Petaluma Police Department
News Release
For Immediate Release May 4, 2016
Pedestrian Trail Access Around Water Tower
At End of Hayes Lane OPEN
Petaluma, California – The Petaluma Police Department has received numerous telephone calls regarding the status of pedestrian access to the trail between Hayes Lane and the West Haven Subdivision around the City of Petaluma water tank. The questions have come about due to the Victoria Subdivision HOA contracting with the owner of a flock of sheep to conduct weed abatement for fire safety and prevention in the high fire danger zone. The City of Petaluma was not involved in the original engagement and only became aware of it when access to the area was prohibited by metal gates and locks. Signs posted by the owner of the sheep originally indicated the signs were posted by Petaluma Police Department indicating the area was closed for a few weeks. Those signs were not approved by the City of Petaluma and the area is NOT closed.
The City of Petaluma has since engaged the owner of the sheep and a lock on a pedestrian gate has been removed to allow access to the area by residents. Residents are reminded that leash laws apply anywhere in the city except for designated dog parks. This is especially important in areas where livestock, like the sheep performing weed abatement, are present. Residents should feel free to use the trail with dogs as long as they are on leash. Anyone using the trail should remember to close the pedestrian gate behind them to prevent livestock from escaping.
The weed abatement activities should be concluded by the end of this week.
Issued By: Lieutenant Ken Savano, 707.778.4463, [email protected]
