This Fall edition of the Tidings has a lot of exciting news to report. In the last 6 weeks Friends has hosted two big events that helped raise awareness of the River’s resources and fund Friend’s efforts to celebrate and conserve them. We have also made substantial improvements at the River Heritage Center thanks to the help of a team of young people from the Summer Youth Ecology Corps. Friends has been the beneficiary of generous contributions from organizations and volunteers plus we had the first boat built at the Livery Stable. To enjoy reading this newsletter in its entirety I suggest you open online and enjoy.

Fantastic “Fandango” raises spirits and funds:

On August 8th Friends hosted our first ever gala fundraising event. “The “Moonlit Fandango” was a smashing success in every way. The party was held on the banks of the Petaluma River at the beautiful Rockin’ H Ranch and was blessed with ideal weather conditions, a warm evening with a gentle breeze. The capacity crowd included local business and political leaders and many ardent supporters of the Petaluma River.

The Beautiful Rockin’ H Ranch on the Petaluma River (photo by Scott Hess)

Many people contributed to the success of the event. The planning team led by Elizabeth Howland, Elizabeth Mori, and Babs Kavanaugh drew praise for making the evening so wonderful that no one wanted to leave. The live and silent auctions featured fine art, jewelry and travel. Volunteer auctioneer Arnie Cohen did a great job of keeping the auction fun and profitable; selling art from over a dozen local artists who donated beautiful paintings, sculpture and jewelry as auction items. Travel prizes included a lakeside cabin at Tahoe, a house adjacent to Rocky Mt. Nat. Park and a week’s stay in a Paris apt. Two popular items, bringing $1000 each, were a fishing trip with Assemblyman Jared Huffman and lunch with former Speaker of the House Dick Gephardt.

These Fandango photos were taken by Friend’s Chairman Patrick Campbell:

Petaluma River Sunset	Hay Ride to the Hanger	Gigi Hendricks & DMY	Dave & Sid Hendricks	Dinner at the Hanger

Our sincere thanks go out to Sid & Gigi Hendricks for hosting the Fandango and the countless folks who contributed to the success of the event buy donating time, goods and services; and by sponsoring tables, buying tickets and purchasing auction items. Friends raised nearly $25,000 to benefit our River Heritage Center work, conservation programs and community events.

Photos from the Fandango with descriptions are viewable online at Petaluma 360.

Fandango event photos from Patrick Campbell are can be viewed online on Flickr.

Our sincere thanks to those who sponsored the event:

Fandango Table Sponsors: CamelBak, Clover Stornetta Farms, ECON, High Definition Designs, Port Sonoma
Fandango Wine Sponsors: Laurel Glen Vineyards, Stonefly Vineyards
Bounty of the Watershed Sponsors: Adobe Road Winery, Cowgirl Creamery, Clary Ranch, Phendler Vineyards, Ridgeway Vineyards, McEvoy Ranch, Della Fattoria, Flo Enterprises LLC, Petaluma Coffee Company, Ridgeway Family Vineyards, Sonoma Valley Portworks

What folks had to say about the Fandango:

Elizabeth,
You and the Hendricks and the planning committee did a FABULOUS job. Wow! A great time was had by all (volunteers included) and we’re getting money to move forward too! Congratulations.
Martha Murphy

Thanks for a wonderful extravaganza last night! Everyone was so nice and the location and wine and appetizers, etc were all great!!! The poetry jukebox was a fun element too… We totally appreciated the evening and everyone was enthusiastic about the cause. Thanks for all the hard work you did to create an amazing event!
Karen Hess

Just a note to let you know that the Fandango was really a hit! It was so well organized, everything moved along smoothly, the food and dancing were tops, the decorations were beautiful, and everyone was having a blast! You and your team did a superlative job! Many thanks for all your hard work and long hours.
Warmly,
Cari Pace-Koch

My hat’s off to you all for your incredible event that was pulled off against the odds! Very impressive. Jim and I enjoyed ourselves and were delighted to have been a part of this first of many gala fundraisers for Friends of the River and the RHC. I realize what a huge effort this must have been for the event committee, and the countless hours and days invested in the planning. It was well planned and executed down to the finest details – a tremendous success.
All the best,
Gina Benedetti-Petnic

Congratulations! That was really fun, in large part due to the SEAMLESS organization. Many remarked on the multitude of other fundraising events that we have attended which just weren’t as fun even though it was a good cause. Many of the people at our table couldn’t believe Jared is an elected since he was so nice and down to earth!
Thanks again and congratulations.
J.T. Wick

Congrats on pulling together a great event on Saturday. We all really enjoyed ourselves. I thought the catering was fantastic!
Abbie Walther – Vice President & General Manager
Moose Boats, Inc.

Community support benefits Friends and the River Heritage Center:

Friends could not exist without the continued support of individuals, businesses and organizations in the community. Several substantial donations to Friends have helped to fund our work at the River Heritage Center and in the community. Heritage Homes of Petaluma has made two $1000 donations in the last 3 months. Sid & Gigi Hendricks donated the use of their beautiful Rockin H Ranch for our Fandango. Golden State Lumber and Ghilotti Construction provided materials for our Livery Stable floor. Countless businesses and individuals have contributed materials, time, and expertise to help make our recent events and ongoing programs successful. We thank them all from the bottom of our hearts for their generosity.

Many of our supporters are involved in other important environmental work. One that deserves special mention is Stonefly Vineyards. They have a program that awarding a portion of their profits as an environmental prize to benefit fish. You can learn more at http://www.stoneflyvineyards.com/stonefly-prize.

Improvements at R.H.C. by Summer Youth Ecology Corps:

The Summer of 09 will be remembered at the Petaluma River Heritage Center for the work done by the Summer Youth Ecology corps (SYEC). Funded by a federal stimulus grant to employ disadvantaged youth, a team of 9 18 – 24 year old Petaluma residents was employed by Petaluma People Services for 2 months to improve the facilities at the R.H.C in Steamer Landing Park.

Summer Youth Ecology Corps 09 Team	Team Leader Ashley Lapham	SYEC floor team at work

Under the direction of Team leader Ashley Lapham and with plans and supervision by community volunteer Eve O’Rourke the team learned masonry, carpentry, and landscaping skills while creating several important amenities to the RHC building and grounds. Visit the River Heritage Center to see the new “Story Circle”, “Granite Landing”, “River Stairway” and wonderful new floor inside the Livery Stable. Funding for materials was provided by Golden State Lumber and Friends of the Petaluma.

Granite Landing stone work	River Stairway work	Project Designer / Director Eve O’Rourke

“Tule” Canoe constructed at River Heritage Center:

On Sept. 5th a volunteer team constructed a beautiful Native American style watercraft using locally harvested Tule Reeds and centuries old techniques. Upon completion the beautiful craft was donated to the Petaluma River Heritage Center. A history of the craft by team leader and professional photographer Charlie Kennard follows:

“This California-Indian style tule boat was built in September, 2009, by River Heritage Center volunteers Leonard Page, Ron Miska, Noah Miska, Ethan Miska, Eve O’Rourke, Dolores Baril, Richard Baril, Miguel Elliott and David Hansen, under the direction of Charlie Kennard.

Tule –reed boats were used in lakes, bays and slow-moving rivers in much of California for transportation, fishing, waterfowl hunting and gathering aquatic plant foods. Locally, they were used by Ohlone and Coast Miwok peoples in San Francisco Bay and its tributary rivers, and by the Pomo in the Laguna de Santa Rosa and Clear Lake.

Boats were typically constructed using three large bundles of tule stems, rising at the bow and stern, or only at the bow. Additional small bundles warded off splashes and retained cargo. Each stem is buoyant, due to air trapped in longitudinal cells, so the boat is technically a raft, although it is shaped like a canoe, a watertight craft. This boat weighs about 170 lbs. when dry, and gains weight when its many surfaces are wetted in use. The bindings used in this 14 ’ long boat are wild grapevine, tule rope and Manila hemp. In different regions of California, people would use whatever was available and serviceable, including other cordage and shoots of willow and maple.

Boats were replaced in late summer every year or two, the old craft returning to the marsh to decay, but valuable cordage was probably re-used for the new boat or other purpose, if in good condition.
Charles Kennard

We are pleased beyond words to have the first boat built at the Heritage Center reflect the watercraft used by the first inhabitants of the watershed. The boat will be on display at the Center during our meetings and events. We also plan to exhibit it at the Petaluma Museum and elsewhere in the community thanks to the “Tule Boat Team”.

Successful River Heritage Fair hosted by Friends:

After a night of lightning and thunder folks who braved the weather on Sept. 12th were treated to a day of exciting River related activities. The fun began in the morning with the 3rd edition of “The Mayor’s Boat Ride”. It continued all afternoon with visits to historic boats in the Turning Basin and activities on the grounds of Petaluma River Heritage Center in Steamer Landing Park. The efforts of many volunteers, led by Co-Chairs David Hansen and Eve O’Rourke, helped to make this daylong family event a great success. Bonna Benedetti-Flynn and her team of volunteers prepared the lunch & refreshments. Many musicians, poets, historians, and craftspeople contributed their talents to entertain the steady stream of guests that visited the Center. Special thanks go to Eve O’Rourke and the team that helped to build our temporary docks for the event. We also thank the SF Nat. Maritime Museum and the crews of the Alma and Grace Quan for sailing their historic craft to Petaluma for the weekend.

Arrival of the Alma	Arrival of the Grace Quan	The dock under construct	The dock building team

More highlights of the day can be found at the Friends Flickr site and at the Argus Courier’s Petaluma 360 site.

Fall Cleanup by S. Sonoma Resource Conservation Dist. & Friends:

Coastal Cleanup week saw the Petaluma River’s tributaries get some much needed attention thanks to a team from the So. Sonoma co. RCD lead by Jason Sweeney and a cadre of willing volunteers. Folks met at the Friends Hq. parking lot to scour the adjacent riverbanks and nearby streams. Over two dozen participants filled dumpsters provided by Green Waste. We salute Jason for organizing this clean up and look forward to an expanded event in 2010.

Jason Sweeney and Friend check dumpsters	Happy River Cleanup participants	Dr. John Shribbs at the Friends Table

Dolphin Charters to offer Petaluma River Tours in October:

Dolphin charters will again offer their popular 3 hr. river tours this Fall aboard their beautiful 50’ trawler “Delphinus”. They will be in Petaluma on October 17th & 18th and Oct. 31 & Nov 1st.

Check out the official Dolphin Charters website for more information or call (510) 527-9622

For more information or to help as a volunteer contact David Yearsley or call 707 763-7756.

With this issue we will begin publishing an expanded “Tidings” on a quarterly basis. At the same time we will increase the use our “alerts” and other media resources to bring you important news on a more frequent basis. We believe that these changes will improve the delivery of breaking news. It will also free up time spent on computers. Use that extra time on the River!

Dutra meeting draws hundreds:

A town hall meeting on the controversial Asphalt plant proposed by the Dutra Group for Haystack Landing drew hundreds of people to the Petaluma Veteran’s Hall on Sat. May 3Oth. The meeting was hosted by State Assemblyman Jared Huffman who was joined by Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey and State Senator Mark Leno. A passionate gathering of over 400 supporters and opponents arrived early and filled the hall to overflowing.

U.S. Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey, State Assemblyman Jared Huffman, and State Senator Mark Leno	A diverse and overflowing crowd attendedl

Three different panels presented information to the legislators and audience. One represented proponents of the project, one was opposition, and a third represented regulatory agencies. A public comment period was held toward the end.  The proposed plant, situated in an ecologically sensitive area along the river, has generated controversy and created community division ever since being approved by the County Planning Commission and passed by a straw vote of the Board of Supervisors.

The next hearing before the Board of Supervisors is planned for June 9th at 2PM.

Links to more information:

• Tapes of the Dutra forum will be available on Assemblyman Huffman’s website
• Read more on the meeting in the Sunday Press Democrat
• Read Frank Simpson’s Blog on the event and see more pictures
• Community activists have organized opposition to the proposed location of the plant and have an excellent website

Friends River Tours!

At long last Friends of the Petaluma River is offering River tours to the public. Beginning in June we will offer trips that will appeal to a broad array of people. Our nature tours will explore Petaluma’s marshes and feature bird watching and wetlands ecology. On Friday evening wine & cheese tours you can unwind and enjoy the rivers colorful vistas while learning about its history. We also offer private tours for families and groups that can be custom tailored to suit your needs. All trips will be guided by Friends founder Capt. Dave Yearsley, and can often include guest experts and entertainers. See our flyer and make your reservations now!

River Heritage Center workshop generates great ideas:

On May 26th a diverse group of community leaders, professional planners, and interested citizens gathered at the historic livery stable to participate in a brainstorming workshop for the best uses of the McNear’s Peninsula site. The workshop was hosted by the Friend’s Heritage Center Committee and orchestrated by architect Mary Dooley.

		optical communication
Event emcee Mary Dooley	Scott Brodhun welcomes the crowd	Isaiah and Ian present their table’s list

The participants were greeted by Parks and Rec. Director Scott Brodhun and given an overview of the Heritage Center site and Steamer Landing Park. They then broke out into work groups and to generate lists of ideas for use of the site and facilities. These ideas will be collated and summarized by the RHC Committee and used to prioritize future plans. Table leaders included David Rabbitt, John Fitzgerald, David Hansen, Gina Benedetti-Petnic, and Bill Wolpert. Workshop organizers included Mary Dooley, Bill Wolpert, Gina Benedetti-Petnic, Eve O’Rourke, and Bonna Benedetti-Flynn. Bonna & Gina provided home baked pizza and Peets donated coffee. A big thank you to everyone who attended the workshop and helped to make this event a resounding success.

More photos from this and other events can be found at Friends’ Flickr photostream.

Friends welcome two new Board members:

We are delighted to announce that two new members have joined Friend’s Board of Directors.

Penny Wells of San Rafael, affectionately known as the “Kayak Queen”, is co-founder of the Bay Area Water Trail and brings with her a wonderful and diverse background of paddle related activism.

Petaluma’s Elizabeth Mori is a community organizer who has devoted her time and energy to a number of efforts that promote public access to natural environments. She is currently a member of Petaluma’s Development Codes and Advisory Committee.

Penny Wells	Elizabeth Mori

We would also like to acknowledge the departure of two former Board members and thank them for their valuable services to Friends. Cari Pace Koch left the Board in Dec. of 08 and Jaimey Walking Bear left in March of 09. Both Jaimey and Cari had work conflicts that caused them to resign. We are delighted that they have both have agreed to continue serving Friends as founding members of our newly formed Advisory Committee.

Petaluma River Cleanup ’09 = wet dirty fun:

Despite a persistent drizzle nearly 100 folks gathered at the Petaluma Marina on May 2nd to take part in the annual River Cleanup. Friends carried a boatloads of participants to “happy hunting grounds” as well as transporting trash back to the docks for disposal. This years Cleanup Committee was Chaired by Bob Caruso. Click here for more photos of the cleanup.

A boatload of participants	The kids score!	Proud parents	Chairman Bob Caruso

PSC3 hosts Day on the River III:

Saturday May 30th saw many new and experienced river users gather at Petaluma’s Foundry Wharf for the Petaluma Small Craft Center Coalition’s third annual “Day on the River”.  At the free event folks could test drive a number of different non-motorized watercraft including row boats, kayaks, outrigger canoes, water bikes and stand-up “surf scooters”. For a charming video of the event check out this YouTube offering from Petaluma Pete.

The Petaluma Paddlers’ display at “DOR III”	Day on the River fun at Foundry Wharf docks

For more information on PSC3 visit their web site.

Friends needs your financial support!

Like many non-profits in these difficult times Friends of the Petaluma River is currently struggling to make ends meet.  We need your support now more than ever.  If you and your business appreciate the work that Friends does in promoting, protecting and reporting on the Petaluma River now is the time to re-new your membership or make a special contribution.
As a special incentive Friends will off a free hat for all contributions of $50 or more. Just mention this offer when you donate.

Online credit card donations can be securely made by clicking the red ‘Make a Donation’ button over there in the left column of this site. We need you! Friends depends and on public support to continue our important work

For more information or to help as a volunteer contact David Yearsley or call 707 763-7756.