August 14, 2023
Greetings & Thoughts
Taking a deep breath, then plunging onward!
Last week was as full and compelling as I’d expected. Although I departed early, which means after only four hours in the Council Chambers, I’m glad I didn’t miss the Planning Commission review of the proposed Overlay.
On that topic, thank you for the many comments on the “Supplemental FAQs” that occupied this space last week. I received more comments on that effort than I’ve received on these emails in the past year. And the comments were generally supportive of our efforts, in a ratio closer to unanimity than I’d expected. It’s nice to know that these words are read.
Staying with last week, thanks go to local developer, investor, and farmer Chris Larson for his detailed review of the state of ADUs, his thoughtful responses to the many questions that were posed, and his insightful comments on how to make the ADU market more active. For those who were unable to attend, the link to the recording is here. This link, and links to almost all other KBYG forums since the pandemic began, are also on the Past Events page of the Urban Chat website, here.
Looking ahead, when I began the Urban Chat Mixers in July, my unspoken hope was that someone would offer to host a mixer of their own. (While I sometimes twist arms, I try to be more circumspect when I can.) My hope was granted. Rachel Thomas, with her husband Colin, has offered to host a mixer on Friday, August 25. She has set 6:00pm for the mixer start, has determined that the capacity of her backyard is fourteen, and will ask everyone to bring an appetizer to share.
For other information, including an address, you must RSVP to Rachel whose email address is margot.rachel.thomas@gmail.com. My name is already on the RSVP list. Thanks go to Rachel for helping us build on what I hope will continue to be a good and successful idea.
Questions or comments? Feel free to reach out. – Dave Alden c: 707-338-8388
P.S. New folks can sign up for this email through the Urban Chat website.
Upcoming Meetings
All events are open to the public. Everyone is encouraged to participate in person or on-line. The link to the Urban Chat calendar, as frequently referenced below, is here.
Thursday, August 17 (this week) – Petaluma General Plan Advisory Committee
Well, the GPAC has been surprised again. Rather than sea level rise/flood risk as has been often hinted, on Thursday the GPAC will review studies on the economic and permitting realities of housing construction with a discussion to follow.
Also, the meeting will be conducted on Thursday, remaining in the Zoom format, rather than the hinted possibility of a hybrid format on a Saturday.
The meeting will convene at 6:30pm. Other meeting data, including the agenda and Zoom link, will be provided on the Urban Chat calendar, link above, when the City publishes the information.
Wednesday, August 23 – Know Before You Grow
Tony Jordan, the founder of the Parking Reform Network, will speak to us via video about his nationwide efforts to reform parking policies including eliminating parking minimums and improving parking management. This will also include thoughts on parking policies related to 15-minute neighborhoods.
Jordan was recommended to us by the dean of American parking analysis, UCLA Economics Professor Emeritus Donald Shoup, which guarantees the presentation will be worth your evening.
The forum will convene at 7:00pm at the Cavanagh Center, at 426 8th Street. This forum is also posted on the Urban Chat calendar, link above.
Thursday, August 24 – Petaluma Urban Chat
The monthly meeting of Urban Chat is almost always agenda-free, allowing an enjoyable and enlightening conversation to wander freely over the urbanist landscape.
The exchange of ideas will commence at noon. Arrive early if you plan to order lunch. Other information including location is provided on the Urban Chat calendar, link above.
Wednesday, September 13 – Know Before You Grow
We’re awaiting final confirmation from the speaker, but the anticipated topic is Senate Bill 9. SB9 is legislation that simplifies lot splits and ADUs, both of which can create the new households needed to support 15-minute neighborhoods.
The forum will convene at 7:00pm. We’re assessing two alternatives for a venue. Information will be posted on the Urban Chat calendar, link above, when finalized.
Wednesday, September 20 - Petaluma Urban Chat/Better Cities Film Festival
This will be the first showing of the Better Cities Film Festival as presented by Urban Chat. We’re working with the national Better Cities Film Festival organization. With our input about Petaluma’s specific issues, the Better Cities Film Festival staff is helping us curate a selection of films from their 800-spool library pertaining to all aspects of urban planning from housing to transportation to climate action.
Plans for the Film Festival are still evolving, but you should put the date on your calendar now.
We suggest attendees arrive at 5:00 pm for no host beverages and light dinners. This first showing will begin at 6:00 pm. The venue will be the Boulevard 14 Cinemas. Look for more information in coming weeks.
Thursday, September 28 - Petaluma Urban Chat/Better Cities Film Festival
This will be the second showing of the Better Cities Film Festival as presented by Urban Chat. It will be the same film selection as the first showing, but with a larger contingent of students, adding to the energy and self-interest of the audience.
As with the first showing, plans are still evolving, but you should put the date on your calendar now.
As with the first showing, we suggest attendees arrive beginning at 5:00 pm for non-alcoholic beverages and conversation. This second showing will also begin at 6:00 pm. The venue will be the Carole L. Ellis Auditorium on the Santa Rosa Junior College Petaluma campus. Look for more information in coming weeks.
