Friends of the Petaluma River

Petaluma River Tidings - June 15, 2008

Jun 15th 2008DMYTidings

This is a very active and productive period for Friends. We are not only pursuing environmental grants, fundraising, and collaborating with other organizations; we are also busy working with volunteers to planning some exciting new events for the coming months.

“Day on the River” attracts many new boaters:

The Petaluma Small Craft Center Coalition (PSC3), of which Friends is a member, hosted the second “Day on the River” Saturday May 31st. This event is designed to introduce people to various forms of non-motorized boating and draw attention to available resources. Nearly 200 people visited Foundry Wharf in Petaluma on a beautiful spring day to test drive a variety of boats with help from Friends of the Petaluma River, the North Bay Rowing Club, the Petaluma Paddlers, outrigger Canoe clubs, and Clavey River Equipment. The Petaluma Sea Scouts also provided a motorized launch to take non-paddlers for free river rides. We would like to thank PSC3, Foundry Wharf and the many volunteers who made this day a great success. To learn more about future PSC3 activities, visit their website.


A family of would-be pirates fly the “Jolly Rodger”	Scott Ponic helped boaters all day on the dock

Click here to view an excellent gallery of pictures from Day on the River

Petaluma River Fishing Fair planned for July 26th:

What kind of game fish can you catch in the Petaluma? How do you catch them? Are they edible?

These questions and more are frequently asked by people who are curious about the Petaluma River’s fishing resources. Friends will provide answers to these questions and more on July 26th as we team with experts from Western Sports Shop and others to present a Friends of the Petaluma River Fishing Fair. Come to the Petaluma Marina on Sat July 26th from 9AM to 1PM to learn about the tackle, techniques, and locations that many successful local anglers use. For more details, keep an eye on our website and Western Sports Shop’s website.


“Fish Bites Dog” - Dave with a big Striped Bass	Russ Chatham catches a nice Striper on a fly

Next time you feel disgruntled because of fishing tackle problems (or any of life’s frustrations and challenges); think about the fisherman in this video.

Next Nautical Mass sets sail on June 27th:

This month we plan a 6 mi. trip downstream to Lakeville Marina for an outdoor picnic. Many of us plan to pull out downstream so a shuttle service will take place at 5:30 PM. Meet at the Petaluma Marina launch Ramp; 781 Baywood Dr. The flotilla departs from the Marina at 6PM.

The “Nautical Mass” is a freeform event (based on bicycling’s Critical Mass) for folks who want to get out on the River at the end of the week in non-motorized watercraft. It is held on the last Friday of the month and usually departs from the Petaluma Marina. People are free form their own groups, set their own agendas, or follow the leaders. Last months event included many members of the Petaluma Paddlers.


First time kayaker Tiffany Renée	Patrick Campbell paddled his surf ski	Everyone enjoyed the music and food

Can you Canoe-dle?

Have a single friend looking to meet friendly active people? Looking to infuse a little romance in your existing relationship? Come join us on the river Saturday, July 26th, from 7pm-10pm to mingle, paddle, sip wine and enjoy dessert.

Meet at the dock by the old River House restaurant for the first ever Friends singles fundraising event. Mixer to include up to three paddle partners picked per person!! Couples welcome too. $25.00 per person. For more information and advance tickets call (707) 781-6984.

Come “Canoe-dle on the Petaloo!

Mark your calendars for August 10th!

That is the date for the Sesquicentennial River Fest. It will be a day not to miss!
The downtown turning basin and Water St. will be filled with historic boats, & much more:

• See the S. F. Maritime Museum’s Scow Schooner Alma and dozens of boats from the past including beautiful Master Mariner sailboats, Classic old motor boats, and the Traditional Small Craft Association’s rowing & sailing dinghies
• Watch and participate in a variety of River games like blindfolded rowing races
• Enjoy rides on the River offered by local Sea Scouts
• Visit many interesting displays and booths with River related information
• Listen to music by local performers, while enjoying food & drink

River Festivities begin with “The Mayor’s Boat Ride” departing 10:00am from the Marina!

Last year’s event had 82 non-motorized watercraft traveling from the Marina to the Turning Basin in Downtown Petaluma. 150 people participated, with canoes, wooden boats, racing sculls, kayaks, bicycle devices, and more!

“Come join us, WE HAVE SO MUCH FUN!!! It will be even better this year because we will enter the turning basin to kick off the Petaluma River Fest; part of Petaluma’s year long Sesquicentennial Celebration. Happy 150th Birthday Petaluma!”
–Pamela Torliatt, Mayor, City of Petaluma

Details for the event will be posted in local media outlets; as well as next months Tidings. Click here to see a charming musical video of last years Mayor’s Boat Ride event.

Freebird!

A troubling story has been unfolding recently on the Petaluma Paddlers forum. Bird abatement nets, placed under the Washington St. bridge, had trapped and killed several swallows and pigeons until maintenance workers opened the net and let the remaining trapped birds fly free. Click here to log on and follow the story.

Washington Street bridge with netting

The Petaluma Paddlers are a fun & active kayak group that plan outings on the Petaluma River and elsewhere. They also actively observe wildlife, monitor conditions, and volunteer for community events like the Petaluma River cleanup and Day on the River. No meetings, no dues, no leaders is their motto. Visit the Petaluma Paddlers website.

P.S. Want a nifty “Freebird” ring tone for your phone? Click here for the download.

Friends welcomes a new Board member and elects officers:

At the annual meeting, held on June 10th, Friends of the Petaluma River was delighted to welcome David Hansen to our Board of Directors. David recently retired from a distinguished career in land preservation that included leadership positions at the Sonoma Co. Ag. and Open Space District,
the Marin County Open Space District and the Midpennisula Regional Open Space District.
He also founded the Bay Area Open Space Council and was their first chairman.

“David has probably saved more land in the North Bay than anyone I know” said Craig Anderson, Executive Director of Landpaths (of which David is also currently Board Chair). David also co-founded several environmental non-profits including the Bay Area Ridge Trail, The Trail Center, and Whole Access. Friends is very fortunate to add David’s talent and wisdom on our Board of Directors.

At the annual meeting Friends also elected a new set of officers for the coming year. We want thank all of those who served last year for a distinguished year of service, and especially recognize departing Chair Elizabeth Howland, whose remarkable leadership helped the organization expand and flourish.

Friends officers for the coming year are:
Board Chair — Patrick Campbell
Vice Chair — Andy Rodgers
Secretary — Elizabeth Howland
Treasurer — Jaimey Walking Bear

Friends receives TOT funding from City of Petaluma for 08-09:

On June 2nd The Petaluma City Council awarded Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) grants to 14 non profit organizations. The funds are to be used to highlight Petaluma’s activities and attractions, drawing people to our City. Friends was awarded $3,500 and recognized for our past work to promote the Petaluma River. We will use the money to produce and advertise more events that will attract visitors.

Redwood Lanfill permit public workshop is June 24th:

Redwood Landfill Solid Waste Facilities Permit on Tu. June 24th. It will be from 6:30 to 8 PM at the Best Western Novato Oaks Inn “Oak Room”; 215 Alameda Del Prado; Novato, Ca. For those of you who have been following Redwood Landfill’s expansion plans this will be a chance to learn more about their permits and add your comments. For additional info: call (415) 499-6907.

Corporate Sponsor Campaign update:

Friends new Corporate Sponsor program, which offers logo placement and recognition of support to businesses, organizations, and individuals in our publications at events and elsewhere has had a successful launch. Recent letters to leading regional businesses have resulted in our first sponsor.

We are delighted to welcome Port Sonoma, a longtime supporter, for sponsorship at Level I - $5000.
They will have their business recognized on our website, publications and boat for the coming year. Corporate Sponsorships start at $1000 and reflect a meaningful contribution toward the future vitality of the River’s natural and cultural resources. Friends’ sponsorships are limited and subject to approval.

For information on Corporate Sponsorship please contact Elizabeth Howland at (707) 364-4567 or Email her. She will be delighted to provide more information.

FRIENDS’ SPONSORS

If you are not a member please consider joining Friends today

Dave Yearsley – Friends of the Petaluma River

Celebrate & Conserve

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Can You Canoe-dle?

Jun 15th 2008JaimeyWBEvents