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2005/02/22 City Council Agenda PacketJudy Hauff City Clerk City Hall City of Rohnert Park* 6750 Commerce Boulevard + Rohnert Park, Phone: (707)5W2227 ♦ FAX: (707)5W2274 ♦ WEB: www.rpdty.i ROHNERT PARK CITY COUNCIL Community Development Commission Rohnert Park Financing Authority Rohnert Park District CONCURRENT MEETINGS AGENDA Tuesday, February 22, 2005 MEETING LOCATION: CITY HALL - COUNCIL CHAMBERS 6750 Commerce Boulevard, Rohnert Park, California The Rohnert Park City Council welcomes your attendance, interest and participation at its regular meetings scheduled on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers. City Council Agendas & Minutes maybe viewed at the City's website: www.rpeMk om Council may discuss and/or take action on any or all of the items listed on this agenda- Waiver gendaWaiver Warning If you challenge decisions of the City Council of the City of Rohnert Park in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at public hearing(s) described in this Agenda, or in written correspondence delivered to the City of Rohnert Park at, or prior to the public hearina(s). DISABLED. ACCOMMODATION: If you have a disability which requires an interpreter or other person to assist you while attending this City Council meeting, please contact the City Offices at (707) 588-2227 at least 72 hours prior to the meeting to ensure arrangements for accommodation by the City. Please make sure the City Manager's office is notified as soon as possible if you have a visual impairment requiring meeting materials to be produced in. another format (Braille. audio -tape. etc.) 6:00 p.m. CITY COUNCIL MEETING - Call to Order Roll. Call (Flores _Smith Spradlin Vidak-Martinez_Mackenzie_) Pledge of Allegiance 1. WORK SESSION on BUDGET MATTERS: 1. Mid -Year Budget Presentation for Fiscal Year 2004-05 2. Preliminary Budget Review for Fiscal Year 2005-06 3. Council discussion/direction/action 6:30 p.m. REGULAR SESSION 2. SCHEDULED APPEARANCES/PRESENTATIONS: 1. Seamus Seanachaoi regarding Carl Leivo's post For items to be listed on the agenda, wride n requests must be submitted to the City Manager's Office prior to finalization ofineeting agendas, i.e. by noon on the Tuesdays preceding City Council meetings regularly scheduled on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month City of Rohnert Park CONCURRENT MEETINGS Agenda (2) February 22.2005 for City CounedlCommunity Development CommissioniRohnert Park Financing Aw%ority/Rohnert Park Distrid 3. STUDENT REPORTS: • SSU - Sonoma State University Associated Students, Inc. By James J. Reilly, III, Legislative Representative 4. UNSCHEDULED PUBLIC APPEARANCES/COMMENTS: For public comment on items not listed on the agenda,or on agenda items if unable to speak at the scheduled time (limited to 3-5 minutes per appearance & a 30 minute total time limit, or allocation of time based on number of speaker cards submitted) - PLE&ff FILL .OUT A SPEAKER CARD EMR TO SPEAKING - *SEE NOTE ON LAST PAGE OF THIS AGENDA 5. Sewer and Water Systems - Consideration of Amending Title 13 of the Rohnert Park Municipal Code for proposed sewer and water rate increases 1. Staff Report 2. Ordinances for Adoption: a. Waive Second Reading and Adopt Ordinance by reading title: No. 729 (Uncodified) Amending Title 13 of the Rohnert Park Municipal Code to Increase Sewer Service Charges (Sewer Use Ordinance) • Council motion • Council discussion • Council roll call vote b. Waive Second Reading and Adopt Ordinance by reading title: No. 730 (Codified) Amending Title 13 of the Rohnert Park Municipal Code to Increase Sewer Service Charges (Sewer Use Ordinance) • Council motion • Council discussion • Council roll call vote c. Waive Second Reading and Adopt Ordinance by reading title: No. 731 (Uncodified) Amending Title 13 of the Rohnert Park Municipal Code to Increase Water Service Charges (Water System Ordinance) • Council motion • Council discussion • Council roll call vote d. Waive Second Reading and Adopt Ordinance by reading title: No. 732 (Codified) Amending Title 13 of the Rohnert Park Municipal Code to Increase Water Service Charges (Water System Ordinance) • Council motion • Council discussion • Council roll call vote 6. Agilent Property (Formerly Hewlett Packard) - Status Report 1. Staff Report 2. Presentation by Codding Enterprises • Council discussion/input 7. Parrs Master Plan and Community Fields Citizens Advisory Committee - Consideration of selection of seven (7) citizen appointments at -large • Council discussion/direction/action Citv of Rohnert Park CONCURRENT MEETINGS Agenda (3) February 22,2005 for City CouncWCommunfty Development ComwLWonlWohnert Park Vwancing AuthoHVIRohnert Park District 8. Party Ordinance - Consideration of proposed ordinance amending Section 9.48.040 of the Rohnert Park Municipal Code Pertaining to Police Services at Parties, Gatherings or Events Requiring a Second Response 1. Staff Report/Presentation by Sergeant WulffReinhold 2. Public Comments 3. Waive First Reading and Introduce Ordinance by reading title: No. 733 Amending Section 9.48.040 of the Rohnert Park Municipal Code Pertaining to Police Services at Parries, Gatherings or Events Requiring a Second Response + Council motion • Council discussion • Council roll call vote 9. Grading Ordinance - Consideration ofNegative Declaration Approval and proposed ordinance Amending Title 15, Building and Construction, of the Rohnert Park Municipal Code for Excavations, Grading and Fills 1. StaffReport 2. Public Comments 3. Resolution for Adoption: 2005-42 Certifying a Negative Declaration for an Ordinance Adding Chapter 15.50, Excavations, Grading and Fills, to Title 15, Building and Construction, of the Rohnert Park Municipal Code • Council motion • Council discussion • Council vote 4. Waive First Reading and Introduce Ordinance by reading title: No. 734 Amending Section 15.08.080 Appendix Chapters Added to Chapter 15.08,.Building Code, Adding Chapter 15.50, Excavations, Grading and Fills, to Title 15, Building and Construction, and Renumbering Chapter 16.48, Sections 16.48.030 through 16.48.110, Erosion and Sediment Control, to Chapter 15.52, Sections 15.52.010 through 15.52.070 • Council motion • Council discussion • Council roll call vote 10. Internet, E -Mail and Electronic Media Use Policy - Consideration of adopting 1. Staff Report 2. Resolution for Adoption: 2005-43 Adopting Internet, E -Mail and Electronic Media Use Policy • Council motion • Council discussion • Council vote City of Rohnert Park CONCURRENT MEETINGS Agenda R) February 22, 2005 for City CounciUCommunity Devedopment Commhdon/Rohnert Park Financing Authorhy/Rohnert Park District 11. Council Committee &/or Other Reports: 1. Sonoma County Transportation Authority (SCTA), 2/14/05 mtg. (JM/VVM) 2. Conservation Strategy Team (CST), 2/15/05 mtg. (VVM) 3. Other informational reports, if any 12. Communications 13. Matters from/for Council: 1. Sister Cities Relations Committee/Student Ambassador Program - Request for a City Council Member to assist with interviews • Council discussion/direction/action 2. Addition of a Second Canine Unit (AS) 3. Schedule of Events and Meetings 4. City Council Agenda Forecast 5. Other informational items, if any 14. City Manager's Report, informational items, if any 15. CONSENT CALENDAR All items on the consent calendar will be considered together by one action of the Council unless any Councilmember or anyone else interested m a consent calendar item bas a question about the item. A. Approval of Concurrent Meeting Minutes for: February8, 2005 B. Approval of Bills/Demands for Payment concurrently for: • City of Rohnert Park/City Council • Community Development Commission C. Accepting Cash/Investments Report for Month End, January 31, 2005 concurrently for: • City of Rohnert Park/City Council. • Community Development Commission • Rohnert Park Financing Authority D. Resolutions for Adoption: 2005-45 Commending David Stager, Public Safety Officer, on the Occasion of Ms Retirement 2005-46 Awarding the Contract for Portable Radios for Public Safety to Fisher Wireless 2005-47 Extending the Contract for Water Monitoring Services with Caltest Analytical Laboratory City of Rohnert Park CONCURRENT MEETINGS Agenda (5) February 22, 2005 for City Counc&Vommunity Development Commission/Rohnert Park FFnww* Author&y/Rohnert Park Dho id 2005-48 Approval of the Cooperative Agreement for the Santa Rosa Plain Groundwater Study 2005-49 Approval of Fiscal Year 2005-06 Work Plan for the Russian River Watershed Association (RRWA) 2005-50 Approval of Contract Change Order No. 1 with Telstar Instruments, Inc. for Sewer Flow Meter Replacement Project No. 2003-32 2005-51 Calling for Sealed Proposals, Commercial Water Replacement Project, Phase 2, Project No. 2004-03 2005-52 Authorization to Purchase a Vandalism Deterrent Camera System to be Placed in City Parks E. Approving donation of two one-year Family Sports Center Memberships ($375 value each), two Summer Season Family Pool Memberships ($240 value each), and a Theatre Experience for a group of six at the Spreckels Performing Arts Center to a Pacific Alliance Stage Company 2005-06 production ($200 value) for the Education Foundation's 190i Annual "Sharing of the Green Auction", March 12, 2005 16. PUBLIC COMMENTS: For public comment on items not listed on the agenda, or on agenda items if unable to speak at the scheduled time (limited to 3-5 minutes per appearance & a 30 minute total time limit, or allocation of time based on number of speaker cards submitted) - PLEASE_FII.L OUT A SPEAKER CARD PRIOR TO SPEAKING - *SEE NOTE BELOW ADJOURNMENT NOTE: Time shown for any particular matter on the agenda is an estimate only. Matters may be considered earlier or later than the time indicated depending on the pace at which the meeting proceeds. If you wish to speak on an item under discussion by the. Council which appears on this agenda, after receiving recognition from the Mayor, please walk to the rostrum and state your name and address for the record. - PLEASE FILL OUT A SPEAKER CARD PRIOR TO SPEAKING - Any item raised by a member of the public which is not agendized and may require Council action shall be automatically referred to staff for investigation and disposition which may include placing on a future agenda. If the item is deemed to be an emergency or the need to take action arose after posting of the agenda within the meaning of Government Code Section 54954.2(b), Council is entitled to discuss the matter to determine if it is an emergency item under said Government Code and may take action thereon. Jx-b:o2=5 AGENDA xrciry counca City of Rohnert Park*6750 Commerce Boulevard+Rohnert Park, California 94928 Phone: (707)588-2227 *FAX: (707)S88-2274+WEB: www.rpd"rg ROHNERT PARK CITY COUNCIL Community Development Commission Rohnert Park Financing Authority Rohnert Park District CONCURRENT MEETINGS AGENDA Tuesday, February 22, 2005 MEETING LOCATION: CITY HALL - COUNCIL CHAMBERS 6750 Commerce Boulevard, Rohnert Park, California The Rohnert Park City Council welcomes your attendance, interest and participation at its regular meetings scheduled on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month at 6:00 p.m in the Council Chambers. City CouncitAgendas & Minutes maybe viewed at the City's website:www.rpcity ori Council may discuss and/or take action on any or all of the items listed on this agenda. Waiver Warning: If you challenge decisions of the City Council of the City of Rohnert Park in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at public heanng(s) described in this Agenda, or in written correspondence delivered to the Cit9 of Rohnert Park at, or prior to the public hearin.R(s). DISABLED ACCOMMODATION: If you have a disability which requires an interpreter or other person to assist you while attending this City Council meeting, please contact the City Offices at (707) 588-2227 at least 72 hours prior to the meeting to ensure arrangements for accommodation by the City. Please make sure the City Manager's office is notified as soon as possible if you have a visual impairment requiring meeting materials to be produced in another format (Braille. audio -tare. etc.) 6:00 p.m. CITY COUNCIL MEETING - Call to Order Roll Call (Flores _Smith Spradlin V dak-Martinez Mackenzie_) Pledtie of Allegiance 1. WORK SESSION on BUDGET MATTERS: 1. Mid -Year Budget Presentation for Fiscal Year 2004-05 2. Preliminary Budget Review for Fiscal Year 2005-06 3. Council discussion/direction/action 6:30 p.m. REGULAR SESSION 2. SCHEDULED APPEARANCES/PRESENTATIONS: 1. Seamus Seanachaoi regarding Carl Leivo's post For items to be listed on the agenda, written requests must be submitted to the City Manager's Office prior to finalization ofineeting agendas, i.e. by noon on the Tuesdays preceding City Council meetings regularly scheduled on the 2nd and Ah Tuesdays Q f eesch month City of Rohnert Park CONCURRENT MEETINGS Agenda (2) February 22, 2005 for City CouneWommunity Development Comm& on/Rohnert Park Financing Authority/Rohnert Park District 3. STUDENT REPORTS: • SSU - Sonoma State University Associated Students, Inc. By James J. Reilly, III, Legislative Representative 4. UNSCHEDULED PUBLIC APPEARANCES/COMMENTS: For public comment on items not listed on the agenda,or on agenda items if unable to speak at the scheduled time (limited to 3-5 minutes per appearance & a 30 minute total time limit, or allocation of time based on number of speaker cards submitted) - PLE&, E FILL OUT A SPEAKER CARD PRIOR TO SPEAKING - *SEE NOTE ON LAST PAGE OF THIS AGENDA 5. Sewer and Water Systems - Consideration of Amending Title 13 of the Rohnert Park Municipal Code for proposed sewer and water rate increases 1. Staff Report 2. Ordinances for Adoption: a. Waive Second Reading and Adopt Ordinance by reading title: No. 729 (Uncodified) Amending Title 13 of the Rohnert Park Municipal Code to Increase Sewer Service Charges (Sewer Use Ordinance) • Council motion • Council discussion • Council roll call vote b. Waive Second Reading and Adopt Ordinance by reading title: No. 730 (Codified) Amending Title 13 of the Rohnert Park Municipal Code to Increase Sewer Service Charges (Sewer Use Ordinance) • Council motion • Council discussion • Council roll call vote c. Waive Second Reading and Adopt Ordinance by reading title: No. 731 (Uncodified) Amending Title 13 of the Rohnert Park Municipal Code to Increase Water Service Charges (Water System Ordinance) • Council motion • Council discussion • Council roll call vote d. Waive Second Reading and Adopt Ordinance by reading title: No. 732 (Codified) Amending Title 13 of the Rohnert Park Municipal Code to increase Water Service Charges (Water System Ordinance) • Council motion • Council discussion • Council roll call vote 6. Agilent Property (Formerly Hewlett Packard) - Status Report 1. Staff Report 2. Presentation by Codding Enterprises • Council discussionrmput 7. Parks Master Plan and Community Fields Citizens Advisory Committee - Consideration of selection of seven (7) citizen appointments at -large • Council discussion/direction/action City of Rohnert Park CONCURRENT MEETINGS Agenda (3) February 22, 2005 for City CouncWCommunh), Development Commission/Rohnert Park Ffirancing Authonty/RohmW Park District 8. Party Ordinance - Consideration of proposed ordinance amending Section 9.48.040 of the Rohnert Park Municipal Code Pertaining to Police Services at Parties, Gatherings or Events Requiring a Second Response 1. Staff Report/Presentation by Sergeant Wulff Reinhold 2. Public Comments 3. Waive First Reading and Introduce Ordinance by reading title: No. 733 Amending Section 9.48.040 of the Rohnert Park Municipal Code Pertaining to Police Services at Parties, Gatherings or Events Requiring a Second Response + Council motion • Council discussion • Council roll call vote 9. Grading Ordinance - Consideration ofNegative Declaration Approval and proposed ordinance Amending Title 15, Building and Construction, of the Rohnert Park Municipal Code for Excavations, Grading and Fills 1. Staff Report 2. Public Comments 3. Resolution for Adoption: .2005-42 Certifying a Negative Declaration for an Ordinance Adding Chapter 15.50, Excavations, Grading and Fills, to Title 15, Building and Construction, of the Rohnert Park Municipal Code • Council motion • Council discussion • Council vote 4. Waive First Reading and Introduce Ordinance by reading title: No. 734 Amending Section 15.08.080 Appendix Chapters Added to Chapter 15.08,,Building Code, Adding Chapter 15.50, Excavations, Grading and Fills, to Title 15, Building and Construction, and Renumbering Chapter 16.48, Sections 16.48.030 through 16.48.110, Erosion and Sediment Control, to Chapter 15.52, Sections 15.52.010 through 15.52.070 • Council motion • Council discussion • Council roll call vote 10. Internet, E -Mail and Electronic Media Use Policy - Consideration of adopting 1. Staff Report 2. Resolution for Adoption: 2005-43 Adopting Internet, E -Mail and Electronic Media Use Policy • Council motion • Council discussion • Council vote City of Rohnert Park CONCURRENT MEETINGS Agenda (4) February 22, 2005 for City Councd/Community Development Commission/Rohnert Park Financing Authority/Rohnert Park Di s&id 11. Council Committee &/or Other Reports: 1. Sonoma County Transportation Authority (SCTA), 2/1.4/05 mtg. (JM/VVM) 2. Conservation Strategy Team (CST), 2/15/05 mtg. (VVM) 3. Other informational reports, if any 12. Communications 13, Matters from/for Council: L Sister Cities Relations Committee/Student Ambassador Program - Request for a City Council Member to assist with interviews • Council discussion/direction/action 2. Addition of a Second Canine Unit (AS) 3. Schedule of Events and Meetings 4. City Council Agenda Forecast S. Other informational items, if any 14. City Manager's Report, informational items, if any 15, CONSENT CALENDAR All items on the consent calendar will be considered together by one action of the Council unless any Councilmember or anyone else interested in a consent calendar item has a question about the item. A. Approval of Concurrent Meeting Minutes for. February8, 2005 B. Approval of Bills/Demands for Payment concurrently for: • City of Rohnert Park/City Council • Community Development Commission C. Accepting Cash/Investments Report for Month End, January 31, 2005 concurrently for: • City of Rohnert Park/City Council. • Community Development Commission • Rohnert Park Financing Authority D. Resolutions for Adoption: 2005-45 Commending David Stager, Public Safety Officer, on the Occasion of 11is Retirement 200546 Awarding the Contract for Portable Radios for Public Safety to Fisher Wireless 2005-47 Extending the Contract for Water Monitoring Services with Caltest Analytical Laboratory City of Rohnert Park CONCURRENT MEETINGS Agenda (5) February 22, 2005 for City CounciUCommunrty Development Commission/Rohnert Park Financing Autho?*Mohnert Park District 2005-48 Approval of the Cooperative Agreement for the Santa Rosa Plain Groundwater Study 2005-49 Approval of Fiscal Year 2005-06 Work Plan for the Russian River Watershed Association (RRWA) 2005-50 Approval of Contract Change Order No. I with Telstar Instruments, Inc. for Sewer Flow Meter Replacement Project No. 2003-32 2005-51 Calling for Sealed Proposals, Commercial Water Replacement Project, Phase 2, Project No. 2004-03 2005-52 Authorization to Purchase a Vandalism Deterrent Camera System to be Placed in City Parks E. Approving donation of two one-year Family Sports Center Memberships ($375 value each), two Summer Season Family Pool Memberships ($240 value each), and a Theatre Experience for a group of six at the Spreckels Performing Arts Center to a Pacific Alliance Stage Company 2005-06 production ($200 value) for the Education Foundation's 19`'' Annual "Sharing of the Green Auction", March 12, 2005 16. PUBLIC COMMENTS: For public comment on items not listed on the agenda, or on agenda items if unable to speak at the scheduled time (limited to 3-5 minutes per appearance & a 30 minute total time limit, or allocation of time based on number of speaker cards submitted) - PLEASE.FTLL OUT A SPEAKER CARD PRIOR TO SPEAKING - *SEE NOTE BELOW ADJOURNMICNT NOTE: Time shown for any particular matter on the agenda is an estimate only. Matters may be considered earlier or later than the time indicated depending on the pace at which the meeting proceeds. If you wish to speak on an item under discussion by the Council which appears on this agenda, after receiving recognition from the Mayor, please walk to the rostrum and state your name and address for the record. - PLEASE FILL OUT A SPEAKER CARD PRIOR TO SPEAKING - Any item raised by a member of the public which is not agendized and may require Council action shall be automatically referred to staff for investigation and disposition which may include placing on a future agenda. If the item is deemed to be an emergency or the need to take action arose after posting of the agenda within the meaning of Government Code Section 54954.2(b), Council is entitled to discuss the matter to determine if it is an emergency item under said Government Code and may take action thereon. jH-h:o222w AGENDA-ltrciry cowncH Fri-wo—', —, r -- I BUDGET REDUCTIONS/ENHANCEMENTS ((." j FY 2003 Increased Transient Occupancy Tax Rate from 11% to 12%: Closed Vision Teen Center: Eliminated Community Promotion: Eliminated Outreach Program: Constructed PAC Sign: FY 2004 Reduction in Staff Debt Restructuring: Contracted our Network Services FY 2005 Reduced Operating Expenses: Reduced Insurance Costs: $ 135,000 $ 20,000 $ 300,000 $ 100,000 $ 200,000 $2,130,000* $ 305,000 $ 40,000 $ 200,000 $ 35,000 * Includes the elimination of the DARE Program and (1) School Resource Officer Q,� � ��: �o� �- TAXFUNDED FUNDING MATRIX ���i. ��-�•� Overview of Tax Supported Services vs. Fee Supported Services Category 1 . Receives 81% - 100% General Fund Tax Subsidy Youth & Family Services (Public Safety) 100% Park Maintenance 100% Police Protection 92% Fire Protection 88% Category 2 Receives 61% - 80% General Fund Tax Subsidy Public Works - Infrastructure Maint. 80% Senior Center 78% Animal Control/Animal Shelter 75% Contractual Obligations, Legal Req. .67% City Office Building/Annex 66% Recreation Centers 64% Information Systems 64% Cateaory 3 Receives 41% - 60% General Fund Tax Subsidy Planning 59% General Government/City Admin. 53% Category 4 Receives 21% - 40% General Fund Tax Subsidy Aquatics 33% Youth Camps, After School Progs, etc. 31% Category 5 Receives 0% - 20% General Fund Tax Subsidy Finance & Accounting 19% Performing Arts Center 6% Engineering & Building 3% Recreation Contract Classes 0% Sorts Center 0% FEE FUNDED BUDGET ANALYSIS - General Fund Department/Category 03-04 Budget Revenue Offset from Permits/Fees/Grants Revenue Offset from Enterprise Funds Revenue Offset from CDC Net Cost to General Fund General Government/City Admin $1,046,289 $292,473 $123,663 $76,255 $553,898 Finance & Accounting $998,740 $74,250 $635,030 $99,874 $189,586 Information Systems $381,946 $24,750 $95,487 $19,097 $242,612 Planning Dept. $283,431 $133,200 $14,172 $14,172 $121;888 City Office Bldg/Annex $512,520 $124,314 $51,252 $336,954 Police Protection $8,467,990 $663,000$7,804,990 Fire Protection $4,361,722 $520,000' .„, �:�tj:_ $3,841,722 Animal Control/Shelter $446,046 $110,000 '' "` $336,040 Youth & Family Services $112,432 $112,432 Contractual Obligations/Legal Req. $2,418,995 $684,377 $106,934 $1,627,684 Public Works- Infrastructure Maint $1,600,465 $303,600 $14,284 $1,282,581 Engineering/BuHding $622,437 _ $393,000 $174,497 $34,899 $20,041 Youth Camps, After -School Program, $463,160. $322,016 $141,144 Recreation Contract Classes $161,358 $165,000 -$3,642 Park Maintenance $939,851 $0 $939,851 Aquatics $354,985 $218,500 $136,485 Senior Center $241,567 $52,261 $189,306 Recreation Centers $290,448 $105,000 $185,448 Sports Center $438,146 $446,400 -$8,254 Performing Arts Center $852,855 $805,300 $47,555 TOTAL $24,995,376 $4,628,750 $1,851,5391 $416,7671 $18,098,320 Cost Savings Analysis Eliminating all General Government (except Non-Dept'I, Council; Retiree Medical, Debt Payments) Eliminating Public Works, Engineering, Building Eliminating Recreation and PAC NOTES 1. $300k of Gas Tax to Public Works/Engineering 2. 15% of revenue from Business License Tax to Finance, 5% to Info Systems 3. Gen. Govt. Budget adjusted for one-time costs 4. 4% of Property Sales and Lease Revenue to CM office 5. General Govt. Cost primarily consist of liability, worker's comp. Net Savings $743,484 $1,302,622 $1,627,892 2/22/2005 Feb 22 05 07:53a Bellevue USD 707 542 6127 p.l City Of Rohnert Park February 22, 2005 A. (A!y Council Golf Courses Subcommittee Arnie Spradlin, Councilmember Armando F. Flores, Councilman B. Premises 1. CourseCo must be maintained as the operator of the city courses. 2. Economic relief must be provided I The long-term financial health for CourseCo must be a focus. 4. The courses, as city assets, must be maintained in a superior condition. 5. A strong economic benefit for the city must be projected. 6. There must be no limitations on resident owned power carts subject to a determined annual fee and use fee. 7. The resident green fees for the South Course must be at least $4 lower than the Bennett Valley Golf Course non-resident weekend fee and the North Course must be at least $4 lower than the Rooster Run non-resident weekend fee. 8. Effective April 1, 2005, the annual rent shall be $2 per round with a 75,000 annual round minimum threshold. The amount per round will be reduced by 25 cents per round for the next 5 increments of 5,000 rounds. This lease modification shall be reviewed annually. 9. Regular and sustained use of the courses by residents is critical to the economic health of the courses. Also important is continued promotion effort to attract golfers from the county and surrounding counties. 10. The percentages recommended by Economic Research Associates for golf related activities, merchandise, food, and beverages will be adopted. : City Of Rohnert Park T, Golf Course Sub Committee Recommendations s February 22, 2005 N N BennettValley Rooster Run o cn Weekdays _ Y Resident $17 Non Resident Resident Non Resident $23 $26, F - $30 $33, F — 38 cn Late Aftemoons - $11 $14 $22, F - $26 Senior Citizens - $13 $15 $22, M-Th m Weekends and Holidays - $26 $34 $36 $53 m Late Afternoon - $14 $19 $28 $36 m Cart Fees - $24(2) $12(l) c d $13 (2 Riders) $6.50 (1Rider) Rohnert Park (Present) Rohnert Park (Proposedl South South North Weekdays - $22 Resident $28 Weekdays - $18 Non Resident $23 Resident Non-Resident $22, F-$30 $30, F-$34 Senior - $17.50 $23 Late Afternoon $11 $14 $22, F-26 Cart Fees- $13 Per Person Senior $13 $15 $22 O -13 Weekend - $28.50 $36 cn N North' JVeekda Y - s $26 $32 Weekends & Holidays $25 $34 $34 $48 N -11 Weekend - $38 $48 Late Afternoon $14 $19 $28 $26 ienior - $25 $31 Cart Fees $24(2+) :art Fees - $13 Person N � C 7 w » y "SIT, FLORES, SIT" When Santa Cruz County, California, deputy sheriff Joe Flores couldn't overtake a fleeing prowler, he decided to bluff. Flo- res shouted that he would send a police dog after the prowler if he didn't stop. When that failed, Flores barked at him. The prowler stopped in his tracks and was apprehended. G Inter Departmental Memorandum City of Rohnert Park Distr. @ Mtg. of: 01 d 05 - cc: Scc• cc: File: File: Mayor Jake Mackenzie: IT IS NOT OUR INTENT TO IMPOSE UPON THE COUNCIL AGENDA. HOWEVER SHOULD YOU FIND THE APPROPRIATE TIME, WE WOULD APPRECIATE YOUR DELIVERY OF THIS MESSAGE TO THE COMMUNITY: The Department of Public Safety. is asking for the public's help to solve a serious crime that happened in the "L" Section at 5:00 AM the morning of Monday, February 14, 2005. (SHOW THE INCLUDED SKETCH) Any information you may have, no matter how insignificant you feel it might be could be the missing puzzle piece we need to find suspect's identity in this CHILD MOLEST investigation. If any listener to my voice commutes from the "L" Section in the early morning or was there on Monday, February 14, 2005, the Detectives want to hear from you. PLEASE HELP US FIND THIS TRULY EVIL MAN BEFORE HE CAN HURT ANOTHER CHILD. 1 Detectives Gene Fahy and Ryan Corcoran want your call at (707) 584-2630. You can remain anonymous if you choose. I Inter Departmental Memorandum City of Rohnert Park WANTED CHILD MOLESTER DESCRIPTION: PLEASE CALL: Male White, 5'9", mid 20'S, Black Hair, Unshaven and "Bad Teeth." (Poor Dental Hygiene) He was Dirty and Unkempt. He was wearing a BLACK VISOR. Detective Gene FAHY Detective Ryan CORCORAN 584-2630 Inter Departmental Memorandum City of Rohnert Park Date: Monday, February 21, 2005 To: Director of Public Safety Thomas R. Bullard CC: (Requested by Director Bullard) Mayor Jake Mackie, Vice Mayor Vicki Vidak-Martinez, Council Members Armando Flores, Tim, Smith and Amie Spradlin. City Manager Dr. Carl E. Leivo, City Clerk Judy Hauff. From: Public Safety Sergeant Arthur A. Sweeney 0� Subject: SENSITIVE CASE UPDATE - Significant Case Investigation - 2/14/2005 Child Molest. Information in preparation for City Council Meeting of February 22, 2005 The purpose of this chronicle is to update you on what the Department of Public Safety considers to be a very serious incident demanding our uttermost attention and resources. The similarity to the Polly Klass case has not been missed on anybody who serves to protect our community. Knowing the details will hopefully prepare you for any questions or concerns expressed by the public. , .. This is a synopsis of the information first made public and released to the media by the department on Thursday, February 17, 2005. On Monday, February 14, 2005 at about 5:00 AM a 7 year old girl was awakened by the sound of her bedroom window being opened. Her room is in a single family, single story tract home in the "L" Section of Rohnert Park. The girl's window faces the street and was accessible from the sidewalk. The girl went to the open window and talked to the suspect who was standing outside. The suspect was not previously known by the victim. The suspect grabbed the girl and held her firmly by the arm as he sexually assaulted (fondled) her through the window. Other than his arms, the. suspect did not enter the residence. The suspect fled on foot when the victim threatened to call for her father. No vehicles were seen. By the time of this media release our Detectives. had shown severaf photographs to the girl including those of sex registrants and the man known as the "Petaluma Prowler" who had gained notoriety and media attention two years ago by entering girl's bedrooms at night and touching their feet. All these people were initially cleared. On February 17, 2005 the department released a press release and an artist sketch of the man described by the girl. Some community concern has been expressed concerning a perceived delay in reporting this case publicly. Hopefully this synopsis of activity will somewhat answer those concerns. While the incident happened at 5:00 AM on Monday, February 14, 2005, the young victim had gone back to sleep in her bed after the suspect had left. It was almost 7:30 AM that morning when the girl first told her mother the story. The mother discounted the first telling and thought that her daughter must have been talking about a dream. - Later, the mother saw that the window screen on her daughter's bedroom window was ajar. It was. 8:00 AM when she called the department to report that something suspicious may have happened. Inter Departmental Memorandum City of Rohnert Park Detective Gene Fahy is the Department of Public Safety's Investigator who specializes in cases of child sexual abuse. This specific Monday was his regular day off but he was working an overtime shift in uniform; he was the officer sent on the Suspicious Circumstance call. After talking .to the girl and finding out that the bedroom window screen may have been partially removed, Detective Fahy thought that more was going on than just bad dream. When the girl began to disclose the sexual assault, Detective Fahy stopped the conversation per policy and arranged for an emergency interview and examination at the Redwood Children's Center. Sonoma County protocol as established by the Office of the District Attorney has both medical and legal professionals tasked with the formal interview and evidence collection mission whenever children are the victims of sex crimes. That appointment took place at 11:00 AM and was attended by our Detective Ryan Corcoran. Photographic and latent fingerprint evidence was collected from the front yard and the girl's bedroom window. At this point very few facts were known, Detective Fahy did not have the detailed information we had collected and released days later. Detective Corcoran attended the formal interview at the Redwood Children's Center; the medical professionals determined that no physical examination would need to be conducted. At the same time on Monday morning three (3) other Detectives from the Department of Public Safety were engaged in a door to door canvass of all the homes near where the victim lived. The Detectives told the people they spoke with what little they knew and interviewed them as to the goings on early that morning. Detective Fahy tried to arrange for one of the police sketch artists to help us on Mondaybut he learned that the earliest anyone could do a sketch was Wednesday, February 16, 2005.. In a way this was somewhat fortuitous as it would have been necessary to cancel any appointment made that Monday. By the time the interview had been finished at Redwood Children's Center the 7 year old victim was exhausted. At 2:30 PM Monday afternoon the interview was completed and the girl was back home with her mother. Detective Fahy conducted a home safety and security inspection. Those minor issues he could fix or resolve himself he did, leaving instructions on ways to correct the rest. Detective Fahy provided resource information regarding the crisis counseling and other victim advocate services available to both the child and parents. All of the patrol shifts working Monday evening and throughout the night were briefed as to the suspicious circumstance and asked to give extra attention to the "L" Section. Inter Departmental Memorandum City of Rohnert Park Early on Tuesday morning, February 15, 2005, the Detectives met with the off going patrol officers who had worked overnight in the "L" Section and learned that they had not seen anything unusual. Three (3) of our Detectives were back in the "'L" Section on foot. They walked every street, from the north end of Lancaster Drive at E. Cotati Ave. to the south end where Lancaster Drive dead ends into an open field, and every one of the side streets and courts in the neighborhood. The Detectives walked in all the parks, foot paths and the railroad tracks including the adjacent ones in the City of Cotati. The Detectives did not find anything related to this case. At the start of the Tuesday school day at the La Fiesta Elementary School, Detective Fahy met with the School Principal and told her what was known up to that point. No sketch had yet been done and the 7 year old victim was still home asleep, her mother had kept her out. of school. The seriousness and significance of the events on Monday morning had become clear and she was still tired from the interview. At this point indications were clear that someone had come to the victim's bedroom window and fondled her the morning prior, but no sketch had yet been done. The victim had yet to give a consistent detailed description of the suspect. Rather that risk the creation of a panic amongst the students and parents alike, the Principal decided to use this day as a refresher of the previously taught ""Stranger Danger" self protection training. The Principal decided that it would be best for the students if she were to personally deliver the lessons rather than accepting our offer to have officers involved. These sessions were reminders to all of the children -of personal safety tips, like making sure windows are locked and yelling for an adult should they be confronted by stranger. Since Monday the Rohnert Park Public Safety has investigated dozens of tips without success...... Yet. All of the sex registrants in both Rohnert Park and Cotati as well as those in the nearby unincorporated areas have been personally visited, questioned by Detectives and initially eliminated as suspects. On Wednesday, February 16, 2005 at 4:30 AM, four (4) Detectives in unmarked cars and on foot were on surveillance in the "L" Section. The Detectives spent hours retracing their steps of Tuesday to no avail. Detective Fahy again checked in with the child and her mother. Fourteen hours later this same day the sketch artist met with the child. The sketch was finally completed at 9:00 PM after hours of effort. Instead of waiting until morning after working a 17 hour day, our Detectives instead created and distributed a flier incorporating this sketch and sent it out to every law enforcement. agency in Marin, Sonoma, Lake and Mendocino Counties. Patrol was given copies of the sketch and again remained on heightened lookout in the "L" Section from Wednesday night to Thursday morning. Inter Departmental Memorandum City of Rohnert Park On Thursday morning the sketch was given to the Principal at La Fiesta School. A press release was created by Sergeant Sweeney and on Thursday both it and the sketch were distributed to 60 media outlets. On Thursday evening a half dozen media interviews were conducted. On Friday, Sergeant Art Sweeney's usual day off he was at work all day to handle Press Information Officer Duties. A dozen more radio, television and print interviews were given. All told the sketch appeared in 5 newspapers, on 8 Internet news pages and 4 Bay Area television stations in addition to TV 50. The alert information and sketch was broadcast to every subscriber within a 50 mile radius of Rohnert Park using the SCAN Network. Sergeant Sweeney created and mad- hundreds of color copies of an informational wanted flier designed for public display. On Friday, February 18, and Saturday February 19, 2005, Community Service Officer Jette Selberg and our Police Explorers distributed nearly 300 different fliers for public release. About 40 large fliers were distributed at commercial locations. On Friday the Detectives continued their contacts with known offenders and working on a tip received from a State Parole Agent who had seen the sketch they talked with a Santa Rosa sex offender who was seen days earlier hanging around the Mountain Shadows Middle School. Although he was not the same person who committed the crime in "L" Section, he was a convicted sex offender in violation of the terms of his probation by being at the school. That person was arrested and is being held without bail at the Sonoma County jail. At about 1:00 AM on Saturday morning February 20, 2005, a Rohnert Park officer found a person in downtown Cotati who resembled the sketch. Our Detectives were called from their homes and spent two hours interviewing this subject. After the interview was done he was determined to be uninvolved in the "'L" Section case and released. At about midnight that same Saturday night Sergeant Sweeney revised the SCAN message and sketch which was sent to every subscriber within a 75 mile radius of Rohnert Park. Every school day since February 14, 2005, three (3) or more Detectives have been at the La Fiesta School before the start of school, during the lunch hour and at the end of the school day. We are in "L" Section at least 3 times a day every day. So far about 40 hours of overtime have been logged by Detectives and others involved in this case. Without disclosing any of the specific plans, Detective Sergeant Ferronato and his team members have many other activities planned to further the resolution of this case. 'Fact Sheet for City Council Appointments to Commissions, Boards, or Committees Committee: Parks Master Plan and Community Fields Citizens Advisory Committee (or SPOSC, the Special Parks and Open Space Committee Over 18 Yes ) Registered in Rohnert Park! Not yet — trying to stay out of politics here! What year did you become Rohnert Park Resident? 2003 Employer: Retired Address: 6145 Commerce Blvd, Rohnert Park Work Phone: 707-5$5-8888 Fax: 707-585-3443 cc: cc, File: VMP Cf C File: Email: bearparkmail@yahoo.com, RPACCC@yahoo.com Employer: NA (Retired) Degrees: HS, BA Mathematics, BS Physics, MA i-lumanistic Psychology, PhD work Energy and Resources Reasons Interested in Committee: The new Open Space Creek Parks need to be integrated into the existing parks system, ideas need to be gathered from the community on what people want to do with the new Open Space Creek Parks, neighborhood creek watch groups to patrol and maintain the creek parks need to be organized, liaison with agencies regulating the creeks need to be improved, we need to optimize use of the creeks as a great science laboratory for our schools, and we need to apply for outside funding for creek restoration from Prop 50 funds, etc. In summer of 2003, after spotting an incredible sthelhead run on Crane/Hinebaugh Creek and at the suggestion of Maria McConnell, I started the Bear Park Creek Pilot Project. In a few months, we had organized the neighborhood into a creek/neighborhood watch to protect the steelhead and clean up this very dirty crime -ridden part of town, a half mile stretch of creek that has become a beautiful neighborhood park. On July 21, 2003, a contracted SCWA jail crew cloarcut most of the trees on the stream and south bank, then repeated the process on Copeland and Adobe Crheks, leading to formation of the Rohnert Park and Cotati Creek Council (RPACCC) as one of 14 cities in the Urbaii Creek Council of California, to protect the 16-20 miles of creeks here. I am co-chair of RPACCC with the representative from Cotati, and acting head of the organization. RPACCC was able to negotiate replacement of otir half mile of trees with large alders and maples, work out special liaisons with SCWA, the Regional Water Board, acid other agencies, and develop guidelines for organizing volunteers that can be extended to 30+ groups (300-1,000 volunteers) protecting the creeks under the new Adopt A Park program. In summer of 2004, after intense negotiations with SCWA over channel maintenance practices, we worked with them to trim 4+ miles of creeks, creating Copeland Creek Nature Park (1.5 miles on Copeland Creek), Butterfly Park (.75 miles on Laguna de Santa Rosa Flood Channel), Turtle Park (.5 miles on Five Creek), and improving Bear Park and Bear Park East (!+ miles on Crane/Hinebaugh Creek.). We will extend this park system to all the remaining creek areas in the Phase II EPA storrnwater area ro the new creek parks can be protected and maintained at no cost to the cities. Neighborhood Creek Groups are the core of the system. Based on our experience in the 18 month Bear Park Creek Pilot Program, 10 people willing to pledge .5 hr/month to patrolling and maintaining a creek reach can take care of a park, if they are well integrated into the city systeM and agency systems. More people mean more fun and the ability to plant flowers and/or trees to improve the creeks.. An estimated $100,000 worth of volunteer help can help the city and agencies in a time of reduced budgets, and available funds from Prop 50, etc can be obtained to improve the creek parks. This committee (which might better be called SPOSC, the Special Parks and Open Space Committee) seems a perfect way to integrate the new Open Space Creeks Parks into the city. Hopefully, others will take on the task of organizing the neighborhood watch groups and maintaining this system in the future (so I can retire!) Related Useful Experience, Publications, Etc Sonoma County Energy Plan (South County Appointee), Marin County Energy Plan Senior Energy Outreach Program for Mendocino and Lake Counties (For Governor's Office) Expert. Witness Training, 1979, California Energy Commission/McGeorge School of Law Certified Energy Auditor, California Energy Commission Who's. Who in American Women, 1989 Jaske, et al, "Residential Electricity Demand in California: Results and Methodology", California Energy Demand: A Collection of Selected Methodology Papers, Pergamon Press, December 1979 Jaske, et al, Technical Documentation of the Resigential Sales Forecasting Model: Electricity and Natural Gas, California Energy Commission, October 1979 '$enenson, Greene, et al, Energy Conservation: Policy Issues and End -Use Scenarios of Savings Potentials, Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory, June 1977 Christianson, Craig, Simmons, et al, Distributed Energy Systems in California's Future: Volumes I and ll, Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory, September 1977 W. Clarke and B. Greene, California's Energy Future, Governor's Office of Planning and Research, October 1977 Sathaye, Benenson, Greene, Kahn, et al, Effects of the Drought on California Electricity Supply and Demand, Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory, June 1977 Benenson, Greene, Kahn, et al, Analysis of the California Energy Industry, Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory, January 1977 B. A. Greene, Residential Solar Hot Water Heating and Space Conditioning Systems in Northern California: A Brief Survey, Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory, October 1976 Berman, et al, Preliminary Report on Assessment of Energy Conservation Strategies, Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory, October 1976 Berman, et al, Electrical Energy Consumption in California: Data Collection and Analysis, Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory, July 1976 Numerous Reports, Manuals, and Computer Programs for local businesses Related Notes I have been writing a book about this which started out as a simple manual for other groups, then became "Bear Park: Adventures of a Creek Steward" and has become "Can a Trout Cross the Freeway?" It is evident that these few years are a critical juncture during which the creeks will either become beautiful parks or trash strewn polluted crime spots. Although this started out as a 2-3 month summer project, it has demanded 18 months of my time as one emergency after another required attention. Now, we need lots of dedicated people working on this, as the creek parks may become one of the crown jewels of Rohnert Park, and we need a structure to incorporate volunteers permanently into city functions. I think you should rename this committee, and that we should break into subgroups to work on special areas of interest and concern and deliver a preliminary report to the City Council in 3-6 months on new ideas for the parks. Membership should be expanded so all groups (per 1990 census) have representation and all interesting projects have someone present to develop the ideas. (We could add volunteers interested in developing a Skate Park, Golf Frisbee, Hiking, Bird Watching, Orienteering, etc and someone from the Bicycle Advisory Committee to help integrate and improve the creekside bike trails.) Potential Conflict of Interest I have become an advocate for the creeks, and am head of RPACCC. I do not own property here or have a business financial interest in any present or proposed developments or related services. Barbara A Greene February 14, 2005 ®tsarMO. Of: a /2z[•s ®ea PIle: File, Feb 22°'2005 In a document I left in your mail box regarding Course Company. I stated that the City had made a loan to Course Company I believe this is incorrect, At a City Council meeting in 2004 Mr. Isaac brought up the subject of the City making a loan to his company, because of the positive response by City Manager Carl Levio I assumed it was a given, assuming was a mistake which I very rarely make. My apology Charles Kitchen Dieu. @ Mtg. Of: a cc• cc: FHe: C;ti�, -A File: 5f. Feb 21s'2005 On Feb 8th Rohnert Park City Council meeting, After the Mayor announced that there was no decision on terminating City Manager Carl Levio, most of the audience left Those were friends and members of the Rohnert Park Peace officers Association who were here to support Carl Levio and pressure the City Council against firing him, This is the same group that spent a lot of time and money to defeat the Recall and supported with their time and a lot of money to have the Gaming Casino come to Rohnert Park The RPPOA came to this City Council meeting to challenge and intimidate this. Council, I have seen Carl Levio perform what may not be illegal, but a lot of times involved in unethical behavior, starting when he was Assistant City Manager, I strongly urge the Council to show the residents it is this council that runs the City and not the RPPOA. If you fire Carl Levio I will not only be surprised; but grateful HL ! . His supporters say he balanced the City budget; I ask how?? There is very little difference in the reduction of cost for running the City from the last budget, major parts of balancing was done by selling City owned properties, sometimes not even putting it on the open market, as was the case with the Wine Center, Mr. Jimmy Rodgers got a hi6e present, at a price he named. There was very little budget cost cutting shown; except when it addressed resident needs Thank You Charles Kitchen SSU community speaks out. See pages 2 and 3. Transfer students get a little extra help if they look in the right place. See page 5. Annual Art Gallery auction a wonderful experience. See page 6. VOLUME 53: ISSUE 4 I Sonoma State University's student-produeed newspaper since 1979. Small classes growing REHAM ARIQAT Staff Writer For some students, the decision to come to SSU was based on its location. For oth- ers, it was because of a certain - sport. Some students even came just because of the female to male ratio. Then there are those who came because of its size; the guarantee of different education due to smaller classes as was stated in SSU's Mission Statement, which reads: "SSU's special character within Califor- nia higher education emerges from its relatively small size." Transfer student Dustin An- derson seems to be disgruntled with classes. "The classes I'm in are too large. I transferred here from community college and I expected small class sizes and did not get them." According to a student who wanted to remain anonymous, "One of my concerns is that this is still being promised to incom- ing students. Even though it is not true, these incoming fresh- men are still being told that one of SSU's best qualities is our small classes while they're Fighting to lower book. prices ANDREA KOSKEY Staff Writer A week before the semes- ter began, Jen Ojima, junior, got in her car and drove more than an hour from home in Concord to SSU so she could buy her books. She wanted to ensure the availability of used books rather than having to pay for the more expensive new ones. "I came during, interces- sion to buy my books because if I had waited, there wouldn't have been any used books left," said Ojima. The high cost of books, especially new ones, is being considered and Associated Students is attempting to help student finances with the "No New Editions of Books" reso- lution, which will ask teachers to consider costs and not order new editions of books unless it is absolutely necessary. "We are asking the teach- ers to be more mindful when ordering new books because SEE BOOK PRICES PG 5 MEGAN CAPATA / / STAR Classes like this make it necessary for students to arrive extra early just to get a seat. touring campus." Other students seem to dis- agree. Student and tour guide Emily Peterson denies that the tour guides are still giving out this information. "We actually have been telling students that class sizes are in fact getting bigger, but that it's not a huge increase. If you average out all classes and lectures, they would average. out to about 30 to 35 students per class." Peterson also said that "compared to oth- er CSU's and UC's, our classes are a lot smaller." While this issue has been a problem for many students, it has also been a major concern for some professors as well. Anthropology professor Caro- lyn Epple, PH.D said "The curriculum is being cut, and for us that is a huge issue. With less faculty, the number of stu- dents in each class increases, which decreases the chance of getting to know each student SEE CLASS SIZES PG 10 , The iPod craze: when the tiny tech toy makes a big statement. See page 9. FEBRUARY 22,, 2005 Rohnert Park Police seek. harsher, punishment for repeat party call offenders EMILY MEAD News Editor Students who live in Rohnert Park may soon be finding themselves on the receiving end of much harsher punishment for throwing disruptive parties. During the Rohnert Park City Council meeting which will be held on 'hies., Feb. 22, the Rohnert Park Police Department will be proposing a new ordinance in response to the growing number of party disturbance calls. "The biggest problem I see with this is that there will be ab- solutely nothing else to do in Rohnert Park," said Brian Ferguson, Rohnert Park resident and fraternity member. "It will cause more problems I think. There will just be more people at the bars and in the streets because there are so few other options." In 1993, the city of Rohnert Park established ordinance 9.48.040 which said, "When any party, gathering, or event oc- curs on private property and a public safety department officer issues a first warning to the responsible person(s); the responsible person(s) will be held liable for the cost of providing police ser- vices during a second and any follow-up responses by a public safety department officer or officers." According to the Rohnert Park Police, the problem with this ordinance is that it only covers a single event. Over the last year, however, the department has seen a significant increase in the number of calls officers respond to that involve the same address and the same responsible person(s). By amending this ordinance to extend the period of time for which a second and subsequent response can be issued, Rohnert Park Police are hoping to decrease the number, of calls they re- ceive, which went up 76 percent since 2003. SEE PARTY CALLS PG 10 Beaujolais._ leaving much. to be desired KATHARMF LIMANM 5tatt venter Complaints and concerns are abound in Beaujolais Village. Students have numerous unanswered questions concerning many different aspebts of Beaujolais. Parking is a hassle, the pool and spa are closed intermittently and there is a huge dirt lot with nothing on it just staring residents in the face. "What is the point of having residential parking if many of the residents can't park in it?" asked Gayle Danielson, Beaujolais resident. He is referring to the problem facing many Beaujolais west residents who are ex- tremely angered by the lack of parking for residents. There are six buildings in Beaujo- lais, each housing over 100 students. The three western buildings, Bordeaux, Alsace and Classico, share 'two park- ing lots. One specifically requires a resident (RH) decal; and the other, Lot F, requires pnly a non-resident (1) decal. Both of these parking lots are accessible from Redwood Drive, the street that runs through campus, which is accessible from both Rohnert Park Expressway and East Cotati Avenue. Residents of Bordeaux, Alsace and Classico might have a hard time finding parking,'but can generally find a spot close enough to their place. Residents of the eastern build - BRENT PEARsE / / STAR All that occupies the empty lot behind Beaujolais is dirt, while students eagerly await parking ings of Beaujolais, however, have a Cotati Avenue by a little street called campus via the main entrance (Sequoia much more difficult time with parking. Cypress Drive. If students are unable to Way). After having to park far from Loire, Madeira and Medoc share one find parking, they must drive back onto parking lot, only accessible from East East Cotati Avenue and then back onto SEE BEAUJOLAIS PG 4 Sexual assaults in dorms go unreported KARISA DERN Staff Writer There is reason to believe that sexual assault cases are discretely circulating throughout the SSU dorms, though currently, nothing is being reported. "We all have this stereotypical image about who the rapist is, this rape crazed sex fiend who is jumping out of the bushes," said Kris Montgom- ery, sexual violence recourse specialist of SSU's Women's Recourse Center. "When in reality, sta- tistically it's the average people we know," said Montgomery. "For women and men rape/sexual assault is one of the most underreported crimes period," Montgomery said. According to the American Association of University Women, 20-25 percent of women will be raped during the course of their college careers. Interestingly enough, nine percent of victims of rape and sexual assault are male. "When I was a freshman in the dorms I was sexually assaulted by a guy in our dorm and I never told anyone because I knew the guy who did it," said an SSU student who chose to remain anonymous. "Of course there was alcohol in- volved, so it would sound like I gave some sort of consent if I told anyone." She commented that this sort of thing 'has happened to a lot of her friends who are in the dorms, but they never told any officials because their perpetrators are their so-called "friends." This incident explains the term "acquain- tance rape." It involves rape by a non -stranger which could include a friend, acquaintance, fam- ily member, neighbor, or co-worker. Currently 85 percent of rapes are acquaintance rapes, accord- ing to statistics. The reality is that 80-85 percent of women actually know the person who sexually assaulted them. "We all didn't take `mind reading 101,"' said Montgomery. "So.it's hard to be aware of who to watch out for." The problem is the fact that only five percent of rape incidents are reported to the police. This allows sexual assault to spread like an invisible wild fire. It is a sad phenomenon that commonly exists throughout thousands of college campuses. According to current statistics, 75 percent of the offenders are drinking. Although alcohol can trigger an aggressive sexual nature, it should not be the price some innocent person should have to pay. "Many people come to SSU with misconcep- tions because they. are not educated about rape," Montgomery said. However, SSU does have a program referred to as SAFE, Student Advocates For Education, which is a student advocacy/peer educator group that implements university -wide prevention education. "We work together to educate students on responsible alcohol use, and sexual assault prevention," said Jessica Vargas, a current member of SAFE. "We haven't heard of any cases of sexual assault in police services recently," said Judy . Mefferd of police services. "No one has made any reports lately, not even anonymous reports; it is a very underreported crime. " She said it's a tough situation in small col - SEE SEXUAL ASSAULTS PG 10 PAGE 2 BY CORTNEY ROSE JONES Editor -in -Chief The outpouring - of letters I received after last week's editorial was remarkable; and each letter made a great point. I wrote the editorial after reading Ward Churchill's essay, many articles and opinions 'of it, doing a thorough Google search on Churchill (where I learned he has other skeletons) and settling on my own opinion and interpretation (of him and his words). I matched this with some of my personal experiences here at SSU, some of which involve very liberal professors who jumble fact with their leftist viewpoints. I have walked out of many classes disgusted at the system (from • whatever material was covered that day or discussion that arose). I must admit, I do get bogged down and disappointed about the future state of this country.. It is extremely frustrating to know that some day I will be working for the system too. But, I do have faith in "the people",, when they work together. I appreciate every freedom and right granted to me as an American citizen and I thinly that working together is the only way for this nation to move forward; and I am allfor progressive thought and speech. Churchill's essay, riddled with facts, exaggerations and mathematical manipulations, was counterproductive, in my opinion. I believe it is unfair for those students, who take his classes for whatever reason, to have to get their education from such an extreme professor. As, for his being fired, I',ll let the courts decide that (and considering the • record of First Amendment proceedings, Churchill will most likely be fine). Thanks for reminding me. 0 0 FEBRUARY' 22, 2005 Let the people,,speak Dear Editor, Dear Editor: In response to the recent editorial "Can Free Speech Go Too Far?"; the answer, of course, So, you are a staunch is no. Can free speech be irresponsible?, Yes, of course, as it is often. I found University of supporter of the First Amend - Colorado Professor Ward Churchill's comments about the victims of Sept. 11 repugnant. ment, but you think that people However, I grow concerned when you write, "The First Amendment should not pro- like Ward Churchill who express tect, nor is there room in the public system, for professors who preach treason and ideas you regard as vile should be taint the optimism of students who have yet to experience the joys of life." silenced. In other words, Freedom of Ignoring your. blatant glossing over of America's foreign policy and its in- Speech is great as long as people agree fluence on our current geopolitical situation, the public system is the perfect with you? C'mon! The true test of your forum fora discussion of controversial ideas. If we lost all the professors belief in the First Amendment rights of free-' who "preach" so-called "treason" we'd be left with a bunch of funda- dom of expression is whether you will accept the mentalist Christian fascists. One person's treason is another's call to rights of the very people whose speech you most freedom (for more details see American Revolution, Declaration disagree with. In which case, you certainly have the of Independence etc.). right of rebuttal: the best answer 'to bad speech is more As an editor (and a very good one) of a university news- speech. paper, you either believe in free speech and the power of That said, itis quite possible -that Ward Churchill should the First Amendment as an integral protection of the lose his tenure at the University of Colorado for other reasons. individual or some modified form of government Churchill certainly is not the only academician with extremist controlled fascism., political views. There is no shortage of scholars whose politics He Which will it be? Sometimes I feel like at the extreme ends of the. political spectrum. Most of the time these the last hippie. I miss. the Democratic- ideologues avoid the kind of gratuitous invective that generates calls for Republic I heard about when I was their dismissal. Churchill, however, seems not -to be bound the usual limits younger. As the leader of a newspa- of civility. Nevertheless, calls for his firing purely on the basis of his ideas runs per you must fight for free speech. contrary to the tenets of academic freedom and to the spirit of the First Amend - Best Regards, Chip McAuley Tent to the Constitution. Likewise, those who would deny him the right to present his views — however absurd they may be — have little understanding that the strength Dear Editor: , of the First Amendment is contained in its protection of unpopular ideas. After reading Cortney Rose However, academic integrity and freedom of speech are different issues. It ap- Jones' last sentence of her editorial pears that Churchill has violated standards of academic integrity in ways that well titled, "Can free speech be taken too could provide grounds for his dismissal from his academic position. One compo - far?" I cringed. nent of academic integrity is honesty about one's credentials. In Churchill's case She writes, "The First Amendment his claim to Native American ancestry, which he made on two applications for should not protect, nor is there room positions at Colorado are highly suspect. Even giving Churchill the benefit of in the public system for, professors who the doubt when it comes to his American Indian heritage, there are, far more preach treason and taint the 'optimism of serious. concerns about the honesty of his scholarship. It is a basic tenet students who have yet to experience the joys throughout academia that you don't make up facts to fit your theories. It of life." Freedom of speech is one of those sav- appears that Churchill has done that on more than one occasion. ing and raze reasons why I still take some pride -Rick Luttmann, Professor of Mathematics in America. While I understand the frustration that derives from constantly being given a biased viewpoint, the .freedom to communicate the view- Dear Editor: point should never be abolished. In response to the editorial of Feb. 15. `�' The First Amendment should protect everyone— We must take issue with this editorial for two reasons: even professors who preach "treason" (as the writer so 1.The Editor of our University's newspaper has made a plea termed it). The day we begin to go back and exclude for censorship. We would expect the Editor,to be the first to certain people from certain amendments is the day I've guard against such impediment on the freedom of expression. lost complete faith in this country. One of the things I Our newspaper has printed an assortment of expletives and es - value most about my college education is that the students, says that would have fallen to the censor's scissors were such as well as the professors, can speak freely with one another. impediments installed. The freedoms enjoyed by our press The professors whom I have respected the most in my four are not to be relegated gently; it is our Belief that the Editor years here have not merely given the facts -they have given must -be nonpareil -in -the defiense,of these'freedoms.- ­44- their heartfelt opinions on the matters as well. 2• The Editor of our university's newspaper has They ,are'indeed educators, but are also human beings who made a plea for censorship within the academy. Our do hold political biases like everyone else. If they,were limited to university is predicated on an unhindered and critical teaching only the black and white facts of the world, as most grade exchange of ideas. We are loath to read that the Edi - school teachers are, there would be less room for enlightenment and for "naively takes] as fact" the numberless conten- passion. College students should be old enough to take what,they are tions of academia. The academy is most ingenious given and form beliefs of their own. when unencumbered: we fret for our personal Their minds should not be so naive and impressionable that they will privation should scholarly freedom be fettered. automatically agree with everything they hear. I think that students who Justice Hugo Black writes in his dissent feel the need for the first amendment to shut certain people up are naive as to the ruling in Smith v. California (1959), well. And, as long as we're speaking freely, "I read `no law abridging' to mean no law I think Jones' editorial is sadly indicative of the post 9/11 fear and para- abridging." It is our sincerest hope that the noia that has gripped this country. I praise Ward Churchill, the University Editor of our university newspaper will of Colorado professor, whose job was suspended for speaking his mind, as assume similarly unequivocal vigilance everyone—no matter what profession they hold—has the right to do. I was deep- in upholding the freedoms from which ly disappointed in learning of his termination by the Colorado public educational our university and its newspaper ema- system for his expressive essay. As protected citi2ens, whether we be patriotic, nate. jingoistic, or anti-American, we all have the right to freedom of speech. -Eric S. Dahm -Kate Fericano, Hutchins School / History The STAR Editorial Staff Spring 2005 Editor: Cortney Jones Web Page Editor: Michelle Olivera . News Editor: Emily Mead A & E Editor: Lauren Willard Sports Editor: Brian Jeffcoat Student Life Editor: Gabriel Fernandez Opinion Editor: Rebekah Cohen Ad Manager: Jillian Steinhauser Photo Editor: Megan Capaia' Copy Editor: Michelle Olivera Faculty Advisor: Ed Beebout ,Staff writers: Nick Agius, Rehamn Ariqat, Andrew Bailey, Alycia Cahill, Lailrel Car- men, Mike Cattivera, Rachelle Cooper, Karisa Dern, Gina Dunch, Chandra Farnham, Kaitlin Glass, Alex Grenell, Tracy Johnson, Kirk Ju_hasz, Andrea Koskey, Erik Kute, Katharine LiMandri, Melody Lindsey, Kasey Luber, Diana Maire, Rachel Nichols, Monica Olivera, Jeff O'Brien, Brent Pearse, Marisol Ponce, K.C. Scinto, Travis Smith, Michele Thomas. The Sonoma State Star is located at 1801 East Cotati Ave., Rohnert Park, CA 94928, in Salazar Hall, room 1053. To contact the Star office call (707) 664-2776, For advertising information please call (707) 664-2714. E-mail - star@sonoma.edu. Dear Ms. Cortney Rose Jones, I would just like to start off by saying how incredibly disrespectful I found your article in the Feb. 8, edition of the Star. There are plenty of students here, besides yourself, who do care a great deal about their college experience. Your, "better than thou" attitude directed at the majority of Sonoma State students is not appreciated. If you were aiming to moti- vate students by your article, I think you need to rethink read what you had to say, because it. lacked any motivation; it simply created aggravation. I find it very disturbing that you call the students on this campus "presumably intelligent" and question our IQ's because some people are uninformed .on voting is- sues. I personally would never have had the exposure to politics that I needed had I not taken a political science course last semester. In that semester, I learned a lot of valuable information and was very proud of the fact that I was able to grow and learn more about politics. For you to categorize the students on this campus as "uninformed" is complete bullshit. Did it ever occur to you that some people lack , interest in such topics? You say you are a Communications major, so does that mean that you sit in on every class, in every department to see how students interact? I assume you do not, because I have been in many classes where the majority of students actively participate. I really think you need to rethink some of the statements you made. , You are a part of this community here' at Sonoma state, a community that does not need to be belittled. ,College is a stressful time for many students, and the complaints such as teachers "asking too much of them' are not just "bitching" or lame excuses. For some people the stress and the overbearing work load is real and it gets to be too much at times. Have you never been stressed, have you just skated your way ,through college, have you not been challenged at all? If you answer yes to this, which I think you would based on your "I don't think this college business is that tough" statement, then maybe you need - to rethink how productive your, time spent here truly was. It is my second'year here and I have felt as though my classes have not only been a challenge, 'but they have taught me many valuable things. If SSU was just too easy, then perhaps you haven't really gained anything from your experience. But for those of us who are enjoying the experience, for those of us who want to be here, we would appreciate some credit for the effort we are - making to get a quality education. Sincerly, Vickie Moore Dear Editor: Last week, the article titled "Tragedy at Chico: student overdoses on water" talked about Greek organizations hazing and was accompanied by a picture of a Gamma Phi Beta banner. Although the actual article stated Dear Editor: There is a long tradition mi the USA that says that no ideas are so bad or evil that they must be outlawed. Su- preme Court Justice William Brennan said, "All ideas having even the slightest redeeming social importance - unorthodox ideas, con- troversial ideas, even ideas hateful to the prevailing climate of opinion - have the full protection of the guaran- tees" of the First Amend- ment. One hundred years ago, a Sonoma County resident named Jack London spoke at Yale University. Mr. London, a member of the Socialist Labor Party, told the students that capitalism was evil and that.it had to be destroyed and replaced by socialism. His ideas were controversial and unortho- dox and even hateful to most people in the audience. The New Haven Register, which . believed in capitalism and was opposed to socialism, applauded Mr. London for speaking out. The newspa- per said that supporters of capitalism and opponents of, socialism could-leam from the speech, and come up with arguments against Jack London. As they understood, we learn as much from . our opponents as from our friends and allies. Justice Brennan also said that, "debate on public issues should be uninhibited, robust, and wide open." I agree. Last semester remember correctly —you �+� feu endorsed Ralph Nader for President. Many Americans thought at the time that that was a dangerous idea, an idea that ought to have been suppressed. Do you now wish that someone had censored you and that you did not have freedom of ex- pression. And what happens if next week you change your mind about this week's editorial. And regret it. Don't we have the freedom to think our thoughts and the freedom to change our minds? I hope so. Thank you, Jonah raskin that SSU has never had an incident of hazing like the one featured in the article, the subtitle, "Overdose: Sorority/raternity hazing minimal at SSU," implies otherwise. The word "mini- mal" suggests that hazing does go on, only not as severe. Gamma Phi Beta has never had an 'incident of hazing on the SSU campus. Not only does SSU have rules about hazing, Pan- hellenic Council (the national organization that Alpha XI Delta, Alpha Gamma Delta and Gamma Phi Beta belong to), has extremely strict rules against this behavior. The national fraternities and sororities can not only lose their charter on campus, but also can lose their chapter with their national organizations if caught hazing. The fraternity at Chico that the young man who overdosed on water be- longed to was not a chartered fraternity and, was not recognized by any national organiza- tion. As Greeks at SSU we would like it to be called to the attention of the student body and faculty of SSU that Greek Organizations on this campus do not participate in such actions that those Greeks at other campus' do. Meghan Azevedo, Panhellenic President - EDITOR'S NOTE: The photo following the article "Tragedy at Chico: student overdoses on water," was of Gamma Phi Beta's letters, a SSU sorority. There is no connection whatsoever between Gamma Phi Beta and this hazing incident, nor any incident in the past. The photo was not meant to shed any negative light on this, nor any Greek house at SSU.. ' , FEBRUARY 22, 2005 Ag'ree'to Disagree: A'most valuable American tradition ERIK H. KuTE Staff Writer The one aspect of this coun- try's political climate that I find most wanting is the fascist -like animosity that the conservatives and liberals express towards one another. Raised in Marin County, ranked one of the most lib- eral counties in California, I have naturally been inclined to an uncompromising, liberal politi- cal disposition. Certain lifestyles and freedoms that conservatives would fail to even consider, I have accepted as a given of the surrounding social climate. It was not until I saw that conservative com- munities were infected no with the same epidemic no of child -like intolerance that I realized something , C was seriously wrong in America. In these cir- cumstances I have, been b fortunate enough to see the fascist -like attitudes that most Americans reserve for their political opposites, and I do not exaggerate when I say that the refusal for so many to "agree to disagree" is one, of this country's most serious setbacks. There are those who say that a patriot is a citizen who supports the government and fights for his country, but the reality is that a patriot is a champion of truth who endeavors to elevate his country to the highest ideals of its:collective constituents, Obvi- ouy, this is the most complex, task' a nation as diverse as the, U.S `Icould possibly face. In com- paring the actions of the liberals and conservatives, it is important to understand that both groups have earned credit for meritous action, and both groups are es- sentially composed of patriots. For the conservatives who dislike those wily liberals, con- sider the political reforms that allow you access to your govern- ment, such as the Freedom of Information Act, and the more or less progressive, positive re- tion recognized by modem lationship between this country's science, and they range from ethnic groups that resulted in the the comfortable medium of liberal -driven social changes that modern western psychology to :were sparked by the Civil Rights the highly esteemed tradition Movement in the 60s. " of Chinese medicinal theory And for the liberals who and practice. In truth, there is hold conservatives in contempt, a wealth of factual knowledge consider the service they have out there concerning spiritual rendered to this country since its phenomena which has been founding. From the Anti -slavery recorded and examined by League established in 1775 by modern science that will truly the ultra -religious Quaker astonish anyone who takes the Christians to the predomi- time to look for it. nately conservative G.I.s of the Obviously, conservatives U.S Army who were the decid- should know that a liberal ing factor in subduing Hitler's is not a freedom -junky who has no sense of right or wrong and champions anarchy; rather, a lib- eral defines the law in ler- t a freedom junky who has broader terms of vast ance. And yes, the vast, sense of .right or wrong and majority of liberals are religious and they do in- hampions anarchy; rather, terpret the execution of a liberal defines the law in its principles differently than you do. roader terms of tolerance. I heard a student say once that the freedom of speech was more than a Germany in World War 11. right; it was a privilege. I liked Despite what some liberals this idea, but I realized that the think, a Republican is not an in- freedom of speech is more. It articulate redneck with a manner is, above all, a responsibility; a and social disposition repulsive demand on every American to to allbut the most offensive use it as the faculty of rational derelict; they are educated and thought and regard it as the uneducated, white . and black, only real medium of democ- Christian and Jew, rich and poor, racy we had access to. and ultimately they are much like , I hope, in the future, you. when politics are discussed, They are criticized most people will use their freedom widely for their staunch moral of speech as it was meant to be disposition, and it is important used and take into account the that, libgWs, understand, that the , ,,full ,details, of _the issues they source of this moral,,stgbbom ,,wish to, Saye an opinion on. ness is not simply a whimsical Then, hopefully, they will un - and largely Christian phenom- derstand that "agreeing to dis- ena; Jews, Muslims, Buddhists agree" is the only way that our and Hindus vouch for more or most cherished freedoms and less the same moral principles, social conditions were granted and like Christians possess more us, and the only way they will or less a millennia of deeply root- remain in our hands. Compro- ed tradition. And yes, adherents mise has been, and will forever to these traditions are not entirely remain, the distinct character - ignorant. istic of the American experi- They do find "support for ence. We must continue to their beliefs ' in modern science honor it. and those processes of cogni-, Obviously, conservatives. should know that a liberal is SSU United,', BY DOME BEI Guest Writer Ladies and Gentlemen of SSU, get out your board games because soon the only way you're going to get action in this city is if you're playing the game of LIFE in your living room. This Tuesday, the Rohnert Park City Council will be asked to vote on an amendment to the existing party ordinance. The current ordinance says that when the police break up a party, the host gets ,a waming, and if the police have to come back that same night, the host pays the city's cost of breaking up the party. That means you are paying the officers to break up your Ply. The proposed amendment (which was submitted by Public Safety and Sergeant Wulff Re- inhold) makes it so that the host gets only one warning in any six month period. Police come, they break up the party, and then they give you the bill; Every time. On top of that, the amendment states that the owner of the property will be liable for the fine, should the party host be unable to pay and that they will be recorded as hav- ing a house with multiple party warnings. This means two things. NO MORE PARTIES IN ROH- - this amendment is if we unite. NERT PARK and NO MORE And if it does pass we will STUDENTS LIVING IN ROH- need to mobilize and launch a NERT PARK. It's already hard boycott of Rohnert Park busi- enough to get a house or apart- nesses. All who are reading this ment in this city and now it will should attend the City Council be almost impossible because meeting tonight around 8:30 property owners aren't going to p.m. at City Hall -6750 Com - want that liability and all of the merce Blvd (the corner of strains that come along with this Commerce and Avram). Let amendment. the council know how you feel. Go towww.ipetitions.com/ The petition says that campaigns/beatrpordinance and sign the online petition or we will boycott Rohnert find me and sign on paper. Park businesses if the Everyone can remember amendment is passed. their first night out in Rohnert Park. Fresh arrivals at col- lege and ready for action we Several hundred students all went out for a night on the around this campus have been town, only to come back home informed of the amendment and somewhat disappointed saying, have decided that something has "I have four more years of high to be done. level excitement in this action There's even a , group on packed city of Rohnert Park?" facebook, so you know it has Now it is somewhat un'- n=to tobe serious. I have begun a derstandable that a town like petition signing campaign. The Rohnert Park isn't going to petition says that we will boycott provide the type of late night Rohnert Park businesses if the insanity of a Santa Barbara, or amendment is passed. a San Diego college town. SSU students contribute an But, this is college. We are enormous amount of money to students. WE NEED THINGS this city. If Rohnert Park passes TO DO. Rohnert Park has this amendment which shows responded by providing no they don't want us in their city, after -hour activities and is now well then we don't want to be trying to remove one of the few part of it. And we will take our events that are our own. Let us money with us. ` now respond! SSU United! The only way we can defeat • PAGE 3 To suit or to stand?. that. N s the question. REBEKM COHEN Opinion Editor ord of mouth, books and mov- ies tend to docu- ment the 60's as being characterized by stu- dent activism and a politically charged public. When I was younger my parents would rem- inisce about their college days full of campus protests, walk- outs, massive rallies and public dissention over politics. They told us stories about standing up for what they believed in, not only verbally, but physically; they would protest all in an effort to provoke social change. I remember thinking how great it would be to feel so fervent and passionate about something enough to get up and make an attempt to improve it. I thought it would be fun to make a cute little sign with a cute little suggestion and walk around yelling cute little things and .think that I might just make a cute little difference. I re- member thinking how active I would be once I was in college. -I remember thinking that when 'the time came, I would become Bekah the politically savvy ac- tivist fighting for a better world one protest at a time. I am ,now in my, senior year in college and can only remember participating in one protest. Well, it was probably only considered half of a protest and my participation was far from active. A few years ago, when the U.S was preparing to invade Iraq, a flyer was circulating around my junior college pro- posing a walk- out in protest of the invasion. I was initially excited about being a part of something that could create some kind of positive change. When the day came, I was prepared to take a stand. I was ready to grab my bag and walk out of my class room and into a parade full of people gar- nished in peace signs, yelling clever chants and filling the air with passionate rhetoric as we marched down the road to a bet- ter world. The movies totally misled me and I walked out into a quad full of roughly 60 people whose only real • incentive for being there was an excuse to leave class. The air was full of impassionate dissonance and as excited as I thought I was to contribute to social change, serting my right as a citizen and working to achieve a world that is more to my liking. I feel that it is important to read the news- paper and continue to make an effort, despite how exhausting the process, to be informed on the bigger picture. When I sit in silence in class, submit trivial opinion pieces, or keep my mouth shut when politics creeps its way into the discussion it is not a result of apathy. The trouble is seeing the relevance of the big issues in the world to my everyday, life. Because I am not immediately affected by issues like Social Security, and even the war in Iraq, they fall lower on my list of priorities. It sounds horrible, but my primary concerns reside in a world that is yet to be directly affected by the topics that -per- meate the nightly news. Be- cause I am immediately affected by my performance on tests and papers, the majority of my energy is fo- cused there in hopes of receiving quick gratification for my efforts. My disposition and behavior towards politics could be perceived by others as a characteristic of apa- thy or even narcissism. I must admit that I am embarrassed to even admit how indifferent and self involved I can be. How- ever, I do not feel like I remain in a "bubble" simply because I don't care. I am not sure why, upon learning of all the awful things that are going on around me, I am not infuriated. I am not sure why I ,reTain seated q d silenl. I don't know what it is that I am waiting to happen to push me up and into a state of mind where I feel genuinely compelled to act on my emotion and initiate ac- tion. But, I am definitely wait- ing for something painfully real to knock me over the head and finally make me understand. 1 thought it would be fun to make a cute little sign with a cute little suggestion and walk around yelling cute little things and think that 1 might just make a cute little difference. I found myself jumping at the chance to escape the scene and go get a sandwich. I think a lot of people would characterize my behavior as apa- thetic. It seems that that word is frequently tossed around when describing student demograph- ics. The word apathy means someone without emotion. So, someone who is not perceived as being involved in the class- room or engaged in political discussion' automatically tends to fall into this category. I, on the other hand, think that apathy is not the right ad- jective. Perhaps exhausted, intimidated or even just hesitant to, voice an opinion regarding controversial issues, might be a more appropriate description. I am not defending my si- lence in the classroom, nor am I making an excuse for not as- ORIGINAL CARTOON BY TACE BANDANLIN Do you ever feel,like nobody is listen- ing to you? Do people turn up the mu- sic when you are trying to talk? Help us help you. Write a 300-600 word ar- ticle about what's on your mind. Let the STAR make you a star! email: star@sonoma.edu PAGE 4 i L %,o r r V FEBRUARY ZZ, zoos Prank phone, calls continue to cause frustration KAmSA DERN Staff Writer Several prank phone calls were made last week to SSU students falsely indicating that the calls were coming from the Student Health Center, and that the recipient of the call has been identified as having or possibly spread- ing a sexually transmitted disease to, others. These calls were made both in- person and voice mail/answering machine messages. The callers have not been identified at this point, but, The Student Health Center and Police Services are outraged by these phone calls and are taking these prank calls very seriously. "The whole concept of what was done is offensive and alarming to the health center because the phone call was a complete misinterpretation of the health center," said Georgia Schwartz, M.D., director of the Student Health Center. So far, at least three people have reported these prank calls, and Police Services are currently working on tracing them. Schwartz was able to listen to one of the messages that a student had re- corded. The caller had a young female voice and identified herself as "Olivia from the SSU Student Health Center." (Olivia is a false representative of the Student Health Center). She went on to say that she is calling because the recipient of the calls has been identified as having or possibly spreading a sexually transmit- ted diseases to others. She went on to advise the student of the call to come into the Student Health Center and be tested as soon as possible. Schwartz and other members of the Student Health Center are irate by the nature of these phone calls, and the reputation of the Student Health Center. "These phone calls have the af- fect of undermining the confidentially of the health center, we would never leave confidential information over the phone or in a message." Schwartz said she believes more than three people received these prank calls. "Some students shrugged it off and others were completely offended by the calls because some of the calls were made at'certain hours that made it difficult to contact someone. ".It's not just a silly prank, it's serious, and can be classified as a crime," said Officer Judy Mefferd of Police Services. "Everyone's .level of BRErrr PEARSE / / STAR A student and, resident of Beaujolais takes the long stroll from the dorms to the parking lot. acceptance is different, but the law is there. If they want action, they need to report it." Police Services can pursue crimi- nal charges in some instances and request administrative action if the caller(s) are SSU members. In, order to assist Police Services with these in- vestigations- it is important to not erase saved messages/numbers. Write down the caller ID number, if available. The California Penal Code de- fines "prank/harassing or annoying telephone calls" as: 653m. (a) Every person who, with intent to annoy, tele- phones or makes contact by means of any electronic communication devise with another and addresses to or about the other person any obscene language or addresses to the other person any threat to inflict injury to the person or property of the person addressed or any member of his or her family is guilty of a misdemeanor. Nothing in this subdi- vision shall apply to telephone calls or electronic contact make in good' faith. (b) Addresses same and "repeatedly": (c) Addresses same as (a) & (b) and at the place of work. ` "There are many other ways to be funny," said Mefferd. "This needs to stop now, we are watching and the police are watching." The Student Health Center goes through great pains to insure all confidential information remains so, as well as maintain campus safeguards against invasion of privacy. Even though these calls were meant to be some kind of prank, they undermined the confidence that SSU students should have in their Student Health Center. Students await completion CONTINUED FROM PG 1 their house, students then have to walk at least one street block, which has few lights for those who come and go at night. Residents of Beaujolais are used, to parking problems, but do not understand why the empty land behind Beaujolais is not being used. Residents of Beaujolais know that the empty land is for the prospective phase two of buildings for Beaujolais, what they do not understand is why nothing is being done with it in the mean time. "It doesn't make sense because there is a parking availability dilemma and there is this huge empty lot that we could park in. It's fivs- trating," said Ashley Stilleson, junior and resident of Beaujolais east. Director of Housing Services, Tim Tiemens, said that there are plans for phase two but it is undecided as to when construction will begin. Tiemens explained that the current budget "ne- gotiated by Governor Schwarzenegger included enrollment increases for all CSU schools that will work out to a specific percentage increase." Potentially there will be a 2.5 percentage increase per school each year. "The larger Southern California schoof's Ill not be able to expand at that rate, and to makeup for it, Sonoma State may have to have a 5 percent increase," Tiemens said. If the budget passes, SSU will then have a mandatory enrollment in- crease, and building on phase, two of Beaujolais will begin. Tiemens hopes that the proposed budget will pass. However, he noted that K-12 schools think .if that CSU's are receiving too much money and are attempting to fight the budget plans. In prepara- tion for a budgetary change, Tiemens said that they are "talking about parking" for the gravel path behind Beaujolais because they understand the need for it. Besides the parking woes of Beaujolais'resi- . dents, the pool was closed numerous times during the fall semester, leaving students frustrated. "On a warm weekend day it's nice to hang out at the pool and get your mind off school," said Kurt Mathews, Beaujolais resident. Students who needed a little bit of an escape, such as Mathews, were disappointed when signs posted outside of the pool said, "Closed Due to Vandalism." The vandalism was due to chemicals (such as deter- gent) being poured into the pool or spa. Tiemens said that when this happens the chemicals "throw off the pH balance and the water doesn't meet health standards." It can take a few weeks to clean the water to meet health standards. While residents of Beaujolais are happier with their housing now than they have been in the past, the village still has many residents left with many unanswered questions and inconveniences. Paying $94 for a parking pass each semester is a significant amount of money, and students just "want to get something' in return for it. "I find it to be very annoying when I have to park in the lot for the buildings over [in Beaujo- lais west] and carry my heavy grocery -bags to my building and then up two flights of stairs," said Sandy Leventhal, Beaujolais resident. Beaujolais is still incomplete and students say they will continue to complain but will also go about their days productive at SSU. P, February l - February 13 COURTESY, POLICE AND PARKING SERVICES 2/8 2:59 p.m. Vehicles struck while parked in residence hall lot. 2/810:55 p.m. Driver struck light pole, knocking it over, on Juniper Lane near Field House. 2/912:41 p.m. Suspect cultivating marijuana in residence, halls. 2/1012:11 a.m. Person reports that friend is suffering from depression. 2/1012:42 p.m. Los Gatos PD requests impound of vehicle in "F" Lot, possibly used in crime in Los Gatos. 2/10 4:17 p.m. Wallet taken from main gym. 2/119:21 a.m. Victim tripped in Carson Hall, transported to Health Center. 2/115:17 p.m. Subject told to leave campus and not return for seven days. 2/117:18 p.m. Suspect arrested on local warrants. 2/119:37 p.m. Suspect cited for possession of marijuana in residence halls. 2/1212:09 p.m. Stereo taken from vehicle parked in "J" Lot. 2/131:33 p.m. Stereo taken from vehicle parked in "J" Lot. 2/13 2:45 p.m. Suspect found in possession of marijuana in residence halls. 2/13 5:18 p.m. Suspect arrested on local warrant. FEBRUARY 22, 2005 r J. L%wo r r V PAGE 5 Life as a,transfer student LAURA MARTINEZ Staff Writer Transfer students have a unique transition experience when coming to SSU. Many students begin their college career as freshmen, others de- cide to transfer during their junior or 'senior year and it seems this trend is catching on. "We brought in about 1,450 transfer students this academic year," said Director of Admissions and Recruitment, Gustavo Flores. "Over 2,000 students have applied for the Fall 2005 semes- ter.'.' Transfer students are accepted provided they have completed 56 or more transferable units in- cluding general education courses with a grade C or better and have a minimum of a 2.0 GPA. Once transcripts are evaluated and it is deter- mined that the student has met the requirements, he/she is accepted. This is just one of the many hurdles that students must face; a more difficult task for some is the transition process. SSU provides transfer students with the choice of attending one of two transfer orienta- tions, which allows transfer students to meet with advisors from their chosen major department and attend workshops pertaining to academic and stu- dent life. Unfortunately, not many students take advantage of the orientations. "We have a 50 to 60 percent participation rate,", said Flores. "Though, it's the first step for transfer students making the transition." Orientation serves .to make to the transition experience run more smoothly for students un- sure of the SSU registration process. "Advisors at orientation made registration easy to figure ottt," said Tami Gross, senior; who transferred to SSU during her junior year. Though, not all transfer students feel they got -the attention they needed. "I feel like I got the run around," said Benjamin Wechsler, junior who just transferred to SSU this semester. "I would have liked to deal with someone more one on one at the orientation." Some students, however, don't want to be walked through the process step by step. In this case, it's left up to the student to take the initiative to, get to know the system: The orientation also serves another purpose for transfer students: it allows them to get a feel for the campus where they will be spending the BRENT PEARSE / / STAR The EOP office is a great place for transfer students to get started. last years of their undergraduate education. Also it allows students to meet other transfer students planning on. attending SSU. "When I first got here the only people I be- came friends with were other transfer students," Gross said. "It's easier to make friends with peo- ple who are in the same boat as you." Neverthe- less, there are transfer students who feel that there aren't many places to go on campus that allow them to meet other transfer students. Many transfer students have also found it more difficult leaving behind the life they created for themselves at their previous university or col- lege. As a result, they choose to cling to the life they left behind. "I was at a junior college for four years. I started a life there," Gross said. "Now, coming over here I have all these things that I'm olinging to back home so it's hard for me'to adapt being here because I'm not 18 coming right out of high school." For many college students the friendships that last are the ones forged during the first couple years of college. Justine Westgate, junior, trans- ferred to SSU last semester and says that it was easier making friends at her junior college. "Everyone was extra friendly," Westgate said. "A lot of us had friends that had gone off to four year colleges, so we all kind of stuck together." `' +Anofher' option foil transfer"students is to live in the on -campus residential halls. Students can choose to be put into transfer housing which mixes return- ing and transfer students together in the same apartments. According to Flores, mixing transfer and returning. students together allows transfer students the chance to meet people who already know the campus. Justine Westgate says she met most of her current friends through her room- mates, but she still doesn't feel like she's part of campus life, "I feel like I'm on MY OWn." COURTESY / / SSU FACEBOOK GROUP "A TRANSFER STUDENTS PROFILE." For those on the Facebook, check out this group! Project Censored starts another year of extreme accomplishments ELISABETH HOGUE Staff Writer It's relatively easy to find out what is going on in the world. From high esteemed papers like the New York Times to respected News Affiliates, people try and connect with the world around them. However, what about the stories not being talked about? This doesn't mean the unimportant stories, rather the extremely high felutant ones that few brave men and women have risked their lives, to tell. Project Censored has just these very ideas in mind' everyday. They wrack their brains and sift through article after article not only trying to find one that didn't get the coverage it de- served but also an intriguing one as well.. Project Censored, led by Director Peter Phillips and Coordinator Tricia Boreta, digs deep, collecting stories that have not been widely rec- ognized or even widely heard. The students of the class go through tons of material trying to find stories that are interest- ing that they haven't heard of. They then have to make sure that this hasn't been covered by major media. Boreta expressed that both of these tasks take an extreme amount of work and dedication that these students pour out. There are upwards of 60 stories to sift through at the begining of the semster. Once narrowed down, "They have something called a `Vote Night' where the project censored community votes on which ones they think should be submit- ted," said Boreta. The Project Censored community includes the students, interns, professors and of course the alumni. . After. all this deciphering occurs then the top stories are looked ai by a panel of esteemed judges such as Howard Zen and Cynthia McKenny. They break down the top stories and make the final cut of what will appear in the book. Then the students and interns write synopses for the stories entered. When they release the book, which they believe will be sometime around next Oc- tober, they will have a night where they invite all of the authors to come and celebrate the release of the book. These authors will come from all around the world to take part. in this great occasion. Boreta expressed how' many people don't realize how some of these authors have really had to put everything on the line to write their pieces. She explained that many of them are insiders who knew intricate details that no one else could. Different times during the year, Project Censored has been able to bring all kinds of interesting people to speak here at SSU. Just recently, they were able to get, 71 -year-old Ralph Nader to speak on campus. Project Censored also has a show every Thursday night where students are not only in- volved in the production and on screen display of the show, but they also do behind the scene camera work as well. The project works with KRCB and producer Jona- thon Blease to bring the show to life. Students and interns work together with the station to make the show interesting, informative and for everyone to be able to learn along the way. Students like Luke Judd, working on -a specific project right now for project censored, seemed enthusiastic about the class and internship: BOOK PRICES: AS proposes•resolu- tion to help students' finances CONTINUED FROM PG 'I students will have to pay more for the newer editions," said Caitlin Hicks, business and eco- nomics senator. "We are not telling them what to do, just making a statement that will take effect immediately, if passed." The idea for a resolution on this subject was considered after a report was put out from the California Student Public Research Group (CALPIRG) that found that the cost of new editions of textbooks was much higher than that.of a used book. Which is an unnecessary increase. In the resolution, these numbers are listed. Some of those figures include studies where CALPIRG found for 2003 that, on average, a new textbook costs 58 percent more than buy- ing a used book. Another figure reported was that the organization found that,76 percent,of faculty members say -the new editions of text- books they use are justified "never" to "half the time," while 40 percent said that new editions are "rarely" to "never" justified. Ojima, who has 13 books and two read- ers for four classes, sees this resolution as an advantage to students'because she is concerned with how the high cost of books and the in- crease in fees and tuition will affect her funds. "I think this resolution is a good thing," she said. "It will cut down on costs because we are already paying anarm and a leg to go here, it's not like we need io add a foot to help pay for books." Not only is this action being made to help students, but according to Hicks, it is also be- ing written in support of a resolution that the Academic Senate passed in December. The resolution called for the boycotting of certain publishers — including Holt, Rinehart and Win- ston and Glencoe/McGraw-Hill — because they were printing books that defined marriage as only between a man and a woman. "We fully support the Academic Senate and their resolution, we just added to it by writing one with a new twist that would concentrate on the cost effects," said Hicks. Not only are AS and the students in support of this resolution as a solid idea, but the book- store sees the advantages. While steering clear of ordering new editions will not hurt the sales at the bookstore, it will increase buybacks and the availability of used texts for students in future semesters. "I think it's a good idea," said Ken Brown, bookstore director. "It will allow us to buy back more books more frequently and it will .save students on the costs of a having to buy new textbooks." In the resolution, AS bririgs to the aware- ness of students and faculty that newer editions are "--not always necessary" because most of the changes are minimal. "Many of the new editions have very subtle changes," Hicks said. "There are things that have to do with punctuation, but nothing big that will affect what is being taught." Because• of these small changes; Hicks feels it would be more beneficial to more people, es- pecially students, if new editions of books'were restricted from being ordered. That is, of course, unless there is a good enough reason to have them; for instance, if the added material is neces- sary for the class. Like many students, Ojima is unsure of the actual advantage because she does not have both editions to compare. "I don't know if new editions are more useful than old books, but the system seems very skewed to the advantage of the publishers because they can price them as high as they want since we still need the books," she said. PARKS VS. PEOPLE: THE STRUGGLE FOR CULTURAL SURVIVAL IN MADA- GASCAR - Lecture with Rheyna Laney of SSU's Geography Department. Part of the African and Diaspora Studies Institute in conjunction with Black History Month at SSU. African and Diaspora Studies Institute. Noon, Tuesday, February 22, Student Union Multipurpose Room, (707) 664-2537. NOVEL FRICTION PROPERTIES OF QUASICRYSTALS - Dr. Jeong Park of the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory will describe the nanomechanical properties of qu2- sicrystal's probed with a scanning probe microscope, and discuss how their low friction is cor- related with their exotic atomic structure. What Physicists Do Lecture Series. 4 p.m., Tuesday, February 22, Stevenson 2006, (707) 664-2119. BREAKING THE SILENCE: MEMOIR OF A HIDDEN CHILD - Lecture by Paul Schwartzbar. Part of SSU's Holocaust Lecture Series, "Remembrance and Resistance." Holo- caust Lecture Series. 4 p.m., Tuesday, February 22, Warren Auditorium, (707) 664-4076, WORD FOR WORD - San Francisco's highly acclaimed theatre company with its bril- liant verbatim stagings of two short stories "In The Garden of the North American Martyrs" and "Bullet 4n. the Brain" written by Tobias Wolff. 8 p.m., Tuesday, February 22, Person Theater, (707) 664-2382. THE EXPERIENCE OF NIGERIA - Lecture by Velma Guillory-Taylor of SSU's Ameri- can Multicultural Studies Department. Part of the African and Diaspora Studies Institute in conjunction with Black History Month at SSU. African and Diaspora Studies Institute. Noon, Wednesday, February 23, Student Union Multipurpose Room, (707) 664-2537. MATHEMATICA TOOLKITS - Elaine McDonald's Fall 2004 M180 students will present their class projects on precognitive ability, animated Taylor series, diagnostic tests for diabetes, and constructing staircases. M*A*T*H Colloquium. 4 p.m., Wednesday, February 23, Carson 68, (707) 664-2368. . • TRUTH IN TRANSIT: PUBLIC AND PRIVATE DISCOURSE IN THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA - Lecture by Cathy Kroll of SSU's English Department. Arts and Humani- ties Research and Creative Works Forum. Noon, Thursday, February 24, Schulz 1121, (707) 664-2146. DOING WHAT'S RIGHT. ACCOUNT- ABILITY CCOUNTABILITY FOR DISCRI IINATION WITHIN THE GAY COMMUNITY - Lec- turers Don Romesburg and John Newsome will discuss the grassroots movement for accountability and recourse about all forms of discrimination within San Francisco's Les- bian-Gay-Bisexual-Transgender community. Queer Studies Lecture Series. Noon, Thurs- day, February 24, Carson 68, (707) 664-2840. THE FULL FUNCTION IMS HDAM, HIDAM AND HALDB DATABASES FROM, IBM - Lecture with Brian J. Marshall of Computer Associates International, Napa. This discussion with tackle such questions as what is the physical layout of IBM Hierarchi- cal (HDAM, HIDAM and HALDB) Databases and what are the underlying methods by which the IMS DBMS stores data in these data- bases? Computer Science Colloquium. Noon, Thursday, February 24, Salazar 2016, (707) 664-2667. NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF TEACHERS OF SINGING: RECITAL OF REGIONAL SINGERS - Northern Califor- nia singing professionals - all of them teachers - present a special recital of songs representing a broad spectrum of literature and styles. 7: 30 p.m., Friday, February 25, Ives 119, (707) 664-2353. GOSPEL EXTRAVAGANZA - An eve- ning of gospel music featuring Oakland Inter- faith Gospel Choir, East Bay Anointed Voices, and "praise dancing" by Dance Theater of the Gospel. General admission: $12, SSU stu- dents: free. 8 p.m., Friday, February 25, The Cooperage, (707) 664-2537. QUINTESSENCE OF SWING: FAC- ULTY JAZZ CONCERT - SSU's outstand- ing faculty quintet -Mel Graves, bass, Randy Vincent, guitar, George Marsh, drums, Charlie McCarthy, saxophone and Pete Estabrook, trumpet, venture into the musical realms of post -Bebop. $12" General admission; $10 faculty, alumni, staff; $8 students and seniors; SSU students free. 8 p.m., Saturday, February 26, Warren Auditorium, (707) 664-2343. PAGE 6 %w/ 1. L %w ♦/ Z %r ♦/L JUL LZ Z L ♦ o Z L 1r , FEBRUARY 22, 2005 `Art From The- Heart' a'heartfelt success y realize how important it is to work hard so people suited for those desiring to • explore art alone, Although the evening is considered business continue to come and have a good time. It is a was ideal for meeting and mingling. Even as in regards to . the Art Department's budget great opportunity for people to help enhance the room for movement became limited and people everyone who attended fell in love with some part education of the students," said Jessica Rice, art were forced to weave paths, the evening was a of the night whether it be the art, the people, or the history major. delightful success. food. The auction was as enjoyable and fabulous It was evident from the laughter and The colorful array of people and art made for as the pieces'of art adorned on the walls. conversation echoing throughout the gallery that a special event. "Marg Starbuck• an enthusiastic "Art From The Heart" has a sense of history. the hard work was worthwhile, and not taken for painter who recently went back to school to get Everyone attending the evening smiled and granted. her degree in art says she submits for the cause showed their heartfelt joy for art, friendship and c# The noise and the people overflowed into' and to "get work out at a great event with great a worthy cause. the white buffet tent with twinkling lights, full people." of people embracing and sharing a common Many of the artists and guests were long-time connection: love for art and a good cause. acquaintances and were just as interesting as their The auction isn't solely about twinkle lights, art. It seemed that if you didn't know anyone at wine, and good food. Each year Carla Stone, the the beginning of the night you would quickly ^, SSU Art Gallery Coordinator and organizer of make a friend as you explored the gallery. 9, xwrn r GLM% STAR the event, and Michael, Schwager, professor and The people were not the focusof the event �. A student takes in the art as others look on director of art and art history, are responsible for though. The focus belonged to the art. Some of (below). making sure it is a success. the pieces had a Valentine's theme while others "This event is our primary way of making were original pieces. money. Fifty percent of our programs funds Yet no two pieces looked the same, despite KAnIN GtAss come from this auction," said Schwager. the reoccurring theme of hearts and the color red ' Staff Writer "We rely on the event for support. It's about in many of the items being auctioned. # 'p making money for the program and works as Joel Bennet, a Santa- Rosa Junior College Isolated from the Commons, the Cooperage, PR for the department. It is fun to organize this professor, was just as entertaining as his art when, and the Quad, the Art Department is not the most evening. So much work goes into it and then, he gave a demonstration of his "Udu You Love, sought out place on campus unless you are an art finally, there's this moment where we are having 'Shake My Heart Drum." The ceramic Udu drum major. a great time together," Stone added. was another one of the many unique pieces being On Feb. 12, however, - the Art Gallery was Stone embraces everyone just as she auctioned. busting with excitment. Artists and art enthusiasts embraces art, openly and enthusiastically. The Collector Jules Bamberger, agreed that there from all. over the area came to attend the 21 st event has been a success for the past seven years was a great variety of work and said he "likes the Annual "Art From The Heart" auction. , she has organized it. Her passion clearly lies in art here, and the place is great to come together The auction has captured the hearts of art the program and the evening reflected her efforts. and meet people." Bamburger, 30 years after " ' ` KAITLIN Goss STAR buffs 'in the area for years. "I see people come Schwager and Stone make a great team graduating from SSU, still comes back to support Marg Starbuck proudly shows off her work to here with shirts from five years ago. It makes us and the moment was great. The atmosphere, not the event and meet fellow artists. be auctioned of at the gallery. 'Streetcar Named Desire' drives into. Spreckels MIKE CATTIVERA Staff Writer Great acting, powerful and. entertaining. The production of Tennessee Williams" "A Streetcar Named, 'Desire" directed by. Hector Correa at Spreckels Performing Arts Center in Rohnert Park was a pleasure to watch. It was so well done, that the nearly three hour performance 'didn't seem that long at all. I found myself wide awake and engaged throughout the entire play. I'm no veteran when it comes -to attending plays, but the vibe I got from the crowd and from watching the play myself, was that it was a huge success. I now understand why they charged $20 for tickets. "A Streetcar Named Desire" focuses on characters Blanche Dubois (Julia McNeal), Stella (Alexandra Matthew) and Stanley (Michael Navarra). Blanche, a distraught, destitute woman, tries to put her life back together. She shows up at her sister Stella and husband .Stanley's doorstep. Stanley isn't too fond of the idea of Blanche staying with them. He discovers the dark side of Blanche's character, which she hides with her gentle innocent behavior. Blanche can't understand why Stella would give up her once luxurious life to be with a man like Stanley: When Blanche is finally forced to face her terrible past, the delicate, magical world she created for herself at her sister's is brutally destroyed by the hands of Stanley. It would be impossible to watch a production of "Streetcar" without comparing it • with the, - stellar ' 1951' film version starring Marlon Brando as Stanley, Vivien Leigh as Blanche and Kim Hunter as Stella. This production also begs the comparison. Where the audience hopes to see the searing chemistry between Stella and Stanley, for instance, they will be somewhat disappointed. However, some of the moments of terror in the film, such as when Blanche smashes the bottle to use as a weapon against Stanley, electrified the audience just as much at Spreckels Theatre. McNeal performed • the strongest, and had the most significant role. She was in every scene. The amount of lines she had, along with the near perfect deliver was very impressive. Her energetically driven performance kept the crowd on their toes. Matthew and Navarra, playing. the roles of Stella and Stanley, also put forth quality performances. As one audience member said, "He's no Marlon Brando," referring to Navarra, "But he's pretty damn good." Playing much smaller roles, Shannon Veon Kase and Timothy T. Kniffin playing Eunice and Mitch each performed very well. "Oh yeah, Eunice was very good. She had a very powerful voice," said one member of the audience, after the show. The stage setup was very detailed and realistic. Before the play even started, I had the'feeling I was in -for a treat. The set included Stanley and Stella's house with a dining area and kitchen. Next to the dining area was the bedroom that had a door leading into the bathroom. Above this house was a stairway leading up to Eunice's house. The performance got better as the night went on. The actors started strong, and ended even stronger. A giggling crowd could be heard throughout the entire play. "A Streetcar named Desire" was the perfect combination of drama and humor. At the completion of the play, the actors received a lengthy applause, followed by a standing .ovation. Leaving the theatre, I paid close attention to audience reaction. Not a single person seemed disappointed. "I liked the second half better than the first half," said Alexis Imrie, a senior English major at SSU. "The acting was wonderful," said another member of the audience. "Blanche was my favorite." If you decided not to go to the performance of "A Street Car Named Desire" because of the pricey $20 tickets, take it from me, it would have been well worth your money. The stage set for `Streetcar of Desire" starring Julia McNeal, Alexandra Matthew, and Michael Navarra who could not he photographed at this time. `Million Dollar Baby': worth every penny K.C. SclNro Staff Writer These days it's rare to come across a movie that both touches and motivates you. 'I know that I've seen a great movie when I leave the theater and can't stop thinking about what I've just witnessed. "Million Dollar Baby" can only be described in this context. It is a truly amazing film that will make you laugh and cry, often at the same time. I went into the theater expecting another "Rocky" or "Karate Kid" and left with an' entirely different perspective. "Million Dollar Baby" is beautifully acted and directed by Clint Eastwood, who stars as Frankie Dunn, an old and bitter boxing trainer who has been reluctant to let himself get close to anyone since his estrangement from his daughter. However, when Maggie Fitzgerald, played by Hilary Swank, enters his life he struggles to keep her at arm's distance. Fitzgerald comes from the wrong side of the tracks, but knows what she wants and is willing to do anything to get there. She is determined to make it as a boxer and seeks out Dunn to be her coach. -Since Dunn "doesn't coach girls" she has to find a way to convince him that she is worth it. Morgan Freeman enters the film as Scrap, the only. fan of both Dunn and Fitzgerald. Manager of the boxing gym Dunn owns, Scrap serves to motivate everyone through their struggles. It is with his encouragement that Maggie continues with her quest to be the best, eventually winning Dunn over. The two form a fast friendship and realize that they have more in common than either expected. 'The relationship that forges between them is like that of a father and his daughter. They find in each other a sense of family that they both lost a long time ago. Their bond is very sweet and endearing, adding to the intense emotion overflowing from the film. Fitzgerald's determination to fulfill her dream is also heart wrenching. Having been knocked down time after time, she continues to get back on her feet with a drive unimaginable to most of us. The boxing ring becomes the forum in Which both Fitzgerald and Dunn confront their demons, fighting for victory and redemption. Through thick and thin, the three characters learn to lean on each other, discovering the things that really matter in life. The film is absolutely incredible in every aspect. Flawlessly written, directed and acted, "Million Dollar Baby" is worthy of all it's praise. Swank carries the film, not only acting as Fitzgerald; but becoming her. Eastwood'i's.also remarkable in his role., with just enough lit ih6f,to not come off as a jerk and just enough passion to win your heart. Although Freeman's role is minor compared to Swank's and Eastwood's, it is his character'that serves as the glue in the film. Together the three actors create an extremely powerful portrayal of the hardships one faces when following a dream. The characters and struggles are extremely real and heartfelt. The last 45 minutes of the movie are some of the most moving moments I have seen on screen. There were times when I wanted to turn away because the emotion was so intense. "Million Dollar Baby" is so much more than just a boxing movie. Although the subject matter is extremely profound, the movie is well worth seeing. Bring some Kleenex along though, because when you're not laughing you might be crying. SUBWAY' ,COURTESY / / WWW.WARNMROTHM.COM nares `.54, - Student Specials ar (ssu id r�d)" r t - one'' �� �+� f 0r Who a*1W, frvm- 1�1 45W Blvd (X of SW wW fir) • FEBRUARY 22, 2005 `/ A L L► %oop 1 %r %4 XX LJ.1 L %oo 1 L %w PAGE 7 A little pride never hurt anyone e:. T." E .Ab�Ya �: �ID �a m sr Come experience the Hookah crazel. 10% OFF ALL HOOKAHS Enjoy the flavor of Shisha Tobaccco's Al-Waha and Saetsafa flavors Including: ' Apple m flint e Grape o Mango, etc. In the Bright ;Blue Building BESTOlp522 SANTA ROSA-AVE. SANTA ROSA Vi µ- -707-541-7016-. Black comedy-j.'a s at, the'Cooper'ag'e LAUREL CARMAN Staff Writer If you missed W. Kamau Bell and Sadiki ,Fuller this year during the annual Black Comedy Jam, then you missed out on an act worthy of "Saturday Night Live." Bell, a 2002 semi-finalist in Comedy Central's Laugh Riots Competition, was the first comedian to grace the stage. Bell did not shy away from using the word "nigger" in his act. Mostly, he used the word as part of his social commentary about the power it holds. Occasionally, after using it a half-dozen times, he would check with the audience if the word had lost any of its shock value. The use of "the N -Word" wasn't his only way of challenging societal perceptions. Bell, a tall black man with dred locks, uses the stereotypes surrounding his own appearance in his -act. Originally from Chicago, Bell attended The Second City Conservatory. The Conservatory helped Bell work on his act and fine -'tune his comedy. Afterwards, he took his act on the road, eventually coming to live and work in San Francisco. When he isn't working on his act at night, he works during the days writing and, 'directing. San Francisco is the citythat has inspired his brand of comedic social commentary. In his act on Fri. night, Bell referenced everything, ASHLEE SIMPSON SAN JOSE STATE EVENT CENTER ARENA, SAN JOSE TUE. FEB 22, @ 7 P.M. WWW.CC.COM FOR TICKETS , BILLY, C.-,FARLOW ;, , ,,-, tT,UE,; FEB.;2Z @ 8,::30, PQM: ZEBULON'S LOUNGE, PETALUMA 769-7948 FOR TICKETS ROADOILERS, ACME STRING ENSEMBLE TUE. FEB. 22 @ 8:30 P.M. ADMISSION: $10 SWEETWATER, MILL VALLEY (415) 388-2820 FOR TICKETS STORIES BY TOBIAS WOLFF PRODUCER: WORD FOR -WORD TUE. FEB.,22 @ 8 P.M. ADMISSION: FREE TO SSU STUDENTS, $5 STUDENTS/ SENIORS &,$15 GENERAL PERSON THEATRE 664-2474 FOR TICKETS LNEWIRE LITERARY SALON TUE. FEB. 22 @ 7 P.M. ZEBULON'S LOUNGE, PETALUMA 769-7948 FOR INFO CLAIRE B. COTTS FIGURATIVE WORK THROUGH FEB. 22, DAILY ARCHES, HEALDSBURG 431.1396 FOR INFO HARRY CONNICK .JR. "ONLY You TOUR" WED. FEB. 23 @ 8 P.M. LUTHER BURBANK CENTER, SANTA ROSA 546-3600 FOR TICKETS HOWARD WILEY WED. FEB. 23 @ 8 P.M. ADMISSION: $5 ZEBULON'S LOUNGE, v, PETALUMA 769-7948 FOR TICKETS GREEN AND ROOT. A DUO WHO COMBINES FOLKS, BLUES, AND POP TO THEIR AMAZING AND INTIMATE LYRICS TO CREATE A PLEASING SOUND. THUR. FEB. 24 @ 12 P.M. IN THE DARWIN QUAD (IF IT RAINS IN THE PUB). ZEN TRICKSTERS THU. FEB. 24 @ 9 P.M. ADMISSION: $10 from Eminem to Jeri -Curl. His sense of humor wasn't malicious nor did he rely on funny antics to get a laugh. He had the crowd laughing the whole time with his Black, Generation X perspective on life. The second comedian was Sadiki Fuller. Fuller, who made fun of his own first name saying that a teacher once pronounced it as "Suck -a -dickie," had the crowd laughing with his comedy. . The comedian not only looked like Dave Chapelle but his humor and comedic timing were similar. Originally hailing from Texas, Fuller made it to the semi-finals of the San Francisco Comedy Competition back in 2001. The competition has a show each year at SSU. His act was less social. commentary and more of his personal stories. Like many great comedians before him, he referenced his humble beginnings in his act. One thing that was mentioned by both comedians was the lack of diversity on campus. At the show there were less than ten students of African,American heritage, which allowed for several jokes by Bell and Fuller. When I tried to take a picture of Fuller, he didn't fail to notice this, saying. "Go ahead take• the picture. `My first Negro. A Negro out of it's natural habitat."' The comedy show not only encouraged racial diversity, but brought humor and social commentary. Because of that, it was the perfect show for students to help celebrate Black History Month. The ASP will be having other shows for the rest of the month on campus. SWEETWATER, MILL VALLEY (415) 388-2820 FOR TICKETS THURSDAY NIGHT BOOK GROUP DISCUSSING "THE GOD OF SMALL THINGS" BY. n t:r ARUNDHATI ROY•',: THu. FEB. 24 @ 5:30 P.M. NORTH LIGHT BOOKS & CAFE, COTATI 792.4300 FOR INFO BROUN FELLINIS FRI. FEB 25 @ 8 P.M. ADMISSION: $10 ZEBULON'S LOUNGE, PETALUMA 769.7948 FOR TICKETS AMERICAN DRAG FRI. FEB. 25 @ 9:30 P.M. SWEETWATER, MILL VALLEY (415) 388-2820 FOR TICKETS NORTON BUFFALO AND THE KNOCKOUTS FRI. FEB. 25 @ 8 P.M. ADMISSION: $20-$25 142 THROCKMORTON THEATRE, MILL VALLEY (415) 392.4400 FOR TICKETS FRENCH CABARET SAT. FEB. 26 @ 8 P.M. & SuN. FEB. 27 @ 5 P.M. ADMISSION: $15-$20 142 THROCKMORTON THEATRE, MILL VALLEY (415) 383-9600 FOR TICKETS .H.I.M. .JOHN IRVING SAT. FEB. 26 @ 8 P.M. LUTHER BURBANK CENTER, SANTA ROSA 546-3600 FOR TICKETS MIDNIGHT SESSIONS WITH .JEBIDIAH SAT. FEB. 26 @ 11:55 P.M. ADMISSION: $5 ZEBULON'S LOUNGE, PETALUMA 769-7948 FOR TICKETS SUSAN GETZ SAT. FEB. 26 @ 8 P.M. & 10 P.M. ADMISSION', $10 ZEBULON'S LOUNGE, PETALUMA 769-7948 FOR TICKETS TOMMY CASTRO, DANIEL CASTRO BAND SAT. FEB. 26 @ 8 P.M. ADMISSION: $17 MCNEAR'S MYSTIC THEATRE, PETALUMA 765-2121 FOR TICKETS .JORMA KAUKONEN SAT. FEB. 26 @ 8:30 P.M.. " ADMISSION: $35 ERIC SCHOENBERG GUITARS, TIBURON (415) 789-0846 FOR TICKETS VOCAL FORUM SUN. FEB. 27 @ 7:30 P.M. ADMISSION: $6 ZEBULON'S LOUNGE, PETALUMA 769-7948 FOR TICKETS .JOURNEY SuN. FEB. 27 @ 7 P.M. PARAMouNT THEATRE, OAKLAND WWW.CQ.C= FOR TICKETS .JUNIOR BROWN, HOPPED UP SUN. FEB. 27 @ 8 P.M. ADMISSION: $20 MCNEAR'S MYSTIC THEATRE PETALUMA 765.2121 FOR TICKETS HOT TUNA SUN. FEB. 27 7:30 P.M. & 10:30 P.M. ADMISSION: $18420 SWEETWATER, MILL VALLEY (415) 388-2820 FOR TICKETS LUNA, QUARTET MON.-FEB. 28 @ 8 P.M. ADMISSION: $4 ZEBULON'S LOUNGE,. PETALUMA 769.7948 FOR TICKETS MAME THROUGH MARCH 13 EVERY FRI. & SAT. @ 8 P. & EVERY SUN. @ 2 P.M. ADMISSION: $18-$22 SIXTH STREET PLAYHOUSE, SANTA ROSA (707) 523-4185 FOR TICKETS BOHEMIAN PETALUMA PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBIT THROUGH MARCH 18, DAILY DEAF DOG COFFEE,- PETALUMA OFFEE,PETALUMA 762-3656 FOR INFO ANSEL ADAMS AND MARGARET BOuRK�-WHITE VINTAGE PRINTS THROUGH MARCH 19, DAILY ADMISSION: FREE the novel. Her interactions with her sisters, in particular Jane, and with the rest of the community are followed very closely. She is the strongest of the five Bennet daughters, She is smart, attractive, ' quick-witted, and most likely to begin an _ intellectual fight with any obliging person. The issue of marriage is constantly in the works t in "Pride and Prejudice." Jane is quickly smitten with Mr. Bingley as he with her. Elizabeth, on the V's other hand, will have no interest in marriage, or in men for that matter. Mr. Bingley's best friend, Mr. Darcy, especially offends her. Mr. Darcy is a t mysterious man, who is rather good-looking, but is rude and easily annoyed by Mrs. Bennet and her daughters. However, it seems as though Elizabeth ' and Mr. Darcy are the perfect match for each other, no matter how much they initially dislike one another. "N -' 0"Pride and Prejudice" is about exactly what the title states. The pride that each person wants to feel in themselves, their upbringing and their family, and the prejudices we have towards others who do not fit our ideals. Austen writes with a reality and truth to feeling that is still present today. Everyone knows an Elizabeth Bennet, a girl who is so strong headed that she can hardly stand the opposite sex and who needs someone equally as strong to challenge her; or a Jane Bennet, the KATHARINE WANDRI girl who is immediately smitten with her true love Staff Writer and cannot find fault in anyone. Austen's " themes in "Pride and Prejudice" are still true today and seem to be even more so To a student, the name Jane Austen tends for young adults. The Bennet daughters are trying to bring angst, confusion and bitterness. Nearly to figure out their lives and hoping that they do every high school assigns one of her novels in their not ruin their chances at success and happiness. British Literature class, hoping that the students Austen's ability to write so true to the feelings will actually read and learn from the novel. and struggles of her characters make them easily Each of Austen's six novels and stories relatable. are relatively recognizable to the young adult. Although the language may be sometimes Unfortunately the recognition is due to the fact challenging to the 21st century American, Austen that four of her six novels were made into major writes so eloquently that she is easy to understand. h motion pictures, the other two into made -for -TV Her characters are intelligent and her writing movies. Although adapted rather well for film, is intelligent. Austen's writing takes the reader Austen's novels are still better read than watched. into her period of history. The reader is able to Austen's second novel "Pride and Prejudice," understand the importance of marrying the right published in 1813, is her most well-known. person, not 'necessarily the one you are in -love Set in the rural area of Longboum, England with. The novel also explores the woman's place in the late 18th and early 19th century, "Pride and in the home, despite the fact that the women were Prejudice" details the lives of the Bennet family so,well eduGa>ed. Both Ideasthat today.are_rarely ,and ,the struggle of marrying off five,daughters toirched.ow-q" ;.�aa .,;.., ,TF,; c +r { •� ; to well-respected (and do not forget wealthy) Austen's books can become rather,addicting 'v ,men. The home of the Bennet family is set into to read once you pick one up. A freshmen at a frenzy when word that the attractive, wealthy SSU, Tessa last name???, who has read three of and single, Mr. Charles Bingley has rented the Austen's other novels, described Austen's work as manor of Netherfield Park. The oldest two Bennet being "witty and fun to read:..her characters tend daughters, Jane and Elizabeth, are the perfect age td be a bit rebellious" making fo'r a more enjoyable for the available Mr. Bingley. story. The.parents of the girls, Mr. and Mrs. Bennet It is always hard finding time to read for could not be more opposite in opinion when it pleasure in a semester full of class -assigned comes to marrying off their girls. As are many readings, especially a book that, is considered to loving fathers, Mr. 'Bennet is in no rush to see be a "classic" because only old people read those. his daughters married off and out of his house. Why not change the pace a little bit' and- read Mrs. Bennet, however, is another story. Mrs. ' something that you might never thought could be Bennet married into the middle-class from a enjoyable. If nothing else, you will sound quite lower breeding, so she lacks many of the social smart when asked what you are reading because graces necessary for attracting young men for you can respond, "Oh, just reading `Pride and her daughters. Mr. Bennet loves his wife but Prejudice' for the second time around. How about thoroughly enjoys poking fun at her and causing yourself?" her angst. Elizabeth Bennet is the protagonist in e:. T." E .Ab�Ya �: �ID �a m sr Come experience the Hookah crazel. 10% OFF ALL HOOKAHS Enjoy the flavor of Shisha Tobaccco's Al-Waha and Saetsafa flavors Including: ' Apple m flint e Grape o Mango, etc. In the Bright ;Blue Building BESTOlp522 SANTA ROSA-AVE. SANTA ROSA Vi µ- -707-541-7016-. Black comedy-j.'a s at, the'Cooper'ag'e LAUREL CARMAN Staff Writer If you missed W. Kamau Bell and Sadiki ,Fuller this year during the annual Black Comedy Jam, then you missed out on an act worthy of "Saturday Night Live." Bell, a 2002 semi-finalist in Comedy Central's Laugh Riots Competition, was the first comedian to grace the stage. Bell did not shy away from using the word "nigger" in his act. Mostly, he used the word as part of his social commentary about the power it holds. Occasionally, after using it a half-dozen times, he would check with the audience if the word had lost any of its shock value. The use of "the N -Word" wasn't his only way of challenging societal perceptions. Bell, a tall black man with dred locks, uses the stereotypes surrounding his own appearance in his -act. Originally from Chicago, Bell attended The Second City Conservatory. The Conservatory helped Bell work on his act and fine -'tune his comedy. Afterwards, he took his act on the road, eventually coming to live and work in San Francisco. When he isn't working on his act at night, he works during the days writing and, 'directing. San Francisco is the citythat has inspired his brand of comedic social commentary. In his act on Fri. night, Bell referenced everything, ASHLEE SIMPSON SAN JOSE STATE EVENT CENTER ARENA, SAN JOSE TUE. FEB 22, @ 7 P.M. WWW.CC.COM FOR TICKETS , BILLY, C.-,FARLOW ;, , ,,-, tT,UE,; FEB.;2Z @ 8,::30, PQM: ZEBULON'S LOUNGE, PETALUMA 769-7948 FOR TICKETS ROADOILERS, ACME STRING ENSEMBLE TUE. FEB. 22 @ 8:30 P.M. ADMISSION: $10 SWEETWATER, MILL VALLEY (415) 388-2820 FOR TICKETS STORIES BY TOBIAS WOLFF PRODUCER: WORD FOR -WORD TUE. FEB.,22 @ 8 P.M. ADMISSION: FREE TO SSU STUDENTS, $5 STUDENTS/ SENIORS &,$15 GENERAL PERSON THEATRE 664-2474 FOR TICKETS LNEWIRE LITERARY SALON TUE. FEB. 22 @ 7 P.M. ZEBULON'S LOUNGE, PETALUMA 769-7948 FOR INFO CLAIRE B. COTTS FIGURATIVE WORK THROUGH FEB. 22, DAILY ARCHES, HEALDSBURG 431.1396 FOR INFO HARRY CONNICK .JR. "ONLY You TOUR" WED. FEB. 23 @ 8 P.M. LUTHER BURBANK CENTER, SANTA ROSA 546-3600 FOR TICKETS HOWARD WILEY WED. FEB. 23 @ 8 P.M. ADMISSION: $5 ZEBULON'S LOUNGE, v, PETALUMA 769-7948 FOR TICKETS GREEN AND ROOT. A DUO WHO COMBINES FOLKS, BLUES, AND POP TO THEIR AMAZING AND INTIMATE LYRICS TO CREATE A PLEASING SOUND. THUR. FEB. 24 @ 12 P.M. IN THE DARWIN QUAD (IF IT RAINS IN THE PUB). ZEN TRICKSTERS THU. FEB. 24 @ 9 P.M. ADMISSION: $10 from Eminem to Jeri -Curl. His sense of humor wasn't malicious nor did he rely on funny antics to get a laugh. He had the crowd laughing the whole time with his Black, Generation X perspective on life. The second comedian was Sadiki Fuller. Fuller, who made fun of his own first name saying that a teacher once pronounced it as "Suck -a -dickie," had the crowd laughing with his comedy. . The comedian not only looked like Dave Chapelle but his humor and comedic timing were similar. Originally hailing from Texas, Fuller made it to the semi-finals of the San Francisco Comedy Competition back in 2001. The competition has a show each year at SSU. His act was less social. commentary and more of his personal stories. Like many great comedians before him, he referenced his humble beginnings in his act. One thing that was mentioned by both comedians was the lack of diversity on campus. At the show there were less than ten students of African,American heritage, which allowed for several jokes by Bell and Fuller. When I tried to take a picture of Fuller, he didn't fail to notice this, saying. "Go ahead take• the picture. `My first Negro. A Negro out of it's natural habitat."' The comedy show not only encouraged racial diversity, but brought humor and social commentary. Because of that, it was the perfect show for students to help celebrate Black History Month. The ASP will be having other shows for the rest of the month on campus. SWEETWATER, MILL VALLEY (415) 388-2820 FOR TICKETS THURSDAY NIGHT BOOK GROUP DISCUSSING "THE GOD OF SMALL THINGS" BY. n t:r ARUNDHATI ROY•',: THu. FEB. 24 @ 5:30 P.M. NORTH LIGHT BOOKS & CAFE, COTATI 792.4300 FOR INFO BROUN FELLINIS FRI. FEB 25 @ 8 P.M. ADMISSION: $10 ZEBULON'S LOUNGE, PETALUMA 769.7948 FOR TICKETS AMERICAN DRAG FRI. FEB. 25 @ 9:30 P.M. SWEETWATER, MILL VALLEY (415) 388-2820 FOR TICKETS NORTON BUFFALO AND THE KNOCKOUTS FRI. FEB. 25 @ 8 P.M. ADMISSION: $20-$25 142 THROCKMORTON THEATRE, MILL VALLEY (415) 392.4400 FOR TICKETS FRENCH CABARET SAT. FEB. 26 @ 8 P.M. & SuN. FEB. 27 @ 5 P.M. ADMISSION: $15-$20 142 THROCKMORTON THEATRE, MILL VALLEY (415) 383-9600 FOR TICKETS .H.I.M. .JOHN IRVING SAT. FEB. 26 @ 8 P.M. LUTHER BURBANK CENTER, SANTA ROSA 546-3600 FOR TICKETS MIDNIGHT SESSIONS WITH .JEBIDIAH SAT. FEB. 26 @ 11:55 P.M. ADMISSION: $5 ZEBULON'S LOUNGE, PETALUMA 769-7948 FOR TICKETS SUSAN GETZ SAT. FEB. 26 @ 8 P.M. & 10 P.M. ADMISSION', $10 ZEBULON'S LOUNGE, PETALUMA 769-7948 FOR TICKETS TOMMY CASTRO, DANIEL CASTRO BAND SAT. FEB. 26 @ 8 P.M. ADMISSION: $17 MCNEAR'S MYSTIC THEATRE, PETALUMA 765-2121 FOR TICKETS .JORMA KAUKONEN SAT. FEB. 26 @ 8:30 P.M.. " ADMISSION: $35 ERIC SCHOENBERG GUITARS, TIBURON (415) 789-0846 FOR TICKETS VOCAL FORUM SUN. FEB. 27 @ 7:30 P.M. ADMISSION: $6 ZEBULON'S LOUNGE, PETALUMA 769-7948 FOR TICKETS .JOURNEY SuN. FEB. 27 @ 7 P.M. PARAMouNT THEATRE, OAKLAND WWW.CQ.C= FOR TICKETS .JUNIOR BROWN, HOPPED UP SUN. FEB. 27 @ 8 P.M. ADMISSION: $20 MCNEAR'S MYSTIC THEATRE PETALUMA 765.2121 FOR TICKETS HOT TUNA SUN. FEB. 27 7:30 P.M. & 10:30 P.M. ADMISSION: $18420 SWEETWATER, MILL VALLEY (415) 388-2820 FOR TICKETS LUNA, QUARTET MON.-FEB. 28 @ 8 P.M. ADMISSION: $4 ZEBULON'S LOUNGE,. PETALUMA 769.7948 FOR TICKETS MAME THROUGH MARCH 13 EVERY FRI. & SAT. @ 8 P. & EVERY SUN. @ 2 P.M. ADMISSION: $18-$22 SIXTH STREET PLAYHOUSE, SANTA ROSA (707) 523-4185 FOR TICKETS BOHEMIAN PETALUMA PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBIT THROUGH MARCH 18, DAILY DEAF DOG COFFEE,- PETALUMA OFFEE,PETALUMA 762-3656 FOR INFO ANSEL ADAMS AND MARGARET BOuRK�-WHITE VINTAGE PRINTS THROUGH MARCH 19, DAILY ADMISSION: FREE PAGE 8 Sp0 ring 2005 • ..faghton. preview A guide to what's in and what's out, according to Rochelle and Michelle. ROCHELLE COOPER Staff W6ter As New York fashion week comes to an end, it forces us to take a look into our closets and re-evaluate the situation at hand. As the designers show us this season's hottest trends, we see that at this point in the fashion world, the looks seem to have come full circle. We have borrowed a bit of goodness from each recent era. 80s, metallic accessories have managed to make their way back. The 70s have brought us inspired stripes and tube tops. Floral prints and bohemian flare all derived from the 60s, and the 50s sneak in with knee-length skirts 'and classy . cardigans. The 40s, 30s and 20s bring us antique jewelry, vintage lace and gorgeous blazers. Who would have thought that all each of these pieces could be worn in one outfit? The days of matching colors and fabrics have ended; miss - matching is the craze. Last year's style is drastically different than the year ahead, so pay attention ladies, to what is Mirwm i;: TWnMec Stan venter hot and what is not! For all the men out there ,here is a rip: please do not highlight your hair. It's not hot, and to be honest, it never was. Ok, we take that back. It was when we were sixteen, but ONLY when we were sixteen! Another helpful hint: as' comfy as those T-shirts may be, sometimes we enjoy a little more effort. Looking good ` is hot, we apologize for the time it does require, but hey, we're worth it right? Have fun with the new season's. trends. Many, of the pieces we already own, or for that matter, check your mom or grandma's closet, you may be surprised with what you find. You can most likely count on your mom for some authentic 80s pieces and your Grandma for some vintage jewelry or purses. One thing to be advised: please be careful while attempting metallic, a little goes a long way! How do they recycle newspapers? After • reading a daily, weekly ' or even monthly newspaper, it's always good to recycle it. However, do you know where the newspapers go and how they are turned back into fresh paper? First, the collection. and subsequent storage for various lengths of time. When an order is made to the paper makers, they begin the process by combining the old newspapers and water in a large blender - like machine called the hydrapulper. This "slurry" is then spun through more screens to remove paper clips, staples or other foreign objects. The finest screen removes any "stickies" from tape or glue. At this point the mixture is called "stock." The solution is then washed to rid the ink. There are two ways this is done. It Sarah Scudder Senior, Business/ Economics is either shot with liquid through tiny wire screens/slits at a very high speed; the liquid takes the ink out and . the fibers stay in. The other option is floating it. This is done with a mixture of RocHELLE COOPER / / STAR These shoes are so hot for spring. N 11CHELLE THOMAS / / STAR Trucker hats are so last season. RocHELLE COOPER / / STAR Hair scarves make a comeback, nodding to previous trends. Uggs+mini skirt = DISASTER! Reeommended Shops: PUNCH, 4th Street, Santa Rosa STINK, Kentucky Street, Petaluma Header Box Wire Mesh Felt air bubbles, clay and chemicals. The clay and bubbles adhere to the ink and the fibers are taken off the top. If the order is for white stock, the mixture is washed with chlorine bleach, sulfur dioxide or hydrogen peroxide. The next step is to turn this stock into paper; and what better way then a paper making machine (some of which are as long as two football fields). The stock finds its way through the head box and is sprinkled "I don't. But like, oh my gosh, who has time to?" on a long fine -wire mesh. The mesh feeds the stock through sets of rollers to remove, the water and then through sets of blanketed rollers to dry the pulp. After being rolled for so long, the paper is mostly dry, but is finished with a series of lights, driers or vacuum suctions to completely dry the material. It is the taken off the mesh, rolled up and sent to a printer nearest you. The recycled paper cannot "I like to kickbox, it's better than kicking my friends." Sharon Garcia Sohpomore, Criminal Justice Stack Finished Roll be recycled too many ties without significant ware on the pulp. Most often, virgin pulp is added to the mixture to ensure strength. The recycled newspapers make other products such and brown paper, toilet paper, cereal boxes, construction paper, egg cartons and of course, your convenient telephone directory. FROM "How Do THEY Do THATT' BY CAROLINE SUTTON AND KEvtN MARKEY. Chris Fadeff Senior, Economics The eddy keeps turning TIM SHISLER STAR Columnist FEBRUARY 22, 2005 Seriously, I need help. According to Nikki Wilson, my love life is in peril and it's because I don't wear the color pink. But•I have a different conclusion. I just don't have enough. Enough clothes to look new and fresh every day, a bigger, more flashy car screaming how successful I am and of course, enough money to woo a woman over dinner and a movie a few times a week. Basically, I'm a poor, loveless soul. A few weeks ago Rebecca Cohen wrote an amazing editorial on the book He's Just Not Into You and took into serious consideration the heartbreak of the realization that you're not the one. Well, I have a new philosophy and it is a bit too American for most of us to swallow. Last time I checked, less then eight percent of the world owned cars. So, technically, I have it better then 92 percent of the rest of the world. I should have no problem finding a mate right? Wrong. First, there is the always flattering "the nice guy always. gets the girl." Well, minus the onegirl who publicly called me an ass last week, I'm assuming that all around I hope I come across as a nice guy. Lets see ... yep, still waiting. Of course women claim that if I drove a different car it still wouldn't make a difference. Who are we kidding? America is the king of the saying, "He who dies with the most toys wins." I'd like to admit that I see every person the same way, but first impressions do make a difference. The clothes we wear, the cars we drive,, the houses we sleep in, all are taken into consideration by a perspective mate. But one thing most of all decides if the first date is even warranted. If he's/she's hot or not. Remember when Mariah Carrey publicly said that she "wanted to be like all those girls you see on TV but without all the fly's and stuff." She wasn't speaking out of turn. She was just a few years before her time. Then, there is the curse of building a strong friendship only to find yourself lost in love, when one night you see him / her in a different light and suddenly they are strikingly beautiful. Not only do, you know their personality, their favorite food, their idiosyncrasies, but now every time you see them you start to get butterflies in your stomach. Of course, in the -end most of the time it's a one sided feeling. , So what do I do? Do I go and -buy more clothes from Abercrombie and Fitch, putting myself into debt for the rest of my life? Do I lease a BMW and take out a second loan? Do I put all my money toward a huge house I can't even furnish in Park Estates? Or do I just keep doing what I'm doing and hope to God one day it all works out? , I'd like to say I',m a fan of the latter, but who am I kidding? I have to compete with enough successful, talented, ripped guys at the bars just to get a word in edgewise. My 5 foot 6 inch frame doesn't help either. But at least I have one thing going for me: Nikki thinks I'm an ass, and last time I checked, that's what gets you noticed. P.S. I do think that there are always exceptions to whatever social stereotype we fall into and that most of the above were gross.exaggerations of what really goes on, but someone had to say it `cause whether or not we all like to think that we don't agree with it, somewhere we've all battled wiih it before. WM— "Oh, you know, I relax by balancing the AS budget!" "I eat organic, natural brussel sprouts. They make me feel healthy." Lacey Sommers Senior, Psychology 0 FEBRUARY 22, ZOOS � - -- --- - ---- --- �- --- �--------__._ .-__-.____-_._, _._.-------_-_---.__-PAGE 9 iPod craze or iPod crazY., Apple's iPod sweeps SSU: hold 1000' Pp p sof songs to your palm. RACHEL NICHOLS Staff Writer The new trend this spring semester isn't in the form of clothes for students, but can be found anywhere from the gym, to the ski slopes.. Apple's MP3 player, the iPod, seems to be one of the biggest Christmas gifts received by students this year. iPods were introduced in October 2001, but didn't become a popular trend among young people until fairly recently. • "I really like the features of the iPod," said Robert Andersen. "I use it when I am at the gym or when I go running. I love it, but I blew out the headphones." • Andersen said he bought his iPod about four months ago after he played around with his roommate's. He has the 15GB model of the iPod which are no longer available. , Apple now sells iPods in 20GB and 40GB models that hold up to 10,000 songs, and is only 5.6 ounces. The iPods are also said to have up to 12 hours of battery life on a single charge. However, Ben Peters, junior, has found his iPod's battery charge lasted not even half the time. Peters received his 20GB iPod for Christmas and says that, the battery life only lasts him for about three hours when it is continuously in use. "When I go to the gym I bring my iPod when it's fully charged and after my workout the battery• will be half gone," said Peters. "If you don't listen COURTESY KIEL EORIo Rock out to 1000's of tunes on your iPod like this cool guy. Sing it, brothal to it continuously it could last about five hours." Students love iPods because they can hold your whole music library in a pocket -sized contraption. MP3 players have been around for a long time, but Apple's iPod skyrocketed when they designed their product to be smaller and more user-friendly compared to other MP3 players out on the market. When Apple introduced their iPod Mini's, the demand for the MP3 player increased even more. The iPod mini gives you everything a regular What'sthebeef PorterStreet STAR's Tracy Johnson reviews the grub at Rohnert Park's BBQ pit. TRACY JOHNSON Staff Writer It's almost impossible to drive down East Cotati Avenue near Oliver's Market and not smell it. You all know what I'm talking out, that mouth- watering smell of barbeque. Ever since my first drive past Porter Street Barbeque after Freshman Orientation, I've always wondered what it was like. Two and a half years later,, the mystery was revealed. Apparently, this place is not a mystery to everyone. The tiny restaurant with country decor was filled with people. I thought I was underdressed in my sweatshirt and jeans, but I looked like a million bucks compared • to some of the "However, there was of other hungry with: the service. My ca waspeople. I had It the nicest girl I've ever entered the backstage area of a white -trash fashion show. There were mostly overweight couples, sporting tight, faded jeans, clunky cowboy boots, foam - front, net -back hats, missing teeth and all that other sexy stuff. One lady was even rockin' a pair of ,purple Keds with two different colored socks, layered on top one another. I haven't seen such a bold statement since I wore my socks and Keds that way in third grade. I grabbed a paper menu and looked it over.. They have the typical barbeque selection consisting of pork roast, tri -tip, chicken and beef or pork ribs for under $10. Since I'm more a sandwich girl than a ribs girl, I focused on that end of the menu. They have the normal Philly cheese steak, tri -tip, pork roast, chicken and knuckle sandwiches, along with hamburgers and hot dogs. I went for the chicken sandwich, because that's exactly what I am: a chicken. I'm not at all adventurous when it comes to food. Not to mention, when I see something called a "knuckle sandwich," I don't consider it a food, I consider it a threat. - So I ordered my chicken sandwich, a large drink, and an 8 oz. bowl of chili because I am a chili FANATIC! My grand total came to $12.22. Not too bad, but it's no dollar menu! I headed over to the "beverage bar" with my gigantic, green 7 - up, which could hold enough liquid to water my lawn (if I had one) and saw'something surprising. They didn't have Pepsi or Coke, but RC cola and Diet Rite cola. That's top-notch if you ask me. So what about the sandwich? It consisted of bread and a plethora of seasoned chicken. It seemed a little naked, so I loaded it up with some lettuce because everything else at the condiment bar didn't seem so fresh. I also grabbed a few cups of the prized homemade barbeque sauce. It smells • incredible, but tastes, well, not. A-1 or Bulls -Eye sauce easily e thing RRegathat 1 fell in love kicks its ass: rdless of ,hier was quite possibly the taste, I kept encountered in my life. having to load the stuff on my sandwich because it was so dry. I ended up going through six tiny cups of the damn sauce before I finished the sandwich. Perhaps I'm just the sloppiest eater known to man (which could be a possibility), but this sandwich was a bitch to eat! No matter what I did, the chicken just kept falling all over the - place. It was near impossible to keep it between the bread. I'm determined that even if the bread was wrapped around the sandwich like a straight jacket, the chicken would Houdini its way out. As for the chili, it was definitely unlike any other I've had. It seemed like there were some weird beans in it and shreds of beef. The rest of the ingredients were -unrecognizable. It didn't taste right; it didn't have that chili flavor. Later, it dawned on me. It actually tastes more like its main ingredient: Safeway brand salsa. It definitely killed my chili buzz. Overall, Porter Street Barbeque was not what I expected it to, be. However, there. was one thing that I fell in love with: the service. My cashier was quite possibly the nicest girl I've ever encountered in my life. She honestly made my day, and for that, she's my favorite! Everyone else seemed to be really happy and polite as well, which changed my perspective of the place. Don't get me wrong, I did actually enjoy it. The food was good, but not "Oh my gosh, I've died and gone to barbeque heaven!" good. Plus, I've heard that the ribs are phenomenal. If the smell still draws you in, go for it! rorter Street BBQ beefs up East Cotati Ave. with a smokin' grill. iPod has, just in smaller proportions. The actual player weighs only 3.6 ounces, holds up to 1,000 songs and claims to have eight hours of battery life. It is said that the newly designed anodized aluminium case of the' mini iPod better resists stains and scratches. One of the most desirable features about the iPod Mini is that it comes in five different colors including pink, gold, silver, green and blue. However, if the color of your iPod is really that important, you can always buy "skins" for the. 20GB and 40GB models, which are protective covers that comes in a variety of colors. If you weren't lucky enough to get an iPod as a gift during the holidays, students who want to purchase the MP3 player are cut some slack. At the Apple store in the Santa Rosa Plaza mall, students with an ID receive a discount. Students who want to purchase an iPod mini will be given a $20 discount and a $30 discount will be given for the standard iPod. If that's still too much money to shell out for an MP3 player, Apple just came out with the new iPod Shuffle. The Shuffle starts at .$99 and holds' 120-240 songs depending on the model. There are many accessories for the iPod that are must -haves if you have the extra money. FM transmitters are available, and allow you to play your iPod through your car radio. This device allows you to keep your entire music library in your car without having to worry about scratching CDs or flipping through huge CD holder cases. There are also portable audio players that hook up to the iPod that allow, you to listen to your music stereo style anywhere you want. The player is small in size, yet loud in volume and can be plugged into an outlet or battery operated: Whether you want to listen to your music through the headphones, in your car or anywhere else for that matter, the iPod has proven to be the next big thing. Matt Meier, senior, says that he loves his iPod because it's easy to use and organizes his music. "I wish more girls were like that." And -now, boys and girls, - DEEP THOUGHTS by Jack Hande y The memories of my family outings ,are still Laurie got a source of strength to me. I remember we'd offended that I all pile into the car - I forget what kind it was - used the word. and drive and drive. I'm pot sure where we'd go, "puke." But but I think there were some trees there. The smell to me, that's of something was strong in the air -as we played what her dinner whatever sport we played. I remember a bigger, tasted like. older guy we called "Dad." We'd eat.some stuff, or not, and then I think we went home. I guess some things never leave you. DEEP THOUGHTS ARE COURTESY OF THE BOOK COLLECTION "DEEP THOUGHTS" BY JACK HANDEY. El All You Can Eat SUSHI BAR Your Order Freshly Made! Open Daily 794=0401 0 199 SouthWest Blvd. Rohnert Park, CA 94928 PAGE 10 FEBRUARY 22, 2005 PARTY CALLS: Proposed ordinance sparks concern CONMUED FRM PG 'I' According to statistics, 772 parties occurred at ap- proximately 400 locations dur- ing the 2004 reporting period. Forty-five of the residences, or 11 percent, generated three or more responses, accounting for 201, or 26 percent, of all the party calls. "Many of these problem residences can be appropri- ately described as fraternity or sorority houses, whose student occupants proudly collect First Response Notices' almost ev- ery weekend," according to the staff report from the Rohnert Park Police. "We've thrown many par- ties and every time there has- been asbeen a First Response, we have taken care of the situation," said Ferguson. "Just because one neighbor can't sleep, we shouldn't be fined without at least one warning. I've only seen two Second Response tickets and they were for $1000 each. That doesn't sound like a friendly fine." Additional analysis from the Rohnert Park Police reveals that over the last six months, Rohnert Park has been second in party calls only to Santa Rosa. When population is taken into account, however, Rohnert Park Police responds to more than twice as many calls per 1000 residents as the Santa Rosa Police Department. According to Rohnert Park Police, "The purpose of this proposal is not to target the occasional family party. The purpose of this proposal is to target the specific, chronic properties and respon- sible person(s) who routinely present a threat to the public peace, health, safety or general welfare of the citizens of the city of Rohnert Park." The department has proposed an amendment which says, in essence, that if a second call is made within six months of the first, the responsible person(s) will be held liable for the cost of the public safety service which was provided. The staff report cited Municipal Codes from other California cities like La Mesa, Newport Beach and Pasadena, which can issue fines within an entire year, twice what the proposed amendment for Rohnert Park calls for. "I know there are few students who support this amendment," said Dom Bei, SSU Senator. "We all need to get together and prevent it from passing. Boycott! Boycott!! Boycott!!! If we all get together the students are a powerful force that must be listened to." The City Council Meeting is Tues- day, Feb 22. CLASS SIZES: Students dismayed with overcrowding CONTINUED FROM PG 1 on a one to one level." "It's harder to teach in the way we know how, to teach as thoroughly. With class sizes the way they are, it's almost physically impossible," said Epple. "CSU's are having a hard time at gaining any political capital, so our user fees are being exponentially increased; those in the capitol call it a `indirect tax increase,"' said Nadir Vissanjy, a junior who is very pas- sionate about the issue. "The anomaly is that our educa- tion is not improving. I am a TA for a Sociology class that originally started for 108 students and it astronomically increased to 217 students, and on the first day there were 250 students all meshed inside the Warren Audito- rium," said Vissanjy. "The SSU Mission Statement clearly states that it values `self-ex- pression,' but how can we express our views if the professor has to deal with 220 views being thrown at him or her? In the second half of the mis- sion statement, it is expressed that the value of an educational experience is highly `dependent on human and intellectual relationships among stu- dents and faculty to foster the open exchange of ideas.' I wish I could say this was true, but it is not. There are a lot of classes where no relationships are fostered and the students become a number instead of a person," said Vissanjy. Sharing similar views are Alyssa Burnham and Michelle Revecho, juniors. " I feel with the enlarged class sizes, students are not getting the quality of education we deserve, " said Burnham. "I have definitely seen a dramatic change in class sizes during my three years here," Revecho said. " I went from having a quaint 15 person class when I was a freshman, to being in Stevenson for three hours, stuck sit- ting in between two people, rubbing elbows when taking notes. Try -hav- ing someone next to you breathing in your face when he hasn't brushed his teeth. Testing day can be even worse because then the people who don't come to class usually are there for the exam. In some classes you will see people sitting on'the floor. Now we pay plenty to attend this university, so somebody needs to step in and make sure that every person has these basic necessities if SSU is going to take their money." Not all students seem to have a problem with their class sizes though. Ryan Eldridge, sophomore, is among these students. "I think the class sizes are perfect; not too big, but not too small. Neutral, that's why I picked this school. I mean, I have big lec- tures, but even then I like having a bigger class because for some reason, I learn better when I am around more people." The issue with class sizes is not Just here at SSU, but is shared among all CSU's. CSUS student Will Kwi- atkowski seems to agree with the in- creasing rise of disgruntled students. "I'm ,a photo major, and due to the enormous demand for upper divi- sion photo classes, I'm worried that I'm not going to be able to graduate in a reasonable amount of time. As for classes, instead of cramming kids into classes, the administration should perhaps add one more sections for those that are in -demand rather than opting for more summer sections or overcrowded, unsatisfactory class- rooms." "Our main complaints about class sizes here are mainly just for the majors that are impacted," said Chico State student Heidi Downs: " It seems as though there are less sections open for classes that are in high demand, and i't's almost as though the school wants to oversize the classes and get as many people in there as possible, which doesn't help a lot of people in the learning experience." Whatever the student's decision was for choosing SSU, the fact is that they are here and if it was because of SSU's "small class sizes," this may no 'longer be the case. SEXUAL ASSAULTS: There are places to get help CONTINUED FROM PG 1 leges because people are so afraid to speak up and/or suffer any social ramifications. According to the SSU web -crime statistics, there have only been six aggravated assaults from 2002-2003 and five cases in residence halls with- in the same time frame. These are very low numbers, but they are only the numbers that are actually being reported. Sexual assault will continue to happen if it goes unreported. Sexual assault is * a crime that is taken very seriously on and off the SSU campus. There are many Iop- tions available and advocates who can answer many questions, and offer insightful options. Contact confiden- tial information & support at the SSU Women's Recourse Center on the first floor of the student union, 664-2845 (confidential phone line). The number for SAFE is 664- 2217. Off campus there is UASA; United Against Sexual Assault, a confidential center that works in the community to eliminate all forms of violence, with a special focus on sexual assault and abuse. 545-7270. Crisis line: 545-7273. To guarantee your place in class, early enrollment is recommended. In accordance with CSU Policy, SSU is moving to full Year Around Operations in 2006. A consequence is that the Summer 2005 schedule will consistof fewer course sections than usual. Therefore, students are encouraged to register as soon as possible to guarantee a place in class. - View summer courses at'www.sonoma.edu/exed/ (Click on "Catalogs" then "Summer") Enroll Online now at www.sonoma.edu/exed/ (Click on "apply/enroll") Soorer\ o Cess\- auate c pC gc�ass� teCaouC acare'�`\ a��erg�r� PcGe�eCaa e ora c Corcertc V Summer Scheduling Formats: 6 -week session June 2 0 -July 2 6 3-weeksessions May 31 -June 17 June 20 - July 8 4 -week sessions June 6 -July 1 (four -unit classes) July 5 - 26 12 -week session May 31- August,19 (Education classes) For more information contact' SSU School of Extended Education at 707664.2394, Stevenson Hall 1012. r Sua;qomA SONOMA STATE UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF EXTENDED EDUCATION FEBRUARY 22, 2005 View from the bottom: Golden State Warrior's update Jason Richardson to the left and Troy Murphy to the right look to lead the Warriors out of their problems. ALEX GRENELL Staff Writer In this day and age it's tough being a Golden State Warriors fan. At least other team's fans can say that their season is a roller coaster, full of ups and downs. But while those fans are soaring, with the likes of Boston Red Sox and Patriot fans on a wicked -awesome roller coaster of success, we faithful to the blue and orange are riding the tea cups with nobody to keep us com- pany but snotty nose kids and the occasional Detroit Tiger and Miami Dolphin fans (mi- nus Rickey Williams of course, who's high on life on the Cypress Hill Farris wheel). Though there is a slight ray of sunshine in'the distant future for this troubling fran- chise; this talented variety of individuals may prove to disbelievers that the Warriors are contenders. Their rising team consists of two-time slam dunk champion and standout athlete Jason Richardson, who leads the team in scoring and fills the role of leader. Richard- son averages 22.5 points per game and if he wasn't plagued with injuries this season, he might have given players more opportuni- ties to see if his underwear matched his out- erwear as he soared overhead. Richardson is kind in that way, always giving opposing players a guest spot on "Sports Center." Richardson is a one span team, but until they allow one to bring the ball in bounds by themselves, more players have to co -exist. Among the chosen are Notre Dame Graduate Troy Murphy, who entered the league with Richardson, braces and all. Murphy averages 16.2 points per game, along with 11 rebounds to make the pairing of him and Richardson the Warriors' "lethal weapon," no resemblance to Mel Gibson and Danny Glover. This dynamic duo, is accompanied to work of Speedy Claxton, the backup point guard for the 2001 NBA Champion San An- tonio Spurs. As well as Derek (wide open because of Shaq) Fisher who won three championships with Shaq and company in Los Angeles. Though this team sounds like supermen in sweat -shop Nikes, their differences in game style prove to be the kryptonite that keeps them at the bottom of the Pacific. The times they are changing; as shown in the few games that the team was entirely healthy, they are all learning to play their anymore. Robinson will dress up as a New Jersey Net and in the trade the Warriors will recieve two first round draft picks. positions and roles as one cohesive unit. Richardson and Murphy are coming into their prime, Claxton is grasping how to run a team minus Tim Duncan, and Fisher is finding that he needs to work for an open shot, which is different then he was accus- tom . to in Los Angeles with Shaq feeding him a open shot on a silver platter. Now with the team chemistry growing and a pretty good chance of viewing the playoffs at home, the Warriors can per- fect the concept of a winning team in the second half of the season. Plus, with Cliff Robinson making the move to New Jersey, the two second round draft picks will help stack the Warriors for the future push into the playoffs. , If you doubt that a team can change its destiny in a season, then feast your eyes on the Cleveland Cavaliers, who used to at- tend barbeques,with the Warriors to watch the playoffs, but intend not to R.S.V.R this season due to a rumor that being there is more fun. See what a few new faces can do to turn a franchise around, so don't go burn- ing you Warriors posters quite yet, because these golden boys of round ball are going platinum. Outdoor adventures-, Fish .Tale TRAVIS SMmi Staff Writer With football season over, I thought last Sunday was a good day to go fishing. So my dad and I got in the boat and went sturgeon fishing in the Napa River. To put it in perspective, sturgeon can weigh up to and over 100 pounds. We showed up at C -Biscuits Bait shop in Vallejo to get bait. Pictured are grass and ghost shrimp, which are commonly used as bait. Even with all the excite- ment of catching a sturgeon, we only managed to land three Starry Flounders. There are other qualities about going fishing, especially in a boat, that are enticing. First is the chill factor, which comes into .play when things are slow and you can appreci- ate everything around you. You're also not glued to one spot to fish in, the 18 -foot boat comes in handy to motor wher- ever you want. Some prospective fishers might not like baiting the hook. The ghost and grass shrimp were live and sometimes put up a little fight when being put on the hook. The ghost shrimp have pinchers and will draw blood, so it's easier to rip one of them.off before using it. My weapon of choice was a 7 -foot pole and I attached a 6 ounce weight to the line. The rea- son for that was so that I could get the bait down to the bottom of the water. It was a pretty unsuc- cessful day in terms of fishing. At times though, it was very tranquil. With an occasional boat passing by I caught myself daydreaming once or twice. Then I'd see the tip of my pole bob and I'd lunge for it, false alarm. The place were we spent a good chunk of our day was near the Mare Island Naval shipyard which spans about a half a mile along the river. It was a little eerie being around such big buildings with no one in them. After not finding much success besides a Starry Flounder, we headed north where we met some rain. While looking at the rain ahead PAGE 11 Pick them up and shoot them down Basketball -bounces into the rec ALEX GRENELL Staff Writer Tired of all the jocks get- ting the girls? Frustrated that you can't see your feet when you pee? Fed up with your imaginary friends beating you in basketball? . Then lace up those kicks, strap on a sweat band and be- come a regular at the Recreation Center and enjoy countless hours of fun -filled pick-up bas- ketball. Anytime of the day you canusually find a friendly face to play a game of one-on-one, horse, around the world, or see who can hit the most half court shots. When the sun sets and the temperature drops, the real ballers come out of the shad- ows. From the hours of 6, to 9 p.m. a number of Rohnert Parks finest make their appearance on the hardwood, to put their skills to the test'. A barrage of crossovers, head fakes and even the stylish sky hook find their way into someone's arsenal of moves. The key is to leave every- thing on the floor. If you play your heart out on every play and play smart, you will earn the re- spect of the other RP ballers.' Just think of it this way, you can't get benched, and if you perfect your free throw abilities then you are guaranteed to play more often. Feeling a little uneasy that your b -ball skills may not match up -to your competitors? Well fear not, for I'm al- ways in attendance and rarely do my skills accompany my body. I may look like I'm a white Mi- chael Jordan when I check the ball, but my skill on the court looks more like Jordan's skill on the baseball field. Throughout a night of turnovers, air balls and blown lay-ups, a smile still resides on this face because practice makes perfect and there is no possible way I could get any worse. Basketball is a game full of passion and fun. Just imagine all the .interesting people that you can meet by just playing a, game. You may meet your future husbands and wives, ex- husbands and ex-wives or just a good ole stalker. The possibili- ties are endless. So peel your self off that couch, pull your thumb out of your mouth (bet you thought I was going to say ass) and put your game face on, because tonight may be your night to shine. If not, return to couch, in- sert thumb into its rightful place and try again tomorrow. So if you're tired of getting excited watching basketball on television and having no place to release that energy, make a trip down to the Recreation Center and join the elite, and of course, me. of us it was clear we had to make a choice. We decided to stay and try to catch a big boy. Thinking ahead ' we brought some snacks and beverages prior to leaving. Intervals of rain came and past during this time. Bait fishing for sturgeon is mostly social because the anchor of the boat is at the bottom of the river and you have your pole propped up while you're sitting comfortably. However, at any given moment you could be fighting a monster fish. The Napa River is a diverse fishery and provides year round fishing opportunities. Some species inclu.&'`'Wa $h� smell mouth bass, striped bass, sturgeon and flounder. The best time to catch one of these is when the tides are coming in and going out. When you find yourself in a low tide like we were, the bites you get could be few and far between. Even if you don't catch the fish you were hoping for it's not the end of the world. It may not sound like much, but the Napa River has a lot of 'water to explore and is very accessible to the public. As I alluded to earlier just being out on the water gives you a feeling of peace that you can't find in many places. Clifford Robinson o a won't be shooting in a Warrior km. uniform Jason Richardson to the left and Troy Murphy to the right look to lead the Warriors out of their problems. ALEX GRENELL Staff Writer In this day and age it's tough being a Golden State Warriors fan. At least other team's fans can say that their season is a roller coaster, full of ups and downs. But while those fans are soaring, with the likes of Boston Red Sox and Patriot fans on a wicked -awesome roller coaster of success, we faithful to the blue and orange are riding the tea cups with nobody to keep us com- pany but snotty nose kids and the occasional Detroit Tiger and Miami Dolphin fans (mi- nus Rickey Williams of course, who's high on life on the Cypress Hill Farris wheel). Though there is a slight ray of sunshine in'the distant future for this troubling fran- chise; this talented variety of individuals may prove to disbelievers that the Warriors are contenders. Their rising team consists of two-time slam dunk champion and standout athlete Jason Richardson, who leads the team in scoring and fills the role of leader. Richard- son averages 22.5 points per game and if he wasn't plagued with injuries this season, he might have given players more opportuni- ties to see if his underwear matched his out- erwear as he soared overhead. Richardson is kind in that way, always giving opposing players a guest spot on "Sports Center." Richardson is a one span team, but until they allow one to bring the ball in bounds by themselves, more players have to co -exist. Among the chosen are Notre Dame Graduate Troy Murphy, who entered the league with Richardson, braces and all. Murphy averages 16.2 points per game, along with 11 rebounds to make the pairing of him and Richardson the Warriors' "lethal weapon," no resemblance to Mel Gibson and Danny Glover. This dynamic duo, is accompanied to work of Speedy Claxton, the backup point guard for the 2001 NBA Champion San An- tonio Spurs. As well as Derek (wide open because of Shaq) Fisher who won three championships with Shaq and company in Los Angeles. Though this team sounds like supermen in sweat -shop Nikes, their differences in game style prove to be the kryptonite that keeps them at the bottom of the Pacific. The times they are changing; as shown in the few games that the team was entirely healthy, they are all learning to play their anymore. Robinson will dress up as a New Jersey Net and in the trade the Warriors will recieve two first round draft picks. positions and roles as one cohesive unit. Richardson and Murphy are coming into their prime, Claxton is grasping how to run a team minus Tim Duncan, and Fisher is finding that he needs to work for an open shot, which is different then he was accus- tom . to in Los Angeles with Shaq feeding him a open shot on a silver platter. Now with the team chemistry growing and a pretty good chance of viewing the playoffs at home, the Warriors can per- fect the concept of a winning team in the second half of the season. Plus, with Cliff Robinson making the move to New Jersey, the two second round draft picks will help stack the Warriors for the future push into the playoffs. , If you doubt that a team can change its destiny in a season, then feast your eyes on the Cleveland Cavaliers, who used to at- tend barbeques,with the Warriors to watch the playoffs, but intend not to R.S.V.R this season due to a rumor that being there is more fun. See what a few new faces can do to turn a franchise around, so don't go burn- ing you Warriors posters quite yet, because these golden boys of round ball are going platinum. Outdoor adventures-, Fish .Tale TRAVIS SMmi Staff Writer With football season over, I thought last Sunday was a good day to go fishing. So my dad and I got in the boat and went sturgeon fishing in the Napa River. To put it in perspective, sturgeon can weigh up to and over 100 pounds. We showed up at C -Biscuits Bait shop in Vallejo to get bait. Pictured are grass and ghost shrimp, which are commonly used as bait. Even with all the excite- ment of catching a sturgeon, we only managed to land three Starry Flounders. There are other qualities about going fishing, especially in a boat, that are enticing. First is the chill factor, which comes into .play when things are slow and you can appreci- ate everything around you. You're also not glued to one spot to fish in, the 18 -foot boat comes in handy to motor wher- ever you want. Some prospective fishers might not like baiting the hook. The ghost and grass shrimp were live and sometimes put up a little fight when being put on the hook. The ghost shrimp have pinchers and will draw blood, so it's easier to rip one of them.off before using it. My weapon of choice was a 7 -foot pole and I attached a 6 ounce weight to the line. The rea- son for that was so that I could get the bait down to the bottom of the water. It was a pretty unsuc- cessful day in terms of fishing. At times though, it was very tranquil. With an occasional boat passing by I caught myself daydreaming once or twice. Then I'd see the tip of my pole bob and I'd lunge for it, false alarm. The place were we spent a good chunk of our day was near the Mare Island Naval shipyard which spans about a half a mile along the river. It was a little eerie being around such big buildings with no one in them. After not finding much success besides a Starry Flounder, we headed north where we met some rain. While looking at the rain ahead PAGE 11 Pick them up and shoot them down Basketball -bounces into the rec ALEX GRENELL Staff Writer Tired of all the jocks get- ting the girls? Frustrated that you can't see your feet when you pee? Fed up with your imaginary friends beating you in basketball? . Then lace up those kicks, strap on a sweat band and be- come a regular at the Recreation Center and enjoy countless hours of fun -filled pick-up bas- ketball. Anytime of the day you canusually find a friendly face to play a game of one-on-one, horse, around the world, or see who can hit the most half court shots. When the sun sets and the temperature drops, the real ballers come out of the shad- ows. From the hours of 6, to 9 p.m. a number of Rohnert Parks finest make their appearance on the hardwood, to put their skills to the test'. A barrage of crossovers, head fakes and even the stylish sky hook find their way into someone's arsenal of moves. The key is to leave every- thing on the floor. If you play your heart out on every play and play smart, you will earn the re- spect of the other RP ballers.' Just think of it this way, you can't get benched, and if you perfect your free throw abilities then you are guaranteed to play more often. Feeling a little uneasy that your b -ball skills may not match up -to your competitors? Well fear not, for I'm al- ways in attendance and rarely do my skills accompany my body. I may look like I'm a white Mi- chael Jordan when I check the ball, but my skill on the court looks more like Jordan's skill on the baseball field. Throughout a night of turnovers, air balls and blown lay-ups, a smile still resides on this face because practice makes perfect and there is no possible way I could get any worse. Basketball is a game full of passion and fun. Just imagine all the .interesting people that you can meet by just playing a, game. You may meet your future husbands and wives, ex- husbands and ex-wives or just a good ole stalker. The possibili- ties are endless. So peel your self off that couch, pull your thumb out of your mouth (bet you thought I was going to say ass) and put your game face on, because tonight may be your night to shine. If not, return to couch, in- sert thumb into its rightful place and try again tomorrow. So if you're tired of getting excited watching basketball on television and having no place to release that energy, make a trip down to the Recreation Center and join the elite, and of course, me. of us it was clear we had to make a choice. We decided to stay and try to catch a big boy. Thinking ahead ' we brought some snacks and beverages prior to leaving. Intervals of rain came and past during this time. Bait fishing for sturgeon is mostly social because the anchor of the boat is at the bottom of the river and you have your pole propped up while you're sitting comfortably. However, at any given moment you could be fighting a monster fish. The Napa River is a diverse fishery and provides year round fishing opportunities. Some species inclu.&'`'Wa $h� smell mouth bass, striped bass, sturgeon and flounder. The best time to catch one of these is when the tides are coming in and going out. When you find yourself in a low tide like we were, the bites you get could be few and far between. Even if you don't catch the fish you were hoping for it's not the end of the world. It may not sound like much, but the Napa River has a lot of 'water to explore and is very accessible to the public. As I alluded to earlier just being out on the water gives you a feeling of peace that you can't find in many places. PAGE 12 It's tee time for the golf team GINA DUNCH Staff Writer The SSU men's golf team's 2005 season tee's off this weekend in Bakersfield. Even though this is only the second year of the SSU golf program, the team has expectations of a successful season. "We have a strong line-up and we are doing good," said junior transfer, David Dietrich from Agoura Hills. Dietrich is one of the two walk on transfers this year. He played at College of the Canyons before coming to SSU. The team is led by its two captains, sopho- more Bobby Nearyfrom Granite Bay and'junior Matt Jones from Petaluma. Coach Val Verhunce expects good things from both Neary and Jones this spring as well as the team's number one player and only senior, Adam Lewis. Lewis is the top returning player from the 2004 season. "Adam is a great player and a genuine guy," said Dietrich. "We have all learned a lot from him." FEBRUARY 22, 2005 The ages on the team vary having four freshmen, two sophomores, four juniors and one senior. While trying their best to beat the other schools, the team members also face stiff 'compe- tition amongst themselves. For each tournament, only five of the 10 players travel and play, based on their performance during practices leading up to the tournament. One disadvantage of being such a new sport is the constant need to fundraise in order to build the program. The team is planning on hosting a golf tournament in early April at the Santa Rosa Golf and Country Club to help raise some money. However, this is not holding the team down. "We have strong team comradery and we are working hard," said Dietrich. "We are looking to get better and play to our abilities." They have their work cut out for them con- sidering the CCAA conference is the toughest in all of NCAA Division 11. "Of the eight golf teams, I believe five of them are in the top 20 in the coun- try," said Verhunce. Verhunce is up for the challenge. "I am opti- mistic that we can qualify as a team for Regionals back in South Dakota and hopefully we can make Lacrosse team has recipe for success NICK Mus Staff Writer Take the most exciting parts of hock- ey. Now subtract the ice, the skates and the lockout. Add a grass field and much more scoring, and you end up with lacrosse, which has been called `the fastest game on two feet.' The lacrosse field is bigger than a football field and with hockey -style face- offs and the ability to run behind the cages, lacrosse makes for one very physically de- manding, adrenaline -pumping sport. "As far as [sports on] grass are con- cerned, it's a fast-moving, fast -hit- ting game," explained SSU men's lacrosse team co -captain Chris Esposito. Entering his final year on the squad, Esposito is more keyed up while sizing up the new lacrosse season than a child who's sizing up the big- gest giftunder the Christmas tree. "The team 4 is looking strong, starting with a good return- ing defense," said Esposito. "Defense is something Sonoma State lacrosse has always prided itself on." Despite being a club sport, SSU men's lacrosse team is one the most successful ath- letic programs on campus. Lacking in university funding, but not in re- cruiting power, the Seawolves have become a powerhouse of sorts among other club lacrosse teams across the nation. "Recruiting is a big part of the game," said Esposito. "But winning the National Championship like we did in 2002 is good recruiting by itself. Since we've got a suc, cessful team year in, year out, people want to play for us." Playing in the Western Collegiate La- crosse League (WCLL), which is part of the United States Lacrosse Intercollegiate Associates (USLIA), SSU plays a 17 game regular season schedule this year. The Sea - wolves, who opened play on Feb. 12 with a dominating 14-4 victory over Stanford, face other club teams from all across the coun- try including games against Florida State, Virginia Tech and BYU. "Yes we are club, and we're not varsity," said Esposito. "So some people will think `club sport — they're, not as good,' and that's not the case. There are a lot f good players in this le4gue, a lot of good players on this team, and we can compete." Among those play - on the Seawolves his season are several key ingredients. Defender Benny Cannis is also a co -captain on the squad this year. "Cannis is a great guy, a strong player, and a good leader," said Esposito. F Guarding the net in 2005 is goalie Warren Pringle. "He's great," said Esposito. "[Pringle's] got a "The team is looking strong, starting with a good returning defense. Defense is something Sonoma State lacrosse has always prided itself on." lot of potential and he's going to come out strong. I am not worried at all about what's going, on in goal." Midfielders, or `middies,' include Esposito, Brian Johnson and Jamey Dale. "B.J. and I run on the same line, and we Work well together," Esposito said. "Jamey is coming up this year, and we expect him to play very well." Attacker Dan McDonald, who single- handedly outscored Stanford in the season - opener by scoring four goals and assisting on another, will prove to be a leader on the offensive strike. Plus, he's got a great nickname. "I call him `textbook' because his shots .are off stick low, which is exactly where they should be," said Esposito. Off the field, the players also blend well together. "The team treats itself as if it's family." Esposito said. "All the players are best friends. We all hang out on week- ends. I've visited other teams and it's not like that at other schools." "That's another great thing about Sonoma State," Esposito continued. "It's always been like that here. One of the rea- sons I chose to come to SSU was because of the tradition. We're a hard-working, nose in the dirt, just -get -it -done -no -matter - what -the -circumstances type of team. We just have to keep that reputation going." COURTESY / / SONOMA.EDY/ATHLEnCS.COM it to the Nationals in Georgia." The Seawolves are in good hands. Coach Ver- hunce is a PGA Professional with 17 plus years of experience. He also works at the Adobe Creek Country Club as the Director of Instruction. The Seawolves' recently took a trip to Phoe- nix, Arizona to play. This was a good experience and bonding time for the players. The Seawolves will be gone four weekends in a row playing teams such as UCSD, Monterey Bay and'San Bernardino. tipy eather' 6taNc�s co"v+er', the''' softball field Due to rainy and poor field conditions, Sonoma State's dou- bleheader at Cal State Stanislaus on Friday has been re -scheduled , for Wednesday, Feb. 23 at 1 p.m. The' Humboldt State home game originally scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 20 has been postponed, but -no make-up dale has been given. I Ath ete of the Week n uV� Y iY 9 Vr.x l) �y E i I M - V �sr a? ,.r Janelle Lombardi scored 34 points against CSU Monterey for the women's basketball team. That is the second highest points scored in a game in school his- tory. The Sophomore has. the best free throw percent- age on the squad at .846 and averages 7.4 points per game. The 5 foot 11 guard has played in every game this season. SEAMUS SEANACHAOI BRUCE CODDING, VICE PRESIDENT COURTESY AGENDA LIST 207 SOUTHWEST BLVD CODDING ENTERPRISES BUILDING 2/22/05 ROHNERT PARK CA 94928 6400 REDWOOD DRIVE ROHNERT PARK, CA 94928 SERGEANT WULFF REMOLD Dept- of Publk Safety COUNCIL MEETING MEMO To: The. Honorable Mayor and Members From: Carl Eric Leivo of the City Council City Manager cc: Michelle Marchetta Kenyon, City Attorney Date: February 22, 2005 Gabrielle P. Whelan, Assistant City Attorney Regular Meeting Administrative Staff Press. Correspondents City Council Meeting - The following matters are scheduled for consideration or discussion at the City of Rohnert Park concurrent meetings of the City Council, the Community Development Commission, and the Rohnert Park Financing Authority to convene at 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 22, 2005. 1. Work Session on Budget Matters Finance Director Sandy Lipitz will. present the City's mid -year Budget for Fiscal Year 2004-05 and a Preliminary Budget Review for Fiscal Year 2005-06 for Council consideration and/or direction. The Regular Council session should reconvene at approximately 6:30 p.m. 2. Scheduled Appearances / Presentations ■ Seamus Seanachaoi will state his views on City Manager Carl Leivo's position. 3. Student Reports James J. Reilly IH, Legislative Representative Sonoma State University Associated Students, will discuss campus issues and activities. 4. Unscheduled Appearances/Comments Time has been allotted on the Council agenda for public comments on agenda items or other matters not on the agenda There is a 30 -minute total time limit for unscheduled appearances and, depending on the number of speakers; each speaker may be limited to 3-5 minutes. Any speaker not having time to speak during the unscheduled public appearances will be deferred to a time allotment at the end of the agenda for additional public comments. 5. Sewer and Water Systems Requested Council Action: Amendment of Title 13 of the Rohnert Park Municipal Code for sewer and water rate increases. In 1967, the City adopted Ordinance 76 requiring the adoption of rules / regulations, rates, penalties, and charges by resolution. Resolution 2003-118 states the current rules & regulations, penalties and charges. Government Code Section 5471 requires fees and charges for the water system to be adopted by ordinance. Ordinances 729, 730, 731, and 732 incorporate changes to Title 13 to reflect that rates for water and connection fees will be adopted by ordinance. After analyzing nine months of residential water consumption, staff proposes a two-tiered rate structure. The first tier rate will be applied to all users. The second tier rate will provide a discount for residential units that conserve water (use an average of 10,000 gallons/month or less). All single family homes will be eligible for the "discounted rate"., Multi -family housing and mobile home parks may apply for the discounted rate; however each unit must be sub -metered and there must be a CITY OF ROHNERT PARK (2) Council Meeting Memo - February 22, 2005 separate meter for irrigation. Discounted rate will be applied when the average consumption per unit is 10,000 gallons/month or less. Irrigation water will be based on first tier. Finance is requesting to upgrade a 1,000 hour position to a full-time position to handle the additional work load. 50% of the staff change costs would come from the water and sewer operating budget through the general fund recharge. 6. Agilent Property [formerly Hewlett Packard] update by Codding Enterprises In 1981, Council approved an amendment to the General Plan Land Use and Circulation Elements to designate industrial, high density residential, institution, parks, and utilities for a parcel owned by Hewlett Packard. Parcel Map No. 82 split the Hewlett Packard parcel into four parcels. Parcel 1 was the industrial plant, Parcel 2 was north and was the park/institutional/utility area. Parcel 3 was vacant land south of the industrial buildings and Parcel 4 was a high density residential parcel. In 1989 the City approved Hewlett-Packard Subdivision No. 1 which involved the two northern parcels (Lots 2 and 4) and established right-of-ways for Camino Colegio and Camellia, Carnation, and Caroline Avenues and Parcels 1, 2, 3 and 5 (high density residential). In 1990 M Section school site was moved from Parcel 2 to its current location. Parcel 2 was developed as low density residential. In 1994, Council approved a request to rezone Parcels 1 and 5 to low density residential. The City Attorney indicates that the Council may change the General Plan designation. 7. Parks Master Plan and Community Fields Citizens' Advisory Committee Requested Council Action: Selection of seven (7) Citizens'Advisory Committee Members. January 11, 2005 Council approved Resolution No. 2005-02 authorizing the formation of a Citizens' Advisory Committee to help prepare a Parks and Recreation Plan including Community Fields. The Committee will perform duties as directed by Council including a marketing study and needs assessment. They will re-examine the current park structure and advise Council of their findings concerning development of a parks and recreation master plan for the community. 8. Party Ordinance. Requested Council Action: Revision of existing City Municipal Code regarding police services at parties,age therings or events requiring a second response. Ordinance 9.48.040 specifies that when a public safety officer must respond to a party, gathering or event on private property and issues a warning to the responsible person(s), that person(s) will be held liable for the cost of providing police services during a second or any follow-up responses by DPS officers for a single event. There has been a significant increase in the number of calls officers respond to involving the same addresses and the same responsible person(s) — some almost weekly. Staff recommends amending the ordinance to extend the period of time for which a subsequent response can be billed to the responsible person(s). Instead of a warning covering a single event, it would cover any return to the same address with the same responsible person(s) within a specified amount of time. 9. Grading Ordinance. Requested Council Action: Approval of Negative Declaration and Introduction of Administrative Changes to Erosion Control Ordinance This Ordinance will replace Section 15.08.080 of the Municipal Code that adopts grading standards in the Uniform Building Code (UBC). Local ordinance language is more applicable to mass grading activities related to subdivisions and new development and will help streamline the development review process. Administrative changes to the Erosion Control Ordinance (No. 721) moves provisions from Chapter 16.48 to Chapter 15.52 next to the Grading Ordinance where it belongs. CITY OF ROHNERT PARK (3) Council Meeting Memo - February 22 2005 10. Internet, E -Mail and Electronic Media Use Policy Due to new laws and legal cases in the area of Internet, E-mail, and Electronic Media use, staff recommends replacing all former Media Use Resolutions with Resolution 200543 which includes City Access and Disclosure, Security and Confidentiality information. 11. Council Committee and/or other reports. ■ Sonoma County Transportation Authority [SCTA], 2/14/05 meeting (JM/WM) ■ Conservation Strategy Team (CST), 2/15/05 meeting (WM) ■ Other informational reports; if any 12. Communications Copies of meaningful communications have been provided to Council for review prior to this meeting. If there is any communication that a Council Member desires to read or discuss, he/she will indicate during this time. 13. Matters from/for Council 1) Sister Cities Relations Committee / Student Ambassador Program. Request Council member to assist with the Interviews. ■ - Council Discussion / Direction / Action 2) Addition of a Second Canine Unit (AS) 3) Schedule of Events and Meetings 4) City Council Agenda Forecast 5) Other informational items, if any 14. City Manager's Report 1) Informational items, if any 15. CONSENT CALENDAR - For this meeting, the Consent Calendar consists of acknowledgment of the City Manager/Clerk's report on the posting of the meeting's agenda and the adoption of Resolutions numbered 200545 through 2005-52. Copies of all resolutions, staff reports, and backup materials for these items have been provided to Council for review. A. Approval of Meeting Minutes for City Council Meeting held February 8, 2005 B. Approval of Bills/Demands for Payment. C. Accepting Cash/Investments Report for Month Ending January 31, 2005 D. Resolutions for Adoption 200545 Commending David Stager, Public Safety Officer, on the Occasion 'of his Retirement This Resolution honors and recognizes 21+ years of dedicated service by Public Safety Officer David Stager who will retire in March. 2005-46 Awarding the Contract for Portable Radios for Public Safety to Fisher Wireless Four bids were received and opened February 3, 2005. Staff recommends Award of Contract to the lowest bidder Fisher Wireless of Santa Rosa in the amount of $9,283.58. CITY OF ROHNERT PARK (4) CouncilMeetine Memo - February 22 2005 2005-47 Extending the Contract for Water Monitoring Services with Caltest Analytical Laboratory Our current contract for Water Monitoring Services with Caltest Analytical Laboratory of Napa, CA is due to expire February 28, 2005. Staff recommends extension of the contract for two additional years (2/28/07) with no price increases unless the State of California requires additional testing. 200548 Approval of the Cooperative Agreement for the Santa Rosa Plain Groundwater Study Staff recommends that Council approve the cooperative funding agreement and authorize the Mayor to execute same on behalf of the City. The study includes development of a GIS database for the Santa Rosa Plain, development of a detailed geohydrologic model of the groundwater/surface water systems in the study area, and identification of factors that influence the optimal distribution of water resources between them. Council submitted a letter of support to the Sonoma County Water Agency for a similar study conducted in the areas of Sonoma Valley and Dry Creek Valley. The total cost of the groundwater study is estimated at $1,925,000 over a 5 -year period. The study is eligible for up to $500,000 in grant funding. The remaining balance would be paid by 8 participating agencies, i.e. Sonoma County Water Agency, Santa Rosa, Cotati, Sebastopol, Windsor, Cal American Water, the County of Sonoma, and Rohnert Park. 2005-49 Approval of Fiscal Year 2005-06 Work Plan for the Russian River Watershed Association (RRWA) It is recommended that council approve the FY2005/06 Russian River Watershed Association work plan and authorize a budget allocation of up to $30,000 for the City's share of the cost of the work plan activities. Activities include: 1) Executive Director management services 2) public outreach 3) grant program monitoring 4) providing support for North Coast Integrated Regional Water Management 5) working with the Regional Board on water quality policy issues and upcoming regulations. 2005-50 Approval of Contract Change Order No. 1 with Telstar Instruments, Inc. for Sewer Flow Meter Replacement Project No. 2003-32 The flow meter on Pump Station 2 has been replaced by Telstar and is operational. The cost of that installation was $25,980. Since that time, the flow meter on Pump Station 1 needs replacement as well. The change order will enable the City to accomplish the work quickly and cost effectively. Work is funded from sewer operations. 2005-51 Calling for Sealed Proposals, Commercial Water Replacement Project, Phase 2, Project No. 2004-03. Staff recommends approval of plans and specifications for the Commercial Water Meter Replacement project and authorization of the City Engineer to call for sealed bids and approve addenda to bid documents. This project will replace water meters 2 -inches and smaller on commercial and multifamily properties throughout the city. Replacing these meters will increase the consistency of meter reads and reduce staff time reading commercial meters. The work would be funded through water rates. CITY OF ROHNERT PARK (5) Council Meeting Memo February 22 2005 2005-52 Authorization to Purchase a Vandalism Deterrent Camera System to be placed in the City Parks Graffiti and vandalism are recurring problems that plague our City parks. Staff recommends installing a specialized "F1ashCAM" camera to deter and catch vandals. When motion is detected (up to 100') the camera begins taking 35mm photographs. The camera would be used on a trial basis in Golis Park which has the highest number of graffiti and vandalism incidents. It would operate when the park is closed between 10:30pm and ¢:00am. FlashCAM is being used successfully in many California cities. The Public Works' budget has sufficient funds to purchase and install the camera. E. Approving Donation of two one-year Family Sports Center Memberships ($375 value each), two Summer Season Family Pool Memberships ($240 value each), and a Theatre Experience for a group of six at the Spreckels Performing Arts Center to a Pacific Alliance Stage Company 2005-06 production ($200 value) for the Education Foundation's 19th Annual "Sharing of the Green Auction", 3/12/05 16. Public Comments. Time has been allotted on the Council agenda for public comments on items not luted on the agenda or on agenda items if unable to speak at the scheduled time (limited to 3-5 minutes per appearance and a 30 minute total time limit, or an allocation of time based on number of speaker cards submitted). ADJOURNMENT H: Memos 022205 Inter Departmental Memorandum City of Rohnert Park Date: Monday, February 21, 2005 To: Director of Public Safety Thomas R. Bullard CC: (Requested by Director Bullard) Mayor Jake Mackenzie, Vice Mayor Vicki Vidak-Martinez, Council Members Armando Flores, Tim Smith and Amie Spradlin. City Manager Dr. Carl E. Leivo, City Clerk Judy Hauff. ^� From: Public Safety Sergeant Arthur A. Sweeney$ Subject: SENSITIVE CASE UPDATE = Significant Case Investigation - 2/14/2005 Child Molest Information in preparation for City Council Meeting of February 22, 2005 The purpose of this chronicle is to update you on what the Department of Public Safety considers to be a very serious incident demanding our uttermost attention and resources. The similarity to the Polly Klass case has not been missed on anybody who serves to protect our community. Knowing the details will hopefully prepare you for any questions or concerns expressed by the public. This is. a synopsis of the information first made public and released -.to the media by the department on- Thursday; February 17, 2005. On Monday, February 14, 2005 at about 5-:00 AM- a 7 year old girl was awakened by the sound of her bedroom window being opened. Her room is in a single-family, single story tract home in the "L Section, of Rohnert Park. The girl's window faces the street -and was accessible from the sidewalk. The girl went to 'the open window and talked to the suspect who was standing outside. The suspect was not previously known by the victim. The suspect grabbed the girl and- held her firmly by the arm as he sexually assaulted (fondled) her through the window. Other than his arms; the suspect did' not. enter the residence.. The suspect fled on foot when the victim threatened to call for her father. No vehicles were seen.. By the time of this media release_ our Defectives --had shown several: photographs to the . girl including those.of sex registrants and the man known as. the "Petalunia-Prowler" who.had gained notoriety and media attention two years- ago: by entering girl's bedrooms. at night and touching their feet.. All these people were initially cleared. On February 17, 2005 the department released a press .release and an artist sketch of -the man described by the girl. Some community concern has been expressed concerning a perceived delay in reporting this case publicly. Hopefully this synopsis of activity will somewhat answer those concerns. While the incident happened at 5:00 AM on Monday, February 14, 2005, the young victim had gone back to sleep in her bed after the suspect had left. It was almost 7:30 AM that morning when the girl first told her mother the story. The mother discounted the first"telling and thought that her daughter must have been talking about a dream. Later, the mother saw that the window screen on her daughter's bedroom window was ajar. It .was 8:00 AM when she called the department to report that something suspicious may have happened. Inter Departmental Memorandum City of Rohnert Park Detective Gene Fahy is the Department of Public Safety's Investigator who specializes in cases of child sexual abuse. This specific Monday was his regular day off but he was working an overtime shift in uniform; he was the officer sent on the Suspicious Circumstance call. After talking to the girl and finding out that the bedroom window screen may have been partially removed, Detective Fahy thought that more was going on than just bad dream. When the girl began to disclose the sexual assault, Detective Fahy stopped the conversation per policy and arranged for an emergency interview and examination at the Redwood Children's Center. Sonoma County protocol as established by the Office of the District Attorney has both medical and legal professionals tasked with the formal interview and evidence collection mission whenever children are the victims of sex crimes. That appointment took place at 11:00 AM and was attended by our Detective Ryan Corcoran. Photographic and latent fingerprint evidence was collected from the front yard and the girl's bedroom window. At this point very few facts were known, Detective Fahy did not have the detailed information we had collected and released days later. Detective Corcoran attended the formal interview at the Redwood Children's Center;. the medical professionals determined that no physical examination would need to be conducted. At the same time on Monday morning three (3) other Detectives from the Department of Public Safety were engaged in a door to door canvass of all the homes near where the victim lived. The Detectives told the people they spoke with what little they knew and interviewed them as to the goings on early that morning. Detective Fahy tried to arrange for one of the police sketch artists to help us on Monday but he learned that the earliest anyone could do a sketch was Wednesday, February 16, 2005. In a way this was somewhat fortuitous as it would have been necessary to cancel any appointment made that Monday. By the time the interview had been finished at Redwood Children's Center the 7 year old victim was exhausted. At 2:30 PM Monday afternoon the interview was completed and the girl was back home with her mother. Detective Fahy conducted a home safety and security inspection. Those minor issues he could fix or resolve himself he did, leaving instructions on ways to correct the rest. Detective Fahy provided resource information regarding the crisis counseling and other victim advocate services available to both the child and parents. All of the patrol shifts working Monday evening and throughout the night were briefed as to the suspicious circumstance and asked to give extra attention to the "L" Section. Inter Departmental Memorandum City of Rohnert Park Early on Tuesday morning, February 15, 2005, the Detectives met with the off going patrol officers who had worked overnight in the "L" Section and learned that they had not seen anything unusual. Three (3) of our Detectives were back in the "L" Section on foot. They walked every street, from the north end of Lancaster Drive at E. Cotati Ave. to the south end where Lancaster Drive dead ends into an open field, and every one of the side streets and courts in the neighborhood. The Detectives walked in all the parks, foot paths and the railroad tracks including the adjacent ones in the City of Cotati. The Detectives did not find anything related to this case. At the start of the Tuesday school day at the La Fiesta Elementary School, Detective Fahy met with the School Principal and told her what was known up to that point. No sketch had yet been done and the 7 year old victim was still home asleep, her mother had kept her out of school. The seriousness and significance of the events on Monday morning had become clear and she was still tired from the interview. At this point indications were clear that someone had come to the victim's bedroom window and fondled her the morning prior, but no sketch had yet been done. The victim had yet to give a consistent detailed description of the suspect. Rather that risk the creation of a panic amongst the students and parents alike, the Principal decided to use this day as a refresher of the previously taught "Stranger Danger" self protection training. The Principal decided that it would be best for the students if she were to personally deliver the lessons rather than accepting our offer to have officers involved. These sessions were reminders to all of the children of personal safety tips, like making sure windows are locked and yelling for an adult should they be confronted by stranger. Since Monday the Rohnert Park Public Safety has investigated dozens of tips without success...... Yet. All of the sex registrants in both Rohnert Park and Cotati as well as those in the nearby unincorporated areas have been personally visited, questioned by Detectives and initially eliminated as suspects. On Wednesday, February 16, 2005 at 4:30 AM, four (4) Detectives in unmarked cars and on foot were on surveillance in the "L" Section. The Detectives spent hours retracing their steps of Tuesday to no avail. Detective Fahy again checked in with the child and her mother. Fourteen hours later this same day the sketch artist met with the child. The sketch was finally completed at 9:00 PM after hours of effort. Instead of waiting until morning after working a 17 hour day, our Detectives instead created and distributed a flier incorporating this sketch and sent it out to every law enforcement agency in Marin, Sonoma, Lake and Mendocino Counties. Patrol was given copies of the sketch and again remained on heightened lookout in the "L" Section from Wednesday night to Thursday morning. Inter Departmental Memorandum City of Rohnert Park On Thursday morning the sketch was given to the Principal at La Fiesta School. A press release was created by Sergeant Sweeney and on Thursday both it and the sketch were distributed to 60 media outlets. On Thursday evening a half dozen media interviews were conducted. On Friday, Sergeant Art Sweeney's usual day off he was at work all day to handle Press Information Officer Duties. A dozen more radio, television and print. interviews were given. All told the sketch appeared in 5 newspapers, on 8 Internet news pages and 4 Bay Area television stations in addition to TV 50. The alert information and sketch was broadcast to every subscriber within a 50 mile radius of Rohnert Park using the SCAN Network. Sergeant Sweeney created and mad hundreds of color copies of an informational wanted flier designed for public display. On Friday, February 18, and Saturday February 19, 2005, Community Service Officer Jette Selberg and our Police Explorers distributed nearly 300 different fliers for public release. About 40 large fliers were distributed at commercial locations. On Friday the Detectives continued their contacts with known offenders and working on a tip received from a State Parole Agent who had seen the sketch they talked with a Santa Rosa sex offender who was seen days earlier hanging around the Mountain Shadows Middle School. Although he was not the same person who committed the crime in "L" Section, he was a convicted sex offender in violation of the terms of his probation by being at the school. That person was arrested and is being held without bail at the Sonoma County jail. At about 1:00 AM on Saturday morning February 20, 2005, a Rohnert Park officer found a person in downtown Cotati , who resembled the sketch. Our Detectives were called from their homes and spent two hours interviewing this subject. After the interview was done he was determined to be uninvolved in the "L" Section case and released. At about midnight that same Saturday night Sergeant Sweeney revised the SCAN message and sketch which was sent to every subscriber within a 75 mile radius of Rohnert Park. Every school day since February 14, 2005, three (3) or more Detectives have been at the La Fiesta School before the start of school, during the lunch hour and at the end of the school day. We are. in "L" Section. at least 3 times a day every day. So far about 40 hours of overtime have been logged by Detectives and others involved in this case. Without disclosing any of the specific plans, Detective Sergeant Ferronato and his team members have many other activities planned to further the resolution of this case. Inter Departmental Memorandum City of Rohnert Park Mayor Jake Mackenzie. IT IS NOT -OUR INTENT TO IMPOSE UPON THE COUNCIL AGENDA. HOWEVER SHOULD YOU FIND THE APPROPRIATE TIME, WE WOULD APPRECIATE YOUR DELIVERY OF THIS MESSAGE TO THE COMMUNITY: The Department of Public. Safety is asking for. the public's help to solve a serious crime that happened in the -"L" Section at 5:00 AM the morning of Monday, February 14, 20.OS..'(SHOW THE INCLUDED SKETCH) Any- information you may have, no matter how insignificant you feel it might be could be the missing puzzle piece we need to find suspect's identity in this CHILD MOLEST investigation. If any listener to my voice commutes from the "L" Section in the early morning or was there on Monday, February 141, 2005, the Detectives want to hear- from you. - PLEASE Hf LP US FIND -THIS TRULY. EVIL -MAN BEFORE HE CAN HURT ANOTHER CHILD. Detectives Gene Fahy and- Ryan Corcoran want- your call at (707) 584-2630. You can remain anonymous if you choose. Inter Departmental Memorandum City of Rohnert Park WANTED CHILD MOLESTER DESCRIPTION: Male White, 51911, mid 201S, Black Hair, Unshaven and "Bad Teeth." (Poor Dental Hygiene) He was Dirty and Unkempt. He was wearing a BLACK VISOR. 19 JANERT PA - �ALIF0RN11000' MID -YEAR BUDGET PRESENTATION FISCAL -YEAR 2004-05 62 a -'ZZ . BUDGET REVIEW ■ REVENUE PROJECTIONS BASED ON CONSERVATIVE GROWTH, CURRENT ECONOMIC CONDITIONS AND COMMUNITY DEMOGRAPHICS ■ DRAMATIC INCREASES IN PERS, WORKERS COMP AND HEALTH BENEFITS ■ STAFFING MAINTAINED AT MINIMUM TO MAINTAIN SERVICE LEVEL ■ MAJOR FACILITY IMPROVEMENTS FUNDED THROUGH GRANTS ■ CAPITAL EQUIPMENT FUNDED THROUGH GRANTS AND DONATIONS ■ SPECIAL ENFORCEMENT UNIT FUNDED THROUGH F.I.G.R. DONATON. BUDGET BALANCED ■ $1 M FROM THE SALE OF THE STADIUM LANDS PARCEL r--- m $2M FROM RESERVES Note: Stadium Land parcel sale estimated at $8.5M of which $7.5 M budgeted in the General Fund Endowment Reserve 24 20 16 12 8 4 REVE NUES 2004 ACTUAL 2005 BUDGET 6 -MONTH BUDGET 6 -MONTH ACTUAL r: _ ;Fsm Fam •:•"*' -%:�•-•'•,,;:fir �� ".:-'•. �'. � �w :�.•3�. s''•'r`• o'er .• Fm 7••� '~ ��•r :�`+�:�•Y,,:��}.•^.rte �' 'i fieri .•`+.r'•�"�'.• ti.!=..�Y�:.+�1f✓ 2004 ACTUAL 2005 BUDGET 6 -MONTH BUDGET 6 -MONTH ACTUAL U IMM 0 1 U 2 IMM wm VA m 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 SALES TAX 2004 ACTUAL 2005 6 -MONTH 6 -MONTH ACTUAL BUDGET BUDGET pw 'mac. - a gm�• 1 ie�::�w d°ai`�� r '� i i`.{t �.M 1 � '!:: I � 1 � �. .. .1- , . i wefsr well •' \ft`s; '':5 A°i i � iii°t 1 i � i t� %Y'�'�.".. •.1 � \\�\\ �i, .... - ;`. - tea- dear.-.t.•ott♦.� ��.��\"�..�ai ♦`� -..�r �' � 'telt" a F ! . i i 1 r � ;:'�-.:{ �.� _ � �'`�'�: \�.� .. v�'•Ye :� ��'.}; :. :s.•..: �.k^:.'x>�.Y�.•...,e�:' ♦t►ti i°1 °�ttt°e°s°♦ .::�:`1_��:'y% i9''`k°. =�C i ���.e:�x�'.sY�..,���T.;.y �+'r.'. ..: -. •,r;M;.';�'ti �",`..•. ^t,'•: �`�:x;: '. r°a i♦t ti.°et°t : ),5; a .�..... _ f t�:"v..:r_. w '. _ � _ � .f_ _ � _ _ _ it i';:s� -.. !�v.•'?-a�,.a.� ., .. ,• .•:i •.r ". �c _ L!':,:§'��'G.. MOTOR VEHICLE IN -LIEU MVLF LOSS FROM ERAF SHIFT $470,889 LUU4 At. 1 UAL i ACTUAL ET INVESTMENT EARNINGS 32 28: � - 25.1 7 28 s 3.8 . 24 5 2.7 2.s 24.4 20 4 18 3 12 8 2 4 0 0 2000 2002 2004 200'1 2003 f IDLE I ASH PORTFOLIO RATE 28: � - 25.1 3.8 . 2.7 2.s m A Mff ALM M 82,500 "kz Alle 40,698 PERFORMING ARTS CENTER 350,000 300,000 250,000 200.000 150.000 100.000 50.000 6 -MONTH BUDGET 6 -MONTH ACTUAL SIGN ® 338,100x» F-1 ARTS/ED M PRESENTATIONS ;. ADMIN _ of r Y d i 4 85l.4 }}} /k•Y*syJ!'f'4 8 '�+�o'- ;. a.'' r(�ff �/,`!�! [tI'S,f1'yr`�'�,'�1 +S yr ,/w�`.?ti 1Fi�l.� !ti✓Ju.'S+ti''��%`,� `, 'w/'w/��tif,'.�', I's! i i, `1til`!}I'•/4 r �i�''��'��.�� '!/��f�,t�✓ f�1 fit, 4i�/�t+�✓.,Lf l°��'��h'/'s,.. �i�"AtJ� 1!' l�``�'�Y /^w•' ^K"+'I1f lb�if �tti 11, F�:�.t� `� �i�,V�` kf�+4✓4�j��R''�'rJA�tt4 f . 7Y�'/>!1'�`il�T `�! 7';'f Yar��✓ .�!%!� tY� f�`. Y x'26,296 LL F r36y1,00 gA� g � „Era= 6 -MONTH BUDGET 6 -MONTH ACTUAL SIGN ® RENTALS F-1 ARTS/ED M PRESENTATIONS E] ADMIN J701l1lll1: 3.5 3.0 2.5 2.0 1.5 1.0 0.5 0.0 GENERAL GOVERNMENT 6 -MONTH BUDGET 6 -MONTH ACTUAL ■ LEGAL SERVICES $157K OVER BUDGET ■ PURCHASED WETLAND PARCEL FOR $467K ■ ELECTION EXPENSE BUDGETED AT $75K, NOT BILLED YET ®,,,,iik i1iR� d�p ��■yrp A� %a� Mli'A�° sad a•C' .1fJi �qt,!'8 A 1 ■ i 'at®o�$'Ey R 1(loA if e�6'A��a1•ppyA A a� f1� aII��SS •A+'/'yy}L����aowo1 i� �'iig1 ef' i ffi ""11 Rgm jp % R ° ■ • R � ga�a'Xdy��r °A �° R4° �■ �t 4 a � ■ ■ a °■1i�a�{,,.i= �aA•R A"rl • • A ! ti,Jl`,q�xi1A°!L p M� b A a`" `i�a e•ofi "• 1f` A i e �■ Y M r"■ • ■w• 1 jer .°ps a�■ sS'�i��,, o � de�'y�:ffi ekl` a e !■Y� f�11 R a A ■ ■ ffi 1 O �A ■ M@ 1 Jam, y A • YR`R !R C A 1 h # fA H� r ■ r. 6 -MONTH BUDGET 6 -MONTH ACTUAL ■ LEGAL SERVICES $157K OVER BUDGET ■ PURCHASED WETLAND PARCEL FOR $467K ■ ELECTION EXPENSE BUDGETED AT $75K, NOT BILLED YET 8.0 7.0 6.0 5.0 4.0 3.0 2.0 1.0 0.0 PUBLIC SAFETY 6 -MONTH BUDGET 6 -MONTH ACTUAL ■ BUDGETED FOR (8) VEHICLES, NOT PURCHASED YET ■ FIRE ENGINE BUDGETED IN 2004-05, PURCHASED LAST YEAR ($375K) ■ FEMA GRANT BUDGETED AT $297K; ACTUAL ALLOCATION $150K TO BE SPENT BY 6/30/05 ! 4 A i h • •,f ' 7.8 , r 6 -MONTH BUDGET 6 -MONTH ACTUAL ■ BUDGETED FOR (8) VEHICLES, NOT PURCHASED YET ■ FIRE ENGINE BUDGETED IN 2004-05, PURCHASED LAST YEAR ($375K) ■ FEMA GRANT BUDGETED AT $297K; ACTUAL ALLOCATION $150K TO BE SPENT BY 6/30/05 1,200.000 1,000.000 800.000 600.000 400,000 200.000 a RECREATION 6 -MONTH BUDGET 6 -MONTH ACTUAL BUDGETED LOSS: $409K ACTUAL LOSS: $493K PERFORMING ARTS CENTER 460.000 400.000 350,000 300,000 250,000 200,000 150.000 100,000 50,000 0 443,406 350,472 6 -MONTH BUDGET 6 -MONTH ACTUAL BUDGETED LOSS: $105K I ACTUAL LOSS: $65K 14 13 12 11 in 2000'-2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 TOTAL SALARIES SALARIES 240 230 220 211 212 210 204 200 195 9 W7 190 180 170 DECREASE OF 2% OVER LAST SIX 160 YEARS 150 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 EMPLOYEE COUNT 3.200.000 2.800.000 2.400.000 2.000.000 1.600.000 1,200,000 800.000 400,000 0 BENEFITS 2.966.44 1.971.140 1.530.262 .064,671 1.307.757 1.36356 .144 1..825 1.565.614 1.280.253 1.126.903 891.475 849.848 842.000 329.851 440.916 542.14fi 532.992 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 -0- WORKERS COMP -*-HEALTH ♦ PERS 0 SUMMARY ■ REVENUES SHOULD MEET BUDGET EXPECTATION BY JUNE 30TH ■ EXPENDITURES WILL LIKELY BE OVER BUDGET AT YEAR END DUE TO UNBUDGETED LITIGATION AND PURCHASE OF WETLAND PARCEL ■ RESERVE PROJECTIONS DEPENDENT ON SALE OF STADIUM LANDS PARCEL CITY OF ROHNERT PARK - JUNE 30, 2004 REVENUE REPORT $FAV(UNFAV) copy to: 2004-05 6/30/2005 100% OF 50%'OF 50% OF UK BUDGET BALANCE BUDGET BUDGET BUDGET COMMENTS Property Taxes Property Taxes -Secured $2,330,000 $508,894 21.84% $1,165,000 ($656,106) Timing of Property Taxes. December 2004 received $567K Property Taxes -Unsecured 180,000 147,475 81.93% 90,000 57,475 H.O.P.T.R. 50,000 ------------ 0 ----------- 0.00% - - - - - - - 25,000 ------ --- (25,000) Total Property Taxes $2,560,000 ------------ $656,370 ----------- 25.64% ------- -- $1,280,000 ---------- ---------- ($623,630) ---------- Other Taxes Real Property Transfer Tax $160,000 $91,081 56..93% $80,000 $11,081 Transient Occupancy Tax 1,.400,000 749,318 53.52% 700,000 49,318 Sales and Use Tax 7,055,000 3,630,344 51.46% 3,527,500 102,844 Franchises P.G. & E. 370,000 185,000 50.00% 185,000 '0 Century Cable TV 320,000 184,956 57.80% 160,000 24,956 Refuse Franchise Fee 382,000 237,160 62.08% 191,000 46,160 Total Other Taxes $9,687,000. ------------ $5,077,859 ----------- 52.42% ------- $4,843,500 -7 -------- $234,359 Licenses and Permits --------=- Business Licenses $500,000 $237,707 47.54% 2501000 ($12,293) Animal Licenses 50,000 26,825 53.65% $25,000. 1,825 Building Permits 400,000 108,057 27.01% 200,000 (91,943) Plan Check Fees 250,000 ------------ 104,095 ----------- 41.64%' ------- 1251000 ---------- (20,905) Total License & Permits $1,200,000 $476,683 39.72% $600,OA0 ---------- ($123,317) Fines, Forfeits & Penalties Vehicle Code Fines $90,000 $35,573 39.53% $45,000 ($9,427) Parking Fines 70,000 35,502 50.72% 35,000 502 Impound Fees 13,000 10,465 80.50% 6,500 3,965 Other Court Fines 20,000. ------------ 7,843 ----------- 39.22% ------- 10,000 ---------- (2,157) Total Fines, Forfeits & Pen. $193,000 ------------ $89,383 ----------- 46.31% ------- $96,500 ---------- ---------- ($7,117) ---------- 4. r CITY OF ROHNERT PARK - JUNE 30, 2004 REVENUE REPORT $FAV (UNFAV) 2004-05 6/30/2005 100% OF 50% OF 50% OF REVENUES BUDGET BALANCE BUDGET BUDGET BUDGET COMMENTS Revenue Fr Use Of Money & Prop. Investment Earnings Rent -Golf Courses Rent -Stadium Rent -Channel 22 Lot Rental Rent -Billboard Land Lease Rent -Land North of Big 4/YMC Lease -Main Station Cell Towe CDC Land Lease(3 Buildings) Rent -Royal Coach Chevron YMCA Building Lease Rent-Alernative Educ. School Rent -Rebuilding Together Lease -Wellness Center Total Rev Use of Money & Prop Revenue from Other Agencies State Motor Vehicle In Lieu Off Highway MV License Fee Public Safety Aug Fund Grants -General Fund Misc. Other Revenues P.O.S.T. Reimbursements SB 90 Mandated Costs Total Rev Other Agencie6 Charges for Current Services Zoning & Subdivision Fees General Plan Maintenance Fee Sale of Maps and Lists Spec. Public Safety Svcs. Fire Inspection Fee Vehicle Abatement Revenue $850,000 $436,981 350,000 177,819 0 0 19,000 9,526 5,000 0 4,000 1,969 17,000 8,507 210,000 105,000 8;400 4,215 600 301 2,700 1,396 0 0 168,500 74,214 $1,635,200 $819,928 ----------- ---------- 51.41% $425,000 $11,981 50.81°% 175,000 2,819 #DIV/0! 0 0 50.14% 9,500 26 0.00% 2,500 (2,500) 49.22% 2,000 (31) 50.04% 8,500 7 50.00% 105,000 0 50.18% 4,200 15 50.17% 300 1 51.72% 1,350 46. 100.00% 0 .0 44.04% 84,250 (10,036) Monthly lease reduced ------- 50.14% ------- ---------- $817,600 ---------- ---- ------ $2,328 ---------- $2,086,764 $1,071,782 51.36% $1,043,382 $28,400 1,000 0 0.00% 500 (500) 200,000 107,981 53.99% 100,000 7,981 0 0 #DIV/0! 0 0 0 103,766 n/a 0 103,766 60,000 18,652 31.09% 30,000 (11,348) 0 0 n/a 0 0 ------------ $2,347,764 ----------- $1,302,181 ------- 55.46% ---------- $1,173,882 ---------- $128,299 $65,000 $13,519 20.80% $32,500 ($18,981) 50,000 (4,056) -8.11% 25,000 ,(29,056) 1,500 616 41.06% 750 (134) 40,000 18,058 45.14%. 20,000 (1,942) 35,000 3,724 10.64% 17,500 (13,776) 20,000 13,088 65.44% 10,000 3,088 Booking fee reimbursement not budgeted CITY OF ROHNERT PARK - JUNE 30, 2004 REVENUE REPORT $FAV (UNFAV) 2004-05 6/30/2005 100% OF 50% OF 50% OF REVENUES BUDGET BALANCE BUDGET- BUDGET BUDGET COMMENTS Animal Shelter Fees Engineering Weed Abatement Sub -Total Chgs. For Curr Svc. Recreation Related Income Sports Center Income Swimming Pools Special Contract Classes Teen Center R.P. Community Cntr Rentals Burton Ave Cntr Rentals Benecia Youth Center Ladybug Rec Building Recreation Programs Senior Center Scout Hut Total Recreation Income Performing Arts Center Assess. District Admin Library Landscape Maint: _Total Charges,Current Svcs. Misc Income/Donations Sale of Land/Buildings TOTAL GF REVENUES 60,000 30,889 51.48% 30,000 889 50,000 58,133 116.27% 25,000 33,133 0 ------------ 0 #DIV/0! 0 0 $321,500 ----------- $133,970 ------- 41.67% ---------- $160,750 ---------- ($26,780) $425,300 $174,750 41.09% 212,650 ($37,900) 220,000 93,701 42.59% 110,000 (16,299) 165,000 40, 6,98 24.67% 82,500 (41,802) 0 0 n/a 0 0 70,500 26,120 37.05% 35,250 (9,130) 15,000 12,784 85.23% 7,500 5,284 0 0 0.00% 0 0 7,500 3,344 44.59% 3,750 (406) 249,800 111,313 44.56% 124,900 (13,587) 53,300- 29,974 56.24% 26,650 3,324 600 ------------ 255 ----------- 42.50% ------- 300 (45) $1,207,000 $492,940 40.84% ---------- $603,500 ---------- ($110,560).- $110,560)676,200 676,200 $285,024 42.15% $338,100 ($53,076) 0 0 0.00% 0 0 8,000 ------------ 31922 ----------- 49.03% ------- 4,000 (78) $2,212,700 ------------ $915,856 ----------- 41.39% ------- ---------- $1,106,350 ---------- ($190,494) $100,000 $59,077 59.08% ---------- $50,000 --- ------- $9,077 $8,500,000 ------------- 12,435 ----------- 0.15% $4,250,000 ($4,237,5.65) Stadium Lands parcels not sold $28,435,664 $9,409,772 ------- 33.09% ---------- $14,217,832 ---------- ($4,808,060) TOTAL GF REVENUE W/O NON-RTN FAC MAINT AND SALE OF LAND/BUILDINGS $19,935,664 $9,397,337 47.14% $9,967,832 ($570,495) ------------ $6,206,323 CITY OF ROHNERT PARK -JUNE 30, 2004 EXPENDITURE REPORT m18ceianeous Communications c+c A endso?r"a! -O z/17/ 1,373,450 425,153 30.96% 686,725 261,572 $FAV (UNFAV) 80,900 to: Co y to: CATEGORY/DEPARTMENT :. 2004-05 12/31/2004 50% OF 50% OF. 50% OF 255 88,450 BUDGET BALANCE BUDGET BUDGET BUDGET C0144ENTS GENERAL GOVERNMENT 1,700 832 273,500 108,699 39.74% 136,750 City Council $84,727 $47,020 55.50% $42,364 ($4,657) Health Insurance over budget City Manager 550,050 292,746 53.22% 275,025 (17;721) Salary/Benefits over budget Finance & Accounting 1,040,571 506,976 48.72% 520,286 13,310 7,169 .Data Processing 472,217 180,774 38.28% 236,109 55,335 Legal Services 200,000 25.6,960 128.48% 100,000 (156,`960) Attorney fees over budget Planning Dept. & Comm. 229,829 99,551 43.32 ---------------------- Personnel 227,825 103,949 45.63% 113,913 9,964. Rent Appeals Board 37,950 13,613 35.87% 18,.975 -5,362- City Office Building 446,340 223,309 50.03% 223,170 _ (139) City"Office Annex 69,090 24,558 35.54% 34,545 9;987 General�Gbv`t-Non Dept. 1,779,914. .1,1581070 65.06% 889,957 (268,113) Purchased of. wetland parcel not budgeted ($467K) Retired Empl. Benefits 707,005 376,716 53'.28% 353,503 (23,214) Non -Department Leases 258,111 132,125 51.19% 129,056 (3,070) TOTAL GENERAL GOW T PUBLIC SAFETY Public Safety Personnel Police Protection Fire Protection. Animal. Control Animal Shelter Public.Safety Bldg -SW Public Safety Bldg -Main Public Safety Bldg -North Public Safety Bldg -South Civil Defense/Haz Mat Youth & Family Services TOTAL PUBLIC SAFETY' ------ $6,103,629 $3,416,367 55.97% $3, 051, 815 ($364,553) $12,412,558 $6,206,323 50.00% $6,206,279 ($44) 1,373,450 425,153 30.96% 686,725 261,572 .940,060 80,900 8.61% 470,030 389,130 316,405 157,948 49.92% .15b, 203 255 88,450 13,008 14.71%. 44:,225 31,217 3,400 868 25-.53% 1,700 832 273,500 108,699 39.74% 136,750 28,051 30,800 7,633 24.78% 15,400 7,767 15,500 2,328 15:02% 7,750 5,422 - 12,000 0 0-.00% 6,000 6,000 116,572 51,117 43.85% 58,286 7,169 $15,582,695 $7,053,977 45.27% $7,791,348 $737,371 Capital Equipment not purchased, contractual expense under k Fire Engine purchased in 2003-04, FEMA equipment not yet pui Facility improvements not done, capital equipment not yet pi 0 CITY OF ROHNERT PARK -JUNE 30, 2004 EXPENDITURE REPORT $FAV(UNFAV) CATEGORY/DEPARTMENT 2004-05 12/31/2004 50% OF 50% OF 50% OF BUDGET BALANCE BUDGET BUDGET BUDGET COMMENTS PUBLIC WORKS City Engineer $458,155 $281,165 61.37% $229,078 ($52,088) Contractual expense over budget Building Department 405,416 $165,537 40.83% 202,708 37,171 General 512,912 $320,995 62.58% .256,456 (64,539) Salary/Benefits over budget Maint. of Trees & Parkways 127,200 $55,443 43.59% 63,600 8,157 Maintenance of Streets 469,766 $217,430 46.28% 234,883. 17,453 Street Lighting 251,003 $72,775 28.99% 125,502 52,727 Traffic Signals 100,000 $28,357 28.36% 50,000 21,643 Storm Drains & Drainage 71,450 $9,360 13.10% 35,725 26,365 Weed Abatement 2,500 ----------- $0 ----------- 0.00% ------ 1,250 ------------ 1,250 ------------ TOTAL PUBLIC WORKS $2,398,402 ----------- $1,151,062 ----------- 47.99% ------ $1,199,201 ------------ $48,139 ------------ PARKS AND RECREATION .Park Maintenance General $566,452 $309,064 54.56% $283,226 ($25,838) Alicia Park 26,050 9,398 36.08% 13,025 3,627 Benecia Park 32,650 14,934 45.74% 16,325 1,391 Caterpillar Park 5,305 1,979 37.30% 2,653 674 Colegio Park Area 21,925 9,263 42.25% 10,963 1,700 Dorotea Park 20,500 11,047 53.89%. 10,250 (797) Eagle Park 25,500 12,417 48.69% 12,750 333 Golis Park 26,200 12,027 45.90% 13,100 1,073 Honeybee Park 18,400 8,289 45.05°% 9,200 911 Ladybug Park Area 22,500 11,438 50.84% 11,250 (188) Sunrise Park 33,000 15,432 46.76% 16,500 1,068 Magnolia Park 55,277 24,893 45.03% 27,639 2,746 Roberts Lake Park 21,500 3,742 17.40% 10,750 7,008 Rainbow Park 11,100 4,692 42.27% 5,550 858 Recreation Commission 1,275 31 2.43% ., 638 607 Recreation Administration 144,904 67,565 46.63% 72,452 4,887 Contract Classes 70,000 27,346 39.07% 35,000 7,654 Recreation Programs 428,507 182,363 42.56% 214,254 31,891 Senior Citizen Center 194,583 82,943 42.63% 97,292 14,349 Senior Citizen Mini -Bus 4,500 1,181 26.24% 2,250 1,069 R.P. Community Stadium 5,000 942 18.84% 2,500 1,558 Alicia Pool 64,070 27,115 42.32% 32,035 4,920 CITY OF ROHNERT PARK -JUNE 30, 2004 EXPENDITURE REPORT CATEGORY/DEPARTMENT 2004-05 BUDGET 12/31/2004 BALANCE 50% OF BUDGET 50% OF BUDGET $FAV (UNFAV) 50% OF BUDGET COMMENTS Benecia Pool 63,870 29,267 45.82% 31,935 2,668 Ladybug Pool 44,770 28,333 63.29% 22,385 (5,948) Honeybee Pool 131,113 70,463 53.74% 65,557 (4,907) Magnolia Pool 60,370 33,235 55.05% 30,185 (3,050) Sports Center 464,097 277,001 59.69% 232,049 (44,953) Comm. Center Complex Gr. 70,460 18,463 26.20% 35,230 16,767 Teen Center 0. 337 0.00% 0 (337) R.P. Community Center 187,439 68,925 36.77% 93,720 24,795 Burton Avenue Rec. Center 48,830 34,508 70.67% 24,415 (10,093) Benecia Youth Center 5,200 705 13.56% 2,600 1,895 Ladybug Recreation Bldg. 35,388 4,843 13.69% 17,694 12,851 Scout Hut 500 220 44.00% 250 30 Library 8,400 4,302 51.21% 4,200 (102) School Grounds 4,000 1,248 31.20% 2,000 752 TOTAL PARKS AND REC. $2,923,635 $1,409,951 48.23% $1,461,818 $51,867 OTHER Golf Course General Cultural Arts Performing Arts Center Booking Fees/County Prop Tax Admin Fee/County Sexual Assault Exams TOTAL OTHER TOTAL GF EXPENDITURES $0 $0 N/A $0 0 0 N/A $0 886,812 350,472 39.52% 443,406 160,000 94,187 58.87% 80,000 50,000 0 0.00% 25,000 20,000 ----------- 7,968 ----------- 39.84% ------ 10,000 $1,116,812. ----------- $452,627 40.53% ------------ $558,406 $28,125,173 ----------- $13,483,984 ------ 47.94% ------------ $14,062,587 $0 $0 92,934 (14,187) 25,000 2,032 $105,779 $578,603 a BUDGET ANALYSIS - General Fund Department/Category 03-04 Budget Revenue Offset from Permits/Fees/Grants Revenue Offset from Enterprise Funds Revenue Offset from CDC Net Cost to General Fund General Government/City Admin $1,046,289 $292,473 $123,663 $76,255 $553,898 Finance & Accounting $998,740 $74,250 $635,030 $99,874 $189,586 Information Systems $381,946 $24,750 $95,487 $19,097 $242,612 Planning Dept. $283,431 $133,200 $14,172 $14,172 $121,888 City Office Bldg/Annex $512,520 $124,314 $51,252 $336,954 Police Protection $8,467,990 $663,000 $7,804,990 Fire Protection $4,361,722 $520,000 ;; Y; $3,841,722 Animal Control/Shelter $446,046 $110,000 $336,040 Youth & Family Services $112,432 $112,432 Contractual Obligations/Legal Req. $2,418,995 y $684,377 $106,934 $1,627,684 Public Works- Infrastructure Maint $1,600,465 $303,600 $14,284 $1,282,581 Engineering/Building $622,437 $393,000 $174,497 $34,899 $20,041 Youth Camps, After -School Program, $463,160 $322,016 $141,144 Recreation Contract Classes $161,358 $165,000 -$3,642 Park Maintenance $939,851 $0 $939,851 Aquatics $354,985 $218,500 $136,485 Senior Center $241,567 $52,261 $189,306 Recreation Centers $290,448 $105,000 $185,448 Sports Center $438,146 $446,400 -$8,254 Performing Arts Center $852,855 $805,300 $47,555 TOTAL $24,995,376 $4,628,750 $1,851,539 $416,7671 $18,098,320 Cost Savings Analysis Eliminating all General Government (except Non-Dept'l, Counct-Retiree Medical, Debt Payments) Eliminating Public Works, Engineering, Building Eliminating Recreation and PAC NOTES 1. $300k of Gas Tax to Public Works/Engineering 2. 15% of revenue from Business License Tax to Finance, 5% to Info Systems 3. Gen. Govt. Budget adjusted for one-time costs 4. 4% of Property Sales and Lease Revenue to CM office 5. General Govt. Cost primarily consist of liability, worker's comp. Net Savings $ 743,484 $1,302,622 $1,627,892 JZ�60 2/22/2005 TAX FUNDED FUNDING MATRIX Overview of Tax Supported Services vs. Fee Supported Services Category 1 Receives 81% - 100% General Fund Tax Subsidy Youth & Family Services (Public Safety) 100% Park Maintenance 100% Police Protection 92% Fire Protection 88% Cateaory 2 Receives 61% - 80% General Fund Tax Subsidy Public Works - Infrastructure Maint, 80% Senior Center 78% Animal Control/Animal Shelter 75% Contractual Obligations, Legal Req. .67% City Office Building/Annex 66% Recreation Centers 64% Information Systems 64% Category 3 Receives 41% - 60% General Fund Tax Subsidy Planning 59% General Government/City Admin, 53% Category 4 Receives 21% - 40% General Fund Tax Subsidy Aquatics 33% Youth Camps, After School Progs, etc. 31% Category 5 Receives 0% - 20% General Fund Tax Subsidy Finance & Accounting 19% Performing Arts Center 6% Engineering & Building 3% Recreation Contract Classes 0% Sports Center O% FEE FUNDED BUDGET REDUCTIONS/ENHANCEMENTS (00- _ �) FY 2003 Increased Transient Occupancy Tax Rate from 11 % to 12%: $ 135,000 Closed Vision Teen Center: $ 20,000 Eliminated Community Promotion: $ 300,000 Eliminated Outreach Program: $ 100,000 Constructed PAC Sign: $ 200,000 FY 2004 Reduction in Staff $2,130,000* Debt Restructuring: $ 305,000 Contracted our Network Services $ 40,000 FY 2005 Reduced Operating Expenses: $ 200,000 Reduced Insurance Costs: $ 35,000 * Includes the elimination of the DARE Program and (1) School Resource Officer RECEIVED FEB 1.0 2005 ROHNERT PARK CITY COUN SCHEDULED SPEAKER CITY OF ROMERT PARK Today's Date: February 10, 2005 Date of meeting for which you prefer to be scheduled to speak: Name: Seamus Seanachaoi Address: 207 Southwest Blvd. Phone: 795-2759 (after 1:00 p.m.) TOPIC: Determination of Carl Leivo's post. Brief Summary of Comments: ail:X Misce_, ; _ Communications A enda �/i�os E8 to: to: February 22, 2005 In order for scheduled speakers to be listed on the agenda, written requests must be submitted to the City Manager's Office prior to finalization of meeting agendas, i.e. by noon on the Tuesdays preceding City Council meetings regularly scheduled on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month. Return to: City of Rohnert Park City Hall Administrative Offices 6750 Commerce Blvd. Rohnert Park, CA 94928 Phone: (701) 588-2227Fax:(707) 588-2263 CITY COUNCIL SPEAKER CARD 10 Date: Name: Address:_ Phone: TOPIC: C � - � Y ~ n."'01 2 Brief Summary of Comments: /l/5 -D Tb 6- 7- 0 0 5r'' —f C/a OaJ `1ZIVA40 6 &e Reverse —!.� CITY COUNCIL SPEAKER CARD Date: Address: (1 1 d Phone: Ste- S 3 TOPICS a D t'7i L! f'%-� Brief maty of Comments: Al— See Reverse —> CITY COUNCIL SPEAKER CARD cz—) Date:,2—=_ I P E b See Reverse —� CITY COUNCIL: SPEAKER CARD (� Date: ,2 i A 1,15a.. Name: 4.�- — Address: Phone: TOPIC• Brief Summary of Comments: See Reverse -3 CITY COUNCIL SPEA744L C Date• 16�� Name:—A. h0% Address- Phone- TOPIC: rf Brief Summary of Comments: See Reverse —,, CITY COUNCIL SPEAKER CARD Date: Name: Address• Phone:— hone: TOPIC-- TOPIC: Brief Brief Summary of Comments: CITY COUNCIL SPEAKER CARD Date: Name: Address: Phone: TOPIC: Q.PIC: Brief Summary of Comments:. See Reverse -a CITY COUNCIL SPEAKER CARD Date: '® Name: 0,4y O Address:. Phone:— 141 TOPIC:_ 4 tp ca ov; r 1, ¢ Brief Summary of Comments: � � ? �� CITY COUNCIL SPEAKER CARD Date: Name:. 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Address: Phone:- TOPIC• d Brief Summary of Comments: PIE See Reverse -+ CITY COUNCIL SPEAKER CARD & Date: 2 -z? --05 Name: AAop-,Uj FVOIS/\ S Address: 7 00 IArnX' NaVL ImCQ Phone: 707 -66S, -016c(5- TOPIC: g �a i d oqA, Brief Summary of Comments: ` `V* `I S� cQY coo .s i +,b 0�0�0��25 - l ac� �" �C�ss►-�► ��— G�I,�a s -6(- caws wllo vl- f `0al;. See Reverse -> CITY COUNCIL SPEAKER CARD Date: TOPIC: Brief Summary of Comments: See Reverse —), CITY COUNCIL SPEAKER CARD a Date: Name: Address: i Phone: TOPIC: I jBrief Summary of Comments: T� sVN See Reverse —). All 1 CITY OF ROHNERT PARK""'0°a a- COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM TRANSMITTAL REPORT Department: Finance *** i er Meeting Date He Urn Submitted By: Deborah Lauchner 2/16/05 Finance Services Manager Item No. Title: Public Hearing and Ordinance Amending Title 13 Date of Action: Of the City of Rohnert Park Municipal Code Deadline Date for: Concerning the Citv Water System Council Action: (Requested Council Action: I Annrove Ordinances Summary: The City adopted Ordinance 76 on January 16, 1967. Section 3 of that Ordinance required the adoption of rules and regulations, rates, penalties and charges by resolution. Resolution 2003-118 is the existing resolution stating the rules & regulations, penalties and charges. Government Code Section 547.1 requires fees and charges for the water system to be adopted by ordinance. The attached ordinances incorporate changes to Title 13 of the Municipal Code to reflect that rates for water and connection fees will be adopted by ordinance. The City of Rohnert Park contracted with Bartle Wells Associates to analyze the water operation cash flow and determine rates changes necessary to maintain cash flow and essential reserves. A work session was held on January 19, 2005 to discuss the proposed rate increases. The Council directed staff to look at a tiered rate structure to encourage water conservation. In addition, staff was asked to . provide information on additional staffing needs in order to accomplish the tasks necessary for maintaining a tiered rate structure. After analyzing residential water consumption data for a nine month period, staff is proposing a two tiered rate structure. The first tier rate will be applied to all users. The second tier rate will provide a discount for residential units that are able to conserve water. All single family homes will be automatically eligible for the "discounted rate". The discount will be applied to all single family residences that use an average of 10,000 gallons per month or less during the billing cycle. Multi -family housing and mobile home parks may apply for the discounted rate. Eligibility for the discount will be based on the following requirements: (1) each unit must be sub -metered and billed based on actual consumption. (2)There must be a separate meter(s) for irrigation. The "discounted rate" will be applied to qualified multi -family complexes and mobile home parks when the average consumption per unit is 10,000 gallons per month or less during the billing cycle. The discounted rate will only apply to household consumption. Irrigation water will be based on the first tier. In order to accomplish the additional work load to administer the tiered rate structure, the Finance Department is requesting to upgrade a 1,000 hour position to a full time position. The annual estimated'cost for this staffing change is $55,000 of which 50% is included in the water and sewer operating budgets through the general fund recharge. The attached ordinance proposes three years of increased water rates based on the analysis. Subsequent year rates will be based ori changes in the Sonoma County Water Agency system costs. Notices of the Public Hearing and these changes in rates were published in the Community Voice to the CM MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION: (-)—Approval ( )'Not Recommended ( ) Submitted with Comment ( ) Policy Determination by Council ( ) City Comment; Manager's Signature: Consent Item (—rltEgular Time (3) Public Hearing Required w!� *44)u - CITY OF ROHNERT PARK C 01INC H. AGENDA MM TRANSMITTAL REPORT Finance Submitted By: Deborah Lauchner I Finance Services Manager Title: Public Hearing and Ordinances Amending Ordinance 697 and Title 13 of the Rohnert Park Municipal Code Concerning Sewer Svstem Regulations Council Action: Approve Ordinances ***City Clerk Use Only*** Meeting Date Held Until 2/16/05 Item No. Date of Action: Deadline Date for: Council Action: Summary: The City of Rohnert Park contracted with Bartle Wells Associates to analyze the sewer operation cash flow and determine rate changes necessary to maintain cash flow and essential reserves. A work session was held with the Council on January 19, 2005 to discuss the proposed rate increases. The increases are being proposed for a three year period to meet operational and capital requirements. Subsequent year rates will be based on changes in the Santa Rosa Sub -regional Sewer System costs. The City of Rohnert Park adopted Ordinance 697 on June 10, 2003. Government Code Section 5471 requires fees and charges for sewer operations be adopted by ordinance. The attached ordinances- amend Ordinance 697 and Title 13 of the Rohnert Park Municipal Code incorporating the sewer rate changes. Notices of the Public Hearing and these changes in rates were published in the Community Voice - according to the legal requirements. CITY MANAgER'S RECOMMENDATION: (-I-Approval ( ) Not Recommended ( ) Submitted with Comment ( ) Policy Determination by Council ( ) City Comment, Manager's Siguature: Consent Item (—Y1Gg_uI ar Time (I) Public Hearing Required �0s -£s ORDINANCE NO. 729 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING. TITLE 13 OF THE ROHNERT PARK MUNICIPAL CODE TO INCREASE SEWER SERVICE CHARGES (SEWER USE ORDINANCE) UNCODIFIED WHEREAS, Title 13 of the Rolmert Park Municipal Code addresses water and sewers; and WHEREAS, the City wishes to update its sewer service charges; NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Rohnert Park does ordain as follows: SECTION 1: The following amendments are made to Ordinance 697 and Title 13 of'the Rohnert Park Municipal Code concerning sewer system charges: 13.40.065 Sewer Service Charp_es. 1. Rate Schedule Sewer service charges effective April 1, 2005 are as follows: A. Residential: A fixed monthly service charge and flow charge will be billed as follows: Single family $1.08 monthly service charge $7.30 per 1,000 gallons flow charge Apartment houses, duplex $1.08 monthly service charge triplex, fourplex $7.30 per 1,000 gallons flow charge Mobile home park.- ark:Family Family& Adult only $1.08 monthly service charge $7.30 per 1,000 gallons flow charge B. Commercial: 1. Churches $1.08 monthly service charge $10.00 per 1,000 gallons flow charge 2. Schools: Elementary $9.16 per pupil, average daily attendance, plus faculty and all personnel Junior High Schools $12.18 per pupil, average daily attendance, plus faculty and all personnel Senior High Schools $16.76 per pupil, average daily attendance, plus faculty and all personnel 3. Public Libraries $1.08 monthly service charge $10.00 per 1,000 gallons flow charge Others: Bakery & Restaurants $1.08 monthly service charge $12.70 per 1,000 gallons flow charge Industrial $1.08 monthly service charge $9.60 per 1,000 gallons flow charge All Other $1.08 monthly service charge $10.00 per 1,000 gallons flow charge . 2. Rate Schedule Sewer service charges effective April 1, 2006 are as follows: A. Residential: A fixed monthly service charge and flow charge will be billed as follows: Single family $1.35 monthly service charge $9.15 per 1,000 gallons flow charge Ordinance No. 729 (Page 2 of 3) Apartment houses, duplex $1.35 monthly service charge triplex, fourplex $9.15 per 1,000 gallons flow charge Mobile home park: Family & Adult only $1.35 monthly service charge $9.15 per 1,000 gallons flow charge B. Commercial: 1. Churches $1.35 monthly service charge $12.50 per 1,000 gallons flow charge 2. Schools: $12.18 per pupil, average daily attendance, Elementary $9.16 per pupil, average daily attendance, plus faculty and all personnel Junior High Schools $12.18 per pupil, average daily attendance, plus faculty and all personnel Senior High Schools $16.76 per pupil, average daily attendance, plus faculty and all personnel 3. Public Libraries $1.35 monthly service charge $12.50 per 1,000 gallons flow charge Others: Bakery & Restaurants $1.35 monthly service charge $15.90 per 1,000 gallons flow charge Industrial $1.35 monthly service charge $12.00 per 1,000 gallons flow charge All Other $1.35 monthly service charge $12.50 per 1,000 gallons flow charge 3. Rate Schedule Sewer service charges effective April 1, 2007 are as follows: A. Residential: A fixed monthly service charge and flow charge will be billed as follows: Single family $1.55 monthly service charge $10.50 per 1,000 gallons flow charge Apartment houses, duplex $1.55 monthly service charge triplex, fourplex $10.50 per 1,000 gallons flow charge Mobile home park: Family & Adult only $1.55 monthly service charge $10.50 per 1,000 gallons flow charge B. Commercial: 1. Churches $1.55 monthly service charge $14.40 per 1,000 gallons flow charge 2. Schools: Elementary $9.16 per pupil, average daily attendance, plus faculty and all personnel Junior High Schools $12.18 per pupil, average daily attendance, plus faculty and all personnel Senior High Schools 3. Public Libraries Others: Bakery & Restaurants Industrial All Other Ordinance No. 729 (Page 3 of 3) $16.76 per pupil, average daily attendance, plus faculty and all personnel $1.55 monthly service charge $14.40 per 1,000 gallons flow charge $1.55 monthly service charge $18.30 per 1,000 gallons flow charge $1.55 monthly service charge $13.80 per 1,000 gallons flow charge $1.55 monthly service charge $14.40 per 1,000 gallons flow charge 4. On April V in the fourth year after the initial adoption of this ordinance and each subsequent year, the sewer rates shall increase by the same percentage that the Santa Rosa Sub regional Sewer System has increased in the previous year. SECTION 2: Severability. The City Council hereby declares that every section, paragraph, sentence. Clause and phrase is severable. If any section, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase of this article is for any reason found to be invalid or unconstitutional, such invalidity, or unconstitutionality shall not affect the validity or constitutionality of the remaining sections, paragraphs, sentences, clauses or phrases. SECTION 3: Effective Date: This ordinance shall be in full force and effective 30 days after its adoption and shall be published and posted as required by law. The rate changes will take effect on April 1, 2005, April 1, 2006 and April 1, 2007 for all customers. This ordinance was introduced on the 16`h day of February, 2005 and DULY AND REGULARLY ADOPTED this 22nd day of February , 2005 by the following vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: ABSTAIN: ATTEST: City Clerk Judy Hauff Approved as to Forme r' ssis nt City Attorney Gabrielle P. Whelan CITY OF ROHNERT PARK Mayor Jake Mackenzie ORDINANCE NO. 730 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE 13 OF THE ROHNERT PARK MUNICIPAL CODE (SEWER USE ORDINANCE) WHEREAS, Title 13 of the Rohnert Park Municipal Code addresses water and sewers; and WHEREAS, the City wishes to update its sewer service charges; NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Rohnert Park does ordain as follows: SECTION 1: The following amendments are made to Title 13 of the Rolmert Park Municipal Code concerning sewer system regulations: Section 13.40.065(A)(1) and Section 13.40.065(A)(2) are hereby amended to read as follows: 13.40.065 Sewer Service Charles. A..Rate Schedule. The City Council shall by ordinance establish rates for sewer service. Charges for "Commercial -Others" shall be based on bi-monthly or monthly metered water consumption from all sources but excluding water which, upon determination by the City Engineer, is found not to be discharged to a sanitary sewer. If deemed appropriate by the City Engineer and Finance Director, charges may be based on metered consumption during the winter months. The charge may be adjusted if any substantial change occurs in the amount of the maximum flow or characteristics of the discharge. SECTION 2: Effective Date: This ordinance shall be in full force and effective 30 days after its adoption and shall .be published and posted as required by law. This ordinance was introduced on the 16`h day of February, 2005 and DULY AND REGULARLY ADOPTED this 22nd day of February , 2005 by the following vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: ABSTAIN: ATTEST: City Clerk Judy Hauff Approve as to Form: . W"L,-- AKsistA City Attorney Gabrielle P. Whelan CITY OF ROHNERT PARK Mayor Jake Mackenzie ORDINANCE NO. 731 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE 13 OF THE ROHNERT PARK MUNICIPAL CODE (WATER SYSTEM ORDINANCE) UNCODIFIED WHEREAS, Title 13 of the Rohnert Park Municipal Code addresses water and sewers; and WHEREAS, the City wishes to update its water service charges; NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Rohnert Park does ordain as follows: SECTION 1: The following amendments are made to Title 13 of the Rohnert Park Municipal Code concerning water system regulations: A. RATES FOR WATER SERVICE effective April 1, 2005: 1. Flow Charges: Rate per one thousand gallons. $2.45 2. Monthly Service Charge by meter size: 3/" to 1" (Single Family Residence) $ 14.96 1 '/z" $ 24.60 277. $ 36.17 3" $ 65.09 4" $101.72 6" $198.11 8" $313.79 3. Service outside the city limits will be as listed above plus ten percent (10%). 4. A discounted flow rate of $2.20 per thousand gallons will be applied to single family residents and qualified multi -family units that use 10,000 gallons or less per month. In order to qualify for the discounted rate, multi -family complexes must sub -meter each unit, bill each unit based on consumption and have a separate meter for all irrigation. 5. Fire Protection Standby Rates: Water for fire suppression systems using automatic sprinklers and which systems have a direct and separate connection to a City water main in any building or structure shall be furnished at the following rates: Supply Riser Size Monthly 2" $20.79 3" $26.46 4" $33.08 5" $40.64 6" $44.42 8" $60.48 10" $72.77 .12" $85.05 There shall not be a Fire Protection Standby Rate imposed on a fire suppression system using automatic sprinklers and which system is operated off the regular and normal water supply service to the building or structure. 6. Bi -monthly rates will be double the monthly rate. B. RATES FOR WATER SERVICE effective April 1, 2006: 1. Flow Charges: Rate per one thousand gallons. $2.57 Ordinance No. 731 (Page 2 of 3) 2. Monthly Service Charee by meter size: 3/" to 1" (Single Family Residence) $ 15.71 1 'Vz $ 25.83 2" $ 37.98 3" $ 68.34 4" $106.81 6" $208.02 8" $329.48 3. Service outside the city limits will be as listed above plus ten percent (10%). 4. A discounted flow rate of $2.31 per thousand gallons will be applied to single family residents and qualified multi -family units that use 10,000 gallons or less per month. In order to qualify for the discounted rate, multi -family complexes must sub -meter each unit, bill each unit based on consumption and have a separate meter for all irrigation. 5. Fire Protection Standby Rates: Water for fire suppression systems using automatic sprinklers and which systems have a direct and separate connection to a City water main in any building or structure shall be furnished at the following rates: Supply Riser Size Monthly 2„ $20.79 3" $26.46 4" $33.08 5" $40.64 6" $44.42 8" $60.48 10" $72.77 12" $ 85.05 There shall not be a Fire Protection Standby Rate imposed on a fire suppression system using automatic sprinklers and which system is operated off the regular and normal water supply service to the building or structure. 6. Bi -monthly rates will be double the monthly rate. C. RATES FOR WATER SERVICE effective April 1 2007: Flow Charges: Rate per one thousand gallons. 2. Monthlv Service Charge by meter size: $2.70 3/" to 1" (Single Family Residence) $ 16.50 1 %2" $ 27.12 2„ $ 39.88 3" $ 71.76 4" $112.15 6" $218.42 8" $345.95 3. Service outside the city limits will be as listed above plus ten percent (10% 4. A discounted flow rate of $2.43 per thousand gallons will be applied to single family residents and qualified multi -family units that use 10,000 gallons or less per month. In order to qualify for the discounted rate, multi -family complexes must sub -meter each unit, bill each unit based on consumption and have a separate meter for all irrigation. Ordinance No. 731 (Page 3 of 3) 5. Fire Protection Standby Rates: Water for fire suppression systems using automatic sprinklers and which systems have a direct and separate connection to a City.water main in any building or structure shall be furnished at the following rates: Supply Riser Size Monthly 2" $20.79 3" $26.46 4" $33.08 5" $40.64 6" $44.42 8" $60.48 10" $72.77 12" $85.05 There shall not,be a Fire Protection Standby Rate imposed on a fire suppression system using automatic sprinklers and which system is operated off the regular and normal water supply service to the building or structure. 6. Bi -monthly rates will be double the monthly rate. D. RATES FOR WATER SERVICE: On April I" in the fourth year after the initial adoption of this ordinance and each subsequent year, the water rates shall increase by the same percentage that the Sonoma County Water Agency charge has increased in the previous year. SECTION 2: Severability. The City Council hereby declares that every section, paragraph, sentence. Clause and phrase is severable. If any section, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase of this article is for any reason found to be invalid or unconstitutional, such invalidity, or unconstitutionality shall not affect the validity or constitutionality of the remaining sections, paragraphs, sentences, clauses or phrases. SECTION 3: Effective Date: This ordinance shall be in full force and effective 30 days after its adoption and shall be published and posted as required by law. The rate changes will take effect on April 1, 2005, April 1, 2006 and April 1, 2007 for all customers. This ordinance was introduced on the 16'h day of February, 2005 and DULY AND REGULARLY ADOPTED this 22nd day of February , 2005 by the following vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: ABSTAIN: City Clerk Judy Hauff Apprc�yqi as to Form: Z- istalit City Attorney Gabrielle P. Whelan CITY OF ROHNERT PARK Mayor Jake Mackenzie ORDINANCE NO. 732 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE 13 OF THE ROHNERT PARK MUNICIPAL CODE (WATER SYSTEM ORDINANCE) WHEREAS, Title 13 of the Rohnert Park Municipal Code addresses water and sewers; and WHEREAS, the City wishes to update its water service charges; NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Rohnert Park does ordain as follows: SECTION 1: The following amendments are made to Title 13 of the Rohnert Park Municipal Code concerning water system regulations: Section 13.04.030 is hereby amended to read as follows: Section 13.04.030 Rules and Regulations. The City Council shall by ordinance establish rates for the sale of water and connection fees, and by resolution establish such other fees, rules and regulations as may be necessary for the administration and operation of the Rohnert Park city water system. SECTION 2: Effective Date: This ordinance shall be in full force and effective 30 days after its adoption and shall be published and posted. as required by law. This.ordinance was_introduced on the 16th day of February, 2005 and DULY AND REGULARLY ADOPTED this 22nd day of February , 2005 by the following vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: ABSTAIN: ATTEST: City Clerk Judy Hauff Approv d as to Form: rI sistant City Attorney Gabrielle P. Whelan CITY OF ROHNERT PARK Mayor Jake Mackenzie CITY OF ROHNERT PARK COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM TRANSMITTAL REPORT Meeting Date: February 22, 2005 Department: City Manager's Office Submitted By: Carl Eric Leivo, City Manager (Name & Title) Submittal Date: February 15, 2005 Agenda Title: History of Agilent Parcel Requested Council Action: Informational Item Summary: The Council asked for a history regarding planning and zoning matters for the Agilent Parcel. In 1981, the Planning Commission recommended and the City Council approved an amendment to the General Plan Land Use and Circulation Elements to designate industrial distribution, high density residential, institution, parks, and utilities for a parcel owned by Hewlett Packard. The parcel involved included land north of the present location of Camino Colegio. The land to the north was designated for High Density Residential, parks, institutional and utilities and the land to the south, including the entire current Agilent parcel; was designated for Industrial/Distribution (see attached Resolution No. 81-181). In 1982, a special referendum election was held regarding the City Council approval. The question was whether the Council resolution should remain in force. The vote was 4698 yes and 2017 opposed. The original Council action was sustained. The City Attorney indicates that the Council may change the General Plan designation and will address this legal determination in a separate communication. After the election in late 1982, the City approved Parcel Map No. 82 which split the Hewlett Packard parcel into four parcels. Parcel 1 was where Hewlett Packard built the industrial plant, Parcel 2 was north and coincided with the park/institutional/utility area, Parcel 3 was the vacant land south of the industrial buildings, and Parcel 4 corresponded with the high density residential parcel (see attached map). In 1989, the City approved Hewlett-Packard Subdivision No. 1 which involved the two northern parcels, Lot 2 and Lot 4 (see attached map). This subdivision established the right-of-ways for Camino Colegio and Camellia, Carnation, and Caroline Avenues. It established Parcels 1, 2, 3, and 5. In 1989, these parcels were designated for high density residential and Parcel 3 was developed as high density residential (6-12 units/acre). In 1990, the M Section school site was moved from Parcel l to its current location and Parcel 2 was developed as low density residential. M In 1993, the City Council denied a request by Kaufman and Broad to rezone Parcel 1 and 5 to low density residential. In 1994, the Council approved the request to rezone the parcels to low density residential (4-6 units/acre). Hewlett Packard originally projected from 6,000 to 8,000 employees. In 1994, Hewlett Packard had 1,200 and projected 1,500 by 1998. Parcel 3 was developed as medium density residential). Parcels 1, 2, and 5 were developed as low density residential CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION: ( ) Consent Item (,J<e�ular Time ( ) Approval () Public Hearing Required ( ) Not Recommended () Submitted with Comment ( ) Policy Determination by Council _ ( ) City Comments: aP% City Manager's Signature: Z.W Date JH-S:Council Agenda Transmittal