly column by our own Vesta Copestakes. The columns are originally published by Neighbors of the Russian River Valley (Best Version Media), a monthly magazine distributed to neighbors in the Russian River Valley. The columns are chocked full of all the local news that’s fit to chew on.
See the columns here: Russian River Valley News
New Trash Can Bins in the Downtown Forestville Oaks Park
The FPA Board recently installed three new trash can bins in the Downtown Forestville Oaks Park after years of discussion on what would work best. These bins have a narrower opening so that folks inclined to get rid of their household trash at the park.
Calling for Park Volunteers
The Forestville Downtown Oaks Park is interested in your help keeping this beautiful town treasure free of litter and cigarette butts. How about volunteering once a month to pitch in?
Dog lovers could change out the poop station for example. It doesn’t happen by magic but it could happen with your help! It’s not bad if it’s done once a week. More than that and not so much fun! And if you use that poop station please don’t put in bottles, cans and cups. Those make the bags tear as you lift bags out.
Volunteer working at the park – cutting blackberry branches along the wood bridge.
Contact info@95436.org for more info.
Canyon Rock Asphalt Plant
John Mack, Natural Resources Manager at Permit Sonoma has been tracking the permit filed late last year for a plant at the Canyon Rock facility. There are several steps before it will go to the Planning Commission.
Read more…
Board Meetings
Regular Board meetings are scheduled every month.
Dates: Every 1st Tuesday of the month.
Time: 5:30-7:30PM
Where: In-Person at: 6550 Railroad Ave., Forestville
Or join us via Zoom:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86061256687?pwd=VGlHRzRiSzVGM1hOUEZRV2ZxRUFRdz09
Meeting ID: 860 6125 6687
Passcode: 618070
Dial by your location
• +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
• +1 669 444 9171 US
Anyone interested in attending is very welcome.
Contact: Board President Lucy Hardcastle for more information.