Karen Nau has a deep-rooted history in Petaluma as a 50+ year resident. Her parents still own the westside family farm where she grew up, and today, Karen lives in the same eastside Petaluma home where she and her late husband raised their three (adult) children: Sebastian, Alison and Marshall. Karen’s life as a working mother, grandmother, and longtime preschool teacher give her unique insight into the challenges facing eastside residents and Petaluma families, experiences she is leveraging to give eastside residents and families a stronger voice at City Hall.

Beyond her longstanding connections to the land, Karen has been actively involved in affecting positive change in our community for the past several decades. Her inspiration to serve began in the 1970’s when Karen was a young girl; she watched with admiration as then-Mayor Helen Putnam led Petaluma as its first female Mayor…reminding Karen she can pursue anything she sets her mind to through dedication, hard work, enthusiasm and a commitment to make a difference.

 

Over the years, Karen Nau has served Petaluma in numerous capacities both as a volunteer and public servant, as well as a 30+ year teacher. Karen’s nonprofit volunteer service led to her being recognized as a recipient of Petaluma’s “Good Egg” Award for her positive contributions to our community.

 

Her civic and volunteer roles over the years include service as a:

• Petaluma City Councilmember and Vice Mayor

• Petaluma Music, Parks and Recreation Commissioner

• Petaluma Public Safety Advisory Commissioner

• Sonoma County Homeless Coalition Board Member

• Adobe Fiesta Board Member

• Salvation Army Board Member

• Heritage Homes Board Member

• Volunteer at the Petaluma Museum, Fabulous Women’s Group, Elks, Petaluma Music Festival, Petaluma Community Access, Phoenix Theater, Petaluma Adobe Association and Petaluma River Festival

 

As a longtime teacher, mother, grandmother of seven, current City Councilmember and civic leader, Karen has the proven leadership and experience to continue serving our community as your District 3 representative on the Petaluma City Council.

 

You can contact Karen at any time by emailing her at kpetersonnau@aol.com. She is a good listener, and is committed to being a hard-working, enthusiastic and dedicated public servant.