Long a Petaluma landmark, the Casa Grande Motel was acquired by the City of Petaluma as the site of a planned new, downtown fire station. Fire Chief Chris Albertson, a Rotarian and amatuer archeologist ("I'd rather use a shovel than an axe."), became fascinated with the stories that this historic structure could tell.
Working quietly on his own at first, Chris probed the ruins for historical artifacts from earlier times. His early discoveries exposed peccadilloes of a senior Rotary official. Recognizing that much history remained to be revealed and not wanting to delay construction of the new fire station when historical artifacts would later be unearthed, he sought the help of a professional archeological team. Chris said that he'd love to do it all himself, but that the demands of his job allowed him little time off, even for civic pursuits such as local archeology.
Fortunately Chris located a wealthy citizen, another Rotarian (who wishes to remain anonymous), who agreed to fund professional archeological research. In addition, this citizen is engaging Italian artisans to restore this faded sign to its former glory. It is rumored that a major hotel chain plans to name its boutique hotel in the downtown Theatre District "The Casa Grande Motel." This sign will be prominently displayed at the new hotel and the local fire department will profit from sale of the naming rights.
