Heard there is a very good music show going down tonight at The Western if you're into that kind of thing.

Chris Cohen
Dear Nora
DJ Alex Bleeker
Light Show by Rob Moss Wilson AKA 'The illuminated Archives of Doctor Lumerlin'
at the Old Western Saloon, Point Reyes Station
Tuesday, July 23rd - Doors at 8 PM
21+ $10 advance tickets here, or $15 at the door

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

The MALT bike ride is today in West Marin so be on the watch out for bicyclists on the rode and everyone be safe! (thx LN) MORE INFO: https://malt.org/malt_events/t...

"Please join us for a new chapter of Big Time, a gathering that evokes the past while exploring the present and future of the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria and Native California. Walk through Kule Loklo with an appetite for listening, talking, learning, and storytelling with demonstrators, allies, park staff, volunteers, and tribal members. Traditional dancers are scheduled to share dances. Learn more about the Coast Miwok and other local American Indians now and going forward at a variety of informational booths. Join park staff, partners, and volunteers in programs throughout the day to discuss questions of place, land, and belonging." MORE INFO: https://www.nps.gov/pore/plany...

Two car accident on SFD near Dream Farm Rd. Sounds like everyone is ok. Approach area with caution.

My attempt to capture that beautiful orange moon tonight over Tomales Bay. Other people get some good shots?

Just another Monday morning in downtown Point Reyes. (Thx AN) #mondaymood #monday

I'm sorry I missed this meeting with Marin County Sheriff Bob Doyle about ICE, especially with the potential ICE raids that may happen this weekend. Would be interested to hear thoughts from people who attended. "In a room full of immigrant advocates, Doyle on Tuesday recited the reason for his office's arrest of the 13 immigrants it has exchanged with ICE this year. They had committed serious or violent crimes, he said, so he was complying with the California Values Act, which restricts local law enforcement's cooperation with ICE but still allows it when certain crimes are charged." FULL STORY (may be behind paywall): https://www.ptreyeslight.com/a...

A medical emergency in Inverness Park that required a Reach helicopter. Hopefully everyone is ok.

"Deputies and @marincountyfire are responding to a reported vegetation fire, approximately 1/4 acre in the 28000 block of Shoreline Highway in Tomales. First engine just arriving on scene. Report of multiple fires on the side of the road at this time. Air resources airborne. Highway 1 in shutdown between downtown Tomales and Fallon Two-Rock road at this time. Please avoid the area. 3 separate fires. Low potential for further spread. Largest fire is 1/2 acre."

Via KQED, "A controversial proposal that involved bombarding the Farallon Islands with 1.5 tons of rat poison to exterminate tens of thousands of invasive mice has been withdrawn. For now." FULL STORY: https://www.kqed.org/news/1176...

"The gray whales that washed up along the Pacific coast in record-breaking numbers this spring prompted researchers to launch an investigation into the cause"”but several authors and artists in the area are taking another route to grapple with the loss. The group will hold a memorial service for the 171 whales found dead along the Pacific coast, including 37 in California, at Dillon Beach on Saturday, July 20. "Our intention is not to make a political statement, but simply to offer an opportunity for people to meet together and share our grief and sense of loss at what's happening," said Larry Robinson, an author from Sebastopol and one of the event's organizers. For information about the memorial, scheduled from 9 to 11 a.m., write to Elizabeth Herron at poetherron@gmail.com. Parking is $10." FULL STORY: https://www.ptreyeslight.com/a...

On a happier note, these two were looking very colorful on Tomales Bay yesterday. #seals

"ªNot to stack up the bad news. Another dead whale in Point Reyes was found today. This one a 27' Humpback. "¬(Thx JS)

This is as crazy, sad and scary a story as you'll ever read. "Betai Koffi, a software engineer at YouTube and a San Francisco resident, perhaps consumed more LSD than he should have while on vacation in Bodega Bay "” downing an extra couple hits, according to friends, after initially freaking out on his first two. And he is now charged with multiple counts of attempted murder, and suffered a life-threatening gunshot wound from police." FULL STORY: https://sfist.com/2019/07/06/b...

The recent major earthquakes in Southern California are another stark reminder to make sure that you're prepared for when it's our turn. Here are two links to help out. And don't forget to sign up for Marin County and Marin Sheriff text alerts. (Photo from Ridgecrest, CA by Jake Harless)

Best Emergency Kits:
https://thewirecutter.com/revi...

Earthquake Preparedness:
https://www.latimes.com/local/...

Marin County Alerts:
http://alertmarin.org/

Marin Sheriff Alerts:
https://local.nixle.com/regist...

There is another Parachute Day thing today happening at Love Field in Point Reyes featuring Cass McCombs and Rambling Jack Elliott from 2pm to 10pm.

The truck that plowed into the house on Nicasio by the baseball field. CHP said the driver was under the influence of drugs. No injuries but, obviously, a lot of damage. Photo by Maureen Hurley.

I heard that a car went right into that house in Nicasio by the baseball field on the corner this morning. The one that you always are worried that a car will run right into. Hopefully everyone ok.

The WMF team is back from traveling. First thing we noticed coming into town was this nice boat quietly nested north of White House Pool. Lost its mooring? Also sounds like I missed a sailing school water rescue this week in the bay. And a rat poison on the Farallons debate. Happy Fourth of July everyone. Remember, no fireworks allowed in West Marin today. We don't want any fires, especially with this wind.

"The Jack Mason Museum will be open 10-1 during the Inverness 4th of July festivities. Drop by to see the exhibit Now & Then by the Latino Photo Project in the exhibit room at the Inverness Library."

Via MarinIJ: "Saturday is opening day for the seasonal Point Reyes Farmers Market, an all-organic, strictly local market with a bountiful harvest of produce, eggs, olive oil, meats, preserves, cheeses, prepared foods, flowers and breads. The market hosts a weekly chef's booth from 10 to 11 a.m. with a rotation of featured guests who showcase and utilize market produce and products. The singing chef, Chris Waldeck (who goes by Tina Carella on stage), croons as she shares the secret to perfect gnocchi this week using an old family recipe. A taste follows.

The market is from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays at Toby's Feed Barn at 11250 CA-1 in Point Reyes Station. For details, go to pointreyesfarmersmarket.org."

"Marin County Fire Crews are on scene of a small vegetation fire in Nicasio. The forward spread has been stopped."

Via KWMR: "Fire units are responding to a reported vegetation fire on Vision Road in Inverness. Units on scene report the situation is confined to a downed power line smoldering in a tree." (TWMF is out of town so a little slow on the updates)

Please help Water Dogs find a lifeguard so they can run the program this summer. "Waterdogs Seeks Open Water Lifeguard Enjoy the beach while you make $30-40/hr. This unique opportunity is from July 15th to July 26th, 12:30- 3:30pm., at Shell Beach II, in Inverness CA. The Tomales Bay Waterdogs Swim Program is low cost Red Cross certification program that has been West Marin tradition since 1946. For more information please Contact the resource center. info@westmarincommunityservices.org

Please call Martha at 415.663.8361 if you're interested in this position and are open water certified to lifeguard."

From Marin Public Works: "To improve safety during wet weather, we'll be resurfacing a 1 mile stretch of Sir Francis Drake Blvd w/ high-friction material near Whites Hill. #Construction is expected to start in mid-July, w/ 1-way #traffic control.
Details: bit.ly/2IyM9NA"

Apparently there is a search happening for a swimmer that went missing off of Stinson Beach yesterday. Doesn't sound good, fingers crossed.

"A broken tree limb that knocked over a power line is to blame for a 2.2-acre fire in the Point Reyes National Seashore near Inverness on Monday, Marin County fire investigators said." FULL STORY: https://www.marinij.com/2019/0...

A reminder that if the non-linear algorithm driven feeds of Facebook drive you crazy, you can always go to http://www.thewestmarinfeed.co... for the latest updates or http://www.twitter.com/westmar... if you do the Twitter thing. Thanks again to everyone who sent over updates, reports and photos. Team effort.

"Drake Fire final update: Forward progress of fire stopped. 75% contained. Firefighters will remain at scene overnight moping up. 2.2 final acres." Thank you to all the fire and emergency crews who keep us safe. Photo by Paella del Reyes.

"Point Reyes National Seashore is issuing a superintendents's emergency closure order to all public access effective immediately along the perimeter of the park boundary starting from Sir Francis Drake Blvd at Mount Vision road to the gravel portion of Vision Fire Road."

"From MCFD/SO - Drake Fire in Pt Reyes National Seashore: forward progress stopped at 2 "“ 3 acres. No further threat to the public. Info line: 415-473-7191. This is the final update."

If you're coming home tonight. "They're only letting residents into Inverness past Vision Rd with physical address proof. So if your license has your PO Box you need to have physical proof of residency."

"Drake Fire Update: 50% containment. Fire under investigation."

Fire crews on scene on Mt Vision Rd in Point Reyes where downed power lines may have started the fire. No evacuations this time. Photo via Marin County Sheriff.

Fire apparently on Vision Rd, perhaps power lines down. Fire is in the trees not spreading at this time. Emergency crews and air support on the way

"ªA really nice sunset to close out a really nice day in Point Reyes today. #sunset #pointreyes"¬

"MARIN SHERIFF: Marin County is currently getting drift smoke from a fire in Yolo County. There is no local danger. Red Flag warning is still in effect."

Via Bay Area NWS: "Enjoy Friday's weather because it's going to really heat up this weekend. By Sunday temperatures will be well above normal with interior temperatures soaring over 💯🌡️This weekend will be the hottest temps so far this season."

The Recycle Circus is happening this Sunday (June 9th) in Point Reyes. A once a year event. Get your stuff ready now and don't miss it!

Interesting perspective on Point Reyes from the NY Times this weekend. "Packing for a beach weekend on this Marin County peninsula isn't like packing for beach weekends back East. Yes, I always bring a bathing suit, maybe even a sundress, but I don't always wear them. Woolly hats and hoodies and hiking shoes, though? Every time. Point Reyes isn't for lazing in the sun (which is inevitably steamrollered by the fog anyway). It's for braving the cold of the Pacific, trekking through herds of tule elk and slurping barbecued oysters on Tomales Bay. And on a rare superhot, Cape Cod-level-crowded Saturday: trying to find your friends, sans cell service, for sunset on Limantour's endless stretch of sand.

Who goes there: Yoga-bending and bay-swimming retirees; couples who consider kayaking more romantic than wine tasting; and families who've owned creaky cabins for generations."

LINK: https://www.nytimes.com/2019/0...

Lucas Valley Road is open now, truck has been removed. Thank you for the updates everyone. It takes a village.

"ªJackknifed semi-truck blocking both lanes on Lucas Valley Drive. Looks like it will take some time to sort it out. Plan accordingly. (Thx PD)"¬

I posted a photo of 'black mountain' yesterday and called it 'elephant mountain' (based on a discussion with a local resident). People corrected me in the comments so I did a little research. From the very active and informative Sparsely, Sage and Timely blog, "Mary Black Burdell was married to dentist Galen Burdell and was the daughter of rancher James Black of Nicasio. Black Mountain, which provides the backdrop for Point Reyes Station, is named after him. In 1961, the site of Black's ranch house was inundated by the completion of Nicasio Reservoir, but whenever the reservoir runs dry during droughts, the house's foundation can still be seen on the western shore." Anyone know where the name 'elephant mountain' came from? What about 'knuckle mountain'? FULL BLOG POST: http://www.sparselysageandtime...

Western Weekend in Point Reyes ends with the Sheriff on a red tractor.

A moody Elephant Mountain tonight.

Western Weekend is here. "The Haggards have the tradition of playing at the Old Western Saloon on Saturday night (in Point Reyes) and it's usually the craziest show of the year," says Danny Vitali, who co-formed the band with Horvat, Dylan Squires and Gene Fisher." MORE INFO: https://pacificsun.com/rural-r...

Here is the official schedule for all of the Western Weekend events in Point Reyes. Cowboy. Hat. Weekend.

"The Marin County Sheriff's Office and the U.S. Coast Guard are looking for a Tomales Bay kayaker missing since Wednesday.

The search began in the evening after the man, a 54-year-old Marin County resident, failed to return home. His vehicle and his kayak were not at the residence.

Witnesses with potential information can reach the sheriff's department at 415-479-2311."

MORE INFO: https://www.marinij.com/2019/0...

For those looking for a good activity for the kids this summer. Xerxes Whitney will put your child on the path to the French Open. Or at least the Inverness Tennis Club Labor Day tournament.

From the Marin County Sheriff's Office: "Please shelter in place in Woodacre due to police activity: Crescent Ave, Oak Grove, Castle Rock Ave, and Railroad Ave." Anyone know what's going on? Stay safe... (thx KA)

There is a concert today at Love Field in Point Reyes under that cool parachute featuring Chris Robinson's band, Green Leaf Rustlers and San Geronimo.

Not sure if this will effect West Marin, but the power utilities are preparing people for possible power shut downs this summer. "What is a Public Safety Power Shutoff? In order to keep communities safe, your local energy company may need to turn off power during extreme weather or wildfire conditions. This is called a Public Safety Power Shutoff." MORE INFO: https://prepareforpowerdown.co...

Anyone else see the 190 foot superyacht parked off Drakes Beach this weekend? Kind of stood out.

Sadly, this show is already sold out, but you can watch the trailer which I highly recommend. "Ramblin' Jack Elliott is to Dylan what Cassady was to Kerouac: a fountainhead for countless followers and admirers for whom he is proof that an authentic, self-invented life is possible. This film is the story of Jack's life as seen by Jack himself, documented over four years by friend and filmmaker Oleg Harencar. Jack recounts his life through numerous stories of sailing ships, adventures and an incredible entourage of friends and acquaintances. We follow Jack in his element, be it on horseback or minding a sail, hanging with ordinary folks as well as demigods of politics, the arts and music."
TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?...
WEB SITE: https://www.ramblinjackbeyondt...

Sounds like there is a boat overturned in Tomales Bay and rescue crews on scene. Anyone know more details?

Traffic starting to back up at 3:40pm at the green bridge in Point Reyes. Be prepared, plan accordingly. Bring water and snacks if leaving home.

Traffic starting to back up at 3:40pm at the green bridge in Point Reyes. Be prepared, plan accordingly. Bring water and snacks if leaving home.

Via PRNPS about Drakes closing this week due to resurgence of Elephant Seals: "Drakes Beach area has re-opened. A few elephant seals are still on the beach, so please stay at least 25 ft away from them. Park staff & docents will be onsite this weekend to ensure the safety of the seals and visitors. Check back for updates in case beach access changes."

"A thirteenth dead Gray #Whale has washed up on San Francisco Bay Area Beach, this time at Limantour Beach." - photo by Justin Sullivan https://twitter.com/sullyfoto/...

A benefit for Stefanie Keys-Pisarcyzk. This will be an amazing show and it will sell out, get tickets now. "A night of professional stand up comedy, funk music, delicious local food, Lagunitas beer, Frey Organic wine and sparkling company. At Tonys Feed Barn in Point Reyes. Doors open at 7. Come early to enjoy dinner and drinks. All attendees be there by 7:30p. Comedy starts at 7:30, & band will follow. Plan to stay late and bring your dancing shoes!" TICKETS: https://m.bpt.me/event/4203669

This group show closes this weekend: "We all grew up in marin and the show is about our relationships to our grandparents and their influence on our lives. Three of the artists grandparents live in west marin."

"Howdy Neighbors -

The fundraising for this year's play, As You Like It has begun!

Heather Oakley will star as Rosalind and Jasper Starfire Thelin as Orlando. There will be many other fantastic castmembers to announce soon!"

LINK: https://www.kickstarter.com/pr...

"Tree down on wires on San Geronimo Valley Dr. Power is out and no through traffic." Thx CS

Two storms down. One more to go. Rainbow over Inverness tonight. Any other pictures of it? (Thx ER)

Sirens in Point Reyes are for a single vehicle rollover north of town by the vineyard. Sounds like everyone is ok.

The ocean water temperature is still warm and I've heard the mouth of the bay is absolutely choked with red jellyfish. Hail today in Inverness. Interesting May. (thx JS)

A local resident makes "the mail" section of The New Yorker this week.

There was actually some sun today out at the beach in Point Reyes right after sunset.

"The Nicasio Spring Fling is this years major fundraising event for the Nicasio School Foundation, which provides the financial backing for enrichment programs at Nicasio School, including Art, Performing Arts, Spanish, Poetry, Physical Education and Field Trips. These are all important programs that are critical to providing a well-rounded education for children, but are no longer funded by the State of California or the county. The proceeds generated from this Nicasio Spring Fling will directly fund the enrichment classes for the upcoming 2019-2020 school year." MORE INFO: https://www.nicasioschoolfound...

Modern times.

Car flipped over on Lucas Valley Rd, no injuries. Traffic going through on one lane for now, should be open soon. (Thx AN)

Quite a storm tonight. Lights keep flickering in Inverness like it's February.

From PRNPS: "Lots of humpback whales have been seen around Point Reyes the past few days!! The best places to view them are Chimney Rock Trail and Sea Lion Overlook. Some have been seen off the Great Beach, too. 🐋"

"KWMR Presents: West Marin Kids Who Rock" is TONIGHT! Featuring all-youth bands 🤟from West Marin 📍@lagunitasbeer Taproom in Petaluma 🕒 5:30-8:30 PM 😀 Family friendly Eat🍕 Drink 🍺 Support 🎵 in the schools $10 🎟 at the door Kids 🆓"

"An unusually wet spring weather system is forecast to impact our area later this week. Preliminary forecast rain totals from Tuesday night thru Friday range from 0.5-1.5 inches. Most of that rain expected Wed. Night and early Thurs. Impressive rainfall amounts for mid May!"

"With a new transient occupancy tax (TOT) for West Marin in place since the start of this year, a public working group is being formed to help recommend uses for the tax revenues to support community housing needs. Applications are being accepted until May 28 for the Measure W Working Group, convened and overseen by the Marin County Community Development Agency (CDA). To learn more about the Working Group and to access applications visit:www.marincounty.org/measurew-ch"

Summer time crowds starting to fill in this weekend in Point Reyes including this guy with a boa constrictor in front of the post office.