Petaluma-themed book inspires roundtable discussion on river's future

Attendees will hear directly from organizations working to protect and improve public access to the river, as well as other authors of the new book “The Petaluma River: A Sketch Journal and Brief Historical Overview.”

Inspired by the sensational new book “The Petaluma River: A Sketchbook and Brief Historical Overview,” by artist Alan Butler and historian Katherine J. Rinehart, the Petaluma Historical Library and Museum will host a public discussion on the future of the Petaluma River. The event will take place on Thursday January 9, 2025 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The discussion is titled “The Petaluma River: Looking Ahead.” Participants will hear directly from organizations working to protect and improve public access to the river, as well as other authors of the book.

Speakers will include Stephanie Bastianon (Executive Director of Friends of the Petaluma River), Seair Lorentz (Executive Director of the Petaluma River Park Foundation), Greg Sabourin (Executive Director of the Petaluma Floathouse), Steve Worrell (City of Petaluma Project Manager for the rehabilitation of the downtown train trestles) and Rosemary Hart (civic engagement chair of the Petaluma Woman’s Club).

“The Petaluma River: A Sketchbook and Brief Historical Overview,” officially published in November and available at local bookstores, blends Butler’s intricate watercolor and ink sketches of the river and its structures and surrounding landscapes with captivating historical details about Petaluma’s history. and the importance – geographic, environmental, economic and cultural – of the Petaluma River and its entire watershed.

The museum is located at 20 4th Street (corner of 4th Street and B Street). Participation is free, but reservations are required as places are limited. To reserve your place visit Eventbrite.com Or PetalumaMuseum.com.

David Templeton is the community, arts and entertainment editor for the Petaluma Argus-Courier. You can reach him at [email protected].