Far West Fest in full effect today.

Milk truck down on SFD just outside of Inverness. No injuries, one lane closed. (thx dw, sc, be)

Lucas Valley Road currently closed near Big Rock due to a fatal motorcycle accident. No word on estimated re-open time. If anyone else has any info, let us know (via @MarinCountyFire)

Here it comes people. This Saturday (July 25) is the annual benefit concert known as Far West Fest. Ozomatli is headlining and local acts such as Arann Harris and the Bad Farmers and El Radio Fantastique are representing. Tickets selling out fast, get on it now! Plus a rocking after party show with The Haggards at The Western.

http://farwestfest.org/

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

Seen on the levee in Point Reyes today. Can anyone explain the meaning? Pro-bike? Anti-bike? #bikelame

In the two decades since the Straus Dairy in Marshall was the first in the West to become certified organic, most others in the region have followed, creating a cash cow that gets bigger every year. With 25 of Marin's 29 dairies now organic, the value of organic milk production is soaring, rocketing 61 percent last year to $33.6 million for the milk product equivalent of about 12.6 million gallons. At the same time, the value of conventional milk production in Marin plummeted 57 percent to $5.7 million in 2014.

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

Heard there are some rainbows happening this evening, anyone else seeing them. What a night. This is from up on the ridge (thx SC).

TRAFFIC ALERT: Pt Reyes/Petaluma Rd. closed between Novato Blvd. and Nicasio Valley Rd. due to collision and downed power lines. Estimated time to open is three hours.

Sharron Drake is not only putting on a local production of 'Much Ado About Nothing' but is also aiming to revitalize the long forgotten St. Columba's amphitheater in Inverness. And she could use some help. If you're interested in supporting this very cool local project, check out her Kickstarter page.

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

This was spotted yesterday at a local hiking spot. Vigilante trail signage. Wonder if it will have an impact. (thx LN)

Anyone else see that giant military plane just fly right down Tomales Bay? Earlier there were two other ones flying in formation up higher. President in town? What's up? (thx SG)

The annual meeting for the Inverness Assocation is tonight, Saturday, July 11, 2015, at 7:30 PM at the Inverness Yacht Club. Sounds like it will be an interesting one including some updates on the 'Launch for Hire' boathouse discussion.

http://www.invernessassociatio...

So many layers here.

Remember Stormtrooper guy who passed through Point Reyes? HE MADE IT TO SAN DIEGO! And what a story. (thx JA)

http://www.washingtonpost.com/...

"A Stanford University analysis shows California's rate of shark attacks has declined by 91 percent in the past six decades compared to the higher population in the state and increased aquatic recreation. There have been 15 shark attacks off Marin between 1950 and 2013 "” the period analyzed in the study "” which is 17 percent of the attacks in the state. None of them were fatal." Less sharks = less attacks. I'd rather have more sharks personally.

http://www.marinij.com/environ...

Not sure what to make of this...

Scuba diving at Chicken Ranch? Treasure? Fishing?

Will be a beautiful full moon tonight rising up over the bay AND Venus and Jupiter almost on top of each other in the Western sky. I saw it last night, and it was incredible. Be sure to get out there and have a look.

http://earthsky.org/tonight/se...

Local farmer Molly Myerson featured in this month's issue of 'modern farmer'. http://modernfarmer.com/

Very cool. Paleontological fieldwork at Point Reyes National Seashore has resulted in the discovery and collection of a rare marine mammal fossil. "The fossil specimen discovered at Point Reyes National Seashore is a small, short-beaked dolphin and probably represents a new species," said Boessenecker.

http://www.sfnps.org/paleontol...

Young Hoon has been standing at Rt 1/Point Reyes-Petaluma road since 9am looking for a ride to Point Arena. Apparently he's having muscle issues and can't ride his bike right now. If you know a way to help him out, please do. - via Peggy Day (if you do help him, let us know what happened, thx)

Fascinating article about air traffic over Point Reyes: "That's because the new system is effectively steering jetliners onto new superhighways in the sky. These new aerial freeways are concentrating commercial jet flights over certain areas "” including Point Reyes National Seashore "” that are now being forced to shoulder disproportionate levels of noise pollution."

"You would not build a freeway offramp in Point Reyes National Seashore," said Michael McEneany, a resident of Inverness, a small town adjacent to Point Reyes. "So why on God's green earth would you propose building an aerial freeway right through the middle of the wilderness area? It's absurd."

Probably a good article to share with others...

http://www.eastbayexpress.com/...

This was spotted in Point Reyes today, it's apparently owned by Roma Gypsies who put on quite a show last night at the Olema Campground. Anyone know if they're still around? (Thx LN and JM)

Tomales Bay Revival: "When the "heart of the estuary" was restored in 2008, scientists expected to see wildlife return. But Tomales Bay's remarkable renewal in just seven years has exceeded expectations." Yes!

https://baynature.org/articles...

Perfect way to end the longest day of the year out at the beach in Point Reyes.

Happy solstice and the official beginning of summer. This year's solstice, considered the start of summer in the Northern Hemisphere, is at 9:38 a.m. today. Get ready!

http://www.washingtonpost.com/...

Photo by Miwok: https://www.flickr.com/photos/...

EAC's 45th Annual Members Dinner is tonight at the Dance Palace. Congressman Huffman and our new state senator Mike McGuire will be speaking. RSVP required and current membership. More info: http://eacmarin.org/events/

School board meeting tonight at 6pm at the West Marin School. The two items parents want done are: Add back Reading Intervention into the FY15/16 School Budget (funded with the 50k per year we could save eliminating Board benefits) and Create an Equitable School Board Meeting Location Policy.

David Clarkson, who owns Point Reyes Jewelry Store, posted this letter on The West Marin Commons and I asked him if I could re-publish it because it is such a positive response in the face of an ugly incident. And it made me smile, poor Diamond.

"Hi everyone,

You have probably heard that I was robbed at gunpoint in my shop on Saturday morning about 11 o'clock. Three youngish, 30-year-old maybe, white males. One pointed a gun at me, another one handcuffed me and duct taped my legs and put me in my shop office while they helped themselves to everything I have worked for many years. I am not hurt except for some bruises and swollen wrists from the handcuffs. As you can imagine, it was kind of traumatic although I was calm throughout. I found out that Diamond, my little Jack Russell terrier, will not defend me, at least not in this sort of situation. Right now, seven hours later, I guess I am in a little bit of a state of shock. Don't quite know what to do with myself. They took my cell phone, keys, wallet, Etc.. So I am lost without a few important data points in my life.

I'm telling you this now so that I won't have to tell the story over and over on the street. I will appreciate your concern and by all means, express your sympathy but please remember that I don't want to go over it with everyone. Thank you, I will appreciate that.

I am definitely not "ruined" although this is definitely a setback. But it is a heads up to all of you that our lovely little community is on the map. Not a good map to be on.

Good luck to us all, as Sandy Westrom used to say. It's a good phrase.

David"

--

You can find the West Marin Commons/Share at: http://www.westmarincommons.or...

What is going on today? The jewelry store was robbed at gun point this morning and I just got a message that two cars had their windows smashed at the Estero trailhead in the parking lot and had stuff stolen. (thx MB)

BREAKING - Marin County Sheriff - June 13, 2015 - Point Reyes Jewelry Store Robbed by Three Suspects On June 13, 2015 at about 11:16 AM, Marin County Sheriff's Office deputies were dispatched to a possible robbery at Point Reyes Jewelry located at 11101 Shoreline Hwy.Pt. Reyes Station. Upon arrival, deputies contacted the store owner and confirmed he was robbed by three men, one of which was armed. The victim stated that a white male entered the store and asked to look at some diamonds. Several minutes later two additional white males entered the store. One of the suspects pointed a black semi-automatic handgun at the victim and ordered him into a back room. The suspects used duct tape to bind the victim's hands and feet then took his cell phone, jewelry from several display cases and the safe. After approximately 20-30 minutes the victim was able to attract the attention of a gentleman who came into the store and freed the victim. At approximately 12:50 PM evidence linked to the jewelry store was located in a trash can at the Shell gas station located at 834 Irwin St. San Rafael. All three suspects were described as white males in their 20s between 5 -6 and 5-9 tall. Persons wishing to give crime tips are encouraged to call the Sheriff's Office at 415-479-2311. To remain anonymous and possibly become eligible for a cash reward call Bay Area Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS. (Thx PD)

A celebration honoring EZ Powell's end of treatment, takes place tomorrow (Sunday) from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Little Yellow House in the Point Reyes Station Town Commons. Includes live children's music by Irena Eide of Little Folkies and Amber Hines and Michael Pinkham, lemonade, popcorn, a cake walk, a photo booth, sun-printing and tassle bead garland-making. Free, but donations to Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation for Rhabomyosarcoma research will be gratefully accepted. Volunteers also needed, if you're interested, sign up here: www.volunteersignup.org/73TAK

From the highly praised Sheriff's Calls in the Point Reyes Light this week. Feels like a test to see if anyone actually reads them to me. Chimps rarely make calls after 8pm, everyone knows that.

BREAKING: Officer Larson of the Sheriff's department informed us that another house burglary occurred earlier today at a house on the corner of Manana and Hwy 1. A 2006-07 Silver Jetta is believed to be involved - please contact Officer Larson if you notice this car or other suspicious activity. Thank you! - via The West Marin Commons, check back there for more info.
http://www.westmarincommons.or...

In case you somehow missed Western Weekend, Dave Mitchell posted a blog with pictures and commentary. "Towtruck driver Tim Bunce (right), who entered a 1953 Farmall Tractor in the parade, photo-bombs Sheriff's Lt. Doug Pittman's picture. Bunce took first in the Farm Vehicle division and first in the best-vehicle division."
http://www.sparselysageandtime...

Anyone know what's happening in Second Valley? I heard there have been chainsaws and heavy equipment going up there since 4am. Big tree down?

Super model Chrissy Teigen bringing some West Marin cheese love. (Thx AP)

Nice article about Savilia Blunk in the MarinIJ yesterday. "The 16-year-old will be the lone rider representing Marin when she competes in the USA Cycling international race camp in Ontario. She will be competing against the top 15-18-year-old girls beginning on Sunday during the Canada Cup Series." Good luck!
http://www.marinij.com/sports/...

Kaki McLachlan writes, "He's looking for a place to stay the night. He's just coming into town if anyone can offer a spot. His names Kevin and he's walking to raise awareness for kids cancer." I mean, come on! And get him on stage with The Haggards!

A 14-foot great white shark was spotted by a surfer cruising through the line up today at North Beach in Point Reyes. They're back already? Or maybe they never left...

4:32pm - Something going on with some people in canoes up by Nick's Cove. Hopefully not a big deal.

2:00pm - Sounds like Lucas Valley Road was shut for a second time today due to ANOTHER truck going off the road (thx LN). Let me know if anyone has any updates on the status.

WESTERN WEEKEND! Lots of events happening:
- Friday: El Radio plays at The Western at 9pm
- Saturday: 4H Fair at Tobys: 10am - 1pm
- Saturday: Barn Dance at Tobys, 7pm - 10pm
- Saturday: The Haggards at The Western at 9pm
- Sunday: Parade at noon in Point Reyes
- Sunday: The Haggards at The Western at 9pm

Photo from Dave Mitchell's blog: http://www.sparselysageandtime...

9:35am - Heard a report that Lucas Valley Road is closed for some reason this morning. Anyone else have more information?

Mercury News laying it on thick. Point Reyes: A picturesque Northern California retreat. "Hey, Elizabeth," a handsome farmer in a white truck called out as he slowed. "We're going clam digging with the kids!" For a moment, I felt like Angela Lansbury in Cabot Cove with the incredible urge to jump on an old bicycle with a basket and wave back.
http://www.mercurynews.com/bay...

Summer Brennan presents an interesting perspective on the Sheriff's calls, curious to hear what others think, "Brennan, who spent five months reporting for the Light in 2012, also told a story about her grandmother, whose death in 1997 followed a long and painful illness; the death was reported in the Sheriff's Calls. "There it was, between humorous anecdotes about escaped cows and neighborly squabbles," Brennan wrote. "I felt something like a rock falling in my heart to see it there, presented as entertainment. I felt sad and exposed. I wished fervently that it hadn't been included. No one had asked us.""
http://www.slate.com/articles/...

Well, that's not a nice way to say thank you. "An intoxicated man suffered a head injury Tuesday night after falling from rocks on the south side of Stinson Beach, and was arrested when he became combative with fire rescue personnel, the CHP said."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?...

"A man who was abalone diving with four other men died in Tomales Bay Tuesday morning, a National Park Service spokesman said. The men began CPR and eventually called for help, Dell'Osso said. They got the stricken diver back in the boat and brought him to Lawson's Landing. Marin County paramedics continued resuscitation efforts, but the diver was pronounced dead."
http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.c...

An informational meeting discussing a proposed re-design and renovation of the Health and Human Services' West Marin Service Center takes place tonight from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the small gym at the West Marin School, in Point Reyes Station. Learn about the project from the architects and provide input.

This is nice, and at the same time very sad. Libraries should be open all day, seven days a week. "Bolinas, Stinson Beach and Inverness branches no longer closed for lunch. Thanks to funding from a tax measure, the Marin County Free Library (MCFL) has expanded hours at three West Marin branches, marking the first time in the 87-year MCFL history that the branches will stay open for a full day of service."
http://www.marincounty.org/mai...

"Something happening on 13 turns just north of Dog Town. Traffic sat still for a while now. Not sure what the hold up is." Plan accordingly. Its wet out there, drive safe this morning. (thx SM)

Sir and Star makes Bauer's "Six Must-Visit Restaurants In Marin" list. "Margaret Grade is a neuropsychologist by profession and a poet at heart; her husband, Daniel DeLong, is a wizard in the kitchen." And who is that family in the photo, wait a minute, they look familiar...
http://www.sfgate.com/travel/a...

A community meeting addressing strategies for navigating local housing takes place tonight from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at the Bolinas Community Center, with presentations by the Bolinas Community Land Trust and the Bolinas Community Action Network. A $5 dinner prepared by BoBOP follows the meeting; bring your own plate and utensils.

A potluck celebration of the life of West Marin's beloved Donna Sheehan takes place today from 3 to 8 p.m. at the Dance Palace Community Center, with live music by El Radio Fantastique, Danny Vitali and others. Bring finger foods, beverages, flowers from your garden, photos, mementos and notes for a communal altar and memories to share. Photo by Dave Mitchell from his blog: http://www.sparselysageandtime...

Ever wondered what it looks like inside the Grandi Building in downtown Point Reyes? Some guy named Shawn Clover went exploring one weekend and took these photos. Bonus trivia: there have been two hardware stores in the Grandi Building in the past, can you name one or both of them? **WARNING: it is illegal to go into the Grandi Building and we do not condone such action, you could end up arrested and/or injured. http://shawnclover.com/2012/12...

This will be a wild show, TWMF recommends checking it out. "Extra Action Marching Band plays punk march, with special guest Jessie Evans, at 9 p.m. at the Old Western Saloon, in Point Reyes Station. $5." Watch this vdieo to see what I mean: https://www.youtube.com/watch?...

A big portion of Seahaven in Inverness doesn't have power right now. Anyone heard when it will be restored? Yellow is affected area.

4:41pm - "There's an accident blocking traffic on Sir Francis Drake headed west just past Papermill Creek Saloon and before you head into Lagunitas. Emergency vehicles on scene. No traffic is currently being let through." (Thx FK)

Slate.com shows the love: "The Point Reyes Light publishes a few dozen such items each week as part of its Sheriff's Calls column. The column, which is written by the paper's editor-in-chief, Tess Elliott, chronicles the worries, fears, misfortunes, and mischief that prompt the residents of West Marin to alert the authorities. It is the best police blotter in America, or at least the best one I've ever read."

http://www.slate.com/articles/...

"A dead whale washed up on a Point Reyes National Seashore beach today is the latest of many reported in Northern California this spring, but experts said Wednesday that the influx is probably caused more by strong winds and a large whale population in the area than by any increase in mortality."

http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.c...

"Last night Wharf Rd. was "˜tagged' with some incredibly toxic and disturbing graffiti on both private and public property including folks' cars, fences, signage, etc. We understand that this has been happening throughout our community for some time, and not a first for Wharf Rd. residents. But last night the "˜taggers' hit hard. And clearly from the messages they left behind, these are local town folks attacking their own. It's time to react collectively as a Bolinas community, to reflect, to communicate, to identify the perpetrators, to make them stop this criminal behavior, pay for the damage, and perhaps perform some community work that services Bolinas." - from Bolinas Wharf Rd. Residents.

If you have any info about who might be doing this, please let the Marin County Sheriff know.

This only happens once a year: "The Vedanta Retreat hosts its annual Memorial Day retreat from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with music, meditation, guest speakers Reverend Gwynn Guibord and Swami Atmavidyananda in the morning and a question-and-answer session with Swami Tattwamayanda, the minister of the Vedanta Society of Northern California, in the afternoon. The bookstore will also be open. All are welcome; leave pets at home. For information, visit sfvedanta.org"

tile sale at blue slide art tile sat and sunday 9-4! come one come all

Panoramic Hwy on Mt Tam closed in both directions near Pan Toll due to an accident.

A reminder that it is Memorial Day Weekend, so put on your best attitude and stock up supplies so you can avoid driving as much as possible. Its also Open Studios (art by Tom Killion) which is a great opportunity not just to see great art, but to meet local artists and check out their amazing spaces. More info at: http://www.pointreyesart.com/

Who felt the earthquake? We did here in Inverness.

Terrible. "Around $5,000 was stolen from the Marshall Store over the weekend, a burglary law enforcement has described as "unusual." Just after 8 a.m. on Saturday morning, an employee arrived at the store to find the bolt cut off the front door and, once inside, discovered that both the point of sales system and a cash register"”which contained several hundred dollars"”were missing. The employee later saw that a safe hidden in the store's office was also gone, and with it thousands of dollars." - via the Point Reyes Light: http://www.ptreyeslight.com/ar...

"Legislation allowing Marin County to acquire surplus Coast Guard quarters in Point Reyes Station for affordable housing was approved by the House of Representatives this week

Huffman said the legislation should have a "smooth path" in the Senate, where senators Barbara Boxer and Dianne Feinstein have introduced a companion measure. Huffman said there is no way of telling when the Senate might act because it "has its own schedule and rhythms," but noted there is nothing controversial about the proposal. "I hope we can swiftly move this legislation to the president's desk," he added.

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

An absolutely stunning shot of a Great Horned Owl and her fledglings by Carlos Porrata. Talk about some mouths to feed.

A nice story in Local Edition about Alexandra Hart who created the legendary book, Funk and Flash with some local faces you know in it. "In 1973, she teamed up with photographer Jerry Wainwright to make a book that chronicled interesting fashions and styles. Together, they interviewed and photographed people who were "making the most interesting, embroidered expressions on ordinary items," coining the term "funk and flash" to describe the innovative, sometimes outrageous, idiosyncratic style of personal decor."
http://www.editionlocal.com/al...

"As the great nephew of Czar Nicholas II, the last of Russia's emperors, Andrew Romanoff was fourth in line to the throne, and now, at the ripe age of 92, the oldest living kin." Nice article on Andrew Romanoff in the Chronicle today. An incredible story all the way around.
http://www.sfchronicle.com/hom...

"The Community Land Trust Association of West Marin holds its annual meeting from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at the Dance Palace Community Center, discussing, among other things, the potential Coast Guard property acquisition and amendments to the bylaws. Includes a light supper and music."

The kids found this today on Chicken Ranch. Any thoughts? Angel shark? Had quite a mouthful of teeth.

7:55pm - Power has been out in Inverness since 6:00pm. 900 customers affected. Estimated time back on is 10:00pm. Anyone else have any info? (Thx dw)

Power is out in Seahaven. PG&E reports that 900 customers are affected. They are estimating that power will be restored at around 10:00 p.m.

This evening's sunset in Point Reyes. Two whales swam by right after this photo was taken. Its pretty nice out there.

"The body of the fourth missing boater from a doomed fishing party was found on the Marin County shoreline, ending a search effort of nearly a month." This is related to earlier post about the helicopter at Tomales Point which has been now taken down.
http://www.marinij.com/general...