DATE: June 7, 2013

PRESS RELEASE

MARIN COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE ROBERT T. DOYLE, SHERIFF-CORONER

Released By: Lt. Jamie Scardina jscardina@marinsheriff.org Identity of Deceased Female Found in Rural West Marin Identified

On June 6, 2013 at about 9:45am, the body of a deceased female was located by a hiker off the roadway along Sir Francis Drake Blvd. in rural West Marin. This particular area of West Marin is in the Point Reyes National Seashore and under the jurisdiction of the National Park Service. The Marin County Sheriff’s Office has been asked by the National Park Service to conduct the investigation into the circumstances leading to the death of the victim.

Sheriff’s Office detectives are currently conducting interviews with witnesses to determine a motive. There is no suspect or suspect description at this time.

The victim is identified as Trisha Hopfe a 31- year old resident with ties to the East Bay.  The Marin County Sheriff’s Office Investigations asks that anyone with information regarding Ms. Hopfe please call 415-473-7265.

Body Found Alongside Sir Francis Drake Highway

On June 6, 2013 at about 9:45 A.M., a body was discovered in Point Reyes National Seashore near Sir Francis Drake Boulevard in the area of the Platform Bridge Road. The body appears to be a female in late 20s or early 30s. The National Park Service has asked the Marin County Sheriff’s Office to lead the investigation into the cause of death. Marin County Sheriff’s Office Investigators and National Park Service Rangers will work together during this investigation. All further media inquiries should be addressed to Lieutenant Jamie Scardina at jscardina@marinsheriff.org.

Sonoma City Council Signs Resolution Calling for Investigation into National Park Service Request for Closure of Drakes Bay Oyster Company
Sonoma City Council Supports Drakes Bay Oyster Company’s Efforts Towards Providing Local Jobs and Its Model for Sustainable Agriculture. please go to Drakes Bay Oyster page on this site.................

June 13, 2013 

North bay group supports DBOC

Editor:

North Bay Leadership Council (NBLC) supports Drakes Bay Oyster Farm being granted a permit to continue to utilize the onshore facilities and thus preserve the last oyster cannery in California, a unique treasure in the North Bay. NBLC recognizes that the oyster farm produces 40 – 50% of all oysters in California and is an important local supplier of sustainable food. The oyster farm is also a key employer in job-scarce West Marin and an economic engine in the local economy. 

Cynthia L. Murray, President & CEO

North Bay Leadership Council

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Crop & Livestock Report 2012

By Lynn Axelrod

The Marin Department of Agriculture this month issued its annual Crop and Livestock Report for 2012.  Participation by producers is voluntary. 

The gross value of all production last year was the highest ever recorded, at slightly over $80.4 million. By historical contrast, in 2003 the gross value was about $50 million. Gross value is the return to the producer but not net profit, Ag Commissioner Stacy Carlsen pointed out. 

Full article published June 13 ......

West of the One

Change in the air for West Marin Catholic congregations

By Lynn Schnitzer

Parishioners of Assumption and St. Helen’s Catholic churches, in Tomales and Marshall, respectively, attended a recent meeting with Bishop Bill Justice and counsel John Henning from the San Francisco Archdiocese. At the meeting, Bishop Justice informed the gathering that Father Shouraiah Pudota, who had served as pastor to both parishes since replacing Father Robert White in 2011, was moving on, with June 30 being his last day. Also, it came to light that Father Pudota had requested a transfer and it was agreed to by the Priest Personnel Board and Archbishop Cordileone. “Many of the priests serving in the Archdiocese move, and this is the time of year that many priests receive a change of assignment,” said Bishop Justice.  

This week in the Citizen...........

Proposed Nicasio cell tower draws concern

By Sue Kline

Everyone in West Marin who drives the Pt. Reyes - Petaluma road and treasures the panoramic vista of water, pastoral fields, and gently rolling hills near the Nicasio reservoir should be aware that AT&T has recently applied for a permit to build a 66 foot high cell tower, the height of a 6½ story building, at the intersection of the Pt. Reyes – Petaluma Road and Nicasio Valley Road.

Read the full article in last week’s Citizen

 Grand Prize Winners of Western Weekend Parade Point Reyes/Olema 4H ! 

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Citizen launches new column – Birthday Celebrants wanted

If you’ve got a milestone birthday coming up, the Citizen wants to interview you. We define milestone as the following ages: 18, 21, 30, 40, 50, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 105, and every year after that as long as you, and we, are still kicking. And if you are a Latina celebrating your quinceanera, you too! 

You will be interviewed in a question-and-answer format, your replies published verbatim, free of any spinning by a pesky reporter. Be prepared to reflect philosophically about the

passing years . . . . And of course we’ll want a photo of your smiling – or brooding – face.

Step right up and email Larken Bradley at

LarkenB@aol.com. Or telephone (415) 454-3552.

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EAC appeals private stairway to Tomales Bay

By Lynn Axelrod

This Friday the California Coastal Commission hears an appeal by the Environmental Action Committee of West Marin (EAC) of the county zoning department’s after-the-fact approval of a private trail and staircase reaching down to Tomales Bay from Camino del Mar in Inverness. The property sits above Teachers Beach.

The step trail was built without permits some time after the current owners bought the vacation property in 2011. After a complaint was lodged, they applied to the county for a permit in September 2012 and received one this past April.

Full article Published June 13

“Palace Market Sam” visited by West Mariners in his restaurant in Sacramento 

The West Marin Citizen 

June 13- June 19

 Fire victims need immediate help.

Body found in Tocaloma-updates.

Urgent need for immigration reform.

EAC appeals private stairway to Tomales Bay.

The Citizen wants your photos! Send us a favorite photo of any subject for  our feature “Reader’s Photos” . Send by email to editor(at)westmarincitizen.com 

Update on Marin Carbon Project with John Wick.

see Planet Earth Salon