Community Update for December 20, 2024

HAGA CLIC AQUÍ PARA ESPAÑOL

Hello, Petaluma –

As we near the close of 2024, we’re filled with gratitude for the incredible spirit and contributions of our community. Together, we’ve made strides on important projects, supported one another, and built momentum toward a brighter future for Petaluma. Thank you for making this year so special — we’re excited for what’s to come in 2025!

This week’s update includes highlights of the amazing work happening in Petaluma, from the much-anticipated Lucchesi Skatepark project to the opening of the Petaluma North SMART Station. We’re also celebrating holiday traditions like the Lighted Bike Ride, safety initiatives like red curb installations, and downtown beautification efforts that make Petaluma shine even brighter.

As we reflect on this past year, we’re inspired by your dedication to making Petaluma a vibrant, inclusive, and welcoming place. Here’s to an exciting new year ahead — thank you for being a part of it!

Join Us for a Lucchesi Skatepark Project Update!

We’re excited to share the latest on the Lucchesi Skatepark project! Join us at the City Council meeting on Monday, January 6, 2025, at 6:30 PM in Council Chambers at City Hall (11 English Street). We’ll discuss project timing, potential amenities, and public art options.

A huge thank you to the skating community and supporters for your contributions so far! If you’d like to, there is an opportunity to share your thoughts during the public comment portion of the meeting. Can’t attend? Email comments to [email protected] by 4:30pm the day of the meeting. See you there!

Please visit cityofpetaluma.org/skatepetaluma to learn more and sign up to receive project updates.

Grand Opening of the Petaluma North SMART Station

Join SMART on Friday, January 10, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. at the NEW Petaluma North station (320 Corona Road) to celebrate this highly anticipated addition to the SMART passenger rail system and pathway network.

This new station enhances accessibility and connectivity into the heart of Petaluma, providing residents and visitors with expanded access to convenient and sustainable transportation. This exciting milestone reflects SMART’s ongoing dedication to advancing regional transit and fostering vibrant, connected communities. Join us at this special event to commemorate a significant step forward in the future of transportation for Sonoma and Marin counties!

CLICK HERE to learn more and RSVP to the event.

Make a Difference in Petaluma! Open CCB Positions

Want to get more involved in YOUR City government? The City of Petaluma is currently recruiting for three newly open Committee positions.

– GROUNDWATER SUSTAINABILITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE – 1 Regular Member for a vacated term expiring 6/30/2025
– PEDESTRIAN AND BICYCLE ADVISORY COMMITTEE – 1 Regular Member for a vacated term expiring 6/30/2027
– TRANSIT ADVISORY COMMITTEE – 1 Regular Member for a vacated term expiring 6/30/2026

Petaluma’s Commissions, Committees, and Boards (CCBs) play a critical role in providing valuable oversight to City operations and informing the decision-making process. While the City Council holds the ultimate responsibility for adopting policies, issuing proclamations, and other official acts, the CCBs play a vital role in ensuring that these decisions are well-informed and take into account a range of perspectives.

The CCBs are made up of community members who volunteer their time and expertise to help guide and inform City operations. They bring a diverse range of perspectives and experience to the table, helping to ensure that the City’s decisions are equitable and representative of the needs and interests of the community. Through their work, the CCBs review and make recommendations on key issues, provide valuable feedback on proposed policies and projects, and help to build strong relationships between the City and the community. Ultimately, they play an essential role in ensuring that the City of Petaluma continues to thrive and serve the needs of its residents.

Visit our website HERE to apply for an open position. The application period closes Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at 5:00 p.m.

The City Council will review the applications and make appointments at the City Council Regular Meeting on Monday, February 3, 2025.

LUMA Ice Runs Through Jan. 7

If you haven’t experienced the magic of LUMA Ice, Petaluma’s first real ice, outdoor skating rink, there’s still time! The magic lasts through Jan. 7, with lots of fun events still to come – including Grinchmas, the “Guns & Hoses” Police vs. Fire Dept. hockey tournament, and our Disco & Diamonds New Year’s Eve Party! There are also sensory-friendly events for an inclusive skating experience.

Refreshments are provided by Sax’s Joint and other amazing food trucks and vendors adjacent to the rink. Visit the website HERE to learn more about LUMA Ice – Sonoma County’s only outdoor, real ice ice skating rink – and plan your best holiday ever right here in Petaluma!

Special thanks are due to our incredible sponsors, like Presenting Sponsor Exchange Bank, for bringing LUMA Ice to life. Check out the full list of sponsors HERE!

Home for the Holidays! New Keep People Housed Program

The City of Petaluma is excited to be a part of the Keep People Housed Homelessness Prevention Program, accepting applications now! Keep People Housed provides temporary financial assistance and services to eligible Sonoma County residents at high risk of homelessness or housing loss. Assistance can include back rent, move-in costs, rental assistance, utilities, and other housing-related expenses.

Households prioritized for assistance must be willing to engage in housing-focused services for up to six months or more, depending on the household’s situation. Due to limited resources, only applicants at highest risk of homelessness or housing loss will be prioritized for assistance.

Learn more about the program requirements and apply for assistance HERE.

Red Curbs Save Lives

We’re on a mission to make Petaluma’s streets safer for everyone! When vehicles park right next to an intersection or crosswalk, it makes it hard for drivers to see pedestrians entering the crosswalk, as well as oncoming bicycle and vehicle traffic. Children and people using strollers, wheelchairs, or walkers are particularly vulnerable because they’re more likely to be invisible behind a parked car or truck. And with the increase in size and height of many trucks and SUVs, even adults are at greater risk when crossing the street next to a parked car.

For some time now, we have been adding red curbs to intersections with crosswalks in Petaluma to reduce parking next to crosswalks and increase safety and visibility. These updates are in accordance with the Daylighting to Save Lives Bill (AB-413), a California State law that bans vehicles from stopping, standing, or parking within 15-20 feet of the approach side of a crosswalk. “Daylighting” refers to the idea that safety is improved by removing parked cars next to crosswalks.

You will see new red curbs painted to reduce parking near crosswalks and intersections around town. While every effort is being made to retain as many parking spaces as possible, the work will result in the removal of some spaces to make room for “daylighting” some intersections.

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

Beautifying Downtown Spaces

Next time you are downtown, take a look at the area between the Keller Street Garage and Kapu (also known as the Golden Concourse). Community member Ray Goodenough volunteered his services to design and plant the landscape areas on both sides of the sidewalk. Ray led the planting on December 17, supported by a crew of volunteers from Rebuilding Petaluma. The Petaluma Parks Maintenance staff delivered the plants, mulch, and fixed all the irrigation. The area will look even more beautiful as the plants grow and the Dogwood tree matures and blooms!

Thank you Ray, Rebuilding Petaluma, and Parks Maintenance!

Join the Holiday Lighted Bike Ride – Friday December 20

Decorate your bike and join your friends for the 3rd Annual Petaluma Holiday Lighted Bike Ride! The Ride is a fun, family-friendly, slow bike ride that’s free for all. It’s on the east side of our town this year. The 5.4 mile loop ride starts and finishes at the Petaluma Community Center on quiet neighborhood streets. All ages welcome!

Please note that registration is required. CLICK HERE to register.

When: Friday December 20, 5pm (ride starts at 5:30)
Where: Starts and finishes at the Petaluma Community Center (320 N. McDowell Blvd at Lucchesi Park)

Last Minute Holiday Shopping? Don’t forget the Shop Petaluma Gift Card!

Support local year-round with a Shop Petaluma gift card! Shop Petaluma gift cards can be used at more than 100 participating Petaluma businesses, many offering special deals for gift card users.

Click HERE to purchase a Shop Petaluma gift card today. If you already have a Shop Petaluma gift card, be sure to use it this holiday season.

Join us to Welcome the Newly Appointed City Council Members!

The City of Petaluma cordially invites you to a reception celebrating newly elected and re-elected City Council members.

– District 4 Councilmember: Frank Quint
– District 5 Councilmember: Alexander DeCarli
– District 6 Councilmember: Brian Barnacle

When: Monday, January 6, 2025
Welcome Reception – 5:00 p.m.
Swearing In & Regular Council Meeting – 6:30 p.m.
Where: Petaluma City Hall, 11 English Street, Petaluma

Light refreshments will be served.

If you have questions, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at [email protected] or 707-778-4360.

We hope to see you there!