December 2026 View in Browser

A Look Back, A Look Ahead

2026 is around the corner! The passing of the year is always startling—I don't know where the time went, but I certainly understand whence it came.

Within Seadrift, it came from moments of good company and play, highlighted by our refurbished tennis courts and the exciting addition of new pickleball courts. It arose from a renewed focus on something bigger than us, sharing a concern for the environment and establishing our role in a world that is always changing. It came from the simple joy of living in one of the most beautiful places on earth, and the generosity of welcoming many new neighbors into the fold.

We also draw strength from the pride and shared sense of purpose evident as many among us took on leadership roles in community, volunteer, and political organizations. For those diligently investing in their families, it comes from a deep well of love and tradition. And for those who have struggled or experienced loss, it comes from finding strength together in the present and sustaining a profound belief in continuity and respect.

There is truly much to celebrate in a look back. From the 4th of July festivities, to private gatherings and reunions; the joy of radiant sunsets and sunrises; of stormy days and perfect calm; of good breaks, good dinks, and uplifting projects; of gatherings around the family table, and cherished traditions like the Firemen’s Ball—there is so much we celebrate together.

Please continue to enjoy a safe and celebratory holiday season. I am happy to be able to celebrate it with you, entering my third year with Seadrift. Thank you to this wonderful community, staff, and Board. I look forward to many more years celebrating our collective gifts and future.

Cheers to 2026—here’s to new beginnings!

– Jean Gould

Reminders, Safety, & Seasonal Prep

• Holiday Lights Drill December 10
  

• Today is the deadline for holiday delivery of Seadrift Merch - samples are in the office if you would like to stop by. 
  

• Beach Clean Up Day - January 6th - Mark your calendars - more news to come!
  

• Stinson Beach Community Events - sign up for this newsletter, a product of the SBVA that collates information on all upcoming local events.

• Batten Down the Hatches: Wind, Rain, and the Boneyard Reminder

• King Tides: Travel Guidance for January 1-4

• Dark Skies: Reducing Light Spill to Protect Wildlife
  

• Fire Engagement Day was a success!

• New details on the Seadrift Homeowner Google Group

Holiday Fund: A Note of Appreciation for Our Staff

This time of year, we might take pause to appreciate those dear to us and celebrate with giving. Read more

Environmental Stewardship

• Look Out Back: Fire Mitigation Work and a Rainbow Moment

• Bolinas Lagoon Advisory Council Updates

• State of the Lagoon Conference — May 2026

Community Updates & Civic Affairs

• Gate Card Audit – In the Books

• Our Post Office – Preliminary Plans

• Rodoni Community Meeting: Highlights & Key Takeaways

In the News

Update from Cedric Chao, Legal Committee Chair

We are highlighting two recent articles on Stinson Beach, sea level rise, and real estate values.

The first linked article quoted extensively from Marin County's environmental study consultant, ESA, who based their research on 2024 OPC ocean level projections for 100 years through 2130. The San Francisco Chronicle cited these same predictions, where by 2085, the ocean here would be 3.3 feet higher than in 2000. The ESA study also stated that at 3.3 feet, much of Stinson Beach would be washed away. The article concluded by quoting a Berkeley professor who stated, in effect, that taxpayer funds should not be spent on Stinson Beach repairs if houses would be washed away in the end. 

There then followed a Chronicle article highlighting the top ten national zip codes for real estate purchase prices, with Stinson Beach having the 7th most expensive sales price. Recently, the writer, Tara Duggins, reached out for comment in connection with an article exploring the paradox of our community having high real estate values yet being at risk for ocean rise.

We responded, hoping that our input might generate a more balanced portrayal of Seadrift. We suggested two Seadrift residents, Seadrift president Dyer Grote and longtime resident Vicki Sebastiani. Our talking points were that the pace of ocean rise is highly speculative, that the pace of ocean rise is unlikely to be as dramatic as ESA projects, that Seadrift residents will be studying proposals for protecting their homes, and that Seadrift has a detailed settlement agreement with Marin County and the California Coastal Commission that spells out our and other stakeholders' rights and obligations.

Also linked is the November 22, 2025 Chronicle article.  Vicki was quoted that after residing here for 20 years, she has not seen appreciable ocean rise. By Vicki raising the question of the pace of ocean rise, and by others pointing to long term solutions such as constructing an off-site sewage plant, we achieved a more balanced article. Seadrift, and Stinson Beach more generally, are planning for the future. 

• Tara Duggan, San Francisco Chronicle, Nov 22, 2025 “Bay Area’s ultra wealthy keep buying homes in this beach town - despite doomsday forecast.”

• Tara Duggan, San Francisco Chronicle, Jun 30, 2025:  “Stinson Beach gets its first-ever price tag for coping with sea level rise — and it’s gigantic.”