Page 43 - Sonoma County Gazette 6-20

Humanity at home.
Once again I want to acknowledge the hardships many people
are facing. There are many things in our lives that have been turned upside down. We know this and I know we are all tired and even sad about hearing and talking about ‘this time’, but in all good consciousness I can’t write an article and ignore what many of our neighbors are dealing with. I ask you to reach out to neighbors with normal moments, with sincere thoughts and acts of kindness. Our community on the coast is very active, full of volunteers, and neighborly acts. Please find a way to reach out to those who need that love, or share a good story, or get the old band instruments out and play a tune so we can hear it. Put a smile on your face (even behind the mask) – and that will brighten someone’s day.
Well, I do have good news to share that might put a smile on
your face. The hard work and dedication of many in the Redwood Coast Land Conservancy, and those who offer support to them have received three grants totaling over $2.1 million to protect Mill Bend at the mouth of the Gualala River, the watershed surrounding this area, and create a working plan called the Gualala River Mill Bend Conservation Project. Wow! This is BIG. The grant awards are from US Fish and Wildlife Service through the National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Program, and California Natural Resources Agency through the Environmental Enhancement and Mitigation Program and the last grant was from California State Coastal Conservancy which offers site assessment and funds for a master plan. For more details please visit their website at https://www.rclc.org/ and to learn more about their wonderful projects protecting this resource, allowing access, and creating vibrant habitat for generations to come. Thank you thank you for this persistence to create this for all of us. This is truly GOOD NEWS.
A shout out to our medical professionals, firefighters, grocery store clerks, post office clerks, gas station staff, and all those providing essential services in keep us moving forward. Redwood Coast Medical Services is doing their best to keep everyone in good health with free screenings for essential workers and for non-essential. If you would like to be tested please contact them first to ask about availability and make an appointment.
If you plan on getting outside please call ahead to see if the parks are open and what services are available. Here is information about Fort Ross State Park - https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=449 and Salt Point State Park https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=453 however these parks seem to be closed. The Stornetta Public Lands look as though they are open – here is their info https://www.blm.gov/visit/search-details/10003970/2. Point Arena Lighthouse is closed until June or later. Here are the details https://www. pointarenalighthouse.com/ Gualala Art Center is offering a few virtual tours and musicals – here is the info http://gualalaarts.org/category/events/ . The Arena Theater continues to offer online programs – here is their web https:// arenatheatre.net/. And finally Ratna Ling is offering a few online classes to locals to stay well in body, mind, and spirit. Visit their website for classes and to get more information https://ratnaling.org/retreats/.
I send you all good thoughts. Many blessings!
It’s easy to get restless in these times. What to do with that energy? My hope for all of us is that we can make the most of our circumstances and grow through the difficulties, emerging as better people. Idealistic, maybe. But I challenge each of us to humble ourselves in the face of adversity. Let’s connect in this physically disconnected time.
One of the hardest parts for locals living in such a beautiful place, can be the amount of people that also seek it out as a destination. This is especially true for us who are close to the coast; inlanders rush to enjoy what’s essentially in our backyard. Though it can stress us in certain ways, I again urge us to be kind above all. I mean, wouldn’t you want some of that fresh ocean air even more if you were cooped up in a concrete jungle the rest of your time? Let’s be compassionate and give people the space they need, as we hope others would show the same for us.
Many of us might not even be bothered by sharing so much (in this tourist county of ours) and might just appreciate what it brings to the local economy. We are all interdependent and connected. Simple choices like shopping and ordering food when it’s less busy can keep congestion down in public spaces.
I never liked lines before, but definitely now.
Don’t forget how great walking can be. It feels great outside and
life seems normal. I love the new pressure-free lifestyle, as I’m not really expected anywhere. What a blessing it has been for me and baby Maia. When you do get a chance to get out for a drive, be sure to support local businesses, delighting in what is offered and showing them that we care for them and need their goods and services to stick around. If we work together, we can all grow through this. Let’s remember to survive by strengthening community so we can thrive as a unit. We get farther when we realize we’re all on the same team.
So get out and show some love if you’re able. Be safe, always. You can even show love from the comfort of your home, with just a little creativity.
Do you have any ideas?
What are you doing differently? How is this all going for you? I’d love to hear from you.
Seriously, I’d enjoy a personal email amidst emergency alerts, zoom reminders, event cancellations and corporate updates. I look forward to talking with you.
The Bodega Country Store has
a couple new offerings. If you
need seeds for your garden, they have you covered with Bohemian Seeds. They also have cute and comfortable handmade masks for only ten dollars each. All proceeds go directly to the local artisan. Has anyone else had that frantic “uh- oh, where’s my mask!” moment? I know I have, so I’m always grateful for another.
Blessings!
We are TRULY BLESSED!
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