show menu

Bodega Bay Tidings by Patty Ginochio - April 2020

Fires, Floods, Power Outages, Evacuation, Caltrans closures & Covid 19. How about we talk about something else? Say our local “HEROES”? Many receive little recognition for all they do for Bodega Bay. These heroes make a positive impact in our lives. I reached out to Bodega Bay and asked who is your local hero? The response was incredible!

BODEGA BAY POST OFFICE – Overwhelmingly the Number 1 nominated! Kevin Bowes, Postmaster for Bodega Bay, Tomales, Valley Ford & Dillon Beach and let’s not miss mentioning the amazing Michele Gonzalez! Through rain, sleet & disasters they successfully managed our precious mail and packages. As Susan said “They are always working hard, and they are very nice and friendly. They kept delivering our mail during the evacuation for the Kincaid fire, and they continue to do so in spite of the Virus. Three cheers for them.” And Jeff said “As a commuter, I often get back to BB after hours. He is often there to bring my packages to me. Greatly appreciated and not expected.” Delette shared “What I haven’t heard much about is our FABULOUS Post Office staff. They always deliver and they go the extra mile. They stay open late…help get packages into cars…they are ALWAYS friendly.” Thank you Kevin and Michelle!

AMANDA BRYANT & THE BODEGA BAY AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BOARD – When Amanda became President a few years ago, from her first day, she was hit with community challenges. She fought CalTrans for closing lanes during busy weekends and actually made them listen, then through the floods, power outages and resulting slow business cycles. The Board members support her, but her Leadership has been key and appreciated! Thank you Amanda and the Chamber Board!

SHONA WEIR, OWNER OF BUSINESS SERVICES UNLIMITED – At the heart of the community is Shona. She volunteers in so many ways and her services are ones we can’t live without. You may not always know she is in the background doing lots of work for the different events - Fisherman’s Festival, Hitchcock Film Fest, all Chamber activities, Visitor Center, to name a small handful. Shona, your love for your community shines through. Thank you so much for all you do!

ALL OUR FIRST RESPONDERS – BODEGA BAY FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT, CHP, SHERIFF & PARKS – This community said our First Responders are always our heroes! Thank you to each of you for all you do and have done to keep us safe.

CAROLYN CONNORS & WAVES OF COMPASSION FOUNDATION (WOCF) BOARD - Carolyn is the President and has led this organization steadily forward. Thank you, Carolyn as many in the community recognized your compassion and hard work with the local food pantry and helping other coastal residents in times of need.

JIM MOORE & THE BODEGA BAY GRANGE – As President of the Grange, Jim has made it the hub of Bodega Bay for our Town Halls, Local Group Meetings, Food Pantry, Cioppino Feed (raising money for scholarships) and so much more. Now he is leading the effort to put a Commercial Kitchen in to comply with County requirements. During the Fire Storm 2017, Jim immediately offered the Grange for refuge and supplies. Thank you, Jim for loving the Grange and Bodega Bay.

FISHERMAN – DICK OGG, TONY ANELLO & LORNE EDWARDS – Representing the local fishing industry, these are just 3 of the local fishermen who have worked hard to represent the community needs. Organizing, attending meetings (many way out of town) and speaking up to make their voices heard. We are a fishing village and will always be. Thank you, Lorne, Tony and Dick and all the Fisherman for all you do!

JACKIE SONES & KRISTIN AQUILINO – For those of you who receive Jackie’s daily blog, you know how very special and important her role is to us and to science. She is the Research Coordinator at the UC Davis Marine Lab in Bodega Bay. Her research and blog provide us with insights into our oceans and land that we normally not have. Thank you, Jackie! Kristin is an Assistant Project Scientist at

UC Davis Coastal and Marine Sciences Institute “trying to save an adorable marine snail (abalone) from the brink of extinction”. Amazing ladies in science - we salute you!

We've moved our commenting system to Disqus, a widely used community engagement tool that you may already be using on other websites. If you're a registered Disqus user, your account will work on the Gazette as well. If you'd like to sign up to comment, visit https://disqus.com/profile/signup/.
Show Comment