Ben Stocking

The Point Reyes Farmers Market kicked off its 30th season on Saturday with a low-key opening that promises to ramp up as the summer progresses. Dancing Crow Vineyards offered tastes to anyone ready for a breakfast-time tipple; Rodriguez Organic Ranch, the only purveyor of produce represented, turned out with its familiar array of organic vegetables and luscious berries; and Mr. Dim Sum served up its delectable lineup of Chinese dumplings. Two other food stands from last year were absent. Hot Asian Fusion, which featured pad thai and curries, is having staffing problems and won’t return this year. Kinoko Japanese Home Cooking, a local favorite, is expected back in June. The market has several special events planned to mark its big anniversary, with the centerpiece on May 30, when organizers will welcome back former producers. “This will be a homecoming,” said Andy Naja-Riese, director of the Marin Agricultural Institute, which sponsors the market. “We plan to honor the traditions and people that have played an instrumental role in growing our local food.” New to the market rotation: a chili cookoff on July 18 and a corn-husking contest on Aug. 29. The market is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays through Sept. 26 outside Toby’s Feed Barn.

Pangui, an adult puma, is collared by a team of biologists at a home in Lagunitas in March. Data from the collar is providing details about the cat’s movements and the hazards he might encounter. (Courtesy of True Wild Conservation and All Hands Ecology)

Rick Lafranchi, an even-keeled entrepreneur who helped transform his family’s dairy into one of California’s leading artisanal organic cheese producers, died unexpectedly last month at the age of 74.

Marin has hired the director of the watchdog agency overseeing the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office to become its first inspector general, a similar oversight role intended to improve relations between community members and law enforcement. In the role, John Alden will work with Marin’s Civilian Oversight Commission, which was appointed last summer but has yet to dig into the details of its work. It spent its first year receiving training, drafting bylaws and helping recruit an inspector general. “Marin’s is a brand-new system, so it’s an opportunity to take some of the lessons learned from other parts of California that have tried putting together sheriff oversight and apply them,” Mr. Alden told the

The Tomales Bay Resort has been home to many restaurants since the first one opened in 1947 on the waterfront site just west of Inverness. The latest incarnation, the Bayside Bar and Lounge, debuted last week, and eager locals flocked to the refreshed space to enjoy cocktails at the bar and pub-style fare in the dining room.

There are two broad complaints about Marin County’s code enforcement department, which is tasked with ensuring that property owners follow the county’s zoning, building and environmental health rules: It’s too strict, and it’s not strict enough.

Toby's Coffee Bar will celebrate it's 20th anniversary this Sunday. (David Briggs / Point Reyes Light)

The Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council is seeking a slew of new members, including seats representing fishing, research and conservation. George Clyde, a Marshall resident who has served several terms on the council, is stepping down, and so is his alternate, Richard James, of Inverness. Council members advise the superintendent on issues affecting the sanctuary, which protects 3,295 square miles off the northern and central California coast, from the San Mateo-Santa Cruz border in the south to Point Arena in the north. The sanctuary encompasses Tomales Bay and is considered one of the most diverse and bountiful marine environments in the world. During his tenure, Mr. Clyde was involved in several efforts affecting Tomales Bay, including restrictions on low-flying aircraft and the creation of a vessel management plan that delineated no-anchor zones and buoy rules designed to protect eelgrass beds. Mr. James, who served on the council for four years, focused his attention on rules governing abandoned and shipwrecked vessels. Mr. Clyde is departing after serving the council’s three-term limit, while Mr. James plans to devote more time to the issue of abandoned and lost shellfish gear in the bay. The advisory council has openings for Marin residents for one primary at-large community seat and one at-large community alternate. It is also seeking members affiliated with an environmental or conservation organization, the commercial fishing industry, or a scientific research institution. The application deadline is June 5. To apply for a seat, go to https://tinyurl.com/GreatFarallonesSAC

For the last year and a half, the Community Land Trust Association of West Marin, a tiny nonprofit housing organization, has confronted an enormous challenge: finding homes for 150 displaced ranch residents in a market where the scarcity of affordable housing is dire.

The quiet Green Bridge is about to be busier as crews prepare for road widening this summer. (David Briggs / Point Reyes Light)