Late Afternoon Reflections: The fight to preserve our parks

I grew up in Petaluma and I cannot imagine a Petaluma devasted by the arrival of the DUTRA asphalt plant.

I am inspired by the painting at right, done by my mom, Camille Przewodek, at Shollenberger. This is just one of many paintings that she has created inspired by this incredible park and the species that inhabit it.

Wetlands are widely recognized as critical to the survival of endangered species, sequestering carbon from our atmosphere, and preserving water quality, all aspects of life which we take for granted here in Petaluma. My mom would be one of the first to tell you that these are just some of the reasons why she is so inspired to paint these breathtaking images of Shollenberger park.

She tells me, "Every time I paint these precious resources, I feel like I am documenting something important in the survival of the biodiversity of this earth." To view more of my mom's wetland paintings, including ones of Shollenberger park, click here.

There are countless communities across the planet who do not have access to clean air and clean water, whose residents struggle daily to survive in toxic environments, as a result of dirty industry. Here in Petaluma, with such a tight knit community, we have the power to stand in solidarity to prevent such a tragedy from occurring to our land and our air.

As we ring in a new year, I rejoice in knowing that we've got a dedicated community committed to preserving what makes Petaluma so unique and so vibrant, our beautiful parks, local agriculture, our cutting-edge water recycling facility, the incredible community of learners and doers, and above all, our beautiful meandering river that ties it all together.

To learn more, and take action, visit http://www.saveshollenberger.com. Write your City Council members, and ask them to join the legal appeal to the made by Judge Chouteau.

Take heart. Take action.