Tuesday, May 26th: At Steamer Landing Park, 5:30-8:30pm - Community Workshop for input on the new River Heritage Center (pizza, cookies & coffee served, bring your own water). Sponsored by the nonprofit Friends of the Petaluma River, supported by the City of Petaluma and Museum Association. www.friendsofthepetalumariver.org

Also, Tuesday, May 26th, 6pm, Petaluma School Board Meeting, 200 Douglas Street. Agenda includes discussion of budget report and proposed budget cuts for coming school year. Parents, students and citizens with interests in maintaining industrial arts and agricultural education programs are encouraged to attend. Input by the greater community at the last Board meeting was impressive and heartfelt.

Saturday, May 30th, 9:00-11:30 a.m. Petaluma Veterans Building on Petaluma Boulevard South. Public Meeting to Discuss Proposed Dutra Asphalt Plant. Hosted by State Assembly Member Jared Huffman. Assembly Member Huffman chairs the State Assembly's Committee on Water, Parks and Wildlife. He is also a member of the Committee on Natural Resources. I believe input from the public will be encouraged, and there will be a comprehensive panel discussion, ranging from proponents describing benefits to panelists considering strong concerns expressed in opposition to the proposal on natural resources, air quality, aesthetic and visual impacts, and other quality of life and public interest issues. This promises to be an important community event.