The SMART Train initiative was legally set in motion on January 1, 2003 when California State Assembly Bill 2224, gave a new regional transportation district (rail district) the ownership of 70 miles of railroad Right Of Way (ROW), which is estimated to be worth $1 billion.

OK, so now that we know a few of the facts about how it came to be, what actually is the SMART Train? The SMART Train, is a proposed Rail Line that will run from Larskpur to Cloverdale, about 70 miles. The line will feature 14 stops, allow for north and south travel (via “passing sidings” a small section of track where 2 sets of tracks run side by side, to allow one train to pass another), and also feature an adjacent paved bicycle path, AKA a Greenway. This Greenway will likely see 7,000 – 10,000 bikers, joggers, and walkers daily, and will be a recreational centerpiece of Marin and Sonoma County.

The SMART Train is the backbone of a North Bay transportation system that is a vision at this point. Eventually, it is planned to be a part of a system that incorporates, bikes, trolleys, buses, shuttles, ride share parking lots, and commuter parking lots. SMART Train riders will be able to bring bicycles on the train, and the train will be equipped with wireless Internet, coffee and snack bars, and state of the art design.

To learn even more about the SMART Train, I called their main office, and was referred to their community outreach manager. I asked several questions, and we covered a lot of facts I could not find anywhere else. The average fare is expected to be $4.50 (each direction), which seems pretty low cost to me. The total time from Cloverdale to Larkspur is expected to be 90 minutes (70 miles), with stops, which implies an average speed of 46.67 MPH. There will be a total of 14 trains that run north per day and 14 trains that run south. The times these trains will run are not yet determined, but I am told it will be during morning and evening commute hours, and also at least 1 train will run during mid day in each direction. The trains themselves have yet to be chosen, so the numbers of anticipated riders is not yet known.

So where will the SMART Train have stops and stations? The SMART Train will have stops and stations in the following cities: (From South to North): Marin County: Larskspur, Downtown San Rafael, Marin Civic Center, Novato South, Novato North, Sonoma County: Downtown Petaluma, Corona Road, Cotati, Rohnert Park, Santa Rosa Railroad Square, Jennings Avenue, Windsor, Healdsburg, and Cloverdale.

The SMART Train project is expected to cost about $540 Million. The majority of the funding will come from Sonoma County and Marin County residents through a 1/4 percent sales tax increase that was approved by voters in the November 2008 election. The tax increase was approved in a measure known as Measure Q. The tax is planned to be a 20 year tax, and started in April 2009, sunsetting in March of 2029…wow, that seems so far in the future.

So when will the SMART Train be here? A project of this magnitude does not just happen overnight, and the SMART Train project is no exception. Actual construction and earth movement will begin in 2011, with the inaugural train ride set for sometime in 2014.

We have heard so many things about the SMART Train over the past few years, long enough for us to form opinions of the project. We think that the SMART Train will only benefit Marin County and Sonoma County homeowners. With a modest 1/4 percent tax increase, there will be a mass transit option from Cloverdale to Larkspur. From Larkspur, you can ride the Golden Gate Ferry into San Francisco. Not only is the a Green alternative to driving a car, but the SMART Train will allow for more Sonoma County residents to earn the higher salaries in San Francisco, with a reliable transportation alternative. This extra income will help Sonoma County Businesses, as the extra income will likely be spent here.

Last and certainly not least, the SMART Train is also more environmentally friendly than any other alternative. The SMART Train is more GREEN, per passenger, than the passenger cars that flow along 101, is more GREEN and cost effective than buses that travel that 101, and will be equipped with clean diesel technology that will provide an extremely clean mass transit option.

If you have any questions regarding the Sonoma Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART Train), please feel free to contact us and we will do our best to find out.

Even though Healdsburg has the reputation of a laid back town, there is a lot that goes on in this little hamlet. Each season reveals a new side of Healdsburg, and people are constatnly visiting because of thise. Many Healdsburg locals spend their free time hiking, biking, canoeing, kayaking, and camping in the redwoods. Many also choose to visit the many local antique shops, independent book stores, and local art galleries. The locals and the not so locals/tourists also spend a little time tasting world class wines, artisan breads and cheeses.

The spring brings barrel tasting, a true local favorite. Barrel tasting is an event where wineries open their doors, allowing the the public the chance to taste wine directly from the barrels before the wine is bottled and released for sale. In some instances the winemakers themselves will be present and speak to you about the process, appellation of the grapes used in the wines, and how they expect the wine to taste now and as they age.

Summer brings one of the liveliest events in Healdsburg. The Tuesdays In The Plaza concert series takes place May – August each year. Great local, California and regional bands perform; such names as Brother Cat, The Elliot Randall Band, Lucky Buck And The Winners, and Roy Rogers And the Delta Rhythm Kings. These bands play on most Tuesdays from 6:00 – 8:00 PM in the Healdsburg Plaza.

The late fall (late October and November) brings the seasonal grape crush. This is yet another great time of year in Healdsburg and the rest of Sonoma County. During “Crush” grapes are picked and crushed into the juice that will ultimately ferment and become the World Class Sonoma County Wines. There is a lot of excitement during this time of year, as many come just to be a part of this wonderful time of year.

We really suggest spending a little time in Healdsburg. You will quickly learn why this is one of the best kept secrets of Sonoma County. We hope to see you there.

To learn more about Real Estate in Healdsburg California please visit Healdsburg Real Estate or Healdsburg Homes.

This year’s installment will be held on June 13 – 14, 2009; and 2009 marks the 20th anniversary of the Hot Air Balloon Classic. This is one of the favorite events of many Sonoma County locals, as the sky is filled with balloons that are truly moving pieces of art. The event is fun for the whole family, so make sure you mark this event on your summer calendar.

The Location for the event is Keiser Park, located at: 700 Windsor River Road in Windsor, California.

Tickets can be purchased at the following locations:

• Copperfield’s – In Healdsburg, Petaluma, Sebastopol, and Montgomery Village (Santa Rosa)
• Ship & More – Windsor
• Dan’s Barber Shop – Windsor
• Exchange Banks – Throughout Sonoma County

Ticket prices are as follows

• Adults – Pre Sale – $5.00
• Adults – At The gate – $8.00
• Children ages 6 – 12  – $5.00
• Children 5 and under are admitted for free

Make sure you look for us there…we will be piloting the balloon that looks like a huge “SOLD” sign.