Independent Coast Observer

10/22/2025

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10/08/2025

Unfortunately we have been experiencing problems receiving incoming emails to some of our inboxes. The problem is now fixed, but if you've emailed us in the last few days and haven't gotten an expected response, either re-send your message, or call us at 707-884-3501.

01/21/2024

This annual event, held in partnership with The E.W. Scripps Company, underscores the vital role of news literacy in a democracy and provides audiences of all ages with the knowledge and tools to become more news-literate.

11/08/2022

We goofed! In the Oct. 28 issue, we erroneously said there would not be a polling place at the Gualala Community Center tomorrow. That is absolutely wrong. There WILL be a polling place at the Gualala Community Center tomorrow from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

10/27/2021

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02/05/2021

COVID TESTING FRIDAY CANCELLED
Unfortunately, the COVID testing planned for Friday in Point Arena has been CANCELLED. No reason has been given. We are working with the provider to reschedule. Please pass this on to anyone you know.

12/17/2020

Latest information about COVID testing in Point Arena tomorrow from Paul Anderson:
This is hopefully the final update on testing in Point Arena.



Testing will be at 9:30am Friday at Point Arena Veteran’s Building/City Hall.



People wishing to be tested need to register at http://lhi.care



Once registered you will receive a client number.



You will need that client number in order to be tested so bring it with you.



Appointments for testing are apparently full but they will have first come-first serve testing starting at 9:30am.



Only those with a client number will be tested. There will be no on-site registration.



There are only 85 tests total so they cannot guarantee everyone who comes without an appointment will be tested.



In the future, testing will be first come-first serve but a client number will be required.

Future testing information will be available in the near future.



Stay safe,



Paul Andersen

Deputy City Manager

City of Point Arena

707-882-2122

LHI.Care: the simple, convenient healthcare portal for service members and employees. Request services, view and reschedule appointments and more from your mobile device.

10/23/2020

Details for Saturday’s flu shot clinics. Headline in this week’s edition erroneously said Sunday. Clinics are on Saturday, as described in the ICO article.

RCMS will be hosting two more community flu shot clinics:

Saturday, October 24

Timber Cove/Fort Ross Elementary School
30600 Sea View Road
10:00 AM to 11:00 AM

Manchester Community Center
43970 Crispin Road
2:00 PM to 3:30 PM (or until flu shots run out)

WHY GET IMMUNIZED: During the COVID19 pandemic, reducing the risk of getting the flu is essential. Not only will this reduce the risk to your own health and that of your family (by preventing the risk of back to back flu an COVID19); it will also reduce the burden of illness seen in medical centers/hospitals; and reduce the confusion about which illness a patient has (COVID19 vs. influenza) – especially when testing for both illnesses are limited.

WHO CAN COME: Anyone aged 18 and older. (Children ages 6 months to 18 years are also strongly encouraged to get flu shots. Please call to make them an appointment for their shot at RCMS: 707-884-4005

COST: There is no charge for the flu shots, but a $20 donation is suggested.

DO WE OFFER THE HIGH-DOSE FLU SHOT FOR PERSONS 65 and OLDER? No. If you would like to get the high-dose flu shot, you will need to go to a commercial pharmacy. RCMS is unable to offer these, and our local pharmacies currently do not have any.

DOES THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON IMMUNIZATION PRACTICES (ACIP) RECOMMEND THE HIGH DOSE FLU VACCINE OVER THE STANDARD FLU VACCINE FOR PERSONS OVER 65 YEARS OLD? As we age, the body loses its ability to develop a strong immune response after getting a flu shot; theoretically, a shot that delivers a higher antigen dose can boost an older person’s immune response. However, ACIP has not recommended the high dose flu vaccine over the traditional flu vaccine for persons 65 and older. Therefore, if you are over 65, and unable to get a high dose flu vaccine, it is acceptable to get the standard dose vaccine.

CAN’T MAKE THIS EVENT? If you are unable to make these community flu shot events, you can schedule an appointment at our Gualala or Point Arena clinic for your flu shot.
RCMS Gualala Clinic: 707-884-4005
RCMS Point Arena Clinic: 707-882-1704.

10/22/2020

This week’s ICO reported on two flu shot clinics on Saturday—one at Fort Ross School from 10 to 11 a.m., and one at the Manchester Community Center from 2 to 3:30 p.m.

The headline incorrectly stated the clinics are on Sunday. They are not. The clinics are on Saturday.

10/22/2020

This week’s ICO had an article about flu shot clinics on Saturday—one at Fort Ross School from 10 to 11 a.m., and one at the Manchester Community Center from 2 to 3:30 p.m.

The headline incorrectly said the clinics are on Sunday. The clinics are on Saturday.

09/27/2020

RCMS got more COVID tests than originally anticipated. General community testing for asymptomatic people today, 9 a.m. to noon, ot when the 225 swabs are all used.

Let’s get tested so our health officials can get a better picture of infections in our area. FREE, this morning, RCMS upper parking lot in Gualala.

08/22/2020

RCMS still has 100 coronavirus test kits available today, for free in the upper parking lot. These tests are for non-symptomatic people. They will be there until 3 p.m.