Petaluma Adobe on state's closure list

<p>California State Parks today announced a plan to close up to 70 of its 278 parks due to budget cuts, including the Petaluma Adobe State Historic Park.</p><p>In a press release issued at noon Friday, parks officials said the closures are necessary to cut $11 million from the coming fiscal year budget, and an additional $22 million the following year.</p><p>In addition to the Petaluma Adobe, other North Bay area parks include Olompali, Samuel P. Taylor, Annadel, Sugarloaf Ridge, Jack London and Tomales Bay.</p><p>“We regret closing any park, but with the proposed budget reductions over the next two years, we can no longer afford to operate all parks within the system,” said Ruth Coleman, director of California State Parks.</p><p>The closures list is not final and came with a plea from Resources Secretary John Laird to make budget changes to change the landscape.</p><p>“These cuts are unfortunate, but the state's current budget crisis demands that tough decisions be made,” Laird said. “Hopefully, Republicans in the Legislature will agree to allow California voters to decide whether we extend currently existing taxes or make deeper cuts to our parks.”</p><p>The Petaluma Adobe was the main residence of Rancho Petaluma, the agricultural empire of General Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo, one of the most powerful men in the Mexican Province of California, from 1834 to 1846.</p><p>Vallejo ran his cattle, hide and tallow business, raised sheep, bred horses, and grew numerous crops. The adobe contains authentic furniture and exhibits depicting early rancho life.</p><p>The huge adobe building, the largest private rancho in California between 1834 and 1846, was the center of activity on one of the most prosperous private estates established during the Mexican period.</p><p>The park has shaded picnic areas with views of farmland and oak-studded hills.</p><p>— Argus-Courier and Press Democrat staff</p>