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🌱 Patch AM: Former Harlem Globetrotter Targeted With Racist Vandalism In Petaluma: Update

You won't want to miss Crossing Over with Psychic Medium John Edward live in Santa Rosa, CA! on the Petaluma Patch calendar

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Friday December 19th Patch AM
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Hi there, Petaluma! We've got your morning read ready! Read on to stay connected. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • Petaluma coach confronts racist vandalism and questions police response
  • How do these recent Petaluma home sales compare to your street?
  • How will Petaluma’s new underage drinking grant change local enforcement?

Also on today's calendar: Crossing Over with Psychic Medium John Edward live in Santa Rosa, CA! and 4 more events.

Find out what's happening in Petalumafor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: What did one astronaut stranded on the moon say to another? 🤔 (Answer below!)

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Find out what's happening in Petalumafor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Weather forecast:

  • Friday: An a.m. sprinkle, then rain, with a high of 56 and low of 51 degrees.
  • Saturday: Periods of rain, temps: high: 58, low: 51.
  • Sunday: Rain, with a high of 61 and low of 51 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Former Harlem Globetrotter Targeted With Racist Vandalism In Petaluma: Update (patch.com) — Petaluma residents are rallying around former Harlem Globetrotter and local youth coach William “Bull” Bullard after his SUV, parked at his Petaluma home, was covered in racist slurs and hate symbols. Police initially treated the case as a hate crime, but no arrests have been made and reports suggest the investigation may be closed, prompting Bullard to speak out about racism in Sonoma County and urge others to raise their voices.
   

2. 4-bedroom home sells for $650,000 in Petaluma (pressdemocrat.com) — A four-bedroom home on Annetta Drive in Petaluma recently sold for $650,000, and several nearby properties have also changed hands, offering a snapshot of current neighborhood prices. If you’re watching the local housing market, these recent sales show how values compare by size, age, and features like cooling systems and fireplaces.
   

3. Underage drinking crackdown: Five Bay Area cities, Lodi get state grants for enforcement (localnewsmatters.org) — Petaluma will receive up to $30,000 in state grant funding to crack down on underage drinking through education, minor decoy stings, and “shoulder tap” operations. The program, shared with several other cities, runs through September 2026 and targets both businesses and adults who buy alcohol for minors.
   

4. Former sheriff's deputy sues Sonoma County, alleging racial discrimination, harassment (pressdemocrat.com) — A former Sonoma County sheriff’s deputy is suing the county, alleging years of racial discrimination and retaliation, including being repeatedly passed over for promotion. His history includes the controversial 2015 arrest of Petaluma teenager Gabbi Lemos, whose excessive-force lawsuit later settled. The new case could spotlight broader culture and accountability issues in county law enforcement that affect Petaluma residents.
   

📸 Around Petaluma

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Is anyone’s cat?
    He was so friendly and followed me home! I gave him some food and water. It’s a bit chilly, so I tried to give him some shelter, but I have four pets… (Nextdoor St Francis/Ponderosa Dr)
  • I heard a loud noise at 3:30am that woke me up, and the last time I heard a noise like that, early in the morning, a car had hit my next door neighbor’s car and flipped over!
    Same thing happened this morning at 3:30am. A few parked cars got hit and the SUV was on its side. The driver was ok. We’ve had a few crashes on St… (Nextdoor St Francis/Ponderosa Dr)
  • AeroVironment posted a job opening for Material Control Specialist II in Petaluma. Apply here.
  • Tractor Supply Company posted a job opening for Team Member in Petaluma. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Petaluma here.

Ok Petaluma! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I don’t think you know the gravity of this situation.
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