What’s new on the “Petaloo”
Hello Again River Friends;
This is a new mid-month issue of the Tidings. Since the monthly version was getting longish and hard on some peoples attention span (not to mention my typing finger) I have decided to try a bi-weekly version.

New opportunities :

Big fun on the Petaluma Bayou!
Wild Catahoulas in Petaluma
Cajun music returns to Papa’s Taverna in Petaluma , Friday May 19, 2006. Dance lesson at 7 : 30 and music starts at 8. Come for dinner, stay a little longer. Five miles southeast of Petaluma on Lakeville Highway .
This is great news. What could be better than a springtime Cajun stomp on the Petaluma Bayou? The Catahoulas are a fantastic band of local musicians. Print the attached flier, spread the word, and come on down to Papa’s on Friday ; better yet, arrive by water! (see below)

Friday night flotilla :
In the spirit of San Francisco’s “critical mass” no host monthly bike rides I propose starting a Petaluma River “nautical mass” event. Participants would launch “nature powered” watercraft for a monthly Friday evening outing. Itineraries might vary but time and place of assembly would usually remain the same. The “no host” element would make each participant responsible for their own welfare and preclude the need for insurance. Folks could join in and leave according to their own desires and schedules.

In a test run of this concept a few local rowers and sailors are planning to boat down to Papa’s Taverna this Friday for a fun night of dinner and dancing. Adventurous participants with nature powered water craft are encouraged to join us for a “flotilla of fun”! We will be meeting at the Petaluma Marina ( 781 Baywood Dr. ) around 5 : 15 PM to arrange shuttles for taking out at Papa’s in Lakeville. Plan to cast off around 6PM for the approximately 3 mile row, sail, or paddle down the river. There will be a moderate incoming tide that evening with high tide due around 9PM . Round trippers can paddle back under a half moon, but be sure to bring a light for safety.

News and Events :

Big news on the Press front! There was an excellent cover story in the Petaluma section of the Santa Rosa Press Democrat on Friday the 12 th. by Tobias Young.. It was a real treat to have copies of this article onboard for the evening’s benefit cruise.

Sunset/Full Moon River Cruise a “huge success” :
People came from all over the North Bay and as far away as Berkeley . The Cruise was successful by all standards, as a full compliment of 34 “Friends” boarded the beautiful Delphinus under ideal weather conditions and enjoyed a delightful trip down the Petaluma River stopping for a tasty dinner at Papa’s Taverna in picturesque Lakeville.

The evening seemed to be enchanted. The air was warm, the breezes light, and spirits were high (especially after some wine was opened).

The River cast a magical spell under the colorful setting sun as great vistas of wetlands stretched to tree lined hills on both sides of the boat. Many birds made their evening peregrinations for an appreciative audience while the narratives of our naturalist hosts were sometimes textured by personal conversations and happy laughter. We were delighted to make over $1,500 that evening with many people saying they wanted to help “Friends” more in the future. I want to extend my warmest thanks to Captain Ronn Patterson and Barbara Fitzgerald for donating this tour. I also want to thank all of the people who helped to organize the event and those who joined us onboard. Every one of you made this an evening to remember. Look for another story about the “Friends” event and the wonders of the Petaluma in the S.F. Chronicle sports section ( most likely on Thursday the 25 th ) as noted outdoor columnist Paul McHugh was also onboard with pen in hand.

Friends of the Petaluma River now officially a non-profit :
Thanks to the Environmental Education and Advocacy Council’s (EEAC) donation of their dormant 501c3 organization to Friends of the Petaluma River and the pro bono legal work of our Board Chairman Andrew Packard Friends is now officially a 501c3. In a generous decision by the former board of EEAC Friends received a windfall of $4000 in financial assets from that organization, for which we are very grateful.

Conservation & Culture :

Yes, these two concepts coexist in renowned environmental artists Patricia Johanson ’s plans the City of Petaluma ’s new water treatment plant & wetlands Park www.patriciajohanson.com. Unfortunately the city says it lacks funding to realize many of Johanson’s innovative designs. To learn more about this situation and to support the public access components come to the Petaluma Park and Recreation Commission meeting this Wednesday May 17 th 7PM at City Hall , 11 English St. Petaluma . I will be meeting with a coalition of supporters beforehand to strategize on funding options for the art and access elements.

Membership : the river wants you for a Friend
We are definitely gaining momentum as more folks are sending in membership donations. If you have not joined us yet please download the “How can I help ?’ form from our website and mail it in today. If you have already joined then tell a friend about “Friends”. We also need volunteers.

There is still time to become a “Charter Member” of Friends . This privilege is limited to the first 100 people to join. As a charter member you will receive special mention at our upcoming events. Join us at the at the “Great Friends” level ($250) and above you will receive a personal boat tour to learn many “mysteries of the River”.

Hope to see you on the water and in the community!
Dave Yearsley — Executive Director
Friends of the Petaluma River

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