Spin Around Marin: Novato drug bust, E-bike safety alert and more

Novato 

drug bust

A Novato police officer on patrol on Nov. 4 witnessed a drug deal and made an arrest. 

The officer observed Erik Diaz, 20, of Novato walking on Tamalpais Avenue near Novato Boulevard. Diaz is on probation and subject to search. The NPD said in a press release that “The officer saw Diaz walk into a parking lot off Novato Boulevard and observed him make a hand-to-hand exchange with a female juvenile in a vehicle. The officer recognized this exchange as a drug sale and contacted Diaz. 

Diaz was booked in the Marin County Jail for cannabis sales to a minor, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, and probation violation. During a probation search at his residence, NPD officers located approximately 30 concentrated cannabis pens, 14 nicotine vape pens, over an ounce of cannabis, over an ounce of psilocybin, a digital scale and packaging materials. Diaz was re-booked for possession of a controlled substance for sale, and possession of cannabis with intent to sell to a minor.

Sculpture waits

Sausalito’s iconic sea lion sculpture is still patiently waiting for the permits it will need from various regional, state, and federal agencies before it can return to its home on the southern waterfront. The 1,900 pound bronze sculpture has been ashore since Jan. 10, when it was lifted to safety after breaking loose from its cement platform during a winter storm.

Repairs to the sculpture have been completed and were made possible with funds raised by the Sausalito Foundation.

If all the red tape goes well, it should be possible to construct the platform and reinstall the sculpture in spring 2024, when the work will also benefit from the low perigean spring tides.

E-Bike safety 

The Marin County Public Health Department issued a health advisory last week prompted by an increase in 911 responses for e-bike accidents, particularly among young people. 71% of bike accidents among residents aged 10-19 years were e-bike related, compared to 12% among adults. 

Lopez Maldonado

Seaman Apprentice Magdalena Lopez Maldonado, a native of Novato, is a student at Naval Technical Training Center, learning the skills needed to be a yeoman. NTTC is in Meridian, Miss. Lopez Maldonado, a 2020 graduate of San Marin High School, grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible. “I would like to thank God, my parents, Herberto and Liseth Lopez Maldonado, and my significant other for their love and support,” added Lopez Maldonado. 

GOP Women

The Novato Republican Women (new name) will hold its annual Christmas Holiday Boutique and Buffet Luncheon on Dec. 12 at the Marin County Club in Novato. The event features many items – mostly  gently used or never used  items – including jewelry, scarves, bags, holiday decor,  baked goods and more. Plus, a buffet luncheon. Festivities begin at 11 a.m. until 2 p.m.  All proceeds will help us to continue to send Marin Students to political and educational workshops and events offered throughout the country. Cost to attend is $30 for members or $35 for guests. To reserve a spot, or for more information go to NovatoRW.com. 

Bond advisory

Mill Valley School District (MVSD) seeks applications for two members to fill vacant positions on their Citizens’ Bond Advisory Committee (CBOC).  In accordance with the Education Code, the MVSD Board of Education must establish and appoint members to an independent CBOC to oversee and inform the public of expenditures of Measure G bond revenues.  The Board plans to appoint candidates to the CBOC at the January 12, 2024 Board meeting. Questions can be directed to arussell@mvschools.org. 

Resignation

The director of the Marin County Department of Health and Human Services has tendered her resignation as for the end of the year. Benita McLarin, after 43 years of public service, leads the the largest department of the county government.