Santa Rosa Police Open Downtown Substation

SANTA ROSA, CA—The Santa Rosa Police Department has officially opened its new Downtown Substation at the Santa Rosa Plaza.

The Simon Property Group gifted a 10-year lease to the city of Santa Rosa for the station that is now the home of SRPD's Downtown Enforcement Team. The substation is expected to enhance the department's presence in the Downtown Core—specifically within Old Courthouse Square, Railroad Square and the historic West End Neighborhood.

Proximity to the area allows for faster response times and more opportunities for community engagement, the department said. The substation is accessible to officers 24/7 for report writing and other investigative needs, ensuring the team can efficiently serve the community at all times.

"We are excited about this partnership with Simon Property Group and the opportunities it brings to enhance our service to the community," said Santa Rosa police Chief John Cregan, who cut the ribbon at a grand opening ceremony held Tuesday. "The new Downtown Substation will allow us to be more visible and responsive, fostering stronger connections with the residents and businesses in the area."

City officials on hand for Tuesday's ceremony included City Manager Maraskeshia Smith and Assistant City Manager Daryel Dunsto; Mayor Mark Stapp; and Councilmembers Caroline Bañuelos, Jeff Okrepkie, Dianna MacDonald and Victoria Fleming.

The ribbon-cutting was also attended by several members of the Simon executive team.

"We are very pleased to welcome the Santa Rosa Police Department’s Downtown Enforcement Team to Santa Rosa Plaza," said Kelly Hartsel, regional vice president for Simon. "We are proud to contribute to a stronger and safer downtown and Santa Rosa community."

The Plaza's general manager, Danielle Nelson, who worked closely with the police chief, the city manager, and the broader Simon corporate team to provide a central location for SRPD. The result was a location that is highly visible and easily accessible for officers and the community.

The hope is that the substation becomes a resource hub where community members can access information and complete online reports. Plans are also being considered to eventually have a public lobby staffed by a police volunteer and a community service officer.