On February 23, the Marin Community Development Agency sent a notice to developer Russell Shaw, that his attempt to build even one house on the fragile, Miwok Indian archeological site at Oxford Valley required environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). This is a big temporary victory for the actvists trying to protect this land. Shaw had driven a bulldozer around the property a few weeks ago and continues to park it at the entry to the site. The bulldozer was seen driving dangerously close to some of the sacred shell mounds that exist on the property. In today's Marin IJ, Shaw published a giant add warning Marin residents that their property rights were being threatened by Marin's proposed Countywide plan for creek set backs. (see photo scan of Russell Shaw's add here ) Two seasonal creeks run through Oxford valley that convey vital water resources to nearby Gallinas Creek - a know habitat for endangered Clapper Rails and the salt marsh harvest mouse. The creeks run almost the entire length of Oxford Valley and are part of a complex estuary and watershed system. Oxford Valley activists have cited this issue in their objections to Shaw's development.

For information on Oxford Valley and Russell Shaw please visit: http://brightpathvideo.com/oxford/OxfordValley2.html