Marin Magazine April 2018

LIVE MARIN

We showcase your home’s highest value to the widest audience, providing luxury service at all price points. Our clients don’t settle for less.

Hear sizzling steak. Taste chef-made bites. See exceptional appliances. From cooking demos to product classes, you’re invited to discover the potential for your kitchen.

Alan Ohashi of Emeryville’s ODS Architecture worked with one of the home’s owners to come up with a plan to open up views.

Photographer Paul Dyer captured the stunning results.

LENNY

Fans of the Eighteenth Century at the de Young, S.F.

Find Your Aloha.

Where the spirit of exploration meets the sweetness of homecoming, you’ll fi nd Montage Residences Kapalua Bay. A modern take on resort living, free of pretense, alive with fun. Signature services and amenities are infused with the essence of a beloved place. Make the Montage experience your own, and reclaim the luxury of delight. Fewer than 12 Residences remain. Expansive oceanfront three- and four-bedroom homes starting from the mid $3 Millions. Schedule your private showing.

800 691 3527 MontageResidencesKapaluaBay.com

This does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy a unit. Nor is it an offering or solicitation of sale in any jurisdiction where the development is not registered in accordance with applicable law or where such offering or solicitation would otherwise be prohibited by law. Obtain all disclosure documents required by applicable laws and read them before signing anything. No governmental agency has judged the merits or value, if any, of the development. Further, ownership of a unit in the development will be subject to the terms of various documents relating to the development. The resort project described herein (the “Project”) and the residential units located within the Project (the “Residential Units”) are not owned, developed, or sold by Montage Hotels & Resorts, LLC, its affiliates or their respective licensors (collectively, “Montage”) and Montage does not make any representations, warranties or guaranties whatsoever with respect to the Residential Units, the Project or any part thereof. Island Acquisitions Kapalua LLC uses the Montage brand name and certain Montage trademarks (collectively, the “Operator Trademarks”) in connection with the sales and marketing of the Residential Units in the Project under a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable and non-sublicensable license from Montage. The foregoing license may be terminated or may expire without renewal, in which case neither the Residential Units nor any part of the Project will be identified as a Montage branded project or have any rights to use the Operator Trademarks.

BEST. DECISION. EVER.

When it comes to your dream home – making sure it is perfect means tons of tough decisions. Let our knowledgeable product experts relieve the stress and restore the fun while introducing you and your design team to our extensive collection of products from the most sought after brands. Request your appointment today at fergusonshowrooms.com

Advertising

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

Debra Hershon, ext 120 | dhershon@marinmagazine.com

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

Michele Geoff rion Johnson ext 110 | mjohnson@marinmagazine.com

SENIOR ACCOUNT MANAGERS

Leah Bronson, ext 109 | lbronson@marinmagazine.com

Lesley Cesare, ext 113 | lcesare@marinmagazine.com

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Dana Horner, ext 107 | dhorner@marinmagazine.com

ADVERTISING ART DIRECTOR

Alex French

Regional Sales O ffices

WINE COUNTRY

Lesley Cesare | lcesare@marinmagazine.com

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Leah Bronson | lbronson@marinmagazine.com

NEW YORK

Karen Couture, Couture Marketing | 917.821.4429 HAWAII Debbie Anderson, Destination Marketing | 808.739.2200

Reader Services

MAILING ADDRESS

One Harbor Drive, Suite 208, Sausalito, CA 94965 PHONE 415.332.4800 FAX 415.332.3048

SUBSCRIPTION INQUIRIES subscriptions@marinmagazine.com 818.286.3160

INTERNSHIP INQUIRIES / STORY IDEAS editorial@marinmagazine.com

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Please send letters to editorial@marinmagazine.com. Be sure to include your full name, city, state and phone number. Marin Magazine reserves the right to edit letters for clarity, length and style.

SUBSCRIPTIONS

Rates are $12 for out-of-state subscriptions or free for California subscribers. To subscribe, manage your subscription or change your address visit marinmagazine.com/subscribe.

BULK ORDERS

For information on bulk orders of Marin Magazine, please call 415.332.4800.

What I didn’t realize at the time was what a privilege it was to be part of this chaotic community.

Sporting Life

As a parent of kids in athletics, you don’t notice all the benefits and associated community until much later.

SPRINGTIME IN MARIN. Trails are fi lling up, days are longer and the ball fields come alive with the cacophony of little voices from kids involved in sports.

As I read this month’s feature “A League of Our Own,” I took my own sweet journey down memory lane. The time my 7-year-old daughter Grace swung and swatted for what seemed like hours at the air after the T-ball stand was fi nally replaced with a pitcher. Or the day my other daughter, Natalie, earned her nickname “the boot,” when out of nowhere she lobbed a soccer ball over the opponent’s head to the goal. Or the instant when each fi nally nailed that coveted overhead serve in CYO volleyball. These were all emotionally packed moments that, one by one, formed pieces quilted into the tapestry of their character.

What I didn’t realize at the time was what a privilege it was to be part of this chaotic community. “Which field? “What gym?” “What color jersey?” “Who brought snacks?” The weekend frenzy all focused around the big game. On the field or courts we gained insight into our kids’ and our own psyches (I’m talking to you, sideline screamers). Here is where I would like to thank all the great coaches around the county and acknowledge that as for the not-so-great coaches, such as myself, we were answering the call of duty with the best of intentions. And in regard to your “What were you thinking?”, sideline screamer. the answer is, obviously I wasn’t.

How do we bad-apple coaches get brought into the system in the fi rst place? It starts with an email that says something like, “Due to a lack of coaches your daughter cannot play soccer this season.” Panic. Flurry of emails and voilà, the Mom Squad to the rescue. The stars of this coaching show were Leigh Baktiari, the only one with actual soccer skills, Lisa Bacino, competitive by nature and then Julie Munro and myself, both long on enthusiasm.

My guess is there is a Mom Squad equivalent in every sport, every season. We get your kids twice a week. We navigate their volatile emotions and moods and do our best to teach the sport in question, but mostly we have fun.

Some of the kids ended up having much better experiences than others. At the end of the Mom Squad season, one promising athlete sweetly said, “Mrs. Towle, if it’s OK, I don’t want to be on your team next year.” It turned out that her dad, who had been frowning from the sidelines during every game, had played the game in college. Hey, Dad, we could have used your help. I redeemed myself by also co-coaching the twice-undefeated Tigers CYO volleyball team.

From the outside it might look ridiculous that parents like me spent so much energy and fossil fuel shuttling our kids across the county, juggling games, lessons and tutoring, and it probably is. My guess is the parents of Memo Gidley, a professional race car driver and the subject of this month’s Q&A, did not get caught up in the mayhem of organized youth sports. Gidley grew up literally on the bay: he lived in the anchor-out community in Sausalito and raced first sailboats and then go-karts. When I met up with him at Blink Studio in Town Center last month, his eyes lit up as he showed the photographer and me his various trophies earned for races through the years. And these are the real ones, not the “you showed up; good job, kid; here’s your trophy” type.

Cheers to all the coaches, parents, grandparents, godparents and/or anyone who shows up with a blanket or folding chair and, of course, the mini-athletes in our county. If you have little ones, I highly suggest signing up with your local recreation center for whatever peewee sport offerings you can. There are life lessons to be learned and some fun to be had. See you on the fields.

Mimi Towle, Editor

We believe the very best client-advisor experiences come to fruition when client goals are put first, along with advisor compensation aligned with client performance – not commissions or hidden fees.

Since its founding in 1993, Main Street Research has acted as a fiduciary to its clients. This designation comes naturally to our team – to treat each client with the highest standard of care and ensure that every decision is in their best interest. The theme of fiduciary responsibility touches every part of our organization, including our fee structures, which we believe are aligned with client results.

If you would like to learn more about establishing a relationship with a team who puts your interest first, and our distinctive fee structures, give us a call. Minimum relationship $1,000,000. Go to www.adviserinfo.sec.gov to see our ADV Part 2A Brochure for complete information about our services, fees and important disclosures.

30 Liberty Ship Way, 3rd Floor Sausalito, CA 94965 800. 357.3863 www.ms-research.com

Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and there can be no assurance that any specific investment will either be suitable or profitable for a client or prospective client’s portfolio. An investor whose assets are managed by Main Street must understand and be willing to accept those risks, including the loss of a substantial amount of any such investment. Those risks include the risk of changes in economic and market conditions, the concentration of investments within a portfolio, and the volatility of securities.

“ As fiduciaries, our goal is to place our client’s best interest first and our team is dedicated to providing the highest standard of care, skill, prudence and diligence.”

—Charito A. Mittelman JD, IACCP® CCO-General Counsel

WHEN SPRING IS officially here it can mean only one thing: baseball season. And before our beloved MLB stars got good enough to play professionally, many rounded the bases as kids in Little League. But these pint-size players aren’t the only ones getting trained — their coaches also absorb some valuable life lessons. Mill Valley Tigers “Coach Mike” leads off ur features by revealing three big truths he learned from his young team.

After that, in Subcultures, Emilie Rohrbach profi les parents who rock — part-time performers who never quite shook the musician bug. So it’s gigs at night and getting the kids to school in the morning — a sometimes di fficult, but rewarding, tune to sing.

Beyond baseball, spring is also a time to tackle those home improvements you’ve been putting off. For a sense of how far such projects might go, we first introduce you to a midcentury

We introduce you to a midcentury house that went from underwhelming to the gem with 360-degree views you’ll see in Features.

house that went from underwhelming to the gem with 360-degree views you’ll see in our features section. Properly inspired, you’ll also want to read our story about the latest trends in cabinets, tile, countertops, flooring, appliances, windows and doors.

Up front, we present readers’ favorite baseball eats at AT&T Park and meet some intriguing locals: a race car driver; this year’s One Book One Marin author; and supervisor Dennis Rodoni, who has big plans for wide-open spaces.

In Destinations, wine expert Danielle Botros uncorks what’s new in wine country, and in anticipation of the next royal wedding, Jeanne Cooper visits London to walk in the footsteps of kings and queens.

It’s a big issue full of fun stories; we hope after you read it you’ll take Coach Mike’s suggestion and go root for some Little Leaguers. Play ball!

Daniel Jewett, Managing Editor

AFTER-WORK ROCK

Rocker mom Danielle Hirsch loves getting together with her bandmates for a sizzling Fistful of Scandal practice — but not before making sure the kids are ready for bed. Photographer Jack Wolford was there to capture the action.

Michael Cann

Writer, “A League of Our Own” (p. 44)

What’s your favorite baseball team? I have been a diehard San Francisco Giants fan as long as I can remember

How did you get into coaching? I started coaching with my dad when I was 16. I helped coach his Little League team at that time and then moved back into coaching when my daughter started playing sports. I coached her softball team for three years until she made the move to baseball. I coached her for the last two years and the 2018 season. What is your day job?  I get the privilege of working with a great team at WineCountry Media, home of w inecountry.com , napavalley. com and sonoma.com.

Emilie Rohrbach

Writer, “Play Time” (p. 48)

How did you initially get into music? I started singing in the church choir when I was about 5 years old — music has been an integral part of my life ever since.

What is your ideal Marin day? Heading out to West Marin for the view and some oysters while grabbing some beach time in Inverness on the way, and/or kayaking on Richardson Bay. Where has your work appeared before?

Divine Caroline, Common Ground,

Magazine (I’m the music blogger), among others.

Danielle Botros

Writer, “On Trend” (p. 79)

Laura Hilgers

Writer, “Taking the Plunge” (p. 52)

What is your must-have design feature in a house? I’m a renter now, so I can’t be super fussy, but the one thing I cannot live without is a lot of large windows. I’ve always lived in really sunny homes or apartments, and light is probably the fi rst thing I look for when I consider a space. What do you enjoy most about living in Marin? I love the diversity of experiences we have in Marin. We’re close to the city, so we can head into SFMOMA or to the ballet or a cool new restaurant. We’re in the middle of all this gorgeous open space, so we can hike on Tam or go boogie boarding at Stinson. And we’re only three hours from the mountains, so we can ski. It’s pretty sweet.

Where has your work appeared before?

I’ve written for The New York Times, O, The Oprah Magazine, Vogue, and Sports Illustrated among other publications.

Do you have a favorite wine or wine region? My favorite region is the Rhône Valley and the Languedoc-Roussillon, France. I love syrah, grenache, mourvèdre, cinsault and carignan. Chapoutier and Beaucastel in the Rhône are making amazing wines as are Domaine de la Bila Haut and Gerard Bertrand wines in the Languedoc.

What are some common misconceptions you hear about wine? Sulfies give you headaches. There is one perfect time to open an aging bottle of wine. All rieslings are sweet. Calling “fruity” wines sweet. The misconception that chocolate works well with tannic reds, like cabernet.

Where has your work appeared before? On my own website, daniellebotros.com, and blogs for Marin Magazine.

Hippocampus Magazine, Narratively,

Travelers’ Tales, and Marin

New in Town

EAT AND DRINK

Andy’s Local Market now has a smaller third location in Corte Madera. Though modern in function, the store nods to the past design-wise with retro colors and furnishings while also still offering Andy’s old-fashioned customer service and quality food; andyslocalmarket.com

Gott’s Roadside , known for its modern approach to classic treats and comfort food, opens its first Marin location in Greenbrae’s Bon Air. Besides the ever-popular cheeseburger, ahi poke crispy tacos, and citrus avocado chop salad, you’l find seasonal specials made with Niman Ranch beef, Zoe’s bacon, Panorama Bakery breads and Osprey Seafood, paired with Californiacentric wines and beers; gotts.com

SHOP

Needing better sleep?

San Francisco’s McRoskey Mattress Company, famous for

making handcrafted artisan beds since 1899, has a new showroom in downtown San Rafael. It opened last year as a pop-up in the former Radio Shack, but a highly positive community response made the

company decide to stay on; mcroskey.com

Poet and/the Bench , the Mill Valley jewelry atelier and lifestyle store, has a new line of atmosphere products, including candles, bath soaps and, most recently, tea. Hello the Sun is its new organic loose-leaf blend; poetandthebench.com

A modern Moroccan aesthetic comes to Bridgeway in Sausalito with Tazi Designs , a

email kier@marinmagazine.com.

home furnishings store specializing in lighting and custom Moorish woodwork along with rugs, handmade textiles and accent furniture from Morocco; tazidesigns.com

MEET

Mill Valley’s 100-yearold landmark Scout Hall has had a long-awaited makeover. Still a safe and welcoming meeting spot for nonprofit Mill Valley youth groups, it’s also available for rental to the public; scouthall.org

Your Letters POV

A Miracle

Great piece on Jerry and Diane Jampolsky by Paige Peterson (Conversation, December). One thing that surprised me was that there was no mention whatsoever about the book A Course in Miracles, which is what absolutely changed Jerry’s life back in 1975. His work since is based upon the book’s principles.

BRUCE MCDERMOTT, VIA ONLINE

Big Impact

Just a note to say how impactful the article on eating disorders (“The Last to Know,” February) was for many who read it. Through your magazine, you have opened the eyes of many of those with eating disorders and of parents and friends, who now have the knowledge to help their loved ones. I had one young woman tell me last week that the article helped

Just a note to say how impactful the article on eating disorders was.

her come “out of the closet” because she no longer felt it was only “her” issue. Although I resigned as president of the board of Beyond Hunger over a year ago, I am still as committed as ever to widening the knowledge about this terrible and misunderstood disorder. Again, many thanks for an excellent article and the excellent use of the information provided to you . VIKKI ADAMS, VIA EMAIL

Impressive

I just read the article by Javier Zamora (“Canal Street,” March) and was so impressed with his writing and first-person account of living in the Canal. Having lived in Marin for 30-plus years, I have driven by the neighborhood a thousand times but hardly knew what it was like to be a resident there. What courage and fortitude he had at age 9 and still continues to exhibit as an adult. Keep writing! SYLVIA KWAN, VIA EMAIL

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Your comments may be edited for clarity and brevity. Send letters to Marin Magazine , One Harbor Drive, Suite 208, Sausalito, CA 94965, or email us at letters@marinmagazine com . Please include the town where you live and a daytime phone number.

Tazi Designs

Gott’s Roadside

New in Town is an ongoing bulletin on new businesses throughout the Bay Area. To be considered for future listings,

Nothing provides greater relief than mapping a clear course for your financial future. It’s like a massive weight has been removed. If you’re not getting that lift from your current wealth manager, it’s time to play the field. Don’t stay stuck in a loveless relationship — download our Practical Guide to Finding Happiness at www.privateocean.com/guide

The scoop on Bay Area events you’ll want to attend

[UPCOMING EVENTS]

ONE AMAZING NIGHT

WHEN

WHERE WHY YOU SHOULD GO COST

FIND OUT MORE

April 28, 5:30 p.m. cocktails, 7 p.m. dinner

Marin Civic Center Exhibition Hall, San Rafael

Join 10,000 Degrees for the One Amazing Night gala benefiting low-income high school and college students. The party begins with sparkling wines from Gloria Ferrer along with fresh Tacolicious appetizers, Hog Island oysters, and delicious Cowgirl Creamery cheeses. After that guests will enjoy a gourmet feast from chef Heidi Krahling of Insalata’s served with fine wines from Rodney Strong, Schug Carneros and Harken Wines. Guests will also enjoy hearing from some of our amazing students and our inaugural One Degree of Change award recipient. The celebration continues after dinner with dessert and dancing to music from Pop Fiction.

$250 individual, $5,000 table 415.451.4013, aschlegel@10000degrees.org, oneamazingnight.org

STEM SUPERHEROES: EVERYDAY HEROES

WHEN

WHERE WHY YOU SHOULD GO COST

FIND OUT MORE

April 14–15, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Bay Area Discovery Museum, 557 McReynolds Road, Sausalito

Every kid is a STEM Superhero at the Bay Area Discovery Museum.

At STEM Superheroes: Everyday Heroes, kids unleash creative powers to solve challenges and explore new ideas. After receiving a superhero cape at the door, kids will explore themed activities designed to make them think about what makes a hero and how they can be heroes too.

Everyday Heroes kicks off the STEM Superhero Festival Series; additional themed weekends take place in May and June.

$14.95 general; $13.95 for babies and seniors; free for members bayareadiscoverymuseum.org/stemsuperhero

MARIN OPEN STUDIOS PREVIEW GALA

WHEN WHERE WHY YOU SHOULD GO COST

FIND OUT MORE

April 28, 5–8 p.m. Town Center, Corte Madera

Celebrate the 25th anniversary of Marin Open Studios by joining art lovers, collectors and artists at the free preview gala in the exhibition gallery at Corte Madera Town Center on Saturday, April 28, from 5 to 8 p.m. Enjoy small bites and beverages. Take art home. Bid on the silent auction. Gallery is open April 22–May 13 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. There you can preview the artwork of over 270 participating Marin Open Studios artists and pick up a tour guide and plan your open studios tour the first two weekends in May.

Free 415.343.5667, marinopenstudios.org

Want to see all the images from our RSVP Hot Ticket events? Visit marinmagazine.com/hotticket for the latest.

~ YEARS ~

Friend us to share RSVP Hot Ticket photos at facebook.com/marinmagazine.

See the planetarium show ...that dives deeper.

Hope for Corals in a Changing World Embark on a journey into the hidden world of coral reefs in a new, deep-diving planetarium show. Discover how corals breathe, what threats they face, and why the time to protect them is now.

Get tickets at calacademy.org

Generously supported by Eric and Wendy Schmidt.

CONNECT WITH US

Top Five Recent Online Stories

1 “Shiro Kuma” An up-close view of a local sushi restaurant with some traditional dishes.

2 “Canal Street” Delving into the waterways, both literal and figurative, that divide the different types of classes in Marin and trying to find a way to the other side.

TOP GRAM

One of our top Instagram posts in December was by @coletterobinson. “I had planned to shoot in Sausalito during a colorful sunset. I was running late, but when I arrived after dark I realized it didn’t have to be sunset to capture some incredible colors here. Thanks to Sausalito residents holding on to holiday cheer in January, the sparkly lights on some of the homes created colorful reflections on the bay.” Want to see your photo in print?

Tag us @marinmagazine with your best snap.

3 “Sporty Spring” Athleisure is an ever-growing lifestyle and clothing trend. These separates are perfect for the season.

4 “10 Questions for Claire Simeone” Dr. Claire Simeone is a Conservation Medicine Veterinarian at the Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito.

5 “The Right Notes” In San Rafael’s Canal Area, music lessons are helping kids gain confidence, community and the courage to pursue meaningful lives.

YOUR VOTE COUNTS

Do you have a favorite burger or pizza in Marin? How about a hike or go-to beach? We’ve compiled a list of our local picks and would love to hear which places and pleasures, treats and pastimes you like best. The top choices in each section will be published in our August 2018 Best of the County issue. Register your vote at marinmagazine.com/bestofmarin2018.

Summer Guide Snaps

If you’d like to see your photos in our annual Summer Guide, now is the time to get in the running: tag us (@marinmagazine) in your favorite summertime photos on social media that feature Marin and include the hashtag #inmarin for your chance.

BRIAN STAUFFER (CANAL STREET)

Never before have the complexities of real estate demanded a more sophisticated approach. Mark combines the depth of 30 years of local experience with the ability to balance financial and aesthetic decisions. He brings both art and science to real estate, matching his instincts and vision with renovation experience, industry relationships, and meticulous attention to detail. As one of the company’s Top Producing Agents, Mark puts the full network of Sotheby’s International Realty resources to work for you.

Virtuo u so

Their passion is clean water. Their resources are significant. Their giving is through Virtuoso.

The modern alternative to a private foundation. www.marincf.org 415.464.2507

In Marin

CELEBRATING THE PEOPLE, PLACES AND CAUSES OF THIS UNIQUE COUNTY HOME PLATES

With baseball season starting up, we asked our Facebook friends to tell us what their must-have eats are at AT&T Park. Did we miss your favorite? Let us know. KASIA PAWLOWSKA

The ultimate “only at AT&T” organic fried chicken sandwich. A perfect marriage of not good for you with the “healthy” option.

RON POZNANSKY

Gary Tobin

Crab roll at Crazy Crab’z.

Dana Ellison

Doggie Diner bratwurst.

Randy Perez

Sheboygen bratwurst.

Leah Captanian

Garlic fries, always.

Kathy Powers

CREAM’s ice cream sandwiches.

Keefe

Rachael Alexandria Byrnes

Awesome Opossums

WANTED: ROOM FOR RENT

NATURE’S CORNER

In recent years several local species, such as river and sea otters, have made impressive comebacks. Conservation efforts undoubtedly played a key role in rising numbers, but another aspect didn’t hurt — the cuteness factor. The Virginia opossum isn’t endangered, though these shy and gentle creatures definitely have a bit of an image problem here in Marin. We spoke to Kate Lynch, education program coordinator at WildCare, to get the facts straight about this misunderstood critter. wildcare.org KASIA PAWLOWSKA

•

TALL TALES

“Opossums have a prehensile (capable of grasping) tail, which they use as a safety line when they climb trees. No, they don’t hang from their tails. Disney lied. They can use their prehensile tail to carry dried leaf litter and grasses back to a den site for bedding. Opossums also have opposable thumbs on their back feet, which helps them climb.”

•

SUPERHEROES

“Opossums are essentially immune to the rabies virus. Their average body temp is about 94–96 degrees Fahrenheit, too low for the rabies virus to take hold. They can eat about 5,000 ticks per season, according to the Cary Institute, which hailed them as champions in the fight against Lyme disease.”

• POCKET CHECK

“Opossums carry their babies in a pouch on their stomach called a marsupium. Often, when Mom is killed by a car or a dog, her pups are still safe inside her pouch. If you ever see an opossum dead on the side of the road, and it’s safe to do so, check the pouch for living pups.”

• SCAPEGOATS

“Opossums often get blamed for the annoying behavior of other species. They don’t generally knock over garbage cans, but they will clean up the mess once the raccoon leaves. Opossums aren’t good diggers but they will take advantage of unearthed worms and grubs once the skunk has eaten his fill.”

Good Genes

The reach of last October’s North Bay fi res extended well beyond wine country, a ffecting industries in neighboring counties and ones outside the state as well. Due to its proximity to the fi re zone, Marin took a swift punch in a spot that was already hurting: housing. To help alleviate the pressure of displaced residents from Napa and Sonoma counties searching for dwellings in house-strapped Marin, legislation that incentivizes home owners to build

rental rooms in their houses was passed. The Marin County Board of Supervisors decided to waive building and planning fees up to $1,500 until the end of the year for secondary dwelling units. The fee waiver does not apply to owners who benefit from renting units short-term for 30 days or less, and those who do receive the waiver must commit to hosting only longterm renters for the fi rst year. marincounty.org K.P.

There’s a lot of competition out there for your spit these days; it can be hard to figure out which DNA testing service best suits your needs. Here’s a look at some of the most popular. K.P.

A healthy, athletic mother of four, Brittany Kurtz loves to run, hike, bike, and paddle with her husband and boys. In August of 2013, she came down with what seemed to be a urinary tract infection that slowed her down dramatically. Seven months, three doctors, and many antibiotic prescriptions later, Brittany was still sick, and had been running a nearly constant fever. She did some research and connected with one of our expert urologists, a robotic surgeon, who was determined to get her answers…and relief. He used our da Vinci® Si robot to assist him in removing an infection-filled, grapefruit-sized cyst on her kidney–through just four tiny incisions! Brittany was quickly back to all her favorite activities, taking full advantage of Marin’s great outdoors. To read more healing stories, visit www.maringeneral.org/healing

I’m Brittany, and this is my healing place.

A Decade In

Marin County

Of the many intriguing names in Marin County — Nicasio, Sausalito — few have a more mysterious origin than Marin. One possible source of the name dates back to 1775, when Spanish naval lieutenant Juan Manuel Ayala became the first European to enter San Francisco Bay. While charting the area over a period of 40 days, he named the inlet between what are now San Pedro Point and Point San Quentin Bahia de Nuestra Senora del Rosario la Marinera — eventually shortened to Marin, many assume. Another story says a local native was the namesake: Chief Marin, who reportedly roamed the area that includes most of the county, and who gained various reputations as a warrior, peacemaker, landowner and/or mariner. Yet here the plot thickens: many historians claim the chief’s nickname was El Marinero — echoing Ayala’s inlet name of 1775. Moreover, “Marin” is apparently derived from Latin or Spanish, not the argot of the local Coastal Miwok tribe, to which Chief Marin nevertheless reportedly belonged. In her exhaustively researched book Place Names of Marin, Louise Teather suggests looking at it this way: “The name Marin honors a legendary Indian who was either a great chief or a skilled sailor, or one and then the other; or (it commemorates) a Spanish name given during the first charting of the bay in 1775; or all of the above.” JIM WOOD

WHAT’S IN A NAME

BY THE NUMBERS

Sausalito’s Cavallo Point Lodge made a big splash when it opened for business in 2008. Though it is billed as a lodge — a national park lodge, at that — the property has an undeniable resort-like feel, with services and amenities to match. With a spa, a restaurant boasting an award-winning wine program, a cooking school focused on local ingredients, miles of hiking trails and stunning views, guests can easily be happy without ever leaving the grounds. Adding to the mystique is the sense of history from the Presidio’s military past, evoked by the beautifully restored, LEED-certified landmark brick buildings encircling the grounds. This seamless meld of old and new has drawn praise from the likes of National Geographic and Conde Nast Traveler, and the acclaim keeps coming. Here are some numbers to round out your knowledge of the resort. cavallopoint.com KASIA PAWLOWSKA

KODIAK GREENWOOD AND STEVEN ROTHFELD (CAVALLO); ANNE T. KENT CALIFORNIA ROOM (MARIN)

QUESTIONS FOR

Memo Gidley

Race Car Driver

TIBURON

Born on a sailboat in La Paz, Mexico, 46-year-old Jose Guillermo “Memo” Gidley grew up as a Sausalito “anchor out” before his family settled in San Rafael. Bicycle motocross led to dirt bikes, go-karts and finally cars. He ultimately rose to Indy car and endurance racing, meanwhile still sailing and also winning go-kart and Jet Ski championships. A near-fatal accident during the 24 Hours of Daytona in 2014 left him with major injuries, but after a lengthy recovery he is back in the driver’s seat for 2018, working with professional road racing teams and teaching karting to aspiring drivers. While racing is his passion, his day job is running his Sausalitobased boat charter company, Sailing Memo Boat Charters. We caught up with Gidley over coffee, not far from the Sausalito Community Boating Center at the Cass Gidley Marina, named for his late father, a fixture of Marin’s boating scene.

support network. I had to sleep on my stomach for five months. Sleeping on my back again was a win. Small victories, like tying my shoes, showed there was more coming. The really big deal was medical clearance to drive again.

7

Any advice for those facing similar circumstances? Find motivation to recover and give your body time to heal. For me, it was a case of telling my body that I planned to use it again.

1

Why car racing over sailing? I was into speed from the get-go. My dad always sent me out in our El Toro dinghy on the windiest days, and for some reason I was also into vehicles. When my uncle took me to a car race, I thought, “This is it!”

2

When was your first chance to drive an Indy car? At Long Beach in 1999, I met a team owner with an available seat. I got my first taste of 950 horsepower a week later.

3

When did you find your place in top-level racing? Indy car opportunities came in 1999. In 2000, I led my first laps and got noticed for being fourth fastest at a test session. I did nine races that year and 15 races with the Target team in 2001, leading at Michigan and nearly winning Cleveland.

4

What makes teaching racing and sailing rewarding? I love both, and my true passion has become sharing with people experiencing these sports for the first time.

5

Why do racing fans connect with you? Car racing is hard for an average person to get into, and people saw that as someone with no financial backing, I pushed and didn’t give up.

6

When did you turn the corner in your recovery? Having family, friends and fans reach out and cheerlead was a big help. I thought about how much more difficult it would be for someone with less of a

8

What’s your favorite place to sail? The “Slot,” where the wind really howls in the summertime. It is very exciting — fast boat speed and challenging to sail.

9

What’s your ideal day in Marin County? A mountain bike ride followed by a sail. Of course, I like going to Sonoma Raceway. But just being here — living in Tiburon and enjoying the views — and spending time with my wife, daughter and mom.

10

What are your favorite spots to eat in Marin? Las Guitarras in Novato. I also like F3 and Bar Bocce in Sausalito, as well as Barrel House Tavern. I like visiting Avatar’s for a fusion burrito.

11

What is your favorite road to drive? And what’s the fastest you’ve ever driven? I like Highway 1 here in Marin. And over 250 miles per hour in an Indy car. m

QUESTIONS FOR

Memo Gidley

Race Car Driver

TIBURON

Born on a sailboat in La Paz, Mexico, 46-year-old Jose Guillermo “Memo” Gidley grew up as a Sausalito “anchor out” before his family settled in San Rafael. Bicycle motocross led to dirt bikes, go-karts and finally cars. He ultimately rose to Indy car and endurance racing, meanwhile still sailing and also winning go-kart and Jet Ski championships. A near-fatal accident during the 24 Hours of Daytona in 2014 left him with major injuries, but after a lengthy recovery he is back in the driver’s seat for 2018, working with professional road racing teams and teaching karting to aspiring drivers. While racing is his passion, his day job is running his Sausalitobased boat charter company, Sailing Memo Boat Charters. We caught up with Gidley over coffee, not far from the Sausalito Community Boating Center at the Cass Gidley Marina, named for his late father, a fixture of Marin’s boating scene.

support network. I had to sleep on my stomach for five months. Sleeping on my back again was a win. Small victories, like tying my shoes, showed there was more coming. The really big deal was medical clearance to drive again.

7

Any advice for those facing similar circumstances? Find motivation to recover and give your body time to heal. For me, it was a case of telling my body that I planned to use it again.

1

Why car racing over sailing? I was into speed from the get-go. My dad always sent me out in our El Toro dinghy on the windiest days, and for some reason I was also into vehicles. When my uncle took me to a car race, I thought, “This is it!”

2

When was your first chance to drive an Indy car? At Long Beach in 1999, I met a team owner with an available seat. I got my first taste of 950 horsepower a week later.

3

When did you find your place in top-level racing? Indy car opportunities came in 1999. In 2000, I led my first laps and got noticed for being fourth fastest at a test session. I did nine races that year and 15 races with the Target team in 2001, leading at Michigan and nearly winning Cleveland.

4

What makes teaching racing and sailing rewarding? I love both, and my true passion has become sharing with people experiencing these sports for the first time.

5

Why do racing fans connect with you? Car racing is hard for an average person to get into, and people saw that as someone with no financial backing, I pushed and didn’t give up.

6

When did you turn the corner in your recovery? Having family, friends and fans reach out and cheerlead was a big help. I thought about how much more difficult it would be for someone with less of a

8

What’s your favorite place to sail? The “Slot,” where the wind really howls in the summertime. It is very exciting — fast boat speed and challenging to sail.

9

What’s your ideal day in Marin County? A mountain bike ride followed by a sail. Of course, I like going to Sonoma Raceway. But just being here — living in Tiburon and enjoying the views — and spending time with my wife, daughter and mom.

10

What are your favorite spots to eat in Marin? Las Guitarras in Novato. I also like F3 and Bar Bocce in Sausalito, as well as Barrel House Tavern. I like visiting Avatar’s for a fusion burrito.

11

What is your favorite road to drive? And what’s the fastest you’ve ever driven? I like Highway 1 here in Marin. And over 250 miles per hour in an Indy car. m

Author Talk

MM: How did the process of researching and writing this book change you? Did it only serve to further increase empathy, or did any of your views shift along the way?

AH: In the process of researching Strangers, I got to know people who generously opened their lives to me in the hopes that I would “get” how it is they feel, and as best I could, that’s what I tried to do. A nd whenever we try this, it deepens us, I think. And that’s what it did to me — I feel like I came home deeper. Before writing this book I might have described myself as somewhat opinionated and rigid. Maybe I wanted to work on that fi xity, to see if I could develop a capacity to move from one perspective to another. But did it change my political commitments? No

MM: The ideas presented in your book seem more important now than ever. What would you say to Americans who feel that the people who make up this country itself are divided?

AH: I would agree that there are very strongly held di fferences in viewpoint, left and right, and that the forces pushing us apart are growing and those pulling us together are as of yet weak. I wish for more people to reach across the divide — and there are a lot of pop-up groups trying to help people do that. Check out some of the 70 or 80 smaller groups housed under an umbrella group called the Bridge Alliance.

MM: What would you as a sociologist say to those who have a difficult time putting themselves in another’s shoes? How can they begin to develop empathy?

AH: I think most people are highly capable of empathy, but they just don’t apply that capacity to those they think of as “the other.”

So it’s a matter of resolving to apply a highlevel capacity to an important new task: reaching across the divide.

CALIN VAN PARIS

Local Page Turners

Strangers in Their Own Land: Anger and Mourning on the American Right by Arlie Russell Hochschild (Berkeley), The New Press, $17.99. Arlie Russell Hochschild — one of the most influential sociologists of her generation — spent the five years that preceded the 2016 presidential election immersed in the community of Lake Charles, Louisiana, a Tea Party stronghold. A National Book Award Finalist, this work is a timely and fascinating exploration of empathy, context and, ultimately, humanity. Appearing at Dominican University in conversation with KQED’s Michael Krasny April 18, 7 p.m. This is the 2018 One Book One Marin culminating event.

Sophia of Silicon Valley by Anna Yen (San Francisco), William Morrow, $26.99. A brilliant young woman navigates the thrilling world of Silicon Valley in the boom years of the tech industry, working for some of the greatest minds of our time, in this fast-paced satirical and revealing novel. Author Anna Yen is uniquely qualified to tell this tale, having reported directly to some of Silicon Valley’s most respected leaders, including Steve Jobs, Elon Musk, David Drummond and Larry Kramer. This is an engrossing story of a professional woman storming the corridors of geek power. Appearing at Book Passage Corte Madera April 10, 7 p.m.

The Manson Women & Me by Nikki Meredith (Marin), Citadel, $26 . In the summer of 1969, Leslie Van Houten and Patricia Krenwinkel carried out horrific acts of butchery on the orders of the charismatic cult leader Charles Manson. At their murder trial the following year, lead prosecutor Vincent Bugliosi described the two so-called Manson women as “human monsters.” Meredith visits with Van Houten and Krenwinkel in prison to discover how they had changed during their incarceration. Appearing at Book Passage Corte Madera in conversation with KQED’s Michael Krasny April 13, 7 p.m.

by Book Passage Marketing Manager Zack Ruskin.

Reviews

We sat down with Berkeley’s Arlie Russell Hochschild to discuss Strangers in Their Own Land: Anger and Mourning on the American Right, this year’s selection for One Book One Marin.

FLORAL SPONSOR

Photo: Drew Altizer Photography, Wildfox: Ahi Tuna Tartare

Dennis Rodoni

BY JIM WOOD • PHOTO BY LENNY GONZALEZ

Marin County’s newest supervisor has deep roots here and big plans for public open spaces.

ON MEETING MARIN County Supervisor Dennis Rodoni, you may not see him as a politician when you meet him at his Civic Center office, let alone one from rural and rugged West Marin. His polished looks and clipped speaking style suggest more a college professor or maybe a church elder.

Yet in November of 2016, with few endorsements from politicians or publications, Rodoni won 53 percent of the vote and was elected supervisor from Marin County’s sprawling 4th District, which includes Corte Madera; portions of San Rafael, Novato, Mill Valley and Larkspur; and nearly all of West Marin. While each Marin County supervisor has approximately 53,000 residents in his or her respective district, Rodoni’s district encompasses by far the largest land mass and the greatest number of voters from unincorporated areas.

Rodoni, 65, was a schoolteacher and then a general contractor before being fi rst in his family to seek elective office. But if heritage figures into political pedigree, he was made for the job. In 1863, his great grandfather left the Italian Alps to become a dairy farmer in tiny Olema, the West Marin hamlet where Rodoni and his wife raised their two daughters and have lived for the past quarter of a century. From the 1930s into the 1940s, Rodoni’s paternal grandparents owned the legendary Western Saloon in Point Reyes Station, and his great uncle Sam Mazza and uncle Louis Bloom were Marin Count y fi re chiefs.

Rodoni’s initial electoral seat was on the North Marin Water Board in 1995; he was reelected five times. Recently he’s been involved with the Point Reyes Village Association, Tomales Bay Association and Coastal Health Alliance. Since elected supervisor in January 2017, he’s been serving on the board of Transportation Authority of Marin, the Association of Bay Area Governments and the Marin Agricultural Land Trust (MALT).

You are a relative newcomer, so let’s start off with your political philosophy. I like to think I’m very progressive. I’m also a problem solver who thinks outside the box. I have strong environmental credentials, which counts for a lot in Marin. But most of all, I’m a doer. I think I’m better at doing things than I am at talking about what I’m doing. As for my heroes, they’re folks who work for the nonprofits; the ones who do what they do not for money, but to help other people. These are the people who bring food to the food banks, who see that seniors are safe and healthy in their homes, and people who help staff ommunity clinics that serve those who don’t have health insurance. As for my political hero, it would probably be John F. Kennedy. However, I shy away from selecting heroes because if you put someone up on a pedestal, too often you get disappointed when they are knocked off

Moving to local politics, why did county supervisors purchase the San Geronimo Valley Golf Course? Early last year, I became aware that the property was on the market and thought it had great value as a public space and for park uses. I also knew that two creeks, San Geronimo and Larsen, that cross the golf course were tremendously valuable to the restoration of coho salmon and steelhead trout in the area. It was also a great opportunity for the West Marin community to acquire a greenbelt to connect all its little towns; it seemed like a natura l fit. So

the county parks department reached out to the Trust for Public Lands, or TPL, because it was more nimble in negotiating these types of transactions and had the fi nancial resources to purchase the property sooner. Then we learned the course had been sold to an operator who’d likely develop the gol fi ng facilities by another 40,000 square feet. However, that transaction fell through and the property owner went back to TPL and they subsequently came together when TPL entered into contract to purchase the property for $8.85 million. In October of last year, the board of supervisors voted to purchase the golf course from TPL, on a dollar-for-dollar basis, in the near future.

Please define “near future.” By “near future” I mean the county would have 10 to 12 months to put together the funding to buy the property from TPL. Meanwhile, the county will look for someone to operate the golf course for two years while a robust planning process takes place to see what type of park and public uses the property can be put to and what development, if any, will happen on the clubhouse’s parcel. In my mind, that 23-acre clubhouse parcel is the only parcel where development can take place, as the rest of the property is severely limited by zoning and setback restrictions. Possibilities for the clubhouse parcel include a count y fi re headquarters, a ffordable housing and a community garden facility — among many others.

How will the county come up with funding to buy the golf course from TPL? The county will buy this property with only $1.4 million of general budget money. So out of the county’s general fund, that’s all we’ll spend to acquire this almost $9 million property. The other sources of funds include $2.5 million from Measure A, the open space acquisition sales tax fund, and almost $5 million from state bond measures, as well as from California Fish and Wildlife and other such groups. We believe there is enough interest in this property to close the deal. Both the county administrator’s office and the county parks department wouldn’t have recommended entering into this agreement unless they thought there would be funding out there. It has never been the county’s intent to fund this acquisition entirely from county taxpayer funds.

I’m looking forward to the day when most of the ranchers in Point Reyes National Seashore have 20-year leases, which is key to their survival.

The other big issue in West Marin is the environmentalists’ lawsuit involving dairy ranchers on Point Reyes National Seashore. What’s the status of that? Well, the lawsuit has been settled. Part of the agreement with the National Park Service and the ranchers was that the general plan needed to be amended and updated to reflect stipulations from the court. Those stipulations lie anywhere between a no ranching alternative to ranching being allowed to continue as it is. That planning process kicked off n fall of 2017 and there have been two public meetings so far, which provided valuable input for moving the process forward. But the process involves the National Environmental Policy Act, or NEPA, so it could take considerable time. Currently ranchers have four- and fiveyear leases, which gives everyone time to work things out. I didn’t play a role in the settlement; it was a collaborative effort where all the lawyers sat in a room and worked things out. But I’m looking forward to the day

most of the ranchers in Point Reyes National Seashore have 20-year leases, which is key to their survival. That way they can get the loans they need to improve their barns, fencing and equipment and make other capital improvements.

That said, is agriculture looking up throughout West Marin? The future of agriculture in West Marin looks really good. First, MALT has been able to purchase development rights [easements], which capitalizes ranchers and farmers and allows them to continue intergenerational farming. Second, organic milk prices have been very favorable for the dairy people so they’ve been able to be more profitable and are making needed improvements to the ranches because of that. The third reason is that West Marin is becoming a niche for agricultural products, from grass-fed beef to craft cheeses. And those niches, in terms of improving market potential, are going to be of great benefit for all West Marin’s agriculture.

What about tourism in West Marin? The impact of tourism is probably one of the biggest issues West Marin is going to face over the next few years, as the popularity of West Marin will continue to increase. West Marin is a day trip for millions of Bay Area residents and we aren’t immune to high gas prices or recessions. We are protected by the State Coastal Act, the National Park Service and state parks, so we have an absolutely gorgeous area to live in and we realize we have to share it; we’re obligated to share it. What we must figure out is how we can balance the local needs and the visitors’ needs — which is presenting a very significant challenge. Currently, the side effects from having too many tourists are crippling our community: we have issues with trash, overuse of our septic systems and a lack of a ffordable living spaces. I would hope that at some point the impacts of tourists would be self-regulating — West Marin won’t be a desirable day trip if there are too many people in the location you want to visit or the roadways are too crowded for travel. However, I haven’t seen too much evidence of that [self-regulation] working. I have ideas on how to mitigate the impacts of tourism and I invite the community to reach out with their suggestions. m

OF OUR OWN A League

WHAT A MARIN DAD LEARNED FROM KIDS DURING BASEBALL SEASON

A Prayer for Owen Meany, Bad News Bears and Hardball are classic movies. They all depict the ways life and baseball intersect and influence each other. Here in Marin, like thousands of places across the country, we have our own life university called Little League, where hundreds of young minds and bodies are made stronger through sport. Kids start the season learning how to properly hold a mitt and end, one hopes, with a bases-loaded bottom-of-the-ninth home run. To celebrate the beginning of baseball season we reached out to a longtime Little League enthusiast, player and coach Michael Cann, who along with his brother Peter coaches the Mill Valley Tigers.

BY MICHAEL CANN • ILLUSTRATIONS BY PETER AND MARIA HOEY

Lesson #1

It was the only hit Justin had all season. A fastball, way high and outside. A pitch that only a 10-year-old who swung at everything would swing at. It wasn’t until I heard the distinct ping of Easton aluminum connecting squarely with a leather-covered ball of yarn that I even looked up and noticed that he had just roped one deep to center field.

Suddenly everyone’s going crazy. In the dugout. In the stands. Kids and parents going nuts as Justin careens around the bases for the first time all season. My job as third base coach is to tell the runner what to do, yet I’m practically speechless.

I hold him up at third base. We’re both breathless. I can barely contain my excitement for him, thinking that this is probably one of the greatest days of his young life. Finally catching his breath, he turns to me as says, “Coach Mike, I need to call a time-out.” Thinking that this pivotal moment in his life is overwhelming him, that he needs a moment to bask in the glory, I reply in my most fatherly voice, “Sure Justin. Take your time. Are you hurt?”

“Um, no. There’s an ice cream truck over there and I want to get some ice cream.”

Lesson #2

The plan was to surprise the kids on opening day with a special treat: an entire tub of Bazooka bubble gum that my brother (and co–team manager) Peter bought. Two hundred and twenty-five individually wrapped pieces of sugar, glucose syrup, artificial flavors, glycerin, titanium dioxide, BHT and Red Dye #40. Enough for every player to scarf down 18.75 pieces each before the start of the game. And they did.

What could possibly go wrong?

So it turns out there’s this thing called a continuous glucose monitoring system. If you’re diabetic, you use it to measure your glucose levels in real-time via a glucose sensor that’s inserted under the skin. If your glucose level approaches a low or high limit — such as when cramming 18.75 pieces of Bazooka bubble gum in your mouth — the sensor triggers a pager-like device that flashes red and beeps like crazy.

Fast-forward two innings. The opposing team is up to bat, and most of our players are out of the dugout, the same dugout that’s now beeping away. I have no idea what’s making that noise. I’ve never heard of a continuous glucose monitor, nor heard that chewing gum could trigger a diabetic emergency. Not until the brother of the diabetic child walks over to me and — rather nonchalantly — says, “That’s Scott’s glucose monitor. It means his glucose level is offand he might go into diabetic shock.”

Scott, way offin right field, happily chewing on a giant wad of gum, has no idea his monitor is pinging away. Trying not to panic, I call a time-out and ask Scott to come to the dugout. Noticing the beeping, he walks into the dugout, reaches into his backpack, and with the calmness and dexterity of a surgeon, turns the alarm off and takes his medication.

As I watch Scott calmly trot back to right field — with nary a word— it is at this exact moment I realize that 10 years of fatherhood, of raising a wonderful and strong daughter to the best of my ability, is about 10,000 years short of the time needed to be a faultless Little League coach. I also make a pact that day to ask every parent of my players if there are any dietary restrictions or medical issues I should know about (and parents, tell your coaches — never assume).

SOMETIMES ICE CREAM IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN WINNING

Lesson #3

I’m not sure who called the Mill Valley police during the baseball game, but everyone was glad they arrived. We were the Bad News Bears team that year, in last place, playing the second-place team, with the winner going to the La Ginestra championship game. It was the fourth inning when the mildly concerned wife of one of our coaches realized that their 7-year-old son, Blake, was missing.

Fifth inning, score 10-6, we’re losing, no Blake. Sixth and fi nal inning (there are only six innings in Little League unless a tie needs to be settled), score still 10-6, no Blake, and a whole lot of concerned coaches and parents at this point. Since it’s the fi nal inning with the outcome almost certain, we decide to continue the game while everyone not playing searches for Blake. That’s when things get surreal.

Blake’s older brother Chris, our best player on the team, walks up to the plate with bases loaded and proceeds to crush the second pitch to left field — a grand slam home run to tie the game, and our fi rst home run of the entire season.

His coach/father is having an emotional crisis at this point. One son is very missing, and the other just experienced the greatest sporting moment of his life.

The Mill Valley Police have arrived by now and are driving along the bike path, our search and rescue mission at full tilt. It’s starting to get dark. A second team meeting, with the decision to continue playing while everyone else continues the search. It isn’t until the eighth inning, score still 10-10, that we fi nd Blake, who’s been under the stands, playing with his iPad (“It’s darker down here. I can see the screen better”), blissfully unaware of the turmoil above.

In the ninth inning we scrape together a single run. Game over. The last-place Mill Valley Tigers are headed to the La Ginestra championship game the next day.

Post Game

I could fi ll a book about the joys of coaching Little League, of teaching kids how and why to love the game of baseball, of working together as a team to achieve a common goal, and of the core values team sports can teach us about winning, losing and camaraderie.

In our clan, Mill Valley Little League baseball is a cherished family a ffair. It’s given me the unique and once-in-a-lifetime experience of co-managing a team along with my brother

Peter while coaching both my daughter Carson and Peter’s son Colin. My father coached Mill Valley Little League, my mother went to every game to cheer us on, my two brothers and I went on to play college ball, and today we coach our son, daughter, and the kids we used to be. Full circle.

Spring season just started for Little League teams all over the country, and soon there will be kids playing Little League baseball at a field near you. I implore you: at least once this season, go see a game, sit in the bleachers and cheer the kids on. I think you’ll fi nd it as rewarding as I do, a shared community experience that brings excitement and joy to kids and adults alike. m

SOMETIMES WHAT YOU’RE SEARCHING FOR IS RIGHT UNDER YOUR NOSE

Game over. The last-place Mill Valley Tigers are headed to the La Ginestra championship game the next day.”

PLAY TIME

These moms and dads live the rock star life — at least until it’s time to get the kids ready for school. BY

EMILIE ROHRBACH • PHOTOS BY JACK WOLFORD

IMAGINE THIS: YOU’RE the lead singer of a dynamite cover band and you’re opening for your favorite group at 19 Broadway in Fairfax. You spend the night feeling like a rock star — the club owners are praising your chops, the drinks are flowing, and the guys from the main act invite you to open for them anytime.

Fast-forward to the next morning: the dog is puking. One of the kids, or maybe it’s your husband, is getting sick because the dog is sick. Everyone’s running late, and as the whole family stands in the driveway, you realize you forgot to unpack your sound gear from the car. All eyes are on you as you morph, a bit chagrined, from music mama to multitasking mom.

That kind of thing happens occasionally in the life of Mill Valley’s Danielle Hirsch, yoga and fitness instructor, wife, mother and lead singer for Fistful of Scandal, and she’s not alone. Hundreds of moms and dads in the Bay Area are attempting the ultimate balancing act: how to live the dream of being a musician while also playing starring roles at work and at home. They are the performing parents — not because they’re singing children’s tunes or wearing Barney costumes, but because at some point both the childrearing bug and the music bug bit and they have no desire to let go of either.

Who are the players? Some have been playing music since they were kids, some rediscovered their love of music and found courage to gig in their 20s and 30s, and still others picked up an instrument for the fi rst time in their 40s and found they couldn’t put it down. They have one thing in common: enough drive to go to work, come home and play parent, and, once the children are asleep, play music. “The energy you need to have is amazing,” says San Francisco–based

Fistful of Scandal practices in Mill Valley.

The band: Danielle Hirsch on vocals, Tim Savage on drums, Michael Fitting on guitar, John Olmsted on keyboard and Dave Hobstetter on bass.

singer-songwriter Paige Clem, single mom of a 10-year-old boy. “After you perform, sometimes you don’t get to sleep until well after 2 a.m. Then a few hours later the alarm goes offand it’s mom mode! ‘Look, Mom, I can make this dollar disappear. Do I have to put my shoes on now? Did you know that people in Iceland are into elves? Can we get frozen yogurt tonight?’ — all by 7:45 a.m.”

Where are they found? They may not be driving cross-country in a tour bus or loading equipment for a jaunt through Europe, but these performers still find local venues to rock out in: the Sweetwater, Terrapin Crossroads, and HopMonk Tavern in Marin; the Starry Plough and Freight and Salvage in the East Bay; and Brick and Mortar, the Independent, and Bottom of the Hill in San Francisco. Clem hosts a songwriter series at the Ivy Room in Albany every fourth Sunday of the month. Joe Becker, a self-taught drummer from San Francisco currently playing in The Jean Genies (a David Bowie cover band) and The Bye Bye Blackbirds, has been playing some beloved venues in the city, like Slim’s, the Make Out Room and The Chapel. A resident of the houseboat community in Sausalito, local blues artist Fiver Brown has done his share of touring but walks from home to most gigs these days, whether at the members-only floating barge the Cruising Club or legendary dive the No Name Bar. Most rehearse once or twice a week and perform at least once or twice a month.

Why do they do it? Every mom and dad interviewed said essentially the same thing: “Because I have to.” Music is a passion, a propelling force and a conduit to creativity, happiness and a huge endorphin rush. The pain of letting go of music as an outlet, as Becker felt when he left music

altogether for a year to raise a family, can bleed into other facets of your life. It might be hard balancing alarm clocks and ampli fiers, but Hirsch doesn’t mind. “The insane days don’t cancel out the kick-ass nights of playing music. I love my mom job and my music only makes me better at it.” San Francisco vocalist Terry Ashkinos, lead singer of Fake Your Own Death and a teacher, husband, and father of two, says, “I have no choice. It was built into my DNA; I love playing music, teaching, and being a parent. I love seeing the world through my kids’ eyes.”

How do they find balance? Becker says it helps enormously to have a supportive partner. Brown believes it’s about sacri fice: he couldn’t be the dad he wanted to be if he were a full-time musician, and he couldn’t retain his sanity if he were to cut music out of his life. Ashkinos keeps it real: “I don’t sleep. And I don’t follow Twitter.”

Any pointers for other would-be musicians with kids? “My advice is to make sure you are playing music for the right reasons. If you’re doing it for fame, money, or popularity, you should stop. Your kids need you at home,” Ashkinos says. “But if you’re doing it for the love and art of music, and if you’re doing it because you want to grow and you want to bring your kids along, then never quit.” Hirsch likes to quote motivational speaker/author Steve Maraboli: “Live your truth … take action towards your dreams … make today worth remembering.” Becker adds, “Years ago I gave up any notion that I would be famous, and there’s something liberating about this. It can be di ffic ult to carve out time for a musical endeavor, and one has to bear in mind the age and temperament of one’s child and partner. Be respectful of them. It’s worth it.” m

TAKING THE

PLUNGE

When it came time to move to the North Bay, this couple didn’t just dip a toe, they dove right into a full renovation that continued to grow in scope.

BY LAURA HILGERS • PHOTOS BY PAUL DYER

This page: The Zen garden can be seen from the midcenturystyle living room.

Opposite: The lava rock and sapele divider separates the family room from the dining area.

OME PEOPLE ARE wired to like a challenge. Take, for instance, the owners of this modern home in the Kent Woodlands hills. They met through their work in San Francisco’s tech industry in 2011 and decided to move in together in 2013. She already owned a quaint Victorian in San Francisco and he owned a house on the Peninsula. But instead of testing the waters by moving into a rental together, they crossed the Golden Gate Bridge, bought this house and undertook a massive renovation.

We bought this home to start our ‘we life’ together,” he says, “but the remodel was a huge test of our relationship.” She’s more of pragmatist and he’s more of an idealist. So there was occasional friction as they spent weekends visiting tile stores, examining countertop materials and selecting hardwood floors.

Yet the yin/yang of the relationship yielded beautiful results: a warm and arresting modern home that celebrates the landscape upon which it sits.

The house was not always that way. “It was a midcentury modern,” she says, “but not the cool midcentury modern. It had wings that were added over time, and it looked very plain.” The layout “looked like two shipping containers,” he says. When the couple first saw the home, it had a board-and-batten wood exterior of a drab olive color. A huge asphalt parking area consumed the front yard, and although you could see Mount Diablo and the Richmond–San Rafael Bridge through floor-to-ceiling windows on the southeast side, the house did not take advantage of its 360-degree views.

Luckily, he, in particular, was looking for a project. He’d grown up in Sonoma and longed to be back in the North Bay, partly to be closer to his aging mother. But he also considers himself “a closet architect,” interested in all elements of design, from choosing materials to drafting plans. The house, he thought, would be a chance to indulge his inner designer.

After the couple moved in, they lived in the house for a year to get a feel for the property. They started interviewing architects near the end of that year and knew they’d found their guy when Alan Ohashi of Emeryville’s ODS Architecture gave his frank assessment: “The house looks like a dental office, with a big parking lot for all the patients.”

The couple agreed, telling him they wanted a warm, modern home, Ohashi’s specialty. Also, they hoped to accomplish this by making modest improvements. “But as the project progressed,” Ohashi says, “the scope got bigger and bigger and more ambitious.”

Besides opening up the house to take greater advantage of the views, the owners also hoped the place would better suit how they lived. After busy workweeks, he loved to hang out on a comfortable couch, watch sports and have a beer, surrounded by nature. She loved to cook. They both liked to entertain.

Bored at a business meeting in Washington, D.C., he drew a three-dimensional picture of the house on a piece of binder paper, solving many of the home’s problems by raising the roofl ine. Back in the Bay Area, he handed the drawing to Ohashi and ODS’s design director, Philip Liang.

The architects drew up plans, raising the roof by 42 inches and adding clerestory windows along the upper rim of the house to maximize sunlight. To augment the views through the southeast windows, they added floor-to-ceiling glass on the northwest side, mostly in the game room, looking out on Mount Baldy and the grove of heritage oaks that line the property. “That was a big part of this project,” Liang says, “to see the trees kind of rise all around and to create opportunities for light to come in.”

The owners decided to keep the footprint of the home, adding only a few hundred square feet to the game room. “We didn’t want to blow everything away, because the budget could easily escalate,” he says. In May 2014, they moved out, thinking the remodel would take 14 months. It ended up taking more than two years.

One of the biggest renovation challenges was taking an existing home and essentially creating a glass house, says the builder, Dan Nowell of Eden Roc Co. Where walls had stood, he had to install steel moment frames, superstructures that allow large openings to be created with glass. “It would have been easier to tear the house down and start anew,” Nowell reflects.

Opposite: The bluestone balcony, off the family room. This page: The home’s game room, with Nicoline leather sectional, pool table and rear stone wall.

The family room area, with clerestory windows, and the balcony and kitchen in the background. The open cook’s kitchen has quartzite counters and walnut cabinets.

The remodel became more of a collaboration as the owners continued to refi ne their vision. He was driving by a bank in Mill Valley one day, for example, and admired the metal fascia on the building, deciding it would be perfect for the exterior of their home. “I called Philip and I said, ‘I really want this,’ ” he recalls.

The architects set to work replicating the fascia — now an assertive band of aluminum composite that surrounds the top of the home’s exterior — but the owners’ input often delayed the schedule. “I think if we were to go back, a big change we would have made was selecting all the materials before starting construction,” she says. “That’s where we got into some trouble.”

During the remodel they also decided to move the dining room, originally adjacent to the kitchen and separated from the living room area by a two-foot-thick divider, so the new owner wouldn’t have to be separated from family and friends while she cooked. Relocating the dining area to the other side of the divider, they created an inviting family room next to the kitchen, with a 75-inch television and a curved Della Robbia couch for hanging out.

That process brought a major upgrade to the room divider that now separates the family and dining rooms: originally a plaster structure over a stone fi replace, it was replaced with a minimalist slit of a fi replace, embedded in lava rock and topped with an asymmetrical pattern of sapele wood. It feels like a piece of art and is accented by a modern chandelier made of 29 glass balls descending from various heights from the ceiling.

It is nature, however, that ultimately takes center stage. Just outside the seating area in the living room is a Zen garden designed by San Rafael’s Pedersen Associates, with a stone water fountain and droughttolerant plants. A few steps down, in the newly hardscaped backyard, a succulent garden bursts with color from echeveria, aloe and crassula.

The architects and landscape architects also redesigned the front yard, creating a warmer-looking entry. The “stars of the show,” Pete Pedersen says, are two 150-year-old olive trees from the Central Valley that now flank the driveway. New front yard plantings — asparagus fern, Cape rush, Berkeley sedge — echo the architecture, with clean, simple lines.

One aspect the owners love about the home is that it’s “see-through.” The full-length windows of the kitchen/family room look straight across the entryway to those of the game room, where the new man of the house most frequently hangs out. That’s partly because it’s so comfortable, with its TV, leather couch, wet bar and pool table, but he also likes the room’s design. One side is all glass doors opening to a patio and bocce court, plus views of the oaks and Mount Baldy. A rough stone wall — also an exterior wall — stands in the back of the room; in the front is a fi replace, the owner’s favorite feature of the house.

In fact, he spent countless hours thinking of ideas for this fi replace, before asking San Francisco artist Mike Danielson to make it of scrap metal, pockmarked by saltwater erosion, from an old 1920s ship in Seattle. It’s a nice artistic flourish for this stylish man cave.

It’s also emblematic of how the couple worked together. He dove deep on the details; she wanted decisions to be made. “We spent a lot of time on the house. Maybe too much,” he says, “but we’re better for it now. We communicate better and we understand each other better too.” Their reward for living through the renovations, even as they started their “we life” together, is a serene home that feels as if it’s in conversation with the views and the trees. “Now,” she says, “we think of this as our retreat.” m

THE REDO LIST

It’s spring, and along with longer days and better weather comes a perennial surge of energy, which might inspire homeowners to tackle deferred improvements. If you’re just spackling a few holes or fixing that faucet, we’ll leave you to it. But for folks hoping to reinvent a dated space, here’s the latest from industry experts on the most promising current trends in interior design.

BY DAWN MARGOLIS DENBERG

TIM PORTER (TOP LEFT AND RIGHT)

CABINETS

White is timeless, but these days, many homeowners are embracing color. “Jewel-toned green is one of hottest colors right now for cabinets,” says Anja Michals, owner of Anja Michals Design in Mill Valley. “Deep blues are also big.” If you’re not fully committed to vivid, consider complementary finishes — say, a bold color for the lower cabinets and neutral for the uppers.

FLOORING

When engineered wood floors first came out, people saw them as a less-than-perfect substitute for solid hardwood. Yet oldschool hardwoods must be nailed in, stained, and clear-coated with a protective fi nish, all on site. And while there’s something to be said for hand-crafting, homeowners are rapidly abandoning that route. “About two-thirds of my clients now go with engineered wood,” interior designer Carolyn Rebuffel says. “You know exactly what you’re getting in terms of color and texture,” and there’s no fleeing the house during installation to get away from toxic fumes.

A preference for wide-plank flooring has also fueled the market for engineered wood. “The four- to seven-inch plank is the workhouse of the industry right now,” says Gary Abel, a senior sales consultant at the Floor Store in San Rafael. “And the manufacturers can’t make a solid (traditional) wood product at the wide widths that will perform without cupping.”

Wood floors are so popular these days that many homeowners will opt for “wood look” imposters, and the hottest of these right now is vinyl. Rebranded as luxury vinyl, it bears little resemblance to its 1960s brethren and can visually stand in for endless varieties of wood or stone. “It’s one hundred percent waterproof, kid-proof, pet-proof,” Abel adds. “You could take a plank, put it in your tub for a week, then pull it out, dry it off, and install it and there’s no damage.”

COUNTERTOPS

Granite is no longer the go-to: “People want simple, streamlined counter surfaces, and it’s not easy to find a piece of granite that doesn’t look busy,” Rebu ffel explains. Quartz is what’s now in demand: reasonably priced, arguably the most durable surface, and because it’s crafted for counters in a factory setting, available in just about any color, from tomato red to lime green, or even marked with flecks, swirls and random patterns to mimic natural stone.

For traditionalists preferring an authentic organic surface, other quarried stones now appeal: “I’m seeing a lot more soapstone lately, as well as darker marbles with more pronounced veining,” Michals says.

Wood counters are popular too. “It really gives a room a warm feel,” says Carrie Durham of Lamperti Contracting and Design. Still, these need to be treated “as you would a piece of fine furniture,” she warns; if you’re looking for a stain- and scratch-resistant surface, this ain’t it.

Clockwise from top left: Blue cabinets are hot for 2018 and pair well with neutral tones; wide-plank oak floors by First, Last & Always in San Francisco; quartz counters offer the look of natural stone without the maintenance.

Clockwise from left:

Fireplace surround created with Clé’s cigar shop print; Blue Star appliances come in an array of colors, shown here in purple violet; NanaWall bifold doors bring the inside out and outside in.

TILE

Carolyn Rebuffel, who owns Workroom C in San Rafael, fi nds that those who play it safe with cabinets might be willing to go bold with tile. “I did a super-saturated Caribbean Blue Fireclay Tile in a kids’ bathroom that turned out wonderfully,” she says.

Remodel clients are also warming to wilder patterns, including cubes and pointy triangles. Even done sparingly, that can dramatically change a room’s ambience: “Installing a printed tile around your fi replace is an easy way to give an entire room real depth,” Michals says.

Large-format tile pieces and slab-size porcelain sheets are likewise popular, and practical, too — easier to install and maintain than smaller tile.

APPLIANCES

If you lived through the avocado-green fridges and stoves of the 1970s, you may be leery of giving up your stainless-steel kitchen. But it’s time to get over that. “A colorful range adds a playful element to the design,” Rebu ffel says, and prices have come down in recent years. “You used to have to invest in an expensive European import, but these day you can easily fi nd a quality colored stove in the $5,000 range.”

The stainless vent hood is also getting a makeover: a custom-created hood is “a great way to add architectural interest,” says Ann Lowengart of San Anselmo–based Lowengart Interiors. “I’m working on a home now where

we’re adding a rustic beam over the range and hiding the guts of the hood behind it.” Another fun alternative: a straightup rectangular chimney hood, color coordinated with your cabinets, and then you add metal or wood trim along the base.

And fewer people are opting for a double oven, “going for a [secondary] convection/microwave unit instead,” Rebu ffel says. “I think they’re realizing that if the second regular oven only gets used once during the holidays, it’s just not worth it.” The built-in coffee machine, on the other hand, still seems standard. “It’s not on every client’s wish list. But for people who are coffee connoisseurs, it has become an absolute must,” Lowengart says.

WINDOWS AND DOORS

“Lots of glass and as little frame as possible. That’s what people want these days,” Rebuffel says. Preferably a large opening glass door system, if design allows.

For many years, Mill Valley–based NanaWall was the only player in the operable glass wall market, and it’s still considered the prototype. But companies like LaCantina, Weather Shield and Loewen now offer similar products, as people continue to blur the line between indoor and outdoor living. These “work great in places like Marin where you don’t have to worry as much about bugs,” Rebu ffel says. And even in homes that can’t incorporate a folding glass wall, a folding pass-through kitchen window unites a home’s indoor and outdoor spaces. m

Scott Corridan Design

Established in 1994, Scott Corridan Design specializes in interior design, staging for the luxury real estate market, and curation of collections. Scott’s aesthetic reflects the natural beauty of the regions where his offices are located - the bucolic wine country of Napa/Sonoma at Saint Helena and the high Sierras at Lake Tahoe - with a current, timeless feel.

All endeavors devotedly fulfilled by Scott Corridan’s Design team are a reflection of Scott’s relationship driven nature - the relationship formed with you, our esteemed clients, as well as our design and contracting teams who come together to make the magic you see in the SCD portfolio come to life. Approachable and grounded with an easy elegance and attitude, Scott is a story teller at heart; imagining and fulfilling inspired spaces that capture the essence of their inhabitants.

871 Dowdell Lane • Saint Helena, CA 707.331.9307 • scottcorridan.net

Our projects range from country estates and suburban farmhouses to contemporary oases. We are known for our ability to listen to and implement our clients’ desires, the high quality of our work, exceptional project management and clear communication throughout the project. TLC is pleased to announce, the opening of a second office in Sonoma.

26 Hamilton Drive, Suite A • Novato, CA 19404 Highway 12 • Sonoma, CA 415.819.5263 • thelandcollaborative.com

Ligne Roset

AT THE HEART OF FRENCH STYLE

150 De Haro Street, Suite E, San Francisco, CA 415.777.1030 info@lignerosetsf.com lignerosetsf.com

Known for its artful collaborations with both established and up-and-coming talents in contemporary design, Ligne Roset offers clients an entire lifestyle with which to live both boldly and beautifully via its furniture collections and decorative accessories, lighting, rugs, and textiles. In-house manufacturing allows Ligne Roset to closely supervise the entire production process and uphold the highest production standards. Matching its deeply-held belief in design through material investment and technical innovation, Ligne Roset has grown from a small business to a multinational leader in home furnishings. All the while, the company has been family-run since its inception in 1860.

Our San Francisco showroom offers a full experience of the Ligne Roset design ethos at over 6,000 sq. ft. in size, located in the heart of the Design District. And with over 20 years of experience with the Ligne Roset, owner Claudine Aubonnet-Musarra is proud to introduce the brand to newcomers. We welcome you to stop by our showroom.

Ajna Living Outpost

From our brand new location on Ark Row in Tiburon, we are excited to offer Marin a beautiful assortment of high quality outdoor furniture and decor items designed to help you live better, outdoors. In addition to our signature line of handwoven all-weather rattan sectionals, chaise lounges, and a la carte items, we also carry Fermob, a gorgeous line of metal furniture made in France and available in a spectacular array of colors.

We look forward to bringing Marin the same level of excellence in the value and service we offer in the outdoor furnishings realm. True to our love of all things outdoor, our aim is to help our customers enjoy more quality time outdoors, with those that mean the most to them.

Visit us on Ark Row and we’ll help you create your own backyard oasis.

80 East Main Street • Tiburon, CA 213.309.5110 • ajnaliving.com

Architectural Design Carpets

DESIGN & INSTALLATION EXPERTS

Keeping in mind the different array of clientele, our products range from luxury one-of-a-kind statement pieces to family friendly floors. We collaborate with the Bay Area’s top interior designers and home owners to help reach their flooring vision with our vast collection of broadloom carpets, rugs, and hard surface for the past 30 years. The foundation of your home starts with us.

1111 East Francisco Blvd, Suite 3 • San Rafael, CA 415.458.1717 • architecturaldesigncarpets.com

MODERN

Clough Construction offers you a high caliber design and building experience for all your Marin based deck and fence projects. Family owned and celebrating 31 years, this company knows how to make construction fun and user friendly. From a well-staffed office, on-site estimate with Scott Clough (principal), followed by a thorough formal estimate, you will feel well cared for. With a solid commitment to responsible forestry, Clough purchases FSC® redwood (sustainably harvested lumber) in bulk and passes the savings on directly to clients. All foreman and crews are master craftsman transforming spaces with their decades of experience with Clough Construction. Add in kindness, respect of your home and a can-do attitude and you have a partner to help you create a stellar project. Additional assets include in-house permit process facilitation, a sustainable local showroom and cost effective pricing. It’s obvious why this company wins numerous sustainability awards, including Best of Marin many years in a row!

Clough partners locally with Global Student Embassy (GSE), Marin School of Environmental Leadership (MSEL), Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) and World Wildlife Foundation® (WWF®) in support of their sustainability mission. It is refreshing to work with a leader in the industry; Integrity, experience and respect for resources allows this firm to be of service to its community while honoring the earth with every transaction.

Lamperti Contracting & Design

MARIN’S BEST DESIGN AND CABINET RESOURCE

Lamperti Contracting & Design supplies fine cabinetry and provides complete design/build services, specializing in kitchens and baths. As a factory authorized dealer for Bentwood, Columbia and WoodMode cabinetry, we offer fine cabinetry for every taste and budget.

Our team of designers are experts in making the best use of your space and designing beautiful and functional environments. In addition to providing design/build services, we are also happy to work with your own building team to ensure that your cabinets are properly specified and drawn.

We understand that you face countless choices during a remodeling project, so let our designers guide you through the process and help you make those important selections.

Our designers and craftsmen take pride in our attention to detail for every phase of your project. We’d love to be part of your team. We welcome you to stop by our showroom.

1241 Andersen Drive • San Rafael, CA 415.454.1623 • lampertikitchens.com

Fatto a

1505

Family owned and operated for over 30 years, they are the North Bay leader in tile installation and granite fabrication for residential remodels, new home construction and commercial jobs.

From start to finish, North Coast Tile is dedicated to working with you on accomplishing your vision.

Hundreds of granite, quartzite, marble, soapstone, limestone and onyx slabs to choose from in their acre large outdoor yard.

Inside is a beautiful boutique tile showroom offering hand selected tile lines from all over the world.

Six designers are on staff to help you achieve your vision. At North Coast Tile they are also happy to work with you and / or your Designer, Contractor and Architect.

Expertise, knowledge and trust make them the tile company that provides the solid foundation you will need to get your project started.

Kitchen above designed by Anne Gockel Architectural and Interior Design - annegockel.com

Sandra Bird Designs

DESIGNING FOR BEAUTY AND PRACTICALITY

Limited space, storage, budget and design were all priorities in this challenging houseboat remodel. The client’s love of cooking made for a wellstocked kitchen with plenty of utensils, pots and pans and a large collection of spices. A creative use of space was the solution. There is a place for everything, including a broom and stepladder cleverly placed on the backside of the pull-out pantry and an 18-inch dishwasher specifically designed for small spaces. The open design from kitchen to living room makes the area perfect for entertaining − another of the client’s passions.

To see more examples of functional and beautiful transformations, visit www.sandrabird.com or Sandra Bird Designs on HOUZZ.com

Photographer: Glen Graves 415.927.1171 • sandrabird.com • Lic #460795

Garage Solutions, Inc.

LIVE WELL ORGANIZED

Garage Solutions is a leader in the Garage Organization Industry. We assist our clients with designing solutions that best fit their needs and flow of the home. Whether creating that Rumpus Room, Exercise Room, Man Cave or just want to park your cars, we have a solution for you.

625 Du Bois Street, Suite H • San Rafael, CA 415.456.4474 • garagesolutions.com

ENJOY LIFE!

1665 Mission Street, San Francisco, CA 415.626.6246 bscculinary.com

In 1956, our company was founded with the idea that we could make a meaningful impact on our customers’ lives by helping them find the right appliances for their homes to increase the enjoyment of their home life. Now, 60 years later, our family-owned company still stands for expert customer service. We pride ourselves on educating our customers and continue to match them with appliances that suit their cooking, cooling and cleaning styles so that they can enjoy life.

We are privileged to feature carefully selected major appliance brands, all beautifully showcased in our spacious showroom. Our kitchen specialists will help you navigate your way to intelligent appliance choices that match your budget. We take pride in our superior service and competitive pricing.

Our appliance consultants enjoy ongoing weekly training to give our customers consistent and professional customer education and service.

We understand the challenges of delivery and installation and have gone to the extra expense of creating our own delivery and certified installation service. This includes delivery to job sites, installation, removal, and recycling of old appliances.

We look forward to the opportunity to meet and work with you in the near future. Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter for special offers and events.

Reyes Landscape Construction

ARCHITECTURALLY LEADING THE WAY

Established in 1984, Reyes Landscape Construction remains as Northern California’s original Design Build Landscape Company. We focus on Residential and Commercial projects, one design at a time, from the inception of the idea to the final implementation.

Already have a full design or permits? Great! Give us a call, our wonderful crew will install or provide an estimate.

P.O. Box 315 • Vineburg, CA info@reyeslandscape.com • 415.225.4488 • reyeslandscape.com

London Fireplace Shoppe

THANK YOU FOR 40 YEARS OF SERVICE

London Fireplace Shoppe has been serving Marin and San Francisco Counties for over 40+ years. Our experienced staff is very well versed in all of the products we represent. From our Showroom Sales Manager, scheduling department and in house installation crew, you will receive the best service anywhere in Marin County. Our fireplace selection is unparalleled. Fireplace Xtrodinair is featured here. 267 Shoreline Hwy • Mill Valley, CA 415.380.0336 • londonchimney.com

Paradise Valley Spas

Paradise Valley Spas provides customers in the Bay Area with the 7 premier brands in the hot tub and swim spa industry. With over 30 years of experience, we know how to provide our customers with superior products and exceptional service. Visit our Jacuzzi® store in Terra Linda and get up to $1,200 OFF a hot tub or swim spa!

3815 Redwood Hwy • San Rafael, CA 415.991.5843 • sfspas.com

The Bath + Beyond opened in 1986 with the idea and promise to offer the most exciting full service bath fixture and faucet showroom available anywhere. The goal was to create a completely new and different environment; a gallery of exceptional products for discerning tastes in decorative plumbing. We staffed, and continue to staff, The Bath + Beyond with the best and most qualified associates in the industry to make sure your journey into the world of decorative plumbing will be both educational and enjoyable, and of course, a journey that ends in an exceptionally good looking wet room. All the products offered by The Bath + Beyond are tested and proven for quality, true value, and aesthetic appeal - whatever your preferred style and taste.

The Bath + Beyond will have an even larger gallery of design options for you, we are proud to announce our kitchen and appliance gallery, opening late-spring.

Bellam Self Storage & Boxes

100% SOLAR & CERTIFIED GREEN BUSINESS

Award-winning and locally owned, we offer a full assortment of boxes and moving supplies that are made with recycled paper, at the best prices. Our motto: “It is a great feeling to realize that we can live in our community, be productive and not damage our environment.” We thank our customers, tenants, and staff in helping us evolve into a Green Business. 2018 Winner of Marin IJ’s Readers Choice Award

24 Bellam Blvd • San Rafael, CA 415.454.1983 • bellamstorage.com

City Carpets

Since 1993 City Carpets has evolved into so much more than a flooring store. Our highly trained and talented staff offers a personal touch with every client. Your flooring journey begins with a conversation to understand exactly which flooring options will fit your lifestyle. We don’t sell floors as much as we help design the perfect environment for your home or business.

555 East Francisco Blvd • San Rafael, CA 415.454.4200 • city-carpets.com • CSL #746886

Pine Street Natural Interiors

Since one of the largest contributors to indoor air pollution is home furnishings, all Pine Street Natural Interiors products are created without using harmful chemicals. Our standards of design are based on principles, which explore the effect of the built environment on human health. Knowledge of healthy products and our design experience ensures your home will nurture your mind, body and spirit.

323 Pine Street, Suite A • Sausalito, CA 415.331.9323 • pinestreetinteriors.com

Sunrise Home

FRESH AT FORTY ONE!

831 B Street, San Rafael, CA 415.456.3939

sunrisehome.com

We’re celebrating our 41st birthday as Marin’s largest home furnishings showroom. For years we’ve been known for representing some of the finest American furnishings companies as well as many independent artisans and this year we’re adding to our offerings!

For 2018 we’ve gone a bit wild with wonderful new collections - from pool tables and shuffleboards to recliners and stand up desks. We’re introducing several new galleries offering a wide variety of styles and price points. You’ll find cleaner more current pieces featuring tasteful silhouettes with a modern vibe.

We have a new “gently-priced” private collection of comfortable, affordable upholstery that is on trend and a great value...We’re also introducing a family friendly line of sofas, sectionals and chairs ideal for life with kids and pets.

Our designers are capable, talented and ready to assist you in creating warm and happy interiors.

We hope you will come and see the new Sunrise Home.

CREATIVE ENERGY

SPAS AND FIREPLACES

4100 Redwood Hwy,

San Rafael • 415.472.7727

San Mateo • 650.574.7600

Pleasanton • 925.551.7100

creativeenergy.com

Creative Energy has been serving Marin since 1976. You can count on our experience and knowledgeable staff to provide unparalleled customer care as you shop for, purchase, and enjoy your new hot tub or fireplace.

We are proud to be the Bay Area’s exclusive dealer of Hot Spring Spas, the world’s #1 selling hot tub brand. Hot Spring Spas are built with quality made to last.

Hot Spring Spas have been in business for over 40 years- Many brands have been around for less than a fraction of that time. It’s very important to know your manufacturer and partner with a successful company you can trust to be with you for the long haul. Hot Spring stands by their spas with extensive warranties on both their tubs and parts.

Relaxation with friends and family. Unmatched massage jets for relief from aches and pains. The best water care systems, and the most energy-efficient spas for worry-free ownership. The Hot Spring Ownership Experience is truly unrivaled.

With over 40 years of experience, Creative Energy can help you choose the model to best suit your needs. Visit our new award-winning San Rafael Showroom or any of our Bay Area locations. Come see us today!

In business for 48 years, Artistic Lighting & Electric is one of the Bay Area’s most experienced full-service lighting and electrical contracting firms. Among the firm’s clients who have entrusted Artistic Lighting with the design and installation of comprehensive lighting and electrical systems for their luxury residences are some of the most discriminating and well-known arts and entertainment personalities, high-tech CEOs and sports figures in the Bay Area.

Today’s complex and creative lighting systems require sophisticated controls that optimize ease-of-use and reliability. Artistic Lighting & Electric’s skilled, professional team has in-depth understanding of current lighting control technology and its implementation, supporting all of the major lighting controls manufacturers such as Lutron and Vantage. The firm is a full service Electrical Contracting business providing for all your electrical needs.

Electrical Contracting • Controls • Lighting Design & Consultation • Maintenance and Service

from the CU NAT FAMI LY

We invite you to visit our vineyard and winery in the Oak Knoll District, a diverse winegrowing appellation of Napa Valley. From these unique soils, matched with our talented winemakers, we have created truly noteworthy vintages. We look forward to sharing with you the results of our passion for farming and our focus on making flavorful wines.

Destinations

THE LATEST LOCAL TRAVEL DEALS AND GETAWAYS PLUS JOURNEYS AROUND THE GLOBE

ON TREND

BY DANIELLE BOTROS

JIM SULLIVAN

Castello di Amorosa in Calistoga

Pop Tops

A six-pack of vino? Oh yes you can.

If you haven’t gotten around to exploring the canned wine craze, get ready — it’s here, it’s good and, with $14.5 million in sales last year, this trend is probably not going away any time soon. Just remember to exercise portion control: each can is often equivalent to a half-bottle of wine. Here are some flavorful non-snob options.

PORCH POUNDER Probably not the most sophisticated of names, but then again, that’s not the point. The brand was founded by friends Paul Quinn and James Schreiner, and the chard and pinot noir juice comes from the flourishing Paso Robles region. $24 per four-pack. findyourporch.com

SOFIA’S BLANC DE BLANC MINI

Francis Ford Coppola pioneered the canned wine movement in 2004. He named this one after his daughter and was inspired by vending machines he saw in Japan. The line has expanded to include riesling, rosé, chardonnay and more recently, brut rosé. $20 per four-pack, straw included. francisfordcoppolawinery.com

UNDERWOOD Produced by Oregon-based Union Wine Co., an early can-adopter that uses the slogan “Pinkies Down.” The rosé and pinot noir, especially, are more complex than you’d expect. You’d never guess this comes from a can. $28 per four-pack. unionwinecompany.com

WEST SIDE WINE CO. From Seattle-based Precept Wine Co. but with California grapes. The company offers chardonnay and cabernet — a bit unusual, as you’ll tend to find more whites and sparkling wine in cans. The increasingly popular wines are sold at Whole Foods and many U.S. airports. $16 per four-pack. westsidewineco.com

Some wine tools might be gimmicky, but this one’s all science. The brainchild of Greg Lambrecht, a medical device inventor specializing in needles, the Coravin is a preservation tool that lets drinkers siphon a taste from a bottle without pulling the cork. The device inserts a needle into the cork of the unopened wine and injects argon gas as a protective layer against oxidation while you pour. Lambrecht came up with the idea for the Coravin while his wife was pregnant; he wanted to continue enjoying wines without committing to an entire bottle or letting it spoil. The product, more than 13 years in the making from concept to completion, is the first of its kind; renowned wine critic Robert M. Parker Jr. calls it “the most transformational and exciting new product for wine lovers that has been developed in the last 30-plus years.” coravin.com

TIPPLING POINTS

Think Pink

Rosés finally get the credit they deserve. For decades, oenophiles in Britain and the rest of Europe rolled their eyes at Americans’ disdain for “blush” wines, having long known how tasty and foodfriendly these gorgeously hued wines can be. Although the less-esteemed sweeter white zinfandel has lately lost some popularity in the States, sales of dry rosés — domestic and imported — have consistently risen here, for nine years and counting. We Yanks may take awhile, but then we get it. The beauty of rosé is that you can make it anywhere in the world from almost any red grape; colors range from onion skin to candyapple red and everything in between, depending partly on how long the skins stay in contact with the juice: whereas deep red wines can spend days in the tank, rosés typically are there just a few hours. For a decent bottle you can spend a little or a little more; here are two you won’t want to miss.

CASTLE

KEEPSAKE It translates as “Castle of Love”; locals call it the Castle. When Italian-American winemaker Dario Sattui set out to build Castello di Amorosa on his property in early 1995, he modeled it after a 13th-century Tuscan structure. Nestled on his 17-acre property with 30 acres of vineyards just south of Calistoga, it was crafted by builders from eight di fferent countries with materials gathered from five. More than 8,000 tons of stone were chiseled by hand, not sawn, to make the replication completely authentic. Sattui has an obsession, one might say, with medieval buildings: he owns several properties in Italy, including a castle, a monastery and a palace, as well as V. Sattui Winery in St. Helena. Originally his great-grandfather’s property and subsequently dormant more than 50 years, that winery turned a profit in the fi rst year after Sattui reopened it with a mere $8,000 in 1976. His recent project wasn’t quite as easy: stress from the construction led to divorce, hair loss and bankruptcy before he fi nally opened Castello di Amorosa in 2007. castellodiamorosa.com

AZUR After making wine at two renowned Bordeaux properties, Julien Fayard has adhered to French tradition in Napa — often working alongside highly regarded winemaker Philippe Melka. Fayard crafts his small-production wine with the same methods used in Provence, and he always uses the syrah grape. $32 a bottle. azurwines.com

CHARLES SMITH VINO SANGIOVESE

Superstar winemaker Charles Smith was a punk rock band manager and music promoter in Europe before he moved to Seattle and started making some of the most popular wines in Washington state, often with whimsical names like Kung Fu Girl Riesling, Boom Boom Syrah, and (his famed 2001 release) K Syrah. His rosé, made from the Sangiovese grape, is $14.99 a bottle. charlessmithwines.com

Indulge and Unwind

Small-town charm meets big-city talent up Highway 101 KASIA PAWLOWSKA

DESTINATION Healdsburg DISTANCE FROM MARIN 60 miles north

LET’S FACE IT: the bounty of the Bay Area spoils us. Miles of coastline, rolling hills for days, an abundance of produce and a never-ending stream of motivated people making the most of it all. A few places deserve extra-special designation, however, and Healdsburg is at the top of that list. Here visitors can find world-class hospitality, innovative dining and fine wine galore, all situated around a 19th-century plaza that anchors the town. Unscathed by last November’s fires, Healdsburg is open for business and ready for your next adventure.

TANK OF GAS

RIDE Skip the car and take in the surrounding natural beauty with all your senses from atop a new hybrid Giant bike. Cruising down country roads, you can go anywhere from 8 to 17 miles through the Dry Creek Valley and check out small and family-owned wineries including Lambert Bridge, Bella, Dry Creek and Rued Family Winery. Get a close-up of the grapes and vines, learn about the growing process, taste the goods and round out the journey with an alfresco lunch. Prices start at $175. winecountrycyclingtours.com

DINE Attention to detail is everywhere apparent at SingleThread, Kyle and Katina Connaughton’s

restaurant, farm and inn. The 55-seat dining space features mesquite wood floors, an open kitchen stocked with Japanese clay donabe ceramics and a layout that feels more like a house than a restaurant. The decor, cuisine and omotenashi concept — spirit of sel fless hospitality — all point to the years the duo lived in Japan. Example: every menu has a personal note from Katina and all guests receive a small packet of seeds that relate to something they enjoyed in the meal. A nightly tasting menu, which can be customized to fit dietary preferences and restrictions, starts at $295. singlethreadfarms.com

STAY For the best night’s sleep in town no place beats Hotel Les Mars. The 16-room hotel got a nod from Relais & Chateaux and comes replete with all the luxe amenities one could imagine, including Givenchy toiletries, bath salts for every mood, complimentary French breakfasts, and daily wine and cheese receptions. Guest rooms have antique furniture and four-poster beds featuring the hotel’s signature feature — customized mattresses only available through the hotel (yes, you can buy them) and linen from Versai, one of the largest manufacturers of Egyptian-cotton bedding from Italy. Your dreams will never be sweeter. hotellesmars.com

S O CAL CANNES In spite of our professed regional loyalty to Marin, there’s no denying the allure of Orange County. With palm trees, tons of swimmable beaches, world-class shopping and balmy weather, life behind the Orange Curtain doesn’t seem too shabby. But now there is a different set of curtains that’s garnering the county a lot of attention — movie theater curtains. The Newport Beach Film Festival, now in its 19th year, has become the fastest growing film festival in the nation, drawing over 55,000 attendees. The festival shows bigscreen features as well as action sports film debuts and, much like the Mill Valley Film Festival, hosts galas and awards ceremonies. Beyond film, the fest also holds an in-depth architecture and design series focused on the United Kingdom. Catch some flicks while you nab some rays; the fun begins on April 26 and goes through May 3. newportbeachfilmfest.com K.P.

Travel Light

• BRIGGS & RILEY

INTERNATIONAL CARRY-ON

If stuffing your bag to the max, then sitting on it while you squeeze the zipper shut defines your usual packing routine, this bag is for you. Though it may not be the most fashionable, this carry-on offers maximum packing capacity with CX (expansion-compression) technology that expands the bag up to 34 percent, then compresses it back to its original size, proving it’s what’s inside that counts. 9.3 pounds, $499, briggs-riley.com

• GENIUS PACK G3

A- place-for-everything is the mindset behind the Genius Pack, which features built-in compartments, exterior pockets for your water bottle and umbrella, a portable device charger (sold separately), packing checklist and the brand’s signature laundry compression technology. Complete with compression air valve and a laundry chute, this bag goes to extra lengths to ensure your dirty clothes won’t soil your clean ones. 7.8 pounds, $238, geniuspack.com

LEELA LINDNER

What’s New in Portland

Portland’s economy is booming. According to one estimate, the Oregon city will see a 40 percent increase in hotel rooms by 2020, and new businesses are popping up faster than you can say “Where have all the lumberjacks gone?” Here are some spots worth visiting on your next trip north.

DAWN MARGOLIS DENBERG

1 EAT For French food fans, a stop at Bistro Agnes is a must. The restaurant, owned by celebrity chefs Greg Denton and Gabrielle Quiñonez, focuses on Parisian classics, including cassoulet, beef short rib bourguignon and mussels marinière.

• INCASE EO TRAVEL HARDSHELL ROLLER

This stylish futuristic bag with a pop of neon flair is perfect for long weekends and those who can’t leave home without their iStuff. A polycarbonate hard-shell front protects a tech compartment that fits a MacBook as big as 17 inches. The bag opens easily for TSA screening, meaning you don’t have to place your laptop into another bin. 8.1 pounds, $300, incase.com

2 STAY Be among the first to stay at the Porter Hotel, opening next month. The 297-room four-star facility has an expansive library, an indoor pool, a meditation spa and a fitness center. Even if you can’t spend the night, swing by the rooftop restaurant, Xport Bar and Lounge. It’s too early to review the food, but the expansive outdoor dining deck with panoramic views of the skyline and mountains won’t disappoint.

3 PLAY While not technically new, The Portland Japanese Garden has undergone a $33.5 million expansion. This now-12-acre exhibit is considered one of the most authentic examples of a traditional Japanese garden outside that island nation. The massive undertaking includes a hand-chiseled and stacked-stone wall, which serves as the gateway to the garden’s new Cultural Village. Inside you’ll find three architecturally stunning buildings by renowned Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, along with the new Umami Cafe, where visitors cap garden tours with a traditional tea service.

A new app focused on transporting things instead of people has hit the Bay Area. Roadie, a courier service that allows you to send “stu ff ” like bikes, boxes or that new turntable you bought, connects you with people driving in the right direction. Simply post your delivery wish list and get matched with a driver who can transport your goods from A to B, thus saving on gas and shipping fees. Or better yet, be the courier and make some cash yourself. roadie.com L.L.

GOING MY WAY?

With so many variables affecting travel these days, many opt to keep their belongings close for convenience and speed. Here are three of our favorite carry-ons that really pack a punch.

The Royal Treatment

In London it is possible to walk in the footsteps of kings, queens, princes and princesses in style.

BY JEANNE COOPER

LIKE MANY OF my peers, I’ve binge-watched The Crown on Netflix and avidly awaited installments of PBS’ Victoria . But only recently did I realize how easy it is to immerse oneself in royal alliances where they actually happened. While an invitation to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s May 19 wedding may not be in the cards, a stay in one of London’s well-situated hotels can bring centuries of regal lives into dazzling close-up.

PUT YOUR DUKES UP

In the 1660s, King Charles II gave his mistress Barbara Villiers the title of Duchess of Cleveland and granted the title of duke to all three of their sons. For the last 110 years, the nearly hidden courtyard of her former home in St. James’s Place has been the site of elegant Dukes London (from $435).

Princes and publishing stars such as Ian Fleming have been known to drop by intimate Dukes Bar for expertly made martinis; James Bond’s dictum “shaken, not stirred” is said to have originated here. An air of sophisticated discretion likewise permeates the newly renovated drawing room,

where afternoon tea may include a seductive infusion of gin, and the new GBR (Great British Restaurant), which offers chef Nigel Mendham’s exquisite versions of classic British fare, including fish and chips.

The 90 guest rooms have been recently updated with new beds and decor, while retaining a posh Old World vibe. I opted for the “duchess setup,” which among other features includes fresh flowers, a makeup removal washcloth and lifestyle magazines; only women staffare allowed to bring room service or clean these rooms.

WHERE ROYALS RESIDE

After a duchess-worthy massage in the hotel’s spa, I was ready for a short cab ride to the site where Harry and Meghan announced their engagement: the gardens of Kensington Palace (hrp.org.uk), where Harry and William grew up with Charles and Diana. The brothers and their respective partners also live there today, albeit in separate quarters out of the public eye. A revolving exhibition of Diana’s pre- and post-divorce dresses, many sold before her death to raise money for charity, routinely draws crowds

Opposite: The gardens of Kensington Palace.

Above: Images of Dukes London, including the famous Dukes Bar.

Tying the Knot

To explore even more royal history, take the train an hour outside of London to Windsor Castle (royalcollection.org.uk). Begun by William the Conqueror in 1070, this 13-acre hilltop compound is where Queen Elizabeth now spends most of her time. Areas open to the public (for about $30 admission) include the lavishly appointed State Apartments, which prove you really can have too much armor or wedding china, and St. George’s Chapel, the soaring Gothic church where Harry and Meghan will tie the knot before 800 guests.

The last prince to get married here — Queen Elizabeth’s youngest son, Prince Edward, who wed Sophie Rhys-Jones in 1999 — has stayed married, which could be a good sign for the newest union. Still, I couldn’t help noticing a dark slab between the choir stalls that marks the burial vault of a rather less faithful husband, King Henry VIII. He lies next to the favorite of his six wives, Jane Seymour; a stillborn child of Queen Anne; and Charles I, who was beheaded in 1649.

Still somber but more inspiring monuments to marriage and monarchy include a marble tomb bearing the slim effigies of Queen Elizabeth’s grandparents, King George V and Queen Mary, and a newer, low-lit chapel holding the remains of her parents, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother. Another corner holds a touching sculpture of “my dear Charlotte,” as Queen Victoria’s Uncle Leopold refers to his late wife on Victoria, depicted as she ascends to heaven after her death in childbirth.

to the palace, but the State Apartments are also well worth the price of admission (about $22) for what you can learn about much earlier royal marriages, which all too often had poignant ends.

In what might sound familiar to modern couples, King George II and Queen Caroline argued about her taking over his closets and rearranging their impressive art collection (note the Holbein sketches), according to displays in the King’s State Apartments. Yet after her death at age 54 in 1737, he refused to allow anything to be changed in her room, including the wood in the fi replace.

In another wing, King William ignored doctors’ advice and slept on a camp bed next to his cousin and wife, Queen Mary II, in the week leading up to her death from smallpox at age 32 in 1694. The sister who eventually succeeded her to the throne and residency here, Queen Anne, became

pregnant 18 times while married to Prince George of Denmark, but only one child survived — and he died at age 11, apparently of hydrocephalus.

Queen Victoria, who was born and raised at Kensington Palace, had an easier time with childbearing, although she was devastated by the untimely death of the father of her nine children, Prince Albert, at age 42. The intriguing exhibits in another set of rooms focus on Victoria’s falling in love with her German cousin (including doting notes from her diary), their family life, and her becoming queen as a surprisingly unfazed 18-year-old.

A LOVE FOR THE FINER THINGS

Some of the most enduring royal relationships have nothing to do with romance. In St. James’s and neighboring Piccadilly, numerous stores boast royal warrants, a kind

Opposite from top: St. George’s Chapel; Windsor Castle. This page: Founded in 1707, Fortnum & Mason sells many things, including teas favored by the royal family.

Clockwise from top left: The perfume shop Floris; Clarence House, home of Prince Charles; the royal ledger at Floris.

of seal of approval from Queen Elizabeth, the Duke of Edinburgh or the Prince of Wales (or sometimes all three); a merchant is required to sell to the royal household for at least five years before applying for the imprimatur.

London’s oldest bookseller, Hatchards (hatchards.co.uk), claims Queen Charlotte, wife of George III, as one of its earliest customers, as well as the triple crown of current royal warrants. Looking around at its over flowing shelves of signed first editions, art books and historical reprints, among other literary treasures, I was struck by the thought that a shared love of reading — or at least the power of books to distract spouses from each other’s foibles — might be one reason Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip’s marriage has lasted more than 70 years.

Founded in 1707, Fortnum & Mason (fortnumandmason. com) offers six spectacular floors of food halls, gifts, restaurants and bars in its complex between Piccadilly and Jermyn Street. Prince Charles’ warrant applies specifically to its teas, including some 130 loose-leaf varieties in a rainbow of pastelcolored tins lining apothecary shelves; clerks measure the tea carefully using vintage metal scales before sealing them

in an airtight bag. I sni ffed several samples at a display that includes Wedding Breakfast, a Kenyan tea blend created in 2011 to celebrate the engagement of Prince William and Kate Middleton, after his proposal to her in Kenya.

Fortnum & Mason has also formulated teas in Queen Elizabeth’s honor, including the “smoky, delicate” 2012 Jubilee and the “brisk, refreshing” 2016 Queen’s Blend, but I was curious about her favorites in the store’s vast confectionary cases, covered by her royal warrant for groceries and provisions. Apparently the queen delights in the store’s chocolate-covered rose and violet creams, according to a helpful clerk, who allowed me to sample one of the flowery bonbons just before noting that most people don’t share the sovereign’s taste.

I also appreciate rose more as a fragrance than a fl avor, but fortunately there was plenty of the former to enjoy at Floris, which also holds royal warrants from the queen and her eldest son. Dukes London can arrange a behind-thescenes tour of the perfume shop, founded by Spaniard Juan Famenias Floris and his wife Elizabeth in 1730, or set up a custom fragrance-making session, both led by Italian perfumer Nicola Pozzani.

Pozzani donned special gloves to show me the fragile vintage ledger, including a page for the account of the last royal to marry an American divorcee, with the headings “The Prince of Wales” and “The King” dutifully crossed out and replaced by “The Duke of Windsor.” He also shared samples from the Ledger Collection, re-creations of scents favored by renowned and occasionally ill-fated former clientele such as Marilyn Monroe (Rose Geranium) and Oscar Wilde (the carnation and cinnamon Malmaison Encore). Happily, a whiffof Bouquet de la Reine (“The Queen’s Bouquet”) ended the session on a romantic note: Floris created it for Queen Victoria’s wedding to Prince Albert, then adapted it for Queen Elizabeth’s Golden Jubilee in 2002.

FROM TUDORS TO TODAY

The St. James’s neighborhood has too many royal associations to be explored in a single day. One morning, I took a fascinating guided walk that passed its eponymous dark brick palace, built by Henry VIII as a refuge from the intrigue at Whitehall Palace. Today it’s home to Clarence House, where Charles and second wife Camilla now live. If the prince’s standard is flying above it,

rather than the Union Jack, he’s at home, explains British Tours guide Jonathan Pinkness, adding that the queen’s standard implies the same at nearby Buckingham Palace.

Pinkness also relayed the story of why Green Park has no flower beds: Catherine of Braganza, the long-suffering wife of Charles II, allegedly had all the blooming plants pulled up after she learned he had been picking flowers for a mistress there.

On my last morning at the hotel, I popped around the corner to Spencer House (spencerhouse.co.uk), a palatial town house commissioned in 1755 as the London home of Princess Diana’s ancestor John Spencer. In addition to working with celebrated architects, the fi rst Earl Spencer partnered with his wife, Georgiana, in choosing artworks that celebrated their love and marriage.

Financial problems forced the family to begin renting out the home in 1926; since 1985 it has been leased by the Rothschild family, who initiated a painstaking restoration of its neoclassical splendor. Now open to the public only on Sundays, for one-hour guided tours (about $22), Spencer House serves as a stately reminder that while it’s important to marry for love, a little money doesn’t hurt, either. m

If You Go

• Norwegian Air (norwegian.com) offers nonstop flights from Oakland to London Gatwick from $450 for economy, with exceptionally comfortable premium economy service from $1,400, including lounge access, meals and checked baggage.

• Dukes London’s “Royal Wedding Package,” from $887 per night April 27–June 3 (three-night minimum) includes accommodations and a Windsor Castle tour with picnic breakfast, walking tour of Westminster Abbey, full English breakfast, afternoon tea in the Drawing Room and dinner at GBR for two (dukeshotel.com).

$10,000 MASTERS SPONSORS

Brouwer & Janachowski Buck Family Fund of Marin Community Foundation County of Marin Dodge & Cox Investment Managers Guy Lampard & Suzanne Badenhoop Professional Program Insurance Brokerage Denise & Mark Steele Steve & Lori Taylor Gabrielle Tierney & Eric Bindelglass

$5,000 BACHELORS SPONSORS

Abbott Corporation Bank of America Bank of Marin Steven Block & Dana Winn Graham & Talia Brandt Amanda & Josh Corzine Ruth & Robert Dell Sandy Donnell & Justin Faggioli Judy & Jim Edgar Kirsten & Bruce Edwards Kreativz, Inc. Lizellen La Follette, M.D., Inc. The Pasha Group Private Ocean Sharon Segal/ Marin Optometry Thomas & Elizabeth Tierney (confirmed sponsors as of 2/27/18)

To become a sponsor of One Amazing Night 2018, please contact Caroline Silverstein at csilverstein@10000degrees.org or call 415.451.4016.

Out & About

A ROUNDUP OF THE HOTTEST LOCAL EVENTS, SOCIAL GATHERINGS AND PLACES TO EAT

Calendar

Ballet celebrates its 35th anniversary with a collaboration with tabla player Zakir Hussain — a natural rhythmic addition to Lines' contemporary choreography. YBCA Theater (SF). ybca.org

MUSEUMS

THRU APR 1 Skeleton Crew Workers at a Detroit auto stamping plant must decide what to do if the plant fails in the wake of the Great Recession. A co-production with Marin Theatre Company. Lucie Stern Theatre (Palo Alto). 650.463.1960, theatreworks.org

THEATER

THRU APR 8

Heisenberg This hit play from Simon Stephens tells the story of rebellious heroine Georgie, Irish butcher Alex, a romantic encounter at a London train station, opposites attracting and the endlessly varied paths our lives can take. Geary Theater (SF). 415.749.2228, act-sf.org

THRU APR 21 Return to the Scene of the Crime This solo show by David Kleinberg tells the story of his return to Vietnam, 50 years after the war, to revisit the base camp where his friends passed. The Marsh (SF). 415.282.3055, themarsh.org

THRU APR 22 Vietgone Qui Nguyen’s critically acclaimed play

offers a modern twist on the classic story of boy meets girl as three young Vietnamese immigrants embark on an eye-opening road trip across the bewildering landscape of 1970s America. Strand Theater (SF). 415.749.2228, act-sf.org

APR 10–MAY 6 Head Over Heels Catch this fearlessly fresh new musical ahead of its

Broadway opening this summer. With a soundtrack from iconic pop group the Go-Go’s, this unexpected comedy centers on a royal family and their attempts to opt out of a prophecy of doom. Curran Theatre (SF). sfcurran.com

DANCE

APR 6–15 Spring Season 2018 Lines

APR 14 Special Workshop with Anna Halprin Take this unique opportunity to work with an iconic dance educator. In this workshop Anna Halprin teaches Integrative Dance, her approach to body and movement that connects the science, philosophy and art of dance. Mountain Home Studio (Kent field). 415.457.8555, tamalpa.org

APR 19–22

Nevertheless Ka•nei•see collective — a contemporary dance company under the direction of Tanya Chianese — teams up with the Bay Area’s allwomen Cat Call Choir for a performance that draws inspiration from the feminist battle cry “Nevertheless, she persisted.” CounterPulse (SF). kaneisee.org

APR 20–29 Dance Series 02 The conclusion of Smuin’s 24th season features a world premiere by internationally acclaimed choreographer Val Caniparoli titled If I Were a Sushi Roll, Helen Pickett’s visually stunning Oasis and Amy Seiwert’s Falling Up. YBCA Theater (SF). 415.912.1899, smuinballet.org

APR 29–MAY 6 Bay Area Dance Week One of the nation’s most inclusive celebrations of movement and dance returns with a series of free performances designed to express the richness and vibrancy of local dance culture. Various locations (Bay Area). bayarea dance.org

COMEDY

APR 8 Martin Lawrence Don’t miss Martin Lawrence, the newest addition to the Lit AF comedy tour. The actor/ comedian/singer elicits laughs with his outspoken stylings and raw, vocalized views. Oracle Arena (Oakland). oraclearena.com

THEATER / COMEDY / MUSIC / MUSEUMS / EVENTS / FILM / TALKS EDITED BY CALIN VAN PARIS

MUSIC

APR 7 Peter Rowan's Twang and Groove featuring Bobby Black Grammy Award–winning Peter Rowan is joined by Bobby Black on pedal steel for an evening of bluegrass. Osher Marin JCC (San Rafael). 415.444.8081, marinjcc.org

APR 8 Guest Concert Series: Kevin Kenner

Leading American pianist Kevin Kenner closes the curtain on the 17th season of Dominican’s Guest Concert Series. Dominican University (San Rafael). 415.482.3579, dominican.edu

APR 8 Wildcat Viols

Three of the Bay Area’s most esteemed early string specialists — Joanna Blendulf, Julie Jeff rey and Elisabeth Reed — and viol virtuosa Annalisa Pappano present a program that spotlights a selection of some of the fi nest viol consort music. Church of the Advent (SF). sfems.org

APR 26–28 Kronos Festival 2018 The Grammy Award–winning Kronos Quartet/ Kronos Performing Arts Association graces its hometown with six concerts over three days, made memorable through a series of collaborations. SFJAZZ Center (SF). 866.920.5299, sfjazz.org

APR 28 Pedal Steel Summit Appleberry

Jam’s fi fth annual summit showcasing a diversity of players and styles. City Hall (Novato). novato.org

APR 29 Marin Symphony Music from Strauss and Stravinsky is featured as cellist Zuill Bailey joins the symphony. Marin Center (San Rafael). 415.479.8100, marinsymphony.org

MUSEUMS

MARIN Bay Area Discovery Museum From Here to There This transportthemed exhibit features hands-on activities that provide children an opportunity to engage with both familiar transportation, like trucks and airplanes, and the less-familiar like magnetic levitation, through May 13 (Sausalito). 415.339.3900, baykidsmuseum.org

Bolinas Museum Focus: Patsy Krebs Meditative abstract paintings by the Inverness artist, April 7–June 10 (Bolinas). 415.868.0330, bolinasmuseum.org

Marin Museum of Contemporary Art Nathan Oliveira: The Figure Over Time This exhibition of well-known Bay Area figuratie artist Nathan Oliveira’s work represents the most extensive collection of his ever shown in the North Bay, through April 22 (Novato). 415.506.0137, marinmoca.org

BAY AREA Asian Art Museum

Divine Bodies Historical works from Hindu and Buddhist traditions converge with contemporary photo-based work, inviting viewers to ponder the possibility of transcendence, through July 29 (SF). 415.581.3711, asianart.org

MARINSYMPHONY17|18

FEATURING SUPERSTAR CELLIST, 2017 GRAMMY-AWARD WINNER ZUILL BAILY

SUNDAY APRIL 29, 2018 / 3:00 P.M. TUESDAY MAY 1, 2018 / 7:30 P.M.

ALASDAIR NEALE, CONDUCTOR ZUILL BAILEY, CELLO

R. STRAUSS: SERENADE FOR WINDS R. STRAUSS: DON QUIXOTE STRAVINSKY: SCHERZO À LA RUSSE STRAVINSKY: SUITE FROM FIREBIRD TICKETS: 415.473.6800 OR TICKETS.MARINCENTER.ORG MARINSYMPHONY.ORG

Top Five Picks

What’s Hot in April

Test the limits of your cardio routine at the IPA 10K and Beer Mile Invitational, a celebration of both running and beer. The Barlow (Sebastopol). April 14, motivrunning.com/ipa-10k

Sonoma Valley Museum of Art An Eye for Adventure: Photographs by Jack London An exhibition of photographs taken by the novelist and short story writer, through April 15 (Sonoma). svma.org

In The Wolves, a girls’ indoor soccer team in suburbia grapples with big questions and more close-tohome battles from the safety of their circle. Through April 8, Marin Theatre Company (Mill Valley). marintheatre.org

This year’s San Francisco Decorator Showcase — an annual on-site curation of interior design, benefiting San Francisco University High School — finds its home in a 1930s Spanish Mediterranean. April 28–May 28, Marina Green (SF). decoratorshowcase.org

1 2 3 4 5

Grammy Award–winning cellist Zuill Bailey joins the Marin Symphony in Masterworks 4: Fantasy, featuring Richard Strauss’ retelling of Cervantes’ Don Quixote April 29, Veterans’ Memorial Auditorium (San Rafael). marinsymphony.org

Join Academy Award–winner Sean Penn as he discusses his first novel, Bob Honey Who Just Do Stuff, a darkly comic story about a modern American man who is an entrepreneur — and part-time assassin. A pril 10, Osher Marin JCC (San Rafael). marinjcc.org

Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive

Buddhist Realms An exhibition of Buddhist paintings, through April 22 (Berkeley). 510.642.0808, bampfa.org

California Academy of Sciences Twilight Zone: Deep Reefs Revealed Explore the expanses of the coral reefs alongside scientists who show off new and rare species found there; many have never been displayed in a public aquarium (SF). 415.379.8000, calacademy.org

Contemporary Jewish Museum The Art of Rube Goldberg The only California exhibition of this collection, which includes original drawings of his beloved machines, photographs, toys, film, newspaper clippings and other artifacts, through July 8 (SF). 415.655.7800, thecjm.org

de Young Fans of the Eighteenth Century A supplement to Casanova: The Seduction of Europe, on display at the Legion of Honor, presents an opulent collection of old world fans, depicting scenes of current events, mythological tales and more, though April 28 (SF). 415.750.3600, deyoung.famsf.org

Legion of Honor Casanova: The Seduction of Europe A look at 18th-century Europe as seen through the eyes of Giacomo Casanova, featuring around 90 works centering on the perspective of the international man of letters, through May 28 (SF). 415.750.3600, legionofhono.famsf.org

Museum of Craft and Design Tom Loeser: Please Please Please Unconventional invitation furniture from the Madison-based

designer, through May 20 (SF). 415.773.0303, sfmcd.org

Oakland Museum of California Respect: HipHop Style and Wisdom Discover how hip-hop changed the world with rap, break dancing, street art and more, along with firt-person accounts from artists and experts about how the medium provides a platform for activism and creative expression, through August 12 (Oakland). 510.318.8400, museumca.org

SFMOMA The Train: RFK’s Last Journey This unique exhibit follows Robert F. Kennedy’s body — carried by funeral train from New York City to Washington, D.C., on June 8, 1968 — for burial at Arlington National Cemetery through imagery of mourners, through June 10 (SF). 415.357.4000, sfmoma.org

The Walt Disney Family Museum Make Believe: The World of Glen Keane An exhibition of works by renowned Disney animator Glen Keane, responsible for the creation of Ariel in The Little Mermaid, Rapunzel in Tangled and Pocahontas in Pocahontas, through September 3 (SF). 415.345.6800, waltdisney.org

Yerba Buena Center for the Arts The Open Workshop: New Investigations in Collective Form A group of design experiments by Bay Area design-research studio the Open Workshop that test how architecture can empower the diverse voices of the communities in which it exists, through July 29 (SF). 415.978.2787, ybca.org

EVENTS

APR 14–15 STEM Superheroes: Everyday Heroes Kids, after receiving a superhero cape at the door, are invited to unleash creative powers to solve challenges and explore new ideas. The event kicks off he STEM Superhero Festival Series. Bay Area Discovery Museum (Sausalito). bayarea discoverymuseum.org

APR 18 SF SPCA 150th Anniversary Celebration Don your formal duds and head to the city for a cocktail reception followed by a gourmet vegetarian dinner, all in celebration and benefit of the SF SPCA. City Hall (SF). 415.554.3029, sfspca.org

APR 21 Great Chefs and Wineries Gala Lifehouse presents an evening of food and drink. This fundraising gala features alfresco small plates from more than 25 local eateries, along with a plethora of wine offerings. Guests will also enjoy live and silent auctions and a danceable live music performance. Peacock Gap Golf Club (San Rafael). greatchefs andwineries.org

APR 22 Sunday Supper at Headlands Have dinner with the good people of the Headlands Center for the Arts — just because. Their seasonal Sunday Supper is crafted and cooked by Headlands chef Damon Little and served family style in the historic artist-renovated mess hall. Headlands Center for the Arts (Sausalito). 415.331.2787, headlands.org

APR 28 Marin Open Studios Preview Gala Celebrate the 25th anniversary of Marin Open Studios by joining art lovers, collectors and artists at this free preview gala. Enjoy small bites and beverages, a silent auction and the opportunity to take art home. Exhibition Gallery at Town Center (Corte Madera). 415.343.5667, marinopenstudios.org

APR 28 One Amazing Night Don’t miss this special annual gala in benefit of 10,000 Degrees, an organization that helps low-income students make their way through college. Marin Civic Center (San Rafael). oneamazingnight.org

APR 28 Spring Fling Head to Slide Ranch for a daylong celebration featuring animal encounters, nature exploration and farm discovery, guided hikes, workshops, live music and performances, arts and nature crafts, gardening activities, cooking activities, food, special guest teachers and presenters, and more. Slide Ranch (Muir Beach). 415.381.6155, slideranch.org

WALKS/TALKS

APR 5 Marin Speaker Series: Anderson Cooper Award winning journalist and author Anderson Cooper comes to Marin to discuss his career, the political landscape. Veterans’ Memorial Auditorium (San Rafael). speakerseries.net

APR 5 TEDxMarin Salon: Why Do

and Boys Behave the Way They Do? A panel of four — including John Gray, author of Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus — take the stage to discuss the next generation of boys in the context of an unparalleled era of mass shootings. Dominican University (San Rafael). tedxmarin.org

Men

Alonzo King: 35 Years of Lines Ballet

The company founder and choreographer discusses his decades-long creative journey.

By redefining choreographed pieces as “thought structures,” Alonzo King has changed the way audiences experience ballet — a feat furthered by the unending list of global collaborators he has tapped to enhance each performance. As a former commissioner for the city and county of San Francisco, King has deep roots in the community — and now, with 35 years of movement, so does Lines Ballet. linesballet.org

MM: Tell me about about your journey with Lines.

AK: Thirty-five years ago Pam Hagen, Robert Rosenwasser and myself decided to form a dance company. Our dream was to establish a place where we could work, create art, develop dancers and share those works with the world. We have been incredibly fortunate to work with some of the most gifted artists, creators and thinkers alive. We tour both internationally and domestically, are celebrating a 10-year BFA program with Dominican University, and maintain a pre-professional training program (Lines Dance Center), as well as multiple channels of outreach into our local and national community.

MM: What is one thing you’re most excited about this anniversary season?

AK: This year, we are thrilled to be reunited with longtime collaborator master tabla player Zakir Hussain.

MM: Where do you look for inspiration?

AK: Nature. Meditation.

MM: What are your hopes for the company going forward?

AK: In the words of Sri Gyanamata, our goal continues to be “more and better.”

SPOTLIGHT

Eat & Drink

Local Favorite’s Largest Location Yet

The Gott name is a proli fic one. Joel Gott wines are seen on supermarket shelves across the country, and throughout the Bay Area, Gott’s Roadside locations can be found from Napa to Palo Alto. Sorely missing from this list — until recently — was a Marin outpost. Brothers Duncan and Joel Gott are continuing to expand their modern American fare empire with Greenbrae’s Bon Air location, the chain’s biggest to date. Here diners wil l fi nd Gott’s signature California-inspired dishes like ahi poke crispy tacos, citrus avocado chop salad, and the new Impossible Burger, as well as limited-time specials. The decor features many thoughtful touches including a communal eating table and hand-painted signs, including one depicting Mount Tamalpais. KASIA PAWLOWSKA

WHO Joel and Duncan Gott of Gott’s Roadside

WHAT A new upscale-American eatery

WHERE Greenbrae 302 Bon Air Center, 415.785.4233, gotts.com b $$ S Í BLD

AN INSIDER’S GUIDE TO RESTAURANTS AND GOOD FOOD IN THE BAY AREA EDITED BY MIMI TOWLE

California Burger with Garlic Fries

Citrus and Avocado Chop Salad

Left to right: Clay Walker, Emily, Joel Gott, Jennifer and Mark

CORTE MADERA

BENISSIMO Italian

“Benissimo” means “really, really good” in Italian. Aside from the daily 4 to 6:30 p.m. happy hour (drinks $3 to $5, small plates $5 to $7.50), the menu offers a large selection of pizza, pasta and large plates, like cioppino, fresh fi shes of the day, T-bone steaks and the signature Benissimo Burger or portobello burger. Specials include all-day happy hour on Mondays, no-corkage Tuesdays, Wednesday night martinis, and live music on Thursdays. 18 Tamalpais Dr, 415.927.2316, benissimos.com s $$$ S D º

BLUE BARN GOURMET

American The fi rst Marin outpost of the S.F.-based eatery has proven very popular. The menu includes

customizable salads, toasted sandwiches, soups and more, prepared with locally harvested produce and proteins. Try the Jersey cow milk gelato from Double 8 Dairy of West Marin. 335 Corte Madera Town Center, 415.927.1104, bluebarn gourmet.com b $$ S Í LD º

BOCA PIZZERIA Italian

The pizzeria utilizes Northern California’s bounty of seasonal ingredients and showcases local microbreweries and wine country’s boutique varietals. The menu includes appetizers to share, organic salads when available, pastas, local free-range poultry and meats, desserts and Neapolitan-style pizzas with house-made mozzarella. 1544 Redwood Hwy, 415.924.3021, bocapizzeria.com s $$ Í C LD º

• COMMONWEALTH

American This progressive American restaurant is touted as one of the most creative dining experiences in the Bay Area. Chef Jason Fox’s concepts are always evolving, and he aims to give guests something they don’t expect, taking a common ingredient and changing it to give the dish an element of surprise that’s rooted in familiarity (San Francisco). 2224 Mission St, 415.355.1500, common wealthsf.com b $$$ D

PIG IN A PICKLE

American Fresh local ingredients and the highest-quality brisket, pork, ribs and chicken comprise the menu of this Town Center eatery. Sauces are crafted to represent the best American barbecue regions, from Memphis to South Carolina. House-made pickles, buns and sausages will keep you coming back. 341 Corte Madera Town Center, 415.891.3265, piginapicklebbq.com b $$ S Í BLD

VEGGIE GRILL Vegan/ Vegetarian Veggie Grill is a fast-casual restaurant chain that celebrates the veggie by offering a variety of hot sandwiches and burgers, entree salads, bowls, home-style plates, shareable sides, organic teas and housemade desserts prepared with vegetables, fruits, grains and nuts. 147

Corte Madera Town Center, 415.945.8954, veggiegrill.com b $ S Í LD

WORLD WRAPPS Wraps Owners Keith Cox and Matt Blair have revamped this “fast food” joint to feature healthy and fl avorful items like a Hawaiian poke wrap and a tahini tofu summer roll that’s vegan-friendly. Exotic housemade beverages include boba tea, mango lassi and Vietnamese iced coffee. 208 Corte Madera Town Center, 415.927.3663, worldwrapps.com $ S Í LD

ZINZ WINE BAR Wine Bar Zinz is an upscale wine bar, retail store and art gallery with a cozy, sophisticated atmosphere, an eclectic array of boutique wines and craft beer, and light appetizers. The quaint neighborhood

space also holds events and happy hours. 207 Corte Madera Ave, 415.927.9466, zinzwinebar.com b $$ Í º

FAIRFAX

123 BOLINAS California Created by four friends wanting to showcase seasonal fare in a relaxing, intimate environment, this cozy one-room eatery offers locally brewed beer, small-production wines and seasonal food along with a view of Bolinas Park through the floor-to-ceiling windows. 123 Bolinas St, 415.488.5123, 123bolinas.com b $$ S Í D º

BAREFOOT CAFE American Chef Tony Senehi prepares fresh California dishes with local organic ingredients from sustainable sources. A popular brunch spot, this quaint restaurant in the heart of Fairfax serves locals and tourists everything from eggs Benedict to panna cotta dessert. 1900 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, 415.460.2160, barefootcafe.com b $$ S BLD

MAS MASA Latin American and Mexican Chef and owner Patrick Sheehy and co-owner William Eoff ocus on the ancient technique of corn nixtamalization, utilizing organic, non-GMO heirloom corn varieties. The kitchen is 100 percent gluten-free and beer and wine lists highlight local California microbreweries and wineries. 31 Bolinas Road, 415.529.5444, eatmasmasa.com s $$ S Í LD

SORELLA CAFFE Italian Run by sisters Sonia and Soyara, Sorella, which means “sister” in Italian, serves fresh Italian food with a northern in fluence. Customer favorites include the cioppino, butternut squash ravioli and Pollo alla Sorella. Another highlight is the giant wheel of Grana Padano cheese. And if that isn’t enough, stop by for live music every second and fourth Thursday of the month, as well as accordion music every Friday and a piano, bass and drums combo every Saturday. 107 Bolinas Road, 415.258.4520, sorellacaffe.com b $$$ S D

TAMAL Mexican Set in the former space of The Sleeping Lady, this contemporary Mexican restaurant serves a plentiful selection of small plates and tequila-centric cocktails. 23 Broadway, 415.524.8478, tamalfairfax.com s $$$ LD

VILLAGE SAKE

Japanese Lucky for Fairfax, beloved former Sushi Ran chef Scott Whitman and talented Marin-based restaurateur partners have opened an izakaya — a Japanese-style community pub — on Bolinas Road. In this compact space you’l l fi nd maki rolls and skewers, plus sake and craft beers. Closed Tuesdays. 19 Bolinas Road, 415.521.5790, villagesake.com b $$$ Í D

Crusted Foie Gras

KENTFIELD

HALF DAY CAFE

American Tucked away in a setting of intertwining ivy and large open windows, this cafe is the quintessential breakfast nook and is also open for brunch and lunch, including coffee drinks, pastries and much more. Enjoy a casual meal inside or out on the patio. 848 College Ave, 415.459.0291, halfdaycafe.com b $$ S Í BL BR

LARKSPUR

DON ANTONIO Italian Antonio Volpicelli, of Don Antonio in Tiburon, has taken over the old Fabrizio space and fi lled it with more traditional Italian cuisine. The menu offers an assortment of classic dishes like gorgonzola gnocchi, veal parmesan, carbonara and an extensive wine list. Guests are welcome to enjoy any one of these items on the spacious outdoor patio. 455 Magnolia Ave, 415.924.3332, don antoniomarin.com b $$ Í LD

BELCAMPO MEAT CO.

American The goods at this meatery are delivered from the certi fied-organic Belcampo Farms near Mount Shasta, dedicated to practicing a holistic approach to pasture management. Try the lamb burger banh mi or the daily meat board.

Marin Country Mart, 2405 Larkspur Landing Circle, 415.448.5810, belcampomeatco.com b $$ Í LD BR

FARM HOUSE LOCAL California This downtown Larkspur gem is sure to please with simple, healthy food in a warm, cozy atmosphere — both inside and outside on the covered patio. The seasonal menu follows what is fresh and local with dishes such a s flu ff y omelets stu ffed with local meats, cheeses and vegetables. 25 Ward St, 415.891.8577, farmhouselocal.com b $$ S Í BL

FISHER’S CHEESE + WINE American Marin Country Mart gets a cheese-inspired restaurant and retail shop by Kiri Fisher. Expect a unique selection of fromage and wine as well as hot dishes like meatballs with creamed kale. Marin Country Mart, 2201 Larkspur Landing Circle, 415.779.2201 fisherscheese.com b $$ Í LD BR

GIA RISTORANTE

Italiano Italian Fabrizio Laudati, along with co-chef Stefano Guasco, has brought his Italian style to Marin. Previously Laudati owned four Italian restaurants in San Francisco, including Bella Trattoria and Panta Rei. The menu features simple, authentic dishes with a modern twist from the Lazio region of central Italy. 286 Magnolia Ave, 415.891.3979, giarestaurant.net b $$ Í LD

MARIN BREWING CO.

American Grab a cold beer made on site and pair it wit h fi sh ’n’ chips — in this case fresh cod dipped in Mt. Tam pale ale batter, served with steak fries and homemade tartar sauce — or anything from the

BIBBY ART

bibbyart.com

Marin Open Studios

May 5-6 and May 12-13 11-6pm

Book your private appointment today info@bibbyart.com (415) 309-4152 ICB, 480 Gate 5 Rd. Studio 278D, Sausalito

ANGLES OF REPOSE

SPOTLIGHTING THE VIRTUES OF OPEN-PLAN COMFORT

all-American menu. Marin Country Mart, 1809 Larkspur Landing Circle, 415.461.4677, marinbrewing.com b $$ S Í LD º

PERRY’S American

SPACES MAGAZINE ON NEWSSTANDS NOW

Next issue: July 2018 Ad space reservation: May 9, 2018 spacesmag.com

The San Francisco mainstay now offers its wide selection of salads, steaks and comfort favorites like French onion soup in a location across the bridge in Larkspur in the location of the former Lark Creek Inn. Skylights bring in plenty of natural light and an expanded bar is ideal for sipping Perry’s famed bloody marys. Valet parking is offered and brunch is served Saturdays and Sundays. 234 Magnolia Ave, 415.927.1877, perryssf.com s $$$ Í LD BR º

PICCO California

Popular since its inception, Picco has a seasonally driven menu featuring items such as risotto (made every half hour) that keep attracting return visits. 320 Magnolia Ave, 415.924.0300, restaurantpicco.com s $$$ S Í C D

RUSTIC BAKERY California This homegrown bakery is known and loved the world over. Bread that’s baked fresh each morning in addition to granola, cookies, mu ffi ns and croissants make this a local staple. 1139 Magnolia Ave, 415.925.1556; Marin Country Mart, 2017 Larkspur Landing Circle, 415.461.9900, rusticbakery.com b $$ S Í BLD BR

WISE SONS Bagels The popular Jewish deli Wise Sons has opened its fourth outpost at

the Marin Country Mart. The grab-and-go Larkspur bagel shop includes classic favorites like hot pastrami, matzo ball soup and lots of homemade schmear. Marin Country Mart, 2227 Larkspur Landing Circle, 415.878.3354, wisesonsdeli.com $$ BL BR

MILL VALLEY

BALBOA CAFE MILL VALLEY California The San Francisco institution has become a place to see and be seen in Mill Valley, especially after 142 Throckmorton comedy nights. Menu includes Niman fl atiron steak, braised beef brisket risotto and classic burgers. 38 Miller Ave, 415.381.7321, balboacafe.com s $$$ S Í LD BR º

BOO KOO Asian This locally owned restaurant creates healthy meals that blend equal parts California fresh with Southeast Asian–inspired street food. With a updated menu and expansion of the restaurant, they’ve ushered in a vibrant bar with wines and kombucha on tap as well as one of the best craft beer offerings in town. Vegan, GF and vegetarian-friendly menu. 25 Miller Ave, 415.888.8303, eatbookoo.com b $ Í LD

BUCKEYE

ROADHOUSE American Oysters Bingo, baby back ribs and ChiliLime “Brick” Chicken are a few of the satisfying comfort-food menu items that have made this classic roadhouse a favorite since the ’30s. The warm dark-wood bar with red leather

booths is a popular spot for cocktails, conversations or a light meal. 15 Shoreline Hwy, 415.331.2600, buckeye roadhouse.com

s $$ C LD BR

BUNGALOW 44

American One of Mill Valley’s neighborhood hot spots, featuring contemporary California comfort food, signature cocktails, fi ne wine, and one-dollar oysters from 5 to 6 p.m. every day. 44 E Blithedale Ave, 415.381.2500, bungalow44.com

s $$$ S Í C D

EL PASEO American Todd Shoberg is joining the team as executive chef at this awardwinning eatery in the heart of downtown Mill Valley. Built from Mount Tam railroad ties and brick in 1947, El Paseo was restored by owner Sammy Hagar in 2009. Now boasting a full liquor license, the Passage Bar and an updated menu, this Marin gem is ready to rock. 17 Throckmorton Ave, 415.388.0741, elpaseomillvalley.com

s $$$ Í C D

GRILLY’S Mexican Grilly’s is an easy and delicious stop. Pick up a couple burritos and the much-loved chicken taco salad and you have a lunch or dinner to please the whole family. 493 Miller Ave, 415.381.3278, grillys.com b $ S Í C BLD BR

HARMONY Chinese

Enjoy a lighter take on Chinese at this restaurant, nestled in Strawberry Village. The barbecue pork bun is fi lled with house-made roasted meat in a savory sauce, and signature

prawns are wok seared with scallions. Pair your pick with wine, beer or tea and be sure to check out the weekday takeout lunch special. 401 Strawberry Village, 415.381.5300, harmonyrestaurant group.com b $$ S LD

MILL VALLEY BEERWORKS American Known for handcrafted beers, imported and local microbrews and house-made kombucha and root beer, this popular downtown Mill Valley neighborhood brewery is also a full-blown restaurant. Choose from a large selection of small plates, including king oyster mushrooms, roasted potatoes and grilled squid, and a small list of large portions like con fit rabbit. 173 Throckmorton Ave, 415.888.8218, mill valleybeerworks.com b $$$ Í D BR

PIATTI RISTORANTE AND BAR Italian The staff rides itself on capturing the warm and welcoming atmosphere of a traditional Italian trattoria. Get a table by the window or on the outdoor deck for a truly exceptional view right on the water. Peruse the impressive selection of Italian wines to accompany your rustic seasonal meal. 625 Redwood Hwy, 415.380.2525, piatti.com s $$ S Í C LD BR

PLAYA Mexican Drawing inspiration from travels and the fresh , fl avorful cuisine served on the playa, Peter Schumacher and Bill and Vanessa Higgins have developed a menu that blends locally sourced,

organic and sustainable ingredients with a bar highlighting a selection of exceptional tequilas and mezcals.

41 Throckmorton Ave, 415.384.8871, playamv.com s $$ Í D

PRABH INDIAN

KITCHEN Indian This restaurant is dedicated to serving healthy, organic and sustainable food, including gluten-free and vegan options. Dishes include chicken pakora, vegetable biryani and basil garlic nan. Try the thali menu (offered at lunch), a selection of several Indian dishes served all at once. 24 Sunnyside Ave, 415.384.8241, prabhindian kitchen.com b $$ S Í LD

ROBATA GRILL AND SUSHI Japanese Robata translates as “by the fi reside”; fittingly, food here can be cooked on an open fi re and served in appetizer-size portions to pass around the table. Or simply order your own sushi or entree from the menu. 591 Redwood Hwy, 415.381.8400, robatagrill.com b $$ S LD

SHORELINE COFFEE

SHOP American Tucked away in a parking lot at Tam Junction, this coffee shop is a funky diner with a smalltown feel. Check out the mix of Mexican and traditional breakfast fare. 221 Shoreline Hwy, 415.388.9085, shoreline coffeeshop.com b $$ S Í BL BR

SOL FOOD Puerto Rican This Marin favorite has opened in Mill Valley, still serving up everyone’s favorite Puerto Rican cuisine. The line can get long, but the food is well worth it. 401 Miller Ave, 415.380.1986, solfood restaurant.com $$ S BLD

SWEETWATER

MUSIC HALL CAFE

American Located at the entrance of Sweetwater Music Hall, the cafe is dedicated to the FLOSS philosophy: Fresh, Local, Organic, Seasonal and Sustainable. O ffering breakfast, lunch, dinner and weekend brunch, the menu includes brown-butter scrambled eggs on avocado toast, crispy potatoricotta gnocchi and

vegan Thai spring rolls with sweet-and-sour sauce. 19 Corte Madera Ave, 415.388.3850, sweetwatermusic hall.com s $$ S Í BLD BR º

TAMALPIE Italian Owner Karen Goldberg designed this restaurant with a large group seating area, indoor and outdoor fi replaces, and a small casual bar. The food is Italian home cooking with the daily modern inspiration of locally sourced seasonal ingredients found in the salads, house-made pastas and crispy Neapolitan-style pizza, with a selection of beer and wine to match. 477 Miller Ave, 415.388.7437, tamalpie pizza.com s $$ S Í C LD º

THEP LELA Thai This jewel is tucked away in the back of Strawberry Village. Diners come for the tasty kee mao noodles, pad thai, fresh rolls and extensive bar menu. It’s also a great place for lunch. 615 Strawberry Village, 415.383.3444, theplela.com s $$ S Í LD

VASCO Italian Whether you’re at a table, the bar or the back counter, you can expect an intimate and tasty dining experience in this one-room trattoria. Try one of the pasta dishes or thincrust wood-fi red pizzas. 106 Throckmorton Ave, 415.381.3343, vasco millvalley.com s $$ S D

NOVATO

BESO BISTRO AND WINE BAR American

Located at Novato’s Hamilton Field, Beso’s menu highlights locally sourced organic produce, fresh sustainable seafood as well as pasture raised and free range meat. Wine lovers can embrace their inner Dionysus — Beso Bistro pours more than 20 wines by the glass and features more than 50 by the bottle. 502 S Palm Dr, besobistro.com b $$ Í LD

BOCA TAVERN American Bring a date or celebrate a special event at this classic steakhouse featuring wholesome American fare. Favorites include the mac ’n’ cheese

vegan options available.

in a contemporary art-fi lled space with an urban edge. The vegetable-centric menu incorporates seafood and local ingredients, fusing California and Japanese cuisines in colorful dishes that are bold, balanced and bright. 198 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, 415.453.9898, madcapmarin.com b $$$ D

M.H. BREAD AND BUTTER California This one-stop shop off

PIZZALINA Italian Pizzas are handmade and cooked in a wood oven; other classic Italian choices include shrimp risotto and a burrata antipasto dish. Menus change daily according to the seasonal markets but always feature salads, antipastos, house-made pastas and main dishes. 914 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, 415.256.9780, pizzalina.com b $$ S Í LD º

SUSHI 69 Japanese

avocado, salmon and ponzu sauce wrapped in sushi rice). 69 Center Blvd, 415.459.6969, shallwego69.com b $$$ Í D

VALENTI & CO. Italian

This bright and cozy space is the ideal environment for authentic Italian dishes made with local ingredients. A seat at the chef’s table gives a prime view of the open kitchen.

337 San Anselmo Ave, 415.454.7800, valentico.com

local and sustainable before it was cool. Enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner and live music. 625 San Geronimo Valley Dr, 415.488.0105, twobirdcafe.com b $$$ Í BLD

SAN RAFAEL

ARIZMENDI BAKERY California A workerowned bakery cafe, Arzimendi prides itself on high-quality local ingredients. Visit any time of day for

FLATIRON American

The remodeled Flatiron is where refi ned American bar food lives happily in its ideal environment — with a bevy of craft beers. Owned by the Strickers, a husband-and-wife duo, this polished sports bar serves noshes like chili lime cauli flower, classic sandwiches, and tru ffle and wa ffle fries in a space that also features classic arcade games. 724 B St, 415.453.4318, flatironsanrafael.com s $$ LD º

LAVIER CUSINE Latin

Free-range meat and fresh seafood is the focus at this authentic Latinfusion eatery in San Rafael run by Gabriela and her husband Guillermo, who hails from Yucatan. Try the

plantain-and-pankocrusted cheese sticks to start and follow that with the popular pu ff y fi sh tacos with slaw and black beans. Brunch is served on weekends until 2 p.m. 1025 C St, 415.295.7990, lavier latinfusion.com b $$ S LD BR º

LE COMPTOIR French

The owners of San Francisco’s Gamine have opened their second restaurant, this time in the heart of San Rafael. The bistro serves up traditional French favorites like beef cheeks bourguignon and onion soup gratinée in a chic and cozy setting. If you’re planning to go, call ahead. 1301 Fourth St, 415.454.5454, lecomptoirsr.com b $$ Í C D

LOS MOLES Mexican

Nestled centrally on Lincoln Avenue, Los Moles offers traditional pueblo Mexican cuisine, with — you guessed it — a variety of di fferent moles to enhance your dish. O ffering brunch, lunch, dinner and party options, Los Moles’ menu includes enmoladas, tacos, pollo al horno, carne asada , fl an and much more. Don’t miss Taco Tuesday night for all-you-caneat tacos. 912 Lincoln Ave, 415.453.5850, losmoles.com s $$ LD BR º

MAGNOLIA PARK KITCHEN American

This American bistro features lots of farm-fresh salads and sandwiches to choose from. The outdoor patio is well suited to

sipping a glass of wine or enjoying a signature fried chicken bomb sandwich. 1016 Court St, 415.521.5591, magnolia parkkitchen.com b $$ Í C BL

MCINNIS PARK GOLF CLUB RESTAURANT

American Grab a meal prepared by chef Chris Harman before or after hitting the driving range (or even without picking up a club). Outdoor seating is popular, as is the full bar, with a selection of premium Scotches, small-batch bourbons and more than 50 wines from California vineyards. McInnis Park, 415.491.5959, mcinnis parkgolfcenter.com s $$$ Í C LD

MULBERRY STREET PIZZERIA

Italian

Chef Ted Rowe won fi rst place in the Food Network Television Pizza Challenge with his For the Love of Mushroom pizza —sautéed mushrooms in a creamy garlic sauce and a red wine reduction atop a fresh crust. Be sure to try other unique pies, like the spicy Three Beer pizza and the clam and garlic. 101 Smith Ranch Road, 415.472.7272, mulberry streetpizzasan rafael.com b $$ S

PANAMA HOTEL RESTAURANT

American The dinner menu has a large selection — tortilla soup to pumpkin and ricotta raviolis — but it’s the Sunday brunch that will

please the kids. Try the Panama Wa ffle with Grand Marnier–infused strawberries, topped with mascarpone, plus a pitcher of “makeyour-own” mimosas for the adults. The tropical garden is a prime spot for peoplewatching. 4 Bayview St, 415.457.3993, panamahotel.com b $$$ Í C LD BR º

RANGE CAFE American

The cuisine is local, seasonal, made with naturally raised ingredients and served in a casual, comfortable and refi ned setting, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the grand Peacock Gap lawns. An inviting cafe at lunch with its ice-cold lemonade and refreshing chardonnays makes a great

dinner spot once the sun sets. 333 Biscayne Dr, 415.454.6450, rangecafe.net s $$ S Í C BLD º

ROCKET ROLL Japanese There are plenty of fusion restaurants around, but not many that blend Mexican and Japanese. Rocketroll offers everything from a spicy tuna rice bowl to yellow fi n or salmon sashimi “sushi burritos.” Smoothies like the avocado fresher round out the menu. 1109 Fourth St, 415.866.0537 $ LD

SHIRO KUMA Japanese Shiro Kuma, which means polar bear, takes its inspiration from chef Yasuo Shigeyoshi’s childhood in a small rural town in the south

of Japan and offers traditional-style sushi and Wagyu A5 and Kobe beef to cook over ishiyaki grilling stones. Proving popular are weekly specials such as hamachi jalapeño as well as the omakase (chef’s choice) dinner. 1518 Fourth St, 415.295.7464, sushishiro kuma.com b $$ S LD

SOL FOOD Puerto Rican Fast becoming a Marin legend, Sol Food whips up traditional Puerto Rican dishes just like the ones owners Sol Hernandez grew up eating. Favorites include the bistec sandwich, mofongo and other fried plantain dishes, but anything tastes good with a dash of the signature hot sauce, also for sale by the bottle (as is

the lemon-garlic salad dressing). 901 Lincoln Ave, 415.451.4765, sol foodrestaurant.com

$$ S BLD

UCHIWA RAMEN Japanese When owners Benson Yang and Kevin Fong decided to open Marin’s fi rst ramen shop in 2014, they weren’t sure what to expect. Three years later, Uchiwa remains loved by ramen enthusiasts for its rich broths and fresh noodles. Vegetarian and vegan options available. 821 B St, 415.991.3693, uchiwaramen.com b $$ LD

URBAN REMEDY Juice

With delicious juices, snacks and bowls including plenty of gluten-free, grain-free, and low-glycemic-index choices, this is a popular place. Raw desserts round things out. Try the vegan Caesar salad or give the cashew milk with cinnamon and vanilla a shot to see

what Urban Remedy is all about. 1904 Fourth St, 415.786.8011, urbanremedy.com $$ Í BLD

VN NOODLE & GRILL Vietnamese Located in Montecito Plaza, the restaurant has a robust menu of standard Vietnamese fare, including a wide selection of rice plates, pho and of course, iced coffe. 421 Third St, 415.306.4299 $$ S C LD

SAUSALITO

ANGELINO RESTAURANT Italian

An authentic Italian eatery with handmade pastas and seasonal antipasti, showcasing cuisine of the Campania region for over 20 years. 621 Bridgeway, 415.331.5225, angelino restaurant.com

s $$$ S BLD

ARAWAN THAI Thai

After an 18-month

•

GREEN CHILE

KITCHEN Mexican Don’t let the name fool you; while green chilies are present on the menu, many other varieties are also featured. From the organic house-made blue corn tortillas to the red chili chicken wings, this restaurant located in downtown San Rafael offers a cornucopia of hues and flavors. 1335 Fourth St, 415.521.5691, greenchilekitchen.com b $$ S LD

closure due to a fi re, this Sausalito favorite has reopened to enthusiastic reviews. Favorites like the Prawn Arawan with yellow curry are back on the menu as well as $10 lunch specials. 47 Caledonia St, 415.729.9395

b $$ LD

BAR BOCCE American Food just tastes better on a bayside patio with fi re pits and a bocce ball court. Order one of the sourdough bread pizzas and a glass of wine and you’ll see why this casual eatery, overseen by Robert Price of Buckeye and Bungalow 44, has become a local favorite. 1250 Bridgeway, 415.331.0555, barbocce.com s $$ S Í LD

CIBO California Located in a historic brick building on Sausalito’s main drag, this is a great place to a sip a quick cup of coffee outdoors. The menu offers tarts,

croissants, cookies, paninis and soups. Every dish is made from scratch with local and seasonal products. 1201 Bridgeway, 415.331.2426, cibosausalito.com $$ S Í BL

COPITA Mexican Chef Joanne Weir serves up fresh Mexican fare in the heart of downtown Sausalito. The ever-changing menu is gluten-free, and the in-house tequila bar offers over 100 varieties and fantastic cocktails. Dine at the bar or on the outdoor patio for great people-watching. 739 Bridgeway, 415.331.7400, copita restaurant.com s $$ S Í LD BR

DAVEY JONES DELI

American Stationed in the New Bait Shop Market, Davey Jones Deli offers houseroasted sandwich meats, healthy condiments and local, organic vegetables; the deli

serves sandwiches, veggie-wiches, wraps and salads with vegetarian, vegan and meat-lover options. Because the sandwiches are so generous, this easy stop is great during a day of boating, biking, hiking, and general adventuring around Marin. Gate 6 Road, 415.331.2282, daveyjonesdeli.com b $$ S Í L

FENG NIAN Chinese

This spacious popular hangout has served up wonton soup, pot stickers and daily specials for nearly two decades. For an indulgent treat, order the Szechwan crispy calamari, honeyglazed walnut prawn or lemon chicken. Staying in? Delivery is available. 2650 Bridgeway, 415.331.5300, fengnian.com b $$ S LD

FISH Seafood The ultimate place for freshly caught fare. Order the fi sh tacos, ceviche and a bottle of wine and take in the bay views on the open-air deck. Casual; bring cash (lots of it!). 350 Harbor Dr, 415.331.3474, 331fish.com b $$$ S Í LD

JOINERY American The owners of Mill Valley Beerworks opened this rotisserie in the former Wellington’s Wine Bar space earlier this year. The restaurant features craft beer, burgers and other hearty, seasonal fare in a communal setting. 300 Turney St, 415.766.8999, joineryca.com b $$ Í LD

KITTI’S PLACE Thai/ California This homestyle family restaurant has been in Sausalito 20 years and features favorites like lettuce

cups, soft spring rolls and weekly specials. 3001 Bridgeway, 415.331.0390, kittisplace.com b $$ S Í LD

SEAHORSE Italian

The spacious dining area, accompanied by a dance floor and stage, make Seahorse ideal for celebrations large and small. Enjoy a modern twist on classic Tuscan coastal cooking while grooving to the nightly live music and entertainment in a historic building. 305 Harbor Dr, 415.331.2899, sausalitoseahorse.com b $$$ Í C LD BR º

TIBURON

CAFFE ACRI Italian The well-lit corner cafe in Tiburon is a favorite go-to for bikers, city commuters and locals. Diners wil l fi nd freshbrewed coffee and eggs for breakfast and a selection of soups, salads and paninis for lunch. 1 Main St, 415.435.8515, caffeacri.com b $$ Í LD

SAM’S ANCHOR CAFE

American The menu at this seaside institution features local organic produce and sustainably sourced meats and fi sh. Chef Robert Taylor, formerly of Farallon, has curated an oyster list for the raw bar menu and a fresh cocktail list to boot. 27 Main St, 415.435.4527, samscafe.com s $$$ S Í C LD BR º

SERVINO RISTORANTE

Italian Chef and owner Angelo Servino highlights organic ingredients in an array of rustic Italian dishes, including house-made pastas, wood oven

Fish Tacos

pizzas, and seasonal specialties. Located on the bay in Tiburon, Servino also prides itself on its extensive sustainable seafood program. Savor la dolce vita on the waterfront patio. 9 Main St, 415.435.2676, servino.com s $$$ S Í C LD BR º

WEST MARIN

NICK’S COVE American

Nick’s Cove offers a coastal escape on Tomales Bay, serving famous barbecued local oysters, Dungeness crab mac ’n’ cheese and cocktails incorporating homegrown ingredients. Large windows in the 130-seat restaurant provide picturesque views of Tomales Bay and Hog Island

(Marshall). 23240 Hwy 1, 415.663.1033, nickscove.com s $$$ S Í C LD BR

SAN FRANCISCO /EAST BAY

CONTRADA Italian

Chef Jason Tuley (formerly of Picco in Larkspur) brings his own creativity to classic Cal-Ital cuisine. The restaurant boasts a 22-seat patio and a vast selection of wine. Expect dishes like crispy fi ngerling potatoes, beef brisket and pork shoulder meatballs, made complete with a decadent dessert selection. 2136 Union St, 415.926.8916, contradasf.com b $$$ Í D BR º

CRAFTSMAN AND WOLVES American

At this contemporary pâtisserie in the Mission District, pastry whiz William Werner serves egg-fi lled muffi ns, bonbons, coffee and many other sweet and savory baked goods. 746 Valencia St, 415.913.7713, craftsman-wolves.com b $$ Í BL

MERSEA American Executive chef and co-founder, Parke Ulrich — formerly of Lark Creek Inn, Epic Steak and Waterbar — started a new venture on Treasure Island. Mersea, which means “island oasis” in Old

KEY TO SYMBOLS

English, serves standard American comfort food like burgers, fi sh and chips and the like with a local-focused Bay Area twist. Also not to be missed are the curated cocktail menu and unbeatable views (Treasure Island).

699 Avenue of the Palms, 714.350.3889, mersea.restaurant s $$ S Í BLD

Full bar

Wine and beer

Outdoor seating

ESPETUS CHURRASCARIA

s b $ $$ $$$ S Vineyard to Vintner STAGS LEAP DISTRICT April 27 – 29, 2018 CELEBRATING 20 YEARS

Brazilian This steakhouse boasts a tasting menu of 14 meat courses grilled with the traditional Brazilian method. Patrons control the pace of the pri x fi xe experience with colored signal cards. 1686 Market St, 415.552.8792, espetus.com s $$$ S C LD

Inexpensive (entrees $10 or less) Moderate (up to $20) Expensive ($20 and over) Kid-friendly

The restaurant has opened within the last six months. A major renovation to the restaurant or menu, or there is a new chef.

Í C BLD BR º New Update An unparalleled appellation experience FRIDAY Exclusive Vintner-Hosted Library Wine Dinners SATURDAY Vineyard Walk and Talk Winery Open Houses SUNDAY Appellation Collection Tasting & Vintner-Hosted Lunch

These listings are not intended to be a full review of the business, rather a quick guide to some of the most popular restaurants in the county. For more restaurant listings, visit us online at marinmagazine.com/dine

Our annual weekend shares the best we have for an unparalleled appellation experience: owners and winemakers, private homes and historic wineries, backstage and personal. @StagsLeapAVA #StagsLeapDistrict

Information and tickets: stagsleapdistrict.com/V2V or 707.255.1720

On the Scene

Mande Bouju and Alizee Bouju

Nancy Wilson and Linda Williiams

• EXTRAFOOD.ORG Guests enjoyed an evening of song by Michelle Schmitt and her band at the end-of-year annual benefit concert at the Throckmorton Theatre.

• ICB OPEN STUDIOS Artists opened the doors to their studios in Sausalito to give attendees the chance to see them in action and purchase works for holiday gifts.

• SEPHORA STORE OPENING The latest addition to Town Center Corte Madera arrived this winter with a DJ, photo booth and mini makeovers for guests.

Laine Seabern, Penelope Schutz, Harper Fox, Tiffany Fox, Vaughn Scholnick and Jill Carrano

Orly Petri, Marine Strage and Shirin Aryanpour

Marv Zauderer, Michelle Schmitt and Heidi Krahling

SNAPSHOTS FROM SPECIAL EVENTS IN MARIN AND SAN FRANCISCO EDITED BY DANIEL JEWETT

dents in a number of arts-related categories.

DREW ALTIZER PHOTOGRAPHY (BIG TABLE); JIM BLOCK (MILLEY AWARDS)

• SPARK FUN RUN More than $13,000 was raised for Corte Madera Larkspur Schools at the family fun run.

• MILLEY AWARDS The awards event held at the Mill Valley Community Center honored local resi-

• ONE BIG TABLE More than 450 guests and host Tyler Florence came together in San Francisco to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the SF-Marin Food Bank.

Antonio Piazza, Martyna Piazza and Rafael Piazza

Thatcher Hurd, Gary Yost, John and Winifred McLeod, Lisa Kristine, Gini Wilson and Don Hunter

Eric Saibel, Brett Geithman, Michelle Walker and Patty Elliot

Tyler Florence and Paul Ash

Anna Pearlman, Barbara and Ron Kaufman, and Olivia Pearlman

Open Mon–Sat 10–5 Consignment Hours: Tues–Sat 10–3 EncoreConsignment.com 11 Mary Street, San Rafael, CA 94901 Next to Whole Foods 415.456.7309

Marin Matters

LOCAL PEOPLE MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Q&A with WildCare

WildCare’s new executive director, Vaughn R. Maurice, is a 50-year-old Rohnert Park resident who got his start at the American Red Cross. He has 25 years of experience in nonprofit and animal welfare and advocacy work.

Get Involved

Top five volunteer opportunities this month.

➤ Volunteer with ElderWise and visit a senior in San Rafael, Tiburon, Mill Valley or Novato. jtm-esc.org/elderwise

1

What drew you to take the job as WildCare’s executive director? With 25 years of experience in the nonprofit world, where I gained extensive knowledge in animal welfare, nonprofit fundraising and management, I felt ready to step into a leadership position. I was seeking an organization with a passionate and engaged board, a skilled staff nd a volunteer base of people who share a desire for impactful work, and a community of supporters whose values are similar to mine and the organization’s.

backseat until my experience in Korea of seeing a dog farm, with dogs in cages that were destined for a dinner plate. I was transformed from someone who loved his own pets to someone who needed to be part of the solution in helping all animals.

➤ Friends of Mt. Tam needs your outdoor skills. Help out and be a docent for the visitor center, become a hike leader and guide, support Astronomy Nights or sign up to be on the trail crew. friendsofmttam.org

4

What is it about animal welfare and advocacy that interests you? The more I’ve learned about animals, their behaviors and their rich emotional feelings as individual beings, the more I’ve been drawn to help them. Helping those who are unable to help themselves, in WildCare’s wildlife hospital; being an advocating voice for those who cannot speak for themselves; and educating people about animals and nature, I believe, are important and vital parts of a humane and ethically responsible society.

2

How does WildCare help our local animals and community? All of WildCare’s programs work together to help people live well with wildlife. WildCare’s wildlife hospital provides high-quality medical care for nearly 4,000 ill, injured and orphaned wild animals every year, with the goal of releasing them back into the wild. Over 80 percent of the patients we treat are found and brought to our facility by members of the public. WildCare is also a tremendous educational resource for our community.

➤ Contact Hamilton Families , a service supporting families with re-housing programs, and help kids (4–11 years old) with homework. hamiltonfamilies.org

➤ Do you love horses? Are you good with kids? Join Halleck Creek Ranch and help its therapeutic horseback riding program in Nicasio by grooming, leading and tacking-up horses and side-walking riders. No previous horse experience required. halleckcreekranch.org

3

Have you always been passionate about animals? I’ve been passionate about animals for as long as I can remember. But that passion took something of a

Give Back

MARIN CONSERVATION

LEAGUE has been protecting the county since 1934. Become a member and support efforts to keep Marin a unique, beautiful and healthy place to live, work and play. marinconservationleague.org

5How can the community best support WildCare’s goals, mission and services? You can support WildCare by bringing injured and orphaned animals to our wildlife hospital, by visiting us in person and online, and by sharing the resources we offer with family, friends and neighbors. Utilizing WildCare’s extensive knowledge and experience can help you protect and care for the wildlife in your backyard and beyond.

DRAWBRIDGE , a local nonprofit offering art classes to homeless and underserved children, needs your support to bring creativity, joy and hope to children. drawbridge.org

OCEAN RIDERS OF

MARIN Contributions provide educational opportunities for disadvantaged children by connecting them with horses and teaching environmental stewardship. oceanridersofmarin.org

➤ Educate the public about the importance of the local water system by volunteering at the Bay Model Visitor Center in Sausalito. Answer phones, lead tours, or help in the bookstore.

BLOOM is a nonprofit organization that accepts donated clothes and money to help provide wardrobes and life skills training to men, women and families transitioning to a self-reliant life. bloommarin.org

THE CANAL

WELCOME

CENTER Founded to welcome and support Marin’s immigrants, the center works with low-income Marin families to advance their social, cultural, and economic well-being. cwcenter.org

Marin Home

FROM TOURS AND MAKEOVERS TO DECORATIVE DETAILS AND REALTOR INSIGHTS

GOING WEST

After a false start in Berkeley, a move to San Rafael checks off all the items on the wish list.

BY DAWN MARGOLIS DENBERG • PHOTOS BY TIM PORTER

The dining room table and chairs by Century were custom finished to suit the space.

JESSICA OZBERKER LOVED her Oliver Rousseau–designed Pacifi Heights home. But cold summers, parking hassles and inadequate outdoor space for her young daughter had her contemplating a lifestyle change. She thought she’d found what she’d been looking for in the East Bay and went into contract on a hillside home in Berkeley. Then, during the inspection period, the deal fell apart.

Trying for a fresh perspective, she switched realtors, turning to Nick Cooper of Paci fic Union. He helped her synthesize her wish list. “I’d seen a couple places in Marin previously, but none felt right,” Ozberker says. But Cooper suspected she’d been looking in the wrong neighborhoods. “Based on everything you’re telling me, I think San Rafael is where you’d want to be,” he said.

From there it took a single showing to find “the one.” Alas, the home’s resort-like vibe — it has more than an acre of land with a pool, a hot

tub, and access to the outdoors from almost every room — had other buyers clamoring. With offers due the following week, Ozberker pushed ahead with ordering inspections and hiring a structural engineer to assess known foundation issues. She knew she’d have an edge on the competition that way.

“In the end, there were three offers on the house,” she says, but her strong, clean offer prevailed. Before moving in, she hired a contractor to correct a number of the home’s structural deficiencies, and — while they were at it — perform extensive cosmetic and functional upgrades.

“We didn’t move walls or pipes,” she says, “but I changed out a lot of the fi nishes to be more to my taste.” For decision-making help, she tapped interior designer Jill Durst, of Culbertson Durst Interiors in Danville. Together they pored over tile and fabric samples and took field trips to view plumbing fi xtures and stone.

The big interior changes included gutting three of the four bathrooms and a laundry room and redesigning the two ga s fi replaces: the one in the living room now has a sleek concrete veneer, and the bedroom unit is anchored by a dolomite surround. “It’s probably my favorite feature in the house,” Ozberker says. They gave the powder room just a minor facelift — replacing the old toilet, adding whimsical wallpaper.

Outside, new concrete steps improve access to the expansive front yard, and an added second deck now overlooks the pool. “It’s the best place to view Tam on the entire property,” Ozberker says. “I also put in an outdoor shower so people could rinse off fter using the pool.”

About the move to suburban living, she has no regrets: “My daughter loves the freedom of being able to just open the door and run around outside. I love that I can easily get to downtown San Rafael, which has an urban feel without the hassle of urban living.” m

THE DETAILS

WHERE SHE PURCHASED The Country Club neighborhood in San Rafael

WHAT SHE BOUGHT 4-bedroom, 4.5-bath split-level home

LISTING AGENTS Christine Christiansen, Decker Bullock Sotheby’s International Realty

SELLING AGENT Nick Cooper, Paci fic Union International

THE STATS Price per square foot for similar homes in the neighborhood: $750

Opposite page: All new furnishings and fireplace surround. This page, clockwise from top: A seat on the new deck is the ideal spot to take in views of Mount Tam; the master tub; new pendant lights in the kitchen; Jessica and her daughter; the new fireplace makes the master suite a great hangout.

Mountain High

IMAGINE TAHOE WITH no one on the road but you and your (pick one) sweetie, buddy or pooch. That’s how it will feel as you climb up Highway 50 toward Carson City with the lake and its incessant tra ffic in your rearview mirror.

Your destination is Clear Creek Tahoe in Nevada, in the heart of picturesque ponderosa country. Clear Creek is an emerging, master-planned golf resort encompassing nearly 1,600 acres, more than half of them protected in a conservation easement with the Nature Conservancy.

Once you reach that land you’l l fi nd nothing — as far as the eyes can see — but stately Jeff rey pines, dramatic rock outcroppings and the Sierra Nevada mountains. Yet Carson City is just over the hill, Lake Tahoe is about 10 miles away, and South Lake Tahoe and Incline Village are less than 20 miles away.

But truth be told, once you arrive at Clear Creek, there’s not much reason to leave. Even now, in its early stages, it’s got a nifty pro shop, a friendly grill and pub and a spectacular 18-hole private golf course by Ben Crenshaw and Bill Coore, the only private golf experience west of the Rocky Mountains designed by this respected team.

Eventually, Clear Creek will have 384 residences that reflect the character of the Tahoe/Sierra Nevada mountain experience. At present, phase one is offering 121 lots ranging in size from just over half an acre to a tad under five acres at prices from about $350,000 to

BY JIM WOOD

$1,750,000. Several have already sold. The community also has a group of 56 cottage home sites on the market that range from one-third acre to just over an acre priced from $225,000 to $395,000.

In the near future, set on a rise in the heart of the Clear Creek community will be a Family Campus, featuring pools, tennis and sports courts and a base camp for summer hiking and trail riding. Also, well along in planning is a nearby wellness facility including a saline lap pool, fitness equipment and luxurious spa. By late 2019, Clear Creek’s golf clubhouse will be a fait accompli overlooking the 18th fairway.

“But Tahoe is about skiing, so show me the slopes,” you’re thinking. Not to worry, Clear Creek has that covered. All property owners have access to Twin Pines, a historic Julia Morgan–designed lake house in South Lake Tahoe that’s a mere four blocks from the Heavenly gondola. There’s even a shuttle should weather turn nasty. Plus, with 180 feet fronting the lake and a long pier and buoy, Twin Pines is a popular summer destination for boating, swimming and sunning.

Speaking of sunning, Clear Creek’s 5,700-foot elevation sees an average of 320 sunny days a year. The high in August is 83 degrees; in January it’s a mild 45. And, most important, nearby tra ffic does not exist; you are practically all by yourself. There is a feeling of serenity, comfort and security. Meanwhile, the Reno-Tahoe International Airport is but 45 minutes away. clearcreektahoe.com m

Pot Primer

Times are certainly changing, especially for marijuana and its related regulations and stereotypes. Even the word has morphed — the preferred term is now cannabis, which sounds more botanical, more chic Marin and less Cheech Marin. Now that cannabis is predicted to be the new wine, if you’re a home hobbyist and over 21 you can grow your own for personal use. That said, here are some fi ne (and broadleaf) details to know before you grow.

BY KIER HOLMES

Growing etiquette

Keep your plant project private in your home or in a secure location, unless you have chill neighbors and there is no local ban on outdoor cultivation. The law is six plants per residence, not per person, although medical users can cultivate whatever they need, provided local zoning regulations permit it. Two strains Sativa: tall-growing, narrow-leafed and frost-tender. Indica: short, wide-leafed and more frost-resistant.

Most growers recommend indica for its relatively easy care. Chemical-free Whatever unsightly affliction attacks your plant, never spray pesticides as a remedy. Use natural and organic options. Seeds or clones? Starting from seeds offers you a wide variety to choose from, and seeds sprout strong taproots to anchor and sturdy the plant. Using clones eliminates the need to learn how to germinate seeds, but clones have shallow

roots and are susceptible to fungi, pests and disease. Females rule Consider buying feminized seeds (specially bred seeds that only produce female plants) because they are the only ones that grow buds (the part you smoke). The basics If want the plant to actually produce a yield, you won’t need an advanced degree in botany, but you will need to learn about light cycles, proper temperature and humidity, sufficient water and nutrients, good airflow, and

pruning techniques. Sourcing Purchase seeds and clones online or buy clones from large growers like the East Bay dispensary Harborside. Kit and caboodle Many styles of grow-box kits exist that include all the serious supplies, such as lamps, fans, growing medium and grow sacks. Learning curve As any home brewer, winemaker or backyard gardener will tell you, successes and failures are expected with any DIY project.

NEED TO KNOW Growing and selling cannabis outside of the authorized state systems is illegal under both state and federal law. Check the latest rules and laws in your area.

JOANNE ZAVLARIS MANAGER, MARIN & SONOMA

THE EXPERIENCE IS ALAIN PINEL

Culture of professionalism. Image of luxury. Practice of quality in all things.

This is what makes the Alain Pinel experience unique. And this is exactly what Joanne provides in Marin and Wine Country as Vice President and Manager.

Announcing Joanne Zavlaris — part of Alain Pinel’s elite management legacy.

The growth of the Vanguard Properties Marin family continues!

We are thrilled to announce that these incredible agents have joined us.

Above all else, Vanguard Properties is razor-focused on the needs of their clients and guiding them through their real estate needs seamlessly with extraordinary results.

Lori, Christine, Rachel, and Maggie are agents that exemplify this approach and continuously raise the bar in the real estate industry. We could not be more proud to have them on our team.

Lori Saia Odisio

Christine Christiansen | MBA

Rachel Percival | ACII Maggie Baylor

PRIVATE WONDERLAND ABOVE IT ALL

Wolfback Ridge | Offered at $10,000,000

Unparalleled 300 degree Views Minutes to San Francisco

Adjacent to GGNRA hiking and biking trails approx. 27,000+/- sqft lot (per survey)

LIVE IN THE HEART OF SAUSALITO!

71 Cazneau Avenue | Offered at $725,000

Close to Sausalito’s best restaurants

Locals neighborhood approx. 5,295 sqft lot (per tax records)

Allison Salzer 415.297.2110 allison@vanguardmarin.com DRE# 01978463

EFFECTIVE LISTENING WORKS

209 Pear Court | San Rafael

“David Doyle is one realtor in a million! He developed an initial game plan for selling my property and helped me realize that staging truly makes the difference in higher offers, more offers, and quick offers. In our case, a 1% investment netted a 10% increase in selling price. A win-win!”

J.Galindo Seller

By the way...her sale set a record price in her neighborhood.

LISTENING to my clients and really understanding their goals/motivations nets them REWARDING RESULTS.

David Doyle 415.215.3169 ddoyle@vanguardmarin.com DRE# 01397556

By Coldwell Banker

®

Real estate agents affiliated with Coldwell Banker United, REALTORS® are independent contractor agents and are not employees of the Company. ©2018 Coldwell Banker United, REALTORS®. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker United, REALTORS® fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Owned by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker Logo are registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. 233506AUS_1/18

EXPECTATIONS EXCEEDED

Liz was challenged to find the perfect place to call home in Marin for an out of town buyer eager to escape east coast winters

ƒ Insider market knowledge provided an ideal off-market opportunity

ƒ Industry connections and business efficiency aided in securing the property four weeks from the first call with the buyer

And I have to say this again, you have been a phenomenal agent to work with...We are so appreciative of your efforts and you are making a cross-country transaction very smooth indeed! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your incredible help! We are so excited about the move and equally grateful for all your assistance in the process.

To receive this level of service, contact: Liz McCarthy 415.250.4929 | Liz@MarinRealty.net | BRE #01421997

LIZ M c CARTHY | BUYER REPRESENTATION | TIBURON

MILL VALLEY | $769,000

Kristine Tiret, Realtor 415.310.0269

Connie

The #1 real estate office in San Francisco meets Marin’s top agents.

We love SF. As it turns out, SF loves us back. Don’t believe us? It just so happens we were the #1 real estate office in 2017 in total sales. No small feat, by any means. It took top caliber agents working tirelessly to realize our clients’ real estate goals. Which is why we’re more than a little excited to expand into Marin. We can’t wait to help guide you home.

Compass is a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdraw without notice. No statement is made as to accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footages are approximate. Exact dimensions can be obtained by retaining the services of an architect or engineer. This is not intended to solicit property already listed.

• Welcoming Front Porch

• Living Room with cozy Fireplace

• “Farm-Style” kitchen

• “Great Room” with generous Family Room

• Luxurious Master with “Spa-Like” Bath + Separate Office

• Two Additional Bedrooms and Full Bath on Main Level

• Large Backyard with expansive Lawn Area

• Short stroll to the quaint hamlet of San Anselmo

Exceptional Los Ranchitos Estate on 1.2 Acres

Vicki Buckle-Clark 415.497.0044 Licensed Associate Broker v.buckle-clark@ggsir.com GoldenGateSIR.com CalBRE# 01141500

• Mid-century architecture with soaring ceilings, natural light, and ideal floorplan

• Recently updated with gorgeous designer finishes

• Breathtaking panoramic views & large pool area

• 6 beds | 4 baths | 3,348± sq. ft. | 1.2± acre lot

• 2-car attached garage + off street parking

• Convenient location near HWY 101, Smart Train, shopping & restaurants

• Award-winning Dixie school district

Whitney Rich 415.250.9914

Licensed Associate Broker whitney@sir.com WhitneyRich.com CalBRE# 01211911

Enjoy a Vacation Lifestyle... Every Day.

Picture yourself here unwinding at the end of the day with this view… and just blocks to charming downtown Larkspur! This stunning loft-like waterfront beauty features a beamed barrel ceiling that reaches 15 feet high. Built in 1989, the 1,958 sq. ft. one-level home features a reinforced foundation, remodeled kitchen and baths, huge loft area, a master suite with marsh view, an office nook, second Bedroom and a dock. Canoe or paddleboard off the dock for a unique, active lifestyle!

Price To Be Determined

Julie Leitzell 415.309.7074

julie.leitzell@sir.com JulieLeitzell.com CalBRE# 01496211

Imagine the ideal cosmetic remodel resulting in your own wine country retreat on an oak-studded third of an acre. Minutes from vineyards, wineries and Sonoma Plaza, this is a quiet neighborhood offering tremendous upside potential. This one-level charmer has great bones and lends itself to one of the wings being transformed into an AirBnB.

Appoximately $700,000

Coming Soon!

Details at JulieLeitzell.com

Welcome to “Techo del Mundo”, the ceiling of the world, where sky and water meet as one overlooking the San Francisco Bay. This breathtaking, oneof-a-kind view is perfectly captured by a home located high atop Tiburon with vistas spanning all three bridges—the Golden Gate Bridge, Bay Bridge and Richmond-San Rafael Bridge—and unrivalled views of the San Francisco skyline. Every room in the approximately 5,600 sq. ft., three-level home is oriented to take advantage of the views and bring the captivating beauty in, while privacy and serenity are maintained thanks to its vantage point atop the hill. Grand formal living and entertaining spaces abound, from a sunken living room with adjacent dining area, to a true chef’s kitchen with breakfast room awash in morning sunlight, to a mahogany-paneled family room that can be used as a formal dining room. The lower level has its own private entrance, living area and two bedrooms, while the upper level is devoted entirely to the sprawling master suite with an office, sitting area, and a spa-like bathroom. Five wood burning fireplaces, a three-car garage, swimming pool and established gardens add to the allure of life at the top.

The ultimate entertainer’s paradise, this contemporary residence is designed to impress. Completely private with expansive views of Tiburon and Belvedere Cove, the ±4,890 sq. ft., three-level modern home has it all. The architecturally-significant retreat designed by Daniel Hunter, AIA, is approached through a lush, tropic-inspired garden and floating entry bridge leading to a dramatic foyer and central staircase with curved glass walls. The home’s interiors feature grand entertaining and living spaces, four bedrooms—including a spacious and completely private master suite—media room, exercise room, pool room, a sleek open-plan kitchen and a detached guest suite currently used as a virtual reality golf course where the grass is guaranteed to always be greener. Outdoor living spaces include a swimming pool, expansive terrace, poolside lounge, a verdant garden terrace, al fresco dining area, and a level turf athletic green. Ideal for a young professional, family or the avid host who aims to please, this rare residence feels a world away from it all just minutes from San Francisco’s tech, finance and venture capital epicenter. For the cryptocurrency investor, the seller will accept Bitcoin, Ethereum or Ripple.

Lydia Sarkissian 415.517.7720 l.sarkissian@ggsir.com C alBRE# 01159670

Magda Sarkissian 415.847.7913 m.sarkissian@ggsir.com C alBRE# 02028978

Bill Bullock 415.384.4000 bb@ggsir.com C alBRE# 00837358

This newly constructed, completely private estate in Tiburon built and designed by Armen Nersisyan with All Fusion Construction Inc. is a world away from it all with views overlooking the bay from Mount Tamalpais to the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge. Approached down a grand, gated drive leading to a motor court, the ± 6,100 sq. ft. home is a master of contemporary architecture. Every room in the 3-level structure takes advantage of the views, welcoming the outdoors in, as do the sprawling terraces surrounding the view-side of the home. The main level features formal entertaining and dining spaces with fireplaces and vaulted ceilings, an open-air kitchen with butler’s pantry, and a grand double-height staircase leading to the lower level. Below, there is a family room with kitchen and dining area, a home gym/wellness room complete with sauna, 3 additional en suite bedrooms, and a master suite overlooking the infinity pool and spa. A separate ±700 sq. ft. guest house, 3-car garage, dramatic water feature and wine cellar make this modern home an entertainer’s dream.

BURLINGAME GREENBRAE NOE VALLEY PACIFIC HEIGHTS POTRERO HILL UPPER MARKET WEST PORTAL

One of Marin County’s Most Architecturally Significant Estates Is Now Available 255 Highland Avenue, San Rafael - Price Upon Request

A very rare opportunity presents itself in the offering of one of Marin County’s most architecturally significant estates. This Hamptons inspired five bedroom, four and a half bathroom residence on 2.5 acres, has been renovated with incredible attention to light and scale and superior designer finishes throughout. The +- 5,136 square foot shingle style home offers its new owner a perfectly executed blend of soaring ceilings, tall doors and windows, milled woodwork, fine moldings and wide open spaces throughout. The residence was designed for entertaining, and is ideal for both smaller dinner parties or grand scale events. Sweeping views of the bay, Mt. Tam, and the iconic Bay Bridge are enjoyed from many of the home’s main rooms.

Tracy McLaughlin has been Marin County’s single top producing agent every single year since 2005. If you are considering selling your home, or buying one, please contact Tracy on her cell at 415.699.6680 or email her at Tracy@TracyMcLaughlin.com.

Tracy gives a percentage of every closing to Marin’s Center for Domestic Peace, which has provided safe housing for women and children in Marin County for the past 41 years.

TracyMcLaughlin.com

285 Magnolia Avenue, Larkspur, CA 94939 • Tel: 415.699.6680 • Tracy@TracyMcLaughlin.com • License CA #01209397 • Pacific Union International

Go Girl

This Dipsea “hike” was the first-ever cross-country U.S. sporting event organized just for women.

BY JIM WOOD

“F

From my own observation, I believe that a woman, equally trained and in the same physical condition as a man, is more game, more tenacious and has greater endurance.

ROM MY OWN observation, I believe that a woman, equally trained and in the same physical condition as a man, is more game, more tenacious and has greater endurance.” Those are the 1918 words of Olympic Club member George James, aka “the Sultan of the Dipsea.” He organized the fi rst Women’s Dipsea Hike, a female version of the renowned scenic and grueling roughly seven-mile footrace from downtown Mill Valley over Mount Tam’s shoulder to Stinson Beach that men had been running since 1905. The new event was labeled a “hike” because Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) rules at the time banned women from distance races. The first “hike” attracted 307 entrants, and the winner was 19-yearold Edith Hickman, with the time of 1 hour 18 minutes and 48 seconds. Although the hike/race attracted more and more female entrants, along with nearly 5,000 spectators when it launched, it lasted only five years — canceled, according to historian Barry Spitz, due to “pressures from church groups [claiming] that strenuous running was somehow immoral” and physicians saying “it was dangerous to a woman’s reproductive system.” Not until 1971 were women officially allowed to participate in the Dipsea, although they’d been unofficially running in it since the 1950s. To commemorate that lengthy transition, on April 21 a hike/run marking the 100th anniversary of the 1918 event begins at 9 a.m. in Mill Valley, followed by a luncheon in the Stinson Beach Community Center. Only 500 entry spots are available; for more information, go to dipsea.org. m

COURTESY OF BARBARA VAN MEURS (TOP); LUCRETIA LITTLE HISTORY ROOM, MILL VALLEY PUBLIC LIBRARY (BOTTOM)

DATED 1918

This image: 1918 champion Edith Hickman. Below: 1921 Women’s Dipsea Hike.