This Sunday, May 6, is “River Cleanup” Day. Hopefully, hundreds of volunteers will turn out to participate in our community’s annual event to gather up the debris and trash that has found its way into our original “highway” to San Francisco. It is also a time to look up what Bill Soberanes has written about our “so-called” river.

In his column (Argus-Courier, 1-22-1986, p.10A), he states, “I can remember the Petaluma River when it was called a creek. I also remember the colorful people who were involved with the river in a variety of ways.” Ah, the people. With Bill, it usually ends up with a focus on people; hence his claim to being the world’s first and foremost “peopleologist.” Who were some of these people he remembers who were associated with the river, in one way or another? (Pardon me; our creek.) How many Petalumans of today remember these names from yesteryear?

*Mike Christensen, a captain on the river

*Noonie Del Maestro, a former Police Chief who also worked on the Steamer Gold

*John Stone, another captain who sailed the sea, as well as our river

*Captain Devore Baker, who built a raft name “Lehi” in Petaluma

Who remembers when the U.S. Corps of Engineers widen the creek from the foot of Western Avenue to Black Point Bridge? (Think 1931) Its depth was also increased to 8′ at low tide. I wonder what thoughts and memories the volunteers, this Sunday, might have as they cleanup our historic river? Readers: what memories or questions do you have? Stay tuned.