Company update for July 8, 2021

We have reached the next (and hopefully penultimate) phase of this pandemic. Businesses are open without restrictions and masks are needed for far fewer situations.

We are so proud of how the business community has stood together in recent years. Whether you had to take off, dismount or spin, you tackled those challenges with grace and creativity.

There is still work to be done, we know that. As you bring employees back, remember that you are adapting to changes in customer needs and navigating a supply chain that is far from normal: the City and your fellow business leaders are here to help.

So, let’s get to work! Please take a moment to review the updates and resources below. Feel free to contact us directly ([email protected] or 707-778-4484 ) with questions, concerns, or to share ideas about how we can continue to help our beloved business community as we move toward recovery.

We look forward to seeing or speaking to you soon!

DROUGHT LIMITATIONS

On Monday, June 21, the city council implemented Phase 3 of the city’s 2020 water shortage emergency plan, which includes water use restrictions to reduce the city’s water consumption by 25%. More info here.

In addition to restrictions that apply to everyone, some Phase 3 restrictions apply specifically to restaurants, hotels, water transporters and contractors, as well as any business with a commercial vehicle fleet. Owners of these types of businesses should read the list carefully.

An area whereallcan really make a difference is landscape watering. This is where up to half of our water goes in the summer – YIKES!

Everyone must follow the Stage 3 restrictions for WHEN to water (see the table here). Still, commercial property owners/managers, as well as landscape contractors, can really make a difference by implementing better landscape management practices in the coming months. Make sure your irrigation system is working properly by regularly checking sprinkler heads and drip irrigation components. Consider swapping sod for drought-tolerant plants — we can help — or letting sod dry out this summer.

Commercial renters can do their part by letting property owners and managers know that you support water conservation efforts.

Petaluma companies have led the way in reducing water consumption in the past. This time, too, our business community must be at the forefront of change. We can do this!

ClickHEREto learn more about our Mulch Madness program for commercial and residential real estate.

ClickHEREfor business water-saving strategies and discount information from Sonoma Water (https://www.savingwaterpartnership.org/regional-programs/business/).

ClickHEREto request free pre-rinse nozzles for commercial kitchens provided by the City of Petaluma.

Get help from the city’s water conservation team: call (707) 778-4507 or email:[email protected].

FREE RANGE ALLOW PROGRAM UPDATE

A bright spot amid last year’s COVID restrictions was the Citys Free Range temporary outdoor permit program. Free Range started in late May 2021 and was a way for theCity to help businesses stay alive by settling (safely and quickly) outdoors when indoor activities were limited.

Free-range permits were issued to 58 businesses, including restaurants, hairdressers, nail salons and fitness operators. The program evolved over the year, with the addition of city-funded traffic barriers and tents, the closure of Water Street, parking lots for pick-up and delivery options, and the creation of parks funded by business owners and grants.

The Free Range setups – especially in restaurants – are a huge hit with the community. So much so that the city is looking into extending the program beyond the October 31, 2021 end date.

CELEBRATE PETALUMA MANUFACTURERS

Manufacturing is an important part of our local economy. The products made within the city limits include everything from cookies to synthetic DNA (yes, there is such a thing), and it’s this diversity that keeps the overall industry strong despite the inevitable economic ups and downs.

Leadership and innovation are two other factors that determine the production power of Petalumas. Not only do our companies make great products, they do it in a way that supports employees and protects the health of the planet.

Two examples of excellent Petaluma companies are Labcon, which makes products for medical testing, and Biotic, which makes fermented probiotic drinks.

Labcon is a world champion, with drought-tolerant landscaping and solar panels installed at its Petaluma site, as well as a manufacturing process refined to use less water and keep waste out of landfill. Over the years, the company has created a family atmosphere among its 200+ employees, and this has been a vital part of its ability to meet the non-stop demand for its products during the COVID crisis.

ClickHEREandHEREto watch videos about Labs Operations and Environmental Commitment.

Sustainability and employee support are also important to Biotic, which became a certified B Corp last fall. It uses 100% organic ingredients, the majority of which are grown in California. Biotic has a growing farm-direct sourcing program to support regenerative farming and all food waste goes back to local farms. It is powered by renewable energy from Sonoma Clean Power, uses all domestically made packaging and aims to be net carbon neutral by 2030. a favorite grab-n-go lunchtime drink, Biotic sales took a big hit during COVID. Rather than cut wages and lay off his workforce, CEO Adam Johnston raised wages and kept people employed, using the time to train and launch a full-scale rebrand that is paying off at a sales rate that has since increased by 30% at the beginning of the year.

ClickHEREandHEREto learn more about biotics.

WHAT IS ALL THAT ROAD WORK IN THE CITY CENTER?

The American with Disabilities Act (ADA) curbside work has been completed in the downtown area, providing safe passageways for wheelchairs and strollers.

In the summer, as part of our citywide Pavement Restoration project, Western Avenue will receive a slurry seal from Petaluma Boulevard to Liberty. Slurry seals provide a smooth surface and help protect the underlying pavement, minimizing the need for larger scale road works in the future. Parking and traffic may be disrupted during the work.

We expect this work to take place within a few days. Affected businesses on Western Avenue will be notified in writing 72 hours before work begins and signs will be posted on the street to warn the rest of the community.CLICK HEREFor more information about our Pavement Restoration project.

Thank you for your patience as we work to make our roads smoother and safer for our community!