What a time to be on the river! Recent events and beautiful weather have brought hundreds of people to the waters of the Petaloo in the last few months. Now several new activities beckon, including the first ever “Race for the River” on Sept. 6th. Don’t want to miss out on the fun. Learn about it and more below.

Race for the River is September 6th

Friends of the Petaluma River invites all paddlers and rowers to join us for a special day of fun and discovery on the River. We invite you to join us with any craft you can think of, as long as it is human-powered: outriggers, shells, kayaks, surfskis, canoes, rafts, tubes…..whatever!

This is a day the whole family can enjoy, so bring the kids, friends, neighbors, and co-workers, and enjoy a day of fun and exploration on the Petaluma River.

It’s a Race like no other: a marine treasure hunt that celebrates the rich bounty and beauty of the River. The course will cover some 6 miles along the River up and down stream from the Marina. Along the way, and sometimes hidden in tributaries, will be positioned some 30 floating markers that designate points of natural, commercial, and historical interest. It’s the job of each team to “tag” as many of the markers as they can in 2½ hours.

Strategy and speed will favor the most competitive teams, but some teams may just enjoy paddling around while observing the fun and the rich wildlife that the River calls its home. So come on down and join in the fun!

The more markers you tag, the more raffle tickets your team gets!

THE DETAILS

• When – 9 am to 2 pm, September 6, 2008
• Where – Petaluma Marina, Petaluma, CA
• Click the registration price below to pay by PayPal (Please specify lunch choice: Vegetarian or Turkey in PayPal Comments during checkout)
• Click here to Pre-Register by mail
• Families, corporate teams, couples, individual racers, River rats – all are welcome!
• All proceeds go to promote the Friends of the Petaluma River’s activities to preserve and celebrate the River.
• The sponsors of each station will provide something of value or interest to each team that stickers its station; eg, a 2 for 1 meal coupon, a historical fact sheet, a 10% discount, and so on.
• Click to download the Liability of Risk Release form

RAFFLE SPONSORS TO DATE (many more to come!):

• River and Ocean LLC — Valley Sea Kayaks, Kokatat Watersports Wear, Lettmann Paddles, North Shore Sea Kayaks, ElephantWear, Mitchell Paddles, Gath Helmets, Barz Optics
• Futura Surf Skis
• Ocean Paddlesports – Fenn Kayaks
• Dairydell Canine
• Outwest Garage
• Evermay Garden Center
• Graffiti Restaurant
• Lee’s Body Shop

FOOD SPONSORS TO DATE (many more to come!):

• Peets Coffee & Tea
• Noah’s Bagels

CORPORATE SPONSORS:

• Port Sonoma
• RNM Properties
• ERI

Kayaks are available for rent at Clavey’s Kayaks
409 Petaluma Blvd. South • Petaluma, CA 94952
www.clavey.us • 707.766.8070

Check this site for periodic updates.

Last Nautical Mass for 2008 Sets Sail Friday, August 29th

This month we join the fabulous “Café scene” that is taking place along the River on Friday nights. Bands are playing and Restaurants are providing outdoor seating at the Apple Box and along water St. Friends will provide downtown hospitality to Nautical Mass participants on our wonderful new “Barge”.

Bring your non-motorized boat to the Petaluma Marina launch Ramp; 781 Baywood Dr. Fri. the 29th in time to depart from the Marina at 6PM. Come and enjoy the festivities at the last Mass for 2008.

Friends HQ is Moving to a New Location:

We will be leaving our wonderful offices at the Petaluma Marina Office Center at the end of August for a new home up-river at 260H Water St. North. We are looking forward to being closer to downtown and are excited about the rustic waterfront location of our new home. Although it is much smaller than our previous space we have the stability of a lease and the possibility of installing a dock for water access.

We would sincerely like to thank to folks at the Marina Office Center for accommodating us at a greatly reduced rent for the past year and helping Friends to substantially expand its community presence.

Stop by and say hi when you’re in town. We will be having a housewarming celebration later this Fall.

Mayor’s Boat Ride and River Fest a Memorable Success::

August 10th was a great day for everyone who visited Petaluma’s downtown turning basin; whether they came by water or land. Over 60 non-motorized watercraft helped launch the Sesquicentennial River Fest by joining Mayor Pamela Torliatt and the crew of the historic scow schooner Alma for a boat ride into town. Participants included local paddling and rowing clubs, plus many individuals with canoes, kayaks, rowboats and other craft; some created especially for the occasion. Our thanks go to the event’s many volunteers, and participants; together they made this day long festival colorful, and memorable.

The flotilla heads for town	Mayor Pam and crew from The Alma	Some unique water craft showed up

Beautiful wooden boats were in abundance	Whole families participated

River Heritage Center plans move forward:

The historic livery stable at Steamer Landing Park is getting some much deserved attention as Friends of the Petaluma River is working with Petaluma’s Parks & Rec. River Heritage Center Committee to clean up the interior and make plans for future uses. The first public tours of the facility were hosted by Friends during the River Fest on Aug. 10th where participants were encouraged to share their ideas for future uses.

The Livery Stable cleanup begins	River Heritage Center information station

The River Heritage Center needs your help. If you would like to assist as a committee member or restoration volunteer please contact us via email or call 707 763-7756

Dutra / Haystack Landing Asphalt decision date extended:

The Sonoma Co. Planning Commission heard comments on the final EIR for the proposed Asphalt plant on Aug. 21. Many River aficionados and Shollenberger Park users attend the meeting to voice their concerns about the location and “unavoidable impacts” of the proposed facility. Many others wrote letters to the Planning & Permit department to comment on the project. So many comments were raised that the Commission’s final decision of whether or not to recommend the project as planned to the Board of Supervisors was postponed until Oct. 16th. There is still time to comment and make your views known.

For more background see the recent article from the Press Democrat: plus comments and an editorial from the Argus Courier:
View the EIR by clicking here.

Let the Sonoma County Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors know what you think.
Even a few words can make a difference. Speak now or forever live with the consequences.
e-mail Steve Padovan and attend the hearing on Oct 16th.

Site of the proposed plant’s loading dock on a windy day	Bill Kortum registers his concerns

The River Heritage Center needs your help. If you would like to assist as a committee member or restoration volunteer please contact us via email or call 707 763-7756

No Comments »