Public Safety Facility Approved
Project at Fairgrounds, costing $72 million in all, to be finished in spring of 2028
July 15, 2026
5Qs With Local Artist Maxfield Bala
Artist Maxfield Bala, 32, has been painting murals since he was a teenager at Petaluma High School. The muralist returned to his alma mater to create a mural dedicated to a program he studied there, auto and metal shop.
July 15, 2026
Medieval Reenactors Battle and Craft at Petaluma Park
Two strapping men step toward each other, ready for battle. One clasps a sword; the other, a fearsome weapon with a long shaft and a broad, crescent-shaped blade. They wear custom-forged medieval-style helmets and handmade leather armor to lessen the blows. At stake is a future knighthood
July 15, 2026
Scene & Herd: Bands, Books, and Booths
You know it's summer in Petaluma when the weekend is packed with activity! Petaluma Voice Editor Tobias Young captured video of Bands on the Basin while staff photographer Crissy Pascual popped in on the scene at the Petaluma Library's 50th anniversary. Then, on Sunday, regular contributor
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, 2026Creative Spirit: July 15, 2026
Petaluma is nothing if not overflowing with the beauty of creative spirit. We are a community of creators including writers, painters, sculptors, musicians, and live performers who are all giving back to the town that we love in our own way. This Week's Stories Celebrating that creative spirit
July 15, 2026
Doctors From Mexico Fill Dire Medical Need
Petaluma Health Center hiring 14 doctors through partnership program
July 08, 2026
Petaluma River Floathouse Rocks
A day of live music on the river, an infamous 1880s madam tells her story on a kayak tour, and a quest for a community boathouse
July 08, 2026Summer Vacation: July 8, 2026
Petaluma Voice is going on vacation! Well, sort of. It's that time of year, and we are taking the opportunity to step back, recharge our batteries, and prepare for all that lies ahead. We may not be fully staffed, but don't worry. Despite the Fourth of
July 08, 2026
Petaluma Library’s 50th Anniversary Celebration Is a Step Back in Time for Retired Journalist
In 1976, Petaluma joined with the rest of the country to celebrate America’s bicentennial. The town was awash in American flags and red-white-and-blue decorations, while a July 4 parade and other patriotic festivities were held throughout the year. But the most eagerly anticipated event of 1976
July 08, 2026
Scene & Herd: 250th Birthday Party
Our nation recently celebrated its 250th birthday with a bang. In Petaluma, the evening fireworks show delighted crowds all over town. Local photographer and Petaluma native Frank Blue took dazzling photos of the grand finale with the old Shamrock Concrete Factory in the foreground, on Saturday, July 4, 2026. On
July 08, 2026
Shelter Tales: Zero
In partnership with local animal shelters, every month we feature different dogs and cats available for adoption
July 08, 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
Voices: My Experience With Medical Aid in Dying
"Voices" is our column for community contributions, where guest authors share their expertise or unique perspective on life in Petaluma. If you would like to contribute, please email news@petalumavoice.org. In 2015, I worked hard to get the End of Life Option Act passed in California. I
July 03, 2026Re-Fresh Friday: July 3, 2026
Before your holiday weekend, we've got some news to share! On Monday the city council will consider a $52 million contract for a new public safety facility at the fairgrounds, as well as a development plan for the area surrounding the Petaluma North SMART transit station. The meeting
July 03, 2026
City Council Considers $52 Million Contract for Public Safety Facility
Monday meeting will also include plan for development around the Petaluma North SMART station
July 03, 2026
City Leaders Seek to Attract and Retain Businesses, Including Hotels
Mindful of vacant storefronts, dipping sales tax revenues, and frustration among business owners about the city’s permitting process, city leaders are working on several ways to attract and retain businesses in Petaluma. Staff from the Economic Development Division within the Community Development Department presented a number of such strategies
July 01, 2026