Mendocino's Festival Was the First, and Still Going Strong

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Mendocino Beacon,Thursday, February 28,2019 Advocate-News, Thursday,March 14,2019

★ RememberingHISTthORY eMendocino WhaleWarFestival March1976

By Debbie Holmer [email protected] It was1976… Priceofadozen eggs:69cents. AppleComputerwas formed by SteveJobsand SteveWozniak.The firstcomputer, reportssay,sold for $666.66. FrontierAirlines hired thefirst female pilotcaptain(EmilyHow- ellWarner). TheEbola viruswas namedaf- teranearbyriver Ebolawhere the NICHOLAS WILSON—CONTRIBUTED firstvictimwas identifiedin1976. The PhyllisCormack,Whale War Writer TomWolfe declared the flagship. ‘70s the“Me Decade.” Sweden’s most profitable corpo- ration wasthe popgroup ABBA. Cost of aSuperbowl ad in 1976: $110,000. People werelisteningtoPe- terFrampton’s“Frampton Comes Alive” albumand reading“Trin- ity” by Leon Uris.OnTV, they were watching“Happy Days.” One of thetop movies for1976: “A Star is Born”starring Barbra Streisand andKrisKristofferson. DEBBIEHOLMER—BEACON Iwas living in Charleston,South Organizers of the firstWhale Carolina, in 1976 and, yes, Iread Festival in 1976,reunitedin2019: aboutthe MendocinoWhale War. NICHOLAS WILSON—CONTRIBUTED EllenFindlayHerdegen,Heidi …And thefirst Mendocino CusickDickerson, Barry Cusick, WhaleFestivalwas held in March Organizers ofthe firstWhaleFestivalinMarch 1976:Ellen Findlay, Bill Wilson,Sue Golden,Brendan, Heidi Sallyand LeeWelty. 1976. andBarry Cusick, Sallyand LeeWelty. notriskkillingthe activists. How- interested in counting whales, to thesymposium, Baker wascon- also author andphotographerof Why Mendocino? ever,the harpoonertookthe shot Byrd wasinterestedinsaving vinced that Mendocino folkswere “Mendocino in the‘70s,”which in- In 1975 Greenpeace haden- andthe filmfootage made inter- thewhalesfromextinction. Baker theonlyoneswho couldsavethe cludes over180 photosdocument- counteredawhalingfleetkill- national news.That’swhenByrd wassupported by localfunds to whales. inglifeonthe coastduringthat ingsperm whales off Cape Men- Baker andthe Mendocino Whale attend anational symposiumon Therehavebeenmanyexcel- pivotaldecade. Afew areincluded docinoand in an efforttoinhibit WarAssociation wasformedin whales in Indiana. It wasanexcit- lent articles on theMendocino in this article. theforeign ships’ huntingabili- December1975. ingtripacross Americafor Byrd WhaleWar throughthe years. In 1976 and1977, Wilsonwas ties,positionedthemselvesbe- TheMendocino WhaleWar Baker,bringingthe Mendocino Nicholas Wilsonisaphotog- adocumentaryphotographer tweenharpoonsand apod of wasthe brainchild of localart- WhaleWar into national focus. rapherand documentarian of aboard twoocean voyagesagainst whales,thinkingthe ship would ist/sculpture Byrd Baker.Not However,after travelingbackeast theMendocino WhaleWar.Heis commercial whalingbyJapan and 1976 »PAGE6

FIRSTWEEKEND INMARCH Mendocino’sfestivalwas the first, andstill goingstrong

By Staff day, March2from11a.m.to1p.m. Wine Tasting or untilthe chowderruns out at Mendocino’s WhaleFestival CrownHall, 45285 UkiahSt.,Men- Over adozen Mendocino will be held thefirstweekend docino. Ticketsfor thechowder County wineries come together of March,withevents including tastingare $10and canbebought to pour wine fortasters in Men- whale-watchingwalks,art ex- online at BrownPaper Tickets, at docinovillageonSaturday, March hibits,sandcastlebuildingcon- theMendocino CoastChamber of- 2from1to4p.m.Tickets are$35 test andwhale-centric exhibits ficeat217 S. Main St., Fort Bragg, pre-sale andcan be bought on- at thetown’stwo finemuseums. andatCrown Hall. line at BrownPaper Ticketsorat On Saturday,March 2from11 theChamber office,217 S. Main a.m. to 4p.m., enjoywine, chow- Beer Tasting St., Fort Bragg. Youcan also pur- derand craftbeertasting while Also at CrownHall, sample chase ticketsonMarch 2for $40 exploringMendocino,where craftbrewsfromNorth Coast at theFordHouse Museum,45035 thereare plenty of whales to view BrewingCompany andafree Main St., Mendocino, whereyou from thesurrounding Headlands 3-ounce pour of NorthCoast will also be able to pick up your StatePark. Tastesome of Men- BrewingCompany’s newest beer MendoWhale wine glass/es.Re- docino County’s finestvarietals on Saturday,March 2from11 member to bringyourID! in shopsand galleriesthrough- a.m. to 1p.m.oruntil thebeer outtown. Acomplimentaryshut- runs out (which typicallyhap- Ford House/Mendocino tlewill be provided foryourcon- pens,soget thereearly). Tickets HeadlandsState Park venience. are$5and can be purchased on- line at BrownPaper Tickets, at Builtin1854for Jerome Ford, Chowder Tasting theChamber office in Fort Bragg, theacknowledged founderof CONTRIBUTED Enjoyavarietyofchowders andatCrown Hall.Don’t forget Mendocino,the Ford Househas The Ford Housemuseum’s WhaleFestivalofferingsare lively eventsfor from localrestaurants on Satur- your ID! EVENTS »PAGE5 youngand old.

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SECOND WEEKEND IN MARCH LittleRiverfeatureswondersindoorsandout

By Staff Spring Ranch Barn Tour The 13th Annual Little River On March 9 and 10, from 11 Whale Festival will be held March a.m. to 3 p.m., tour the Spring 8 through 10. Celebrate with a Ranch Barn, located at 8475 N. mix-and-match weekend of forest Highway 1 (east side of the high- walks, barn tours, kayaking, geo- way). This is an original 1840s hay caching, art exhibits, musical de- barn from Ontario, Canada, that lights, Bloody Marys, sandcastle- was saved from the wrecking ball. building and, of course, whale- It was deconstructed by remov- watching throughout the seaside ing the wooden pegs that held the town of Little River. old-growth beams together, then shipped by rail car and re-assem- Adventure Passport bled at Spring Ranch. Guests can enter the Little River The barn was then renovated Whale Festival Passport Contest. by the owners of Spring Ranch For each festival activity attended using antique salvage from guests will earn one sticker. The around the world. It features 15- collection of three or more stick- foot ceilings with exposed beams, ers will allow guests the chance to four large antique chandeliers, win lodging, food and adventure herringbone brick floors, original prizes at participating businesses barn wood paneling and massive throughout Little River. Passports barn doors that open to gardens. are available at each festival or The barn is situated in a meadow event site. surrounded by massive eucalyp- Proceeds from this event will tus trees and stone and antique help save the historic Spring Ranch iron fencing. barns located in Van Damme State A docent-led barn tour will be Park. You can see these iconic land- CONTRIBUTED held on Sunday, March 10 from marks on the ocean side of High- Little River Whale Festival passport events benefit State Parks’ historic Spring Ranch barns. 10:30 a.m. to noon; suggested do- way 1 between Little River and nation $5 per person. Park at the Mendocino. The Spring Ranch Kent-Spring Ranch Estate on the Barns are the current project of of the beach … and bring a picnic! the geocaching app for iPhone Kayak Mendocino east side of the highway. Look for the Mendocino Area Parks Associa- or Android. Use ZIP code 95456 Sea Cave Tour the blue flags. Tour will be held tion’s Park Improvement Fund. Info Van Damme Visitor Center to see a map of Little River geo- rain or shine. at mendoparks.org. Thank you for Friday, Saturday and Sunday, caches and you’re on your way! Make your reservations for a sea helping to save these historic trea- March 8, 9 and 10, from 10 a.m. to 3 Note: All legitimate geocaches cave kayak tour with Kayak Men- Bloody Mary and sures before it is too late! p.m., docents will share the history are on public land. Please do not docino, which leaves from Van Bacon Competition and environment of Van Damme trespass during your geocaching Damme State Beach at 11:30 a.m. Docent-led Whale State Park in Little River, which fea- adventure. and 2 p.m. each day of the Little On Sunday, March 10, at high Watch Walk tures coastal Spring Ranch trails, a River festival. This is your oppor- noon at the Abalone Room at Lit- lush Fern Canyon, a scenic ripar- Art Exhibit at the tunity to get up close and personal tle River Inn, be a judge at the Saturday, March 9, from 10 a.m. ian trail system and a Pygmy For- Gallery at Glendeven with the ocean as you follow your inaugural Bloddy Mary competi- to noon, guests can partake in a est interpretive walk among min- professional guide through the in- tion where both locals and pro- two-hour guided walk searching iature mature trees. For more in- Friday, Saturday and Sunday, lets and caves that provide homes fessional bartenders will go head for pelagic cormorants, seaside dai- formation call 707-937-4015 or visit March 8, 9 and 10 from 9 a.m. to to the harbour seals, sea stars, al- to head to claim the prize of Best sies and whales. Binoculars will be mendoparks.org. noon and 3 to 7 p.m., Linda Ry- gae, and shore birds in this incred- Bloody Mary and Best Bacon with available. Furry friends on leashes an’s, “Surfacing: An Artist’s Jour- ibly rich and diverse habitat. Bloody Marys. Winners will be are welcome, too. Suggested dona- Geocaching ney” will be available for viewing All tours are easily paddled by announced at 2 p.m. Judging tick- tion $5 per person; open to public. Try out geocaching on Friday, and purchase. During this event beginners and require no prior ets for five to six Bloody Marys Park on the west side of Highway Saturday and Sunday, March 8, 9 only, the wine bar at Glendeven will experience. All equipment is pro- are available at mendoparks.org/ 1, opposite Gordon Lane. Look for and 10. Geocaching is a high-tech be open to the public. Sample cu- vided; wetsuits as necessary. whale-festival or at the door. Two the blue flags. Heavy rain cancels treasure-hunting game played rated small production Mendocino Please call for reservations: 707- judging tickets per person max this event. For more information, throughout the world by adven- County wines for purchase by the 813-7117. (ID required). Sponsored by Deep visit mendoparks.org. ture seekers equipped with GPS glass from 3 to 7 p.m. Eddy Vodka, this lively competi- devices. There are a number of Erin Brazill and tion is the perfect wrap-up to a Sandcastle Building Contest geocaches hidden throughout Lit- Mendocino Eco Artists Friends Concert great weekend! Bring your bucket and spade (or tle River. Locate the hidden con- March 8, 9 and 10 from 8 a.m. to For further information and big yellow digger!) to participate in tainers (geocaches) outdoors and 9 p.m., in the Main Dining Room Of vintage swing pop Brazillion- details regarding the Little River the Sandcastle Building Contest, then share your experiences on- at the Little River Inn view an ex- aires fame, check out Erin Brazill Inn Whale Festival, visit men- which will held from 1 to 3 p.m., line. hibit of work by the Mendocino and Friends at an intimate acous- dowhale.com/page/littleriver. Saturday, March 9, at Big River All Little River geocaches con- Eco Artists featuring Spring Ranch tic gig on Friday, March 8, at 7:30 Additional event details, Little Beach in Mendocino (entrance is on tain Little River Whale Festi- Barns. Sales of the artwork benefit p.m. in the Abalone Room at the River discounts, and specials dur- the east side of Highway 1, less than val stickers to use as part of this the Mendocino Area Parks Associ- Little River Inn. Tickets are avail- ing the festival can also be found a quarter-mile south of the town of Passport Experience. Go to geo- ation. See the front desk for your able at mendoparks.org/whale-fes- by following the festival’s online Mendocino). Head to the river side caching.com and/or download passport contest sticker. tival, or at the door. map at g.co/maps/yae5b.

THIRD WEEKEND OF MARCH Fort Bragg festival wraps up 3-week celebration of whale migration

By Staff Street, a Cinders Production. the annual gray whale migration, Tickets can be bought online at visit special exhibits and tour the Fort Bragg’s Whale Festival Brown Paper Tickets, at the Men- lantern room. See the article in this March 16 and 17 features wine, docino Coast Chamber office at section for more details. chowder and craft beer tasting at 217 S. Main St., Fort Bragg, and Fort Bragg Rotary Club is hold- shops and inns, whale-watch from at the venue. ing its 24th Annual Beer Festi- the new Coastal Trail and miles val on March 16 from 12 to 4 p.m. of beaches, the 35th Whale Run Wine Tasting at the historic Eagles Hall, 210 N. and Walk, a beer festival, whale- Saturday, March 16, from 1 to Corry St. Tickets are $30. Come watching excursions from Noyo 4 p.m., wineries from Mendocino and enjoy live music and delicious Harbor and much more. County come together to pour BBQ. wine for tasters at various loca- Noyo Center for Marine Sci- Chowder and Beer Tasting tions in downtown Fort Bragg. ence will display their blue On Saturday, March 16 from 11 Tickets are $35 pre-sale and can whale skeleton on March 16 and a.m. to 1 p.m. or until the chow- be bought online at Brown Paper 17, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Crow’s der runs out, sample chowders Tickets, and at the Chamber office Nest Interpretive Center on the ranging from traditional to not at 217 S. Main St., Fort Bragg. You South Coastal Trail. On March 17 so traditional from some of the can also purchase your ticket on at 10 a.m., a free whale walk will best chefs on the coast and de- March 16 for $40 at the Masonic start from the Noyo Headlands clare the winner. Tickets for the Hall where you will also be able to CONTRIBUTED parking lot. Enter from West Cy- chowder tasting are $10. pick up your Mendo Whale wine Whale watching from the Mendocino Headlands. press Street of Main Street and Craft brews from North Coast glass/es and map of tasting loca- follow the signs. Brewing Company will be served tions. Remember to bring your ID! Headlands Park at the south end Additional Events MacKerricher State Park is for $5 and include a free 3-ounce of Fort Bragg’s Coastal Trail. The hosting special events Friday pour of their new North Coast Whale Walk and Run Kiddie Race begins at 8 a.m., the On Saturday and Sunday, March through Sunday, beginning with Steller IPA. Proceeds from Stellar The 35th Annual Whale Walk 5K and 10K runs at 8:30 a.m., and 16 and 17, a spectacular opportu- a lecture March 15, 7 p.m. at the provide support for marine mam- and Run will be held Saturday, the 5K fun walk at 8:35 a.m. See nity for family fun awaits visitors Veterans Memorial Building, 360 mal research and rescue. March 16, hosted by Soroptimist the article in this section or visit at the Point Cabrillo Light Station N. Harrison St., in Fort Bragg. Both tastings will be held at the International of Fort Bragg. The soroptimistfortbraggca.org/wha- from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. In See the article in this section for Fort Bragg Masonic Hall on Main event starts and ends at Noyo lerun for registration details. addition to a grandstand view of information about other events.

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THE MIGHTY GRAY WORLD NEWS Migrationmakesfor Japan resumes commercial greatwhale-watching whaling in July

great migration through food, and critics said it was By Kelci Parks By Kelci Parks the story of “Wanda,” a gray merely a cover for contin- [email protected] [email protected] whale making the 6,000- ued commercial whaling. The Mendocino Coast mile journey south for the In December 2018, Ja- The Associated Press re- has long been known as first time as an adult. pan announced its inten- ports that Japan annually a tourist destination, a ti- Like the tip of an iceberg, tions to leave the Interna- consumes about 5,000 tons tle attained with the help the part of a whale’s life tional Whaling Commis- of whale meat from its re- of the largest animals viewable by us on land rep- sion — the body tasked search hunts. In 2014, an on earth — whales. Gray resents only a tiny portion with whale conservation International Court of Jus- whales pass by our shores of the magnificent beast’s — and resume commer- tice ruling labeled the re- with increased frequency travels. But what goes on cial whaling this July. search not sufficiently fo- twice a year on their way beneath the surface of the A statement put out by cused on science. between Alaska and Baja, water? Where are they go- the Japanese government According to the As- where they mate and birth ing and what are they do- said the commission was sociated Press, under Ja- babies. Blue whales, hump- ing? not committed enough pan’s Northern Pacific re- backs and orcas frequent Grown gray whales are to supporting sustainable search whaling program Northern California waters about one of two things commercial whaling. Leav- approved by the Interna- as well on their mysterious in Baja: making a baby or ing the IWC means Japa- tional Whaling Commis- deep water circuits through having a baby before they nese whalers will be able sion from 2017 through the Eastern Pacific. return to feeding grounds to freely hunt species cur- 2028, up to 134 sei whales Opportunities to spot a north of Alaska. rently protected by the (one of the fastest and larg- whale or six are as easy as WIKIPEDIA — CONTRIBUTED Sloane explains that commission, but officials est species of whales) were walking out to the head- Three lagoons along the west coast of Baja California are once Wanda became a ma- say they will only be do- to be caught annually. lands anywhere along the the destinations for southward-journeying gray whales ture adult (between 5 and ing so in their own waters. However, Japan’s Chief coast. Guided tours are that pass the shores of Mendocino County. 7 years old) she leaves the Japan joined the com- Cabinet Secretary Yoshi- given at MacKerricher State Bering Sea, hugging the mission in 1951. In 1986, hide Suga told the Brit- Park and Mendocino Head- about the habits and history Wanda coast the whole way until commercial whaling was ish Broadcasting Com- lands State Park during the of whales along the North she reaches the Baja pen- banned after some spe- pany that the recent Whale Festival. Docents Coast to anyone interested Sam Sloane, a longtime insula in Northern Mexico cies of whales were hunted withdrawal from the com- and volunteers at the parks in learning. volunteer docent at MacK- sometime between Septem- nearly to extinction. Japan mission means that com- offer a wealth of knowledge erricher, likes to relate the MIGRATION » PAGE 9 continued what they called mercial whaling would research whaling, which be restricted to Japanese the International Whal- territorial waters and the LANTERN ROOM TOURS OFFERED ing Commission permits 200-mile economic zone as an exception. along the country’s coasts. The meat from research Hunting would stop in the whaling was still sold for Whale-watching at Point Cabrillo WHALING » PAGE 5 features all the coast’s treasures E co-Boutique By Lynne Calder A spectacular opportu- lens. These tours are offered house. The light station is nity for family fun awaits only eight days each year, located between Mendocino FractalizeEcoBoutique.com visitors during Whale Fes- from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Caspar. Turn west onto 107 E. Laurel St. Fort Bragg The Point Cabrillo Light tival on the first and third Be sure to allow time for Point Cabrillo Drive at the Station was established in weekends of March at the the half-mile walk from the entrance to Russian Gulch 1909 on a point of land ex- light station from 10 a.m. parking area on Point Ca- State Park or just south of Clothing made from recycled plastic, tending westward into the to 4 p.m. each day. In addi- brillo Drive to the light- upcycled tire accessories and all natural dyes ocean. This location was tion to a grandstand view of CABRILLO » PAGE 10 selected by the U.S. Light- the annual gray whale mi- on all our eco fabric blends .... house Service so that the gration, you may visit the helping to keep our oceans clean! light would be most visible 240-gallon saltwater aquar- to shipping on the hazard- ium and the marine science OOPENPEN ous coast of Mendocino. exhibit. TTuuesdayesday --SSaatuturdayrday Hemp •Bamboo This same attribute On the weekends of 1111 aamm --9p9 pm makes Point Cabrillo a March 2-3 and March 16- Organic •Upcycled preeminent location from 17, please join Coast Guard 7707-964-07-964-99314314 which to watch the an- Auxiliary Flotilla 87, the Ladies &Gentlemen nual migration of the gray station’s modern lightkeep- Owners Clothing whales from the lagoons of ers, and the volunteers for a Rick &Lori Prewitt Adornments the Baja Peninsula in Mex- unique opportunity to visit www.bernillos.com Satchels ico to their summer feed- the lantern room and the We take ing grounds in the Arctic beautifully restored oper- Carryalls Ocean. ational third order Fresnel 220 E. Redwood Ave. Fort Bragg,CA

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By Peter O’Donohue purple urchins from desig- nated areas in Noyo, Cas- par and Albion bays to cre- The gray whales are on ate “oases” where bull kelp the move right now and most might have an opportunity of us who think a lot about to grow back, an effect that the ocean have these grace- remains to be monitored in ful leviathans much on our the spring, when this an- minds. After all, what could nual species normally starts be more appropriate as the to grow again. Mendocino Coast Whale Fes- Partners at the Water- tival draws near? men’s Alliance, a statewide Still, as we think about the organization of sport div- gray whales, it’s worth tak- ers, recruited from among ing a moment to think a bit their members to clear ur- about the environment they chins from shallow areas swim in and to consider how where commercial divers we, as the bipedal creatures can’t reach. And with every who produce most of the load of urchins culled, teams world’s polluting substances of Noyo Center citizen scien- and most of the industrial tists counted, weighed and emissions that are changing measured a portion and earth’s climate, are impact- submitted the data to a De- ing the oceans. After all, it’s partment of Fish and Wild- for our benefit, as well as the life scientific database. The whales’, that we preserve and combined efforts removed protect those oceans. It’s our over 1,280,000 urchins. (Un- children and grandchildren fortunately, many more re- who will inherit a sea that main behind as purple ur- continues to be a source of chins carpet our seashore.) mystery, bounty and endless These very impressive ef- variety. Or, they will not. The forts will continue when choice is ours. weather and water condi- tions improve and more Oceans under siege CONTRIBUTED funds become available. Right now, things aren’t Noyo Center engineer Cran Squire guides dome construction. Looking forward, the Noyo looking so good. Toxic efflu- Center is examining, in tan- ents, plastic waste and dere- dem with UC Davis’s Bo- lict fishing nets continue to dega Marine Lab, divers impact every ocean, wreak- and Urchinomics (a Norwe- ing havoc on sea life and gian aquaculture company), birds from the largest to the the potential for harvesting smallest. Toxic substances these empty purple urchins ingested by the very small and fattening them up in an work their way up through aquaculture system, thus cre- the food chain and threaten ating a potential market item us as well. for sale here and abroad. Most scientists concur The purple urchins, too, that the gases emitted by in- are starving, having con- dustrial society contribute sumed most of the available to ocean acidification and kelp. But they are much bet- global warming. The first ter able to survive lean times threatens a wide variety of than are abalone or red ur- marine animal species, the chins. If successful, this ap- CONTRIBUTED second threatens to destroy CONTRIBUTED proach could benefit the ma- coral reefs and drown coast- Volunteer Coordinator Cynthia Farrell (left) introduces rine environment while cre- Noyo Center engineer Crans Squire and volunteer Mike visitors to the Downtown Center. lines. Ocean warming — in Grady prepare dome components. ating a valuable fishery for tandem with an explosion in local divers. Stay tuned. the population of kelp-eating had an impact. While, sadly, role in collaboration with purple sea urchins — has al- seeking to identify and un- Help the Kelp we cannot yet claim progress the California Department Marine mammal most certainly contributed to derstand the many threats Looking at just a few of in turning these problems of Fish and Wildlife, local mortalities one of our worst local prob- to the ocean and to do what the North Coast’s many ma- around, we can fairly say that divers, citizen scientists and lems, our giant kelp forest they can to inform the public rine problems, namely bull we’ve contributed to a scien- an array of other organiza- In another area of re- die-off. and guide necessary change. kelp forest collapse and ma- tific understanding of these tions to support the “Help search, examining marine It’s a grim picture, but I’m I’m also very glad that, at the rine mammal mortalities, problems and that, of course, the Kelp” campaign. Our mammal mortalities, the pleased to note that across local level, the Noyo Center the Noyo Center’s tiny paid is an essential first step. program raised funds to help Noyo Center had a busy the country a range of en- for Marine Sciences is striv- staff and stalwart cadre of In 2018, for instance, the pay out-of-work commercial year. The Noyo Center’s tities large and small are ing to do its bit. ever-ready volunteers have Noyo Center played a lead divers to clear overpopulated PROGRESS » PAGE 6

FROM SCIENCE TO SKELETONS Noyo Center for Marine Science events span Whale Festival

Contributed fitting the Noyo Center for ties. The fun starts at noon. the 73-foot blue whale that Marine Science. At the Car- Children ages 5 and younger died after being struck by a As it has for the past sev- mody Gallery, 324 N. Frank- must be accompanied by an ship off Fort Bragg in 2009 eral years, the Noyo Center lin St., Fort Bragg, Feb. 28 — adult; older children may be and whose bones were re- for Marine Science has pre- March 31, (12-5 p.m., Thurs- dropped off and picked up at covered by our incredible pared a range of activities in day through Sunday). Also, 1:30 p.m. community. The bones, connection with this year’s opening reception Friday, now in the custody of the Whale Festival, including March 1, 5-8 p.m. Speechscapes and Noyo Center, will be laid several in its exciting new The Mendocino Eco Art- Whale-igraphy out near the Crow’s Nest downtown location at 338 ists are a diverse group of Interpretive Center on the N. Main St. in Fort Bragg. extraordinarily talented lo- A discussion with How- South Coastal Trail (enter Take advantage of this new cal artists whose mission is ard Pines, Noyo Center 338 from Main Street via the opportunity to learn about to utilize their skills to cre- N. Main St., Tuesday, March Cypress Street entrance whales and many other ate an appreciation for and 12, 6-7:30 p.m. to the parking lot and fol- ocean issues, including the deeper understanding of As part of the Noyo Cen- low the signs). This skel- catastrophic die-off of our nature, particularly in its ter’s “Spotlight On Science” eton of the world’s larg- local kelp forest, the threat North Coast manifestations. lecture series, speech sci- est mammal will astonish of ocean pollution, and much Through their art, the group entist and author Howard kids and adults alike. Vis- more. has graciously supported STAFF Pines will describe an excit- itors wishing to arrange a There is a wide range of the Noyo Center for several The Noyo Center’s blue whale skeleton is a fascination for ing discovery about the com- personalized group tour of offerings for kids and adults years. While the main show young and old alike. plexity of humpback whale five or more should e-mail so be sure to mark your cal- will be at the Carmody Gal- vocalizations. Applying cut- Sue Coulter at sue@noyo- endars and attend one or all. lery, some works will also be the kelp forest, upwelling, hands-on art activities led ting-edge analytical tech- center.org. Please note that all events on display at the Noyo Cen- marine mammals and ma- by Janet Self of Flockworks. niques to the study of whale are free but your donations ter. rine plastics. Submitted proj- Come for the learning, stay songs, Pines found striking Wine Tasting are very much appreciated. ects will be displayed during for the fun! similarities in the architec- Noyo Center, 338 N. Main The Noyo Center is a com- Sixth Annual Marine Fort Bragg’s Whale Festival ture of human speech and St., Saturday, March 16, 1-4 munity-focused organization Science & Art Fair weekend (March 16-17) at the Science With Sue humpback vocalizations: p.m. and your contributions help Noyo Center and a few will Noyo Center, 338 N. Main stunning evidence for the Stop by the new down- further the science that ben- Noyo Center, 338 N. Main be selected to be displayed St, Saturday, March 9, 12-2 basis of a potentially com- town facility, view the ex- efits us all. Please also check St, Friday, March 1, 5-8 p.m., for a month. p.m. plex language! hibits, and taste some wine noyocenter.org for updates Saturday, March 2, 11-4 p.m. Music and refreshments As part of her regular from Maple Creek Winery as or more information on any Taking the theme, “En- will be offered at the Fri- ”Second Saturdays With Visit Our Blue Whale part of a wine tasting event of the events below. gaging the Public in Ma- day, March 1, 5-8 p.m. open- Sue” offerings, Noyo Cen- South Coastal Trail, throughout downtown Fort Here are some events not rine Science,” Noyo Cen- ing (part of Fort Bragg’s ter education coordinator March 11-15, 3-5 p.m.; Satur- Bragg. Wine tasting tick- to miss: ter educators have invited First Friday activities); the Sue “Magoo” Coulter will be day and Sunday March 16-17, ets are $35 pre-sale and can first through eighth graders 11 a.m.-4 p.m. activities on on hand with partners from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. be bought at Brown Paper Wet, Windy & Wild! from area schools to sub- March 2 will focus on kids Flockworks to lead kids of all Noyo Center staff and vol- Tickets or at the Mendocino Art show by the Men- mit interactive projects ad- and families and feature face ages in a round of fun ocean- unteers will be on hand to Coast Chamber office. Pick docino Eco Artists, bene- dressing such subjects as painting, a cake walk, and related educational activi- tell you the amazing saga of NOYO » PAGE 9

For allyourbuilding needs

835 StewartSt. Fort Bragg 707-964-4086 Open 7days of theweek MENDOCINOBEACON, THURSDAY,FEBRUARY28, 2019 | WHALEFESTIVALS C | 5 ADVOCATE-NEWS, THURSDAY,MARCH 14,2019

MARCH16 ON THEWATER Gettingupclose and WhaleRunandWalkhas personal with awhale

By VisitMendocino Dungeness crab when you comealongwayin35years join CaptainRandy Thorn- Head outofNoyoHar- tonfor acrab-fishingad- borfor your chance to meet venture or whale-watching awhale!Thisisthe perfect trip. Boardthe Telstar and time of year to cruise out sail out of Noyo Harbor for to seaonawhale-watch- athree-tofour-hourtrip. ingtrip…climbaboard Keep what youcatch;upto with thecrew,and if you 10 crabsper person.$90/ fancy, addbaittoyourfish- person.Two-hourwhale- inglineorcrabpots, and watchingtrips are$40/ trawlthe waters fordinner. person.Call707-964-8770. Duringthe Mendocino CoastWhale Festivals, Hooked On Mendo take atriptoNoyoHarbor Want to experience the andsignupfor an ocean coastfromthe waterand adventure! catchyournextmealtoo? Hooked on MendoChar- AllAboard ters offers fishingalong Adventures thecoastline on either theSamurai (six-person Join CaptainTim on the privatecharter boat)or SeaHawkfor whale-watch- theViking, whichholds ingtrips andcrab-catching 18 people.Calltoreserve adventures! Full crabbing your spot today! Call 707- trip is $80, lastsfourtofive 357-1875. hours andincludestackle. Catchupto10crabs per Anchor CharterBoats CONTRIBUTED person.Ride-alongavail- AnchorsCharter Boats Aviewfrom thecourseofthe 2019 WhaleRun. able at whale-watching offersacomfortable ride Able leaders priceof$35.Call707-964- aboard theTrekIIwithits By LynneCalder to furthertheir educa- Location changewas 1881. largecapacityand friendly tion.Soroptimist Interna- in theair afterthe second In 2013,Joyce Gilbert- crew.Two-hourtrips leave tional of Fort Braggsup- year at PointCabrillo. That sonmoved outofthe area Telstar Charters daily; just $40per person. Fort Bragg’sWhale Run portsProject Sanctuary year theeventwas held in afteramasterful 10-year Enjoyyourown delicious Call 707-964-4550. andWalkhas abrand new andmanyother nonprofit March,whenracers, after run. LindaDutcher ably courseinthisits 35th year, organizationsonthe Men- fighting with thewindrun- took over thereins.This starting on theNoyoHead- docinoCoast. ning up hill to reachthe year,JoanneFrazer, owner landsCoastal Trail, with Thirty-fiveyears ago, main course, weresoaked of Fort BraggTravel,will oceanviews over theen- as asmall fund-raiser, Big andbuffeted by blistering head theWhale Run. tire course forbothrun- Brothers andBig Sisters rainsand gale winds. Or- TheyearlyWhale Run ners andwalkers. staged araceinthe middle ganizers lost most of their hasbecomeafavoritefor Starting on thesouth of Fort Bragg, downFrank- tentstogusts,which also locals andpeoplefromfar endofthe CoastalTrail linStreet. Registration for leveledtablesatthe regis- andwidetohavefamilyre- (Cypress Street entrance off theracewas held at theLu- tration area near thelight unionsand catchaglimpse Main Street), runnerspass theran Church Hall in Fort station. of themigrating gray SoldierPoint to theCoastal Bragg. whales.One year,11states Trailwhere the5Kers will By 1993,bythensolely Onto themill site were representedand even turn-around. The10K run- sponsoredbythe SIFB So- In 2006,the Runand afew racers from other ners dash by GlassBeach to roptimists, theracemoved Walk camebacktoFort countriescametoplayin cross thebeautiful Pudding to theHaulRoadwitha Bragg, with registration Fort Braggand runinthe CreekTrestle to the10K fewsmall boothsoflocal at Collegeofthe Red- race. turn-around. Funwalkers businesses hawkingtheir woods. Racers traveled by Winners’ baskets are CONTRIBUTED trek southcrossingNoyo waresinthe parkinglot. Todd Point, crossingthe made up of donations The most exciting whalewatchingisdone at sea. Bridge to walk thePomo In honor of themillen- Noyo Bridge andwinding from generous local busi- BluffsParktrail overlook- nium, theracein2000 was throughthe Noyo Indian nesses andmanyofthe ingmajesticNoyoBay. timed, offeringactualre- Communitytothe newly- coast’sphotographers have “Whalinghas been a Theeventwill be held sultsand medals beauti- vacatedGeorgia-Pacific graciouslyvolunteered Whaling part of Japanese culture on Saturday,March 16.The fullydesignedand created mill site,the firsttimethe theirample talent over forcenturies,justasithas half-milekiddieracestarts by MelissaBerman. Melissa community wasallowed to theyears including: Keith FROM PAGE 3 beeninNorway, Iceland at 8a.m., the5Kand 10K hascreated allthe medals view thosechoiceparts of Wyner, Lynn Prunty,Jerry andDenmark,and among runs at 8:30 a.m.,and the forthe WhaleRun events thecoastline. Murphy,Lynne Weiner- northeast Pacific Ocean, indigenouspeoples in the 5K funwalkat8:35a.m. to this day. In 2008,the WhaleRun manCalder, KC Robinson, Antarctic waters andthe United States andCanada, Neitherwindnor rain or wasmoved back to March, RoyKornmeyer andRon southern hemisphere,he whocontinue to engage in blasts of cold have stayed PointCabrillo butthe HaulRoadwestof Bloomquist. said.The Associated Press it,” said PressSecretary participants from racing in TheHaulRoaddeterio- Lake Cleone hadbegun SteveWeingartenand reportsthatJapan currently TakeshiOsuga on Jan. 11. theWhale Runand Walk.It ration duetostorm surges to crumble. That year the VickyWatts from KOZT huntsabout 600whalesan- “isout of step with the startedin1984with25par- in 2004-2005brought the wavesweresohighthere have been amongthe an- nually in theAntarctic and internationalcommunity, ticipantsand ahandful of Walk andRun to thePoint were fearsracersmightget nouncersbeforeRickRob- NorthernPacific. letalone theprotection sponsors andraised$100. CabrilloLight Station, a sweptout to sea. To meet inson from Sacramento Japanese government needed to safeguardthe In 2018 therewere795 par- gorgeous butchallenging that challenge,the start took on thetaskofan- officialshavearguedthat future of ouroceansand ticipants, 55 sponsors and andnot easily foundvenue. wasmovedtothe Skunk nouncingthe racers’times catching, sellingand eat- thesemajesticcreatures,” $25,000was raised. Theinitial run/walk uphill Trainparking lot. andentertainingthe ingwhale is part of their said ExecutiveDirector Yes, we’vecome along to reachthe main course In 2012 thewhale tail crowdsatthe finish line. culture. In arebuttaltoa of Greenpeace JapanSam way! from theparking area andheadbeautifully cre- NewYork Timeseditorial Annesley in astatement is- pleasedfew racers.But it ated by Edith Gobleatthe Forregistrationand titled,“Japan: stop slaugh- sued in January. “The gov- Soroptimist wasamagnificent day(in start/finishlinewerere- information about tering whales,” thepress ernmentofJapan must ur- WhaleRun andWalk June that year)and partici- placed by electronic coun- this year’s race,visit secretaryofthe Ministry gently acttoconservema- proceedshavealwaysbeen pantsweretreated to jump- ters from CapitalRoad soroptimistfortbraggca. of ForeignAffairs of Ja- rine ecosystems rather returned to thecommunity ingdolphinsand spouting Race Management.Mailed- orgorGoogleWhale Run pansaiditisunfairtosin- than resume commercial throughhighschoolschol- whales underasweet blue in paperregistrationswere to seethe eventwebsite. gleout Japan. whaling.” arshipsand awards to fe- skyoncetheygot to the replaced by onlineregistra- Have awhale of agood male headsofhouseholds lightstation. tion. time.

Warm up with number of spaces;regis- PointCabrilloDrive,off Events Thanksgiving Coffee terday of or call theLittle Highway1between Men- River Innat707-937-5942. docino andCaspar. In addi- FROM PAGE 1 Thanksgiving Coffee will Rain cancels.Duringthe tion to agrandstandviewof be providingfreecoffee contest, learnmorewhale theannualgraywhale mi- exhibitshighlightingthe tasting. Trysome Thanks- lore by visiting theMen- gration, youcan visitthe area’s naturaland cul- giving Coffee at theFord doParksand StateParks 240-gallon saltwateraquar- Smith Automotive turalhistory,including a Houseduringthe Men- booth. iumand theirmarinesci- Family Owned &Operated scalemodel of Mendocino docinoWhale Festival,Sat- ence exhibit. as it wasin1890. Foraddi- urdayonly, March 2, 12 to 4 Boat ToursfromNoyo Lighthouse Lantern •General Maintenance tional information, visitthe p.m. Thevisitor center will Book awhale-watching Room andFresnel Lens Ford Houseonlineatmen- be open at 9:30 a.m. boat tour to encounterthe tours areoffered on Satur- •Repairs •Tires doparks.org, on Facebook, whales up close. Boatsleave dayand Sunday,March 2-3, •Tune-Ups •Oil Changes or call theFordHouse Vis- Sandcastle Building from Noyo Harbor in Fort 16-17,from10a.m.until 4 itor Center at 707-937-5397. Contest Bragg. Call theChamber for p.m. Be sure to allowtime Theparkwill hold the referralsat707-961-6300. forthe half-milewalkto followingevents at the Head forthe beach on thelighthouse.Tickets are Ford HouseVisitor Center Saturday,March 2, fora PointCabrilloLight $5 perperson; thefee sup- 20%OFF andMuseum, 45035Main sandcastle building con- Station portsthe lighthouse main- St., Mendocino, open 11 testfrom1to 3p.m.onthe tenancefund. Thetours AllOil Changes a.m. to 4p.m.daily. river side of BigRiver Beach Aspectacular opportu- areatreatfor thewhole Exp.Mar.31st 2019 StatePark. Prizes forbest nity forfamilyfun awaits familybut please note that WhaleTales kid/familyand best adult visitors during theMen- children must be at least42 ThroughMarch,viewan sand structures.Entrance docinoand Fort Braggfes- inches tall to participate. 105W.Alder St. • 707•964•2397 exhibitatthe Ford House is free,pleasebring your tivals at thePoint Cabrillo Thesetours areonlyoffered OldYoung’slocation behind Napa Visitors Center featuring ownequipment.Limited LightStation,located on eightdayseachyear. bonesfromagraywhale, Open:Mon. -Sat. 8-5pm information regarding the gray whalemigration,and an interactiveexhibit that lets youquizyourselfon whale facts. Knowledgeable Your LOCAL Source for Financial Whale-Being docentswill be on hand at theFordHouse through- Anot-for-profit financial outthe WhaleFestivalwith tips on when andwhere to co-op thatdelivers all the watchfor whales,and to conveniences, savings, loans More free ATMs nationally than any bank! answer questionsregarding …but none of the remorse! gray whalenatural history. Slick smartphone banking app Whalewalks $2 billion in LOCALhome and auto loans Docent-ledwhale watch walksare scheduled dur- ingthe Mendocino Whale Innovative checking thatpays you to use Festival at 11:30a.m.and 2 p.m. on Saturday,March 2. AG sustainability with 0% loans to LOCAL Alimited number of binoc- 4-H+FFA students ularsand spotting scopes areavailable.Meetatthe Ford House.

PLEASE RECYCLE 147 North Franklin St., Fort Bragg THIS 707/546-6000 ! comfirstcu.org NEWSPAPER. Herefor Good 6 | C WHALE FESTIVALS | MENDOCINO BEACON, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2019 ADVOCATE-NEWS, THURSDAY, MARCH 14, 2019

RECOLLECTIONS KELLEY HOUSE MUSEUM Mendocino’s romance ThequietsideofByrdBaker with whales is a part of its long history

By Barry Cusick “Save God’s Whales.” Besides saving the whales, Byrd had By Staff Findlay Herdegen turned to make a living any way he over the group’s archives We moved into the little could. Mendocino’s Kel- to the museum in 2005 yellow house north of what I observed one day as ley House Museum has and they are available for is now called Odd Fellows they were filming on Lan- much information in its public viewing. The mu- Hall at the corner of Ukiah sing Street, just east of archives on the Whale seum is open to the pub- and Kasten — then it was where he had his studio on Wars and related activ- lic, archives by appoint- Gallery Fair — about a year Ukiah Street. Byrd would ities, along with cata- ment. Kelley House Mu- before we became formally mark his wood, set every- loged documents and pho- seum is open Friday to involved in the Mendocino thing ready and, the mo- tographs covering Men- Monday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Whale Wars with our neigh- ment he heard the direc- docino from its founding. For more information, bor to the east, Byrd Baker. tor say “silence, lights, cam- MWWA Secretary Ellen call 707-937-5791. We would walk or ride by era, action,” would start his his old red house, officially chainsaw. That was an easy known as the Rego House. $20 from the film company, Downtown It was a wreck, but habitable to put off carving his whale Progress Science Center for someone like Byrd. To the until after the shot. It was off east, in the Green House, was to the Seagull Cellar Bar for FROM PAGE 4 And there’s a lot more Windfall Boutique, owned Byrd to wait out the shoot- going on in our new by the beautiful Nancy Bu- ing. They were often filming marine mammal strand- Downtown Science Center chanan. Byrd was always a “Murder, She Wrote” some- ing coordinator, Sarah in the heart of Fort Bragg, complete gentleman when where within earshot, so Grimes, working in affili- home to our beautiful 26- Nancy was about. this helped Byrd make ends ation with the California foot killer whale skeleton. Passing the house was al- meet. Academy of Sciences, is Realizing that education ways a cultural adventure One year we had Thanks- tasked with visiting, iden- is our best way of under- for a young couple from the NICHOLAS WILSON — CONTRIBUTED giving dinner in the back tifying and sampling dead standing and countering Bay Area. There were lots of Byrd Baker with one of his whale sculptures, still in room of Homer’s Market on sea mammals or other un- marine threats, the Noyo impressive artistic folks, like place in front of the MacCallum House in Mendocino. Main Street, later The Deli, usual strandings on our Center has developed an J.D. Mayhew and Ken Mi- owned by Jim and Brenda shores. end-to-end immersive un- chelson, (who hung out un- seal was very good — it’s in Byrd’s love of all creatures. Coupe. Byrd proudly brought This work is crucial to derwater program to in- til he won the Duck Stamp the Kelley House archives Even mice. Several years the wine, a gallon bottle of establishing a scientific un- crease public awareness award, then had too much now — J.D.’s work, drawn earlier they moved into his Carlo Rossi’s best, and placed derstanding of the threats of these important con- money to be seen in such a directly on the 100-year- Rover. They were very happy it in the middle of the table. to marine mammals, as- servation issues. place). Out front was a pile old wallpaper. Further back and dry and had a proud, We were too new to the sessing human interactions, Because most locals of chips, chainsaw dust, was the kitchen, and living loving owner in Byrd, who town and Heidi, Sally, Su- and determining whether or visitors will never en- tools, beer and wine bottles and dining areas. The stairs made sure they had scraps san and Ellen, with us guys populations are rising or ter the cold, rough wa- and raw material: the large to the second floor were be- from his lunches and water. helping in the background, falling. 2018 was a busy ters of Northern Cali- pieces of driftwood poached hind the bar. I never went up- I never saw them; only smelt were too busy raising money year for Sarah, who was fornia, we have created from the beaches. stairs. them. I think one branch of for the war and putting on called out to examine some a virtual way to experi- Byrd’s presence felt big- A major feature of the the family lived in the heater. the big whale war event, (at- 50 dead marine mammals ence the undersea envi- ger than his physical frame. front of Byrd’s studio/home When we would go on poach- tended by our Congressman as well as several salmon ronment and see science He had the face of a Welsh- was his Land Rover — the old ing expeditions the smell Leo Ryan and every poli- sharks and an olive ridley in action. With the use man, like mashed potatoes, kind that had rounded cor- got worse and worse until tician who wanted a vote turtle. No one knows how of cutting-edge technolo- always wore a blue fisher- ners on square flat fenders, I begged Byrd to turn it off. from the coast), to get to go many animals were scav- gies, including an under- man’s cap and fancied a pea unlike anything on the road It was difficult, even in on the adventures with Byrd, enged or washed out to sea water drone and a 3D/360 coat on formal occasions. today. Overall it looked like it 1976, to make a living carv- J.D., Nicholas, and others on without examination. degree camera, we will be Byrd Baker was a carver was built in someone’s shop ing God’s Whales. Frankly, the Phyllis Cormack. But we While the causes of death able to monitor our off- of God’s Whales. Inside his with hardware from Men- sales were slow until the got to listen to the stories of all the animals are not shore environment and house was a scrapwood bar dosa’s: external door hinges Whale War and Byrd be- from our friends, made big- yet known, leptospirosis share what we see with made out of wood found on bolted on the outside, like a came its (loud) spokesper- ger than life by Byrd and a and urogenital cancers are visitors via our newly the beach and about. Behind shed. Printed on the side was son. He had charismatic el- good cause. known to kill significant constructed virtual real- that bar was an official-look- “Stop the slaughter, boycott oquence, was never short Be sure and rub the whale numbers of California sea ity theater in the shape of ing seal, with a whale in the Japanese products” in red. on something to say, and next to the walkway to the lions, possibly due in part a geodesic dome. center and “The Official Seal The most distinguishing was a perfect representative MacCallum House and pay to environmental contam- Conceived and designed of the Great State of Baleen” feature was the smell on the for Mendocino in the grow- homage to Byrd and his ef- inants. There remain too by Crans Squire, our ma- around the perimeter. The inside. This was the result of ing anti-whaling movement. forts to save the whales. many unanswered ques- rine technology engineer, tions about sea mammal this amazing structure — mortalities and this impor- built largely of locally do- could spin a good yarn, and cluding speakers and dis- First Whale Festival. As co- tant work continues. nated materials with all- 1976 he looked the part of an old- plays from California Green- founders, can you share Sarah is also part of the volunteer labor — will en- time sea captain. My photo- peace, the Jojoba project, your most memorable mo- Noyo Center’s educational able visitors to experience FROM PAGE 1 graph of the 87-foot Phyllis General Whale from Oak- ment or moments from this outreach, together with ed- what it’s like to swim with Cormack in Mendocino Bay land, the American Cetacean event? ucation coordinator Sue whales or float through a the Soviet Union. In 1976 he appeared on the front page of Society from Los Angeles, Sally Welty: When whal- Coulter, and the two have kelp forest without get- sailed with the Mendocino the June 24, 1976 Fort Bragg Project Jonah from Bolinas, ing was legal in inter- introduced thousands of ting wet! With the dome, Whale War aboard the Ca- Advocate-News. With the and the Fund for Animals national waters and the area children to the won- we will be able to con- nadian vessel Phyllis Cor- help of media-savvy locals, from San Francisco. whales were becoming an ders of marine science. Both vey in a uniquely power- mack, along with Baker, it wasn’t long before the na- Local Mendocino Whale endangered species, a group are also volunteers for The ful way both the beauty of artist J.D. Mayhew and oth- tional media also picked up Festival participants in- of us dedicated to saving the Marine Mammal Center in the ocean and the dangers ers. In 1977 he sailed with the story.” cluded Baker, Jules Sie- whales got together to fig- Sausalito and are trained that threaten it. It has to Greenpeace Foundation “An educational festi- gel and Win Shoemaker. A ure out how we could raise to rescue sick and injured be seen to be believed. aboard the ship Ohana Kai val, not a Whalestock” was children’s art show by Men- awareness about the prob- marine mammals. The lo- 2018 was a good year; on a voyage out of Hono- the goal of the Mendocino docino Coast students and lem. cal rescue team, which in- just wait to see what we lulu that confronted a large Whale War festival for the slides of migrating whales Heidi Cusick Dickerson: cludes several other Noyo do in 2019. Come check Russian whaling fleet in the weekend of March 19-21, were among the special ex- We ended up calling it the Center volunteers, responds us out at 338 N. Main St., North Pacific. He has con- 1976. The whale festival fea- hibits. Artist J.D. Mayhew Mendocino Whale War be- to live stranded marine downtown Fort Bragg. tinued to work for environ- tured talks, displays, films was one of the principal fig- cause Byrd Baker, a wood mammals, which are sent mental and social justice in and whale-watching from ures in the Great Whale War carver and legendary char- to the center for rehabilita- Peter O’Donohue is Noyo the following decades, as a the headlands. of 1976. acter in Mendocino, had tion and eventual release. Center’s board president. writer as well as photogra- According to the associa- joined a boat of protesters pher. For more information, tion’s secretary, Ellen Find- In their own words, … it was just when Green- visit nwilsonphoto.com. lay (Herdegen), the group 43 years later … peace was getting started first proposed the festival to and Byrd’s boat joined one An educational inform coast residents of the I had a wonderful meet- of theirs to get involved with festival … not plight of the world’s whales, ing with some of the co- searching for Russian whal- Whalestock so that visitors could talk to founders of the first Men- ers off our coast. Byrd was almost anyone on the street docino Whale War Festival: this charismatic, energetic The Mendocino Whale and learn about the move- Ellen Findlay Herdegen, guy who needed detail-ori- War Association decided on ment. Heidi Cusick Dickerson, ented people like us to put holding a whale festival in or- Massive publicity in the Barry Cusick, Sally and Lee on an event. His partners der to spread the word. Peo- metropolitan news media Welty. I chatted with Bill on the boat included the ac- ple were invited from around worried some local residents, Wilson via email. claimed artist J.D. Mayhew, the country to come here and who feared larger crowds It was 1976, Mendocino’s 1976 » PAGE 7 watch the whales as they mi- than the small town could grated north. accommodate. So, the festi- Local John Bear was the val committee worked long association’s first president and hard during that week to RHOADS AUTO PARTS and Jules Siegel, magazine arrange additional parking, writer, wrote the story, which prepared a list of accommo- ASECERTIFIEDCOUNTER PEOPLE began a genuine community dations (both public and pri- effort. vate), and consulted with lo- OPEN7DAYS AWEEK However, according to cal law enforcement officials. Nicholas Wilson, it was Exhibits and lectures were 964-5607 “Byrd Baker who had the held at Crown Hall in Men- knack for getting media at- docino, while films were fea- 203 N. MAIN ST.,FORT BRAGG tention. Byrd was one of the tured at the Mendocino Art founding trustees. He was Center. A wide variety of pre- ALL NAPA PARTS CARRY a charismatic fellow who sentations were planned, in- ANATIONWIDE WARRANTY

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FROM PAGE 6 photographer and docu- mentarian Nicholas Wil- son, and renegade restau- rateur John Griffith. Sally Welty: Collectively, we launched the official Mendocino Whale War. We planned an entire weekend dedicated to introducing the wonders of the whales and what a loss it would be to the world if they were to become extinct. I think the most memorable aspect was how involved everyone be- came: the schools did les- sons, artists donated pieces for an auction, residents vol- unteered their time, and the town seemed to rally around the importance of saving the CRAIG VADEN whales. It truly was a group NICHOLAS WILSON — CONTRIBUTED Professional mermaid Davina Liberty models during a effort. An auction held in Crown Hall in Mendocino during the 1976Whale Festival. photo shoot meant to bring awareness to the effects Ellen Findlay Herdegen: I human pollution has on marine mammals. remember sitting around at our “board meetings” (I was the secretary), drinking Orca Punch (it was a “killer”), and brainstorming crazy ideas to get media attention on the Mermaids plight of the whales … trying to find a Russian-speaking Mendocino Rose to broad- cast offshore to lure Rus- sian whalers to leave their ships, creating contents for spreading a defector kit to post out on the headlands that would CONTRIBUTED include blue jeans among An article from the Los other necessities, planning Angeles Herald Examiner on activities for a Whale Festi- Mendocino’s Whale Wars. val to educate and celebrate NICHOLAS WILSON — CONTRIBUTED beach Mendocino Whale War volunteers show exhibits in Crown “God’s Whales,” as Byrd al- tend because the whales mi- ways called them. Hall during the 1st Annual Mendocino Whale Festival in grate at this time and seem One unforgettable mo- March 1976. to feel a connection to our ment: It was an afternoon little coastal town on the during the Whale Festival was in London with my sis- whales. My contribution was peninsula. My hope is that awareness and there was a commotion ter for a teacher travel course a life-size 25-foot baby whale the crowds attending the outside. Everyone was gath- on British Children’s Litera- mural that my kindergarten current whale festivals will ered in front of Crown Hall ture. While there I made an class created — barnacles in- be reminded just how ex- with their binoculars (a sta- appointment to meet the cluded. I taught at Redwood traordinary and what a gift die each year worldwide ple in every local’s car) and folks involved with the Inter- Elementary in Fort Bragg. the whales are to everyone By Kelci Parks from plastic entanglement, squealing in delight as we national Whaling Commis- What were some of the on the planet and will con- [email protected] ingestion or strangula- saw glorious puffs of whale sion. I took them a packet of events that you held that tinue with our quest to keep The coast has its own tion,” said group founder breaths spouting. We all articles and photos from the year? Was it well-attended? them protected. fleet of mermaids helping Davina Liberty. “And were certain it was their way Mendocino Whale War, and Do you believe the impact on Heidi: Nothing is more to encourage beach clean- these are only the ones of thanking us for our help. explained our mission. the community was a posi- exciting than standing on ups by practicing what they found and recorded. It’s How do you feel about That was the beauty of it tive one? the headlands searching for preach. The group gathers estimated there are thou- the legacy that you started all — everyone had some- Sally: The weekend was the puffy sprays marking about once a month at lo- sands more.” in 1976? Has it been as you thing to contribute. And that mostly educational. We had where a whale is. When you cal beaches to do cleanups hoped it would be? is the lasting lesson learned various venues where there see their tail you squeal and and invites the public to Sally: From the stand- for me whatever your pas- were movies, lectures, relics, sometimes, if you are in the join. The events are usu- “The message? point of making a difference, sion — do your part. No ef- etc., about whales. We had right place at the right time, ally followed with a mer- That over when our little community fort is too small. a live auction with artwork you will witness a whale maid show, in the water, of Mendocino is united, it is What was your favorite donated by local artists, breaching. Truly breathtak- fancy tails and all. 100,000 marine very powerful. Our colorful part of the 1976 Mendocino mainly of whales. The pro- ing. We had a small part in On Jan. 20 the Men- mammals spokesperson, Byrd Baker, Whale Festival? What was ceeds went to organizations saving the whales. docino Mermaids, a local die each year was a press magnet. So, our your least favorite? dedicated to saving whales. Ellen: Not regularly. I nonprofit group, removed worldwide little Whale War, as it was Sally: The favorite part It was all about whales and have been to a few Men- almost 100 pounds of gar- labeled then, made the pa- was seeing the enthusiasm saving them, and the com- docino Whale Festivals over bage from Noyo Beach, un- from plastic pers and brought awareness of the community and the munity was all in. We were the years but I now live four derneath the bridge. They entanglement, of the plight of the whale. I visitors who came up for a united front. hours away. I have no doubt held another cleanup last ingestion or think we contributed in our the weekend, and their de- Ellen: Mendocino-Fort if I still lived in the area I Feb. 16 at Glass Beach. small way in facilitating the sire to learn about and save Bragg Coast residents all would be involved. strangulation.” international moratorium to the whales. share the beauty and bounty Awareness — Davina Liberty stop killing whales. Heidi: The hardest part of the ocean and the gran- More information The group, in an attempt Ellen: Well, the best news was keeping it going. Byrd deur of some of Earth’s For current informa- to further their efforts, re- is in those days I think the got a bus that J.D. May- largest animals right in our tion about whales, visit cently put together a photo To join the mermaids in gray whale population was hew painted and traveled backyard. The annual mi- the Noyo Center for Marine shoot where the mermaids their mission to keep local around 2,000 individu- around the country with gration of the gray whales Science Marine Mammals performed as deceased beaches as clean as pos- als. Now the numbers are the message about saving parade past our homes ev- link at noyocenter.org/ma- marine mammals tangled sible, find them on Face- greater than 26,000! I feel the whales. Today, I wish ery year during their 2,000- rine-mammals. in fishing nets full of gar- book for event times and like we had a part in that. there were more educational mile round trip from Alaska Also visit the Whale and bage. updates. To donate to the Personally, being involved components to the current to the warm waters of Mex- Dolphin Conservation at “The message? That over group, call 707-964-2295 with the Mendocino Whale Whale Festival. For example, ico to have their babies. It us.whales.org. 100,000 marine mammals for details. War is my little touch with the Kelley House has all the unites us all, so I would say Visit the Kelley House history. Kind of an immor- minutes of our meetings and that is a very positive thing! Museum at kelleyhouse- tality of sorts. I mean, when binders of clips and memen- Do you still participate in museum.org. IT only TAKES A SPARK. you Google my name that toes thanks to Ellen Findlay current Whale Festival cele- Although the whale fes- great photo of Nicholas Wil- Herdegen. brations? tivals are different now, it son’s of our group still pops Ellen: I’m a saver (includ- Sally: Not so much. It has all started with these folks up, 43 years later! ing Save The Whales). As become more of a social who were dedicated to I feel like we really did secretary I kept the meeting event, which we feel has the sharing this message. have a part in saving whales. notes, articles, etc. So now greatest appeal to a younger “Sometimes the whales And educating and inspir- the binders are with the Kel- group than us. We think it talk to me. Maybe I’ve fi- ing countless people on the ley House. My favorite part is great that it has contin- nally gotten to a point in beauty and the struggle of of the festival was the edu- ued all these years, and is my life where I’m able to Please the whales. cational exhibits, learning so popular. It still brings an stand still and listen.” ONLY YOU CAN PREVENT WILDFIRES. In the summer of 1976, I more interesting facts about awareness to those who at- — Byrd Baker smokeybear.com

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CONTRIBUTED Blue Heron Oriental by Jim InsidethecurrentMendocinoEcoArtistsexhibit CONTRIBUTED Moorehead. Dragonfly Salmonfry by Debra Lennox.

The Mendocino Eco Artists’ current exhibit, “Wet, Windy & Wild,” runs through March 31 at Tim Car- mody Arts Gallery, 324 N. Franklin St. in Fort Bragg. The opening celebration on Friday, March 1, from 5 to 8 p.m., supports the Noyo Center for Marine Science.

ter, Bob Rhoades and Pat about this place of primeval By Debbie Holmer Scott. Other MEA mem- rhythms flowing on sandy [email protected] bers who are not showing at shores over eons of time. Who are the Mendocino this exhibit are Keith Mid- “A few years back art- dlesworth, Paul Reiber and ist Maeve Croghan gath- Eco Artists? Cynthia Crocker Scott. ered up a collection of these Mendocino Eco Artists The show at Carmody like-inspired dreamers who CONTRIBUTED have been exhibiting to- Gallery is in support of The were all painting paintings CONTRIBUTED gether for nine years, rais- Noyo Center for Marine and taking photographs and By Julie Higgins. By Karen Bowers. ing funds for local environ- Science. The show will ex- even carving sculptures, and mental groups. Next year is tend to the new Main Street joined them together in the Tim Carmody their 10th anniversary! building of the Noyo Center cause of celebrating and pro- A group of artists who for Marine Science. One can tecting our greatest trea- Tim Carmody is gra- work together to promote view art in the Noyo Center’s sure, our magnificent land- ciously allowing Mendocino conservation and restora- Main Street space, as well as scape. Eco Artists to use his gal- tion of the local environ- their fantastic whale skele- “Her vision is to touch the lery for their Noyo Center ment, they are professional ton and other exhibits, then hearts of all Mendocino res- for Marine Science benefit painters, sculptors and pho- see their entire show at the idents and visitors alike by show. Tim initially began his tographers who live, work Carmody Gallery on Frank- staging local artist shows for artistic career as a photog- and draw their creative in- lin Street (or vice versa). a benefit to raise funds for lo- rapher, specializing in black spiration from this beautiful MEA’s environmental cal projects that protect and and white printmaking in the place. They work as partners partner organizations are: enhance our world here. You ‘60s. Further exploration led with local environmental Mendocino Area Parks As- can see and be moved by the to his first painting. In the groups and use their art to sociation, Mendocino Land images provided for you by 1980s and ‘90s, he moved into help increase public aware- Trust, Noyo Center for Ma- these few artists who wish to sculpture and video. Moving ness of our region’s chal- rine Science, Salmon Resto- share the love and help pro- here from Laguna, he op- CONTRIBUTED lenges and to raise funds ration Association and Red- mote and protect our won- erates a studio and gallery Curious Australian Pelican by Jim Moorehead. through sale of their artwork wood Forest Foundation, ders. where he shows his paint- to help their conservation Inc.. “Come and spend a little ings, photographs, prints partners achieve their goals. time at our show and share and wooden sculptures. To Maeve Croghan, Men- ‘Like-inspired our feelings for the Men- see more of his work, stop by Energy docino Eco Artist leader, dreamers’ docino Coast. We hope you Carmody Arts on Franklin said, “We are dedicated to will make a purchase to Street or visit his website at Ethics doing what we can to bring To bring awareness and help us support the causes timcarmody.com. attention to preserving, and celebrate the Mendocino Eco we have chosen, but even if Experience hopefully helping to save Artists’ upcoming 10th anni- not making a purchase come Noyo Center for our environment through versary, artist John Hewitt by anyway and visit with us. Marine Science our art. For every art sale wrote the following: Let’s be friends. Share your 707.937.3900 from our shows, a percent- “Some of us live in Men- favorite places with us. Sug- The Noyo Center for Offi[email protected] • www.pamelahudson.net age is given to the partner docino because we were gest new charities that we Marine Science is a thriv- group we are supporting in born here. Some of us came may help with. But above ing nonprofit organization 1000 Main Street, Mendocino, CA 95460 that particular show. Public- here on our way somewhere all, enjoy.” ART » PAGE 9 CA/DRE #01036573 ity for our shows also brings else and were overcome by attention to the environmen- the real and the wild of na- tal group we are supporting.” ture here and stayed on. 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Recently, satellite track- Migration ing devices have docu- mented movements of or- FROM PAGE 3 cas from British Columbia swimming almost non-stop ber and November. to Central California and The gray whales’ south- then returning. In 2013, the ern home centers on La- K-pod group of resident or- guna del Ojo Liebre, La- cas did this twice in a cou- guna San Ignacio and Ba- ple of weeks, passing by the hia Magdalena, three inlets Mendocino Coast four times. on the southern half of the Humpback whales, which Baja Peninsula. The larg- are typically larger than est, Laguna del Ojo Lie- gray whales and travel alone bre, a shallow (12 to 39 rather than in pods, spend feet deep), 14-square-mile the winter months off the warm-water, protected Mexican coast to breed and realm — also home to the GRAY WHALE CENSUS AND BEHAVIOR PROJECT - CONTRIBUTED give birth, migrating north world’s biggest commer- Migrating whale numbers in 2018-19, compared to last to polar waters to feed dur- cial saltworks — is where year and a ten-year average. ing the summer months. young whales like Wanda They are most common off are heading when they April. By the end of spring, sharks — both found along the North Coast from April leave Alaska. she’ll have passed by the the Mendocino Coast and through November. CONTRIBUTED The most current, though Mendocino Coast, well on most of the gray whales’ mi- Humpbacks group when Sculpture by Patricia Scott. unofficial, information via her way to Alaska to feed gratory route. they feed, circling large the website Baja Nomad, is for the following year. About The calf nurses for about schools of krill near the sur- be a dynamic environment that in mid-January a sur- 11 months after becoming eight months, drinking face and surrounding them Art that showcases sustainabil- vey by the Commission for pregnant, Wanda will re- around 80 gallons of milk with an impenetrable force ity while supporting activ- Natural Protected Areas in turn to Baja to give birth to every day. A typical female field of bubbles. The group FROM PAGE 8 ities that engage the com- Mexico counted 74 whales her calf, which will weigh has a calf every two years then swims to the surface munity, the visitor and the in Laguna Ojo de Liebre, 1,600 to 1,700 pounds and until she’s between 40 and and scoops in the food with providing exciting educa- scientist in order to inspire 21 mother-calf pairs and 32 measure between 12 and 15 60 years old. Females have their giant mouths. tional programs for youth connection, communication solitary whales, with more feet when born. an average lifespan of 70 and the public and hands- and creativity. whales arriving. Whale calves can’t swim years in the wild. How to spot them on opportunities to do the For more information on But the Laguna is still immediately, so Wanda According to veteran unexpected, like help reart- Noyo Center for Marine Sci- at least another month swims under the calf and Other species whale-watchers, the best iculate a giant 73-foot-long ence, visit their website at away when, around Janu- helps buoy it up. Some- Migrating gray whales way to spot whales from blue whale skeleton and a noyocenter.org. ary, Wanda passes by Fort times, if there is any diffi- are the species seen most land is to look without bin- sea lion. The center has pro- Mendocino Eco Artists Bragg heading south. The culty, other female whales often off the Northern Cali- oculars for the spouts of wa- vided summer science camps plan upcoming shows this trip typically takes about gather around the mother fornia coast, but orcas, blue ter coming from their blow- for all ages the past two sum- summer and fall. From June three months for the aver- and help her and the calf whales, humpback whales holes. Once spotted, look mers. Marine science educa- through August their work age whale. to the surface until the calf and others are also spotted through binoculars to possi- tion will remain the primary will be at the Stanford Inn During the trip south, learns how to breathe and pretty regularly. bly catch a glimpse of a back focus, but its charter includes in Mendocino supporting Wanda travels in a pod of swim. It’s a fairly quick Orcas are not considered or tail. Whales tend to swim the support of education in the Mendocino Land Trust. four to six other female process — the babies learn predictable migrants like between a quarter-mile and all-natural coastal resources On July 6, Eco Artists will be whales. She eats very little, within hours. baleen whales, but they do a half-mile from the coast areas. part of Fort Bragg’s Annual if at all. By the time she gets On the return trip Wanda travel extensively. One time on their way to Baja. During But the Noyo Center has World’s Largest Salmon BBQ back to Alaska, she will have keeps her calf on her right when orca movements can their return trip in March a large vision and a three- supporting the Salmon Res- lost 10 to 15 tons of her body side, between her and the be somewhat predictable is they often come much closer, pronged approach — sup- toration Association. In Sep- weight (an adult gray whale shore, for protection from when the gray whale moth- sometimes within 100 yards porting an innovative re- tember and October at the can weigh around 33 tons). orcas and great white ers and calves are migrating. of land. search program, creating Ford House, the group will When she does feed, she an integrated education be supporting Mendocino scrapes along the ocean program, and building a Area Parks & Recreation. floor, turning on her right OPEN EVERY DAY! world-class facility for re- side a bit and scooping up WE search, education and tour- For more information on a bunch of sand, plankton 1/2 lb. DELIVER ism. The future Noyo cam- the Mendocino Eco Artists, and crustaceans. ERS! ! BURG M-F4-8 pus, on the former Georgia- visit their website at Once in Baja, Wanda Sat/Sun Pacific lumber mill site, will mendocinoecoartists.org. has a couple of sum- Beer•Wine•Calzone •Appetizers ALLDAY mer months to breed — 23-Item Salad Bar•Pasta only about a tenth of the DAILY Gluten-Free Dough p.m. (weather permitting). 20,000 migrating whales THE SPECIALS! Fresh, Hand-CraftedSoups Daily Noyo The gray whales are on actually do mate and give BACK 4FTWIDE the move and Noyo Center birth. Then the whales de- ARE FOR Lunch Buffet-Mon-Sat, 11 am -2pm CALL ! SCREEN TVs FROM PAGE 4 education coordinator Sue part in separate groups for DETAILS Family Buffet -Wed, 4:30 -8pm VIDEOARCADE Coulter will be on hand to the chilly but nutrient-rich Senior Buffet -Tues, 4:30 -8pm FamilyFun up your tasting glasses at guide you along the head- Alaskan feeding grounds. the Masonic Lodge, 428 N. lands in search of whales, Male whales leave Baja Main St. in Fort Bragg. seals and birds, with ac- first, as soon as they finish Boatyard ShoppingCenter companying discussion of breeding. Next, the preg- Corner of Hwy 1&20•Fort Bragg Whale Walks their habits and biology. nant whales head back, With Sue Participants will meet followed by new mothers (707) 961-0580 in the South Coastal Trail with calves. Sunday, March 17 and parking lot and walk out to Wanda, now pregnant, Sunday, March 24, South the Crow’s Nest. Dress for probably starts her return Coastal Trail, 10 a.m. — 12 wet and windy weather. trip in late March or early Thinking of Selling Your Coastal Home or Land? Choose aprofessional Realtor® Sheri Molina BRE 01730348 707-937-9222 [email protected] www.sherimolina.com

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Twohomes on 40 private acres. Main housewith flexible floor plan has 2bedrooms plus a Point Arena Lighthouse Lightsleepingand brightloftinthomehe upston 1.1airacresgreclatosetrootom.ownwAmithazincountrgwooyfdwoeeling.rk 3bprovedroomsides architectural interest. Museum &Tower Tours Largeworkshop/storage area featuresroll up door. Extensive southfacing decks. The cabin andhas1btwo baedrthrooms.oom upstairLaundrswyroom.ith downstairNew paint.skThereitchen,is amlivingajesticaarppleaetandree andfull bath. Sunny deck. Museum only: $5 theSeparatemeadowbpropaneloomswandith electricalwild flowersservices.in spring.PrivateGood southernfrom mainexposurehouse.andOutbuildingsplen- include sheds and large chickencoop.Sunny,fencedgarden with drip system, greenhouse and young fruit Tower tour (Museum included): tytrees.of room5,000if yougalwantwatergardensstorageor animals.fed byEasyproductito shovew.well$379,000.!Awe-inspMLSiring26713.countryside all around. $8 Adult | $1 Children 5-11 $989,000. MLS 25898. Under5FREE Wind &Whale Celebration Come visit us for spectacular whale Sat,Apr 13 |10am-3pm watching right off the coastduring Coast Hardware the gray whale migration! Don’t miss the Point Arena Lighthouse’s annual Wind &Whale Celebration in April, and if youare coming to &Radio Shack Dealer AWhale of a Visitthe Lighthouse and enjoyhikingthe Hardware Store! the Mendocino coast for the March Whale Festivals, be sure to add a adjacent PointArena-Stornetta public lands. MORETHAN JUST AHARDWARE STORE... stop at the Lighthouse to your trip! Under new ownership, so stop in oftentosee what’snew! We stock thefinestfrom... Point Arena Lighthouse Small kitchen items, counter top appliances, Onsite Lodging housewares, canning supplies, irons &ironing March &April Lodging Special! Get boards, vacuums, &more 15% off anystayduring March or April using the promo code: New transfers andstencils forthe crafty folks and DIY Point Arena Lighthouse is part of the inclined. Absolutely beautiful, and easy! Doors, walls, WHALEGOODTIME “Whale Trail” project and apremierplace any flat surface that needs alift, check outall the choices. for spotting these amazing creatures. Our six historic cottages feature fireplaces, WiFi, DishTV and the best Electronic devices, gaming, TVs, security cameras, ocean views anywhere. Most have full Apple accessories, batteries galore... kitchens and pet friendly units are available. Enjoyunlimited Lighthouse We’reexpandingthe pet&garden items, too... tours during your stay! Call the Lodging Desk at 877.725.4448 x1 or visit our website for details. CoastHardware Store hours: Mon.-Sat.9AM-5:30 PM &RadioShack Dealer Sunday 9AM-5PM 300 North Main Street •FortBragg, CA 95437 Open Daily 10am-3:30pm |45500 Lighthouse Rd.,Point Arena, CA 95468 964-2318 877.725.4448 |PointArenaLighthouse.com |[email protected] 10 | C WHALE FESTIVALS | MENDOCINO BEACON, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2019 ADVOCATE-NEWS, THURSDAY, MARCH 14, 2019

NEW CALF A HOPEFUL SIGN FAMILY FUN MacKerricherStateParkplayshoston FortBragg’sWhaleFestivalweekend

By Staff The 2018 Fort Bragg Whale Festival is a “must attend” event the week- end of March 15, 16 and 17. RON LEVALLEY — CONTRIBUTED Events at and admission to An orca family swims off the Mendocino Coast. MacKerricher State Park are free and all ages are welcome. Events are listed below. For additional infor- 2018 deadly mation or questions, con- tact 707-961-0471 or visit mendoparks.org. Located three miles for Southern north of Fort Bragg on Highway 1, MacKerricher State Park is an ideal loca- tion for watching the gray Resident orcas whale migration. The park has a wheelchair accessible boardwalk allowing access bled buffer zones between to the headlands of Laguna By Kelci Parks whales and watchers. The Point with stunning views [email protected] task force highlighted dis- of the coastline. Day use is Southern Resident killer turbances from noise and free. whales, a species of orca boats as a major contribu- Talking whales CONTRIBUTED native to the Pacific North- tor to food source depletion, The gray whale skeleton at MacKerricher State Park gets a new coat of paint (weather west, frequent waters off the hunting interruption and On Friday, March 15, at permitting) every year during Fort Bragg’s Whale Festival. coast of Oregon, Washing- more perils for the small 7 p.m., a talk on the whales ton and Vancouver Island, group. of the Pacific Ocean will be British Columbia, but are “We know that we’ve held in the Veterans Me- spotted as far south as the changed our environment, morial Building located at coast of Central California. our ecosystem, over the last 360 N. Harrison St., across A new baby recently arrived half century and a half, dra- from the Fort Bragg Li- within their very small pop- matically, across the state brary. Join State Parks do- ulation and researchers of Washington,” Inslee told cents for an exciting lec- hope it will survive to help the Peninsula Daily News, ture plus refreshments, replenish the endangered a Washington publication. interactive activities and population. “We will need to do many a raffle to take place at the Southern residents con- things to give the orcas a time of the lecture. Event sist of three pods — J Pod shot at survival.” to take place rain or shine. (23 members), K Pod (18 Some tour company oper- members) and L Pod (35 ators argue that their pres- Whale Walk at members). Researchers ence actually helps orca re- MacKerricher track them closely and iden- covery. Tour boat owner State Park tify each orca with a name and Port Townsend Com- that reflects their pod. missioner Peter Hanke told Saturday, March 16, be- They’re identifiable by KIRO that tour operators ginning at 11 a.m., docents the noises they make and are vital parts of public ed- and State Parks’ staff lead how they converse with ucation and “patrolling” for informative guided whale each other, according to the the orcas. According to him, walks. The program will National Oceanic and At- tour operators often shield start at the Visitor Center mospheric Administration. the group from harm by no- and whale skeleton, 24100 CONTRIBUTED NOAAreports the Southern tifying commercial vessels MacKerricher Park Rd., Ocean and forest trails at MacKerricher State Park make it a prime spot for exploration Resident orca population is and pleasure crafts of their three miles north of Fort during the Whale Festivals. 75, a 30-year low. whereabouts. Bragg off Highway 1, for a “We’re talking to each discussion before driving accepted) at the MacK- Depleted numbers other and we’re really aware to Laguna Point for whale- erricher campfire center, KIRO Radio, out of Seat- through all the resources we watching. Binoculars are rain or shine. Dress appro- tle, reported that last year have of where whales are available. Events to take priately. was a rough one for the al- at,” he told the station. place rain or shine. Dress ready small group with appropriately. Help paint the the loss of J50 Scarlet, L92 New baby whale skeleton Crewser and the calf that According to High Coun- Games, art, music, didn’t live long enough to try News, in early January hot dogs On Sunday, March 17, be named but was carried whale watchers and biolo- from 1 to 3 p.m., help pre- for 17 days by his grieving gists celebrated the birth of Also on Saturday, March serve MacKerricher State mother, J35 Talequah. a new orca calf. If it survives 16, from 1 to 4 p.m. enjoy Park’s gray whale skeleton. In response to the low past its first year, it will be family-oriented arts and Every year a fresh coat of numbers, Washington Gov. the first to do so in the last crafts, games and educa- paint is applied to the fa- Jay Inslee established a three years. tional activities at MacKer- mous gray whale skeleton task force in March 2018 Little is known thus far richer. Learn all about the to help protect it from the that recommended, among about the new arrival, but whales of the Pacific. Play elements. Bring a paint other things, a halt to researchers hope it is a fe- games, make art, listen brush and wear your paint- whale-watching tours un- male to help replenish the to music and enjoy a free ing clothes. Note — rain or til the end of 2022 and dou- orca population. hot dog lunch (donations heavy fog will cancel. •Casual, affordable diningand “pubbing”onthe water’s edge. •Alarge andrusticdeck, acozy, intimate pub. keepers Association vol- their families. •Apicturesqueharbor whereboats come andgo. Cabrillo unteer docents will high- Feel free to call 707-937- •Housemade food, craftbeers, localwines. light light station history 6123 with any questions •Scheduled local musical events. FROM PAGE 3 and local culture with vis- about the lens tours during itor presentations at the the Fort Bragg and Men- 707.962.0100 the Caspar Bridge. lighthouse and other lo- docino Whale Festivals! Tickets are $5 per per- cations in the State His- 32096 N. Harbor Drive •Fort Bragg, CA, 95437 son; the fee supports the toric Park. Weather per- lighthouse maintenance RON LEVALLEY — CONTRIBUTED mitting, docents will also fund. The tours are a treat The Point Cabrillo Light lead walks to nearby Frolic for the whole family but Station is one of the premier Cove and relate the story please note that children spots on the Mendocino of the clipper brig Frolic, must be at least 42 inches Coast for whale watching. which wrecked off the cove tall to participate. in July 1850 while bound The First Assistant This period museum shows from China to San Fran- Lightkeeper’s House is how lightkeepers and their cisco with a valuable cargo also open throughout the families lived in the 1930s. of Chinese merchandise for Whale Festival weekends. Point Cabrillo Light- the Gold Rush miners and

Follow us on Twitter and Facebook. It’s awhaleofatale...25years of servingour community! From 7employees and2,000 patients, MendocinoCoastClinics hasgrown to 110employees and10,000patients.Weare proudtobeyourmedical home andoffer afullrange of services: Primary &Preventive Medical Care Dental Care Behavioral Health Care OB/GYN PediatricsBlueDoor@MCC Complementary Services, suchaschiropracticand acupuncture Walk-In ClinicThursdays8:30-10:30amand Fridays1:00- 4:00 pm Andmore! Call us at (707)964-1251tomake an appointment.Ifit’s 2 after hours, ouroncall providerwillreturn your call. Thankyou forthe last 25 years. We are looking forward to the next 25! 16