"Following guidance from the CDC & public health officials, & to comply with the shelter-in-place legal order in seven Bay Area counties, Point Reyes National Seashore's visitor centers & campgrounds are temporarily closed. Visit http://nps.gov/pore for more information."

A heavy cloud hangs over West Marin this evening.

BREAKING: "Six counties in the Bay Area are ordering residents to stay at home in an effort to help reduce the spread of coronavirus.

All residents in these counties should only leave their homes for essential needs. Necessary government functions and essential stores will remain open. The order will go into effect at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday and will remain in place for three weeks.

List of counties:
San Francisco
Santa Clara
San Mateo
Marin
Contra Costa
Alameda

The shelter-at-home order comes as scientific evidence shows social distancing is one of the most effective approaches to slow the transmission of communicable disease.

"Temporarily changing our routine is absolutely necessary to slow the spread of this pandemic," said Dr. Sara Cody, Santa Clara County Public Health Officer. "The Health Officers from the largest jurisdictions in the San Francisco Bay Area are united and we are taking this step together to offer the best protection to our respective communities."

Essential businesses allowed to operate during the recommended action include:

Health care operations
Businesses that provide food, shelter, and social services, and other necessities of life for economically disadvantaged or otherwise needy individuals
Fresh and nonperishable food retailers (including convenience stores)
Pharmacies
Child care facilities
Gas stations
Banks
Laundry businesses and services necessary for maintaining the safety, sanitation and essential operation of a residence.
In addition, health care, law and safety, and essential government functions will continue under the recommended action."

FULL LINK: https://www.kron4.com/news/6-b...

"Nearly 100 individuals were tested over March 12 and 13 through Marin County's drive-through testing site. Of these, 6 test results were positive. Regionally, there has been a dramatic increase in cases, with nearly 300 cases Bay Area wide. Total cases in Marin: 9."

"All Marin County Free Library Branches are closed until further notice. Our Book Drops/book returns will be locked. Please keep all borrowed physical materials at home. Please access available online materials at http://marinlibrary.org."

"All classroom instruction at our Shoreline Schools will be suspended, beginning Monday, March 16th for at least two weeks. All students are to remain home until we are notified that the classroom suspension is lifted. Meals will be delivered by buses and available at the schools for those who are on the federally assisted meal program. Check with your local school for more details"

Marin COVID Update: https://coronavirus.marinhhs.o...

The Palace Market in Point Reyes was busier then usual today but not crazy. Looked like the out of town traffic had picked up with some "multiple cart" folks stockpiling. The only thing that struck as odd was this aisle, I'm guessing that's where the toilet paper was. Why are people stockpiling toilet paper? Was that CDC guidance?

WMF is putting together a guide to local information and general resources around coronavirus. For local updates (besides news sources) the links below is all I've been able to find, do other people have sources they could share? Most useful are things that are being updated and kept current. Thank you.

Marin Health and Human Services
https://coronavirus.marinhhs.o...
https://www.facebook.com/Marin...

National Park Service
https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/ne...

Here is the full page of information which will evolve:
http://thewestmarinfeed.com/co...

"An adult Sonoma County resident has tested positive for the coronavirus, the first person here who has contracted the virus through unknown community transmission, county health officials announced Saturday night.

The new case, marking an escalation in the local battle against a highly contagious infectious disease that has put the world on edge, was detected through the county Department of Health Services' enhanced surveillance testing, launched Thursday to help determine if the virus was being transmitted in the community without anyone knowing it."

FULL STORY: https://www.pressdemocrat.com/...

In other news, these two were cuddling on Drakes Beach in Point Reyes today.

"ª"FROM BOLINAS-STINSON SCHOOL: Bolinas-Stinson School will be closed for two weeks beginning tomorrow, Friday, March 13. Due to a COVID-19 related school closure at Tam High school we will join in closing school to prevent further spread of the infection.""¬

Nice story from Bolinas: "Self-sufficiency is like perfection, said Lloyd Kahn, the guru of guerrilla architecture and dean of all things D.I.Y. "You never quite get there, but you're moving toward it all the time." Before cabin porn and van life were hashtags on Instagram, before tiny houses were a movement, Mr. Kahn, now 84, was the indefatigable champion of their funky, D.I.Y. antecedents." (Thx MM)

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

"As of March 11, 2020 the Marin County Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has confirmed that two additional Marin residents have tested positive for COVID-19, the novel coronavirus, bringing the local total to three.

Both individuals lived with Marin's first reported case, who was a passenger on the Grand Princess "“ Mexican Rivera cruise ship that experienced an outbreak of COVID-19. The newly diagnosed cases had been isolated in their home and are experiencing mild symptoms but do not require hospitalization. Marin HHS will not release additional information about the patients or the treating hospital to protect the medical privacy of the patients and family.

While Marin HHS is not issuing cancellations of large gatherings at this time, it is recommending that older adults and those with conditions that may weaken their immune system consider refraining from attending large gatherings of 100 or more people."

MORE DETAILS: https://www.marinhhs.org/coron...

Medical emergency in Inverness requiring Henry 1 helicopter transport. No word on details.

Sunset chaser from North Beach In Point Reyes after a long day of virus stress. Stay safe everyone. Wash those hands, #sunset

MiniQuake. Did anyone feel this? 7:05pm tonight?

Twitter link: https://twitter.com/earthquake...

"Marin Confirms First In-County Case of COVID-19 - The Marin County Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is working with medical staff at a local hospital to treat a Marin resident diagnosed with COVID-19[External], the novel coronavirus.

The individual diagnosed was a passenger on the Grand Princess cruise ship that returned to San Francisco from Mexico on February 21. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identified this cruise as a source of exposure for COVID-19. The patient is an older man who is being treated in a Marin County hospital. Marin HHS will not release additional information about the patient or the hospital to protect the medical privacy of the patient, family, and hospital staff.

Public health officials have identified those who have been in close contact with this patient. Those individuals have been isolated and are being evaluated."

LINK: https://www.marincounty.org/ma...

There was also a possible exposure at Marin Catholic, but the details are very limited.

"A principal in Marin County has reported a "possible student exposure" to the novel coronavirus in a statement sent out Tuesday. Marin Catholic High School Principal Chris Valdez said no one in the school community has tested positive for COVID-19. Nonetheless, Valdez said he wants to share as much information out as possible, including what steps are being taken by school leaders."

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

We were walking back from a sunset session in Point Reyes when out of nowhere a magic piece of sand artwork appeared during the big low tide. Looks like a piece from the master, Jim Denevan, but not sure. It's already gone now. Whoever it was, thank you!

"ªVehicle rollover on Bear Valley Rd in Point Reyes. Proceed with caution."¬

Events this weekend:

Opening reception for new exhibit at Jack Mason Gallery in Inverness about the Bear Valley Ranch takes place from 1pm - 3pm on Sunday.

A memorial for Russell Chatham will be held at The Dance Palace in Point Reyes from 2pm - 4pm on Sunday.

Apparently the bomb squad was called to Black Mountain in Point Reyes yesterday to explode a stick of dynamite that a worker found. People had reported seeing the truck on Lucas Valley Road. (thx DW/IW)

Single car crash on Shoreline Hwy in front of the Giacomini dairy. Sounds bad. One lane closed, expect delays.

Full results from last night's voting. Wildfire Prevention passes, San Geronimo Golf Course does not. https://patch.com/california/s...

"ªSounds like a bad car accident on SFD near Whites Hill. There are delays, plan accordingly."¬

LEAP DAY! The Haggards Leap Year Party at The Western Saloon in Point Reyes tonight. Always a good time.

"We only have one chance every 10 years to accurately count everyone living in Marin County. Pledge to respond to the census and be a trusted messenger to tell your family, friends and others and help us get out the count.

Solo tenemos una oportunidad cada 10 años para contar con precisión a todos los que viven en el condado de Marin. Comprometerse a responder al censo y ser un mensajero confiable para contarle a tu familia, amigos y otras personas conocidas porque participar en el censo es tan importante."

More info: https://marincensus2020.org

Via NWS: "Before you are soon inundated with dry February rainfall statistics. CPC 8 to 14 day outlooks continue to show rainfall around the second week of March. Graphics show a slight to moderate risk of heavy precipitation across the Central Coast and Bay Area."

via PRNPS: "Harbor seal pupping area closures start this Sunday, March 1, and go through June 30. Drakes Estero, Double Point, the end of Limantour Spit, and the eastern side of Hog Island are closed to human access during this time. Learn more: http://go.nps.gov/pore/hseals. #LeaveSealsBe"

"The Marin County Sheriff's Office received a National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) Cyber Tip line Report that there was a possible suspect soliciting, sharing and/or receiving nude photographs/videos of minors via a web based platform. Through an extensive investigation, Detectives determined the activity was believed to be originating from a residence in Point Reyes, CA. On February 26th, 2020 detectives served a search warrant at a residence in Point Reyes, CA and arrested the suspect. A preliminary investigation into his personal electronic devices revealed thousands of images and videos depicting obscene matter of minors."

FULL STORY: https://www.facebook.com/Marin...

" The Marin County Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) today confirmed the transfer of one patient with laboratory-confirmed novel coronavirus (COVID-19) from Travis Air Force Base in Solano County to a Marin County hospital. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) agreement with the Department of Defense requires any evacuee who tests positive to be moved from the base. Marin County and other Bay Area counties are accepting the patients to reduce the burden on the Solano County health care system."

LINK: https://www.marincounty.org/ma...

I highly recommend listening to this podcast to get some background on the virus: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/0...

How to prepare for the virus: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/0...

This dog is lost and thirsty on Lucas Valley Rd. Anyone know who he belongs to? (Thx EV)

This is a very local issue, but I live in Seahaven in Inverness and at some point in the last couple of days, especially noticeable at night, something started making a very low but loud humming noise. Like a battery or some sort of large electric device or conductor. Does anyone else hear it or know what it is?

"ªThis story is behind a paywall (although it worked on my iPhone), but worth reading because it gives the most detailed description of what happened to the lost couple I've read yet: https://www.google.com/amp/s/w..."¬

Water rescue in progress on Tomales Bay by Marshall. Not clear on the details yet.

If you click through to this helicopter extraction video from Marin County Sheriff, you'll see just how deep the brush was where the rescued hikers were trapped: https://twitter.com/MarinSheri...

The press conference for hikers Carol and Ian who were lost and rescued in Inverness just ended. Basically, they went for a hike from their AirBNB on the Johnstone Trail. Got confused, went off trail and ended up trapped in extremely deep brush. SAR member Quincy Webster heard them yelling for help today during today's sweep on foot. Groot, one of the SAR dogs made first contact. The fact that they were able to survive eight days without food or warm clothes is nothing short of a miracle. Also attached is a satellite shot of the approximate location of the rescue. (Thx RD)

Here is Henry1 extracting one of the missing hikers from Inverness this morning. They were found in the woods in some sort of drainage ditch between the Johnstone Trail and Shallow Beach. There will be a press conference at 2pm today in Inverness where more details will be available. (Photo by Marin County Sheriff. Thx RD)

The couple has been found at Shallow Beach on Tomales Bay. They are in good shape but cannot walk. A helicopter is extracting them now then they will be transported to the hospital.

Via KWMR: "The missing hikers have been found alive. Rescue by land team and helicopter is underway."

As most people in West Marin are aware right now, PG&E is out in force cutting trees all over the place. This is one observation from a local: "Yesterday (2/20) PG&E tree contractors cut this heritage oak to current codes, 12 feet away from power lines. It seems likely that this kind of tree work will continue today on Forres destroying one of the most idyllic walks in Inverness, a walk up through a tree-lined green archway that leads up to the water district."

Via ABC News: "As a Coast Guard helicopter makes several low passes over Tomales Bay on Thursday afternoon, the search and rescue effort for a missing Palo Alto couple has turned into a search and recovery mission.

Marin County Sheriff's Office says they received four "independent alerts from Cadaver K9 teams" near Shell Beach along Tomales Bay.

In a statement issued by the Marin County Sheriff's Office, they write: "We've worked tirelessly combing through all leads and areas surrounding the cottage they were vacationing at and are now calling this a recovery mission. We have been in close contact with family and will continue to search for Carol and Ian. Our thoughts are with the Kiparsky and Irwin family during this difficult time."

The search still going this morning for the missing couple in Inverness. The Marin County Dive team gearing up to look in Tomales Bay,

Via Marin County Sheriff: "Our search efforts today in Inverness have concluded. We have no updates on the location of Carol and Ian and our Detectives are continuing to investigate. There will be a search tomorrow conducted surrounding the waters edge near Inverness utilizing K9's and a boat."

Thick column of smoke coming up behind Point Reyes Station. Anyone know what's going on?

Still no updates on the missing persons search. The Search and Rescue teams are back at it again today. They just did a sweep of my street in Inverness and took a look in my backyard. I hope their luck changes today.

Via Marin County Sheriff: "136 search and rescue members from all over the Bay Area have commenced search and rescue efforts this morning in Inverness. We will be searching from both the air and ground today." Anyone else have any updates? I heard there are helicopters in Seahaven.

Via Marin County Sheriff: "Our @MarinSAR team is currently looking for the pictured individuals in Inverness. If you have any information about there whereabouts, please contact us at (415)479-2311. Possibly hiking in the Inverness area."

"SFDB closed at bottom of White Hill for major traffic collision. Avoid the area. (Thx BE)

Just got word the the Point Reyes Gas Station is having some issues with their credit card readers, and there is a chance they might be cash only this weekend. Plan accordingly.

Sounds like someone either jumped or fell off a cliff at Agate Beach in Bolinas. Lots of emergency equipment and the Henry 1 helicopter scrambled for the rescue. Sounds like they found the person alive. No word on injuries.

The high pressure ridge is back: "0" rainfall in San Francisco for Feb 2020 (leap year) so far tied with Feb 1864. A comparison to the top 3 driest Feb, period of record 1849 to current:
1.) Feb 1864 (leap year) 0"
2.) Feb 1953 0.04" (0.02" on Mar 1)
3.) Feb 1899 0.10" (0.22" on Mar 1)"

A big fir is down on Buena Vista in Inverness Park and another tree went down near Overlook in Point Reyes and power is out on the mesa for some folks. Extremely windy today. Drive safe. Look at for debris and downed branches. (Thx EW/SG)

"West Marin Grateful Dead Appreciation Society at the Old Western Saloon in Point Reyes Station 2 Sets! Come "deep dive into the catalogue for the sake of collective transcendence!"

Featuring Alex Bleeker, Jeffrey Manson, Nick Aives, Dylan Squires, Andrew Brennan, and Danny Vitali

Poster by Jeffrey Manson ft. majestic urchin by Charlie Callahan - $10 at the Door 21+ Music at 9 PM"

Not exactly sure if this little shrub planted between Wells Fargo and Palace Market in Point Reyes is an act of defiance or hope, but we applaud the effort. (Thx PD)

Batten down the hatches today. Be safe, watch for trees and debris. "Forecast wind speed & direction from early Sunday morning through Sunday evening. Note that strongest winds will be over the coastal waters and along the immediate coast where gusts up to 50 mph are likely. Strongest winds expected Sunday afternoon and early evening."

For those who live in Seahaven in Inverness, last night PG&E was working all night to replace a power pole at the top of Via de la Vista. With very bright lights. I think its safe to say,myself included, no one in the area got much sleep.

Via PRNPS - "Mt Vision and McClures Beach Roads are now open! Our long-awaited repairs have been completed and these areas are once again accessible for your next adventure."

Traffic situation on Point Reyes/Petaluma Rd this afternoon. (Thx AP)

Anyone know what the Merced K-9 patrol is doing at White House Pool today? Training? Manhunt? (Thx DW)

A local resident said the heard a very loud boom in West Marin around 4:50pm today. One theory is that it was a meteor. Another is that it was a jet. Did anyone else hear or see it? (Thx BP)

"Mike Moyle, a retired corporate lawyer living in Sausalito, has embarked on a quest: to identify all of the dairies that ever operated anywhere in Marin County. Working with Moyle on the project is Inverness resident Dewey Livingston, a historian and author who has written dozens of publications for the National Park Service. "I suppose the thing I'm most interested in is just visualizing what was here before," Moyle said. "It's really difficult living here in Marin to appreciate how much has changed."' LINK TO THE MAP: https://www.google.com/maps/d/... AND TO THE STORY: https://www.marinij.com/2020/0...

TRAFFIC UPDATE: "Sir Francis Drake Blvd now open in both directions. The cement truck has been removed. Thank you for your patience." - via Marin County Sheriff"

TRAFFIC ALERT: "Sir Francis Drake Boulevard is currently closed between Samuel P Taylor state park and Platform Bridge Road due to an overturned cement truck. Unknown time to open roadway. Emergency crews on scene. Use alternate routes." - Via Marin County Sheriff

Via Marin County Sheriff: "Sir Francis Drake Boulevard is currently closed between Samuel P Taylor state park and Platform Bridge Road due to an overturned cement truck. Unknown time to open roadway. Emergency crews on scene. Use alternate routes."

Just heard a report from a local that Sir Francis Drake Blvd is close in Sam P Taylor due to a cement truck being overturned. Can anyone confirm?

This local family could use your support if you are able: "On 12/11, Scott McMorrow suffered two strokes. He had two emergency operations followed by a cardioversion to reset his heart. He has been in hospital since, and we are not sure when he will be able to come home yet. At the moment"”although he is making progress daily"”our life is a jumble of chaos and nerves. Donations of any size towards our grocery bill would help." LINK: https://www.mealtrain.com/trai...

Quite the sunset tonight on Tomales Bay. Anyone else get a photo? (Thx NW)

"North of Silicon Valley, protected by the Point Reyes National Seashore, is the only operational ship-to-shore maritime radio station. Bearing the call sign KPH, the Point Reyes Station is the last of its kind. Stations like this once riddled the California coastline as part of a radio communication network. The operators who ran them were charged with watching over the Pacific Ocean airways, relaying messages to the sailors at sea." WATCH THE VIDEO: https://techcrunch.com/2020/01...

Accident on Point Reyes/Petaluma Rd by Little Wing Farm. Roads are slippery out there, please drive safe! (Thx AP)

Sometimes you forget they're around. This bat was spotted in Inverness last week. (Thx GK)

Gas station in Point Reyes Station will be closed on Tuesday, Jan 21. Plan accordingly.

Via Marin County Sheriff: "Early morning traffic collision closes Pt. Reyes Petaluma Road between Highway 1 and Platform Bridge Road. ETA per @PGE4Me to re-open is around noon. Point Reyes can still be accessed via Platform Bridge Road to Sir Francis Drake through Olema."

If you're in Point Reyes and want to support a good cause, there is a full schedule of local youth basketball games at the West Marin School gym and the 8th graders will be selling food to help fund their 8th grade trip to Sacramento. Games start at 11am and go through 3pm. Boys and girls! Should be fun! Admission is free!

Just heard a report that PG&E will be shutting power down today in Inverness, north of Argyle St. in order to do a pole replacement. I did not hear what the exact times would be or the duration. Anyone else have any info about this?

A really nice article on the history of water in Inverness. "Richard Plant, an IPUD director from 1980 to 1984, said that citizens prefer to tighten their water usage rather than give up Inverness's independence. "It's pretty good-tasting water, for one thing," he said. "And for another thing, it's a good feeling to have local control over something that's so important, rather than having to deal with people as far away as Novato." LINK: https://www.ptreyeslight.com/a...

Paul Reffell, who touched many lives in West Marin and beyond, recently passed: "Our dear Paul Reffell is off to the great unknown. It is a huge loss to our community and the many many who knew him. He graced us with his loving being, intellect, talent, humor, and consciousness and concern for all things good. It was an honor to know and love him." - Rozalynd Roos Merrill on behalf of Sally Phillips. (Photo and text used from a GoFundMe page, now closed, for his green burial)

"What's in a name? On Jan 6, 1603, Spanish explorer Sebastian Vizcaino sighted the headlands on the day of the three wise men. The headlands were named for this day "la Punta de los Reyes" or Point of Kings. 417 years later the name still stands for this magnificent place." - via PRNPS https://twitter.com/PointReyes...

"9 southbound gray whales reported so far today! This one surprised us by being close in." - via PRNPS

Medical emergency in Inverness requiring a Reach helicopter transport tonight. Hopefully everyone ok..

Nice sunset on a nice beach in Point Reyes this evening.