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Help save Petaluma Adobe

Editor, Index-Tribune:

    

  On July 1, 2012, the Petaluma Adobe will be closed and the artifacts moved to a warehouse in Sacramento.  The Adobe’s closure will deprive students and the public of this example of pre-Bear Flag Hispanic/Californio history.  The park has been used for years by students from Sonoma for field trips.

  There is a possibility of keeping the Adobe open. Earlier this month, the governor approved legislation, authored by Assemblyman Jared Huffman, which allows nonprofits to enter into agreements with the state to operate them. 

  The Sonoma/Petaluma State Historic Parks is the nonprofit organization which has, for many years, supported the State Parks in Petaluma and Sonoma by raising funds for interpretive programs. In August, we invited Petaluma community leaders to a meeting and formed an ad hoc committee which includes Supervisor David Rabbitt, the Chamber of Commerce and the Lions Club. The committee is exploring means to raise the $110,000 a year to keep the Adobe open four days a week.  The next committee meeting is Thursday, Oct. 27, at the State Parks Office on Casa Grande Road.

  Residents can show their support by becoming members of the Sonoma/Petaluma State Historic Parks Association. As we move forward with fundraising, it is critical that we clearly demonstrate through membership that residents consider keeping the Adobe open a community priority. Your $25 membership is tax deductible. Mail checks made out to S/PSHPA Box 1702, Sonoma CA 95476. You will be kept informed of progress and special fund raising events.

  Philip Sales

  S/PSHPA Membership Chair