In spite of recent violent events downtown, most people (51.9 percent) still feel safe going there at night, according to an Argus-Courier online poll Dec. 18, 2008.

Nearly two-thirds of respondents (63 percent) say they do not plan to change their after-dark entertainment patterns because of these events.

Asked if businesses whose patrons commit violent acts should pay for police and ambulance response for such events, the response was mixed: 37 percent said yes, 37 said no and 26 percent were not sure.

Here are some of the comments by those who responded to the survey:

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“If alcohol intoxication is to blame for violence, then drinking establishments should be held accountable.”

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“The businesses shouldn’t have to pay for extra police, instead music venues and bars should have better trained security and/or alcohol awareness classes to reduce the risk of violence. Police don’t prevent fights for the most part. Rather, they break up fights.”

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“I answered the first two questions in the negative, as we long ago quit spending any time downtown after the sun went down. Why is anyone surprised when the main business after dark is drinking? Grow up, folks!”

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“Petaluma will always have some crime, but we aren’t exactly as dangerous as Richmond or Oakland. Yet.”

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“I’m not changing my habits because I’m not out at 1 a.m. behind bars or places that are known for their rude, rowdy and dangerous patrons.”

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“More police on foot patrol would be nice to see.”

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“How in the Wide Wide World of Sports can you even think of charging a business for the individual acts of those not associated with that business, but just a patron? So, if two individuals were fighting just outside the office of the Argus-Courier, then the newspaper would be responsible for the cost of the police to come to take care of the situation. What a ludicrous question!”

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“Businesses cannot control people’s actions.”

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“The once peaceful and safe historic downtown area is now a violent, vandalized part of our once beautiful city. What a terrible shame. We are now one of the least attractive and safe towns in Sonoma County.”

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“It’s too bad that one bad apple ruins it for the rest of us.”

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“Can’t we all just get along?”