7/12/08 *update* on Wildfires

Local crews, reenforcements from around the western states, and even some National Guard troops continue their extraordinary efforts to contain and ultimately control the fires burning in Mendocino County. As of Friday 7/11/08 Mountain View Road is CLOSED to through traffic. Please read the update on the link here: http://www.fire.ca.gov/downloads/incidents/Mendocino_FactSheet_071108_pm.pdf

In areas beyond that immediate location, life continues pretty much normally. Our coastal overcast has returned, temps are cool and comfortable, and our air quality is good!

 

We thought it would be good to post an update on the status of wildfires, road and travel conditions, and the air quality on our part of the coast. Also included here are some external links for specifics from CalFire and Mendocino fire authorities.

• The nearest fire is in the rugged terrain off Mountain View Road about 9 miles inland from Highway One.
• Gualala and Sea Ranch are in NO immediate danger.
• Gualala and Sea Ranch have good air quality at this time. Haze is aloft, and winds are favorable along the ocean.

For up-to-date official information follow these links:

• http://www.fire.ca.gov/index_incidents.php
• http://www.co.mendocino.ca.us/oes/fires.htm

Or, feel free to call our staff with any concerns you may have.

In addition to the fires in Mendocino County and surrounding areas, Big Sur is a focal point for resources at this time. We understand as of Saturday that evacuations and the overall situation there are affecting tourists with vacation plans. We’ve had calls from folks that are having to relocate at the last minute. We hope to be able to accommodate those that need vacation housing, as well as neighbors who are are trying to get to some fresh air.

Our coastal area is open to serve, and the air is much fresher here than almost anywhere in northern California at this point.

Remember to always check for the latest conditions before beginning a road trip, and always be prepared to take care of yourself; do not become part of the problem. Stay safe!

Schooner Gulch. High Noon. Be There.

Let this form a mental picture as you read.  A beach is filling with a small crowd. Some are in strange costumes that look like comic book strongmen or The Incredible Hulk.  A huge rope lies in the sand, marked in the center. The sun is just about to reach it’s zenith. The shrill screech of a fish hawk swirls eerily down to the surf.

The scene is in response to a call that has gone out across the land.  The first annual Point Arena vs. Gualala Tug-O-Rope is about to take place! It’s locals only (no ringers please). So, pick an end and P-U-L-L !  Costumes are encouraged (think “strong!”, the organizers say) as is carpooling.

Not a Local?  Come and watch!! This is going to be so fun! This brings out the very best of what we are as a community, just one of the brilliant facets of Redwood Coast living.

We’ll try to get some photos posted after Gualala wins the Tug!

Fireworks Update

The Gualala fireworks were shot down by the Coastal Commission. There will be some great fun throughout the weekend, however, and with this year being the Centennial celebration for Point Arena, they will be pulling out all stops!

The holiday schedule has been set. If you are a fan of old-fashioned small-town FUN! then you will certainly find some very satisfying choices:

Saturday July 5th in Point Arena

• The street fair starts at noon
• The most famous and best-ever FIREWORKS off the pier begin at dusk
• The Light Parade follows after the fireworks
• For late-nighters “Rebelution” will be playing live at the Arena Theatre

Sunday July 6th

• The best-ever Centennial Main Street Parade, right down the Highway in Point Arena
• Knights of Columbus bar-b-que
• The Acorn Family Picnic (it’s a Tradition!) at Bower Park in Gualala after the parade

I’m sure there will be more events that weekend, but this should get you up to the edge of your seat!