Water rescue on Tomales Bay happening.

Photo of the fire in downtown Bolinas above the 2 Mile Surf Shop. (Photo credit Sergio Lennon)

"ªStructure fire in Bolinas where 2 mile surf shop and post office are."¬ Not sure how serious. Lots on fire engines on scene.

"Hi Neighbors,

It's heartening to see multiple Black Lives Matter solidarity actions happening in our community this week and planned for this weekend. Let's keep it up!

Here are 2 chances to show up on Sunday, June 7th:

1pm Inverness Park to PRS
Meet at IP Market and march to PRS

4pm Inverness
Meet at the St. Columba's parking lot and walk to the Shipwreck

**Bring your masks, signs, and friends/family of all ages.
**All are welcome and we will be social distancing at 6FT for safety.
**If you plan to march, bring water and wear walking shoes.

Not sure about participating?
Many of us have the same reservations about taking physical action. These 4 points from SURJ (Showing Up for Racial Justice) may help you see another perspective, or help you convince someone else to ultimately join-in. And if protesting is not for you, give as generously as possible to m4bl.org, which supports multiple leading Movement For Black Lives organizations on the front lines.

Inoculating Ourselves Against Inaction

If you are white, you may be asking, "Who are we as white folks to take action?" In fact, POC have been asking us to focus on getting our people for over 50 years-out of SNCC, Black Liberation Movement and they are asking now: "what are the white folks doing while we die?" Our part is to engage and move more white folks to break white silence and be visible. As white people, our liberation from economic, gender, and disability oppression is at stake here as well.

It's dangerous right now because of covid. Why go out to protest and potentially get more people sick? There are ways to protest visibly and safely. We will take every precaution on Sunday, our numbers are small and we are fortunate to have space to spread out. In some SURJ cities people are doing car caravans, bike caravans, socially distanced vigils, protests, phone zaps and more. In Louisville this past Friday, folks stood six feet apart on the mayor's office steps to protest the brutal murder of Breonna Taylor by police there. They wore masks, and stayed apart. In the rural west, caravans are one big way folks are showing up and demonstrating. People in Oregon are going to the Tyson plant in Wallula that is hiding a COVID outbreak despite multiple workers dying, and there are protests demanding the Oregon State Prison release everyone.

We need time to organize something good, and this weekend is way too soon. This is NOT about the perfect event. This is NOT about hours of planning meetings. This is about finding the thing you and your friends are going to do next week, and inviting others to join you. Make your sign, let others know where to meet you. Do it. Show Up. End white silence.

I do not want to be part of something where people are angry and some are destroying property. That is not for me. The system of profit for the few honors property above all else. Ours will be a peaceful action. We are not encouraging destruction of property, AND we believe the lives of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Aubery, Tony McDade, and countless others who have died at hands of police or white supremacists are more important than property. Their lives are more important than the fear of the anger that might keep us home. You can leave any situation if you do not feel right being there. But be there.

Are you IN? What To Do Now:
Personally invite your friends. The intent with this action is to call in all in our circles to commit to dismantling systemic racism and white supremacy in defense of Black lives"”even those you think may not be interested. Just by making them aware of your own interest, you are taking action."

There have been a number of people reaching out to the West Marin Feed about a march happening this Sunday starting in Inverness Park and ending in Point Reyes. Does anyone have any other information about this?

"Thanks to our partners at Marin County, we are also pleased to announce that we will be reopening access to parking areas at Stinson Beach, Muir Beach, and Muir Beach Overlook tomorrow, Friday, June 5."

MORE INFO: https://www.onetam.org/Marin_C...

"Hello neighbors!
I can't just sit here. Please join me and my daughter to protest race-based violence.

WHERE: In front of the bank, Point Reyes Station

WHEN: Wednesday, June 3, 2020, 4:30pmish to 6pmish

WHAT: A protest against race-based violence after the killing of George Floyd and countless others

WHO: Anyone. Kids too. Elders too. Bring your signs and your mask, plan to stay 6 feet away from each other, to make it comfortable for all of our community to join. "

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

Point Reyes Station this morning. (Thx DW)

The artist and visionary Christo died yesterday. "For the 1976 installation of Running Fence, a 25-mile gate of white nylon that ran through private land in Valley Ford, California, the couple had to persuade skeptical ranchers to let the artists temporarily co-opt their land for a project that was difficult to explain. After one complained to Jeanne-Claude that the work had no purpose, she replied that the purpose was simply beauty itself, and pointed to the flowers he'd planted in his front stoop instead of more useful vegetables."

LINK: https://christojeanneclaude.ne...

A statement from Sheriff Doyle: "Marin Community,

The Marin County Sheriff's Office would like to join the many others around this country in expressing our sorrow and anger at the actions that led to the death of George Floyd.

We have all seen the video. The actions of the Minneapolis Police Officers in regards to Mr. Floyd's death do not require additional context or more video. There is no reasonable explanation for what we saw.

Law Enforcement Officers spend countless hours training on how, when necessary, to detain an individual utilizing proper techniques. What we saw in the video is what we train against.

The greatest tool in a law enforcement officer's toolbox is trust. It takes time to build trust with the community and, when incidents like this happen, only minutes to tear it down.

I know what we witnessed in Minneapolis does not represent the dedication to duty shown by law enforcement officers throughout this nation. Unfortunately, that truth becomes more difficult for some to accept as we see a repeat of behavior unbecoming of our profession.

As your Sheriff, I want to say to those in our community feeling hurt by the death of Mr. Floyd that we feel it too. And, that we are dedicated to ensuring fairness in our on-going work to keep this community safe.

Sheriff Robert T. Doyle"

LINK: http://nixle.us/BXCDY

Via Sheryl Cahill, owner The Station House Cafe: "It's true! We have a reprieve! The West Marin Community (and friends from around the globe) spoke up and your voices have been heard. Station House Cafe landlords have come through with an extremely generous offer that will allow Station House Cafe to remain open - with whatever Covid-19 restrictions apply - through the end of summer. We appreciate the efforts of all involved. Stay tuned!"

Via Point Reyes Light: "Her announcement on Facebook, which left out that her rent would be reduced through the summer before the increase, sparked an outpouring of anger toward the landlords, the family of longtime owner Pat Healy. John Hural, Ms. Healy's stepson, said they offered the short-term and low-cost lease in the interest of repairing that damage and supporting employees. They are working with a broker to find new tenants to operate a restaurant after the Station House moves out."

KWMR interviewed Sheryl Cahill about this story. Here's the archive (skip to 30 min mark): https://kwmr.org/broadcasts/26...

Point Reyes Light story:
https://www.ptreyeslight.com/a...

New orders from the County of Marin: "Starting June 1, those seeking recreation and exercise at Marin County's local parks, beaches, or open space preserves will be able to drive and park there. While certain aspects of the parks closure order have been loosened, Marin's facial coverings order is still in effect, and residents should remain vigilant in limiting the spread of COVID-19.

Willis also issued an new public health order continuing restrictions on the use of short-term lodging facilities. Such facilities are vacation rentals, short-term rentals, timeshares, hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, and other lodging facilities rented for 30 days or less."

New Orders:
https://www.marincounty.org/ma...

Parks Order:
https://coronavirus.marinhhs.o...

Short Term Rental Order:
https://coronavirus.marinhhs.o...

Some sort of water rescue happening on Tomales Bay right now. Perhaps stranded kayakers. Anyone else following on scanner?

"Check the RockSteadyFest Youth Concert out today starting at 3pm!

Catch it here: https://www.facebook.com/rocks.../live_videos/">https://www.facebook.com/rocks...
And on Local Marin TV Channel 30 or https://cmcm.tv/liveedu"
More info here: https://www.facebook.com/rocks...
"

Marin County District 4 Supervisor, Dennis Rodoni was on KWMR yesterday talking about the next steps in terms of public health orders. He did not confirm that on Monday, June 1 the beaches would open, but strongly suggested that was a possibility. I put together a rough transcript, but I suggest you listen to it to get show to get the actual statement:

LINK: https://kwmr.org/broadcasts/26...

"We are moving to relaxing the outdoor activities. Including the coastal beaches and parks will most likely be opening June 1 unless we have a change in the data.

The approach is to try and open up all the coastal beaches and parks at once. So that we can hopefully distribute the amount of visitors. If we can open up all the facilities in Marin through Sonoma and Mendocino is already open. We can spread the visitation around to the area and not be too impactful for any one community.

"¨The villages are still uncomfortable with a lot of people coming into their communities. But the real nuts and bolts of it is, they're not seeing enough data related to outdoor activities that would warrant them restricting anymore visitation. More people are being infected in enclosed spaces than outdoors." (thx ABF)

Sheriff presence in Seahaven in Inverness today presumably because of the influx of beach going traffic to Shell Beach yesterday.

"Coronavirus cases in Marin have climbed by more than 50% over the past two weeks, bringing the county's total to 420 on Tuesday. The county has reported five of its six highest one-day jumps in cases in those two weeks since May 12, when there were 271 cumulative cases.

"It's concerning," said Dr. Matt Willis, the county's chief public health officer, noting that Marin's coronavirus curve is increasing.

Almost 200 people who have tested positive in Marin "” roughly half of the county's total "” live in an area that includes San Rafael and surrounding neighborhoods, according to data provided by the county Department of Health and Human Services. The department only provides a breakdown of cases for five regions within the county. An area that includes Novato has almost 100 cases, the Southern Marin area has 59, Central Marin has 46 and West Marin has 15.

Willis said he plans to extend Marin's stay-at-home order, which is set to expire June 1, but he will ease certain restrictions depending on this week's test results and hospitalizations. More cases could mean more restrictions will stay in place, he said."

FULL STORY: https://www.marinij.com/2020/0...

The rare Point Reyes beach cows. (Thx SC)

"ªThe young gray whale was spotted again in Tomales Bay by Marshall this morning. (Thx PT)"¬

Bald eagle circles over Inverness this afternoon. #baldeagle

"An unusually intense & prolonged heatwave is building across California. Record high temps are likely, especially across portions of NorCal by Weds & Thurs. To top it off, some (dry-ish) thunderstorms may be possible by late week..."

FULL DETAILS: https://weatherwest.com/archiv...

Unfortunately I'm a little late to this story, but there was a whale (or two) in Tomales Bay last night (Friday) near the Hog Island Oyster Farm. The Marine Mammal center was contacted. Did anyone else see them? Are they still there? Negative low tide this morning. From Roz and Geo in Marshall. Photo credit: George Merrill

Fascinating analysis of the Bolinas COVID test project in The New Yorker, worth a read.

https://www.newyorker.com/news...

"Across the nation, scaled-up testing has been mired in problems of mismanagement, inefficiency, and undersupply. The Bolinas model charts a path around some of those obstacles. Since testing ended, a source book with photographs and instructions has been circulated. Communities in Los Angeles and Louisville are in the final stages of shaping their own efforts in the Bolinas mold. (Their testing won't be comprehensive, but it will draw on the town's methods.) Recently, Engeström spent time on a call with organizers in Camden, the London district, who also hope to adapt Bolinas's efficiencies; the town's circle of influence could expand from there. Many of the most effective responses to the pandemic have been led by island nations"”New Zealand, Iceland, Taiwan, Hong Kong"”where proactive, science-based leadership has been channelled through tight, inward connections. A lesson from those places, and from Bolinas, is that community cohesion can be marshalled against the virus that is keeping us apart."

Phase 2 begins: "Cabaline (in Point Reyes Station), has partially reopened! Beginning May 18th, we will be open for curb-side business. We plan to be here to meet your needs by phone, email or in person on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 10am - 2pm. Point Reyes Station, California!"

If you happen to be in town today, Brickmaiden is offering some free treats: "Hi Folks

We are reaching out to as many voices in our local community as possible to spread the word: A generous supporter of Brickmaiden Breads and local community member, who wishes to remain anonymous, has offered to pay for all product going out our door for the local community for 1 day!

Brickmaiden will open for a special day on Wednesday 5/20 from 8am - 2pm.

Through the full support of this thoughtful community member, we will provide free goods to our local community.

We will cap product at $20 per person to help assure as many people are served as possible.

This is next week! So please spread the word within your businesses, to employees in need, to local organizations such as our first responders and senior services, our community in need, and locals in general.

The idea behind this is to help out, and to spread goodwill during a time when we are all struggling to stay positive and feel connected!

Thank you for putting the word out there! And we will see you all on Wednesday 5/20 between 8am - 2pm!!

All the best to each of you,

Celine Underwood"

So, looking ahead to this weekend, which is Memorial Day weekend. The weather is going to be sunny and hot. All of the parks and beaches in West Marin will be closed. I've heard murmurs of lots of people trying to rent houses out here for that weekend. It sounds like there will be a lot going on. If you're local, probably worth stocking up on supplies early and as WMF often says, shelter in place. And do whatever you can do to support our local law enforcement, rangers, first responders and frontline workers. It's going to be a long weekend for them.

Planned Feralhood is a great local organization and they're holding a fundraiser right now if you have the means:

https://www.facebook.com/donat...

"Hi everybody! We'll be putting up more pictures of our Planned Feralhood Cat Sanctuary to show you what it's like around this place, and so you can see some of the cats who live here.

There are 28 cats here at this time, all who need various kinds of veterinary care, and all who eat a lot of food, and require daily care.

These cats are here as a result of a 17 year Trap/Neuter/Return Program that we offered free of charge. When the cats were not able to be returned to their locations due to property ownership demands, health, or other crazy reasons, we provided them with safe haven.

Your donations will enable us to continue in their care and housing. Any amount is appreciated!

Thank you!!!"

"Applications start being accepted today for one-time, state-funded disaster relief assistance to undocumented adults who are ineligible for other forms of assistance due to their immigration status. Proyecto de Asistencia para Inmigrantes Afectados por la Pandemia de COVID-19 (DRAI). Applications are available by calling the toll-free number 866-490-3899 from 8 AM - 8 PM Mondays through Saturdays. To facilitate the application process an email account is vital to send the required documentation to us. Applications will ONLY be accepted over the phone."

MORE INFO:
https://www.catholiccharitiess...

"Hello Community,

I am posting this for a very good friend of whose car was stolen/car-jacked the other day on the sleepy streets of San Geronimo. She lives in PRS and is in search of the loan or gift of a reliable car. She is a longtime community member who is well-known to some of you but who wishes to remain anonymous for now. I can vouch for her in every way. She is a gold-star member of our community who lives lightly and contributes a great deal to everyone in her orbit.

Please contact me if you have any leads on a reliable car for her long-term or permanent use.

Thank you.

Wendy McLaughlin"

Email: 786salama@gmail.com

More details of the slow speed car chase from last week: "The woman said she was about 15 feet from her Toyota Camry when she saw a man inside. She attempted to remove him from the car. He pushed her and stole the car, Schneider said.

Park rangers spotted the car in the west end of Samuel P. Taylor Park and attempted to stop the driver. The suspect fled traveling down Platform Bridge Road making his way to Shoreline Highway and drove through downtown Point Reyes Station.

The suspect led deputies onto Marshall-Petaluma Road at slow speeds, crossing double yellow lines and unsafely passing other vehicles, Schneider said. The suspect stopped in a dirt driveway.

Dylan Mateo Bylacq, 18, of Forest Knolls was booked into Marin County Jail on suspicion of robbery carjacking, vehicle theft, evading police, driving without a license and vandalism. His bail was set at $150,000."

FULL STORY: https://www.marinij.com/2020/0...

On May 18th, some restrictions on parks in Marin loosen up. Except for what's on this list. Which is basically everything in West Marin. "There will be no loosening of access at some locations that tend to draw larger crowds from across the Bay Area, creating conditions where visitors cannot feasibly comply with social distancing requirements. Facilities that remain closed to motorized access, except for those with state-issued disabled vehicle placards on display, are:

- Point Reyes National Seashore
- Golden Gate National Recreation Area (including Muir Woods National Monument)
- Mount Tamalpais State Park
- Tomales Bay State Park
- Samuel P Taylor State Park
- Chicken Ranch Beach (along Tomales Bay)
- Miller Park (along Tomales Bay)
- White House Pool Park in Point Reyes Station
- Bolinas Lagoon Open Space Preserve (including Bolinas County Park)
- all Marin Municipal Water District lands
- all beaches or inlets along the Pacific Ocean."

FULL PRESS RELEASE: https://coronavirus.marinhhs.o...

Hearing multiple reports of some sort of car chase going through Point Reyes and heading north on Rt. 1. Anyone know the details? "7 Sheriff vehicles , now 8 ,screaming north on 1 past my house just now , Code 3 . " (thx GC)

Some updates about The Station House closure from an article in the Press Democrat: "The restaurant's owners wrote in a since-deleted Facebook post that their landlord hiked the rent from around $8,000 a month to $28,000 a month. An alternative lease was also offered, they added, but it would include "restrictive" conditions and still cost $21,000 a month, according to Eater.

The owners posted again on Facebook to thank patrons for their well wishes.

'Dear Patrons of Station House Café,

So many of you have shared great memories and kind wishes for our team as we work to wind down our operations at Station House Café at the end of this month. Thank you very much for your continued support.

We did not intend or anticipate the inflammatory and negative responses that some of the readers posted on our feed and ask that everyone refrain from lashing out against the property owners.

Thank you again for sharing so many fond memories we all can treasure.'"

Press Democrat story:
https://www.pressdemocrat.com/...

MarinIJ story:
MarinIJ Story: https://www.marinij.com/2020/0...

The Station House Facebook post:
https://www.facebook.com/stati...

More detail in the MarinIJ about The Station House closure in Point Reyes: "The closure decision follows a proposed rent hike and weeks of lease negotiations. The lease, which began in 2005 and was extended in 2015, is set to expire at the end of the month. (cafe owner Sheryl Cahill) said the proposed rent would have been unmanageable.

"We could not meet in the middle," Cahill said.

Kirsten Hural, owner of the property and stepdaughter of former cafe owner Pat Healy, said Tuesday that the current rent does not reflect the fair market value. She also said the circumstances "” a lease expiring during an economic downturn caused by a global pandemic "” were unexpected.

Both Cahill and Hural acknowledged that there were offers to reduce and defer rent payments during the downturn.

Hural said she remains "open to good faith negotiations of a new agreement."

"Our attempted accommodations and short-term fixes, aimed at extending negotiations to a time when the market settles, have failed," she wrote.

Before the pandemic, the cafe employed 44 full- and part-time workers. Seventeen were able to return after the cafe secured a federal Paycheck Protection Program loan, Cahill said."

MarinIJ Story: https://www.marinij.com/2020/0...

Marin County Public Health is now offering free COVID-19 testing to all essential public and private sector workers (cities and towns included). Appointments can be scheduled online (https://lhi.care/covidtesting) or by calling 1-888-634-1123.