National Preparedness Month has been held in September, annually, to encourage Americans to take the proper steps toward preparation for disasters in their homes, their neighborhoods, businesses, schools, and recreation areas. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security sponsors National Preparedness Month and distributes disaster preparedness information to all American communities.
This writer has been involved at the local community level with volunteer emergency and disaster initiatives since 2005. I hope to begin early this year by starting to post blogs one month in advance of September. My purpose is to motivate you, as a reader, to think about the significance of being “Ready and Prepared,” whether or not you have already created a Disaster Supply Kit or an Emergency Go-Bag.
Then, when September starts and various national, state, county, and municipal agencies and organizations begin to post important information about natural disasters via multiple media sources, you’ll be ready to review the content and even learn more about how to be better prepared.
Stay tuned, and check this online site, weekly, for additional blogs.
As reported by Bloomberg Business on August 13, 2015, out of 32,000 zip codes covering all U.S. locales, Realtor.com says that Petaluma’s 94954 rises higher than the rest in their Top 50 hottest zip codes for housing ranking #17, with Melrose, MA ranking #1 (For period of Jan – June 2015). Making the list are ZIPs that are distinguished by healthy housing dynamics, strong local employment and neighborhood. It factors the time it takes properties to sell and how frequently homes are viewed in each zip code (high demand and fast moving).
Jonathan Smoke, Chief Economist for Realtor.com
The criteria for being chosen to be on their Hottest Zip code includes key trends driving housing this year including healthy local economics, job opportunities and affordability. Jonathan Smoke, chief economist for Realtor.com said in the report, “For the first-time home buyers, these communities provide great opportunities to enter the housing market, build a career, and raise a family; older generations are able to build wealth and enjoy a variety of lifestyles.” Here are the top 50
Have you ever tried a ready to drink cocktail and was disappointed that it tasted like a sugar drink or didn’t have enough kick because the alcohol was practically absent? You’re not alone – that’s typical. But not for Petaluma’s Sonoma Coast Spirits. They are breaking through and revolutionizing the twist and pour cocktail.
Doug Olson at 2014 Taste of Petaluma, Photo By Argus Courier Petaluma360.com
Petalumans Jill and Doug Olson moved their fledgling pre-mixed cocktails operation into a space behind Petaluma Hills Brewing Company on North McDowell. Founded in 2011, as a 4th generation – family owned Sonoma County Distiller, they are busy producing their award-winning pre-mix cocktails. Wilibees Wines and Spirits, big supporters of locally produced beverages, is first to stock their potent 40-proof spirits including screw-top lemon drop martini. Recently they introduced Mango Tango and Pomegranate-Lime Craft Cocktails. For all you whiskey lovers, their Whiskey Sour will launch this fall.
The philosophy behind their ready to drink cocktail line, is to produce high quality cocktails at 32 proof that are unique and flavorful that cannot be found elsewhere. These cocktails are perfect for those occasions where you are entertaining and don’t have time to mix cocktails but want a perfectly blended drink for your guests.
You can find Sonoma Coast Spirits busy pouring around Petaluma and the Bay Area at various events – We saw their booth this year at the Art & Garden Festival. Also expect to see them at the 2015 Taste of Petaluma. They give priority to support local charities and to give back to the community who has been so gracious in supporting their endeavor. Expect their flavors to be hitting other stores in Petaluma and the North Bay. Their new specialty liqueurs and whiskeys should be being launched in time for the holidays. For more information on upcoming tastings visit www.sonomacoastspirits.com.
Here are retailers where you can find their products:
Petaluma Village Premium Outlets will host its Back-to-School and Fall Preview Sale from July 31 to August 31, featuring special offers and more, to help families get a jump-start on fall shopping. For a complete list of discounts at Petaluma Village Premium Outlets, visit and click on In Store Promotions tab: http://www.premiumoutlets.com/outlets/sales.asp?id=24,
Sale highlights include:
Buy one, get one 50% off storewide at Adidas, July 24-Sept. 3
40% off all polos and tees at Tommy Hilfiger, July 30-August 16
Take an additional 50% off already reduced styles and select style jeans available at $24.99 at Levi’, July 29-August 4
Petaluma Village Premium Outlets is home to exceptional brands with extraordinary savings of 25 to 65 percent every day. For more up-to-date news and events, follow Petaluma Village Premium Outlets online Twitter and Facebook.
Also check out their Food Truck Weekends:
Saturday 11am-7pm & Sunday 11am-5pm *hours subject to change
Located between Ann Taylor Factory Store and Nine West:
Hot Diggity Dog
Caribbean Spices
Three Twins Ice Cream
The 8th annual Petaluma Music Festival was held on July 31st and August 1stat the Sonoma-Marin Fairgroundsto raise moneyfor the Petaluma public school music programs.
The swing and jive band Big Bad Voodoo Daddy started off the festival Friday night with a special concert, which included the option of VIP tickets for a gourmet dinner and complimentary wine and beer.
On Saturday the festival opened at noon and lasted until 9:00p.m. with three stages and 15 bands. The headliners for Saturday were the jam rock band ALO, The Wood Brothers whose style comes from roots-music such as blues and folk, and the tribal hip hop/folk band Nahko and Medicine for the People.
Local band The Dixie Giantsstarted off the festival playing high-energy traditional jazz. With the day already heating up, attendees set up chairs and blankets on the grass, milled about sipping on local wines and beers, and danced to the sounds of live music.
CLICK HERE OR PAGE 2 BELOW TO SEE THIS YEARS LINEUP AS WELL AS HIGHLIGHT VIDEO
A Tribute of Art and Music to Visionary Cheese Factory Owner
Founded in 1865, Marin French Cheese is celebrating 150 years of fine cheesemaking in its historic Hicks Valley location. To mark this milestone the company has held events throughout the year for trade partners, loyal customers and friends in the community. The coming event on Saturday August 15th is set aside as a celebration and remembrance of Jim Boyce. Boyce purchased Marin French Cheese Company in 1998 and operated it until his untimely death in 2010. Boyce catapulted Marin French to international fame with a first-time Gold medal award for an American Brie in a prestigious 2005 European competition.
Marin French Cheese Company 150-Year Anniversary Celebration, Photo By Ashley Collingwood
The August 15th tribute event will be open to the public at no charge. The full-day event takes place outdoors on the grounds surrounding the creamery from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. The event features a few of Jim’s passions – art, music and great cheese. Central to the event is the exhibit and sale of contemporary local art curated by Art Contemporary Marin, a nonprofit contemporary arts organization that Boyce helped found. Original works from twelve featured artists will be on display and for sale through Sunday the 16th. On Saturday, guests can enjoy market-style samplings of artisan cheese and beverages while music from the Copeland Creek Jazz Quintet and John Burdick Band plays outdoors on the lawn. Founded by Jefferson Thompson in 1865, Marin French was owned and operated by Thompson family descendents until the family sold the business in 1998 to Jim Boyce from Bishop, California. Jim was an organic cattle rancher, architect and land developer. He appreciated the unique Hicks Valley “terroir” of the cheese and the burgeoning growth in artisan cheesemaking across the U.S. in the early 2000s. He increased the number and types of cheeses being made, improved and expanded the factory and retail store, energizing the brand, Rouge et Noir, with national marketing and distribution. Under his leadership Marin French became the first U.S. cheese company to win a Gold medal and Best of Class award in a European competition – the 2005 World Cheese Awards in London. Beyond his contribution to the resurgence in cheesemaking, Jim and his wife, Kris Otis, created a nonprofit organization with local arts leaders, Art at the Cheese Factory, now known as Art Contemporary Marin. The exhibits featured art they loved – contemporary painting and sculpture by artists from the North Bay. Thousands attended the exhibits, expanding the experience of visiting the Cheese Factory to an elegant, educational celebration.
Following Boyce’s death in 2010, Marin French Cheese was sold to Rians, a respected French family cheesemaking business. Rians completed Boyce’s expansion activities, updated the production areas with state-of-the art equipment and is committed to the future of this venerable 150-year-old local institution.
*** About Marin French Cheese Company Founded in 1865 Marin French Cheese Company is the longest continuously operating cheese company in America, celebrating 150 years in 2015 with a unique history of handcrafting traditional and original soft-ripening cheeses. Since the days of the Gold Rush, Marin French has practiced time-honored cheesemaking techniques, using only fresh milk from neighboring family dairy farms. It has grown from a small family business to an expanded, state-of-the-art facility, producing cheeses that are sold nationally and regularly earn top honors in international cheese competitions. At its idyllic Hicks Valley Ranch location in Northern California, Marin French hosts visitors from around the world to sample its distinctive cheeses, enjoy a picnic on the lawns and visit its retail shop open to the public year-round. www.marinfrenchcheese.com
The Petaluma Arts Center announces All That Glitters: light absorbed and reflected by contemporary art glass and jewelry, a collaborative exhibition with IceHouse Gallery, on view from August 15 through September 27, 2015. Opening reception is August 15 from 5:00-8:00pm, at the Arts Center and IceHouse Gallery.
Silver Braids Lucia Antonelli
“This exhibition will showcase the contemporary or studio glass movement in the Bay Area over the past 50 years,” said Val Richman, executive director of PAC. “The San Francisco Bay Area is a hotbed of serious glass sculpture in recent years, and we are thrilled to showcase artists whose work represents a large variety of techniques and innovative designs.”
The Petaluma Arts Center will sparkle with the infinite possibilities of glass! Curator Kathleen Hanna brings pieces by seminal figure Marvin Lipofsky, who founded the glass program in 1964 at UC Berkeley, and the generations of glass artists he inspired. Artists include Mary B. White, Randy Strong, Michael Cohn and Jay Musler.
Gallery 2 will feature a gorgeous exhibition of contemporary jewelry curated by Elizabeth Shypertt of San Francisco’s Velvet da Vinci gallery, including Raïsa Bump, Don Friedlich, Sydney Lynch, Sandra Enterline and Petaluma resident Lucia Antonelli.
Pilchuk 88 Marvin Lipofsky
The contemporary or studio glass movement differs from other 20th-century art glass movements in its emphasis on the artist as designer and maker, its focus on the making of one-of-a-kind objects, and its international character. It also is distinguished by the sharing of technical knowledge and ideas among artists and designers.
All that Glitters features delicate, whimsical, and complex – some very large – pieces, works in glass/metal sculpture, blown glass sculpture, vessel forms and cast glass.
Run of Exhibition tickets are $7 general; $6 seniors, students and veterans; free to PAC members and children 12 and under.
For more information you may contact Val Richman, Executive Director, Petaluma Arts Center, Phone: 707-762-5600 x101 or by email [email protected]
Petaluma Educational Foundation Presents Annual Gala
Benefiting All Local Schools with “THE BASH – Cirque du Soiree”
This year’s 2015 PEF BASH, supporting the mission of the Petaluma Educational Foundation, guarantees to be another legendary night of dancing, dining and auctions benefiting all 38 K-12 public, not-for-profit and charter schools in the Petaluma area.
On September 12, under the specially erected “PEF Big Top” tent on the former North Bay Construction site adjacent to the current 360 Church of Petaluma at 901 Lindberg Lane in Petaluma, the community comes together to raise funds to benefit the mission of the non-profit working to enrich and enhance the academic experience of each and every one of our local students.
Starting with a festive cocktail reception, the night continues with silent and live auctions offering an opportunity to bid on the most sought after packages featuring once-in-alifetime experiences, to all-time favorite culinary and excursion auction lots during the elegant sit-down dinner gala. The evening’s highlight is always when the over 500 guests are collectively invited to raise their paddles pledging support to over 13,000 Petaluma students, who benefit from PEF’s Impact Grant program. One hundred percent (100%) of the pledges during Fund the Future paddle raise go to support the foundation’s annual grant program providing curriculum-based support adding to the $2,754,106 awarded to local schools since 1983.
Positively Petaluma donated the top banner ad on this page (see above) to the PEF. You can click on that or the one below to purchase tickets. (Early bird pricing if tickets purchased before August 22.) Also we are donating two 30-day top banner ads for their auction valued at $500 each (thanks in advance for your bids on them).
CLICK HERE IF YOU WISH TO BID ON THE ONLINE AUCTION TO SUPPORT EDUCATION (Bookmark and add this page link to your calendar when the online bidding kicks off on August 19 to September 5). Positively Petaluma is donating two top page header ads for 30 days valued at $500.
You can also purchase tickets by calling the PEF Office at (707) 778-5063.
Our annual PEF Partners for Education – Clover Stornetta Farms, Petaluma Market, and Petaluma Health Care District join presenting event partner Exchange Bank, as top-tier sponsors. Several other businesses who have committed to keep education as a priority in our community will underwrite the festivities as corporate partners: Dairy Delivery, Encore Events Rentals/Cal West Rentals, Lace House Linen Supply, Moresco Distributing Company, PG&E, Bank of Marin, Camelbak, First Community Bank, Guido Enterprises, Hansel Auto Group, Hennessy Funds, Mike Hudson Distributing, Petaluma Minuteman Press, Pisenti & Brinker LLP, W.K. McLellan Co., Celli Group Fine Properties with Coldwell Banker, Comcast, Don Ramatici Insurance, Inc., Friedman’s Home Improvement, Jacobson & Breen Wealth Management LLC, Morris Distributing and Top Speed Data Communications.
Ali Jardine, iPhoneographer
Artwork for the event materials is the collaborative effort of professional graphic designers Betsy Ehlen Hall and Ali Jardine. Hall is a freelance art director living in Petaluma, working with clients all over the Bay Area. She and her husband have a child in Petaluma schools. When concept work for this year’s Bash project started, Hall thought Jardine’s dynamic images and style would be perfect for the cirque theme. Jardine is an iPhone artist and photographer living in Petaluma. She believes whole-heartedly in chasing your dreams and figures the best way to realize those dreams is through a great education. Jardine has two children who attend Petaluma schools.
Funding the Future of education has never been more important. PEF, which does not receive any government funding, is committed to ensuring that vital resources are available to all charter, public and private campuses in our community. The annual PEF BASH event provides the public an opportunity to hear first-hand how they can partner with others to continue the mission of the 33- year old foundation and increase its positive impact on students.
# # #
The mission of the PEF since its inception in 1982 is: Every child has a dream and by matching the passion of our supporters to the proven needs in the academic community, together, we fund the future of our local students. Petaluma Educational Foundation (PEF) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Since 1982, PEF has been reaching Petaluma’s K-12 students through PEF Grants to local schools and PEF Scholarships to graduating
Okay, we just broke the rule on the number of words you should use in a headline. But this time we don’t care. Why? Brent just announced this on his morning show. From the KZST Website:
Everyone loves the Sonoma County Fair! The carnival rides! The Food! The Games! The Hall of Flowers! The animals! The shopping! And Horse Races! And this year, KZST is getting you in for FREE!!!
Brent Farris and the KZSTs Fun and Games Department will be at Sauced BBQ & Spirits in Petaluma, July 24th at 5 PM giving out 100 tickets to the Sonoma County Fair to our KZST listeners! (and now apparently Positively Petaluma followers – Hee Hee). They are the best radio station in Sonoma County so please do tune in. As we follow many news media relating to Petaluma, we listen to Nate Campbell every morning! You can learn cool stuff like……. see the P.S. below.
To get your free ticket, head on down to Sauced!
Sauced BBQ
July 24th at 5 PM
151 Petaluma Boulevard, Suite 129, in Petaluma
One ticket per person over 12. Must be present to win
UPDATE July 23, 2015: After we posted the below, that evening the Press Democrat released the following article by Julie Johnson, Washoe House North of Petaluma being sold.
From stagecoach stop to saloon, Petaluma’s Washoe House has seen a rich history. It boasts about 156 years worth of legend, actually.
And now, the landmark roadhouse on Stony Point Road at Roblar Road is in new hands, purchased last week by Larry Peter of Spring Hill Jersey Cheese in Petaluma.
For the past 33 years, the two story, red clapboard structure has been owned and operated by dad Bill Drew, mom Edith Drew, and their daughters Cheryl Jensen and Patti Tobin. Bill passed away in 2006, and Jensen took over.
Peter did not reply to messages requesting comment, but Jensen says he told her he had no plans “to mess with tradition.”
