Four Meetings This Week, and More to Come?  The Pt. Reyes National Seashore declined to debate their scientific findings about the oyster operations at Drakes Estero with Dr. Corey Goodman, but many still came to hear him Sunday. Then Wednesday the Park hosted an "open house" event on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement, one of three this week, and the Marine Mammal Commission may host a public meeting next month.  George Clyde reports on the meetings.  Links: Goodman Power-Point critiques of DEIS and Park Research; info re DEIS. <The Light said that there is a link to an audio recording of Dr. Goodman's presentation here, which is incorrect.>

Richmond Man Arrested for Nicasio Burglaries  A string of eight burglaries in Nicasio may have finally ended with an arrest and confession. Lt.  Barry Heying of the Marin County Sheriff's Office tells KWMR's George Clyde about how the suspect was identified and caught with stolen goods at his home.

About 50 Hikers Have a Rare Opportunity to Enjoy Spectacular Views of West Marin from Black Mountain  KWMR's George Clyde huffs and puffs with Jim Gault and Misty McCready and hears from Gianni Caiazzo, while MALT director Lynn Giacomini Stray sees her family's ranch from the mountaintop for the first time.  Mike Giammona and Dave Osborn tell about the ranching operations and where you can buy Black Mountain beef.

Distaff Thistle Threatens to Overwhelm West Marin Farmlands  The invasive weed, which is injurious to cattle, is a special challenge for organic ranchers who cannot spray, but everyone is affected as the thistle continues to spread.  KWMR's Jacoba Charles talks about the problem with Marin Resource Conservation District executive director Nancy Scolari, with organic rancher Sally Gale,  and with dairy rancher Dominic Grossi, who heads the Marin County Farm Bureau.

Piper on the Ridge at Mt. Vision, and Early California Orchestra at the Bolinas Muesum  Last Sunday brought surprising instruments and music to West Marin. George Clyde attends the annual "Piper on the Ridge" sunset event and talks with organizer Amy Trainer¸ and Shari~Faye Dell introduces the the Alta California Orchestra at a performance for the Bolinas Museum exhibition of  "Coastal Californios: Spanish Life in West Marin 1776-1876", curated by Dewey Livingston.

It's the End of an Era as Joel Hack, Who Founded the West Marin Citzen in 2007, Turns Over the Reins to Linda Petersen  KWMR's George Clyde presents excerpts from a reflective interview with Joel Hack about the Citizen's formation, its accomplishments, its people, and its future.  To hear or download the full 20-minute interview, click here.

SPAWN and Local Homeowners Restore Creeks for Coho Salmon The $90K major restoration project underway on San Geronimo Creek is one of several that SPAWN is undertaking in the San Geronimo Valley, mostly on private lands.  George Clyde speaks with SPAWN Watershed Biologist Carrie Sendak about the projects and working with local homeowners, and a property owner say it's working out well. Link to volunteer with SPAWN.