Petaluma’s State Of The Union–Part II

BACKGROUND

Petaluma’s State Of The Union–Part I invited a discussion about how we are dealing with the changes being forced on us due to the general state of economic affairs in our fair city:

…the (current) economic malaise is not unique to Petaluma. It is playing out across the nation and some areas of the country are more severely affected than here.

Overall, I suspect that we are, to borrow a phrase from Bill Gross of Pimco, seeking a “new normal” economically. This journey to the “new normal” will take many months, if not years.

So how do we cope locally?

This article reflects some of the discussions generated by Part I.

_____________________________

I do agree we are all on a journey to a “new normal,” although at this point it is far from clear at what level the economy will stabilize.  Everything that we as individuals, businesses and government at all levels have come to treat as business as usual needs to be reexamined in light of the new realities, including the uncertainty around things once thought to be more stable than they are. –A Reader

Neighborhoods & Public Spaces (Streets & Parks)

The current recession has adversely affected the City’s ability to stay even with deteriorating streets, park maintenance, broken streetlights and neighborhood blight.  In my experience, these are the most common daily ”complaints” registered with me or expressed on the various forums on Petaluma 360.

Frankly, I don’t expect things to get better for quite some time.  We will be doing “good” if they don’t get any worse. 

Notwithstanding, even though operating with a severely limited budget, the City could do a better job of communicating as to what can be done and what can’t be done…or when it can be done.

Why is it so hard to find out what is going on? Why is everything a big secret?–A reader

The City Website is the perfect place to create a public advisory newsletter with a cross link from Petaluma 360 if they would agree to do so.

Such a newsletter could and should…

• Advise where and how to report concerns or complaints as well as provide telephone numbers, links to online complaint forms, and e-mail contacts.
• Advise and assure the public that their code violation complaints are confidential under state law.
• Educate people on what is or is not the City’s responsibility with respect to maintenance questions, neighborhood preservation questions, and code enforcement issues.

Granted, much of this information is available throughout the web site. However, it is widely scattered and difficult to find.  It needs to be brought to one place on the Home Page with few cross-links to other parts of the site. It has been my experience that if people are required to go more than two clicks to get to information, you are going to lose them.  

Remember…

• If the public is not encouraged to communicate and to report, there can be no response or action.
• While there may not be money or staffing available at present to deal with a problem such as a broken street lamp, a pothole, or an alleged code violation, it is better to have it reported and recorded for attention at a later date. 
• In many instances there will have to be an express understanding that a response or corrective action may be delayed. 

Sales Tax Revenue

Much ink and newsprint has been expended (not to mention the angst displayed in the local blogosphere) about Petaluma’s need for more retail.

I am not about to delve into the passionate debates/discussions about “retail leakage” or the elements of the big-box vs. local store argument. I do note that the driving force is the crazy California financial and tax structure causing sales tax revenue to be, as one reader put it,  “…disproportionately important for local government.”

One solution is to attempt to add a new local sales tax. From Cotati, a reader reports:   “We’ll put a 1/2 cent sales tax on the ballot in April. All revenue stays in Cotati!”

• Granted this is one way to generate some revenue for your city.
• However, it is going to be a tough sell in Cotati. A few days ago, I noticed a car parked on a street holding up a sign that almost eclipsed the car from view–(“STOP THE TAXES”) 

A sales tax proposal for Petaluma has no chance. It would be political suicide.

Another solution is retail development. The “debate” in Petaluma over the nature and extent of the Regency Project (Target) will eventually be resolved through the planning process and the City Council. 

Regardless of the outcome, I still have the feeling that the arguments on either side are not taking account of what I perceive to be a changing retail environment–More and more retail shopping is online. For another take on the future shape of retailing see Impassioned Petaluma City Council Votes Yes on Contentious Development by Frances Rivetti.

Yes, we need to find ways to generate more sales tax revenue in Petaluma and Regency may be a part of the answer.  Nevertheless, sales tax revenue alone is not going to be the solution to the City’s budget woes.

As one reader put it “…ultimately the focus has to be on attracting businesses to locate and grow here that provide head-of-household jobs.  Those are the kinds of jobs that allow people to live in this community and patronize our shops and restaurants.  In order to attract these kinds of businesses to come here, we need solid public services — good streets, parks, utilities, police, fire, schools — the entire range. And right now, with public services in a downward spiral, we don’t have a very compelling story.”

Quite a challenge if you think about it…

What Can We Do?

Well…

To borrow from Suzanne Maggio-Hucek …

Don’t just stand there

Making the transition to a ”new normal” is never easy.  At the individual level, writing letters, volunteering, and staying informed are all activities that contribute to our social and community infrastructure.

In addition, a little personal reflection may help us to put some of the perceived wrongs and passions of the moment into perspective…

It’s funny what happens when we change our perspective. Step back. Switch it up a bit. Things change when we take the time to see something in a different way.

Take the time to change your view.

Change your view  Suzanne Maggio-Hucek 

Perhaps then we may be able to see the rainbow more clearly… and eventually blue skies…

 

 

Work Continues on St. James Community Garden

Just a quick update…

Despite the rains, volunteers have managed to continue their work on the new community garden at St. James Catholic Church….

The full scope and scale of the project are starting to emerge…

A recent e-mail from Lois Pearson serves nicely as a progress report:

We finished planting the children’s garden and cleared the section going out of the parking lot. The main thing is to keep all the areas weeded right now.

 

We have plans for the 3rd section now and will be on the look out for free dirt to build up the area. It is retaining a lot of standing water in certain areas. If you know of a source please let me know.

 

Next Saturday (February 13) we will be sowing seeds for summer planting in our next section. It will be at the garden between 10 and 3. We will move under the over hang if it is raining. They will then be transported to Gatti Nursery to grow.

 

Lois

 

Changing times in journalism and media!‏

Photo Journalist Nina Zhito recently put me on to some of the activities and programs of the Graduate School of Journalism at UC Berkeley regarding what I call the new journalism.

Below is an e-mail from Lanita Pace-Hinton of the school announcing an upcoming free workshop for community bloggers.

Whether or not you are interested, you should read the material as perhaps the best evidence of how things are changing in the “news” and “communications” world.
 
They’re blowing right by the traditional news outlets.

____________

Subject: Free Digital Tools Workshop for Independent Journalists
Date: Tue, 2 Feb 2010 17:54:26 -0800

Dear Friends,

I’m writing to let you know about a new workshop we’ve developed for journalists who’ve begun or have a serious interest in launching their own community news or niche news site. This workshop was developed specifically for our colleagues who’ve determined to go it on their own.

The workshop will provide training on setting up and optimizing a WordPress blog, creating multimedia content, branding, SEO, Google Analytics and more. (See detailed description of workshop below.)

I’d like your help in spreading the word about this workshop to your networks. We are particularly interested in applicants from the greater San Francisco Bay Area/Northern California, but will also be accepting individuals from other locales. This is a great opportunity for journalists and others interested in learning some proven techniques for establishing themselves in the rapidly evolving world of digital news and information.
 
The workshop is scheduled for March 21-26, 2010. Fellowships for the training include lodging (for participants who live farther than 15 miles from the UC Berkeley campus), meals and use of equipment. The application deadline is February 17, 2010.

If you have any questions, feel free to be in contact with me.

Best regards,
Lanita

*******

Knight Digital Media Center at UC Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism 

 Web Publishing for Independent Journalists Workshop 

March 21-26, 2010

The career path for many of today’s journalists is merging with entrepreneurship. Journalists and other citizens are becoming independent publishers of specialty blogs and hyperlocal community news sites that play a central role in the emerging news and information landscape.

Powerful and easy to use Web publishing tools make creating quality online news sites easy and affordable.

The Knight Digital Media Center at the University of California Berkeley is offering an innovative new training workshop for journalists and others who are venturing into online community or specialty news publishing. The  Web Publishing for Independent Journalists Workshop will provide the hands-on training and tools to get started with or build an online publishing enterprise.

Participants in the Web Publishing for Independent Journalists Workshop will receive training on:

·      Setting up and maintaining a WordPress blog

·      Establishing a brand

·      Shooting good video and video editing

·      Using Photoshop to prepare images for publication

·      How to effectively sell advertising

·      Data visualization at the community level

·      Basic Mapping and Data-driven Maps

·      Using social media to create and engage with audiences

·      Search Engine Optimization and Google Analytics

WHO SHOULD APPLY: Journalists and others who have begun or are in the process of launching an online news venture.

HOW TO APPLY:  An online application form and instructions are available at: http://multimedia.journalism.berkeley.edu/training/*

THE APPLICATION DEADLINE IS FEBRUARY 17, 2010.

 *To fill out the application, you’ll need to register at the site. By registering, you’ll be able to save your application and return later to edit, update or complete it. The application includes a statement about how you’ll put the workshop training to use, a letter of recommendation from a colleague who knows your work, and a resume summary of your reporting or other experience.

If you have any questions, please contact Alisha Diego Klatt, KDMC program specialist, at aklatt@berkeley.edu or (510) 642-3892.

*******************************************************************************

Lanita Pace-Hinton

Director of Multimedia and Technology Training

Knight Digital Media Center

Graduate School of Journalism

University of California, Berkeley

120 North Gate Hall, Suite B-42

Berkeley, CA 94720-5860

Tel: (510) 643-7429/ Fax: (510) 643-7425

 

Petaluma’s State Of The Union–Part I

Last week President Obama addressed Congress on the State of the Union.  The purpose of this article is to generate a discussion about Petaluma’s State of the Union.

At one level, recent newspaper articles or letters to the editor paint a grim picture of decline in our fair city…

• City in Decline
• Roads at Risk

At the neighborhood level, foreclosures continue to plague many…

While Petaluma may be unique in having a regional and a local newspaper serving the community, they can inadvertently create an impression that the recession and governmental budget shortfalls are confined to Petaluma. It should be kept in mind, however, that the economic malaise is not unique to Petaluma. It is playing out across the nation and some areas of the country are more severely affected than here.

Overall, I suspect that we are, to borrow a phrase from Bill Gross of Pimco, seeking a “new normal” economically. This journey to the “new normal” will take many months, if not years.

So how do we cope locally?

For many, the answer lies in more retail development.  Currently, there is a great deal of  heated discussion on this issue in Petaluma. 

However, are there other avenues to explore? 

For example…

• Faced with diminished revenues and resources, what can the City do to manage and better communicate about its ability to cope with infrastructure needs (potholes, sewers, streetlights, etc.) and public safety obligations?
• Is there a role for neighborhood groups?
• Is more ”privatization” (contracting out) of government functions a solution? Is it a desirable solution?
• What role will our NGO’s and service organizations (COTS, Rebuilding Together Petaluma, etc.) play in getting us through? Are they at their limits?

What do you think?

The above are merely suggested topics or areas of discussion. Feel free to suggest and comment on others.

Post your thoughts in the comment section below, or in an e-mail to petalumaspectatorsblog@hotmail.com 

• If you use the comment feature, you don’t have to provide your name, but please include your e-mail address (it is not displayed) in case I may reply or want to ask a question.
• If you elect to communicate by e-mail, the address and name will not be published.

If you live outside Petaluma, you are also welcome to comment or e-mail; however, please discuss what works, or what could work, in your community. Any and all positive ideas will be more than welcomed!

I will attempt to consolidate any thoughts, comments or ideas you care to submit with  my “two cents” in Part II on February 10.

 

The John Lennon Murder–Mystery Solved?

Early Thursday morning, I set out on my usual trek  around the ‘Hood.

While it is normally an uneventful journey, there was something new parked on the street….

Like…Who knew there was a question?

…I wonder if there is a blog site…

 

MLK–A National Day Of Service

Martin Luther King Day is more than another Monday Holiday. It is also a day when people throughout the country join together to work on various service projects in their community.

Everyone knows this…right?

Well I, for one, did not.

Furthermore, my ignorance would have continued but for a request from Jane Hamilton of Rebuilding Together Petaluma (RTP)  to take some photos at the Martin Luther King Jr. “Day of Service” project at Valley Vista Child Care in Petaluma. 

I later learned that the Valley Vista project was one of many throughout the nation. For example, in the Greater Philadelphia Area, 70,000 people turned out to work on 1,100 community projects. (Link)

On the morning of January 18, I arrived at Valley Vista to find 30 volunteers. They were primarily employees, including friends and family members, from Kaiser Permanente facilities in Santa Rosa, San Rafael & Petaluma.

Their presence was due to the efforts of Carol Harris, Kaiser’s Community and Government Relations Manager (Sonoma/Marin) and Jane Hamilton of RTP. 

Kaiser and RTP have a history of working together in the planning and execution of  MLK Day projects with Kaiser providing grants and employee volunteers to work with RTP. And so it was again this year.

During the course of the day, they fixed  bicycles, scooters, computers, and skates.  In addition, one crew worked on painting a room–washing the walls before applying a prime coat and the finish coat. Another group worked on general cleaning which included, believe it or not, sorting through and organizing the Barbie accessories.

Below are a few photos and photo collages from the day’s activities…

“EVERYBODY CAN BE GREAT BECAUSE EVERYBODY CAN SERVE”

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

PAINTERS 

PAINTERS ASSEMBLED!

 VOLUNTEERS IN ACTION!

NOTE

• Rebuilding Together Petaluma posted a link to a full set of photos from the Valley Vista workday.  To view, CLICK>>HERE
• Also see the Article in the Press Democrat.

 

St. James Sprouts A Garden–Part II

GRASS TO GARDEN

The transformation of 3/4 of an acre at St. James Catholic Church to a food-producing community garden is no small task. Perhaps this photo collage will provide a sense of the physical size of the project…

Coordinating the logistics and schedules for the garden construction and planting is a full-time job. Fortunately, Lois Pearson  (I call her the “Dedicated Dynamo”) and the other members of the St. James Community Garden Committee have been more than up to the challenge.

Lois is also quick to point out that many people in the community have helped bring the project along…

We have had several people donate their services and or supplies for our start-up. Lucas Deniz tilled our field, J.P. Ospital put in our irrigation system, Michael Birmingham built our wood boxes, Carlo Farrina and Jim Gambodini are donating fieldstone, John Shribbs has been an advisory as well as donated many native plants, Pete Bonardi and John Brugaleta are doing our electrical. Rose Zamudio from Tuscan Gardens and Grayson James from Petaluma Bounty have also advised us. Mari Philo is in charge of the Planting Committee and has done a fantastic job.
Tyler Harwood is doing his Eagle Scout project by building us 5 redwood picnic tables and benches. I have a few Casa students doing their senior projects and the Helping Hands Group has also pitched in.

As an aside, I have observed volunteers at many community projects in Petaluma over the years. Without exception, they are always focused, hardworking people. This man, however, went above and beyond, showing up with a walking leg cast…

GARDEN MISSION

The St. James community garden will be somewhat different as there will be no private plots.  Instead, the primary purpose of the garden is to grow fresh vegetables for those in need in our community. 

According to Lois…

We will  harvest and give the produce to anyone in need in the Petaluma community– COTS, PEP, Food for Families, etc. We will also grow seasonal flowers to decorate our church altar. 

GARDEN COMPONENTS

Many of the seedlings in the photo below were started by volunteers using heirloom seeds donated by the Petaluma Seed Bank. The Gatti Nursery provided space to grow them before planting in the garden….

For more information on the Petaluma Seed Bank see Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Co and an article by Chris Sampson of  The Argus Courier.

__________

As with any garden project, lots of mulch and compost are required.  Sonoma Compost stepped up to the plate and donated some of the materials.

__________

Finally, the “buzz” in the air is that the garden will also include at least one bee hive courtesy of  Ettamarie Peterson of Peterson’s Farm 

(Additional photos are available at Community Garden At St. James)

GOING FORWARD

Members of the general public are welcome to come and volunteer to work on the project. You do not have to be a member of the church to participate.

• Additional workdays are scheduled for January 23 and January 24, (next Saturday & Sunday) from 10 a.m. to 3 pm.
• For questions or information on upcoming workdays,  contact  Lois Pearson 763-8467, lapear1@yahoo.com or Stacy Arancio 769-8657, 5oranges@comcast.net 

Donations and volunteer time notwithstanding, there is an ongoing need for funds to keep the project going forward. Consequently, there will be a “Valentine Social”  fundraiser–appetizers, desserts, wine, music and dancing–on Feb 13th from 7 to 10pm in the St. James Parish Hall. 

• Tickets are $30.00 per person or 2 for $50.00.  Ticket contacts are Lois Pearson @ 763-8467 and Adele Calkin @ 763-5792.
• They will also be selling raffle tickets for a three night stay in Palm Desert. 

 

 

St. James Sprouts A Garden Part I

In late December, I happened to notice an unusual but nonetheless familiar site on the grounds of St. James Catholic Church in Petaluma.

Aha! Mulch and compost! 

Of course I had to enter the grounds to see what was going on. In doing so, I discovered the beginnings of mulched/composted beds and raised beds as well as the construction outlines of a very large landscaping project…

My Mulch Correspondent instincts were fully activated.  In short order, I discovered a major community garden project by the parishioners of St. James.  The results of my “investigation” will be reported in Part II of this series on January 18.

As a partial tease, I offer this closing note–The garden will be almost 3/4 of an acre  in size and will include the cultivation of vegetables grown from heirloom seeds. For those who can’t wait until the next article on January 18, contact  Lois Pearson 763-8467, lapear1@yahoo.com or Stacy Arancio 769-8657, 5oranges@comcast.net 

 

Petaluma: Attempted Bank Robbery?

Back Story…

In Are You Being Robbed As You Read This? I offered several tips on how to monitor suspicious activity on your credit cards and checking accounts.

One point in particular from that article needs to be restated: “Monitor your credit card bills and bank statements closely. If there are any suspicious charges or debits, contact your bank or credit card company immediately.”

While the purpose of this warning was to focus on third-party charges  to your bank accounts or credit cards, it also applies to sudden or unexplained charges by your bank. 

Case in Point…

We recently added an automatic savings feature to our checking account at our bank–a very large bank whose name shall not be disclosed.  We have had accounts with them since 1985.

• In going through the process of setting up the automatic savings account, we repeatedly stressed that we were not willing to pay any fees for the privilege of depositing money with them. 
• We were repeatedly assured there would be no fees–a good thing, considering that the savings interest rates these days are essentially zero.

All went well until the second month when the bank statement listed a $25 monthly fee on the savings account.  To be fair, the statement did show that they paid us interest of 11 cents…thus reducing our “loss” to $24.89.

To make a long story short, we visited a branch office  and a bank officer immediately reversed the $25 fee stating that the person who created the account must have “pushed the wrong button” while setting it up.

Fair enough. Mistakes happen.

However, I can’t help but wonder…

• How many times has this happened and the account holder did not catch it on the monthly statement?
• How many ”senior citizens” have been caught by such mistakes?
• Why would a  bank have a system that allowed the charging of a $25 monthly fee on savings accounts that currently pay .o5% interest?
• Is the bank secretly counting on people being  unaware enough to sign up for a savings account that charges a fee? Such customers would be better off stuffing their money in their shoes!

Readers can offer their own answers to these questions–particularly the last two.

REMEMBER TO ALWAYS CHECK YOUR ACCOUNTS! IT’S YOUR MONEY, NOT THEIRS.

 

2010–Ah, Another Petaluma New Year

Good morning on this first day of 2010! 

As with most new years, I suspect 2010 will be more of the same with a few surprises tucked in to keep it interesting…

• Debates and discussions over local and state revenues, budgets, etc. will continue. 
• As it is an election year, you can expect a flood of campaign promises, literature, and the usual political posturing and pandering for votes.

The full nature and extent of my participation in the election cycle has already been discussed in Petaluma Politics–Campaign 2010 

The only question before me now is what I will “cover” in 2010. 

Will it be abandoned shopping carts? 

 

Granted, shopping carts have been a constant visual plague in Petaluma. Fortunately, their numbers have been greatly reduced due to the efforts of Raley’s and Safeway to keep them confined on their lots.  Unfortunately, other stores have not been as proactive.  Nonetheless, I see no reason to resume my “coverage” of shopping carts.  You see one cart, you’ve seen them all

 Should I resume following the Petaluma Graffiti Trail?

I abandoned the graffiti beat in 2009 for practical and personal reasons and see no reason to resume it in 2010. Graffiti has become an established part of urban culture in our society and Petaluma is no exception.

How about Trash?

Trash is an “attractive” subject in that there are many photographic opportunities. It also is a low risk subject as it is not likely you will see your name written on a wall if you write about it.  I recently acquired a camera with a powerful telephoto that enabled me to identify all the objects floating in the lake at Lucchesi…

But alas, how many photos of cups, bags, and bottles are too many? I suspect those displayed here will be sufficient unto the cause for 2010.

Looking forward…

We will just have to see what comes along.

At a minimum, I will post a blog monthly on subjects yet unknown.

……

As an aside, I started this WordPress blog in May, 2009. For a retrospective look at some of the photos used in my WordPress posts, go to Pixels of Petaluma (2009)

Happy New Year!