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November 6, 2020

Free COVID-19 Testing in Healdsburg
Every Wednesday in November

List of pop-up testing locations for COVID-19 testing

Sonoma County is offering free COVID-19 testing every Wednesday in November from 9-11 AM at the Healdsburg Day Labor Center, in the City Hall parking lot (401 Grove St.).

These free, confidential tests are available to all Sonoma County residents regardless of documentation status. No ID is required. Residents can also get tested whether or not they have COVID-19 symptoms or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19.

Call (707) 565-4667 to make an appointment. Participants may get compensated $30 for getting tested. In addition, community members in economically disadvantaged neighborhoods (including in Healdsburg) can receive financial compensation to quarantine if they test positive for COVID-19. See the county map here: https://sonomacounty.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=cdfcfc5d45d8495790e1a91ce57ee630

For more information on Sonoma County's COVID-19 pop-up testing efforts, please go to: https://socoemergency.org/events/category/pop-up-testing/2020-11/?tribe_events_cat=pop-up-testing&tribe-bar-date=2020-11

Nov. 6 Deadline: Volunteer for Parks & Recreation or Senior Citizen Advisory Commissions

If you'd like to serve your community, consider volunteering on the City's Parks & Recreation Commission, which has two open slots, or Senior Citizen Advisory Commission, which has three open slots. The deadline to submit a completed application (you can do so by email) to the Office of the City Clerk is 5:30 PM today, November 6.

Go here for more information on the roles and responsibilities of commissioners, as well as eligibility requirements: https://ci.healdsburg.ca.us/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=481

Commission applications are on the City’s website under "Government: Boards and Commissions" at https://www.ci.healdsburg.ca.us/177/Boards-Commissions. You can also email rallan@ci.healdsburg.ca.us.

Cut Irrigation in Winter; $100 Rebate Offered

Cooler and shorter days are here, which means we should significantly reduce irrigation and watering our yards. In October, Healdsburg residents used 125 gallons of water per person every day, and about 60 percent of that was for irrigation.

Please conserve water by adjusting irrigation timers to shorter times and watering fewer times a week. If your irrigation timer is not user-friendly, consider upgrading to a smart controller that you can easily adjust on your smart phone. These smart devices have rain sensors and moisture sensors to help you use less water and save money.

In addition, the Utility Department is offering a $100 rebate to upgrade irrigation controls. For more information, please go to: https://bit.ly/3l6rpyE

Nov. 9-13: Borel Road to Close for Tree Removal

Borel Road will be closed to vehicle traffic Nov. 9 through Nov. 13 from 9 AM – 3:30 PM so a City contractor can remove 10 eucalyptus trees. During this time, vehicle drivers will be impacted by traffic control, construction activities and construction area signs. The road will remain open to pedestrians and cyclists and will be cleared for emergency access if needed.

The working hours for construction will be between 7:30 AM – 6 PM, Monday to Friday. Work is not anticipated on weekends or holidays. Though temporary impacts are inevitable, our goal is to complete the project with as little disturbance as possible. For any questions, please email Senior Engineer Clay Thistle at cthistle@ci.healdsburg.ca.us.

Drive-Thru Treat Trail a Spooktacular Success

Halloween decorations at Drive-Thru Treat Trail

We had a great turn-out at the Drive-Through Treat Trail on Halloween! We gave 600 bags of candy to the 400 or so cars that came to our event, which featured Halloween-themed vehicles, costumed characters, and music.

Many thanks to our partner, Rotary Club of Healdsburg Sunrise, as well as to these folks who helped make this event a reality: Healdsburg community members who donated candy and/or decorated their vehicle trunks; Amy’s Wicked Slush; Big John’s; Corazon Healdsburg; CVS; Healdsburg Fire Department; Lola’s Market; and Safeway.

For more Drive-Thru Treat Trail photos, go to the Community Services' Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/healdsburgcommunityservices/posts/10158775615114882

Get Cash Back for an Electric Bike Purchase

Woman riding electric cargo bike with two kids

The Electric Department is hoping to get you out of your car to reduce emissions and pollution. We’ve launched an e-bike rebate that helps Healdsburg residents avoid parking stress, enjoy the outdoors, and save money by not driving.

The program is simple: Purchase an e-bike that meets the eligibility requirements and apply for cash back. The program is limited to commuter and cargo bikes, one rebate per Healdsburg electric account. Rebate amounts are higher for CARE customers ($700) and e-bikes purchased at local Healdsburg shops ($400).

See the rebate application to learn more: https://bit.ly/369BdBO

Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics

Police officers running Torch Run for Special Olympics

Healdsburg police officers, including Chief Kevin Burke, ran 4+ miles in the annual Law Enforcement Special Olympics Run on Tuesday. The aim: raise awareness and vital funds to save sports, health, fitness, and education programs for Special Olympics Northern California athletes.

Many law enforcement agencies throughout Northern California are participating in the Torch Run and you can support them virtually by joining the Community Virtual Torch Run & Walk. You can walk, run or roll to help the Special Olympics reach a goal of completing 2,020 miles for the year 2020. Register and learn more: https://bit.ly/3hVafCx

Gauntlett Roof Replacement

Roof replacement work continues on the Gauntlett water reservoir. This reservoir normally holds untreated water before it enters the treatment plant off Sunnyvale. Pictured above is new concrete work that will support the new metal roof and provide a walkway around the reservoir.

The contractor has removed most of the existing wooden roof structure but left a portion to stabilize the vertical columns, as seen in the picture. The new roof is being manufactured in Virginia and is expected to arrive in the second week of December for assembly.

Survey to Help Cut Traffic-Related Deaths

Santa Rosa couple riding bikes across bridge

Vision Zero is an initiative by the Sonoma County Department of Health Services
and the Sonoma County Transportation Authority to reduce traffic-related deaths to zero.

Whether you're a driver, cyclist, pedestrian (or all three), we encourage you to take their confidential survey (https://scta.ca.gov/vision-zero/) so they can better understand your traffic safety concerns and experiences in Sonoma County. Your feedback will help inform the development of the Vision Zero Action Plan for Sonoma County.

College Street Sewer and Water Project Continues

Work continues on the College Street Sewer and Water Replacement Project. Construction hours are 7:30 AM – 6 PM, Monday to Friday. We estimate that the project will take about eight months and will replace the sewer and water systems in:

Fitch Street between North Street and Piper Street
Piper Street between Fitch Street and College Street
College Street between Piper Street and
Lincoln Street except for the area upgraded with modernization of the Junior High.

Once the sewer and water system replacements are complete, various curb ramps will be upgraded and the streets will be repaved. Additionally, the sewer system in Grant Street between College Street and Brown Street will be replaced and the trenches restored. This portion of Grant Street will be repaved when the water system is replaced.

During construction, traffic on parts of Fitch, Piper, Grant, and College streets may be impacted. Please observe and adhere to construction area signage and traffic control. For any questions, please email Senior Engineer Clay Thistle at cthistle@ci.healdsburg.ca.us.

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