July 2026

Contents

• July Thoughts

• A Letter from Our Board Chair, Cedric Chao

• Next Seadrift Board Meeting: September 19

• 4th of July

• gate@

• Bolinas Lagoon South End Restoration Project

• Wildfire Readiness: Stinson Fire Dipsea Road Drill

• Plan Your Holiday Travel

July Thoughts

As I sit at my desk to write this newsletter, the spirited chatter of four adolescent barn swallows drifts in from their nest under our eaves. Their voices explode in a sudden splash of sound whenever a parent flies near to meet four mouths bolted open, presenting bright yellow targets for food, then quickly closing as they recede to wait for the next round. This tireless tag-team effort by both mom and dad pulses in rhythm, almost like ocean waves. I read on Audubon’s website that they can complete as many as 400 feedings a day! They are a lively but temporary presence, and I am going to miss these guys when they find their wings and move on.

Looking out my office window, a porthole framing a sweeping view of the Bolinas Lagoon and the majestic Mt. Tamalpais, I am instantly grounded. This view is my tonic. With its constantly shifting light, weather, and tides, I have never seen the same landscape twice. To me, the mountain is an unflappable teacher. It silently demonstrates the power of our surroundings, showing us how to exist in strength, serenity, and vulnerability all at once. It gives us the time and space to make our own meaning, gently reminding us that we are all part of this vast, powerful ecosystem.

Our relationship with this living world is complex and deeply intertwined. As Seadrift navigates challenges with our current widgeon grass bloom, the Board is approaching its next steps with thorough, careful consideration of the broader context and especially the science. Trending warmer ocean temperatures are likely amplifying the natural boom-and-bust cycles of lagoon vegetation, and we are keeping our eyes firmly on the long-term health of our environment.

Wishing you all a beautiful and peaceful summer season. 

P.S. We will continue to share updates on our lagoon management as science and strategy guide our next steps.

A Letter from Our Board Chair, Cedric Chao

Dear fellow homeowners,

I hope you are having a pleasant summer. Please consider this as my introductory note as your new president.

I. SEADRIFT HOA BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND WORKING COMMITTEES:

First, I would like to thank the 2026-2027 board of directors for serving during what promises to be a challenging and fast-paced year: Larry Clopp (vice president), Dorine Holsey Streeter (treasurer), Dyer Grote (secretary), Gaeta Bell, Jeanice Gantus, Caitlin Pardo de Zela, Vicki Sebastiani, and Rick Strauss. Each of us is busy and has other things to do in our lives. So, I am grateful that the Executive Committee members and the Directors have volunteered their time.

We have working committees on which board members and volunteer non-board members sit to address the issues that confront Seadrift. The committee membership is set out below. We would welcome new non-board member volunteers to join any of the committees. Please let either Nominations Committee chair Dyer Grote or Community Manager Jean Gould know of your interest.

Executive Committee:

• Cedric Chao

• Larry Clopp

• Dorine Holsey Streeter

• Dyer Grote

Finance Committee:

• Chair: Dorine Holsey Streeter

• Assistant Treasurer: Dick Okada

• Jeanice Gantus

• Robin Steele *

Architectural Review:

• Co-Chair: Larry Clopp

• Co-Chair: Rick Strauss

• Gaeta Bell

• Caitlin Pardo de Zela

• Amy Fitzpatrick *

Nominating and Governance:

• Chair: Dyer Grote

• Cedric Chao

• Vicki Sebastiani

Legal:

• Chair: Cedric Chao

• Caitlin Pardo de Zela

• Dick Okada *

• Terry Houlihan *

• A.C. Johnston *

• David Kremer *

Infrastructure:

• Chair: Larry Clopp

• Gaeta Bell

• Dorine Holsey Streeter

• Rick Strauss

• Adam Fields *

Emergency Preparedness:

• Chair: Vicki Sebastiani

• Jeanice Gantus

• Dyer Grote

• Christophe Bertrand *

• Adam Fields *

• Robert Kustel *

• Jonna Mazet *

II. SEADRIFT'S LOYAL STAFF:

I would like to give a shout out to Seadrift's loyal staff who come to work every day to make Seadrift the wonderful community that it is. We are very fortunate to have the services of Jean Gould (community manager) who leads the staff and who coordinates the functioning of Seadrift's many activities on a day-to-day basis. In addition, we rely on Heidi Smith (office manager), Bob Stevens (head of security), Alex Kovach, Steve Johnson, Jeff Morrison, and Leslie Melendy. When you next see a staff member, be sure to express your gratitude for their efforts.

III. GREATER SEADRIFT INVOLVEMENT IN STINSON BEACH AND MARIN COUNTY ORGANIZATIONS THAT IMPACT SEADRIFT:

One of our new priorities is to encourage greater Seadrift homeowner involvement with the Stinson Beach and Marin County organizations that might impact Seadrift's livability. I learned from our recent fire drill concerning the Marin County Planning Department's proposed Environmental Hazards Amendments to the Local Coastal Plan that would have adversely impacted Seadrift's livability and that contradicted provisions of the 1980's settlement agreement between Seadrift on the one hand, and the California Coastal Commission and Marin County on the other hand. Through Seadrift's quick marshalling of over 100 homeowner letters in opposition to the Planning Department's proposed amendments, through our meetings with Planning Department staff, and through our public comments and visible presence at several Planning Commission hearings and one Marin County Board of Supervisors meeting, we successfully dodged the bullet. At its final meeting, the Planning Department opted to take "no action" on the proposals championed by the California Coastal Commission and others who spoke opposite us. However, we understand that was a temporary reprieve. We now must work with the County of Marin, the various specialized District organizations, and the Coastal Commission over the coming years to make sure that our views are given the weight they deserve.

We recently had two Seadrift residents, Christophe Bertrand and Ariel Poler, appointed to the Stinson Beach Fire District Board. And, of course, we are thrilled that the Fire Department, with generous contributions from many Seadrift homeowners, has met its fundraising target for the new stationhouse.

We hope to get homeowners onto the Stinson Beach Water District Board, since this body, among other things, will study the possible construction of a sewage plant that would supersede the septic tank systems that our Seadrift (and Stinson Beach) homes currently use. This would be one important step toward preparing Seadrift for higher ocean levels in the years to come. We also understand that Marin County has recently posted the position for Flood Control & Water Conservation District General Manager, whose responsibilities will include oversight of flood risk reduction programs. There are positions on the Flood Zone 5 Advisory Committee representing Stinson Beach. Finally, the Association of Coastal Marin Villages (ACMV) which will have an important voice in Marin County's deliberations concerning its long-term planning for sea rise, has Seadrift representation through a tag team of Dyer Grote and Jean Gould.

We have designated the Seadrift Nominations Committee, chaired by Dyer Grote, to consider, vet, and recommend homeowners interested in becoming more involved in any of these organizations. I strongly encourage any homeowner with the interest and skill set to reach out to Dyer (415.215.5923; dyerg30@comcast.net) or Jean Gould (415.868.9043; jean@seadriftassociation.org).

IV. WIDGEON GRASS MITIGATION:

One recent phenomenon which we suspect results from our warmer weather is the proliferation of widgeon grass in the Seadrift Lagoon. This aquatic growth interferes with homeowners' enjoyment of the lagoon. Seadrift's Infrastructure Committee has appointed a subcommittee composed of Rick Strauss, David Kremer, and Jean Gould to study the issue and to follow up with a request for proposal (RFP) that has been distributed to several aquatic management firms to propose a plan to mitigate the widgeon grass proliferation and establish a long-term lagoon management plan. The Infrastructure Committee will meet on August 4 to consider the proposals and, from there, the Infrastructure Committee will make a recommendation to the full Board for action.

There is much to be learned, including why this grass has proliferated this year, what we can do to control it immediately and in the future, how health and safety concerns intersect with mitigation efforts, the regulatory process, funding for the program that the Board ultimately selects, the responsibilities of the HOA and the homeowners whose docks line the lagoon, etc. We are looking forward to evaluating and comparing the firms' responses. Our Treasurer, Dorine Streeter, in conjunction with our Community Manager, will take a leading role in assessing the costs and our funding sources. Please rest assured that your Board has made this issue an immediate priority.

V. LONG TERM PLANNING:

Another priority, temporarily overshadowed by our near-term focus on widgeon grass, is Seadrift's long-term planning for ocean rise. We have had an initial report from our Sea Level Rise Advisory Group, we are installing Hohonu sensors to gather data, and we have made a first installment into our Reserves fund for sea level rise adaption.

Finally, if news reports are accurate, we will have a severe El Nino this winter, which will mean more rain than usual. If you have the time and interest, we would welcome your stepping forward to join in our planning efforts.

Warm regards,

Cedric Chao

Join Us at the September 19, 2026 Board Meeting!

Our community relies on engaged and informed homeowners, and attending our regular Board meetings is one of the best ways to learn what is going on and participate in the future of Seadrift. We would love for you to join.

Next Board Meeting:

• Date: September 19, 2026

• Time: 9:00 AM

• Location / Format: Seadrift Office with  Zoom Option (add link?)

4th of July

Happy 250th, America!

I hope you all had a wonderful 4th of July with family and friends. I thoroughly enjoyed being at my "home away from home" here in Seadrift, taking part in our buzzing community celebration.

The Seadrift Fun Run is a major highlight for me, and this year marked our third annual! Our amazing volunteers did a fantastic job revving up the participants with swag stations and cheers along the route. It was joyful to see all the walkers, runners, bikers, scooter riders, strollers, and furry friends being celebrated along the mile-and-a-half course. A huge thank you!

The range of participants was inspiring, and the goodwill was absolutely contagious. It was the kids, in particular, who made the day extra special with their excitement and determination.

New! gate@ 

A new way to notify security of your guests. 

Summer is in full swing at Seadrift, and it's wonderful to see the community bustling with residents, families, and visitors enjoying everything the neighborhood has to offer.

With the increase in activity, we also encounter a number of visitors without advance authorization to enter. Homeowner security is of the utmost importance to us, and we appreciate your partnership in helping us keep Seadrift safe and secure for everyone.

To that end, if you are expecting overnight or day guests, please take a moment to contact security with your guest information before they arrive with the following information: 

• Your name and property address

• Your guests' names

• The dates they will be staying with you

It just takes a minute. 

And now there are two ways to get this important information to the gate: 

• Call:  415-868-1520

• New! Email: gate@seadriftassociation.org

We all play a role in keeping Seadrift secure. Thank you for all you do to make that happen.

Bolinas Lagoon South End Restoration Project

You still have time to respond to the third Seadrift Homeowner survey. Weigh in on this project that promises to be a model for habitat restoration and sea level rise adaptation. It is truly exciting. Here’s a brief project overview along with how you can participate. 

Project Update: Bolinas Lagoon-South End Restoration Project

The southern reaches of our lagoon are currently the heart of a vital ecological endeavor known as the South End Restoration Project. As the final expansive stretch of untouched shoreline within the estuary, this land is navigating pressures from non-native species, modified coastal conditions, and the growing threat of flooding tied to sea level rise.

This collaborative restoration is being guided by the Greater Farallones and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuaries alongside the Greater Farallones Association. They are working in dedicated partnership with Marin County and our own Seadrift Association to ensure a resilient future.

Project Intentions & Evolution

The initiative seeks to revive natural coastal rhythms that foster environmental health and long-term stability. Primary objectives include:

• Revitalizing Habitats: Eradicating invasive flora while nourishing tidal marshes, swales, and terraces to offer a sanctuary for migratory birds and indigenous plants.

• Environmental Resilience: Cultivating organic buffers that empower our low-lying landscapes to gracefully adapt as water levels shift.

Action Needed: Visit the Website & Complete the Survey

As a Seadrift homeowner, your input is vital as these plans progress. The Seadrift Association has created a dedicated website specifically for our homeowners to stay informed, access resources, and provide feedback.

Please take a few moments today to complete these quick steps:

1. Visit the website made just for Seadrift homeowners here. 

2. View the informational video

3. Respond to the community survey to share your perspective here:

Wildfire Readiness: Stinson Fire Dipsea Road Drill

Read on for an update from Fire Chief Jesse Peri regarding the training drill he led on Dipsea Road last month. We share a close partnership with Stinson Beach Fire. Not only do two Seadrift residents serve on their Board of Directors, but their crews also regularly conduct training exercises within Seadrift and in our lagoon to keep their skills sharp. 

“As part of our annual fire season preparation, the Stinson Beach Fire Protection District conducts scenario-based training simulating wildfires that ignite in and/or threaten our district.

This past week we focused on a fictitious scenario involving a small fire in the open space on Dipsea Road. Fire crews practiced their suppression skills and, thankfully, the simulated fire was contained and extinguished!

This past year, thanks to funding from the MWPA and a coordinated effort between the Seadrift HOA, Stinson Beach Fire, and the Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary, fuel reduction work was completed on Dipsea Road. The primary objective was keeping a fire like the one simulated in this drill on the ground and preventing it from extending into tree canopies, which could launch wind-driven embers into nearby homes.”

Plan Your Holiday Travel

As you plan your holiday gatherings, please keep a close eye on the tide charts.This winter’s king tides align with major holiday periods, and you will need to plan around them for  travel, deliveries, and family gatherings:  

• Thanksgiving Week: November 24–26, 2026

• Christmas Week: December 23–25, 2026

• Late January: January 21–22, 2027

During these windows, the alignment of the earth, moon, and sun will pull tides to their annual extremes. Particularly in conjunction  with weather events, these high tides can make roads and highways impassable for a period of time. Flooding can happen rapidly around peak high tide, temporarily cut off vehicle access, and completely block both ingress and egress to Seadrift.

Action Plan for Homeowners:

• Alert Holiday Guests: If you are hosting family or friends over Thanksgiving or Christmas, warn them that arrival and departure times must be planned around high-tide windows to avoid getting stranded.

• Coordinate Deliveries Early: Schedule holiday package deliveries, service appointments, or grocery runs outside of these high-tide dates.

• Stock Up on Essentials: Ensure your household is well-supplied with food, water, and emergency necessities so you can comfortably stay off the roads when water levels rise.

• Monitor Local Conditions: Keep a close eye on weather reports, local tide charts, and road-closure alerts from Marin County.

Please stay safe, plan ahead, and enjoy the holiday season!

Seadrift History — A Railroad to Seadrift?

Part 2

by Ellen McElhinny

After the construction of the “Outside Road” in 1870, Stinson slowly began developing as a resort town. The first road connecting Stinson Beach to the outside world was constructed in 1870. It was a narrow dirt road with ‘exciting’ curves. Panoramic Highway was not completed until 1928.

The four-mile-long swimming beach was one of the best beaches in Northern California, and it was now a bit more accessible. By 1879, 20 family tents had been constructed on Easkoot’s Beach, along today’s Calles.  Visitors could hike over the hill, take a boat to Bolinas, ride a horse from Olema, or soon a horse drawn stagecoach. A competing tent hotel called Willow Camp (the early name of Stinson) was built in 1880. These tent camps with their basic facilities were followed by a number of hotels and restaurants in town. Lodging and restaurants were clustered downtown and along the Calles. While the town expanded, the sandspit remained pristine.

The Kent family has played a large sized historical role in purchasing land in Marin County, both to preserve some significant open spaces and to develop others. 

Albert Kent, after making his fortune in the meatpacking business in Chicago, moved his family to Marin in 1871. He purchased numerous pieces of land in an area that became Kent Woodlands, Kentfield today. He provided the right of way on his Mt. Tamalpais property for the building of the Mill Valley & Mt. Tam Scenic Railway in 1896. Beginning in downtown Mill Valley, it ended just below Tam’s summit. It was a wildly popular ride- over 8 miles, over 22 trestles, around 281 curves, ending at a tavern. All for $1 roundtrip. In 1904 the West Point Inn was built at the terminus. You can hike to this Inn today from Pantoll. At Kent’s suggestion, a “Gravity Car extension” with no engine, was added to Muir Woods in 1907. It became a popular thrill ride twisting around the curves. Albert Kent died in 1901. 

Albert Kent’s only son, William continued to purchase land in Marin. Barry Spitz, in his book Marin, A History, said “By 1903, it was possible to walk from the Kent family home near San Francisco Bay over Tam to the ocean at Stinson Beach entirely on Kent land.” Probably the most famous and beneficial transaction William made was the purchase of 611 acres in Redwood Canyon in 1905 to save the giant redwoods from imminent logging. The 295 acres he donated to the federal government became Muir Woods National Monument, named after his friend John Muir. The remaining acres were meant to provide a right of way to expand the Mt. Tam Railway down the mountain to the ocean. 

In 1901 William had purchased the 62 acre sandspit with the idea of running the railway from the top of the mountain, through Stinson, along the sandspit, and across the channel on a drawbridge to Bolinas. The train would then run up the Olema Valley to Pt. Reyes Station. 

Kent sold 10 acres in the middle of the spit to William Neuman to build a hotel, the first real structure on the spit. There has previously been a ferryman’s shack at the end of the spit, shortening the distance to Bolinas. The Dipsea Inn was built in 1904 to house the expected train passengers.  

One dirt road ran down the length of the spit to the Dipsea Inn. Members of the San Francisco Olympic Club who had vacationed in the local area, organized the first Dipsea Race in 1905, ending at the new Inn. The next year the finish was moved to downtown Stinson. After the grueling mountain race, the last two miles on sand were intolerable. The Dipsea Race remains an annual attraction for the town. A causeway was built from Highway One across the wetland to the dirt road that ran down the spit to the Dipsea Inn. This causeway limited the flow of Easkoot’s Creek into the Bolinas Lagoon except through a narrow tidal gate. You can see remnants of the tidal gate today along the eastern edge of Seadrift.

In 1904 the Old Stage Coach Road was opened from West Point Railway terminus to Willow Camp. It was built on a railroad grade slope, also in anticipation of the railway extension. Visitors could now take a horse drawn wagon from the top of Mt. Tam down to the beach and on to Bolinas.

The railroad preparations were well underway when the 1906 earthquake occurred. It was clear the fault line cut right through today’s Kent Island and the end of the spit near today’s tennis courts. The sandspit was not a good route for a train line. All plans for the railway extension ceased. Willow Camp was not destined to become a major railroad resort area.  

The Dipsea Inn, the only building on the sandspit, was torn down in 1918. Downtown Willow Camp and the Calles continued to host a number of tents and tent cabins, as well as a few hotels, including Airey’s Hotel, Sea Beach Hotel, and Dipsea Lodge. One of William Kent’s sons, Thomas, developed Sea Downs, a pavilion for dancing, a dining room, cottages and cabins, located near today’s lifeguard station. By 1911 motor vehicles replaced stagecoaches on the road.

Without the railroad plans, William Kent had little use for the acres he had acquired from the railroad terminus at the top of Mt. Tam to the beach. He gave 204 acres of Steep Ravine to the State Park System on March 12, 1928. He died the following day, leaving seven children.  

The sandspit remained completely undeveloped.

Please visit our History page for more updates.