What’s new on the “Petaloo ”
by David Yearsley

Hello River Friends;

The Tidings have returned. A lot has happened since October 05, when the original posting announced my departure from Baykeeper. I now hope to keep you informed about River related news on a more regular basis. I am launching a new organization called Friends of the Petaluma River , and am doing it with some wonderful people.

Our motto is “Celebrate and Conserve”; which describes the work we plan to do in the community and on the water.

Friends of the Petaluma River will provide recreational activities, educational materials, and instructive programs that promote access to and understanding of the Petaluma River and its “Wetlands Empire”. “Friends” will also monitor conditions in the Petaluma Watershed and act as a “voice for the River and its wildlife” in public affairs.

As a new 501c3 non profit we urgently need your support! Both financial contributions and volunteer help are needed to get our new organization up and running. To send donations use the “Join” link above or to lend a hand please fill use the “Contact” link above or call 707 763-7756. Our immediate needs include:

• Computers (laptop and stationary), and administrative help
• PR, and outreach materials and design assistance
• Development efforts and volunteer coordination leader
• Technical help to build and launch a new web site
• Money for Insurance and overhead expenses
• Assistance with program planning and implementation

Your support and contributions will help to further our vital work.

More importantly, it will bring increased opportunities to connect you with the River.
News and Events:

The Patricia Johanson presentation on Feb 27 th was quite a success, especially considering the weather and other local events. Well over 100 people attended the reception and or the slide show on Patricia’s work held in conjunction with the release of the book Art and Survival. “Friends” co-sponsored this event with the Petaluma Arts Council and it was hosted by the Sheraton Sonoma Co. Petaluma. We were heartened by the support generated for Patricia’s innovative designs to connect people to nature, protect the environment, and provide habitat for wildlife in conjunction with large civic projects. This internationally respected artist’s plans for Petaluma’s new water recycling facility will be a boon to the River and our community for years to come. Watch for the program to be aired on PCA soon. For more about Pat’s work see www.patriciajohanson.com. With donations to “Friends” of $50 or more you will receive a free copy of the book Art and Survival (see below).

Upcoming Access Opportunities

Landpaths; the non-profit that hosts outings on Sonoma Co. on Open Space has a new calendar out that features trips and events in the South County this quarter. Some of the more interesting offerings include a “Stories about place” event and a “Petaluma Marsh paddle”. To learn more about these and other offerings visit www.landpaths.org , e-mail outings@landpaths.org. or call 707 524-9318.

River Tours:
As part of our mission to get people on the river we are working with Dolphin Charters, www.dolphincharters.com, to promote their new service providing river tours on the Petaluma. They in turn are donating a portion of the proceeds to Friends of the Petaluma River. Please download the attached flier to learn more about this wonderful opportunity. These are great folks and they provide wonderful information on the history of the River and its natural resources. This trip should be great for bird watching too. There are only a few dates offered at this time and seating is limited, so make your reservations quickly before they sell out. Tell your friends about this opportunity and consider going as a group.

Conservation Issues

Redwood Landfill: The public hearing on the Landfill’s Expansion EIR has still not been scheduled; due in part to some very serious concerns about seismic safety, water quality threats, wildlife disturbance, and other issues raised in comment letters that still have not been answered. Marin Co. should schedule a hearing within the next few months. For further updates and to learn more about this threat to the Petaluma Marsh and the entire watershed visit the website of No Wetlands Expansion (NWLE) at www.noexpansion.org. I’ll leave you with these thoughts from Stuart Moody of Marin.

“The sad truth is that the negative impacts of the Landfill in terms of danger to the surrounding marsh lands and communities may be fully realized only after it closes and its owners are long gone.”

In 1969, at the end of a presentation on William Bronson’s “How to Kill a Golden State,” one of the audience members told a parable: “In the olden days, when men lived in caves, they used to throw their garbage in front of their own cave. Then as humanity evolved, they began to throw their garbage in front of the other guy’s cave. That’s where we are now.”

Dutra: Is planning an asphalt production facility on the river at Haystack Landing, just south of town. There was an EIR scoping meeting on Feb. 27th at the Petaluma Community Center. The written comment period for for items that should be considered in the EIR is open until around March 20th . Information can be obtained from the Sonoma County Permit and Resource Mgt. Dept. 2550 Ventura Ave. Santa Rosa, (707) 565-1900.

Or check online at www.sonoma-county.org.

More on this in the future.

I will be posting Tidings regularly to keep you informed about River news and events.

PLEASE become a “Friend” of the Petaluma River at the highest level you can.

Special “Charter Member” benefits : l imited to the first 100 “friends” to respond;

Recognition as a Charter Member of Friends of the Petaluma River .

Contributions of $50 or more will receive a free copy of the book Art and Survival.

Those at the “Great Friends” ($250) level and above will receive a personal river tour.

Mail your donation to:

Friends of the Petaluma River
P.O. Box 4928
Petaluma, Ca. 94955

Or call:
David Yearsley
707 763-7756

Happy Tidings from dmy

Dates to Note :

4/29 - Butter and Egg Parade; look for us in the turning basin after the parade

5/7 - Annual River Cleanup

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