Lest We Forget – Helen Putnam’s Petaluma’s 4th of July Tradition

Fourth of July Bell Ringing in PetalumaAlthough former mayor and county supervisor Helen Putnam died thirty-one years ago on July 2, 1984, there are many new comers that have moved to Petaluma that may not know about her public service and many contributions to her local community.  One of my earlier blogs summarized her many accomplishments and was posted on this site, November 4, 201 4, and titled, “Lest We Forget – Helen Putnam.”

One of Petaluma’s historic traditions, the ringing of a bell on the steps of the Petaluma Historical Museum & Library, can be traced back 53 years to 1962. If you want to hear the story behind the bell and the history of this local traditional celebration, please join us at the Museum on Independence Day, July 4th, at 10:30 a.m. The sounding of the bell will take place at 11:00 a.m., and followed with the serving of cookies and lemonade in the Courtyard behind the Museum.

Fourth of July Bell Ringing in Petaluma  2In 1962, the Putnams had the Korbel Bell mounted on an “A” frame, with a rope attached, set up on the front yard of their home. On a nearby oak tree, the American flag and California Bear Flag were hosted, and one of the boys tooted his bugle. The Korbel-Putnam bell was rung 13 times, followed by everybody gathering in the rear garden for lemonade and cookies. Thus started Petaluma’s July 4th. celebration tradition.

Wind to Wine: the #Petaluma Gap story

0286SONOMA, CA, June 24, 2015 – California wine country is as beautiful as it is vast. From the northern reaches of Mendocino County to the southern stretches of San Diego, we know wine here. One of the largest growing regions in California is Sonoma County (which far out produces Napa Valley), and nestled inside of Sonoma County is the Sonoma Coast AVA (American Viticultural Area). Upon further dissection of the Sonoma Coast, you will find dozens of sub regions that further define the cool climate of the Sonoma Coast.

Petaluma-Gap1The wind howls as evening begins to fall upon you. The hairs begin to stand up on the back of your neck. The only sound that can be heard is the constant roar of the ocean wind billowing in hard from the west.

This isn’t the beginning to a horror story or epic thriller. It is a description of one of the Sonoma Coast’s sub regions: the blustery Petaluma Gap. The Petaluma Gap is defined by the wind. With the highest average wind speeds in all of Sonoma County, the wind dictates the boundaries of this region.

DSC_0010So why the strong wind? The Petaluma Gap is truly a wind gap that is named for a coastal mountain opening that stretches east from the Pacific Ocean through the town of Petaluma and roars southeast towards the San Francisco Bay. Mountains and rolling hills on either side of the lower flats, combined with excessive heat in the surrounding valleys create the perfect conditions to form this excessive wind tunnel. Most of the vineyards in this region face west, taking the full brunt of the 20+ mile an hour winds.

Petaluma-Gap2The regular high afternoon winds result in lower yields with grapes that reach ripeness at lower sugar levels. This helps develop wonderful flavors and fruit characteristics while maintaining ideal levels of acidity.

But what truly defines each wine-growing region is the terroir. Terroir is a combination of weather, soil and terrain. The Gap has a combination of rolling hills, mountains and valleys. This combination makes for an interesting soil composition. In the valleys and hills you will find clay and loam soils, and in the mountains you will find hard rocky soils.

DSC_0006The Petaluma Gap actually stretches beyond the Sonoma County borders into southern-bordering Marin County. There are about 80 vineyards spanning 4,000 planted acres.

Having recently filed for its own AVA status, it is time explore what makes the Petaluma Gap different and why it deserves its own AVA status. To do that, let’s review a few of the top vineyards.

CLICK PAGE TWO BELOW TO SEE PETALUMA GAPS TOP VINEYARDS AND ANNOUNCEMENT OF PETALUMA GAP WIND WINE FESTIVAL

Second Look Sunday – A Positively Petaluma Last Few Months In Review

Over the last few weeks many of the stories below were created by us, or scattered over several different media and social media sources.  The Petaluma Magazine was created to collect them all in one place with easy navigation either by a click of a mouse or swipe of your finger on your smart devices.  The Second Look will be a reflection of some of the posts from the previous few months.

1000’s are enjoying their free subscription with thousands of positive articles including these highlights from the last few weeks:

Other posts can be found on our home page.  Also check out the sidebar Categories and Archives. Thanks also for “Like”ing us on Facebook and following us on Twitter. Thank you for following, recommending and sharing this post and website.

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Positively Petaluma Welcomes Petaluma Wine! Contributor Sherrie Perkovich

girl and wine glassWe are very excited to start our new Petaluma Wine! column.  We welcome our first wine contributor Sherrie Perkovich. Sherrie is a 16-year resident of California that comes to us via Chicago. Her focus here will be on the Petaluma Gap wine growing region and the wineries and vineyards in the Gap. Sherrie is on the marketing committee for the Petaluma Gap Winegrowers Alliance and thus has the inside track as this region begins its journey to become an official AVA. In addition to Positively Petaluma, she also writes for CommDigiNews.com, AmericanWineryGuide.com and TheGrapeHunter.com. Sherrie has been writing since 2011 with a focus on wine, travel, entertainment and things to do around the San Francisco Bay Area. Follow her on Twitter @BigNoseWino.

Please welcome Sherrie to our growing staff of excellent contributors.

 

 

Breaking News: Quasi Modo winner of the World’s Ugliest Dog Contest!

2015 World Ugliest Dog Contest
2015 World Ugliest Dog Contestants On Stage, Photo By Ashley Collingwood

This year’s World’s Ugliest Dog ® Contest winner is none other than the very ugly, yet adorable, Quasi Modo. Quasi Modo is a 10-year-old pit-Dutch shepherd mix breed, from Loxahatchee Florida who was abandoned at an animal shelter before being taken home by one of the veterinarians. Her odd appearance is primarily due to the fact that she has multiple defects in her spine, causing her back to be too short for the rest of her body. Despite her funny appearance owner, Virginia Sayer, loves her dearly as everyone can see.  Last year’s winner Peanut was featured on the Jimmy Kimmel Show getting a much needed makeover in our post Video: #Petaluma’s Ugliest Dog Gets Makeover on Jimmy Kimmel Show that was viewed thousands of times.

Crowd Enjoying This Years World's Ugliest Dog Contest 2015
Crowd Enjoying This Years World’s Ugliest Dog Contest 2015, Photo By Ashley Collingwood

In second place is SweePee Rambo, a tiny Chinese Crescent Chihuahua with a Mohawk and doggie depends. For 15 years, SweePee used to go to work with her dad, Jason Rambo on his motorcycle until she got too old for such frequent trips.

The third place winner is first-time contestant Frodo, a Chinese Crested and Hairless Chihuahua mix. She is 12.5-year-old and has been with her family since she was 10 weeks old.

Spirit Award winner is Precious, an eight-year-old Chihuahua who lives in The judges react to seeing Quasi Modo for the first time and Nick Watt from ABC gives a standing ovationPetaluma and visits veterans at the VFW with her mom, Cathy Kennedy, who is a disabled veteran herself. Precious can even tell when Cathy’s blood sugar is low and then alert other family members.

While not all the dogs left with trophies, they are all true winners for they have found people to love and care for them dearly. In spite or because of their strange looks, these dogs are loved by all. You can see it in the faces of the judges Brian Sobel, Camilla Gray Nelson, and Nick Watt, as well as event hosts Bob and Sheri from Mix 104.9—even when they back off a bit from dogs with skin abnormalities and strange textures. Before the event, adoring crowds surrounded the dogs to take photos and give them attention.

CLICK ON PAGE 2 TO SEE THE WINNERS AND THEIR BIO INFORMATION (ALSO VIDEO COVERAGE OF THIS YEAR’S WINNERS)

What’s Going On In #Petaluma This Week? June 27th through July 3rd

Tanya-Tucker-265x265Sonoma-Marin Fair –Saturday is Farmer’s Day at the Sonoma-Marin Fair WEEKEND SCHEDULE: Featuring animal exhibits, games, carnival rides, (Stay tuned for the results of the World’s Ugliest Dog Contest held last night – Already we have searches on our site this morning for the winner of last year in our post Video: #Petaluma’s Ugliest Dog Gets Makeover on Jimmy Kimmel Show), Don’t miss the carnage that is always delivered at the Petaluma Speedway’s Destruction Derby on Sunday (6/28 1:00PM) and other events.

PofY - CemeteryCinnabar Theater presents the opera “Falstaff” – runs through 28: Cinnabar Theater, 3333 Petaluma Blvd. North. For information and show schedules, call 763-8920.

Historic Downtown Walking Tours – Sat. 10:30 am: Donations welcome. Free. Petaluma Historical Museum, 20 Fourth St. 778-4398.

 

534024-250Ribs for Kids Cook-off – Sat., Noon: You be the judge who is the best! $20 gets you in the door and includes your rib tastings. Mario & Johns Tavern, 428 D St. 753-1069

John-Martini
John Martini, Author History of the Golden Gate’s Fortifications

Sea Coast Fortification Presentation – Sat., 2:30 pm: John Martini, History of the Golden Gate’s Fortifications.  Petaluma Museum, 20 Fourth St. 778-4398

Saturday Farmer’s Market in Walnut Park – Sat., 2-5:30 pm: Over 60 booths selling farm-fresh produce and local products. Live entertainment & activities in Walnut Park. 415-999-5635.

Wings of Glory Concert – Sat., 7pm: Hosted by First Presbyterian Church, 939 B St. Free, but $10 suggested donation. For info call 763-9484.

Frederik-PennBuffalo Soldiers Presentation – Sun., 2:30 pm: Ranger Frederik Penn to discuss the legend and legacy.         Petaluma Museum, 20 Fourth St. 778-4398.

Petaluma East Side Farmers marketEast-Side Farmers’ MarketTuesdays, 10am-1:30 pm: Year-round, rain or shine! New Location as of 6/30: Deer Creek Shopping Center (Friedman’s) 429 No. McDowell.  415-999-5635.

Wednesday Evening Farmers Market – Wed., 4:30-8 pm:  Two blocks of vendors, music & fun in Theatre District.  Second, B & C Streets.

It’s Farmer’s Day at the Sonoma-Marin Fair WEEKEND SCHEDULE

Also see our post published today What’s Going On In #Petaluma This Week? June 27th through July 3rd

NOON        FAIR OPENS

  • SM-Funnel-Cake-Eating-265x19912:00-4:00  Farmers Day Events, Horse Arena
  • 1:00  Chef Demonstration, Loren Ho, Bellyfull Dinners, Culinary Pavilion
  • 1:30  Great American Pig Races, Livestock Area
  • 1:30  Diaper Derby, Kiwanis Stage
  • 2:00-7:00  Quilt and Handwork Demo, Petaluma Quilt Guild, Herzog Hall
  • 2:30  Funnel Cake Express Eating Contest, Culinary Pavilion
  • 2:30  Kids’ Pedal Tractor Pull, Behrens Park
  • 2:45  ‘Only at the Fair!’ Safari Adventure Live Show, Beverly C. Wilson Hall
  • 3:00-9:00  Wine Tasting, Gardens
  • 3:30  Great American Pig Races, Livestock Area
  • 3:30  Chef Demonstration, Francesco Torre, Canneti Roadhouse Italiana, Culinary Pavilion
  • 3:30-5:00  Make & Go Projects, Community Building
  • 4:00  Milking Demonstration, Milk Barn
  • 4:00  Ballet Folklorico Netzahualcoyotl, Kiwanis Stage
  • North_Gate_Grand_Opening16-300x2004:30  Kids’ Pedal Tractor Pull, Behrens Park
  • 4:45  ‘Only at the Fair!’ Safari Adventure Live Show, Beverly C. Wilson Hall
  • 5:00  Funnel Cake Express Eating Contest, Culinary Pavilion
  • 5:00-9:00  North of the Gate Award Winning Wineries Pour! Gardens
  • 5:30  Great American Pig Races, Livestock Area
  • 6:00  Rockin Down the Hiway, Kiwanis Stage
  • 6:00  Chef Demonstration, Chef Annie Simmons, Topsy’s Kitchen, Culinary Pavilion
  • 6:00  Kids’ Pedal Tractor Pull, Behrens Park
  • 7:30  Great American Pig Races, Livestock Area
  • 7:30  Hypnotist Chris Mabrey, Kiwanis Stage
TANYA TUCKER©2009 photograph by Alan Messer [www.alanmesser.com]

8:00            Tanya Tucker, Petaluma Stage

  • Owen-Clark82959:00  Rockin’ Down the Hiway, Kiwanis Stage
  • 10:00  Admission Gates Close
  • 10:30 Hypnotist Chris Mabrey, Kiwanis Stage
  • 12:00  Fair Closes Until Tomorrow

LIVESTOCK SHOWS:

  • 10:00  Classic Market Goat Show, Sheep Ring
  • 1:00  Poultry Judging Contest, Poultry Palace
  • 5:00  4-H & FFA Large Animal Round Robins, Livestock Area

Also everyday at the the fair you will find

  • petting zoo (25)Sadie the Balloon Lady
  • Buck Trout’s Puppet Truck
  • Hilby – Skinny German Juggling Boy
  • Great American Petting Zoo
  • AgVentureland
  • Solar Express Train Rides
  • Safari Adventure Exotic Animals, Beverly C. Wilson Building

 

Here is the full 2015 Sonoma Marin Schedule.
Schedule, photos and schedule are from the Sonoma-Marin Fair website.
CLICK PAGE 2 BELOW TO SEE SUNDAY’S SCHEDULE

Introducing a New Positively #Petaluma Column: Petaluma Wine!

Photo: Guarachi Family Winery, From Sherrie Perkovich

PetalumaGap_AVA_Map_poster30x20_MAY2015The wine industry is growing in Petaluma.  As you may be aware (if you been reading our columns see #Petaluma Celebrates “The Birth of an AVA – Petaluma Gap”) that the Petaluma GAP Alliance is pursuing its own AVA. The Petaluma Historic Library and Museum in the recent past had a great display of Petaluma’s viticulture history that some believe dates back over 150 years.  If you live here it is hard not to notice over the past several decades that our landscape is changing from hills of dried grass to beautiful green grape vines.  Petalumans often boast that our city is the “gateway” to the wine country.  We want to give more depth to our rich history and growing industry, so that people visiting the wine country don’t just think of Petaluma as a “gateway”.  A gateway serves as an entrance or a means of access to the wine country.  We would rather like to think of it as – just the “wine country” and a great place to stop and not just a place to drive through to get access to the wine sojourn barrel with wine glassescountry. We decided to create this column dedicated to Petaluma Wine!. We will cover wines made from Petaluma grapes, wineries, tasting rooms, wine makers, owners/families, industry trends, Petaluma GAP, history, and vineyards in the Petaluma (GAP) region as seen in the map. Positively Petaluma will focus on getting the word out to put our wine industry “on the map” by creating content that people from outside our area will find when searching for information on the local wineries but at the same time great for locals to learn more about what’s going on in Petaluma. Hopefully over time more restaurants in Petaluma will offer wines made here, and people will want to visit and stay at Hotel Petaluma and do tastings here and perhaps tours with Pure Luxury Transportation.  More people here and far will come to know our local community wines and share them with friends and come to learn to love and purchase wines made right here.

Stay tuned for more on Petaluma Wine!  We have some very exciting new contributors (wine experts) writing columns in the very near future.  In the next few months we will be also be giving it dedicated space on all social media as well as a new website for those who just want to follow the Petaluma wine industry.

SHARE THIS EXCITING AND NEW DEVELOPMENT WITH YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY.  USE THE SOCIAL MEDIA ICONS BELOW TO LET THEM KNOW WHAT IS COMING.

THANKS FOR SUBSCRIBING TO OUR WEBSITE

 

Who Will Be This Year’s World’s Ugliest Dog? at the Sonoma-Marin Fair FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2015

It’s Ag Day at the Sonoma-Marin Fair.

Here is today’s schedule and headliners

NOON        FAIR OPENS

  • tractorpull12:00-8:00 Dog-Lover’s Festival, Kiwanis Stage
  • 1:30  Great American Pig Races, Livestock Area
  • 2:00-7:00  Quilt and Handwork Demo, Petaluma Quilt Guild, Herzog Hall
  • 2:00  Funnel Cake Express Eating Contest, Culinary Pavilion
  • 2:30  Kids’ Pedal Tractor Pull, Behrens Park
  • 2:45  ‘Only at the Fair!’ Safari Adventure Live Show, Beverly C. Wilson Hall
  • 3:00  Chef Demonstration, Phil Delahoyd, Extreme Food & Bev., Culinary Pavilion
  • 3:00-5:00  Make & Go Projects, Community Building
  • 3:30  Great American Pig Races, Livestock Area
  • 4:00  Meet & Greet with Bob and Sheri, Hosts, World’s Ugliest Dog® Contest,Kiwanis Stage
  • 4:00  Milking Demonstration, Milk Barn
  • 4:30  Funnel Cake Express Eating Contest, Culinary Pavilion
  • 4:30  Vet Check for Contestants, Kiwanis Stage
  • 4:30  Kids’ Pedal Tractor Pull, Behrens Park
  • 4:45  ‘Only at the Fair!’ Safari Adventure Live Show, Beverly C. Wilson Hall
  • 5:00-9:00  North of the Gate Award Winning Wineries Pour! Gardens
  • Worlds Ugliest Dog Contest Red Carpet Walk5:00-9:00  Wine Tasting, Gardens
  • 5:30  Great American Pig Races, Livestock Area
  • 5:30  Red Carpet Walk, World’s Ugliest Dog ® Contest, Kiwanis Stage
  • 6:00  World’s Ugliest Dog ® Contest, Kiwanis Stage
  • 6:00  Chef Demonstration, Herlinda Heras, Brew HaHa, Culinary Pavilion
  • 6:00  Kids’ Pedal Tractor Pull, Behrens Park
  • 7:30  Great American Pig Races, Livestock Area
Rodney Atkins

8:00            Rodney Atkins, Petaluma Stage

  • 8:30  Hypnotist Chris Mabrey, Kiwanis Stage
  • 10:00  Admission Gates Close
  • 10:30  Hypnotist Chris Mabrey, Kiwanis Stage
  • 12:00  Fair Closes Until Tomorrow

fair10sheepshow1LIVESTOCK SHOWS:

  • 8:00  Rabbit Showmanship, Rabbit Barn
  • 8:30  Sheep Show, Sheep Ring
  • 9:00  Holstein Dairy Show, Dairy Cattle Ring
  • 9:00  Beef Show, Beef/Swine Ring
  • 10:00  Avian Bowl, Poultry Palace
  • 2:00  Youth Cavy Show (Guinea Pigs), Rabbit Barn
  • 6:00 4-H & FFA Small Animal Round Robins, Livestock Area

Hilby, the Skinny German Juggle BoyAlso everyday at the the fair you will find

  • Sadie the Balloon Lady
  • Buck Trout’s Puppet Truck
  • Hilby – Skinny German Juggling Boy
  • Great American Petting Zoo
  • AgVentureland
  • Solar Express Train Rides
  • Safari Adventure Exotic Animals, Beverly C. Wilson Building

 

Here is the full 2015 Sonoma Marin Schedule.
Schedule, photos and schedule are from the Sonoma-Marin Fair website.

It’s Senior Day Today At Sonoma-Marin Fair THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2015

Fairgoers 65 and over get in for $5 today!

  • IMG_5606-150x1501:00  FAIR OPENS
  • 2:00  Great American Pig Races, Livestock Area
  • 2:00  Funnel Cake Express Eating Contest, Culinary Pavilion
  • 2:00-4:00  Make & Go Projects, Community Building
  • 2:00-7:00  Quilt & Handwork Demo, Petaluma Quilt Guild, Herzog Hall
  • 2:30  Kids’ Pedal Tractor Pull, Behrens Park
  • 2:45  ‘Only at the Fair!’ Safari Adventure Live Show, Beverly C. Wilson Hall
  • 3:00  Chef Demonstration, Chris Conkle, Coral Reef Smoothies, Culinary Pavilion
  • 3:30  Great American Pig Races, Livestock Area
  • Chef-Hands-265x1994:00  Milking Demonstration, Milk Barn
  • 4:30  Funnel Cake Express Eating Contest, Culinary Pavilion
  • 4:30  Kids’ Pedal Tractor Pull, Behrens Park
  • 4:45  ‘Only at the Fair!’ Safari Adventure Live Show, Beverly C. Wilson Hall
  • 5:30  Great American Pig Races, Livestock Area
  • 5:00-9:00  Wine Tasting, Gardens
  • 6:00  Decades, Kiwanis Stage
  • 6:00  Kids’ Pedal Tractor Pull, Behrens Park
  • 6:00  Chef Demonstration, Santa Rosa JC Culinary Arts, Culinary Pavilion
  • 7:30  Hypnotist Chris Mabrey, Kiwanis Stage
  • 7:30  Great American Pig Races, Livestock Area
The-Beach-Boys-265-2

8:00            The Beach Boys, Petaluma Stage

  • 8:30  Decades, Kiwanis Stage
  • 9:30  Hypnotist Chris Mabrey, Kiwanis Stage
  • 10:00  Admission Gates Close
  • 11:00  Fair Closes Until Tomorrow

LIVESTOCK SHOWS:

  • 4:00  Pygmy Goat Show, Sheep Show Ring
  • 8:00  Dairy Cattle Show, Dairy Cattle Ring
  • 8:00  Swine Show, Beef/Swine Ring
  • 8:00  Rabbit Show, Rabbit Barn
  • 9:00  Registered Dairy Goat Show, Sheep Ring
  • 9:30  Special Junior Cavy Show, Rabbit Barn
  • 10:00  Poultry Show, Poultry Palace
Buck Trout
Buck Trout

Also everyday at the the fair you will find

  • Sadie the Balloon Lady
  • Buck Trout’s Puppet Truck
  • Hilby – Skinny German Juggling Boy
  • Great American Petting Zoo
  • AgVentureland
  • Solar Express Train Rides
  • Safari Adventure Exotic Animals, Beverly C. Wilson Building

 

Here is the full 2015 Sonoma Marin Schedule.
Schedule, photos and schedule are from the Sonoma-Marin Fair website.