Community Update for September 19, 2024

Posted on September 19, 2024


Ice skates tied to a metal frame with lights in the background

HAGA CLIC AQUÍ PARA ESPAÑOL

 

 

Hello, Petaluma — 

Temperatures are dropping and fall is on the way! We’ve got many exciting events ahead, and plenty of opportunity to connect and collaborate on projects near and dear to our hearts.

In today’s edition, we’ve got information about happenings around town. We highlight a new, OnDemand rideshare shuttle that will help you get around town. We also have updates on important projects and programs coming down the pipeline. And finally, learn about the ice-skating rink (Luma Ice) the City will be hosting during the holidays and how you can participate in the fun! Please take a moment to review and spread the word, if you’d like.

Have a wonderful weekend, we’ll see you back in your inboxes in a couple of weeks!

 

 

Get Ready To Celebrate The Season At Petaluma’s New Outdoor Ice Rink – Luma Ice! 

December 13, 2024 – January 7, 2025

Petaluma’s downtown is home to an array of wonderful holiday traditions. Now, the City of Petaluma is thrilled to launch our first ever outdoor ice-skating rink at the Petaluma Fairgrounds, bringing a new holiday tradition to the heart of our town.   

LUMA ICE runs from December 13 through January 7, and will offer daytime and evening skating, event and facility rental, and more on the only real ice outdoor skating rink in Sonoma County. 

Interested in hosting a corporate team building event, holiday party or other event at the ice rink? Want to bring a group of skaters such as a school tour or holiday camp field trip? Sponsorships and other partnership opportunities are available – contact Kat Reisinger, Deputy Director of Parks and Recreation, at [email protected] to find out more.

 

 

Draft Policy Framework: Land Use Alternatives

The Land Use Policy Framework is the last of 14 policies that will inform Petaluma’s General Plan Update, and it is now available for review! This policy defines how and where the city will evolve over the next 20 years including where we live, work, shop and play. Your feedback on the Land Use Policy Framework will help shape how Petaluma evolves over the next 20 years! 

Join us at one of two community open houses to learn more and share your thoughts. The same material will be presented at both workshops. 

  • Saturday, September 21, 10am – 1pm @ The Beverly C. Wilson Building at the Petaluma Fairgrounds (100 Fairgrounds Drive)
  • Wednesday, September 25, 5 – 8pm @ Petaluma Community Center (320 N. McDowell Blvd)

Learn more or provide online feedback at planpetaluma.org.

 

 

HARVEST BEATS

Join us at the Petaluma Fairgrounds for Harvest Beats, a farmers market and music event! Bring your family to enjoy food trucks, locally made goods, music, and FUN!

We are excited to also unveil “The True Heart of Petaluma. Ode to the Fairgrounds #1” the new 130-foot-long photo mural featuring portraits of 118 Petalumans with ties to our historic Fairgrounds and was commissioned by the City to honor the Fairgrounds’ central role in Petaluma’s past, present, and future.

Where: Petaluma Fairgrounds, 175 Fairgrounds Drive
When: Thurs., September 19

FREE bike valet! Learn more at: https://cityofpetaluma.org/parks-recreation-special-events/

Thank you to our partners:
Cool Petaluma
Blue Zones

We look forward to seeing you there!

 

 

Launching Soon: Luma Go!

Launching September 30, 2024, LumaGo is Petaluma’s FREE on-demand rideshare shuttle. Take trips that start anywhere and end anywhere within the service area for FREE. This is a one-year pilot program starting September 30, 2024, and operates as a shared ride.

How it works:

  1. Download the LumaGo app and create a free account
  2. Begin and end trips anywhere in the service area
  3. Board and go!

The LumaGo App provides passengers with an estimated pick-up time, lets them track their bus in real time, and alerts them when your ride is about to arrive or reach their destination.

Learn more at Petaluma Transit HERE.

 

 

Please Join Us Monday Sept 23 To Discuss I Street Safety Upgrades

Earlier this year, in response to neighborhood concerns about speeding on I Street near the city limit, we installed rubber speed cushions. The speed cushions have been in place for 6 months and we’d like to check in with you about them.

Please join us Monday, September 23, at City Hall to:

  • Hear staff observations and what we’ve heard from the neighborhood about the speed cushions
  • Explore opportunities to further enhance safety on I Street
  • Share questions and concerns
  • Discuss potential next steps

WHEN: Monday, September 23, 5:30pm
WHERE: City Hall, 11 English Street, Petaluma

Spanish interpretation is available upon request. To request interpretation, please email: [email protected].

Your input is a valuable part of our process. We look forward to working with you to make the I Street the best it can be for all who travel it.

To learn more and sign up to receive project updates, please visit: cityofpetaluma.org/istreetsafety.

 

 

Upcoming Kentucky Street Upgrades 

We are completing the finishing touches on our Kentucky Street safety and accessibility upgrades near the Golden Concourse (the pathway to the Keller Street parking garage).  

You may remember the following phases of the project: 

  • Phase 1 – Trees removal due to safety concerns – COMPLETED
  • Phase 2 – Sidewalk repairs, accessibility improvements and tree replacement – COMPLETED 

For our final upgrades, we will be adding standard Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ramps to either side of the crosswalk. Not only do these ramps provide easier access for those with limited mobility, they also shorten the crossing distance and narrow the traffic lanes which will increase visibility and slow traffic. 

Please note: The crosswalk artwork is not part of this project. A third party is working to arrange another art installation at this site. 

Work is scheduled to take place the week of October 7, 2024. We anticipate construction to last approximately one week. Pedestrian and vehicle access will be maintained throughout the work. 

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

 

 

Lynch Creek Trail Clean-Up

Thank you to all the amazing 61+ volunteers who contributed to Rebuilding Together’s Lynch Creek Trail Clean-Up day last Saturday. The group effort took place from 9- 2pm and involved graffiti removal, painting the floodwall, weed wacking, trash pick-up, and debris removal.  Volunteers from throughout the community and across city departments joined efforts to make the trail more accessible, usable, and beautiful.

Users agree! Trail riders and runners shared their gratitude for the clean-up and investment in the cross-town connector! This is a first step in a series of planned improvements to the trail and Rebuilding Together hopes to add an additional clean-up day to their calendar in the coming months. Together, you made a big difference!

 

 

Oak Hill Well Project Update 

The Oak Hill Well project aimed to create a backup water source on the west side of town for use during emergencies and droughts. However, after drilling and testing, we discovered the site doesn’t produce groundwater quickly enough  to support an emergency well. 

Instead, we’ve partnered with the Petaluma Valley Groundwater Sustainability Agency and installed a “monitoring well” at Oak Hill. This well helps us measure water depth and quality, providing important data for future water planning. 

The monitoring well is now in place, and we’re removing the construction barriers this week. The site will be fully restored by the end of September, so please take care to steer around the area while work is being completed. 

We are researching potential sites for emergency wells on the west side of town and will keep the community posted. 

For more info, visit: cityofpetaluma.org/oakhillwell.

 

 

Daily Acts, Sheet Mulching 101: Healthy Soils & Water Retention

When: Thursday, September 26th from 5:30 – 7:30pm
Where: Deviled Eggery, Petaluma CA *Address shared upon registration*

Daily Acts is thrilled to be joined by Daniel Sonnenberg, soil connoisseur and Permaculture Associate at the Occidental Arts & Ecology Center, for an evening of inspiration and education about how sheet mulching can be used to cultivate the garden of your dreams.

Sheet mulching is a process of layering organic and recycled material to compost the lawn in place, which boosts the health and water retention capacity of your soil. It can be thought of as feeding the life in your soil a healthy, nutritious meal and a tall glass of water.

This program format will be a presentation around the sheet mulching process, and the most effective ways to build the health and nutrient density of your soil. We will also discuss how to apply for the Mulch Madness program, which includes free sheet mulching supplies (compost, cardboard, mulch) and delivery to all Petaluma water customers!

Space is limited, so register HERE to reserve your spot!

 

 

Petaluma Fall Antique Faire

Sunday September 29, 2024
8:00am – 4:00pm
Free

Antique and collectible lovers are welcome to come, browse and shop the Annual Petaluma Fall Antique Faire located on Kentucky Street, Fourth Street, in the A Street parking lot, and on Western Avenue.

Historic Downtown Petaluma will transform into an antique marketplace. Amid the beautiful historic buildings, unique stores, an array of restaurants and cafes, guests can seek treasures and affordable antiques from over 200 dealers. The show features a variety of estate jewelry, linens, furniture, art, kitchenware, vintage décor, books, and all kinds of unusual collectibles to suit everyone’s budget.

Admission is free.

 

 

What was worn in Mexican California: Myth vs. Reality

Discover what the people of Mexican California (1822-1846) really wore, and what their clothing reveals about the era.

Thursday, September 26, 2024
11:00am – 12:30pm
Petaluma Historical Library & Museum
20 4th Street (Corner of 4th & B Street)
Cost:  Free – Reservations Required

What did the people of Mexican California (1822-1846) wear, and what does it reveal about the era? Illustrator and author David W. Rickman will share what he’s learned about the fashions of pre-statehood Californios, as well as Franciscans, neophyte Native Californians, soldiers, and others. Learn how their fashions serve as an important visual marker of changing societal and political influences and find out how we can separate the myths and fantasies (think Zorro!) from the realities when it comes to the clothing worn by the Californios.

Join us at the Museum for this free virtual presentation and enjoy coffee and light refreshments. If you can’t join us in-person, a link to participate online will be provided. Donations in support of the Museum are appreciated!

And be sure to catch our latest exhibit, Telling Stories of Mexican California: Real Life & Myth Making, on view September 12-November 3.

 

 

What’s Your Story, Petaluma? A Community Festival

A day of fun for all ages! Explore Petaluma’s storied past and enjoy entertainment and activities throughout the day.

Sunday, October 20, 2024
10:00am – 4:00pm
Petaluma Historical Library & Museum
20 4th Street (Corner of 4th & B Street)
Cost: Free – Please Reserve

Join us for What’s Your Story, Petaluma? A Community Festival, on Sunday, October 20, from 10am-4pm! This free event will feature activities for all ages, including Petaluma trivia, storytelling, food and drink, a family history station, music, crafts, and more. Plus, see our new exhibition, Telling Stories of Mexican California: Real Life & Myth Making, and make a flower for the annual display of altars created by our partners at El Dia De Los Muertos Petaluma. See our schedule of activities below, and check our website as more details are added!

  • 10:00am – 10:30pm: bilingual story time for kids
  • 10:30am – 12:00pm: walking tour with the Petalumans of Yesteryear
  • 12:30 – 2:00pm: musical performance
  • 2:00 – 3:00pm: story time for grown ups
  • 3:00 – 4:00pm: Petaluma trivia
  • 2:00 – 4:00pm: beer/wine garden*

All day: food vendors*, family history station, community partner tables, kids activities
*not included in ticket

 

 

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.

Parks Maintenance Worker II

Part Time Building Attendant

Part Time Tiny Tots Teacher I

Police Officer (Current Academy Attendees and Graduates)

Police Officer – Lateral

Police Officer Trainee

Public Safety Dispatcher – Lateral

Public Works Director

Senior Management Analyst

Utility Service Worker I/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:

Sep 19, 6:30pm – General Plan Advisory Committee Meeting

Sep 24, 6:00pm – Planning Commission Meeting

Sep 25, 6:00pm – Public Safety Advisory Committee Meeting

Sep 26, 6:00pm – Public Art Committee Meeting

Oct 1, 4:00pm – Historic & Cultural Preservation Committee Meeting

Oct 2, 4:00pm – Pedestrian & Bicycle Advisory Committee Meeting

Oct 7, 4:00pm – City Council/PCDSA Regular Meeting

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

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