City Council Proclaims March Red Cross Month

At the March 8th City Council meeting the City Council proclaimed March as Red Cross Month. Andy Witthohn from the Red Cross was on site to accept proclamation.

The Red Cross was founded in 1881, by Clara Barton. She turned her steadfast dedication for helping others into a bold mission of preventing and alleviating people’s suffering. Today, more than 140 years later, we honor the kindness and generosity of Red Cross volunteers here in Cloverdale, who continue to carry out Clara’s lifesaving legacy. They join the millions of people across the United States who volunteer, give blood, donate financially, or learn vital life-preserving skills through the Red Cross. Stay tuned for details of on a future blood to be conducted by the Red Cross here in Cloverdale.

Atmospheric River Expected to Arrive Beginning Thursday

The City of Cloverdale is preparing for a major storm (atmospheric river) event forecast to impact Sonoma County beginning Thursday, March 9th. Heavy rains and flooding are possible. A flood watch has been issued for Sonoma County from Thursday afternoon through Sunday morning. Wind Advisory issued for the entire Bay Area and Central Coast for Thursday afternoon through Friday afternoon.

Incoming storms include upwards of 1.5 to 4 inches of rain with gusty winds. Excessive runoff may result in flooding rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations.

Storm Impacts:

Falling debris will cause a threat to life, especially to those who are exposed to the elements
Downed trees/branches with the potential for power outages, road blockages
Displaced citizens living in river, creek, and stream beds
Flooding, especially in poor drainage areas
Small streams and creeks overflowing
Swollen larger rivers, possibly exceeding flood stage
Ponding of water on roadways
Inundated low road crossings in/near flood plains/river
Rocks and another sediment may dislodge from hillsides

Be Prepared:

Avoid unnecessary travel during the alerts
Turn Around, Don't Drown. Stay away from the edge of rivers and creeks and flooded roadways
Stock up now on groceries and water, if needed
Bring items in from outside that might blow away
Clean out house and street gutters and ditches
Have flashlights, extra batteries, and candles ready and cell phones charged in case electricity goes out
Move valuables and animals to higher ground if they are in a potential flood area
Bring animals inside or provide shelter for them
Check-in with neighbors, especially elderly neighbors who live alone
Have your Go Bags ready and prepared

To ensure the safety of the community, the City Park, River Park, and Porterfield Creek Open Space will be closed effective Thursday, March 9th, at noon until further notice.

The City of Cloverdale Public Works staff is on standby monitoring the storm activity and will respond in the event of an emergency. Sandbag stations are available on Second St. next to the City Park and Furber Park’s main parking lot. The city has a limited supply of bags, and they are available on a first-come, first-served bases. Shovels are available on limited bases, and residents are encouraged to bring their own shovels. Ace Hardware, located at 750 S. Cloverdale Blvd. has sandbags in stock which are available for purchase while supplies last.

For more information, go to https://www.socoemergency.org/get-ready/local-hazards/flood/ to learn more about preparing for floods.

City of Cloverdale Housing Element Update

The City of Cloverdale is in the process of updating the Housing Element of the City’s General Plan to ensure that we’re prepared to meet Cloverdale’s housing needs over the next eight years. Under State law, every City and County in California is required to update its Housing Element to address specific requirements and submit the element to the Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD).

The Housing Element serves as Cloverdale’s blueprint for meeting the housing needs of our current and future residents and workforce, including people living at all economic levels and those with unique housing needs.

The Revised Draft Housing Element Update is now available for 7-day public review.

Comments may be submitted to CloverdaleHousingElement@4leafinc.com or mailed/delivered to Cloverdale City Hall (124 N. Cloverdale Blvd). After seven days, comments will continue to be accepted and may also be submitted to the State at housingelements@hcd.ca.gov.

The Revised Draft Element and Technical Documents can be found at the following links:

Revised Draft Housing Element (LINK)
Revised Draft Technical Background Report (LINK)

Participation from the community is vital to ensure that Cloverdale’s values are identified and articulated in the Housing Element, and that the City’s approach provides the best fit for the community’s goals and priorities. Public comment received on the Revised Draft Housing Element will be incorporated into the Final Adopted Housing Element submitted to the state for review and anticipated for adoption in April 2023.

Water Supply / Precipitation Update

Water Supply Levels Update: Reservoir Levels Reach 100% Water Supply Capacity

Recent rains have significantly improved water storage at Lake Sonoma and Lake Mendocino. The U.S. Drought Monitor has officially moved Sonoma County's status from 'severe' to 'moderate' drought.

For the first time since 2019, our reservoirs are (more than!) full. Lake Sonoma is now slightly above 100% and Lake Mendocino at 117% percent of water supply capacity, thanks to a program to keep as much water in storage as possible called Forecast Informed Reservoir Operations (FIRO).

FIRO is an innovative approach to reservoir management, and currently in use at both reservoirs. FIRO for Lake Mendocino was developed and piloted over several years with many partners including but the US Army Corps of Engineers, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and researchers at Center for Western Weather and Water Extremes at Scripps Institution. FIRO at Lake Sonoma is building on the success at Lake Mendocino and has the potential to store an additional 19,000-acre feet of water. Combined with the additional 11,650-acre feet that can be stored in Lake Mendocino, the “FIRO water” is enough to meet the demands of around 100,000 households.

While our recent precipitation has filled up our reservoirs quickly, it takes much longer for the environment to recover from droughts and for groundwater to recharge. Groundwater is an essential, nonvisible resource that our water supply depends upon. You can help by keeping your water-saving habits; there is never enough water to waste!

Parks Update

Parks Staff continued making progress on critical park maintenance and park development projects. Park projects in progress this week include:

Facilities Repairs and Maintenance
Continue Cemetary Tree Cean-up
Perform Equipment Maintenance
Tree Pruning at L&L District Jefferson Springs
Park Capital Improvement Projects

Facilities Maintenace and Repairs at Furber and City Park

Several facility repairs were made to the interior of the Furber Park restrooms. Repair and maintenance included new paint, replacement of amenities such as new LED lights, doors, caulking, etc. Periodic facilities repair is necessary when our parks see the consistent use and demand that we experience during organized sports seasons and pleasant weather. Second Street City Park received facilities repairs as well. Sections of bathroom tile were replaced, and new paint applied to interior of restrooms.

Cemetery Tree Clean-Up

Upon assessment by City Arborist, it was determined that several trees located within the park were reported unsafe and posed a potential hazard to daily visitors. In collaboration with the Streets Dept, these trees were marked for removal and/or pruning. Conservation of grave markers was also a primary consideration. We recognize the regular patronage of the sites and make a concerted effort to protect them. Special thanks to the Streets Dept for dedicating their time this week to assist, considering the volume of debris accumulated.

Equipment Maintenance

During days where we are experiencing weather events that do not necessarily demand 'all hands-on deck', Parks staff take advantage of the opportunity to perform maintenance work on park facilities and equipment. This week, staff "tuned-up" various mechanical equipment used to maintain parks and open spaces. This task was scheduled specifically in preparation for our next expected atmospheric river event to occur this week. This equipment is critical to effective emergency response to extreme weather events where we are clearing debris from roads, footpaths and storm drains as well as to prevent further hazardous incidents.

Tree Pruning at L&L District Jefferson Springs

Parks Staff continues to address trees affected by the recent snowstorm event. Several Oak trees at Jefferson Springs were pruned to clear the main walking trail in this district. Large debris was extracted from Cloverdale Creek that runs through a section of the district so as not to impede flow. Similar efforts in response to the extreme weather will continue throughout the other L&L districts into the next couple of weeks.

Park Capital Improvement Projects

Community Development and Parks continues to work on Park Capital Improvement Project. Projects in process include:

New Basketball court construction at the Second Street City Park - Two new basketball courts are under construction at 2nd Street City Park. Preliminary grading of the courts and installation of the perimeter fencing poles is completed and is undergoing final compaction prior to placement of the new asphalt surfacing.
Dog park adjacent to the Train Station (planning in process) - The city is currently negotiating a License Agreement with SMART for use of a portion of underutilized right-of-way for a public dog park. Cost estimates for planned and potential amenities are currently being collected to present to CIty Council.

Volunteer in Your Local Parks

Ready to become a VIP, or "Volunteer In Parks" and make a positive difference in your community? Great! Please take a moment to review our Volunteer In Parks flyer below and visit our website: Volunteer Opportunities | Cloverdale, CA - Official Website

Cloverdale Certified Farmers Market

This newly opened Cloverdale Certified Farmers Market is now under the management of the Santa Rosa Original Certified Farmers Market. This will ensure that all of vendors are certified growers and represent the freshest produce that is locally grown.

The Market looks forward to once again serving the wonderful community of Cloverdale and the surrounds! Please come by and enjoy a shopping experience that makes you feel like you're part of the community, while also supporting your local farmers, ranchers and vendors.

Next Market:

Tuesday, March 14, 2023, 4:00pm-7:00pm

Additional Dates:

Tuesday, March 21, 2023, 4:00pm-7:00pm
Tuesday, March 28, 2023, 4:00pm-7:00pm
Tuesday, April 04, 2023, 4:00pm-7:00pm

Location:

Cloverdale Downtown Plaza

122 North Cloverdale Blvd

Cloverdale, CA

707-522-8629

Meeting Notices and Schedule:

The City Council has established various subcommittees to help set management objectives for city government, adopt a city budget for fulfilling those management objectives, and ensure accountability to the citizens of Cloverdale.

Subcommittee Meeting Schedules:

Finance, Administration & Police - Next Meeting: April 3, 2023
Planning & Sustainability - Next Meeting: April 18, 2023
Public Works & Facilities - Next Meeting: March 28, 2023
Joint City/Cloverdale Unified School District - Next Meeting: April 17, 2023
Homelessness Community Advisory Group - Next Meeting: June 12, 2023

Council Subcommittee Schedules:

For more information about City Council Subcommittees, visit: https://www.cloverdale.net/242/City-Council-Subcommittees

Regional Board Meetings:

Sonoma Clean Power - April 6, 2023
RCPA/SCTA Board of Directors Meeting - March 13, 2023
Sonoma County Library Commission - April 4, 2023
Northern Sonoma County Air District Board Meeting - April 27, 2023

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