Featured Archives - Page 7 of 25 - Positively Petaluma

Highlights of the 2015 Petaluma River Craft Beer Festival

While Petaluma and Sonoma County have been known worldwide for wines and dairy products for many years, they are now building up a reputation for artisanal breweries as well.

The third annual Petaluma River Craft Beer Festival was held on September 12 along the Petaluma waterfront in historic downtown Petaluma to celebrate this growing culture. Patrons of the event strolled along Water Street, tasting various beers, ciders, and foods while viewing the river and listening to local bands Randy and the Special Agents and Sugar Moon.

Throughout the event, 20 local breweries showed off their fine brews, as well as a few cider, mead, and kombucha producers. To accompany all the delicious drinks, local food companies and restaurants brought everything from mac-n-cheese to tacos to pizza. For a list of participating vendors, click here.

Festival goers may have noticed the signs of autumn approaching in the slight winds and the chill in the air, but it certainly didn’t stop them from enjoy the festivities. Member of the Petaluma Valley Rotary Club and 2014 Citizen of the Year, Libby Fitzgerald noticed the general cheer of the event and said, “I’m having such a good time just watching everybody … It’s a mellow crowd, I love it. Everybody’s having such a good time. I think that’s my joy.”

The festival was put on by the Petaluma Area Chamber of Commerce and the Rotary Club of Petaluma Valley and was run by volunteers, allowing all proceeds from to go back to the community, river projects, and local non-profits. The event’s sponsors were Basin Street Properties, Morris Distributing, Petaluma Market, Wilibees Wine and Spirits, and Petaluma Creamery.

CLICK HERE OR PAGE 2 BELOW TO SEE THE HIGHLIGHT VIDEO REEL FOR THIS EVENT AND PHOTO GALLERY

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A Message of Hope in Difficult Times – The National Heirloom Exposition Continues to Inspire

UPDATE: September 24, 2015 – Check out the complete photo gallery of the National Heirloom Exposition by PositivelyPetaluma.com Visual Artist Ashley Collingwood.

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE PHOTO GALLERY

Seedsman Jere Gettle and his Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company crew have pulled off another of their annual paeans to heirloom produce and the food movement, as the fifth National Heirloom Exposition took over the Sonoma County fairgrounds in Santa Rosa for three straight days beginning September 8. For three days the fairgrounds were transformed, taking on the look and leisurely pace of a rural country fair that belied its locale amid a city of 172,000.

A display of old farm vehicles and equipment lined the grass as I arrived at the fairgrounds, and suddenly fiddlers seemed to spontaneously proliferate on the music stage, popping up like a bunch of alfalfa sprouts reaching for the sun.

I immediately bumped into Dave Kaiser, probably the most recognizable of the Baker Creek crew from Missouri, besides Jere Gettle himself.

Clad in a worn straw hat and overalls that have definitely been around the farm a few years, Dave is a true people-person, a handsome fella with a scruffy beard and easy grin who’s been a part of Gettle’s company since it began. Dave recalls Jere as a young lad and neighbor in Mansfield, Missouri who loved to show off his garden and daydream about selling heirloom seeds someday.

The star of many a glorious full-color photo in the company’s popular annual seed catalog over the years, Dave’s easy-going, generous and welcoming manner – so complimentary to Jere’s own – has helped set the tone for the Expo since its inception.

The Heirloom Expo’s more than a country fair though. It’s also a trade show for heirloom and specialty seed folk, growers and family farmers of all kinds, a livestock show for those who raise them, a three-day seminar for horticulturists and rally for sustainable food and agriculture advocates. Ted-x for the dirt-in-their-nails crowd. It’s all these and more.

CLICK HERE OR PAGE 2 BELOW TO READ MORE AND SEE A 1725 POUND PUMPKIN

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9 Sonoma County Woman – 1 Canoe – 26 Miles

Nine Sonoma County women (some from Petaluma) will be traveling to Maui tomorrow to compete in the Pailolo Challenge 26 mile Outrigger Canoe Race from Maui to Molokai on Saturday September 19th. They will be representing Lokahi Outrigger Canoe Club in Petaluma during our time in Maui.

These woman are joining forces to compete in one of the premiere outrigger canoe races in the world – The Pailolo Challenge. These woman practice out of the Petaluma River to the San Francisco bay working out in the big waves to prepare for this grueling challenge. This group is also going to take the opportunity to learn and experience the Hawaiian culture and stories of the islands.

Click here to see their brochure. Not mentioned in the brochure are some new members:

Lauren Armstrong

Lauren is a Community Planner with Marin County. Born and raised on Maui, she moved to the Bay Area two years ago. She has paddled with Anuenue in Honolulu and He’e Nalu Marin-Sonoma. Lauren also enjoys surfing, cooking and traveling. She is getting married in June 2016.

Janet Suliana Wainiqolo

The ocean has always been a big part of Janet’s life and culture growing up in the Fiji Islands. To get from one island to another, they traveled in canoes as their ancestors did, navigating the currents and islands using the stars and elements. Moving from the Islands with her 6-year-old son, Zayar, to the US in Nov 2011, she eventually found an outrigger club that strengthened her love for the sport and introduced her to an awesome paddling ohana ~people who shared a love for the va’a (canoe) and cultural aspect behind it. Janet currently resides in Sonoma.

Jessica Smith

Jessica is a wildlife biologist originally from Los Angeles, California. Jessica started paddling in Southern California, before relocating to the Bay Area for work. While living in Fremont, Jessica paddled with Kilohana for two seasons. She moved to Sonoma County in 2012, where she joined Lokahi Outrigger Canoe Club. Jessica currently resides in Sebastopol with her husband.

NEW VIDEO: Singer Songwriter Saffell Sproul Unplugged On 1926 Baldwin Grand Piano

Saffell at Rivertown Festival — Saffell Sproul and Friend at Rivertown Festival, Photo By Wayne Dunbar

Morty Wiggins. Saffell‘s manager, says that “Saffell’s attack on the piano is both funky and graceful bringing as much rhythm as it does melody. These songs defy easy classification while pulling from blues, funk, pop, and rock. All of this is enhanced even further by an amazing rhythm section that brings it all home. The playing in both the drums and the bass are great examples of musicians playing exactly what is needed with excellent chops and effortless style.”

We posted on this young rising band previously on the release of their new album in our post #Petaluma Indie band launches new record. We enjoyed Saffell‘s sounds this year both at the Rivertown Revival as well as the Taste of Petaluma at the Roaring Donkey. Here is another chance to catch him live in Petaluma on September 18th he will be playing at the Corkscrew Wine Bar starting at 7PM.

Here is the recently release solo unplugged video performing his original song, “Take it Easy” on a 1926 Baldwin grand piano.

If you enjoy his sounds you may also like his MP3 or Audio CD Devil’s On The Radio track that is downloadable from Amazon.
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What’s Going On In Petaluma This Week? Through Sept 11th

“City of Angels” – Sept.4-20: Presented by Cinnabar Theater, 3333 Petaluma Blvd., North. For tickets call 763-8920.

Redwood Empire Kennel Club Annual Dog Show – Sat. & Sun., 10am: All-American Kennel Club recognized breeds dog show at the Sonoma-Marin Fairgrounds, 175 Fairgrounds Dr.

Historic Downtown Walking Tour – Sat. 10:30am: Costumed docents stroll you through historic downtown. Donations welcome. Free. Petaluma Historical Library & Museum, 20 Fourth St. 778-4398.

Brunch Tasting at Keller Estate – Sat. & Sun., 11am & Noon: 5875 Lakeville Highway, 765-2117. See website for details:

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

Petaluma Trolley Living History Railway Museum – Sat., 12-3pm: Tour the trolley barn and rail yard at 110 Baylis St.

“Two Women & A Stage” – Sat & Sun., 7:30pm: Two solo shows featuring Lauren Bell and Christina Ingenito at Clear Heart Gallery, 90 Jessie Lane.

Annual Petaluma River Marathon & ½ Marathon – Sun, 7:45am: Hosted by North Bay Rowing Club. 625 2^nd St.

Boating at the Barn – Sun., 10am-1pm: Free kayak and row boat rides at the River Heritage Center in Steamer Landing Park. 769-0910.

East-Side Farmers’ Market – Tuesdays, 10am-1:30 pm: Year-round, rain or shine! New Location: Deer Creek Shopping Center (Friedman’s) 429 No. McDowell Blvd. 415-999-5635.

Freedom Day USA – Thurs., All-day: Businesses from across the USA bring our Active Military and their immediate family, and our Veterans the Nation’s biggest thank you appreciation event! Click here to see a list of Petaluma businesses that are participating.

CLICK HERE OR PAGE 2 BELOW TO SEE SPECIAL SEPTEMBER EXHIBITS

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Petaluma’s Griffo Distillery Breaking Through The Spirits Biz

We interviewed Jennifer and Mike Griffo, owners of Griffo Distillery in Petaluma, and found them to be hard-working and well educated. Jennifer has an M.A. at Stanford University in International Development. Mike Griffo has a PhD in Physics from University of California, Santa Cruz. They have lived in the bay area now for 15 years. In 2008 they got the idea of creating Griffo Distillery while lying on a picnic blanket at the Peay Vineyard. They were reflecting that owning a winery would be a good life for them — one that would keep close to their family and community. However they didn’t want the demanding agricultural challenges that comes with managing a vineyard. That was their “Aha” moment when the idea of a spirits distillery – exactly what they want to do without the headache of growing grapes.

The distillery business for the Griffo’s has been a labor of love. Their blood, sweat, and tears have poured into this small family-owned spirits company. Mike Griffo spent three years as a “Qaunt” or doing Quantitative Analysis for Barclays in New York to raise the money to start the distillery. Five years of penny pinching and planning went into starting this operation. They decided on a (infamous) Scott Street location because it is anchored with other craft beer and spirit makers, like Petaluma Hills and Lagunitas, as well as close to their family. They struggled through the outdated Prohibition Era regulations (unlike our Craft Beer companies who have earned relaxed alcohol practices to create their brews.) These laws allow them only a limited number of options on how they could distribute their products. The Griffos are the founding members of the Petaluma Craft Guild.

CLICK HERE OR PAGE 2 BELOW TO CONTINUE

Click here to see a full gallery of photos of the Griffo Distillery.

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Petaluman’s Invent Glo-Blades Featured CNBC’s “Make Me A Millionaire Inventor”

Petaluma inventors Ralph & Stephen Haney showcase their invention. Glo-Blades are a skating (ice or inline) accessory that creates the effect of skating on light. The company was founded by Ralph Haney over three years ago, after he had his “ah-ha” moment at Snoopy’s Home Ice while skating with his family. He shined his pen LED light down on the ice and noticed how it glowed brilliantly on the dim ice rink.

You may even be able to see these prototype blades live in action locally. According to their website, if you’re in northern California stop by Snoopy’s Home Ice in Santa Rosa (Redwood Empire Ice Arena) and you may just catch a glimpse of Glo-Blades. They have (or will) be featured in Aerial Ice Extreme at Great America in San Jose, CA, and other popular US shows, including the spectacular Sun Valley Lodge in Idaho. Even easier watch the two videos below and check it out.

As seen on CNBC’s Make Me A Millionaire Inventor:

Here is their Kickstarter video:

GloBlades Kickstarter Film from ELEVATE VISUALS on Vimeo.

Want A Map For Taste Of Petaluma That Will Work On Your iPhone?

Use #PetalumaTOP2015 to share your experience today!

The Taste of Petaluma released a new website that has a responsive design and will work on any device. We are so happy because we needed a map that we could use on our cell phones to get around and document all the fun. Their new website is TasteofPetaluma.com.

Click here to access the Maps, Taste List and where and where you can find entertainment today.

If you register on their site, like we did, you can create your own personalized tour for your tasting and music excursion through Petaluma’s historic downtown. Mark the locations and events you want to see and get notified as events begin. How cool is that! Now we won’t have to walk in circles like we have in the past.

Be sure to share your experience today on twitter, facebook, instagram and yelp using hash tag #PetalumaTOP2015.

Bid On Our Top Banner Ad to Benefit #Petaluma Education Foundation

Bidding starts today!

If you visit our website, you may have noticed that we donated our top banner ad to the Petaluma Education Foundation to promote their very important annual BASH fundraiser. See our previous post THE BASH IS COMING TO TOWN! for more information.

In addition to that we are also donating the same top Banner Ad in their silent auction online! So you (your blog) or your business could get great exposure for 30-days on our websites by simply bidding on this auction item AND supporting a great cause. So what are you waiting for? Get your bids in today! If you don’t know how to create a banner ad, we will help you to create one. We will also do a special post thanking the top bidder on our social media feeds.

CLICK HERE TO START BIDDING ON THIS ITEM NOW

#Petaluma’s Shelina Moreda Girlz MotoCamp Hosts Reality TV Star Caitlyn Jenner And Friends

Petaluma, CA – August 18, 2015 – Reality TV star Caitlyn Jenner took her viewers on a road trip to Sonoma County as part of her new show, “I Am Cait.” In the episode that aired this past Sunday night on the E! Network, Jenner and several of her transgender friends visited motorcycle racer Shelina Moreda’s Girlz MotoCamp in Petaluma where they learned to ride dirt bikes.

The eight-part TV series, which debuted on July 26, focuses on Jenner’s gender transition and life since she came out as a trans woman this past April.

According to Moreda, Jenner, who is already a streetbike rider, quickly adapted to dirt bikes. “Given Caitlyn’s past as a gold medal Olympian in the decathlon, she’s obviously a well-rounded athlete,” Moreda said. She showed great skills on our bikes. Having Cait and her friends at our MotoCamp was a lot of fun. They are all awesome people, and I hope to have them back again. My instructors and I really enjoyed riding with them.”

Jenner felt that it was important for her and her friends to attend the Girlz MotoCamp so they could “do some things that weren’t ‘typically female’ because girls can do those things, too.”

About her time at Girlz MotoCamp, Jenner’s friend Blossom Brown said, “I loved Girlz MotoCamp. I highly recommend it for anyone wanting to strengthen their riding skills. Shelina was so helpful and encouraging, and everyone who works with her at the camp is patient, understanding, and gives off so much positive energy. I got a major boost in self-confidence when I was at the MotoCamp, and it not only helped me overcome the fear I had about riding a dirt bike, it also made me realize that I have the inner strength to a lot more things in life than I ever gave myself credit for.”

Positively Petaluma did a complete interview and previous posts on Shelina Moreda – for more information about her click on the below posts.

Category: Featured