Forward progress has been halted on this #wildfire in #Olema, in #WestMarin. Percent containment up to 30 percent.

"There are five engines, two water tenders, one bulldozer, one medic unit, and two battalion chiefs at the #Olema wildfire."

https://instagram.com/p/BZUoMa...

"Shot of the #wildfire in #Olema in #WestMarin. Holding firm at about 10 acres."

Amazing shots of tenders pulling water from Nicasio Reservoir for Olema fire. (Thx RJ)

Fire on Sir Francis Drake Blvd by Olema, fire crews rushing to scene. Heavy wind. Expect delays on SFD. (Thx EVL)

Highway One South of Stinson Beach apparently will not be open for another year. Here is the latest from Chief Kenny Stevens:
"The latest construction project has started. Red Rock beach parking lot is closed. The Spring water tap is off limits. No Bicycle, hiking allowed on roadway. This project is larger than what has been happening already . The bad news is they say the highway will not open until after summer of 2018. I have contacted Supervisor Rodoni and have also talked to Chief Anita about the upcoming winter and the effects this is going to have on our commuters should Panoramic have to close. I and Anita will be trying our best to get the word out for any delays. We will also be trying trying to get some signage for when there is a closure. Maybe get a sign board in Tam Valley to warn people , before they get up the mountain. Hopefully a mild winter happens and they can get it done sooner. Kenny" (thx GFS)

"Anyone else get rudely awakened by the race cars whipping through our communities at 12:30 and then again after 3am? Hope this isn't "a thing."" - via AJE

TWMF trivia question of the week. What role does this car play in West Marin? Bonus points, who's driving it right now?

"Small fire on route 1 between bivalve and bob giacomini" Looks like it's under control, thanks to local fire departments. (thx RJ and JS)

Road closed on rt 1 north of Point Reyes while fire crews mop up end of fire. Should be open soon. (Thx RJ)

An important alert that was posted on WM Share: "Sexual Predator Alert White House Pool - Female swimmer followed and watched intensely for 30 minutes and then approached and spoken to by a menacing man as she exited the water on Tuesday, September 12th from 9:10 a.m. to 9:40 a.m.

The same female swimmer was again followed and watched and spoken to by the same man at 8:45 a.m. on Saturday, September 16th. He was partially obscured in the bushes close to the eastern end of the public trail that runs along the creek.This time the man thrust his pelvis into view and began unbuckling his belt buckle.

In both cases, the man's actions were threatening. He is a well-dressed white man, likely in his 40s. On Tuesday, he wore a white billed cap (not a baseball hat), a white tucked in nice T shirt, dark pants (jeans?) and a dark, lightweight jacket. He wore reflective sunglasses, perhaps aviator-style. He has a deep voice. On Saturday, he wore the same white cap. The bushes obscured the rest of him, but his voice was recognizable. His belt appeared to be a medium brown leather, with a simple brass colored buckle.

This man should be considered dangerous. Please call the Sheriff if you see him in the vicinity of White House Pool or other isolated areas. He may park on Sir Francis Drake and enter and exit the path east of the parking area."

Something going on in hills above Sir Francis Drake just past Inverness Park Store. Maybe a fire or medical emergency? Lots of emergency vehicles, road is still open though. (Thx DD and MM)

Your clothes can actually reverse climate change! We know-- what?! Well, West Marin's very own Fibershed crusades tirelessly to help farms transform from polluters into entities that positively impact the climate-- yes, that is possible, and Fibershed knows how! Those farms then create textiles to make clothes in a way that helps, instead of hurts, our planet. Fibershed has an upcoming gala and fashion show on September 23 in Bolinas (with goodie bags and delicious local food)-- you can buy tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/f...

New sign out at Shell Beach. Heard one was spotted on a night camera near there a couple of months ago.

Thursday night films happening at Ink.Paper.Plate in Point Reyes. Tonight is 'The Piano'. MORE INFO: http://www.inkpaperplate.com/2...

"The 998-acre Evans-Giacomini ranch just outside Point Reyes Station is closer to agricultural preservation now that the Board of Supervisors pitched in for the purchase this week.

The supervisors Tuesday voted unanimously to authorize the use of about $1.6 million in Measure A sales tax funds to help pay for a $3.28 million Marin Agricultural Land Trust easement on the property. MALT will contribute the remaining $1.6 million. An agricultural conservation easement is a recorded restriction on title that prohibits subdivision and limits the use of the land to agricultural purposes."

FULL STORY: http://www.marinij.com/busines...

Classic shot of Tomales Bay from Marilyn Beck. https://instagram.com/p/BY4qOW...

All the sirens are for a possible fire out at A Ranch in Point Reyes. No word on the scale yet, doesn't sound too bad though.

Amazing photo from last nights lightning show by Sabrina Pelayo behind the Inverness Store.

More amazing lightning shots from just now behind the Inverness Store by Sabrina Pelayo. https://www.facebook.com/Richa...

Pair a photographic storm with a photographic place... https://instagram.com/p/BY5_zb...

Amazing video of that huge lightning strike in West Marin by Ido. https://instagram.com/p/BY7H4f...

"NWS significant weather warning for rain, lightning, and hail" At the beaches now and huge front with lightning moving in!

Wind caught us off guard last night. Possible rain and thunderstorms today and tomorrow. Good looking sunrise today.

So the Point Reyes Light ran this very mysterious photo of a shark at Abbotts Lagoon this week. Anyone know more about this? Was it recent? What kind of shark?

"The pilot who died in a crash at Point Reyes National Seashore last week had recently left his Houston home after Hurricane Harvey flooded his basement, his wife said Saturday.
John R. Wilson, an oil and gas industry consultant, was found dead when search crews discovered his wrecked Cessna 172 amid thick brush at the Marin County park. He was 58." FULL STORY: http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/...

Local author Erin Rodoni won the prestigious Montreal International Poetry prize for $20k. Congratulations! http://montrealprize.com/2017-...

"The wreckage of an aircraft that crashed last evening north of the Point Reyes Bird Observatory in Bolinas has been located by searchers. The wreckage is in very difficult terrain. SAR and Tam Fire Crew personnel are still trying to reach the scene." Via KWMR

"A search for a possible missing plane is under way south of the Point Reyes National Seashore, a spokesman said. A signal was transmitted from an emergency locator transmitter to the U.S. Coast Guard around 1 p.m. Thursday, according John Dell'Osso, Chief of Interpretation and Resource Education at Point Reyes National Seashore.

The Coast Guard searched two miles offshore but nothing was found, Dell'Osso said. A signal from another transmitter was received from the south end of the Point Reyes National Seashore in the Bolinas area, and 20 to 30 people searched on land until 3 a.m. Friday, Dell'Osso said. The land search resumed around 8 a.m. Friday, Dell'Osso said." (thx LP) FULL STORY: http://m.sfgate.com/news/bayar...

Car went off the road by Big Rock on Lucas Valley just now. Expect some delays when they come to pull it out. Everyone ok. Roads are slick from light rain, drive safe! (Thx SP)

New crosswalk in Point Reyes. (Thx JS)

"TRAFFIC ALERT: SR-1 north of Nick's Cove is blocked by a rollover collision with injuries. Unknown ETO at this time." Marin County Sheriff

Limantour and Palomarin parking lots closed because of crowds. SFD closed at South Beach, no more parking. Someone got hurt at Drakes Beach boogie boarding which is all the sirens. Hopefully not too bad. Traffic very bad everywhere, going to get worse. Shelter in place!

A nice end to a hot, messy day in Point Reyes.

Did anyone see those five helicopters just fly down the bay? What was that all about?

Traffic is already a total mess getting into Point Reyes. All the beach parking lots are full. Shelter in place!

Another scorcher today. Those sirens were for heat related injuries at Pierce Point. Heart's Desire parking lot is full and people are parking all along the road. Shell and Chicken Ranch beaches are already overwhelmed too. Drink water, take care of yourself and lay low.

Getting all sorts of crazy temperature readings from around West Marin. Someone reported 107 in Inverness and 103 in Tomales. Also reported power outages in Tomales and perhaps Point Reyes? How is everyone doing out there?

"A head-on collision on Sir Francis Drake Boulevard just west of Fairfax sent eight people to the hospital in non-critical condition early Friday. The incident, reported after 6 a.m. on White's Hill, triggered a mass emergency response because more than five people were injured, said Marin County fire Battalion Chief Bret McTigue. The collision involved a pickup truck with three passengers westbound and a Volkswagen sedan carrying five people heading east, both traveling at about 40 mph, McTigue said.

Impaired driving was not believed to be a cause, but fatigue may have played a role, said CHP Officer Andrew Barclay. Isabelle Meckfessel, 21, of Point Reyes was reported as the driver of the sedan, with Davis Porter, 21, of San Rafael said to be behind the wheel of the truck."

"There are no preliminary reports from the drivers that indicate excessive speed," he said. Passengers of both vehicles were wedged inside, requiring extrication. All occupants were removed from the vehicles within 30 minutes, authorities said.

FULL STORY: http://www.marinij.com/general...

There was a head on collision this morning on SFD by Whites Hill. The road is closed at Whites Hill and they're turning people around for now.

"My bestest friend in the whole wide world is in need of support. Leilani FittsMartin and I met at papermill creek preschool 25+ years ago. Her husband and she have been a part of the West Marin community for many years. Tyler worked for Blue Water Kayaks, Leilani being from Marshall and Point Reyes has deep roots through out West Marin. She and Tyler met at the Marshall Store. Tyler was recently diagnosed with ALS. It has proven to be a difficult diagnosis quickly. My family and I are throwing them a fundraiser September 22nd where all the profits will go to Tyler Fitts. Please attend if you can! This will be a very fun light hearted event, with dinner, dancing, and a silent auction. Thank you. This cause is so near and dear to my heart."

"We're donating a portion of this weekend's sales to the @HoustonFoodBank. Thanks to our friends at @BrazosBookstore for the tip." - Point Reyes Books

Very smokey over the hill. "Marin is experiencing smoke from N CA fires. Call 911 only if you see a fire or a visible building column of smoke." - Marin county Sheriff

A "red flag alert" heat wave is predicted for this weekend starting on Friday. Prepare accordingly. Temperatures will be lower near the coast, but still dangerously high. We're probably going to see some crowds too.

From the Nicasio Historical Society: "Our next event begins with an illustrated talk by Edward Von der Porten, foremost authority on Sir Francis Drake's 1579 landfall, about the research and the story of Drake in California in 1579, at the Bear Valley Visitors' Center Theater on September 16, 11:00 am to noon. Guests will then drive to Drake's Beach, enjoy their picnic lunches and join Mr. Von der Porten on a 1.25 mile hike at low tide to Drake's Cove, now a National Historic Landmark, ending back at the parking lot by 4:00 pm. Reserve your place by mailing a check for $10 to NHS. Payee: NHS / For: "DRAKE". NHS, POB 111, Nicasio, CA 94946 This event is limited to the first 30 people who reserve. BYO picnic lunch, dress in layers with wide-brim hat. Local historian & author Dewey Livingston considers Mr. Von der Porten a GENIUS."

From Molly Myerson's IG page. The farmstand is that nice booth by the gravel pit on PR/Petaluma Rd.: "Someone trashed the farmstand last night. They broke both windows, threw quail eggs on everything, stole my cooler, broke the scale and calculator and ruined just about everything. But I think the worst part is that they knocked down the swallow nest with the babies still in it. Found a dead fledgling outside the stand this morning. It's all a pretty big bummer #feelingsad" LINK: https://www.instagram.com/p/BY...

Some very creative sand castles this year out at Drakes.

Traffic still packing into the park, going to be a mess when it all comes flooding out. Be prepared. (parking at chicken ranch) thx XW

Nice story about the lighthouse: https://www.facebook.com/great...

Does anyone know what's going on here? Strange scene in town today.

Busy weekend:
- The Twelfth Night is being staged at the St. Columba Church theater on Sat and Sun at 4:00pm (and next weekend too) in Inverness (local actors).
- Parachute Days concert is happening at Love Field starting at 2:00pm until 10:00pm on Saturday.
- The sand castle contest at Drake's Beach is happening this Sunday from 9am - 3pm.

More Info:
Twelfth Night:
https://www.facebook.com/event...

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

Sand Castle:
https://www.nps.gov/pore/plany...

Anyone know what's up with the private jet and the propeller plane flying in circles over West Marin tonight?

Does the Side Street Kitchen open tomorrow? Are we ready for this? (Thx JS)

"Starting Monday, August 21st through Monday, August 28th, a section of Highway One, north of Tomales between Fallon-Two Rock Road and Valley Ford Road at the Sonoma County border will be closed to traffic for replacement of a bridge. The Caltrans sign did not state there would be a detour, but there probably will be. Plan your driving time accordingly if you are headed that way." - via West Marin Commons

Retired Arann Harris leads an inspired cakewalk at the Inverness Fair. A great event for the community today.

The Inverness Fair is tomorrow from 10am - 3pm (Pancakes at 8am). Hosted by the Inverness Association, (IA) the Inverness Fair brings together local agencies, residents, visitors and members of the local community for a day of live music, food, raffles and family fun. Please join us! MUSIC: Tomales Bay String Band, Ingrid Noyes & RETIRED ARANN HARRIS
More info at: https://www.facebook.com/event...

Heather Abrams found this very cute little white dog in Inverness yesterday by the school. If you know the owner, the dog is at the Point Reyes Vet right now.

"Jerry has been found! I heard him crying around 8:00 this evening and Ryan was able to make his way to him. He was in the creek in the willows between Knob Hill and Mesa Road. We are so happy to have him safely home! Thank you all for your help! Karen Rodoni" YAY!

"Our very old, 17 1/2, fox terrier, Jerry, slipped out of the gate this morning and is missing. He is nearly deaf and blind. Mostly white with black markings. We live on Ridge View Lane, in Point Reyes Station, near Viento Way and Knob Hill. We've been trying to look in the nearby gullies but the vegetation is dense. If you see him, please call 415-663-8249. Thank you, Karen & Fred Rodoni"

"Supervisor Dennis Rodoni brokered a compromise Tuesday between a San Francisco couple "” who seek to build a 3,993-square-foot weekend house in Inverness "” and the Inverness Association, which asserted that the building proposal was out of character with the community. A Board of Supervisors meeting Tuesday concluded with the Trainas withdrawing the proposal to build the new house for the time being and the supervisors granting them approval to restore and preserve Howard's House, the "windmill" structure and the barn. The Trainas did so with the understanding that they would be allowed to build a new house of about 2,000 square feet resulting in a grand total of about 5,500 square feet of living space." FULL STORY: http://www.marinij.com/article...

"Bolinas' Star Route Farms, the oldest continuously certified organic grower in California, has been sold for $10.4 million to the University of San Francisco, which plans to use the property for research, field learning and community education." FULL STORY: http://www.marinij.com/general...

Morning approaches in Point Reyes. #sunrise

Highly recommended by TWMF: "For those of you that don't know, every Saturday morning during Farmers' Market Season Point Reyes Historic Walking Tours leads a tour a 10am. Tickets can be purchased at the Farmers' Market at Toby's between 9 and 10 AM. This joint project hosted by Jack Mason Museum of West Marin History and Tomales Bay Youth Center brings community members and youth together to share some history of our little village. All guides are trained by local historian Dewey Livingston. (Note no tour August 12--we will be at the Inverness Fair) Please visit http://PRSHistoricWalkingTours... for details! (thx RK)

SFGate profiles local bars in West Marin. Hmmm. "Fourteen miles away, the Old Western Saloon occupies the ground floor of a building once home to a brothel. Model Conestoga wagons parade across the cabinet behind the bar. The wooden bar itself is as lined and cracked as the faces of the old dairy farmers and oystermen one imagines once bellied up to it. On weekend nights, women in designer dresses and sweaty suited men with shirttails hanging out "” more wedding party survivors "” cha-cha in front of the stage as a blues band plays, the dancers almost-tripping on the stove in the middle of the room. On a Wednesday morning, though, a manager-type works out the weekly schedule over a glass of wine. He makes a rich, balanced, Worcestershire-heavy Bloody Mary, a drink often ruined by too much horseradish or vodka. A young bartender with a shaved head is off to run errands, but before she leaves, he shows her video of a Roger Waters show he's just attended. "Here's when the mushrooms kicked in," he cackles as the music presumably swells." FULL STORY: http://www.sfchronicle.com/res...

"West Marin dairyman Albert Straus said this month he has come full circle in his effort to use agriculture against climate change with the addition of an all-electric feed truck to his farm fleet. "I've closed the loop," said Straus, CEO and founder of Straus Family Creamery in Marshall, explaining that the truck is powered by cow poop. "The cows power the truck, and the truck feeds the cows." Good stuff! FULL STORY: http://www.marinij.com/environ...

"Please come join us for NATIONAL NIGHT OUT, TUESDAY, AUGUST 1st, 4:30-7PM. A crime prevention and community policing celebration organized by your local law enforcement and community groups. Just as I hope to meet you and others from throughout the community, I truly hope you will come and meet the med and women behind the badges who proudly serve and protect you everyday and night.

Did I mention we will have hamburgers, hotdogs and an ice cream social? 🍔🌭🍨😊

Hope to see you there!
Lt. Doug Pittman
aka: your local Sheriff"

A young woman on her bike was seriously injured in Inverness this afternoon. Unclear whether she hit or was hit by a car, but the driver of the car drove off after the accident leaving the woman lying, bleeding in the road with serious head injuries. If you saw this accident or have any information about it, please contact the local authorities. Our hearts go out to her and her family.

"Dear family and friends,
We wanted to let you know that Tod was found this afternoon and brought to shore surrounded by those who love him. We are deeply saddened by his loss but also heartened by the outpouring of love from all of our extended family and friends. Please know how very much we appreciate all of the support we've been given over these last, very difficult days. We look forward to celebrating Tod's life with all of you soon and will let you know when arrangements have been made.
Much love,
Heidi, Shannon, Kim, and Cathryn"

Reach helicopter landed in Inverness this afternoon. Possibly a stroke. Hopefully everyone is ok. (Thx FP and BE)

"Dear friends and community members,

We would like to send our love and appreciation for all of your efforts and well wishes. Here's an update on our continued search for Tod, aka Papa.

As many have heard, Tod fell out of his boat on Tuesday at 3 pm just off of Cypress Grove, north of Hog Island Oyster Company. Search and Rescue, Marin County, fellow local oyster businesses and many, many community folks went out looking for him immediately. While official search and rescue has suspended their search, friends and family are continuing their efforts to locate Tod.

Many people have asked how they can help. Thank you. We appreciate all the help we can get. The best way that you can help would be to continue to search on the water by boat or walking the shoreline. Please of course keep in mind your safety, wearing a PFD, paying attention to the tide and always aware of current weather conditions. Because of our location, the tide and wind could have taken him anywhere along the bay. All eyes, in all locations, is tremendously helpful to us. If anyone locates him, please immediately call 911.

While the family continues the search, business operations at both TBOC and The Marshall Store remain open and running as usual. Therefore, there is not a centralized check in area for search volunteers.

We would like to thank each and every member of the community and people from around the world for reaching out. This tremendously difficult time is made that much easier with all of your love and support. Thank you.

Love Heidi, Shannon, Kim and the TBOC and Marshall Store family"

"For the second consecutive year, a mountain biker from Marin is the winner of the USA Mountain Bike Championships over-17 short track title. Savilia Blunk, an 18-year-old cyclist from Inverness, crossed the finish line first to capture the national championship in her division. Blunk, who rides for the Marin-based Bear Development team, follows in the footsteps of Kelsey Urban, a Whole Athlete team cyclist, who won in 2016." FULL STORY: http://www.marinij.com/sports/...

A message from Shannon Gregory: "Big search going out tomorrow.. Heidi back now.. weather gonna be better.. all hands on deck...! Gotta bring him home." See you out there.

"The Marin County Sheriffs office has suspended its search for missing oysterman." via ABCnews.

Picture of barn fire in Nicasio via Marin County Fire.

"MCFD responding to a fully involved barn fire in the area of Nicasio. No spread to the wildland." - via Marin County Fire Dept