Petaluma

History

The Coast Miwok resided throughout Marin and southern Sonoma County. The village of Péta Lúuma (Coast Miwok for "backside of the hill", or "sloping ridge") was east of the Petaluma River, with a number of other Coast Miwok villages nearby: Wotoki was immediately to the south of Péta Lúuma, on the opposite side of the river; Etem, Likatiut, and Tuchayalin were near today's downtown; and Tulme and Susuli were just north of today's city limits.

The Petaluma area was part of a 66,000-acre (270 km2) 1834 Mexican land grant by Governor Jose Figueroa to Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo called Rancho Petaluma. In 1836, Vallejo ordered construction of his Rancho Petaluma Adobe, a ranch house near Petaluma, which his family often used as a summer home, while he resided in the neighboring town of Sonoma. Vallejo's influence and Mexican control in the region began to decline after Vallejo's arrest during the Bear Flag Revolt in 1846.

Pioneers moved to Petaluma from the eastern United States after James Marshall found gold in the Sierra Nevada in 1848. The town's position on the Petaluma River in the heart of productive farmland was critical to its growth during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Sailing scows, such as the scow schooner Alma (1892), and steamers plied the river between Petaluma and San Francisco, carrying agricultural produce and raw materials to the burgeoning city of San Francisco during the California Gold Rush.

There were brothels downtown along Petaluma Boulevard, which used to be the main thoroughfare until U.S. Highway 101 was constructed in the 1950s. The Petaluma Historic Commercial District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Sonoma County Bank Building was the home of the Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company and the Petaluma Seed Bank until 2019. It was built in 1926.

Petaluma soon became known for its grain milling and chicken processing industries, which continue to the present day as a smaller fraction of its commerce. At one time, Petaluma was known as the "Egg Capital of the World," sparking such nicknames as "Chickaluma". Petaluma hosted the only known poultry drugstore and is the place where the coal lamp egg incubator was invented by Lyman Byce in 1879.

Geography

Petaluma has a total area of 14.5 sq mi (37.6 km2), of which 14.4 sq mi (37.3 km2) is land and the remaining 0.1 sq mi (0.3 km2) is water. Water comprises 0.74% of the total area.

It is 32 miles (51 km) north of San Francisco.

Petaluma is flanked by the unincorporated communities of Penngrove to the north and Lakeville to the south.

Petaluma is situated at the northernmost navigable end of the Petaluma River, a tidal estuary that snakes southward to San Pablo Bay. Pollution levels in the river, once considerable, have improved in recent years. A significant amount of the city is in the river's flood plain, which overflows its banks every few years, particularly in the Payran neighborhood.

Principal environmental noise sources are U.S. Route 101, Petaluma Boulevard, Washington Street and other major arteries. The number of residents that live in a zone of noise exposure greater than 60 CNEL is approximately 4,000.

Climate

Petaluma has a mild Mediterranean climate (Köppen: Csb). Its dry summer is characterized by typically warm days and cool nights with a large degree of diurnal temperature variation. Summer mornings often start out foggy and chilly, but the fog usually clears by midday or so, giving way to clear skies and warmth for the remainder of the day. August is usually the warmest month, with average daily temperatures ranging from 82 °F (28 °C) to 53 °F (12 °C). December is usually the coldest month, with average daily temperatures ranging from 57 °F (14 °C) to 39 °F (4 °C). Winter is cool and rainy, with frost occasionally occurring on clear nights.

Weather Underground's reporting station in Petaluma had a record high temperature of 111 °F (44 °C) on September 6, 2020. The record low temperature of 16 °F (−9 °C) was recorded on November 14, 1916, and December 14, 1932. The wettest year was 1998 with 45.93 inches (1,167 mm) and the driest year was 1976 with 8.29 inches (211 mm). The wettest month was February 1998 with 19.59 inches (498 mm). The most precipitation in 24 hours was 4.29 inches (109 mm) on December 27, 2004. Although snow is rare in Petaluma, 1.5 inches (38 mm) fell in January 1916, as well as about 3 inches (76 mm) in January 2002.

Demographics

2020 census

As of the 2020 census, Petaluma had a population of 59,776. The median age was 43.4 years. 20.4% of residents were under the age of 18 and 20.0% were 65 years of age or older. For every 100 females there were 93.0 males, and for every 100 females age 18 and over there were 90.7 males age 18 and over.

The population density was 4,146.8 inhabitants per square mile (1,601.1/km2).

100.0% of residents lived in urban areas, while 0.0% lived in rural areas.

There were 23,190 households in Petaluma, of which 30.2% had children under the age of 18 living in them. Of all households, 50.4% were married-couple households, 15.0% were households with a male householder and no spouse or partner present, and 27.6% were households with a female householder and no spouse or partner present. About 25.5% of all households were made up of individuals and 14.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

There were 24,067 housing units, of which 3.6% were vacant. The homeowner vacancy rate was 0.7% and the rental vacancy rate was 4.5%.

2010 census

The 2010 United States census reported that Petaluma had a population of 57,941. The population density was 3,998.9 people per square mile (1,544.0/km2). The racial makeup of Petaluma was 46,566 (80.4%) White, 801 (1.4%) African American, 353 (0.6%) Native American, 2,607 (4.5%) Asian (1.3% Chinese, 0.9% Filipino, 0.8% Asian Indian, 0.4% Japanese, 0.3% Vietnamese, 0.2% Korean, 0.1% Pakistani, 0.1% Laotian, 0.1% Thai), 129 (0.2%), Pacific Islander, 5,103 (8.8%) from other races, and 2,382 (4.1%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 12,453 persons (21.5%). The Latino ethnic groups are Mexicans (16.2%), Salvadorans (1.2%), Guatemalans (0.6%), Nicaraguans (0.3%), Peruvians (0.3%), and Puerto Ricans (0.3%).

The census reported that 57,217 people (98.8% of the population) lived in households, 361 (0.6%) lived in non-institutionalized group quarters, and 363 (0.6%) were institutionalized.

There were 21,737 households, out of which 7,541 (34.7%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 11,392 (52.4%) were opposite-sex married couples living together, 2,257 (10.4%) had a female householder with no husband present, 1,052 (4.8%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 1,319 (6.1%) unmarried opposite-sex partnerships, and 207 (1.0%) same-sex married couples or partnerships. 5,372 households (24.7%) were made up of individuals, and 2,366 (10.9%) had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.63. There were 14,701 families (67.6% of all households); the average family size was 3.14.

The population was spread out, with 13,455 people (23.2%) under the age of 18, 4,589 people (7.9%) aged 18 to 24, 15,041 people (26.0%) aged 25 to 44, 17,273 people (29.8%) aged 45 to 64, and 7,583 people (13.1%) who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40.3 years. For every 100 females, there were 96.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.8 males.

There were 22,736 housing units at an average density of 1,569.2 per square mile (605.9/km2), of which 14,159 (65.1%) were owner-occupied, and 7,578 (34.9%) were occupied by renters. The homeowner vacancy rate was 1.3%; the rental vacancy rate was 4.8%. 37,389 people (64.5% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 19,828 people (34.2%) lived in rental housing units.

2000 census

As of the census of 2000, there were 54,548 people, 19,932 households, and 14,012 families residing in the city. The population density was 3,953 people per square mile (1,526/km2). There were 20,304 housing units at an average density of 1,471/sq mi (568/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 84.16% White, 1.16% African American, 0.54% Native American, 3.91% Asian, 0.17% Pacific Islander, 6.08% from other races, and 3.98% from two or more races. 14.64% of the population were Hispanic.

There were 19,932 households, out of which 36.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.3% were married couples living together, 10.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.7% were non-families. 22.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.70 and the average family size was 3.16. The age distribution is: 26.2% under the age of 18, 7.2% from 18 to 24, 31.5% from 25 to 44, 24.1% from 45 to 64, and 11.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 95.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.9 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $61,679, and the median income for a family was $71,158 (these figures had risen to $68,949 and $85,513, respectively, as of a 2007 estimate). Males had a median income of $50,232 versus $36,413 for females. The per capita income for the city was $27,087. About 3.3% of families and 6.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 6.2% of those under age 18 and 7.1% of those age 65 or over.

Economy

Amy's Kitchen, Calix Inc., Clover Sonoma, Lagunitas Brewing Company, and Petaluma Poultry are based in Petaluma. Mesa/Boogie and Enphase Energy were also founded in Petaluma.

Top employers

According to the city's 2023 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, the top employers in the city are:

Military

The U.S. Coast Guard operates Training Center Petaluma just outside Petaluma, near Two Rock. It operates several of its class "A" and "C" schools at TRACEN Petaluma, including the Electronics Technician (ET), Culinary Specialist (CS), Health Service Technician (HS), Information Systems Technician (IT), Operation Specialist (OS), Storekeeper (SK), and Yeoman (YN) schools.

The Coast Guard also operates the Chief Petty Officer Academy at TRACEN, which trains senior non-commissioned officers (Chief Petty Officers) for both the U.S. Coast Guard and the U.S. Air Force.

The California National Guard operates an armed forces facility in Petaluma.

Arts and culture

The Petaluma Arts Center is located here.

The annual Butter and Eggs Day Festival is a celebration of Petaluma's culture and heritage. It includes a parade surrounded by a festival with contains food, crafts, live music, two large kids areas, and beverage gardens.

The Cinnabar Theater is a professional non-profit theater, and is also home to the Young Repertory Theater.

Parks and recreation

Immediately to the southwest is Helen Putnam Regional Park, accessible from Chileno Valley Road. This park of 216 acres (0.9 km2) has trails for hiking, cycling and horseback riding and is one of two parks named in honor of former mayor Helen Putnam who served from 1965 to 1979; the other is Putnam Plaza on Petaluma Boulevard. Lying above the city of Petaluma on the northwest flank of Sonoma Mountain is the Fairfield Osborn Preserve, a nature reserve with a diversity of native plants and animals. Nearby to the southeast is Tolay Lake, the site of prehistoric seasonal settlement by Miwok and Pomo tribes.

Government

The mayor of Petaluma is Kevin McDonnell.

State and federal representation

In the California State Legislature, Petaluma is in the 2nd senatorial district, represented by Democrat Mike McGuire, and the 12th Assembly district, represented by Democrat Damon Connolly.

In the United States House of Representatives, Petaluma is in California's 2nd congressional district, represented by Democrat Jared Huffman.

According to the California Secretary of State, as of February 10, 2019, Petaluma has 36,034 registered voters. Of those, 18,779 (52.1%) are registered Democrats, 6,124 (17%) are registered Republicans, and 9,281 (25.8%) have declined to state a political party.

Education

Petaluma is covered by multiple elementary school districts, while all of Petaluma is in the Petaluma Joint Union High School District. Petaluma City School District is made up of both the Petaluma City Elementary School District and the Petaluma Joint Union High School District. Other elementary school districts covering parts of Petaluma include Old Adobe Union,, Wilmar Union,, Cinnabar,, and Waugh..

There are two comprehensive high schools in Petaluma: Petaluma High School and Casa Grande High School, whose athletic teams are known as the Trojans and Gauchos respectively. Casa Grande High School has a notable Academic Decathlon team, which has represented Sonoma County for the last 27 years in the state-level competition. There is an annual football game between the two schools' teams known as the "Egg Bowl". The Game was suspended in 2011 for fights involving players and fans, but was brought back in 2017, with Petaluma winning the game over Casa Grande, 20–14. The two Petaluma public middle schools are Kenilworth Junior High School and Petaluma Junior High School.

St. Vincent de Paul High School, a Roman Catholic private school, is in Petaluma, and its athletic teams are known as the Mustangs. Santa Rosa Junior College has a second campus in Petaluma, and the campus the unaccredited art school/atelier l'Atelier aux Couleurs is located in Petaluma. Harvest Christian School is a private Christian school in Petaluma, serving grades TK–8.

Infrastructure

Transportation

U.S. Highway 101 is the main freeway for the city. State Route 116 also runs through town as Lakeville Highway. Other major streets include East Washington Street, North and South McDowell Boulevards, and Petaluma Boulevard.

Petaluma is served by Petaluma Transit, Golden Gate Transit and by Sonoma County Transit bus services. The Sonoma–Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART) rail line inaugurated service in August 2017 and serves Petaluma–Downtown station, adjacent to the historic Northwestern Pacific Railroad depot near Washington Street. A second station, Petaluma North, opened in 2025.

The Amtrak Thruway 7 bus provides daily connections to/from Petaluma (with a stop at 19 Copeland Street), Martinez to the south, and Arcata to the north. Additional Amtrak connections are available from Martinez station.

The nearest major airports are San Francisco International Airport and Oakland International Airport, Sonoma County Airport Express buses connect Petaluma with the aforementioned airports. General aviation is served by the Petaluma Municipal Airport, as well as the Charles M. Schulz – Sonoma County Airport located north of Santa Rosa.

Notable people

Actors and filmmakers

Lloyd Bridges (1913–1998), actor; graduated from Petaluma High School in 1930

Myron Healey (1923–2005), actor

Kane Parsons (born 2005), YouTuber and film director

Winona Ryder (born 1971), actor; graduated from Petaluma High School in 1989

Brett Johnson (born 1982), television writer, producer and showrunner. Graduated from Petaluma High School in 2001.[3]

Artists and designers

David Best (born 1945), sculptor, lives and works in Petaluma, known for Burning Man creations

Rosa Estebanez (1927–1991), Cuban-born American sculptor, lived and worked in Petaluma

Mark di Suvero (born 1933), sculptor, lived and worked in Petaluma, 1975-

Mary Fuller McChesney (1922–2022), sculptor, lived on Sonoma Mountain, 1953–2019

Robert P. McChesney (1913–2008), painter, lived on Sonoma Mountain, 1953–2008

Richard Wagener (born 1944), engraver, printer, book designer, publisher of Fine press books, Mixolydian Editions

Newton J. Tharp (1867–1909), architect, painter

Businesspeople

Kevin Tsujihara (born 1964), former chairman and CEO of Warner Bros.

Historical figures

Richard A. Penry (1948–1994), soldier and Medal of Honor recipient

Musicians and bands

Sean Hayes (born 1969), singer and songwriter

Em Rossi (born 1998), singer and songwriter

Sports figures

Josh Akognon (born 1986), basketball player

Clayton Andrews (born 1997), baseball player

Anthony Bender (born 1995), baseball player

Bruce Bochte (born 1950), baseball player

Justin Bruihl (born 1997), baseball player

Kevin Buckler (born 1959), race car driver & founder of The Racers Group

Steven Cozza (born 1985), professional road bicycle racer

Kristi DeVert (born 1973) soccer player

Joe Enochs (born 1971), former soccer player who most notably played for VfL Osnabrück

Jonny Gomes (born 1980), baseball player

Luke Haggard (born 2000), football player

Garrett Hill (born 1996), baseball player

Duke Iversen (1920–2011), football player

Elijah Qualls (born 1995), football player

Tom Louderback (born 1933), football player

Tiffany Roberts (born 1977) soccer player and coach

Brady Scott (born 1999) soccer player

Minna Stess (born 2006), Olympic skateboarder

Video game industry

Ryan Davis (1979–2013), video game journalist, former GameSpot writer and co-founder of Giant Bomb

Jeff Gerstmann (born 1975), video game journalist, former GameSpot writer and co-founder of Giant Bomb

Jake Rodkin, video game designer, graphic designer, podcaster

Bill Tiller (born 1967), computer game designer, writer, and artist, known for his work at LucasArts

Writers

Shirley Neilsen Blum (born 1932), American art historian, author, gallerist, curator, and professor; born in Petaluma.

Tobias Capwell (born c.  1973), American curator, military historian and jouster; born in Petaluma

Pauline Kael (1919–2001), movie critic

Karen Kilgariff (born 1970), comedian, podcaster and writer

Bill Pronzini (born 1943), mystery writer

Silver Tree, film writer and producer

Others

Alex Consani (born 2003), model; first transgender person to be named Model of the Year at the annual Fashion Awards in London.

Wayne Adam Ford (born 1961), serial killer; born in Petaluma

Henry Laporte, American chef and content creator

Nicole Aunapu Mann (born 1977), USMC fighter pilot and NASA astronaut.

In popular culture

The 2016 film American Wrestler: The Wizard is set in Petaluma.

The 2007 Michael Ondaatje novel Divisadero is partly set on a farm situated near Petaluma.

In their song "The Days of the Phoenix" from their September 2000 album titled The Art of Drowning, the punk rock band AFI makes reference to the Phoenix Theater on Washington Street in downtown Petaluma, a venue the band used to play on a regular basis.

In M*A*S*H, season 6, episode 24 ("Major Topper" – first aired March 27, 1978), a fictitious Petaluma Lumberjack Festival is referenced.

Much of the 1973 movie American Graffiti directed by George Lucas and produced by Francis Ford Coppola was filmed in Petaluma.

Norman Greenbaum's 1972 album Petaluma is named in honor of the city, which was home to his dairy farm at the time.