Community Update for March 28, 2025

HAGA CLIC AQUÍ PARA ESPAÑOL

Hello, Petaluma!

The rain is back for a spell and, as always, Public Works, Fire and Police staff are patrolling Petaluma to respond to road closures, blocked storm drains, and storm-related issues. Please drive slowly if you see public safety personnel performing traffic control or clearing storm debris. Need sandbags? We have free sand and bags available 24/7 at 840 Hopper Street and Prince Park. Please bring your own shovel! If you have questions, concerns, or need sandbags, please call 707-778-4546.

In this week’s edition of our Community Update we’ve got news to share about upcoming events, initiatives, and work taking place around town. We also have valuable resources available for businesses and an exciting opportunity for vendors to participate in this year’s Petaluma Fair. Read on to learn more and please spread the word!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Are you launching, expanding or relocating a company?

Check out our Business Toolkit for tips and advice to help get you started: https://cityofpetaluma.org/documents/business-toolkit/.

Starting a business can be a daunting process, even for experienced business professionals. There are local, state, and federal agencies to contact, forms to fill out, and fees to be paid, as well as space to find, equipment to buy, and talent to attract. To add to the pressure, everything must get done while you’re operating from your original location or working at your current job.

Each year Petaluma’s Economic Development Division assists hundreds of businesses start, expand or relocate in Petaluma. This Toolkit represents the sum of that experience, and the department’s desire to facilitate the experience for other businesses. Check out the toolkit and call us for more help. We have staff waiting to hear about your new idea or growth plans.

Nancy and Jonathan are here for you at City Hall!

Nancy Sands works in the Economic Development Department and is ready to help businesses start, connect, and grow. Nancy is a concierge for our local businesses, providing helpful introductions and helping you access all the resources you need to set your course for success. She can also offer advice as business owners navigate the permitting processes of the Building, Public Works, and Fire Departments. Her 10-year tenure with the City of Petaluma provides for a tailored and thoughtful approach to your needs.

Is your business plan underway, but now you have permitting questions? Jonathan Luong helps businesses through the permitting process. Jonathan can help demystify the permitting process, as businesses find their way through economically critical and complex issues. Whether you’ve outgrown your space, or need to navigate state and local safety rules, Jonathan is here to facilitate transparent and positive interactions between City staff and the business community.

Get the help you need and reach out to: [email protected] and [email protected].

Upcoming Water & Sewer Work Near McKinley School

The City of Petaluma is dedicated to delivering clean, safe water and reliable sewer services to our community. To maintain this high standard, we regularly replace and upgrade aging underground pipes to ensure they function efficiently. We have been working for some time to replace and upgrade pipes in the Payran Madison area.

Starting the week of April 7, 2025 our contractor, Coastside Concrete & Construction, will begin Phase 2 of essential water and sewer upgrades near McKinley School. This work includes digging trenches to replace aging underground pipes and may cause traffic delays. Construction is scheduled to occur during spring break, but unforeseen conditions could extend the timeline.

Please travel with caution and consider alternate routes. If work extends to when school is in session, work will pause during drop-off and pick-up times.

After completing the McKinley area, construction will continue in several phases: moving to Myrtle Court and Avery Way, and finally finishing with sewer main replacements at Lakeville/Madison. Residents should keep an eye out for future updates as work progresses through each area of the project.

Learn more and sign up for updates: cityofpetaluma.org/payranmadison.

Do You Know Where Your Water Meter Box Is? Spring Is the Perfect Time to Check

Spring is a great time to refresh your yard—but don’t forget about your water meter box! It’s important to know where it is and keep it easy to see and reach. Avoid planting over or around it. If there’s ever a water emergency, our City water team may need to get to it fast. A clear path helps us avoid digging up your yard or damaging landscaping. Taking a moment now can save time, money, and hassle later!

BYO Cup Program

Hey Petaluma…. It’s time to up our cup game!

Last fall, the Petaluma Reusable Cup Project (AKA purple cup) was a three-month pilot that helped keep more than 200,000 disposable cups out of landfill – and reminded many folks about the value of reuse.

Now, Cool Petaluma is inviting the community to go even greener by launching a campaign to encourage residents to bring their own cups and for businesses to accept them. This kind of reuse saves businesses money and requires no extra energy or resources to create – just a little forethought on your part like keeping a cup in your car or bag.

Here is what you can do:

Ask for a “for here” cup when you are dining in. Most coffee shops default to “to go” even if you are staying put.
Bring your own travel mug, mason jar, ceramic cup, etc. Just make sure it is clean before you pass it to the barista.
Take the pledge and join your fellow Petalumans by promising to reduce waste. And help us spread the word by sharing this page with others!

Learn more about participating restaurants and how you can BYO Cup at https://www.coolpetaluma.org/byo.

Women’s Health Survey

Healthy Petaluma District and Foundation has launched a community health survey to better understand and address the needs of women and girls in southern Sonoma County. Open to those aged 13 and up who reside in Petaluma, Penngrove, or Cotati, the survey seeks input to inform Healthy Petaluma as they invest the $10 million received from Providence following the closure of the Petaluma Valley Hospital’s Family Birthing Center. These investments will support and shape programs and services that directly benefit women and girls in Healthy Petaluma’s service area.

The five-minute survey, available in English and Spanish, can be accessed at healthypetaluma.org and will remain open until April 11, 2025. Responses are anonymous and will guide Healthy Petaluma’s efforts to improve community health.

Age Friendly Petaluma Event

Age Friendly Petaluma is hosting their first formal event for older adults this April – and it could be a lifesaver!

A “geriatrician” is a primary care doctor who has additional specialized training in treating older patients. However, there is a general lack of geriatricians nationwide. Physicians who aren’t trained in aging and the aging body may not be as successful in treating patients – so Age Friendly Petaluma is here to help with a FREE class.

“Learn How to be Your Own Geriatrician” features Kris Rebillot in conversation with Dr. Charlotte Carlson, a geriatrician with Sutter Health. This event will be valuable for any older adult, or anyone who anticipates being in a caregiver role.

When: Saturday, April 26, 10 am – 11:30 am
Where: Santa Rosa JC – Petaluma Campus (free parking)

Registration is FREE at the link HERE. We do anticipate a full house, so please register sooner rather than later – and update your registration if your plans change.

Herd Sheep at the Annual Transhumance Festival – Saturday, April 12

The Transhumance Festival is an annual celebration dedicated to reconnecting people to the land. The festival reintroduces the age-old practice of transhumance – the tradition of moving livestock from one grazing ground to another in a seasonal cycle.

This free public festival includes engaging demonstrations on land stewardship practices, soil and watershed health, reconsidering our waste streams, and sharing of culture.

Meet at Petaluma Fairgrounds | 9:00 am
Sheep Herding Begins | 10:30 am
Festival at Steamer Landing Park | 11:00 -2:00 pm

The festival includes: Interactive educational activities for all ages, a local artisan marketplace, food from Tacos Don Pepe (organic and locally sourced Mexican Cuisine), live music featuring Van Goat, and demonstrations of scything, weaving, sheep shearing, wool spinning.

We hope to see you there!

To learn more, please visit: www.sassyandgrassy.com/