Page 43 - Sonoma County Gazette October 2018

Abalone POACHERS BEWARE!! Fish & Wildlife personnel, with the able assistance of The Sea Ranch Security, other agencies and private citizens, successfully busted an organized Abalone Poaching operation! The illegal taking of this prized mollusk can be very profitable as the ‘Sea Snail’ is in short supply due to habitat degradation and loss.
Today I head a fire captain on the news say “We don’t have a fire season anymore, fires are now all year long”. I think this is very true. We all need to be more vigilant than ever as we work around our homes and our community. If you see something that is dangerous and could potentially cause a fire please do something. Report it or speak to the person if you feel safe in doing so. October is a long month as we will all be thinking of all the dangers of fire.
On Saturday October 20th at 4 PM at the Point Arena Lighthouse, Judy Bryan Mello will share stories and discuss the B Bryan Preserve. They are committed to the preservation of endangered African Hoof Stock. They offer tours of the ranch and have overnight cottages INFO: bbryanpreserve.com.
The bust resulted in jail time, a stiff fine and a lifetime ban for at least one. Thanks, I am told, to the strong handling by the Mendocino County Judicial System, the venue of the trial. Many involved with protecting the Abalone feel that Sonoma County should use Mendocino as an example; be tougher on Poachers, especially as our near-shore fisheries are in a state of collapse.
Many events take place in October:
Kayaking in the Russian River Estuary is always a rewarding experience, no matter the weather. We headed down there on a recent Sunday afternoon with our Hobie 2-seater strapped to the old pickup truck. As we passed the newly-opened Jenner Headland Preserve, we noticed the entire parking lot was full with all available highway-side pull-outs also packed to capacity. This has to be very satisfying to those who worked so hard to make this Coastal Hiking Gem a reality.
Now open, free to the public. Hike from the ocean to the top of Pole Mountain; to say there are World-Class Vistas is putting it mildly.
Wednesday, October 24th is the “Full Hunter’s Moon Night Tour”. Please visit the Point Arena Lighthouse web at pointarenalighthouse.com/visit/ calendar-2 for all the current updates and info on tickets.
Through the coastal meadows, up into the Redwoods and Firs & the headwaters of Sheephouse Creek (being healed and restored from its “logging days”), on overlooking Russian gulch as you hike to one of the highest locations on this part of the NorCal Coast. Truly magical with views down into the Bay Area on a clear day.
Before you visit the Point Arena Lighthouse take a walk with a picnic to enjoy the many many miles of beautiful coastline trails at the 1,665-acre Point Arena-Stornetta Unit of the California Coastal National Monument. This
is somewhat new to our community and many of you probably haven’t been out to visit. This place offers spectacular views of coastal bluffs, sea arches, the estuary of the Garcia River, and sandy beaches and dunes with eight miles of marked paths. This is a must do!
We lucked out and got a parking space in the lot near the boat launch ramp on the Estuary. I say we were lucky, because this little town at the mouth of the Russian River was bustling and busy. Parked cars lined the highway far to the south. Jenner has definitely been discovered by many seeking an easy, pleasant day trip from SF.
Gualala Art Center has several art show openings, classes, and of special note the Lloyd Meadows and the Tri Tip Trio music and dance evening taking place on October 5th at 6:30. This is an evening of Cajun flair with Zydeco tunes and dancing, tri tip steaks on the grill, Sus’s New Orleans style Gumbo, and homemade desserts by local Soroptimists International all in the Redwood Grove beneath the twinkly lights! What’s better than good food, good friends, and some good dancing?
Family FUN: On October 13th is the Gualala 10K, 5K, and 5K walk and the Kids 500 Meter Dash. Everyone can do this! The 5K Run and Fun Walk is an out-and-back course that follows the scenic Gualala River along a paved road through a majestic redwood forest. The 10K Run is an out-and-back course which follows the Gualala River along a redwood shaded, paved road for 1.6 miles then a firm, gravel road leads runners into a majestic redwood forest. Proceeds will help over 500 kids from Manchester, Point Arena, Gualala, The Sea Ranch, Annapolis and the Kashia & Pomo Indian Rancherias through the Across Ages and Cultures Substance Abuse and Violence Prevention.
Native Arts: On Saturday, October 27 at 11 am to 5 pm the 4th annual Native Arts Expo, made possible through the Global Harmony Series of the Gualala Arts Center, brings traditional and contemporary Native American artists together to exhibit particular art expression, share stories, and educate the general public on what is “authentic” Native American art. The day will open with a special presentation and chant at 11 am by Hula On! Productions and Halau Hula Na Pua O Ka La’akea, a Hawaiian Halau formed in March of 1996 by its Creative Director, Kumu Hula Shawna Kealameleku’uleialoha Ngum Alapa’i. Visit the gualalaarts.org/category/events/ page for all the details.
MUSIC: October 20th at 7:30 PM the Point Arena Theater hosts Nina Gerber and friends. Nina has been around our coast for a very long time, dating back to when Kate Wolf would play upstairs at the Arena Café. This is one event I don’t want to miss. Visit the web at arenatheater.org for tickets and details.
Music wafted through the air emanating from one of the ocean/river view decks behind Café Aquatica and the new Wine Tasting By The Sea & Gift Shop. Live music in this intimate setting set the mood for an enjoyable afternoon and evening.
Across the highway, Jenner Inn’s (jennerinn.com) recently opened restaurant and bar were doing a brisk business. At WaterTrek’s Eco Tours and Kayak Rentals (www.watertreks.com) Suki Waters was busy outfitting guests with SUP’s and Kayaks. WaterTrek’s central enthusiast, Suki is a local Native American descendant, guide and kayak instructor who has been working with the public in outdoor recreation, interpretation and safety since 1979. More than just a kayak rental, you learn local history and information found nowhere else.
As we unloaded the kayak at the terrific new boat launch, we ran into a gentleman packing up his binoculars. It was Larry Broderick, Raptor Expert, returning from a very successful day of bird counting at the Jenner Headlands Preserve. Larry was happy to report on the amazing hawks and other birds that are traveling through the area on their Fall migration South. He gave a very informative overview of his day’s activities. We spoke of the Bald Eagles that now live nearby and the best times to catch a view of them on the beach at the mouth of the river (mornings, before the crowds!)
We truly live in a natural paradise. It is so rewarding to see the Eagles and other rare birds once again making their home here.
And last, I want to honor a dear friend and Kashaya Elder, Violet Parrish Chappell. She passed away on September 16th at the age of 88. We first met close to 40 years ago while I was working with children in Annapolis. Many of the local schools would get the youth together for ‘play dates’ and we got to know each other well through our love of teaching. Paul Chappell, her husband of 60 years, said she followed her mother’s teachings, Essie Parrish, of the Kashaya way. She was a mentor to many of us. But what I know is that
I loved being around her at her kitchen table sharing stories. Our last time together, in August, we made huckleberry pies, a treasured moment. I will miss you dearly and deeply Violet.
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