West Marin bus driver begins new life as a woman after gender reassignment surgery: "Richard Scott Pflug had been many things in his life "” a manual laborer, a Highland Games competitor, a graduate student, a college professor, an underground cartoonist, a sign painter, a school bus driver. He's been a son, a brother, a husband. And, two years ago, he became a she. After gender reassignment surgery, he became a woman named Leslie Richelle Scott." FULL STORY: http://www.marinij.com/general...

So, its raining really hard in Inverness right now. Did not see this one coming. Winter is here.

Accident on PR/Petaluma road just west of the cheese factory. Roads are slick. Drive safe! (Thx DW)

"After a months long search for new owners for their beloved Bay Area bookstore, Kate Levinson and Steve Costa announced that they have selected two experienced San Francisco booksellers to take over the store. Out of 27 serious letters of interest that Levinson and Costa received, they chose Stephen Sparks and Molly Parent. "They represent the next generation of creative and energetic booksellers, and we couldn't be happier to have such capable and likeable stewards for Point Reyes Books," said Costa and Levinson in announcing their decision."
FULL STORY: http://www.publishersweekly.co...

Stunning sunset on Tomales Bay tonight.

Major accident north of Nicks Cove on Route One. Both lanes closed.

"The Board of Supervisors approved reduced speed limits on Tuesday on two sections of Point Reyes-Petaluma Road, totaling three quarters of a mile after the county fielded concerns about speed from Laurel Canyon Road residents. The section of road from Platform Bridge Road to Laurel Canyon was lowered from 35 to 40 miles per hour; from Laurel Canyon to Dam Road the limit will be 50 m.p.h." - via The Light

To support the families of Chance and Lance Argall who tragically died in a car accident Tuesday October 18, there are two options:

https://www.gofundme.com/2ux0x...

and

https://www.mealtrain.com/trai...

Tons of deer on the road, drive safe. This big buck was hit right in Inverness Park. Someone has a serious dent in their car, hope they're ok.

Jetara Sehart, the mother of two brothers who died along with another man in a horrific crash in west Marin County talks about her love for her sons. "My saddest thing is that I could not hug them right now. You know? And just tell them I love them one more time. And tell them that it didn't matter if they didn't have a job tomorrow or their clothes were dirty"¦they needed to just be okay to live here and I wish I could tell them that now," Sehart said.
FULL VIDEO: http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.c...

The Greenbridge gas station in Point Reyes will be closed until Saturday for remodeling. Plan accordingly!

"3 people have died following a crash on Sir Francis Drake Blvd. near the Lagunitas Creek in Marin County." Apparently SFD was closed until 5:30am this morning but is now re-opened. Proceed with caution. Unbelievably sad.

Every now and then something on the Internets will catch you a little off guard. Tonight was that night. Naked running guy discovered Point Reyes! There is no nudity at this link but there is some on the site. More power to him! https://nakedmanrunning.me/201...

"West Marin rancher Myriam Kaplan-Pasternak, a veterinarian who runs Devil's Gulch Ranch in Nicasio with her husband, Mark, Kaplan-Pasternak was in Haiti with her family in 2010 when the 7.0 magnitude earthquake hit, followed by a hurricane, five days of rioting and a cholera outbreak that claimed 1,300 lives. She is planning to return to Haiti in November on an agricultural mission, but she will also be taking donations of money to give directly to Haitian relief organizations for immediate aid to those hit hardest by Hurricane Matthew. Further information on donations for Haiti is available through Devil's Gulch Educational Services, dges.com, or by calling 415-662-1099." FULL STORY: http://www.marinij.com/article...

Rain fall totals for Marin. Looks like Inverness wins the West Marin award. Interesting difference between that and Point Reyes.

Ok, who saw this happening tonight? Wow.

Solid rain in Inverness right. How about rest of West Marin?

DEBATE: District 4 candidates Dennis Rodoni and Dominic Grossi square off at the Dance Palace, Pt Reyes TOMORROW Oct 12, 6:30 PM

"We were at Hearts Desire today 10/11 from 2-5pm and there was a pit bull there that chased my 9 year old child into the water, totally terrifying her and me too. The dog was part or all pit bull, mostly white, named Rex and was there with his very careless owner (who blew by the no dogs sign several times). The owner was a 30 something blonde guy there with a woman of similar age in a large gray truck. If anyone knows them I'd appreciate info as the park would like to contact them. We were there with 5 small children and we feel very lucky that none of them were injured, but all were terrified. Thank you!" If you have any info, leave in the comments or contact TWMF.

Stunning sunset tonight in Point Reyes as the marine layer crept in.

"Significant Rainfall Potential across northern CA from Thursday through Sunday (Oct 13-16), mainly north of I-80. #cawx #bayarearain"

Starting out on the right foot in West Marin today. #sunrise

"Tomorrow morning myself and other deputies who patrol and respond to your calls for service here in West Marin will be stopping for coffee at Toby's Feed Barn in Point Reyes Station. Please join us between 8-10am, share a cup, ask us questions, get to know us on a more personable level than just those faces you see driving through your neighborhood everyday. We want to meet you as we celebrate National Coffee with a Cop (Deuty) Day, Friday October 7th.

I'll be there, and hope you will be too.

Lt. Doug Pittman
* please call me Doug"

"A two-vehicle crash in West Marin injured four people and blocked traffic for nearly two hours Wednesday, police said. The collision was reported shortly before 9 a.m. on Point Reyes-Petaluma Road southwest of the Novato Boulevard terminus, said California Highway Patrol Officer Andrew Barclay. According to the preliminary CHP investigation, the driver of a Toyota Corolla was heading toward Point Reyes Station when a tire slipped off the road on a curve. Police identified the driver of the Celica as Bonnie Guttman, 52, of Inverness. Paramedics took her to a hospital for treatment of moderate injuries."
FULL STORY: http://www.marinij.com/general...

TRAFFIC ALERT - Multi vehicle accident, multiple injuries, Petaluma-Pt Reyes Rd near Novato Blvd., partial road closure.

Another reminder TO SLOW DOWN. "On Tuesday, October 04, 2016, at approximately 12:47 AM, Marin CHP officers were dispatched to a call of a vehicle collision on Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, west of Shadow Creek Court, just outside of Fairfax. The reporting party had not seen the collision occur but had heard a very loud crash nearby.
Emergency personnel from the Marin CHP Office, Marin County Sheriff's Office, and Ross Valley Fire Department responded to the scene and located a dark colored 2010 BMW M5 that had collided head on with a large tree on the right shoulder of westbound Sir Francis Drake Boulevard. The male driver, and sole occupant of the vehicle, was located in the driver seat of the BMW and was unresponsive upon our arrival. The driver was subsequently pronounced deceased by paramedics on scene.
Our preliminary investigation indicates that the vehicle was traveling westbound on Sir Francis Drake Boulevard at a very high rate of speed when the driver failed to negotiate a left curve in the roadway. The vehicle left the roadway and collided with a large tree on the right shoulder which caused major damage to the vehicle.
Sir Francis Drake Boulevard was closed at the location of the collision from approximately 2:05 AM to 5:40 AM while officers investigated the collision.
All information pertaining to the identity of the deceased driver will be released by the Marin County Sheriff's Office "“ Coroner Division upon notification of the next of kin.

"The films and the schedule for the third annual Stinson Beach Docfest have been announced! Sign up now for tickets to the Opening Gala Friday, November 4! Limited to 70 guests and always sells out. Make it a date with your love, friends, family! Always a party to remember." SITE: http://stinsondocfest.org

The roads are wet this morning, please drive safely. This accident just happened on the Point Reyes/Petaluma road. (thx FySP).

Well, they said it would rain and it actually kind of is raining in Inverness. I heard Bodega has some real rain. Anyone else?

Rescue vehicles scrambled for sail boat tipped over in bay. Everyone ok, rescue has been called off.

"Bike accident atop Lucas valley. Lane closed. Appears bicyclist knocked down hill. Rescue in progress." (Thx EM)

This massive project which the Point Reyes Light wrote about in 2014 is finally open for public comments. If you have an opinion about this sort of thing, now would be a good time to get them out there. 9,000 square feet called 'Moonrise Kingdom'. "Alexis Traina, the wife of the so-called "social king of San Francisco," told the San Francisco Chronicle this month that the couple is hiring Ken Fulk"”one of the most sought-after interior designers for Bay Area millionaires and billionaires who is known for orchestrating lavish parties"”to create an "old time fishing camp theme" for their Inverness property at the top of Vision Road, where a handful of locals once rented cabins.
PR LIGHT STORY: http://www.ptreyeslight.com/ar...
BUILDING PERMIT: http://www.marincounty.org/dep...

Litter Bugs Me: Annual Roadside Clean Up
Official Day: October 1 from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Volunteer Appreciation BBQ to follow 12:00 to 2:30 pm
Various other group and Tomales Bay cleanup: September 24 - October 1

Join the EAC and Point Reyes Station Village Association for Litter Bugs Me, an annual roadside clean up in West Marin. This stewardship event gives us an opportunity to get outside, clean up our wildlife corridors and protect what we love about West Marin.

EAC has formed a team (ages 10 and older) to clean up Platform Bridge Road and Highway 1 through Point Reyes Station. Meet us at the Bear Valley Picnic Area at Point Reyes National Seashore to carpool to clean up stations and gather supplies. We will provide trash bags, bins, gloves and vehicles to collect the debris. Please wear layers, a hat, sunscreen, gloves, and good walking shoes.

Following the clean up the EAC and Point Reyes Village Association will host a volunteer appreciation BBQ at Bear Valley from 12:00 - 2:30 pm, where we will weigh the trash and take a group photo. All volunteers who participated with the effort over the past week are invited to attend. Please RSVP to volunteer and for the BBQ at events(@)eacmarin.org.

Participating organizations: EAC, Point Reyes Village Association, Point Reyes National Seashore/National Park Service, East Shore Planning Group, Olema Valley Association, Rotary Club of West Marin, Tomales Bay Youth Center and Tomales Bay Watershed Council.

Sponsors: EAC, Hog Island Oyster Company, Main Street Moms, Toby's Feed Barn, The Palace Market, Point Reyes Schoolhouse Lodging, Point Reyes National Seashore, and Table Top Farm.

Want to partipate, RSVP or donate? Contact us at events(@)eacmarin.org or call 415.663.9312.

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

Point Reyes all over the news today: "Dairy farmer Bob Giacomini, 79, is ahead of his time, even if he didn't mean to be. Eight years ago, the North Bay native bought a custom motor, generator and pipeline to make electricity from an unusual source "” cow manure "” at his ranch along Tomales Bay. The hope was that the renewable energy would save him a few bucks and perhaps bolster the environmental bona fides of his family's famed cheese, Point Reyes Original Blue." FULL STORY: http://www.sfchronicle.com/bay...

Interesting way to make SFGate. Are they going to tear the boat down? FULL STORY: http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/...

Traffic Alert: "Traffic in nicasio all the way to Petaluma to to the brush fire on 101." (Thx FP and AN)

A couple of local watermen on stand up paddle boards were out at Drake's Beach towards the Estero this morning when a decent sized great white shark lunged out of the water and ate a seal right in front of them. They safely paddled back to the beach. Better then a cup of coffee. They're out there.

Sirens are for car accident in park. Thanks to emergencies crew for quick response, hopefully everyone ok.

Fog's Diner at the boatel in Inverness is officially open today! TWMF got a sneak peak and we give it a double thumbs up, great food, great vibe, affordable and lots of locals working there!

"Two big organized bicycling events are going to be on WM roads tomorrow. The Jensie Gran Fondo, a fundraiser for the Marin County Bicycle Coalition and the Wine to Waves MS ride. Roads impacted are Highway 1 (Shoreline) from Mill Valley to Tomales, Sir Francis Drake (east of Highway 1), Point Reyes Petaluma, Tomales Petaluma, and Hicks Valley. So, plan your road time accordingly. We are announcing this on KWMR. Also, there are rest stops in Stinson Beach, Olema and Point Reyes Station." - from Amanda Eichstaedt

Highly recommend this event. "Author Kirk Lombard will read from his book, "The Sea Forager's Guide to the Northern California Coast," on Saturday, Sept. 24 at 7pm, in the Red Barn at the Bear Valley Visitor Center in Point Reyes."
EVENT DETAILS: http://ptreyesbooks.com/events...
FULL STORY: http://www.ptreyeslight.com/ar...
Photo by Todd Selby.

This is unusual. "THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAS ISSUED A HEAT ADVISORY, WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM SUNDAY TO 8 PM PDT SUNDAY FOR MARIN COUNTY"

"A lawsuit served this month against five California Coastal Commission members "” including Marin County Supervisor Steve Kinsey "” could cost them millions of dollars in civil fines if the courts confirm hundreds of alleged transparency rule violations." FULL STORY: http://www.marinij.com/governm...

This very sad story back in the news. Still can't believe they were at the Greenbridge Gas Station in Point Reyes. "Details of Bay Area drifter killings emerge in Marin County hearing" FULL STORY: http://www.sfgate.com/crime/ar...

From CHPMarin about accident on Lucas Valley Drive yesterday: "Driver of 72' long big rig was cited for a sign violation."

TRAFFIC ALERT: Just heard that Lucas Valley Road is closed because of a truck crash. Anyone have any more information?

TRAFFIC ALERT: "Lucas Valley Rd is closed at Westgate for a big rig stuck blocking both lanes. No ETO"

The launch party for the fourth and final edition of the most excellent Inverness Almanac is going down tomorrow (Saturday, Sept 17th, 4pm - 10pm). They're blowing it out at Love Field making full use of the parachute stage sculpture set up. And they scored the cover of the Pacific Sun this week. Rock on.
PARTY DETAILS: https://www.facebook.com/event...
PAC SUN STORY: http://pacificsun.com/feature-...

Is there some bike event happening tomorrow? Does anyone know the time and/or route? Looks like it will be going through Nicasio?

"Point Reyes National Seashore, in conjunction with the California Coastal Commission and Environmental Action Committee of West Marin/Marin MPA Watch, will be sponsoring a beach cleanup at Drakes Beach on Saturday, September 17, 2016. The cleanup will take place from 10 am to 1 pm. This is a family friendly event. Participants are encouraged to bring sunscreen, lunch and/or snacks, and their own water bottles. The PRNSA Bookstore at Drakes Beach sells merchandise and some pre-packaged food and drinks." MORE INFO: https://www.nps.gov/pore/plany...

Spotted an old friend last night, back at his spot. #greathornedowl #pointreyesnationalseashore #owl

Start strong, end strong. West Marin had a day today. #pointreyesnationalseashore #sunset #sunsetporn

Good way to start things off in West Marin today. #Inverness #tomalesbay #sunrise

"The Sheriff's Office will be assisting the Marin County District Attorney's Office on Tuesday, Sep 13, with the Gun Buy Back Program. Persons wishing to turn in any weapons may do so without questions at the Point Reyes Public Safety Building between the hours 11am-7pm. Some guns turned in may be eligible for a cash.

Lt. Doug Pittman
Your local Sheriff 😊"

Tree down on Via de la Vista in Seahaven. Power out as well, use Stockstill Dr. (Thx AP)

"This feed truck was in front of me this morning Thursday. It drove by Nicasio school going over 50 while kids were in the yard. I wanted to send this into the company but can't make out the name. Maybe someone knows. I think it is an important issue." from Fernando Y Sabrina Pelayo

Here's a picture of a recently spotted humpback whale seen near Point Reyes. One was also seen just off Drakes Beach yesterday.

A solo humpback whale was spotted feeding just off the Drakes Beach parking lot this morning. Kind of a rare sight. (thx TM)

Smokey sunrise this morning over Tomales Bay. Fall is in the air.

"This dog running around in the street outside IP Market right now." - thx CLC

These people looked like they had a winning sand castle coming together today at Drakes Beach. And some people seemed to be building below the high tide line. Oops.

LABOR DAY WEEKEND! Some hot tips: Go see 'A Midnight Summer's Dream' at St. Columbia's Church at 4pm Sat/Sun/Mon. If you have a kid who plays tennis, Xerxes Whitney having a mini-kid-tennis tournament Saturday at 4pm at Second Valley. The sand castle contest is at Drake's Beach on Sunday. It's going to be a mess, so unless your ready for traffic, avoid the area (this photo from last year). And there is a major wind event happening this afternoon.

Photo from Drake's last year.

LINK TO PLAY INFO: https://www.facebook.com/event...

Be prepared for wind on Saturday. "Locally gusty W to NW winds forecast late Sat. afternoon and evening. Yellow shading on map = 30-40 mph gusts"

"Amazing Shipwreck Gym in Pokémon GO! The Point Reyes in Bolinas Bay" Riiiiggghhht. I was wondering if there was Pokemon happening in Point Reyes. Now I know. At the famous shipwreck that was burnt up by Instagrammers. Of course. Anyone else experienced any Pokemania in West Marin? FULL VIDEO IF YOU DARE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?...

From Marin IJ: "Marin's representatives in Sacramento this week side-stepped legislation expanding overtime pay for farmworkers.

Dominic Grossi, a West Marin dairy farmer, former Marin County Farm Bureau president, and candidate for county supervisor, said, "I would have voted against it."

Grossi said Marin farmers would have to pay overtime because they are relatively small and typically employ no more than a handful of workers, while much larger farming operations in the Central Valley could avoid paying overtime by hiring more workers and giving each worker fewer hours.

"The people who are going to get hurt are the workers because they're going to get their hours cut," Grossi said.

Grossi said he employs two agricultural workers in his dairy, both of whom live on his farm.

"Almost every dairy up here supplies housing," Grossi said. "It's a significant cost that people don't think about."

Dennis Rodoni, who is competing with Grossi for the District 4 seat on the Board of Supervisors, said that wages and housing for farmworkers need to be improved, "but I don't know if this is the right bill because I really haven't had a chance to study it.""

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

SFD outside of Inverness has both lanes closed right now for "milk transfer" from accident. Expect major delays for next hour.

Bad day on the roads today. This accident at Five Brooks required a helicopter medvac. Slow down and drive safe! And thanks to our local police, fire and rescue crews. (Photo via Marin County Sheriff)

UPDATE: Traffic getting through now with delays. TRAFFIC ALERT: There is an overturned milk truck on Sir Francis Drake between Drake's View Dr. and Inverness blocking both lanes. No word on when re-opening. (thx NT and SC)

A bald eagle is hanging out at the Nicasio Reservoir, sitting on a rock above the submerged road. Very cool.

"A rarely seen Baird's beaked whale turned up on a beach in the Point Reyes National Seashore this week, a possible victim of a strike by a ship. Scientists plan to perform a follow-up evaluation of the cetacean's carcass Thursday to determine whether any vertebrae were fractured. Specialists will also determine the sex of the 35-foot animal, which feeds about 20 miles off the Marin coast." FULL STORY: http://www.marinij.com/environ...

Looked they are shooting a movie or something at the reservoir tonight. Reports of stopped traffic. Anyone have details? (Thx SD)

Magic sunset out at the beaches in Point Reyes tonight. Anyone else get a good picture?

"Repairs are expected to start next month on an eight-mile section of a key road in Marin County that's been closed since a March mudslide, county officials said. The section of Fairfax-Bolinas Road between West Ridgecrest Boulevard and the Meadow Club country club in Fairfax has been closed since March 11.

The Marin County Board of Supervisors approved a $305,692 contract on Aug. 16 with Engineered Soil Repairs in Walnut Creek for the repairs.

The repairs could be completed by November if not earlier, according to county officials." FULL STORY: http://patch.com/california/pe...

Rare sight. A whole fleet of sailboats out by Chimney Rock with dead calm conditions. Was it some sort of race?

Flotsam (jetsam?) at South Beach. Local beachcomber theorized it was from Japan. #pointreyesnationalseashore #flotsam #jetsam

A large dead whale was floating about half a mile offshore of South Beach this morning with what appeared to be some sharks making a meal of it. Couldn't get a photo, did anyone else see it? Wonder if it was that minke whale from the Estero...