and Tuesday, July 14

Three More Stories of the Seashore vs. Drakes Bay Oyster Co.

·         Gordon Bennett of the Sierra Club says there will be new studies on the two key issues where the Pt. Reyes National Seashore was criticized in the National Academy of Sciences Report.

·         President Obama has nominated Jon Jarvis, who heads the Pacific West regional office for the National Park Service, to be Director of the National Park Service.  But, the Drakes Bay Oyster controversy and Dr. Corey Goodman’s objections follow him to Washington as his appointment is considered by the Senate.

·         And, the Marin County Board of Supervisors' Tuesday Agenda includes a request from Supervisor Steve Kinsey for support of Senator Dianne Feinstein’s rider to extend the Drakes Estero oyster lease for 10 years.

Fast Response to Grass Fire In Marshall
A grass fire in Marshall was quickly contained by 50 firefighters and three aircraft Sunday afternoon. Libby Coleman gives an eye-witness account.  A motorcycle accident appears to have been the cause.

Arthur Okamura of Bolinas Passes Away
Arthur Okamura, a long term resident of Bolinas, died on Friday of an apparent heart attack while walking near his home.  A full obituary will appear in next week’s Pt. Reyes Light.

and Thursday, July 16

Invasive Asian Kelp Could Affect Tomales Bay
Undaria pinnatifida, often an ingredient in Miso Soup, is working its way towards Tomales Bay, where oyster operations could be affected.  We speak with Christopher Brown of the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center and with Dr. Steve Lonhart of the Monterey National Marine Sanctuary.  Report any sightings of the kelp to SERCUndaria@si.edu - (415) 435-7128.

Marin County Supervisors Split on Support for Feinstein Rider
After extensive public comment, in a 3-2 vote the Marin County Board of Supervisors approved a request by Supervisor Steve Kinsey to write a letter supporting Senator Dianne Feinstein’s rider that would extend the Drakes Bay Oyster Company lease by 10 years.

“Night of Nights” With Morse Code from KPH
Richard Dillman tells us of the history and lore of KPH, the Morse code radio station established over 100 years ago, which is located at Pt. Reyes National Seashore.  It is being maintained, restored and operated by the Maritime Radio History Association. John Neff reports.

and the Weekend

Improved Housing Coming for West Marin Ag Workers
Farm-worker housing on West Marin ranches may improve soon as part of a $10 million affordable housing plan announced by the Marin Community Foundation.  We speak with Supervisor Steve Kinsey, Marin Community Fund President and CEO Dr. Thomas Peters, and Marin County Affordable Housing Coordinator Leelee Thomas.

Will Camping Be Banned on Bolinas Beach?
The Bolinas Public Utility District Board of Directors will ask Bolinas residents to vote in November on whether beach camping should be prohibited.

West Marin Is Focus for Research into Farming Methods that Trap Carbon
University of California scientists are studying how West Marin ranches can reduce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.  The research, funded with a grant from the Marin Community Foundation, may lead to farming methods that fight global warming and generate carbon credits.  KWMR reporter Jacoba Charles speaks with John Wick, who is Director of the Marin Carbon Project, Torri Estrada, who heads the MCF Climate Change Strategic Initiative, and Dr. Whendee Silver of the University of California.