Check out the mouth watering sneak preview video of some new comers joining Taste of Petaluma at the end of this article.
Refreshing Salad with Ingredients from local farms, Photo By Laura Gouillon
Mention the words “budget your calories” in Petaluma on Saturday August 22nd and you might find yourself wishing you ate your words because the 10th annual Taste of Petaluma (TOP) will be in full swing!
Laura Sunday (aka Queen Cuisine), event organizer of the Taste of Petaluma, says TOP is a “culinary journey of our historic downtown Petaluma showing off restaurants, galleries, and shops. The town never looks better on that day.”
At a Mini Taste of Petaluma, I had the chance to preview some of the good eats that will be featured at the event, including samples from new Petaluma restaurants Sonoma Spice Queen and Sauced BBQ & Spirits, in addition to Bistro 100. Here are sneak previews and backgrounds on these three amazing venues participating in this weekend’s celebration.
CLICK HERE OR PAGE 2 BELOW TO LEARN WHO THIS YEAR’S NEWCOMERS ARE
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
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.
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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
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.”
Every year Petaluma Community Access does a good job capturing our High School Graduation ceremonies. Today they released Petaluma High School’s 2014 Graduation ceremony. See anyone you know? If you do please send them a link to this post or use the social media share icons below. We hope that our 2014 grads are doing great after their first year of college and adulthood. Our local high schools do a great job in getting them prepared for the next steps in their lives.
Over the last year, we have become a growing media presence for Petaluma. Our stories are shared and featured on local radio and TV, and one of the fastest growing in local social media. Our posts and stories are organically grown by Petalumans for Petaluma. We have grown our followers and subscribers locally and 98% of the thousands who follow us are from Petaluma. We have attracted new talented journalists and grown from 1 to 6 regular contributors over the last 6 months.
One place where Positively Petaluma does not have reach is in print. That day is over! Recently our editor Wayne Dunbar was selected to be contributor for the Petaluma Community section of the free Sonoma County Gazette conveniently called Positively Petaluma. This will bring our posts out to an additional 130,000 readers!He will not only be contributing positive information about Petaluma but also opinion and community involvement stories that will be of interest to a broader Sonoma County audience. So pick up a copy of the July Sonoma County Gazette and check out our column. We hope you will like it. Also the online section of the Sonoma County Gazette may have different information than what actually goes into print from time to time. We will update you on our Sonoma County Gazette posts going forward. The relationship with the Sonoma County Gazette allows us to continue to provide information and reports free online and in print. You can also have it delivered to you for as little as $48/year. Click here to find out how to subscribe.
Click here to see the electronic version of the Positively Petaluma Community section on the Sonoma County Gazette website.
Here are newstands and outlets where you can find the Sonoma County Gazette in Petaluma and Penngrove:
PETALUMA
Seed Bank
Della Fattoria
Starbuck’s Downtown *
Vine & Barrel
Fregenes Pizza
Chelsea Antiques
Calabi Gallery
Lala’s Creamery
Riverfront Gallery
Viva Cocolat
Water Street Bistro
Corkscrew Wine Bar
Athletic Soles
McNear’s Restaurant
Hollingsworth Jewelers
Fruit in Motion *
Bovine Bakery
Great Petaluma Mill/AppleBox *
Cordoza’s Deli Café
Copperfield’s Books *
Punjabi Restaurant *
Heritage Salvage
Aqus Café *
Petlauma Coffee & Tea
4th and C Bus Stop *
Mail Depot
4th St Post Office *
Petaluma Market *
Andy’s Sushi Bar
Gallery One
Ray’s Deli
Petaluma Arts Center
Petaluma Visitors Center
Mary’s Pizza on Washington *
Whole Foods
Steele Bear Deli
One Club Fitness
Park Deli Café
Petaluma Library
Inspired Fitness
Starbuck’s on Lakeville
Seven-11
Chevron Mini Mart
Round Table Pizza
Springfield Place
Two-Niner Diner
Pub Republic
Marina Bean
Sunflower Center
Petaluma SRJC Campus
Starbuck’s on Sonoma Mountain Parkway
Chunky’s Taqueria
Flamez Bar and Grill
Laganitas Brewing
Orchard Supply Hardware
Raley’s Store, N. McDowell Boulevard *
The UPS Store on N McDowell
I HOP Restaurant
Starbuck’s Coffee on N. McDowell
Sunrise Senior Living
Petaluma Community Center
Petaluma Senior Center
Petaluma Valley Hospital
PENNGROVE
Mack’s Bar & Grill
Penngrove Pub
Frizelle Enos
JavaMore *
Click here for a complete list of newstands and outlets throughout Sonoma County.
An eighth grader at Sonoma Country Day school Draper Dayton, who has been fencing since the age of seven, recently switch coaches and now working out four days per week at the Massialas Foundation’s The M Team Fencing club in San Francisco. That change must have benefited him as he just won the youth 12 division at the national championship in San Jose at the USA Fencing Summer Nationals.
According to the Press Democrat he had entered the tournament as a second seed fencer in his division and he had to beat the number one seed Brian Li of Boston to win the championship.
Here is how the match played out Dayton is on the left and Li is on the Right:
Since launching our website mid last year, we have shared 300 positive posts about Petaluma! We only show the 10 most recent posts on our main page. So we thought it would be helpful in sharing 4 helpful hints on how to navigate and find earlier posts.
300 is a lot to go through if you are trying to find something. But we have made it easy and here are a few tricks can do right now to find what you are looking for on our site:
1. Use the Search Bar. This is located on the top right next to the social media icons. Click on the magnifying glass and a place to enter your keyword search term will appear. Simply type in any subject, in this example we are searching for any posts on the Butter & Egg Days Parade, and hit <enter> key on your keyboard. Any post mentioning Butter & Egg Days will show up.
2. Use the Category drop down on the lower right sidebar. This is great if you want to follow any one contributor or subject. Maybe you want to read Bill Hammerman’s posts on his Our Favorite Rivertown Town. Maybe you just want to read about Petaluma food or wine. Simply click on the drop down and click on the category to read a series of articles:
3. Use the Archives dropdown. Click on Positively Petaluma Archives dropdown and select which month you wish to view. This is great if you were on vacation and unplugged in any time frame and you can choose the month and year to get caught up on posts you missed.
4. Click on Older Posts button you can find after the last post on the main page. Simply click the Older Posts >> button and it will show you the next 10 most recent posts.
We hope that you found this information useful. We wish to thank our followers for believing in what we are trying to do here. We have over 150,000 views of our website since starting and it’s growing faster than ever (65% of those views just over the past 5 months). Thanks in advance for sharing our website with your friends and family. Our best to you and have a wonderful day.
Laura Sunday (aka Queen Cuisine), event organizer of the Taste of Petaluma, says TOP is a “culinary journey of our historic downtown Petaluma showing off restaurants, galleries, and shops. The town never looks better on that day.”
