Petaluma · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Petaluma public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Storm Preparedness and Hazard Mitigation
Emergency manager Tom Jordan laid out how the city prepares for floods and quakes, from EOC training to neighborhood resilience groups. Discussion highlighted gaps for small businesses and for seniors who can't fill 40-pound sandbags.
Independent Police Auditor Annual Oversight
A commenter questioned whether the city is getting its money's worth from the IPA contract, noting the monthly stats don't address issues like racial disparity and are hard to follow in audio format. The auditors plan a richer report format in the new year.
Naming of Petaluma Community Sports Fields Baseball Field after John 'JJ' Jackson
The city considered honoring longtime local sports editor John 'JJ' Jackson by naming the new baseball field at the Petaluma Community Sports Fields after him. Commissioners and community speakers praised his decades of fair and thorough coverage of youth and high school sports.
Caulfield Lane Paving and Street Tree Planting
The city is selecting trees for the upcoming Caulfield Lane paving project, balancing aesthetic value, drought tolerance, and compatibility with potential stormwater bioswales.
Fleet Modernization and Zero-Emission Bus Rollout
The city recently took delivery of five new electric paratransit vans (though awaiting correct seating installation) and has applied for $4.8 million through One Bay Area Grants (OBAG) to purchase three fixed-route electric buses.
Mayoral Election
Petaluma's upcoming mayoral race is heating up as incumbent Kevin McDonnell faces off against challengers John Hanania and Shelina Moreda. The candidates are clashing over the big stuff that affects daily life here: how fast the city should grow, the state of our local budget, and what government transparency actually looks like.
Caltrans Grant Applications for Pedestrian Safety and Planning
The city is applying for state grants to fund pedestrian safety upgrades along South McDowell Boulevard and a comprehensive planning study for the East Washington Street corridor. These grants help pay for crucial engineering fixes and community planning without straining local tax dollars.
Clarification of Historic District Window Standards
Public testimony raised questions about consistency in enforcing window replacement materials, specifically whether aluminum-clad wood windows comply with historic district guidelines compared to traditional all-wood windows.
State-Mandated Non-Functional Turf Irrigation Ban (AB 1572)
The city is updating its municipal code to comply with state law by prohibiting potable water irrigation for nonfunctional turf on commercial, industrial, institutional, and HOA properties, prompting discussions about water savings and business impacts.
Mobile Home Park Management Practices and Tenant Concerns
Residents from local mobile home parks voiced ongoing concerns regarding arbitration decisions, senior park overlay protections, and recent state legislation.
Measure M Parks Investment and Measure H Renewal
Staff reviewed how $6 million in Measure M sales tax funds have improved parks, pools, and maintenance since 2019, while commissioners discussed ways to increase public input on future budget cycles and the upcoming November ballot measure.