Community Update for July 11, 2024

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Hello, Petaluma —

We are deep in summer and the hot weather continues! Please remember to take care in the heat — and to take special care with vulnerable populations like children, older adults, and pets. Learn more HERE and please read our Stay Cool tips below.

This week, we’ve got some great info on the new Petaluma “Mini” Library, FREE rides on Petaluma Transit, updates on the Maria Drive and D Street projects, and some fun community events to attend in July. Read on to learn more!

Stay cool and have a wonderful weekend!

Stay Cool!

With high temperatures and a National Weather Service Heat Advisory forecasted this week, it’s important to keep our community safe from avoidable heat-related injuries.

Please take a moment to consider people you know who are more vulnerable, such as children and the elderly, and make sure they have appropriate accommodations for the higher temperatures.

During excessive heat, make sure you:

Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water
Avoid any strenuous activities
Wear light, loose-fitting clothing
Check on family members and neighbors
Find air-conditioning when you need to

When spending time in the heat or direct sun, be sure you are taking the proper steps to avoid heat cramps, exhaustion, or stroke.

Need to escape the heat? The Petaluma Library and Lucchesi Community Center are both open daily to the public.

Residents experiencing homelessness can access the cooling center at the Mary Isaak Center throughout the summer. Please keep in mind:

Cooling Centers will open at noon when temps reach 85 degrees or higher
Guests must check-in at the front desk to sign-in
They may use the first-floor small restrooms only
Dog owners must always have their dog on a leash
Dogs must use the dog run to relieve themselves
All participants are responsible to clean up after themselves/dogs
After dinner meal service they must exit the property by 6pm

Click here for more resources regarding staying safe during excessive heat.

Petaluma “Mini” Library Now Open — FREE Lunches for Youth Monday thru Friday

The Petaluma Library building is now closed for renovations through Summer 2025. But don’t worry — during the yearlong remodel, library services will continue across the community!

Starting July 8, library services will continue at the “Petaluma Mini Library” next door at the Kenilworth Teen Center. While smaller, the “Mini” will be open seven days a week and include a collection of books and other materials, plus holds pickup, public computers, and printers.

The Summer Lunch at the Library program will take place at the Mini on the back patio, providing FREE nutritious lunches to youth under age 18, M-F from 12-12:30. Additional library programming will take place elsewhere in the community, including at the fairgrounds next door, and the 24/7 online library is always open at sonomalibrary.org.

All Rides on Petaluma Transit are FREE as of July 1

As of July 1, 2024, riding Petaluma Transit will be free of charge for fixed-route bus service and paratransit services. Say goodbye to the hassle of carrying cash or exact change and enjoy a seamless, hassle-free travel experience. With this pilot program, we hope to increase ridership, reduce transportation costs for our low income riders, and encourage public transportation as a way to meet our climate goals of reducing carbon emissions from car trips.

For more information visit: https://transit.cityofpetaluma.net/fare-free/.

Recycled Water Pipeline Being Installed on Maria Drive

Heads up, Petaluma! We are hard at work on our Maria Drive Improvement project, which will improve safety and accessibility for all road users, upgrade underground utilities, and create a smoother, safer roadway surface. Improvements will occur on Maria Drive from Rainier Avenue to South McDowell Blvd.

As part of this work, we will install a recycled water pipeline that will enable surrounding schools and parks to irrigate using recycled water. From Wednesday July 10 – Monday July 15, we will be working on the recycled water pipeline at the intersection of Maria Drive and East Washington Street. We will have traffic control measures in place to help with the flow of traffic and ensure pedestrian safety. Every effort will be made to minimize impacts to traffic however delays may occur and should be expected during heavy commute hours. Please consider using an alternate route, if possible.

Thanks for your patience as we carry out this important project. To learn more and sign up to receive project updates, please visit: cityofpetaluma.org/mariadriveimprovements.

D Street Pilot Project to Move Forward

On April 8, the City Council adopted a resolution approving a pilot project on D Street to slow traffic, create safer conditions, and encourage walking, bicycling, and safe driving on this busy corridor.

Some of the features on D Street from Petaluma Boulevard South to Windsor Drive will include:

Traffic calming and pedestrian enhancements to reduce speed and improve safety and visibility.
New crosswalks at Laurel Ave. and 10th Street.
New and enhanced bike lanes along D Street between Petaluma Boulevard South and Windsor Drive.

This is a temporary pilot project designed to gather community feedback and data that will help inform the design of the long-term D Street utility and road reconstruction project planned to begin in 2026.

Installation of the pilot is scheduled for later this summer and should take approximately 2 weeks to install. The pilot project will remain in place until the permanent road reconstruction project is built in 2026. To learn more and sign up to receive project updates, please visit: cityofpetaluma.org/dstreetpilotproject.

Summer Events

Petaluma is a wonderful place to be in the summer months. Enjoy these upcoming July events with friends and family — or head over solo and connect with our amazing community!

Petaluma Art & Garden Festival — Sunday, July 14

The Petaluma Art & Garden Festival is one of Petaluma’s most beloved events! Head down to downtown Petaluma Sunday July 14, 11am – 5pm, to enjoy a fun-filled day for the whole family.

This isn’t your typical street fair; handpicked vendors showcase quality, creative home and garden decor, jewelry, arts, and more. With over 120 booths of unique, handmade items, there’s something for everyone’s taste and budget. Enjoy delicious food from various vendors and an array of local fine wines, craft beers, and cocktails.

The event is FREE to attend, but Tasting Packages are available for those who wish to enjoy great wine, mead, craft beer, cider, cocktails, and more.

Visit petalumadowntown.com for more information and a list of participants.

Rivertown Revival After Dark Festival — July 19 & 20

The Friends of the Petaluma River have reimagined Rivertown Revival! This year, the beloved daytime festival is being turned into a magical evening event. Let the River’s cooling breeze wash over you while enjoying many of the same festival elements: music, food, drinks, friends, local art, acrobats, and, of course, $5 weddings! They promise to deliver the uniquely unconventional Rivertown hootenanny vibe dedicated Rivertown attendees love!

When: Friday July 19 & Saturday July 20, 5pm-10pm

Where: McNear Peninsula, Steamer Landing Park, Copeland St.

Tickets are on sale now at rivertownrevival.com.

Downtown Sidewalk Sale — Thursday, August 1 – Sunday, August 4

Find great bargains and support your local merchants at the Downtown Petaluma Sidewalk Sale, Thursday, August 1st through Sunday, August 4th.

This annual event has been a well-loved favorite for over 40 years! Join merchants for four days of savings and fabulous deals in historic, walkable downtown Petaluma. Petaluma Downtown boasts an array of interesting eclectic stores, great cafes, restaurants and spas. It’s a fun way to find great deals so make a day of it.

Participating locations will be all over Downtown Petaluma, including the Theater District, Petaluma Blvd, B Street, Fourth Street, Kentucky Street, Western Avenue and Washington Street.

For more information and a list of participating stores visit petalumadowntown.com or call (707) 762-9348.