Sign up for our newsletter!

If you'd like to get this City Manager's Update sent directly to your email inbox every two weeks, go to our "Notify Me" page to sign up. Thank you.

November 5, 2021

Healdsburg Senior Center Celebrates 35th Anniversary

A group of people gathering at the Senior Center

In November 1986 the Senior Center opened its doors to the community at 133 Matheson Street and has remained a treasured space for our older adults ever since. To celebrate the great memories and experiences at the Senior Center over the years, the Senior Services team hosted a 35th anniversary celebration on Thursday, November 4. Community members came together to toast this milestone and take part in a self-guided tour to learn about current and past programs, the rich history of the center, and view a beautiful tapestry art exhibit created by Jane Farkas. Attendees received door prizes, plenty of sparkling cider, and raffle tickets for various prizes. Stay tuned by following the Senior Center on Facebook for additional ways to participate in this month-long celebration. https://www.facebook.com/HealdsburgSeniorCenter

Healdsburg Community Celebrates Dia de Muertos

Corazón Healdsburg, in partnership with the Community Services Department, hosted the annual Día de Muertos event on Sunday, October 31st in downtown Healdsburg. Thousands of community members came back together for this celebration after a year away from in-person activities in 2020 due to COVID-19. Attendees at this year’s event enjoyed live music, traditional Aztec and ballet folkloric dance performances, ofrendas (altars), children’s activities, a car show, local food vendors, business-hosted trick or treating, and connecting with community resource providers and first responders.

This year’s event landed on Halloween and provided the opportunity to integrate both holidays and traditions into a unique community experience. Additional Dia de Muertos festivities throughout the week included community altar building, a drive-in movie, and a candlelight procession at the Windsor Healdsburg cemetery. A big thank you to Corazón Healdsburg, Healdsburg Police and Fire Departments, all of the volunteers, and the community sponsors who made this event possible.

Youth Soccer Finishes Strong this Weekend

Saturday, November 6 marks the conclusion of the 2021 youth soccer season. After nearly two years away from the field, the soccer community returned this year with 460 players ages 4-15 registered to play. The season kicked-off in August and would not have been possible without the support of Healdsburg Youth Soccer Association, the dedicated volunteer coaches, and the family members who made sure the players made it to their practices and games and provided tremendous sideline support all season long.

To say thank you to the players, coaches, and families we are working in partnership with soccer parents and the Alexander Valley Film Society to host a free outdoor movie night at the Healdsburg Community Center this evening (November 5) at 5:30pm. The whole community is invited to celebrate the soccer season with a screening of the film “The Big Green” with complementary popcorn and ice cream provided for all in attendance. More information on the end of year party can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1422071234854137

Rain, and Effects of the Drought

We are grateful to have the soaking rains the past two weeks. A drive around town finds lawns greening and plants regenerating. However, we are also starting to see the impacts of drought: saturated soils and tree falls. The drought has stressed some of our trees significantly, and the rains added weight to the trees with saturated branches and trunks. Eventually some of the stressed trees will fail with either limbs or the entire tree coming down. Most of the falls have occurred on the City’s open space preserves, but we are starting to experience falls in other areas. If you come across a fallen tree, please send the location and a photo to: communityservices@healdsburg.gov.

Progress Continues at Badger Substation

An image of work at the Badger Substation

This week contractors completed micro-piles (reinforcements to prevent damage from earthquakes) which will allow pouring of foundations. City crews have also replaced underground cables leading out from the substation. Over the next several weeks, the contractor will install steel supports, high-voltage bussing, and install protective and metering equipment. During late November, the City and contractor will work to switch the City’s electrical loads to the newly constructed portions. This will allow work to continue in areas currently energized with high-voltage.

Proposed Homekey Project at the L&M Motel Frequently Asked Questions

On October 18^th, the City Council authorized City staff to submit an application to participate in the State of California’s Project Homekey Program for the purchase of the L&M Motel for use as interim housing for those experiencing homelessness in our community. Since that meeting, the City and its partners, Reach for Home and Burbank Housing, have submitted the application and expect to receive a determination of award from the State by the week of December 13^th. The team has also begun meeting with neighbors of that location to provide information and receive feedback. The City is committed to ensuring the community has a forum to learn more about the proposed project and to provide input. We will be announcing a community meeting date in the near future that will be published on our website and social media. In the meantime, we have posted a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page on our City website: https://healdsburg.gov/1028/Proposed-Homekey-Project

Mark Your Calendars

The City, in partnership with the Healdsburg Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a Merry Healdsburg Holiday Weekend event, beginning on Friday, December 3, 2021.

On Sunday, December 5. 2021, the City of Healdsburg will host its annual Senior Appreciation Dinner at the Villa Chanticleer. Additional details about both events are forthcoming.