Petaluma News

Despite rebounding tax revenues, Petaluma is facing a major spike in its annual pension payments - meaning that the city's new funds will likely be used to pay employee retirement costs rather than restoring public services like streets and parks maintenance.

The victim of a Monday morning crash on rural Point Reyes-Petaluma Road has been identified as a Petaluma man named Abraham Avalos, according to the Marin County Coroner's Office.

The Boy Scouts, whose national council is currently in a meeting at its headquarters in Dallas, plans its long awaited vote on the organization's gay ban today, the NYT reports : In a secret ballot, more than 1,400 volunteer leaders from scouting's 270 councils will accept or reject a proposal that has led to strident divisions and debate.

A lawsuit accuses state and federal regulators of causing the death of dozens of migratory cliff swallows by placing nets on a Sonoma County bridge during a highway widening project.

Activity is underway this week to do final testing of soil to make way for construction later this summer of a senior housing project in Oroville.

A Mustang driver tried to outrun a pursuing Sonoma County sheriff's deputy early Wednesday, reaching up to 110 mph on Stony Point Road and weaving around morning commute traffic, according to a Sonoma County sheriff's official.

Petaluma's city leaders Monday night dug into the structure and risks of the planned Sonoma Clean Power Authority, an alternative to utility giant PG&E Council members offered no glimpse at whether they're likely to vote to join Windsor and unincorporated areas of Sonoma County in taking part in the power authority during two hours of presentation, ... (more)

Dear Straight Talk: I'm 17 and being seduced by a "Mrs. Robinson." She's a rich divorced friend of my mom's in her 40s, in great shape and very attractive.

A bygone era of chrome and cruising came to life Saturday in downtown Petaluma as the city celebrated the 40th anniversary of the film "American Graffiti" and the now-vintage vehicles and street scenes that keep it a classic in the minds of many.

At least four cyclists suffered injuries while riding the Sonoma County Backroad Challenge, a race where 1,000 bikers started in Petaluma, made their way to the coast and cycled back again, Bodega Bay fire officials said.

Thousands of spectators were expected to attend a three-day event in Petaluma honoring the 40th anniversary of the iconic film, "American Graffiti." A classic car show will be featured at the event celebrating the 1973 coming-of-age classic, much of it filmed in Petaluma at the request of director George Lucas.

Members of the Pacific Tactical Law Enforcement Team take a physcial training test.

A Sonoma County-based nonprofit and several others with ties in the North Bay are among 48 organizations across the state to share in $37 million in outreach and education grants from Covered California, the state's online health exchange developed under health care reform.

Julie Diaz, an aide for special needs children at Meadow Elementary and a mom of four, is the winner of Petaluma Patch's Mother's Day Massage Contest.

Petaluma police say fewer people are using their cellphones while driving, thanks in part to a public campaign against distracted driving.

Atherton Police and the McKay family are searching for Thomas Noel McKay, 82, who went missing on Friday, May 10.

Move over Greek yogurt! The legendary thykk yogurt of remote Icelandic villages has taken shores by storm, earning a coveted place on Whole Foods shelves across "Get the best milk.

Santa Rosa officials have told Amy's Kitchen that the company's expansion plans could trigger up to $34 million in water and sewer permit fees alone, a figure that stunned the company and has set off a furious effort to prevent it from once again expanding to Oregon instead of Sonoma County.

Summer camp is almost a rite of the season for some families. For others, summer programs offer kids something to do while mom and dad are at work, a chance to explore a new interest or an opportunity to improve an existing talent.

Petaluma City Council members appeared pleased - or at least relieved - with the city's short-term financial outlook Monday during a workshop on the budget.