May The Fourth Be With You! Steve Sansweet CEO #Petaluma’s Rancho Obi-Wan Interviewed by ABC Perth

This morning Steve Sansweet CEO of Rancho Obi-Wan was interview by ABC Perth – and Australian broadcast (The recording is on page 2 of this post). What is the significance of May 4th to Star Wars fans?  It is the earliest known record chronicling Lucasfilm‘s Empire Strikes Back.   Alan Arnold on Friday May 4th announced the following statement when Margaret Thatcher won the election to be Britain’s first woman prime minister in 1979:

“Margaret Thatcher has won the election and become Britain’s first woman prime minister. To celebrate their victory her party took a half page of advertising space in the London Evening News. This message, referring to the day of victory, was ‘May the Fourth Be With You, Maggie. Congratulations,’ further proof of the extent to which Star Wars has influenced us all.”

The Force Awakens PosterThis was later proclaimed to be “Star Wars Day” and LucasFilm embraced the spirit from their fans.  Fans spread the word with #StarWarsDay. This year it is even a bigger year in anticipation of the release of a new trilogy starting with the much anticipate Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

Steve Sansweet has published several books on the subject. More recently he released Inspired By The Force: Star Wars Fan Artifacts & Art.  To see his incredible collection you can also order his book Star Wars: The Ultimate Action Figure Collection.

CLICK PAGE 2 BELOW TO LISTEN TO THE INTERVIEW WITH STEVE SANSWEET AND LEARN ABOUT THE CELEBRATION TODAY AT LAGUNITAS BREWING COMPANY

Petaluma Eats! at Vicci Moto Coffee Cart – First To Yelp Review

Vicci Moto-2Established recently, business owners Allan and Shelly Hermansen opened Vicci Moto Coffee cart. They realized that the auto-row industrial park was in dire need for a place to get coffee and they decided to anchor it with their motor sports apparel business.  We see them in social media and previously shared information about their Kickstarter campaign to open the coffee cart that raised over a few thousand to help them get started. While driving across town over the Corona St. bridge and needing a caffeine boost I started running through my mind ‘Where is the nearest place to get coffee?’  Bam! Vicci came to mind.  Had to stop and try it out.

Vicci Moto Coffee CartI first drove Industrial Avenue to the front side of their building and saw the small coffee signs with arrows navigating me to the Auto Center Drive side of the building and saw the roll-up doors and coffee cart. When I arrived Allan was talking to one of their regulars who worked at Kala Brand Music which is close by.   I ordered a double cappuccino and starting talking with Allan. He tells us that they not only saw the need for a place for the industrial park and auto row, but they also wanted a way to become more ingrained into the community.  They would rather be meeting the people from Petaluma than sitting behind a desk and computer all day trying to introduce people to their business.

Vicci Corsa PoloVicci Moto creates apparel for the racing industry.  They plan to have events for auto sport groups and to expand and accommodate their guests with a lounge like experience – – who can also enjoy a great ‘cup-of-joe’ during their visit.  They are also working on designing men’s racing apparel that is stylish and appropriate for off-track everyday wear like polo shirts.

If you are ever in the neighborhood, swing by and check them out.  They also have a menu of breakfast burritos, muffins and croissants. We were the first to Yelp review Vicci Moto Coffee Cart – I am sure they are going to get a lot more good reviews in the future.

Positively Petaluma First To Yelp Review Vicci Coffee Cart
Positively Petaluma First To Yelp Review Vicci Coffee Cart

Thank to Vicci also for their thank you tweet!

Second Look Sunday – A Positively Petaluma Weeks 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 weeks.

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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Are You A #Petaluma Sage?

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The Sage – A wise man by Steven Lingham

Several years ago (2007), a small group of long time Petalumans who were interested in sharing their memories of the “Good Old Days” living, playing, working, and learning in “Our Favorite River Town,” initiated a group known as the Sages of Petaluma. They selected the name – Sages – because, by definition, they became “somebody who is regarded as knowledgeable, wise, experienced, and a person of advanced years revered for his/her wisdom and good judgment.” Almost half of the participants are native-born Petalumans, while the others have lived most of their lives here.

The discussions are informal, but often relate to theme such as education, your first job, or an annual event or holiday such as the Butter & Egg Days Parade, the 4th of July Bell-Ringing, or Memorial Day. A recent program initiated by The Petalumans of Yesteryear, the Petaluma Oral History Project, has involved several of the Sages.  Sages3 002.jpgHopefully, by the end of next month. visitors to the Petaluma History Museum may be able to view a video interview by a Sage who wanted to share some of his memories for future generations. Most of the interviews last from 15-20 minutes. Those interviewed, to date, include: Dick Dunbar, Growling Bear, Jim Giovando, Lily Krulervich, Shep Sheperd, Tim Talamantes, Don Waite, and Bill Sovel. Three Sages who have adopted the personas  of earlier Petalumans of Yesteryears and were interviewed are also available: Capt. Thomas Baylis (Homer Johnstone), Isaac Wickersham (Marshall West), and William Howard Pepper (Bill Hammerman).

If you wish to join the Sages, just attend one of their meetings on the last Wednesday of the month, from 10:00 a.m.-Noon at the Museum. Our next meeting will be Wednesday, May 27th.

What’s Happening In #Petaluma? Week of May 1st Through May 8th

Petaluma Arts Association Open Studio ToursPetaluma Arts Association Open Studios Tour– May 2 & 3: Meet the Artists where they Work! 15 Petaluma Artists at 11 Studios – Sponsored by the Petaluma Arts Association. 15% of all sales go to support art projects in Petaluma schools and scholarships. Here is the Open Studios Map.

7th Annual Film Fest Petaluma – May 2 & 3: Presented by the Petaluma Film Alliance. Showtime’s: 2:30, 7:30 and 10:30pm. There will be open discussions with filmmakers after the screenings. Tickets cost $10-$15, with all-day passes price at $25. Recommended for age 15 and older.

INVASION-LOGO-495x283British Invasion Dance Party – Sat., May 2, 8pm: Rock out to your favorite British tunes by “Invasion” cover band. Enjoy the exhibition “The Art of Rock ‘n Roll” while dancing the night away. Tickets thru Brown Paper Tickets or at door.

Boating at the Barn – Sundays, 10am-1pm: Pick a rowboat, canoe, kayak or sailboat. River Heritage Center in Steamer Landing Park. Call 769-0910 for information.

Kim Kelley
Singer/Songwriter Kim Kelley

“Pass in Review” Opening Reception – Sun., May 3, 2:30pm:  Featuring Singer Kim Kelley and acclaimed keynote speaker, Comedian Michael Pritchard. Refreshments. Tickets: $20 in advance and $30 at the door. Petaluma Historical Library & Museum, 20 Fourth St. For details:

East-Side Farmers’ Market – Tuesdays, 10am-1:30pm: Year-round, rain or shine! Petaluma Community Center Parking Lot, 320 N. McDowell Blvd.  415-999-5635.

“Ultimate Star Wars” Book Tour with author Tricia Barr – Fri., May 8, 7pm: Copperfield’s Books, 140 Kentucky St. 762-0563. RSVP for this free event and receive a 20% off the featured book! CLICK TO RSVP

ULTIMATE STAR WARS EVENT with TRICIA BARR

St. Vincent Mustang Girls Beat Tough Rival Head Royce 9-2

Freshman Lauren Vollert Petaluma High School Trojans Girls Softball T-Girls
Lauren Vollert Scores For T-Girls

UPDATE May 1, 2015 6:00PM: Petaluma Mustang Girls 10-Run Ruled Lakeport for a 10-0 shutout victory.

The Petaluma Mustang Girls  started off behind in the early innings of the game with Head Royce leading by 1 run.  In the 4th inning things started to work for the Petaluma Mustang Girls  and they took advantage of Head Royce errors. Pitcher Hannah Sarlatte held off Head Royce only giving up two runs for the win. Petaluma Mustang Girls  offense worked aggressively as a team with bunts, steals and a strong defense.

Tonite they play again against Upper Lake at 4PM at St. Vincent High School.

Olivia Sikora Petaluma Trojans Girls Softball T-Girls
Olivia Sikora slides into home plate
Haley Antonini Petaluma High School Trojans Girls Softball T-Girls
Haley Antonini steals home on a pass ball sliding into home plate

Video: ‘Tell Mom I’m OK’ – Spencer Dickinson Found Alive – Mom’s Reaction

VIDEO UPDATE: May 3, 2015, KPIX Channel 5, Native #Petaluma Spencer Dickinson Despite Destruction Stays in Nepal Determined To Help Family.

 
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Original Story:
Spencer Dickinson was unaccounted for after the Nepal Earthquake while hiking towards Mount Everest.  This raw video coverage shows the mother’s relief after learning that her son was found alive.  He was being helicoptered off the mountain and hears “Tell Mom I am OK”.

Here are other reports

Petaluma dad hears from son days after Nepal quake

Petaluma man missing on Everest alive and well

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Appreciation Picnic Party at the ‘Cheese Factory’

Community Stories to be Shared at June Celebration of Marin French Cheese 150th Anniversary

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Founded in 1865, Marin French Cheese Company is celebrating 150 years of artisan cheese making at its original Hicks Valley Ranch location, known to locals as the Cheese Factory. A picnic party to appreciate present and past employees, neighbors and loyal customers will be held Sunday June 14th 11:00 am – 4:00 pm, outdoors on the lawn. For this momentous “community conversation,” Marin French is collecting stories reflecting the generations of family traditions, working, playing, romancing and hanging out at the “Cheese Factory.” During the event, Marin historian and author Dewey Livingston will emcee the story-telling on stage, interspersed with music performances by local SSU graduates’ band, the Dixie Giants.

The day’s activities include cheesemaking demonstrations by the award-winning Marin French team and a close-up look at beekeeping by Bonnie Morse of Bonnie Bee Company, with a sampling of honey from the Marin French hives. Producers from the local food shed will have market-style tables to sample and sell: Sparkling mead, beer, cider, breads and baked goods, pickles and preserves, cheeses from the California Artisan Cheese Guild and an offering of small lunch plates, reasonably priced.
Stories are being collected via email, written cards and interviews. For more information contact Lynne Devereux, [email protected]. Here are three ways to submit your story:

Marin French Cheese Company 150th AnniversaryTell YOUR STORY about memories of the Cheese Factory
1. Write your story on a card with your name and phone contact, and mail to:
Stories at Marin French
7500 Red Hill Rd.
Petaluma, CA 94952
2. -or- Email your story to: [email protected]
3. -or- call Lynne for a phone interview: 925-872-6691

Stories can be short or long, recent or cherished memories of long ago. Stories will be on display or told on stage at the 150th Anniversary Appreciation Picnic Party, June 14th.

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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. .

Congrats to #Petaluma’s Hawkins, Kearney & Locke chosen NBBJ 2015 Forty Under 40 professionals

Congratulations to the 3 young professionals from Petaluma chosen for North Bay Business Journals top 40 under 40.

From the NBBJ Monday Arpil 27, 2015 By Gary Quackenbush: Meet the 2015 Forty Under 40 professionals – North Bay Business Journal – North San Francisco Bay Area, Sonoma, Marin, Napa counties

All of us at the Business Journal want to extend our congratulations to the ninth annual Forty Under 40 recipients. These 40 individuals were selected by the Business Journal editorial staff from more than 120 nominations. They were chosen on the basis of their leadership in companies and organizations as well as their participation in their communities. Over the nine years this award has existed, hundreds of young, exceptional professionals have been recognized. It is our sincere hope that these awards support and encourage excellence. The recipients will be honored at an awards reception April 29. —Brad Bollinger, Business Journal Publisher

Erin Hawkins, 30

Community Outreach Project Manager, Petaluma Healthcare District, Petaluma

Erin HawkinsEnsuring that the health and wellness needs of the diverse communities are understood and addressed in Southern Sonoma County is the role of Erin Hawkins with the Petaluma Health Care District, an organization described as a model for the state.

She manages the Community Health Initiative of the Petaluma Area, bringing financial and technical resources to groups and individuals, as well as planning support to the HeartSafe Community Initiative, while also channeling grant and sponsorship funds to organizations and schools.

Greatest professional accomplishment: Successfully managing a community film screening and panel presentation on the importance of high quality early childhood education to help make universal preschool a reality in Sonoma County.

Greatest challenge: “Bringing the community together to identify our greatest health priorities and developing shared strategies to cope with them.”

Next professional goal: “To develop a data dashboard to track the impact of our local health initiative.”

Best advice received: Finish projects ahead of schedule when possible in order to meet career and family needs.

Favorite book: My Brilliant Career by Miles Franklin.

CLICK ON PAGE TWO TO CONTINUE READING ABOUT KEARNEY AND LOCKE

Historical Photo Found In Renovation of Petaluma Hotel

This photo was found by the new owners in the renovation of the Petaluma Hotel and shared by them yesterday.  This photo of an indian (or man dressed in indian garb) and a woman holding a basket of eggs was taking in the atrium of the hotel. We thought you would enjoy it.

Positively Petaluma CategoriesWith the addition of Bill Hammerman to our contributor staff we added a column call “Our Favorite River Town” you will be seeing more posts about Petaluma history.  We wanted to share a little known secret – On our Categories Drop Down tab locate on our sidebar you can see the many categories to choose from.  One tab is History and things like this photo will show up in that category.  Try it yourself.   We have over 200 posts on Positively Petaluma and they are all categorized to help you find information you want to read about on posts future and past.

 

Check out our History category if you are interested in our posts sharing Petaluma History.