Archive for the Category ◊ Development & projects ◊

Bocce, fiddle hooper and New flashes
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• Thursday, May 26th, 2011

Every Friday night- West End Summer Bocce at DeMeo Park at 6:30 p.m. Meet your friends and neighbors at our beautiful park to gossip, grub and game! Bring a dish to share.  The West End Neighborhood Association has procured a use permit that allows us to to drink a little wine (in the true Italian style) while we play bocce. The permit is only for Friday Night Bocce and folks participating in the event. This is a family and dog friendly event. No glass in the park as per park rules. Location: DeMeo Park  Time: 6:30 p.m. See Bocce 2011 Photo Gallery

Don't miss W. E. Summer Bocce!

May 27th Friday, · FML: An Evening with Conspiracy-A-Go-Go, Sharky Coast, & ANANTA. This is your chance to see the West End’s own amazing ANANTA Fiddle Hooper! (www.anantafiddlehooper.com) . Coffee, donuts, music in and intimate environment. All ages. No Cover. Location: My Friend Joe’s Coffee Shop 1810 Mendocino Ave.  Time: 7:00pm – 9:30pm

West End updates and announcements:

West End Movie Night at DeTurk Round Barn Park is coming! Paul & Veronica have a whole summer schedules of movies.  First Movie is on June 3rd- Toy Story 3- More info to follow.

West End Kid’s Talent Show- If you missed it… see the video. It was a great show. Thanks to Jacqueline Smith for this great event. You can see the video on the West End Facebook Page.  VIDEO

Thank you to all my awesome West End neighbors for the roses and offer of roses for our Rose Parade float. It turned out great!! Check out the to the photo album. Like our club ( Redwood Empire Live Steamers Interactive Museum) if you want!! Thanks again, Andre Siedentopf

Fun Bike Unicorn Club wins award at Luther Burbank Rose Parade. Congrats! 1st and 2nd place winners: 117th Luther Burbank Rose Parade Self Propelled — Group: Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition; FBUC: Fun Bike Unicorn Club Press Democrat

Fun Bike Unicorn Club (Very busy last weekend) were highlighted at WIRED. (Great photo of Skye Barnett too) Zombie-Defense Tech, Post-Apocalyptic Bikes Rule Maker Faire

6th St. Underpass gets funding Press Democrat

Announcement Guidelines: The West End Neighborhood Association website is a tool that gives out information that is West End related or of West End interest.  Announcements are subject to our West End Neighborhood Association guidelines. Do you have a West End or Railroad Square related announcement? Announcements can be emailed to Lea Barron-Thomas at westend@sonic.net

 

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West End March mid-month events
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• Tuesday, March 15th, 2011
Rain Again? Geez! Let’s hope the weather gives us a break for the events on March 17th! Please note that Donahue Street will be closed from 2 p.m. to approx. 6 p.m. on Thursday the 17th for the DeTurk Round Barn Events Parking.

West End and Railroad Square:

March 17th, Thursday- Big Day in the West End!

3 p.m. Re-dedication of K9 Maverick’s Plaque at DeTurk Dog Park

3:30 p.m. Grand Opening of the DeTurk Round Barn

7 p.m. West End Neighborhood Association Spring Meeting

The DeTurk Round Barn

The DeTurk Round Barn

The Barn at night

The Barn at night

March 18th, Friday- The Deluxe Buckets Farewell Show. Say it’s not so… but alas it is. The Buckets will dazzle us for the last time. Be there! Location: Toad in the Hole Time: 9 p.m.

Dashing, Debonair Deluxe Buckets

Dashing, Debonair Deluxe Buckets

March 20th, Sunday- Pugs Play Day at DeTurk Round Barn Park. Perky Pugs parade around the park. Location: DeTurk Round Barn Dog Park 819 Donahue St. Time: 3 p.m.

Other:

March 16th, Wednesday- S. R. Neighbors Summit: Strengthening Neighborhoods and Communities. A city wide meeting and conversation. Location: Finley Community Center, Cypres Room 2060 W. College Ave  Time: 7-8:30 p.m. (See Flyer below)

S. R. Neighbors Summit- Strengthening Neighborhoods and Communities Flyer

The West End Neighborhood calendar features events, theater, music, meetings and other items that you might find of interest. To find a complete listing of everything in one place, check out the calendar.

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West End News- Late February Edition.
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• Wednesday, February 16th, 2011

It’s all wonderful news today. The DeTurk Round Barn Park fence is being removed… so take a moment to walk by and enjoy the renovated barn and redesigned park. It is amazing.

Great News! The future plans for 6th and W. 6th are something to look forward to. Last night the City Council approved the 2010 Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan which included plans for a Bicycle Boulevard (what we’ve called a Neighborhood Greenway) on 6th & W. 6th. Thanks goes to everyone who worked very hard to make this change possible. There was an amazing cooperation between West Enders, Chops Teen Club, the 6th Street Playhouse, Tee Vax and Railroad Square Merchants. The So. Co. Bicycle Coalition was also instrumental in achieving this change. In the future, everyone will work together to create a award winning, ground breaking street plan. What 6th/W. 6th St can look like in the future: Click here! See Press Demo- Council approves bike land blueprint- West End residents suggest alternative.

The West End is proud of its Bike and Ped friendly streets

The West End is proud of its Bike and Ped friendly streets

DeMeo Park Clean Up- Neighbors and a few honorary West Enders joined forces to tidy up DeMeo Park. They did an amazing job. There has been a steep decline in City Service and many have commented on the deterioration of  our beautiful DeMeo park- but as a neighborhood that solve problems and feels ownership- we took the bull by the horns- or rather the park by it’s wisteria, ivy, privits and weeds! To see photos of the cleanup- click here!

West Enders love their parks

West Enders love their parks

West End Poodle Party- DeTurk Round Barn dog park is getting quite a reputation as a great doggie social venue. At this point, Poodles and Pugs are each having a monthly party. Photographer extraordinaire Clifford Hill was on hand for the February Poodle Party. He took some great photos and a video. (Thanks Clifford!) Check them out!    Photo &  Video

February W. E. Poodle Party

February W. E. Poodle Party

Free Tax Preparation Service- West End Neighbor, Cindy Toran informs us: Tax-Aide is a service for income tax preparation at no cost to the client sponsored by the IRS and administered by AARP. I am a volunteer tax counselor this season.  I’m sure there are many seniors and lower income families in the neighborhood that are not aware of this free tax preparation service. It is open to any age, not just seniors.  The Tax-Aide counselors can prepare most returns, but there are some more complicated ones that are considered out-of-scope, such as those with depreciation.  The service is offered at Finley Community Center Tues & Thurs 9-2, and SR Senior Center, Mon & Wed 9-3.

The West End Neighborhood Association website is a tool that gives out information that is West End related or of West End interest.  Announcements are subject to our West End Neighborhood Association guidelines. Do you have a West End or Railroad Square related announcement? Announcements can be emailed to Lea Barron-Thomas at westend@sonic.net

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West End News- Late January. Music tonight!
Author:
• Thursday, January 27th, 2011

Public meeting and music.

February 1, Tuesday- 2010 Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan Update at City Council. A public hearing will be conducted to hear your comments and suggestions BEFORE the City Council votes on the 2010 BPMP. This Plan identifies proposed bikeways and pedestrian networks. Submit written comments and recommendations proior to the public hearing or attend the public hearing. Location: City Council Chamber, City Hall, 100 Santa Rosa Ave. Time: At or after 5 p.m.  Bicycle & Pedestrian Master Plan Info

Notice of Public Hearing

Notice of Public Hearing

Music, music, music!:

TONIGHT! January 27th, Thursday- Robert Herrera. Come spend your Thursday night at Cellars of Sonoma .  Solo/Acoustic Performance by local crooner, Robert Herrera.  Wine Tasting and by the glass. Also, delivery from RR Square restaurants to your table. FREE. Bring your Friends/See ya There. Location: Cellars of Sonoma 133 4th St. Time: 7- 10 p.m.

Robert Herrera

Robert Herrera

January 28th, Friday -String & Soul (a night of Santa Rosa & Bay Area folk music) A night filled with beautiful folk music. Some dance-able, some trance-able, some set to take you to another world… – Moony Thicket (rhythm n’ blues alchemy)- The Devotionals (featuring Tyson from the Two Gallants)- Poor Bailey (indie acoustic rock from Oakland) – The Crux (clanky folk fiasco) – The Spindles (homegrown “post-Americana”) Tickets are 5-10 dollars, sliding scale. All ages! Bar with ID. Location: The Arlene Francis Center 99 Sixth Street Time: 7-10 p.m.

January 29th, Saturday- Robert Herrera. Local crooner performs live. Location: Cellars of Sonoma 133 4th Street Time: 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

January 29th, Saturday- Elvin Bishop and the Pulsators. Blues & Southern Rock. $18  21 yrs. Location: Last Day Saloon Time: 8:30 door/9 p.m. show

Year of the Rabbit starts on 2/3/2011. The Chinese New Year is steeped with tradition. It’s all about preparing for the new year. Custom dictates many interesting ideas such as cleaning the house, paying your debts and resolving your differences in preparation for the new year. Chinese New Year If you were born in a year of the rabbit (1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999). You are said to be wise & Insightful, Rabbits have a deep understanding of others. Not a risk-taker, they are cautious when making decisions. A protector of diplomacy, they seek compromise to conflicts. Their creativity and style surround them with beauty.

Creek Stewardship Program: Perform acts of service to the earth. Help clean the creek, care for native plants and work on trail maintenance. Check out a full calendars of organized creek cleanups and events. Creek Stewardship Program

The West End Neighborhood where urbanism, preservation, art and people come together! For the latest updates, crime alerts, full calendar of events and photos- go the West End Neighborhood website. Click Here

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6th & W. 6th Street- a Neighborhood Greenway!
Author:
• Thursday, January 27th, 2011

Imagine 6th and W. 6th Street as a Neighborhood Greenway!

6th and W. 6th Street is the street that joins the West End Neighborhood and Railroad Square. It’s unique because it’s shares many uses- homes, multiple unit dwellings, 6th Street Theater, Chops Teen Club, The Assistance League’s “New to You Shop”, Tee Vax and others line this street. It’s also used for events such as 5K races, Chop’s Teen Club happenings and of course, The  Great West End & Railroad Square Handcar Regatta.

W. 6th Street- the Back Porch Stage- Hand Car Regatta

W. 6th Street- the Back Porch Stage- Hand Car Regatta

Chops Teen Club event

Chops Teen Club event

Today, the street works well. It has very low traffic excepting events and is safe for both pedestrians and bicyclists to use the street (especially since the south side lacks sidewalks!). It allows parking for the 6th Street Playhouse and special events.

W. 6th Street today- safe to ride AND walk in street.

W. 6th Street today- safe to ride AND walk in street.

Melissa & Kelly bike W. 6th

Melissa & Kelly bike W. 6th

For the future, the street could be designed to be an attractive, multi-use street- safe for ALL. Check this out! Portland’s Bike Boulevards become Neighborhood Greenways.

Sounds good? Those are Class 3/ Sharrow streets with speed bumps, curb extensions, median islands and many tools to create a safe environment.

On February 1st, the S. R. City Council will vote on the 2010 S. R. Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan. This plan will not give us the wonderful Neighborhood Greenways that we deserve. It will put Class 2 bike lanes on the street and remove parking from homes, businesses, events and our wonderful non-profits.

This is what the proposed plan will look like- you can see it “live” in front of 113 W. 6th Street.

North side will have parking, bike land and travel lane.

North side will have parking, bike land and travel lane.

On the South Side, parking will be removed to allow room for a bike lane.

On the South Side, parking will be removed to allow room for a bike lane.

Write to S. R. City Council today. Tell them that 6th & W. 6th Street merits the opportunity to become a Neighborhood Greenway. Keep 6th & W. 6th Street’s designation as Class 3/Sharrows NOT Class 2. Insist that our street deserves all the elements such as speed humps & curb extentions to allow it to be safe for ALL users.

Email Mayor Ernesto Olivares Email Vice Mayor Jake Ours Email Councilmember Gary Wysocky

Email Councilmember John Sawyer Email Councilmember Marsha Vas Dupre

E  mail CouncilmemberSusan Gorin Email Councilmember Scott Bartley

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Wonderful Railroad Square
Author:
• Thursday, January 27th, 2011

Westenders are spoiled and they know it.  Restaurants, shops, entertainment and beautiful historic basalt buildings are a short walk from our front doors. Yes, it’s all in Historic Railroad Square . Here’s the latest news:

Omelette Express founder dies- Nan Taylor Michkin, Don’s mom,  passed away on December 4th. For those of you who don’t know, she opened the Omelette in 1977. She was a brave woman who started a business in Railroad Square, when it was known as undesirable, seedy Lower Fourth. For more info on her life-  Press Democrat Obit

Rail Cars- For many years, there have been four rail cars sitting on the SMART site. Last September, two of the rail cars left for their new home with the Timber Heritage Association. For those of you who are wondering about the final 2 cars, there is an update. The two remaining cars, a dining car and a business car are much heavier than the cars that have already been removed.   They require a specialized truck, a good deal of planning and preparation. The Timber Heritage Association is in the process of preparing for this move- so say good-bye to the cars next time you walk by. Before you know it- they will be gone.  For more info on their new home: Timber Heritage Association.

Railroad Square Bicycle racks: To make it easier for bicyclists to enjoy all Railroad Square has to offer, bike racks will be installed at 12 locations.  Check out the one in front of Toad in the Hole as an example.

Welfare League Thrift Shop- You may have noticed that the Welfare League’s Thrift Shop has been closed. A new carpet project turned into asbesto removal project. Nothing is easy! They plan to reopen by February.

Freight Trains are coming- Signal and crossing arm work points to possible activity on the tracks. Rumor has it that we might see freight trains in the very near future.

Window Shopping- It’s always fun to browse the shops in Railroad Square. The store windows beckon with delightful items. One store in particular is know for it’s very attractive, creative displays and it’s current one is the best one of all. Cast Away Yarn Shop‘s window features the Olive the Dog, in her comfy sitting room. Shop owner Justine Malone, says that Olive has her own fan club. Olive enjoys her window perch, especially when she can bask in the morning sun.

Olive the Dog, in her comfy sitting room.

Olive the Dog, in her comfy sitting room.

Cast Away shop owner, Justine Malone.

Cast Away shop owner, Justine Malone.

See photos of wonderful Railroad Square- click here! &   here!

For more info on Historic Railroad Square- click here!

Are you a West End performer, artist or other talented individual? Don’t be shy! Share your performance dates and events with the neighborhood. We want to support you. Contact Lea Barron-Thomas at  westend @sonic.net

More West End talent and events  next week, all events now listed on calendar.


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The DeTurk Round Barn is AMAZING!
Author:
• Wednesday, December 29th, 2010

It’s not finished yet, but here is a tantalizing glimpse of the DeTurk Round Barn. It is hoped that the project will complete is the next few weeks… but the wait will be worth it. Thanks to Rich Hovden for allowing us to take a peek!

The Exterior Lights

The Exterior Lights

The Main Floor space

The Main Floor space

The Ceiling and Fan

The Ceiling and Fan

A few highlights: The amazing floor is made of recycled shipping crates and the only source of heat is through the floor. The interior walls were left original to pay homage to the historic use of the barn. The building now boasts a catering kitchen, bathrooms, an elevator, 3 stairways and a high tech audio/visual display. The ceiling has a large fan that circulates the air and the skylights open for temperature control. The exterior of the barn will be highlighted with uplights and the surrounding park will also be lighted.

The West End Neighborhood where urbanism, preservation, art and people come together! For the latest updates, crime alerts, full calendar of events and photos- go the West End Neighborhood website Click Here!

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DeTurk Round Barn Update
Author:
• Sunday, December 05th, 2010
The DeTurk Round Barn and Park project started this year in April and it’s anticipated that it might be finished before Christmas. Here’s an update:

Dog Park: The Dog park has been completed and is open. A new Maverick Plaque will be installed. The gate that was not staying closed has been repaired. Unfortunately, the beautiful green grass has turned into a muddy mess. Several dog park users have wanted to know who they could make comments to about the mud. Send them to Rich Hovden, City of S. R.

Park Landscaping: The sod and  plants have been put in. You may have noticed the use of grasses and even grapevines.  The DeTurk Vintage Rose garden has been replanted in their new location. Gina designed the plan for the roses based on their color, type and size. It will be gorgeous.

New Landscaping 11-25-10

New Landscaping 11-25-10

Barn Exterior: The exterior is nearly finished and only has a “punch list” for a few final items. The lighting is working but has not been turned on yet. No one will confirm a date for this as of yet.

The Exterior is almost finished 11-15

The Exterior is almost finished 11-15

Barn Interior: The interior has a little way to go. The wood flooring starts this week downstairs. The light fixtures are being put in upstairs. It will have to be completely finished prior to final notice.They anticipate around the 21st of December but of course, things happen and that may change.

For more photos of the DeTurk Round Barn project, click here!

Now the Big EXCITING news!

The FIRST wedding has been booked and they live in the neighborhood.  West End lovebirds Katie Vrooman and Justin Bar will tie the knot in the newly renovated DeTurk Round Barn. Isn’t that romantic?

The stylish Justin & Katie

The stylish Justin & Katie

Are you a West End performer, artist or other talented individual? Don’t be shy! Share your performance dates and events with the neighborhood. We want to support you. Contact Lea Barron-Thomas at  westend @sonic.net

More West End talent and events  next week, all events now listed on calendar

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2014 Smart Route decided, Public meetings
Author:
• Sunday, November 07th, 2010

Did you remember to change your clocks?

It will be very interesting to see how plans progress for the abbreviated SMART route- Railroad Square to Marin Civic Center. Two Downtown Santa Rosa Plans will be reviewed by the Planning Commission- this would be the time to give input if you desire. Lastly, we will see the Santa Rosa City Council changeover in early December.

Intial Smart route for 2014 decided- Railroad Square in Santa Rosa to the Marin Civic Center. Press Democrat

November 17th, Wednesday- Santa Rosa Avenue Corridor Plan at Planning Commission- A public hearing to receive public comment and recommendations prior to the Planning Commission acting on the Draft Santa Rosa Ave. Corridor Plan and the Mitigated Negative Declaration. The public review period begins ends at 5 p.m. on November 12, 2010. You are encouraged to submit written comments and recommendations prior to the hearing to Lisa Kranz, Community Development, City of Santa Rosa, 100 Santa Rosa Avenue, Room 3, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, telephone 707‐543‐3259 or e‐mail: lkranz@srcity.org.  Time: at or after 4:00 PM Location: City Council Chamber, City Hall, 100 Santa Rosa Avenue        Notice of Public Hearing

November 17th, Wednesday- Street Furnishings Palette Plan at Planning Commission. Public hearing to receive public comment and recommendations prior to the Planning Commission acting on the proposed Street Furnishings Palette Plan, Amendment to Zoning Code Section 20-42.160, Sidewalk Cafes, and Negative Declaration. Time: at or after 4:00 PM  Location: City Council Chamber, City Hall, 100 Santa Rosa Avenue

November 18th, Thursday. Street Furnishings Palette Plan at joint meeting of Design Review & Cultural Heritage Board. Public hearing to receive public comment and recommendations prior to the Design Review Board and Cultural Heritage Board acting on the proposed Street Furnishings Palette Plan and Amendment to the Core Area section of the Design Guidelines. Time: at or after 1:30 p.m. Location: Conference Room 7, City Hall, 100 Santa Rosa Avenue, Santa Rosa.

December 7th- City Council Changeover. The newly elected City Council members will be seated for duty.

The West End Neighborhood where urbanism, preservation, art and people come together! For the full calendar, the latest updates and photos- go the West End Neighborhood website Click Here!

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Corrections, SMART Update, City Council changes
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• Thursday, November 04th, 2010
Please note the following two corrections:  1) Special Benefit showing of 1940′s Radio Hour is on November 10th. A limited number of ticket are available. 2) The West End Neighborhood Association Fall meeting will now hold it’s meeting at Chops Teen Club.

November 10th- Special Benefit- Preview Showing of 1940’s Radio Hour. Soroptimist International of Santa Rosa invites you to attend this special preview and that will feature an Hors d’oeuvre and wine reception at 7:15 p.m. The play starts promptly at 8 p.m. Soroptimist International of Santa Rosa has been serving the needs of the local community since 1945, focusing on issues that affect the lives of women and children.  Advance Tickets are $30. You can buy them from the West End’s own Marge Jones who recently joined this active community minded organization. Call 542-1235 or email her at sonomamarge@gmail.com Date: November 10th, Wednesday night  Time: 7:15 p.m. Location: 6th Street Playhouse.    Soroptimist Benefit at 6th St. Playhouse Full Info

West End Fall Meeting New location! – Date: November 18th, Thursday Time: 7 p.m. New Location: Chops Teen Club 509 Adams Street. Our special guest will be City Council Member Ernesto Olivares.

SMART update/ $350 funding gap/Special Board of Directors Workshop on  November 6th : The Press Democrat reports that SMART Officials announced that there is a $350 million between the money they have and what it will cost to build the proposed Smart line. Several options are being discussed including the possibility of initially opening the line from the Civic Center (San Rafael) to Railroad Square (Santa Rosa). For full story: Press Democrat

The Board of Directors of the SMART District will hold a special workshop to review updated cost estimates and revenue projections and discuss project implementation strategies. Special Board of Directors workshop Date: November 6th, Saturday Time: 10:00 AM to 3 p.m. Location: The Glaser Center 547 Mendocino Ave.  Click here for:  Agenda and Workshop Package

Interesting developments for the Santa Rosa City Council:

Dramatic changes likely at Santa Rosa City Hall- Press Democrat

Gorin, Ours, Bartley win Santa Rosa City Council seats- Press Democrat

The West End Neighborhood where urbanism, preservation, art and people come together! For the full calendar, the latest updates and photos- go the West End Neighborhood website Click Here!

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