Baykeeper Monument Flies Over Baywood Though he died nearly four years ago, Sandal Makara continues to be on the minds of local residents. The Baywood Navy recently erected a monument at the Second Street Pier in Baywood Park to the late, long-time non-conformist and self-described Baykeeper. The mast from Sandal's 28-foot homemade houseboat - The Monastery - was erected in late July. She served as his sanctuary and haven of no rent for 36 years. Also as a remembrance, a special Baykeeper flag was created that will be flown during special Baywood Navy events. It made its debut at the recent Boatzart concert. “He was the Baykeeper," said Tim Frein, Baywood Navy member and owner of Coffee 'N' Things. “He was an important part of the history. The boat was built in Baywood Park." Sandal died in December 2003. "He was the most successful hermit I've ever met. He survived on a network of friends and supporters.” The craft was built by Sandal on property behind Studio 1, his former leather shop on Second Street. It was launched in Baywood in 1968 and sailed to Morro Bay, where it perched in "Sandal's Cove' inside the harbor until 1994, when he returned to Baywood in protest of paying live-aboard fees to the city. Frein said several people offered to pay the fees, but Sandal was adverse to government pushing its nose into his affairs. He also did not wish to have his boat boarded and inspected by the harbor department. Frein also made a commemorative plague that features photos and news stories of Sandal and some of his writings. Frein said it bolts onto the railing next to the mast and will also be displayed on special events. In the meantime, it can be seen at the Baywood Navy Museum - the head at Coffee'N'Things. While in Morro Bay, Sandal helped endangered boaters and kept authorities abreast of criminal activities. According to Frein, back then, Sandal had a skiff that he would use to assist boaters in dis- tress and a radio to communicate with the harbor and Sheriff's Department. In March of 2005,more than a year after Sandal’s death, The Monastery was cut up and scrapped. Frein said the boat had become a hazard. “It wasn't seaworthy anymore,” he explained. "It was sinking on every high tide. It was becoming a nuisance. The kids were breaking into it and we were afraid somebody was going to get hurt." After Sandal died, more than 100 people braved chilly conditions to attend a 2-hour memorial that was held just a few feet from The Monastery.   The Bay News, October 18, 2007