Rotary seeks $40,000 to extend scope of the 'Spirit of Petaluma Beacon'
The Rotary Club of Petaluma is spearheading a final push to raise $40,000 and complete the $200,000 Spirit of Petaluma Beacon, a large public sculpture by renowned Burning Man artist David Best.
The beacon will dominate a roundabout at the southern end of Petaluma Boulevard, a saucer‑like cylinder bearing the city’s name, suspended from an ornate iron tower and illuminated nightly. Its design is paired with drought‑tolerant landscaping.
The additional funds will support three new elements: a Rotary Peace Pole, a landscaped “selfie spot” for visitors, and a stewardship fund to maintain the artwork and its lighting for years to come.
City officials and community members see the project as a statement of place, with Mayor Kevin McDonnell noting its role in shaping first impressions and fostering local creativity. The six‑week campaign invites tax‑deductible donations from residents who want to see the beacon lit up each evening.