Students, parents, and educators are finding balance in Petaluma’s new Valley Vista Public Waldorf school, which formed last year from two existing schools with very different histories. With declining enrollment at the longtime Valley Vista Elementary School on North Webster Street and growth at Live Oak Charter School, a
June 05, 2026
A visiting delegation of Japanese scientists and a ginger farmer toured Petaluma’s Ellis Creek Water Recycling Facility and adjacent Shollenberger Park on Monday, June 1, to learn more about the city’s wetlands and innovative water treatment system. The visit was organized by Masayuki Komatsu, a decorated Japanese researcher
June 05, 2026
Petaluma City Council will hold its next meeting on Monday, June 8. Here’s what’s on the agenda. The meeting begins with a closed session at 5 p.m. to confer on labor negotiations. After the closed session concludes, the regular meeting begins at 6 p.m. To start
June 05, 2026New subscribers and loyal readers, thank you. And welcome, all, to our second Re-Fresh Friday newsletter. We publish weekly on Wednesdays, but sometimes you'll see us in your inbox on other days with brand-new content and reminders about past stories. Today we've got three timely news
June 05, 2026
The popular downtown thrift store will not reopen
June 03, 2026
A fawn rests under a parked truck, waiting for its mother to return. Baby wildlife for whom Petaluma is home can be found all over town in spring. If you notice a lone fawn, fear not, said Doris Duncan, executive director of Sonoma County Wildlife Rescue – they aren't
June 03, 2026
Started in 1938, the holiday commemorates Salvation Army volunteers who served donuts to soldiers during World War I
June 03, 2026
Patty Norman knows children's books better than anyone in town. She has run the children's section at Copperfield's since 2003, and even before that, brought her own children to the store. Here Norman reflects on inclusivity, epic book-release parties, and the rock band Night Ranger.
June 03, 2026
Workshops make Petaluma a regional zero-waste hub
June 03, 2026
Mayor Kevin McDonnell is seeking re-election in November, according to a campaign kick-off event announced on Facebook on May 30. His current term is set to end in December. “Serving Petaluma as our Mayor has been my highest honor,” McDonnell wrote in the post. “Working in every corner of our
June 03, 2026
Davina Goldwasser comes to Petaluma from the San Francisco Unified School District
June 03, 2026This is the final week of the school year for many local students, but there's always more to learn – for adults, too. Speaking of which, here at Petaluma Voice we're still learning and growing every week, so let us know how we're doing. Paying
June 03, 2026Celebrating Petaluma's newest high school graduates
June 03, 2026
As executive director of Agricultural Community Events Farmers' Markets, Smith helps run 10 markets across the North Bay, including Petaluma's year-round Tuesday market at the Petaluma Community Center and seasonal Saturday market at Walnut Park.
May 27, 2026
A new Petaluma group hoping to transform downtown Petaluma’s deteriorating historic railroad trestle into a "vibrant, iconic riverfront promenade” will kick off the effort with a public event on Thursday, May 28. The 104-year-old trestle, which once sustained the weight of train cars and their cargo, is now
May 27, 2026
For local skateboarders and other two- and four-wheeled shredders, the groundbreaking of Petaluma’s new skate park last week inspired visions of a revitalized scene in town that could put Petaluma on the map. Upwards of 50 people gathered at Lucchesi Park on Wednesday, May 20, to celebrate with city
May 27, 2026
June 2 is primary election day in California, and Petaluma Voice wants to help you make informed decisions about your vote. A number of local races and issues pertinent to Petaluma are on the ballot, including Measure B and the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors District 2 race. As a
May 27, 2026
The city held a groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday, May 21, for the forthcoming 23,000-square-foot skate park at Lucchesi Park. About 50 people attended the milestone event, which has been years in the making. The park is expected to be completed by fall. 0:00 /0:09 1× From left
May 27, 2026