Civic Life: September 2, 2026
Issue #21
Petalumans are engaged in civic life in innumerable ways, from government and business to religion and volunteering. This week we've got items on all of these and more, highlighting the rich tapestry of our community and breaking news along the way.
As longtime residents and journalists operating Petaluma's only local, independent, paywall-free news source, we're part of that tapestry, too. This is our contribution, and it's growing and building every day.
If you believe in what we're doing, we need your support. Spread the word. Subscribe. If you donate or become a paying member, you'll help ensure that others in our community who can't afford it can continue to receive access to the news.
Want to come to our launch party on the afternoon of Saturday, Sept. 19? Enjoy free beer, wine, and snacks; meet the team and other community members including past 5Qs interview subjects and city officials; and ask us all your questions about launching a hyper-local news nonprofit! Become an Incubator to attend one free Petaluma Voice event per year, and we'll put you on the list!
This week's stories
One of our civic duties – or privileges – is to vote. That's why we've got a primer this week on how to register to vote in the November election.
Talk of P-Town is packed with short pieces about all things Petaluma, including people contributing their talents and making their voices heard. As always, don't miss it!
In business news, we've got the scoop on Petaluma's third and final cannabis dispensary, soft opening this weekend on Lynch Creek Way. We also check in on sales so far at the city's other two new cannabis storefronts, which opened in December 2025 and April 2026.
We've been reporting on the Petaluma animal shelter since our launch in April (see "In case you missed it" below). Our latest story introduces a possible solution to the city's ongoing animal services woes: joining a new cooperative, countywide model.
We also break the news of a temporary restraining order filed against Petaluma mayoral candidate Shelina Moreda in October 2025 and lifted two months later.
Meanwhile, this week's 5Qs features a lively conversation with Rabbi Shalom Bochner at the B'nai Israel Center for Jewish Life in Petaluma, one of Northern California's oldest Jewish institutions.
Finally, Scene & Herd features a powerful contributed photo and two videos from the Food Not Fentanyl event at Pronzini Farms on Sunday, Aug. 30.
In case you missed it: Animal services coverage
In light of our latest story about the Petaluma animal shelter and local animal services, we'd like to point you toward some of our past coverage. Reporter Jennifer Sawhney has been following the story since day one.
On May 13, we reported on progress after Marin Humane assumed oversight of the shelter from North Bay Animal Services in early April 2026.
On June 24, we covered a Sonoma County Civil Grand Jury report that slammed Petaluma's oversight of its former shelter provider.
On July 22, we wrote about Petaluma officials' formal and legally required response to the damning report.
And on August 5, we investigated North Bay Animal Services' ties to a mass dog grave discovered in Humboldt County in May.
Do you like our work? Support us with a tip.