Supporters of the Petaluma Adobe are a little closer to keeping the historic park open, following a pledge from an anonymous donor to match up to $35,000 in donations.

The park, the site of General Mariano Vallejo's cattle ranch in the 1840s, is one of nearly 70 parks throughout California slated for closure starting July 2012 as a result of statewide budget cuts.

Since the announcement this summer, the Sonoma/Petaluma State Historic Parks Association has been trying to raise awareness about the impending closure, setting up a weekly informational table at the Petaluma Farmers' Market, recruiting new members, contacting businesses and writing editorials in the local press.

But despite the efforts, they have only managed to raise $6,000.

With the new matching grant donation, made by a charitable trust and announced today, the group needs to raise $29,000 by end of April.

"We're thrilled about the generous offer of matching funds which will go a long way in helping the association meet its goal of $70,000," said Mary Ann Maslowski, president of the historic association.

The historic building and 41 acre park, once the center of General Mariano Vallejo’s one hundred square mile ranch and important economic hub in Alta California, as the area was called before Mexico ceded it following the Mexican-American War in 1850.

On February 14, the historic association will hold a fundraiser at Lagunitas Brewery to drum up more money.  

To make a donation, mail a check to S/PSHPA Save the Petaluma Adobe Fund PO Box 1702, Sonoma CA 95476. The S/PSHPA is a registered nonprofit and donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. For more information call Philip Sales at 707-592-1601 or email savethepetalumaadobe@gmail.com or check out the Save the Petaluma Adobe Facebook page.