A Petaluma360 Blog

In her own Write

Connie Madden wishes you wit, compassion, mindfulness

Petaluma the Musical! 3 more shows…

Way to get happy! Like SteamPunk? Want to know what on earth that is? Petaluma-the-Musical is Hilarious and Colorful and Inventive and with us just this next weekend – last 3 chances to share the fun. Watch a bit at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1QX-z-TEvry According to producer, Colette McMullen, “It’s going great and the community support is fabulous. We really did it…the whole thing came about because of the unique environment Petaluma has…the whole process is different than any other theater I know… Read More »

350 Garden Challenge is 3!

The 3rd Annual 350 Garden Challenge, Sat./Sun., May 12-13, sponsored by Daily Acts and iGrow Sonoma County, with support from Aqus Community, 350.org and Transition US among many groups – this one is even more outrageously optimistic than last years’ – a goal of 2012 NEW AND TRANSFORMED gardens throughout Sonoma County. Over 1100 events listed as of now. Check the MAP at DailyActs.org if you wish to Work-Party-Hop. You could garden-party among friends for a whole weekend! Many share… Read More »

May Day! May Day! Baskets of flowers…

and NO WORK. Occupy is calling a General Strike today and we’re trying to figure what that means for us. Two messages I’ve always felt at the same time for May Day: Celebrate Spring! Carry overflowing May baskets of flowers to dear friends. Loved doing that! Today is the Russian May Day Parade (International Workers) and Occupy Movement has called for NO WORK … while I listen to Dr. John singing “Time for a Change” on KOWS FM, Occidental (streaming).… Read More »

They Voted for Sonoma Clean Power!

So was kicking myself for not blogging on Sonoma Clean Power initiative prior to the Supervisor’s VOTE Tues. am…but even without me they did good and voted unanimously FOR CLEAN POWER! FYI: A healthy planet can sustain about 350 parts per million of greenhouse gases. Currently we’re at 394.45ppm and rising! We’re poisoning ourselves. Want to help clean up? With this urgently important vote gone RIGHT, it’s even still possible for Sonoma County to catch up – and even go… Read More »

Wonderful news! Spring of Sustainability 1/2 hr. at noon – DAILY 3 MONTHS! Free…

Spring of Sustainability, FREE online, on radio, purchase CDs, promises to bring many clear views of complex issues we need to understand to preserve life as we know. Check the SWC site: and sign up free. Speakers and organizers of Spring of Sustainability are not giving in to the paralysis that seems to infect most of us – getting heavier and more prone to illness because – we can’t break loose from our TVs – and computers! (Am victim to… Read More »

Creating Enlightened Society at Grace

Drove Fri. with Linda Lipps, a Shambhala practitioner and dear friend who runs a mindfulness group at Oasis Center in downtown Petaluma, to Grace Cathedral, SF, to hear Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche, His Royal Highness of Shambhala Buddhism, son of Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche, teacher to Pema Chodrum and other wonderful humans. This Buddhist stuff sticks to me – I love it because it digs into what I’m thinking and doing and helps me do whatever with more focus and integrity. I… Read More »

Building Community: Aqus invites us to Lydia’s, Redwood Cafe

John Crowley, Grayson James and friends and their new entity, Aqus Community, did what they came to do last Sat. – they brought hundreds of curious and hungry people together from local small businesses, non-profits, families and folks on dates. One would expect many new memberships and much fun down the road! Launch venues: started up at the also-new Lydia’s Organics/Sunflower Cafe in Redwood Business Park (used to be Cisco Systems cafeteria) and an after-party for many many warm dancers… Read More »

Thoughts on leaving the Jungle…

Over the years (eighteen), Jungle Vibes took on way more personality and meaning than any store I’ve ever been connected to. It officially closes TOMORROW, Sunday, Feb. 5th. Come in and say goodbye. There may be one last gift for a child or adult (or YOU) that is now very affordable! And lots and lots of shelving, glass, fixtures. We ran a dunk tank and had Victor Piatt Juggler Extraordiaire at the corner of Kentucky and East Washington, fire dance… Read More »

The Phil and Norman show at the Apple Box!

This just in: The Phil Donahue/Norman Solomon appearance at Apple Box is now airing on PCA (I did the video): scheduled on 26… Mon/Thurs – 4am Tues/Fri – 2am, Noon Wed/Sat – 4am,. 8am, 2pm, 9pm Sunday – 3pm Phil Donahue came to the Apple Box Monday noontime to boost the candidacy of Norman Solomon for Lynn Woolsey’s Congressional seat. The crowd was enthusiastic and nostalgic for the good old days when Phil Donahue had the best talk show period.… Read More »

Blocking Dutra: Wrong Plant, wrong place still in play!

So I got myself to City Hall last night before closed session to join so many good people who want to preserve our bird sanctuary, Gateway to Wine Country, one of four major migratory bird preserves in Northern CA, Shollenberger Park. Where I have counted a Baker’s dozen swans, 29! White Pelicans, endless Coots and many many Snowy Egrets. Peaceful, beautiful, pristine. Emotions were high last night, but people were respectful from first comment to last, by Jason Davies’ young… Read More »