Community Update for August 9, 2024

HAGA CLIC AQUÍ PARA ESPAÑOL

Hello, Petaluma!

We’d like to kick off this edition of our Community Update with a special shout out to Petaluma Olympian, Minna Stess! The City of Petaluma is incredibly proud of Minna, a skateboarder who competed at the Paris Olympics on August 6th in the Park Skate event. As a toddler, Minna would skateboard around Petaluma determined to get better, learn new tricks and keep up with her big brother. Her hard work and positive attitude have been inspiring to watch and, at 18, Minna is only getting started! Petaluma can’t wait to watch Minna skate her way to Los Angeles in 2028 as she follows her dreams!

Read on for important information about an amazing art installation at the Fairgrounds, upcoming roadwork on Western Avenue and Maria Drive, an update to our river dredging plans, and more.

Have a great weekend!

FAIRGROUNDS MURAL PROJECT

Keep your eyes out for the Fairgrounds Mural Project being installed at the Petaluma Fairgrounds in the coming weeks. The photography mural by local artist Michael Garlington will be installed on the rear of the Grandstand bleachers at the Petaluma Speedway.

The piece will be approximately 120 feet by 20 feet and feature collaged portraits of community members associated with Petaluma’s agricultural community, rich fairgrounds history, racing events, local organizations, on-site education programs, and happenings. The Petaluma Fairgrounds is at the heart of our community and this mural has been created to honor some of the very people that make it so valuable to us all. Stay tuned for updates about a public unveiling!

SAFETY UPGRADES ON WESTERN AVENUE

This week, in response to community concerns, we will be replacing the road surface near 914 & 916 Western Ave. Updates will include:

Painting curbs red
Updating curve advisory signage
Grinding, paving, and restriping the roadway to incorporate bike lane buffers and traffic calming lane configurations

Construction is expected to start on Friday, August 9th and last approximately one week. Traffic control measures and a road closure with detours will be in place during construction to manage traffic flow and ensure safety for all road users.

These upgrades will provide safety improvements ahead of a larger-scale paving and traffic calming project scheduled to take place in 2028/2029.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work to complete this important project.

To learn more, please visit: cityofpetaluma.org/western.

MARIA DRIVE IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NEARING COMPLETION

Heads up, Petaluma! We are pleased to inform you the Maria Drive Improvement project is nearing completion. This project is designed to make Maria Drive safer and more accessible for all road users. Here’s the latest:

Section 1: Rainer Street to East Washington — We are on schedule to complete the new road surface in this section by August 9th. Please note that some minor construction activities will continue through August in this area.

Section 2: East Washington to South McDowell Boulevard — In this area, we are currently:

Finalizing the installation of the recycled water line
Preparing to remove the existing pavement
Preparing the sub-surface layer and applying new pavement throughout August

Please be advised that periodic road closures and night work will be necessary to facilitate work in Section 2 (East Washington to South McDowell Boulevard). Alternative detours will be available at all times for this section to minimize inconvenience to residents and commuters. We anticipate minimal disruption to traffic in Section 1.

To learn more, please visit: cityofpetaluma.org/mariadriveimprovements.

We appreciate your continued patience and understanding as we work to enhance our city’s roadways. These improvements will contribute to safer, more efficient transportation for all Petaluma residents.

RIVER DREDGING UPDATE

Earlier this year, we shared that dredging of the Petaluma River was scheduled for fall 2024 by the US Army Corps of Engineers. While we hoped the work could be completed this year, additional design and coordination is needed before the dredging can be done. We are excited that the Army Corps has assured us that this work is still scheduled and budgeted for fall 2025.

This schedule change will not affect the city managed Turning Dock Replacement project that will be complete by the end of September. To learn more about the dock replacement, please visit: cityofpetaluma.org/turningbasin.

HARVEST BEATS

Join us at the Petaluma Fairgrounds for Harvest Beats, a farmers market and music event! Bring your family to enjoy food trucks, locally made goods, music, and FUN!

Where: Petaluma Fairgrounds, 175 Fairgrounds Drive

When: Thursday, Aug. 15, 4-8pm
4:00pm – Petaluma Farmers’ Market
5:00pm – Music

FREE bike valet! Learn more at https://cityofpetaluma.org/parks-recreation-special-events/

Thank you to our partners:
Cool Petaluma
Blue Zones

We look forward to seeing you there!

MOVIES IN THE PARK

Join us for Movies in the Park, next Friday, Aug. 16, featuring Barbie!

This is a series of outdoor movie showings held on various Friday evenings during the Summer and Fall at Lucchesi Park. Food and beverages are available for purchase from local food and beverage vendors. Don’t miss an opportunity to catch your favorite movies under the stars!

Vendors will arrive between 6:00pm and 6:30pm, and the movie will begin at sunset, around 8:00pm.

Petaluma Blacks for Community Development Annual Picnic

Petaluma Blacks for Community Development is hosting their Annual Community Picnic again this month!

When: Sat., Aug. 17, 12-3pm
Where: McNear Park

All are welcome for food, music, games, and family fun at this annual tradition. To table at the event, email Corrie Johnson at [email protected].

EMERGENCY PREP HELP FOR SENIORS

Attend a special two-part workshop on emergency preparedness for seniors. Hosted by the City of Petaluma.

Workshops are spaced two weeks apart:
Part 1 – Sat., Sept 7, 10am-Noon
Part 2 – Sat., Sept 21, 10am-Noon

Learn how to create a plan, what an emergency go-bag should include, earthquake preparedness, how to evacuate with pets, what you’ll need in an extended power outage, and much more. All participants at Part 1 receive a free emergency go-bag and supplies!