We Did It!

Mission accomplished! Petaluma’s beloved 91-year-old iconic neon chick sign is glowing brightly once more.

On June 14, 2026, a joyful lighting ceremony drew a large crowd who celebrated with cake, conversation, a few remarks, and the lively accordion music of Tony Mustaro.

The evening marked the triumphant conclusion of a grassroots fundraising campaign that raised over $22,000 in just six months — a testament to how deeply this sign is woven into the community’s identity and hearts.

The Restoration

The restoration was led by FastSigns of American Canyon/Vallejo, owned by Walt and Karen Perlic, with hands-on work by employees Mark Barber, Erik Hernandez, and Mike Knief. In a particularly fitting touch, Paul Barber came out of retirement to work alongside his brother Mark, who together have more than 50 years of sign-making experience. Paul handled all the painting, while Randall Ann Homan of SF Neon created the patterns Blue Flame Neon used for the neon tube bending.

Why This Sign Matters

Installed at the former Poehlmann Hatchery at 620 Petaluma Blvd. North, the sign has served as an unofficial landmark, welcoming building tenants and visitors to the city for nearly 100 years. The hatchery itself closed in the early 1970s, but the sign has continued to transport those passing by to another era, honoring the agricultural heritage that shaped this region and sparking memories for generations of locals. The cheerful, glowing chick is a magnet for professional photographers and historians documenting California’s roadside architecture and road trippers in search of authentic vintage Americana. Fun fact, the neon chick sign is featured in John Margolies’ Roadside America (2010, TASCHEN). Painters and sketch artists also find inspiration in the sign.

What’s next for the Petaluma Signs Project?

• Presentation to the Sonoma County Landmarks Commission – July 7th

• Presentation Resort-O-Rama (Flamingo Hotel, Santa Rosa) with Randall Ann Homan and Al Barna of SF Neon – October 9th

To stay updated, subscribe to this blog (if you’re not already doing so) for ongoing coverage of these events, sign preservation, advocacy, other local history topics and community projects.

How to Show Your Continued Support

Shop: Chick merchandise is available at Chick City Goods, 117 Kentucky Street (pins are sold out), and online at SF Neon. Pick up the Petaluma Vintage Signs Guidebook at the Petaluma Visitors Center (210 Lakeville Street) or the Petaluma Historical Library & Museum (20 Fourth Street). 100% of sales support the Petaluma Signs Project and will be put toward future vintage sign-related advocacy, education, and documentation.

Explore: For deeper sign history, check out SF Neon, which has served as a major partner of the Petaluma Signs Project, who among other things will participate in a free online program hosted by the California Preservation Foundation on July 30, 2026. The title of their presentation is Saving Neon: How Community Advocacy Keeps Historic Signs Glowing. The Society for Commercial Archeology is another organization you’ll want to look into if you’re curious about signs and other topics associated with roadside architecture. For local history experiences — including Murder Mystery dinners, ViewMaster tours, and custom walking tours — visit Petalumans of Yesteryear. The Petalumans of Yesteryear have served as the non profit fiscal sponsor of the Petaluma Signs Project.

Again, thanks to all who made this amazing project a reality. And in case you missed these here are links some to recent media coverage, including San Francisco’s KTVU. So enjoyed meeting Tom Vacar. Local stories appeared in the Petaluma Argus Courier, Petaluma Voice, and Petaluma Patch. You’ll spot photos taken by volunteer photographers Bob & Cindy Caruso, Jim Johnson, Al Barna and video by Joe Chapman in several of these stories.