#MarinCounty Road Closure: Nicasio Valley Road both lanes closed, 1 mile north of Sir Francis Drake Blvd. Tree down into wires.

IMPORTANT: You are invited to a Community Life & Tourism Forum at the Dance Palace, Thursday Feb. 23; 6:00 pm social/ refreshments; 6:30 Forum

State Senator Mike McGuire will be moderator for this meeting. Supervisor Dennis Rodoni will also be present, as will:
Bijan Sartipi, District 4 Director, Caltrans
Robert Mota, Marin Commander California Highway Patrol
Robert Doyle, Marin County Sheriff
Nancy Cave, North Central District Manager, California Coastal Commission
John Dell'Osso, Point Reyes Ntl Seashore Chief of Interpretation

The forum will address how villages are being affected by the dramatic growth of tourism in recent years and tourism-related problems such as traffic, parking, trash, litter and septic demand. What can county, state and federal agencies do to help us? We'll be asking them to start discussing possible solutions in a working relationship with us.

This is not intended to be an anti-tourist meeting (our local businesses depend on visitors) but a sincere start to letting the public agencies that affect our lives hear our voices and our (polite) insistence that they work together, with us and for us.

We know Supervisor Rodoni can speak for us to county agencies. We'll also be expecting that Senator McGuire will be our strong voice to state agencies during the meeting and in follow-up meetings; and that both officials will work together on keeping our voices in front of the agencies and to get timely, respectful responses "“ and help.

JOIN US! WE NEED A STRONG SHOWING OF VILLAGERS. THIS IS A RARE CHANCE TO SPEAK TO HAVE THE AGENCIES AND ELECTED OFFICIALS THAT AFFECT OUR LIVES TOGETHER IN ONE ROOM. WE'RE HOPING IT WILL BE THE START OF A WORKING RELATIONSHIP TOWARD SOLUTIONS.

The Forum is hosted by the PRS Village Association in collaboration with East Shore Planning Group, Inverness Association, Inverness Park Association, Olema Valley Association, Bolinas Public Utility District, and Stinson Beach Village Association.

Marin County - SR-1 between Stinson and Muir Beach is closed in both directions due to slip out. Roadway closed until further notice.

We don't normally post two rainbow photos in a row, but this one from today is so good, we couldn't resist. Boat rainbow! Break the internet! (photo by Fernando Pelayo)

#MarinCounty Road UPDATE: Sir Francis Drake near Whites Hill will open at 5:30PM. Excavator finishing up & K-rail being placed. Via: https://twitter.com/DPWMarin/s...

"Panoramic Highway is now closed at the Throckmorten Fire Station, at 816 Panoramic Highway, and at the intersection at Highway 1 in Stinson Beach. This closure is a temporary closure. Highway 1 also remains closed from Panoramic Highway to Muir Beach (no estimate when that will be fixed.) The closure on Panoramic Highway is estimated to last about 2 hours. However, for now it is a hard closure while slides are being cleared and will hopefully be open by 3 p.m. " - Marin County Sheriff

They are aiming to have Sir Francis Drake by White Hill safely REOPENED before tonight's evening commute.

Closed means closed.

TRAFFIC UPDATE: Important commuter info: From Fairfax PD. In regards to the below "urgent alert" post re the closure of Sir Francis Drake Blvd at Baywood Canyon we have the following update from County work crews:

They have advised us that the roadway "may" be opened by 9:00am, but they cautioned that it could remain closed throughout the day. The main problem they are running into, is the side of the hill (rocks and other debris) is still continuously sliding down causing a hazard. Though most of the debris has been moved off the roadway, the threat of another slide is imminent. Power to portions of the west end of Fairfax are still out. This is in County jurisdiction. For further information you can contact the Marin County Sheriff's Office at 415-499-7233. (Thx BE)

Lucas Valley Road is open, still one lane at Nicasio Valley Rd, lots of traffic overflow from SFD closure. Otherwise, clear.

This is where things get dicey. Lucas Valley Road is hanging on by a thread, and now this: "Alert- Sir Francis Drake Blvd at Baywood Canyon (West of Fairfax) is closed due to a slide with power lines down. No ETO." - via CHP Marin

"Bear Valley Rd between Olema and the Bear Valley VC has reopened. Beware of a low hanging line along the north shoulder. PGE is aware of it."

For a split second the sun poked out over Tomales Bay and a quick rainbow popped out. #rainbow

Large tree fallen in the area of 7299 Lucas Valley Rd east of Nicasio damaging private bridge to residence, integrity of roadway compromised. - via Marin County Sheriff

TRAFFIC UPDATE: SFD at Ottingers Hill into park now open. Multiple slides on Lucas Valley Road, down to one lane in spots, drive with care.

Large tree took out power lines at corner of Rt 1 and Bear Valley Rd. Bear Valley Rd closed, emergency crews on scene monitoring power lines. No ETA to opening.

"Bear Valley Road is closed due to power lines down. PG&E has a 45 minute to 1 hour eta." (Thx BE) (10:11am)

"ªSir Francis Drake going into Point Reyes National Park is closed at Ottingers Hill. No park access right now."¬

STORM UPDATE: Looks like the brunt of the atmospheric river went to the south and straight into the Sierras. We'll still get plenty of rain and there is a wind warning, but we may have got lucky on this one. Hope people in effected areas are safe. LINK: https://twitter.com/ericholtha...

That was quick. "Sir Francis Drake Blvd near Samuel P Taylor State Park is now OPEN in both directions due to swift work by county DPW crews!"

"Sir Francis Drake Blvd. is closed at Platform Bridge and in Lagunitas due to mudslide and several large trees down near Camp Taylor. Could be closed several hours." (Thx ML)

STORM ALERT. I have never seen forecasters talk the way they are about tomorrow's storm. I hope this is all hype, but BE PREPARED. "Here's what is causing so much concern: If the atmospheric river stalls, there could be up to a foot of rain in a span of about 36 hours over places that are already flooding"”that's a rainfall intensity that isn't expected more than once a century, or even more rare." LINK: http://tinyletter.com/scienceb...

Wind just went next level in Inverness.

Here is the full story of what happened today in Bodega.

Extremely hard to find updates about the situation in Bodega. From what I can tell, a SWAT stormed the residence looking for a suspect, but did not find who they were looking for. This person may be on the loose? Bodega roads apparently are open now. This is all unconfirmed if anyone has more information...

A car flipped over at Rocky Point on PR/Petaluma Rd around 2:30. Everyone ok. (Thx SM and BE)

Three people in inflatable kayaks were rescued this morning when they were swept north trying to get back across Tomales Bay from camping. They were treated for hypothermia but sounds like they'll be fine. Thanks to local jet ski and helicopter rescue crews. Check the weather, respect the water and know your limits people. (Thx BM)

BREAKING: "Town of Bodega is shut down for law enforcement activity. Stay tuned" I've heard it might be a hostage situation, can anyone confirm? - via Bodega Volunteer Fire Department LINK: https://www.facebook.com/bodeg...

The town of Bodega is on lock down right now due a 'barricaded' situation.

Also sounds like there is a water rescue happening right now on Tomales Bay, trying to get more details about that.

Yesterday: "Today, Bill Johnston Jr took this photo of me with a plastic raven at lovely @PointReyesBooks. It's ... Black Books meets Game of Thrones." - Helen Macdonald, author of 'H for Hawk'. LINK: https://twitter.com/helenjmacd...

"Motorists discovered human remains down an embankment near Point Reyes Station on Friday evening. The drivers noticed something suspicious and stopped to investigate. The remains they found had been wrapped in some sort of plastic material, but had been left out there for quite some time, Point Reyes National Seashore spokesman John Dell'Osso said. Dell'Osso said that it remains unclear whether the remains were moved from another location. Also, the gender of the body is still unknown." FULL STORY: http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news...

UPDATE: "Platform Bridge Road between Sir Francis Drake Blvd & Point Reyes-Petaluma Road is now OPEN to all traffic."

"Police in Marin County are investigating Saturday morning after finding a dead body Friday night, according to the Marin County Sheriffs Office." MORE: http://kron4.com/2017/02/18/po...

"MEDIA enroute to Platform Bridge Rd incident are asked to stage @ Sir Francis Drake Blvd @ Platform Bridge Rd. to meet with NPS PIO." Via Marin County Sheriff

This is sort of strange: "Temporary Road Closure of Platform Bridge Road in West Marin is due to on-going criminal investigation, there is NO threat to community." Via Marin County Sheriff

UPDATE: Traffic being let through PR/Petaluma Rd now. Platform Bridge Rd closed due to flooding.

UPDATE: Point Reyes/Petaluma Road closed from Route One to the Graffiti Bridge because of a tree down. Platform Bridge Road also closed due to flooding.

The Point Reyes/Petaluma Road is closed right now due to a tree down traffic is backed up on both sides. No word when it will open back up. (thx MM)

Well, it feels like Groundhog Day, but more rain coming Sunday through Tuesday. "Monday's storm will bring more heavy rain and increased risk of #CAflood concerns. Be prepared for any potential impacts"

Lots of rain means lots of waterfalls. Alamere Falls in Point Reyes is in full effect if you want to make the big hike, well worth it. VIDEO: http://abc7news.com/weather/be...

West Marin merchants plan to participate in their own version of a national strike planned Friday against the Trump administration. The nationwide boycott calls on people to skip work, avoid spending money and take action in protest of President Trump's agenda. In Point Reyes Station, at least 15 businesses will stay open and plan to donate a percentage of all sales to groups that promote civil liberties, environmental causes and movements that counter Trump's message. "Everyone is excited," said Susan Hayes, owner of Susan Hayes Handwovens, a co-organizer. "(Shop owners) feel it's more proactive than closing. They have to consider employees. It's getting a lot of buzz. People are feeling very, very positive and they are happy to participate." FULL STORY: http://www.marinij.com/general...

"The forecast precipitation for the next three days show another dose of heavy rainfall for the west coast starting by Wednesday."

Joel Whitney is speaking about his new book 'Finks' at the Point Reyes Bookstore tonight at 7:00pm. Very apropos given our current state of affairs. "When news broke that the CIA had colluded with literary magazines to produce cultural propaganda throughout the Cold War, a debate began that has never been resolved. The story continues to unfold, with the reputations of some of America's best-loved literary figures"”including Peter Matthiessen, George Plimpton, and Richard Wright"”tarnished as their work for the intelligence agency has come to light." http://ptreyesbooks.com/events...

Via Carlos Porrata: "Abbotts Lagoon area around the bridge received a lot of damage from the storm. The lagoon is open to the ocean and dropped over 15 feet in depth, both upper and lower lagoon. Lots of erosion beyond the bridge and there are cracks where more material is going to go down. Be very careful. NPS notified."

After a long wet week, then sun came back and started to dry things out. Happy Friday everyone. And a full moon! #sunset #westmarin

UPDATE: The Levee Road in Point Reyes is now closed due to high tide. Cars got stuck in it last night. Don't be 'that person'. Use Bear Valley Road instead. (thx BE)

"The Levee road is pouring over. Almost didn't get through at 7:20pm" Road isn't closed yet, but proceed with caution. Photo from 5:00pm when flooding started. (thx FP and JS)

"#MarinCounty Road UPDATE: Panoramic Hwy, between Hwy 1 & Throckmorton Fire Station, is now cleared & OPEN."

Flooding on Rt 1 at the usual spot south of Tomales. (Thx RJ)

The Station House Cafe closing at 3pm today and the Bovine closed at noon.

"Shoreline Highway is closed 1 mile south of Tomales due to flooding. Shoreline Highway in Point Reyes Station near the bank is reported flooded due to a clogged drain." - via KWMR

"Did anyone hear a train whistle blow in downtown Point Reyes at 8:82 am this morning? My whole office is confused."

More school closures tomorrow due to weather.

"School Cancelled for Shoreline Unified tomorrow." (Thx FP)

Be prepared. "Another potent system to bring widespread rainfall, gusty winds and flooding issues to the #BayArea and #Central Coast on Thurs! #CAflood" https://twitter.com/nwsbayarea...

Levee Road is open this morning and easily passable as of 6:32am. Tide gets very high later this morning Nicasio Valley Road and Lucas Valley Road all clear too.
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Just got a report from the Levee Road that it is still flooded and its still closed. But there was a car stuck in the middle with its blinkers on. And people were still trying to plow through the water. The CHP showed up to help, and people were still trying to plow through the water and the CHP was yelling at people that the road was closed and to turn around. Seriously. People get into their cars and morph into crazy. LEVEE ROAD IS CLOSED, DON'T DRIVE THROUGH STANDING WATER. (thx FP)

Trying to confirm a report that Sir Francis Drake Blvd is now open. Does anyone know? Twitter is quiet.

Update on power situation in Lagunitas.

TRAFFIC ALERT via Marin County Fire, "Sir Francis Drake Closed at Samuel Taylor Park. Expected to be closed till late tomorrow".

"Creek water is right up to and starting to get onto one lane of the Point Reyes Petaluma Road between the Graffiti Bridge and Highway One." If this road floods out, we have a problem because SFD is closed right now too. (thx AF) (3:22pm)

TRAFFIC ALERT: "Sir Francis Drake Blvd between Lagunitas and Platform Bridge Rd will remain closed for between a day and a day-and-a half." - according to PG&E via Burton (1:51pm)

TRAFFIC UPDATE: Tree cleared, traffic getting through on SFD by White House Pool now. (12:29pm)

"The Levee road is now blocked by flood water that has left motorists stranded in flood water. Closed! Stay home if you can." - via Burton (12:41pm) AN photo

Huge tree blocking Sir Francis Drake by White House Pool. Traffic blocked both lanes. Via Richard Dillman and KWMR (12:16pm)

UPDATES: Nicasio Valley Road past LVR open to one lane. SFD by White House Pool blocked both lanes. Water continuing to rise, all creeks at limits, flooding all around Point Reyes Station. Be safe. (Thx DL) (12:23pm)

Road Closure: Panoramic Highway is closed between Highway 1 & Pantoll, due to downed trees & debris. #MarinStorm #CAstorm (as of 11:44pm)

Lucas Valley Road is still open, but major delays due to Nicasio Valley Road being closed and the stoplight on LVR.

"Heads up for all those traveling in West Marin: Sir Francis Drake closed for wires down in the area of Lag market.
Platform Bridge Rd closed due to flooding.
Nicasio Valley Rd between Lucas Valley Rd and SFD closed due to tree down." - at 7:00 am (thx CB) Also, I'd say platform bridge closed soon, it's really close. (TWMF)

"Flood sirens in Fairfax!!" - via twitter at 7:03am

TRAFFIC ALERT "Nicasio Valley Rd is also closed due to power lines down in the area of the Shadows." - reported at 6:37am by Burton. No further info at this time.

Sir Francis Drake Road closed at Olema, power lines down. - reported at 6:43am

"@PointReyesNPS @NWSBayArea has also issued a Flash Flood Watch for the Point Reyes area, starting at 10pm, due to potential heavy rains"

The rain refuses to stop raining. Be prepared for another wet week. "Two warm and very wet storms on tap for #NorCal this week. Renewed #flood concerns across unregulated rivers, small streams." - via NWS Sacramento

"Marin waste management officials expect the sale of a major North Bay garbage hauler to have little effect on services in Novato and West Marin where the company holds franchises. Late last month, the Santa Rosa-based Ratto Group agreed to sell off its waste and recycling operations to Recology, a San Francisco company. Ratto Group handles garbage and recycling services for eight of Sonoma County's nine cities as well as services in Novato and West Marin. In West Marin, the county's Waste Management Division overseas the Ratto Group franchise Redwood Empire Disposal, a company Ratto co-founded in the 1960s." FULL STORY: http://www.marinij.com/general...

"Novato blvd closed 3 miles or so north of Novato car off road" (thx DA)

Yes, Gwyneth Paltrow was spotted at the Cowgirl Creamery and the Marshall Store yesterday. #celebrity