City Connections: July 1, 2024

Excessive Heat and Critical Fire Weather Conditions This Week

The National Weather Service has issued two Red Flag Warnings. The first is for the North Bay interior mountains from tonight, Monday, July 1, at 11 p.m. through Wednesday, July 3, at 5 p.m. The second is for the Sonoma County Coastal Range from tonight, Monday, July 1, at 11 p.m. through Tuesday, July 2, at 11 p.m. Gusty northerly winds, combined with relative humidity as low as 10 percent, will contribute to elevated fire weather concerns. The National Weather Service has also upgraded the Excessive Heat Watch to an Excessive Heat Warning for a majority of the Bay Area, including all of Santa Rosa, starting on Tuesday, July 2, to Friday, July 5. We advise residents to follow safety precautions to avoid heat-related health concerns. READ MORE

Cooling Center Open Tuesday and Wednesday at Finley Community Center

The City of Santa Rosa will open a Cooling Center at the Finley Community Center located at 2060 W. College Ave. on Tuesday, July 2, and Wednesday, July 3, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Residents who need a place to cool off during the heat of the day are welcome. Light snacks, beverages, and free Wi-Fi will be provided. Residents may bring devices and other personal items such as laptops, games, and books; however, each person is limited to one small tote and daypack due to space constraints, and only service animals are permitted. READ MORE

Spray Ground and City Pools Open to Stay Cool

The City welcomes residents looking for fun ways to cool off during this heatwave to visit the Spray Ground at Prince Gateway Park in downtown Santa Rosa or the City's two swim centers during Recreation Swim hours. The Spray Ground, Finley Aquatic Center, and Ridgway Swim Center are open daily during designated hours, including the Fourth of July holiday. In addition to the Cooling Center at Finley Community Center, residents may cool off in the air-conditioned lobbies at the City's Steele Lane Community Center and Person Senior Wing; these facilities are open Monday through Friday during business hours and closed on July 4. READ MORE

All Fireworks Are Illegal in Santa Rosa

With high temperatures, low humidity, and early season fire activity, we urge Santa Rosans to make safe choices and NOT use fireworks when celebrating the Fourth of July this year. Experience fireworks safely by attending a professional fireworks show. Regardless of the allure and nostalgia of fireworks, remember that ALL fireworks are illegal in Santa Rosa and the surrounding unincorporated areas. We urge those who are planning to use fireworks to STOP and safely dispose of fireworks or forfeit them to a fire or police station. Enforcement teams from both the police and fire departments will be patrolling areas and will cite individuals violating the City's fireworks ban, which includes fines. Using or possessing dangerous fireworks can result in a citation, additional fines, or an arrest, but please don't let it get to that point. READ MORE