and Thursday, July 02

Serious Fire Danger From Sudden Oak Death
West Marin faces heightened fire risk as sudden oak death kills local tanoaks.  New research shows that recently diseased trees pose more fire risk than the old dead trees. Inverness is expanding its chipper program to address the problem. Jacoba Charles reports.

Boat Tours of Tomales Bay Launched
Nick’s Cove in Marshall offers boat tours of Tomales Bay on weekends, starting on July 4, with the boats and cruises provided by Boat Goombas, LLC, which takes responsibility for compliance with Coast Guard requirements, potential liabilities and permits.  The boats, which accomodate up to eight guests, feature up-close viewiing of harbor seals, beaches, and other Tomales Bay attractions. More information and contact numbers for reservations in the Nick’s Cove press release.

and Tuesday, June 30

Pt. Reyes Farmers Market Opened Saturday
The popular Saturday morning at Toby’s Feed Barn has opened for the season, with shopping, socializing, speeches, and country music.  We speak with Oscar Gamez of Toby’s Feed Barn, with organizers Amy Whalen and Steve Costa, and with organic farmer Peter Martinelli.  We hear some praise of “slush funds” from Supervisor Steve Kinsey, and enjoy a bit of music from Tim Weed’s banjo.

A New Parcel Tax for the Lagunitas School District?
A parcel tax to maintain and expand programs in the Lagunitas School District could be on the ballot in November, if approved by the District’s Governing Board Tuesday night.  The 2009-2010 budget is also on the agenda.

Launch-for-Hire Boathouse Deed Restrictions May be Revised
The Inverness Association is considering revising the deed restrictions on the historic boathouse to help the owners solve permitting problems and avoid potential liability for the Association.  Co-owner Madeline Hope explains the hurdles they face.  Association attorney Martha Howard will be drafting some proposed revisions.

Inverness Water Rates Increased
The Inverness Public Utilities District has approved a 9% rate hike.

KWMR Wins Grants for Service and Efficiency
The Corporation for Public Broadcasting has recognized KWMR’s local service and its efficiency in awarding two competitive grants totaling $32,500.  Kay Clements says that the grants come at a critical time as donations are down and the station needs to make some key hires.

Thanks to Charlie Docherty of Bolinas for providing the musical breaks this week.

and the weekend

Senator Feinstein’s Rider Would Give Lunny Oyster Farm Ten More Years at Drake's Estero
We hear reactions from Kevin Lunny, Fred Smith of the Environmental Action Committee of West Marin and Supervisor Steve Kinsey to Senator Feinstein’s proposed legislation to extend the Drakes Bay Oyster lease for 10 years.

Devil’s Gulch Ranch Proposal Approved
The Deputy Zoning Administrator has approved an expansion in the camping and event uses at Mark Pasternak's Devils Gulch Ranch in Nicasio, but has imposed additional conditions in response to public comments.  More information on our Wednesday report.

Local Ball Team Hits it Big, Playing in AT&T Park
KWMR’s Charlie Morgan was at the AT&T ballpark in San Francisco Thursday to broadcast the Redwood Empire League game. The Red Sox lost 9 to 11, but will play again in Santa Rosa Sunday.

and Thursday, June 25

Opposition to Devil’s Gulch Ranch Proposals
Mark Pasternak’s proposals to expand the Devils Gulch Ranch camp and event operations face local opposition, although County staff recommend its approval.  Bill Harrison of the Nicasio Design Review Board discusses the concerns in anticipation of a hearing before the Deputy Zoning Administrator.

The Second “Community Conversation”
Eighty-four West Marin residents engaged in the second Community Conversation Monday night at the Dance Palace.  Lyons Filmer reports.

UC Cooperative Extension Has New Leader
KWMR talks with David Lewis about his new role as Director of the University of California Cooperative Extension in Marin. There will be a ceremonial passing of the torch from long-time Director Ellie Rilla to Lewis at Toby's Feed Barn Thursday from 2:00 to 5:00 PM.

and Tuesday, June 23

KWMR Joins Audubon Canyon Ranch Airplane to View Egret Foraging
It’s nesting time for herons and egrets. KWMR joins a team of researchers, including Bob Baez from ACR’s Cypress Grove Research Center, in an aerial surveillance of the birds’ foraging activities. John Kelly from the Marshall research facility tells about the project. To see the Google Earth information on the rookeries, go to http://www.egret.org/googleearth2.html

Bolinas Ridge Pot Farm Yields Second Arrest
There is a second arrest in the Bolinas Ridge marijuana farm bust last week, where 30 agents confiscated 2,250 plants.  The suspect, captured on Interstate 5, lists his occupation as a gardener.  Update: Park Rangers have identified him as the man who escaped during the raid.

Forty-Year Birthday Party for San Geronimo Community Center
Dave Cort, Executive Director, tells KWMR reporter Sandy Duveen about the last 18 years and the Center’s important School programs.

and the weekend of June 20-21

Big Pot Bust in Park – 2250 Plants Confiscated
A team of over 30 federal, state and county agents raid a marijuana growing operation on Bolinas Ridge. One man is arrested, another escapes.  Park spokesman John Dell’Osso says there may be significant environmental damage from the pot farm. 

Summer Coming on Saturday Night, 10:46 PM
In West Marin, all the signs are pointing to the arrival of summer on Saturday night, including the San Francisco Mime Troup’s preview in Lagunitas, and the annual blessing of the babies in Bolinas. KWMR reporter Sandy Duveen interviews Mime Troup writer Michael Gene Sullivan and Howard Dillon on Bolinas beach.

and Thursday, June 18

Inverness Woman Badly Injured in Auto Accident
Linda Petersen of Inverness remains in intensive care at Marin General Hospital after an auto accident in Inverness Saturday night.  Lyons Filmer reports.  UPDATE, July 2: Linda Peterson is now recovering at Rafael Convalescent Hospital, 234 N. San Pedro Rd., San Rafael 94903 (415-479-3450).

Inverness Man Pleads Not Guilty to Felony Pot Charges
William Benjamin Bradford, 25, faces felony charges for marijuana possession after arrest at Western Weekend and raid on his Inverness Way home. 

CLAM Affordable Housing Renovation Moves Forward
Next to West Marin School, the two-bedroom residence that is nearly 90 years old gets a new foundation.  We speak with Rae Levine, Executive Director of the Community Land Trust Association of West Marin, and contractor Terry Nordby, who tells us of the energy efficiencies they hope to obtain.

and Tuesday, June 16

Last Day of School in West Marin
KWMR visits West Marin schools to see how parents and teachers feel on the last day of school. We hear comments from parents Ufemeo Martinez and Teresa Vera, and from Shoreline School District Board member, teacher and parent Madeline Hope.  KWMR reporter Sandy Duveen catches Marlene Miaello at the Lagunitas School “bonking” ceremony. 

Nude  Beach Activities Concern Muir Beach Residents
Supervisor Steve Kinsey and high-level law enforcement officials will host a meeting in Muir Beach on Tuesday evening to consider complaints by Muir Beach residents about increased lewd behavior at the nude beach.

KWMR Takes a Moonlight Hike
KWMR roving reporter Brenda Kohn joins the Marin Moonshiners out of Muir Beach under a full moon and clear skies.

Good Day for Fishermen, Bad Day for Rock Fish
Fishermen found the rock fishing to be excellent as the local season opened on Saturday.  We get a report from Bodega Bay charter boat operator Captain Vince Orsini of Miss Anita.  (See Web links on the June 12 Friday/Weekend edition of West Marin Report.)

and the Weekend

Stinson Beach Groundwater Has Mercury
A new study focussed on Stinson Beach shows that groundwater may be a natural source of mercury in West Marin waters.  Leaky septic systems could contribute to the contamination. We have a West Marin Citizen report by Andrea Blum.

Bolinas Fisherman Honored in Washington
The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation names Josh Churchman as the “National Volunteer of the Year” at its annual event in Washington DC. Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary Superintendent Dan Howard comments on Churchman's contribution as a charter member of the Sanctuary's Advisory Council and on the ceremony in Washington.

Local Rock Fish Season Opens Saturday
We speak with veteran Bodega Bay fisherman Captain Rick Powers of the New Sea Angler to learn about the easy rock fishing in our local ocean waters.  Bodega Bay sportfishing boats can be booked at www.bodegabaysportfishing.com, www.bodegabayfishing.com and www.missanitafishingcharters.com.

and Thursday, June 11

Stimulus Funds Arrive in West Marin
$800,000 is earmarked for Giacomini Wetlands and Tomales Bay water quality projects of the Tomales Bay Watershed Council and Point Reyes National Seashore Association, but the organizations still are suffering from the State budget freeze of their grant funds in December. We hear from Neysa King of the TBWC and Andrew Lowry of PRNSA.

The Herbicide Glyphosate Will be Tested by MMWD
The Marin Municipal Water District plans to test the half-life and mobility of glyphosate in the Mt. Tamalpais watershed.

Conviction for Drunk Driver of Bolinas-Stinson Schoolchildren
Albert Coles of Stinson Beach was convicted by a jury and will serve 60 days for DUI and child endangerment.  Four local children spent a night in protective custody when he was arrested in October while driving them on a school trip to Mono Lake.  Sheila O’Donnell reports.

Coastal Permits Sought for Two Bolinas Projects
A new path from the Bolinas Middle School to the Mesa Road intersection and a new home on Aspen Road are on the Deputy Zoning Administrator’s agenda for Thursday.

and Tuesday, June 09

Pt. Reyes Station Enjoys Western Weekend
The 60^th Western Weekend was a traditional celebration of the culture and fun of West Marin.  Tom McGrath of the Nave Patrola, Western Weekend Queen Mindy Borello, and Inverness Garden Club former President Carrick McLaughlin share the excitement.  Jacoba Charles reports.

Forest Knolls Man Arrested in Lagunitas for Alleged Burglary and Armed Assault
Jason Green of Forest Knolls is in jail on charges of burglary and assault with a firearm after an incident at Barranca Road in Lagunitas.

New Survey on Local Bee Colonies
39% of Marin County bee colonies failed, according to a new survey by Bonnie Ballenger.  Nationwide, bee colony collapse disorder seems to be declining, but the levels are still too high to sustain the population.  Sandy Duveen Reports.

Expansion of Local Marine Sanctuaries to be Pushed in Washington this Week
A special meeting on Capitol Hill on Wednesday will advocate pending legislation to expand our local National Marine Sanctuaries north to Pt. Arena. Richard Charter explains.

West Marin Commons Considers Purchase of Pt. Reyes Station Lot
Mark Switzer and Gary Ireland of the West Marin Commons present their ideas for community use of the vacant lot at the corner of Highway 1 and 4^th Street, across from Wells Fargo Bank.

Coast Guard Inspects Tomales Bay Navigational Buoys and Plans Changes
KWMR joins a Coast Guard team as they inspect and decide to recommend changes to the navigational buoys at the mouth of Tomales Bay, where many boaters have lost their lives.  Local sailor Will Kent comments.

Dewey Livingston Presents a View of Western Weekend in 1950
Historian Dewey Livingston looks back at Pt. Reyes Station in June 1950, when the rural village hosted its second celebration of what was to become Western Weekend.

Inverness Association Discusses Removal of  "Launch for Hire" Boathouse Deed Restrictions
The deed restrictions on the “Launch for Hire” Boathouse may be lifted in an effort to help the owners get permits to rehabilitate the building; Madeline Hope and Stefan Kirkeby explain the problem.  The Board also considered use of non-sprayed herbicides to kill pampas grass and approved a letter to the Planning Commission regarding the Local Coastal Program asking for a better balance in favor of local serving needs vs. visitor-serving developments.

The Tomales Community Services District Had a Contentious Meeting
A proposal to expand the District’s sphere of influence, which many regard as a step to development of the Michael Sass properties and a threat to the water supply, provoked a heated community meeting.  We get a report from the West Marin Citizen, with John Tornes reporting, including quotes from Commissioner Walter Earl, Design Review Board President Bruce Bramson, and realtor Karen Karlow.

Ellie Rilla Leaves UC Cooperative Extension
After 21 years with the University of California Cooperative Extension for Marin County, Director Ellie Rilla is moving on. Watershed advisor David Lewis will replace her.  Lyons Filmer reports.

Bolinas Residents Voice Opinions on Bus Service
Marin Transit hosted a Community Meeting in Bolinas Monday night, and got an earful from locals.  Sheila O’Donnell reports,

Celebration of GGNRA Superintendent Brian O’Neill’s Life
KWMR’s Brenda Kohn attends the ceremony to honor the long-time GGNRA Park Superintendent, who will be greatly missed.

Much of the GGNRA Authority in Tomales Bay May Be Terminated
The 1000-foot strip of bay water along the east shore of Tomales Bay may no longer be part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area under a State Lands Commission proposal, at least for a while.

Park Rangers and the FBI May Get More Enforcement Authority in the GGNRA
Under a proposal before the State Lands Commission Today, major crimes in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area lands in Olema and Stinson Beach will be subject to Federal prosecution. Colin Smith, Chief Ranger of the Pt. Reyes National Seashore, explains.

Local State Parks Face Closure; What Can We Do?
Fred Smith of the Environmental Action Committee of West Marin discusses the threatened closures and suggests that concerned West Marin residents contact State Senator Mark Leno at (916) 651-4003 before the State Legislature’s Budget Conference Committee meeting tomorrow.

Tomales Bay State Park Faces Closure Again
West Marin State Parks, including Tomales Bay, Samuel P. Taylor and the Marconi Conference Center, could be closed as State Parks funding is slashed in the proposed State budget.
Update: California State Parks announced Thursday evening that both Tomales Bay and Samuel P. Taylor State Parks are slated for closure.  Marconi Conference Center will remain open.

Pt. Reyes Lifeboat Service Recalled on Memorial Day
The five Surfmen of the Pt. Reyes Lifesaving Service who gave their lives saving distressed ships were remembered on Memorial Day, and Park Ranger Kim describes their bravery.  John Neff reports.

Pt. Reyes Fire Station Gets a New Fire Engine
Captain Tom Nunes describes the new red engine, fully equipped for local fires, medical emergencies and terrorist attacks.

Park's Chief Ranger To Leave
Colin Smith, Chief Ranger at Pt. Reyes National Seashore for the past six years, and his wife Lynn Fosbender will be transferring to Olympia National Park this summer. Park Superintendent Don Neubacher comments.

Shoreline School District Faces Painful Choices as it Must Cut Cost
In a small example of things to come, pleas of students and alumni, including Lianne Nunes and Jolynn McClelland (ne Mendoza), save $2100 for popular FFA Advisor Bill Costanzo, and provoke a grim warning from Superintendent Stephen Rosenthal, who joined school principals in taking a voluntary cut himself.

Marshall Oyster Grower Seeks Processing Facility in Tomales
Martin Strain’s Pt. Reyes Oyster Company in Marshall plans to build a shellfish processing facility on agriculturally zoned land in Tomales, which will also offer retail sales and a picnic area to the public.  Bruce Bramson, Chair of the Tomales Design Review Board, says the Board favors the project, but seeks further information on a proposed community water system that Strain’s company will form with Tomales Farm and Dairy, which will supply water for the project. 

Ruling on Proposition 8 Felt in West Marin
The California’s Supreme Court’s ruling in favor of Proposition 8’s ban on same-sex marriages reverberates through West Marin.  We speak with Laurie Monserrat, whose same-sex marriage with Tor Taylor is still legal under the ruling. 

Permits Sought for Cell Phone Towers and Four West Marin Properties
Tomorrow the Deputy Zoning Administrator will consider development projects in Bolinas, Stinson Beach, Inverness and Pt. Reyes Station, plus the AT&T cellphone tower proposal at the Marin French Cheese Factory

THE DAILY WEST MARIN REPORT WAS OFF THE AIR FROM MID-JANUARY UNTIL LATE MAY, WHEN IT RESUMED WITH A VOLUNTEER NEWS PRODUCER

KWMR IS SEEKING TO EMPLOY A NEWS DIRECTOR
A JOB DESCRIPTION IS AT THE END OF THIS PAGE
PLEASE CONTACT KAY CLEMENTS, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.

Local Projects Suspended Due to Budget Freeze 

The California state budget crisis has required many West Marin projects to be suspended. KWMR reporter George Clyde interviews Nancy Scolari from RCD, Carlos Porrata of the Tomales Bay Watershed Council, and Elizabeth Ptak of MALT.

Dance Palace Honors Founder Carole Friedman

KWMR reporter Sandy Duveen attends the Dance Palace Community Center salute to Carole Friedman, the long-time Executive Director of the Dance Palace who retired on December 31.

Mushroom Poisonling on Mt. Tam

A 72-year-old grandmother and her twin grandchilderen are expected to fully recover after eating poisonous mushrooms on Mt. Tam.

Nicasio Volunteer Fire Department to Elect Officers

A fire department election in Nicasio on January 13th.

Traffic Delays Near Dogtown

Slide repair on Highway 1 south of Dogtown cause delays for Bolinas residents.

1.  Elizabeth Whitney, Editor of The Bagpiper, will coordinate community dinners in Inverness.

2.  Is West Marin exempt from the Spare-the-Air Day ban on burning wood? Kristine Roselius, Senior Public Information Officer of the Bay Area Air Quality Management District says no. However, the regulations are not clear and the District's lawyers are preparing a written legal interpretation.

1. The California Coastal Commission agrees to consider the Lawson's Landing permit application.

2. Part 2 of KWMR's coverage on the Marin County rodent infestation. Eric Brenner speaks with Jim Wanderscheid, District Manager of the Marin/Sonoma Mosquito & Vector Control District.

1. The Point Reyes Light and the West Marin Citizen are not going to merge at this time. Joel Hack, Publisher of the West Marin Citizen, explains the circumstances.

2. The future of West Marin's villages may be determined by ammendments to the Local Coastal Plan. KWMR speaks with Jack Liebster, Principal Planner of the Marin County Community Development Agency, and with Fred Smith of EAC.

1. KWMR speaks with Kathy Graham of Marin General Hospital for an update on Luiz Alvarez, who crashed his speeding vehicle into trees on Saturday night.

2. Part 1 of KWMR's report on the apparent rodent infestation in West Marin. Eric Brenner speaks with Richard Estrada, owner of ATCO Pest Control.

1. A West Marin man suffers major injuries after smashing into trees in Woodacre.

2. KWMR hits the streets of Point Reyes Station and speaks with local business owners about their outlook for 2009.

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

NEWS PRODUCER

            KWMR is a not-for-profit FM community radio station based in Pt. Reyes Station and broadcasting to nearby West Marin Communities, including Inverness, Marshall, Olema, Nicasio, Stinson Beach, Bolinas and the San Geronimo Valley – about 11,000 homes. In the last 10 years, KWMR has become an important part of the life of the area, providing 24 hours of programming daily, mostly live and locally produced by 100 dedicated local volunteer radio hosts. Our studio is at the Creamery building in Pt. Reyes Station.

            In late 2006 KWMR inaugurated a local news program, “The West Marin Report”, Currently the program is produced three times a week and is broadcast four times a day weekdays and twice on weekends.  The program is the only source of current local news and radio voice interviews in the region, and has become very popular and respected in the community.

            We are currently producing the program with a volunteer producer, who is doing much of the editing and reporting.  We are seeking a highly motivated individual to take over this position as a senior member of the KWMR staff and to continue developing all aspects of the program and KWMR’s news activities.  The current volunteer producer, who is an enthusiastic supporter of KWMR and the local news effort, will continue as a volunteer reporter working under the new producer.  A goal is to have a daily edition of the program eventually.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE NEWS PRODUCER

• Manage the KWMR News Department.
• Produce and “anchor” the West Marin Report news program, with primary responsibility for the development, reporting, editing and production of all content.
• Recruit, train and oversee several volunteer reporters covering particular subjects or geographical areas.
• Maintain contacts with all regular sources of local news.
• Chair the KWMR News Editorial Board at its weekly meetings to help identify stories and issues for future coverage.
• Prepare and post short summaries of and links to archived news programs on our news web page, along with associated news materials and resources.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

• Experience in radio production and editing, including news stories, interviews and features.
• Excellent writing skills.
• Work well under deadline pressure without direct supervision
• Ability to attract, train and manage volunteer reporters and to work with other KWMR Programmers.
• Computer skills, including ability to use the Internet for journalism research.
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule as required by the news reporting, including some evenings and weekend hours as necessary.
• Willingness to become significantly involved as a journalist within the local community, preferably living in West Marin.
• Excellent communication skills.

SALARY

• Depending or qualifications, and consistent with non-profit and entry-level journalism compensation, currently on a two-thirds part-time basis, including medical insurance coverage, and 401(k) contributions.
• 2 weeks annual vacation.

OPPORTUNITY

            The KWMR news program, while very successful, is only in its third year, and there are many needs and opportunities for its further growth. These circumstances present both a challenge for the News Producer, as well as an opportunity for him or her to build the KWMR news efforts, with the News Producer assuming full-time management-level responsibilities and a considerable increase in compensation.

KWMR streams on-line at www.KWMR.org, and archives of news programs are available by clicking “Local News.”

HOW TO APPLY

            Mail or email resume and cover letter to KWMR Job Search, POB 1262, Point Reyes Station, CA 94956; kay@kwmr.org. 

            KWMR is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex or sexual orientation.