Message from Kathy Millison

Citizen volunteers are important partners in the delivery of local government services and quality of life in the community. They always have been and always will be. Government simply can’t do it all and should not.  These partnerships are needed more than ever, especially in these difficult times as we have all experienced recession and economic reset, as City leaders work to redefine and prioritize spending for core City services.  In management terminology there is a concept called “co-production.” It’s a modern term that simply describes the activity of an engaged citizenry involved in the delivery of services to the community and themselves; it’s a useful concept for tackling today’s challenges for sustaining the vitality and quality of life in our community.  As a reminder, please recall that communities formed to solve problems for the greater good when people joined together to accomplish things greater than they could as individuals such as organizing for public safety, water and sewer systems, paved streets and the like.  This is an important principle to remember about communities despite the complexities of our larger City. 

Today, people are attracted to quality of life of a community but need also to understand that the community, which is the heart and soul of the geographic location, is only renewed and sustained by active involvement of its citizens.  People in the larger Santa Rosa community know this and for this reason, the City will continue to seek even more citizen volunteers and partners in “co-production” of services to the community this year.  An “over-the-top” commitment to volunteerism for the good of the community has already been demonstrated.  Santa Rosa had record breaking levels of over 7,000 active citizen volunteers last year working on trail and stream preservation, public safety and emergency services, youth and senior services, art programs, special events, parks clean-up and building, fundraising and more.

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A  cooperative effort among the merchants of 5th Street is underway to create The Share Fair on 5th Streetduring which itwill be closed to traffic and the Fair will take place between the hours of 11 am and 4 pm on Sunday, July 10.

With a focus on kids, art and sharing, the Fair will bring the merchants, restaurants and businesses out into the streets along with artists, musicians, inventors, and mad, mad tinkerers.

Plans include live music, performing arts, sculpture exhibits, juried arts and craft vendors, food and beer. A "Share Zone" will be provided where participants can exchange items they no longer need for things that they can use. The "Repair Zone" will provide a place where participants can take items needing repair.

Unique educational activities are planned, including The Children's Museum of Sonoma County's Museum on the Go, Chops Teen Center art studio, and Don't Throw that Away ART/Trash  art project.

Neighborhood resources, exhibits and activities will abound. The new Sonoma County Urban Garden Share will help match homeowners with garden space to gardeners with experience.

The ShareExchange, a collaborative business and project incubation space, opened its doors on December 16, 2010 with the launch of the Made Local Marketplace, now featuring the work of more than 125 local makers.  Other projects at the ShareExchange include the Sonoma County TimeBank  and the Green Bough Health Cooperative. The ShareExchange is located at 531 5th Street in Downtown Santa Rosa, (between Mendocino & B Street).

Current sponsors of the Fair include: The ShareExchange, Made Local Marketplace and the City of Santa Rosa Arts District. For more information about how to participate, including sponsorship opportunities & benefits, please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Find out more about The Share Fair on 5th Street here.

Despite earlier fears that an outbreak of equine herpes might force the cancellation of the annual Russian River Rodeo this weekend, organizers now say the event will go on as planned with a full schedule of events. Mari Parmeter, board member and publicity person for the 44-year old rodeo explained that they are implementing precautions recommended by the state, but don’t foresee any complications to result.

Parmeter says the number of entrants has remained steady, and she is hoping ticket sales will do likewise. The biggest concern now is the weather, but the rodeo is set to go on as usual, rain or shine.

At the gate tickets are  $12 Adults, $7 Seniors, $5 Kids, and $30 Family Pack.

Pre-sale Tickets are: $10 Adults, $7 Seniors and $4 Kids, on sale at these locations:

Casini Ranch 865-2255

Cazadero General Store 632-5287

Boot Barn 528-1554

Double Tree Ranch 828-6961

Jay Palm Saddlery 762-5983

Western Farm 545-0721

Friendly Feed 546-2156

Wrights Feed 433-3745

Bucks and Barks 824-4411

California Horse Supply 578-2668

Pat's Restuarant 869-9904

Russian River Rodeo Association 865-9854/632-5005