9 posts
After growing up in Petaluma, Natalie Vinueza (née Mitchell) left town to pursue a career in acting. But circumstances brought her back in 2020, then steered her toward a new, unexpected, "completely fulfilling" career running a café with her husband, Juan Carlos.
June 10, 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
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
Born and raised in Petaluma, Lawrence, now 76, was once the youngest city commissioner in Petaluma. Eventually he became the city's longest-serving commissioner. And then there's the River Phoenix thing.
May 20, 2026
Your fire-engine-red 1941 Ford pickup appeared in "American Graffiti," but you’ll also be showing a second classic car at Cruisin’ the Boulevard, correct? Yes, a ‘57 Chevy Nomad. It’s freshly built. It sat for a long time, and it took three years to put
May 13, 2026
What’s your best piece of practical advice for a new mom? My best piece of advice and what all the psychology research shows, is that you just have to be a good enough mom. You don't have to be a perfect mom. You don't have
May 06, 2026
How did you end up owning Cottage Gardens? My youngest child had just turned five and I knew I wanted to work somewhere. I was either always at Cottage Gardens or always at Copperfield’s, so I literally applied to both of them. I’m so glad this is where
April 29, 2026
What is your job at the Refill Mercantile? I sling soap! I don’t make any of these products. About 75% of our products are sourced from women-owned companies. I am a co-owner with my husband, Rob. We started this together in 2021 and it’s been really
April 22, 2026
What do you do at the History Room to preserve Petaluma history? My job is to connect people to the materials that are here. I do that by ensuring that the materials are in what we call a “housing,” correctly placed, so that they can last for another 150 years.
April 15, 2026