Honoring Labor Day
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Honoring Labor Day Quote of the week: Rancho Cotati Football Biweekly Poll Question Page 7 Are you involved in community “Happiness is not something you post- organizations? pone for the future; it is something you design for the present.” Yes ___ No ___ I don’t care___ Please vote on line at www.TheCommunityVoice.com ― Jim Rohn Cotati Sewer extension Page 3 -- Previous question and it’s results -- Should 3-D printed guns be allowed?6 Tech High soccer Page 7 Yes -24% No -68% I don’t care - 6% Newspaper of Rohnert Park-Cotati-Penngrove August 31, 2018 - 14 Pages Friedman’s Home Improvement + Walmart Polynesia celebrated at annual RP Public Safety Pacific Islander Festival report card good needs improvement By Katherine Minkiewicz Rohnert Park City Manager, Darrin Jenkins, met Tuesday evening with Rohnert Park City Council members to review an impartial analysis report from the Center for Public Safety Management. De- spite the report’s findings that the RP Department of Public Safety provides “Exceptional quality law enforcement,” it does mention several points that the department needs to improve upon, most no- tably, officer recruitment and chain of command, which council members agreed to address over time. CPSM, which has conducted over 150 studies of public safety op- erations throughout the United States, found a few key takeaways based on several study areas such as department staffing, response times and workload, operational effectiveness and organizational structure effectiveness. According to the report, the main findings of the analysis state that Rohnert Park has a relatively low crime rate compared to other Sonoma County cities and a fairly high investigation clearance rate. In other words, the rate at which violent crimes like rape, robbery and assault, are solved is high and exceeds the state and national av- erage for solving crimes (the national average for crime clearance for rape in 2016 was only 36.5 percent and 53.3 percent for assault). In addition, they found, “Rohnert Park has a relatively low fire incidence and low fire loss rates and is an ideal candidate for the po- lice and fire public safety model.” The group also reported that overall, officers were very dedicated and professional and enjoyed the sense of family within the close- knit department. However, the report also recommended the city to consider a number of changes. Members of Taimalietane Islands of Polynesia dance group performs for a crowd of people at the 8th Annual Rohnert Park Warriors Perhaps the biggest suggestion that would have the most change, Pacific Islander Festival, which was held at the Rohnert Park City Center Plaza Saturday, August 25. This is one of the Warriors main would be in creating a new lieutenant/battalion chief and deputy di- fundraisers and proceeds will go to the football and cheerleading organization. Jane Peleti ‘Report’ see page 3 RP residents provide input in SweetPeaBy Irene Hilsendager celebrates 31 years The SweetPea gift shop lo- police chief search cated in the Rohnert Park Senior By Katherine Minkiewicz be successful in the department Center, is celebrating its 31st Friendly, transparent, engag- the future director needs a full anniversary Sept. 29 from 10 ing, strong and culturally compe- confidence vote from the rank a.m. to 4 p.m. You are invited to tent, were all traits that Rohnert and file (Former Director Brian join them for refreshments and Park residents said they want to Masterson had received a no- free drawings. see in the city’s next public confidence vote of 36-6 last A little history on this un- safety director and despite a low year, calling for his dismissal), usual and unique shop. turnout at the city’s community a desire to collaborate and to be The craft shoppe idea was en- forum Monday evening, many visible within the community. visioned in 1987 by two women people were vocal in what they Peterson helped attendees that wanted to bring handcrafted want for the future of the public come to their conclusion by ask- items to the public and at the safety department, which hangs ing them a series of questions same time raise some money for in the hands of a new director yet and extrapolating clear answers. the senior center. During that to be chosen by the city. “We want to get your period of time, a free space in Around 50 or so gathered in thoughts and opinions down Padre Town was offered to for- the recreation room at 6 p.m. to and your input is vital in this mulate a place to set up displays provide input for the city’s search. Your information will be with handcrafted items. search for a new public safety di- used in this search and we will But more ideas were racing rector and Gary Peterson, presi- use it in our marketing materials David Pearson went to the com- through a few heads, like, “what dent and CEO of Public Sector so that we can recruit a director munity meeting to share his if they went to the city to ask for Search and Consulting was pres- that reflects your thoughts and thoughts on what the next Direc- money to further the concept of ent to lead the group in a produc- ideas,” Peterson said. tor of Rohnert Park’s Public a shop?” tive Q and A session. RP City Manager, Darrin Safety should be like. Yes, these ladies walked After thoughts and opinions Jenkins, who will be interview- Robert Grant away with $5,000 after having were garnered from the intimate ing candidates and pick a con- and residents should be courte- convinced the City of Rohnert The SweetPea Shoppe in the Rohnert Park Senior Center sells orig- crowd, the overarching theme of tender, echoed Peterson’s ous to one another. Park to give it a try — almost a inally crafted goods, like these colorful birdhouses. the evening was that residents, sentiment, saying both city staff Other people chimed in with shot in the dark. Irene Hilsendager ideas, such as better communica- The shop found a small store many who were longtime RP na- and community input is impor- rium store and you will find jew- repairs that do not call for a con- tion, sensitivity to diversity, po- front rental on Southwest Boule- tives, want a new leader who is tant. elry, toys, adult scarves, aprons, tractor. litically savvy, responsive, moral vard but it was only for a short both friendly, yet tough (some- “We really believe in obtain- birdhouses, handmade greeting Set the dates of Nov. 23 and and transparent. time. one who will be willing to stand ing input from the community cards and even fancy handbags. 24 aside for the SweetPea One RP Resident, Gary Coff- The City of Rohnert Park pur- up to the city if need be), ethical about what you want to see in the Many gifts are purchased here. Shoppe to have a very sparkly man, said he came to the forum chased the Codding Center to be and one who reaches out to not next director of public safety of SweetPea gives contributions and beautiful holiday corner with to provide input since he was not used as a senior center and the only the community, but the Rohnert Park,” Jenkins said. several times a year to different booths and tables at the Rohnert happy with the last director. little gift store found a niche in a youth as well. The first question Peterson organizations. One such program Park Community Center from 10 “I was not impressed with the corner of the center and re- Many believe there currently asked was “What personal qual- that is near and dear is the Help- a.m. to 4 p.m. Another free event last chief, I don’t think he was opened its doors in November of isn’t enough community out- ities do you think are the most ing Hands program that assists when you may purchase gifts very open,” Gary said. 1990. The proudest moment was reach despite the occasional cof- important for the next leader of seniors with small home repairs, and goodies for your friends or Sandra Gylfe, a local business when the shoppe was able to fee with a cop event. Residents the Rohnert Park Department of maintenance and provides a little loved ones. Stop and say hello owner and resident, said she repay its original loan only two said in years past, officers were Public Safety?” fellowship. Repairs are limited to and help support the Rohnert hopes the next director would be and one half years later. The better at outreach, attending The overwhelming response simple home maintenance such Park Senior Center. For more in- willing to listen to resident input. SweetPea name came about as functions, walking around town was to be approachable and as leaky faucets, changing formation, call 707-585-6780. “I would just want somebody the flower is depicted on the wel- and advocating for neighborhood friendly; however, one resident smoke detector batteries, in- The shop chucked full of many to listen to the public and really come and street signs throughout watch programs. mentioned that being friendly stalling carbon monoxide detec- hand-crafted gifts is located at They also believe in order to goes both ways — both officers ‘Search’ see page 4 Rohnert Park. Go and visit this little empo- tors, torn screens and other little 6800 Hunter Dr. Sponsored by: Sponsored by: September 15 1-5 pm Rohnert Park Community Center NORTHNORTH BAYBAY BBQBBQ CHALLENGECHALLENGE FREE ADMISSION Benefiting y No Host Bar • Raffle • Classic Cars • VIP Area & New VIP Garden b sic ge Mu ara Ribs, Wings, Potato Salad, Baked Beans and more.