Point Reyes Light - December 19, 2002

Environmental group in trouble

By Ivan Gale

Officials from the Tomales Bay Association last week continued infighting in another round to continue the saga of the imploding group.

At the board meeting last Wednesday the remaining directors, led by embattled president Ken Fox, removed one director and added two more.

Removal of Yarish

The removal of secretary Tom Yarish comes on the heels of numerous resignations from directors this year, as well as a recent stream of letters from Yarish claiming his board is not a viable, legal board.

Fox, of the removal, said he just wanted to get his environmental group, with close to 500 regular members, "back to business."

"Yarish is sitting on the sidelines claiming we’re not legal which we are," said Fox. "It’s unfortunate that he’s making very personal attacks and creating havoc. When boards go up and down, you still have to function. You can’t just stop."

Two new directors, Gene Fisher and Roger Hurt took their posts, but they may only be plugging new holes.

Other resignations

Director Sharon Morgan has indicated she intends to resign shortly, he added.

Despite Fox’s claims that the board is still in legal standing without a quorum, it is uncertain whether a state attorney general would agree.

Yarish, who calls Fox’s leadership "toxic," recently sent a letter to the attorney general’s office to incite investigation whether the association is in legal standing.

"At some point I am going to bow out of this mess, Yarish told The Light on Wednesday. "I have protested and objected to the [association’s] board meetings that have been either been boycotted or called without proper notice by Ken [Fox]."

Yarish said he is waiting for legal documents to determine his status with the board.

Still on board

"Until I see a formal written and signed opinion from the attorney I will maintain that I am still secretary by virtue of the invalid board activities," said Yarish.

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