Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How will Highway 101’s new carpool hours change your Petaluma commute?

Also, don't miss Pamela Rose with Hammond Organ Party - GROOVEFEST! on the Petaluma Patch calendar

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Monday December 22nd Patch AM
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Good morning to you Petaluma! Catch up on our news and events right here. Keep reading to stay in the know. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • How will Highway 101’s new carpool hours change your Petaluma commute?
  • Will Petaluma’s downtown get a four-story hotel instead of six?
  • Which Petaluma defenders made this year’s All-Press Democrat football teams?

Also on today's calendar: Pamela Rose with Hammond Organ Party - GROOVEFEST!.

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

Today's riddle: What did the windowsill say to the glass? 🤔 (Answer below!)

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

Weather forecast:

  • Monday: Periods of rain, with a high of 59 and low of 51 degrees.
  • Tuesday: Cloudy, showers; breezy, temps: high: 56, low: 47.
  • Wednesday: A morning shower, then rain, with a high of 54 and low of 48 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. North Bay officials, commuters react to Caltrans plan to reduce carpool lane hours on Highway 101 in Sonoma, Marin counties (pressdemocrat.com) — If you commute on Highway 101 near Petaluma, Caltrans is backing off its much-criticized expansion of carpool lane hours between Marin and Windsor, with new, reduced hours expected by February after a traffic study. Local officials say the longer HOV restrictions worsened congestion just as the freeway widening finished, and they’re hailing the rollback as a win for North Bay drivers’ changing post-pandemic commute patterns.
   

2. Developer: 6-story Petaluma hotel plan 'unviable' in light of ballot referendum (fresnobee.com) — A major downtown Petaluma hotel proposal has been scaled from six stories to four after a successful citizen petition forced a future vote on new zoning rules, leaving the original plan “unviable.” The developer is disputing hundreds of thousands in city analysis fees while pushing a revised, by-right four‑story boutique hotel that could move ahead without voter approval, even as business groups still hope for the taller version.
   

3. Football: Press Democrat defensive player of the year, All-PD teams: Jerrek Buckley, Rancho Cotate (fresnobee.com) — Petaluma football fans will spot several familiar names on this year’s All-Press Democrat defensive teams, with Petaluma High players earning second-team, honorable mention and line honors. Rancho Cotate star linebacker Jerrek Buckley headlines the coverage as Defensive Player of the Year, leading a North Bay-wide roundup of standout defenders from Casa Grande, St. Vincent, Sonoma Valley and more.
   

4. This Bay Area city's roads are getting rave reviews as new report reveals the state of region's streets (mercurynews.com) — Petaluma’s streets are ranked among the second-worst in the Bay Area, with a pavement score of just 50, signaling rough rides for local drivers. A new regional report contrasts Petaluma’s struggling roads with cities like Hayward and Larkspur, which have sharply improved conditions through sustained investment and data-driven maintenance programs.
   

5. Providence announces March closure date for Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital pediatric unit (pressdemocrat.com) — Providence, which also runs Petaluma Valley Hospital, will close the inpatient pediatric unit at Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital on March 27, 2026 and convert it to adult care. Local pediatricians and health advisors fear low-income families across Sonoma County, including Petaluma, will face longer trips and crowded Bay Area hospitals when children need overnight, non-emergency care.
   

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Burger King posted a job opening for Team Member in Petaluma. Apply here.
  • TIBCO Software, Inc. posted a job opening for production associate 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 feel your pane.
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