Extraordinary wines are waiting for you at J Vineyards and Winery — just three miles from Downtown Healdsburg.
24
Ode to Mill Valley
A city rich with history nestled at the base of Mount Tamalpais boasts scenic redwoods, vibrant arts and a close-knit community.
40 Under the Light
Curious about achieving smoother, youthful skin?
Learn how these innovative procedures can transform your complexion and boost your confidence.
32 Will a City Grow in Solano County?
A 45-minute drive to the north of Marin is where the California Forever plan in Solano County aims to build a sustainable, utopian city.
44
Seaweed, What’s in a Name?
Marin County’s hidden bounty, seaweed, finds new ways to add flavor to food and drink as a nutrition supplement.
Enjoy
the best of Monterey on Cannery Row
Natural wonders abound in Monterey, and there simply is no better place to experience it all than with a stay on Cannery Row. Known for its picturesque charm and colorful history, guests to this fabled street can enjoy a unique combination of luxurious waterfront hotels, enticing restaurants and captivating boutiques. Come, slow down and enjoy the best of Monterey on Cannery Row.
IN MARIN
15 Currents
Fourth of July, the difference a paint job can make, cocktail chatter and more.
18 Local Olympians
The Woodhead siblings are making waves in the water polo community.
64 Live Longer
We explore the benefits of rucking, Pilates and cryotherapy.
OUT & ABOUT
75 Calendar
A roundup of what to do in Marin and beyond.
83 Dine
An insider’s guide to dining and food in the Bay Area.
88 On the Scene
Snapshots from events around the county.
MARIN HOME
91 Backstory
A San Anselmo family’s remodeled home strikes a balance between fun and function.
MEGHAN BAILEY, COURTESY OF GUEST HOUSE
GREEN SEAL CERTIFIED
Stay sustainably at the Green Seal Certified OUTRIGGER Reef Waikiki Beach Resort.With stunning ocean views and green sea turtles fronting the resort, all rooms come with OUTRIGGER Zone re-usable metal water bottles. Enjoy complimentary reef-safe sunscreen at the pool and check out Ethan Estess’ 30-foot mural of iconic Diamond Head, made from reclaimed plastic fishing industry rope that washed up on the shores of Hawai‘i.
PRESIDENT / OPERATIONS
Nikki N. Wood nwood@marinmagazine.com
Editorial
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
Mimi Towle
DIGITAL EDITOR
Jessica Gliddon
SENIOR WRITER
Christina Mueller
DEPARTMENT EDITORS
Lotus Abrams, Donna Berry Glass
MANAGING EDITOR
Valerie Butler
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Mimi Pinson
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Lotus Abrams, Tom James, Carrie Kirby, Christina Mueller, Calin Van Paris, Kasia Pawlowska, Tucker Sennett, Jim Wood
COVER ARTIST
Katerina Kolberg
Art
ART DIRECTOR
Ryan Mastalerz
PRODUCTION DIRECTOR
Alex French
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Meghan Bailey
Administration
CONTROLLER
Maeve Walsh
Co-Founders
Jim Wood, Nikki N. Wood
Explore the curious connections of California. From towering redwood forests to vast deserts, breathtaking coasts to bustling cities, discover the surprising relationships among species, people, and places in our majestic state.
Coming back stronger never stops.
At Novato Community Hospital, orthopedic excellence isn’t just our mission—it’s our achievement. Recognized as one of the top 50 U.S. hospitals for orthopedics, we never stop striving for better. When you choose Novato, you get outstanding care from the moment you enter our doors through recovery and beyond. We never stop working to get you back in action.
Learn more at sutterhealth.org/novato-orthopedics.
GROUP PUBLISHER
Nikki C. Wood
DIRECTOR OF SALES AND MARKETING Leah Bronson lbronson@marinmagazine.com
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: Please send letters to editorial@marinmagazine.com. Include your full name, city, state and phone number. Marin Magazine reserves the right to edit letters for clarity, length and style.
SUBSCRIPTIONS: Rates are $12 for out-of-state subscrip tions or free for California subscribers. To subscribe, manage your subscription or change your address visit marinmagazine.com/subscribe. BULK ORDERS For information on bulk orders of Marin Magazine, please call 415.332.4800.
JOINT REPLACEMENT
OPTIMIZING THIS LIFE
It’s not a dress rehearsal
I F YOU’VE BEEN READING Marin Magazine for at least a year, you know that our county consistently earns the top spot in the state for both longevity and health stats. The main factors attributed to this success are community, access to both open space and healthcare. Throughout the past 20 years it’s been an honor highlighting the people who personify these stats, like Marty Griffin, the OG Rebel with a Cause, who just left us at 104. We can thank him and his cohorts whenever we hike our open trails. Anna Halprin, who passed away at 100, was featured as a dance teacher going strong at 93, and of course, we wrote about my favorite lunch buddy, Bill W. Jones, who published his first book at 93, about being the first single man in the world to adopt a child.
It’s not just Marin, as a nation we are living longer, smarter and with more vitality. This is noted in the new book, Roctogenarians, written by the adorable and wise, journalist CBS Sunday Morning correspondent, Mo Rocca, featuring inspiring interviews with humans who are going strong in their eighth decade.
But, he missed a few good ones, including our own Jim Wood, who at 88, leads the GreenTeam in Tiburon, a hard-working group committed to beautifying the local streets and open space. If you’ve strolled along the benches, railroad ties and wildflowers of Trestle Trail, overlooking Blackie’s Pasture, that was also this group, with Jim leading the charge with his weed whacker in hand. In this issue, he dives into the California Forever proposal on the ballot this November. While I personally would oppose the project, Jim, the uber-optimist, drove up to Solano County to interview Jan Sramek, the CEO and visionary, to learn more about the project (see page 32).
Speaking of towns with a heart, this issue Calin Van Paris, our Portland Oregon stringer and Mill Valley native has written a love letter to her beloved town, built around a saw mill and named by John Thomas Reed, who showed up back in 1826 (see page 24). After what felt like years of road construction on Miller and East Blithedale, downtown Mill Valley is open and as vibrant as ever. Take a look for yourself, the businesses will be thrilled to have you. Throughout the next year and beyond, we will be taking a deep dive into all the towns. If you have anything to contribute regarding your favorite town, please send us a note at editorial@marinmagazine.com.
Finally, as editor of this beautiful magazine for nearly two decades, one would think I would have absorbed all there is to know about cutting edge health hacks. Sadly it takes more than reading about these offerings; you gotta do them. In a continual effort at beating the clock, in the last six months, I have rucked with a group of friends in Tennessee Valley, (read all about it on page 64) and worked on getting my VO2 Max at Jyzen Labs, where I hope to learn more about my body chemistry, metabolism, and use their cutting edge equipment. I have also gotten hooked on Rootless seaweed snacks — my daughter Grace introduced to me awhile back. I was happy to see this product and others featured in Christina Mueller’s story on the health benefits of this abundant and sustainable source of nutrients harvested right here in Marin (see page 44). We hope you enjoy this issue, as much as we have enjoyed the process of getting it to you. See you on the trails – and if you’re carrying that rucking backpack, an extra high five.
Getting my VO2 Max at Jyzen Labs
GENE HILLER MENSWEAR
70TH ANNIVERSARY SALE
30-70% OFF SELECTED MERCHANDISE
7/01 - 8/01
Gene Hiller is proud to announce its 70th anniversary. As a thank you for all the years of support from our family of clients we would like to offer a private sale, by appointment only, to all customers. This unique value offers great quality and expertise to your wardrobe.
Please do not hesitate to contact us to find out more inormation and plan your private sale.
Looking forward to your visit.
Gene Hiller
CURRENTS
Marin County Fair
Six Fourth of July Facts
EDITED BY MIMI PINSON
1THE COLONIES OFFICIALLY
declared independence on July 2
On July 2, 1776, the Second Continental Congress approved delegate Richard Henry Lee’s motion for independence, rejecting the political bands connecting the 13 American colonies to the crown. July 4 is celebrated as Independence Day because the Congress approved the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, after two days of debating and revising its contents. The declaration was just a formal statement and explanation of the split, and it seems the authors intended July 2 to be celebrated as Independence Day. In a July 3 letter to his wife Abigail, John Adams predicted July 2 would be the commemorated date.
2
FEW, IF ANY, members of the Congress signed the Declaration of Independence on the Fourth of July Historians disagree on the precise order of the signing, but it seems most signatories didn’t put their names on the document until August 2. Although several, including Benjamin Franklin and John Adams, later wrote that they signed the Declaration on July 4, many of the signatories weren’t present in Philadelphia until later. Furthermore, the document’s language underwent extensive revision until it was approved on July 4, and it would have taken time for an official copy to be handwritten on parchment, making it unlikely that the final copy was signed on July 4.
3
THOMAS JEFFERSON’S DRAFT of the Declaration of Independence condemned slavery
Although Thomas Jefferson owned slaves, his original draft of the Declaration contained language condemning King George III’s support for the slave trade as “a cruel war against human nature itself, violating its most sacred rights of life and liberty.” Despite such stirring, humanistic language, it seems that Jefferson’s main complaint against the English king was related to Dunmore’s Proclamation, a 1775 law passed by Lord Dunmore, the British governor of Virginia. The proclamation promised Virginia slaves freedom in exchange for serving in the British army.
4
BE (EXTRA) CAREFUL when driving on the Fourth According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 1,460 people died in car crashes over the Fourth of July period from 2017 to 2021, making it the most fatal motoring day of the year. Last year, California Highway Patrol made 1,224 arrests for driving under the influence, and the agency reported that 68 people died on California roads on the Fourth.
5
YOUR FIREWORKS and American flag were probably made in China According to UN ComTrade data, the United States imported $357.2 million’s worth of fireworks from China in 2023, about 91 percent of total U.S. fireworks imports. This figure is actually a decrease from $544.8 million imported in 2022. Chinese goods also account for almost all U.S. imports of American flags. In 2022, Americans spent $6 million on U.S. flags from China, though last November the Senate passed the AllAmerican Flag Act to prohibit the federal government from purchasing U.S. flags made abroad.
6
THE MELODY OF the “StarSpangled Banner” came from the official song of an English club The tune that Francis Scott Key set the lyrics of the national anthem to came from “To Anacreon in Heaven,” the anthem of the Anacreontic Society, a gentlemen’s club of amateur musicians in London. The club was named for the Greek poet Anacreon, who was famous for his verse about women and drinking, and the song was likely a tavern standard in colonial America.
Oui, Oui Paris!
BY MIMI PINSON
Talking Marin’s Olympians in the lead-up to Paris 2024.
Bonjour to another Summer Olympics, beginning this month in Paris, France. Let’s celebrate Olympians — past and present — who have called Marin home. Bonne chance to all present and future competitors. To those who have finished their races, we’ll be waiting for you on the couch, tv remote in hand. Don’t forget the snacks: French onion dip, baguettes, French fries. Allons-y!
Sailing
John Bertrand, San Rafael
Will Baylis, Tiburon
Molly Carapiet, Belvedere
Paul Cayard, Kentfield
Craig Healy, Tiburon
Pam Healy, Tiburon
John Kostecki, Tiburon
Russ Silvestri, Tiburon
Rowing
Mike Altman, Kentfield
John Cashman, Kentfield
Kendall Chase, Mill Valley
Richard Draeger, Novato
Tim Evans, Larkspur
Fred Honebein, Tiburon
Scott Munn, Larkspur
Ted Murphy, San Anselmo
Swimming
Nathan Adrian, Tiburon
Steve Clark, Larkspur
Ann Curtis Cuneo, San Rafael
Rick DeMont, San Rafael
Eleanor Garatti, Belvedere
Delia Meulenkamp, Mill Valley
Track & Field
Ken Flax (Hammer Throw)
Michael Johnson, San Rafael Archie Williams, Fairfax
More Sports
Andre Agassi, Tiburon — Tennis
Jennifer Azzi, Basketball — Mill Valley
Kate Courtney, Kentfield — Mountain Biking
Ellen Estes, Novato — Water Polo
Brad Gilbert, San Rafael — Tennis
Matt Hazeltine, Mill Valley — Rugby
Jake Highland, Novato — Volleyball
Mary McConneloug, Fairfax — Mountain Biking
Jonny Moseley, Tiburon — Freestyle Skiing
Joe Ryan, San Anselmo — Baseball
Alex Tarics, Belvedere — Water Polo
Dylan Woodhead, San Anselmo — Water Polo
Did we miss a name? Let us know at editorial@marinmagazine.com
Archie Williams
Michael Johnson
Dylan Woodhead
Ann Curtis Cuneo
Living Long, Living Well
Concierge doctor Eric Pifer, M.D., focuses on personalized and metabolic medicine to help people flourish at every age.
Marin County often gets top billing for healthiest places to live. To San Francisco Concierge Medicine doctor Eric Pifer, M.D., that’s reflected in Marin’s residents – and his medical practice. “In our program, we emphasize diet, fitness, good sleep and low stress,” he says. “The people of Marin County naturally gravitate to these things, and it allows them to build health across their lifespan.”
Dr. Pifer explains why metabolism “is at the core of our health assessments in older and younger people alike.”
QLet’s start with concierge medicine. What is it?
DR. PIFER: Concierge medicine offers a personalized approach to healthcare. I became a concierge physician because I wanted to maintain a close connection to fewer patients, which makes it possible for me to do house calls, hospital visits and be directly available 24/7.
QLongevity is a popular topic for your patients. What does healthy aging mean to you?
DR. PIFER: I think it means staying free of chronic disease and maintaining the mental and physical capacity to enjoy your life. Healthy aging encompasses physical, cognitive and emotional health. You build health over time, and as you age you can reap the rewards if you play your cards right.
Q What do you do to stay healthy?
DR. PIFER: Several years ago, I was diagnosed with metabolic problems, prediabetes and an early form of heart disease. I was already exercising regularly, but my sleep, stress level and diet needed a lot of work. So, I experimented to find the right combination of approaches to improve my health. Now I swim about 5 miles per week, I eat only plants on most days, I sleep like a baby and my stress level is the lowest it’s been in years.
Q So, metabolism is central to optimal health. How do you use metabolic medicine in your practice?
DR. PIFER: Metabolic medicine works proactively to diagnose and manage chemical imbalances that lead to many chronic conditions. Because each person’s metabolism is unique, we start with a full panel of tests to understand their biometrics. Then, we prescribe wearable technology, such as glucose monitors and sleep trackers, to scientifically support lifestyle changes. When appropriate, we blend that data with advanced pharmaceuticals to create customized programs.
Q How does metabolic health affect aging?
DR. PIFER: A slowing metabolism causes abnormalities in glucose and fat levels circulating in the blood. Over time, those abnormal levels cause toxicity to specific tissues like nerves, kidney
cells, muscles and organs. This is a big part of the aging process, and it’s the part that’s most reversible.
Q Reversible? How?
DR. PIFER: The two most powerful ways to improve your metabolism are aerobic exercise and avoiding highly processed, sugary foods.
Q
How does diet relate to metabolic health?
DR. PIFER: Research tells us that the healthiest diet is vegan, followed closely by Mediterranean-style diets. Traditional Western diets heavy in animal protein are largely to blame for the high rates of heart disease, cancer and dementia in the U.S.
QWhat’s the connection between fitness and healthy aging?
DR. PIFER: Fitness is the best medicine known to mankind. The strongest association is between improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness (aka VO2 max) and subtle metabolic problems that lead to heart disease and other chronic diseases. In our program, we get people active and then coach them to achieve their highest possible fitness level.
But don’t forget strength! There’s a strong association between grip strength and longevity. That may be because good strength means bigger muscles, which indicate a healthy metabolism.
QWhat’s your take on the semaglutide craze to increase healthy lifespan?
DR. PIFER: I think semaglutide is a fabulous drug, and other drugs in that class are even better. It’s only called a craze because some people have used it to lose small amounts of weight. But many people with metabolic issues and early heart disease can use semaglutide or something similar safely and to outstanding effect.
QFinally, what’s your idea of a perfect day in Marin?
DR. PIFER: That would be a sailing day with my beautiful wife, Baanie. We leave Sausalito around 10 a.m. and end up at the dock at Sam’s in Tiburon, Angel Island or one of San Francisco’s great marinas. Then back home for dinner. If we get back early enough, we try to catch a movie at the Cinelounge in Tiburon.
Building Hope: Ritter Center's New Home
After 44 years on Ritter Street, Ritter Center is moving to a new home at 800 A Street, San Rafael, in late 2024.
The renovated 14,000 sq ft center will expand our services and provide state-of-the-art health and wellness facilities. This relocation marks a transformative moment and demonstrates our commitment to our neighbors in need.
Build a better future for those living in poverty. Join our Capital Campaign and help create a lasting legacy of hope and healing in our community.
Contact Annie Everett aeverett@RitterCenter.org / (415) 847-8043 to book a tour with Ritter Center CEO, Mark Shotwell.
NEW IN TOWN
BY KASIA PAWLOWSKA
CERAMIC TILE CENTER
SAN RAFAEL
This family-owned tile, stone and slab store was founded in 1976 in Santa Rosa and recently expanded to Marin County.
• Ser vices entail: kitchen design and bathroom design.
• O erings also include: cabinets, installation tools and supplies. “Through our dedication to that ideal, we have earned the loyalty of many contractors, designers and architects and the trust of the community,” - Tyler Lewis ceramictilecenter.com
BLUEMERCURY STRAWBERRY
Established in 1999 by the visionary duo Marla Malcolm Beck and Barry Beck, Bluemercury stands as a premier destination for luxury beauty, specializing in a meticulously curated collection of high-end cosmetics, skincare and wellness essentials.
• Top-tier brands carried in-store: La Mer, Skinceuticals, OGEE and many more. bluemercury.com
MARIN BUS STOP GETS A DRAMATIC MAKEOVER
BY DONNA BERRY GLASS
Waiting for a bus is boring business, and bus stops certainly can't be described as aesthetically pleasing. But one bus stop in Marin — the Transit Hub in San Anselmo on Center Boulevard — recently got a big boost of colorful personality in its concrete seating area, thanks to a larger public art initiative driven by the San Anselmo Arts Commission.
After putting out a call for artists, the commission selected two artists from 32 submissions for the bus seat beautification project. The chosen duo just happened to be a father-son team with deep local ties: John Hersey, a professional artist and designer from San Anselmo, and his son Wyatt Hersey, who specializes in mural work.
The younger Hersey, who grew up in San Anselmo but now resides in Santa Cruz, first collaborated with his father on design plans from afar. “We sent the design back and forth, editing, adding and tweaking colors until we had something that felt lively and fun which spoke to the Town of San Anselmo and offered a feeling of welcoming to the space,” he said.
The winning design centered on giving the benches a playful, folklorish ambience by weaving together visuals of icons and symbols reflective of the town, including views of Mount Tam, the barn owls found at town hall, Sugarfoot the Deer and the Yoda statue from Imagination Park. Over several days in May 2024, the father-son duo completed their work as curious passersby stopped to observe.
“Our goal was to create a painting that would draw in the eye and brighten the space, but also tell a story about the Town of San Anselmo and the surrounding environment that makes it such a special place," said Hersey. “I think we achieved that.”
BY KASIA PAWLOWSKA COCKTAIL CHATTER
The stories behind some of Bay Area’s storied brands
BEBE
The first bebe store was opened in San Francisco by Iranian-American businessman Manny Mashouf in 1976. The name, believe it or not, comes from Shakespeare's Hamlet : "To be or not to be..." Mashouf apparently came up with it after a conversation at a party he attended in San Francisco during the 1970s, shortly before he established the brand.
CHUCK E. CHEESE
Did you know that everyone’s favorite party rat has a full name? He sure does, and it’s Charles Entertainment Cheese. Charles has led an illustrious life — from 1977 to 1992 he was an anthropomorphic rat, and then changed into a mouse in 1993. The first location was opened by Atari's co-founder Nolan Bushnell as Chuck E. Cheese's Pizza Time Theatre in San Jose.
THE GAP
Don Fisher opened the first Gap store near City College on Ocean Avenue in Ingleside, San Francisco on August 21, 1969. Its only merchandise consisted of Levi's — Levi's guaranteed The Gap to be never out of stock — and LP records to attract teen customers. The name of the business is in reference to the “generational gap.”
Wyatt and John Hersey
MILL VALLEY IS A CITY with a soul. Ask anyone — they’ll tell you. They want to tell you. “Mill Valley is an incredibly cool and fun place to be,” says executive director of the Mill Valley Chamber of Commerce Jim Welte. Cool, because the town enjoys deep roots in music, arts and culture. “This is fundamentally an arts town,” says Mayor Urban Carmel. “After lumber, who moved here?
ode to mill valley
BY CALIN VAN PARIS
Artists.” Fun, because Mill Valley is positioned at the base of Mount Tamalpais (aka the Sleeping Lady), the lush slopes constantly encouraging exploration. “We have the steps, lanes and paths that go up and down our community and connect us to the mountain,” says Carmel. “We’re the gateway to the coast and Muir Woods. This is a town that embraces the outdoors.”
Mill Valley Music Festival 2023
Mill Valley is home to the Dipsea Trail and its iconic up-and-over footrace (the oldest in the country), the Mountain Play and its al fresco musicals, and (once upon a time) the Mount Tamalpais Scenic Railway and its open-air gravity cars. The railway may be a thing of the past, but residents still find ways to get around: see them hike, cycle and surf, sometimes all in one day. Families fill the redwood-rimmed village of downtown, catching up with friends in the Depot Plaza and threading
in and out of owner-operated shops and world-class eateries. Later, they might just catch a show at the Sweetwater.
An appreciation of Mill Valley’s community feel informs all levels of operation, from local business to bureaucracy. “Our team wakes up every day thinking about ways that we can put a rocket booster on the town’s vitality,” says Welte. “We are constantly thinking of ways that we can push for community, evolution and what makes the most sense for the town and
its residents and business owners.” You’ll find this same enthusiasm within the local government. “I love our city council, we have a fantastic city council,” says Carmel. “They’re smart and engaged, we all get along and it’s very collaborative.”
It helps that Mill Valley is easy to love. “Whether it’s hiking, biking or commuting, you’re enveloped by beauty, both in the nature and the way the town was built — the funky, eclectic nature of 94941,” says Welte. Add to that built-in artistic
bragging rights, and you have an area with an appeal that’s impossible to deny. “We have this long history of art in our community, and it’s an important part of our DNA,” says Carmel, ticking off events and evidence, from the Mill Valley Film Festival and Music Festival to the town’s local theaters to the host of famous creatives who have called the place home (Bonnie Raitt, Bob Weir, Sammy Hagar… this list goes on). “It’s a big part of who we are as a town, and you can’t quickly replicate that anywhere else.”
While Mill Valley is rich in pros, it also has its challenges. One seeming contradiction presents the largest issue: the town is at once very crowded and not quite crowded enough. The former leads to unwelcome traffic, an issue that Carmel and his council are addressing via a recently
highest pavement conditions in Marin, behind only the enclaves of Ross and Belvedere. On the other hand, there’s the need for more housing and a general want of tourism. “We need more people to be in our town,” says Welte, noting that the local economy is entirely predicated on mom-and-pop shops. “These are people who get up in the morning, get their kids off to school and go to their restaurant or boutique where they are the operators.” Bolstering these enterprises is essential, but so is the preservation of Mill Valley’s character. “It’s hard to lift the profile of a town when it’s tucked away; we are a little harder to find, and I think there are lots of people in Mill Valley who like it that way,” says Welte. “It’s a balancing act for us.”
Still, being off the beaten path lends to the city’s aforementioned soul. “There’s a
“they feel like they’ve discovered something, and there’s nothing cooler than that sense of finding hidden gems.”
You Can Always Go Downtown
Downtown Mill Valley is the heart of the city. “When you have a town where there are walkable areas, businesses collaborating and a community hub, you’re able to create that sense of place where people walk around, where you’re known,” says Powers. “It’s like Cheers!”
Equator Coffee co-founder Helen Russell (who hails from Boston) makes the same allusion. “The people who live here tend to love gathering, and we as a brand love community,” she says. “When you step over our threshold in downtown Mill Valley, you’re walking into this grand iconic location that you should feel belongs to you.”
Downtown’s collection of galleries,
formed commission. “We have seven people looking at all of the different ways to improve public transit, efficiency of car movement, and walking and biking initiatives,” he says, adding that, though traffic may be heavy, Mill Valley has the third
magic that you see in people’s eyes when they come into our shop and they’re like, ‘We didn’t realize this was even here!’” says Bonnie Powers, coowner of downtown boutique Poet and the Bench, of Mill Valley. “They feel like they’ve discovered something, and there’s nothing cooler than that sense of finding hidden gems.”
Je rey Levin and Bonnie Powers, co-owners of the Poet and Bench, have created a unique shopping experience for those who appreciate custom jewelry and design.
An exciting moment for the team behind Corner Bar include from left: Jason Sims, Tim Dixon, Bill Higgins, Liz and Peter Schumacher as they hang the sign at Throckmorton and Madrone.
shops and restaurants offers a host of reasons for residents and tourists alike to hang around. For their part, Poet and the Bench founders Powers and Levin strive to collaborate with the city council and area businesses, working as a team to draw shoppers and diners and demonstrate the area’s variety and value. “Let’s give people more than one reason to come to town,” says Powers. “Let’s show that the energy is really happening.”
Restaurateur Peter Schumacher — responsible, along with business partner Bill Higgins, for Mill Valley mainstays like Buckeye Roadhouse, Playa and Bungalow 44 — has similar aims. Corner Bar, positioned on the corner of Throckmorton and Bernard, is a new spot featuring Lower East Side vibes, light fare and great
drinks, “People always say that there are no bars in Mill Valley, and that’s kind of correct,” says Schumacher. “There’s the 2 A.M. Club and all of the restaurants have great bars, but we wanted to bring a bar-bar to town that stays open late and has energy.”
That’s not to say that the classics don’t have an energy all their own. For his part, Ged Robertson (the man behind Small Shed Flatbreads, Watershed and more) frequents 60-yearold Italian eatery La Ginestra. “Places like La Ginestra are so amazing — my favorite ornery bartender, run by a great Italian family,” he says. When conceptualizing his own establishments, Robertson aims to give Mill Valley more of what feeds its unique spirit. “If you can have a place where a part of the community can meet and preserve that or create it, then you’re doing yourself a service as well as everyone else.”
Top: Equator Co ee is a popular Mill Valley morning gathering place. Lower: The famous Dipsea Race trail leads hikers into Stinson Beach.
This page: Sound Summit; Opposite from top to bottom: Mill Valley Lumber Yard, Sweetwater Music Hall, Pizza Hacker at Tam Junction
Mill Valley Musts
Just passing through? Here are five must-dos that may inspire you to stay awhile.
1. The Lumber Yard
“It looks like it’s from a movie set,” says Robertson of the historic Mill Valley Lumber Yard, a century-old space reimagined as a business park in 2018. The Lumber Yard is home to Robertson’s restaurant, Watershed, along with a small selection of shops and eateries, and consistently sees neighbors and visitors sipping and snacking at picnic tables and around the fire pit. ositioned over Corte Madera Creek and encased in redwoods, the Lumber Yard is a microcosm of what makes Mill Valley so special. “You feel nostalgia in your system when you come in,” says Lulu Designs Jewelry owner Stacy King of her Lumber Yard shop, built with wood and windows reclaimed from the original operation. “With everything changing in this fastpaced world, the energy of these old spaces is a sensory experience.”
2. Mill Valley Public Library
There are libraries, and then there’s the Mill Valley Public Library. With generous windows framing Old Mill Park’s redwood groves and eponymous creek, the library provides a dreamy backdrop for a quiet afternoon. As a bonus, programming for kids and adults alike means you may learn a thing or two. “This is a town that values culture and education, exactly the kind of things that the library represents,” says Carmel.
3. Sweetwater Music Hall
You can’t talk about Mill Valley music without mentioning Sweetwater Music Hall. The original Sweetwater opened in 1972 and within a decade welcomed musical acts like Elvis Costello, John Lee Hooker, Van Morrison and many, many more. “Every now and then a place pops up, and it’s just got some kind of magic,” says musician Austin de Lone. “Like a star just happened to hit it at just the right
angle and all of the sudden something crazy is going on.” The “new” Sweetwater may be bigger (with space for 300 to the original’s 90), but it retains its small-town feel. “One of the great things about the new Sweetwater is that because it’s a bar and a restaurant, kids can come in,” says de Lone. “That’s really nice — and great for the open mic nights.”
4. Tam Junction
What was once a traffic jam alon Shoreline Highway is now a place to pull over and hang. Start at Proof Lab Surf Shop, which boasts a beer garden supplemented by Equator Coffee and Hook Fish C. Just up the road you’ll find The Junction Beer Garden and Bottle Shop, the ideal stop post-brunch at Shoreline Coffee Sho, a decades-old diner that Robertson reimagined in 2011. “The diner was interesting because it is a cool place — it was a cool place before I took it over,” he says. “It’s a real meeting place.” The same can be said of the entire commercial neighborhood. Welte considers Tam Junction and its burgeoning businesses to be perfect examples of what we all want more of: outdoor gathering places.
5. Mount Tamalpais
You can’t fully understand Mill Valley without getting some perspective, best found in the woods, under the waterfalls, and astride the vistas of Mount Tamalpais. While every town in Marin claims her as their own, Mill Valley’s Depot Cafe is where you’ll find the historic Gravity rain, anchoring downtown as the access to Mount Tam. Whether you trek one of the 60 trails within the park, take the winding jaunt to East Peak or head over and out to the coastline, ascending the mountain is a rite of passage — and the views are incomparable.
Mill Valley’s Annual Events
Year-round, Mill Valley hosts spectacular events that range from community gatherings to blowout bashes. Here’s a taste of one year in Mill Valley:
Mill Valley Music Festival, est. 2022
Every May at Friends Field by the Community Center
A newer tradition on Mill Valley’s calendar, this music festival is a weekend of family fun and great music from the town’s Friends Field.
Mill Valley Memorial Day Parade, est. 1992
Every May in downtown Mill Valley
The town comes together to honor those who served at this annual parade of community groups, fun floats and plenty of red, white and blue.
Dipsea Foot Race, est. 1905
Every June, starting from Throckmorton Avenue
This historic footrace from town to sea has many fans and admirers, and every year, 1,500 runners traverse the hills and stairs that competitors have trod for nearly 120 years.
Mountain Play, est. 1913
Every June at Cushing Memorial Amphitheatre
In summer, a professional theater production pops up on the top of Mount Tamalpais, where viewers can enjoy beautiful performance and stage design from a forested amphitheater with bay views.
Sound Summit, est. 2015
Every September at Cushing Memorial Amphitheatre
Mount Tam’s amphitheater stays busy through the summer with events, including this intimate music festival that hearkens back to the Summer of Love while raising funds for nature conservation.
Mill Valley Fall Arts Festival, est. 1957
Every September at Old Mill Park
Mill Valley ushers in autumn from a redwood grove, where every year artists, craftspeople and community members gather for shopping, food and live entertainment.
Mill Valley Community Block Party, est. 1998
Every October at Mill Valley Depot Plaza
This annual Block Party/Fashion show produced by Famous4 in downtown Mill Valley features music, a beer garden, a fashion show and kids activities.
Mill Valley Film Festival, est. 1977
Every October at theaters across Marin and the Bay Area
Eleven days of film attract 40,000 ticket holders — film fans and industry professionals alike — to theaters in Mill Valley and across Marin to see cutting-edge motion pictures.
MOUNTAIN PLAY
DIPSEA FOOT RACE
SOUND SUMMIT
miwoks and legend
THE COAST MIWOKS are thought to have lived on or near Mount Tamalpais for around 10,000 years before Spanish settlers arrived in Marin. Hunter-gatherers with 14 tribes and a rich cultural identity, they dwelled, as their moniker implies, mainly near the coast, thriving there until around 1770, when explorers “discovered” the land. Their relationship to the mountain is a mysterious one. According to their creation story, transcribed by C. Hart Merriam, the Coast Miwoks believed the mountain to be the domain of the god Coyote — a holy place not to be trampled on. One account tells of trader Jacob Leese attempting to lead a party of Miwoks to the summit so he could take a look around; the tribe refused to accompany him, saying the summit was inhabited by wicked spirits. No one really knows whether the Coast Miwoks ever made their way to the top of the mountain, but one widespread myth has been debunked: the story of the Sleeping Lady. Commonly assumed
to be a Miwok folk tale, the story of Tamalpa — which supposedly translates to “sleeping maiden” — was actually written by Dan Totheroh for the 1921 Mountain Play of the same name (the cast of the 1923 play is shown). Director Garnet Holme wanted to do a play centering on a native legend about the mountain, but after much research, Totheroh failed to find any such piece of folklore. So he made one up. The play told of a maiden named Tamalpa and her love for a young warrior; after it is revealed their relationship is doomed, she is fated to lie atop the mountain forever. Tamalpa was performed several times between 1921 and 1970, and the “legend” became increasingly pervasive in the community. Author Elisabeth Ptak unearthed the true backstory while writing her book Marin’s Mountain Play. “People are always surprised that the Sleeping Lady myth is not, in fact, an actual myth,” she says. “But through its repetition, it has become a sort of modern legend.”
History fun facts
HAIL TO THE CHIEF One of the most famous Coast Miwok, Chief Marin, was born into a tribe called Huimen, in Mill Valley about 1781. General Mariano Vallejo named the county after him in 1850. A plaque commemorating Chief Marin’s birthplace is located on the southeast side of Locust Avenue near Walnut Avenue.
WHAT’S IN A NAME John Thomas Reed, arrived in 1826, eventually named the town Mill Valley in honor of his saw mill, located at what is now Old Mill Park.
LAND GRAB! On May 31, 1890, 3,000 people attended a land auction held near Reed’s crumbling sawmill in Old Mill Park. Over 200 acres were sold that day alone, valued at $300,000.
GRAVITY STAR! Incorporated in 1896, the Mount Tamalpais Scenic Railway was the one of most famous attractions in the world at that time.
RUN LADIES RUN The first Women’s Dipsea “Hike” was held on April 21, 1918. Nearly 150 women started the event, which was called a hike to avoid an Amateur Athletic Union ban on women racing.
MOVIE TIME The recently reopened Sequoia Theater opened in early 1929 at 25 Throckmorton Avenue as a single-screen theater with 1,200 seats.
Will a City in Solano
Grow County?
BY JIM WOOD
California Forever’s CEO says it will be like San Francisco’s Marina District.
Government leaders and environmentalist groups say they don’t want it.
Voters will decide in November.
IN LIGHT TRAFFIC, it’s a 45-minute drive from Marin to Fairfield, the seat of Solano County. That’s where wealthy California tech-types want to build a nearby city of 50,000 people that by 2070 could be the size of Miami, Florida. Exactly where is it? Heading to Tahoe on Highway 80, approaching Fairfield, hang a right on Highway 12 and go east for 15 miles. Nothing but grassland there now. However someday that might change, really change.
The project’s name is California Forever.
Who Are the People Behind California Forever?
The two dozen or so “wealthy tech-types” behind California Forever include Netscape founder Marc Andreessen, Steve Job’s widow Laurene Powell Jobs, LinkedIn cofounder Reid Hoffman, digital journalist/ author Michael Moritz and early Google investor John Doerr. Their leader, the one who had the vision for California Forever is Jan Sramek, a 37-year-old Czech-born, London School of Economics-educated, former Goldman Sachs trader who is now a U.S. citizen and lives with his family in
Fairfield. According to him, “The community we plan to build isn’t exactly a ‘City of Tomorrow.’ What we envision is more a city of yesterday with multi-story row houses, where schools, parks and shopping are close by and work isn’t such a long commute that families have little time to spend together.”
As to why such immense wealth has coalesced behind Sramek and California Forever, the young leader is succinct: “We’ve always been clear that this is a for-profit endeavor.” To that, he adds: “While most investments have a six- or seven-year horizon before returns are realized, these investors aren’t expecting any returns for 20, 30, even 40 years.”
When quizzed regarding investors’ possible altruistic motivations, e.g., solving California’s housing crisis; creating affordable housing; making the world a better place, his answer is again succinct: “All of the above,” he replies, then adds, “These are people who live in California, made their fortunes in California and now, when some appear to be giving up on California, they’re doubling down on California.” Sramek also believes each investor has their own personal reasons for putting tens of millions of their dollars into California Forever. “For example, Laurene Powell Jobs has always been interested in providing better education and opportunities for young people,” he says, “and John Doerr is an outspoken investor in companies that promote clean energy and fight global climate change.” To Sramek, such causes and concerns will be assuaged one way or another in California Forever’s ambitious endeavor.
California Forever: Past and Present; Problems and Promises
To create what California Forever hopes someday to become, Sramek has built a team of about 75 in-house and external planners and designers that include San Francisco’s SITELAB Urban Studio; CMG Landscape Architecture; and ENGEO, a geotechnical analysis group. The canvas they’re working on is 17,500 acres of mostly level Solano County grassland. In all, California Forever now controls over 62,000 acres, which is about twice the area of the City of San Francisco. That farmland alone has cost investors nearly one billion dollars and was acquired rather covertly over a sixyear period starting in 2017.
“What we envision is more a city of yesterday with row houses, where schools, parks and shopping are close by and work isn’t such a long commute that families have little time to spend together.”
“We bought about 160 ranches,” Sramek says, “and in the process dealt with over 400 people as many ranches were owned by large families.” According to him, an East Coast attorney represented California Forever, as buyers, and local real estate agents represented the ranchers, as sellers. “In every case, our attorney told the sellers the buyers were investors who wanted to diversify their investments in ranchland,” Sramek maintains, “and that many could stay on their land, farm it for the foreseeable future, even keep all of the resulting income.”
In order to avoid a chaotic “land rush,” says Sramek, the subject of their land someday becoming a planned megacity of between 50,000 and 400,000 people was never discussed. Yet people talked, rumors spread and, over the years, government officials, even the FBI (due to the acreage’s proximity to Travis Air Force Base) got involved with determining who was buying all
this ranchland. And ever since, the stigma of using a less-than-forthright, possibly deceptive process in buying the 62,000 acres of land has plagued Sramek and California Forever like a bad rash.
It wasn’t until the fall of 2023 that New York Times investigating reporter Conor Dougherty, using all his wily ways and Silicon Valley contacts, broke the story of who the buyers were and what they intended to do with their acreage. And by spring of 2024, not only the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal, but also CBS Sunday Morning and local and national media outlets, print and electronic, were atop the story. And, because the acreage in question is but a 45-minute drive from Marin County, and the hot topic of changing zoning from agriculture to residential, which Sramek must do, is always “about” to be discussed in Marin County, it’s a relevant topic for Marin County Residents.
A Community of 50,000 Residents that Could Someday House 400,000 People
If all goes their way, California Forever’s yet unnamed unincorporated city will have a population approaching 50,000 by the late-2030s and will continue growing. Their promotional materials state the eventual population could reach the 400,000 mark, which is just below Solano County’s current total population of 434,000. It is between the populations of Tampa, Florida (398,000) and Bakersfield, California (411,000). However, promotional materials are also emphatic that California Forever’s community will be nothing like either Bakersfield or Tampa or today’s existing Solano County cities of Fairfield, Benicia, Vacaville, Vallejo, Rio Vista and Suisun City. “It will be a dense walk-able community,” says Sramek, “like Brooklyn or San Francisco’s Marina District.” For him and his backers, that means two- and three-, even four-story row houses and apartments, where stores, schools and parks are no more than a ten- minute walk away from anyone’s home. To him, it also means that ample work opportunities will be close by thus making long commutes unnecessary.
To accomplish the latter goal, Sramek and his backers have “guaranteed” to bring 15,000 well-paying jobs to Solano County, where recent surveys show that 40 percent of the workforce now has to commute out-
California Forever’s vision is to have multi-story row homes with shopping, business offices and entertainment all within walking distance.
California Forever’s Future Rests on the November 5th Election
side the county for employment. By “wellpaying,” Sramek and Co. mean “at least 125 percent of current county average annual pay,” (with county workers’ salaries now averaging $83,000/yr., this means salaries in the $100,000/yr. and above range). According to him, corporations that have already shown “strong interest in locating to East Solano,” include Hadrian, a builder of highly automated factories that produce precision metal components; Living Carbon, a grower of resilient trees that capture increased amounts of carbon dioxide; and Brex, Inc., a financial services firm that primarily works with tech companies. In addition, California Forever has a commitment to building the largest solar farm in California; one that will power 1,500,000 homes and provide 1,300 fulltime, well-paying jobs during the decade it will take to construct.
All of California Forever’s dreams and schemes will be for naught if the zoning of its vast acreage can’t be changed from agriculture to multi-use. And that will take a vote of the people of Solano County. As a result, by this May, nearly 21,000 registered county voters signed petitions putting “The East Solano Homes, Jobs and Clean Energy Initiative” on the November 5, 2024 ballot. A Yes vote will rezone farmland to mixeduse, amend their urban-growth-restricting General Plan and give California Forever a green light to go forward with their ambitious plans. An 85-page development plan which, according CEO Sramek, “Includes such items as ‘no stores, schools or parks can be no more than a ten-minute walk away from anyone’s home’,” will be readily available for voters to read before casting their ballots. A No vote on “The East Solano Homes, Jobs and Clean Energy Initiative” could spell n-e-v-e-r for California Forever.
It’s hardly breaking news the organization is going pedal-to-the-metal in an effort to entice Solano County voters into changing the zoning on the vast property controlled by California Forever. In addition to developing a walkable community of 50,000 residents and providing 15,000 wellpaying, close-by jobs for its residents, other “guarantees” also include: $400 million to help county residents—to the possible tune of $50,000 each—put a down payment on a California Forever home; $200 million to develop homes, shops and offices in the cities of Vallejo, Fairfield, Vacaville, Dixon, Benicia, Rio Vista and Suisun City; and $30 million to restore parks, natural habitats and green spaces across Solano County. Then in June, California Forever placed $500,000 in a local bank to be used by county residents, working in conjunction with a nationwide sports and entertainment management company, to plan and design a Solano County Sports Complex costing “tens of millions of dollars” that would be
Numerous manufacturing and industrial companies have expressed interest in building factories within the California Forever boundaries to provide jobs and commerce for residents in the community.
built on California Forever land and used by all county residents. If all that sounds good, stay tuned.
Opposition Comes From Elected Representatives and a Local Environmental Coalition
If a Solano County voter wants to hear both sides of California Forever’s rosy plans, the best place to start is a YouTube video dated February 16, 2024. It covers a question and answer press conference featuring Democratic U. S. Congressmen John Garamendi and Mike Thompson, who share long and successful records of representing the lands involved in the project. And both firmly oppose California Forever coming to Solano County.
Rep. Garamendi, a former California Lieutenant Governor, opens the conference with: “Our distrust of this organization goes back to when they started buying up land. Even when the land edged Travis Air Force Base, they absolutely refused to tell anyone who they were or what they intended to do with their acreage.” The congressman then lists his other concerns as being: 1. Creating interference with the strategic mission of Travis AFB; 2. The cost of the project’s infrastructure eventually having to be paid by Solano taxpayers, and 3. Increased traffic resulting with “gridlock” on nearby Highways 20 and 113 and Interstate 80. Rep. Thompson echoes these concerns
yet his primary opposition to California Forever is that their envisioned city would have no mayor, no city council, thus no local government. Rather, it would be an unincorporated county municipality. Congressman Thompson also points out that should California Forever be successful in changing zoning of their land from agricultural to residential, their acreage would be considerably increased in value. “And who knows what they’d do then?” he asks, adding, “They could ‘flip’ their land and go down the road and do the same thing to other people.” (Those wishing to view the press conference are urged to search “Reps. Garamendi and Thompson on California Forever”). In addition to Congressmen Garamendi’s and Thompson’s opposition, California State Senator Bill Dodd, a
Democrat who has represented the land in question since 2016, is “strongly opposed.” According to a press release of February 28, his stance is based on their having no plan for increased traffic, the loss of needed agricultural land and housing interfering with Travis AFB (see sidebar: “Infill Development is Needed, Not More Profit-driven Sprawl”). Also opposing the concept is Fairfield’s mayor, Catherine Moy who is concerned about the massive development’s impact on Travis AFB and agriculture in the area.
A grassroots organization opposing California Forever is a coalition of concerned citizens named Solano Together that’s been joined by the local Sierra Club and Greenbelt Alliance. In a January 2024 press release it labeled California Forever to be a
“senseless sprawl development in a remote, undeveloped part of Solano County... that would divert needed resources from cities leaving existing infrastructure to degrade and residents to suffer.” A specific concern of Solano Together is that California Forever’s incentive of creating 15,000 new jobs “will lure jobs away from Solano’s population centers to this new community and thus harm our (existing) communities. (A complete copy of the Solano Together January 17th press release is available by searching Greenbelt Alliance on California Forever.)
California Forever’s Future Rests on the November 5th Election
With just four months until the crucial vote on the “East Solano Homes, Jobs and Clean Energy Initiative,” is California
WHY INFILL BUILDING ISN’T ENOUGH TO SOLVE
CALIFORNIA’S HOUSING CRISIS
BY JAN SRAMEK, CEO, CALIFORNIA FOREVER
In 2017, when I first came to California, then-Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom gave a speech about California needing 3.5 million more homes in order to house its current population. A few weeks later, I read about a UCLA economist estimating the shortage at three million units of housing.
I saw quickly saw that the Bay Area was possibly on the verge of becoming the greatest squandering of economic opportunity in history, and I don’t say that lightly. We had an innovation engine that was creating wonderful new products and services, and we were creating lots of wellpaid jobs, but we were risking it all by not
Forever’s Jan Sramek losing sleep over the opposition to California Forever’s ambitious plans? His answer could well be, “Yes and No.”
“Yes,” he answers, “opposition from elected representatives such as Congressmen Garamendi and Thompson, State Senator Dodd and local mayors and council persons are worrisome. But no, they’ve had time to fully consider what we plan
to do, and many of their reasons for opposing us— such as concerns over Travis AFB and our sources of water—have been mostly resolved.”
When asked how these items had been satisfied, Sramek says: “We provided Travis with an additional 4,000-acre buffer that will never be developed unless Travis approves of it being developed.” Regarding water, the California Forever CEO
being able to build new housing—and I wanted to help solve that problem.
I spent a year researching building more housing in existing cities, in other words, “infill projects.” What I learned was that, especially in California, infill just would not be enough. There was just no way the numbers were going to add up. Infill projects take a long time to build, they are expensive and they seldom produce starter homes, especially not for families.
I believe we need to rediscover the art of building cities. We have a serious housing crisis and we need new tools to solve it. With California Forever’s East Solano Plan, we have an opportunity to reimagine
what a city could be and how it could work.
We can build a city where people can walk to work, kids can safely walk to school alone, and we can be less dependent on cars and do more for the environment. This is an amazing opportunity to do all of that here in Solano County.
We expect our starter homes—which would be a three-bedroom, two-bathroom flat with about 1,100 square feet in a three- or four-story building—to sell between $400,000 and $450,000. With the average price of a new home in Solano County being $750,000, when I tell this to young homebuyers, they’re over the moon.
points to rights coming from the 62,000 acres the project has purchased that are “sourced by groundwater and the nearby Sacramento River and will provide water for as many as 100,000 of our first residents.”
However, when contacted at deadline to see if their positions of 90 days back had changed, the offices of Congresspersons Garamendi and Thompson, along with that of State Senator Dodd, their responses were almost identical: “Thank you for reaching out,” they essentially stated, “But no, (fill in the blank) is still firmly opposed to the California Forever project.”
Tuesday, November 5th will be a critical election for nearby Solano County and California Forever. And people will be the deciders.
INFILL DEVELOPMENT IS NEEDED, NO MORE PROFIT-DRIVEN SPRAWL
BY BILL DODD, D-NAPA, 3RD CALIFORNIA STATE SENATE DISTRICT
Imagine a clandestine group of well-heeled investors descended on your community and quietly began buying up all available open space with secret plans to build a megacity of 400,000 people. You’d be concerned, right? That’s exactly what happened in Solano County, where Silicon Valley tech billionaires amassed more than 60,000 acres of farmland and want to steamroll a gargantuan housing and commercial project onto locals, bypassing the local vetting process.
There’s no question we need more housing. Our chronic shortage has triggered a supply and demand imbalance, drastically limiting housing options for buyers and renters, and driving up prices for all. But it must be done right. And the massive
development proposed for Solano County near Travis Air Force Base is dead wrong. It serves as a reminder to the rest of the North Bay that we need thoughtful infill development — not more profit-driven sprawl.
Aside from the developers’ lack of transparency, the project takes away much-needed agricultural land, and causes additional traffic and taxpayers in the region could wind up paying to clean up the resulting mess. With local opposition growing louder, developers have offered varying takes on the original but none provide substantial answers. I have been skeptical since day one but reserved my judgment as I gathered more facts. It is now crystal clear to me that this project is bad for the region.
The bottom line is, we need more housing. But we don’t need it at the expense of what makes the North Bay the best place to live. And we definitely don’t need it forced on us by this secret cabal headed by a former Wall Street trader, who moved to the area recently to try to show he cares. Give me a break. He thinks we’re all a bunch of country bumpkins who don’t know what we have and can’t tell when someone is peddling hot air.
Let’s prove him wrong. Let’s send a clear message that we recognize the value of our open spaces and thoughtful planning and stand up against this irresponsible and greed-inspired vision that is nothing but a fool’s paradise.
In 2024, there’s a whole spectrum of (non-surgical) beauty fies available.
BY CARRIE KIRBY
WALK INTO ANY DERMATOLOGIST’S OFFICE or medspa and you’re likely to see promotions for esthetic laser treatments. No matter what your skin troubles, the ads suggest, a laser can zap them away. Not only that, but the lasers offered by that particular clinic are the absolute best lasers for you.
Could it really be true? Maybe not the last part. But research confirms that lasers can address a number of common complaints of aging, such as tightening up saggy skin and evening out pigmentation.
While the technology varies from brand to brand, esthetic lasers at the most basic level work the same way: The beams heat up a targeted area, causing controlled injury. When executed by expert practitioners, these micro-injuries can lead to some pretty desirable results.
Jean Peterson, 62, of San Rafael, tried everything before she learned about laser treatments.
“Everything. Microneedling, Retin-A. Nothing has compared to this.” She loves how a series of treatments eliminated wrinkles, sun spots and uneven texture on her face. She’s returning for a few followup treatments to target lingering wrinkles around her mouth.
Laser treatments have been around since the early ’80s, but they’ve gotten a lot better in recent years. The biggest change is that older lasers used to obliterate the entire top layer of skin, necessitating weeks of recovery time when you’d have to hide your oozing, peeling face from the world.
“When lasers were first used, they created more collateral damage to the skin,” explains Dr. Linda Hwang, chief of dermatology at Kaiser Permanente San Rafael Medical Center. “Newer technologies allow lasers to minimize these unwanted side effects while being able to treat with greater precision, power and speed.”
You can still get a laser treatment that requires a recovery period — and those tend to produce the most dramatic results. But a number of no-downtime or lowdowntime treatments are now offered and can be done over a lunch hour.
“Most of these lighter, ‘lunchtime’ treatments are recommended to be done in series to minimize downtime but maximize results,” Hwang says.
The Science Behind the Treatment
It almost seems fantastical that one technology could fix so many different problems. The secret behind those results is that practitioners use different types of lasers in different ways to achieve various results.
New collagen growth: Laser beams can penetrate beyond the surface of skin, aka the epidermis, to heat the collagen and elastin in the dermis. This stimulates the development of new collagen and elastin, which results in “skin tightening, wrinkle reduction, texture and tone improvement, overall rejuvenation and healthier skin,” Hwang says.
New skin growth: Ablative lasers can remove the epidermis, either partially or completely, forcing your body to grow new, younger-looking skin. Most modern ablative lasers are fractionated, which means that the laser beam is split into a lot of microbeams, which destroy parts of the epidermis while strategically leaving swaths of it intact. This promotes faster recovery and prevents negative side effects. Attacking imperfections: Lasers can zero in on brown “sun spots” or redness (caused by tiny blood vessels close to the skin). The intense heat breaks down the unwanted pigment or vessel. Blemishes later flake off the surface of the skin or are reabsorbed by the body.
Can Anyone Get Laser Treatment?
Because pigment in skin absorbs more energy from lasers, the darker the skin, the more cautious you and your practitioner need to be.
“If at baseline you have higher pigment, you definitely want to go to someone who is familiar with doing lasers for darker skin tones,” warns Dr. Faye Jamali, who left a career in anesthesiology to start Mill Valley’s Belle Marin Aesthetic Medicine.
Which Treatment Should You Get?
Practitioners who offer laser treatments — and in California, that needs to be a doctor, a registered nurse or a physician’s assistant — don’t recommend that you start the process by choosing a type of laser.
“A lot of times people come in and ask for a specific treatment. And I delve into what problems they have,” Jamali says. “I can give them options that might help them even better than what they have in mind.”
That said, here are a few of the options offered by Marin dermatologists and medspas. No matter what treatment you receive, Hwang stresses the importance of following your provider’s skincare regimen
to maintain the results: “It is critically important to protect skin from the ravages of UV by diligent use of good sun protection habits, highgrade sunscreens and antioxidant topical products.”
Fotona 4D
Billed as a “non-surgical laser facelift,” this is the treatment that Peterson has been undergoing. In a series of three or more 90-minute appointments, registered nurse Thena Holmen at Skin Suite Marin uses various attachments on one laser to cover the gamut of patient’s concerns, from wrinkles and loose skin to sunspots and rosacea.
Recovery: Patients can apply makeup and go back to work immediately after treatment, but may have some pinkness or very slight peeling during the first week.
Frequency: A common recommendation is one session for every decade of age, spread about a month apart. However, Holmen says her clients often need only three sessions to start, with followups as desired to target specific areas. For maintenance, clients can return annually or as needed.
Cost: Starts at about $800 per session
VBeam Perfecta
One of the most popular treatments at Kaiser San Rafael’s clinic, this laser targets redness from sun damage and rosacea, or from “broken” or dilated blood vessels. Recovery: Some spot bruising and swelling can occur, typically resolving in a few days.
Frequency: Most patients need five to six sessions, four to eight weeks apart. Some patients choose follow-up treatments every three to six months.
Cost: Starts at about $400 per session
Halo
Jamali calls this one of the more “intense” lasers she offers at Belle Marin Aesthetic Medicine. She recommends it to clients seeking an overall renewed skin texture and tone, or who want to eliminate fine lines, dullness and sun damage.
Recovery: 7–10 days of swollen, red and peeling skin. A lighter treatment could result in shorter downtime.
Frequency: Once or twice a year.
Cost: Starts at about $1,200 per session
Carbon dioxide resurfacing lasers
Multiple brand names, including Fraxel and DEKA, use this type of treatment, which is a high-energy laser that can ablate the epidermis and heat up the dermis, stimulating both collagen growth and fresh skin. Kaiser offers a variety called DEKA Tetra, which Hwang calls “an intensive deep treatment that can result in a dramatic improvement in wrinkles, uneven pigmentation, age spots, sun damage, dull texture and acne scars for significant rejuvenation.”
Recovery: Swelling, pain and redness can last a week or two, with inflammation
possible for about six weeks. DEKA’s Tetra CoolPeel, a variation that only targets the upper skin layers, causes only a couple days of pinkness and dryness, and is recommended in a series to be more effective.
Frequency: For DEKA Tetra, a common recommendation is one to two treatments over the course of six months. Follow-up treatments can be done after a few years, if needed. For DEKA CoolPeel, three monthly treatments usually do the trick, plus an annual maintenance treatment. For Fraxel, three to five sessions spaced two to four weeks apart are recommended.
Cost: Starts at about $1,500 per session
Clear + Brilliant
As a non-ablative laser, Clear + Brilliant is advertised as a gentler way to address fine lines and wrinkles, sun damage and uneven pigmentation or skin tone.
Recovery: Any redness or swelling disappears within a few hours.
Frequency: According to Clear + Brilliant, “In recent studies, consumers reported visible improvements after 4–6
treatments, though many patients choose to have routine treatments as part of their overall skincare regimen.”
Cost: Starts at about $750 per session
Intense Pulsed Light Therapy
Often offered by the same practitioners who do laser treatments, this one is technically not a laser. But IPL — sometimes called a photofacial — works a lot like lasers, by heating targeted areas in the skin. One brand is BroadBand Light HERO, aka BBL HERO. Results include reducing unwanted pigmentation, age spots, redness and sun damage.
Recovery: Although considered a no-downtime treatment, some clients experience redness or bruising for a day or two.
Frequency: Four to six treatments are recommended, spaced four to eight weeks apart.
Cost: Starts at about $1,800 per session
NATURE’S SECRET?
SEAWEED
HEALTH BENEFITS AND MORE
BY CHRISTINA MUELLER
What does Marin taste like? If pressed to defie the essence of this rugged scrap of land, do your senses evoke fog-drenched cypress and bay trees? Fresh-cut grass? Cow manure? To these sensory experiences, consider adding seaweed as a definitve taste of Marin, one that captures the intertidal and saltwater essences impacting our peninsular landscape. Marin businesses and beyond have discovered our county’s “hidden” bounty, finding ew ways to add deliciousness to the food and drink on our tables. A world of intertidal, oceanic discovery awaits.
A Marin Gin
When Scott Jampol of Sausalito Liquor Company sought to craft a local spirit that was “really Marin,” he looked to the landscape. And to gin. “We wanted to make a spirit that tastes like you were indisputably standing in Marin,” Jampol says. Working with master distiller Steve Wright of Thoroughbred Spirits Group in Canada and Heidi Herrmann of Santa Rosa’s Strong Arm Farm, Jampol scoured the county for Marin’s inherent flavors. Juniper, gin’s flavorful backbone, is endemic to Marin, a natural starting point. Marin’s backyard gardens of lemon, orange and other citruses round out the palate of Jampol’s Marin Coastal Gin. With other botanicals sorted, a component from the ocean, a must for this gin, was the missing piece.
Nori, foraged from the Marin and Sonoma coasts, held the answer. Along with angelica seed and other botanicals, the final distillate is redolent of citrus with a hint of saltiness from the seaweed. “Seaweed adds a silky mouthfeel,” Jampol says. Herrmann liked nori’s mild character. “It adds a nice nuttiness,” she says. “There’s a distinct sweetness on the finish, too.” Does the gin capture Marin’s wild beauty? After hiking a double Dipsea, stop in at Sausalito Cruising Club for a glass of Marin Coastal Gin on the rocks and a chat with Jampol. Look for him behind the bar on Monday nights.
Baskets of Hog Island oysters emerge from Tomales Bay covered in nori.
A Walk on Seaweed’s Wild Side
Searching out Marin’s native seaweed varietals is as easy as meeting Maria Finn. Finn, who runs Flora & Fungi Wild Food Adventures in Sausalito and wild food camps up and down the Pacific Coast, including urban foraging and morel hunting. Seaweed camps, which Finn runs at Muir Beach, demand shoes fit for scrambling along the rocks. The intertidal zone is where you are headed — that’s where Finn runs camps during seaweed’s peak season, roughly early May to late July.
When Finn and I met on a foggy April morning at low tide, we walked a short distance across the sand to the beach’s rocky outcroppings. With the waves crashing a few feet away, we chose bare rocks as steps, meandering amidst what appeared to be moss-covered stones. Finn soon stopped to show me the native nori, bladderwrack, sea lettuce and kelp (kombu). Wakame, an invasive species, was also plentiful.
We tasted seaweeds as we moved along, some rubbery and metallic, others soft and pleasantly saline. I quickly sorted out why nori is sought after by Jampol and others: It grows here in large, thin sheets, has a delicate texture on the palate (even when wet), and a pleasant minerality. “It’s covering most of the rocks here,” Finn says, confirming its suitability to thrive in Marin’s waters. Completing the sustainable circle, adventurers who collect seaweed with Finn can use her cookbook, Forage. Gather. Feast, as a guide to process and prepare their bounty at home.
Nutritive Value of Seaweed
With foragers’ help, seaweed’s nutritive value and role in regenerative agriculture is gaining momentum. It was while doing research on climate adaptation in Kiribati — a remote, wild country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean whose highest point is 3 meters (9.8 feet) — that Sachi Singh, Founder and CEO of Rootless, had her seaweed epiphany. “I was intrigued by seaweed and what it could do for people and the planet,” Singh says. Seaweed, a family with over 12,000 member species, is widely considered a superfood. No matter the species, it’s dense with high-quality protein, trace minerals like manganese and copper, fatty acids, vitamins and iodine.
Rootless’s core product, The Daily Bite, balances seaweed’s polyphenols, antioxidants and fiber with a seed mix and dates in a jax ball-sized nugget. Each bite blends laver (a.k.a. wild Atlantic nori) and other seaweed varietals to achieve the correct level of iodine and other nutrients and build resiliency into her regenerative supply chain. “We call it ‘the Goldilocks amount’ or ‘the sweet spot’ — not too much, not too little,” Singh says. “It’s a food-based supplement.”
There are five flavors of The Daily Bite, each containing 184 mcg of iodine to support thyroid function, metabolism and other bodily functions. Though Singh’s business is based in San Francisco, to get the supply of nori she needs for her supply chain, she sources from Maine and Ireland. Seaweed farming requires no fresh water, pesticides or fertilizer, a healthy food with a low environmental footprint.
Maria Finn holds up fresh sea lettuces.
You can find Rootless at Epicurean Trader and at spas, juice bars and health stores across the country.
Seaweed for Cattle
Marin’s milk shed is also in on utilizing the regenerative benefits of seaweed. At Straus Family Creamery, founder and CEO Albert Straus is working with a variety of seaweed, asparagopsis taxiformis (also known as red sea plume or limu kohu), to reduce enteric methane emissions from his farm’s cattle by as much as 95%. “We were the first commercial trial in the United States in 2021,” says Straus.
Grown in the subtropics, and in tanks in Hawaii, red sea plume is added to Straus’s cattle’s diet at the rate of ¼ pound in a 45-pound diet. Straus does the math with me: With 270 cows milking per day, that’s 54 pounds of seaweed a day x 365 days a year or about 20,000 pounds of seaweed per year. His farm and others around the country are awaiting FDA approval to recognize the seaweed as a cattle supplement but his plan is to have enough seaweed in the supply chain to feed 50,000 cows. Do the math to figure out the methane reduction and you’ll understand why Straus insists that livestock and their diet are essential partners to reduce climate change. Will consumers taste this component of carbon farming in the company’s organic milk? If so, the taste of Marin just got a little cooler. (And I mean that literally and figuratively.)
Who Harvests Seaweed in Marin?
Other than Finn and Herrmann, there are few businesses that can source enough seaweed from Marin to make the product viable for sale. One of them is Hog Island Oyster Company in Marshall. The company, which leases tidelands in Tomales Bay from the Fish and Game Commission (which works in concert with California Department of Fish and Wildlife to manage aquaculture leases), harvests millions of oysters each year.
When pulling up the gear for oyster harvesting, Hog’s teams noticed that attached seaweeds were coming out of the water on the harvest baskets. “We petitioned to amend our lease to include the harvesting of seaweeds (macroalgae) that settle on our gear,” says Remy Anthes, Creative Marketing Manager at Hog. “The new arrangement simply allows us to intentionally harvest those same seaweeds for culinary or other purposes and can be considered a “secondary harvest to the oysters.”
Anthes estimates that, since 2023 when the program began, they pull out a few hundred pounds (wet) of seaweed, mostly nori, each year. A grant from the SOAR program, administered by The Nature Conservancy’s Global Aquaculture Program, is being used specifically to develop a drying greenhouse for seaweeds. The result? Fresh and dried seaweeds for the company’s restaurants.
At Hog’s commissary kitchen in Petaluma, chefs are exploring how to best use their harvest. In The Hog Island Book of Fish & Seafood, recipes include different types of seaweed and the team is further investigating products such as seaweed salt with their saltworks, different seasonings for the oyster bars, and miso-nori butters. One of the drink ideas, from Beverage Director Saul Ranella, is the “Merroir’’ Martini. Ahead of the seaweed cocktail trend, Ranella’s drink is a mini tasting experience of Tomales Bay, served with one of Hog’s sweetwater oysters and a nori puff. The drink is available in the San Francisco and Larkspur restaurants.
Merrior martini recipe
2 oz Merroir-Influenced Gin (such as Gray Whale)
1 oz Oceans Vesper Blend (recipe follows)
1 ea Lemon
1 ea HIOC Sweetwater Oyster
Dehydrated Nori seaweed, as desired
Large Ice Cube
Smoked Salmon Roe, as desired
Combine Gin, Oceans Vesper Blend, and ice in a shaker; stir for 1 minute.
Add dehydrated Nori seaweed to the bottom of the rocks glass.
Place a large clear ice cube on top and pour in mixture.
Peel 1-inch-wide lemon zest and express oils over the entire cocktail. On the same zested skin, place a generous amount of smoked salmon roe and position on cocktail. Serve with the oyster.
Oceans Vesper Blend
2 parts Accompani Blue Dorris Liqueur
2 parts Tempus Fugit Kina L’Aero d’Or Aperitif
1 part Dolin Dry vermouth
1 part Lillet Blanc Aperitif
Recipe courtesy of Saul Ranella
Faces of Cannabis Delivery
The Nice Guys Team
AT NICE GUYS DELIVERY, their goal is to provide each member with an experience that is as unique as they are. Understanding that each individual has different preferences and reactions to cannabis, The Nice Guys team caters to a personalized approach, providing a knowledgeable and comfortable environment to learn and experiment with cannabis.
Founded by a local Marin family, Nice Guys Delivery places a strong emphasis on community involvement, actively participating in local events and supporting various charitable organizations within Marin County.
Their commitment to education and awareness ensures that customers are well-informed about the benefits and responsible use of cannabis. With a focus on safety, reliability, and discretion, Nice Guys Delivery has established itself as a trusted partner in the community, consistently delivering not just products, but also a promise of quality, care, and a deep-rooted connection to the community they serve.
Get 25% off your first order at NiceGuysDelivery.com!.
Face of Financial Security
Helen Abe, Senior Vice President Financial Advisor
HELEN ABE WAS BORN AND RAISED IN SAN FRANCISCO. Her immigrant parents worked hard and sacrificed to raise a large family. They taught their children the importance of living within your means. “My mother literally saved pennies and proved that it’s not what you earn, but what you save that matters”. Helen said. With strong values, Helen set out to achieve her financial objectives while helping others achieve their financial dreams. Helen’s approach is to listen, keep it simple, understandable and tailored to each individual. Helen believes in helping others to live a life that makes them happy and one in which they are secure with their financial future.
Investment and insurance products offered through RBC Wealth Management are not insured by the FDIC or any other federal government agency, are not deposits or other obligations of, or guaranteed by, a bank or any bank affiliate, and are subject to investment risks, including possible loss of the principal amount invested.
RBC Wealth Management
300B Drakes Landing Road, Suite 155, Greenbrae, CA
415.445.8468
us.rbcwealthmanagement.com/helen.abe
RBC Wealth Management, a division of RBC Capital Markets, LLC, registered investment adviser and Member NYSE/FINRA/SIPC.
Face of Architecture
Doron Dreksler
Designer. Builder. Dream Maker. Spire Architecture Inc.
BUILDING THE HOUSE YOU’VE ALWAYS WANTED ISN’T EASY. From knowing where to start, to figuring out who to hire, it can be a minefield of (expensive) wrong turns.
That’s where we come in. The team at Spire Architecture by Doron Dreksler has 30 years of experience designing, building, and making transformative spaces for clients who dream big. Whether it’s a high-end remodel, addition, or new construction, Spire Architecture is your partner in residential design and design-build projects in Northern California.
When you partner with us, you get a design team that’s fully invested in helping you achieve your vision—and beyond. As both a licensed architect and general contractor, we’re able to build a seamless bridge between ideation and implementation, guiding you through the entire project, from conceptual exploration, extensive detailed refinements, to construction planning and execution. Whether you choose our designbuild or design-only services, you’ll have a partner in total sync with you and your team to create a beautiful project that’s all you.
Mill Valley, CA l 415.275.3405
doron@spirebuilt.com l spirearchitecture.build
Faces of Luxury Kitchens and Baths
Sean Kelly, CEO/Owner and Jennifer Kelly, Vice President of Lamperti Contracting and Design
TRANSFORM YOUR HOME WITH LAMPERTI CONTRACTING & DESIGN: A LEGACY OF EXCELLENCE. For over fifty years, Lamperti Contracting & Design has been a beacon of quality and innovation in home remodeling across Marin, Sonoma, Napa, and San Francisco. Their reputation for delivering exceptional design, cabinetry, and construction services is built on a foundation of trust, craftsmanship, and an unwavering commitment to realizing their clients’ dreams.
Lamperti Contracting & Design isn’t just a company; it’s a legacy. Established in San Rafael, this family-owned business has grown to become a trusted partner for homeowners seeking to transform their living spaces. Their team of seasoned professionals combines decades of experience with cutting-edge techniques to deliver results that not only meet but exceed expectations.
Visit Our Showroom!
1241 Andersen Drive, Suite A, San Rafael, CA 415.454.1623 l lampertikitchens.com
Face of Tile and Stone Fabrication
Martha Bodell, North Coast Tile & Stone
NORTH COAST TILE AND STONE walks hand in hand with the North Bay Community with an open, direct dialogue with homeowners to better serve their needs and wants. In doing all the work in house they guarantee the workmanship and final product to be exactly your vision.
NCTS has provided award winning service to their clients for over 30 years. NCTS has a dedicated team of 7 designers, the most talented tile and stone craftsmen along with the largest stone slab yard in the North Bay and gorgeous tile showroom that will bring your projects from idea to reality.
Martha leads the showroom team in working with architects, contractors, designers and homeowners with a confident, thoughtful and professional attitude. NCTS is a one stop shop that offers – design and installation services, as well as a wide variety of stone and tile. One client said, “Being in Martha’s showroom is like being in her own home. The care and time that was taken with my project made us feel like family.” Open Monday thru Friday 8:30 to 5:00 and Saturday 9:00 to 5:00
3854 Santa Rosa Ave, Santa Rosa, CA 707.586.2064 I nctile.com
Face of the Next Generation
Jeff Hadley, President and Owner of Hadley General Contractors, Inc.
Hadley General Contractors, Inc. is a 3rd generation, family owned and operated construction company specializing in the highend custom home market.
Three generations and nearly 75 years after it’s first contract was signed, Hadley General Contractors, Inc. remains top in its class for serving Marin as a premier builder of the county’s finest custom homes. Building its success on three main pillars: Customer Service, Quality Workmanship, and Complete Accountability, Hadley continues to focus on their client’s needs as its main priority - whether that is something as simple as fixing a gate or as complex as a new residence. “My family has built a wonderful legacy in this community, and I am honored to be taking this business into the next generation” says Jeff Hadley, President.
“I love working in this market. We have great clients to work with and I’m lucky to have such an amazing team here, it’s like we’re one big family. At the end of the day, my philosophy has always been to focus on client satisfaction and let the rest of the pieces come together around that. It seems to always lead to successful projects.”
85 Beach Road
Belvedere, CA I Lic#702420
415.383.0583 l hadleyconstruction.com
Face of Marin’s Leading Med Spa
Thena Holmen, RN, Skin Suite Marin
THENA HOLMEN RN IS AN ESTEEMED AESTHETIC NURSE, renowned in Marin and the SF Bay Area for her expertise in injections and non-surgical laser technology. She has over 3 decades of experience in this area working with the world’s top plastic surgeons cultivating a reputation as a trailblazer in advanced skin care techniques.
Thena became the first in the Bay Area to work with the world’s most advanced laser, the Fotona4D® laser. She has performed over 1,000 treatments on both men and women with incredible results with little to no down time. Her advanced techniques are tailored for both pre and post
menopausal face and body skin concerns.
As a trusted authority in the field, Thena continues to push the boundaries of aesthetic nursing staying abreast of the latest advancements and techniques through training nationally and internationally. Her dedication to excellence and genuine care for her clients make her a sought-after expert in the realm of non-surgical skincare solutions.
To learn more about Thena and her practice, visit skinsuitemarin.com. 415.881.6001 I skinsuitemarin.com 100 Shoreline Highway, Suite 215B, Mill Valley, CA
Face of Top Plastic Surgeon in Marin County
Yngvar
Hvistendahl, M.D. and the Plastic Surgery Specialists Team
ARGUABLY THE MOST PROMINENT PLASTIC SURGEON IN MARIN, Dr. Hvistendahl and his experienced team have been serving the greater North Bay community for nearly 24 years. Dr. Hvistendahl is the co-founder of PSS and Med Spa, the owner of PSSG, Medical Director for Hayes Valley Medical & Esthetics, and the Medical Director of Urban Allure. His expertise in cosmetic procedures and surgery is well recognized. He has been voted Top Plastic Surgeon by Marin Magazine and other publications.
“Dr. H” and his highly trained staff are dedicated to guiding individuals through their aesthetic journey, providing a memorable and exciting
experience. From Med-Spa procedures to customized surgical techniques, Dr. H and his team deliver stunning, natural results tailored to each patient’s anatomy, goals, and lifestyle. Using groundbreaking technology and techniques, patients can explore their desires in a safe, non-pressure environment. The blend of innovation and compassion has made Dr. Hvistendahl’s practice a top Bay Area destination for exquisite results in a friendly, professional, and safe environment.
350 Bon Air Road, Suite 100, Greenbrae, CA 415.925.2880 l psspecialists.com
Faces of Interior Design
Bridget Giroux and Bridget Crowe, Principal Designers, Bridget Giroux Design
THIS MOTHER-DAUGHTER DUO, BRIDGET AND BRIDGET, helps clients transform their houses into homes from Marin to Lake Tahoe. Known for their timeless and thoughtful aesthetic, they build layered, organic modern interiors.
Raised in Greenbrae, Bridget Giroux graduated from Marin Academy and headed to the School of the Art Institute of Chicago to get her design degree. That same year her mom Bridget Crowe and dad Bob Crowe picked up and moved to Tahoe full-time. After spending over a decade gaining design experience working for industry legends like HOLLY HUNT
and Interior Define, the pandemic hit and Bridget and her husband decided to join her parents in Tahoe.
Born out of her real-life experience as a “city girl who moved to the mountains”, Giroux helps clients like herself who love the active West Coast lifestyle. As a full-service interior design firm, each project reflects the unique needs of the client with a strong emphasis on sustainability and artisanal products. Photo: Luna Munn Photography
415.710.7014 I bridgetgiroux.com I @bridget_giroux_design
Face of Culinary Excellence Meets Sustainable Delights
Dolores “Dee” Coleman, Owner & Executive Chef
IN THE BUSTLING CULINARY WORLD, where taste and quality reign supreme, there’s one name that stands out like a beacon of freshness and elegance: Dee’s Organic Catering. With an unwavering commitment to sustainability and dedication to using only the finest organic ingredients, Dee’s Organic Catering has earned its place as the epitome of culinary excellence.
Led by the visionary chef, Dolores Coleman, this renowned catering company takes pride in crafting unforgettable dining experiences. Every dish that leaves their kitchen is a masterpiece, carefully prepared with a harmonious blend of flavors, textures, and colors.
Fully equipped to deliver a lasting experience, Dee’s Organic Catering ignites taste buds, tantalizes senses, and takes guests on a gourmet adventure that will be cherished forever.
Whether it’s an intimate gathering, a grand celebration, or a corporate event, Dee’s Organic Catering brings a touch of cuisine magic to every occasion. With their meticulous attention to detail, they transform events into unforgettable culinary journeys, leaving guests mesmerized and craving more.
1800 Ignacio Boulevard, Novato, CA 415.484.3491 l deesorganic.com
Faces of Window Coverings
Eric Widergren, Ashley Widergren, Rolando Espinoza, Max Widergren, Adam Lagrave, Leo Olson, Chris Maus
FOUNDED IN 1953, SHADES OF MARIN began at the hands of Merten “Swede” Widergren in the back shop of our current location at 2070 4th Street in San Rafael, CA. The craftsmanship that originated in that back shop generations ago has transformed into the business that you see today; a third-generation family owned and operated business proudly serving the Marin, Sonoma, and San Francisco area.
With our extensive experience and dedication, we have made it our mission to hold onto the roots of the past, anchored in that back shop from 1953, as we progress and advance into the future. We pride ourselves
on being a trusted destination for anyone looking to enhance their living spaces with quality window fashions.
Today, we offer the complete Hunter Douglas window covering product line, as well as custom drapery, roman shades, awnings, and other outdoor shading solutions. From conceptualization to installation, we are here to help guide you through your window fashion journey.
415.453.1518 l shadesofmarin.com 2070 4th Street, San Rafael, CA
Faces of Designer Cinema
Christian and Camilla Meoli, Owners of Cinelounge ® Tiburon
WELCOME TO CINELOUNGE® TIBURON, a family-owned gem nestled in the heart of Marin County, California. Immerse yourself in the magic of cinema as our state-of-the-art screens showcase a captivating selection of first-run films and beloved classics and eclectic special events. With luxury designer seating, boasting a modern 70’s aesthetic, and a true lounge experience, our cinema invites you into a charming Movie Mansion on Main Street with three auditoriums, adorned by owners infectious with a love for the art of film.
Indulge in a delectable menu of gourmet burgers, chicken and waffle skewers, a dozen selections of red or white curated wines from local vineyards plus ten selections of beer. From movie-themed parties to sports games and private events featuring live music and special guests Christian and Camilla’s dedication to supporting local creatives and community organizations is present with every visit.
Cinelounge® Tiburon is an unforgettable experience. Join us and let the enchantment unfold.
40 Main Street, Tiburon, CA 415.797.6976 I cineloungefilm.com @cineloungetiburon
Face of Aging
Beautifully
Faye Jamali, MD, President and Owner, Belle Marin
Aesthetic Medicine
DR. FAYE JAMALI ENVISIONED a concierge medspa offering today’s leading aesthetic services. The end result of her vision is Belle Marin Aesthetic Medicine- an elegant space complete with state-of-the-art aesthetic care.
Dr. Jamali and her highly trained staff offer a personalized experience tailored to meet the unique needs of every client. Whether you are new to aesthetics or a seasoned pro, our philosophy remains unwavering: “we will meet you where you are.” This commitment to individualized care ensures that each person who walks through our door feels understood, valued, and empowered on their aesthetic journey.
What sets Belle Marin apart is not just our dedication to client satisfaction, but also our steadfast commitment to staying at the forefront of technology. Dr. Jamali spares no expense in investing in the best technology on the market, ensuring that we deliver the most natural and stunning results possible- all while creating a beautiful boutique environment with top-tier service.
250 E. Blithedale Ave, Suite B Mill Valley, CA 415.887.8718 I Hello@BelleMarin.com
Face of Chiropractic Care
Dr. Alex Brown D.C. - North Bay Health and Wellness @ Club Evexia
EXPERIENCE THE TRANSFORMATIVE POWER OF CHIROPRACTIC CARE at Dr. Alex Brown’s exclusive practice located within the luxurious Club Evexia in Mill Valley, Dr. Brown sees both members and nonmembers. With a passion for holistic healing and a commitment to optimal wellness, Dr. Brown brings over two decades of experience with an unparalleled expertise and personalized approach to each patient. Dr. Brown’s techniques are non invasive and consist of assisted stretching, soft tissue therapy, and full spine and extremity Chiropractic adjustments. Patients tell him that they immediately feel the benefits of treatment, helping
them reclaim lost mobility as well as reaching a higher degree of overall functionality. A Northern California native and San Diego State graduate, Dr. Alex is a licensed and board certified Chiropractor as well as a certified personal trainer. His undergraduate degree in Kinesiology with emphasis in physical therapy has allowed Dr. Alex to tailor his approach to the active population. He dedicates his time outside of his profession to playing basketball, cooking, and spending time with his amazing daughter, Allayna.
100 Shoreline Hwy, Bldg A-100, Mill Valley, CA l 415.729.0046 dralexbrowndc@gmail.com l Appts: dralexbrowndc.janeapp.com
Faces of World Peace
Heidi Kuhn, Founder, Roots of Peace
IN SEPTEMBER 1997, Roots of Peace began with a vision of turning MINES TO VINES—replacing landmines with vineyards and orchards worldwide.
Heidi Kuhn, along with her husband, Gary turned ideas into reality, and raised the funds to facilitate the removal of landmines and plant over 7 million fruit trees in Afghanistan, Angola, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Cambodia, Croatia, Iraq, Israel, Palestine and Vietnam—impacting the lives of millions of farmers and families worldwide. Today, there are over 110 million landmines in 60 countries—and, over 30% of Ukraine is held hostage by landmines.
Roots of Peace continues their humanitarian work in Afghanistan, as they train women to become farmers—providing hope and dignity to feed their children. Heidi’s courageous work has earned her The 2023 Laureate World Food Prize, Mother Teresa Award, Gandhi Global Family Award, Cal Berkeley Alumni of the Year Award for Excellence, Forbes 50 Over 50 Woman, and 2024 Nominee for The Nobel Peace Prize.
For further information or to donate: www.rootsofpeace.org. 415.948.9646 I rootsofpeace.org 4000 Civic Center Drive, Suite 330, San Rafael, CA
HOW RUCKING, WALL PILATES AND CRYOTHERAPY CAN ADD LIFE TO YEARS.
BY TOM JAMES
WHEN DR. PETER ATTIA TALKS, people listen. At least, anyone over 50 does. He’s like the E.F. Hutton of aging. If you’re unfamiliar with that reference, count yourself among the fortunate; youth still dances through your veins. But for all those who mistake TikToks for tiny white mints rather than the digital heartbeat for a generation, read on.
Dr. Attia, author of the seminal work on longevity titled Outlive, is deemed by many as the man who has unlocked the formula for not just adding years to life but life to years. He leaves no room for ambiguity in his prescription for longevity: focus on lifestyle, nutrition, physical fitness, sleep and stress management. But of these, Attia writes, exercise is the most powerful longevity tool.
Attia is a big proponent of the fitness activity called “rucking,” essentially walking quickly with a weighted backpack. “Carrying weight over distances is inherent to, and shaped our species,” he writes.
“Rucking is a practical way to add carrying back into our lives.”
The Bay Area’s first and only ruck-specific business opened this April in Mill Valley. Ruck Evolution, launched by fitness trainer Bria Ruben, takes groups on one-hour outdoor rucks throughout Marin County. Ruben says what makes rucking so unique is how accessible it is. “If you can walk, you can ruck,” she exclaims. Ruben recommends loading up the backpack
with between 10 percent and 20 percent of your body weight. While her company provides performance backpacks made for carrying their custom, adjustable water weights, she notes you can use any backpack, and your rucks don’t need to be an hour long to provide benefits. “You can ruck while waiting for your kid’s baseball game. You can ruck with a friend on a quick walk down the bike path. You can even ruck if you’re mowing your lawn. It’s completely social, has an incredibly low incidence of injury, combines cardio and strength training and is an amazing tool for weight loss.” Do it for several weeks, she says, and you’ll realize that “my glutes are stronger, I’m walking faster, my shoulders are back and my core is stronger. I am stronger.’”
How rucking helps: Builds strength, endurance, and outdoor time benefits mind-body connection. Frequency: Three times a week is ideal. Aim for at least 150 minutes per week.
What you need: Water bottle, and good walking/hiking shoes. Backpacks and weight are provided. Cost: Ruck Evolution classes cost $25 for an hour class. ruckevolution.com marin@ruckevolution.com
While rucking addresses strength and endurance, another aspect of exercise, Attia stresses, is stability to prevent falls. According to the CDC, falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries among older adults.
Ronda Priestner, founder of Fitwise Pilates in Mill Valley, says Pilates is the perfect tool for injury avoidance because it focuses on stability with mobility. More importantly, she adds, it addresses fascial integrity. Fascia is the thin casing of connective tissue that surrounds and holds every organ, nerve fiber and muscle in place. Priestner points out that if you don’t have a supple fascia, then you don’t have flexibility or strength. Pilates also works the neuro-communication and neuroeducation needed for balance. While traditional Pilates utilizes a range of equipment in a studio, wall Pilates requires very little space and no equipment. “What we love about wall Pilates is everybody’s got a wall,” Priestner says. “We teach this a lot when folks are traveling, and we give them routines to do at home or in a hotel. You may only have 10 minutes, but with wall Pilates, you get a lot of bang for your time. It’s fantastic.”
How wall Pilates helps: Builds balance, strength and flexibility
Frequency: As little as five to 30 minutes daily.
What you need: Just a wall or floor mat.
Cost: Fitwise Pilates classes cost $45 for a 50-minute class. fitwisepilates.com info@fitwisepilates.com
But what about recovery from all this new activity? Nothing is hotter right now than cold. Cold plunges get a lot of attention, and there are studios in Berkeley and San Francisco, but here in Marin we have a more comfortable solution called “cryotherapy.” The mantra of Brrrrr Cryotherapy in San Rafael is “repair, revive, renew.” Brrrrr uses freezing cold temperatures, down to -200F to promote healing, speed recovery, reduce inflammation and remove stress. In sessions that only last three minutes, the user steps into a private octagon-shaped device called a cryochamber wearing protective gloves, booties and underwear. The chamber has an open top, so your head is excluded from the cold. Then vaporized liquid nitrogen is pumped in to create a sudden drop in ambient temperature, which, it goes without saying, gets the blood pumping! And since there is no moisture in the chamber, the cold is not only bearable but rejuvenating. “It works on your endorphins,” according to owner Deborah McDaniels. “It’s like a runner’s high amplified.”
What you need: Just your smile. Cost: Brrrrrr Cryotherapy sessions cost $60. brrrrrcryotherapy.com brrrrrcryotherapy@gmail.com
Bria Ruben
LIVING WELL
is one of the healthiest places to live in the country — thanks to the talented health and wellness pros featured on the following pages.
SARVENAZ ZAND MD, PICTURED WITH ACTRESS NAOMI WATTS
Zand Dermatology
655 REDWOOD HIGHWAY FRONTAGE RD, SUITE 246, MILL VALLEY, CA ZANDDERMATOLOGY.COM | 415.301.5000
Conservative. Scientific. eautiful. Loving. Zand Dermatology is Marin’s leading boutique dermatology practice, specializing in aesthetic, holistic, and medical dermatology. We excel in treating skin cancer, acne, rashes, and performing cosmetic procedures like filler, liquid facelifts, Botox, Xeomin, Daxxify, Ultherapy, and lasers. With degrees from Harvard, MIT, Johns Hopkins, and Vanderbilt, we are natural educators who love to listen to our patients’ concerns and explain all treatment options in depth. Dr. Zand’s team believes in a ‘less is more’ approach to facial beauty, achieving natural age-appropriate results without an overdone appearance. Our patients comment that our loving providers treat them like family, with honest impactful advice on maximizing beauty through nutrition, hormones, fitnes, self-care, and purposeful living.
Actress Naomi Watts chose our own Dr. Zand as Dermatologist Advisor for her beauty and wellness brand, Stripes. Naomi and Dr. Zand are on a mission to empower and educate women transitioning through menopause to reclaim their beauty and best skin health. Explore Dr. Zand’s 2023 articles in Forbes, Washington Post, Glamour, Elle, and Women’s Health, and see why our team has earned over 600 fiestar reviews! Thank you for awarding us “Best Cosmetic Dermatologist” in 2022!
SHIRLEY WANTLAND, FOUNDER + PRINCIPAL Recovery Consultants
415.306.7092 | 3020 BRIDGEWAY, #165, SAUSALITO, CA HELLO@RECOVERY-CONSULTANTS.COM | RECOVERY-CONSULTANTS.COM
Founder of Recovery Consultants, a bespoke consulting company set out to disrupt the status quo of addiction treatment. Pushing up against standard, one size fits all treatment models—Recvery Consultants provides people individualized recovery, transformed and personalized for them. They know that no one path to recovery looks the same, so why do so many recovery programs? Shirley has been described by friends as “a scientist and a truck driver, trapped inside the body of a princess.” As someone who doesn’t fit in ay one box, she is skilled in coaching people through their perceived limitations that are blocking them from living the life they desire. She helps people chart their own path with unique and innovative treatment recommendations. She feels fortunate to call Mill Valley home, and is often seen hiking Blithedale Canyon as part of her practice of presence and shinrin-yoku (Japanese meaning forest bathing)—to prepare for the day’s adventures. She shares the splendors of Marin with her husband, two daughters, and dog Mochi.
VIVALON: YOUR COMMUNITY FOR HEALTHY AGING Vivalon
999 THIRD STREET, SAN RAFAEL, CA VIVALON.ORG | 415.456.9062
Vivalon is a nonprofit that has been enhancing the lives of older adults and people with disabilities in Marin County for 70 years, offering essential services like homedelivered meals, social activities, educational programs, and transportation. Its programs are aimed at supporting and improving the aging experience by addressing key social determinants of health.
This year, its new Healthy Aging Campus opened and is a visionary project for all of Marin County. The six-story complex in downtown San Rafael integrates a health clinic, community center, café, tech center, classrooms, and affordable housing under one roof, fostering social connections and holistic well-being.
Visit the campus today and findyour path to healthy aging with digital literacy training, falls prevention workshops, nutrition education, lifelong learning, and so much more.
CHRIS CATALANO, DDS
Chris Catalano, DDS
810 COLLEGE AVE, SUITE #12, KENTFIELD, CA 415.456.9193 | DRCHRISCATALANO.COM
Experience the artistry of Dr. Chris Catalano DDS, Marin cosmetic dentist. With over 25 years of teaching in cosmetic dentistry, Dr. Catalano brings a depth of expertise and innovation to every smile transformation. His passion for precision and commitment to excellence, honed through years of shaping the next generation of dental professionals, ensures each patient receives personalized care tailored to their unique needs.
From teeth whitening to complete smile makeovers, Dr. Catalano’s commitment to blending science and aesthetics delivers stunning results. Trust in his global expertise and hometown dedication to elevate your confidence and transform your smile. Schedule your consultation today and discover the Catalano difference
Discover Wellness at B12 LOVE. Experience a unique approach to wellness at B12 LOVE, your exclusive provider of Marin County Nutrient IV Drip and Injection Services, LeanLOVE Semaglutide Weight Loss Program, Microneedling/PRP, Naturopathic Wellness, and Longevity services. As a woman-owned business deeply rooted in Marin, we are committed to delivering the highest standard of wellness from our easily accessible Mill Valley and Novato locations. Unleash the power of our meticulously designed Nutrient IV Drips and Injections, meticulously crafted to boost energy, enhance immunity, and foster overall well-being. Whether seeking to recover from a demanding week, gear up for a significant eent, or simply maintain peak health, our personalized treatments deliver the vital vitamins and nutrients your body craves. Our licensed, professional, and friendly team ensures a comfortable and rejuvenating experience, helping you easily achieve your wellness goals.
Join the B12 LOVE client family and discover why we’re Marin’s trusted choice for vibrant health and vitality.
Visit us in Mill Valley or Novato today and start your journey to feeling your best!
B12 LOVE - Family-Owned, Marin Proud. New to B12 LOVE? Take $10 off your fit visit with code FIRSTLOVE10.
NorCal Plastic Surgery
575 SIR FRANCIS DRAKE BLVD, #2, GREENBRAE, CA 415.727.9666 | NORCALSURGERY.COM
Dr. Timothy Rankin MD, FACS is a Board-Certified platic surgeon specializing in facial rejuvenation, rhinoplasty, post-partum rejuvenation (Mommy Makeover). NorCal Plastic Surgery was founded with the mission to improve the quality of life of its patients. Dr. Rankin trained at Vanderbilt University, one of the leading plastic surgery training programs in the country. He is an established author and has written extensively on safety in aesthetic surgery. While he is an expert in aesthetic surgery, not every patient requires surgery. It is this emphasis on a holistic approach to patient care that maximizes patient satisfaction.
CHRISTIAN GARCIA, LINDA KRANZKE, TIMOTHY M. RANKIN, MD, FACS, SIRENA LARANCE, DANIELLA DANE, (LEFT TO RIGHT)
Aging can be extraordinary when you have the right support. And caregivers like Jane are one of the many reasons why we’re the Bay Area’s leading expert in senior care. From home care and personal assistants to specialized dementia care, Seniors At Home provides personalized support to help you age with dignity and independence. Find out why thousands of Bay Area families trust us to care for their loved ones in the comfort of their homes.
Are you looking to unlock your peak vitality? Our World Class IV Lounge with stunning views and private pods, offers the fatest, most efficientay to deliver medical-grade supplements and vitamins to your body for rapid recovery and better health outcomes. Our medical specialists ensure expert care in a luxurious setting, making Jyzen the ultimate destination for restoring health and vitality. Our IV menu includes options for everyone, from quick, no-consultation-needed IVs to specialized treatments requiring a consultation. Visit Jyzen’s IV Lounge and enjoy:
Advanced IV Therapy: Hydration, B12, Glutathione, NAD+, customized IVs, and more.
Specialized Peptides: Weight loss and increased energy levels.
Optimal Health: Enhance detoxification, imprve cell membrane integrity, and support neurological health.
Medically Guided Programs: Diagnostically based and tailored treatments for Lyme disease, mold exposure, allergies, immune system support and more.
Call our Health Concierge to book your appointment or consult and visit our website to explore our full IV menu offering.
OUT ABOUT AND
4th of July Celebrations and summer events in July
EDITED BY MIMI PINSON
CALENDAR
July Fairs & Festivals
JULY 3–7 Marin County Fair Art
exhibits, fireworks, exciting rides and good ol’ summer fun. Along with the usual funnel cakes and pig races, this year’s fair also features concerts by Ziggy Marley, Los Lonely Boys and more great acts. marinfair.org
JULY 4 Novato Independence Day
Parade One of the biggest in the Bay Area, Novato’s annual parade starts early at 10 a.m. on downtown’s Grant Avenue. Watch the classic cars while waving to dressed-up dogs and many a festive float. novatoparade.com
JULY 6–7 Fillmore Jazz Festival
This historic neighborhood known as “Harlem of the West” hosts seven stages of jazz from sunup to sundown. fillmorejazzfest.com
JULY 6–21 Festival Napa Valley
Escape to Napa for two weeks of events, the Taste of Napa wine spectacular and the “Arts for All” gala featuring the one-and-only Lionel Richie. festivalnapavalley.org
JULY 18–AUGUST 4 San Francisco
Jewish Film Festival The largest and longest running Jewish film festival in the world. Venues across the Bay Area participate in screenings of dozens of films. jfi.org
Carnival performer with hula hoops at the Marin County Fair. The fair runs from July 3rd through July 7th.
JULY 4TH CELEBRATIONS
JULY 4 Sausalito Fireworks and Independence Day Parade A parade in the morning and fireworks once the sun goes down. Live music, barbecue from Big Jim’s BBQ and games. sausalito.gov
JULY 4 Corte Madera / Larkspur Parade & Festival Starting at 10:30 a.m. from Redwood High and finishing at Corte Madera Town Center, this parade is followed by music, entertainment and children’s activities. cortemadera.org
JULY 4 Ross Parade and Picnic Dress up Fido for the patriotic dog contest at Ross’s Independence Day celebrations. The parade starts at 11 a.m. and includes appearances by the fire department, marching bands and Uncle Sam himself. townofross.org
JULY 4 AND SUNDAYS Concerts at the Golden Gate Park Music Concourse Plan your trip to Golden Gate Park around these free concerts at the bandshell. July’s concerts include a festive Independence Day set, two shows with kid-friendly tunes and concert band favorites. goldengateparkband.org
ARTS, THEATER AND LECTURES
JULY 11 Carvell Wallace with Shawn Taylor Mill Valley Public Library hosts Carvell Wallace as he discusses his new book Another Word for Love. The author previously co-wrote former Warriors player Andre Iguodala’s memoir The Sixth Man, and Wallace’s new work explores his own life and the conventions of love. millvalleylibrary.org
JULY 18–21 ODC/Dance Summer Sampler
A virtuosic company of contemporary dancers presents their yearly summer sampler of new works. Catch the cutting edge of dance, put together by three different choreographers, including by the company’s prolific founding director, Brenda Way. odc.dance
THROUGH JULY 21 Mother Road John
Steinbeck’s The Grapes of Wrath is reimagined by playwright Octavio Solis’s 2019 play, coming to Berkeley Repertory Theater. Set in the 21st century, Mother Road reverses the journey that was depicted in Steinbeck’s novel, this time following Martín Jodes, a Mexican American descendant of Steinbeck’s protagonist Tom Joad, as he journeys from California to Oklahoma. berkeleyrep.org
MUSIC
JULY 23–24 John Legend at SF
Symphony The San Francisco symphony backs songwriter extraordinaire John Legend at this two-night performance of songs and stories. In fact, SF Symphony offers many triumphant concerts throughout summer, including orchestra-backed film screenings and a musical travelogue led by Spanish classical guitarist Pablo Sáinz-Villegas. sfsymphony.org
JULY 27 Beatles in the Park “Come Together” for the 20th anniversary of this yearly fundraiser concert for the San Anselmo Arts Commission. It’s an evening of music from the Fab Four as performed by the Liddypudlians, who come prepared with a mini-orchestra of woodwinds, strings and chorus. sananselmoarts.org
THURSDAYS Marin Art and Garden
Center Concerts Kids get in for free at this weekly concert series happening every Thursday (save Independence Day) throughout summer. Dance along to rock, jazz, bluegrass and more while grazing over gourmet picnic food, gelato and beverages, all available for purchase. maringarden.org
FRIDAYS AND SATURDAYS San Anselmo Live on the Avenue San Anselmo keeps the music playing throughout summer with this free concert series. Stroll and dance along the town’s namesake avenue, while partaking in food and familyfriendly activities. liveontheavenue.org
MUSEUMS
NEW PERMANENT EXHIBIT California: State of Nature Meet one of the last
California grizzly bears. Ponder the midnight movements of desert scorpions. Keep your balance in the glowed-up earthquake simulator. The California Academy of Sciences introduces a new permanent exhibit that’s all about the Golden State, exploring its ecosystems, biodiversity and wildlife. calacademy.org
THROUGH JUNE 2025 Leilah Babirye:
We Have a History Leilah Babirye’s expressive sculptures combine hand-built ceramics, whittled wood and found materials, harkening to the artist’s Ugandan roots. See Babirye’s first solo show in the United States at the de Young. famsf.org
JULY 13 Marin History Museum Pop-Up
Peek into Marin’s past at the Marin History Museum’s monthly pop-up from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on certain Saturdays. Walk through Petals & Ice, an exhibit about the building’s former owner, Louise
Beatles in the Park 2023
Boyd, a San Rafael socialite and arctic explorer. The pop-up even features a special item from the museum’s collections marinhistory.org
THROUGH AUGUST 4 Summer
Programming at Bolinas Museum
Three new exhibits arrive at the Bolinas Museum. Witness family separation with Arleene Correa Valencia’s harrowing mixed-materials works, marvel at colorful and abstract landscapes made by Kim Ford Kitz and glimpse into the lives of budding local photographers through the Latino Photography Project. bolinasmuseum.org
OUTDOOR FUN
JULY 14 Pancakes on Mount Tam
Attention hikers: Have you ever been met with pancakes after climbing a mountain?
The West Point Inn’s summer-long fundraiser is back, and that means pancake breakfasts from the quaint lodge every second Sunday until October. Check their website for multiple ways to hike in. westpointinn.com
JULY 17 Wine Wednesday at Bon Air Spice up your mid-week and enjoy a familyfriendly evening at Bon Air with wine (or grape juice). Be sure to scope out the nearby restaurants and merchant deals while you sip wine picks from the Mollie Stone’s Market wine team. bonair.com
JULY 27 Parks4All: Brewfest Unlimited beer tastings, a volleyball court, live music — all on a beautiful afternoon in the Presidio. This brewfest is a beer extravaganza with a purpose, with proceeds going to support the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy’s inclusive
programs to connect people from all backgrounds to national parks. parksconservancy.org
JULY 27–28 San Francisco Marathon
Whether you’re ready for a 5K or 26.2 miles, the San Francisco Marathon hosts several races over July’s final weekend to challenge yourself by the picturesque bay. Half-marathoners can even race across the bridge. thesfmarathon.com
PEAKS ON JULY 30 Delta Aquariids
meteor shower
If you missed the “Northern Lights” that happened earlier this summer, here’s your chance to experience some more celestial magic. This shower lasts through mid-August, but the waning moon at the end of July lets the meteors shine even brighter. Grab a blanket, face south and prepare for a late night to see these beauties. science.nasa.gov
SUNDAYS THROUGH SUMMER Sausalito
Farmers Market
The farmers market has returned to Sausalito after a long hiatus! Dunphy Park hosts the new market every Sunday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bring the kiddos along for the Art Makers Corner while you stock up on farm-fresh produce. sausalitofarmersmarket.com
EVENTS
JULY 13 Bastille Day Festival The fifth annual Bastille Day festival in San Francisco gets new digs. Now taking place in the S. F. Design Center Galleria, the festival will also include an evening dance party with food and merchandise vendors. celebratebastilledaysf.org
JULY 19–21 Gem Faire This marketplace for all things shiny and bright tours around the country before making a stop at our county seat, the Marin Civic Center in San Rafael. Add to your geode collection or browse the finest stones at the weekend-long event. gemfaire.com
JULY 20 Hayes Valley Carnival The Hayes Valley neighborhood’s big top pop-up began 113 years ago as a way to celebrate George Washington’s birthday. Last year, after a century-long break, the carnival came roaring back as a family-friendly afternoon of games and performance. This month, Hayes Valley will be flipping and spinning again for this revived tradition — albeit a bit removed from old George’s February 22 birthday. Sorry, George! hayesvalleysf.org
We invite you to experience our Hamel Estate, nestled along the western slopes of the Mayacamas Mountains in Sonoma. Through dry farming and organic and biodynamic practices, we cultivate terroir-driven wines that embody energy, complexity, and purity. Join us to explore the connection between the land and our wines as we introduce you to something extraordinary.
Enjoy a private tasting or select one of our curated food and wine experiences.
Gem Faire
WHAT’S HOT
BY KASIA PAWLOWSKA
Suzette
Sausalito
Located in the old Bridgeway Cafe space, Suzette is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Menu features an assortment of French classics including quiche lorraine, croque madame, steak frites and boeuf bourguignon. suzettebistro.com
Strange Magic Bottle Shop
Larkspur
Get all your summer picnic essentials in one place. From boutique wine — including many selections that no other shop in California carries — to meats and cheeses, you can get it all in this bright and beautifully designed spot. strangemagicwine.com
TuTu Lounge
San Rafael
TuTu Lounge, located on 4th Street in the former Green Chile Kitchen & Bogie’s Too location, serves Pacific Rim cuisine — a fusion of Thai flavors in a vibrant, eclectic setting.
Dishes include: dim sum, laksa, loco moco and fried chicken Benedicts. tutulounge.com
CORTE MADERA
Burmatown Asian
Though the menu remains largely the same (that tea leaf salad! Those bao!) at the new location down the street from the original, the addition of a grill boosts the menu with dishes like kalbi ribs or smoked salmon collars. A long bar on one side of the room serves wine and beer and the front windows slide open for easy access to a large patio. 18 Tamalpais Ave, 415.985.5060; burmatown.com
$ BB
Flores Mexican
With an emphasis on regional Mexican dishes and avors sourced from family recipes, the menu is based on California seasonality and revolves around gluten-free masa. The daily-made tortillas are a highlight. 301 Corte Madera Town Center, 415.500.5145; oressf.com
HH BB
Marin Joe’s Italian
A mainstay for over 50 years for a reason: the menu calls to you with garlic bread, a calamari sandwich and mesquite-grilled prime rib. Sautéed classics of the ItalianAmerican canon as well as oysters doré and pastas have withstood the test of time. 1585 Casa Buena Dr, 415.924.2081; marinjoesrestaurant. com
Zinz Wine Bar
Californian
Locals pop by the petite wine bar for i
ts cozy atmosphere and an eclectic array of boutique wines and craft beer, all available for takeout. A short menu of prosciutto-wrapped dates, charcuterie and cheese boards is perfect for enjoying during a Friday night tasting event. 207 Corte Madera Ave, 415.927.9466; zinzwinebar.com
HH$
FAIRFAX
Fradelizio’s Italian
A perennial neighborhood gem, the cozy space welcomes all with daily specials (salmon, line-caught in Bolinas, with a golden beet and arugula salad, house made Meyer lemon fettuccine with salmon and asparagus) and a wine by the barrel program. 35 Broadway Blvd, 415.459.1618; fradelizios.com
Sorella Ca e Italian
Run by sisters Sonia and Soyara, Sorella serves fresh Italian with a northern influnce. Favorites include the cioppino, butternut squash ravioli, pollo alla Sorella and the garlic bread. 107 Bolinas Rd, 415.258.4520; sorellaca e.com
HH $ BB HH $ BB
GREENBRAE KENTFIELD
Guesthouse
Californian
Jared Rogers, the former executive chef of Picco, heads up the kitchen, partnering with restaurateur
Dustin Sullivan on this 110-seat space. Look for well-executed California cuisine with weekly specials like Prime Rib on Mondays and fried chicken on Sundays. 850 College Ave, Kent eld, 415.419.5101; guesthousemarin.com
HH
Half Day Cafe
American
Tucked away in a setting of intertwining ivy and large open windows, this cafe is the quintessential breakfast nook and is also open for brunch and lunch, including co ee drinks, pastries and much more. Enjoy a casual daytime meal inside or out on the patio. 848 College Ave, Kent eld, 415.459.0291; halfdaycafe.net
$BB
LARKSPUR
Left Bank Restaurant French
This Parisian-style brasserie by Chef Roland Passot has been serving the community for more than two decades. Whether on the patio, bar or in the elegant main dining room with a huge replace, it’s a fun experience. The menu features authentic French cuisine utilizing seasonal, local and organic ingredients. 507 Magnolia Ave, 415.927.3331; leftbank.com
Perry’s American Perry’s on Magnolia has the same classic American cuisine, bustling bar and warm service and personality the San Francisco original has always been famous for. Plentiful outdoor
dining options. Its bar is a perennial best of the county winner. 234 Magnolia Ave, 415.927.1877; perryssf.com
BB
Pizzeria Picco Pizza
This family-friendly parlor next door to Picco o ers Californiain uenced Neapolitan pizzas cooked in a wood-burning oven. Fresh mozzarella is pulled in-house and the menu also features organic salads, antipasti and Straus Dairy soft-serve ice cream. Heated outdoor seating is available. 316 Magnolia Ave, 415.945.8900; pizzeriapicco.com
$
R’noh Thai Thai
This cozy place with a patio by the Corte Madera Creek has a reputation for fresh avors. It’s all here, from
curries and Thai barbecue to noodle dishes and the classic tom kha (coconut lemongrass soup). For an indulgent treat, try the fried sweet potato appetizer. 1000 Magnolia Ave, 415.925.0599; rnohthai.com
$
Rustic Bakery Californian
The Marin-grown bakery is known and loved the world over: Pope Francis famously requested Rustic Bakery atbread and crostini when he visited the U.S. in 2015. Organic bread and pastries baked fresh each morning and salads, sandwiches, and soups make this a staple. 2017 Larkspur Landing Circle, 415.461.9900 and 1139 Magnolia Ave; 415.925.1556; rusticbakery.com
$
Sorella Caffe, Fairfax
MILL VALLEY
Bungalow 44
American
The bustling bar is ideal for savoring a seasonal cocktail or an order of the house’s famous kickin’ fried chicken. The one-dollar happy hour oyster program still operates from 5–6 p.m., Monday–Thursday and the heated outdoor patio is a town hot spot. 44 E Blithedale Ave, 415.381.2500; bungalow44.com
Floodwater
Californian
Order a handcrafted “Gold Rush” (Old Forester bourbon, local honey, lemon) at the long 20 seat bar and watch the game on ve huge 4K TVs while noshing on pork belly steamed buns, or dive into Shorty’s Tall Reuben. The patio features multiple re pits. 152 Shoreline Hwy, 415.843.4545; flodwatermv.com
HH $
Gravity Tavern
American
With ingredients suited to reflet modern tastes, American classics like grilled chicken Waldorf salad with pickled grapes, lobster roll with toasted challah and veggie slaw, and a land and sea pasta with housemade egg pasta, pork belly and crab, may have also been familiar fare for passengers of the Mt. Tam gravity car for which this saloon was named. 38 Miller Ave, 415.888.2108; gravitytavern.com
BB HH
Harmony Chinese
A warm, inviting place to enjoy classical and innovative Cantonese fare with the house specialty, hand crafted dim sum. Local favorites include savory Peking duck with steamed tea buns, juicy Shanghai dumplings and unique bites like minced lamb with radicchio cups.
The famous signature beef is a de nite must. 401 Strawberry Village, 415.381.5300; harmonyrestaurant group.com
Hook Fish Co Seafood
The wood-ceilinged dining room feels like a boat’s galley and the spot’s popular outdoor beer garden adjacent to Mill Valley’s Proof Lab at Tam Junction has 13 taps, but the draw at this counter-service joint is the seafood.
The transparent supply chain means you can enjoy the poke, sh and chips or sh tacos knowing where and on what boat your meal came from.
254 Shoreline Hwy; hook shco.com
Piatti Ristorante and Bar Italian
A replace lounge and open format concept invites lingering over refreshed menu items such as house made ravioli with lemon cream and citrus gremolata, roasted mushroom pizza with taleggio fonduta and black tru e oil or roasted salmon with artichokes and Calabrian chili.
625 Redwood Hwy, 415.380.2525; piatti.com
Tamalpie Italian
With views of Mt. Tam from the covered, heated patio, this spot known for its local sourcing and a full bar serving craft cocktails, wine and beer. The di erence is in the dough, small batch, housemade and gluten-free.
477 Miller Ave, 415.388.7437; tamalpiepizzeria.com
Watershed Californian
Enjoy the re pit or hang out at the long bar for a predinner glass of wine before sampling one of the many dishes curated to reflet the bounty of Marin. The Stemple Creek Ranch burger and fresh pastas are matched with a bevy of simply prepared, easy to share dishes. 129 Miller Ave, 415.888.2406; watershed.com
NOVATO
Perry’s American Epic burgers and cocktails, excellent service, signature blueand-white gingham tablecloths — expect all of those and more here at Perry’s northernmost location. 224 Alameda Del Prado, 415.506.4212; perryssf.com
BB
The Speakeasy American
In addition to the 10 beers on tap, cocktails range from the 1920s to the 2020s. A shareable, tapas-style menu includes grilled maitake mushrooms, escargot and mini street tacos. 504 Alameda del Prado, 415.883.7793; thespeakeasy novato.com
HH$
Toast American With outdoor dining and spacious inside seating at
Hamilton Marketplace, large parties, families and everyone else dives in on comfort food favorites like corned beef hash, buttermilk pancakes and at dinner, chicken schnitzel and shrimp scampi. 5800 Nave Dr, 415.382.1144; toastnovato.com
$ Trailhead American Order breakfast, shareable snacks, paninis, salads, and Equator co ee drinks at the counter before grabbing a seat on the all-day café’s shaded patio. The baked goat cheese is a standout and pairs with the 10 local beers and two wines available on tap or from the craft can program. 127 San Marin Dr, 415.493.6902; trailheadnovato.com
$
SAN ANSELMO ROSS
The Baan Thai Cuisine Thai Known for its mango sticky rice, crispy corn cakes and The Baan Thai salad, new menu items like fresh spring rolls and steamed dumplings and old favorites such as the tom kha soup entice with fresh avors and just the right amount of sweet heat. 726 San Anselmo Ave, 415.457.9470; baanthaimarin.com
Comforts Cafe American
Established in 1986, Comforts has a cozy sit-down cafe, serving breakfast, lunch and weekend brunch. Besides the famous Chinese chicken salad, other winners are the stu ed pecan-crusted French toast, chicken Okasan (nicknamed “Crack Chicken” by
Guesthouse, Kentfield
fans), Korean BBQ ank steak and Wor Won Ton soup. 335 San Anselmo Ave, 415.454.9840; comfortscafe.com
$ BB
Creekside Pizza & Tap Room American
A perennial Best of the County winner known for their artisan pizzas, hearty sandwiches, avorful pastas and fresh salads, Creekside o ers plentiful glutenfree and vegan options too. Their copper bar with a 40-handle selection of craft beer (including gluten-free beer), plus wine and kombucha on tap. 638 San Anselmo Ave, 415.785.4450; creeksidesa.com
Cucina sa Italian Open for lunch, weekend brunch, and dinner six nights a week, come by for homemade pastas, seasonal salads, and wood red pizzas that strike a balance between southern Italy and Northern California. Don’t skip the happy hour from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. from Tuesday to Friday, either! 510 San Anselmo Ave, 415.454.2942; cucinasa.com
Flour Craft Bakery American
Along with artisan gluten-free and an assortment of vegan pastries, breads and special-occasion cakes, this petite cafe
BB BB
serves a lunch menu of so-called fancy toast and big green salads with seasonal air. 702 San Anselmo Ave, 415.453.3100; florcraftbakery.com
$BB
Madcap
Californian
Chef Ron Siegel’s contemporary art lled space is known for its urban edge. The vegetable-centric menu incorporates seafood and Japanese techniques in colorful dishes like trout with baby bok choy, purple daikon and dashi that are bold, balanced and bright.
198 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, San Anselmo, 415.453.9898; madcapmarin.com
Marché Californian
Into the former Marche aux Fleurs space, Marché’s owners
Darren and Alicia Banks focus on seasonal ingredients in plates of avocado toast with Urfa chile, shishito peppers with togarashi, and house made gnocchi with shiitakes is Californian all the way. 23 Ross Common, Ross; 415.925.9200; marchemarin.com
N
Marinitas Mexican
This sister restaurant of Insalata’s continues to ourish as a bastion of creative Mexican and Central and South American cuisine. Not your typical south-ofthe-border spot, they serve up top-notch
margaritas and Latin lusciousness. 218 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, 415.454.8900; marinitas.com
HH $ BB
Taco Jane’s Mexican
The full bar features plentiful tequila and mezcal selections and its regional Mexican cuisine includes Oaxacan mole, sh tacos and vegetarian options. Black Gold salsa arrives with complimentary chips and is created from charred blackened tomatoes and roasted chilis. Enclosed patio seating is available year round. 21 Tamalpais Ave, 415.454.6562; tacojanes.com
HH $ BB
Valenti & Co.
Italian
The bright yet cozy indoor space and warmly lit back patio are ideal environments 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, 415.454.7800; valentico.com
SAN RAFAEL
Cafe Arrivederci
Italian
Located in the heart of San Rafael for the past
27 years! Chef Tito is proud to serve fresh homemade pastas and dishes from all over Italy. Visit the expansive dining room, full bar, garden patio and private rooms for parties and events. 11 G St, 415.453.6427; cafearrivederci.com
N
Cafe del Soul
Californian
Healthy options become addictive at this eatery that now has locations in Tam Junction and San Rafael. Once you stop in for the deliciously fresh quinoa wrap, you’ll want to return to try the chipotle rice bowl. 1408 Fourth St, 415.457.5400; cafedelsoul.net
$
Red Rooster Brick
Oven American Roasted in the brick oven, then brushed with sweet and spicy garlic sauce, Red Rooster wings are a must-order at an allday Italian American restaurant with a sprinkling of Asian avors. A thin crust pizza pulled from the brick oven is available at breakfast, too (glutenfree crust is available), and a changing menu of daily o erings. The buttermilk-fried chicken sandwich with house made chipotle aioli has a dedicated following and the Boston clam chowder might just convince a few New Englanders to relocate. 901 B St., 415.234.8414; redroosterbrick oven.com
$ N HH $ BB HH $ BB
Vin Antico American Vin Antico, “where passion meets the plate,” serves seasonal market-inspired cuisine like stone-oven-baked atbreads, handmade pastas and organic salads, all innovatively prepared. Black sesame-crusted tuna is classic, even better with an Il Capo negroni. 881 Fourth St, 415.721.0600; vinantico.com
BB N
SAUSALITO
Angelino Restaurant
Italian
Multiple generations of the Ancona family create an authentic Italian eatery with handmade pastas and seasonal antipasti that has
Kitti’s Place Thai
This home-style family-run restaurant has been in town for over 20 years. It features Californiainspired favorites like lettuce cups stu ed with chicken and almonds, soft spring rolls and a curried turkey burger. A patio out front gets midday sun. 3001 Bridgeway, 415.331.0390; kittisplace.com
$
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 ingrdients. 777 Bridgeway, 415.332.7771; poggiotrattoria.com
BB
Seafood Peddler
Restaurant and Fish Market Seafood
showcased the cuisine of the Campania regionfor more than 20 years. 621 Bridgeway, 415.331.5225; angelino restaurant.com
Fish Seafood
It has been said that this restaurant and sh market launched the sustainable seafood movement, making it the ultimate place for freshly caught, unobjectionable fare. Order any of the day’s o erings, the menu changes daily, but usually has a variation of sh tacos, ceviche and grilled sh. 350 Harbor Dr, 415.331.3474; 331 sh.com
The sh is bought daily and is on display in the Market from local shers, who are also restaurant patrons. The happy hour bar scene — Monday to Thursday specials that are well worth the visit — is one of the best in town. Enjoy cioppino, local petrale sole and fresh Monterey Bay calamari, crab cakes and clam chowder. Great views from every table and awesome patio dining when weather permits! Recipes are adjusted to incorporate the freshest sustainable catch. 303 Johnson St, 415.332.1492; seafoodpeddler sausalito.com
HH BB
The Spinnaker Seafood
Chef Hiram Diaz takes classic seafood dishes to the next level with delicious, fresh sh artfully presented. Whether it’s a traditional shrimp Louie salad, linguini with clams or local Petrale Sole encrusted in Macademia nuts, the menu features the nest fare in a spectacular waterfront setting. Perched on the shoreline above the water, this romantic venue o ers stunning panoramic views of San Francisco. A legendary destination for lunch or dinner, sipping a cocktail and savoring the view. 100 Spinnaker Dr, 415.332.1500; spinnakersa sausalito.us
TIBURON
The Bungalow Kitchen Californian
A lively social lounge and restaurant from chef Michael Mina and Brent Bolthouse boasts epic views and a menu of seasonal California fare executed by chef Harrison Chernick. The upstairs lounge boasts late-night service (until 12 a.m.), a billiards table, a gas-powered replace, and a live DJ on weekends. 5 Main St, 415.366.4088; bungalowkitchen.com BB BB BB BB HH BB
The Caprice Californian Expansive bay views from every seat are just one of many charms after an extensive remodel. The revamped menu of well-crafted comfort food from land (bone-in let mignon, Colorado lamb chops)
Petite Left Bank, Tiburon
and sea (gnocchi with crab, abalone dore).
2000 Paradise Dr, 415.435.3400; thecaprice.com
HH BB
Malibu Farm
Californian
The latest SoCal-toNorCal culinary import to Tiburon features a home-grown and sustainable ethos, in dishes like fennelrubbed boneless half chicken and soyginger hanger steak. The menu leans into seafood — there are ample choices for caviar, salmon, oysters and other ocean treats — as well as vegan or gluten-free reimaginings. Look for a pork belly taco with a jicama wrap and the more
famliar lobster roll on a hot dog bun. 9 Main St, malibu-farm.com
BB BB
Petite Left Bank
French
A smaller version of the Larkspur original features an all-day menu of French bistro classics. A notable wine list, artisan craft cocktail menu and spirit-free beverages round out the lively experience. 1696 Tiburon Blvd, 415.910.1010; p etiteleftbank tiburon.com
$ N
Salt & Pepper
American
A locals favorite for
classic American fare. From morning’s Bloody Mary and eggs Benedict through lunch’s clams bouillabaisse and hamburger to dinner’s crab cakes with jalapeño dipping sauce and skirt steak tacos. 38 Main St, 415.435.3594; saltandpepper tiburon.com
BB
Tiburon Tavern
Californian
Food service at the Lodge at Tiburon is in the hands of Luna Blu’s Renzo and Crystal Azzarello who run the Tiburon Tavern bar, restaurant and other on-site eating opportunities. Executive chef
Selvin Vicente is on board to handle the ow from breakfast and brunch through dinner. 1651 Tiburon Blvd, 415.435.3133; lodgeattiburon.com
HH BB
WEST MARIN
Side Street
Kitchen American The ne-casual eatery led by chef Aaron Wright (formerly of Tavern at Lark Creek) serves favorites like rotisserie chicken, and pork-belly BLTs as well as wholesome vegetarian fare. This is one of the few spots in West Marin that serves glutenfree beer. The cozy patio is shaded and
Welcome to The Bluffs at Hamilton Hill
Timeless elegance in the heart of Novato
Nestled amidst rolling hills, majestic mountains, and breathtaking bay views, our community o ers a serene retreat reminiscent of an English countryside estate. Step into our charming 1930s-era building and immerse yourself in its rich history and architectural beauty. Indulge in our thoughtfully designed suites with modern amenities and historic charm. Stay active with health and wellness activities, educational programs, and engaging outings. Schedule a tour today and discover the charm of The Blu s at Hamilton Hill. Welcome home.
Take advantage of our Spring specials! Call to schedule a tour today 415-966-0778 or email us at Blu satHamiltonHill@mbk.com Blu satHamiltonHill.com
dog-friendly. 60 Fourth St, Point Reyes Station, 415.663.0303; sidestreet-prs.com
$BB
Station House Cafe American Known for their house made popovers, this cozy cafe is also recognized for fresh oysters, grass-fed burgers, and an “everything fresh, local and homegrown” ethos. Dining in the garden is as popular on weekdays as on the weekends. 11285 CA-1, Point Reyes Station, 415.663.1515; stationhousecafe.com
$BB
BY DONNA BERRY GLASS
ON SCENE THE
10,000 Degrees Raises $1.1 Million for Educational Equity
10,000 Degrees, a Marin-based nonprofit, raised over $11 million at its annual One Amazing Community gala on April 27 at the Marin Civic Center. The funds support scholarships and programs for low-income youth striving to become college graduates. More than 500 guests celebrated and recognized community contributions, including Kim Mazzuca, the nonprofits president and CEO, who received the One Degree of Change award for her tireless dedication over the past 25 years.
JAMES HALL, ONYX & ASH
1 Suzanne Badenhoop, Judy Edgar and Elaine Petrocelli 2 Bill Smith and Ann Aylwin 3 Gabrielle Tierney and Eric Bindelglass
Beyond Differences Fundraiser Throws
Back to the '80s Bridge to Belonging, a benefit for Beyond Differences, transported guests back to the 1980s with splashes of neon and Rubik's Cube decor, festive Purple Rain and Dynasty-themed cocktails and retro tunes by Tainted Love. Held at Sweetwater Music Hall on May 4, the event raised more than $500,000 to help fund the nonprofits mission to end social isolation in schools and build a culture of belonging by providing free programs and materials to teachers.
It was a throwback to the era of bell-bottoms, platforms and disco at Marin Ballet’s yearly fundraiser, Extravadance on April 20. Guests showed up in '70s-era attire and danced the Hustle, led by instructor Charlie Martin. They also feasted on a luscious Insalata's dinner, which was followed by an awards ceremony honoring Volunteer of the Year Cathy Pettus; Corporate Sponsor of the Year Rotary of Central Marin and Alumna of the Year Krystina Morrill. 1
1 Tainted Love Photos: courtesy of Beyond Di erences 2 Scarlett and Joey Headley 3 Alan Pomerantz, Pete Sittnick, Kathy Sittnick and Liam Mayclem 4 Nicole Glenn, Vern Glenn, Jennifer McConnell and Joni Pratt
1 Laura and Ivan Skapik, Matthew and Neila Hutt, Brad and Jennifer Wundrow and Geoff arnaby 2 Lauryn Smeester, Stephanie Taubert, Nancy Rehkopf and Charlie Martin
JIMMY WANNINGER
MARIN HOME
Color Play
A San Anselmo family’s remodeled home strikes a balance between fun and functional.
BY LOTUS ABRAMS PHOTOGRAPHY BY MEGHAN BAILEY
Cole & Son Woods wallpaper and a vaulted ceiling painted in a rich shade of green bring the outdoors into the dining room.
After moving to Marin from Washington, D.C., in 2021, Mykel and Mary Nahorniak knew right away it was where they wanted to put down roots with their two young daughters. “I like to say that when moving here, as soon as the plane touched down, I felt like I was home,” Mykel says. “The sunlight shines differently in California; the shadows are just a little bit crisper.”
With their sights set on finding a house to purchase in Mill Valley, which they had heard was “the place to be,” the couple found a short-term rental, thinking a month would be sufficient to scout the area.
“We quickly learned, however, that each town in Marin has its own personality, weather and amenities, and that finding our ideal home was going to take more than a few weeks!” Mykel says.
Craftsman with hints of mid-century.” “We wanted to bring in lots of color to match their energy, but also provide the functionality needed to make a family house work,” Gelinas says.
To balance fun and functionality, Gelinas paired performance fabrics and durable surfaces with colorful accents in shades of green, pink and blue and several “wow moments” that add a sense of excitement to the design. The team also reused existing elements whenever possible to keep the budget in check.
Details WHERE San Anselmo WHAT 3,000-square-foot contemporary remodel
INTERIOR DESIGN Wit Interiors
CONSTRUCTION Armando Gonzalez
As the couple expanded their search radius, San Anselmo caught their attention for its walkable downtown and sunny, mild weather. Seven months after touching down at SFO from their one-way flight, the Nahorniaks purchased their house, nested in the trees just up the hill from downtown San Anselmo with views of the nearby San Francisco Theological Seminary. It was immediately apparent, however, that the contemporary 3,000-square-foot, three-bedroom, threebath home would require a renovation. “The house was built in 2001, so it was still structurally perfect, but we knew that it would need some aesthetic updating,” Mykel says.
The couple’s real estate agent, Compass Real Estate’s Sarah Wagner Rayburn, introduced them to interior designer Whitney Gelinas, principal and founder of Wit Interiors, and together, they embarked on a renovation. Their mission: Transform the home to reflect the family’s lifestyle and personal aesthetic, “funky
Gelinas brought new life to the kitchen, for example, without reconfiguring the space, by painting the existing cabinets, replacing the hardware and installing new countertops and a striking pale blue Fireclay tile backsplash around the sink window. “The layout functionally made sense, but aesthetically, it felt stuck in the 1990s,” Gelinas says. “We wanted to give it a different perspective.” They also added a new breakfast nook with a custom banquette and table with a hot pink base by ECon Welding. An art track allows the kids to create an everchanging gallery wall to showcase their latest creations.
In the adjoining family room, a large custom sectional by Furniture Envy provides ample seating by the fireplace, revamped with a custom surround and artwork by David Grey. “The den is where we spend most of our time, and it’s the place where we all cozy up as a family to watch a movie or read,” Mary says.
Meanwhile, the adjacent dining room makes a striking statement and brings the outdoors in with Cole & Son Woods wallpaper and a vaulted ceiling painted in a rich shade of green — the same vibrant hue used in the primary bedroom, where it’s complemented by a yellow Knoll Womb Chair and Ottoman and textile art by Julie Thévenot.
Color and pattern also come into play in the totally renovated guest bathroom, where pink-and-blue patterned Jennifer Shorto wallpaper is paired with geometric black-and-white floor tile, a custom vanity and a dark soapstone countertop. It’s the stunning pink ombré picket tile fireplace surround in the living room, however, that really turns heads. While tricky to execute, it created just the kind of unique and whimsical touch that the Nahorniaks were looking for. “This project was such collaborative experience,” Gelinas says. “The Nahorniaks were really open and pushed us to have fun with the design and embrace the unexpected.”
Clockwise, from top left: The hot pink table base by ECon Welding, blue banquette and art track for custom kid creations bring cheer to the new breakfast nook; patterned wallpaper is paired with geometric oor tiles in the guest bathroom; the pink ombré picket tile replace surround is the focal point of the living room; the family enjoys spending time in the cozy den; a Fireclay Tile backsplash wall makes a stunning statement in the kitchen.
This impressive luxury triplex on the San Francisco Bay showcases a rare panorama of unobstructed world class views of the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, the bay, and Angel Island. Positioned only steps away from the waterfront pathway to the San Francisco ferry and Main Street’s waterfront restaurants and boutique shops. This captivating waterfront retreat, known as “Paradise Point,” embodies the coastal ambiance synonymous with the seaside lifestyle of Tiburon.
• This iconic renovated 3 unit residence features an elevator, a lobby, 6 parking spots, and 3 EV charging stations
• Each unit has virtually the same layout with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a washer/dryer, granite countertops, fireplaces, private decks, floor-to-ceiling windows, and unparalleled views
• The heart of each unit is the captivating great room surrounded by expansive floor-to-ceiling windows and sliding glass doors that capture sweeping views across the bay to the Golden Gate Bridge; bathed in natural light, this inviting space is complimented by a wood-burning fireplace with stylish stone surround, a bar area with built-in cabinetry and shelving, and sliding glass doors that open to the entertainment deck
• Experience elevated functionality and style in the open kitchens, featuring tile flooring, granite countertops, white cabinetry, top-of-the-line stainless steel appliances, and breakfast bars with seating
• Offering a luxurious sanctuary of unparalleled comfort, the primary suites feature walk-in closets with custom wardrobe systems, sliding glass doors that open to the deck, and oversized windows framing breathtaking views of the bay and Angel Island; the primary bathrooms feature tile flooring, floating vanities adorned with Italian wood cabinetry, medicine cabinets, and stall showers
• The second bedrooms offer sizable closets, sliding glass doors opening to the deck, and incredible views of San Francisco and the bay
• The third bedrooms feature serene bay views and sliding glass doors that open to the deck
• Offering an enchanting setting for everyday living, al fresco dining, and entertaining guests, the expansive entertainment decks showcase unparalleled vistas stretching from the East Bay to the majestic Golden Gate Bridge
• An incredible opportunity for an owner-occupant with additional rental income or for those seeking a perfect pied-à-terre
Welcome to your own private idyllic paradise, situated on an acre of land surrounded by vineyards on an inviting country lane. This one-of-a-kind wine country compound is an entertainer’s dream; perfectly designed to blend the indoors with the outdoors, creating a classic Napa Valley experience that will capture the attention of the most discerning buyer.
• The property consists of three separate dwellings: a farmhouse-style front house, a sleek modern rear house designed by Matthew Stannard, Stillwater Dwellings, and a rustic modern barn with a one-bedroom apartment upstairs and a spacious entertainment area below
• The front home overlooks your private Cabernet vineyard and features two bedrooms, an office, a full bathroom with stall shower, kitchen with quartz countertops, stainless steel Whirlpool appliances, a living room with gas fireplace, and an attached one car garage; the dining area opens to a private patio and an expansive level entertainment area
• The rear home features bamboo flooring, two bedrooms, one bathroom, an open concept living room with expansive windows and a Montigo gas fireplace, a dining room, a kitchen equipped with stainless steel appliances, Caesarstone Raven countertops, and sliding glass doors opening to the large entertainment patio
• The large rustic barn is restored and remodeled throughout; the expansive entertainment space downstairs features a performance stage, a bar, a buffet service counter, a storage closet, a wall of built-in cabinets, and a walk-in temperature-controlled wine cellar with storage for 700+ bottles
• The barn apartment is a spacious one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment with a walk-in closet, open concept living room/dining area, Montigo gas fireplace, Summit two drawer stainless refrigerator/freezer, stainless sink, and a washer/dryer
• The outdoors are nothing short of spectacular, with magazine-worthy landscaping designed by renowned landscape architect Josh Chandler
• Magical outdoor spaces seamlessly connect to create a resort-like experience featuring multiple entertainment areas, custom-designed water features, a stunning pool finished in a Wet Edge ‘Picasso Blue’ pebble finish, stainless steel spa by Diamond Spas, bocce court with crushed oyster shells, and a large cushioned lounge area, extra large 6ft square stone firepit, built-in Lynx grill with Caesarstone countertop and stainless sink, and an outdoor dining area with a mesh shade canopy above
Shana Rohde-Lynch
Broker Associate DRE 01079806 C 415.264.7101 SRL@Compass.com Go2Marin.com
Erin Lail Luxury Real Estate Professional DRE 02027696 C 707.333.5596 Erin@ErinLail.com ErinLail.com
A rare opportunity presents itself, offering modern sophistication and refined finishes, showcasing sweeping views across the bay, Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, Belvedere Island, and Angel Island. This exceptional residence offers a seamless blend of contemporary architecture and modern style, reflecting a forward-thinking design approach with a fabulous floor plan, clean lines, and superior craftsmanship.
• The dramatic entry features an ‘acoustical dome’ leading into the main living spaces, featuring beautiful beechwood hardwood flooring throughout and walls of windows perfectly framing the picturesque views
• Offering exceptional views of San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge, the beautifully designed living room features high ceilings, a gas-start woodburning fireplace, and glass doors opening to the private entertainment deck
• The inviting family room, or ideal home office, was thoughtfully designed adjacent to the living room, featuring hardwood floors, a gas-start fireplace, and incredible views
• The state-of-the-art kitchen offers everything for the culinary enthusiast: granite countertops, counter seating for three, a center island with a Wolf 6-burner gas range, a Wolf oven, a Sub Zero refrigerator, a Bosh dishwasher, wine storage, and ample counter space for easy entertaining
• Adjacent to the kitchen is an inviting casual dining area overlooking the San Francisco Bay
• The main-level primary suite features a large walk-in closet, hardwood flooring, and a wall of windows capturing inspiring water views; the primary bathroom features a soaking bathtub, stall shower, dual vanities, and custom cabinetry
• Steps up from the main level in a private wing, the ensuite bedroom offers picturesque views, walls of windows, and access to the outdoors
• The third and fourth bedrooms are located on the lower level, and both feature hardwood flooring and view windows
• This magnificent residence seamlessly connects the indoors to the outdoors with optimum window placement and light; the grounds offer multiple entertaining areas and a wonderful feeling of privacy
• Attached 2 car garage, long driveway, and motor court for multiple vehicles
• Situated within an exclusive enclave of custom homes in one of Tiburon’s most coveted neighborhoods, this special residence offers great privacy and only minutes away from all your conveniences
Shana Rohde-Lynch Broker Associate DRE 01079806 C 415.264.7101 SRL@Compass.com Go2Marin.com
Dan Slaughter JD Broker Associate DRE 01912359 C 415.531.2800 Dan@DanSlaughterSF.com DanSlaughterSF.com
SMALL TEAMS BY SALES VOLUME by ranking
Applegarth + Warrin
The Golden Gate Group
Sarkissian Bullock Team
Team Bondanza
The Sherfey Group
Skall + Glassman
Traci Thiercof and Beth Sasan
Falla Associates
INDIVIDUAL BY SALES VOLUME by ranking
Stephanie Lamarre
Olivia Decker
Lei Ann Werner
Patricia Oxman
Lisa Garaventa
Alisa Knobbe Wynd
Stephanie Pratt
Matt MacPhee
Jennifer Dunbar
Courtney Whitaker
Ted Strodder
Kathy Schlegel
Michael Burke
John Zeiter
Carolyn Moren
Lindy Emrich
Barbara Major
Dubie Breen
We elevate the real estate experience for our agents, too.
Congratulations to our agents recognized on RealTrends Verified, distinguished among the top real estate agents in the country.
As
seen in
119 Duran Drive
This expansive Atrium Model Eichler, chosen by its original owners in 1961, offers privacy and stunning views, bordering the Marin County Open Space preserve. Stroll through pristine gardens on meandering pathways and enjoy gathering with friends and family around a fun pool with a lawn and generous patio. Bright, open living spaces bring the outdoors in at every turn.
Keith Offord Ross Valley Real Estate (415) 342-4839
DRE#02063934
Holly Welch
Corcoran Icon Properties (415) 730-6168
DRE#02003709
Howard Wynn Vanguard Properties (415) 828-9966
DRE#01211772
LOOKING BACK
Who Doesn’t Love a Parade?
BY JIM WOOD
Summer celebrations haven’t changed much.
It’s the summer of 1948 and that marching band is heading down Fourth Street in San Rafael. But it’s not the Fourth of July. It’s the 15th annual Fiesta Day Parade of Sunday, August 29, 1948, that lasted three hours, attracted 12,000 spectators and included 10 historically themed floats along with 21 competing drum-and-bugle corps from throughout
California. According to Lane Dooling formerly of the Marin History Museum, that’s drum major Harold Lezzini leading the way followed by front-row drummers (L-R) Louis Melini, Don Sturken, Leno Franzini and Leland Adhern. Fiesta Days began in 1934; the 1948 celebration included street dancing with music by Howard Fredericks and his Strolling Troubadours, as well as swim meets and baseball games at Albert Park. The last Fiesta Day celebration, a summer highlight, was in 1952. Now, 72 years later, Marin’s top summer festival is the Marin County Fair, held at the County Fairgrounds July 3 through 7 and featuring rides, exhibits, concerts and fireworks. If you’re looking for a 2024 Fourth of July parade, there’s one in Sausalito that heads down Bridgeway to Caledonia starting at 10 a.m.; another in Larkspur that starts on Magnolia Avenue at 10:30 a.m. and ends on Tamalpais Drive in Corte Madera; and Novato’s travels the length of Grant Avenue starting at 10 a.m. All three parades will be followed with games, picnics, even fireworks in Sausalito.
431 EAST STRAWBERRY DRIVE,
$18,000,000
Andre and Otto have stood by each other’s side for 14 years—a bond forged in loyalty, companionship, and unconditional love.
Just as Andre finds comfort in Otto’s presence, our team at Whittier Trust is dedicated to providing the same level of support to our clients, ensuring their financial peace of mind.
