Slate.com shows the love: "The Point Reyes Light publishes a few dozen such items each week as part of its Sheriff’s Calls column. The column, which is written by the paper’s editor-in-chief, Tess Elliott, chronicles the worries, fears, misfortunes, and mischief that prompt the residents of West Marin to alert the authorities. It is the best police blotter in America, or at least the best one I’ve ever read."

http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/crime/2015/05/point_reyes_light_police_blotter_why_the_west_marin_paper_s_sheriff_s_calls.html

"A dead whale washed up on a Point Reyes National Seashore beach today is the latest of many reported in Northern California this spring, but experts said Wednesday that the influx is probably caused more by strong winds and a large whale population in the area than by any increase in mortality."

http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2015/05/27/rotted-whale-carcass-washes-ashore-point-reyes-beach/

"Last night Wharf Rd. was ‘tagged’ with some incredibly toxic and disturbing graffiti on both private and public property including folks' cars, fences, signage, etc. We understand that this has been happening throughout our community for some time, and not a first for Wharf Rd. residents. But last night the ‘taggers’ hit hard. And clearly from the messages they left behind, these are local town folks attacking their own. It’s time to react collectively as a Bolinas community, to reflect, to communicate, to identify the perpetrators, to make them stop this criminal behavior, pay for the damage, and perhaps perform some community work that services Bolinas." - from Bolinas Wharf Rd. Residents.

If you have any info about who might be doing this, please let the Marin County Sheriff know.

This only happens once a year: "The Vedanta Retreat hosts its annual Memorial Day retreat from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with music, meditation, guest speakers Reverend Gwynn Guibord and Swami Atmavidyananda in the morning and a question-and-answer session with Swami Tattwamayanda, the minister of the Vedanta Society of Northern California, in the afternoon. The bookstore will also be open. All are welcome; leave pets at home. For information, visit sfvedanta.org"

tile sale at blue slide art tile sat and sunday 9-4! come one come all

Panoramic Hwy on Mt Tam closed in both directions near Pan Toll due to an accident.

A reminder that it is Memorial Day Weekend, so put on your best attitude and stock up supplies so you can avoid driving as much as possible. Its also Open Studios (art by Tom Killion) which is a great opportunity not just to see great art, but to meet local artists and check out their amazing spaces. More info at: http://www.pointreyesart.com/

Who felt the earthquake? We did here in Inverness.

Terrible. "Around $5,000 was stolen from the Marshall Store over the weekend, a burglary law enforcement has described as “unusual.” Just after 8 a.m. on Saturday morning, an employee arrived at the store to find the bolt cut off the front door and, once inside, discovered that both the point of sales system and a cash register—which contained several hundred dollars—were missing. The employee later saw that a safe hidden in the store’s office was also gone, and with it thousands of dollars." - via the Point Reyes Light: http://www.ptreyeslight.com/article/marshall-store-break

"Legislation allowing Marin County to acquire surplus Coast Guard quarters in Point Reyes Station for affordable housing was approved by the House of Representatives this week

Huffman said the legislation should have a “smooth path” in the Senate, where senators Barbara Boxer and Dianne Feinstein have introduced a companion measure. Huffman said there is no way of telling when the Senate might act because it “has its own schedule and rhythms,” but noted there is nothing controversial about the proposal. “I hope we can swiftly move this legislation to the president’s desk,” he added.

http://www.marinij.com/general-news/20150519/house-oks-point-reyes-affordable-housing-bid

An absolutely stunning shot of a Great Horned Owl and her fledglings by Carlos Porrata. Talk about some mouths to feed.

A nice story in Local Edition about Alexandra Hart who created the legendary book, Funk and Flash with some local faces you know in it. "In 1973, she teamed up with photographer Jerry Wainwright to make a book that chronicled interesting fashions and styles. Together, they interviewed and photographed people who were "making the most interesting, embroidered expressions on ordinary items," coining the term "funk and flash" to describe the innovative, sometimes outrageous, idiosyncratic style of personal decor."
http://www.editionlocal.com/alexandra-hart-native-funk-and-flash

"As the great nephew of Czar Nicholas II, the last of Russia’s emperors, Andrew Romanoff was fourth in line to the throne, and now, at the ripe age of 92, the oldest living kin." Nice article on Andrew Romanoff in the Chronicle today. An incredible story all the way around.
http://www.sfchronicle.com/homeandgarden/article/Inverness-artist-is-Russian-royalty-in-retirement-6266455.php

"The Community Land Trust Association of West Marin holds its annual meeting from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at the Dance Palace Community Center, discussing, among other things, the potential Coast Guard property acquisition and amendments to the bylaws. Includes a light supper and music."

The kids found this today on Chicken Ranch. Any thoughts? Angel shark? Had quite a mouthful of teeth.

7:55pm - Power has been out in Inverness since 6:00pm. 900 customers affected. Estimated time back on is 10:00pm. Anyone else have any info? (Thx dw)

Power is out in Seahaven. PG&E reports that 900 customers are affected. They are estimating that power will be restored at around 10:00 p.m.

This evening's sunset in Point Reyes. Two whales swam by right after this photo was taken. Its pretty nice out there.

"The body of the fourth missing boater from a doomed fishing party was found on the Marin County shoreline, ending a search effort of nearly a month." This is related to earlier post about the helicopter at Tomales Point which has been now taken down.
http://www.marinij.com/general-news/20150512/fourth-dead-boater-found-along-marin-coast-from-bodega-bay-fishing-party

I think the 'we need less crowds' people around here must have hired a PR firm: "Four Reasons to Skip Point Reyes and Head to Jenner"
http://www.modernluxury.com/san-francisco/story/four-reasons-skip-point-reyes-and-head-jenner

What should I say? As I left the Public Safety Building in Pt. Reyes the other morning, I watch a woman run a stop sign right in front of the station and then proceed at a high rate of speed NB on Shoreline past West Marin School...while a bunch if young elementary school children were walking home from their day at school!

I stopped the woman (local resident of Inverness) who seemed surprised that I had stopped her. After mentioning her failing to stop at the stop sign and driving over 50MPH past the school kids she quickly pointed out to me that it was OK for her to drive so unsafely explaining to me "But I live here, I didn't think the rules applied to me?"

Finding myself at a loss for words, I explained that there really aren't any "local exemptions in the California Driver's Handbook" I let her go on a warning.

Hi WMF, we have a last minute job opening on our staff for this summer at Point Reyes Summer Camp and I'm wondering if you'd be willing to share it? The position is for an Assistant Cook who would be involved in all aspects of running our kitchen with our Chef and another Assistant. We make homemade, delicious food sourced from the best possible local and sustainable ingredients and are a really fun staff! The job announcement and application can be found at http://www.ptreyes.org/summer-camp/camp-job-opportunities

8:13am - There is a motorcycle CHP nestled deep in the bowels of Lucas Valley Road this morning reminding people to drive safe. So please, drive safe.

The TWMF does cover Bolinas: "i am wondering if WMF includes news of bolinas. we had a big fire threat last night 5/10/15, @ 3:00am and on into the later morning hours. it was a fire at jack's creek (i heard, unconfirmed) and many fire trucks from many different sources arrived. it is a very difficult location to fight a fire and a very big threat. so, does WMF include info and news of bolinas?" Thanks Jeffery.

Nice article about local legendary artist Clayton Lewis in our only remaining newspaper today. That's going to be a great show when it comes to SF.
http://www.ptreyeslight.com/article/clayton-lewiss-star-still-rises

It's been a very busy day in the parks today. There was a helicopter airlift for someone at Walker Creek earlier, then a helicopter airlift for someone extremely dehydrated on the Inverness Ridge Trail and now another person needing assistance at Heart's Desire Beach.

Yesterday I found my free ranging chicken dead and partially eaten, I think it happened between 9 and 11 AM. I put her body in the compost bin with a lot of weeds. This morning I found that critter(s) had removed her from the compost bin and eaten/taken her body away. The compost bin was closed and upright. I found an area near the bin with feathers but no body parts. I did some research and it seems that raccoons don’t eat the whole chicken. I’m wondering if it was a bobcat. Any ideas?

9:30am - CHP reminding people to drive safely at White House Pool this morning. (thx LM)

CHP at White House Pool - drive safely.

Can someone please explain what is going on here? "Shoreline Unified School District’s superintendent is resigning a year after he was let go by the school board and then reinstated by popular demand. Tom Stubbs, 61, said he tendered his resignation April 22 after the school board refused to give him a two-year deal because “I needed to know that I have at least two years to accomplish what’s needed for the district.” His last day will be June 30."

http://www.marinij.com/social-affairs/20150504/shoreline-superintendent-calls-it-quits-saying-board-refused-him-2-year-contract

"Legislation giving Marin County the first crack at acquiring surplus Coast Guard quarters in Point Reyes Station for affordable housing was approved by a congressional committee this week and shifts to the full House for consideration."

http://www.marinij.com/general-news/20150501/congressional-panel-approves-point-reyes-affordable-housing-plan

Rocking the deck chairs on Tomales Bay today. #style

Jay Soladay, owner of the Point Reyes Surf Shop and Jayli Imports was in Nepal when the earthquake struck. From his Facebook page, "Fears, tears, rubble. Crushed cars, bodies and spirits. Survival and death. Haves and nots. Violent earth with persistent human assault. Staying safe, moving little, knowing what's above in a brick city. 48 hour pounding heart that never sleeps and is always hurting. Huge 6.8 today and a gnarly 5am wake up call. Shacked up now with seven friends glued together while trapped. 3 Nepali, one Danish, Palestinian, Spain and American. We jump and run together supporting all the time. Wish I could have done more!!!!!"
Pictures here:
https://www.facebook.com/jay.soladay/media_set?set=a.10153317683143707.1835645747&type=3
You can make donations here:
http://www.gofundme.com/t9nptk

"Does anyone know why there is so much glass on the beach at Millerton Point? Was there a dump here at some point? I have been picking up glass every time I walk my puppy and today was my biggest haul... 78 pieces at low tide!" - Ciara Cox

"Instagram has also unveiled three new filters called Lark, Reyes and Juno. Reyes was inspired by the coast of Point Reyes, California and adds a 'dusty, vintage feel' to photos." REALLY?

Related: that picture has become one of the more popular pictures on the Interwebs and that spot now draws hundreds of photographers to the park. Amazing.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-3057607/Instagram-lets-search-using-EMOJIS-Photo-sharing-app-adds-pictures-hashtags-launches-new-filters.html

A milk truck tipped over on Route One north of Nick's Cove this afternoon and ended up spilling 6000 gallons of milk and 100 gallons of diesel fuel. That is a proper mess. The driver was ok.

http://www.marinij.com/general-news/20150426/marin-chp-overturned-dairy-truck-spills-6000-gallons-of-milk-near-tomales

Via KWMR: "Swerving Kirven tore it up and now Paul Flowerman with Gregory DeMascio are playing some funky jazz. We still have a $100 challenge grant to meet! 425-663-9050! Give a call!" Paul is one of the best, be sure to tune in and help them out...

There is an overturned milk truck south of Nick's Cove. Driver injured. Emergency vehicles are on the way.

11:55am - There is an overturned milk truck south of Nick's Cove. Driver injured. Emergency vehicles are on the way. Truck is off the road but they've closed both lanes on Route 1 for now. (thx TT)

From this afternoon: "H1 rescues one person in the waters in Tomales Bay after her Kayak" - via Henry1. Remember, always check the weather and marine forecasts before heading out into the water.

11:46am - Kayakers in distress off of hog island. Rescue crews on it, hopefully it works out.

The giant bird nerd festival thing is happening this weekend. Lots of great events for big and small people. It will also increase traffic, so take that into consideration when going to get snacks in town.

http://www.pointreyesbirdingfestival.org/site/schedule-2/

via NWS: "We could see rain Saturday! MT @NWSBayArea: First look at potential rainfall totals for Saturday."

"Current Superintendent Tom Stubbs announced his resignation from Shoreline Unified School District late Wednesday afternoon, ending months of speculation over whether or not the district would renew his contract."
http://www.ptreyeslight.com/article/shoreline-super-resigns

8:50am - CHP is reminding people to drive the speed limit today at the Nicasio Reservior today and have been this week. Question, do people find this type of information useful?

3:25pm - RUMOR ALERT: Apparently Gwyneth Paltrow was just spotted coming out of the Cowgirl Creamery with her new hunky boyfriend. Like for real this time. Did you see her today?

"An April meteor shower known for uncommon surges of up 100 shooting stars per hour is on tap for the next few days. This series of shooting stars known as the Lyrid meteor shower lasts from about April 16 to 25, according to Around 10-20 meteors per hour can be expected, and about one quarter of those meteors will leave bright ionized gas trails that glow for a few seconds after the meteor has passed."

http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2015/04/14/meteor-shower-april-shooting-stars-lyrid-storm-space/

Missed this story by a day, the orgins of 420: "One day in the fall of 1971 -- harvest time -- the Waldos got word of a Coast Guard service member, Bill McNulty, who could no longer tend his plot of marijuana plants near the Point Reyes Peninsula Coast Guard station. A treasure map in hand, the Waldos decided to pluck some of the free bud. The Waldos, who were all athletes, agreed to meet at the statue of Louis Pasteur outside the school at 4:20 p.m., after practice, to begin the hunt."

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/04/20/pot-day-420_n_7099706.html

And there it goes. Do you know what's happening here? (Thx DW)

Recycle Circus today at The Dance Palace starting at 10am.

A Coast Guard helicopter had a computer malfunction yesterday and had to land in the North Beach parking lot. Someone spotted it being towed out of the park last night. Not something you see every day... (thx SP)

I know there's a story here, anyone know what it is? #freeadvice

"The bodies of two people believed to be part of a missing fishing party from Bodega Harbor were recovered Saturday from the waters off Tomales Point in the Point Reyes National Seashore, Coast Guard officials said. Authorities continued to search for two others that had been aboard the 21-foot boat, nearly 15 hours into the search in the waters from Bodega Bay to Tomales Point."

http://www.pressdemocrat.com/home/3820039-181/overdue-fishing-vessel-from-bodega?page=1

Photo via Friends of Henry 1 Instagram

11:13am - A water rescue/recovery operation happening out by Bird Rock in Point Reyes with boats and helicopters. Doesn't sound like a good scene, waiting for more details. Anyone know what's up?

6:01pm - Pt Reyes-Petaluma Rd near McEvoy Ranch semi flipped with police directing traffic. Traffic backed up to the Cheese Factory. Plan accordingly. (Thx JL)

"Drought is likely the reason why more than 250 tule elk died inside a fenced area at the Point Reyes National Seashore during a two-year period. The National Park Service confirmed Thursday the elk died inside the 2,600-acre elk preserve on Tomales Point from 2012 to 2014."

http://www.marinij.com//environment-and-nature/20150416/drought-likely-culprit-in-die-off-of-tule-elk-herd-on-tomales-point

The Point Reyes Light says, "The proposal for a roughly 9,000-square-foot development in Inverness Park that sparked ire in West Marin has been withdrawn, to give the applicant—Tim Westergren, a co-founder of Pandora Radio—more time to revise the design and provide additional information about impacts to trees and neighboring wells."

http://www.ptreyeslight.com/article/hidden-dragon-plans-paused

photo via SFGate.com

Join Point Reyes National Seashore, Point Reyes National Seashore Association, and Leave No Trace for a Drakes Estero Shoreline Clean Up on Saturday, April 11 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. We will break into two groups to clean up the parking area and shoreline debris around the northern fingers of the bay, while learning about Leave No Trace ethics. Depending on the debris load, we may hike from .5 to 5 miles roundtrip in muddy marshes collecting trash. Harbor seal breeding areas will be avoided during the pupping season.

Volunteers are encouraged to wear layers, and bring a sun hat, sunscreen, mud boots, gloves, snacks and a water bottle. Limited space, pre-registration required (https://www.eventbrite.com/e/drakes-estero-shoreline-clean-…). All ages and groups encouraged. Children must attend with a guardian. Some additional driving to other entry sites may be required. Please meet at the Drakes Estero parking lot to check in, fill out volunteer forms and meet the crew.

Drakes Estero is a coastal estuary of five branching bays, representing the geographical and ecological heart of Point Reyes National Seashore and is a part of the Phillip Burton Wilderness Area, the only marine wilderness on the Pacific coast south of Alaska.

Questions? Call (415) 663.1200 x310 or email volunteer@ptreyes.org.

It's interesting when things you take for granted suddenly blow up on the Social Medias. This photo has 6K likes on Instagram. I drive by that beautiful car every day. Classic. Photo by Finn Beales. https://instagram.com/finn/

Well, this solves one mystery from yesterday, "A couple from England misjudged a turn at Highway 1 and the Point Reyes-Petaluma Road Tuesday afternoon, and their motorcycle ran off the highway. The motorcycle traveled a short distance in a roadside ditch, careened over a driveway’s culvert and back into the ditch where it knocked down a 25 mph sign. Highway Patrol officer Will Thompson (pictured) said there was no evidence the motorcycle was speeding. Neither the husband, 55, nor his wife, 54, were injured although their rented motorcycle was damaged and their trip to Mendocino was interrupted." - via Dave Mitchell

Still no word on the condition of the cyclist on Lucas Valley though.

Dave's blog: http://www.sparselysageandtimely.com/blog/

6:40pm - Lucas Valley Rd was closed due to a cyclist down. Anyone know if it's open now? (Thx JS)

5:42pm - Those sirens are for a three car accident up by Nick's Cove on Route One. Sounds like they're trying to land a helicopter to assist.

Via Dave Mitchell's blog: "One of Point Reyes Station’s best-loved merchants, Chris Giacomini, proprietor of Toby’s Feed Barn, suffered serious injuries Tuesday, March 31, when he fell from a loft in the building. Chris fell about 20 feet, landing on the cement floor, breaking a wrist and shattering an elbow and heel. He’s already had surgery and is scheduled for more this coming week, but he is recovering, according to his family and staff. Get well cards can be dropped off at Toby’s."

Get better Chris!

http://www.sparselysageandtimely.com/blog/?p=28576

Rain! Looks like we almost got an inch out here last night. CHP is reporting lots of fender benders out there, roads are slick, drive safe.

Mystery mushrooms on the Grandi Building.

The MarinIJ interviewed Point Reyes Light Editor Tess Elliott. This sentence in particular stood out, "...I get the feeling that some people don’t grasp the point of journalism, so they blame the messenger." I think she is referring to what happened to Jim Kravets for his reporting on the Citizen/Light merger. Read more about that on his blog post below:

The backlash against Kravets:
http://westmarincitizensos.blogspot.com/p/correcting-record.html

Marin IJ fishbowl interview with Tess:
http://www.marinij.com/arts-and-entertainment/20150404/marin-snapshot-west-marin-newspaper-editor-juggles-fishbowl-life

There is an opening for late local artist Alexander Carl Bratenahl at Toby's tonight at 6pm with a KWMR dance party benefit in the barn from 6pm - 9pm followed by the High Tide Collective at The Western: http://www.marinij.com//arts-and-entertainment/20150403/two-decades-after-he-died-of-aids-a-charismatic-gay-artist-is-being-celebrated-in-west-marin

"On the day West Marin artist Alexander Carl Bratenahl was diagnosed with the AIDS virus that would take his young life, he went into his studio and painted what could very well be a self portrait - a sorrowful face with white hot tears streaming from sad green eyes."

Busy weekend: Easter, lunar eclipse, first full moon of Spring (Egg Moon, Sprouting Grass Moon, or Easter Moon) AND RAINNNNNNN. "Federal forecasters said a breezy Pacific storm will roll across the region early Sunday, bringing a quarter-inch of rain or more to the Bay Area."

Moon info:
http://earthsky.org/tonight/shortest-total-lunar-eclipse-of-the-century-on-april-4-2015

Rain story:
http://www.marinij.com/general-news/20150403/pacific-storm-due-in-marin-sunday

Polish cyclists this morning: there is a great story here! Margit in the middle lives in Lagunitas and met Adela and Kris in Argentina a year and a half ago. Had not seen them or heard from them and then saw them on WM Feed this morning! And biked over to meet them!

A sign found on Sir Francis Drake Drive yesterday in Marin. Well played, sir. Photo by Dan Gebow.

I thought it was cold this morning. "Olema Valley with 33 degrees: Here is a sampling of low temperatures this morning in #BayArea http://go.usa.gov/DHxR" via Marin IJ

Two Polish bicyclists, Adela and Kris, who have been biking around the world for the last five years will be at the Point Reyes Post Office today around 10:00am. If you see them, say hello (and take a picture for TWMF). I love these stories. More info about their incredible journey at: http://www.biketheworld.pl/

Marine Mammal Center officials released Percevero, the sea lion pup found wandering around Route One near Lake Merced in February, back into the water Monday at Chimney Rock, Point Reyes National Seashore. Center officials also released six other sea lions into the ocean at the same time. A rough year for pups.

http://sfbay.ca/2015/03/31/sea-lion-found-near-lake-merced-released-into-wild/

Anybody else noticing how often drivers are passing over double yellow lines on blind turns, or other areas where they are unable to see on-coming traffic? I have seen a huge increase lately.

Officially giving up hope for point reyes future. Only for the rich.

Via Elizabeth Barnet: "Road work in the next two weeks on Bear Valley Road. They are replacing culverts. The sign says delays can be up to 20 minutes though I only waited one today."

A warm sunset in spite of the bitter cold out at the beaches tonight.

Road work in the next two weeks on Bear Valley Road. They are replacing culverts. The sign says delays can be up to 20 minutes though I only waited one today.

Shot this Picture about 2 weeks ago at North Beach...

Via Barbara Romanoff, "I Just learned of changes pending at Millerton Point: "The project is in the initial planning and early design phase... scope of work will include installing accessible parking spaces, restroom improvements, a path of travel upgrade to a mile-long segment of the existing park road and road realignment in order to protect native bird nesting areas, and the bay’s wetlands." The "community information session" was last week Thursday, did anyone attend? http://www.parks.ca.gov/NewsRelease/525

A beautiful photo essay by the locally based Global Oneness Institute showing how Mimi Luebbermann at Wind Rush Farms in Petaluma makes wool.
https://www.globalonenessproject.org/library/photo-essays/art-making-wool#photo-1

Larry Feurzeig found the lost ring at Drake's Beach! Thanks to everyone who gave their very helpful suggestions and thanks to the park for allowing them to look for it. Yay.

A local surfer lost his wedding ring in the beach break at Drake's Beach yesterday. He dropped it just before getting in the water and it disappeared right into the water and sand. Any advice on how to recover it? Has anyone had luck with a metal detector? Will the park let you use one looking for a lost item?

The bald eagles have landed. Richard James took these incredible shots on Tomales Bay this week. More photos on his blog: http://coastodian.org/birds-of-tomales-bay-the-eagles-have-landed/

My work received a notice about the bridge EIS and proposal. The correct email to send your comments to is: oliver.iberien@dot.ca.gov

Old white dude with beard in white van let his dog loose at White House Pool this morning. Dog chases a buck and doe pair onto Levee Road. A speeding sedan hit the buck, throwing him 15 feet into the air; the doe ran into the marshes. The sedan never even applied it's brakes, just kept going.

Shortly after, the dog emerges from the bushes, frantic and wild-eyed. When the owner in his van pulls by, I tell him what happened. In a rural accent he says he hopes someone will "clean it up".

6:05am - SFD closed by Samuel P. Taylor due to an accident, not sure when it will re-open, plan your commute accordingly. If anyone finds out when it's open, let me know.

At the beginning of Bear Valley trail early this morning. Every hiking group stopped to read it while I was watching. people I spoke with had not heard of the accident.

it's a sad week in point reyes this week, alas

This is the crack in the bluff above Arch Rock moments before it collapsed yesterday. Apparently there were signs everywhere and people just ignored them. Not good.

http://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Hiker-dies-another-injured-in-Point-Reyes-cliff-6151304.php

Photo from Ken Wayne: https://twitter.com/KenWayneKTVU

An incredible photo from the Henry 1 helicopter of the landslide that trapped two people at Arch Rock this evening. A lot of people work hard to keep us all safe. Thank you.

https://twitter.com/FriendsOfHenry1

7:57pm - #BREAKING: The Coast Guard is working to rescue two people trapped on Arch Rock in Pt. Reyes. - @abc7newsBayArea

From the Sheriff's Calls: "POINT REYES STATION: At 6:01 p.m. a woman who had volunteered at a Geography of Hope event at Toby’s Feed Barn over the weekend said another female volunteer had thrown a rock at her." Almost sounds like The Onion.

http://www.ptreyeslight.com/sheriffs-calls

An update from Scott McMorrow from the Green Bridge retrofit meeting: " I attended this meeting last night, and spoke with the engineer who designed the four options. He stated that the current bridge is seismically deficient, and invited me to get underneath it and look up. He said that the current bridge is supported by what amounts to angle iron. This is considered very unsafe in an earthquake. There is also significant damage to the abutments. He felt that a new bridge would be designed to withstand a 6.7 – 7 magnitude quake (a 1000 year event).

A question was raised about “Why now? Why not wait for ‘big one’ and get a new bridge then.” My take on that is that if there is a Bay-area wide quake that causes extensive damage, we will be at the end of the line for a replacement. Larger population areas will be given priority. With this currently proposed project, we are at the front of the line. There is a proposed one-lane temporary bridge to handle traffic during construction. Traffic will be controlled by traffic lights on the one-laner, and emergency services vehicles will have the ability to override the traffic signals to gain priority access. There will be inconvenience during construction, for sure.

Yet, image the inconvenience if we lose the current bridge during an earthquake. Those of us on the West shore will have to drive the platform bridge route to get to PRS. Emergency vehicles will add 16 or so minutes of response time from PRS to the West shore and Bolinas."

Thanks Scott.

Photo from Dave Mitchell's blog post: http://www.sparselysageandtimely.com/blog/?p=28398

So sad. "A kayaker died in Tomales Bay on Wednesday after twice falling into the water, first from his own boat and then from the boat of a friend who tried to save him. The incident happened in the afternoon after the two kayakers had paddled from the Nick’s Cove area to Dillon Beach, Pittman said. As they were heading back, one man looked back to see that his friend had fallen from his boat in the rough conditions. He hoisted the victim into his own boat because the other was taking on water, but the victim fell back in again and was lost."

http://www.marinij.com/general-news/20150318/kayaker-dies-in-tomales-bay-despite-rescue-effort

http://abc7news.com/uncategorized/one-killed-in-kayaking-accident-near-tomales-bay/564278/

6:16pm - "@abc7newsBayArea: JUST IN: Marin County Sheriff's say 1 kayaker has died during a rescue at Dillon Beach & others are being rescued."

5:07pm - Kayakers in distress off of Dillon Beach. Search teams and a helicopter have been scrambled. Hopefully it all works out.

From Dave Mitchell's blog: "Caltrans plans to hold a public meeting from 7 to 9 p.m. this Thursday, March 9, at West Marin School to discuss replacing the Green Bridge which carries Highway 1 over Papermill Creek in Point Reyes Station.Caltrans, which wants to spend $1.58 million replacing this bridge, says it has come up with four designs for a new one. The public will have a chance Thursday to comment on them."

The whole post is really worth reading, some great info on other local bridges: http://www.sparselysageandtimely.com/blog/?p=28398

A Bald Eagle was spotted yesterday flying above SFD right by White House Pool with a huge clump of seaweed in its mouth. Keep your eyes open and on the sky (and the road)!

"A St. Patrick’s Day solar storm will send a torrent of green-hued northern lights across much of the United States on Tuesday evening, as a fierce solar storm impacts the Earth’s upper atmosphere. If it’s clear where you are, go outside. You won’t want to miss it. At its current intensity, San Francisco, Dallas, and Atlanta could see a glimpse—even as far south as northern Florida." Midnight on Mt. Vision anyone?

http://www.slate.com/content/slate/blogs/the_slatest/2015/03/17/northern_lights_aurora_borealis_across_america_best_chance_to_see_in_a_decade.html

Found this posted on a "Lost Marin" FB page. Labeled as Pt Reyes Hotel 1906. The statue was on the roof before the earthquake.
Is this really the Grandi Bldg ?

Seeing whales never gets old (especially with calves!), from the PRNSA: "150+ Gray whales counted this past weekend at the #PointReyes Headlands." I heard there are lots of dolphins out there too.

One of my favorite stories: "During an appearance last week at the Loyola Marymount University, Clint Eastwood talked about the "stark terror" he experienced during the 1950s when, as a soldier flying from visiting his parents in Seattle to Ford Ord in California, the Navy bomber on which he traveled crashed into the ocean near Point Reyes.

"What was going through my mind was just a stark fear, a stark terror, because (in the) first place, I didn't know anything about aviation at that particular time -- I was just hopping a ride," he said.

Depending on the source, Eastwood and at least one other soldier swam anywhere from a mile to three miles to shore."

http://www.mercurynews.com/celebrities/ci_27722752/clint-eastwood-talks-surviving-point-reyes-plane-crash

(This is not Clint's plane, but one like it)

Via Paul Rampel: "Recently an exchange took place on the West Marin Commons' soapbox forum, between Jim Kravets and Tess Elliot, regarding Jim's of an acquisition discussion between Pt. Reyes Light and West Marin Citizen. My post regarding this exchange is as follows: (go to http://www.westmarincommons.org/ for the entire thread)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tucked away in their rebuke of Jim for "jumping the gun, Linda, Tess & David ask all our help to make their deal happen. Fair enough: I agree we should all have a better understanding of the Point Reyes Light ownership - issues touched upon in Jim Kravet's blog before we endorse anything to do with this proposal.

For starters how about explaining the current structure of the Pt. Reyes Light ownership: The first sentence suggests that MMI will not be involved in the purchase - but this is hard to understand on its face. If MMI is the owner of the "Point Reyes Light Publishing Company L3C LLC" (PRL LLC"), and PRL LLC is the acquirer how can this not involve MMI, at least as a fiduciary, if not an active participant? MMI and PRL LLC are themselves opaque operations - since the founding of PRL LLC (see http://investigativereportingworkshop.org/ilab/story/point-reyes-light/) the role of Cory Goodman appears to be a constant in the operation as a recent check of the online records of the Secretary of State of California still show Goodman as the agent (see http://kepler.sos.ca.gov/) yet there is no mention of Cory Goodman's role in this deal.

Reports have also appeared that state Mark Dowie is a part owner of the Light. This involvement appears to extend the role of Dowie beyond that of contributor, editor, and publisher into a new realm of involvement. (Citizen Dowie?) We should also be asking to understand the money - where exactly does the purchase price for the Citizen come from? Is this a payout based upon future expected cashflow of the combined operations, perhaps based upon unrealistic expectations of excess cash realized from "operating efficiancies" and increased (combined) advertising revenues, or is a separate investment being contemplated, and if so, from whom? For example, reports have previously circulated that Phyllis Faber was a major backer of MMI and PRL. Its time that we understand who the money players are. Yet, Tess et al suggest that the discussion is amongst Linda, Tess and her partner David.

This seems to be at best, incomplete disclosure - not a promising basis for an organization that is intended to provide a public service to the community.

Thanks to everyone who participated in the TWMF 'secret treasure' contest two weeks ago. The mystery bridge is a new bridge Nick Whitney put in next to the tennis courts in second valley. Go check it out, and the secret treasure is still hanging from below it. While you're there, be sure to wander up the trail and see the amazing new stairs the Inverness Association has built. It's a great walk and a great way to see Inverness.

Congratulations to Kerry Livingston who found the treasure first and to Dave (and Prarie) Press, Felipe and Mike Durrie/Catherine Lucas who all found it. Nice work! More to come...

Here is the original contest post:
https://www.facebook.com/543640055659454/posts/902423553114434

"Seemingly doomed to dismiss teachers at the end of this school year as a result of budget problems, West Marin’s Shoreline Unified School District avoided layoffs by negotiating five teacher retirements instead."

http://www.marinij.com/social-affairs/20150315/shoreline-unified-school-district-avoids-new-teacher-layoffs-by-coaxing-retirements

9:14pm - One lane still closed on SFD just before Inverness due to truck in ditch. Everyone is ok.

9:00pm - Accident on Sir Francis Drake right before Inverness, car in ditch, one lane open. Drive carefully. (thx YP/AP)

Sunrise this morning.

One of my more hazardous duties.... Searching the streets and downtown Point Reyes for a 12 year old yellow lab named Daisy who according to the owner walked away from home. I assured she doesn't bite but this is one fugitive I hope to locate tonight!

Via Jim Kravets: "A tragedy is unfolding in West Marin. A community resource built by hundreds of people is quietly but hastily shutting down. It’s happening so suddenly that without this notice you almost certainly wouldn’t have learned about it until it was gone.
After some 400 issues and more than 8,000 pages spanning eight years, the community’s newspaper, the West Marin Citizen, will cease publication when the owner signs over rights any minute to the Point Reyes Light.
Follow this link to learn more:
http://westmarincitizensos.blogspot.com/
Please forward this email to others who may care about West Marin's collective intellectual, cultural and spiritual prosperity."
---
I found this image on Dave Mitchell's blog in a post that describes the last time the Point Reyes Light and the West Marin Citizen had a close call.
http://www.sparselysageandtimely.com/blog/?p=7605

Greenbridge Gas says CHP has pulled over 3 people in the last 10 minutes. Be careful, as we should be!

Point Reyes and the Tule Elk are the cover story in The Bohemian this week. "Tule elk were thought extinct by 1874, when a wealthy rancher spared a few survivors he discovered while draining one of the Central Valley's once-vast marshlands. All of the approximately 4,000 tule elk in 22 herds on public and private land are descended from those."

http://www.bohemian.com/northbay/wild-meets-mild/Content?oid=2702207

You are warmly invited to the upcoming Inverness Almanac release party! On Friday, March 13th at 7 PM we will be hosting a Local Music Restoration Project show at the Dance Palace Church Space.
There will be readings by Almanac contributors as well as music by Mountain of Glow, Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith, and Dylan Squires. Come on out and celebrate with us as we release this project into the wilds of West Marin. Almanacs will be available for purchase and if you have already pre-ordered a copy you can pick it up.

$10-20, sliding scale.

In case you haven't heard, the Almanac is a new local print publication celebrating the land, art, and stories of West Marin. In addition to attending our upcoming event, please also consider making a donation to help us bring this project to our community.

donate.invernessalmanac.com

The Almanac is also available for pre-sale on our website.

See ya there,

Ben, Jordan, Katie, Nina, Jeremy

Inverness trying to be Santa Cruz? Do you know where this is and what a kook is?

Local nature photographer extraordinaire Carlos Porrata took this photo of a Peregrine Falcon in Point Reyes yesterday. Bonus Bird Question: Do you know what's happening here? Hint: Even educated fleas do it.

You can see more of his work in the lobby of The Dance Palace until March 16th.

https://dancepalace.org/events/art-lobby-%E2%80%93-carlos-porrata

Is there a Recycle Circus coming this year? Can't find any information on it for 2015.

Tonight’s full moon is the smallest full moon of the year. We’ve heard it called the micro-moon or mini-moon.

http://earthsky.org/tonight/micro-moon-years-smallest-full-moon-on-march-5

Point Reyes National Seashore is mentioned:
http://theplate.nationalgeographic.com/2015/02/11/national-park-offers-farmland-of-the-people-by-the-people-for-the-people/

The full story of the cliff rescue this weekend, everyone involved are true heroes. There are good people in this world. "Joel Deering, 27, and Cody LaMonte, 26, hiked to the beach below the cliff and swam 30 meters to a rock outcropping where the injured man lay. They used a first-aid kit to splint the man’s broken bones and bandage his lacerations. They used blankets to keep him comfortable and held his head stable for 2 1/2 hours until a rescue team arrived in a helicopter.

http://www.modbee.com/news/local/article12047456.html

Anyone know why there are 1000s of sand dollars 1/4"-1" in diameter for 3 days now at Limantour...?

An incredible rescue yesterday at Arch Rock in Point Reyes after a man fell 60 feet off a cliff and two others scrambled down to help him.

"CHP Officer James Andrews said a 24-year-old Gilroy man was hiking with a church group from Gilroy near Arch Rock when either the ground gave way or he slipped, falling some 60 to 80 feet to the rocks below.

The man hit the rocks and ricocheted into the surf, but Andrews said he was able to pull himself out of the water and onto a rock outcropping.

Two good Samaritans ran down a narrow goat trail to the beach and then swam to the rock to assist him, Andrews said. The surf was coming in quickly, stranding the three people on the rock, Andrews said."

Full Story:
http://patch.com/california/scottsvalley/watch-video-derring-do-chopper-rescue-gilroy-man-who-fell-70-feet-down-pt-reyes-cliff

Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AY43d6RbpB0

Tomorrow, Sunday, March 1, a benefit gathering for Javier Rodriguez takes place from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Dance Palace Community Center, with food, oysters and more. Donations will help support Mr. Rodriguez’s family.

Secret Spot of the Day: This beautiful bridge built by Nick Whitney. I hid something beneath this bridge today. The first person to correctly tell me what it is gets a special t-shirt I just designed, the next three get a hand screened print. DO NOT put your answer in the comments here (that will spoil it for others), go to this page and let me know: http://thewestmarinfeed.com/answer.php

Good luck!!!

Laughty found this on a local beach and posted on her FB page. There are some fantastic theories as to what it is (go check them out, Llewylln's in particular). Anyone have a guess? (thx LN)

https://www.facebook.com/laughty.nixdorf?fref=nf