It’s been almost 4 years since my husband, son and I moved to Petaluma, trading in our city life for a place with breathing room. This town captivated us, though at the time, it was hard to pinpoint the exact source of its appeal. Without knowing its formal history we could instantly sense its uniqueness from all others spread along the 101.

Each time we explored a new pocket or corner, we found ourselves admiring the organic mix of styles, tastes and influences. Small town charm peacefully coexists with modern-day conveniences. Scenic hillsides are peppered with the sweat of industry, alongside suburban enclaves. Agricultural roots serve as the context for an unexpectedly current livelihood of arts and music.

Perhaps most evident is the architectural diversity we witnessed in our search of a house to call home. We were taken by the tapestry of English cottages blending with their Spanish-style neighbors nestled beside renewed Craftsmans, mid-century ranch, modern steel-siding, and of course, elegant heritage Victorians. It was as if we had stumbled upon a place immune to the chronology of time, embracing with open arms every era with equal love. If Petaluma were an art project, it would certainly be deemed mixed media.

It was obvious that this town serves as an intersection, a meeting place if you will, where assorted personalities and perspectives come together and somehow swirl into a mix that is at once idiosyncratic and attractive.

No longer outsiders looking into this unique community, we are now enthusiastic participants falling deeper into its embrace. Over time, I’ve heard a lot of attempts to sum up this magic quality that is Petaluma. Most recently it’s been called eccentric and eclectic, both ideas that speak to the diversity and mix-ology that drew us here.

For me there might be an even simpler summation. It lies in a word so commonplace that it’s often overlooked, yet its role and meaning is so powerful when you stop to think about it. The word is AND, or better still, the symbol of “&”. The ultimate connector, “&” joins contrasting, even opposing ideas and offers them a home…together. “&” unites the unlike-minded, enjoys their differences and suspends judgment. “&” promotes dimension rather than singularity, vibrancy over monotony. Most importantly, “&” encourages harmony built on mutual respect.

At it’s essence “&” represents the core of what community should be – people from varying backgrounds and experiences, from diverse ethnicities and a spectrum of socio-economic classes coming together in conviviality. Isn’t that what true community is all about? Acknowledging, sharing, even celebrating our differences so that we may learn and grow from them?

It makes me proud to think that I live in a town that embodies “&” at its core, that connectedness that is community. If we can embrace this nature that is inherent to Petaluma, I believe that we can step forward into the future stronger, richer and a model for other communities to follow.

The unique interplay of pictures and words conveys a thrilling sense of narrative that transcends the page and transports you halfway around the globe. It is a riveting story told in a riveting way: each image is actually comprised of multiple photographs taken over the course of time (from ten minutes to several hours – a photographic approach critics have dubbed “flat film”). The result is nothing less than a new and startling way of seeing photographs.

SLOW: Life in a Tuscan Town by Douglas Gayeton from Pier Giorgio Provenzano on Vimeo.

WEDNESDAY EVENING

June 10 – August 26, 2009
4:30 PM – 8:00 PM
in the Theatre District
( 2nd Street between B & D Streets.)

SATURDAYS

May 23 – October 31, 2009
2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
in Walnut Park on the Corner of Petaluma Blvd South and D Street.

409 Petaluma Blvd South
Suite B (Behind Clavey River Co.)
707-364-9996

All proceeds are used for projectHERE and local events.

projectHERE STORE >>

As we move into a new era in Petaluma’s rich cultural tapestry, what will define our way of life?
What will we be known for in the years to come? Will it remain the poultry industry that defines us?
Will it be the revival of the local agriculture industry or the “Petaluma Gap” wine growing district?

Weather we remain the chicken capital or not, it’s crucial that Petaluma understand and embrace
the thing that brings us all here. That thing that has made this area so unique and desirable to all of us.

Let us know what you think, what’s your take on the what lies beyond the chicken.

HeebeJeebe is much more than just a novelty store. It’s home to a wide variety of housewares, jewelry, t-shirts, hats, scarves, cards for any occasion, unusual and fun toys for boys and girls of all ages, as well as wonderful and interesting things just for baby. HeebeJeebe is also home to The Champion, a mechanical horse that is a long-time favorite of small children in Petaluma, a black and white photo booth, and Boomerang Gallery. Boomerang Gallery is known for having interesting, edgy and fresh art shows that showcase local artists of all ages… especially those whose sensibilities lie somewhere close to the intersection of lowbrow and folk art.

707-773-3222

With the finest accents for your home and garden. Stop by and see their unique selection of birdbaths, fountains, garden art, arbors, statuary, topiary, pottery, and linens.

www.tuscangarden.com

316 B Street
Petaluma, Ca 94952

707-765-2993

– Wine Enthusiast on 2005 Oro de Plata

We are the southernmost winery in the Sonoma Coast appellation and the first to establish ourselves in the Petaluma Valley. The terroir at Keller Estate is defined by the Petaluma Gap and is subject to two major maritime influences. The San Pablo Bay lies immediately to the south, while to the northwest is an opening in the coastal hills which allows masses of fog to flow freely towards the Petaluma Valley. This geographical signature is unique and creates a cool and long growing season for our vineyards. Keller Estate’s Pinot Noir grows particularly beautifully in these foggy conditions.

www.kellerestate.com

Keller Estate Winery
5875 Lakeville Hwy.
Petaluma, CA 94954

(707) 765.2117

quite unlike commodity cheeses, and can be compared to making fine wine. It is possible to name the cheesemaker, identify the pasture where the animals grazed, and to name the breed of cow, sheep or goat whose milk was used. Artisan cheese comes with a sense of place, ecological values, and a unique relationship between the artisan and the raw materials. All of the cheesemakers we work with have great respect for the land and the animals they are the custodians of. In buying farmstead cheese rather than industrially produced cheese, you will support the fine art of farmstead cheesemaking, enjoy a wide range of distinctive cheeses that are full of nuance and flavor, help to insure jobs in rural areas, and contribute to protecting farmlands from development.

VISIT THEIR WEBSITE