Save Shollenberger Park

“Tuesday afternoon, May 2024” -Jean   Thank you, Jean, for sharing this lovely photo series from your time at the park!

Hi Friends!  Join us for the Friends of Shollenberger Park photo contest! Share some of the great photos y’all have from Shollenberger by emailing your photo to saveshollenberger@gmail.com.   Prizes announced over the next few weeks and the Winner on April 1! 🏅🌅🎉  

Thank you to everyone who joined us at the Petaluma Historical Library & Museum last Thursday!   And thank you to Alan Butler and Katherine J. Rinehart for the gorgeous book that brought us all together, “The Petaluma River: Looking Forward“.    It was incredible to hear from all the organizations working to protect the Petaluma River.

    Join us at the Petaluma Historical Library & Museum on Thursday, January 9, 2025 from 5-7pm for “The Petaluma River: Looking Forward“ event. We’ll hear “from the organizations working to protect and enhance access to the Petaluma River. This event is inspired by the book The Petaluma River: A Sketch Journal and Brief Historical Overview by Alan Butler and Katherine J. Rinehart.”   David and Joan will be speaking as well!   Sign up here: https://www.petalumamuseum.com/.../the-petaluma-river.../  

  Dear Friends of Shollenberger, Wishing you a Happy Healthy 2025!   Friends of Shollenberger celebrates 16 years of protecting our beloved park and Petaluma river. Without your ongoing support we would all be looking at an asphalt factory and smelling noxious fumes each time we visit Shollenberger Park. Please consider us when you make your year-end donations. The fight is not over against Dutra. They think they can outlast the Community’s resolve but they are wrong. Our slogan: “Wrong plant Wrong place!” In 2025 we will make an offer to buy their 39 acres and add them to the restoration of our river and wetlands. Stay tuned for this new direction and capital campaign. Now, as always, we appreciate your support and welcome your Donations for Friends of Shollenberger via our fiscal umbrella, OWL Foundation ( https://www.owlfoundation.net/ ). This link takes you to our online donation site on OWL’s website. For donations via checks the address is: OWL Foundation (Friends of Sh...

PG&E upgrades are well underway at Shollenberger with parking recommended as pictured until November. We’ve been enjoying the changing season at the park on weekends and ensuring the Save Shollenberger sign is ready for another winter!  

  Hello everyone! Don't forget, we’re hosting an FOS Community Dinner night this Wednesday!   WED Sept 25 from 5-7pm An FOS Community Dinner at Aqus Cafe   Invite your friends and neighbors Folks can purchase dinner or snacks and talk informally. Last half hour will be a short talk and chance to ask questions of Joan Cooper and David Keller, Friends of Shollenberger leaders.   Topics: 1) history of community opposition 2008-present 2) environmental impacts on our wetlands and park and community health 3) ideas for working together to continue to oppose the project and acquire Dutra’s 39 acres for community open space

Hello everyone! We’re hosting an FOS Community Dinner night!   All new residents and longtime supporters of Friends of Shollenberger are invited to gather at Aqus Cafe for a Community Dinner.   WED Sept 25 from 5-7pm An FOS Community Dinner at Aqus Cafe   Supporters please invite your friends and neighbors! Many people may have moved to Petaluma during the last few years and missed the ongoing heroic opposition. We’ll purchase dinner or snacks and talk informally. Last half hour will be a short talk and chance to ask questions of Joan Cooper and David Keller, Friends of Shollenberger leaders.     Topics: 1) history of community opposition 2008-present 2) environmental impacts on our wetlands and park and community health 3) ideas for working together to continue to oppose the project and acquire Dutra’s 39 acres for community open space

    Thank you to everyone who turned out for the Group Photo shoot last Saturday at Shollenberger. It was so exhilarating to see everyone as the rainstorm cleared and blue sky greeted us! Scott Hess, our expert volunteer photographer, sent up his drone and captured our high spirits. The group photo will be coming soon.   Saving Shollenberger from the toxic pollution, blight, and noise of Dutra's proposed asphalt factory (and 250 per day permitted diesel truck access) has been a 15 year effort of the whole community. Our elected representatives past and present were there. Mary Kadri, PWA President and several PWA members - stewards of our park - joined to make this a truly energizing gathering. Long time supporters and new volunteers were there to say: "We are here and will continue to work to preserve and protect our park, river, and wetlands."   Here are some candid photos of the gathering. Send your photos of the park to saveshollenberger@gmail.com and we'll post ...

  Friends of Shollenberger LET’S STAND Together Group Photo Shoot at Shollenberger Park SAT MAY 4, 2024 6 PM We’ve been working since 2008 to stop Dutra Asphalt Materials from building an industrial factory on the banks of the  Petaluma River, across from Shollenberger Park. In 2009 we gathered at the park to celebrate this effort and Scott Hess,  local photographer, took a picture of the community group working to stop the approval of the Dutra Asphalt factory on  the opposite banks of the Petaluma River. (See saveshollenberger.com for the history of our efforts.) Let's keep up the fight by joining together for a NEW Friends of Shollenberger group photo on May 4, 2024! Scott Hess  will send up his drone to capture a NEW photo of our community, our wetlands and the beautiful expanse of the Petaluma  River. We'll also use this opportunity to participate in a community PHOTO-IN! Show us what you love about Shollenberger  Park by bringing your own camer...

Dear Friends of Shollenberger, Welcome back from the Pandemic Years of isolation. We’ve held Dutra’s toxic and noxious asphalt factory proposal at Shollenberger Park to a standstill since 2007, but Dutra is still trying to avoid complying with the regulations of the Final Environmental Report (FEIR).   All has been quiet for three years on   the Dutra front until now and our blog has also been quiet too. It's time to rally our community and continue our work to preserve and protect Shollenberger Park from the pollution of the proposed Dutra Asphalt factory. Operating an asphalt factory on the banks of the Petaluma River 150 ft. from our wonderful Shollenberger Park is still “The Wrong Place Wrong Plant”. Our blog will be your main source of information and with our new volunteer Lia to keep it up to date, I invite you to read it and pass it on to friends and neighbors. So many residents have moved to Petaluma during the Pandemic years - new families, young adults, retiree...

RAISE $$$ TO SAVE SHOLLENBERGER SHINDIG 5 Party for the park! Friends of Shollenberger FUNDRAISER - Preserve and Protect the Park and Wetlands! Date: Monday Feb 25 Location: RIVER FRONT CAFE DOORS OPEN 5-8:30 PM ADULTS $20 VIP $100 KIDS FREE Wine Appetizers Music Included.  Dinners for sale from River Front Cafe kitchen.  Updates on Saving Shollenberger Park. Entertainment 5PM: A Kids Show: Families come early for Benedettiville! 6PM: GABBY LA LA: Electric Sitar and Ukulele 7PM: HillWilliams Band Bluegrass Silent Auction Visa and Pay Pal accepted River Front Cafe  (Formerly the Apple Box) 224 B Street, Petaluma (707) 347-5146 For Information contact: Joan Cooper, (415) 516-3673 or joancooper115@gmail.com Friends of Shollenberger is a 501c3 a Special Project of the O.W.L. Foundation TICKETS ON SALE Buy tickets in person starting Feb. 5th at the Mail Depot (Cash Only): 40 4th Street, Petaluma. OR O...

RELEASE PRESS - For immediate release. February 18, 2017 Contact: David Keller, Director, Petaluma River Council - (707) 763-9336 Joan Cooper, Founder, Friends of Shollenberger Park - (415) 516-3673 FRIENDS OF SHOLLENBERGER COMMUNITY BENCH DEDICATION MARCH 6 MONDAY 4:30 PM Shollenberger Park South path HONORS BILL KORTUM, ENVIRONMENTAL VISIONARY Friends of Shollenberger Community Bench Now installed on the south path of Shollenberger Park Over 40 citizens, companies, and non-profit organizations donated funds to install this commodious bench: Camelbak, Alvarado Street Bakery, and Azure Town Homes have supported the community's efforts to preserve and protect Shollenberger Park from the beginning. Heritage Salvage designed and built the bench of old-growth redwood and donated it to the community. The bench commemorates the community’s efforts to challenge the Dutra asphalt factory proposal, and the lifetime commitment of Bill Kortum to preserve open space, wh...

Dear Friends, GOOD NEWS! The Regional Water Quality Control Board rejected Dutra's analysis of Alternative Sites and told Dutra to demonstrate the necessity for an asphalt factory in Petaluma. The State agency declared Dutra Haystack Asphalt Plant's Alternative Site Analysis "Invalid". (See Letter below) Thanks to all who have supported the community's efforts to preserve and protect Shollenberger Park and especially to those who wrote supporting letters this time around. This fight is not over - stay tuned for upcoming community fundraising events and gatherings to Save Shollenberger Park. Joan Cooper & David Keller PRESS RELEASE - For immediate release. November 16, 2016 Contact: David Keller, Director, Petaluma River Council - (707) 763-9336 Joan Cooper, Founder, Friends of Shollenberger Park - (415) 516-3673 Dutra told to justify the need for asphalt plant in Petaluma: State agency declares Dutra Haystack Asphalt Plant's Alter...

Dear Friends of Shollenberger, 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, cor...

Shollenberger Shindig 4 was held at Lagunitas on February 3 was an event enjoyed by all. With lively music by Larry Potts and Friends greeting the attendees to world class jazz with the Tracy Rose Quartet.The guests enjoyed Preferred Sonoma Caterers award winning vegetarian chile. Delicious cookies and generously donated Three Twins ice cream capped off what was a perfect evening under a full moon. Mayor David Glass welcomed everyone and talked about how Petaluma City Council joined Friends of Shollenberger coalition in working to prevent an asphalt plant from as the landmark and unwelcoming gateway to Petaluma and Sonoma County. Mayor Glass's speech was followed by David Keller who presented the group with an overview how Dutra Asphalt Company must meet stringent regulations before any asphalt can ever be produced on this pristine piece of property. Friends of Shollenberger is dedicated to ensure that ALL regulations and mandatory requirements are met. Dutra will not be allowed to...

SAVE THE DATE! FEB 3 2015  TUESDAY   5:30- 8:30 PM SHOLLENBERGER SHINDIG 4 A Benefit for Friends of Shollenberger  (O.W.L. Foundation) fund to protect our park TIME TO PARTY FOR THE PARK AGAIN & AGAIN! WE WILL NOT QUIT PROTECTING OUR PARK! JOIN US: LAGUNITAS BEER GARDEN Lagunitas Brewing Company 1280 N. McDDowell Boulevard Petaluma, CA 94954 http://lagunitas.com/brewery/ Artisan beer for purchase benefits FOS Light supper gratis Silent Auction with art & wine Music: Larry Potts & Friends AND The Tracy Rose Quartet  Dancing  -  Conversation -  Update on the Dutra factory TICKETS: $25 ADVANCE PURCHASE starting Jan 15, 2015 saveshollenberger.com The Mail Depot BUY TICKETS AT THE DOOR DOORS OPEN 5:30 PM (Children under 16 free)

Dear All, It's been 6 months since we received the blow of losing our appeal. It has taken me a while to integrate this fact and see my way to next steps. I can imagine it has been equally hard for you all to just walk away after almost 6 years of dedicated efforts. One thing is certain: The fight is not over.  We have formed such a wonderful, effective, and creative community working to save our wetlands and park. This joining together made us strong. We can be satisfied that we brought pertinent issues into the public's consciousness.  This kind of cohesive effort can go on, should go on. I hope you agree. To start things going, there will be a party for us to gather at The Mail Depot on Friday November 14, 2014, 7 PM. Expect good music and of course great conversation. Bring pot luck food and drinks, bring friends.  We'll have an update on future plans to persevere protecting our park and gateway and an opportunity to hear ideas from a...

Six years ago our community and City Council stood up for Shollenberger Park and rejected the Dutra asphalt factory proposal in favor of the health and quality of life in Petaluma. We spoke at the  Board of Supervisors hearings, we wrote letters and emails, and thousands signed petitions.  We spoke out against allowing a private business, Dutra Materials, to ruin our most popular park and valuable wetlands. We said "NO" to Dutra's asphalt factory towers and trucks blighting our Gateway and  the banks of our River. Three of our our elected Supervisors (Carrillo, Kelley, and Kerns) failed to properly interpret and enforce our County General Plan. These three chose instead to find loopholes like the fairytale of  "river dependency" to allow the rezoning of Dutra's parcels to Light industrial. Two Supervisors, Shirlee Zane and Valerie Brown spoke eloquently in favor of protecting public health from the impacts of asphalt manufacture deadly by products like he...