Party for a Cause

When Petalumans have a cause, they know that a good way to raise money for it is to throw a party. Mix in some sunny weather, local beer and music and you’ve got…well, a shindig.

Check out the video of some of the highlights

An estimated 300 people attended the Shollenberger Shindig Tuesday night at , held to raise money for the legal fight against Dutra Materials. The San Rafael-based company wants to build an asphalt plant across the river from Shollenberger Park, a project approved by the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors last December.

A month later, a group of organizations and residents, along with the city of Petaluma, filed a lawsuit against the county claiming that it would negatively impact air quality, traffic, on top of being a major eyesore at the beloved park.

On Tuesday, guests were entertained by local bands Foxes in the Henhouse, the Rivereens and Three Legged Sister, while those with VIP passes got a chance to listen to Argentine guitarist Guillermo Garcia and Petaluma musician Gabby La La, known for her quirky costumes and sounds. And nearly everyone had a Lagunitas beer in hand, which they drank from the bar’s cute jar glasses emblazoned with the company’s famous pit bull.

Check out the photos from the event on the right. Got your own? Go ahead and upload them.

The mood was festive, complete with ice cream for the kids and a Mae West impersonator who was decked out in a feathery green outfit (in honor of the park?). But the purpose of the event was dead serious as a string of politicians got up to speak before the crowd.

“With your help, we will raise the money to make sure they don’t put this at the gateway of Sonoma County because South County doesn’t deserve it and neither does the rest of the county,” said former mayor Pam Torliatt.

Also in the crowd were current mayor Dave Glass, councilwomen Tiffany Renee and Teresa Barrett and media critic and activist Norman Solomon, who is hoping to replace Rep. Lynn Woolsey if the Congresswoman decides to retire.

As the sun set and the evening drew to a close, legendary composer and mandolin player David Grisman joined the Rivereens on stage to sing John Lennon's "Imagine" under the full moon.

David Keller, president of the Petaluma River Council and one of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit, was visibly moved.

“The turnout has been amazing,” Keller said. “People are supporting this with their hearts, their sweat and with their money. This is what this community is about."