The 707
Sonoma County Parks Introduces ‘Belonging Framework’ to Improve Access and Inclusion According to a release from Sonoma County Regional Parks, the department has introduced a new Belonging Framework, a long-term roadmap aimed at making county parks more welcoming and accessible for visitors of all backgrounds and abilities. Developed with input from community members, the framework outlines priorities such as improving trail and facility accessibility for people with disabilities, expanding culturally relevant programming, strengthening partnerships with community organizations, and increasing opportunities for public feedback. Regional Parks Director Bert Whitaker said the initiative is intended to remove barriers and ensure visitors feel safe, respected, and represented in park programs and design. The framework was shaped by a community advisory team whose members shared experiences related to disability and social barriers, along with information gathered through surveys, interviews and focus groups. County officials say the effort supports broader Sonoma County goals related to equity and community engagement. A phased implementation plan will follow to guide the framework’s rollout across the parks system. Funding for the work is supported in part by Parks for All — Measure M, the voter-approved sales tax that funds maintenance, stewardship and access improvements for Sonoma County parks .— RP
Santa Rosa to begin Sonoma Avenue corridor improvements Construction is set to begin March 9 on the Sonoma Avenue Pavement Rehabilitation Project in Santa Rosa, covering the stretch from Farmers Lane to Hahman Drive. According to the City of Santa Rosa Transportation & Public Works Department, the project is expected to take about three months to complete, weather permitting. The city has contracted Ghilotti Bros., Inc. to carry out the $1.5 million project, which includes pavement rehabilitation, new sidewalks, upgraded pedestrian ramps, improved roadway striping, bus stop enhancements and replacement of water services within the project limits. Traffic control will vary throughout construction and may involve partial or full lane closures. Santa Rosa CityBus service will continue during the project, though the Montgomery Village Transit Hub will temporarily relocate to Montgomery Drive. The project will also introduce a road diet, reducing Sonoma Avenue to one vehicle lane in each direction to match the configuration east of Hahman Avenue. The change will create space for a dedicated curbside bus and bike lane, while westbound traffic approaching Farmers Lane will widen to three lanes for left-turn, through and right-turn movements. In total, the project will rehabilitate about 570 linear feet of roadway while improving pedestrian accessibility, transit infrastructure and traffic circulation. Residents and motorists are encouraged to follow posted traffic control signs and consider alternate routes during construction. — RP
Santa Rosa secures funding to continue Safe Parking Program through 2027
The City of Santa Rosa has secured nearly $1 million in new funding from Sonoma County to keep its Safe Parking Program operating through June 2027. According to the city’s Housing and Community Services Department, the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors approved $979,040 in Measure O and Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention (HHAP) funds to support the program. The Safe Parking Program provides people experiencing homelessness with a secure place to stay overnight while connecting them with case management, supportive services and pathways to permanent housing. Launched in March 2022, the program offers up to 52 parking spaces for adults living in vehicles and RVs, along with access to restrooms, showers, food and other services. City officials say the program has supported more than 300 individuals in its first three years, helping dozens transition to temporary or permanent housing. The funding will help ensure continued services as Santa Rosa works with county partners to address homelessness. — RP
12 NorthBaybiz
March | April 2026
Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs