On March 31 the Sonoma County Coast MAC (Municipal Advisory Council) met with approximately 80 people from Bodega Bay, Jenner, Occidental and Timber Cove at the Bodega Bay Grange. The meeting was to inform residents about the coastal marathon to be held Sept. 29. Originally, Highway 1 was to be closed from Fort Ross to Bodega Bay.

Because of public outcry, it was decided that the race would be a half marathon which would close one lane of Highway One and begin at Jenner and end in Bodega Bay. At the meeting many people spoke vociferously against the race. Concerns raised included environmental impacts, traffic, business shutdowns and a possibly slower emergency response times. Residents asked the race officials why the community wasn’t contacted first about this planned event. Efren Carrillo, the former 5th district supervisor, and Tina Wallis, the attorney for this event, were supposed to attend this meeting but failed to show up.

For now the race is canceled due to lack of necessary permits. However, if this race is permitted next year, a precedent would be set for years to come.

—Pamela Singer

Occidental