Community Update for November 15, 2024

Posted on November 15, 2024


Luma Ice Logo with Grey snowflakes in the backgroud

HAGA CLIC AQUÍ PARA ESPAÑOL

 

 

Hello, Petaluma – 

It is truly feeling like fall outside this week and we can’t wait for all the amazing events our community has to offer during the holiday season. Please stay tuned next week for a special issue dedicated to all the wonderful things to do around Petaluma during this most wonderful time of the year.

In today’s issue we’ve got exciting news to share about our upcoming ice rink, LUMA Ice, our new Turning Basin docks, next steps for the proposed Downtown and Economic Opportunity Overlay, and more! 

Please enjoy, share with friends, and have a lovely weekend! We’ll see you back in your inbox next week with our special holiday edition.

 

 

The Countdown to Luma Ice Is On!

The countdown to LUMA Ice is on! Join us Dec 13 – Jan 7 under the big new tent at the Petaluma Fairgrounds for ice skating, a family photo booth, kids activities, a Polar Express train on the Fairgrounds concourse, and more! Come on down for a day of fun or plan to host a party. Tickets and event bookings are available now HERE.

We have sponsorship opportunities! Reach out to Jeanette DuBois today at [email protected] to submit your application or learn more. 

Visit cityofpetaluma.org/lumaice to learn more about LUMA Ice – Sonoma County’s only outdoor, real ice ice skating rink!

 

 

New Turning Basin Docks Opening to Pedestrians & Non-Motorized Watercraft

Heads up, Petaluma! After many months, our amazing new Turning Basin docks are nearly complete! The new docks provide increased river access for our community, improved docking amenities, and more. Thank you for your patience as we worked to complete this important project!  

The docks will open to use by pedestrians and non-motorized watercraft only beginning Friday, November 15 through the end of January 2025. Kayaks, canoes, and paddle boards welcome!

At the end of January 2025, we plan to close the docks completely for approximately one month to complete required utility and fire protection improvements. Once finished, the project will be 100% complete and the docks will be open to use by all, motor and non-motor alike!  

We will have physical signs located on the docks and at the access points from Weller Street and the River Plaza during any periods of temporary closure.   

Visit cityofpetaluma.org/turningbasin to learn more! 

 

 

Next Steps for Overlay – Workshop on November 18th Council meeting!

The proposed Downtown and Economic Opportunity Overlay will be the focus of a public workshop at Next Monday’s City Council meeting. The Overlay is a suggested process to address housing and mixed-use development in three areas of Petaluma’s Downtown. City Council will host a workshop including a staff presentation, public comment, and provide direction to Staff and the Planning Commission about amendments and next steps for the Proposed Overlay.

To read the FAQs about the Overlay project, click HERE.

Monday’s City Council meeting will be held in person at City Hall (11 English Street) and will also be available to watch via Zoom. Here’s the Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83204993631.

The meeting’s agenda is posted HERE.

If you want to provide a public comment, you may either speak in person at the meeting or email your comment to [email protected].

We value your comments and participation in shaping Petaluma’s future!

 

 

Petaluma is Taking Climate Action

Last week, Petaluma’s City Council unanimously passed the Blueprint for Climate Action, setting a bold path for achieving carbon neutrality by 2030.  

This Blueprint outlines ways for us to reduce the greenhouse gasses that contribute to climate change. The sooner we start making positive changes, the better! Every little action we take now helps make a big difference. This plan outlines vital actions we can all take together: 

  1. Use Less Energy: Improve energy efficiency at home, school, and work.
  2. Go Green: Switch to renewable energy via solar panels and Sonoma Clean Power.
  3. Greener Transportation: More bike lanes, public transit (like LumaGo and free buses), and electric vehicles.
  4. Healthy Landscapes: Protect plants, animals, and green spaces.
  5. Reduce Waste: Cut single-use plastics, recycle and eat locally produced food.
  6. Fair for Everyone: Make sure everyone, especially those who need the most help, are included. 

Let’s rise to the challenge and make Petaluma a better place for all of us! 💚 

To read the Blueprint and learn how you can be part of the solution, visit: cityofpetaluma.org/climateready.

 

 

New Trash & Recycling Receptacles Downtown

We are excited to announce that the City of Petaluma will be installing 30 new recycling and trash receptacles throughout downtown, enhancing our community’s commitment to cleanliness, sustainability, and community well-being. Installation of the receptacles is estimated to take place from November 12th through December 1st, 2024.

 Our goals are to: 

  • Improve downtown’s aesthetic appeal
  • Reduce littering
  • Encourage increased recycling participation 

After installation, each receptacle will feature artwork created by local students as part of the Sustainable Streetscapes Project. This artwork will showcase our community’s dedication to sustainability and provide a unique touch to our public spaces, celebrating our youth’s creativity and environmental commitment.

We are confident that these additions will create a more welcoming atmosphere for visitors and residents alike, ultimately supporting our local businesses by fostering a cleaner and more enjoyable downtown environment. 

We Value Your Input:
If you have any questions or concerns about this initiative, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Patrick Carter at [email protected]

Thank you for your continued partnership in making Petaluma a vibrant and beautiful community.  

 

 

Ensuring Safe Drinking Water for Petaluma 

The City of Petaluma is committed to ensuring the health and safety of our community, especially when it comes to the quality of our water. As part of a nationwide effort led by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Petaluma recently completed an inventory of water service lines throughout the city. This inventory aims to identify the materials used in service lines that connect homes to the public water main, including the customer-owned portion of these lines (the portion that runs from the water meter to the home).

Some residents may receive a notice if further inspection is needed for lines made of “unknown material”. Our team, along with trusted contractors, will be conducting these checks through early 2025.

Explore our interactive map and learn more at cityofpetaluma.org/servicelineinventory

 

 

Upcoming Events

Be sure to mark your calendars for these fun Petaluma events in the coming weeks!

 

Retail Happy Hour

Downtown Petaluma
Third Thursdays from October-December

Check out the fun new addition to our downtown scene! Introducing Retail Happy Hour, taking place in Downtown Petaluma on the third Thursday of the month from October through December, coinciding with Arts Alive.

Here’s a sneak peek of what you can look forward to on Thursday, November 21:

  • Live music at Adobe Road Winery
  • Pumpkin décor workshop at Alchemia Gallery
  • Free wine tasting with local winemaker at Avinage
  • Snacks at Ethical Clothing
  • Free records with turntable purchase at Paradise Found Records & Music
  • Free baklava with meal at Real Doner Turkish Food
  • 10% off and free gift at Spiral Jewelry
  • And so much more! 

CLICK HERE for a complete list of specials and activities. 

Retail Happy Hour isn’t just a shopping and dining event – it’s a new celebration of our local businesses and creative spirit.

 

2024 Petaluma Turkey Trot

Join us for the 2024 Petaluma Turkey Trot!

The 17th annual Petaluma Turkey Trot returns to the Ellis Creek Wetlands on Thanksgiving Day this year and it’s going to be just as healthy, family-friendly, and fun as ever! There is no fee (although donations for the Redwood Empire Food Bank are encouraged) and it’s incredibly easy to register.

CLICK HERE to register online.

We hope you will join us on Thanksgiving morning for this fantastic Petaluma tradition!

Thank you to our amazing partners MAD Architecture & Aqus Cafe, among many others!

Follow Petaluma Turkey Trot for more information.

 

 

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.

Code Enforcement Officer/Senior Code Enforcement Officer

Deputy City Clerk

LUMA Ice Event Staff

Part Time Recreation Specialist

Part Time Tiny Tots Teacher I

Police Officer (Current Academy Attendees and Graduates)

Police Officer – Lateral

Police Officer Trainee

Public Safety Dispatcher – Lateral

 

 

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:

Nov 18, 6:30pm – City Council/PCDSA Regular Meeting

Nov 19, 5:00pm – Transit Advisory Committee Meeting

Nov 20, 3:30pm – Tree Advisory Committee Meeting

Nov 21, 6:00pm – Public Safety Advisory Committee Meeting

Nov 27, 6:00pm – Public Safety Advisory Committee Meeting

Check for upcoming meetings, agendas, and how to participate on the City’s meeting webpage: https://cityofpetaluma.org/meetings/.

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