[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6623594,"mediaKeyId","2769629-454e9c19a2c1b8c9618f814f34357783","parentId",2769629,"title","Cotati-Rohnert Park schools outline new programs, preschool and Sonoma State early‑admission partnership","audioSeconds",703,"startMs",912510,"endMs",1616000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2769629-454e9c19a2c1b8c9618f814f34357783&start=912&end=1616","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2769629-454e9c19a2c1b8c9618f814f34357783/thumbnail_912510.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6623594/Cotati-City/Sonoma-County/California/Cotati-Rohnert-Park-schools-outline-new-programs-preschool-and-Sonoma-State-earlyadmission-partnership","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6623594-a287de1f829f03411c5b87ddb3cba3e7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771125391&Signature=J5cI4rrxXy4TdzG~Oxhqw4Qhz1oVFrMPruJQcA~5ZJN24-4MqUKbkuNbi8MaSyZJuSEP6zYX~QFiUNGlyued3gx~8LrTCLWq0PZVwxFj9zkOmS5JKGYkAoL39RbOGeimO~~khnmNxA3Mfl7ilTCN8ZLd9aueRQwYz56ZnzFqTIr3RTmZ-qY1JqXmh8CX7k~--9GotaqqGwQ0wctUIi921V3tQTaIXHydJ39ntv1A28s57eCa4Qlek-KBoQFWmswLMRJvAnRI31M5SGclfFj8SOt40V8tV9omq~41ZrNi6jxwDNXf-WAZK8rxtzGjdzfc~JvAn2lbE3ZWiNGE8RA75Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Cotati, CA","date","2025-03-26T04:30:58.493Z","article","Maite Uteuri, superintendent of the Cotati‑Rohnert Park Unified School District, told the Cotati City Council the district is expanding early‑childhood programs, building career‑technical pathways and pursuing partnerships to support student outcomes.

Uteuri said the district is opening a new program at the El Colegio site with capacity for 24 infants and 24 preschoolers this school year, and that a community schools grant at the John Reed site supports a family resource center and counseling services. She noted partnerships with CPI and Seneca for mental‑health and in‑school supports.

Uteuri described career and technical education expansions at Rancho Cotati High School and other sites, and said the district is placing solar panels at all school sites and — funded by a voter‑approved bond — installing campus cameras where they are not already present. She also described a new student senate and said a pathway partnership with Sonoma State will provide an \"automatic admission\" pathway for students who meet criteria at Rancho Cotati.

Nut graf: The presentation was informational only. Council members welcomed the emphasis on technical pathways and student leadership, and Uteuri asked for continued city‑school coordination for safety and community events.

Council and public response: Councilmember Harvey and Councilmember Sparks both praised the career‑technical pathways. Councilmember Harvey highlighted the potential benefits for students; Sparks described the applicant pool for planning‑commission seats as evidence of civic engagement and praised district investments. The council invited the superintendent to provide an annual update.

During public comment a resident asked about student proficiency levels in English and math, noting concerns about basic literacy and numeracy; Uteuri did not provide detailed proficiency figures during the meeting and said she would return with follow‑up if requested. The questioner asked whether proficiency rates matched other districts; the superintendent focused her presentation on programs, pathways and supports.

Ending: The presentation did not require council action. Uteuri said the district welcomes continued interagency cooperation and promised to provide additional information on metrics if the council requests it.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","March 25, 2025 City Council Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Cotati‑Rohnert Park Unified School District Superintendent Maite Uteuri briefed the Cotati City Council on district initiatives including an expanded preschool at El Colegio, a community schools grant at John Reed, expanded career‑technical pathways, campus solar installations and a Sonoma State early‑admission pathway for Rancho Cotati students.","taxTitle","Cotati City, Sonoma County, California","taxId",72376,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6623599,"Cotati police chief presents 2024 annual report showing higher arrests, DUI enforcement and low complaint rate",2011,3267430,5279000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2769629-454e9c19a2c1b8c9618f814f34357783&start=3267&end=5279","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2769629-454e9c19a2c1b8c9618f814f34357783/thumbnail_3267430.jpg","/articles/6623599/Cotati-City/Sonoma-County/California/Cotati-police-chief-presents-2024-annual-report-showing-higher-arrests-DUI-enforcement-and-low-complaint-rate","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6623599-969667647fd91447283484991ddffc65/orig.mp4?Expires=1771125391&Signature=aHpKLeXX1I3FWB~uz-3pD3X-x-YnAAX4~y2oTy~4hL~7MPgjvbsYoF7cxQAL4c6jz3BQfWsjaJFrbsk~yTCLbXeC17sOUwo6kINATka14oHv4vqvi72cbsq-Iq5dkfVN7hcqlOdHiNVdlQykidubTqnPIPvOxkVx3lqQql~FnNduH4vWuB-~q9wzDG~ocGj393UQM3i-Xf3DY6GqyxDDgmkS4jXJRdaxnSWKEAsLiXigHR3UC4QSzCJnxe6~F5adkQaaGeiapuSs7C1g1lNwYmpRsTuHc7J-ebAimZuvyMwnlEUvtMiGDre-tFfmVdlsg4rh8cDVMHLWRapRAfUJWQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Cotati Police Chief Simmons presented the department's 2024 annual report to the Cotati City Council, telling the council the department handled 12,610 events in 2024 — an increase from 11,217 in 2023 — and recorded 557 arrests compared with 382 the year before.

The report, which Simmons said had been presented previously to the newly formed Community Police Advisory Committee on Feb. 27, emphasized a substantial increase in DUI enforcement: the department reported 224 DUI arrests in 2024, including 48 by Officer Cunningham. Simmons said that focus on traffic safety explains much of the rise in arrests and officer-initiated contacts.

The data also showed staffing constraints: with 13 sworn positions and eight civilian staff, the department reported two sworn vacancies and two dispatcher vacancies. Simmons said recruitment continues and that one new officer began training in April.

Why it matters: Council members used the report and follow-up questions to probe resources, civil‑liberty protections and whether new tools are delivering value. The conversation touched on the Police Department’s use of automated license‑plate readers (ALPR), RIPA (Racial and Identity Profiling Act) reporting, the South County SAFE outreach partnership and the department’s low rate of sustained citizen complaints.

Simmons provided additional detail on community collaboration and oversight. He said the department logged 3,269 RIPA stops in 2024 and described how that figure largely reflects traffic stops; roughly 90% of RIPA-recorded stops were traffic stops, Simmons said. On complaints, he said the department handled five complaints in 2024 (three conduct, two procedural), four of which were found unfounded and one sustained for use of unprofessional language; that sustained complaint resulted in counseling.

About police tools and oversight, Simmons said the department deployed four Axon ALPR units in July 2024 and, from that launch through year end, recorded one direct recovery of a stolen vehicle tied to an ALPR alert. He told the council the department does not currently participate in broader data‑sharing networks that provide real‑time cross‑jurisdictional alerts, and that limits the system’s local effectiveness. “We don’t have a ticket to the party,” he said, describing missed opportunities when neighboring agencies share plate data that Cotati cannot access.

Simmons outlined use‑of‑force reporting practices and numbers: the department records any display or deployment of force and reported 35 use‑of‑force incidents (45 total times force was recorded), a figure Simmons said includes display incidents and multiple officers or techniques used in single events. He also noted there were no incidents meeting the California DOJ database threshold (fatality or serious bodily injury) in 2024.

On alternatives to policing, Simmons described the South County SAFE team’s role in responding to unhoused people and behavioral‑health calls, reporting SAFE had 326 activities in 2024 with police assistance requested in 58 instances; in the majority of SAFE responses the team handled matters without police involvement, he said.

Council and public follow-up: Council members pressed for more granular SAFE data and trend charts rather than single‑year snapshots. Councilmember Sparks asked whether the records system could report whether officers issue verbal warnings or citations by perceived race; Simmons said that query may require case‑by‑case review of incident entries and flagged the need to examine patterns alongside complaints and use‑of‑force data to detect problematic trends. Vice Mayor Lemus and others asked for additional detail on how police coordinate with bars and businesses on preventing impaired driving.

Public comment raised safety and traffic concerns in specific neighborhoods and urged continued community outreach. Multiple council members asked staff to return with more multi‑year trend lines and deeper SAFE breakdowns if the council wants an annual joint SAFE‑police briefing.

Ending: Simmons asked for continued community engagement and noted department priorities for 2025 include recruitment and retention, enhanced supervision training, emergency operations preparedness and continued SAFE partnership work.

","Police Chief Simmons told the Cotati City Council the department handled 12,610 events in 2024 and saw increases in arrests and DUI enforcement while citizen complaints remained low; councilors asked for more granular SAFE and ALPR data during questions.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6623578,"Cotati unveils refreshed \"Cotati Connection\" newsletter and new community member guide; council offers edits",1108,8511600,9620000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2769629-454e9c19a2c1b8c9618f814f34357783&start=8511&end=9620","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2769629-454e9c19a2c1b8c9618f814f34357783/thumbnail_8511600.jpg","/articles/6623578/Cotati-City/Sonoma-County/California/Cotati-unveils-refreshed-Cotati-Connection-newsletter-and-new-community-member-guide-council-offers-edits","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6623578-6298e9814543085b5604255278da2f67/orig.mp4?Expires=1771125391&Signature=fxfcQlJrIt~p8ln5jFssWxI2C-DPGeFjZO0NZ~PVAVl9gu2lZ81wVXWKapMSu04AdRNd4Jj1yeia2tvY1R5RJoovnZI5Y1kjrG-iP1ghCf-fXvxU8kbAX0nWOkBhCM71QMEdwRSMZg0PpbNh9pYq28gjLnNBytQNK-MgvJRhKMA~IGAboSIZ4e0Dk6MYtGVKpFodZPiQekjst97LE5PvAIHSPKdAt~h~vbUZK-CcItp6J5~qeik15ApRfP9VzydSRgSLYPLQ6ln9NRdKf60-6zjoy-n-f1~zntrw0w3T2dZ2gYlniKgT-6PiQYwq9IlW--Qe3Ecg1vxGmMrsWR2~CQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff showed the council a redesigned Cotati Connection newsletter and a newly created community member guide intended for new residents and businesses. Angela Porter, director of administrative services, said the new format uses the city’s marketing platform to present bilingual content more clearly and will be included with utility billing and posted on the city website.

The guide consolidates frequently requested information — how to sign up for utilities and notifications, who to call for public works issues, trash and recycling resources — into a folded brochure that staff said will be mailed to new customers and available digitally. Staff also said they had produced printed samples for council review and plan to include Spanish translations.

Council feedback and edits: Councilmembers suggested practical changes to make the guide more usable: add a short, prioritized \"first 60 days\" checklist (sign up for PG&E/Sonoma Clean Power, water, trash, pet licenses, emergency notifications); place civic calendars and proclamation dates in the events column; add a QR code that links directly to recreation and senior services; include a contact number for the SAFE team (non‑emergency outreach) in the services directory; and post copies at downtown businesses, libraries and community hubs.

Staff said the guide will also be available online and encouraged the council to run a promotion to increase electronic billing enrollment so more residents receive the newsletter via email.

Ending: The council offered edits and support for local distribution; staff will incorporate suggestions and proceed with publication and distribution via utility mailings and website links.

","Staff presented an updated bilingual city newsletter and a new community member guide to be included in utility mailings; council members suggested layout changes, added QR links and distribution via local businesses and social media.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6623583,"Cotati meeting erupts over land acknowledgment wording and public‑comment timing; council pauses meeting",129,46200,176010,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2769629-454e9c19a2c1b8c9618f814f34357783&start=46&end=176","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2769629-454e9c19a2c1b8c9618f814f34357783/thumbnail_46200.jpg","/articles/6623583/Cotati-City/Sonoma-County/California/Cotati-meeting-erupts-over-land-acknowledgment-wording-and-publiccomment-timing-council-pauses-meeting","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6623583-4569088abf31625375cc062d0649c65e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771125391&Signature=hBvZBQ-mDlTo4nWOkj3FeP-3agHTq~5jyZo7hiOITsOHx6Nk4-Wei3z-SSv9BEFxZJe4Zx~yAWZYfSHltagYQHOuhK8vqyZxQFBEJJ8IUu75ycgaz91N3bx~7lAh8bk0HC-l2khZbR4cdoY7tNCIv2SvVPJ-3rgCufDR5KvbngemQFT5EAuN4ol~BgFaZJMeBLYPdkhne84OJdINnjaSMlGVn~-TbGQHj6Vb2E-FSOj1oeml2V66p-wgdIX~vgxwaWQhHE251YhCrrOPd1s6qhAlw~r98iLzf~qcAliFKfcEniJkS~3ReDe65H7HQCjHsENnnupBZ4nz4fUtj3fg6g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A prolonged public‑comment exchange at the start of the Cotati City Council meeting centered on the council’s land‑acknowledgment statement and on when members of the public may address items on the agenda.

Several residents told the council they objected to the land acknowledgment and to recent changes tied to the city seal; one speaker called the acknowledgment \"virtue signaling\" and said the city was \"driving businesses away\" — comments that drew objections from other attendees. Another resident said the land acknowledgment omitted Pomo representation and disputed a historical description placed in the city’s materials.

At least one resident repeatedly asserted the public’s right to speak on agenda items at the time the item is considered, citing what the speaker referenced as \"Government Code 54 9 54.3\" and arguing the Brown Act requires an opportunity to speak before or during consideration. The same commenter said, \"the legislative body of a local agency shall not prohibit public criticism of policies, procedures, programs, or services of the agency,\" and urged the council attorney to weigh in. The council's mayor repeatedly reminded the public about the city’s public‑comment procedures and warned that a disruptive speaker would be removed; the mayor declared a five‑minute recess at one point to restore order.

Why it matters: The exchange combined cultural and historical concerns with procedural and legal questions about public‑comment rights under California open‑meeting law, prompting council attention on both the substantive content of the land acknowledgment and on how the council enforces meeting decorum.

Council and staff response: City staff and the mayor emphasized the city’s adopted public‑comment rules and the location on the agenda designated for non‑action items. Staff directed residents to the designated public‑comment sections and said the Brown Act prevents the council from taking action on items not on the agenda. One councilmember offered to pursue modifications or further discussion in a later forum, and staff later scheduled future agenda items on public‑comment and civic engagement procedures.

Ending: The council recessed briefly to restore order and then continued with the agenda. No formal action was taken on the land‑acknowledgment wording during the meeting; several speakers said they would return to press the issue at future meetings.

","Public comment at the Cotati City Council meeting included heated objections to a land acknowledgment, questions about the city seal, and repeated citations of the Brown Act's public‑comment rules; the mayor briefly recessed the meeting after repeated interruptions.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6623588,"Cotati council ratifies two planning commissioner nominations; minutes and consent calendar approved unanimously",247,4103710,4350930,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2769629-454e9c19a2c1b8c9618f814f34357783&start=4103&end=4350","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2769629-454e9c19a2c1b8c9618f814f34357783/thumbnail_4103710.jpg","/articles/6623588/Cotati-City/Sonoma-County/California/Cotati-council-ratifies-two-planning-commissioner-nominations-minutes-and-consent-calendar-approved-unanimously","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6623588-93f91c0a21df9e44429bbe507fccec65/orig.mp4?Expires=1771125391&Signature=C6o~QPKgTN5pePblCLP7mntUdx5ExcikxnIpOIcOn6TDgLvkrejiEO8ZcQ-bEZOwrpC0qkjV9efv5qL-3XJed8UKVmLGwwZVAAiM30J8OV38xT~SDZGFqkHf~J2pkyg~gp~Em959Nh4K4AqVkuEA5Kg~al2V-qhwjFXjk7YbvYKG6qX8S-FmfOr5XkLlFtItnQqH7GPZxPeFKG8MSS05bQc2OIEWCSgNs07evmQ3qxs08iIJafEjsJmOu~xCKpnQce9pgCHsMahH9BvaiXRa~S-6u3lsJexVsGhI2z2jzQsasHZ0a9aROsNJ23FAaRWTBe5i85utJ9k2akj0Qps6qA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Cotati City Council ratified two planning‑commission appointments Tuesday night, voting unanimously to reappoint Shelly Berman to the remainder of her two‑year term and to appoint Sarah Sparks to the vacancy created when Councilmember Savage joined the council.

Staff said the city received multiple applications for the open seat. Councilmembers praised the applicant pool and described both nominees as experienced and engaged with city affairs.

Votes at a glance

- Motion to approve the minutes of March 11 — motion made during the meeting; outcome: approved, 5‑0.

- Motion to approve the consent calendar (one item) — outcome: approved, 5‑0.

- Motion to ratify Councilmember Sparks' and Councilmember Savage's nominations to fill two planning‑commission seats (reappointment of Shelly Berman and appointment of Sarah Sparks) — outcome: approved, 5‑0.

Council discussion and public comment: Several members of the public and multiple commenters urged more transparency and public input in appointment processes. A speaker who identified concerns about appointments urged the council to consider broader public engagement; Councilmember Sparks said she reviewed all applications and recommended Sarah Sparks based on a strong application and completion of the city leadership pathways program. Councilmember Savage said he did not know Shelly Berman before her prior appointment and recommended she serve the remainder of the term, noting her local engagement.

Procedural note: The council treated the planning applications as nominations by the responsible council members and then ratified both nominations by the full council. No further action was requested of staff.

Ending: The motions carried unanimously; the newly appointed and reappointed commissioners were thanked for their willingness to serve.

","The council reappointed Shelly Berman to a remainder term and confirmed Sarah Sparks as a new planning commissioner; the meeting also approved the March 11 minutes and the lone consent calendar item — all carried 5‑0.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Cotati-Rohnert Park schools outline new programs, preschool and Sonoma State early‑admission partnership

Cotati police chief presents 2024 annual report showing higher arrests, DUI enforcement and low complaint rate

Cotati unveils refreshed "Cotati Connection" newsletter and new community member guide; council offers edits

Cotati meeting erupts over land acknowledgment wording and public‑comment timing; council pauses meeting

Cotati council ratifies two planning commissioner nominations; minutes and consent calendar approved unanimously