Round Up: “One Foot in Front of the Other”

While I did not participate in the dunk tank at Ember Stomp, I was there. My role was to help emcee the burn demonstrations. It was a low key (even with some big flames) educational set of burns. It seems that my West Marin peeps pretty much stayed on this side of the hill, though the event was very well attended. 

The burn demonstrations included comparing different barks and mulches and how they react to fire, a juniper and bamboo vegetation demonstration, embers through various vent materials, and some siding and gate burning. The burns were conducted by Fire Safe Marin Board members Todd Lando and Steve Quarles. Steve designed the demonstrations and he knows a great deal about fire science. Here is a great article about Steve. Todd is a Battalion Chief and did the igniting and both of them explained the process of the demonstrations. They were well attended and I was honored to be included.

So many things to see and do, and even eat, at Ember Stomp. You might want to check it out next year. One of my favorites was the Marin County Fire/PGE helicopter. They are in year three of their contract. Marin is fortunate to have such a great fire fighting tool. Bummed that I missed the dunk tank, but I was busy talking with folks at the KWMR booth between emceeing. 

Despite recent setbacks with our federal funding on August 17, there are good things afoot at KWMR. In fact, on August 18, 2025 KWMR was informed that our Construction Permit (CP) for the Tomales Booster project was granted. This project will take the 90.5 FM signal and direct it back into the town of Tomales, which currently has pretty terrible reception. KWMR broke ground on Thursday, September 4th and we expect that the project should take several months to complete. Big thank you to the Marin Emergency Radio Authority for giving permission for KWMR to live at yet another one of their tower sites. 

And while I was stompin’ mad about losing our funding I feel encouraged to walk into the future knowing that people value local public media. Those of you who have contributed to keep KWMR strong are the BEST! Thank you!!

Thank you for your support!

Amanda Eichstaedt
Station Manager and Executive Director + Development

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