Talk of P-Town: A wild sheep chase
A three-dot column of local news, information, and gossip
August 26, 2026Crissy Pascual
37 posts
Back to school at Cinnabar
Cinnabar Elementary School welcomed students back on the first day of the new school year. Also new at Cinnabar is Principal Amelia Circo. The native Petaluman who played softball at Casa Grande High School brings 30 years of experience in education with her. "I'm so excited. This
August 12, 2026
Nonprofits provide school supplies for students in need
A new school year begins for most Petaluma students today. The first day of school means new grades, new teachers, and new supplies. For some families, school supplies can put a big dent in their budget. But several local organizations are here to help ease that burden. Petaluma People Services
August 12, 2026
5Qs with Petaluma Educational Foundation executive director Maureen Highland
Highland, 58, has led the nonprofit organization for more than 12 years. Its grants and scholarships help support some 12,000 students in all of the public, private, and charter schools in Petaluma.
August 12, 2026
5Qs with ornament artist Kevin Akers
Kevin Akers, 64, a fifth-generation Petaluman, may be retired from a successful career as a graphic artist, but he still wants to produce art that “makes a difference.” His latest project involves handmade Christmas ornaments of iconic Petaluma signs.
July 29, 2026
5Qs With Muralist Maxfield Bala
Maxfield Bala, 32, has been painting murals since he was a teenager at Petaluma High School. The artist returned to his alma mater to create a mural dedicated to a program he studied there, auto and metal shop.
July 15, 2026
Sea Lion Poisoning More Prevalent
Recent years have brought more cases of sea lions who are sick from marine sea toxins, including two in Petaluma in a year, a possible indicator of sea health decline
July 15, 2026
5Qs With Ice Cream Maker Pilar Bernard
The first two things that the owner of Mariapilar Ice Creamery looks at in the morning are her bank balance and the weather. There's nothing better than a hot day for an ice cream maker.
July 08, 2026
ICE Out
More than 100 people showed up at Monday's Petaluma City Council meeting to demand the passing of a non-cooperation ordinance against ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement). Holding signs and speaking during public commentary, the anti-ICE protestors implored council members to make the ordinance an
July 08, 2026