Weekly roundup for August 2, 2024

Published: August 02, 2024

Today’s digest provides helpful and important updates on the following:

Maxwell Farms Regional Park renovation complete
Crocker Bridge safer for pedestrians
“Greatest” Sonoma County Fair runs through August 11
County transfers Elderberry Commons to Burbank Housing
Recommendations to ease Penngrove traffic

Maxwell Farms Regional Park renovation complete

Construction is complete on a series of new improvements at Maxwell Farms Regional Park, a favorite destination for families and local sports leagues in the Boyes Hot Springs area near Sonoma. Sonoma County Regional Parks has successfully completed the first phase of the park’s renovation, introducing new sports fields, improved parking and enhanced ADA access and amenities to boost recreational opportunities at this central community park.

This first phase of updates at the 82-acre park are part of a master plan aimed at creating more access to high-quality sports facilities, improving safety and accessibility, and enhancing the overall park experience for all visitors. The updates include all-weather sports fields for baseball, soccer and lacrosse, ensuring year-round playability for local sports leagues; new restroom buildings, which offer the potential for future concession operations; expanded parking with more ADA-accessible spaces and new EV charging stations. Visitors of all abilities can now access the sports fields, playground, picnic areas and fan seating via new ADA-accessible pathways.

“I’m thrilled to see the remarkable transformation of Maxwell Farms Regional Park and I am looking forward to what’s coming in the near future,” said Supervisor Susan Gorin, whose district includes the Boyes Hot Springs area. “These upgrades bring new life to our beloved park, and I'm especially excited about the improved accessibility for all residents.”

Maxwell Farms Regional Park, developed in 1988, has long been a recreation hub for Sonoma Valley residents. The 2019 update to the park’s Master Plan – the document that guides the development of trails, recreational and educational uses, and stewardship of the natural resources – addressed community needs in light of population growth and changing demographics, deferred maintenance needs and the loss of another nearby local ball field. The park’s redesign aims to meet increasing demand while preserving the natural resources and habitat along Sonoma Creek.

Planning and fundraising are underway for the second phase of improvements, which will feature a renovated skatepark, new bicycle and scooter pump track, and new pickleball courts and improvements to backcountry trails. Construction on the second phase is scheduled to begin when funding is secured.

Crocker Bridge safer for pedestrians

The Crocker Road Bridge over the Russian River, the main route into Cloverdale from the east, was a nightmare for pedestrians and cyclists. The two-lane bridge included very narrow shoulders, meaning those not in vehicles had to hug the edge of the bridge or encroach into the traffic lanes.

Now, thanks to the Sonoma County Public Infrastructure Department, a pedestrian and bicycle bridge is being installed alongside the vehicular bridge. The bridge provides a new dedicated pathway, completely separated from vehicular traffic, ensuring the safety of pedestrians and cyclists. It eliminates the risk of accidents and encourages more people to utilize active modes of transportation.

The new bridge also caters to the recreational needs of residents, providing access to scenic routes and trail networks. The $2.34 million project is mostly funded through CalTrans. The bridge will link with the Cloverdale River Park Trail, a popular recreation area in the Sonoma County Regional Parks system.

Supervisor James Gore, who represents the Cloverdale area, said the vital safety improvement project was a big win for the community.

“This state-of-the-art bridge represents a milestone in the County’s commitment to promoting active transportation and creating a safer community for all,” Gore said. “The new pedestrian bridge offers a range of benefits that will positively impact the lives of residents and visitors.”

“Greatest” Sonoma County Fair runs through August 11

The Sonoma County Fair, a time-honored and cherished summer tradition, kicked off on August 1 and will run through August 11 with rides, food, flowers, entertainment and a celebration of our agricultural community here in Sonoma County.

This year’s theme, “The Greatest Fair on Earth,” celebrates the joys of an old-fashioned circus. The starring act is Sylvia Zerbini’s Liberté-A Cavalia Experience, which blends awe-inspiring horsemanship with imaginative stagecraft, intricate choreography, high-flying gravity-defying aerial stunts and multi-talented musicians.

There is something for everyone at the County Fair, whether you’re a fan of amusement park rides, carnival games, live music, horse racing, farm animals, arts and crafts displays, or fair food. Information about hours, tickets and attractions is available here: https://sonomacountyfair.com/

County transfers Elderberry Commons to Burbank Housing

Santa Rosa-based affordable housing nonprofit Burbank Housing has taken over the Elderberry Commons permanent supportive housing community in Sebastopol. Originally purchased by the County of Sonoma in December of 2020 using funding support from California’s Department of Housing and Community Development’s Project Homekey award program, the 30-unit motel formerly known as the Sebastopol Inn was transferred from the County to Burbank Housing last month.

The completion of the transfer signals the start of rehabilitation construction and conversion of the 30 units at Elderberry Commons from temporary non-congregate shelter into 29 studio apartment units of permanent supportive housing that sets up County residents currently experiencing homelessness for future success.

“The County of Sonoma and the Sonoma County Community Development Commission acquired Elderberry Commons for conversion to sorely needed permanent supportive housing,” said Supervisor Lynda Hopkins, whose district includes Elderberry Commons. “The transfer of the property to Burbank Housing supports the County’s strategic goals to create permanent supportive housing units to help break the cycle of homelessness. The County appreciates the strong partnership with Burbank Housing in creating new housing opportunities in west county.”

In addition to housing, wraparound supportive services and case management will be provided by Guerneville-based nonprofit West County Community Services. Rehab construction at Elderberry Commons is currently underway and scheduled to be completed by the end of the year with resident move-ins scheduled for the first quarter of 2025.

Recommendations to ease Penngrove traffic

Sonoma County’s Department of Public Infrastructure released a report on traffic in Penngrove, the first step in implementing improvements and safety measures in response to the increased congestion in the southern Sonoma County area.

The study, developed with input from the Penngrove community, lists several recommendations for improving traffic. Recommendations include restriping portions of Old Redwood Highway, Adobe Road and Petaluma Hill Road with narrower lanes and buffered bike lanes. Other recommendations include adding a pedestrian pathway along the north side of Adobe Road between Petaluma Hill Road and the planned SMART Trail to enhance access to the Penngrove School, and measures to restrict through traffic on Dutch Lane.

“Changing traffic patterns and new developments in surrounding cities have disproportionately impacted the quiet community of Penngrove,” said Supervisor David Rabbitt, who represents the district that includes Penngrove. “We have heard from the public that traffic is a main concern. The County is listening, and we are working toward providing the kind of relief that residents are requesting.”

The study outlines phase 1 projects that aim to improve traffic speed and congestion on Old Redwood Highway, Petaluma Hill Road and Adobe Road. Community feedback in evaluating and prioritizing recommendations is welcome prior to implementation. Supervisor Rabbitt plans to hold a community meeting in early fall to discuss the recommendations and seek community feedback. A link to the report can be found here. Public comments and feedback on the study can be emailed to district2@sonoma-county.org.