It’s been years since neighbors first saw that first exciting plan for the SMART rail site. West End neighbors have tirelessly followed the many changes over the many years. Here’s the latest on the SMART site and other items of interest:

SMART Santa Rosa Railroad Square Station site- More changes proposed for the site. Mayor Susan Gorin urges approval as neighbors and other groups state concern. See Press Democrat Story

SMART Santa Rosa Railroad Square Station Site- West End residents and West End Neighborhood Association Board members, Carol Dean & Allen Thomas urge the SMART board to open any meetings, discussions or decision to the public. See Press Democrat The West End thanks Carol and Allen for their leadership and diligent attention to this very complicated, ever changing project.

Gateways Advisory committee- On August 23rd, the City of Santa Rosa Redevelopment Agency Board Appointed seven members to serve on the Gateways Community Advisory Committee. We are proud to announce that 3 members of this committee live in the West End. Congratulations to Jennifer Watson, Carissa Green and Allen Thomas.

CHOP’S TEEN CLUB ANNOUNCES NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR- Diana Curtin appointed as Executive Director. Diana was promoted from her position as Program Director where for the past 15 months she has been working under the mentorship of Kay Marquet, former Executive Director. Diana has lead the process of developing a variety of solid programs such as the barista certification, culinary, Chop’s Jam Band, hip hop dance, social dance, sewing and embroidery, ceramics, dog care and agility and much more. The DeMeo Teen Club Inc., more familiarly known as Chop’s Teen Club , got its start with a gracious gift from Charles ‘Chop’ DeMeo in 1995. Its members can drop-into Chop’s after school, on weekends, and over the summer, taking advantage of its extensive resources, which include a tech lounge, gymnasium, climbing wall, art studio, teaching kitchen with espresso station, recording studio and nightclub. Teen members can also attend a variety of special events, including, dances, variety showcases, art galas, movie screenings and much more. Chop’s membership is open to all Santa Rosa teens for $1.00 per year. Fees are charged for additional classes including: art, culinary and barista programs that help to prepare teens for jobs and careers. For information or a tour, visit www.chopsonline.com or call 707.284.CHOP (2467).

Diana Curtin

Train Cars on SMART site- They have been a part of this area for so long that many of us don’t even notice them anymore.  A few of us have actually been inside them to see the beautiful rehab job- a labor of love of owner, Wes Vail. We had always hoped that one day they would have a permanent home in Railroad Square but that just didn’t happen. By the end of this month, the train cars will go to their new home, a train museum somewhere in the Eureka area.

The train cars will leave Railroad Square

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!