Photo courtesy of Chasin Goat Grazing.
HAGA CLIC AQUÍ PARA ESPAÑOL
Happy Friday and happy February, Petaluma!
While we know it’s raining now, we were all excited by the sunshine last weekend – it made us want to be outside in the garden, in a park, or generally out and about in this beautiful City that we love.
We have some great events for you this week, including some wonderful Black History Month programming from our friends at Petaluma Blacks for Community Development! We’re excited to share ways the whole family can learn more about African American music, visual art, dance and more throughout our City.
(And just in case, we’ve also got some tips to help you stay flood safe no matter what the skies may bring.)
Rain or shine, Petaluma, your City is proud to serve you. Have a great week – we’ll see you in your inboxes on Valentine’s Day!
BLACK HISTORY MONTH 2024
This year’s Black History Month celebrates Black Americans in the Arts. The whole community is invited to events this February, including exhibitions, concerts, conversations with artists, and more. Learn more at our website HERE – and don’t miss the Opening Jazz Concert with Dorian Mode tonight (2/2) at 6:30 p.m. at the Petaluma Museum!
How to Report Problems & Hazards
While we’re hoping for a break in the rain this weekend, you may see continued roadway flooding, obstructions, or blocked storm drains even after the skies have cleared. If you do, please call the numbers below to report problems and hazards:
- Report roadway flooding, dangerous road conditions, obstructions, or fallen power lines to the Petaluma Police: 707-762-2727
- Report blocked storm drains or culverts to Public Works & Utilities: 707-778-4546
- To turn off gas or electricity call PG&E: 1-800-743-5000
Learn more at our website HERE and find helpful tips to prepare for the next big storm.
CONSTRUCTION TO BEGIN ON PETALUMA NORTH SMART STATION
Heads up, Petaluma! Sonoma Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART) is beginning construction on the much anticipated Petaluma North station this weekend (weather permitting).
Work will include:
- Construction of the station platform, sidewalk, and pathway
- Reconstruction of the train tracks
- Train control systems testing
Completion of the station is expected in late December 2024.
SMART has advised working hours will generally be 7am – 7pm with some overnight work required due to daytime passenger train service. During construction, traffic control measures will be implemented for safety. Every effort will be made to minimize impacts to traffic, however delays may happen and should be expected during heavy commute hours.
Please be advised: SMART’s contractor will be performing night work on Friday, February 2, and Saturday, February 3, from 9pm – 5am. It is possible this work will be postponed due to weather conditions.
For more information about SMART construction please visit: www.sonomamarintrain.org/construction-updates. Sign up for email updates HERE.
JOIN US THIS SATURDAY AT KENILWORTH PARK!
Saturday, February 3, 10am – 1pm
Join us to celebrate the redesign of Kenilworth Park. On Saturday, February 3rd we will hold a drop-in event for the community to come together, see the preliminary park design, and play! Celebrated Bay Area artist, Oleg Lobykin, will also be there to discuss the interactive public art he is creating for Kenilworth Park. This is a great opportunity to speak with the artist and learn about his process.
We need your feedback to guide the final design. Snacks, drinks, giveaways, and activities for kids will be provided.
We will be meeting in between the Petaluma Library and Teen Center. In the event of rain, the event will be held inside the Teen Center.
Keep an eye on cityofpetaluma.org/kenilworthpark for event details!
Parks & Rec Grazing Program a Big Success!
In 2023, the City of Petaluma Parks and Recreation Department launched an innovative animal grazing pilot program to manage vegetation in five local parks and open spaces. The program was designed to align with our City’s 2030 carbon neutrality goals, to reduce fire risk and the use of chemical herbicides in our urban landscape, and to be more cost effective than traditional mechanical mowing and chemical treatments.
Parks & Recreation just released their initial findings from the program, and we’re thrilled to report it was a big success! The goats and sheep effectively cut down some of our parks’ most invasive (and flammable) plant species, leaving behind improved soil health and greater biodiversity. The program was also cost-effective: while initial set-up costs were about the same as traditional mowing, animals have lower maintenance costs, meaning the program saves money over time. (Not to mention the increased cuteness factor, which is immeasurable.)
Read more about our Key Findings on our website at cityofpetaluma.org/grazing – and stay tuned to find out when and where you can see Petaluma’s grazing team next summer!
Book a Virtual Planning Appointment
Heads up, Petaluma – the Building and Planning offices are undergoing some construction this spring and will be moving temporarily to a new space in City Hall. But if you don’t want to bother with our helpful navigation signage, why not book a virtual appointment with the Planning Office?
Visit our website HERE to book a 15 minute video call to share documents and speak with a City Planner.
(Or need to submit a Planning Form? Find a list of required documents and learn how to submit them online HERE.)
ReLeaf Petaluma’s Re-Oaking Project
Join us for an informational session describing Releaf Petaluma’s plan to re-oak the city’s open space along the East Side Connector Trail.
Wednesday, February 7th, 6:30pm
Lucchesi Community Center (320 N McDowell)
ReLeaf Petaluma has planted over 1,000 California native trees in Petaluma parks and schools. The new $1 million dollar Petaluma Canopy Grant awarded to the City of Petaluma, funded by the Inflation Reduction Act and delivered through the U.S Department of Agriculture, will allow ReLeaf to plant another 2,500 trees. ReLeaf will expand Petaluma’s Urban Forest into residential areas, along streets, on property owned by social welfare organizations, and allow us to develop a native oak restoration in the open space along the East Side Connector Trail. We are kicking off our oak restoration project with a community meeting. Please attend to learn all about it.
JOIN OUR PETALUMA TEAM!
The City of Petaluma is looking for talented people to join our team! Please click the links below for more information about our open positions. CLICK HERE for a full list of career opportunities.
Associate/Senior Civil Engineer
Part Time Special Projects Fire Inspector
Police Officer (Current Academy Attendees & Graduates)
Public Safety Dispatcher – Lateral
Senior Transit Planner (Grants Management) / Transit Planner II
UPCOMING MEETINGS
The City of Petaluma is hard at work for our community. Please check out our upcoming meetings and click on the links below for more information:
February 5, 6:30pm – City Council/PCDSA Regular Meeting
February 7, 3:30pm – Tree Advisory Committee Special Meeting
February 7, 6:30pm – Pedestrian & Bicycle Advisory Committee Meeting
February 8, 9:00am – Senior Advisory Committee Meeting
February 8, 4:00pm – Transit Advisory Committee Meeting
February 8, 6:30pm – Climate Action Commission Meeting
February 13, 6:00pm – Planning Commission Meeting
February 15, 6:30pm – General Plan Advisory Committee Meeting
Check for upcoming meetings, agendas, and how to participate on the City’s meeting webpage: https://cityofpetaluma.org/meetings/