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Stay overturned, but same-sex marriages on hold until August 18

Judge Vaughn Walker, who just last week overturned a ban on gay marriage ruling it unconstitutional, has lifted a stay on his decision opening the door for gay couples to get married beginning next week on August 18.

Dozens of same-sex couples had lined up at San Francisco City Hall hoping for a chance to get married today, but Judge Walker kept the stay in place in order to give supporters of Proposition 8 an opportunity to appeal to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. They were expected to file an emergency appeal immediately after Walker lifted the stay.

Those same supporters had originally requested the stay on Walker's decision to remain in place until an appeal on his original ruling could be heard. That appeal will be also be heard in the 9th Circuit Court, and could   eventually land in the U.S. Supreme Court.

Interestingly though, in his ruling on lifting the stay, Judge Walker suggested that the case may not make it to the U.S. Supreme Court at all.

Prop 8, which banned same-sex marriage, was enacted into law by a slim majority of California voters in 2008, just six months after the state Supreme court legalized it.

Senator Mark Leno reacts to Prop 8 ruling

State Senator Mark Leno (D- SF & Marin) released this statement after Judge Vaughn Walker's ruling deemed Proposition 8 unconstitutional--

"Today's decision is a landmark victory for California and all caring couples who wish to make lifelong commitments to one another through marriage. Triumphantly we send the resounding message to the world that all people are treated equally under the laws of our nation. This decision not only upholds the constitutional right to marry for same-sex couples, but also affirms our fundamental rights as human beings, which for so long have been denied. The decision underscores the respect, dignity and validation which all loving couples deserve.

As we celebrate today’s decision, we must never forget how far we have come, or the courageous leaders upon whose shoulders we stand. They had certainly envisioned this day, but did not live to see it. It is through their courageous blood, sweat, tears and sacrifice that we found our victory.

In the words of the Declaration of Independence, ‘We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men (and women) are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.’”

Prop 8 ruled unconstitutional

Gays should be allowed to marry in the state of California, and to bar them from doing so, is unconstitutional.

That was the expected ruling, released today by federal Judge Vaughn Walker in U.S. District Court in San Francisco.  Judge Walker presided over a non-jury trial in a federal lawsuit brought by two gay couples against the State of California for enacting Proposition 8, the anti-gay marriage initiative. 

From the ruling--

"Proposition 8 fails to advance any rational basis in singling out gay men and lesbians for denial of a marriage license. Indeed, the evidence shows Proposition 8 does nothing more than enshrine in the California Constitution the notion that opposite-sex couples are superior to same-sex couples. Because California has no interest in discriminating against gay men and lesbians, and because Proposition 8 prevents California from fulfilling its constitutional obligation to provide marriages on an equal basis, the court concludes that Proposition 8 is unconstitutional."

The defendants in the case are expected to immediately appeal the decision to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, and from there the case could very well go to the U.S. Supreme Court.

There are some reports that Judge Walker also issued a stay on his decision in order to consider arguments on enforcing a ban on Prop 8. That means no same-sex marriage licenses can be issued yet. Prop 8 backers had filed papers in court asking that should Judge Walker rule against them, that he leave the ban on same sex marriages in place until the appeal is heard.

Thousands of gays, including many in Marin, were legally married in 2008 before the Prop 8 ban went into effect. A small majority-- 52%-- of Californians voted for Prop 8.

Gay rights groups are holding rallies statewide following the ruling, including here in San Francisco. That one begins at 5:00 p.m. in the Castro with a march to the Civic Center ending with a rally at 6:45 p.m. Here in Marin, Spectrum will host a celebration at Jason's Restaurant in Greenbrae at 6:00 p.m.

Medical marijuana not welcome in 'mellow' Marin

Here's a study in contrasts.

The Oakland City Council just approved an ordinance which would allow large-scale marijuana growing operations to provide medical pot to Oakland's medical marijuana dispensaries. That's right folks, Oakland.

Meanwhile, Marin is fighting tooth and nail to get rid of its existing cannabis dispensaries. Corte Madera just filed a lawsuit against one of two dispensaries in that town, and officials in San Rafael have ordered another one there to shut down. There are also efforts to close another dispensary in Kentfield.  The one exception seems to be Fairfax where city officials recently approved delivery service of medicinal pot to patients. 

Proposition 19, the so-called "Control & Tax Cannabis" initiative which is on the November ballot, would make growing and possession of pot within certain guidelines, legal. A recent poll by CBS5 seems to indicate the prop has a good chance of passing.  It seems most Californians are OK with it.

But not Marin.

Have a coffee and get wired

Next month, picking up a double latte won't be the only thing getting you wired at your corner Starbucks.

In an effort to lure back lost business, Starbucks will begin offering free Wi-Fi to customers beginning July 1, 2010. The iconic Seattle-based coffee company saw much of its market share slip away to competitors like McDonalds after the burger restaurant revamped its coffee selections to mimic Starbucks. McDonalds also offered free Wi-Fi.

In addition to the free WiFi, Starbucks announced customers would get free access to other websites with pay walls including The Wall Street Journal, and free digital downloads from Apple Inc.'s iTunes, USA Today and Zagat.

With about 20 Starbucks locations in Marin, that's a lot of Wi-Fi.

Where to watch the World Cup (without going to South Africa...)

Once every four years, a sporting event takes place which unites the world for a brief few weeks.

No, we're not talking about the Olympics.

We're talking World Cup Soccer!! Ok, well maybe here in the U.S. we aren't quite as fanatic about futbol as the rest of the planet, but with news about it everywhere, you can't help but get caught up in the fun.

Click here to find out where you can settle down with other fans and watch the action!

Marin man organizes nationwide benefit for Gulf fishermen

A Sausalito businessman, Jimmy Galle, has convinced dozens and dozens of restaurants across the country to donate a portion of their profits to help the Gulf Coast fishermen.

Dine Out For The Gulf Coast is a three-day event on June 10,11 and 12 where participating restaurants can set aside a percentage of their profits to help the ailing fisherman. Restaurants who feature Gulf fish on the menu, are also encouraged to highlight those items to draw attention to the fact that 70% of Gulf fish is perfectly fine. 

Here in Marin, Picco in Larkspur and Bungalow 44 in Mill Valley are joining San Francisco and the rest of the nation to help out. Check out this KTVU video report for more on the story. 

DUI checks in Marin and elsewhere this holiday weekend

The CHP, police, sheriff and other law enforcement personnel will be out in force this upcoming Memorial Holiday weekend, with multiple DUI checkpoints as part of the continuing Avoid DUI campaign effort.

Here in Marin, the DUI enforcement kicks off on Friday, May 28th with a DUI and Driver License checkpoint in Farifax from 7:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. in the 700 block of Center Blvd.  

The Avoid DUI campaign seem to be working, at least according to a press release from the San Rafael Police Department. They cite a drop of 26% from 2007 to 2009 in alcohol-related deaths and injuries during Memorial Day weekends.

The coolest new way to find parks, trails & campgrounds near you

Check out this cool, new website just released courtesy of the California State Parks!

Called FindRecreation, the website combines state-of-the-art 3-D interactive maps, hi-res aerial imagery, transit, hours and location information in a user-friendly format to locate parks, trails and campgrounds for the entire state! And these aren't just California state parks-- as the site says, "The locations reflected by this search engine include not solely State Park properties, but all public park and open-space lands, regardless of ownership, throughout California." That's a lot of parks, people!

There are several ways to search-- by typing in your address, or city or park name. When you type in your address, you can indicate a search area ranging from 1 mile to 30 miles away. We typed in our address and were surprised to find dozens and dozens of public parks within a few miles, ranging from the magnificent Muir Woods National Monument to tiny third-of-an-acre Menke Park in Corte Madera.

So handy, and just in time for summer!

Cannabis conversation abounds

Just like the smell of a burning joint, conversation about marijuana and legalization is hard to avoid these days.

California is at the forefront of the debate with one initiative awaiting a vote in November and several pieces of pending legislation related to decriminalization and legalization. 

New fault map shows major quake potential along North Bay faults

A newly released California earthquake fault map indicates a significant quake (over 7.0) could occur in the North Bay, specifically Santa Rosa. Researchers from the California Geological Survey (CGS) say stress from the much feared Hayward Fault could transfer to the Rodgers Creek and Maacama Faults in the North Bay, triggering large quakes.  The last fault map released by the CGS was in 1994. Here's an ABC7 internet report--

GG Bridge to close sidewalks next two Sundays

If you--or anyone you know--are planning Sunday morning stroll or bike ride across the Golden Gate Bridge next week or the week after, you should plan accordingly.

On those days, both sidewalks will be closed for several hours to accommodate runners from two different marathon races.  

On April 11, bridge walkways will be shut down to pedestrian and cyclists from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. where upwards of 2,500 runners are expected to participate in the U.S. Half Marathon race which begins at SF's Aquatic Park. Then the following Sunday, on April 18, from 7:30 a.m. to around 10:00 a.m., both sidewalks will again be closed for runners in the annual Presidio 10 race.

The Golden Gate Bridge District will be providing a free shuttle service for inconvenienced bike riders and pedestrians, which will operate in both directions across the Bridge. The shuttle will stop in the clearly marked designated area SOUTH EAST parking lot and on the NORTH SIDE of the Bridge at the northbound Alexander Avenue off-ramp bus stop area.

Countdown to Earth Hour

Ready set...turn off those lights!

The countdown to Earth Hour is on. This weekend, on Saturday March 27, everyone world-wide is being asked to shut off the lights for one hour at 8:30 p.m. local time, wherever they may be. We're talking homes, businesses and government agencies all around the world. It's part of an eco-conscious effort to draw awareness to climate-change by halting energy consumption for one hour.

Last year, the lights went out at the Empire State Building, the Sydney Opera House and even the Eiffel Tower! This year organizers expect 115 countries to participate. Here in the U.S., the lights will dim at Washington D.C.'s National Cathedral, the Seattle Space Needle and even on the perpetually light-up Las Vegas Strip. California joins 25 other states nationwide as an official "Earth Hour State" because of a commitment to turn off the lights at the state capitol building in Sacramento. Locally, the Golden Gate Bridge will go dark as well.

In this case, it's a good thing to be "in the dark!"

Honeybee die-off continues

In October of 2008, MoreMarin posted a story about a mysterious mass die-off of honeybees, called Colony Collapse Disorder or CCD. Entire hives of honeybees, arguably one of nature's hardest workers, were simply dying and there was no single explanation for the cause.

Fast forward nearly two years and the problem has not abated. In fact, according to this just published article, it's gotten worse.

Tsunami warnings cancelled for Hawaii, California

Update 4:40 p.m.: The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center has lifted the warnings for the California and Hawaii regions. The tsunami produced surges that were not as large as feared and officials at the Center were quoted as saying Hawaii "dodged a bullet."

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A massive 8.8 earthquake in Chile has prompted a tsunami warning for the California coastline. In fact the catastrophic temblor has set off warnings for coastal areas in the entire Pacific region.

Numerous high waves and tsunamis have already been reported in the Pacific. Here is a list of potential spots in California that might experience surges which are expected around 1:30 p.m. this afternoon.

Local authorities are already issuing warnings to boat owners and residents along low-lying coastal area here in Marin including Sausalito and Belvedere.

Hawaii is particularly in danger where waves could reach heights not seen since the 1960s. According to live reports, Hilo could be hardest hit like the destruction they experienced following quakes in Alaska in 1946 and also Chile in 1960.

Follow this live feed and this live feed on the internet for Hawaii warnings.

NOAA color graph of expected Tsunami severity

Graph of expected ETA of Tsunami in Pacific region

Video of the quake as it hit Chile

Trailside Killer linked to another murder

David Joseph Carpenter, the so-called Trailside Killer who was convicted of of murdering seven people in  Marin and Santa Cruz counties in the 1980s has just been linked by DNA to an unsolved San Francisco murder.

The 79-year-old Carpenter, who is currently in San Quentin and awaiting execution, killed 6 females and 1 male all on remote hiking trails, including Mt. Tamalpais, which earned him the "Trailside Killer" moniker.

The San Francisco case involved a 23 year-old SF resident, Mary Bennett, whose body was discovered buried near Lands End in October of 1979. Bennett had been stabbed multiple times in neck, back and chest, and her murder was never solved. Until now.

Crime lab investigators detected DNA from a male on evidence collected from the murder scene. When they ran the DNA, they made a match to Carpenter's DNA which was already on file. Detectives got another recent DNA sample from Carpenter to confirm the match. 

Read more in the SFGate.

Sea lions back in the SF bay

The sea lions that disappeared suddenly from Pier 39, seem to be making a comeback. Sausalito Marine Mammal Center's spokesperson Jim Oswald said they are returning, because they aren't bothered by sharks here. Although there are far fewer than the hundreds and hundreds that littered the docks, the return of even a few dozen, is a welcome sight for tourists. Here's an ABC7 internet report--

Welcome to our National Parks and don't forget to duck

Beginning today, it is legal for someone with a license to carry a concealed and loaded firearm, to bring it into nearly all of the nation's National Parks including Muir Woods, the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and Point Reyes National Seashore here in Marin.

A person who has a legal right to carry a firearm was not permitted to do so in a National Park under a federal law enacted in the 80s, but that law was overturned during the Bush administration. Now someone can bring a gun into a National Park in states that allow an individual to carry concealed firearms, and California is one of those states.

There are a few exceptions; no firearms can be brought into visitor centers or rangers offices which are federal buildings which don't allow weapons. And of course it is still illegal to hunt in National Parks. 

Gun rights advocates insist parks will be safer, but many, including park rangers bemoan the new change. Bill Wade of the Coalition of National Park Service Retirees was quoted in the Washington Post--

"Visitors are going to go to national parks with an increased amount of suspicions and weariness and concern," Wade said. "Worse, he said, the new law will erase the park system's reputation as a place of solitude and safety."

Read more in the Washington Post.

2009 Golden Gate Bridge suicide count released

31 people jumped to their death from the Golden Gate Bridge last year, a slight dip from the previous year's 34. Over 1,300 people have committed suicide since the bridge was built in 1937.

Last year, only twenty bodies were recovered by the Coast Guard and given to the Marin Coroner. Several others were recovered in other counties, or never recovered but the jumps were either witnessed or recorded on security cameras.

This information comes from the Marin Coroner's office who also take the opportunity to make the push for a barrier, a longtime controversy-

"Last year 31 people took their lives at the Golden Gate—Completing a decade of tragedy with hundreds of lives lost for want of a proper safety rail or net. This tragedy has now been going on for over 72 years." 

In 2008, the Bridge District voted to move ahead with a proposal to erect a net barrier but further studies and funding efforts are needed before it becomes a reality.

The storm on the ground, and up above

For North Bay residents, it could have been worse.

There were downed trees, some flooding and a lot of wind but not a lot of widespread damage.

Rainfall totals in the last 24 hours ranged from over an inch in Corte Madera to over two inches in Novato. Add that to the Monday and Tuesday's totals, and you've got a lot of rain. All this water has everyone wondering if we don't need to worry about the drought anymore. El Nino isn't all bad.

Series of wet, windy weather systems headed our way

The National Weather Service has issued a special weather statement warning Bay Areans that they are in for a whopper of week.

It all begins on Saturday with 'light showers' but then it gets worse on Sunday and into Monday where up to 3 inches are expected.

We get a short break Monday night but then it starts all over again on Tuesday where we'll get an additional 2-4 inches.

And then the whopper on Wednesday. According to the advisory--

"A very powerful jet stream is forecast to be over California by the middle of the week, while a deep surface low is positioned off the Washington coast. This has the potential to produce very strong winds and high wind warnings may be needed. By the end of the week ahead...total rainfall could 10-15 inches at the higher elevations and the potential for up to 20 inches in the wettest locations."

You can help

The photos of the devastation in Haiti which began as a trickle on Twitter, are now pouring in over cable and broadcast and they are truly horrifying; everywhere--smashed buildings and bloodied people.

The 7.0 quake has basically leveled a nation, and likely killed tens of thousands if not hundreds of thousands of its citizens. We may not know for days--even weeks--how many have perished because of the mountain of rubble. Poverty-stricken Haiti was a challenging place to live in the 'best' of times. In a disaster like this, it's unimaginable.

In Marin, members of the Haitian community are desperately trying to reach loved ones in the stricken homeland without much luck as this KTVU internet video report shows.

The outpouring of images, tweets and information have unleashed an outpouring of help, aid and relief. Everyone from the government to corporations to celebrities are donating resources and money. And so can you.

Here's a comprehensive list of organizations that are actively involved in the Haitian relief effort. You can also text "Haiti" to 90999 to donate $10. 100% of that passes to the Red Cross.

Oh, and Pat Robertson-- you can go to hell.

(photos courtesy of NECN.com and TIME.com)

Surf's UP!

Update!! Despite the huge waves, officials will NOT hold the Maverick's surf contest on Wednesday. Boo!

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Big wave surfers are probably already waxing their boards.

Twenty-foot high waves are expected to arrive late on Tuesday evening on the Northern California coastline. According to the National Weather Service, the sizable surf will produce huge waves from Marin (including Rodeo Beach pictured above) to the Peninsula, with waves lasting 18 seconds in duration. They will also produce strong rip currents.

This has been a banner winter season for big waves on the West Coast-- earlier in December, Hawaii got some monsters.

This week's swell is expected to last until Thursday evening.

Quake,rattle and roll

A major 6.5 magnitude earthquake struck just off the Northern California coast around at 4:27 p.m. on Saturday. The temblor was situated 26 miles west of Eureka in the Pacific and reports of feeling it as far south as Santa Cruz and far north as Oregon.

The National Weather Services' West Coast Tsunami Warning Center said there there was NO risk of a tsunami. There have also been several minor aftershocks reported.

As of this writing, reports are trickling in mostly about power outages, water breaks, gas leaks and property damage. So far, no reports of fatalities but minor to moderate injuries have been reported by KTVU.

Things have been rattling in California for the last few days when two jolts hit the Milpitas area. Both of those quakes were under 5.0 and did not produce any damage or injuries.

Twitter has been lit up with tons of tweets about the quake and the first twitpics are starting to come in.

Where have all the sea lions gone? (video report)

For nearly 20 years and as recently as a few weeks ago, hundreds of sea lions called San Francisco's Pier 39, home. Suddenly, except for a handful, they have disappeared. Experts at The Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito are looking into it-

No Yule log on Christmas

Bay Area residents will have to make merry minus the fire on Christmas. The Bay Area Quality Management District has just issued a Spare the Air/No Burn for Friday, December 25 (except for homes that rely on fire for heat). We have the Spare the Air widget on our website, so if you aren't sure about burning bans, just check our main page, left hand column.

And if you just can't live without your yule log, MoreMarin suggests trying this instead.

Lights back up on top of Angel Island

That which is dark, will soon be light.

Last year's fire on Angel Island burned a lot of brush and hillside, and it also destroyed lighting equipment used annually for the last 50 years to illuminate the top of the Island during the holidays.

This year, thanks to a generous donation by PGE, the "Angel Lights" will shine again.

The brand new lights are LED and solar-powered and will be switched on Thursday evening in a ceremony at the Corinthian Yacht Club in Tiburon from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in conjunction with it's "Angel Lights" Benefit. The benefit is a way to raise money for the beleaguered state park which has been battered in recent years by oil spills, fire and budget cuts. (Photo of night shot is courtesy of Angel Island Association)

GG Bridge District looking for ways to make money

Beginning today, the Golden Gate Bridge District will start accepting proposals for expanded concession-type businesses at the Bridge. Specifically, they are seeking firms who can provide  "interactive, educational visitor programs for the Bridge."

It's part of an effort to help stem a projected five-year $132 million shortfall. 

According to to the District-

"The development of a program for an enhanced visitor experience at the Bridge is envisioned to: (1) Provide high quality education materials via development and operation of a visitor center and (2) Provide safe and secure physical access to the Bridge for purposes of education as well as general experience in touring previously non-public areas of the Bridge."

The District promises to have the Request for Statements of Qualifications posted on their website by close of business today. Interested firms will need to have their proposal submitted by January 22, 2010, to be considered. The Board hopes to review the proposals sometime in February 2010. 

The District does not yet have a time-line for installation and opening of the interactive center.

Freebies - Holiday stuff, movies, art and giveaways

With Thanksgiving here, and Christmas just around the corner, who doesn't appreciate a few freebies?

We've got several sample giveaways, some holiday cheer, a very special art exhibit and a free movie screening of a classic that you won't want to miss.

Check it out!

Rowers complete 6 months and 6,000+ miles for a record (photos, video!)

Two British rowers who set out from Japan on May 8, 2009 to be the first to row more than 6,000 miles across the Pacific Ocean, have just rowed under the Golden Gate Bridge and into the record books.

They were greeted by a flotilla of boats, helicopters and well-wishers as they rowed under the bridge shortly before 8:30 a.m. Friday morning.

The two rowers, Mick Dawson and Chris Martin, battled 60 foot waves, electrical and mechanical problems and nearly capsized at least once on the epic 6,000+ mile long journey they called Golden Gate Endeavour. The two rowed in shifts; two hours on and two hours off, 24 hours a day in a specially designed rowboat they named Bojangles.

There is a reunion with family and friends planned at San Francisco's Golden Gate Yacht Club where presumably someone will provide a hot, home-cooked meal--their first in six months.

(First photo is courtesy of John McCrea, the last four photos are courtesy of Duane Franks and we've added a KGO video too)  

        

CoCoCo supes approve Indian gaming casino near Richmond-San Rafael Bridge

Plans to build a $1.5 billion mega-casino along the Richmond waterfront have just taken another step forward.

Contra Costa County supervisors voted unanimously Tuesday to move ahead with the Guidville Band of Pomo Indians Point Molate casino plan, paving the way for a gambling resort complex that--in addition to a 124,000 square foot gambling hall--would include two hotels, several restaurants, shopping, entertainment and business facilities and over 300 units of housing.

If you swim in the Bay, you may want to read this...

Great white sharks which frequent the waters in Northern California between the months of August and December, have actually been tracked swimming inside the San Francisco Bay!

A study released on Tuesday from Stanford University, indicated that during 2007 and 2008, researchers recorded five separate instances of great whites touring the Bay.

The study took a comprehensive look at great white shark life habits, and found it is indeed a loner species. They never socialize with other sharks and maintain a precise schedule for migration patterns between Hawaii and California.

Because they feed on sea lions and seals, it's probably a good idea to avoid those creatures if you happen to be taking a fall-time Bay swim.

Wildcare rescuing, treating oiled birds from bunker spill

Oiled birds are beginning to show up on East Bay beaches, and Marin's Wildcare has been designated as the primary stabilization facility for treatment of the affected birds.  

On Friday the Panamanian bunker vessel Dubai Star, spilled fuel oil into the bay as the fuel was being transferred into the boat.  There is no word on the amount spilled, but the oil sheen was described as being "at least three miles long on Friday evening-- and spreading" according to the SF Chronicle.

Could bridge be reopened by the weekend, Friday even?

Update on 10/30 @ 10am-- Per Caltrans, the Bay Bridge will NOT be open in time for the Friday evening commute.

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Update @ 9:00 p.m.-- Caltrans say they may be able to re-open on Friday. We are keeping our fingers crossed.

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Update @ 5:45p.m.- Caltrans news conference announced that although they hope to have repairs finished by Friday, they do not have a time line for reopening the Bay Bridge. The repairs will be inspected by the Federal Highway Administration as well.

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We're hearing that there may be a possibility that the Bay Bridge could reopen by the Friday morning commute. CBS5 is reporting that possibility, but is also reporting that CalTrans had hoped to finish repairs today.

One can only hope it will be soon. 

Meanwhile, Marin drivers have had to endure traffic like this mess Thursday, in the early afternoon on 101 NB in Mill Valley.

Swine flu vaccines in Marin-- MIA

Update @ 9:00p.m.-- The Marin County Dept of Public Health reportedly just received 4,000 doses of vaccine for flu shots on Thursday according to the Marin IJ.  That's still well short of the amount of doses requested, and needed.

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"As of today, no H1N1 flu shots have been delivered to, or distributed in, Marin County."

If you called the swine flu hotline at the Marin County Dept. of Public Health on Thursday, that's what you'd have heard.  The recorded message goes on to say that "we anticipate initial delivery at the end of October or early November" but no specific dates are given. It's the same story in other parts of the Bay Area as well.

With the exception of a small distribution of nasal mist vaccine and some pediatric shots, the swine flu vaccine seems to be missing in action, except if you happen to live in San Francisco. 

Then you might be in luck.

Prolonged traffic mess expected in Marin

Delays, delays, delays.

The unexpected Bay Bridge closure brought the expected traffic jam calamity to Marin on Wednesday, and anyone who drives on 101, should gear up for more of the same. 

Caltrans is hopeful the problem can be fixed by tomorrow, but they still won't give any time frame for re-opening.

Golden Gate Bridge officials have made arrangements to open all lanes by 4 a.m. with four of those lanes going south bound into the city.  And the same going out of the city in the evening rush. They've also added an extra high speed ferry at Larkspur. 

We suggest trying out Steven Halpern's newest CD, Drive Time RX, which promises to quell the inner road rage warrior as you battle traffic.

Otherwise you might wind up like KRON4's Gabe Slate--

The Bay Area road to Kona, the Ironman World Championship

Splash and Dash with Dorette Sommer-Franks

Over the last several days I've taken a look at race stats and compared results for the numerous Bay Area triathletes who raced the Ironman World Championship in Kona a couple of weekends ago.

Oy vey, the list is long.

So long that I am unable to list each and every racer. Nevertheless, the numbers amaze me; not only does the Bay Area boast impressive quantities of people participating in the sport, we have a high number of triathletes who are good enough to qualify for the Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii. 

It's only the most prestigious and demanding course there is for a triathlon. 

Read about how the Marin and Bay Area triathletes fared in this years race by going to MoreSweat.

If it's raining, it must be Monday...

It was kind of deja vu today what with the unexpected rain 'deluge' that flooded Muni, the freeways and other spots.

It was only last Monday where we got the tail end of tropical typhoon Melor which swamped the Bay Area with wet, windy weather and dropped a ton of rain here in Marin.

If you think we're on course for the wettest October, you'd be wrong.  According to the SFGate, we're not even close.

Bridge toll hikes being considered

Drivers who make the trek from San Rafael to Richmond, or vice-versa may have to fork over another buck.

The Bay Area Toll Authority is meeting Tuesday to consider raising tolls--not only on the R-San Rafael Bridge--but also on several other Bay Area bridges. Those include the Bay Bridge, the San Mateo Bridge, the Dumbarton, the Antioch, the Carquinez and the Benecia-Martinez. The Golden Gate falls under a different agency is not included.

Toll increase proposals include options for raising tolls on individual cars and trucks, and even one suggests charging $3 for car pools!

Reasons for the increases? To pay for seismic retrofits on the Dumbarton and Antioch, to recoup money lost from a decline in drivers and for increased operating costs.

A final decision isn't expected until after the holidays. 

(Photo of Richmond-San Rafael Bridge is courtesy Wikipedia)

Storm stats and a photo slide show

The first significant storm of the season did not disappoint dumping over six inches of rain in Kentfield, cutting power to 3,200 people in the North Bay, and causing a big-rig accident that nearly closed down a bridge.

But so far,there are no reports of the major flooding that plagued some Marin communities a couple of years ago. 

Still, it was wet and wild for most of the county and it's still not quite over.

Some of the stats so far--

Wind gusts recorded at Pt Reyes Lighthouse of 63 mph, 52 mph in Woodacre, 53 mph on Mt. Tam and 55 mph on Inverness Ridge.

Rain totals so far; over 3 inches in Mill Valley area,  3.5 inches for Novato, over 4 inches in Pt Reyes, and a whopping 6.2 inches in Kentfield.

Creek levels rose, then fell, then rose again.  The Corte Madera Creek started the day at about 7 feet and rose to well over 11 feet during the height of the downpour. Monitors for both creeks in Fairfax and San Anselmo showed rises of at least two feet each.

The wind caused the Golden Gate Bridge to be closed to pedestrians, and the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge was a mess after a big-rig overturned around 3 p.m. closing down two east-bound lanes.  

PGE reports thousands without power including 3,200 customers in the North Bay.

Finally, there are the images that stats can't quite communicate -- NBCBayArea.com has a great slide show here.

(Radar shot courtesy of NOAA)

Follow the storm

Winter seems to have arrived.

If you're inside--and chances are you won't go out unless you have to--you can monitor the goings-ons without having to leave your computer.  We've got a list of charts, maps and graphs so you can monitor the creek levels, wind and rain totals.  

See, everyone can be a weather geek!

• Here's a satellite map of the entire weather system.  
• To watch storm track radars, check SF Bay here and long-range California here.
• Monitor creek levels for San Anselmo, Fairfax and Corte Madera creek here.
• The County, which doesn't monitor all the creeks, has a handy graph with the ones they do monitor here.
• Rainfall summaries of the places the County monitors can be found here.
• Here are maps of County of Marin flood stage levels here, wind velocity here, and rain totals here.

Jackson's death sure to inspire zombies to world record

The 3rd Annual Thrill the World event may be way bigger than the previous two years.

The annual homage to Michael Jackson's Thriller video--arguably the most famous music video ever--should be really big this year because...well, because Jackson died this year. 

You know how sentimental people can be.

Six Bay Area locales, including Sausalito, will host the dancers--read anyone--who wishes to show up in their best zombie attire, dance, and be counted in the simultaneous world-wide record attempt.

Huffman scores one for the consumers

Got solar panels on your home, or a wind turbine somewhere on your property?

Now you'll get reimbursed for the excess energy you create thanks to a bill just signed into law, courtesy of Representative Jared Huffman (D-San Rafael).

When it shakes, "drop, cover and hold"

This week marks the 20th anniversary of the Loma Prieta quake which clobbered the Bay Area on October 17, 1989 shortly after 5 p.m. in the evening.

Although not considered the "Big One", the devastating quake which registered 6.9 and killed over 60 people, shook for a full fifteen seconds.  And those in the know like to remind us that the Bay Area stands a very good chance of having another one equally as bad, or likely worse.

In the category of "let's remember and prepare", comes The Great California Shake Out.

Batten down the hatches

Or in the case of us landlubbers, close the windows!

Forecasters are predicting a large, wet and wild storm just around the corner.  It's supposed to arrive sometime Monday afternoon, storm all day Tuesday and partly into Wednesday.  It's the remnants of a typhoon, Melor, that battered Japan a few days ago.

Rainfall in the North Bay is expected to be heavy--between 2 and 4 inches!

Acclaimed Marin-based blues show in SF for one night only

Calling it the place where "Marley, Hendrix, Dylan, Elvis and Muddy meet," Jimmy Dillon and his band of merry music-makers will feature a special one-night-only performance of his highly acclaimed blues musical production, Ascension of the Blues. 

The performance is scheduled for Friday, October 9 at SF's inimitable Bimbo's 365 Club and will benefit Bay Area music programs for children.

The totally original musical journey Ascension, details blues' 200-year American history, from the roots on African slave ships to the Mississippi Delta to jazzy New Orleans to funky Detroit Motown.

Read more in MoreCulture.

North bay bakery featured in Michael Moore documentary

It's usually not a great thing to be featured in an Michael Moore movie (think General Motors in Roger and Me or the pharmaceutical companies in Sicko).

Well one company, Alvarado Street Bakery in Petaluma, is thrilled to be featured in Moore's latest effort, Capitalism: A Love Story, which opens today.

The documentary peers into the depths of the economic disaster and points the finger at corporate culture and greed as the culprit for the crisis.

According to this Press Democrat article, Moore and his filmmakers believe the bakery is a great example of a successful business that manages not to trample its employees or anyone else, while making a profit. 

The bakery is a co-op, that produces organic breads, bagels and rolls.

Spring camping reservations on hold for Marin state parks

Anyone who plans on camping this spring in a California State Park, is in for a surprise.

No reservations are being taken for camping in March and April with the exception of 23 sites in California according to an announcement on the parks website.

And Marin campers are totally out of luck.

Not one of the state parks in Marin that allow camping--Mt. Tam, Samuel P Taylor, China Camp and Angel Island--are listed among the 23. Most of the available sites appear to be located in Southern California.

Even though the state parks will not close as feared, they are operating under severe budget constraints. The park service website says they will let everyone know if the situation changes.

State park closure hearing prompts calls for action

The proposed closure of as many as 100 state parks in California, has residents angry, park agencies scrambling and some people proposing ideas and strategies for keeping them open.

Assemblymember Jared Huffman, whose 6th District includes Marin and parts of Sonoma, held a public hearing at Cavallo Point on Tuesday afternoon to discuss the impending closures.

Two state parks in North Bay reportedly will close

The Press Democrat is reporting that the highly popular, 5,500-acre Annadel State Park near Santa Rosa (pictured at left) and Petaluma Adobe (shown below) will be shuttered as part of the budget cuts.

The paper quoted a source in the Capitol as confirming the closure even though the official word has yet to come from Sacramento.

MoreMarin contacted the state parks department for reaction and Information Officer Sheryl Watson had this to say in response to the Press Democrat report.

"It could change.  We don't have a final list," she said, adding "There is only a draft list at this point." 

The final list--which may include up to 100 parks in California--was to be released around Labor Day but parks officials are finding the closure decision more complex than originally thought. 

There are seven California state parks in Marin County. They are- Mt. Tamalpais, Angel Island, Samuel P. Taylor, China Camp, Olompali, Marconi Conference Center and Tomales Bay.

KTVU also has an internet report on the reported closure here.