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TIMELINE OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS THROUGH 2013
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CITY COUNCIL APPROVES TRESTLE RESTORATION - 2012
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PETALUMA POST article - JANUARY 2011
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PETALUMA’S WATER STREET TRESTLE SET TO CARRY ANEW THE WEIGHT OF HISTORY AS THE CALIFORNIA STATE COASTAL CONSERVANCY GREEN LIGHTS REHABILITATION PLAN FUNDING

$500,000 Rehabilitation Design Grant Sets Stage for Restored Public Access and Possible Future Return of Trolley Service to Petaluma

On Thursday, October 21st, 2010 the State Coastal Conservancy approved a grant of $475,000 to the City of Petaluma to complete necessary analysis and engineered designs for the rehabilitation of the historic trestle along the Petaluma River in downtown Petaluma. One of Petaluma’s most significant historic landmarks, the 1920s railroad structure has come to symbolize Petaluma’s unique charm and its history as the shipping corridor of Sonoma County. The Water Street Trestle is slated for half-million dollar assessment and engineering designs as early as January 2011, pending approval by Petaluma’s Mayor, Pamela Torliatt, who worked hard to obtain this grant, and the City Council when it convenes on December 6th, to consider accepting the Conservancy’s $475,000 grant. The Trestle last transported freight locomotives in 1994, after which time it was closed to rail transportation. The trestle enjoyed use for river-related events for roughly the next five years until it was deemed unsafe for public access. It has quietly continued to deteriorate since that time. Until now. Read the entire coverage here.

Press Democrat
Monday, November 29, 2010: Next Stop - Restoration
http://www.petaluma360.com/article/20101129/NEWS/11291005

Argus-Courier
November 2, 2010: Trestle Rehabilitation Grant Approved
http://www.petaluma360.com/article/20101102/COMMUNITY/101029496

Marin Independent-Journal

Open House for Petaluma Trolley Living History Railway Museum
September 19, 2010
Dick Spotswood

I just rode the only operating railroad in Marin or Sonoma. No, it's not SMART or the soon-to-reopen North Bay freight railroad. Built with zero taxpayer dollars and all-volunteer labor, the Petaluma Trolley is an example of the can-do spirit that's essential to thriving communities.

The line is only about 100 yards long, but its opening is still quite an accomplishment. It will never be a serious transit operation. Rather the trolley is an effort to memorialize town history while stimulating the revival of the downtown business district.

Petaluma Trolley's backers are essentially into community building. Their first step created the museum that's just opened on selected weekends. It's a block from the wonderfully restored Petaluma train station that's now the city's arts center. The trolley group's second step is restoration of the historic wharf trestle in downtown Petaluma, where river boats once connected with electric trains. Once that's accomplished, the plan is to extend the trolley to Petaluma's outlet mall.

Novato civic leaders might productively check out examples of how they can utilize their now-dilapidated train station and create excitement in Old Town.

Columnist Dick Spotswood of Mill Valley shares his views on local politics every Sunday in the IJ. His e-mail address is spotswood@comcast.net. Read his musings at http://blogs.marinij.com/spotswood

More news coming soon! Stay tuned.