Fireman Jake Peterson’s persistent AFib was threatening his softball game, not to mention his livelihood. Transcatheter cardiac ablation, a minimally invasive procedure, got Jake back on the job—and at the bat.
Visit www.MyMarinHealth.org/Afib to read Jake’s full experience and other healing stories.
The owner of Salon B in San Rafael speaks with us about his family’s history and his experience growing up as part of one of the original multi-generational families of Marin City (picutred left).
Gardyne, the CEO and co-founder of Oneva, shares her struggle and solution to managing a husband, a home, two children and a career.
Financial advice from advisors at Bank of America to guide families on giving.
Medical experts weigh in on why we need to look beyond our blood pressure and BMI and use biomarkers as a roadmap to optimal health.
Celebrate the Year of the Ox with flavors and tastes from different regions of China at these Bay Area restaurants.
Listings of Marin and San Francisco restaurants — most of them offering delivery or takeout options.
Backstory
A couple finds a perfect landing spot in San Francisco.
COLUMNS
12 View From the Team
106 Reflections
New futuristic things in food, the county making strides toward meeting emission goals, and heart-pounding workouts and heart-healthy meal suggestions for local trainers.
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with these sure-to-please gifts — including chocolate, of course — from Bay Area businesses.
For the cover. Marian Anderson (1897-1993) was a famed AfricanAmerican opera star whose performances at the White House, the Lincoln Memorial and elsewhere broke racial barriers. This photo was taken in 1943 when she entertained the workers at Marinship.
For tips, trends and things to do, follow our social accounts at @marinmagazine or subscribe to our Better Letter.
The iconic Hamilton Hospital has been stylishly reimagined into a relaxed luxury assisted living and memory support community. We have preserved the Spanish Colonial architecture and are proud to honor this national heritage landmark by renaming it Elegance Hamilton Hill (previously Elegance at Novato).
The beautiful renovation features a sun-filled courtyard, rooftop lounge with 270-degree views of the Bay, wellness areas and a spa – all with the discreet care, fine dining, and hospitality that makes living easier for later life adults.
Take a tour and secure your first-choice apartment by calling 415.766.0569.
Elegance Hamilton Hill Location 516 East Hospital Rd l Novato, CA 94949 EleganceHamiltonHill.com415.766.0569 #: 019201000 (Pending)
FOUNDER & PUBLISHER, MAKE IT BETTER MEDIA GROUP
Susan B. Noyes
MARIN MAGAZINE EDITOR IN CHIEF NATIONAL PRINT EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
Mimi Towle
EDITOR IN CHIEF NATIONAL DIGITAL CONTENT DIRECTOR
Brooke Geiger McDonald
SENIOR DIGITAL EDITOR
Jessica Gliddon
MANAGING EDITOR – CHICAGO Macaire Douglas
MANAGING EDITOR – BAY AREA Kasia Pawlowska
DINING EDITOR
Christina Mueller
ASSISTANT EDITOR
Sabrina Tuton-Filson
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Nicole Balin, Dawn Margolis Denberg, Eve Driver, Anita Darden Gardyne, Melanie Haiken, Kirsten Jones Neff, Ann Wycoff
Art
Lisa Hilgers
PRODUCTION DIRECTOR
Alex French
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Brad Knipstein, Melissa McArdle
Administration
CIVIC DEVELOPMENT Sharon Krone
CONTROLLER Maeve Walsh
TECHNICAL OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Jennifer Speaker
Volume 17, Issue 2. Marin Magazine is published in Marin County by Marin Magazine Inc. owned by Make It Better Media LLC. All rights reserved. Copyright©2020. Reproduction of Marin Magazine content is prohibited without the expressed, written consent of Marin Magazine Inc. Unsolicited materials cannot be returned. Marin Magazine reserves the right to refuse to publish any advertisement deemed detrimental to the best interests of the community or that is in questionable taste. Marin Magazine is mailed monthly to homes and businesses in Marin County. Marin (USPS 024-898) is published monthly by Marin Magazine Inc., One Harbor Drive, Suite 208, Sausalito, CA 94965. Periodicals Postage Paid at Sausalito, CA, and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Marin Magazine, One Harbor Drive, Suite 208, Sausalito, CA 94965.
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The paintings are poetic explorations of the deep rooted relationship we have with Nature. The work visually embodies the emotional realm and serves as a reminder of our inherent connection to Earth. Things we can not necessarily see, but feel deeply within.
Robert Green Fine Arts, established 1969, exhibits primarily painterly, abstract expressive work by painters that thoroughly take advantage of the sensually evocative nature of color and form.
February 2021. We don’t think anyone could have imagined the amount of change in our country and county in the last 365 days. As this issue goes to the printers, the 20,000 members of our National Guard are standing (and sleeping) at the Capitol Building awaiting the transfer of Presidential power, which will include the Bay Area’s Kamala Harris as the first female and the first woman of color in the role of Vice President. Many of the usual February events have also changed: the Oscars have been moved to April, the Super Bowl will be watched within pods. Valentine’s Day is still on the calendar, but due to social distancing concerns we are being cautious, hence on page 24, Christina Mueller has collected a few take-out options around the Bay Area. At the moment, restaurants are not open for dine-in service; however, we hope by the time this is delivered to your homes, the voices of Peter Schumacher of Buckeye, La Playa and Bungalow 44, and many other restaurant owners have been heard, and our local restaurants will be allowed to safely open their patios to customers.Onepositive to come out of 2020 is the awareness of racial inequities across the country and especially here in Marin, a famously homogenous county — as in 85 percent white, according to recent Census data. Inspired by the BLM signs and sentiments across the county, we took a look at how we could shine a brighter light on our entire community more consistently. In other words, we vowed to add more people of color in our pages. On that note, and in time for Black History Month, another February event that has not changed, we are excited to share a few stories we think you’ll appreciate. First off, we are honored to showcase Alicia Garza, who grew up in Tiburon and is the co-creator of #BlackLivesMatter and the Black Lives Matter Global Network. She has just published a book, The Purpose of Power: How We Come Together When We Fall Apart (buy it!). We also introduce you to Bishlam Bullock, a third-generation Marin City resident, who owns and runs Salon B in San Rafael with his wife Amy. We are honored to share the
story of his family’s life in Marin. And finally, we introduce you to Anita Darden Gardyne, who grew up across the bay and credits her teacher from Sausalito for opening her eyes and mind to the world. She shares her story of creating a concierge care company that services the Bay Area.
We hope that you enjoy reading this issue as much we enjoyed creating the content for you. There is even more available on our robust online platforms, where we make learning about and supporting the best in our beloved Marin and Bay Area communities effortless. Click through to shop local and support brands that make the world a better place. On that note — did you know that we also facilitate fundraising campaigns for partner nonprofits? For instance, at the end of 2020, California Wildfires Fund was able to raise $29,747, which was matched by Make It Better Media’s 25,000 matching grant campaign. Furthermore, we not only write about thought leaders, we create opportunities for you to interact with and learn more from them in webinars like “Expert Tips to Become Your Best Self, Be Kind to Your Mind: Mental Health in a Pandemic” and “Be Well, Stay Well: What You Need to Know to Stay Ahead of Chronic Pain.”
Thank you for your contributions via social network comments and submissions that facilitate a vibrant dialogue about this unique, beautiful place that we are all blessed to call home. Your concern and ideas give everyone more hope for the future, and we look forward to hearing from you.
The Team at Marin Magazine Marin’s Black History and More... Susan B. Noyes, Founder & Publisher, Make It Better Media GroupDriving through Marin County, there’s no shortage of Black Lives Matter signs adorning front lawns, store fronts and the back windshields. As a San Rafael resident with an Ethnic Studies degree from the University of California at Berkeley, I felt compelled to look into where we stand on the topic. While this demonstrative outpouring comes as no surprise in our liberal leaning community, it stands in stark contrast to our highly white enclave — the county is 71% white according to the latest US Census Bureau findings — symbolic of the inflection point we have reached with race relations in America.
In 2018, Governor Gavin Newsom approved a plan making ethnic studies a graduation requirement at the college level throughout the California State University system. In fact, California has been on the front lines of this educational push. Berkeley and San Francisco Unified have led the charge — the former has mandated ethnic studies for all 9th graders since 1991, while the latter has offered ethnic studies courses at the high school level for over a decade. One tactic: mandating social justice, ethnic studies and civic leadership into core curriculum.
So what are Marin County high schools doing in light of the national protests and BLM move ment? Administrators agree that introducing ethnic studies — and concepts about structural racism and social justice — are essential learn ing today. At the moment, ethnic studies, the interdisciplinary study of race, ethnicity and indigeneity with a focus on the experiences of people of color, is offered as an elective, says Dr. Kimberlee Armstrong, Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services at the Tamalpais District (which includes ten districts). Armstrong is part of a task force developing a curriculum called, “An Examination of Race in the United States,”
for grades 10-12. Once approved by the school board, it will be required for all students to graduate.
Interestingly, demographics that include el ementary schools are different: 56% of the stu dent body are white. “It’s more important than ever to prepare students for an increasingly diverse world,. says founder of the Marin-based social justice organization E3, Dr. JuanCarlos Arauz, who is also Director of Equity Inclusion at independent Marin County high school. “Fact is, talking about diversity, race, is beneficial for all students.”Heshould know. JuanCarlos happens to be the Director of Equity Inclusion at independent Marin County high school, The Branson School, as well. JuanCarlos, whose objective is to identify ways for Branson to be more “equitable and inclusive,” brought the renowned Princeton University Professor, activist and philosopher Dr. Cornel West to the campus last year for a conversation about community. Dr. West and noted speaker and scholar-activist Bakari Kitwana, spoke to a full house of parents and students at the campus auditorium. The moving event (I was in attendance) in his words, “was
an attempt to redefine student achievement to not be solely about good grades and test scores that compare one another.
Armstrong says the approach is comprehensive, and that recruitment and retention of teachers of color is also a priority for the district. It’s estimated that 89% of the teachers in Marin are white, so training and professional development on how to teach the material is part of the initiative, as well.
A small sampling of Marin parents I spoke with say they support this education. Cherie Slane of San Anselmo, who is white and a mother of two elementary school kids in the district, says she would like for this curriculum to start before high“There’sschool.an illiteracy about race in Marin, in part because we live in a bubble,” says Slane. “The world is so different today,” adding that she sometimes augments her children's school learning with books and films about the civil rights movement or Maya Angelou. “I want my children to learn about important historical and current figures of color.”
A mother of a mixed race student at San Domenico High School, who wanted to remain anonymous, says she is very happy with the efforts the school has made to address race and social justice issues. Especially because prior to this her son attended a public school in Mill Valley where there was virtually no instruction or discussions about race.
“Students build amazing skills like innovation, adaptability, critical thinking when we deeply engage with others different than ourselves,” says JuanCarlos. “We know that all students will benefit from being able to interact in a diverse world, and those who aren’t pre pared will be left behind.
Our top Instagram post last month was by Max Depatie, @maxsposure. “Mount Tamalpais is never a bad place to be to catch a gorgeous view of the Pacific Ocean or pointing south towards San Francisco. This view above the long sweeping coastline of Stinson caught my eye due to the warm lights of the houses contrasting with blue hour.” Want to see your photo in print? Tag us @marinmagazine with your best snap.
Do you receive our weekly Better Letter? It’s filled with ideas for weekend fun and then some. Sign up for our e-newsletters at marinmagazine.com/newsletters and follow us online.
We paused for a moment and remembered what the restaurant industry has lost in Marin. This post received an outpouring of comments from the community about the loss of chef Todd Shoberg.
A round up of this month’s newest eats, drinks, other happenings in and around the county. This story received over 400 likes on Instagram.
Writer Sabrina Tuton-Filson talked to local organization gurus Shira Gill, Holly Blakey and Cary Fortin and shared their insights so you can have a clutter-free 2021. This post was one of our most widely shared on Instagram. 4
December was a lot different this year. This monthly roundup was filled with fun events happening around the Bay Area that you could still participate in and received over 1,000 views in a day.
Dan Hostetler, Executive Director Above and Beyond Family Recovery Center, John T. Walkup, MD, Chair, Pritzker Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago
Learn about how the landscape of Mental Health Care has changed in the pandemic and what you can do to take care of your mental health.
February
Brian Su, Medical Director of
Learn about the simple can
February
Check out on:
Marin is resilient, pushing through pandemic related shelter-in-place orders and all manner of difficulties to keep people working and businesses running. Despite some shuttered storefronts, San Anselmo is charging ahead, working to keep the town’s character intact and its downtown bustling. Benvenuto Salon, an institution in town, recently celebrated its 40th anniversary. A new “extension” of Creek Park includes a hand-washing station and plenty of well-spaced picnic tables to facilitate safe outdoor dining. To keep the momentum going, the Chamber of Commerce, via the San Anselmo Community Foundation, distributed $45,000 in $1,000 grants each, to businesses that committed to staying open. “The balance of the money raised will be used for a marketing campaign to promote our great town,” says Chamber member, Benedetto Cico. The below businesses and more are recent arrivals in town.
For more information on the San Anselmo Recovery Fund, please visit: sananselmofund.org.
Serving the community he loves was the idea that eventually became DG Cafe. But when Covid hit, owner and San Anselmo resident Clive Nisse turned the idea into reality, defying
customizable and the picnic packages are, yes, designed for eating outside. A new takeout window makes takeout a snap. dgcafe.co
BY CHRISTINA MUELLERgravity (get it?) to open this sliver of a restaurant. Sandwiches are named for local landmarks (Mt. Baldy, Creek Park), salads are
New owner Jukreewat (Jackie) Suthon added outdoor patio space, a sleekly painted exterior and a new ordering system as part of a complete remodel of The Baan Thai res taurant. Reopened in late November, the restaurant’s menu still sports familiar plates of corn cakes, Crying Tiger salad and mango sticky rice for dessert. Newer dishes on the extensive menu include housemade fresh spring rolls and steamed dumplings. thebaanthaicuisine.com
Though Cucina sa has been a fixture in town for many years, a new heated parklet on the adjacent bridge and heated parklet on San Anselmo Avenue provide ample opportunity to enjoy the wood-fired pizzas and handmade pastas for which the restaurant is known. cucina-sa.com
The work of owner Kris Galmarini, Longway doesn’t just sell ethi cally and sustainably made women's and men's clothing crafted in California and Peru.
The store is a community space featuring artists and designers who share a belief in creativity.productionpurposefulandhumanGrabacupof
coffee, eat a poke bowl and celebrate the slow in fashion, art and life by lounging for a while in their parklet or, when Covid desists, on the wide couch at the back. longwaycalifornia.com
Ross native Nora Narbutas wanted to support the design.heropportunityItmoremunitytogetherCovidsuredexperiencelocally-ownedfamily-friendlyvibrant,anddowntownthatshetrea-inheryouth.Whenstruck,standingwithhercom-becameevenimportant.alsopresentedantopursuedreamofinteriorSheopened
Curate to madewhich,women-ownedcelebratedesigns,alongwithhand-andsmall-batch
items, are at the heart of her store’s collection. curatestudio.com
Opening a gift and stationery store was a business idea that The Sassy Post owners and Corte Madera residents Liz Brusseau and Colleen Day-Flynn kept com ing back to. Covid gave them time and a space to make the dream a reality. Look for beautiful cards and gift wrap alongside an assortment of sea sonal gift items. The duo aims to host events in the hopefully soon-to-be post-Covid world. thesassypost.com
After closing her loft space above Black Rabbit Trading Co. on the San Anselmo/Fairfax border when Covid hit in March, owner Belinda Wickwire saw a spike in Instagram sales for her epony mously named jewelry company. Quickly recog nizing the importance of a storefront location as a long-term strategy, she sought a bigger space and reopened downtown.
Known for toricaladornmentsbejeweledwithahistwist, Belinda Wickwire Jewelry fuses the antique with the modern for a new take on heirlooms. belindawickwirejewelry.com
While these brave resaturants have opened up dur ing the pandemic, sadly we’ve lost some of the good ones this year. Read about those who didn’t make it at marinmagazine.com/restaurant-closures.
New in Town is an ongoing bulletin on new businesses throughout the Bay Area. Are you or someone you know opening a new business? We want to hear about it! Email christina@makeitbetter.com.
DG Cafe CurateEmpowering Lives. Restoring Families.
Is your teen or young adult child experiencing grief, fear, and loneliness? Are they struggling with their self-esteem, and feeling isolated and unable to move forward? We can help.
Newport Healthcare provides the highest-quality mental healthcare for teens, young adults, and families who are experiencing trauma, depression, anxiety, and behavioral issues. We treat the underlying causes of self-destructive behaviors such as substance abuse, internet gaming disorder, and eating disorders. locations in California and throughout the country provide a full continuum of care, with a focus on strengthening families, guiding young people to build resilience and self-worth, and providing support for parents. Informed by third-party outcomes research, our integrated approach is founded in compassion and unconditional love. newporthealthcare.com
At MarinHealth® Cardiovascular Medicine we take pride in delivering comprehensive, collaborative cardiovascular care. Our board-certified experts have decades of collective experience in cardiovascular medicine, interventional cardiology, electrophysiology, structural heart disease, and advanced heart failure. In addition to advanced diagnostic and testing services, we have created highly successful programs in preventive cardiology, comprehensive cardiac imaging, catheter-based procedures for artery blockages and valve dysfunction, and advanced arrhythmia
Procedurestherapies.areperformed in our state-of-the-art operating suites in the new Oak Pavilion at MarinHealth Medical Center. Designated by Healthgrades as one of the America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Cardiac Care, the Medical Center provides access to sophisticated treatments and technology. You can count on us for cardiovascular care that doesn’t miss a beat. Learn more at MyMarinHealth.org/Heart
Sonoma 651 First Street West, Suite L 1-707-935-1470
Novato 75 Rowland Way, Suite 250 1-415-878-2910
Larkspur 2 Bon Air Road, Suite 100 1-415-927-0666
Benedict Ancock, MD, MPH, FACC
Adam Baumgarten, MD, FACC
Sujoya Dey, MD, FACC
Amy Gin, MD, FACC
Vivek Iyer, MD, MSE, FHRS
Ann K. Kao, MD, FACC
Brian G. Keeffe, MD, FACC
Deborah Leal, MSN,RN,NP-C
Ramon Partida, MD, FACC, FSCAI
Arun K. Raghupathy, MD, FACC
Alex Rainow, MD
Ines Sherifi, MD, MSc
Kabir Singh, MD, FACC
Anand V. Soni, MD, FACC
Robert T. Sperling, MD, FACC
Anita D. Szady, MD, FACC
Mark P. Wexman, MD, FACC
NOTE: Not all providers see patients at all locations.
BY KASIA PAWLOWSKA
Since February is American Heart Month, we decided to check in with local trainers of varying disciplines to get the scoop on their top workouts and meals for ultimate heart health.
BY KASIA
This is super adaptable for anyone. Choose any 5 moves and complete 1 minute at each station for 3 rounds including rest. Example: Burpees, Lunges, Sit-ups, Squats, Plank, Rest.
Favorite heart-healthy meal: I do most of my cooking at home; however, when I want a hearthealthy treat I get the vegan Garden of Love Light pizza from Tony Tutto Pizza.
Class link/streaming info: We have outdoor classes seven days a week, multiple times a day, which are also available as Zoom classes. tamcrossfit.com
Well, I am biased towards intelligent and efficient movement, so I would have to say the Pilates Jumpboard/Reformer is the best for cardio and an optimized head-to-toe workout.
Favorite heart-healthy meal: My days are jam-packed, so I go next door to Piazza D’Angelo for their Pan Seared Sole and Spinach for a late lunch or dinner to-go.
Class link/streaming info: We are open and offer classes — privates, duets and trios — daily on our covered and heated decks under the redwoods in Downtown Mill Valley. fitwisepilates.com
I’m a cyclist and own Pelo Fitness, so it’s no surprise that my go-to healthy-heart workout is on a bike. But a 30 minute HIIT class or 4 hours on the road — love ‘em both!
Favorite heart-healthy meal: I eat fish several times a week, it’s been my only meat for 25 years. The Kitchen Table always has an awesome fish of the day and I can walk there.
Class link/streaming info: Pelo Fitness has classes outside and online seven days a week. pelofitness.com
Hiking up hills is my favorite cardio workout, especially Ring Mountain and Mount Burdell. If you can’t get to a hill, add mountain climbers into a Power Yoga sequence like this one: Downdog, Plank, Mountain climbers, Chattaranga push ups, Forearm plank, Dolphin.
Favorite heart-healthy meal: Beet juice is great for heart health. I buy ingredients fresh from the Marin Farmers’ Market on both Sundays and Thursdays. Use fresh raw beets, fresh blueberries and/or raspberries, kale or spinach, pars ley, ginger and filtered water.
Class link/streaming info: I teach a virtual class on Sundays through Sukha Yoga, an in-person class on the tennis courts at Rolling Hills Club on Saturdays and am available for outdoor private sessions. kristenaddicks.com
Get inspired — find more ideas for getting in shape marinmagazine.com/fitness.at
Yes, Air Protein. It sounds like something out of a sci ence fiction movie. But this Berkeley-based company says otherwise. Using a proprietary process, they make meat with air-based protein that is produced without using any traditional farming methods. On top of that, the food is made in a matter of hours not months, and isn’t dependent on weather conditions and seasons. Scientists say it will be ready by 2022. airprotein.com
• BOTNIA
Do you ever think about why we don’t treat what we’re putting on our bodies like what we’re putting inside them? The founders of Botnia clearly have. This organic skincare company grows the plants used in its products on its
own microfarm in Sausalito. Started by a seasoned esthetician and a Stanford-trained scientist, each ingredient is chosen due to its safe, anti-in flamma tory characteristics and is crafted in small batches in their lab. Find Botnia at Drivers Market in Sausalito and online. botniaskincare.com
At this point most of us have heard about the dangers of carbon emissions as well as the rallying cries to change our current food system.
With these thoughts in mind, San Francisco-based Hooray Foods is rolling out a plant-based sub stitute for a beloved American staple — bacon. Their version is minimally processed and made with a mix of umami and salty, smok y flavors with a hint of sweet ness, much like the real thing. Look
for it in your local Whole Foods. hoorayfoods.com
Lemons are one of the most versatile kitchen staples — great in drinks, vinaigrettes, most dishes, really. What isn’t great is digging their seeds out. That’s a thing of the past, however, thanks to the aptly named Wonderful Seedless Lemons. Originally from Australia, these lemons are now grown in Kern County and are naturally seedless and Non-GMO Project Veri fied. They are slightly larger, rounder, thinner-skinned and juicier than regular lemons, but taste and smell just like their seedy brethren aside from that. wonderfulseedlesslemons.co. KP
Marin County has been busy making many climate change-friendly improvements in an effort to lower its carbon footprint. Committed to sus tainability and environmental preservation for years, the County’s behind-the-scenes work to meet their Climate Action Plan goals has not been slowed by the pan demic. Recently, the Department of Public Works installed 31 new charging stations for public use at the Civic Center, bringing the total public stations at the campus to 45 — a significant feat since the County’s first Toyota Prius purchase in 2002. Inefficient gas-powered vehicles in the fleet have been phased out with eco-friendly alternatives
whenever possible and gas-powered leaf blowers, mowers, brush cutters, hedgers, saws, other landscape equipment and small off-road engines are being replaced with zeroemission options. Steps like these as well as promoting fuel-efficient vehicle purchases and commute alternatives for employees aim to meet the Climate Action Plan for 2030. Here are some other numbers about the County’s work. marincounty.org. KP
One of today’s most influential voices on equality, Alicia Garza — political strategist, organizer, author and Marin native — shares her insights on what it takes to create change in her new book, The Purpose of Power: How We Come Together When We Fall Apart
BY JESSICA GLIDDON
Alicia Garza wrote what she called, “a love letter to Black people,” in the aftermath of the murder of Trayvon Martin, and her statement, “Black people, I love you. I love us. Our lives matter,” helped set the stage #BlackLivesMatter.forHer
achievements since then are innumerable: she is Principal of the Black Futures Lab, whose mission is to make Black communities powerful in politics, a founder of the Black Lives Matter Global Network, which is an international organizing project to end state violence and oppression against Black people, as well as the Strategy & Partnerships Director for the National Domestic Workers Alliance — the nation’s premier voice for millions of domestic workers — and the co-founder of Supermajority, a home for women’s activism. She was even listed in Time’s 100 Women of the Year in 2020.
Delving into the history of the country, the movements she has supported and her own story, her fi rst book is a fascinating look into how change is created.
What motivated you to write this book and what do you hope it can achieve? My hope is that this book helps others get inspired to become a part of the change you want to see in the world. My book is all about how to build movements that can put more power into the hands of more people. I’ve been doing work to change the world for the last 20 years, and the questions that I hear from people are always the same — how did we get here? How can I get involved? What’s my role in making change
happen? How do I get started? How can I turn a hashtag into a movement?
I hope that this book helps provide some answers to those questions, using my own experiences as a reference point. In so many ways, this is the book that I would have wanted when I wa s fi rst getting started!
How do you think growing up in Marin and the Bay Area shaped your experience and informed your ideas? Growing up in Marin, I often felt like the “other,” being the daughter of a Black mother and a Jewish stepfather. I grew up in a community that was very homogenous in a lot of ways, and that had a profound impact on how I shaped my own identity as a Black woman. It really made me grounded in being different, rather than ashamed of it or fear ful of it. Growing up here, race wasn’t talked about, except through euphemisms about who belonged and who didn’t, who was worthy and who wasn’t, and I think that has shaped why I am so insistent that we need to address the ele phant in the room. My parents lived in Tiburon for more than 20 years, and my mother would get pulled over relatively often, getting asked about where she was going and where she lived. Quite a few times, my dad had to intervene.
Growing up here also gave me a very interesting perspective on class and wealth, and the stories we tell each other about each other. My partner grew up in a working-class family and environment, and would often tell me their stories about what they think wealthy people do, and whether or not wealthy people had any of the same problems as working class people do, and I would laugh and say that yes, they’re much of the same problems except there’s money to hide it better! Growing up in Marin taught me a lot about what it means to
look behind, beneath and around the corner, and it made me fascinated with the study of people — how they work, what shapes them and what drives them. This is all necessary for the project of social change. Getting to know who people are and what they care about is at the center of all great organizing.
Your book is written from a personal perspective. What was the journey like for you writing it, and why did you decide to take this approach? Writing your personal story is an incredibly vulnerable act, more so than I thought it would be. But ultimately, I wanted this book to be something that people could relate to and learn from, and so it felt important to be brave enough to share my own story of how I have come to be who I am, so that others can share their stories too, and learn from those stories. I really want people to know that to create change, you don’t have to be someone who is out of the ordinary, exceptional, charismatic, all those things. To create change, you just have to be someone who cares about what is happening in the world and has decided that you’re going to do something about it. I hope my story inspires others to take that next step.
Want to read more books related to social justice? Find Alicia’s list of recommended reads at marinmagazine.com/alicia-garza.Celebrate Valentine’s Day with these sure-to-please gifts from Bay Area businesses.
BY KASIA PAWLOWSKAMarin Gear Shop Towns Series Short Sleeve T-Shirt, $23 – $27, maringearshop.com
You love your town, so share that love! This super-soft, baby-knit t-shirt looks great on both men and women and fits like a well-loved favorite. 100% cotton, except for heather colors.
Heath Ceramics Box and Stopper Vase, $295, heathceramics.com
A mini-vase in two parts — box and stopper — intersects art and function. This textured sculptural piece is art unto itself, yet transforms for playful floral arrangement any which way.
Chocolate from a Bay Area chocolatier — Alter Eco, Dandelion Chocolate, Poco Dolce and others.
Flowers from one of Marin’s local florists — Bloomingayles (pictured), Kate’s Blossoms, Rafael Florist, Marin Floral Studio and more.
Gift card for a future massage or facial to a local spa — Resonance Marin, Evo Spa, Eva Claiborne, Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spa, Cavallo Point (pictured) and more.
Patagonia Provisions
Organic Moloka’i Honey, $18, patagoniaprovisions.com
This honey is exceptionally pure, with hints of toasted brown sugar and caramel. It comes from Moloka’i, where bees are protected from toxins and pests linked to pollinator declines.
EO Essential Oils Bubble Bath Eucalyptus & Arnica, $13, eoproducts.com
Give tired muscles some bubbly TLC. Relax and release tension with herbal, sharp eucalyptus pure essential oil blended with soothing arnica extract.
Warm Things Hampden Woven Chenille Berkshire Throw, $27, sonline.comwarmthing This bymeasurescolorsinlovedTheaccentthrowknittedbeautifullychenilleisalovelyinanyroom.perfectgiftforones,itcomesfourearthtoneand50”60”.
Looking for more local gifting gems? Find all you need at marinmagazine.com/ shop-local.
*check with stores for availability and pricing
It is said that love will find a way, an irrepressible force that will not be subsumed by Covid. So we looked around for experiences where a duo might hold hands over (or under) the table, out in the real world and at home. As ever, our choices support local businesses and our community. Please confirm with each establishment their most current dining availability and operating hours.
BY CHRISTINADate Night Surf & Turf Turn any night into a Valentine’s celebration with a range of menu options at Novato’s Novato Vino. Small bites like lobster sliders or a signature flatbread topped with wild mushrooms and goat cheese are easily paired with a glass of wine from the international wine list. And the Date Night Surf & Turf, the New York steak cooked as you like it, the garlic prawns napped in lemon butter, makes for a classic take on a classic holiday. 1535-E South Novato Blvd, Novato, novatovino.com
St. Valentine’s Tea and Tasting Dinner A new cov ered patio in front of San Francisco’s Proper Hotel brings the indoors out for onsite restaurant, Villon. It is the place to experience a special edition of their afternoon tea (in-person only), featuring caviar bites, mini sandwiches and chocolates as well as hot cocoa bombs. Placed in a china cup, these bombs “explode” to reveal marshmallows and hot cocoa mix. Stay (or order takeout) for chef Jason Fox’s five course tast ing menu, including spot prawns with hazelnuts and herbs and duck with quince and chestnut honey. 1100 Market St, San Francisco, properhotel.com
Fried Chicken Picnic Chef Casey Thompson put together a special menu just for the day that is designed for a picnic from this new restaurant within Cornerstone Sonoma marketplace. Lay out the included blanket, then pop the cork on a bottle of bubbly while nibbling on Passmore Ranch caviar (with set-up) and mini biscuits. Finish with hot
chile-honey fried chicken and quick-pickled cucum bers. After all, a bird this finger-lickin’ good is best enjoyed in the great outdoors. 23584 Arnold Drive, Sonoma, folktable.com
Valentine’s Day falls on a Sunday this year, making it the best year ever to snag a hot table for brunch. Though West Coast Wine and Cheese’s Mill Valley space remains closed, they are accepting reservations for dining at their new parklet in San Francisco’s Cow Hollow neighborhood. Chef Callan Borelli (Petit Crenn, Cotogna) designed a welcom ing menu of steak and eggs and avocado toast with
Ghiringhelli’s Novato Vino
Proper Patio
prosciutto, but the “secret” order is the so-called Mimosa Special, a glass of Petillant Naturale of 2020 Gamay Noir from Hollyhock Lodge in Santa Barbara. “It drinks like a well-made mimosa,” says owner Chris Wanner. 2165 Union St, San Francisco, westcoastsf.com
Wine and Chocolate Pairing Though in-person experiences will not be available at the shop on Valentine’s Day, there will be chocolate! Look for chocolates paired with champagne such as an R.H. Coutier Blanc de Blancs Brut Champagne and a bag of Godiva dark chocolate ganache hearts. 906 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, San Anselmo, jillieswine.com
Hanson
With in-person tast ings likely delayed until March at its Sausalito and Sonoma tasting rooms, Hanson will be doing virtual cocktail making classes, pairings and kits. Available for delivery or curbside pickup, Hanson’s Boysenberry Rose Cocktail Kit includes Hanson Original Vodka, recipes, cocktail-making ingre dients, two engraved Hanson coup glasses and Kollar chocolate truffles. 669 Bridgeway, Sausalito, hansonofsonoma.com
Still not sure what to get your loved one? Find more inspired ideas for Valentine’s at marinmagazine. com/valentines.
Small business owner and third-generation Marin City resident shares his story.
BY KIRSTEN JONES NEFF
Most Marin County residents have little fi rst-hand knowledge of Marin City, the tiny hamlet of just over 3,000 people — in a county of about 260,000 — tucked into the base of the Marin Headlands east of Sausalito. Some know only the Wikipedia snapshot — Marin City was established to house 6,000 Marinship shipyard workers during World War II, it is the only predominantly Black neighborhood in Marin County, and Tupac Shakur lived there in his teens — but not much else. Almost 80 years after William and Clara Bullock moved from Louisiana and settled into the dormitorystyle worker housing in the flatlands of this enclave, their grandson, Bishlam Bullock, owner of Salon B in San Rafael, spoke with us about his family’s history and his experience growing up as part of one of the original multigenerational families of Marin City.
You are a third generation Marin City resident. Tell me how your family settled here. My grandfather, William L. Bullock, was from Monroe, Louisiana. In the early 1940s he heard there were jobs and a lot of money in the Bay Area around the shipyards that were building Liberty Ships for the war, so he came to Sausalito. He worked in the shipyard as well as various other jobs that he created on his own. One thing I want to point out is that there is an idea that everyone “decided” to move to the Bay to create a better life. Well, no, they were actually fleeing the South and a terrible life there — Jim Crow laws and racism. They were smart enough and had enough will to get the hell out of a place that was torturous for them. It just happened to be that the money was also better here as well. After seeing the opportunity here, my grandfather even went back to Monroe and brought back other families — the Halls, and his brother’s family, the Joneses. They al l flourished and we are all still friends and all over Marin City today. The Harris family is a family who became friends with my grandparents here in Marin City, and we are also still interconnected with the Harris family today.
What was your grandfather like? Well, when my grandfather came to California he was just a working
guy — working and drinking, acting up. He’d go to the city, to pool halls, and drink and smoke. The story that he told my grandmother is that he got really messed up one night and passed out on some train tracks. He heard the train and got up right before the train hit him, and he said that
was when he found God. He became a pastor in Marin City and started his own church, the Bethesda Church of God and Christ. My grandmother, Clara Bullock, thought he was crazy at fi rst — she said she was going to pack up her bags and go back to Monroe. But he took her to church one day and that was when she also got saved and found God.
Where did your grandparents live? When they fi rst came to Marin City, the worker’s housing was dormitory style in the flats, where the Gateway Shopping Center and apart ments are now. Everybody lived in those dormitories. It was a mass experiment — it didn’t matter what your race was, everybody working in the shipyard lived there and worked there. My grandparents stayed there until a devel oper began building homes up on the hills. My grandfather had become a pastor and he also had a janitorial service and worked as a janitor in government buildings in the city, plus a side hustle cleaning local stores and other busi nesses on the weekends. Through these jobs he had built his income and had enough money to put a down payment on the Buckelew house. In fact, my grandfather had enough money to also put a down payment on a house he was looking at in Tiburon, but he was red-lined (restricted by racist real estate covenants), so he couldn’t buy property in Tiburon or Mill Valley or anywhere other than Marin City — even though he could qualif y fi nancially. So he bought the house on Buckelew Street that is still in our family.
He heard the train and got up right before the train hit him, and he said that was when he found God.grandfatherBishlam’s
Tell me about your mother and her siblings. My mother was a sweet, sweet, sweet lady who unfortunately passed away from ovarian cancer in 2012. My grandparents had six children and my mother, Terrie Bullock, was the youngest. She grew up in the house on Buckelew, and my older sister Kianga and I were raised there too. My mother graduated from Tam High and worked as a secretary for various companies. She also was the secretary of my grandfather’s church, sometimes the treasurer, and she ran various youth programs in theMychurch.mother’s brother, my uncle James Bullock, was a major part of my generation’s lives growing up, and he became a surrogate father after my grandfather passed away. He had gone to Tamalpais High and then studied at College of Marin and was an educated and articulate person, very well-read, a chess player and an activist. He and Walter Turner, who is now a professor of history at College of Marin, were best friends who were involved with the Marin chapter of the Black Panthers. There was a mystique about my uncle, knowing about his activities with the Black Panthers. Later, he also represented the disappointments of that era, eventually not being the best version of himself. We learned a lot from him — how to be strong and articulate and to debate, and we also learned unconditional love because he wasn’t always easy to be around. We witnessed great people, like my uncle, who battled and got bruised in that era, and became something else.
What was it like growing up in Marin City in the 1970s and ‘80s? Marin City, for me, was an island. It was predomi nantly Black people and I had free rein to be and do as I pleased. I had zero fear of negative things happening to me in terms of racism. You didn’t think about scary things happening to you — you just lived there. And it was unique because I also had white friends, many of whom were “houseboat kids.” Many white kids were on the same economic level as me, or were lower income, and then some of the white kids from Sausalito were wealthy, but their parents speci fically put them in school with us in Marin City so they had a liberal sensibility. It was peace ful. We played Little League and Pop Warner football and there wasn’t a question of race. Because my grandfather had done well, I was middle class, and I didn’t really know about being poor.
Was there a time when your perspective changed. Yes, when I was young I had thought I had free rein in the whole county, but as I got older and started to go beyond Marin City, I realized things like you don’t go to Tiburon because they might pull you over just for being there. In
In fact, my grandfather had enough money to put a downpayment on a house he was looking at in Tiburon, but he was red-lined (restricted by racist real estate covenants), so he couldn’t buy property in Tiburon or Mill Valley or anywhere other than Marin City — even though he could qualify financiallygrandmotherBishlam’s
fact, my grandfather had janitorial contracts with some of the clothing retailers in downtown Tiburon and we would go to clean at night. My job was to pick up push pins and whatnot. We used to clean at one store, a high-end clothing place that had one of those black lawn jockey statues from the South out front. I will always remember that and my grandfather being very cautious in Tiburon as we drove through at night.
Did you know Tupac Shakur? Yes, Tupac and I went to high school together. It was a brief moment, but I knew Tupac well. I dated his sister, and I introduced Tupac to my cousin Amani who was in the rap group called 51.50. I hung out with Tupac when he fi rst landed in Marin City. He came out from New York to stay with his godmother, Linda Pratt, who was the wife of Black Panther leader Geronimo Pratt. She worked at Tam High when I was in high school and I knew her well, so she introduced me to Tupac. He was part of street life, and he was also an academic and an artist. I will tell you, even before he became anything, when Tupac walked into a room, he commanded the stage. You couldn’t quite understand it; he had a di fferent, unique kind of energy around him.
Today, as the owner of Salon B, you are the only Blackowned storefront on 4th Street in San Rafael. How did you come to own your own salon? I have dyslexia and academics were arduous for me. I had a daughter and wanted to provide for her, so was doing any and every job — McDonald’s, Mervyn’s, car washes. I used to walk by a beauty school in San Rafael and talk to the girls, and one day one of the instructors said, “Hey, you’ve got to get out of here!” Then she said, “Have you ever thought about beauty school?” and told me about a scholarship opportunity through a regional occupational program. After I graduated I worked at DiPietro Todd for four years, and then Shylocks of 5th Avenue before I got my own small shop. I met my wife, Amy Bullock, supported her as she went through beauty school, and we opened Salon B. My mother got to see me open my business. She was super proud. She would come in and just sit in the salon sometimes.
Marin is one of the most segregated counties in the U.S. How do you reconcile the mostly wonderful life you describe growing up in Main City with the reality of segregation and economic disparity? The way I reconcile this is that I recognize that every Black experience is individual. The public housing, the poverty and welfare checks, just five minutes away from me in Marin City, was a di fferent universe. Black kids in my middle-class economic circumstances, we were kind of asleep to the world of racism. Our
parents and grandparents sometimes put a protective shield around us because they wanted us to experience life as an individual, and pursue academics. They chose to stay in Marin because they wanted us to live in this place of beauty, surrounded by foliage and nature. They had seen so much destruction that they wanted to move beyond the Civil Rights movement. In the ’90s we were focused on Black Power and the BSU’s (Black Student Unions) were opening their doors, and we were encouraged to go to Black universities. So really, we were asleep. This was the case for me. Recently, when the George Floyd stuff appened, it was an awakening. I felt activated. I have reaped the rewards of things my parents fought for and I was asleep to terrible realities. Many of us have realized that we need to take our education and our resources and get involved and start speaking out.
I will tell you, even before he became anything, when Tupac walked into a room, he commanded the stage.Bishlam’s mother: 3rd from left Businesses like Bishlam’s Salon B need support during the pandemic — read about others like his at marinmagazine.com/beauty.
CEO and co-founder of Onēva Concierge Care, an in-home care company available in 13 Bay Area counties, shares her struggle and solutions to managing a husband, a home, two children and a career.
BY ANITA DARDEN GARDYNE
GROWING UP IN RICHMOND, CALIFORNIA, during the late 1960s, I had the best childhood any girl could pray for, with mom and dad caring for my seven siblings and me. My earliest memories include long drives through out the Bay Area on Sunday afternoons with my parents and assorted set of siblings in our 1970 olive green Cadillac DeVille. Sometimes we’d go to Alameda Beach, other times Playland at the Beach or the San Francisco Zoo. The best rides ended with a drive over the Golden Gate Bridge and into Marin, before heading back to Richmond. Always visible in our background, images of Marin dotted my childhood and I’ve always loved the view of the beautiful county from the East Bay. Seeing it brings me a warmth only rivaled by a bowl of Mama’s chili on a cold school day. I was inspired to live with that view after early exposure to the hills of Sausalito in the early ‘70s. And all because a Marinite chose to do good and to do well.
As a student in a predominantly Black public elementary school near our family home, the late ‘60s and ‘70s brought a lot of change in the Bay Area. Always an ecosystem of communities that vibe in motion, change was afoot from Berkeley to SF to Marin. In kindergarten, girls were allowed to wear pants and the hope for more diversity thrived in a real way. I am one of the lucky ones where the schools, teachers, parents, business and others collaborated and actively advocated for learning environments where kids like me were taught to believe that with deter mination, grit and solid preparation, we could accomplish anything.
For me, diversity truly entered my lexicon when Mrs. Gubman, a Caucasian teacher from Sausalito, became my 5th and then 6th grade teacher. As I mentioned earlier, she chose to use her talent to do good and do well. She unknowingly taught me a lifelong lesson that still carries me to this day. She was a mom to a toddler, working as a full-time teacher across the Bridge. Even at my young age, I could see the challenges she faced balancing her career and caring for her son. After two years, she left teaching to stay home and raise her little boy. I understood the sacri fice she made in choosing to care for her family over her career. It’s amazing the unintended lessons children learn just from being exposed to life styles and challenges di fferent from their own. At 12, I never imagined that some 30 years later I would face the struggle of managing a husband, home, son and career just like Mrs. Gubman. It was the beginning of a pattern that helped me see there was an unmet need for care by families.
Similarly, throughout my childhood, mom and dad joined field trips and drove us kids to Sausalito — they were ever present caring for me. Woven into our school community, mom and dad were always there to guide and lead. The notion of our providing care for them always seemed far away. But “far away” arrives much sooner than we anticipate.
The lessons that I learned during these formative years helped inspire me to build and achieve my dreams in Silicon Valley. What I never imagined was that my own life experiences would create the foundation for my busi ness, Onēva, or that my life experiences would pay forward to help so many other families in similar circumstances through the work we do.
Blessed to attend UC Berkeley starting at age 15 (in 1978) through an early STEM program, I gained life-changing exposure to economics and to a never imagined set of career opportunities available through the university’s Business School. Just like on that visit to Sausalito, I
was enriched by so much and so many, heightening and encouraging my drive and passion to thrive and be successful. Again, lessons learned in my early years prepared me to believe I could do anything — even be a CEO. Leaving Cal 10 years later with a BA and double majors in economics and “Economics in the Black Community,” an MBA from Haas, and an MRS degree, I knew in the back of my mind there was a large number of Baby Boomers ahead of me who would need care. I also realized a whole lot of working moms would need support for their children. What I never imagined was that I would be one needing both and at the same time.
Challenged in fi nding trusted in-home care for my son when he was born, and then again for my daughter some twelve years later, I never dreamed how hard it would be to fi nd quali fied caregivers for them and for my aging parents. Feeling no other option, just like many women and men, I sacri ficed my career and income potential to care for my family.
Fast forward to 2012. As I turned 50, I began thinking about stepping back into my career. As I actively planned a return to work, I looked at avail able care options in the marketplace in the hopes I would find a solution to help juggle the challenges of the “sandwich generation” — caring for my kids and aging parents at the same time. Blessed to have added kid number two at age 41, my daughter and my mom have a 69-year age difference. With an 8-year-old and a 77-year-old at home, any chance I had of working full time required a trusted care solution. Yet the market offered none.
TODAY, I HAVE THE PLEASURE OF OPERATING a technology platform that matches FBI background-checked in-home caregivers to customers who need them. The technology is built with enterprise-grade security and privacy in mind as protecting children, elders and pets in our care is as important as protecting customer data. My childhood foun dation gave me the courage to solve one of the biggest problems facing families, especially women, while caring for my husband, my children and my 86-year-old mother.
I am honored that Onēva Concierge Care is now available in 13 Bay coun ties, with a patent for “Trust and safety in in-home care.” By being offered as an employee benefit that makes FBI background-checked in-home caregivers available to employees, we are able to help companies provide real solutions to their employees as they strive to balance work and family responsibilities. Our technology platform was co-developed with Microsoft, based in Oakland, CA, and we are now certified as minority-owned by the Western Region Management Supplier Development Council.
Caring for my mom, kids and pets continues, and I remain blessed to juggle it all. With an OnēvaPro always ensuring mom has had breakfast, her bed and bathroom cleaned, and the knowledge she’s taken her medi cation, I’m able to breathe easier by being my own customer. In building a technology platform good enough for my mom, I built one good enough for other families.
For more information on trusted, compliant FBI-background checked housekeepers or in-home care for an infant, child, elder, pet or a house keeper, please visit oneva.com.
Support Bay Area small business owners like Anita who are giving back to community at marinmagazine.com/local-businesses.As Covid rages on, need continues to mount in the midst of social justice reform efforts, as well. We hope and pray that plans put in place by our new administration will tame the virus, develop more inclusive norms, and reignite our economy. But until then, philanthropic experts recommend that individuals and families respond similarly to foundations and other large institutions and give through a lens unique to these times to maximize impact. Here are some tips to help you with this that were presented by such experts at our recent Family Philanthropy Seminar:
BY SUSAN B. NOYES1Because nonprofits serving or led by people of color are experiencing greater stress than others, donations and collaborations that empower them can be extra impactful.
Organizations led by or serving people of color have experienced disproportionate drops in funding this past year. However, the con fluence of crises also created potential for meaningful and enduring change which help shift the paradigm toward a more conscious and equitable giving sector. Thoughtful donors and decision-makers are becoming
more inclusive and collaborative, with community members included in the process.
Donors can and should minimize due diligence and streamline application standards when organizations meet clear standards — particularly for Not For Profits (NFPs) to which you’ve given before. Moving quickly is key. Get money out the door to organizations Tips To Guide Your PHILANTHROPY
2Now is the time to aggressively review your giving standards, including mission and standards to make it easier to give to the most impactful organizations.
who will use it wisely faster. Accelerate long term or multi-year commitments and don’t make organizations apply over and over with the same information.
3Give to unrestricted general operations as much as possible.
You provide the most flexibility and support to nonprofits when your grant comes with no restrictions. These are the dollars non-profits need as they suddenly discover, for example, that they need buy laptops for all sta ff so that they can provide virtual counseling.
4Communication is critical — ask questions and listen to grantees.
Don’t tell NFPs what they need. Ask questions and listen well. If you have an exist ing relationship with an organization ask if they can spare a couple of minutes telling you what their highest needs are and what they are seeing and hearing in the community. You will become a better informed and more engaged donor, too.
5Assess your giving through a racial equity lens — and see who is missing. Black-led non-profits are consistently funded at lower levels than white-led organi zations that focus on the same issues. Latinx, Asian-Americans and Pacifi Islander commu nities are disproportionately funded, as well.
Bet ween 1999 and 2009, only 1.3 percent of all philanthropic dollars went to Latinx commu nities, while those same communities represent 18 percent of the US population. And only 0.3 percent of foundation grants target AsianAmericans and Pacific Islanders, even though they are the fastest growing demographic in most states. Fortunately, the future looks more promising. Donors and family foundations are hungry to learn and to hear those voices.
6Don’t assume that bigger is always bet ter when assessing where to give.
If you’re always funding the larger orga nizations it may be a sign that your application outreach or evaluation criteria are screening out community-based or startup organiza tions. Your donated dollars may go much further with smaller NFPs.
7Understand the difference between direct and indirect giving and creating maximum tax efficiencies.
There are three main ways to go about giving to a nonprofit:
(A ) Direct giving, which means giving money or assets directly to an operating charity.
(B) Indirect giving, which means giving money to a tax-exempt organization that’s more like a fund than a mission driven operat ing nonprofit. Private foundations are a good example of this. They provide control over investments and future grant-making, but offer the worst tax advantage going in and the most burden with respect to operating rules in the future. A donor-advised fund (DAF) on the other hand, accomplishes many of the same things a foundation does, but comes with the greatest tax advantage possible, because it’s treated just like a public charity.
(C) Split-interest giving, which places an asset or pot of assets into a trust with a charitable andnon-charitable beneficiary. The most common examples of this are charitable remainder trusts and charitable lead trusts. However, please work with professional, trusted advisors on these techniques as they are complicated legal instruments. There are 11 di fferent types of charitable remainder trusts and four di fferent types of charitable lead trusts. Families need to fi nd the right trust to accomplish their philanthropic and investment transfer goals.
8The most tax advantaged gift to give is an appreciated asset. While cash and public stocks are easy to give and easy for a charity to receive, from a donor’s point of view, giving an appreciated asset allows you to score a charitable trifecta. Done correctly, you get a fair market value deduction for your donation, you don’t pay tax on the appreciation (capital gains), you don’t pay a healthcare surtax either.
9To be responsive to so much crisis driven, immediate need, develop short andlong-term giving strategies.
In order to be able to respond to and support a community’s needs in the midst of unfore seen challenges, wise donors continue some of their traditional annual and long term grant-making strategies, while creating a parallel process, such as a discretionary fund for emergent needs like wildfires and other disasters. In other words, keep your giving North Star, but set aside funds and
a process to be able to respond quickly to community needs.
10Collaboration is key: Strategic partnerships leverage impact. Many nonprofits rely on partner ships to reach the individuals they serve. Organizations focus on their individual strengths, creating greater efficiencies. For example, a nonprofit that provides supplies for children — like warm, winter outerwear — work with other organizations that provide services to needy families in order to identify and distribute to the correct population. This assures more holistic care for families, too.
11Family matters: Involving multiple generations in planning and making philanthropy decisions teaches impor tant financial lessons and brings families closer. Philanthropy and wealth education go hand in hand. Philanthropy is a great way to involve subsequent generations in discussions about important values, learn thoughtful money man agement and foster connections that will endure.
MIDDLE ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT: Shoshana BuchholzMiller, Executive Director for Cradles to Crayons; Celena Roldan, Chief Executive Officer, A merican Red Cross greater Chicago and Tiffany Circle; Shelley Patenaude, President of the Founders’ Board of A nn & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago
BOTTOM ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT: Sharon Krone, Civic Development, Make It Better Media Group; Brooke McDonald, National Content Director, Make It Better Media Group; Ramsay Slugg, Wealth Strategies Advisor
Discover more ways to give back with our family fi nance guide at marinmagazine.com/family-finance. Family Philanthropy Virtual Event Panelists: TOP ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT: Misti Sangani, Senior Philanthropic Strategist, Bank of America Private Bank; Patricia Chaves, Philanthropic Market Executive, Bank of America Private Bank; Tihana Zubak, General Manager, Loro PianaWhile most of us will agree that our health is our most valuable asset in life, how many of us are truly living in an optimal state of health? Are you relying on annual exams and basic bloodwork as a path to longevity and good health? Do you know your risk factors or the triggers that are poten tially fueling future disease?
“While traditional medicine has been important in the prevention of heart attacks and strokes and lowering blood pressure, the overall preventive aspect of medicine has been very weak,” explains Eric Verdin, MD, CEO + President of the Buck Institute. “We need to stop the idea that you are considered healthy until you are suddenly sick or have a catastrophic event when we know there is gradation. We need to identify who is at risk very early and why. This is why biomarkers are important
tools to be employed to allow us to monitor our health.”Biomarkers measure different aspects of your condition, revealing where you are in your trajectory of health. They can measure the presence or progress of disease, the effects of treatment, and can be good predictors of what the future may hold, so a healthcare provider can intervene aggressively when
“Thisneeded.approach will usher in a different era of medicine which will be much more preventative and more focused on who is at risk,” adds Dr. Verdin. We conferred with a group of experts in various areas of health to get the latest cutting-edge information on key markers, important test ing, screenings and vital information that you may want to discuss with your own healthcare provider.
Medical experts weigh in on why we need to look beyond our blood pressure and BMI and use biomarkers as a roadmap to optimal health.
“Cardiovascular disease is still the number one cause of death in men and women, but the medical world has been following the wrong markers for many years,” says Dr. Mimi Guarneri, a cardiologist and integrative medicine specialist who co-founded Paci fic Pearl in La Jolla, California. According to Guarneri, cardiologists now believe in flammation plays a bigger role in coronary artery disease than cholesterol. Studies have shown high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) to be more important than low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, meaning if two people have the same LDL cholesterol, it’s the one with the higher hs-CPR that does worse with cardiovascular disease. “It’s an in flammatory disease with some very speci fic markers that everyone should know,” adds Guarneri. In addition to watching your cholesterol levels, it’s imperative to test for in flammation as a preventative and life-saving measure.
Dr. Mimi Guarneri, who pioneered the Scripps Center for Integrative Medicine, is the co-founder and medical director of Guarneri Integrative Health at Pacific Pearl in La Jolla, California, where state-ofthe-art Western medicine meets the best of holistic and global healing traditions. She is also president of the Academy of Integrative Health and Medicine. Boardcertified in cardiology, internal medicine and nuclear cardiology, Dr. Guarneri leads a team of experts in conventional, integrative and natural medicine. pacificpearllajolla.com
This renowned, multi-specialty academic medical center integrates clinical and hospital care with research and education. For 26 consecutive years, the Cleveland Clinic has been ranked as the #1 heart program in the US for heart and vascular disorders, tests, treatments and preven tion by the U.S. News & World Report’s
Dr. Guarneri suggests checking the following which can predict cardiovascular disease.
Advanced Lipid Panel: checks LDL size and LDL-particle numbers.
ApoB: measures potential artery-clogging
HDL2B: indicates how well excess lipids are removed from cells.
Oxidized LDL: reveals LDL cholesterol damaged by free radicals.
Hs-CRP: reveals overall inflammation levels. Lp-PLA2 + MPO: specifies artery inflammation PULS score: predicts the risk for a cardiovascular event over the next 5 years.
TMAO: high levels of this gut bacteria byproduct can lead to the development of cardiovascular dis ease, including heart attacks and stroke.
“Best Hospitals” list. Stanley Hazen, MD, PhD, the head of Preventive Cardiology, led the team at the Cleveland Clinic to first identified TMAO as a cardiac biomarker in 2018. TMAO is produced when gut bac teria digest choline, lecithin and carnitine — nutrients that are abundant in animal products such as red meat and liver. The clinic offers extensive inflammation testing at their Cleveland Heat Lab. my.clevelandclinic.org
“Chronic in flammation is like a smoldering fi re,” says Dr. Guarneri. “It can play a signi ficant role in cancer, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, autoimmune diseases, arthritis and more. So if in flammation is driving the train, we have to see where it is coming from.”
Sources of in flammation range from food sensitivities and gut issues to heavy metals, stress and environmental toxins. Functional testing can reveal how the brain or gut is working and these tests should be done in addition to traditional bloodwork.
These two progressive tests deliver insight into your inflammation so you can take action and change the course of your health.
For general inflammation investigation, Dr. Guarneri suggests Hs-CRP, Lp-PLA2, MPO, oxidized LDL, and PULS score, the same ones recommended for cardio-related inflamma tion, along with Homocysteine, TNF alpha + Interleukin 16, which all test for inflammation. But as Guarneri aptly points out, “it’s not only about ordering these tests, it’s knowing how to interpret them, leading to treatment strategies to prevent disease.”
Micronutrient Assessment A blood and urine test through NutrEval Plasma® evaluates over 125 biomarkers and assesses the body’s functional need for 40 antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, amino acids, digestive support and other select nutrients. This test also screens for heavy metals which can cause cardiovascular disease and cogni tive decline. “With heart and cognitive disease linked to oxidative stress, it’s important to look at antioxidant and micronutrient levels,” adds Guarneri.
The highly respected Mayo Clinic has sleep disorder campuses in Arizona, Minnesota and Florida. Progressive treatments can be found for narcolepsy, REM disorder, restless leg syndrome, insomnia, sleep apnea and more. mayoclinic.org
Discovering one’s food sensitivities can be done with bloodwork and through an elimination diet. Culprits include soy, dairy, nuts, eggs, wheat and gluten-containing grains. Food sensitivities cause low-grade chronic inflammation with symptoms like headaches, joint and muscle pain, sinus congestion, IBS, brain fog and more.
Microbiome Assessment A three-day stool test looks at the cross-section of the bacteria strain living in the gut and inflammation markers (calprotectin and secretory IgA), along with pathogens and parasites. Another important marker in the microbiome to note is Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), as high levels are linked to cardiovascular disease.
Adrenal Stress Index This 24-hour salivary test determines levels of cortisol, a stress hormone that can wreak havoc in the body. If cortisol is too high it can be addressed with nutraceuticals or adaptogens. “Ongoing stress can make you feel fatigued all the time as the body pumps out cortisol to the point where you can’t sleep at night. It’s like being on steroids,” explains Guarneri. The goal is to balance the hormones.
The novel Inflammatory Age® test measures one very specific aspect of aging — systemic chronic inflammation, the root cause of major age-related diseases. Based on a 10-year National Institutes of Health (NIH) funded longitudinal research from Stanford University and advanced artificial intelligence methods, a team at Stanford developed the world’s first biomarker composite scoring system to measure inflammatory and immune health of an individual. Inflammatory Age®, founded by Buck faculty member David Furman, PhD, predicts cumulative damage , as measured by the accumulation of up to 10 major diseases of aging. Based on test results, Edifice Health, a spin-off company to commercialize the comprehensive data collected from the Stanford project, has identified over 150 actionable interventions to improve your Inflammatory Age® including targeted nutritional supplements, immunoactive food ingredients and medical foods. edificehealth.com
Sleep deprivation causes cortisol levels to go up, blood pressure to rise, weight gain, higher blood sugar, weakened immunity, mood swings and more. In addition to the adrenaline stress index to check cortisol, you may want to be tested for the respiratory disorder obstructive sleep apnea.
This team in London has created a test for biological age and wellness based on glycans, sugar molecules that cover our proteins. Bloodwork measures your IgG gly cosylation, which directly correlates with the level of inflammation. The testing analyzes 24 glycans — carbohydrate-based polymers that regulate a variety of processes, includ ing immunity — and combines the results to calculate your Glycan Age or biological age. After receiving your Glycan Age you receive a one-to-one consultation with a health specialist who analyzes the results and offers lifestyle interventions. Glycan Age stands out as the first biological age test that has proven responsiveness to lifestyle (and pharma) interventions with statistical significance. glycanage.com
“Good sleep is a cornerstone of top health,” relays Dr. Ari Laliotis, board-certi fied internal medicine and sleep medicine doctor at Sharp Rees-Stealy Medical Group in Del Mar, California. “Practicing good sleep hygiene is a critical part of this. For most, that means trying to maintain a regular bed and wake time, avoiding distractions in bed, such as phones and laptops, and consulting with your primary care doctor if sleep becomes more of a problem.”
Our bones provide structure, protect our organs, anchor muscles and store calcium. And yet they are constantly changing, as new bone is created and old bone is broken down. Ninety percent of our bone mass is acquired by age 18, and this amount peaks at age 30. From there it’s a decline, gradual for some, while others are not so fortunate. Myriad factors can contribute to bone loss — from age, nutrition deficiencies, hormone levels and gut issues, to stress, poor sleep, medications and other health conditions. Most doctors don’t recommend get ting a DEXA scan to track bone density until we are in our 50s to 60s, which is often far too late.
When it comes to testing, Bone Coach Kevin Ellis says, “the earlier the better so you can establish a baseline to monitor.” Anyone who had an eating disorder, poor diet and nutrition, health issues, or who is postmenopausal, should get a DEXA scan as well. The results of that DEXA scan will indicate one of three things: normal bone density, osteopenia, or osteo porosis. Osteopenia indicates you have lower bone density than normal with an increased likelihood of developing osteoporosis. Osteoporosis means “porous bone” and is an indicator of reduced bone strength and an increase in fracture risk.
If diagnosed with osteopenia or osteoporosis, many doctors will immediately recommend pharmaceuticals like Fossamax or Prolio, but according to Ellis, there’s more biomarker testing to be done and questions to ask before taking drugs that can have severe long-term consequences. Ellis suggests that patients also request a C-Telopeptide (CTX) blood test. This looks at the activity level of the cells (osteoclasts) that break down and resorb bone. “If the activity level of those cells is high, it could be an indicator of active bone loss.” Other important tests he recommends include Vitamin D levels, parathyroid hormone, thyroid function, in fl ammation levels, and tTG-IgA and Total Serum IGA testing to rule out celiac disease. “Many people with celiac disease are asymptomatic and lack the classic GI symp toms, unaware that the villi in the small intestines are being damaged, contributing to the malabsorption of nutrients. If key bone-healthy nutrients like calcium and phosphorus aren’t being absorbed, your body will pull those minerals from the bones to serve other purposes in the body,” adds Ellis.
Medications can also a ffect bone health as studies are showing that SSRI’s, PPI’s/proton pump inhibitors, corticosteroids like Prednisone, and breast cancer medications can con tribute to bone loss, so discuss the risk versus reward of taking these prescriptive drugs if you have osteoporosis with your healthcare provider.
Kevin Ellis, a certified integrative health coach and bone health advocate, has helped people in over 1500+ cities around the world with osteopenia and osteoporosis address bone loss, build bone strength, stop fearing fracture, and lead active lives.
He and his team of experts offer the latest cutting-edge research, interactive counsel ing and guidance, bone-specific nutrition, hormonal and sleep advice, stress reduction, and bone-strong exercise and physical therapy plans. Their holistic approach is to identify and address bone loss, nourish the body with minerals and nutrients that are properly absorbed, and build strength of body, mind, and bone in ways that prevents fracture and injury. bonecoach.com
DEXA scans provide bone health scores that are important baselines to know. A T-score compares a person’s bone density with that of a healthy 30-year-old of the same sex. The Z-score compares a person’s bone density with that of an average person of the same age and sex.
Normal: A score of -1 or above Osteopenia: A score between -1.1 and -2.4 Osteoporosis: A score of -2.5 and below.
If you have osteopenia or osteoporosis, in addi tion to getting your T-score and Z-score, ask your healthcare provider if their DEXA machine has a Trabecular Bone Score (TBS) capability as this new technology and recently-developed analytical tool can assess the quality of your bone — another important piece to the bone health puzzle. Find a medical group that offers TBS here: medimapsgroup.com/find-a-clinic-with-tbs.
Located across the country, these wellness studios focus on skeletal strength and use a process known as Osteogenic Loading — brief, intensive resistance exercise to stimulate the bone building cells. These sessions can be a great complement to your bone health plan to improve bone den sity, posture and balance, but anyone with osteoporosis should first check with their healthcare provider to see if osteogenic loading is appropriate for your bone health protocol. osteostrong.com
You’ve heard it before: genes are not destiny. Science has shown that the environmental and lifestyle choices like eating well, exercise and su fficient deep sleep play a much greater role than genetic factors in regard to our health and longevity. “When you look at relative risk in terms of health and life span, the relative roles of your genes versus your environment and lifestyle, the latest number is about 7 percent of the outcomes are from your genes. It’s a really minor component,” explains Buck Institute CEO Eric Verdin. “That said, there is some value in genetic testing.”
These affordable, director-to-consumer genetic test kits deliver information on ancestry and assess genetic risk for 10 conditions approved by the FDA (Parkinson’s, Celiac, Alzheimer’s and more), though results are not intended to diagnose any health-related issues. DNA is extracted from a saliva sample that’s tested to spot genetic variations as a means to encourage people to be aware of their genetic risks and be more proactive about their health and longevity. Kits start at $199. 23andme.com
Genetic testing for pregnancy issues and speci fic forms of cancer can be an effective tool. If you have a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, ask your healthcare provider about testing for the BRCA1 and BRAC2 mutations. Testing for Factor V Leiden makes sense when there is a history of miscarriages and blood clots. Even the home test kits like 23andMe look for both of these genetic variants, along with others like the APOe4 mutation, which is predic tive for increased risk of Alzheimer’s. Since most people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease are already 80 to 90 percent into the process, early detection is key since science is working to uncover potential preventive therapies and treatments.Butonealso has to consider the psycho logical toll of gene sequencing, which can also create a burden of worry and fear. “This is when you have to remind yourself about the relative importance of your genes compared to your lifestyle choices,” says Verdin. “That exercising, eating well, sleeping enough — factors you can control — are so much more important than knowing what your genes are.”
Still Verdin encourages people who are interested in their health to get all the information they can. “But you should have a reasonable expectation of what genomic testing really tells you as it’s somewhat limited. At this point, we do not know to read the human genome very well, but I suspect this will change.”
Cutting-edge science is providing new ways to understand and measure the factors that cause cognitive decline and accelerate aging. And while there are many biomarkers for a variety of diseases from anxiety to diabetes and cancer, here’s some information on Alzheimer’s Disease and epigenetic clocks CLOCKS
Human Longevity Inc. American-born biochemist-geneticist J. Craig Venter helped crack the genetic code by sequencing the first human genome and deciphering essentially all the genes in human DNA in hopes of providing keys to the diagnosis and treatment of numerous diseases from diabetes and heart disease to Alzheimer’s and various cancers. He cofounded the company Human Longevity Inc., which offers full genetic assessments to the public with a goal to use this genetic knowledge to transform treatments from reactive to proactive, preventative and personalized. Prices range from $5,500 for basic testing to upwards of $25,000 for full genetic assessment. humanlongevity.com
Genetic variations in fat-metabolizing Apolipoproteins (APOe) are associated with Alzheimer’s disease and those carrying the APOe4 allele are at increased risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease; the APOe2 variant is protective. Research shows that Alzheimer’s is in flu enced by many factors including toxin exposure, in fl ammation, chronic pathogens, vascular compromise, trauma and insulin resistance. While there is much to learn about this disease that a ffects more tha n five million people, biomarkers for Alzheimer’s could provide detailed measures of abnormal changes in the brain, in fl ammation, insulin levels, gut integrity and the blood brain barrier and may help in predicting, monitoring and preventing the progression of the disease.
rather than alteration of the genetic code itself. It focuses on how your behaviors and environment can cause changes that affect the way your genes work. Biological age is the way in which your cells have changed over time and can be influenced by many different lifestyle factors versus one’s chronological age.
Geneticist Steve Horvath at the University of California, Los Angeles, a pioneer in epigeneticclock research, created the Horvath Clock . It measures biomarkers of DNA methylation at 353 di fferent sites in the genome to reveal one’s biological age, which can be either similar or di fferent from your chronological age and correlated to lifespan and health span. Other examples of epigenetic clocks include the PhenoAge Clock by Dr. Morgan Levine at Yale and the GrimAge Clock created by Ake Lu from UCLA.Epigenetics is the study of changes in organisms caused by modification of gene expression
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Genetic testing has entered the world of pharmacology as pharmacogenomics is the study of how genes a ffect the body’s response to certain medicines. Before you commit to prescriptives like anti-depressants, statins, or beta blockers, you should consider pharmacogenetics testing to determine how your body metabolizes specific medications to see which drug works best for your genetic inheritance. This relatively new field will help reduce adverse drug reactions; make better, safer medications; establish more accurate methods of determining appropriate drug dosages; and create better vaccines.
Companies like GeneSight, GenoMind, Admera all provide pharmacogenetic testing that makes use of this emerging science, looking at both the effect a drug has on your body (pharmacodynamic parameters) and how your body effects the drug (pharmacokinetic parameters).
Vaccines like the Covid-19 Messenger RNA (mRNA) are made from genetic material versus a live virus, and promise all the benefits of existing vaccines without all the risks. They activate the immune system by teaching our cells how to make a protein that triggers an immune response, but don’t cause potential infections thanks to pharmacogenomics.
The Buck Institute is studying the SASP (Senescence-Associated Secretory Phenotype), a group of pro-inflammatory molecules that are secreted by cells that are senescent — damaged cells that are no longer capable of dividing. “With age, there is an accumulation of these senescent cells that are spewing off SASP which causes chronic inflammation. We suspect this will be another biomarker — determining the SASP load in the body,” explains Verdin. To that end, the Buck Institute has created a Proteomic Atlas of Senescence-Associated Secretomes, a database of proteins for the research community. The hope is that these biomarkers will help identify factors that drive aging and disease in specific tissues. Unity Biotechnology is in clinical trials with two drugs which would eliminate senescent cells in diabetic eye disease and osteoarthritis.
As we age, our tissues get stiffer which causes tension in our cells. At some point this stiffness can result in fibrosis, which damages our organs. Buck Associate Professor Dan Winer, MD, and his team have discovered that the cellular tension impacts our immune system, creating a negative feedback loop that contributes to the low-grade chronic inflammation that fuels many of the diseases of aging: more inflammation results in more stiff ness. Winer says technology that can track stiffness in organs currently exists. That technology could allow for early detection of stiffness and make it easier to test the efficacy of new drugs that would break the inflammatory loop.
If expert health advice in got covered with our Top Doctor directory. Visit marinmagazine.com/top-doctors.Not only does Marin County top the lists for longevity, it is of healthiest places to live in the country. Well, we’d like to say it’s because of the talents of the health and wellness providers in the following pages. Cheers to a healthy and happy 2021. Renowned 415.834.3095 SIR FRANCIS DRAKE BLVD, GREENBRAE, CA
Meet Dr. Jennifer Agard, a board-certified Reproductie Endocrinologist, and Infertility Specialist. She joins the experienced and compassionate physicians at Pacific Fertility Center. PFC has been on the cutting edge of reproductive science since 1999 and has over 10,000 babies born. Dr. Agard will see patients at our new Marin location. She continues PFC’s mission of creating healthy families for all.
VANESSA TALBOTT, MD, FACS, T. PHILIP CHUNG, MD, FASCRS, MICHELLE LI, MD, FACS, MICHAEL ABEL, MD, FASCRS, LAURENCE YEE, MD, FASCRS
(AS PICTURED FROM LEFT TO RIGHT)
San Francisco Surgical
3838 CALIFORNIA ST, SUITE 616, SF, 415.668.0411
1100 VAN NESS, SUITE 1040, SF, 415.923.3020
1580 VALENCIA ST, SUITE 607, SF, 415.213.7971
SFSURGERY.COM
San Francisco Surgical is San Francisco’s premier surgical group specializing in colorectal, general and laparoscopic surgery.
We provide comprehensive care ranging from the management of complex abdominal and gastrointestinal conditions to colorectal cancer screening. The scope of our practice includes treatment of abdominal cancers, inflammatory bwel disease, gallbladder disorders, gastroesophageal reflux, hernia, endocrine disease and anorectal problems. Our surgeons are pioneers in laparoscopic abdominal surgery and treatment of hemorrhoids, anorectal fitulas and pilonidal disease. The practice was established in 1939, and we take pride in our history of surgical excellence and leadership. We are proud of our specialty training and our dedication to patient care. Members of our staff speak Chinese and Tagalog.
Belle Marin Aesthetic Medicine
250 E. BLITHEDALE AVE, SUITE B, MILL VALLEY 415.887.8718 HELLO@BELLEMARIN.COM
You Deserve To LOVE Your Look. Lines, wrinkles and fat bulges are optional, no longer an inevitable and irreversible part of the aging process! Thanks to advancements in aesthetic technologies, you can tighten skin, reduce that muffin top and fit into a smaller jea size, and lift and tighten your jowls and crepey neck skin, all without surgery or extensive downtime. Belle Marin Aesthetic Medicine is driven to provide you with next-level results for every aspect of your appearance. Shouldn’t you entrust your vitality to the best in the business? Best-in-class treatments at Belle Marin Aesthetic Medicine: PDO Thread Lift, CoolSculpting® non-invasive fat reduction, CoolTone™ non-invasive muscle toning, Halo™ laser skin resurfacing, BBL™ HERO (a state-of-the-art IPL photofacial), Belle Transform (the no-downtime TCA chemical peel), PRP Facial and PRP Hair Restoration, Cellfina® cellulite treatment, ybella®, Chemical Peels, Clinical Facials
Allergy, Asthma and Clinical Immunology Care in Marin County. With over 35 years of service and experience to the North Bay medical community, FamilyCare Allergy and Asthma recently opened a new local office in Marin Coun-San Rafael. FamilyCare’s board-certified pysicians apply front-line, medically proven diagnosis and treatment solutions to improve their patient’s quality of life at every stage. Dr’s Maria Petrick MD FACAAI-FAAAAI, Juline Caraballo MD, and our newest associate Dr. Christine Royer MD, enable FamilyCare Allergy and Asthma to expand its hours and services to the community, including food allergy diagnosis, testing and treatment. They also offer treatment otions which may significantly shorten the traditional allergy desensitization time-line for patients where time or distance are obstacles to treatment.
FamilyCare Allergy and Asthma accepts virtually all major insurance plans, including Medi-Cal and Medicare. Offices also i Santa Rosa and Petaluma.
TRENT D. DOUGLAS, MD, STANLEY G. POULOS, MD AND YNGVAR HVISTENDAHL, MD
350 BON AIR ROAD, SUITE 300, GREENBRAE 415.925.2880 PSSPECIALISTS.COM
We all know 2020 has been a year like no other. Despite months of lockdown and the inconvenience of quarantine, PSS has continued to grow. We have our amazing patients and community to thank for this enduring success. Our practice is based on the fundamental principle that we deliver exceptional results and a concierge level service for every patient. As we look to 2021, PSS plans to expand our staff, facilitie, and treatment offerings to sere you better. In addition to our robust surgical practice, our weight loss programs deliver predictably great results and the PSS Beauty Club provides affordable monthly pyments for our most popular services including injectables and laser treatments. Spa PSS will be expanding in early 2021 to make keeping up with your beauty routine easier than ever. As always, safety is our top priority and we continuously update and evolve our practices to ensure the safety of our patients and staff. As we turn the corner into 2021, tay safe, healthy, and happily looking your best with your partners in beauty at PSS.
LAURA BELLUOMINI, MSN, RN, CCM
Marin Home Care 1640 TIBURON BLVD, SUITE 16, TIBURON 415.712.1917 HCO #214700021, HHA #55000493
Marin Home Care is independently owned and operated by Marin County resident Laura Belluomini. Marin Home Care is a comprehensive home care agency offering bth medical and non-medical home care services exclusively serving Marin residents. We provide a concierge-style service and work as your matchmaker to fit your care
you require live-in or part-time care, on a temporary or long-term basis, we gladly provide it all. Marin Home Care is non-franchised, licensed, bonded, and insured. All of our caregivers are registered with the Department of Social Services and thoroughly screened. Our Medical Home Health services include Private Registered Nurses providing medication management and We’remore.passionately
committed to helping seniors in Marin County age in place. We would love the opportunity to assist your loved ones with their home care needs. Please call us at 415.712.1917 or learn more at marinhomecare.com
PICTURED BON
CALIFORNIA SPINE Marin’s largest orthopedic and spine practice. We provide leading edge care through surgeons in sports medicine, shoulder, hand and wrist, foot and ankle, knee and hip joint replacement, fracture care, management, and spinal surgery.
With 24/7 appointment requests and two convenient locations in Larkspur and Novato, we’ve made it simple to visit our specialists. We offer seamless integration of clinical care, digital -Ray, MRI, durable medical equipment, injection therapy, and physical therapy. Our mission continues to focus on “excellence in motion,” which begins with exploring all conservative options before pursuing invasive procedures.
If surgery is necessary, we use the most innovative and minimally invasive techniques available to get you back to your personal goals as quickly as Appointmentpossible.inquiries can be made online 24/7 at caorthospine.com or by contacting our call center at 415.927.5300 any time of day.
ANDREA PARK, MD, P. DANIEL KNOTT, MD AND RAHUL SETH, MD UCSF Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery: Expert Physicians, Natural Results. Trust Your Face to a Facial Plastic Surgeon 2320 SUTTER ST, SUITE 102, SAN FRANCISCO, FACIALPLASTICS.UCSF.EDU415.353.9500
If you are ready for facial surgery to achieve your ideal look, consider Facial Plastic Surgery at UCSF. Double board-certified facial plastic surgeons Drs. Andrea Park, Rahul Seth, and P. Daniel Knott offer their patients tate of the art rejuvenative and reconstructive treatments at one of the top medical centers in the world. UCSF embodies ethical, excellent, personalized, and caring treatments in the safest and most professional of settings. Our practice is dedicated only to the face and neck and offers eery treatment option. Bolstered by cutting edge research and fueled by recognized leadership and reputable results in national and international facial plastic surgery societies, find out how our team can help you.
KATHRYN NAJAFI-TAGOL, MD Eye Institute of Marin 4000 CIVIC CENTER DR, SUITE 200A, SAN RAFAEL 415.444.0300 EYEINSTITUTEOFMARIN.COM
AS MARIN’S FELLOWSHIP-TRAINED glaucoma and laser surgery specialist, Kathryn NajafiTagol is unique among Bay Area physicians. A graduate of UCLA and USC Doheny Eye Institute, and board-certified ophthalmologist, she launched Eye Institute of Marin in 2004. With a staff of experienced doctors operating and adhering to the strictest Covid protocols and using the latest diagnostics and lasers, Dr. Najafi prvides comprehensive eye care, treating glaucoma, cataract, and dry eyes among other eye conditions. Eye Institute of Marin has grown based on years of experience, and exemplary care for patients. Dr. Najafis commitment to excellence is reflected y community’s respect and “Studiesreferrals.show annual screening and early detection are key to keeping one’s eyesight bright.” Dr. Najafi is a big believer in prevention.
REAL SKIN CARE BY REAL SKIN DOCTORS SONG MD, HAYDEE KNOTT MD AND ALISON KANG MD
Mill Valley Dermatology Inc 655 REDWOOD HWY, SUITE 100, MILL VALLEY 415.634.8411 MILLVALLEYDERMATOLOGY.COM
Marin Skin Medical Inc 619 EAST BLITHEDALE AVE, SUITE A, MILL VALLEY 415.770.5155 MARINSKINMD.COM
Mill Valley Dermatology and Marin Skin, founded by Cleveland Clinic-trained Dr. Haydee Knott, welcome two additional board-certified dermatologists: Dr. Alison Kang and Dr. Eunice Song. Do you live in Marin County? Why settle for a provider without dermatology board certification? Trut your skin to true skin experts. Our practice is unique because no one is handed off to a pysician extender or non-core physician; every patient is treated by a board-certified dermatologit for consultations, injectables, and laser treatments. Dr. Eunice Song attended the University of Minnesota, Yale University, University of Connecticut and UC San Francisco to complete her medical training. Dr. Alison Kang’s educational background includes Johns Hopkins University, Saint Louis University, UCLA and UC Davis. She is boardcertified and fellwship trained in both Dermatology and Mohs Surgery. We are available to see you safely in person or via Video call.
THE SERVICES: Juvederm, Restylane, Botox, chemical peels, fractional skin resurfacing, IPL, PRP, Microneedling, Laser Hair Removal, Blepharoplasty, Ear piercing/repair
WHAT TO EXPECT: State-of-the-art cosmetic dermatology performed personally by a board-certified dermatologit.
Adhering to travel safety protocols, a writer and her daughter experience the wonder of 7 national parks during the winter months.
BY MELANIE HAIKEN
Bryce Canyon Hoodoos
As the orange glow of sunset lights up the ribbon of Yellowstone Falls, I join a handful of other photographers trying to capture the fiery plume, listening to the commentary. “So nice not to have people bumping your tripod like they do in the summer,” says one curmudgeonly local, turning to me. “You came at the rightMytime.”daughter and I are staying at Canyon Lodge, its bullseye location in Canyon Village making it easy to venture in all directions,
from an appointment with Old Faithful and visits to all the watercolor-tinted springs and mudpots, to hiking the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and seeking out pronghorn, elk and foxes (but sadly, no wolves) in the Lamar Valley. When a clerk at the Canyon Store told us there was a grizzly dining on a bull elk down the road, we were there in minutes to grab a prime spot. We also made it to Mammoth Hot Springs for sunrise, marveling over the otherworldly geothermal features before grabbing breakfast at the recently renovated Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel, where the outdoor deck of the Mammoth Terrace Grill overlooks the glittering travertine-layeredYellowstoneslopes.isn’tthe only national park that’s even bet ter in the off eason; many of the most popular national parks show off heir secret glories in winter, spring and fall. Our road trip zigzagged among seven of them, treating us to glacier-iced peaks, red rock towers, cactus-studded deserts and thundering river
Nextcanyons.upwas Grand Teton National Park , which we approached with a checklist of must-see sights and hikes culled from an outdoorsy friend’s Instagram feed. Immediately we realized that our biggest challenge was going to be avoiding the temptation to stop at abso lutely every viewpoint; from the Willow Flats Overlook to Colter Bay to Glacier View, each showcased the glittering spires from a new angle.
We were particularly thankful for the pro tip to save Jenny Lake, one of the park’s most popular attractions, for the end of the day, tak ing the last ferry across to the western side. Passing everyone else as they headed back to the dock, we hiked the one-mile trail to Hidden Lake and Inspiration Point, then continued back around the lake on foot. The reward? The chance to arrive at aptly named Moose Pond just in time to catch a moose family enjoying dinner, baby tucked safely in the reeds.
From here we headed southeast to Colorado to visit Rocky Mountain National Park . While our visit was timed to see the aspens gild the slopes with gold, the Rockies have something to offer at any time of year, and we vowed to return to see the meadows quilted with colorful wild flowers.
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve originally made our itinerary out of nostalgia — I had visited as a child, and never forgotten the thrill of sliding down the almost vertical slopes on pieces of cardboard. Today my story seems quaint, and visitors stream up the dunes towing rented sand boards and sleds layered in protective gear (only, in most cases, to give up after one or two breathless attempts and leave it to the professionals.)
But after making it to the top of High Dune, only to see rows of pyramid-shaped dunes stretching to the base of the Sangre de Cristo mountains, I realized it was the grandeur of the landscape that had really drawn me back.
Colorado had one more stunning land scape to show us, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park , which started our trip as the dark horse, so to speak, and fi n ished as one of the highlights. Criminally under-visited due to its remote location in the San Juan Mountains, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park offers two sce nic drives — one on each side of the canyon — which slices so deeply into the Colorado Plateau that its best known feature, the 2,250-foot Painted Wall, is only slightly shorter than Yosemite’s El Capitan. And
MammothYellowstoneHotSpringsthe name? It comes from the fact that the gorge is so deep, much of it sees the sun for just half an hour a day.
Between Great Sand Dunes National Park and the Black Canyon of the Gunnison, the trendy ski and mountain biking mecca of Crested Butte welcomed us warmly with its plethora of retro-modern boutique hotels and groovy eateries lining central Elk Avenue. Eating our way around town, we opted for on-the-go breakfast at Rumors Coffee and Tea House, pizza at the Secret Stash, and panAsian bowls and herb-in flected cocktails at Montanya. Late nights found us joining the chatty crowd outside the Public House for live jam-grass and folk.
Headed westward through Utah, an equally eerie landscape awaited us in Bryce Canyon National Park , known for wind- and water-carved rock spires known as hoodoos that fairly glow in hues of rose, pumpkin and mustard in the sunrise and sunset light. Hiking the fairyland loop down into the largest canyon, known as the amphitheater, we commented that we felt like we were in
Narnia, the rock spires rising around us like statues turned to stone.
Like Yellowstone, Zion National Park is a longtime favorite, but also a park I wouldn’t visit in any but the quietest season thanks to its 4 million visitors a year. This year of course, was di fferent, and we managed to do the hair-raising Angels Landing hike without fear of being elbowed off he razor-thin trail.
Ready to cozy up in plush surroundings after a couple of long, cold days in the outdoors, we chose the Advenire Hotel, the newest and most luxurious offering in St. George, Utah just west of the park. Loaded with recommendations from the hotel’s friendly sta ff, we headed west with a map marked with more slot canyon hikes and red rock photo stops (Snow Canyon, Valley of Fire) than we would possibly have time for — and started planning our next trip as we drove.
Yellowstone Grand Teton National Park Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park Wondering what it's like to visit our local national park, Yosemite, during Covid-19? Read more at marinmagazine.com/yosemite.A 21st century approach to dating combining technology and dating/life coaching expertise for three decades.
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The confidence to start and navigate the dating process comes from knowledge of who you are today, what your needs are and whom you should be with in order to meet those needs.” - Cassie Zampa-Keim
The Year of the Ox begins On February 12, and the festival lasts until February 26. Why not celebrate with flavors and tastes from different regions of China at Bay Area restaurants?
CHRISTINA MUELLER
House of Nanking The Hunan fare from chef Peter Fang and his daughter, chef Kathy Fang (who also operate FANG in SoMa) draws crowds and long lines during non-Covid times and the restaurant is famous for scorning anyone who asks for a menu. Those in the know insist that the most popular dishes are worth asking for by name. Crispy sesame chicken is paired with glazed sweet potatoes, clear wonton soup is spiced up with fresh herbs and chili oil, and delicately fried crepes stu ffed with vermicelli and egg are known as golden egg pillows. But the handcrafted house noodles tossed with
black sesame sauce and chili are a must. 919 Kearny St, San houseofnankingsf.comFrancisco,
China Live Known for their shen jian bao cooked in a paella pan, China Live delivers a modern interpretation of another northern Chinese favorite: Peking duck. Their version is basted with seasonal fruit glaze while cooking in a stone oven to ensure skin that shatters while delivering plenty of umami. The accompa nying sesame pockets, sliced cucumbers, green onions and house made hoisin sauce seal the deal. 644 Broadway, San chinalivesf.comFrancisco,
R&G Lounge Perched on the edge of San Francisco’s Chinatown, R&G Lounge is no stranger to fame. Anthony Bourdain (may he rest in peace) famously ate the salt and pepper crab and drank a lychee martini there
on his Travel Channel show, “No Reservations” years ago. Seafood is the go-to at this Cantonese favorite (the lobster with garlic and scallions is a lively choice) and vegetarians gravitate towards dishes like the Vegetarian Goose,
or tofu skin stu ffed with sauteed wood ear mushrooms. 631 Kearny St, San rnglounge.comFrancisco,
Mister Jiu’s Chef Brandon Jew helps diners rethink what is possible for the
expansive range of Chinese food at his San Francisco restaurant.ChinatownWhilethe
Marin Magazine staff is especially fond of the urchin-topped cheong fun, we found that the ginger and scal lion bedecked Sizzling
AN INSIDER’S GUIDE TO RESTAURANTS AND GOOD FOOD IN THE BAY AREA EDITED BY MIMI TOWLE HarmonyBlack Cod and Mu Shu Mushrooms with Jew’s famous peanut but ter hoisin sauce on the takeout menu achieve a fine balance between modern and traditional. 28 Waverly Pl, San misterjius.comFrancisco,
Like many restaurants, Chinese or otherwise, Peony Seafood Restaurant is in danger of closing permanently due to the Covid crisis. Known for its banquet-size dining rooms, the restaurant in Oakland’s Chinatown is known for dumplings, buns and other dim sum delights, served from steaming carts on week ends. The fresh dim sum is the go-to order, according to food writer Anna Mindess, but kids and adults love the cus tard buns for their cute piggy faces. 388 9th St, 2nd floor, peonyseafood.comOakland,
Great China At Berkeley’s Great China, the Peking duck arrives whole and deboned with skin im-possibly glass ine. Double skin salad is made to order by the experienced team from mung bean flour before it is lain atop vegetables, shrimp and calamari. Or try the dumplings,handmadestu ffed with shrimp and scallops, pork, or vegetables. With a wine program awarded Wine Spectator’s Award
of Excellence, a pairing suggested by co-owner and sommelier James Yu, makes the meal an experience to remem ber. 2190 Bancroft Way, Berkeley, berkeley.comgreatchina
Great Wall Chinese Restaurant If pescatar ian Chinese is your thing, Great Wall in Oakland’s beenneighborhoodElmwoodhastheplacetoget it
for 20-plus years. The huge menu focuses on seafood and vegetables and prepares dishes like lemon “chicken” to make them accessible for all. There are even options for no garlic or egg right on the menu’s ordering bar. 6247 College Ave, greatwalloakland.comOakland,
Yu Shang Mandarin Cuisine and Sushi Bar Marin families flock to Yu Shang for its familystyle service and the Japanese and PorkSalmonhomeGaiBeefplattersmenu.American-inclusiveChinese-ThatmeansofMongolianandMooGooPanarerightatnexttoplatesofTeriyakiandTonaktsu.
180 Bellam Blvd, San sushi.comyushangmandarinandRafael,
800 Redwood Hwy, Mill group.comharmonyrestaurantValley,
Jennie Low’s Chinese Cuisine Tucked into Novato’s Vintage Oaks Shopping Center, Jennie Low’s dedicates an entire menu section to steaming and no-oil cookery. You will notice the flavors of garlic in the Spicy Broccoli and String Beans and the freshness of the chayote squash and pea sprouts in the Basil Prawns and that’s a good thing.
120 Vintage Way, Novato, jennielow.com
Harmony Restaurant Organic, wheat-free and peanut-free menu selec tions are a boon to many who stop in for the reli ably fresh veggie dishes and porkincludesmenuareandites,Harmony.seafoodsustainably-sourcedatMillValley’sLocalfavortheSignatureBeefSignatureChicken,partoftheirtakeoutandthefriedricesliversofBBQforaddedrichness.
House of Nanking China Live Find more of the best places to get Chinese food across Marin and the Bay Area at marinmagazine. com/where-to-eat.Amy's Drive Thru American Known for the salads, veggie burgers, and grilled cheese sandwiches, the organic fast food concept that originated in Santa Rosa is best experienced via the namesake drive thru. The burrito is even available gluten-free. 5839 Paradise Drive, 415.737.0655
Burmatown Asian The small home-style Asian fusion restaurant offers fresh, light meals like tea leaf salad and basil shrimp stir-fry, as well as curries, coconut rice and chili-garlic green beans. Extra heat optional. Place orders by 1 p.m. via phone or text 415.985.5060 to ensure item availability. 60 Corte Madera Ave, 415.945.9096
Cafe Verde Californian
This revamped cafe offers Neapolitan pizza, pasta, risotto, and salads nearly all day long. Enjoy any of these items inside or out on the patio along with local and international wines and beers. 502 Tamalpais Drive, 415.927.1060
Fieldwork Brewing Pizza The latest outpost of the original Berkeley draft house features pizzas, salads and shareable bites (think crispy
Brussels sprouts and meatballs) to round out the day’s list of fresh IPAs, pilsners and more. 107 Corte Madera Town Center, 415.891.8273
Flores Mexican With an emphasis on regional Mexican dishes and flavors sourced from family recipes, the menu is based on California seasonality and revolves around gluten-free masa. The daily-made tortillas are featured in dishes such as duck confit beefdas,Dungenessenchiladas,crabtostaandchili-braisedshortribs.
301 Corte Madera Town Center, 415.500.5145
Il Fornaio Italian Aside from pizzas and pastas, this upscale-Italian fran chise serves a variety of salads and carb-free entrées. 223 Corte Madera Town Center, 415.927.4400
Marin Joe's Italian A Marin mainstay for over 50 years, with a menu of soups, salads, seafood, mesquite-grilled or sautéed meats and a plethora of pasta options. To add to your dining experience, order the table-side prepared Caesar salad. Not looking for a meal? Enjoy a drink and hear local musicians at the well-known piano bar.
1585 Casa Buena Drive, 415.924.2081
Pig In A Pickle American Fresh and locally sourced brisket, pork, ribs, and chicken get star billing at this Town Center eatery. Sauces are crafted to represent various American bar becue regions, including Memphis and South Carolina. House-made pickles, buns, and sausages will keep you coming back. 341 Corte Madera Town Center, 415.891.3265
Veggie Grill Vegan/ Vegetarian Veggie Grill is a grains,withdessertsteasshareablehome-styleentreesandwichesofferingcelebratesrestaurantfast-casualchainthatthevegbyavarietyofhotandburgers,salads,bowls,plates,sides,organicandhouse-madepreparedonlyvegetables,fruits,andnuts.
147 Corte Madera Town Center, 415.945.8954
Zinz Wine Bar
Californian Zinz is an upscale wine bar, retail store with wine club and art gallery with a cozy, sophisticated atmo sphere, an eclectic array of boutique wines, craft beer, and light appetizers. 207 Corte Madera Ave, 415.927.9466
Amelie French Stop in for a quintessential French breakfast of coffee and a croissant at this outpost of the origi nal San Francisco wine bar. Stay to enjoy plates of Cal-French escargot with garlic butter, salad Nicoise with pickled egg or slow-baked steelhead with persillade and radishes at lunch and dinner and an extensive French wine list. A petite street side patio features dining atop wine barrels. 71 Broadway, 628.253.5161
Fradelizio's Italian Fradelizio’s blends Northern Italian rangenaturalhealthyCalifornia-inspiredwithfare,featuringbeefandfree-chickendishes.
35 Broadway, 415.459.1618
The Hummingbird American This New Orleans–style restaurant serves up creole staples like fried chicken and waffles, shrimp and grits, po’boys, gumbo, and beignets. Opt for the spicy syrup or homemade hot sauce to get that Cajun kick. Cash only. 57 Broadway, 415.457.9866
Iron Springs Pub & Brewery American Pair your pick from the extensive beer list with an ale-braised barbe cue pork sandwich, shrimp tacos or the
baconhouse-ground-chickencheeseburger.765 Center Blvd, 415.485.1005
Mas Masa Mexican Chef and owner Patrick Sheehy focuses on the ancient technique of corn 2021.plannedclosed.wineries.microbrewerieshighlightThehandmadeblueusingnixtamalization,organic,non-GMOcorntomakeitstortillas.beerandwinelistslocalCaliforniaandTemporarilyReopeningdateforSpring,
31 Bolinas Road, 415.529.5444
Stillwater Californian Fairfax native Margaret Ruiz and business partner, David, joined forces with chef Cameron Myers to bring the bounty of the county to the table. Appetizers and salads feature local cheeses, oysters, and produce while the cheeseburger with Stemple Creek beef topped with housecured pork belly, has already developed a cult following. 23 415.524.8478Broadway,
DJ's Chinese Cuisine Chinese A great place to satisfy a craving for wonton soup; the outdoor patio is a scene-stealer in itself. Lunch is popular here, too. 435 Magnolia Ave, 415.924.0717
Farm House Local Californian This downtown Larkspur gem is sure to please with simple, healthy food in a warm, cozy atmosphere, both indoors and on the covered patio. The seasonal menu, inspired by American classics, includes biscuits and gravy; a “BLAT” (with avocado) sandwich; and a daily fluffy omelet stuffed with local meats, vegetables, and artisanal cheeses. 25 Ward St, 415.891.8577
Farmshop American Located in the Marin Country Mart, Farmshop Marin is a top spot for dooroven.pulledNeapolitanavocadoandpeople-watchingearnsravesforitshummusandstylepizzasfromthebeehiveIndoorandout-seatingavailable. 2233 Larkspur Landing Circle, 415.755.6700
Hog Island Oyster Co. Seafood The fullservice Marin Country Mart location features a full bar with seasonal cocktails, beer and wine and the same bay-tobar philosophy as the Tomales Bay original. Oysters, raw and grilled are a must, then check the day’s menu to see what was most recently pulled from Marin’s waters before decid ing what to eat. 2401 Larkspur Landing Circle, 628.253.5905
Left Bank Restaurant French This authenti cally classic brasserie has been serving the Larkspur community for more than two decades. Whether on the patio, at the European-style bar or in the casually elegant main dining room with a huge fireplace, it’s a fun and French experience in downtown.
The restaurant is also hosting two "virtual" restaurant concepts for takeout and delivery only, Kebabery by Meso (Mediterranean) and Lito's Cocina (Spanish/Mexican).Hispana
507 Magnolia Ave, 415.927.3331
Perry's American Perry's on Magnolia has the
parkingandbrunchLunchindiningbuilding,ingthreefamousoriginalitybarAmericanquintessentiallyfare,bustlingandwarmpersonaltheSanFranciscohasalwaysbeenfor.Alongwithseparatedinroomsinahistoricthere’soutdooronthepatioandtheredwoodgrove.anddinnerdaily,onweekendsholidays;valetintheevenings.
234 Magnolia Ave, 415.927.1877
Picco Californian
Popular since its inception, Picco has a seasonally driven menu featuring items such as risotto (made every half hour) that keep attracting return visits. Though Picco is temporarily closed, many dishes from the original restaurant are available via neighboring Pizzeria Picco, which is currently open seven days a week. 320 Magnolia Ave, 415.924.0300
Rustic Bakery Californian The home grown bakery is known and loved the world
over: Pope Francis famously requested Rustic Bakery flatbread and crostini when he visited the U.S. in 2015.
Organic bread, crois sants and pastries baked fresh each morning and salads, sandwiches, and soups for lunch make Rustic a local staple.
Marin Country Mart, 2017 Larkspur Landing Circle, 415.461.9900
Bootjack Wood Fired Californian A transition back to a bakery means hearth style breads (apple walnut), breakfast sandwiches, and pastries (cinna mon buns) from baker Cameron Esaryk are pulled daily from the built-in Alan Scott bread oven. Pair with barista drinks from Four Barrel Coffee and focaccia-style pizzas at lunch with the same Central Milling grains and organic approach as before. 17 Madrona St, 415.383.4200
Floodwater Californian Sip a “Gold Rush” (Old Forester bourbon, local honey, lemon) at the room-length bar while noshing on pork belly steamed buns or dive into Shorty's Tall Reuben in the TV-free front room. Up the coziness factor in the back room as you tuck into a margherita pizza cooked in the wood-fired oven at this spacious Tam Valley/ Manzanita tavern. The patio is open with fire pits. 152 Shoreline Hwy, 415.843.4545
Flour Craft Bakery American The brainchild of pastry chef Heather Hardcastle, this second location (the first location is in San Anselmo) in the Lumber
Yard offers not only gluten-free baked goods but fancy toast, seasonal salads, coffee and takeout to be enjoyed at one of the onsite picnic tables. 129 Miller Ave, 415.384.8244
Joe’s Taco Lounge Mexican Joe’s serves up fish tacos (which it can never take off the menu), burritos and enchiladas as well as more unusual items like Mexican pizza, and tofu tostada. A colorful interior and quick service make this a fun, easy stop. If you stay, grab a few of the hundreds of hot sauce bottles from the wall and find your perfect match. Cup of Joe's coffee cart, out front every morning, serves lattes, Mexican hot chocolate and burritos to go. 382 Miller Ave, 415.383.8164
Piatti Ristorante and Bar Italian The staff prides 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
Tam Tam Ramen Asian Ramen, bao sliders, wonton nachos, and pan-fried gyoza are made fresh to order, with sushi and salads from Whole Foods and Urban Remedy available in the grab-and-go cooler. If you’re dining in or on the patio, an array of sake, beer, and wine rounds out the menu. 745 E Blithedale Ave, 415.381.3900
Tamalpie Italian With views of Mt. Tamalpais from the covered, heated patio, this CalItalian spot known for its local sourcing also features two fireplaces and a full bar serving craft cocktails, wine and beer. The difference is in the dough, small batch, housemade gluten-free and 48-hour Neapolitan pizza doughs, plus large salads, pastas, and vegan and vegetarian items. The Brussels sprouts are supercrispy and not to be missed. 477 Miller Ave, 415.388.7437
The Junction American Owner Dez Fielder's devotion to microproduced and local beer is evident from the 30 taps and a robust can program including Woodfour New Ridge Lager, and experimental bottlings, like Barebottle Brewing’s Tangberry Typhoon, all easy to pair with pizzas from Pizzahacker. Grab your fleece to sip one by a fire pit on the huge backyard patio. 226 Shoreline Hwy, 415.888.3544
Thep Lela Thai The kee mao noodles, pad thai, and fresh rolls stuffed with beets and herbs have a dedicated following as does the extensive bar menu (try the Amazing Mai Tai) at this spot tucked away in the back of Strawberry Village. It is takeout only, for now. 615 Strawberry Village, 415.383.3444
Vasco Italian Whether at a table, the bar or the back counter, you can expect an intimate dining experience in this one-room trattoria facing Depot Plaza. Try one of the pasta dishes or thin-crust wood-fired pizzas. 106 Throckmorton Ave, 415.381.3343
Watershed Californian Gather 'round the fire pit in front of the restaurant or hang out at the long bar for a pre-dinner glass of wine before sampling one of the many dishes curated to reflect the bounty of Marin. The Stemple Creek Ranch burger and fresh pastas are matched with a bevy of simply prepared, easy to share dishes (like spicy rock cod lettuce cups or lamb riblets) that reflect chef Kyle Swain’s careful sourcing and focus on local flavor. 129 Miller Ave, 415.888.2406
West Coast Wine Cheese Californian
Focused on small production winemakers, the wine menu features a bottle list with over 300 selections, wines by the glass that change weekly as well as California, Oregon and Washington beers on draft and by the bottle. A rotating cheese and charcuterie menu, served with bread from San Francisco’s Jane Bakery, is also offered. 31 Sunnyside Ave, 415.758.3408
Beso Bistro and Wine Bar Californian This Hamilton Field bis tro highlights locally sourced organic pro duce, fresh sustainable seafood, and pastureraised and free-range meat. Wine lovers can embrace their inner Dionysus — Beso offers more than 20 selections by the glass and more than 50 by the bottle. The patio is naturally shaded by local oaks. 502 S Palm Drive, 415.883.6700
Boca Pizzeria Italian
Enjoy authentic pizza prepared with housepulled mozzarella and
tomatoes imported from Italy, or go for a grilled rosemary chicken sandwich or the braised beef short rib pappardelle. Weekly specials include half off all wines by the bottle on Wednesdays and half off draft beers on Thursdays. 454 Ignacio Blvd, 415.883.2302
Chianti Cucina Italian This cozy eatery offers an array of Italian and American dishes, includ ing a long list of pastas; try the house-made ravioli cooked up by chef Edgar DeLon. It's all available for takeout and drive-through via their app. 7416 Redwood Hwy, 415.878.0314
Crave Californian Executive chef Christian Pulido serves up seasonally-driven California cuisine on the shaded terrace (and in a modern dining room, replete with George Nelson bubble lamps, when permitted). Char Siu Octopus and a Soba Noodle Salad push the flavor boundary while a CAB Burger and Halibut with Corn Pudding are instantly familiar. 340 Ignacio Blvd, 415.883.0901
Finnegan's Marin American The dark wood paneled booths and high backs on bar stools mean it is easy to linger over Irish-inspired meals like corned beef and cabbage or nachos made with waffle fries instead of corn chips. They taste just as good on the new, heated outdoor patio. 877 Grant Ave, 415.899.1516
Hopmonk Tavern American The beer garden-style outdoor patio and live music keep fans coming back to this Novato brewhouse tucked into the
LARRY HADLEY JEFF HADLEYVintage Oaks Mall. Weekly events include country line dancing and open mic nights with an ample selection of beers on tap. 224 Vintage Way, 415.892.6200
Jennie Low’s Chinese
Choose from Cantonese, Mandarin, Szechuan and Hunan cuisines, and if you don’t see your favorite, let the restaurant know; whenever possible, they’re happy to try and prepare dishes off-menu. The potstickers are the best around. 120 Vintage Way, 415.892.8838
Jerry’s Delicatessen & BBQ American Southern flavors and plenty of smoked meats are
highlights of an all-day menu that includes avocado toast and breakfast burritos for breakfast any time and a classic BLT updated with house smoked salmon or a BBQ Plate with tri-tip and chicken. A complete remodel of the former Perry’s Deli space means ample, picnic-style shaded seating outside, too. 7380 Redwood Blvd, 415.895.5592
Michael’s Sourdough American The bread is made on site and is said to have magical qualities. It better as it is the only holder for the overstuffed wonders served at this Best of the County 2019 winner. Fans return over and
over to the San Rafael and Novato locations for their faves, ordered by number, then swoon over the huge sandos piled with meat, cheese and enough shredded lettuce to ooze out the sides and onto your lap. 999 Andersen Drive, Suite 165, 415.485.0964
The Speakeasy American There’s noth ing like the comfort of a solid burger and beer when you’re kicking back and watching the game, and the Speakeasy pro vides. In addition to the 10 beers on tap, you can go beyond traditional pub grub with treats like a deconstructed salmon salad. The "new" version is open for patio dining
and takeout with a new menu. 504 Alameda del Prado, 415.883.7793
Comforts Cafe American Established in 1986, a large takeout section offers a wide selection of housemade bakery items, seasonal salads, soups, sandwiches and entrees for dinner at home. Besides the famous Chinese chicken salad, other winners are the stuffed pecan-crusted French toast, flavorful scrambles, Chicken Okasan (nicknamed “Crack Chicken” by fans) and Roast Chicken Enchiladas. Now offering curbside pick-up. 335 San Anselmo Ave, San Anselmo, 415.454.9840
Cucina sa Italian Open for lunch Wednesday–Saturday and six nights a week for dinner, takeout or delivery. Homemade pastas, seasonal sal ads, and wood-fired pizzas strike a balance between southern Italy and northern California. Full bar and cocktails are available to go or enjoy a tipple on premise at the new heated parklet. 510 San Anselmo Ave, San Anselmo, 415.454.2942
This sister restaurant of Insalata’s continues to flourish as a bastion of creative Mexican and Central and South American cuisine. Not your typical Marinitasof-the-bordersouth-spot,servesup topnotch margaritas and Latin lusciousness. 218 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, San Anselmo, 415.454.8900
Sushi 69 Japanese Opened in 2007, Sushi 69 has been a favorite for locals looking to
get their fill of no-frills sushi. The owner hails from Japan and has created an extensive menu featuring tra ditional tempura and the popular Hiro’s roll (spicy tuna with avocado, salmon and ponzu sauce wrapped in sushi rice). 69 Center Blvd, San Anselmo, 415.459.6969
Tony Tutto's Pizza After nine years in Mill Valley, owner Greg DiGiovine relocated to Ross, bringing his crusthereveganvibekid-farm-to-tablefamiliarpiesandanddog-friendlytodowntown.Thepiesarestillandagluten-freeisavailable.
16 Ross Common, Ross, 415.383.8646
Valenti & Co. Italian
This bright and cozy space is the ideal environment (when we can eat indoors again) for authentic Italian dishes made with local ingredients. The menu changes daily but look for the carpaccio of beef, the pan-seared Pekin duck and chef Valenti's famous tower of triple chocolate love at dessert. 337 San Anselmo Ave, San 415.454.7800Anselmo,
Arizmendi Bakery
Californian A workerowned bakery cafe, Arzimendi prides itself on high-quality local ingredients. nextline,don'tsourdoughsandwiches,breakfastforWednesday–SundayVisitcoffeeandpastries,andlunchandartisanpizza.Ifyouwanttowaitinorderonlinefordaypick-up.
1002 Fourth St, 415.456.4093
Boiadeirus Steak
Brazilian The picanha is the signature cut at this
Brazilian-style steak house where gauchos carrying grilled meats on long swords cruise the room, offering portions of up to 10 meats. A huge salad bar offers everything from feijoada and potato salad to yucca and deviled eggs. 925 Fourth St, 628.253.5854
Il Davide Italian The large selection of innovative and classic Tuscan dishes and house-made pasta has kept locals coming back for years. Ingredients are organic and locally sourced where possible, and there’s a vast selection of both Italian and California wines by the glass. Heated outdoor dining and curbside pickup are available and a private party dining room accommodates up to 45. 901 A St, 415.454.8080
La Toscana Ristorante & Bar Italian Family owned and operated since 1985, La Toscana completed an extensive interior and exterior renovation, transforming an already popular San Rafael gathering spot into a place for any occa sion. The menu features classics like gnocchi and carbonara and an ample selection of wine. 3751 Redwood Hwy, 415.492.9100
Sabor a Mexico Mexican Fresh mar garitas know no border, while salmon fish tacos are topped with chopped onion and cilantro a la Distrito Federal and a pambazo, a sandwich stuffed with chorizo and potato, is done up with a Jaliscan style sauce. A six table patio offers outdoor seating. 1559 Fourth St, 415.306.9404
Sabor a Mexico nachos, San RafaelSol Food Puerto Rican Fast becoming a Marin legend, Sol Food whips up traditional Puerto Rican dishes just like the ones owner 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). Currently sharing space with sis ter restaurant, Viqtor Cafe. 901 Lincoln Ave, 415.451.4765
Copita Mexican Co-owner Joanne Weir, along with chef Daniel Tellez, presents fresh Mexican fare in the heart of downtown Sausalito.
The ever-changing menu is 100 percent glutenfree, masa is prepared and pressed in house for each and every tortilla, and the in-house tequila bar serves over 100 varieties, ideal for crafting your own margarita. Dine at the bar (when it is permitted again) or on the outdoor patio for great peoplewatching. 739 Bridgeway, 415.331.7400
Poggio Italian Vitello sliced excruciatingly thin and topped with lemon and tonnato sauce is a singular dish in the hands of Executive chef Benjamin Balesteri who creates Northern Italian fare using local and Italian ingredients. The bar may be the most hopping in town and is recognized for its killer Negroni. Private dining
rooms above the restaurant can accommodate larger parties (10 to 150 guests) when such activities resume. 777 Bridgeway, 415.332.7771
Saylor’s Restaurant and Bar Mexican Chef/ owner Sean Saylor uses fresh local ingredients and seafood to create a distinctively Cabo combination of Californian and Mexican cuisine. That means polenta with green chili and mozzarella or a Caesar salad with ancho chili croutons and queso fresco. Choose from more than 200 varieties of tequilas that are even better when enjoyed in the private Cabo Wabo room, named for (and approved by) Mill Valley's own tequila master, Sammy Hagar. Until indoor dining
returns, sip and savor on the heated Agave Terrace out back where the vibe is as festive as inside. 2009 Bridgeway, 415.332.1512
Spinnaker Seafood Chef Phil Collins excels at preparing seafood, and it shows in the beautifully plated presentations. Set right on the water with sweeping views of San Francisco, this romantic spot is great for an evening occasion. 100 Spinnaker Dr, 415.332.1500
Sushi Ran Japanese Sample innovative small plates just big enough to share before enjoying some of the best sushi the Bay Area has to offer; the prices don’t deter the herd of enthusiasts who line up nightly to partake. Just stopping
by? The wine, cocktail and sake lists keep even the pickiest barfly satisfied. Reservations are required in the main room. 107 Caledonia St, 415.332.3620
Taste of the Himalayas Himalayan Popular for lunch and dinner, serving dishes from countries close to the famous mountain region. Stick with familiar curry and tandoori or dive into regional specialties like jasha maroo (from Bhutan) and churi pama (from Tibet) found nowhere else. 2633 Bridgeway, 415.331.1335
The Trident Seafood Set in a forrestaurantClub,thebuildingturn-of-the-centuryconstructedforSanFranciscoYachtthiswaterfrontisashoo-indatenight(when
indoor dining resumes). The restaurant, a famous 1970s hangout, is now known for supporting local farmers, fishers and organic food producers in everything from its chips.beer-batteredwithcioppinowell-regardedtoaLouiesaladcraborprawnsandfishand 558 415.331.3232Bridgeway,
Caffe Acri Italian The well-lit corner cafe in Tiburon is a go-to for bikers, city commuters, and locals. Diners will find Italian roast espresso drinks, freshly baked pastries, and eggs for breakfast and a selection of soups, salads and paninis for lunch. A market stacked with pantry items and coffee is
currently operating inside the cafe. 1 Main St, 415.435.8515
Luna Blu Italian Executive chef Renzo Azzarello serves Sicilian seafood and homemade pastas with a Californian touch. The seasonal menu incorporates fresh and organic produce, local naturally grown meat and poultry from small farms. The restaurant complies with Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch, so all the seafood is sustainable. A recent expansion tripled the size of the patio to accommodate more diners. In 2014, diners voted Luna Blu one of the Top 100 Neighborhood Gem res taurants in America. 35 Main St, 415.789.5844
Sam’s Anchor Cafe American Reopened after an enduringbaroystercrabwhiletheremainpatio.expansiveandspiffytie-upshouseremodel,extensiveSam'sboatfeelandboatareintactandwhiteumbrellasdeckchairslinethewaterfrontAll-daycocktailsafixtureasdoessignaturecioppino,offeringsliketoast,aroamingcart,andarawreflectthemenu'sseafoodfocus.
27 Main St, 415.435.4527
Servino Ristorante Italian Chef and owner Angelo Servino highlights waterfrontlaseafoodextensivealsoonspecialties.pizzas,pastas,includingofingredientsorganicinanarrayrusticItaliandishes,house-madewood-ovenandseasonalLocatedthebay,Servinopridesitselfonitssustainableprogram.Savordolcevitaonthepatio.
9 Main St, 415.435.2676
Tiburon Tavern Californian The atmosphere here is enhanced by two outdoor patios, two indoor fireplaces, and fresh flowers. Happy hour is 3-6:30 p.m. every day. 1651 Tiburon Blvd, 415.435.5996
Via Piccola Trattoria Italian Pedro and Maria Ulloa (formerly of San Rafael’s Arrivederci) opened a new spot with dishes like veal saltimbocca and hand made pappardelle alla Abruzzese (gluten-free pasta is available) at lunch and dinner with tiramisu or key lime pie for dessert. The heated patio is shaded from the the lights of the nearby parking lot. 1 Blackfield Dr. #11 at The Cove, 415.388.9100
Waypoint Pizza Pizza Family-friendly, pickupOrderfans,saladsmetcooked-to-orderwithgourpies,slices,freshand,forsportsalarge-screenTV.onlineforquickordelivery. 15 Main St, 415.435.3440
Cafe Reyes Pizza
Though there’s no oyster pizza on the menu, a short menu of bivalves and Neapolitan-style pies at this cozy spot means the brick oven is a hub of popular.pepperonicriminibuttomatoescrushedMargheritaactivity.withhand-SanMarzanoisaclassictheFarallonwithmushroomsandisequally
11101 California One, Point Reyes Station, 415.663.9493
Dillon Beach Coastal Kitchen Californian
Inspired by Marin’s foodshed, Dillon Beach Resort, locoated west of Tomales, offers seasonal coastal cuisine like
local line-caught fish and chips, classic clam chowder and Stemple Creek burger. tioncream8alsoBeachaccompanyingTheDillonGeneralStorefeaturesDoubleDairysoftserveiceandalocalselec-ofwinesandbeers.
1 Beach Ave, Dillon Beach, 707.878.3030
Due West at Olema House Californian The dark blue walls accented with recessed golden light give the includingmodernatrestaurant-cum-saloonrefreshedOlemaHouseafeel.Themenu,aburger,linguiniandclams,andachoppedsalad,skewsall-daycasualandspeakstotheinnandrestaurant’scrossroadslocale.
10005 Highway 1, Olema, 415.663.1264
Nick’s Cove American
This escape along Tomales Bay is famous for barbecued local oysters, Dungeness crab mac ’n’ cheese and cocktails andmostdiningandlounge.pieraofvide120-seatLargehomegrownincorporatingingredients.windowsintherestaurantpropicturesqueviewsTomalesBay,orenjoyseatoutsidealongtheorinthewaterfrontThecozybarfireplaceinthemainroommakestheoffog-whippedrainydays. 23240 Highway 1, 415.663.1033Marshall,
Parkside Cafe American
Perfect for a sit-down alfresco meal or for grabbing a burger to enjoy on the beach. Beautiful patio garden seating, ocean views, and private wood-fired dinners make this cafe a relaxing retreat. If you’re on the go, check out the market and bakery. Choose from an array of organic locally
grown produce, artisan meats, and wild seafood. 43 Arenal Ave, Stinson, 415.868.1272
Rancho Nicasio
American Known for live music and an extensive menu MondayhappyBeweek,isshanks,calamarieverythingfeaturingfromcrispytobraisedlambRanchoNicasioopensevendaysaincludingbrunch.suretostopinforhour,4-6p.m.toFriday.
1 Old Rancheria Road, Nicasio, 415.662.2219
Saltwater Oyster Depot Seafood A seat at the room-length bar or on the patio at this snug spot on Tomales Bay’s west shore can be tough to snag on a busy summer weekend but oysters pulled straight from the bay moments before, served broiled and on the half shell, are worth the wait. Locallysourced ingredients get equal billing in dishes like halibut crudo and a lamb burger. 12781 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Inverness, 415.669.1244
Side Street Kitchen
American The fastcasual eatery led by chef Aaron Wright (formerly of Tavern at Lark Creek and Canlis) serves favorites like rotisserie chicken, smoked oysters, and pork-belly BLTs as well as wholesome vegetarian fare. This is one of the few spots in West Marin that serves gluten-free beer. The cozy patio is dog-friendly. 60 Fourth St, Point Reyes Station, 415.663.0303
Sir & Star at the Olema Californian The historic inn is now a roadhouse-style res taurant featuring rustic decor and a menu with just about everything
sourced from Marin. Try the house-made bread and honey butter, the kale Caesar and the stuffed quail, then come back and work your way through the everchanging menu. 10000 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Olema, 415.663.1034
American The self-pro claimed oldest saloon on the West Coast and best party in town reopened in October after a lengthy remodel to improve everything from the deck to the sewer system. The new menu at Smiley’s Cantina leans vegancatchwithMexican-Americandisheslikelocalmezcalceviche,tortillasoupand a rotating menu of family style plates and a kids' menu. Yes, the house margaritas are still here. 41 Wharf Rd, 415.663.0303Bolinas,
Station House Cafe American Known for their house made pop overs which chef Aaron Wright makes available at every meal, this cozy cafe is also recognized for fresh oysters, grassfed burgers, and an "everything fresh, local and homegrown" ethos. Dining in the garden will resume once shelterin-place restrictions are lifted. 11180 Highway 1, Point Reyes Station, 415.663.1515
The Siren Canteen American , temporar ily closed. Expected reopening date: Summer 2023. One of the few places in CaliforniaNortherntoenjoy a taco at a restaurant nestled directly under a lifeguard tower, this smart beach shack
perched on the sandy shores of Stinson serves up burritos, burgers and creamy Meyer lemon milkshakes. Though the food is solid, we think the BYOW option with a $10 corkage fee and million-dollar views is reason enough to give this shack a shout-out. 3201 Highway 1, Stinson, 415.868.1777
The crowds still come on sunny weekends for the barbecue oysters and amazing views of Tomales Bay but the restaurant's purchase by the Hog Island Oyster Co team meant a refresh of the interior and a spiffed-up menu of salads and seafood pulled from the bay’s waters. 18863 Shoreline Hwy, Marshall, 415.663.1107
William Tell House American The oldest continuously operat ing saloon in Marin makes a mean apple brandy cocktail aptly named for the Swiss folk hero, William Tell (who famously shot an arrow off his son’s head), but the revamped restaurant strives to make its name around food with a seafood chowder made with local cod, a Cobb salad with applewood bacon, and a butcher’s cut of the day sourced from nearby Stemple Creek Ranch and grilled to order. 26955 Highway 1, Tomales, 707.879.2002
For more comprehensive restaurant listings, visit us online at marinmagazine.com/food-drink.Welcome to Windchime of Marin has a whole new meaning during ResidencyCOVID. at Windchime of Marin Memory Community has always meant receiving the highest level of care from a dedicated staff. Now it also means early access to the COVID-19 vaccine.
OUR RESIDENTS will be FIRST in line to receive the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as one is available. This means NOW is the time to become a resident and enjoy the vibrant life you deserve. We are confident that we are doing what we can to keep our residents safe! Call us today to schedule your private, personalized tour.
FEB 11 Hearts in SF Fundraiser Select Hearts will be auctioned at the proceedsfundraiser,HeartsFoundation’sinSFvirtualwithallbene fiting essential tivesprogramslife-enhancingandinitiaatPriscillaChan
and Mark Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center. (live stream 6 p.m. PT) heartsinsf.org
FEB 20 - FEB 21 Clover Sonoma Family Fun Series: Doktor Kaboom!
The hilariously charm ing Doktor Kaboom blends science, comedy and a German accent in his series of increasingly
spectacular demonstra tions of the physical sciences. His perfor mance showcases the scienti fic method using humor and incredibly explosive experiments tied directly to curricu lum standards. (free to register; 48 hour view ing period.) lutherburbankcenter.org
BOOK PASSAGE (LIVE)
- Website allows audi ence members to ask a question thanConversationsbeforehand.ratherreadings.
FEB 6 Chang-Rae Lee Award-winning author and Stanford University
professor of writing, Lee will discuss his book, My , an exuber ant, provocative story about a young American life transformed by an unusual Asian adventure — and about the human capacities for pleasure, pain and connection. (live stream 4 p.m. PT) bookpassage.com
FEB 13 Vendela Vida
Her newest release, We Run the Tides, is an ach ingly beautiful story of female friendship, betrayal and a mysteri ous disappearance set in the changing landscape of San Francisco. (live stream 4 p.m. PT) bookpassage.com
FEB 13 & FEB 20 Art History with Kerrin Meis - Discover Jordan Beyond Petra Kerrin Meis taught art history at SFSU for ten years and has led study tours in Europe. Her Book
Passage classes have been favorites for years. Join her for a virtual journey through the country’s spectacular sights. (live stream 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. PT; tickets $80) bookpassage.com
FEB 19 Bill Gates: How to Avoid a Climate Disaster In his urgent, authorita tive book, How to Avoid a Climate Disaster, Bill Gates sets out a wideranging, practical — and accessible — plan for how the world can get to zero greenhouse gas emissions in time to avoid a climate catastro phe. (live stream 11 a.m. PT; tickets $45, includes hardcover copy) billgatesbookpassage.com/
(LIVE)COMMONWEALTH
- Must preregister for these free events, donations are appreciated.
MUSEUMS / EVENTS / FILM / TALKS EDITED BY SABRINA TUTON-FILSONFEB 2 Ida B. the Queen Complimenting her own story of self-discovery and activism, Michelle Duster brings to life thlifelonggreat-grandmother’sherdedicationto e fight for racial jus tice. Duster’s extensive research on Well’s life and career reveals Ida’s journey from ferocious teen to pioneering jour nalist to (liveingtheturyhowhistoricaltionmember.tivedelicatecrusader,anti-lynchingrelayedintheandintrospecvoiceofafamilyThisconversawillconnectthedotstoshowWells’actionsacenagoechothroughmovementshappeninthestreetstoday.stream10a.m.PT) commonwealthclub.org
FEB 3 The Great American Lie with Jennifer Siebel Newsom Join Jennifer Siebel Newsom and a panel of three student filmmak ers for a discussion about The Great American Lie, which examines the roots of systemic inequality through a unique gender lens. (live stream 3 p.m. PT) commonwealthclub.org
FEB 4 Chad Sanders: Black Magic When Chad Sanders landed his first job in Silicon Valley, he quickly realized that to be suc cessful at work meant playing a certain social game. Each meeting was drenched in white slang and the privileged talk of international travel or a folk concert in San Francisco, which led Chad to realize that he could only be successful if he emu lated whiteness. Join him for a discussion about his book, Black Magic, which uncovers Black experiences in predominantly white environments streamtrueimportancedemonstratingwhiletheofstayingtoyourself.(live12p.m.PT) commonwealthclub.org
FEB 9 His Very Best: Jimmy Carter, A Life Join for a virtual con versation with Jonathan Alter, author of the first full-length biography of Jimmy Carter, the 39th president of the United States and Nobel Prize–winning humanitarian. Alter paints an intimate and surprising portrait of a complex figure with a piercing intelligence, prickly intensity and biting wit beneath the patented smile. (live stream 3 p.m. PT) commonwealthclub.org
FEB 11 Amelia Pang: Made in China Author and abouthermajorAmericansofagoods,thatonpullsjournalistaward-winningAmeliaPangbackthecurtainthelaborcampscreatethehomefastfashionandsurprisingnumberotherproductsthatbuyfromretailers.Joinforaconversationherbook
Made in China and learn why the American consumer should ask more ques tions and demand more answers from the com panies they patronize. (live stream 12 p.m. PT) commonwealthclub.org
FEB 23 Daughters of Kobani: Kurdish Women Warriors Against Islamic State Gayle Tzemach Lemmon, the New York Times best-selling author, adjunct senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations and partner at Shield AI, a tech company focused on national security, will discuss her latest book,
Organized by guest curator Astria Suparak with USF’s MA in Museum Studies Curatorial Practicum class, this is a twopart hybrid exhibition featuring the art col lective Related Tactics. Beginning Nov. 19, 2020, The future now, a site-
THRU FEB 29 Golden Gate Park Anniversary150thLights
based on years of onthe-ground reporting. The Daughters of Kobani, A Story of Rebellion, Courage and Justice, tells the extraordinary story of the Kurdish heroines who fought on the front lines alongside U.S. forces and helped defeat Islamic State in Syria. (live stream 10 a.m. PT) commonwealthclub.org
responsive public art project will be on view in storefronts along the Third Street corridor in San Francisco’s Bayview neighborhood through February 14. usfca.edu/thacher-gallery
A new art installation will transform Golden Gate Park’s Peacock Meadow into an “enchanted forest,” closing out the festivities celebrat ing the park’s 150th anniversary. The instal lation, “Entwined” by San sfrecpark.org
For more happenings around Marin and the Bay Area, subscribe to the Better Letter to receive our roundup of the 31 best things to do this month. marinmagazine.com/subscribe.
RaeChang-Lee Ida B. Wells Bayview Opera HouseImpacting over 4,000 children in special education and approximately 40,000 public school students.
Dedication to Special Education, an all-volunteer parent group, announced that it is giving over $100,000 in grants impacting all students in Marin. Typically Dedication to Special Education focuses on helping students with special needs, but the Covid-19 pandemic has created new challenges and Dedication to Special Education wanted to help. Their grants will allow public schools
the ability to contract with companies to provide social-emotional learning services as well as the technology to facilitate digital learning and reading comprehension. Visit their website to learn how you can contribute to their ongoing efforts and initiatives. specialed.org
OUR
For more than 116 years, Saint Francis Memorial Hospital has been an anchor for everyone in the San Francisco community, offering unmatched healthcare to vulnerable populations, never turning away anyone in need of help. Their 26th annual Hob Nob Gala was a uniquely designed opportunity to support healthcare workers in San Francisco while connecting with hundreds of key health leaders and loyal guests. Attended by 268 households, this event featured a live broadcast emceed by local auctioneer Greg Quiroga, a special message from California Governor Gavin Newsom, inspiring messages from several patients, a performance by Grammynominated singer/songwriter Carla Helmbrecht, a testimonial by author Toni Newman, and dinner for sponsors catered by Betty Zlatchin. The event also raised funds through various auction items, including a private jet to Amangiri Resort in Utah. saintfrancisfoundation.org/hobnob
For more inspiring success stories, matching grant nonprofits ways you can help those in right visit
To date, the Mill Valley Masketeers, a group of bilingual volunteers led by Lee Budish, have made approxi mately 11,000 masks for frontline workers and at-risk populations in Marin County. These volunteers have delivered masks to senior centers, food bank lines at Marin Community Clinics and SF-Marin Food Bank as well as pop-up food banks at school cafeterias and senior living facilities. The Mill Valley Masketeers group is looking for volunteers to join the efforts. Contact Lee Budish (budishlee@gmail.com) to volunteer and/or to donate fabric or elastic.
The pandemic sparked a mass exodus from the city. It’s unclear just how many people have left, but moving vans and plummeting rents suggest people are re-thinking their housing situation. However, you can rest assured that the “City by the Bay” is hardly a ghost town. And, as an act of hope, we decided to feature a recently renovated pied-à-terre reimagined for a San Francisco native and her husband currently living in a large Central Valley estate.
“They bought the place to be close to their daughter who currently lives in San Francisco and to test out the idea of return ing to The City full-time” says Marea Clark, a San Francisco-based interior designer tasked with turning a tired rowhouse into an elegant abode.
The three-bedroom, three-bath rowhouse in Laurel Heights underwent a near down-tothe-studs remodel. “The space is considerably smaller than the couples’ primary residence, so we agreed to make every square foot feel super luxurious,” says Clark. To that end, and in an effort to get every detail just right, Clark joined forces with Sausalito-based architect, Brooks McDonald. “It was defi nitely a collaborative project,” says Clark.
The kitchen, for example, while compact, was meticulously plotted out for optimal form as well as function. Highlights include custom cabinets by Precision Cabinets, tile and plumbing fi xtures by Waterworks, and of course, state of the art appliances. As for the color palette, the homeowners loved the idea of jewel tones, but didn’t want anything trendy. “To give the kitchen a timeless look
that still makes you stop and say ‘wow,’ we chose a rich, vibrant blue for the cabinets and paired that with two deep red maroon light fi xtures by Urban Electric.
Another big change: a mai n floor bedroom was reimagined as a home office space with two workspaces, a peninsula and plenty of cabinetry for storage. They also out fitted the room with a daybed. The goal was to make the space versatile enough to function as a sick room, as well as accommodations for occasional overnight guests or future grandchildren.Theupstairs, formally two separate bed rooms, was combined to create a master suite with a walk-in-closet that would impress even the most passionate clothes horse. “We installed walnut hardwoo d floors throughout most of the house, but for the master closet
WHERE IT IS The Laurel Heights neighborhood of San Francisco
WHAT IT IS A three-bedroom, three-bath Rowhouse
INTERIOR DESIGNER Marea Clark, Marea Clark Interiors, San Francisco
ARCHITECT Brooks McDonald, Brooks McDonald Architecture, Sausalito
we chose a super luxurious wall-to-wall carpet. It’s so cozy, you could actually take a nap on it.”
All told the project took a full year to complete. “We had to shut down construction for a time due to Covid-19, and the pandemic also led to furniture delivery delays,” says Clark. “But because this wasn’t a primary residence, there wasn’t the same urgency to get everything done, so they were willing to wait rather than compromise on the details.” And as the photos indicate, the couple’s patience, indeed, paid off
For more home decor and design inspiration, expert advice from industry leaders, and stunning pieces by local artists, visit spacesmag.com.
Opener: A his and hers home office with custom cabinets and custom window
Oppositetreatments.page:Anopen concept kitchen painted in vibrant blue opens up into a light and airy great room.
This page: Top: A coverlet draped over the bed with a single lumbar pillow a great solution for a no fuss tailored look.
Middle: Durability was key when choosing a fabric for this custom sofa capable of withstanding the occasional red wine mishap.
Bottom: The front entryway wallpaper and light fixture were designed to riff off the kitchen.
“On Friday night, May 29th 2020, Tam Sophomore Mikyla Williams called Paul Austin to ask if Marin City was going to have any protests against the tragic death of George Floyd. The protest organizers, Mikyla, Lynette Egenlauf and Ayana Morgan-Woodward, all know that Paul is one of the community’s youngest leaders and is often the voice of Marin City’s young people. On Saturday morning, Paul sent a text saying ‘I’m here to support whatever protest the young people want to do.’
By 2pm on June 2nd, we had 4 decades of Marin City residents ready to lead a peaceful protest that would give Marin County, OUR VOICE! Paul (40), Lynette (30), Ayana (21), and Mikyla (16) felt as if this was the official passing of the torch. Our older leaders had given us the support needed to put our ideas in motion. Earlier that week, there had already been many protests around the country in support of Black Lives Matter but we had one question, ‘How could these protests happen without the voice/input of black people?’ This is when our battle cry, ‘OUR VOICE, OUR MOVEMENT’, originated. Marin City is the only town in Marin County that is predominantly African American and though we loved that our allies were protesting, we needed to show Marin County that Black Lives Matter and Marin City Matters! We organized this protest in just 4 days and approximately 1500 people came out in support which felt amazing – the encouragement, the voices who spoke, and the people who marched in solidarity. Our peaceful protest was in honor of all Black Lives that have been lost due to society’s fears of African Americans’ ascendancy and their striving for excellence. It was time for us to take action and show up!” - The Marin City Family
VANGUARD PROPERTIES has always had a deep connection to the communities we serve through our representation of those who live and thrive here. Our involvement goes beyond business, it taps into the essence of what has always strengthened our bonds to one another, the knowledge that “we are in this together”. This year we are contributing to organizations run by exceptional people supporting those impacted by COVID-19 and the ruinous wildfires. We are proud to acknowledge our extraordinary neighbors whose efforts every day make living in Marin a better place to call home.
Photos by Anita Barcsa
TIBURON
Views of the Golden Gate Bridge and bay awaits in contemporary 5br/4ba luxury home. Enjoy a miniature golf course, teak sauna & jacuzzi and more. in this 5br/6ba grand-scale mansion w/pool and spa, rustic hand hewn cabana, koi pond and music studio. turnkey farmhouse-style home with an iconic Sonoma vineyard and pasture views.
Rare one-level 4br/2.5ba home w/a covered pergola and patio located in a coveted West Novato location thats close to Wild Horse Valley.
SAN RAFAEL
Luxurious 4br/3ba Marin Lagoon waterfront home! Soaring ceilings, new remodeled kitchen & baths, grand master suite w/balcony & bonus room. neighborhood backyard that boasts an amazing pool and tons of space for relaxing
THE AMERICAS & ACROSS THE GLOBE.
Our elite advisors have already been selling luxury in our communities for many years - but they have come home to the Engel & Völkers brand thanks to our European boutique sensibility which captures the essence of the Marin lifestyle.
And we’ve only just begun. Our culture of leveraging cooperation over competition drives powerful business. The enthusiastic support we provide to each of our advisors all over the globe generates remarkable influence everywhere we go.
Learn more at marincounty.evrealestate.com
Sausalito Bridgeway East College Ave. 415 Bolinas 415
San Anselmo Francis Drake 415 675-1263
3 COTTAGES
Offered at $8,100,000 Vermes Smith +1 707 927-1050 01033146
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Celebrating over 3 decades of combined real estate experience! 3rd generation Marin county residents, both Traci Thiercof and Beth Sasan have deep roots and strong connections in Marin. Whether buying or selling, Traci and Beth can help you navigate your next steps with ease.
Recent sales: Taylor Rd,
A rare find in Mill Valley! An elegant home two blocks to Miller Ave, Whole Foods, et al with a solar heated pool and level lawn! This spacious home o ers 5 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, hardwood floors, a great room with vaulted ceilings, dining room, kitchen with breakfast area and more. 3-car garage, Tesla charger, two furnaces & AC. The kitchen has Dacor appliances, granite counters, spacious Island and walk-in pantry + guest suite or home o ce options. Great indoor/outdoor living with views, entertaining decks. Amazing!
8RobertsonTer.com
Single level fully updated ranch style house in desirable Glenwood. Open living and dining area with maple hardwood floors, fireplace with Agate tile, skylight & ceiling fans. Expanded Chef’s kitchen is tastefully upgraded with custom cherry wood cabinets, granite counters, skylight and a large custom island. Abundance of cabinet & counter space with stainless-steel appliances, including a 6 burner Wolf gas range & Jenn Air refrigerator. Primary bedroom incorporates 4th bedroom into 1 spacious room with 2 walk-in closets, modern vanity & sink plus custom shower. 2 bedrooms have original red oak floors, one with a 2-person workstation, perfect for a stay at home o ce or schooling. The backyard has a large patio area perfect for entertaining, outdoor shower, and pool on the side with manual safety cover. Tesla solar panels, Andersen windows, High-e ciency central heat & AC plus, new gas lines, upgraded electrical and plumbing, and many additional upgrades. Near Peacock gap golf course, State parks (open space), Redeemer Pre-School and Glenwood Elementary, Andy’s Market & more.
19BriarwoodDr.com
EXQUISITE SEACLIFF STUNNER
10 SEACLIFF AVENUE, SAN FRANCISCO | 4 bed 4 bath | 10SeaCliff.com
Come saunter through this lovely circa 1915 charmer. Located in the beautiful, highly sought after SeaCliff neighborhood. Boasts amazing unobstructed views of Baker Beach and the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. This home has been in the family for many years and has sentimental value. Many elegant dinners and cocktail parties were hosted here, for guests like Liberace who played the piano in this very living room! Come see the incredible potential! You’ll want to make this your home. You’ll leave singing “I left my heart in San Francisco”. Offered at: $7,999,999
$650 million in sales, Ahern + Kalmbach is transforming and expanding its brand in order to serve a wider audience with the same incredible service and results.
Outpost founders, Radhi Ahern and Scott Kalmbach are well known for their signature style and for presenting well-designed homes that sell for commanding prices. Their keen eye for design, innovative systems and strategies have laid the groundwork for them to expand their reach. A top-producing team in San Francisco and Marin, Ahern + Kalmbach has built their business on entrepreneurial ingenuity and forward thinking. Outpost is simply the next evolution of these “Outpost”principles.
is a vantage point from which to survey the landscape and map out the future. Outpost Real Estate curates each client’s path forward, wherever that road may lead.
You want expertise. Choose a philanthropic partner who understands that. Virtuoso at MCF.
The modern alternative to a private foundation. With O ces in Marin and San Francisco. www.marincf.org | 415.464.2507
