#Lighthouse stairs just closed due to high winds! Be careful out there, esp. if you go on the water. - via NPRS

The annual May Faire benefit is happening today in Point Reyes behind the Creamery from 11 to 1:30. Stop on by.

"Sir Francis Drake Blvd in Olema has reopened. PG&E in the area working overnight to repair downed power lines. Drive carefully in the area!"

Electric lines down and a grass fire in Jewel by McIssac Ranch. Both lanes of Sir Francis Drake closed.

According to the Point Reyes Light, "Caltrans will install a crosswalk at the south end of Point Reyes and pedestrian signs at both ends of town in the coming months. A request for a three way stop at Levee Road was denied." Isn't there one already at the south end? Or does this mean from the art gallery to the realtor? Also, does this mean those big blinking pedestrian signs?

This cat has been missing for the last 48 hours from a home near The Saltwater Depot in Inverness. His name is Shiloh and he has no chip and kicked his collar off. Have you seen him? If so, leave a comment or call Matt Sykes at 415-506-5051. Thank you.

Traffic control on Shoreline Hwy north of Dogtown due to a large tree down. Proceed with caution.

CRIME ALERT: "A Fairfax woman parked at Chicken Ranch Beach and went for an hour stand-up paddle. When she returned she found her driver's side window smashed, wallet taken and a key removed. Please everyone, keep valuables out of sight, be vigilant. Sherriff is on-site taking report right now." (thx RJ)

A sad weekend on many fronts. Our hearts go out to those who lost family and friends and to those who are fighting sickness.

Tragic. "A 24-year-old man was killed after he drove a pickup truck down an embankment on a West Marin ranch.

The crash occurred Saturday night on the Gallagher Ranch on Point Reyes-Petaluma Road, the California High Patrol reported. The ranch is between Point Reyes Station and the Nicasio Reservoir.

The truck was on a dirt road when Fish attempted to perform a three-point turn, said CHP Officer Patrick Roth. The back wheels slipped off the road and the truck went down a steep slope.

Fish and a passenger were in the cab of the truck and two other passengers were in the bed. Fish was ejected and the truck rolled over him, Roth said."

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

One lane open on SFD south of Inverness. Photo by Corey Ohama.

Accident on SFD by Drakes View Drive south of Inverness. Car rolled over, sounds like person is ok. Both lanes closed for now. (Thx SP/AN)

Another bad accident on PR/Petaluma Road at Nicasio Valley. A fatality in this one. Tough weekend. (Thx SP/BE)

Point Reyes ties with San Mateo for the biggest gust of the day. (Thx SP)

Via NWS: "STRONG NORTHWESTERLY GALE FORCE WINDS WILL CONTINUE THROUGH TODAY AND TONIGHT. HIGH END GALE FORCE GUSTS ARE EXPECTED WITH ISOLATED LOW END STORM FORCE GUSTS POSSIBLE. SEAS WILL BUILD RAPIDLY. MARINERS SHOULD PAY EXTRA ATTENTION TO FORECASTS AND TAKE ACTION NOW TO PROTECT LIFE AND PROPERTY." http://marine.weather.gov/show...

Power currently out to 88 customers in Inverness. According to PG&E, no current ETA for return. https://m.pge.com/?WT.pgeac=Ho...

Both lanes of SFD near Ash Ave in Kentfield closed due to bad pedestrian/bus accident. Use alternate routes. No ETA. (Thx LL)

Here's the answer to that question. "Hollywood came to Bodega today! "Beautiful Boy", the Amazon drug-addiction drama from Brad Pitt's Plan B with Steve Carell." Photo by West County News Feed. MORE PHOTOS: https://www.facebook.com/Westc...

The boatel is cordoned off today with security. There have been rumors of a movie being filmed with A-list stars. Perhaps this is it? Anyone know more? (Thx DW)

"A motorcyclist was killed in a head-on collision with a septic truck just south of Olema along Highway 1 on Tuesday morning, authorities said.

The victim is believed to be a 26-year-old San Rafael man, according to the California Highway Patrol. The coroner's office is working on identification.

The motorcyclist, traveling north, apparently veered over the center line, in front of the southbound truck, said CHP Officer Patrick Roth."

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

Apparently a motorcyclist was killed this morning on Rt. 1 between Stinson and Bolinas. There are no other details available that I've seen. Does anyone else have details? Our hearts go out to the person's family.

TRAFFIC UPDATE: Fast action by Marin County Department of Public Works (DPW) jumping so quickly to fix the sinkhole on Sir Francis Drake Blvd @ Pierce Point Rd just west of Inverness.

I just spoke to the DPW crew at the scene and they feel confidant that they can complete a temporary repair to the roadway today. They will be able to replace the broken drainage pipe below the surface of the roadway but will have to place temporary steel plates on the roadway until sometime next week when they will come back and repave the roadway.

Best news is that the roadway will be completely open for the upcoming weekend and all the anticipated tourists traveling back and forth from our beaches and lighthouse.

Huge words of praise to the DPW crew members teaming up with Ghilotti Construction getting this repair work done before the weekend! 👍👍👍

Lt. Doug Pittman
aka: your local Sheriff

TRAFFIC ALERT - Large sinkhole discovered this morning on Sir Francis Drake Blvd in the park that could impact traffic this weekend. This is right at the turnoff to Pierce Point. Not good. https://twitter.com/MarinSheri...

Via Doug Pittman. "TRAFFIC ALERT - A sinkhole in the roadway was discovered this morning on Sir Francis Drake Blvd @ Pierce Pt. Road just west of Inverness. The hole itself is only 3'x3' in diameter but closer inspection has found the earth below the roadway has been washed out creating an underground cavern that extends beneath both sides of the roadway. Marin DPW has just arrived and is now evaluating what needs to be done to fix the problem. Local residents should expect significant traffic delays until needed repairs are completed. We hope this problem can be at least temporarily repaired knowing we expect heavy tourist traffic this weekend. Lt. Doug Pittman Aka: your local Sheriff"

That escalated quickly. "Besides the tip from West Marin Feed, seemingly no one noticed that the celebrities were in town." Way to go West Marin. FULL STORY: http://www.sfgate.com/entertai...

Heard some rumors about this which were just confirmed: "Howard Stern was in Stellina last Thursday for lunch, AND Robert Plant in for dinner Tuesday night." Impressive.

A good reminder about working off community service locally...

An update about Drake's Beach from PRNPS: "We've received a lot of questions about Drakes Beach Road over the past few days. As you can see in the photos, an old cattle tunnel that goes under the roadway failed and partially collapsed a section of the roadway. The steel plates that were installed prior to the collapse no longer have any structural support and can fail if driven over. We are working to get the road open as soon as it can be safely traveled. A repair plan is in progress, but we do not have a time frame yet. We will keep updating the status of the road as we gain more information. Please stay tuned." MORE PHOTOS: https://www.facebook.com/Point...

THIS SUNDAY: "The Recycle Circus is coming! The following are accepted items: books, electronics, sports equipment, clothes kitchen and garden supplies, and household items in useable condition. No toxins, car tires, large appliances, stuffed furniture, or mattresses. Please bring your items from 10 AM-2PM only. The Recycle Circus is brought to you free by the volunteer efforts of Waste Free Now. To volunteer, contact, contact Madeline at 415-663-9087."

Earth Day is on Saturday. Lots of local park and beach clean ups happening. Also an Earth Day/Climate Change Demonstration in Point Reyes:

Saturday, April 22, 2017, 12:00pm to 1:00pm
Wells Fargo Bank, Pt Reyes Station
Unable to attend the Earth Day March in San Francisco on Saturday, April 22nd? Join other West Marinites from Noon to 1pm in front of Wells Fargo Bank in downtown Pt Reyes Station.

Bring your signs and celebrate the 47th annual Earth Day. Everyone welcome.

Lucas Valley Rd. down to one lane this morning in the curvy part. Plan accordingly. (thx SP)

Sentencing handed down in the West Marin drifter murder case. Such a needless tragedy. Still can't believe this folks were at the Greenbridge gas station. https://t.co/RkBhLA791I

From the Bovine Bakery...

The road down to Drakes Beach parking lot is still closed.

Our hearts go out to John's family.

We are all safer because of Burton...

Apparently this is happening in Point Reyes. A new walking tour? Is it working? (Thx DZ)

"So great to meet author @AmyTan at Bear Valley Visitor Center & the #PointReyesNPS lighthouse! We heard you saw some whales! #FindYourPark" via https://twitter.com/pointreyes...

Well, it was fun while it lasted. 😉 (thx AZ)

Not sure what the emergency in the park was, but it required a helicopter at Chimney Rock. What a day, hope everyone is alright. (Thx RJ)

From PRNSA "Book Talk: Coyote America by Dan Flores - Sunday, April 9, 2017 - 6:00pm to 8:30pm Join us on Sunday evening, April 9th for a book talk with Dan Flores, author of the New York Times bestseller Coyote America: A Natural and Supernatural History.

Called "a masterly synthesis of scientific research and personal observation" by the Wall Street Journal, Coyote America is the illuminating five-million-year biography of this extraordinary animal.

This is a free event which takes place at the Red Barn Classroom in Point Reyes National Seashore (1 Bear Valley Visitor Center Road). There will be a reception with wine and healthy snacks at 6pm, and the book reading will begin at 7pm."

"Drakes Beach to remain closed for the weekend. No Shuttles tomorrow. Pls plan for limited parking at the Lighthouse and Chimney Rock." Get updates at: https://twitter.com/pointreyes...

Not sure why it's closed. "Road Update: Drakes Beach Access Rd. closed & repair underway. No ETA yet on re-open." - https://twitter.com/pointreyes...

"Tree down on SFD between Motel Inverness and Inverness Park Market. Fire and Sheriff on the scene. Expect temporary delays." - thx MM

"Marin County Fire Surf Rescue Operations class rescues dog after tragic loss on Monday. Dog survives four days stranded. Dillon Beach" https://twitter.com/marincount...

NWS BayArea getting wacky and very literal with their graphics: "Storm door is opening!
Rainfall 1-3" N.Bay coastal Mtns. 1-1.5" urban areas 0.5" S.Bay. Gusty south winds 35 mph+ Thu pm-Fri. #cawx"

Our hearts go out to his family. "A man died when his boat capsized Monday in treacherous Tomales Bay waters in Marin County, officials said. Another man and two dogs were aboard the 13-foot Boston whaler when it flipped over on the west side of the bay north of Avalis Beach in the Point Reyes National Seashore, a spokesman for the national park said." Full Story: http://m.sfgate.com/bayarea/ar...

Rough year for abalone (and salmon). http://www.pressdemocrat.com/n...

It's one of those days. "Drakes Beach Parking is full. The road has been closed at Sir Francis Drake. Please consider alternate destinations."

Here is some raw video from the car chase in Point Reyes last Thursday. Very sketchy. Contains NSFW language. Thanks to local law enforcement for handling this, glad no one was hurt. https://www.youtube.com/watch?...

#MarinCounty Road Update: Fairfax-Bolinas Road in #WestMarin has been REOPENED. LINK: https://twitter.com/DPWMarin/s...

More car chase details: "A Guerneville man wanted on two felony warrants was arrested Thursday after a pursuit and crash in West Marin. The driver was identified as Jesse Dylan Nielson, 25, said sheriff's Lt. Doug Pittman. Nielson was arrested on suspicion of reckless evasion and additional allegations, plus the outstanding warrants, Pittman said. The chase began shortly before 5 p.m. after a deputy spotted a man driving erratically and on the wrong side of the road on Shoreline Highway near Olema. The driver accelerated when the deputy tried to stop him.

"He's doing about 90 and he's all over the road," a sheriff's deputy announced over the emergency radio.

At one point the suspect struck another vehicle. The pursuit ended when the suspect crashed into a fence at the Olema Ranch Campground and tried to run. Nielson was arrested at gunpoint. Deputies also detained a woman in his vehicle. Of the four occupants in the vehicles that collided, two were treated for injuries."
FULL LINK: http://www.marinij.com/general...

Update from Sheriff Doug Pittman on car chase, "The male subject currently being detained at Olema Campground is a person wanted for at least 1 outstanding Felony Warrant out of Sonoma County. There is no current threat to community as deputies and Federal Park Rangers have secured the scene."

Just heard a report that two sheriff cars just chased a pick up truck at high speed through Point Reyes towards the green bridge. Anyone else see it?

Both lanes of Bear Valley Rd now open.

"Bear Valley Road closed due to live wires down use alternate route Unknown ETA to open" (thx NT)

"Bear Valley Road closed due to live wires down use alternate route Unknown ETA to open" (thx NT)

Hopefully the big rains are behind us, but good information to have...

"White's Hill down to one lane control at 1:30 pm." (Thx LM)

SFGate took the whale story to a whole new level today. http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/...

A water rescue happening up at Millerton Point right now. Helicopter involved. From what I could tell on the scanner, doesn't sound too bad. Anyone else have info?

Over 66 grey whales spotted from the Point Reyes Lighthouse yesterday. https://instagram.com/p/BSHYcT...

A good reminder to keep your eyes in the road in the Point Reyes National Seashore Park. No shoulders. Everyone ok here, just a long wet wait for the tow truck.

"Deputy onscene with a fishing boat that was pushed ashore 🌊at the end of Seadrift in Stinson Beach. All occupants are ok." Via https://twitter.com/marinsheri...

Just another magic sunset at the beach in Point Reyes. (Thx AN) #sunset

Tree down on Bear Valley Rd both lanes blocked. Use alternate route. Doug Pittman

"To celebrate the West Marin's long, rich creative history, Isis Hockenos has organized "Rhizosphere: Celebrating Artists & Creative Legacy From 1960-Today," an exhibit of more than 100 artworks by more than 60 West Marin artists, at San Francisco's Midway Gallery. It opens Friday and runs through April 9." FULL STORY: http://www.marinij.com/arts-an...

Sir Francis Drake down to one lane at White Hil right now. Found out the hard way.

Via Point Reyes NPS "Unfortunately, the rumor is true. Yesterday (Sunday) evening, Park Rangers responded to the Palomarin Trailhead after reports that 2 vehicles were burglarized. Park Rangers located evidence that up to 4 vehicles may have been broken into and an investigation is ongoing. If you have any info regarding yesterday's break-ins, please contact our park dispatch at 415 464 5170. Anyone who witnesses suspicious activity at Pt Reyes Trailheads can report it to Point Reyes National Seashore or Marin County Sheriff's dispatch as soon as practicable and Park Rangers will investigate. (MH)"

Heard a report that cars were broken into at the Palomarin trailhead out to Alamere Falls over the weekend. Anyone else hear that? Or is that a 'local' rumor?

Happy Vernal Equinox! Full Story: https://www.bostonglobe.com/me...

Great photo of Elephant Mountain to celebrate St Patrick's Day from Black Mountain Ranch (thx JR)

Community Flavor: Come down to the Station House tonight (Thursday) and support our local youth sports teams. And then watch some most excellent little league baseball every Saturday and Sunday at the West Marin School.

"Marin ranchers and farmers will be allowed to slaughter a limited number of animals on their premises following a change in regulations approved by county supervisors Tuesday. The decision by the Marin Board of Supervisors was unanimous and came despite vocal opposition. Before taking a vote, supervisors listened to nearly three hours of public comment from dozens of speakers." FULL STORY: http://www.marinij.com/busines...

Via Point Reyes NPS - "First tule elk calf of the season seen this week! Just in time for #NationalWildlifeWeek! Most young are born in May and June. (sc)" https://twitter.com/pointreyes...