Hi Martin,

Thanks for the congrats! It is truly very exciting.

Petaluma is about 60 miles north of San Francisco with the closest large city being Santa Rosa. In between is Rohnert Park that sits just about on top of the Rodgers Creek Fault. My study area of choice, and is about one mile to the college I attend, Sonoma State University.

The history of this fair city is in its glorious past when at first it was inhabited by those from Mexico and were part of the Boarwars. Then farming took over and chickens a plenty. The city was then known as the "Egg Basket of the World. Millions of eggs left this place, however, mostly aboard ships that traveled up and down the Petaluma River.

And while I'm talking about the River, I should add that after spending seven years as a volunteer and board member of the Petaluma River Festival I was bestowed with the honor of becoming a Rear Admiral in the Petaluma Navy. Today in a town that has 60,000 inhabitants, only 300 people have ever received this award. You can only receive one from investing time in the improvement of the river and nearby surroundings. During my term my project was to place lights across the walking bridge and every night in this city thousands of people enjoy one of my favorite things, "putting a light in a dark place."

Petaluma is known for its friendliness and hosts 900 non-profit groups. The most in the county. Here dedicated volunteers join every night of the week to work on worthwhile projects of every nature. I doubt you'd find so many good samaritans living anywhere.

In the friendliest town around, I am one of those you see downtown with lots of others in my duties as an Ambassador for the Chamber of Commerce. The meeting and greeting committee, the ones who love to shake hands, so hello and tell people where to go. *grin*

So, I hope that gives you a taste of my kind of town, Petaluma, home of Wynonna Ryder, the actress, Lloyd Bridges the actor posthumously and many other notables, however, none in science.

The Mayor of Petaluma, Clarke Thompson (no relation) calls me the Earthquake Lady. He said when the RCF when off the last time, the first thing he thought about was me. I am so honored. Of course we have a nic name for him as well, "Your Clarkeness." He is big, but not Superman. He is a wonderful man, compassionate, listens when you talk and is quite friendly. He also supports my ideas on Citywide retrofitting and earthquake preparedness.

From near the RCF, Pat in Petaluma, The City With A Heart.