In late March of 2020, residents of Petaluma, California were ordered to shelter in place in reaction to the COVID-19 pandemic. In partnership with Petaluma Arts Center, audio ephemera produced a ten episode podcast capturing the experiences and thoughts of residents as they adapted to these circumstances. As with many other Americans, residents in Petaluma also reflected on society in general as they spent weeks and months away from others. Although the podcast covers only two months of the mandated Shelter in Place order, it reveals the broad array of issues that many people faced while staying home for so long.

Below are the episodes as presented during the months of May, June and July, 2020.

Andy Sewell Andy Sewell

Wrap-Up

For this final episode of Sheltering in Petaluma, previously unheard stories are shared as well as thoughts from producer and host, Andy Sewell. When the project initially began, Petalumans were heading into what was anticipated to be the final month of a three month shut down. Now, as the podcast comes to a close, a second shutdown is just beginning.

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Andy Sewell Andy Sewell

la Pandemia

Latinos in Petaluma are a vital part of the community. When the Shelter in Place order went into effect, many were designated as essential workers and working from home was not an option. Many sacrificed connection with their families and communities of faith. In this episode, we share three stories of Petalumans trying to stay healthy and safe without the luxury of staying home.

This episode presents stories in Spanish with English translation.

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Andy Sewell Andy Sewell

la Pandemia (en español)

Latinos in Petaluma are a vital part of the community. When the Shelter in Place order went into effect, many were designated as essential workers and working from home was not an option. Many sacrificed connection with their families and communities of faith. In this episode, we share three stories of Petalumans trying to stay healthy and safe without the luxury of staying home.

This episode presents stories in Spanish without an English translation.

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Andy Sewell Andy Sewell

Food

How and where to get food has been a common challenge for some Petalumans while sheltering in place. Now that many restaurants are opening up, we hear from one Petaluman who usually loves to cook, but that has changed during the shutdown. Another voice is from a restaurant owner who stayed open the entire time, changing how she serves food.

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Andy Sewell Andy Sewell

Opening

After three months of being under the Sonoma County Shelter in Place order, more businesses are starting to open up. That is a big change, but one with its own challenges. In this episode, we hear from one business owner who is preparing to welcome back her clients and another Petaluman who has been working the entire time.

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Andy Sewell Andy Sewell

Protest

Despite public health concerns about large groups, over 200 Petaluma youth organized a protest march against racial injustice and police brutality. In this episode, we hear from one of the organizers and another attendee about why they organized during the shelter in place order.

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Andy Sewell Andy Sewell

Education

This year, students didn't come back from Spring Break. They finished their semester via distance learning. In this episode, we hear how the changes to education impacted families, teachers, and students.

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Andy Sewell Andy Sewell

Alone

Many households in Petaluma are dealing with having everyone at home all the time. For some Petalumans who live alone, the adjustment has been different. While the isolation at home feels familiar - the lack of connection with others can be a challenge.

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Andy Sewell Andy Sewell

Outside

In Petaluma, being outside is a big part of life. This episode explores how people are getting outside after being mostly inside for two months. Several Petalumans have sent in Voice Memos about how they manage to enjoy the outside while still being socially distant.

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Andy Sewell Andy Sewell

Stay Home

We all spend a lot of time at home - but during the shelter in place, most of us have been spending ALL of our time at home. In this episode, we hear from several Petalumans on how things have been going as they spend most of their time at home.

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 This podcast was made possible by the support of Petaluma Arts Center. Please visit their website to become familiar with all they have to offer. Also consider supporting them so they can continue to support local artists.