CMR April
APRIL 2024
Oneka Technologies Update
The City of Fort Bragg and Oneka Technologies are partnering to deploy California’s first wave-powered desalination project. The entire desalination process will take place about ½ mile offshore from a modular buoy. The energy from the ocean activates a wave-actuated pump that moves seawater through reverse osmosis membranes, delivering fresh water through an underwater pipe to shore at the City’s Waste Water Treatment Facility. An environmental analysis pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) is being prepared for a one-year pilot/demonstration. Several agencies are involved in the permitting conversation including the Department of Fish and Wildlife; California Coastal Commission; State Lands Commission; Sherwood Valley Band of Pomo Indians; and more. Studies prepared to inform this pilot project include, but are not limited to: a Benthic Habitat Survey; Essential Fish Habitat; Sensitive Species Survey; Entrapment Study and Mitigation; Brine Discharge Technology; and Subsurface Intake Feasibility. Stay tuned for updates as this project progresses, and sign up for “Blue Economy” e-notifications on the City’s website, as well as the e-newsletter from Noyo Ocean Collective.
Public Works Updates
The City of Fort Bragg is excited to announce a new initiative aimed at improving pedestrian safety within the community. Starting in May, the City will begin painting red curbs at the approach to any marked or unmarked crosswalks, extending them to comply with California Assembly Bill 413. This new measure is designed to increase visibility and awareness for pedestrians crossing the street, helping to reduce the risk of accidents and improve overall safety for residents and visitors alike. By extending the red curbs to the crosswalks, drivers will be reminded to slow down and yield to pedestrians, making the streets of Fort Bragg safer for everyone.
On April 9th and 10th, the City hosted a Federal/State Resource Workshop intending to connect regional partners working on coastal climate resiliency projects to resources to move initiatives forward. Discussion included emergency egress and circulation on N. Harbor Drive, which involves finding a new location for dredging activities, removing soil containment cells, restoring the beach, and connecting the Noyo Headlands coastal trail to the harbor. Other topics included a seismic retrofit of the fire station and Veteran’s Hall, adding additional resources to CV Starr Center, construction of new reservoirs and underground distribution pipes, improvements at Mendocino Coast College to support kelp restoration activities, blue STEM workforce opportunities, and more. Stay tuned…
CITY EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT
MEET RUBY ACOSTA
ADMINISTRATIVE COORDINATOR
We celebrate the dedication and hard work of our city employees, who tirelessly contribute behind the scenes. Their commitment is crucial to the city’s functioning, meriting our utmost appreciation and acknowledgment. This month, we look to CV Starr Community Center to select our April EmployeeSpotlight for their exceptional contributions.
Meet Ruby Acosta, our esteemed Administrative Coordinator. She consistently showcases excellence in her role with unwavering dedication, embodying our community’s core values. Ruby, a native of Fort Bragg, started part-time at the C.V. Starr Community Center in February 2018, initially at the front desk. Recognizing her hard work, she swiftly rose to the position of Senior Administrative Assistant in 2019. This achievement motivated her to pursue her current role, a responsibility she takes immense pride in. Ruby finds fulfillment in her job, cherishing her role within the Center’s team. When not working, she enjoys quality time at home with her two cats, indulging in video games, and exploring new recipes. Ruby excels in the “behind the scenes” aspects of her job, relishing tasks like creating event flyers, monthly newsletters, website editing, and crafting short videos for the front desk display. Her proficiency with various applications adds a rewarding and enjoyable dimension to her work. Ruby is thankful for her supportive coworkers who provide constant encouragement and assistance.
CITY OF FORT BRAGG NEW HIRES
CMR March
MARCH 2024
We Welcome Our Sister City - Otsuchi
On March 18, 2024, we had the pleasure of hosting guests from our sister city, Otsuchi, in the City of Fort Bragg. A heartfelt welcoming ceremony took place, which included a special gift exchange between the visiting group and our esteemed Mayor Norvell at Town Hall.
STREETS REHAB UPDATES
During the month of March, the intersection of Oak and Harold was paved and is pending the installation of high-visibility striped crosswalks to be deemed complete. Argonaut Contractors also completed the re-pavement of the 500 block of South Harold and the 100 block of Chestnut Street as well as a few smaller street sections.
Project Look Ahead; As long as forecasted weather remains clear, contractors will be rapidly working through the remaining tasks to complete the other streets programmed for this project. The first week in April, Boatyard Drive and West Fir Street will be repaved.Also during this week, crews will begin some of the signage and striping for areas of the project that are paved. In the second week of April, construction crews will return to N Franklin Street and continue working their way north to the project limits. The work scheduled for April 8th-12th includes pavement rehabilitation in the 300 and 400 block of North Franklin.Noticing for this work will be disseminated at the end of the prior week, to provide advance notice to impacted businesses. Signage and striping work will continue over a 4 week period, which includes refreshing the red paint on the stamped crosswalks in the Central Business District.
CITY EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT
MEET ADRIANA MORENO RAMOS
FINANCE TECH III
We celebrate the dedication and hard work of our city employees, who tirelessly contribute behind the scenes. Their commitment is crucial to the city’s functioning, meriting our utmost appreciation and acknowledgment. This month, we look to the Finance Department to select our March Employee Spotlight for their exceptional contributions.
We are thrilled to shine a spotlight on one of our most dedicated and hardworking finance technicians, Adriana Moreno Ramos. Adriana is a wonderful, caring, and loving mother of two. She grew up in Fort Bragg and has always enjoyed giving back to her community. You can often find her volunteering as a soccer coach for the local recreation league. In her free time, she loves walking the coastal trail and going to the beach. As a diligent finance technician, she takes pride in efficiently processing business licenses. She enthusiastically states, “I am continually learning, but I take pleasure in being among the first to discover new businesses opening in the city.”With an unwavering commitment to accuracy and attention to detail, Adriana consistently demonstrates a profound understanding of financial principles and procedures. Her proactive approach and willingness to go above and beyond exemplify the qualities of a true professional, making her an invaluable asset to our organization.Adriana’s diverse background in the food service industry and healthcare has uniquely prepared her for her current role in the City’s finance department. Over the last two years, she has shown dedication and is thrilled to be part of such an exceptional team. It is a privilege to recognize Adriana for her unwavering dedication and outstanding contributions to the finance department’s success.
CITY OF FORT BRAGG NEW HIRES
Big Foot Ice Cream
Big Foot Ice Cream
Mendocino Coast Purple Urchin Festival
Mendocino Coast
Purple Urchin Festival
June 13 to 15 – Noyo Harbor and throughout Mendocino Coast
Cobalt Gallery
Cobalt Gallery – Powered by Flockworks
A reimagined space where the legacy of artistic expression meets the dynamic vision of community collaboration. Our mission is to honor the rich history of Cobalt Gallery while aligning with Flockworks’ dedication to fostering creativity and resilience. Together, we are creating a vibrant community hub that amplifies visibility for artists, fosters new connections, and promotes artistic growth.
We aim to cultivate an inclusive environment where artistic expression flourishes, and all voices are heard. Through a dynamic calendar of exhibitions, events, and community engagement initiatives, we are strengthening the gallery’s impact on the local art scene.
Flockworks, a nonprofit organization dedicated to growing community resilience through creative programs, has long been a cornerstone of arts enrichment on the Mendocino coast. For over fifteen years, Flockworks has provided resources and opportunities for artists, teachers, and community members to engage in arts-inspired activities and initiatives, including the Fort Bragg Alleyway Art Project.
David, Tonda & The Great Outdoors
David, Tonda
& The Great Outdoors
Whatever the Fort Bragg weather brings, Tonda and David Miller have you outfitted for fun out in the field. With the plethora of outdoor options up on the North Coast, The Outdoor Store, like a “mini-REI,” is an essential resource for visitors and locals alike.
David and Tonda purchased the business four years ago and used the covid era to remodel and make the shop their own.
Raised in Fort Bragg (David’s mother was Tonda’s kindergarten teacher), they both spent time elsewhere in the Bay Area (including Paradise where they lost their home in the Camp Fire), before returning and settling in with their children and the business. Between the two of them they have 6 kids, including 10-year-old twins to outfit for adventure. It’s a full circle story, like many Fort Bragg natives, the North Coast pulls you back….as a great place to raise a family and run a small business.
Buy Well, Buy Once
Local Tip:
Get tips on the best spots to hike and bike from their knowledgeable staff!
FloBeds
Natural Talalay Latex Mattresses
Art and The Explorers
Art & The Explorers
Welcome to Art Explorers, a nonprofit creative art studio for people with developmental disabilities and brain injuries. When the artists are here, they experience a sense of both purpose and camaraderie through making art in a community setting. It is a place that feels nurturing and comfortable and allows them space to just be themselves.
Local Tip:
The Gallery is open to the public Tuesday through Saturday. Look for a piece for yourself or to give as a gift.
Art pieces from Art Explorers are one of the most impactful gifts you can give because it gives so much back to the creator.
A variety of artwork and merchandise is for sale including original works on paper, painting and ceramics, original t-shirts, sweatshirts, jewelry, tote bags, cards and more. Proceeds are split 50/50 between the artist themselves and the organization. When a member of the public purchases their art at the gallery, the artists feel a sense of great pride. The self-esteem built through the Art Explorers program offers a pathway toward personal growth and inclusion into the wider community.