Rohnert Park council backs Sonoma State students, adds athletics language to letter urging state help

The Rohnert Park City Council voted on March 11 to send a letter to the governor, CSU chancellor and local legislators asking them to consider funding options to minimize the impact of Sonoma State University’s roughly $24 million budget shortfall and the program reductions and possible layoffs the university said it is considering.

City Manager Marcela Pedra opened the item, saying the university had reported a budget deficit of about $24 million and that staff prepared a letter urging state and system leaders to examine funding opportunities that could reduce community harm. "You have before you a letter basically addressed to the governor and also the chancellor Garcia and legislators to consider any funding opportunities that may be available in order to support the university and be able to minimize the impact of those budget cuts in our community," Pedra said.

The public comment period drew dozens of students, coaches and parents. Student‑athlete John Sprag told the council: "It was pretty late for the recruitment process ... I chose to come here because the promises were made to me by my coaches ... it's just really disheartening to see ... those promises are not going to be able to be carried out." Coaches and parents said the cuts would damage student opportunities, local youth-sports pipelines and the local economy, and several speakers said they would organize fundraising and legal challenges.

One speaker noted a lawsuit alleging the university failed to follow required transparency processes; council members referenced contact with legislators and ongoing local advocacy. After public testimony, a councilmember moved to approve the staff letter with two additions: language that highlights the importance of athletics to community spirit and language underscoring the local economic impacts if athletics programs leave the campus. The motion carried on a roll-call vote with four yes votes and one absence (Councilmember Rodriguez absent).

Council members said they will continue direct outreach to state lawmakers, explore local fundraising and support students as state deliberations continue. The vote record shows the council approved the amended letter 4–0–1 (yes: Adams, Elward, Sandborn, Mayor Yurich; absent: Rodriguez). The council also applauded the student speakers and took a short recess after the vote.

Next steps: the city will send the amended letter to the governor and the CSU chancellor, continue local advocacy and coordinate with community partners who said they were preparing fundraising and legal responses.