This started earlier this morning, not sure what the current status is: "Marin County Fire working to contain a small fire in a 20x20 section logs at the West Marin Compost facility. No threat to public. No evacuations in place. Traffic may be slowed on Nicasio Valley Road."

There is a petition with over 2,700 signatures to rename Sir Francis Drake Blvd. "To have the main road that travels through Marin County be named after a known slave trader glorifies and honors his work. Honoring a slave trader is incredibly offensive and isn't inclusive to Marin's community at large. Marin County is making a bold statement to the world that the morals and values that was upheld by Sir Francis Drake is honored by naming a major thoroughfare after him. "

LINK: https://www.change.org/p/marin...

Another person who was affected by the fire in Bolinas. "This is an emergency fund to help one of the residents, Keith Huntley, who lost everything in the fire at 22 Brighton Ave on June 5th. He is currently without a home and has only the clothes and toiletries that were generously donated by a community member, so we're looking to raise enough to help him secure housing, clothes, medicine, and ultimately everything else needed to make a life over from scratch (from spoons to a bed to a radio to a jacket)."

https://www.gofundme.com/f/wat...

"As some of you may already know, Marc Greco lost his salon in the recent fire that struck the Waterhouse building, downtown Bolinas. There's never a good time for something like this, but in his case it's particularly unfortunate, considering he just closed down his operation in San Francisco. This left the Bolinas salon as his only source of income and also housed all of the equipment and art that was just moved in from SF."

https://www.gofundme.com/f/mar...

"Whether we realize it or not we are all affected by this unprecedented time-a confluence of political, racial and medical crises. Stress is high and conflicts are bound to arise.

Our well trained and experienced mediators at West Marin Community Mediation have been serving our community for many years, conducting confidential and professional mediations in English and Spanish at no charge to participants- disputes between landlords and tenants, employees and employers, inter-organizational conflicts, conflicts between family members and other situations. Our mediations are free of charge and have been highly successful.

Until further notice due to the covid 19 virus we are now doing Zoom mediations. For inquiries to determine if this process might be helpful please call (415) 868-3032

Ellen Shehadeh,
Inverness"

"To our 2 Mile Friends and Family:

Tragedy has stricken our beloved shop. On Friday night, a fire broke out in our building in full destructive fashion. It got to our boards, it got to our suits, it got to our souls and it got to just about everything else.

We're mourning the loss. We know this is unhappy news in a very uncertain and difficult time for everyone. We're beyond bummed that we've had to have our doors shut for the past months and haven't seen many of you in far too long. Our hopes for summer have unfortunately been dashed, but our love persists.

2 Mile is dead. The ocean lives. The sun rises on another day and sets for the shop. Luckily, no one was hurt in the flaming madness. We're very grateful to our friends at the Bolinas Fire Department who stuck it out for the fire's duration and did everything that they could to save life and material items.

Our team is grieving the loss of summer with you all that was fated to last only four brief days. We shall surf on, and we hope that you will as well. Though this is the end of an epic era, keep the memory of 2 Mile alive in your hearts. We will remember the stoke we made happen in our lifetime, and all of the people who have grown with us over the years. Our hearts go out to all of you and we miss you already. We hope to see you every once in a while out there in the ocean blue.

There are a lot of important things going on in the country and the world right now. Though we're no longer a shining light in the darkness, we can't stop hoping for a better future for surfers and land dwellers alike. There are many important places to donate your money and time right now, but if you happen to still have some petty cash after helping others in need, we do have a gofundme set up and anything is appreciated: https://www.gofundme.com/f/2mi...

We will survive as surfers and time marches on. We first hope that you support the great societal causes if you have the means, but think of us afterwards. We have lots of love for all and see many elbow bumps, and eventually some high fives and hugs, in our futures as we cross paths in the Pacific. You are all our crystal warriors carrying on our perpetual stoke.

Goodbye to all,
2 Mile Surf Shop

"Do not go gentle into that good night, Old age should burn and rave at close of day; Rage, rage against the dying of the light." -- Dylan Thomas"

Via Todd Plummer "Went downtown for a hardware run and a parade broke out. There was one car for the grand marshall driven by Madeline Nieto Hope and these guys. Today would have been the traditional, wild Western Weekend parade celebrating our ranching community and far west history."

A crowd of 350 marched from Inverness Park to Point Reyes Station in solidarity with Black Lives Matter today. #BlackLivesMattters

Water rescue on Tomales Bay happening.

Photo of the fire in downtown Bolinas above the 2 Mile Surf Shop. (Photo credit Sergio Lennon)

"ªStructure fire in Bolinas where 2 mile surf shop and post office are."¬ Not sure how serious. Lots on fire engines on scene.

"Hi Neighbors,

It's heartening to see multiple Black Lives Matter solidarity actions happening in our community this week and planned for this weekend. Let's keep it up!

Here are 2 chances to show up on Sunday, June 7th:

1pm Inverness Park to PRS
Meet at IP Market and march to PRS

4pm Inverness
Meet at the St. Columba's parking lot and walk to the Shipwreck

**Bring your masks, signs, and friends/family of all ages.
**All are welcome and we will be social distancing at 6FT for safety.
**If you plan to march, bring water and wear walking shoes.

Not sure about participating?
Many of us have the same reservations about taking physical action. These 4 points from SURJ (Showing Up for Racial Justice) may help you see another perspective, or help you convince someone else to ultimately join-in. And if protesting is not for you, give as generously as possible to m4bl.org, which supports multiple leading Movement For Black Lives organizations on the front lines.

Inoculating Ourselves Against Inaction

If you are white, you may be asking, "Who are we as white folks to take action?" In fact, POC have been asking us to focus on getting our people for over 50 years-out of SNCC, Black Liberation Movement and they are asking now: "what are the white folks doing while we die?" Our part is to engage and move more white folks to break white silence and be visible. As white people, our liberation from economic, gender, and disability oppression is at stake here as well.

It's dangerous right now because of covid. Why go out to protest and potentially get more people sick? There are ways to protest visibly and safely. We will take every precaution on Sunday, our numbers are small and we are fortunate to have space to spread out. In some SURJ cities people are doing car caravans, bike caravans, socially distanced vigils, protests, phone zaps and more. In Louisville this past Friday, folks stood six feet apart on the mayor's office steps to protest the brutal murder of Breonna Taylor by police there. They wore masks, and stayed apart. In the rural west, caravans are one big way folks are showing up and demonstrating. People in Oregon are going to the Tyson plant in Wallula that is hiding a COVID outbreak despite multiple workers dying, and there are protests demanding the Oregon State Prison release everyone.

We need time to organize something good, and this weekend is way too soon. This is NOT about the perfect event. This is NOT about hours of planning meetings. This is about finding the thing you and your friends are going to do next week, and inviting others to join you. Make your sign, let others know where to meet you. Do it. Show Up. End white silence.

I do not want to be part of something where people are angry and some are destroying property. That is not for me. The system of profit for the few honors property above all else. Ours will be a peaceful action. We are not encouraging destruction of property, AND we believe the lives of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Aubery, Tony McDade, and countless others who have died at hands of police or white supremacists are more important than property. Their lives are more important than the fear of the anger that might keep us home. You can leave any situation if you do not feel right being there. But be there.

Are you IN? What To Do Now:
Personally invite your friends. The intent with this action is to call in all in our circles to commit to dismantling systemic racism and white supremacy in defense of Black lives"”even those you think may not be interested. Just by making them aware of your own interest, you are taking action."

There have been a number of people reaching out to the West Marin Feed about a march happening this Sunday starting in Inverness Park and ending in Point Reyes. Does anyone have any other information about this?

"Thanks to our partners at Marin County, we are also pleased to announce that we will be reopening access to parking areas at Stinson Beach, Muir Beach, and Muir Beach Overlook tomorrow, Friday, June 5."

MORE INFO: https://www.onetam.org/Marin_C...

"Hello neighbors!
I can't just sit here. Please join me and my daughter to protest race-based violence.

WHERE: In front of the bank, Point Reyes Station

WHEN: Wednesday, June 3, 2020, 4:30pmish to 6pmish

WHAT: A protest against race-based violence after the killing of George Floyd and countless others

WHO: Anyone. Kids too. Elders too. Bring your signs and your mask, plan to stay 6 feet away from each other, to make it comfortable for all of our community to join. "

More info: https://www.facebook.com/event...

Point Reyes Station this morning. (Thx DW)

The artist and visionary Christo died yesterday. "For the 1976 installation of Running Fence, a 25-mile gate of white nylon that ran through private land in Valley Ford, California, the couple had to persuade skeptical ranchers to let the artists temporarily co-opt their land for a project that was difficult to explain. After one complained to Jeanne-Claude that the work had no purpose, she replied that the purpose was simply beauty itself, and pointed to the flowers he'd planted in his front stoop instead of more useful vegetables."

LINK: https://christojeanneclaude.ne...

A statement from Sheriff Doyle: "Marin Community,

The Marin County Sheriff's Office would like to join the many others around this country in expressing our sorrow and anger at the actions that led to the death of George Floyd.

We have all seen the video. The actions of the Minneapolis Police Officers in regards to Mr. Floyd's death do not require additional context or more video. There is no reasonable explanation for what we saw.

Law Enforcement Officers spend countless hours training on how, when necessary, to detain an individual utilizing proper techniques. What we saw in the video is what we train against.

The greatest tool in a law enforcement officer's toolbox is trust. It takes time to build trust with the community and, when incidents like this happen, only minutes to tear it down.

I know what we witnessed in Minneapolis does not represent the dedication to duty shown by law enforcement officers throughout this nation. Unfortunately, that truth becomes more difficult for some to accept as we see a repeat of behavior unbecoming of our profession.

As your Sheriff, I want to say to those in our community feeling hurt by the death of Mr. Floyd that we feel it too. And, that we are dedicated to ensuring fairness in our on-going work to keep this community safe.

Sheriff Robert T. Doyle"

LINK: http://nixle.us/BXCDY

Via Sheryl Cahill, owner The Station House Cafe: "It's true! We have a reprieve! The West Marin Community (and friends from around the globe) spoke up and your voices have been heard. Station House Cafe landlords have come through with an extremely generous offer that will allow Station House Cafe to remain open - with whatever Covid-19 restrictions apply - through the end of summer. We appreciate the efforts of all involved. Stay tuned!"

Via Point Reyes Light: "Her announcement on Facebook, which left out that her rent would be reduced through the summer before the increase, sparked an outpouring of anger toward the landlords, the family of longtime owner Pat Healy. John Hural, Ms. Healy's stepson, said they offered the short-term and low-cost lease in the interest of repairing that damage and supporting employees. They are working with a broker to find new tenants to operate a restaurant after the Station House moves out."

KWMR interviewed Sheryl Cahill about this story. Here's the archive (skip to 30 min mark): https://kwmr.org/broadcasts/26...

Point Reyes Light story:
https://www.ptreyeslight.com/a...

New orders from the County of Marin: "Starting June 1, those seeking recreation and exercise at Marin County's local parks, beaches, or open space preserves will be able to drive and park there. While certain aspects of the parks closure order have been loosened, Marin's facial coverings order is still in effect, and residents should remain vigilant in limiting the spread of COVID-19.

Willis also issued an new public health order continuing restrictions on the use of short-term lodging facilities. Such facilities are vacation rentals, short-term rentals, timeshares, hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, and other lodging facilities rented for 30 days or less."

New Orders:
https://www.marincounty.org/ma...

Parks Order:
https://coronavirus.marinhhs.o...

Short Term Rental Order:
https://coronavirus.marinhhs.o...

Some sort of water rescue happening on Tomales Bay right now. Perhaps stranded kayakers. Anyone else following on scanner?

"Check the RockSteadyFest Youth Concert out today starting at 3pm!

Catch it here: https://www.facebook.com/rocks.../live_videos/">https://www.facebook.com/rocks...
And on Local Marin TV Channel 30 or https://cmcm.tv/liveedu"
More info here: https://www.facebook.com/rocks...
"

Marin County District 4 Supervisor, Dennis Rodoni was on KWMR yesterday talking about the next steps in terms of public health orders. He did not confirm that on Monday, June 1 the beaches would open, but strongly suggested that was a possibility. I put together a rough transcript, but I suggest you listen to it to get show to get the actual statement:

LINK: https://kwmr.org/broadcasts/26...

"We are moving to relaxing the outdoor activities. Including the coastal beaches and parks will most likely be opening June 1 unless we have a change in the data.

The approach is to try and open up all the coastal beaches and parks at once. So that we can hopefully distribute the amount of visitors. If we can open up all the facilities in Marin through Sonoma and Mendocino is already open. We can spread the visitation around to the area and not be too impactful for any one community.

"¨The villages are still uncomfortable with a lot of people coming into their communities. But the real nuts and bolts of it is, they're not seeing enough data related to outdoor activities that would warrant them restricting anymore visitation. More people are being infected in enclosed spaces than outdoors." (thx ABF)

Sheriff presence in Seahaven in Inverness today presumably because of the influx of beach going traffic to Shell Beach yesterday.

"Coronavirus cases in Marin have climbed by more than 50% over the past two weeks, bringing the county's total to 420 on Tuesday. The county has reported five of its six highest one-day jumps in cases in those two weeks since May 12, when there were 271 cumulative cases.

"It's concerning," said Dr. Matt Willis, the county's chief public health officer, noting that Marin's coronavirus curve is increasing.

Almost 200 people who have tested positive in Marin "” roughly half of the county's total "” live in an area that includes San Rafael and surrounding neighborhoods, according to data provided by the county Department of Health and Human Services. The department only provides a breakdown of cases for five regions within the county. An area that includes Novato has almost 100 cases, the Southern Marin area has 59, Central Marin has 46 and West Marin has 15.

Willis said he plans to extend Marin's stay-at-home order, which is set to expire June 1, but he will ease certain restrictions depending on this week's test results and hospitalizations. More cases could mean more restrictions will stay in place, he said."

FULL STORY: https://www.marinij.com/2020/0...

The rare Point Reyes beach cows. (Thx SC)

"ªThe young gray whale was spotted again in Tomales Bay by Marshall this morning. (Thx PT)"¬

Bald eagle circles over Inverness this afternoon. #baldeagle

"An unusually intense & prolonged heatwave is building across California. Record high temps are likely, especially across portions of NorCal by Weds & Thurs. To top it off, some (dry-ish) thunderstorms may be possible by late week..."

FULL DETAILS: https://weatherwest.com/archiv...

Unfortunately I'm a little late to this story, but there was a whale (or two) in Tomales Bay last night (Friday) near the Hog Island Oyster Farm. The Marine Mammal center was contacted. Did anyone else see them? Are they still there? Negative low tide this morning. From Roz and Geo in Marshall. Photo credit: George Merrill

Fascinating analysis of the Bolinas COVID test project in The New Yorker, worth a read.

https://www.newyorker.com/news...

"Across the nation, scaled-up testing has been mired in problems of mismanagement, inefficiency, and undersupply. The Bolinas model charts a path around some of those obstacles. Since testing ended, a source book with photographs and instructions has been circulated. Communities in Los Angeles and Louisville are in the final stages of shaping their own efforts in the Bolinas mold. (Their testing won't be comprehensive, but it will draw on the town's methods.) Recently, Engeström spent time on a call with organizers in Camden, the London district, who also hope to adapt Bolinas's efficiencies; the town's circle of influence could expand from there. Many of the most effective responses to the pandemic have been led by island nations"”New Zealand, Iceland, Taiwan, Hong Kong"”where proactive, science-based leadership has been channelled through tight, inward connections. A lesson from those places, and from Bolinas, is that community cohesion can be marshalled against the virus that is keeping us apart."

Phase 2 begins: "Cabaline (in Point Reyes Station), has partially reopened! Beginning May 18th, we will be open for curb-side business. We plan to be here to meet your needs by phone, email or in person on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 10am - 2pm. Point Reyes Station, California!"

If you happen to be in town today, Brickmaiden is offering some free treats: "Hi Folks

We are reaching out to as many voices in our local community as possible to spread the word: A generous supporter of Brickmaiden Breads and local community member, who wishes to remain anonymous, has offered to pay for all product going out our door for the local community for 1 day!

Brickmaiden will open for a special day on Wednesday 5/20 from 8am - 2pm.

Through the full support of this thoughtful community member, we will provide free goods to our local community.

We will cap product at $20 per person to help assure as many people are served as possible.

This is next week! So please spread the word within your businesses, to employees in need, to local organizations such as our first responders and senior services, our community in need, and locals in general.

The idea behind this is to help out, and to spread goodwill during a time when we are all struggling to stay positive and feel connected!

Thank you for putting the word out there! And we will see you all on Wednesday 5/20 between 8am - 2pm!!

All the best to each of you,

Celine Underwood"

So, looking ahead to this weekend, which is Memorial Day weekend. The weather is going to be sunny and hot. All of the parks and beaches in West Marin will be closed. I've heard murmurs of lots of people trying to rent houses out here for that weekend. It sounds like there will be a lot going on. If you're local, probably worth stocking up on supplies early and as WMF often says, shelter in place. And do whatever you can do to support our local law enforcement, rangers, first responders and frontline workers. It's going to be a long weekend for them.

Planned Feralhood is a great local organization and they're holding a fundraiser right now if you have the means:

https://www.facebook.com/donat...

"Hi everybody! We'll be putting up more pictures of our Planned Feralhood Cat Sanctuary to show you what it's like around this place, and so you can see some of the cats who live here.

There are 28 cats here at this time, all who need various kinds of veterinary care, and all who eat a lot of food, and require daily care.

These cats are here as a result of a 17 year Trap/Neuter/Return Program that we offered free of charge. When the cats were not able to be returned to their locations due to property ownership demands, health, or other crazy reasons, we provided them with safe haven.

Your donations will enable us to continue in their care and housing. Any amount is appreciated!

Thank you!!!"

"Applications start being accepted today for one-time, state-funded disaster relief assistance to undocumented adults who are ineligible for other forms of assistance due to their immigration status. Proyecto de Asistencia para Inmigrantes Afectados por la Pandemia de COVID-19 (DRAI). Applications are available by calling the toll-free number 866-490-3899 from 8 AM - 8 PM Mondays through Saturdays. To facilitate the application process an email account is vital to send the required documentation to us. Applications will ONLY be accepted over the phone."

MORE INFO:
https://www.catholiccharitiess...

"Hello Community,

I am posting this for a very good friend of whose car was stolen/car-jacked the other day on the sleepy streets of San Geronimo. She lives in PRS and is in search of the loan or gift of a reliable car. She is a longtime community member who is well-known to some of you but who wishes to remain anonymous for now. I can vouch for her in every way. She is a gold-star member of our community who lives lightly and contributes a great deal to everyone in her orbit.

Please contact me if you have any leads on a reliable car for her long-term or permanent use.

Thank you.

Wendy McLaughlin"

Email: 786salama@gmail.com

More details of the slow speed car chase from last week: "The woman said she was about 15 feet from her Toyota Camry when she saw a man inside. She attempted to remove him from the car. He pushed her and stole the car, Schneider said.

Park rangers spotted the car in the west end of Samuel P. Taylor Park and attempted to stop the driver. The suspect fled traveling down Platform Bridge Road making his way to Shoreline Highway and drove through downtown Point Reyes Station.

The suspect led deputies onto Marshall-Petaluma Road at slow speeds, crossing double yellow lines and unsafely passing other vehicles, Schneider said. The suspect stopped in a dirt driveway.

Dylan Mateo Bylacq, 18, of Forest Knolls was booked into Marin County Jail on suspicion of robbery carjacking, vehicle theft, evading police, driving without a license and vandalism. His bail was set at $150,000."

FULL STORY: https://www.marinij.com/2020/0...

On May 18th, some restrictions on parks in Marin loosen up. Except for what's on this list. Which is basically everything in West Marin. "There will be no loosening of access at some locations that tend to draw larger crowds from across the Bay Area, creating conditions where visitors cannot feasibly comply with social distancing requirements. Facilities that remain closed to motorized access, except for those with state-issued disabled vehicle placards on display, are:

- Point Reyes National Seashore
- Golden Gate National Recreation Area (including Muir Woods National Monument)
- Mount Tamalpais State Park
- Tomales Bay State Park
- Samuel P Taylor State Park
- Chicken Ranch Beach (along Tomales Bay)
- Miller Park (along Tomales Bay)
- White House Pool Park in Point Reyes Station
- Bolinas Lagoon Open Space Preserve (including Bolinas County Park)
- all Marin Municipal Water District lands
- all beaches or inlets along the Pacific Ocean."

FULL PRESS RELEASE: https://coronavirus.marinhhs.o...

Hearing multiple reports of some sort of car chase going through Point Reyes and heading north on Rt. 1. Anyone know the details? "7 Sheriff vehicles , now 8 ,screaming north on 1 past my house just now , Code 3 . " (thx GC)

Some updates about The Station House closure from an article in the Press Democrat: "The restaurant's owners wrote in a since-deleted Facebook post that their landlord hiked the rent from around $8,000 a month to $28,000 a month. An alternative lease was also offered, they added, but it would include "restrictive" conditions and still cost $21,000 a month, according to Eater.

The owners posted again on Facebook to thank patrons for their well wishes.

'Dear Patrons of Station House Café,

So many of you have shared great memories and kind wishes for our team as we work to wind down our operations at Station House Café at the end of this month. Thank you very much for your continued support.

We did not intend or anticipate the inflammatory and negative responses that some of the readers posted on our feed and ask that everyone refrain from lashing out against the property owners.

Thank you again for sharing so many fond memories we all can treasure.'"

Press Democrat story:
https://www.pressdemocrat.com/...

MarinIJ story:
MarinIJ Story: https://www.marinij.com/2020/0...

The Station House Facebook post:
https://www.facebook.com/stati...

More detail in the MarinIJ about The Station House closure in Point Reyes: "The closure decision follows a proposed rent hike and weeks of lease negotiations. The lease, which began in 2005 and was extended in 2015, is set to expire at the end of the month. (cafe owner Sheryl Cahill) said the proposed rent would have been unmanageable.

"We could not meet in the middle," Cahill said.

Kirsten Hural, owner of the property and stepdaughter of former cafe owner Pat Healy, said Tuesday that the current rent does not reflect the fair market value. She also said the circumstances "” a lease expiring during an economic downturn caused by a global pandemic "” were unexpected.

Both Cahill and Hural acknowledged that there were offers to reduce and defer rent payments during the downturn.

Hural said she remains "open to good faith negotiations of a new agreement."

"Our attempted accommodations and short-term fixes, aimed at extending negotiations to a time when the market settles, have failed," she wrote.

Before the pandemic, the cafe employed 44 full- and part-time workers. Seventeen were able to return after the cafe secured a federal Paycheck Protection Program loan, Cahill said."

MarinIJ Story: https://www.marinij.com/2020/0...

Marin County Public Health is now offering free COVID-19 testing to all essential public and private sector workers (cities and towns included). Appointments can be scheduled online (https://lhi.care/covidtesting) or by calling 1-888-634-1123.

"ªPower pole being replaced on Rt1 north of Point Reyes after a car hit it this afternoon, expect delays."¬ (Thx AW)

There is some sort of bike vs no bike clash happening in the Shell Beach parking lot in Inverness. Anyone know what's going on? First there was a spray painted message that said "read no bikes". Then someone changed it to "read more bikes". Now the bike icon on the sign is crossed out. How can you be righteous about bikes on trails then go around making a spray painted mess on public property?

An extremely sad message from The Station House Facebook page, they will close for good on June 1, 2020. Friday night dinners there have been a part of our family and friends for years. We will miss you all. Thank you for all of the good times.

"Dear Friends near and far -

Today we have an announcement to make that is harder than you can imagine.

After nearly a month of diligence, Station House Cafe secured disaster relief funding through the first round of the federal Paycheck Protection Program (P.P.P.) and we were able to bring back much of our workforce- this was cause for celebration and our future looked a little brighter.

We HAD this. The funding was designed to help businesses sustain the loss of imposed restrictions during shelter-in-place orders and it would have successfully done so but another factor was introduced that changed the course of survival for Station House Cafe.

Our lease was due to renew on June 1. The proposal received by our landlord would have raised our rent more than 300% from $8372 per month to $28,000 per month, under the current lease, with no option to renew after one year. The landlord also offered an alternative lease, with new, restrictive and onerous conditions, that would extend the term to four years at $21,000 per month.

Under the best of economic conditions, the Station House Cafe could not have sustained such an increase. In our current economic crisis, it is unfathomable.

After 46 years in Point Reyes Station, and 15 years under current ownership, Station House Cafe will be closing permanently on June 1, 2020.

Throughout this month, we will be open for take-out Thursday through Monday and local delivery on Saturdays and Sundays. Our hours of operation are 11am-7pm; closed Tuesday-Wednesday.

We are open to finding a new location and hope that we can all be together again one day soon.

It's such an awkward time to say good-bye. No parties, no social gatherings, nothing we know as "normal" in the hospitality world is possible at this time.

And to you, the reader, our patrons, we owe so much gratitude. Thank you for the years of laughter, kind words, celebrations and continued support. We are so fortunate to have prospered for so long in this beautiful community of West Marin.

Stay safe and be well."

FB Post: https://www.facebook.com/stati...

It is Friday. Local restaurants and services are open this weekend with pick up, so if you're local, support your local businesses, here is a comprehensive list of what's available: https://docs.google.com/docume...

Its also Pulitzer Prize winning poet Gary Snyder's birthday today.

And from Sir and Star: "This Friday we will be offering another SHELTER SUPPER: THE EVENING PICNIC

The menu is on our website www.sirandstar.com. Orders are gladly taken by phone (663.1034) from noon on Friday. For pick-up, between 5 and 7 at a chosen time, you will simply pull up to our back kitchen door, which opens onto our parking lot.

The world has changed and in many ways so have we. Our commitment remains unchanged: offering delicious foods, thoughtfully sourced, prepared with particular care, for your pleasure and ours."

The Marin County Commission on Aging has their monthly meeting today at 10:00am on a zoom call if you are interested. The mission of the Commission is to promote the dignity, independence and quality of life of older persons through advocacy, information, programs and services. You can find the agenda for the meeting and the link/password for the call here: https://www.marinhhs.org/sites...

Hog Island on the front page of the SFGate today. "Hog Island Oyster Company, one of the most beloved shellfish companies in the world and a pioneer of the farm to table movement in San Francisco, is reckoning with its future. In early March, Hog Island temporarily closed its San Francisco, Napa, and Marshall locations, furloughed 250 of its 300 employees and reduced management salaries, saving a skeleton crew to operate the recently opened Larkspur restaurant and its oyster farm."

FULL STORY: https://www.sfgate.com/food/sl...

Sounds like there was a lot of police activity at Rt.1 and Levee Rd. right now, anyone know what's going on? An arrest?

Please help a local community member if you are able:

https://www.gofundme.com/f/get...

"On June 22, 2019 Jaciel was driving home from work when he was hit from behind by a large truck, traveling at over 50 miles per hour. He was airlifted to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital where he was stabilized and treated for a broken cervical spine.

In a matter of hours, Jaciel went from being an independent, mobile person, working full time for National Park Services at the Point Reyes National Seashore, to a dependent, immobile, bedridden individual with a diagnosis of quadriplegia.

After 11 months of being in a hospital and rehabilitation center, Jaciel is about to go home!!! However, he needs $19,000 to get a power wheelchair that will raise him up to a standing position, allowing him to access more activities of daily living and release pressure of his bottom to avoid skin breaking(pressure ulcers). This is a feature that the insurance company will not cover.

In the next week, Jaciel will be discharged from the Kentfield Rehabilitation Center, to start the next phase of his life. Knowing his friends, family, colleagues, and greater community, we can all take part in donating to help improve his quality of life.

El 22 de junio de 2019, Jaciel iba manejando después del trabajo cuando lo chocó por detrás una camioneta que viajaba a más de 50 millas por hora. Fue trasladado en helicóptero al Hospital Memorial de Santa Rosa, donde fue estabilizado y tratado por una ruptura en la columna cervical .

En cuestión de horas, Jaciel pasó de ser una persona completamente independiente y móvil, que trabajaba en el Parque Nacional en Point Reyes National Seashore, a ser un individuo dependiente, inmóvil con un diagnóstico de cuadraplejia.

Después de 11 meses de estar en un hospital y en un centro de rehabilitación, ¡Jaciel está a punto de irse a casa! Sin embargo, necesita $ 19,000 para conseguir una silla de ruedas eléctrica que lo eleve a una posición de pie, lo que le permitirá acceder a más actividades de la vida diaria y liberar presión para evitar futuras rupturas en la piel (llagas). Esta es algo que el seguro no cubre.

En la próxima semana, Jaciel será dado de alta del Centro de Rehabilitación de Kentfield para comenzar la próxima fase de su vida. Conociendo a sus amigos, familiares, colegas y su gran comunidad, todos podemos participar en mejorar la calidad de vida de Jaciel."

From Gavin Newsom: "CA is led by data and SCIENCE.

Based off our progress, we'll begin to gradually move into Stage 2 this FRIDAY.

Some sectors where there's a lower risk of transmission will be able to adapt & re-open with modifications.

This will include some retail and manufacturing/logistics."

Video from Marin about phases (which only has three phases)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?...

Zoltan Istvan, a transhumanist presidential candidate from Mill Valley, stirred up some controversy this week when he had an op-ed published in The New York Times about surfing and COVID. "A few days ago, a county sheriff's officer stood outside his vehicle in the parking area of the beach in Bolinas, waving off visitors and telling surfers to go home. Like many other surfers, I avoided him by parking on a side street. I suited up and after making sure he was looking the other way, sprinted to the water. I caught my first wave of the day a minute later.

I understand that quarantine rules must apply to everyone or the plan to flatten the curve doesn't work. But I doubt that surfing alone jeopardizes the health of society in any statistically meaningful way, especially because all the surfers I've seen have been careful to practice social distancing in and out of the water. The physical, mental and spiritual benefits to surfing outweigh the tiny chance a surfer might become infected or infect someone else."

FULL STORY: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/0...

People have seemed to have honed in on the parking lot behind the Inverness Store as a gathering spot. Apparently local law enforcement not happy about it. Is it private land? How does that work? (Thx SP)

A great story: "A little-known, 6-year-old project with nursing students at Marin County's Dominican University has come in handier than ever. The college pairs students with older people in West Marin for home visits each semester, and because they can't now come in person for fear of spreading the virus, they are doing their visits by phone.

Video wouldn't work with this crowd. The clients are all in their 80s or above, and with some living so far back in the woods, they're lucky to get a phone connection, let alone internet. But it turns out jawboning on the phone several times a week with enthusiastic student nurses, who are all in their early 20s, is more than just fine.

The program was started by Ellen Christiansen, a Dominican University professor of public health, in conjunction with West Marin Senior Services. This semester she has 27 students working with 48 senior citizens, most of whom can't drive and live on fixed retirement incomes."

(Ruth Fleshman is legally blind and lives alone in Point Reyes Station with her dog, Zac. A former nursing instructor, Fleshman says she enjoys sharing her knowledge with the students.)

FULL STORY: https://www.sfchronicle.com/ba...

Spotted on the Point Reyes/Petaluma Road today. (thx SP)

"With traffic congestion eased by the sheltering orders, the California Highway Patrol has reported an 87% increase of speeders in excess of 100 mph around the state.

From March 19, when the state's stay-at-home orders began, to April 19, the CHP issued 2,493 citations statewide for speeding more than 100 mph, compared to 1,335 citations for the same time period last year.

In Marin County, the CHP ticketed 274 speeders from April 1-24, and 14 were driving at 100 mph or faster, Officer Andrew Barclay said. For the same period last year, the CHP wrote 807 speeding tickets in Marin, with only five motorists driving faster than 100 mph."

STORY: https://www.marinij.com/2020/0...

If you are sheltering in place here and looking to support local businesses and figure out what stores and restaurants are open and when, Natasha Berry has put together an excellent guide to West Marin resources: https://docs.google.com/docume...

"West Marin Mass Care Volunteer Guidelines

West Marin has a long and well-deserved reputation for being independent and able to dig deep to help those in need. Many of you are already engaged in helping your neighbors and community organizations weather this storm.

The COVID-19 pandemic has created special problems and opportunities for volunteering. As the outbreak grows, some of our community groups and organizations may lose their usual volunteer support or need more volunteers than usual. As a volunteer for West Marin Community Services (WMCS) I am keeping a list of potential volunteers for the area served by WMCS. We will be posting "requests for volunteers" as new needs and tasks come up. The tasks might include delivering food to shut-ins, helping with food distribution, staffing a phone bank to get information out, or other tasks that the community might need.

The Coronavirus pandemic is a unique situation. Unlike other disasters where volunteers have been key to supporting our community, this disaster requires us to stay home and limit contact and congregations of large and/or outside groups. The key to managing the COVID-19
pandemic is physical distancing, so the groups and community organizations you will be volunteering for in person will be diligently enforcing physical distancing practices and screening volunteers.

We will be doing most of the coordination by email. We may schedule through a website If the contact list grows large, so you will need to have web access and a phone.

There will be requests for tasks that can be done from home, but some will have to be done in person. Please use the following questions to see if you should volunteer in person.

1. Are you 65 years of age or older?
2. Do you live with someone who is 65 years of age or older?
3. Do any of the following apply to you or someone you live with: heart disease, asthma,
diabetes, undergoing treatment for cancer, respiratory/lung disease, immuno-supressed or weakened immune system.
4. Are you sick or have you been sick in the last 14 days?
5. Have you been around anyone who is sick or has been sick in the last 14 days?
6. Have you been in contact with anyone who has been tested and diagnosed with COVID-19?
7. Have you traveled within the last 14 days?

Thank you for your desire to support your community.

Roy Pitts, WMCS volunteer volunteer@westmarincs.org
For WMCS Staff and Socorro Romo"

"Nobody in Bolinas tested positive for the coronavirus last week in a rare, privately funded study that aimed to test all of the town's residents, according to Marin County public health officials. Nearly 1,800 people were tested in the secluded town last week, according to Dr. Bryan Greenhouse, a UCSF infectious disease specialist and one of the study's leaders.

"This is a sign to me that we really did get in front of this and interrupt transmission," he said, noting there have been no confirmed cases in Bolinas since the first Marin County diagnosis was reported on March 9.

Sawyer hopes that similar widespread testing efforts will be implemented in other communities, though she acknowledged that not all communities have the benefit of wealthy donors to make such a venture possible."

FULL STORY: https://www.mercurynews.com/20...

Point Reyes Books posted this video on Twitter and it went viral with over 627,000 views (and counting). Long live books. And bookstores.

https://twitter.com/rs_sparks/...

BREAKING: "The Bay Area's shelter-in-place order will be extended through May, officials said Monday, with the current restrictions largely remaining in place.

Seven jurisdictions that banded together on the previous orders "” Santa Clara, Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo, and Santa Clara counties, plus the city of Berkeley "” will release details of the latest order this week, officials said in a joint statement, to replace the current order that expires May 3.

The latest mandate will allow for the "limited easing of specific restrictions for a small number of lower-risk activities," the statement read, but it's not yet clear what those activities include."

FULL STORY: https://www.mercurynews.com/20...

Sounds like a bad car accident on Platform Bridge Road in Tocaloma. Anyone have any details?

Via NWA Bay Area: "Tuesday will be one of the warmest days so far this spring. Early season warm weather can be especially taxing for sensitive groups such as the elderly, very young, those unable to be in AC or on certain medications. Heat Risk image is attached, mainly in the Low Risk for Tues."

This is Shaun, he is 11 and is learning to play the guitar. Every night he participates in howling with his neighborhood at 8pm while SIP and then plays part of a song into the valley in Inverness to enlighten his neighbors and they are always cheering him on. His neighbors below him usually live stream themselves howling at 8pm. Shaun surprised them when he found out one of them was celebrating his birthday. They have never met in person. It is just a sweet sweet video of how we can lift each other up and bring smiles to each others faces. #ShelterInPlaceInInverness

An inspiring evening of poetry with Xerxes Whitney and M.C. Yogi tonight via Zoom or Facebook Live tonight at 5:30pm (PST). Join either on FB or at this Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8448...

"On behalf of the Stinson Beach & Bolinas, Briones Lions Club, we regretfully announce the cancellation of this year's Annual 4th of July Celebration, and its events, in Bolinas, due to the Covid-19 pandemic and restrictions." - Louisa Newcomb, President

Hi. So the West Marin Feed is me, Christian Anthony. I live in Inverness with my wife and two children. We were just informed that we have been in contact (in a socially distanced manner) with someone who has a family member in Inverness Park who has tested positive today for COVID-19.

The person we had contact with has been tested and is waiting for the results. The person who tested positive is an elder community member who was following all of the guidelines and had limited interaction within the community. This person has contacted everyone they were in contact with. They feel fine for now, but they are being monitored closely. We are self quarantining and waiting for all the results to come back.

The reason I am posting this is because it has been a very sobering moment for myself, my family, and the community of people I know and love here in West Marin. COVID-19 is here. Among us. Now. It is not the flu. It travels easily. You do not want it. I do not want it. We do not want it to spread through our community. So please continue to shelter in place, wear your masks, wash your hands. Do not take chances.

Thank you. Be safe. We will get through this together.

Just got a report from Stinson Beach that there are a lot of cars there. Point Reyes was pretty crowded today. A lot of traffic on SFD. Shelter in place is hard to do for this long and with nice weather. Please respect the people on the front lines in our stores and our communities. Wear a mask. Stick to the essentials. Stay local. We're not through this thing yet.

Extensive fire damage to Forester's Hall in Point Reyes Station today. Apparently it was a propane tank on a porch. Fortunately no injuries, thanks to all the firefighters who quickly responded.

Fire at Forester's Hall in Point Reyes. Sounds like fire department on it and under control.

From Elisabeth Ptak "Just a week ago, I mentioned on Facebook that I was concerned that staff at the Point Reyes Station and Inverness post offices were working behind jury-rigged plastic sheets for coronavirus protection at their customer counters. Headed by Suzanne d'Coney, an ad hoc group of townspeople decided to do something about it. We consulted with the Inverness and Point Reyes Station postmistresses as well as the buildings' owners to find a solution. On Wednesday, a polycarbonate shield was installed in Inverness, and on Thursday, one will be installed in Point Reyes Station. Each one was designed and fabricated to suit the sites' individual needs and to provide a greater degree of protection for both postal staff and customers. Special thanks go to Suzanne d'Coney, Marshall Livingston, and Carol Friedman!

Some folks mentioned that they would like to help, so we're appealing to the community to help cover the cost of materials and labor, estimated to be about $1500. Any amount is welcome. You can send checks payable to Carol Friedman to Box 644, Point Reyes Station 94956. Contributions can also be made online via Venmo to: @SuzanneDconey; or via PayPal to: suzannedconey@gmail.com.

Contributions in excess of the amount needed will be donated to West Marin Community Services for its ongoing efforts to assist those impacted by the pandemic."

People have been asking me questions about things in West Marin that I can't answer, maybe someone here can. Did anyone hear about a car chase with Lamborghinis on Rt. 1 on Tuesday with a helicopter involved? Yesterday a helicopter tried to land for an emergency airlift, but I think was turned around because of fog. And today I've heard reports of low flying planes? I see lots of contrails in the sky but haven't seen any planes. Weird times.

Support our local businesses if you are able:

Check it out! Hog Island is offering local delivery in Marin and Sonoma Counties through their online store. Purchase, oysters, clams, meal kits and more and choose local delivery at check out. Use code THANKYOU15 at check for 15% off oyster orders!
LINK: https://hogislandoysters.com/

Earth Day pop up Market on Wednesday!
Visit Osteria Stellina between 3-6pm to stock up on fine local goods while simultaneously supporting local farms and businesses at a time when it is needed most.
LINK: https://www.facebook.com/searc...

Sign up here for Brickmaiden Bread's email to get their pick up menu: http://brickmaidenbreads.com
Take Away Only - Thursdays, Fridays & Sundays 8am -2pm
Order 48 hours in advance

Station House Open FRI/SAT/SUN 12-6PM for pickup & delivery!
INFO: https://www.facebook.com/stati...

The MarinIJ weighs in on the free Bolinas covid testing project. "In the 1970s, Bolinas gained a measure of notoriety when the quirky characters who lived here successfully halted new development and became the subject of the book, "The Town that Fought to Save Itself."

Now, nearly 50 years later, the remote seaside village is fighting to save itself once again "” this time from the threat of coronavirus. Starting Monday, a privately funded guerrilla-style operation will be underway to test the entire town of 1,680 people for the deadly virus. It's an extraordinarily rare privilege at a time when most of the country is desperate to get a handle on the extent of infection, but hamstrung by a lack of available tests.

But this time, instead of counterculture hippies taking the lead, it's the high-tech multimillionaires "” including a venture capitalist whose wife founded Flickr, a biotech entrepreneur and the founder of Zynga games "” who either live or have weekend homes in the reclusive West Marin community."

FULL STORY: https://www.marinij.com/2020/0...