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Cazadero buckles down for long winter rain

I am awaiting the next predicted series of rainstorms on a dry evening. The mushroom hunters are happy and the majestic redwoods surrounding my cozy cyber-hut are sleek. As of now, we have received over 36 inches of recorded rain this season. The coastal hills are very green, and the grazing cows and cattle are happily munching away. We used to see a lot of sheep in fields near Jenner, but the proliferation of predators forced them to relocate. I noticed some calves on Hwy 116, near to Hwy 1 and am awaiting the wild irises to grow and bloom. This time of year offers a great opportunity to visit our beautiful coast with its many parks. Please do not go into the water, unless you are a surfer in a wetsuit. The sleeper waves are notorious and lethal. Breathe the briny air and await the presence of whales and dolphins, especially off Bodega Head.

The monthly meetings of the Cazadero Community Club will resume on Wednesday, March 6, at 7 p.m. at Firehall 1. Join your neighbors in planning events that will benefit the entire community. Coming up on Sunday, Sept. 1 (Labor Day weekend) will be the wonderful Old Time BBQ, to be held at the Cazadero Performing Arts Camp. This is a full afternoon of celebrating our community. Beginning with the always tasty steak and chicken BBQ, the Pie Contest, dessert table, bingo, children's games, bucket raffle, historical exhibits, and live music. A lot of volunteers are requiredā€”do sign up to help the Cazadero Community Club raise funds to donate to our fire department, Montgomery Elementary School, and other worthy organizations and projects. You may pay your club dues of $15 (individual) or $25 (family) to P.O. Box 3, Cazadero, CA 95421. Donations are always accepted at this address.

I urge you to register to vote and to study the upcoming propositions and candidates. The upcoming primary is on Tuesday, March 5. An important issue is Proposition H, which would add a half-cent amount to the county sales tax to fund the various fire districts in SOCO. These funds will be allocated by the individual districts, and will greatly benefit our small and vital fire departments.

Come to the Firehall on Saturday, March 2, for the Annual Pasta Night, organized by the MES Booster Club and sponsored by the Cazadero Community Club.

I wish a very happy anniversary or birthday to all February celebrants, and a belated, heartfelt happy birthday to our intrepid volunteer, Mike Nicholls, which occurred on Dec. 3. Celebrate and eat cake!

As Valentine's Day approaches, I hope that you will all enjoy a loving day.

Each second Wednesday of the month brings the wonderful Redwood Empire Food Bank's distribution to downtown Jenner. Available from 11 a.m. to noon adjacent to the "C" Store, where the helpful volunteers from the Jenner Community Club will place the groceries directly into your vehicle.

In between the raindrops, many of us are engaged in various projects. A terrific array of goods for house, garden, and vehicular needs is available at Cazadero Supply, including car batteries and tires. Do shop locally. The variety of shops and restaurants in Duncans Mills are easy to accessā€”be careful crossing the roadā€”and are often owned by Cazaderans. Both the Duncans Mills and Cazadero General Stores feature everyday groceries and many local products, including meat, smoked fish, wine, cheeses, baked goods, body care items, and made-to-order sandwiches that are perfect for your jaunt to the beach. The Gold Coast Bakery and Coffee Roaster is a splendid place to begin your day, rain or shine. The friendly staff will create a special coffee or other drink for you and serve their delicious pizza and myriad baked yummies. The spacious back patio is dog-friendly and also has at least one resident cat.

We are currently awaiting (fingers crossed) the imminent opening of the local Dungeness Crab seasonā€”yay! I like to make crab cakes, deviled crab au gratin, and baked garlic crab. You must be very careful while picking the crab (shells are not good for you). I have been fortunate to have traveled a lot and have sampled a vast array of local cuisines and products, and Dungeness Crab is number oneā€”can't beat it!

I send my best to the students and staff at Montgomery Elementary School for a fruitful year.

Let's embrace the reality that we are all here together on this beautiful earth and should help, not hinder, each other.

Please call me at 632-5545 or email mayawrld@sonic.net with info for your Cazadero Column!

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