We are ready to start construction on the Community Bench to be located on the south path of Shollenberger Park – all we need is your support. Join us in building a commemorative bench at Shollenberger - and to stand strong to protect Petaluma's Open Space. The bench is a symbol of all the hard work and determination that you the Community have mustered to say "YES!" to our park, our river, our health, and our local treasures, and to say "NO!" to an asphalt factory on the banks of the Petaluma River, at the Gateway to Petaluma and Sonoma County, right in the 100 year Flood Plain. . This 8’ foot old growth redwood bench will be built by Heritage Salvage as a gift to our community. Your donation will help pay for its installation.
A donation of $100 will be recognized by inscribing your name, loved one’s name(s) on donor bricks that will surround the pad supporting the bench. We have received donations from about 15 citizens, corporate supporters ($200), and dedicated elected officials. We have room for about 15 more.
Fill out your Donor Form by June 30 and be a part of history.
Make your donation today. The deadline is June 30 to have your name as part of the Community Bench and Petaluma history.
The Bench will carry a dedication to Bill Kortum,, an environmental hero, with his sage advice when fighting to preserve our common open space:
“NEVER GIVE UP!” Bill Kortum
Your donation also supports the efforts of Friends of Sholllenberger to continue our community’s opposition to the Dutra asphalt factory’s location, It is still the WRONG PLANT IN THE WRONG PLACE – too near homes, schools, river and park recreation spaces and our wild life preserve.
Contrary to what some may say, it is not over yet. There is a long permitting process facing Dutra before they can break ground – this will certainly not happen this summer as misreported in the Argus recently. In fact, the permitting process in various federal and regional agencies (State Water Resources Control Board, California and US Fish & Wildlife, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, State Lands Commission, SMART rail and more) is complex and the public has a right to provide input. At this time, we are not aware of any changes from the situation as described by Ken Ellison on March 2, 2015:
“Dutra has to meet all applicable conditions prior to any building permit issuance. They have not completed that task yet, and no building permits have been issued (or even applied for last time I checked).” Ken Ellison , Supervising Planner County of Sonoma County PRMD.
Our attorneys and scientific experts are scrutinizing Dutra’s applications for the various permits as they are submitted and we are already challenging their accuracy and validity.
We’ll continue to work to preserve and protect Shollenberger Park. Your support has been invaluable and is greatly appreciated throughout our community.
To Donate to the Community Bench and have your name or your organization's name inscribed on the bench, donate via PayPal:
Individual Community Bench Donation: $100
Business/Organization Community Bench Donation: $200
OR Print the pdf and mail your dedication and donation with a check:
Enclose check made to:
O.W.L Foundation (Friends of Shollenberger)
MAIL TO
Greg Reisinger, Treasurer
Friends of Shollenberger
521 Howard Street
Petaluma, CA 94952
All donations are fully tax deductible.
Cheers,
Joan Cooper
Friends of Shollenberger


