Bodega Bay Tidings by Patty Ginochio - May 2019

CAN YOU FEEL IT?? That urge to put your feet in the soft warm sand, dip your toes in the cool ocean, fly a kite, build a sand castle, buy some fabulous art, build a boat, go fishing, dine on delicious seafood & so much more. Yes, it is that time of year when the ocean nourishes our body and lets us enjoy all things Bodega Bay! Ahhhh!

CELEBRATING OUR FISHERMAN – Got your tickets to the Fisherman’s Festival on May 4th & 5th at Westside Park in Bodega Bay? Buy them today - Presale! Saturday begins with the Wooden Boat Challenge. Come cheer on your favorite team! Sunday is a special day when clergy bless the fishing fleet for a safe & prosperous season. Rick Powers, owner of The New Sea Angler, donates his boat so local clergy can bestow the safe blessings. Don’t miss the delicious food, the rockin music, arts & crafts, pet parade, wooden boat challenge and so much more! This festival donates thousands of dollars to a variety of coastal non-profits and is completely run by volunteers. For more info, visit http://www.bbfishfest.org/

BUY SOME CREATIVE ART OVERLOOKING THE OCEAN - The always anticipated Salmon Creek Artwalk is also on May 4th & 5th from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm & just a mile north of Bodega Bay. Come see their Open Studios and enjoy an “Artful Day at the Beach”. Visit www.salmoncreekartwalk.com to learn more.

A CELEBRATION OF KITES & CASTLES - Celebrate the joys of sandcastle building and kite flying at the beach with the entire family on Saturday, May 18th from 11:00 to 4:00 pm at Doran Regional Park in Bodega Bay. Amateurs and experts are welcome. Bring your own kite or purchase one from local vendors. Longtime sand sculptors will be on hand to work on elaborate creations to build the sandcastle you have always imagined. Second Wind - Bodega Bay (Kites, toys, sweets & fun!) co-sponsors this event with Doran Park. Call Second Wind to learn more at:(707) 875-9463

A HERO OF A VOLUNTEER – Bodega Bay Fire Chief Sean Grinnell and the Board of Directors of the Bodega Bay Fire Protection District, promoted Volunteer EMT,Steve Herzberg, to the position of Assistant Chief. Steve will serve with Chief Grinnell on the administrative, advocacy, and public information side of the District's mission. His current efforts are focused on regionalization, consolidation and improving the County’s Emergency Medical Services system — in a way that bolsters the ability of the public providers to serve their rural residents and visitors. Chief Grinnell’s goal was to make clear the important role that volunteers play in a staffed program, to place them in positions of responsibility and to reward their efforts. Bodega Bay is fortunate to have Steve as our hero volunteer. Send Steve a congrats atsherzberg@bbfpd.org today!

BODEGA BAY COMMUNITY FISHING ASSOCIATION (CFABB) – They are currently putting together a Seafood Farmers Market at their new property in Bodega Bay at Mason’s Marina. If you are interested in renting a booth at their market contact Laurin at laurinjohnson16@gmail.com for more information.

EARLY CRAB CLOSURE TO REDUCE WHALE ENTANGLEMENTS – Yes, these entanglements during migration are terrible and potential solutions are being sought but the last-minute decision to close the season early impacted our already challenged commercial fishing industry. From domoic acid, closure of abalone season, past poor fishing seasons & a long winter of rough oceans, our fishermen have struggled to stay afloat. How much more can they take? Aren’t they endangered too? In hopes the current Salmon season helps our local fishermen as early predictions indicate a bountiful one is upon us!

BODEGA BAY HAS SPOKEN - So proud of our little village finding its voice on important matters impacting this stunning coast. As I said at the CMAC meeting on the postponed, now rumored to be canceled, Sonoma Coast Marathon “I love Bodega Bay and will fiercely fight to protect it”. The Coast is not for sale. Drive, bicycle, run, swim, surf or walk it for free every day.

THE OCEAN IS CALLING - Don’t miss this beautiful time of year at the Coast. Remember“leave no trace” by taking all your trash. Help keep Bodega Bay Beautiful!