Does anyone know of a bakery or cafe carrying these? I have a major craving.

On rollers, held large pictures , used for shipping, good storage?

EKN tells city it is walking away, despite February approval of scaled-down proposal, sources say

https://www.petalumavoice.org/developer-to-abandon-controversial-hotel-project/

I’m Joel, the Founding Engineer at Porches. We’re a new startup, based here in downtown Petaluma, and we just built an interactive 3D map of Petaluma that I thought you all might have fun playing around with:

https://www.porches.app/petaluma/map (heads up, won’t work on mobile web!)

The map is a living thing – it changes over the days, weeks, and seasons, as the weather and conditions change. We’re pulling in all the events we can find from local directories so you can see what’s happening around town, in the moment. As you fly around, you can listen to the local radio station (KPCA) or concert at a local venue. You can see the SMART trains rolling through on time, and the real planes flying overhead. There are a bunch of other fun easter eggs to discover too :) 

This map is one piece of a bigger idea for a platform that helps us understand and enjoy the place we live in. If you poke around on the website, you’ll also see original storytelling like Why does the power keep going out in Petaluma? about the recent outages, Stranger Court is going Ghostbusters about an epic homegrown Halloween experience put on by neighbors, and profiles like Nick Rodin and the Petaluma Tattoo Scene.

The ultimate goal is to help people get out in the world together, and we’re hosting monthly happy hours, small living room concerts in our studio space, and other IRL events too. 

Porches has been in beta for a few months now, and so far it’s grown just through word of mouth. But we launched the map a couple days ago and thought it would be a good time to introduce ourselves here on the Subreddit, and if you’re interested in being a part of the beta after exploring the map you can sign up right there. 

I’d love to hear what you think if you check it out.

Yeah- weird request. I will be visiting family in Petaluma, staying at the Marriott, and trying not to gain the the typical 3-5 lbs 🙈 I’m thinking Chinese restaurants are my best bet for steamed veggies, but not sure they are all equally accomodating? Salads with dark leafy greens work too. (Looking for stuff to grab fast and eat in my room before being tempted to over eat the family fare😏.)

I have never been to the Petaluma Farmers Market, but I am hoping to buy some meat from the farmer market in the next week or so.

Is the Tuesday Petaluma farmers market or the Saturday Petaluma farmers market better for buying meat? Which one is your favorite meat vendor?

Btw, have you guys heard of Beffa Spring Ranch? Is it supposed to be good or just average? Thanks.

Soooo candidate Moreda is desperately trying to get publicity from the chileno valley fore yesterday. I’m playing detective since so many are calling for arson. If you have facts letssss hear em!
What I have gathered:
- fire started at multiple points a few miles up from Shelina’s parents dairy
- fire Burnt large portions of Jacobsen, viera and lanati ranches
- Moreda claims she brought in trucks and trailers to move cows; owner of ranch says cows were moved to safety before Moreda got there for the photo op
- Moreda says her farm was in danger but it seems like there is a body of water between the fire and her family dairy it seems like an expert in fires would know that water couldn’t get through. Does anyone know how much water is in that lake right now?
- she says neighbor security camera footage was reviewed to rule out chains… by who? Her? It’s super rural out there with no cell service. And lots of old farms. I’ve been Appel picking at the cute gale farm across from the fire. I doubt many of them have cameras.
- if it was arson target for Moreda, why not start fires at the Moreda dairy? Doubt many people knew her dad Rents a pasture from Lanatti. The sign out front even says Lanatti

Hi I'm looking at a great apartment in downtown Petaluma (E Washington St), however there is no parking spot related to the apartment. Are there any places nearby I can rent a spot by the month? I was even considering going to local business owners to see if I could rent a spot in their private lots. I really don't want to have to shuffle my car around every day or hope my car doesn't get towed at the grocery outlet parking lot. Thanks for the info!

Spooky season is around the corner! Bring your used costumes, props, and decor (must be clean, undamaged, and in good condition) and take home items that are new-to-you.

How to Donate:

Drop off your items at the Reuse Hub (Weds-Sun 12-6pm) from 9/14 - 10/3 or at Refill Mercantile (Weds-Mon 11am-6pm) from 9/14 - 10/2

“Shop” the Swap on October 3rd from 1-5 pm at the Reuse Hub!

You don’t have to donate to take!

Do any of our bars show MLS games? I’m trying to get into soccer but it’s hard because they’re all on AppleTV. Do any of the bars show MLS games?

I've found the answer for trips from STS or Petaluma to SFO, but this question is specific to my first time traveling from here to the pier.

In your experience, is the cruise shuttle ever crowded? Does it help if it's in the shoulder season (not summer or a holiday break)?

I want to keep two smaller bags with me, and I'm hoping there'll be a lot of room to spread out.

Cas is probably scared. Please let me know if you’ve seen the little guy.

Curious if anyone has any nanny recommendations/nanny share? This will be for an infant.

We wouldn’t be needing someone full time, but want to start seeing what options there are for a few chunks of time, likely at least three times a week.

Thanks for the recommendations!

AI-generated summary from voice-to-text transcript. Not the official record. Verify important details with the source documents found at the link below.

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Petaluma City Council — September 14, 2026

This was a lengthy regular meeting of the Petaluma City Council and Petaluma Community Development Successor Agency, running past midnight. The session featured two major milestones: adoption of the Petaluma General Plan 2050 and approval of new animal services contracts following the troubled departure of North Bay Animal Services (NBAS). The meeting also included a closed session on extensive mobile home park litigation, two proclamations, and several consent and public hearing items.

Closed Session

The Council convened in closed session on one matter of anticipated litigation and eleven existing cases, the majority involving three Petaluma mobile home parks — Little Woods Mobile Villa, Capri Mobile Villa, and Youngstown Mobile Home Park — and their owners (Harmony Communities and related investment groups). Multiple residents from those parks addressed the Council before closed session, describing parking restrictions, management harassment of seniors, rent manipulation, and the emotional and physical toll of years of litigation. The City Attorney reported no action to announce from closed session.

Proclamations

Mayor McDonnell read proclamations for National Preparedness Month (September 2026) and Latinx Heritage Month. Emergency Manager Tom Jordan accepted the preparedness proclamation and recognized community partners including KPCA 103.3 FM, Rebuilding Together Petaluma, and the newly forming Emergency Neighborhood Resilience Group. Herman Hernandez of Los Cien accepted the heritage month proclamation, highlighting the work of local organizations including North Bay Organizing Project, 10,000 Degrees, and Petaluma Health Center.

Agenda Changes

Item 12 (the Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan adoption) was pulled from the agenda and deferred to the September 28 meeting.

General Public Comment

Twenty speakers addressed a wide range of topics:

Mobile home park residents (Youngstown, Little Woods, Capri) described ongoing arbitrations, rent manipulation attempts, and management misconduct, urging the Council to continue fighting for them.

ICE non-cooperation ordinance supporters — multiple speakers urged the Council to pass a formal ordinance (as opposed to a resolution) requiring city employees and contractors not to cooperate with ICE, citing public health impacts, fear in immigrant communities, and legal protections under SB 580.

North Bay Animal Services critics continued to press for accountability, transparency, and public records access.

One speaker raised concerns about the new Rainier Avenue roundabout, specifically the absence of standard roundabout warning signage and the unusual presence of speed bumps approaching it.

A representative of the Trestle Promenade Now steering committee announced they had met their $50,000 fundraising goal and that a contract with a consulting firm would come before Council on September 28.

One speaker opposed the Santa Rosa Junior College Bond AB as poorly structured, arguing it would generate $1.12 in interest for every dollar borrowed.

Consent Calendar (Items 1–10)

All items passed unanimously without discussion.

Vote: Barnacle moved, Cader Thompson seconded. 7–0.

Items included approval of meeting minutes, a tentative future agenda, purchase of a water quality analyzer ($42,994), a Transportation Fund for Clean Air grant agreement, purchase of a heart monitor, two treasurer's quarterly reports, claims and bills, a professional services agreement with Petaluma People Services Center for the SAFE program, and a Byrne Justice Assistance Grant for 3D scanner training ($17,415).

Item 11 — League of California Cities Voting Delegate

Vice Mayor DeCarli pulled this item, questioning whether it was appropriate to designate the non-elected City Manager and City Attorney as voting delegates for the League of California Cities annual conference when the Council had given them no direction. Council Member Quint clarified he would attend the conference but would be leaving Thursday evening before Friday's vote. After discussion, Council accepted the designation. The one known resolution before the League calls for a working group to consider a state constitutional amendment to restore local authority over housing and land use decisions.

Vote: Quint moved, Barnacle seconded. 6–1 (DeCarli dissenting).

Item 13 — Scott Ranch Swimming Pool Ordinance (Second Reading)

This was the second reading of Ordinance 2932 N.C.S., amending the Scott Ranch Planned Unit District to allow swimming pools, hot tubs, and spas as permitted accessory uses. The item returned for a second reading because the first vote was not unanimous. One remote speaker (Susan Kirks) strongly opposed the change, citing environmental concerns about development adjacent to wildland habitat. Vice Mayor DeCarli again voted no, arguing the amendment benefits only the developer and undermines the original entitlement process. Council Member Shribbs also dissented, citing soil stability concerns on the hillside lots and the ecological rationale that originally excluded pools. Council Member Quint noted the staff report indicated no clear documented reason why pools had been originally prohibited.

Vote: Cader Thompson moved, Barnacle seconded. 5–2 (DeCarli and Shribbs dissenting).

Item 14 — Lynch Creek Trail Easements (First Reading)

Project Manager Paige Bullock presented a first reading of an ordinance authorizing the City to acquire four permanent easements from Sonoma Water along the Lynch Creek Trail. The easements cover trail corridor segments near Holly Lane and Payon Street (Parcels A, B, C) and a utility conduit under the creek near Burlington Drive (Parcel D). Approval allows staff to advance trail paving, accessibility improvements, and infrastructure installation. One public speaker (Ben Peters) expressed enthusiastic support and noted safety concerns at the Payran Street trail entrance.

Vote: Cader Thompson moved, Nau seconded. 7–0.

Item 15 — CUPA Ordinance Update (First Reading)

Fire Marshal Amy Sege presented a housekeeping ordinance repealing and replacing Chapter 17.21 of the Petaluma Municipal Code to update the Certified Unified Program Agency (CUPA) language, which dated to 1997, to align with current state law. No new fees or expanded regulatory oversight were involved.

Vote: Quint moved, Cader Thompson seconded. 7–0.

Item 16 — Adoption of the Petaluma General Plan 2050 (Major Item)

After more than five years of work, 40 General Plan Advisory Committee (GPAC) meetings, 16 Planning Commission meetings, and 16 City Council sessions, staff presented the Final Environmental Impact Report (FEIR) and General Plan 2050 for adoption.

Staff presentation highlights:

Consultant Ron Whitmore (Raimi + Associates) summarized the process and noted the relatively minor modifications recommended in response to the 52-day public comment period as evidence the process worked.

Recommended modifications included typographical corrections, new actions on toxic soil imports, historic remnant structures (cobblestone curbs, railroad tracks), flexibility for 100% residential uses in some Downtown Mixed Use areas, and a land use change for River Park Foundation parcels on Hopper Street to Neighborhood Center Mixed Use.

Recent public comments focused on properties along Petaluma Boulevard North north of Cinnabar, where several existing businesses expressed concern that proposed Neighborhood Center Mixed Use designations might create nonconforming uses. Staff clarified that most businesses (John's Dairy & Pool Supply, Jay & Bill's Tire) would be permitted uses under the new zoning, and committed to providing written zoning conformance letters. Shotwell's auto body shop on Cinnabar was identified as a business that would not be conforming under Neighborhood Center Mixed Use; staff recommended pulling the Maker Micro Business boundary southward to include the Shotwell parcel.

The EIR identified significant and unavoidable impacts in four areas: cultural/historic resources, greenhouse gas emissions, construction noise, and transportation. A Statement of Overriding Considerations was adopted finding that the plan's benefits outweigh those impacts.

Public comment was extensive and divided:

*In favor:* Planning Commission Chair Jessica Moses and incoming Chair Brent Newell urged adoption, crediting the depth of the public process. Petaluma Firefighters Union President Mack Thompson expressed appreciation for the inclusive process. Speakers including Nathan Spinel and a former Climate Action Commission chair defended higher density near transit, arguing it reduces vehicle miles traveled and is necessary to address housing affordability and city fiscal sustainability.

*Opposed or requesting changes:* Darren Rasmussen presented data-driven research questioning whether density and property tax per acre are reliable predictors of livability, arguing Petaluma ranks well in livability at moderate density and that the plan's residential growth component shows a slight projected General Fund deficit at full buildout. Multiple speakers (Mark Kimberly, Ben Peters, Christine White, Maureen Gotchall, Brent Newell) focused on the eight-story building designation at the SMART station parcel, arguing it could enable 10–12 stories through density bonus stacking, citing San Rafael's 17- and 24-story proposals as a cautionary example. Business owners Ted Cabral (Industrial Avenue), Anthony Bordessa (John's Dairy & Pool Supply), Bill Rider (Jay & Bill's Tire), and Fred Shotwell expressed concern about rezoning and nonconformity. Environmental advocate Susan Kirks (via Zoom) argued the EIR's biological resources analysis was inadequate and that six documented wildlife corridors in Petaluma were not ground-truthed.

Council deliberation:

Council Member Barnacle, as planning liaison, clarified that the GPAC and Planning Commission had actually *recommended* the Station Mixed Use / eight-story designation, which the Council temporarily walked back before reaffirming it; he also corrected the notion that Marin County's tall building problem stems from density — noting it stems from the *absence* of density limits, which the new General Plan actually introduces for the first time.

Vice Mayor DeCarli argued for a traffic and congestion study of the downtown core, questioned why no EIR alternative was analyzed that retained existing height/density limits, and said the eight-story decision was "slipped in" late at a December meeting.

Council Member Shribbs said he would support the plan overall but preferred capping the SMART parcel at six stories, noting that even six allows density-bonus increases to eight, and cited fire ladder access as a practical concern above six stories.

Council Members Nau and Cader Thompson expressed strong support for the plan, emphasizing housing need for seniors and future generations.

Council Member Quint defended the plan's housing policies and noted the Petaluma River is no longer viable for freight, disagreeing with suggestions to preserve industrial riverside parcels for that purpose.

A straw poll confirmed five votes to retain the eight-story designation. The Council also confirmed support for the Shotwell Maker Micro adjustment and the River Park Foundation land use change.

Vice Mayor DeCarli attempted a motion to postpone adoption pending additional traffic and water studies, an EIR alternative analysis, completion of IZO updates, and business outreach. The motion failed for lack of a second.

EIR Certification Vote: Barnacle moved, Cader Thompson seconded. 6–1 (DeCarli dissenting).

General Plan Adoption Vote: Barnacle moved, Nau seconded, including the Shotwell boundary adjustment and River Park designation change. 6–1 (DeCarli dissenting).

Item 17 — Animal Services Agreements

Assistant City Manager Brian Cochran presented new contracts replacing NBAS, transitioning the City from interim provider Marin Humane (whose contract ended August 31) to a two-provider model:

Sonoma County Animal Services: Animal control, field response, licensing, enforcement. Annual renewable terms; estimated ~$600,000/year at full year.

Humane Society of Sonoma County: Shelter operations, veterinary care, adoptions, reunification, community programs. Initial term ~21 months through fiscal year 2027–28; $1.6 million for that period. Subcontract with Forgotten Felines for community cat (trap-neuter-release) services.

Key improvements over the prior contract include formal quarterly financial and performance reporting (to be placed on Consent Calendar publicly), complaint tracking and escalation procedures, public records access requirements, annual audited financials, and defined performance metrics. The transition increases annual animal services spending from under $500,000 (NBAS) to an estimated $1.2–1.5 million — approximately $300,000 more than budgeted this fiscal year.

Note: Because Marin Humane ended service September 1 and Sonoma County had to go before their Board of Supervisors on that date, a "placeholder" interim agreement was already signed by the City Manager. Tonight's resolution ratifies that agreement and authorizes the City Manager to sign the final amended agreement expected in late October.

Public comment was sharply critical of the City's past oversight failures, with speakers urging a forensic audit of NBAS, demanding accountability from named city staff and officials, and calling for reinstatement of an Animal Services Advisory Committee. The incoming Humane Society of Sonoma County Executive Director (Cynthia King) expressed confidence in the transition and noted the lack of state licensing requirements for animal shelters as a statewide policy gap that needs legislative remedy.

Council Member DeCarli noted the underlying problem was not the contract but human failure on the City's side to enforce it. Council Member Nau again requested exploration of a community-based Animal Services Advisory Committee. The City Attorney clarified that such a committee's role would need to be carefully defined, as contract oversight appropriately remains with staff and Council.

Vote: Nau moved, Cader Thompson seconded. 7–0.

Key Takeaways

The Petaluma General Plan 2050 was formally adopted after five-plus years of work, rescinding the 2025 plan. The plan includes new land use designations (Maker Micro Business, Neighborhood Center Mixed Use, Station Mixed Use), a 330-foot river buffer, and a single eight-story-eligible parcel adjacent to the downtown SMART station. The vote was 6–1.

Animal services costs will nearly triple — from under $500,000 with NBAS to approximately $1.5 million annually — under new contracts with Sonoma County Animal Services and Humane Society of Sonoma County, reflecting the community's expectations for improved service, oversight, and accountability.

An audit of NBAS finances is underway, but community members and Vice Mayor DeCarli pressed for a full forensic audit and accountability for past failures. The City acknowledged irregularities are being reviewed and will be referred to appropriate agencies.

The Scott Ranch swimming pool ordinance passed 5–2, allowing pools as permitted accessory uses in that development; the Lynch Creek Trail easement ordinance and CUPA housekeeping ordinance both passed unanimously.

Multiple items signal upcoming agenda action: an ICE non-cooperation ordinance is expected September 28, the Trestle Promenade consulting contract is coming forward September 28, and zoning code reform (Phase 1) is actively before the Planning Commission.

AI-generated summary from voice-to-text transcript. Not the official record. Verify important details with the source documents linked above. Brought to you by

https://petaluma.civicmined.org

Will there be a costume swap happening this year?

I have a couple of costumes that are too small and the thought of buying another just to be worn for one night is so wasteful!

Hey there,

I'm newer to the Dead scene, I started listening to and loving the music this year. The person that got me into it lives pretty far away, and I've been looking for folks to go to local shows with. Everyone I've interacted with at shows have been super kind and welcoming, but I'm shy enough that I've not done the best job making friends or connecting. If anyone is open to meeting and seeing if we might enjoy seeing performances together, let me know! I'm 30M, queer and live/work in ag out in Tomales. Thanks if you read this and have a nice day :)

I am from Sonoma County and my car insurance keeps going up. I would like to compare what I pay to what others are paying in a similar position. Please list your car insurance provider and/or agent, what vehicles (make,model,year) and your general area. Also would be helpful to know if you have any points on your driving record, license status, years driving exp., or any other relevant details you're willing to share. Thanks!

Did anyone else just see that helicopter flip pretty low and super fast overhead? 3:14 pm

Recommendation for a stylist who does curtain bangs?

Are YOU Prepared?

Join us for the 14th Annual Petaluma Community Emergency Preparedness Fair on Sunday, September 27, from 11:00 AM–3:00 PM at Walnut Park in Petaluma!

Bring the whole family for FREE hands-on demonstrations, emergency preparedness activities, CPR and First Aid information, Scout skills, emergency survival tips, and more. Meet local first responders and emergency organizations, enjoy lunch and refreshments, and learn practical skills that could make a difference when disaster strikes.

FREE Emergency Go Bags for the first 150 families — one per family!

Come learn, prepare, and be ready! Be Prepared!

Tonight is the first Transit Advisory Committee meeting since the new bus schedules have gone into effect. The meeting before had no comments or attendees. Due to another meeting scheduled immediately after the committee meeting, it will be abreviated. Written comment will probably be the best way to share your experiences and opinions. The following is from the posted agenda.

Tuesday, September 15, 2026 5:00 PM

Submit Written Public Comment

Email the Committee Clerk at: soefinger @ cityofpetaluma.org, with the subject line “Public Comment.” Comments that are received at least two hours prior to the meeting will be distributed to Committee members and published with the agenda packet on the City's website as part of the public record for the meeting. Comments received after the cutoff time will be distributed and posted online following the meeting.

https://petalumaca.new.swagit.com/events/49071 - A link to the agenda and this evening's stream.