I grew up just north of Petaluma long before the small Northern California city had its own Batman. Yes, you read that right. * *A 19-year-old college student whose identity remains a mystery – as well it should – calls himself Petaluma Batman and walks the dark city streets, keeping an eye out for trouble. In a homemade costume. I cannot tell you how much I love this.

“When I’m not in my Petaluma Batman costume, I hear people talking about me a lot,” he said. “It’s weird, but I’m glad that I have been able to entertain people and lift their spirits. I just want to inspire some good will.”

You might think the story couldn't get any better than this. And then I'd tell you how his friend, one of only five people who know Petaluma Batman's true identity, doffed a Petaluma Joker costume to engage Petaluma Batman in a mock battle. Next up, Cat Woman?