Racing ahead for a fast-approaching Southern Sonoma County Supervisory election as well as several soon-to-be-vacant Petaluma City Council positions, sparring candidates across the board would do well to take a time out and hike up into the hills of Western Petaluma for their predecessor's vantage point across this largely unspoiled region.
For the memory of the late Helen Putnam (namesake of the stunning Sonoma County regional park that overlooks the spectacular south county and beyond) - mother, wife, teacher, principal, long-time mayor and celebrated county supervisor serves as a poignant reminder of the bigger picture that (particularly) local politics should above all else, strive to continue to improve the quality of life within its communities.
Putnam was Mayor of Petaluma from 1965 to 1979 and County Supervisor for the south county from 1979 to 1984. Renowned for viewing the meeting of one's individual potential as the measure of success, her unique contributions to improving the quality of life in the south county have been largely unparalleled.
With its panoramic views of the south county and Northern Marin, this 216-acre park with entrances on Oxford Court and at 411 Chileno Valley Road, Petaluma, was named after Putnam in 1985.
Today, thousands of hikers, bikers and horse riders take to the scenic, wooded trails and visit the park's open spaces, park and playground from dawn until dusk, year round.
An annual award for excellence has been given in Putnam's name by the League of California's 480 Cities, emphasizing the importance of not only improving quality of community life but implementing efficiencies in service delivery and operations and providing services responsive to the community.
With the state of California's civic coffers, that challenge has never been so complex and demanding. The need for strong, passionate and enduring leadership is imperative.
Standing atop Helen Putnam Regional Park on a blustery weekend hike, looking down across the city of Petaluma and far beyond, across the mountain range to San Francisco Bay, one has to wonder what this remarkable political leader would have to say to guide us forward into this uncertain future.
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