Warnings removed at Monte Rio beach

The posted health warnings for high bacteria counts in the Russian River at Monte Rio Beach were removed Friday morning, eliminating a potential barrier for holiday celebrants.

But similar warnings remained at Healdsburg’s Veterans Memorial Beach. Water samples taken Thursday indicated that “bacterial levels at this beach have exceeded recommended State of California guidelines for freshwater bathing,” according to the signs.

Nevertheless, with lifeguards on duty, children and adults frolicked in the river, swimming and floating on small inflatable rafts.

Sonoma County health officials could not be reached Friday, a holiday for nearly all government employees, for comment about the most recent water samplings. There was no updated information on the test results on the county environmental health division Web site.

On Thursday, health officials had warned visitors at Monte Rio Beach Memorial Beach to avoid swimming in the area because of high bacteria counts. The beaches were not closed, as they likely would be in the event of a major sewage spill or other form of contamination.

Dawn Bell, director of events for Monte Rio recreation and parks department, said she received a call from Jim Tyler, an environmental health specialist for the county, saying that bacteria counts were low enough that the warnings could be removed.

“I didn’t ask him what the readings were. I was just so happy,” Bell said. “I told him I loved him. We all love you today, Jim.”

Bell said the good news came just in time for Monte Rio’s Big Rocky Games, a traditional river event for kids during the July Fourth weekend. That event, sponsored by the Monte Rio Chamber of Commerce, had drawn a crowd by Friday afternoon.

Up and down the beach, families enjoyed the mild weather on beach towels, blankets and lawn chairs. Children swam in the river, laughing as they dunked their heads in shallow water.

Andrei Pasternak, a 38-year-old Berkeley resident, came out dripping from head to toe and walked to his wife, Ivy, who was sunbathing on the beach.

When told of the prior warning, she said to her husband, “I’m glad you’re the only one that went swimming.”

Andrei said he hadn’t opened his mouth in the water because, “with so many dogs and kids in the water, I avoid getting that sort of thing in my mouth.”

Public health officials could not be located Friday. The county environmental health offices at 475 Aviation Blvd. were closed. Signs stated that the offices would be closed July 3, a “legal holiday.” The voicemail message for Tyler, who Monte Rio officials credited with authorizing the removal of the health warnings there, said he would be on vacation from July 3 to July 12.

You can reach Staff Writer Martin Espinoza at 521-5213

or martin.espinoza@pressdemocrat.com.