Petalumans plan to unplug

Many of us, even in outdoors-oriented Petaluma, have become so reliant on our electronics it's hard to imagine a day spent without them. But that's exactly what a group of local organizers, with the goal of fostering a "vibrant civic life," is asking residents to do this weekend.

The National Day of Unplugging is taking place from sundown on March 1 to sundown on March 2, and Petalumans are organizing an even longer period of disconnecting from electronics like televisions, computers, and phones. Between Friday, March 1, and Sunday, March 3, local organizers including representatives of the Aqus Community and Petaluma Water Ways, are encouraging residents to picnic together, stroll along the waterfront and downtown, fly kites, paddle in the river, watch birds, bike, or do any of a number of activities that get people outside, connecting with each other and the outside world.

Individuals, organizations and businesses are hosting events that are unplugged, with special attention to Petaluma Water Ways, the town's seven-mile riverside trail network linking landmarks like the Turning Basin, River Heritage Center, Marina, and Shollenberger Park.

To see a calendar of events or post your own event, visit http://www.aqusnews.com/postings/255/unplugged.html.