Full Notification

On October 3, 2026, at approximately 9:27 a.m., the Petaluma Police Department Dispatch Center received a report that antisemitic pamphlets had been distributed in residential driveways in the area of Baywood Drive and Daniel Drive. Based on the preliminary investigation, the materials appear to have been distributed sometime during the overnight hours.
 
Officers responded to the area, collected numerous pamphlets as evidence, and conducted a neighborhood canvas in an effort to locate video surveillance footage or witnesses who may assist in identifying the individual or individuals responsible.
 
The materials appear to target the Jewish community but, at this time, do not reference or threaten any specific individuals, locations, or organizations. Officers are continuing to review the circumstances surrounding the incident.
 
At this stage of the investigation, the Police Department is treating this as a hate-related incident. There is an important distinction between a hate incident and a hate crime. A hate crime involves criminal act motivated, at least in part, by bias against a protected characteristic. A hate incident may involve an action or behavior motivated by hate or bias that is concerning but does not itself violate the law. Further information about California DOJ Hate Crimes webpage at https://oag.ca.gov/hatecrimes
 
At this time, investigators have not identified a criminal violation related to the distribution of these materials. That determination could change if additional information or evidence is developed.
 
The Petaluma Police Department and City of Petaluma condemn hate speech and intimidation directed at any member of our community. We recognize the concern and impact this type of activity can have on those who encounter it and on the broader community. Constitutional protections for speech do not diminish the very real impact that hateful messages can have on those who are targeted by them or on the broader community.
 
Incidents like this can create fear and uncertainty beyond the residences where these materials were discovered. Our role extends beyond determining whether a particular act meets the elements of a crime. We also have a responsibility to listen to those who are impacted, document and investigate hate-related incidents appropriately, remain alert to potential related activity, and work with our community to help maintain and restore a sense of safety.
 
Petaluma should be a community where everyone can live, work, worship, attend school, and participate in community life without fear of being targeted because of who they are. We will continue working with community members, faith leaders, community organizations, and regional law enforcement partners to support those impacted and help keep our community safe.
 
The Petaluma Police Department is coordinating with regional law enforcement partners to determine whether similar incidents have occurred in neighboring communities and whether any of those incidents may be related.
 
Anyone with information regarding this incident, or who may have surveillance footage from the area of Baywood Drive and Daniel Drive during the overnight hours, is encouraged to contact the Petaluma Police Department at (707) 778-4372. Community members are also encouraged to report any additional incidents involving similar materials or related activity. We encourage community members to report hate-related activity even when they are uncertain whether the conduct constitutes a crime. Reporting helps law enforcement document these incidents, identify patterns or connections, and respond appropriately.
 
The Petaluma Police Department remains committed to the safety and well-being of all members of our community and will continue working with community members and regional partners as this investigation progresses.
 
For additional information regarding hate-related incidents and hate crimes reported to the Petaluma Police Department, please visit the Department’s Transparency Page on the City of Petaluma website:
 
https://cityofpetaluma.org/petaluma-police-transparency/
 
Community members seeking additional information, support, or resources for responding to hate can also visit:
 
United Against Hate-
https://www.unitedagainsthate.org/
 
Not In Our Town-
https://www.niot.org/