Revitalize Healdsburg Veteran's Memorial Beach
The Issue
On June 14, 1958, Healdsburg Veteran's Memorial Beach (HVMB) was dedicated to the youth and families of Healdsburg, CA, marking the beginning of decades of fun and cherished memories.
The snack bar and Life Guard stations provided much appreciated sustenance and opportunities for life saving, business, and job training.
The Red Cross taught swimming lessons and water safety classes before children were allowed to brave the challenging river.
Our beloved tradition faced tragic decline in the 1980s when climate crisis activists and Sonoma County Regional Parks Dept. (SCRP) significantly reduced the usability of HVMB by reducing the timeframe of its operations and claimed fish were at risk AS IF the off season dam interfered with spawning.
On November 24, 2014 Sonoma County board of supervisors authored and passed Code 26-65-030 which established strict restrictions including non removal of “vegetation”. Toxic algea hyperbole ensued.
In 2022 I inquired why the dam was not fully erected and SCRP claimed “not enough water flow." But now all California lakes are full, there’s snowpack but the dam wasn’t fully raised.
Does SCRP refuse to fully raise the dam to deter access to this once-vibrant recreational hub so our youth and families are deprived of a local treasure?
This space has been transitioned to an underutilized swampish lagoon where leeches flourish and fails to honor its original purpose — a place of recreational swimming and togetherness for youth and families.
Revitalizing our recreational environment includes:
Repeal SCC 26-65-030!
Clean up the river from the Bend to the Dam. Dredge this area for proper human Recreation on both sides where possible.
Restore the Full dam at HVMB by Memorial Day every year to ensure safe and ample water levels for recreational swimming.
Bring back a dock with diving boards.
Reopen the snack bar to provide refreshments and job opportunities for local teenagers, fostering responsibility and community pride and allow one or two food trucks.
Teens have already requested sand volleyball courts.
Re-do the hazardous rickety workout area that literally no one uses because it’s dangerous and inoperable.
Reinstate swimming and water safety classes run by Red Cross or other entity to empower children with essential skills and strength to enrich their summer experiences.
Sign this petition to demand the necessary changes that will once again give Sonoma County teens and families a place to come together and enjoy our beautiful riverfront.
Thank you.
297
The Issue
On June 14, 1958, Healdsburg Veteran's Memorial Beach (HVMB) was dedicated to the youth and families of Healdsburg, CA, marking the beginning of decades of fun and cherished memories.
The snack bar and Life Guard stations provided much appreciated sustenance and opportunities for life saving, business, and job training.
The Red Cross taught swimming lessons and water safety classes before children were allowed to brave the challenging river.
Our beloved tradition faced tragic decline in the 1980s when climate crisis activists and Sonoma County Regional Parks Dept. (SCRP) significantly reduced the usability of HVMB by reducing the timeframe of its operations and claimed fish were at risk AS IF the off season dam interfered with spawning.
On November 24, 2014 Sonoma County board of supervisors authored and passed Code 26-65-030 which established strict restrictions including non removal of “vegetation”. Toxic algea hyperbole ensued.
In 2022 I inquired why the dam was not fully erected and SCRP claimed “not enough water flow." But now all California lakes are full, there’s snowpack but the dam wasn’t fully raised.
Does SCRP refuse to fully raise the dam to deter access to this once-vibrant recreational hub so our youth and families are deprived of a local treasure?
This space has been transitioned to an underutilized swampish lagoon where leeches flourish and fails to honor its original purpose — a place of recreational swimming and togetherness for youth and families.
Revitalizing our recreational environment includes:
Repeal SCC 26-65-030!
Clean up the river from the Bend to the Dam. Dredge this area for proper human Recreation on both sides where possible.
Restore the Full dam at HVMB by Memorial Day every year to ensure safe and ample water levels for recreational swimming.
Bring back a dock with diving boards.
Reopen the snack bar to provide refreshments and job opportunities for local teenagers, fostering responsibility and community pride and allow one or two food trucks.
Teens have already requested sand volleyball courts.
Re-do the hazardous rickety workout area that literally no one uses because it’s dangerous and inoperable.
Reinstate swimming and water safety classes run by Red Cross or other entity to empower children with essential skills and strength to enrich their summer experiences.
Sign this petition to demand the necessary changes that will once again give Sonoma County teens and families a place to come together and enjoy our beautiful riverfront.
Thank you.
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Petition created on June 19, 2025