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June 5, 2020

Thank You to Our Community

We at the City of Healdsburg and the Healdsburg Police Department want to express our sincere thanks and appreciation to the community tonight. The demonstration for George Floyd was indeed a memorable one for all who attended and for each of us. It was peaceful yet powerful. 

We saw many familiar and kind faces (even though behind masks) speaking with one voice to honor fairness, decency, justice, and peace for all Americans of every color and heritage. Participants came from across the community to collectively and peacefully demonstrate true American values – chief among them calling out injustice and marching for the right to be safe and protected regardless of race, religion, or gender. We also demonstrated for the right to have a government that listens to us.

We share the community’s commitment to making our society a better place for all, especially for those who face discrimination and unfairness simply for who they are. We thank you once again and hope that each and every day brings us to a better and more just society.

Update: Fuels Management on
Healdsburg Ridge and Open Space

Vegetation management continues on Healdsburg Ridge and Open Space Preserve this week. Members of the Fire Department, Community Services and Cal Fire created shaded fuel breaks and calming areas. 

"The CalFire crews who usually remove fuels ahead of an active vegetation fire were very receptive to helping us keep the beauty of the open space," said Fire Marshall/Division Chief Linda Collister.

For example, instead of removing a Manzanita bush, workers “limbed it up” so a fire could travel underneath it. They were also very careful not to disturb the areas flagged for bird nesting. Healdsburg Ridge may likely have to be closed from 9 AM - 3 PM next Monday and Tuesday so they can finish the work, but they are almost done. Thank you to everyone involved.

Camp HBG 2020 Starts on June 8

With the support of Corazón Healdsburg, the Community Services Department is launching a full-day camp and childcare program, starting June 8. This program will provide childcare in a safe environment following applicable health directives for working parents and enriching activities for children. Camp HBG 2020 will feature a variety of engaging and academic activities including arts and crafts, technology, science, reading and lots of outdoor games and projects for children ages 2 1/2 to 11 years old.

Thanks to the generous community donations from Carson and Kathy Block, the Foley Family Foundation, and Healdsburg Kiwanis Club, Camp HBG 2020 is being offered at a reduced rate and sliding fee scale to make it financially accessible for all families in the community. For more information, please visit https://www.ci.healdsburg.ca.us/694/Camp-HBG-2020

Grace Period Extended on Utility Disconnects

Due to the ongoing economic impacts of the COVID-19 crisis, the City will continue to suspend disconnection of utility service for non-payment to residential customers and businesses critical to the public health and well-being until further notice. Previously, this grace period was to end on May 31.

Customers are strongly encouraged to pay what they can and work with the City’s Utility Billing Department to set up alternative payment arrangements if needed. Utility Billing can be reached at (707) 431-3307.

Healdsburg Launches Marketspace to Expand Outdoor Dining and Retail

Electric Vehicle Discount Enhanced

Line Maintenance: Tree Trimming and Wood Chips

The City’s tree trimming contractor is inspecting the City’s electric system and trimming back vegetation that may touch the City’s power lines. The contractor has almost finished the current trimming cycle but continues to focus on the areas on and around Fitch Mountain.

Next week, the contractor will remove hazard trees -- trees identified by an arborist to be diseased or decaying and in risk of falling into the City’s power lines. Due to the amount of trimming being done, the contractor is offering large quantities of chippings for your garden or yard. For more information on receiving wood chips, please contact the contractor, Family Tree Service, at (707) 512-0384.

Police and Volunteers Distribute Groceries

Planning Commission Meetings Going Virtual

This City’s Planning staff and members of the Healdsburg Planning Commission have been preparing for the City’s Planning Commission meetings to go virtual the county’s stay-at-home order. The first “virtual” Planning Commission meeting will be held at 6 PM on June 9, 2020. That agenda will be a single-item agenda for the Commission to consider making a General Plan Consistency determination for the City’s proposed 2020-2025 Capital Improvement Program. 

The Planning Commission will use Webex video conferencing software and a process similar to the one used at virtual Healdsburg City Council meetings. Commission Members and Staff will participate from remote locations to practice appropriate social distancing. Members of the public may view and listen to the meeting(s) by going to the livestream as noted on the City of Healdsburg website and on the meeting agenda(s). 

Members of the public may provide input to the Planning Commission on any item listed on an agenda during the public comment period for each item by emailing publiccomment@ci.healdsburg.ca.us The comments received will be read into the record at the meeting at the appropriate time. All comments should be a maximum of 500 words, which corresponds to approximately three minutes of speaking time. 

Floating Solar Approved

The City Council took a huge step in securing the City’s green energy future by approving a large solar project on June 1. The project will construct a 3.0 mega-watt solar array on the City’s recycled water ponds. Covering roughly 6 acres of the ponds’ surface, the array will produce enough clean energy to power 800 homes. As a part of the City’s publicly owned utility, this project shows how the Healdsburg community can meet its energy needs today and into the future in an environmentally sustainable way.

June Senior Center Newsletter Arrives

Downtown Sidewalk Repairs Continue

Replacement of the sidewalk along the east side of Center Street between approximately Matheson Street and the City’s police station is tentatively scheduled for June 22 - 25, between 7 AM - 3 PM. Sidewalk detours and parking restrictions will be in place while work takes place. Adjacent businesses will be notified in advance of the work and efforts will be made to minimize the impacts to the public.

Villa Beam Repairs Underway