Marin Magazine March 2016

Your options for charitable giving:

The burden of a private foundation

The detachment of a commercial fund

The joy of a fund at MCF

With MCF, your giving is easy, cost-effective, tailored, and meaningful. Call Linda Sweeney at 415.464.2507.

Marin Community Foundation | www.marincf.org

HOMES

LUMINA introduces the highly anticipated reveal of our tower model homes. Rising high above the city and the bay, each residence features modern, sophisticated interiors exclusively designed by Design Within Reach, DZINE, and Serena & Lily. This is radiant living.

CALL 415-495-3600 TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TODAY.

luminasanfrancisco.com live@luminasf.com @luminasf 289 Main Street, San Francisco, CA 94105

36 Shades of Serenity Spring is all about the cool, flowing blues.

46 On the Grille Three local chefs with fast and fun rides. 52 Homegrown Success Mission accomplished for Marin Organic. 58 Summer Camps Guide 154 ideas for fun and learning.

In Marin

Currents A big cleanup, mini homes, whale watching and much more.

Made by Marin Cooking up Red Whale Coffee.

On the Job The ultimate gadget fixer.

Conversation What you need to know about the Seminary project.

Out & About

81

71

90

74

98

106

Backstory Finding the sun in Kentfield.

TIM PORTER (TOP RIGHT); LOIS GREENFIELD (MIDDLE); NORMA MEYER (BOTTOM)

PUBLISHER / EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

Nikki Wood

Editorial

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Mimi Towle

MANAGING EDITOR

Daniel Jewett

FASHION EDITOR

Veronica Sooley SENIOR WRITER Jim Wood

ASSISTANT EDITOR

Kasia Pawlowska

COPY EDITOR Cynthia Rubin

EDITORIAL INTERN Emily Hawkins

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Jacoba Charles, Laura Hilgers, Tim Porter, Calin Van Paris, Charlie Vogelheim

Art

ART DIRECTOR Veronica Sooley PRODUCTION MANAGER Alex French

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Mo DeLong, Claudia Goetzelmann, Tim Porter, Barbara Ries, Michael Alan Ross, Debra Tarrant

Administration / Web

CONTROLLER

Maeve Walsh

WEB/IT MANAGER Peter Thomas

DIGITAL CONTENT EDITOR

Leigh Walker

OFFICE MANAGER

Kirstie A. Martinelli

Volume 12, Issue 3. Marin Magazine is published in Marin County by Open Sky Media. All rights reserved. Copyright©2016. Reproduction of Marin Magazine content is prohibited without the expressed, written consent of Open Sky Media. Unsolicited materials cannot be returned. Marin Magazine reserves the right to refuse to publish any advertisement deemed detrimental to the best interests of the community or that is in questionable taste. Marin Magazine is mailed monthly to homes and businesses in Marin County. Marin (USPS 024-898) is published monthly by Open Sky Media, One Harbor Drive, Suite 208, Sausalito, CA 94965. Periodicals Postage Paid at Sausalito, CA, and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Marin Magazine, One Harbor Drive, Suite 208, Sausalito, CA 94965.

Spring

FLING

designer ring by lucas priolo

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ALTHOUGH IT MAY not feel that way yet, we are heading into spring. And what better way to celebrate the season than with a new look? Fashion editor Veronica Sooley, photographer Claudia Goetzelmann and the team headed to San Francisco’s Left Space Studios, where they stayed out of the El Niño rains and captured some hot new trends you’ll be seeing around town soon.

Next up, writer Charlie Vogelheim and photographer Michael Alan Ross talked to three Marin chefs who like to get your order out fast and drive even faster. You’ll definitely want to try and catch a ride with one of these guys.

We wrap up features with a look at the success of Marin Organic. Writer Jacoba Charles explains that with the achievements of West Marin’s organic farms, there is no longer a need for the 15-year-old organization. And in our annual Summer Camps list, you’ll find options and resources to help you choose the perfect camp, or two, for your little one this year.

Up front we’ve got a look at wondrous whales and Marin theater options you won’t want to miss, and we meet a gourmet coffee maker, a gadget fixer, and an architect who’s working on plans for the controversial 304home Seminary project.

In Destinations we explore the outdoors in Hawaii — have you ever wanted to swim like a mermaid? — and join writer Norma Meyer for a rare 16-day expedition cruise to Russia’s Far East, where she sips brut sparkling wine amid Cold War ruins.

It’s a fun-filled, adventurous start to spring and we hope you enjoy sharing it with us. And if we see you out and about, we hope you keep cool and look fabulous.

WE’VE GOT THE BLUES

The same team who brought you last year’s spring and fall shoots was at it again for 2016, this time embracing Pantone’s cool blue “serenity” color (153919). According to the experts, serenity was chosen as a color of the year because of its tendency to be an “antidote to modern-day stresses, psychologically fulfilling our yearning for reassurance and security.”

Although it may not feel that way yet, we are heading into spring. And what better way to celebrate the season than with a new look?

Marin Magazine Staff Editors

Above, from left: Mimi Towle, Nikki Wood and Dan Jewett

Trash Talk

If it can’t be recycled or composted, it’s garbage. But what is garbage? BY JIM WOOD

LAST WEEK, A new neighbor asked me, “Now that I’m settled in, where do I put my garbage?” Years ago, that question would get a simple answer: “In the garbage can.” But last week, I found it much more difficult to answer.

This was my thinking: newspapers, wine bottles, cans, junk mail and some plastic cups go in the recycling bin; garden trimmings, leaves and dead plants go with our banana peels, steak bones, leftover salad and foodsoiled paper into the compost bin.

So what — in today’s world — goes in the garbage bin?

• Out-of-date computers, copy machines and dead batteries; paint and oil; light bulbs with mercury; metal scraps; CDs; old appliances — Marin Household Hazardous Waste Facility.

• Coat hangers; plastic plant containers — Return them to where you got them.

• Plastic newspaper and shopping bags (poop free) — Not recyclable via normal channels, but CVS, Rite Aid and most food markets accept them.

• No longer used, but in good shape books; clothes; appliances; shoes (not grungy); outgrown toys — Goodwill, Salvation Army or other thrift stores.

What

today’s increasing environmentally conscious world can’t be recycled or composted?

“That’s a surprisingly good question,” says Jim Iavarone, an owner of Mill Valley Refuse. Basically, he tells me, garbage is what can’t be recycled or composted. So I was back where I started. Think about it: what in today’s increasing environmentally conscious world can’t be recycled or composted?

“Oh there’s lots of stuff,” Iavarone says, followed by a few seconds of silence. “Styrofoam,” he blurts, “and the popcorn used for packaging.” More silence. Then, together, we come up with other items. “Used Kleenex tissues, dirty rags and clothes no one can wear,” he says. “And grungy old running shoes that I’ve been gardening in,” I add. Also, I offer, plastic bags full of dog poop. We agree that nowadays, not that much qualifies as garbage. And Iavarone adds that more and more, his firm’s garbage pickups are coming back with less and less, actually trucking 1,000 tons less garbage in 2015 than in 2014.

That said, here’s a quick wrap-up of how to get rid of waste in Marin:

• Glass bottles and jars (reasonably clean); all kinds of clean paper; soda and beer cans; catalogs; cardboard and most food cartons — Recycle Bin.

• Lawn and garden trimmings; food scraps, including meat and bones; paper soiled with food; small pieces of lumber; spoiled fruit — Green Bin.

Hopefully (and ideally), that doesn’t leave much for your garbage bin. And remember, what you do put out as garbage goes to the rapidly filling up Redwood Landfill, where it will sit for ages. Joe Garbarino, of Marin Sanitary Service, says a piece of plastic takes more than 100 years to decompose. “Same for plastic bags,” he adds. As for putting food scraps in the garbage, they will also go to the landfill, where they’ll sit for months and emit the greenhouse gas methane. Far better to put them in with your garden trimmings, where they will be composted and returned to Mother Earth in the form of highly nutritious soil.

OK, so I’m a zealot regarding waste. But so is Zero Waste Marin. The name says it all; its goal is to have zero waste in Marin by the year 2025. And these folks are not hoping-for-thebest do-gooders. The members form a joint powers agency created by the California State Legislature that involves the city managers of every municipality in Marin County, as well as a county representative. Its website, in clear, complete and simple verbiage, answers every possible question you might have regarding recycling, composting and hazardous waste.

If we work together, it is indeed possible to totally eliminate waste (also known as garbage) in Marin County by the year 2025. That’s my point of view. What’s yours?

Email pov@marinmagazine.com.

in

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of Marin Magazine and its staff.

My

wealth. My priorities. My partner. WEALTH

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Bay Area events you’ll want to attend

19TH ANNUAL SONOMA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

March 30–April 3, times vary

SIFF Village is located near Sonoma Plaza

SIFF is considered one of the nation’s top 10 destination film festivals. The blend of captivating films, premium wines and delicious cuisine at six screening venues and multiple hospitality areas makes for a memorable experience. SIFF is a walkable film festival. All screening venues are conveniently located in and around historic Sonoma Plaza. $75 day pass $275 five-day pas $675 soiree pass 707.933.2600 sonomafilmfest.org

Michael Alan Ross

Photographer, “On the Grille” (p. 46)

Possessing a passion for all things automotive, Michael Alan Ross has made a career out of photographing automobiles. Inspired by a respect for the craftsmanship of car design, Ross draws on that influence as a narrative for his work, including images produced as a licensed photographer for Porsche AG. His photography is featured in a wide range of editorial and advertising media in the United States and Europe. View more of Ross’ work at michaelalanross.com.

Jacoba Charles Writer, “Homegrown Success” (p. 52)

Petaluma-based freelance journalist Jacoba Charles was born to a sixth-generation Sonoma County ranching family and covers topics relating to food, farming, science and the environment. Charles is an editor at Northwest Science and produced a radio show featuring oral histories of coastal Californians. Her work has been published in The New York Times, Modern Farmer and Bay Nature, on Salon.com and elsewhere. She also likes to travel, hike, botanize and explore with her baby daughter. For more of her work, visit jacobacharles.com.

Charlie Vogelheim Writer,

“On the Grille” (p. 46)

Charlie Vogelheim is an auto enthusiast whose career includes writing for Kelley Blue Book, J.D. Power and Motor Trend. Though he appreciates classic vehicles, he is deeply engaged in the future of mobility currently being reinvented in the Silicon Valley. Vogelheim grew up and lives in Mill Valley. A fan of all types of transportation, he earned his seaplane wings in Sausalito, spent several years as an Alaska bush pilot and is eagerly awaiting the flying car. To hear his weekly award-winning podcast, look for Motor Trend Audio on TuneIn.

Your Letters

Off Leash

I am replying to Jim Wood’s very naive opinion (POV, “Leashing Out,” February) about the off-leash dog walking issue in Marin and in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. The Crissy Field Dog Group has been working on this GGNRA dog management plan issue for 15 years, hired an attorney from a prominent law firm to work on our behalf, and has worked constructively with the Marin Humane Society and the SFSPCA as well as the three-county congressional delegation. In short, there are designated areas for people to walk their dogs off leash in Marin County, and by and large, it works well. Yes, there are a few very irresponsible dog owners who let their dogs misbehave and ruin it for us all. There are many other mitigation measures that the GGNRA can use to protect natural resources such as good fencing and signage. This is not a dogs-versus-the-environment issue. MARTHA WALTERS, CO-FOUNDER AND CHAIR, CRISSY FIELD DOG GROUP

Jim Wood, your editorial, with its long list of sites where the rules require leashes or don’t allow dogs at all, makes the case for maintaining or increasing what little offleash access does exist in Marin. With so many people wanting to enjoy the trails and fire roads in the various open space districts with their pets, we need more access, not less. No one is advocating for the unregulated roaming of dogs all over public lands. No one. But with respect to the GGNRA, the ask is very reasonable. Enforce the existing and already strict rules of the 1979 Pet Policy that are already in place.

LAURA PANDAPAS, MUIR BEACH

Jim, your article detailing Marin’s dog rules avoids directly identifying the real problem — that a large minority of dog owners do not believe these rules apply to them. Willful disobedience of leash laws is readily visible on most trails throughout the county. As a runner, I politely object every time an unleashed dog nips at my heels or causes me to break stride, but I rarely get an apology. Instead, I’m usually met with open defiance.

FRED W. CLOUGH, MILL VALLEY

Different Memory

A story in your December issue (Currents, “Sigmon’s Call”) says the SigAlert is named for a 1940s-era Los Angeles radio reporter, Loyd Sigmon. I lived in Los Angeles from 1948 to 1963 and I have a different recollection. In the early and mid-1950s, the Signal Hill Police Department reported traffic tie-ups to a Los Angeles TV station in the Los Angeles metropolitan area. Signal Hill Police Department traffic alerts eventually became simply SigAlerts. STAN HELFMAN, MILL VALLEY

Not Cool

Your February publication shows a full-page picture (Currents, “Keeping It Cool”) of some of the regular flooding in Mill Valley, trumpeting that Marin County is “ahead of the game.” According to your article, being ahead means planning to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, which will achieve nothing whether or not it happens. Regardless, beyond the feel-good ideas, what is the county actually doing about the flooding? Having government workers stand in the rain and direct traffic around these new wetlands is not a good long-term plan. Is there a proposal to divert or restrain the water? Is anyone at the helm? DAN PISENTI, MILL VALLEY

Article Power

Such a nice article from Tim Porter (On the Job, February). Thank you for featuring this in your snazzy magazine. I’ve already received many positive comments from individuals about the article in just the first day. Your story may create social changes in our county. Already someone has contacted me regarding helping a nonprofit start a music program for a school in San Rafael for English Learner children; such is the power of media. PHOEBE DONG, NOVATO

Correction

In our Tastemakers 2016 article (February) we incorrectly listed Natale Cardamone as the owner of Piazza D’Angelo. He is the general manager.

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

Finding the right home is more than the square footage and number of rooms. It is about your quality of life and how you live outside those walls. Carey Hagglund Condy is one of the most respected luxury real estate agents in Marin County and one of its most passionate residents. She provides a unique and personal perspective to living in Marin County, with unparalleled knowledge, standard of care and attention to detail to help guide your journey to the perfect home.

In Marin A BIG CLEANUP

CELEBRATING THE PEOPLE, PLACES AND CAUSES OF THIS UNIQUE COUNTY

Transforming a 1930s-era gas plant site into something much more useful.

BY JIM WOOD

The PG&E tent at Lindaro and Second streets.

THAR SHE BLOWS

Are you digging the big tent in downtown San Rafael? Nope, it’s not the circus. But considerable digging is going on. According to PG&E’s Brian Swanson, 35,000 cubic yards of impacted soil that was left behind after the utility’s manufactured gas plant was shut down in 1930 must be carted away. The plant created the gas used to light homes, offices and streets but left coal tar, lampblack and cyanide in the soil. “Now we’re taking away the toxic soil,” says Swanson. The soil goes out at the rate of 35 big rig loads a day, he says, and is transported to either Vacaville or Buttonwillow for disposal. Once the cleanup task is finished — late 2016 or early 2017 — BioMarin will expand its campus with a new high-rise on the site.

Center Stage

If you want to add some real drama to your life, consider live theater. From comedy to classics, family-friendly affairs to world debuts focusing on serious subjects, these three theaters fit the bill. Read on to find out about what’s planned for this month. K.P.

1Throckmorton Theatre

BY THE NUMBERS

Do the time and length of your commute leave you a little frustrated? To put things in perspective, head out to the Point Reyes National Seashore midto-late March and witness the longest migration of any mammal. California gray whales can swim more than 10,000 miles each year, spending about one-third of their lives migrating from the cold, nutrient-rich waters of Alaska to the warm, shallow lagoons of Baja California. What motivates the whales to tackle this annual journey? None other than food and reproduction. Here are some other notable facts about these spectacular cetaceans. nps.gov/pore

Bay Area performers take the stage every Wednesday for the intimate noon concert series, while Thursday evenings bring Mort Sahl, the longest actively performing American social satirist, whose career spans 60 years and 11 presidents. throckmortontheatre.org

2 Marin Theatre Company

Swimmers takes a look at the relationships we have, and don’t have, with our co-workers. This is a world-premiere show from awardwinning up-and-coming playwright Rachel Bonds (pictured). On a lighter note, The Little Mermaid runs until March 6. marintheatre.org

3 Novato Theater Company

4000 Miles is a play about loss, healing and how we operate in today’s world, written by Amy Herzog and directed by Norman Hall. Twentyone-year-old Leo and his 91-year-old grandmother are unlikely roommates who fight, learn and connect. novatotheatercompany.org

It’s a fact that during the 2008 catastrophic “bear” market downturn, most investors lost significant wealth – and faith – in financial markets. Many never fully recovered – financially or psychologically. Strangely, most investors are poised to make the very same mistake during the next big market decline. Unfortunately, this is a result of Wall Street’s “set it and forget it” approach to investing. Here at Main Street Research we see things differently. Our Active Risk Management process mitigates the risk of catastrophic decline, as was the case in 2008, while at the same time allowing investors to participate in today’s rising market. If you are interested in avoiding past mistakes and preparing for the “bear,” we should talk.

Call or visit www.ms-research.com. Minimum relationship $1 million.

Think Small Connect WITH US

• online

Medical Marvels

Looking to find the right doctor? How about a pediatrician for your son or daughter?

The just-updated [415] Top Doctors Resource Guide is the ticket: from general practitioners to specialists, it lists more than 800 of the best doctors in Marin and San Francisco as voted by their peers. Check out marinmagazine.com/415topdoctors for more.

There’s no escaping talk of the local housing shortage, and given that the Bay Area is among the fastestgrowing job markets in the nation, the talk won’t be stopping anytime soon. But more housing density is considered a threat to Marin’s famed open spaces. Many residents are against new construction, and recent conservation-minded funding approved by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission bolsters efforts to preserve even more open space. However, a movement is afoot that may appease both sides. Following Tiburon’s and Novato’s cue, San Rafael is the latest city in Marin to approve junior second units. The mini units are converted from existing spaces — backyard cottages, garages, spare rooms — into private apartments with basic amenities, including a separate entrance. The benefits are many: homeowners get a second income, and tenants get access to affordable housing. Leaders in Fairfax, Larkspur and Belvedere are considering similar laws. K.P.

COCKTAIL CHATTER

Summer Camps

Believe it or not, summer camp sign-ups are right around the corner. We have a comprehensive list of summer camps in this issue (see page 58) and online. From academic and theater to music and science, there’s a camp to suit every interest. Visit marinmagazine.com/camps to find a spot that’s right for your child.

PIE IN THE SKY In 2014, President Barack Obama officially made March 31 national Cesar Chavez Day. Chavez, as you may know, was a Mexican-American farmworker and labor activist who helped form what is today known as the United Farm Workers union. But before Chavez (1927–1993) there was another, similar-minded activist named Joe Hill. Born in 1879, Hill was a Swedish-American songwriter, farm labor advocate and member of the Industrial Workers of the World. During Hill’s times, when migrant workers sought a better life, they were told they would get their reward “in the sweet by-and-by,” a phrase derived from a late 1800s Christian hymn that can also be heard in the film Django Unchained . Hill wrote a parody of the song called “The Preacher and the Slave” that substitutes the phrase “pie in the sky” — basically an empty promise of plenty in heaven. Instead of waiting for one’s reward, Hill stressed the need for a livable wage, good working conditions and ample food in the here and now. K.P.

MADE BY MARIN

Red Whale Coffee

THIS WHALE BEGAN its migration back in 2003 on Canada’s east coast in New Brunswick, where California native Sean Boyd was working as a chef. Intent on leaving a positive lasting impression on customers and knowing he couldn’t do that with the coffee his restaurant served, Boyd began “cooking” his own. His determination to deliver coffee that complemented his menu paid off: Red Whale Coffee became an underground favorite in Canada and the side project soon became a full-time operation. In 2012, homesick for California and his family, Boyd moved back to the Golden State and settled in Marin to focus on sourcing, roasting and selling the highest-quality and best-roasted coffee beans he could. PHILOSOPHY Master roaster Boyd creates a unique roasting flavor profile for each coffee bean lot, much like a chef creating a recipe would, but Red Whale Coffee’s mission extends beyond beans. “While our objectives are to roast specialty coffee that tastes great, our greater vision is to use coffee to improve our community through education and business practices, based on ethics, respect and transparency,” says Boyd. IN MARIN The Red Whale Coffee to the Rescue program brings coffee to emergency workers, ensuing responders are alert and operating at their best during disasters. In non-emergency situations, you can stop by the San Rafael tasting room to check out the custom equipment in action and get a look at how the science, art, food and community of coffee production come together. BEYOND MARIN Boyd was invited to be a judge at the Best of Panama coffee tasting last year. Along with other select judges, he cupped, tasted and ranked the most flavorful cof fee Panama had to offer. WHAT THEY SAY Most coffee roasters talk about roasting beans, but Boyd treats coffee like food and prefers the term “cooking.”  He says, “Cooking coffee is like caramelizing crème brûlée. If you over-caramelize the crème brûlée becomes burnt, bitter and acrid. It’s the same for roasting coffee.” redwhalecoffee.com KASIA PAWLOWSKA

Sean Boyd

Handy Man

BY TIM PORTER

THINH NGUYEN ARRIVED in the U.S. as a 5-year-old refugee from Vietnam. Today, the 30-year-old S.F. State grad has a flourishing business repairing the damages of our digital lifestyle. His new Novato store also sells the latest in electronic gadgets. What do you do? We fix phones. We also buy and refurbish and sell used phones. It’s a big market. We also fix iPads, iPods and laptop screens. How did you start? I learned phone repair from a YouTube video. First I drove to people’s houses; then I had a tiny little hut across from Starbucks near Montecito Plaza in San Rafael. It was about 3 feet by 7. Super tiny. Claustrophobic. You’re a handy guy. I’m good with my hands. I got it from my dad, who is super handy. When I was a kid, I liked to take things apart. Could you put them back together? Most of the time. What does your dad do? He used to do nails. He was a manicurist. My parents had a nail salon in San Rafael, but it closed when the economy went bad. Now my dad works for me. Works for you? Yes, I taught him how to fix phones. What’s the most

Thinh Nguyen, owner of Gadget Pron, 473 Third St., San Rafael; 857 Grant Ave., Novato

common repair? A broken screen. On most phones we can fix that in an hour. For how much? For an iPhone 6, it’s $149 — definitely cheaper than buying a new one. People tell you what happened? Right, I’ve heard it all. The most common is that they put their phone in their lap while they’re driving and when they step out of the car the phone falls to the ground. What’s the weirdest story? People drop them in the toilet or wash them in their dirty clothes, but the weirdest involved a chicken farmer. She liked to keep eggs in her bra, but she also kept her phone there. One day, the eggs broke and got all over her phone. The Novato store is more than phone repair? I’m expanding what we offer. It was always my dream to have a cool gadget store. I’m super into gadgets and unique items. For example? We have hoverboards. They go nine miles on a charge. And we have a live jellyfish tank. It’s a kit. They ship you the live jellyfish from Florida. What are your plans? My dream is to have hundreds of these stores — the new RadioShack, but much cooler. m

TIM PORTER

This local business owner wants to fix your phone.

OVER THE PAST 20 years, architect Mark Cavagnero has master-planned the deYoung Museum in Golden Gate Park, designed the East Bay Center for the Performing Arts and been featured in Architectural Record, California Home and Design and The New York Times. His local projects include the Christopher B. Smith Rafael Film Center in San Rafael, College of Marin’s Academic Center, Marin Horizon School in Mill Valley and Sava Pool on 19th Avenue in San Francisco.

Cavagnero is founding principal of Mark Cavagnero Associates, a 45-person, 23-year-old architectural/planning firm on San Francisco’s Embarcadero. In addition to the above, his firm has designed the Oakland Museum of California, Park City Museum in Utah and corporate headquarters for Whole Foods Market in Chicago. The 58-year-old lives in Mill Valley and is the father of two: William, 18, a senior at Marin Academy, and Jane, 22, a senior at Colorado College in Colorado Springs.

Mark Cavagnero

BY JIM WOOD

From the top: A look at the Seminary site today and what is proposed. This image: Mark Cavagnero in front of the new Academic Center at the College of Marin.

For the past three years, Cavagnero has been planning, designing and advocating for the Seminary, a clustering of 304 new rental homes adjacent to a planned private high school on 127 scenic acres in the southern Marin community of Strawberry. Cavagnero fully expects to see the project through to its completion, which he envisions taking five to seven years.

More than a few Strawberry residents hope that day never comes.

In your own words, please describe the Seminary project. To date, this project represents three years of the developer, Bruce Jones of North Coast Land Holdings, and myself working to study and dream about what would be the ideal project for this site. We both live in Marin; Bruce was raised here. The owner of the land, the Fasken family, has long ties to the Branson School in Ross, and they are drawn to execute a project that would have high-quality education as a community benefit.

There are 211 units on the property that were built 50 years ago and are currently in poor condition. A 1984 community plan, approved by the Marin County Board of Supervisors, allowed for 304 units to be built on the property. Our plan is to replace the existing 211 units “bedroom for bedroom,” meaning for every one-bedroom, we’ll build a new one-bedroom unit, and for every twobedroom, a two-bedroom unit, and so on. These will be two-story homes and none will be over 1,200 square feet in size. As for the 93 units that were approved in 1984 but never built, we will primarily be building two- and three-bedroom units, consistent with the 1984 community plan that called for larger homes for families with children.

People in Strawberry have expressed a preference for single-family detached homes; however, these will be attached single-family homes clustered in threes and fours into buildings that appear similar to the singlefamily detached houses that now border the project. Still, the density of the project will be 2.47 units per acre, somewhat less than Strawberry’s Ricardo Road at 4.9 units per acre and Richardson Drive, which is 3.2 per acre, and considerably less than the nearby Strawberry Point apartments, which are 17.7

units per acre. When completed, the Seminary will have 75 percent open space, and 60 units, scattered throughout the project, will qualify as senior affordable housing.

Will this be individually owned or leased housing? The owners are a group out of Texas and Northern California and they like the idea of keeping their property in perpetuity, not selling it. Their vision is akin to the setup of San Francisco’s Presidio, where homes are leased and the landscaping, trails and streets are carefully maintained. They don’t want leaky gutters or someone painting a house pink or neighbors suing over a tree blocking someone’s view. They want a rationally thought-out development organized over big meadows and a certain cohesive style and sense of community and longevity. They are thinking, 30, 40, even 50 years down the road.

What are the plans for Branson School’s campus? Most of the existing Golden Gate Baptist Seminary structures — administration, a library, a cafeteria and several classroom buildings — were constructed at least 30 years ago, many over 50 years ago, and Branson has agreed to keep all of them. So we will renovate them, make them ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant and improve their appearance.

So far, the reaction has been all about the traffic. One critic has labeled it “a nuclear reactor in our community.” Agreed, traffic is the big sore thumb. The Branson School has got to develop a traffic management plan that limits traffic to what was approved back in 1984 or better. They have a combination of ways to do it, and they have new leadership coming in that hopes to accomplish this. One approach is staggering the starts of the school day, with a third of the students starting at 7:30 a.m., a third at 8 a.m. and a third at 8:30 a.m. That spreads traffic over an hour instead of just 15 minutes. Another way is to have shuttle buses and an off-site location where parents drop their children off. Many San Francisco schools, as well as Marin Country Day School, do that now.

Another approach involves not allowing students to park on campus unless they are carpooling with two more students and, in deference to the neighbors, not allowing any students to park along neighboring streets. So there are many possible solutions, and it’s possible Branson School could seize the moment and be the most progressive traffic-controlled school in the Bay Area.

We feel it’s better to do that than add to the local landfills. We also want to rip out asphalt and concrete areas, replace steps with ramps and dying trees with healthy ones, and build four new buildings, all of which were approved in the 1984 community plan. These would be a 1,200seat auditorium, a much-needed gymnasium, a 12,000-square-foot student center and one additional classroom building. At its present location in Ross, Branson has an enrollment of 320 students; over time this campus would increase that to approximately 1,000 students.

How do you react to the criticism that’s already been leveled at this project? I have mixed feelings. On one hand, I totally appreciate the concerns, as these are my neighbors and I share their frustration over traffic. And sometimes people say things that may upset other developers, but they don’t upset me. I realize these are heartfelt concerns and anxieties. And I wish I could answer all their questions completely and accurately — but I can’t because this is an ongoing process. I can’t personally control the traffic plan Branson School will develop, or how the development’s overall use-plan will play out, such as determining when the school will be hosting a lacrosse game or staging a drama. I wish I could grab the whole thing and make it what everyone wants. But I can’t and that’s my frustration. I bump into these people at the coffee shop or grocery store and sometimes it’s awkward. They’ll voice to me their intense anger about the project and I’m just standing there trying to get a latte after a Sunday morning bike ride. This happens often; I don’t like it but I understand it.

I’d like to be the first example of a community that clusters its development and preserves its open space and puts housing in a parklike setting.

At the same time, I do feel we have a group of local people who really care that this project comes out well. The developers are homegrown and intend to stay here. I live nearby; Bruce Jones, the developer, was born and raised in Ross, and Branson School is a Marin institution. What I also know is that I’ve been through so many of these projects — and at the end of the day, regarding every development I’ve ever worked on, the surrounding public has been extremely happy with the end product.

What is the timeline for development?

By early spring, the county wants to see Branson’s traffic plan analyzing every intersection surrounding the project. The county is being very methodical — which is good. This is the most impactful project Marin has seen since the county civic center was constructed over 50 years ago. And before the county does anything, our application has to be complete. We’ve filed it, and the county has said it appears complete, but items still need to be clarified. Can a large fire truck turn around at a particular intersection? Is that a lane or a driveway? Will residents park there? If so, it has to be two feet wider. Things like that. All kinds of questions have to be answered before the EIR (environmental impact report) can be submitted. Civil engineers, landscape architects, geologists, hydrologists, biologists all have to file reports, and neighborhood noise and shadow studies have to be completed, and rare birds, butterflies and plants have to be identified, all of which probably won’t be completed until the end of 2016, maybe early 2017. Then the county planning commission will review the EIR and start holding public hearings that could easily take another six months. So it could be well into 2018 before the Marin County Board of Supervisors holds hearings and makes decisions, and 2019 before any construction and/or demolition gets underway.

What motivated you to take on this project?

Sure, I’m getting kicked around now, and yes, I’m getting paid for the hours I put in — yet that’s not what motivates me. I live just across Highway 101 from this project, I’ve raised two children here and I’ve done considerable

architectural work in Marin. However, the bulk of my work is elsewhere — we now have four projects in Europe and several underway throughout the Bay Area. And to be honest, for such a sophisticated, well-educated and affluent county, I’ve always felt the quality of development and architecture in Marin has been disappointing. Sure, we have buildings by Frank Lloyd Wright and I. M. Pei, but we haven’t handled residential development well, and I would like to do something exemplary in the way of housing. I’d like to be the first example of a community that clusters its development and preserves its open space and puts housing in a parklike setting. Right now, that doesn’t exist in Marin; the nearest example I can think of is the Presidio across the bridge in San Francisco.

I want to do exemplary work in housing and in education. I would like to push Branson to be exemplary in every way — traffic management, obviously, but also in its design of buildings, its sustainability as a campus and its handling of the landscape. There are over 120 acres in this project that haven’t been properly maintained in over 50 years, brush that is a fire hazard, beautiful oaks that are dying. I honestly feel that when this project is done, every nearby resident will see an uptick in property value, a raise in Strawberry’s status. Branson has certainly not hurt the community of Ross — the most expensive homes are the ones nearest campus. I believe young tech types will love the idea of buying a home in Strawberry so their children can bike or walk to school at Branson — and they will be willing to pay dearly for doing it.

No one is focusing on that now, they’re focusing on traffic. But if we get the traffic issues resolved — which we will — Branson will be, in every way, the most state-of-the-art high school in the entire Bay Area, and thanks to the infusion of culture, playing fields and walking trails this project will bring, Strawberry will be a very desirable place to live. I firmly believe that. m

Nothing provides relief like mapping a clear course for your financial future. It’s like a massive weight has been lifted. If you’re not getting that lift from your current wealth manager, it’s time to play the field.

Don’t stay stuck in a loveless relationship — download our Practical Guide to Finding Happiness at www.privateocean.com/guide

A look at the proposed academic quad.

Shades of Serenity

This spring, the soft blue chosen by Pantone as a color of the year reigned supreme on the runway. Reminiscent of the ocean and the sky, this nature-inspired hue creates a sense of peace and calm in our sometimes chaotic world.

Photography by Claudia Goetzelmann Styling by Veronica Sooley

{This page} Sleeveless bicolor silk dress by Prabal Gurung, $1,195 at Saks Fifth Avenue (SF) 415.986.4300. Peanut sandals by BC Footwear, $50 at nordstrom.com. Assorted lucite bangles by Alexis Bittar, $70 each at Alexis Bittar (SF) 415.567.5113. Flagstaff earrings by Jenny Bird, $36 (Rocksbox Insider price) at rocksbox.com.

{Opposite} Pretti floral lace top by Trina Turk, $198 at trinaturk.com. City Safari high-rise culotte pant by The Fifth Label, $85 at Urban Outfitters (Corte Madera) 415.927.1844. Half-moon satchel by Tory Burch, $650 at Tory Burch (SF) 415.398.1525. Choice wedge by Seychelles Footwear, $100 at zappos.com. Infinity Circle tassel necklace by Waffles & Honey, $210 at wafflesandhoney.com. Lily earrings by Perry Street, $34 (Rocksbox Insider price) at rocksbox.com. Triple blue kyanite bar ring by Mapleton Drive, $65 at mapletondrive.com.

{Opening spread} Carmen neoprene dress by Elie Tahari, $428 at Neiman Marcus (SF) 415.362.3900. Antique moonstone necklace, $5,750 at Lang Antique & Estate Jewelry (SF) 415.982.2213. Inner Fire quartz stud earrings by AGOOA, $69 at agooaculture.com.

{This page} Crepe short sleeve dress with midriff detail by Ten by Tenby, $380 at tenbytenbynyc.com. Colossal natural lapis lazuli bead necklace, $4,950 at Lang Antique & Estate Jewelry (SF) 415.982.2213. Square druzy studs by Leslie Francesca, $44 (Rocksbox Insider price) at rocksbox.com. Blue jean lapis cocktail ring by Waffles & Honey, $185 at wafflesandhoney.com.

{Opposite} Tesita embroidered jacket by Joie, $378; vintage whisper tee by Splendid, $78; Eloise straight wide-leg pants by Alice + Olivia, $298; all at Saks Fifth Avenue (SF) 415.986.4300. Positano lace-up platform espadrilles by Tory Burch, $350 at Tory Burch (SF) 415.398.1525. Inner Fire quartz stud earrings by AGOOA, $69 at agooaculture.com. Jane necklace by Perry Street, $59 (Rocksbox Insider price) at rocksbox.com.

{This page} Siriana jumpsuit by Trina Turk, $598 at trinaturk.com. Glide mule sandal by Freda Salvador, $395 at Freda Salvador (SF) 415.872.9690. Sheila bib necklace, $225; sapphire honeycomb earrings, $195; both by Waffles & Honey at wafflesandhoney.com.

{Opposite} Chambray high-neck romper by BDG, $69 at Urban Outfitters (Corte Madera) 415.927.1844. Amore kimono by Becca by Rebecca Virtue, $68 at everythingbutwater.com. Prime ankle boot by Freda Salvador, $595 at Freda Salvador (SF) 415.872.9690. The Atlantic belt bag by Beau & Ro Bag Company, $158 at beauandro.com. Velluto headband, $28 at Anthropologie (Corte Madera) 415.924.4197. Captivating Calm druzy stud earrings by AGOOA, $69 at agooaculture.com.

HAIR and MAKEUP

Elizabeth Chang using Bumble and bumble and yaby cosmetics

HAIR and MAKEUP ASSISTANT April Foster MODEL

Audrey

Bomar/Look Model Agency ASSISTANT Kasia Pawlowska LOCATION

Left Space Studios in San Francisco

{This page} Camila silk dress by Diane von Furstenberg, $468 at Saks Fifth Avenue (SF) 415.986.4300. Gwynn booties by Dolce Vita, $110 at Anthropologie (Corte Madera) 415.924.4197. Oversize nubby panama hat, $39 at Urban Outfitters (Corte Madera) 415.927.1844. Radiant Heart druzy earrings by AGOOA, $149 at agooaculture.com. The Power of Thought gemstone ring by AGOOA, $129.

{Opposite} Moire moto jacket by J’Amy Tarr, $538 at J'Amy Tarr Design Studio (Mill Valley) 415.450.9677. Ponte flared cropped top by N / NICHOLAS, $265 at Saks Fifth Avenue (SF) 415.986.4300. Photo Ready Crop Rail skinny jeans by J Brand, $178 at Saks Fifth Avenue. Shot in the Dark flats by BC Footwear, $60 at modcloth.com. Wren necklace by Perry Street, $48 (Rocksbox Insider price) at rocksbox.com. The Deepest Ocean ring by AGOOA, $99 at agooaculture.com.

ON THE GRILLE

Three local chefs with a passion for engines. BY CHARLIE VOGELHEIM • PHOTOS BY MICHAEL ALAN ROSS

MARIN LAYS CLAIM to some of the most creative and passionate chefs this side of the Golden Gate Bridge, but do they share any interests outside the kitchen? As an automotive journalist (and restaurant enthusiast), I set out on a quest to determine if our local chefs’ desire for spice and variety extends to the garage as well as the kitchen.

FAMILY RELIC

My journey begins at a sidewalk table in Sausalito. I’m at Poggio, talking to executive chef Ben Balesteri. We will eventually have the opportunity to discuss the wonderful Italian cuisine and his journey in culinary arts, but what brought me here was his car, a 1970 Pontiac GTO, to be specific.

Balesteri was born in Monterey and raised in the Salinas Valley surrounded by cars. “I grew up about 10 minutes from Laguna Seca, went to lots of races, and then there’s also the concourse and other car shows; there’s constantly something going on.” His neighbor, a collector of classic vehicles, was constantly working on cars. “I was always playing in his garage as a kid,” Balesteri recalls, “learning here and there what I possibly could.”

He took his driver’s license test with a ’67 Chevy three-quarter-ton four-wheel-drive ranch truck. A task complicated by the vehicle’s three-speed granny gear.

The 1970 Pontiac he drives today, a GTO 455 with a Turbo 400 transmission, has been in the family for many years. “My uncle actually bought the car brand new in 1970 off the lot, and after about two years he sold it to my grandfather,” Balesteri says. “It then just sat in a barn for about 10 to 15 years and when I was

From left to right: Ben Balesteri, Ged Robertson and Tim Humphrey.

16 I stumbled upon this amazing beautiful car with rats running through it.”

Balesteri had it towed home, flushed both the gas tank and the radiator, and changed the plugs and distributor, and it started. “It was amazing. I drove it about a month and then I blew it up,” he says. “It had been sitting for about 20 years and I was going — let’s just say — plenty fast. It was quite fun.” The engine was rebuilt and it’s been a work in progress ever since.

Taking a GTO to the farmers’ market elicits remarks such as “What a beautiful car!” or “Why are you at the market with it?” or “You shouldn’t be hauling produce in that thing.” Ben tells people it’s his daily ride as he loads

up cases of Brussels sprouts, broccoli and lettuce. “I don’t even know what other car I would purchase,” he says. “I love the feeling, I love the sound, I love the power. I love the smell of gas and I guess it just reminds me of the racetrack.”

Balesteri’s love of working with his hands is evident in both his cooking and his passion for cars. “I think wrenching on a car has always been natural for me, like chopping vegetables, slicing tuna or cutting up meat. It feels natural to get under the car and start wrenching and getting grease all over.” After a long day of working in the fast-paced restaurant industry, the GTO is the chef’s diversion.

“Our restaurant is very high volume so it’s a pretty intense day-to-day operation,” he says. “I start around 8 or 9 in the morning and I get off anywhere from 9 to 10 at night. So I think it just helps me release and relax a little bit when I get home to have something to play with.”

When asked if there was another car that might be added to the garage, Balestri admits that he has admired Porsches and Ferraris, but overall, “I like classics and that would be my direction.”

And though he loves being in the kitchen, it’s hard to avoid fine cars, even at work. “We’re fortunate to have a car show right in front of Poggio,” he says of the first-Saturday-of-themonth gathering called Biscotti and Cars.

ON THE ROAD

Directly across Richardson Bay, Tim Humphrey is the executive chef at Tiburon Tavern and spends his time on the road cruising in a modern 2010 Dodge Challenger. Asked about the affinity many chefs share for Detroit iron, he says, “The new chefs these days have a little cutting edge to them, and muscle cars fall in that line.”

Humphrey has been around Dodges his whole life. In his youth in the South, his father had “an ol’ Dodge pickup truck that we drove around in forever.” He learned to drive in that pickup, and became a big fan of Dodge classics. “It was a toss-up when it came time for me to get a car. I was going to go old school and then the new Challenger came out and I was like, ‘man, that's really beautiful,’ ” he says, “and it has air-conditioning and stuff so the functionality won out.” It had the style that he was looking for, and he figured “that one day I would reach back and get an older one, but we'll start with the new one now.”

The Challenger is relatively new, so Humphrey is able to spend less time on maintenance and more time driving. He has even taken it cross-country a couple of times. “I just like to get out on the road and go,” he says. “I usually kick open my sunroof and enjoy the weather and just cruise.”

Driving is a form of escape for Humphrey. “I take solace in the kitchen and it’s a good place for me; I feel comfortable there,” he says. “But every now and again you get away and try to just clear your mind out there on the road and think of new stuff, and go see new things, and try to get new inspirations into where you’re at and what’s going on.”

And that passion and inspiration found on the road often makes its way to the menu. “I got a lot of exciting stuff, exciting flavors coming from all over the world, not really just out of the South or out of California,” he says. “Whatever I can come up with, I love to put it on a plate and see how the rest of the community enjoys it.”

Asked what other cars interest him, Humphrey says he’s drawn to the classics. “I would actually like the classic version of my car. To have them in comparison would be pretty cool.” Though he says he wouldn’t turn down a 700-horsepower Dodge Hellcat.

CADDY COOL

Ged Robertson opened Small Shed Flatbreads in Mill Valley 10 years ago and recently transformed it into the popular Molina. He also worked on the reintroduction of the Sweetwater Music Hall and owns Shoreline Coffee Shop. On occasion he can be found driving his rather large 1970 Cadillac Deville convertible around town.

“This car was from Tiburon and it’s spent most of its time in Marin. So it’s been on the hills and, surprisingly, because it has a suspension, it drives really well and we don’t scrape the bumpers going up a steep driveway,” Robertson says. While not his daily ride, the Deville emerges for special occasions and is regularly featured in the local Fourth of July parade.

Robertson likes to think of the Caddy as a rock ’n’ roll car. “When we opened up the Sweetwater, with all the history here and the

music, the car helped channel the time and the feeling that was this place back in the day.”

The restaurateur grew up in New York, where his mom made him learn to drive a stick shift and his first car was a Datsun SPL 311. “It was an old convertible and a troublesome car that could go very fast,” he says.

Prior to that he rode a moped to high school. “I wasn’t the coolest kid, but maybe I’d get a girl on there once in awhile and if we stayed upright it was great,” Robertson says. “But the kids who had cars before I did were kind of badass.”

While growing up, he was surrounded by people working on their muscle cars — the popular after-school hobby. “Walking home from school you’d pass by somebody’s house and they were modifying their car.”

He always wanted a 1973.5 Porsche Targa and says that for him ’70s cars hold a special

attraction. Another car from that period that piques Robertson’s interest is the ’70s Citroën DS convertible. “That is my fantasy car, and by the time I was able to afford it, I think it tripled in price,” he says. “It’s a beautiful car, and unique.”

Robertson’s restaurant experiences offer insight on what compels some chefs to own unique vehicles. “The good chefs are really into creating unique experiences, so they enjoy anything that gives them a different angle,” he says. “They’re attracted to doing things a little bit differently.”

When it comes to cars, Shoreline Coffee Shop sees plenty of classics stop by its location in the busy junction between Mill Valley, Muir Woods, Stinson Beach and the city just over the bridge. “It’s called Tam Junction for a reason, and old cars just pull up here,” Robertson says. “It’s pretty cool.” m

homegrown success

A sparsely populated and remote part of the county is now an organic food mecca.

BY JACOBA CHARLES

THE NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION Marin

Organic recently announced that its mission has been accomplished, and it closed its doors. For the last 15 years, the group has worked to promote, support and publicize Marin’s small farmers, and now, with Bay Area residents more food-source literate than ever, it seems there isn’t much more to do. But the seeds of the group’s accomplishments were sown even earlier, through vibrant yet unsung grassroots organizing.

Today, western Marin is renowned regionally and beyond as a mecca for sustainable agriculture. By 2014, the county boasted 66 organically certified producers tending nearly 300 acres of row crops and more than 40,000 acres of pasture. Their wares — including vegetables, greens, fruit, cheese and meats — were worth nearly $46 million. Menus around the bay tout ingredients of local provenance, and many diners know the farms and ranches by name.

“We have integrated all these different elements in the community, from the consumer to the chefs to the growers to the ranchers to the county,” says Warren Weber, owner of Star Route Farms in Bolinas — the oldest certified organic farm in California — who in 1973 helped craft the state’s first certification standards.

But the food landscape wasn’t always like this. Just a few short decades ago, most residents of Marin had little awareness of — or pride in — the sparsely populated agricultural half of their county. In 1990, the term “locavore” had yet to be coined. The county had only four certified organic farms totaling just 67 acres. And while interest in organic food was growing, it was far from the booming industry that it is today. Smaller growers were being squeezed out as larger growers and distributors moved into the existing market, driving down prices. Most critically, consumers had yet to differentiate between local or industrial-scale organic products.

“There was no real nexus in Marin,” says Weber. “We had a certain amount of support — there were grocery stores like the Good Earth that were buying organic — but most of our connections and most growers were outside of Marin.”

Growing Roots

It was in this climate, during the mid-1990s, that a small, dedicated group of farmers and their allies began to meet, discussing how to support one another and the work they loved. Their efforts ultimately led to the formation of Marin Organic — as well as the founding of the Point Reyes Farmers Market and creation of the state’s first county-run organic certification program.

Opposite: Tending crops at Marin Roots Farm. This page from top: Mixed vegetables are off to the Marin Organic school lunch and gleaning program; Cowgirl Creamery co-founders Sue Conley and Peggy Smith; chickens at Marin Roots Farm.

“It was a really important moment,” says Peter Martinelli, owner of Fresh Run Farm in Bolinas, who was an original board member of Marin Organic. “We were thinking, let’s have our own standards and our own approach to organic ag.”

Though there were initially several similar groups, including the West Marin Food and Agriculture Project, the effort coalesced into the West Marin Growers Group, says Ellie Rilla, former director of University of California Cooperative Extension in Marin (UCCE Marin). They met in iconic West Marin locations such as Manka’s Inverness Lodge, Toby’s Feed Barn and the then newly opened Tomales Bay Foods.

“We met and we met and we met,” says Sue Conley, coowner of Cowgirl Creamery and original board member of Marin Organic. “We had a million meetings.”

The loose-knit coalition included local farmers, retailers, county representatives and restaurateurs who all wanted to promote small-scale, artisanal, environmentally sound food, while preserving the energy and spirit of social justice that the move-

ment had originally come to represent in the 1970s. Different members had different (though often overlapping) passions. For example, Martinelli was concerned about preserving or expanding organic standards in the face of increasing industrialization, while Janet Brown, co-owner of Allstar Organics, championed the idea of food security and that a region should know how to feed itself.

In 1995 the group launched the Point Reyes Farmers Market, providing a place for local growers — many of whom were little more than backyard gardeners — to hawk their wares directly to the public. The market had to overcome skepticism and local backlash, though, Conley says. “We asked the farm bureau and the Marin Agricultural Land Trust to sponsor it, and they both said, ‘We don’t have farmers in Marin; we only have ranchers,’ ” she recalls.

Local stores, restaurants and a small farmers’ market based in Woodacre also objected, fearing competition. “They found it threatening — it was a big change,” says Chris Giacomini, owner of Toby’s Feed Barn in Point Reyes Station.

In the following years, the Growers Group collaborated with the Marin Agricultural Land Trust (MALT) to launch the first Taste of Marin food gala (then called the All-Marin

COURTESY OF MARIN ORGANIC (TRUCK); TIM PORTER (MIDDLE); BARBARA RIES (BOTTOM)

By 2014, the county boasted 66 organically certified producers tending nearly 300 acres of row crops and more than 40,000 acres of pasture.

page:

dinner), which featured gourmet meals composed solely of foods produced in Marin. This showcase for the usually behind-the-scenes farmers was to be a seminal culinary event for the next decade.

As momentum continued to grow, the county sponsored workshops on agriculture, bringing together disparate groups that at the time rarely collaborated: conventional and organic growers, farmers, ranchers, even master gardeners.

“A lot of it was about trying to look at things in different ways and going back to the way your grandparents used to do things — like making cheese,” says Rilla, who put on a 1996 workshop on agricultural diversification and also worked to help the Growers Group organize and define its goals.

In 2000, two pivotal events happened. First, the county agreed to conduct organic certifications — making the process more affordable and thus more realistic for local farmers and ranchers. Second, the Growers Group redefined itself as Marin Organic and incorporated as a nonprofit. A new era had begun.

“To really move the mission and values forward took a lot of work, collaboration and education, and that’s what MO was able to do,” says Albert Straus, owner of the Straus Family Creamery in Marshall. “They got out there in the public eye to talk about the values of organic farming.”

Organic Strength

The young Marin Organic fledged quietly for its first few years, led by part-time coordinators. Weber — who had not been part of the Growers Group — brought his considerable contacts and reputation when he signed on as the first board president.

The nonprofit’s first major accomplishment was the development of a labeling program to help the consumers make the connection to where food is grown, which launched in

2002. The now-familiar green and white logo appeared on banners, grocery store twist ties, farm and produce signs, and on the walls of restaurants that committed to buying a certain amount of produce from Marin Organic growers.

In 2004, the nonprofit hired Helge Hellberg as the first official executive director. When he came on board, he says, there was no office — nor even a website. He says building something from the ground up was a thrill.

“So many people had done such great groundwork and created excitement, but there wasn’t much structure in place,” Hellberg says. “It had a really clear mission and a bank account with $60,000 in it. They literally handed me the papers and let me run with it.”

Hellberg soon expanded Marin Organic’s profile, programs and staff. Born in Germany, Hellberg had spent the ’90s touring Europe with the popular a cappella band Five Live, and he brought a performer’s flair and joie de vivre to his new position. Recently he compared his first months in Marin to his band days.

MARIN ORGANIC AT A GLANCE

Marin

four

organic farms, totaling 67 acres

Marin

West

West

1990 Mid1990s 1994 1995 1995 2000 2000 2001

BARBARA RIES

has

certified

West Marin Growers Group begins to meet

Straus Family Creamery becomes the first certified organic dairy west of the Mississippi

Point Reyes Farmers Market launches

Marin Growers Group hosts the first All-Marin dinner (later called Taste of Marin)

becomes first county in California to perform organic certification

Marin Growers Group becomes Marin Organic and incorporates as a nonprofit

Part-time staff is hired for Marin Organic

This

Crops at Star Route Farms. Opposite from top: Prince Charles in West Marin with Helge Hellberg; Marin Organic hosting an event at Toby’s Feed Barn in Point Reyes Station.

A lot of it was about trying to look at things in different ways and going back to the way your grandparents used to do things.

“It was as rock ’n’ roll as you could make it,” he says. “There was so much to do that I just kept working 14 hours a day. I was sleeping on an air mattress at the office and showering outside with a garden hose.”

In addition to promoting and assisting growers, Marin Organic projects grew to include young farmer education, gleaning and a cutting-edge lunch program bringing organic food to local schools. The organization led tours, hosted events and provided a directory of farms in Marin. And, of course, it famously brought Prince Charles to West Marin. Farmer members received publicity, support and a group identity that was marketed vigorously.

Mission Accomplished?

In recent years, however, the energy behind Marin Organic began to wane. Bay Area consumers required less education, while farmers also needed less support. Hellberg resigned in 2011, and the staff gradually shrank. Once again they didn’t need an office, so they moved out in August 2015. When current executive director Jeffrey Westman announced his resignation last fall, it spurred a conversation with the board about what to do next.

“One of our weaknesses is that we were really painted into a corner between ‘Marin’ and ‘Organic,’ ” Westman says. “It was hard to address things that were outside of Marin and weren’t certified organic.”

Perhaps most critically, funding for such a narrowly defined organization shrank as the obstacles to overcome grew fewer — public opinion had caught up with the organization. “The organization served a huge purpose, but at a certain point it’s kind of like beating a dead horse,” Westman says.

After the board chose to officially shut down, existing programs were passed on to other nonprofits. For now, though, the group has retained control of the label and the 501(c)(3), and they are discussing what, if anything, to do next.

“I’m hoping it can re-emerge in a different way that serves the issues of today,” says Conley.

“I don’t think it’s dead,” adds Guido Frosini of True Grass Farm, who is the youngest and newest member of the board. “It might have to change names, and it might be wider than just Marin.” m

COURTESY OF MARIN ORGANIC

The county hires sustainable agriculture coordinator Steve Quirt

Marin Organic labeling project launches for participating growers, restaurants and grocery stores

Helge Hellberg is hired as full-time Marin Organic executive director

Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, visit West Marin

The term locavore is coined in the Bay Area

Helge Hellberg resigns as Marin Organic executive director

Jeffrey Westman is hired as Marin Organic executive director

Marin has 66 organically certified producers, 265 acres of row crops and 40,367 acres of pasture Marin Organic shuts its doors

2002 2002 2004 2005 2005 2011 2013 2014 2015

Marin Magazine’s SIXTH ANNUAL SUMMER CAMPS GUIDE

Day camps, overnight camps, sports camps and science camps. They all have one thing in common: they are filling up fast. Be sure to peruse the many great options in the following listings and make your plans soon — summer will be here before you know it. To find additional choices — searchable by town, price range and specifics such as ages, hours or specialty — visit marinmagazine.com/camps.

Day Camps

MARIN

142 Throckmorton, Mill Valley Theater, ages 7-15 415.383.9613 throckmortontheatre.org

Academy Deturk Performing Arts Workshops, San Rafael Theater, ages 8-16 415.456.4297 academy-deturk.com

Angel Island Day Camp, Tiburon General, Outdoor, Nature, ages 4-14 415.435.4355 theranchtoday.org

Art & Garden Day Camp, Tiburon Art, Garden, Outdoor, ages 4-14 415.435.4355 theranchtoday.org

Art Reactor, San Rafael Art, ages 12-18 415.948.5482 theartreactor.com

Audubon Summer Adventure Camp, Tiburon Nature, ages 4-17 415.388.2524 richardsonbay.audubon.org

Avid4 Adventure, Mill Valley Adventure, Nature, Sports, ages 3-14 800.977.9873 avid4.com

Azzi Basketball Camp, Mill Valley Sports, ages 8-14 415.948.1263 azzicamp.com

Bay Area Discovery Museum, Sausalito Academic, Art, Science, ages 3-16 415.339.3931 baykidsmuseum.org

Belvedere Tennis Camp, Tiburon Sports, ages 4-8 415.435.4792 belvederetennisclub.com

Bolinas Surf Camp, Bolinas Sports, ages 6+ 415.868.0264 surfbolinas.com

Bombers Baseball Club, Kentfield Sports, ages 8-13 415.464.3800 bombersbaseballclub.com

Camp and Teen Travel Consultants, San Rafael General, ages 7-18 415 258 0817 campandteenconsultants.com

Camp Create, Belvedere Art, Music, ages 6-11 415.435.4501 ststephenschurch.org

Camp Doodles, Mill Valley General, ages 4-11 415.388.4386 campdoodles.com

Camp Edmo, Mill Valley Art, Makers, Nature, Science, ages 3-10 415.282.6673 campedmo.org

Camp EdTech, Mill Valley Tech, Digital Media, ages 10-14 415.282.6673 campedtech.org

Camp Funderblast, Mill Valley General, ages 4-11 415.843.1730 funderblast.com

Cañon Kids Sports Camp, Fairfax Sports, ages 5-13 415.234.1056 maaquatics.com

Caren Horstmeyer Girls Basketball Camp, Larkspur Sports, ages 8-14 415.794.4311 horstmeyerhoops.com

Champions Soccer Camp, Mill Valley Sports, ages 5-14 415.482.8813 championsoccercamp.com

Children’s Cottage Co-Op, Larkspur Young Child, ages 2.5-5 415.461.0822 cccmarin.com

To search by town, age or specialty, visit marinmagazine.com/camps

SUMMER CAMP LISTINGS 2016

Coastal Camp at NatureBridge, Sausalito Nature, Outdoor, Science, ages 5-14 415.331.1548 coastalcamp.org

College of Marin Community Education, Kentfield Sports, ages 5-13 415.485.9318 marin.edu

Corte Madera Montessori, Corte Madera Academic, ages 2.5-5 415.927.0919 cortemaderamontessori.com

Dance Palace Camp, Point Reyes Station Dance, ages 6-12 415.663.1075 dancepalace.org

Dance With Sherry Camp, San Rafael Dance, ages 6+ 415.499.1986 dancewithsherrystudio.com

Danielle Rosa Music Jam Camp, San Rafael Music, Young Child, ages 7+ 415.416.5935 pianolessonsmarin.com

Dauth Hobbies, San Anselmo General, ages 6-12 415.454.3087 marinhobby.com

Dave Fromer’s Annual Marin Soccer Camps, Mill Valley Sports, ages 5-12 415.383.0320 davefromersoccer.com

Davidson Clubhouse Program, San Rafael General, ages 6-12 415.485.3790 petaluma-marinbgc.org

Dominican Summer Sports Camps, San Rafael Sports, ages 7-12 415.482.3543 dominicansportscamps.com

Enriching U, Novato Art, Film, Science, Technology, ages 10-14 415.506.0282 enrichingu.com

Fantastical Adventures Day Camp, Tiburon General, Art, ages 4-14 415.435.4355 theranchtoday.org

Fashion Camp with Western Bonime, Larkspur Fashion, ages 8-18 415.887.8391 marinfashionacademy.com

Fast Forward Adventure Reporters Camp, San Rafael Writing, Film, Video, ages 11-18 415.272.3569 fastforwardweb.com

Fiona Soccer Camp, Fairfax Sports, ages 5-13 415.497.8164 fionasoccercamps.com

Golden Gate Learning Center, San Anselmo Academic, Art, Makers, ages 5-14 415.383.2283 goldengatetutoring.com

Higgins Summer Tennis Camps, Mill Valley Sports, ages 5-18 415.963.2549 higginstennis.com

Hola Panama, Mill Valley Language, Travel, ages 12-16 415.388.8408 hola-panama.com

Katia & Company, San Rafael Dance, Theater, ages 7-14 415.305.2153 katiaandcompany.com

Luis Quezada’s Soccer Camp, San Anselmo Sports, ages 5-15 415.302.6779 usasoccercamp.org

Marin Ballet, San Rafael Dance, ages 3-18 415.453.6705 marinballet.org

To search by town, age or specialty, visit marinmagazine.com/camps

Marin Blaster Camp, Sausalito Sports, ages 7-14 415.816.0529 marinblastercamp.com

Marin Christian Academy Summer Day Camp, Novato General, Music, Religion, Art, ages 6-11 415.892.5713 summercamp.visitmca.org

Marin Dance Theatre, San Rafael Dance, ages 3-11 415.499.8891 mdt.org

Marin GreenPlay Camp, Mill Valley Nature, Adventure, ages 5-18 415.264.2828 maringreenplay.com

Marin Horizon Outdoor Adventures Camp, Mill Valley Cooking, Nature, Science, ages 10-14 415.388.8408 marinhorizon.org

Marin Idol Performance Camp!, Mill Valley Music, Theater, ages 10+ 415.383.5395 chaikenmusic.com

Marin JCC Summer Camp, San Rafael Traditional, Specialty, ages 5-16 415.444.8055 marinjcc.org/camp

Marin Primary and Middle School Summer Day Camp, Larkspur Young Child, ages 2-6 415.924.2608, mpms.org

Marin Rowing, Greenbrae Sports, ages 12-18 415.461.1431 marinrowing.org

Marin Shakespeare Company, San Rafael Theater, ages 5-14 415.499.4487 marinshakespeare.org

Marin Sports Academy - Wildcat Camp, Kentfield Sports, ages 8-14 415.464.3800 wildcatcamp.org

Marin Theatre Company Summer Camp, Mill Valley Theater, ages 5-18 415.322.6026 marintheatre.org

Marin Treks Science Camp, Novato Science, Nature, ages 6-14 415.250.0988 marintreks.com

Marine Mammal Center’s Camp Sea Quest, Sausalito Nature, Science, ages 4-13 415.289.7367 marinemammalcenter.org

Marinwood Camp, San Rafael General, ages 3-13 415.479.0775 marinwood.org

Mark Day School, San Rafael Arts, Chinese, Sports, Tech, Theater, ages 6-13 415.472.8000 markdayschool.org

Masterworks Kids’ Summer Art Camps, Corte Madera Art, Academic, ages 6-14 415.945.7945 masterworkskidsart.com

Mathnasium, Mill Valley Academic, ages 5-14 415.384.8272 mathnasium.com

Mega Gymnastics, San Rafael Sports, ages 2+ 415.257.6342 megagymnastics.com

Mill Valley Potter’s Studio Summer Camps, Mill Valley Art, ages 7-10 415.888.8906 millvalleypottersstudio.com

SUMMER CAMP LISTINGS 2016

Mill Valley Recreation, Mill Valley Arts, General, Sports, ages 3-14 415.383.1370 millvalleycenter.org

Miss Sara’s Ballet School, Ross Dance, ages 2-11 415.450.1425 misssaras.com

Miwok Livery Summer Camps, Mill Valley Horse, ages 7+ 415.383.8048 miwokstables.com

Morning Star Farm Horse Camps, Novato Horse, ages 8-15 415.897.1633 morningstarfarm.info

Mt Tam Bikes Camp, Mill Valley Sports, ages 8-15 415.377.9075 mttambikescamp.com

Multi Sport Kids Camp, Larkspur Sports, ages 6-12 415.924.6226 mttamrc.com

Musical Theatre Camp, Larkspur Theater, ages 8-18 415.453.0199 marilynizdebskiproductions.com

Musical You!, Mill Valley Music, ages 7-11 415.383.3712 singersmarin.org

MV Code Camps, Greenbrae, Mill Valley, San Francisco Coding, Academic, Technology, ages 7-14 415.569.2112 mvcodeclub.com

MY AMP Rock Band Summer Camp, San Rafael Music, ages 8-18 415.306.7923 detrickmusicinstruction.com

Ninja Camps, Corte Madera Sports, ages 6-12 415.927.0899 practicalmartialarts.net

No Limits Sports Camp, Corte Madera Sports, ages 5-12 415.717.6925 nolimitssportscamp.com

Otis Guy Mt. Bike Camp, Fairfax Sports, ages 7-13 415.250.2585 otisguymountainbikecamp.com

Own The Mic, Novato Music, ages 11-18 415.218.7688 ownthemic.org

Performing Arts Academy of Marin, Mill Valley Dance, Theater, ages 6-16 415.380.0887 paamarin.com

Piano Band Camp!, Mill Valley Music, ages 10+ 415.383.5395 chaikenmusic.com

Pine Point Cooking School, Sausalito Cooking, ages 9-17 415.332.4352 pinepointcooking.com

Play-Well Engineering

FUNdamentals, San Anselmo Science, Technology, ages 5-11 415.460.5210 play-well.org

Point Reyes Summer Camp, Point Reyes National Seashore Adventure, Nature, Science, ages 7-16 415.663.1200 ptreyes.org

SUMMER CAMP LISTINGS 2016

Pyramid Gymnastics, Corte Madera Gymnastics, ages 3.5-18 415.927.1240 thepyramidgym.com

Roco Dance, Mill Valley Dance, ages 8-18 415.388.6786 rocodance.com

Rolling Hills Club, Novato, Novato Sports, ages 3-14 415.897.2185 rollinghillsclub.com

Ross Academy Montessori School, Mill Valley General, ages 2-5 415.383.5777 rossacademymontessori.com

Ross Recreation, Ross Academic, General, ages 3-15 415.453.6020 rossrecreation.org

Sage Educators, Mill Valley Academic, ages 8-18 415.388.7243 sageeducators.com

Sail Camp, Sausalito Sports, ages 8-16 415.775.8779 sailsea.org

San Anselmo Recreation Department Camps, San Anselmo General, ages 3+ 415.258.4640 townofsananselmo.org

San Anselmo Tennis Camp, San Anselmo Sports, ages 7-14 415.258.4640 tennisinmarin.com

San Domenico School, San Anselmo Art, General, Sports, Theater, ages 5+ 415.258.1900 sandomenico.org

San Francisco Yacht Club (SFYC Youth Sailing), Belvedere Sports, ages 7-16 415.435.9525 sfyc.org

Scuba Camp, Novato Sports, ages 8+ 415.897.9962 pinnaclesdive.com

Sea Trek Kayak Camp, Sausalito Sports, ages 9-11 415.332.8494 seatrek.com

Slide Ranch Summer Day Camps, Muir Beach General, Nature, Animal, Cooking, ages 5-18 415.381.6155 slideranch.org

Spaulding Wooden Boat Center, Sausalito Arts, Nature, Science, ages 12-18 415.332.3721 spauldingcenter.org

SRD Athletic X Training Camps, Mill Valley Sports, ages 8-17 415.383.6494 strawberry.marin.org

SRD Camp Strawberry, Mill Valley General, ages 4-15 415.383.6494 strawberry.marin.org

Steve and Kate’s Camp, Sausalito General, ages 4-13 415.389.5437 steveandkatescamp.com

Studio 4 Art, Novato Art, ages 4-14 415.596.5546 studio4art.net

Studio 4 Art, Mill Valley Art, ages 3-6 415.596.5546 studio4art.net

Summer Day Camp - San Geronimo Valley Community Center, San Geronimo General, ages 5-10 415.488.8888 sgvcc.org

Summer Odyssey at Dominican, San Rafael Academic, Creative, ages 7-15 415.485.3255 dominican.edu/camps

NatureBridge is a proud partner of

Ross Academy

MONTESSORI SCHOOLR

Summer Mini-Camp

June -August

Toddler Program 2-3 years Primary Program 3-5 years

SUMMER CAMP LISTINGS 2016

Summer Playground — Town Park Location, Corte Madera General, ages 5-12 415.927.5072 ci.corte-madera.ca.us

Summer Sailing Program, Sausalito Sports, ages 6-18 415.332.7400 sausalitoyachtclub.org

Susan’s Art Camp, San Rafael Art, ages 9-13 415.479.5277 tickenart.com

Program Highlights

Tennis and Swim Camp, San Rafael Sports, ages 5-12 415.456.2700 marinyachtclub.com

The Image Flow, Mill Valley Art, Arts, Digital Media, Film, Photography, ages 11-14 415.388.3569 theimageflow.com

ThinkMarin, Corte Madera Academic, ages 9-18 415.461.2454 thinkmarin.net

Tiburon Adventure Camp, Tiburon Art, Adventure, ages 2-8 415.435.4366 tiburonadventurecamp.org

Tiburon Yacht Club (TYC Junior Sailing), Tiburon Sports, ages 8-13 415.789.9294 tyc.org

Trackers Camps, Larkspur, Novato Outdoor Education, Adventure, ages 4-14 510.575.9444 trackersbay.com

Training Squadron, Novato Adventure, ages 16-18 415.798.8370 trainingsquadron.com

Trapeze & Dance Camps, Fairfax Dance, ages 6-18 415.755.3775 soullovesthebody.com

Tutu School, Larkspur Dance, ages 3-8 415.419.5610 tutuschool.com

Walker Creek Music Camp, Marshall Music, All ages 415.663.1342 walkercreekmusiccamp.org

Walker Creek Ranch, Petaluma General, ages 9-14 415.491.6600 walkercreekranch.org

West America Tae Kwon Do, Mill Valley Sports, ages 4+ 415.383.4755 westamericatkd.com

WildCare Camps, San Rafael Nature, ages 3.5-12 415.453.1000 wildcarebayarea.org

Willow Tree Stables Riding Lessons, Novato Horse, All ages 415.897.8212 willowtreestables.com

Y Camp at Devil’s Gulch Ranch, Nicasio Nature, ages 6-14 415.662.1099 ymcasf.org/marin

Y Camp at Indian Valley Campus (IVC), San Rafael General, Sports, ages 5-14 415.492.9622 ymcasf.org/marin

Youth Tennis Programs, San Rafael Sports, ages 4+ 415.456.1837 rafaelracquetclub.com

GREATER BAY AREA

Camp Unalayee, Palo Alto Adventure, Nature, ages 10-17 650.969.6313 unalayee-summer-camp.com

COOK! Culinary Programs, Emeryville Cooking, ages 8-18 510.594.1104 pauldingandco.com

To search by town, age or specialty, visit marinmagazine.com/camps

dancing at marin dance theatre fun summer programs for 3-11 year

olds

Let’s Imagine: The ballet world is one of imagination, pantomime, and fantasy. Today’s world is full of electronics (video games, text messages, apps, etc.). In Marin Dance Theatre’s class “Let’s Imagine”, the children will tap into their imagination skills. The dancers will create a story and then bring this original story to life through dance and fantasy. Your dancer will come home with a book they will make, dance steps they will learn and an enhanced ability to imagine. For dancers age 3-4 & 5-6. This is a 4 class series.

Stretch ‘N’ Dance 4 Sports---Boys Program: Successful athletes are flexible and demonstrate a high level of co-ordination. Join us as we introduce exercises for flexibility, coordination, and body awareness. Through dance movement to lively music, your young athlete will begin the process of incorporating, stretching and strengthening their bodies prior to and after their sporting activity and find this prep as fun and rewarding. For boys age 5-8. This is a 4 class series.

Dance Arts Camps: One week full of fun interactive programs which include ballet, jazz, contemporary, arts, crafts and more. Each week will have a different fun theme such as Under the Sea, In the Forest, The Toyshop or the Four Seasons. For dancers age 5-6 and 7-11. These camps run for one week.

Go to www.MDT.org for dates, times and fees

To register call: Marin Dance Theatre at (415) 499-8891 or Marinwood Community Center at (415) 479-0775

SUMMER CAMP LISTINGS 2016

Dickson Ranch Horse Activity Camp, Woodacre Horse, ages 7+ 415.488.0454 dicksonranch.net

embARC Summer Design Academy, Berkeley Academic, ages 16-18 510.643.1188 ced.berkeley.edu

SAN FRANCISCO

Sterne School, San Francisco Academic, ages 9-18 415.922.6081 sterneschool.org

The Protocol Academy, San Francisco General, ages 3-18 415.234.6616 dailyprotocol.com

TAHOE

Birkholm’s Water Ski School, South Lake Tahoe Sports, All ages 530.573.1928 birkholmswatersports.com

Lake Tahoe Sitters, Lake Tahoe General, ages 0-14 530.545.1217 laketahoesitters.com

Wolf Pack Sports camps, Reno Sports, ages 5-18 775.784.4046 unr.edu

Overnight Camps

MARIN

Call of the Sea — Voyage Seaward, Sausalito Adventure, Science, Nature, ages 12-17 415.331.3214 callofthesea.org

GREATER BAY AREA

Camp Chrysalis, Berkeley General, ages 8-17 510.843.6157 campchrysalis.com

Gold Arrow Camp, Lakeshore General, ages 6-14 800.554.2267 goldarrowcamp.com

Marin County 4-H, Angwin General, ages 9-19 707.996.0354 cemarin.ucanr.edu

Plantation Farm Camp, Cazadero General, Nature, Family, ages 8-17 707.847.3494 plantationcamp.com

River Way Ranch Camp, Sanger Adventure, ages 7-17 800.821.2801 riverwayranchcamp.com

Walton’s Grizzly Lodge Summer Camps, Portola General, ages 7-14 530.832.4834 grizzlylodge.com

Wonder Valley Family Camp, Sanger General, Family, All ages 800.821.2801 wondervalleyfamilycamp.com

OTHER

Camp Ocean Pines, Cambria General, Nature, Outdoor, ages 7-15 805.927.0254 campoceanpines.org

Catalina Island Camp, Two Harbors General, ages 7-17 626.296.4040 catalinaislandcamps.com

TAHOE

Ultimate Sierra Mountains Dance Camp, Squaw Valley Dance, ages 8-17 415.666.2312 americandancetrainingcamp.com

Camp Concord, South Lake Tahoe General, All ages 925.671.2267 campconcord.org

Camp Lotsafun, Reno Special Needs, ages 7+ 775.827.3866 camplotsafun.com

SUMMER CAMP LISTINGS 2016

Camp Noel Porter, Tahoe City Religious, ages 6-18 530.583.3014 campnoelporter.org

Camp Wasiu II, Reno Girl Scouts, ages 6-17 775.322.0642 gssn.org

Echo Lake Youth Camp, Echo Lake General, ages 7-15 510.981.5140 ci.berkeley.ca.us

Lake Tahoe Music Camp, Stateline Music, ages 10-18 800.233.8928 unr.edu

Lake Tahoe Nike Tennis Camps Granlibakken Resort, Tahoe City Sports, ages 10-18 800.645.3226 ussportscamps.com

Shaffer’s High Sierra Summer Camp, Sattley General, ages 8-17 866.597.6617 highsierracamp.com

Tahoe Rim Trail Association (TRTA) Youth Backcountry Camp & Backcountry Camp Squared, Stateline Sports, Nature, Adventure, ages 12-17 775.298.4491 tahoerimtrail.org m

BY MIMI TOWLE

• Hawaii Island: Big Birds

Calling all birders: a dedicated group of Big Island birding and tourism professionals is creating the very first birding trail in the state. The group won a grant to develop the first Hawaii Island birding festival, with proceeds going to help fund and maintain the trail. The Hawaii Island Coast to Coast Birding Trail will eventually be a 90-mile cross-island series of paths from Kona to Hilo, linking a varied set of locales that include a broad representation of island birdlife, nature, geology, history and scenic vistas. The proposed route will run from Kaloko-Honokohau National Park in Kona up Hina Lani Street to Highway 190, and then on to Route 200 (the old Saddle Road), to the Daniel K. Inouye Highway, to Wainuenue Avenue in Hilo via Kaumana Drive, to Kamehameha Avenue and finally to Loko-Waka Pond off Kalanianaole Avenue. Because the route consists of a network of sites rather than a complete linear trail, users can join or leave it at any point along the way. What will you see? Reflecting the diversity of the island’s climate, the feathered friends that may appear include waterfowl, migratory shorebirds, endangered wetland birds, parrots, a collection of songbirds representing five continents, owls, hawks and Hawaiian endemic forest birds, among these Hawaiian honeycreepers, one of the world’s most endangered bird types, with one group thought to exist only on this island. “This has been a dream of mine and local birders for many years,” says Rob Pacheco of eco-minded tour company Hawaii Forest & Trail, “because it will raise awareness of our island’s unique birds and encourage the conservation of their habitat.” To raise both awareness and funds for the trail, the group will hold a family-friendly festival called Haakula Manu, or festival of the birds, on September 24–25 at the Kona Sheraton. hawaiibirdingtrails.com

• Maui: Calling All Mermaids

For the ultimate in underwater sightseeing, how about being a mermaid for the day? Luckily, if you’re heading to Maui, it can happen. Lila Jones, a newly minted marine biologist from Hawaii Pacific University, has just invested in a quiver of strap-on tails and is open for business. Her company, Light of Lemuria Retreats, is named after the mythological ancient civilization Lemuria, the Pacific Ocean counterpart of Atlantis. “I always loved the ocean,” says Jones, who grew up in Concord in the East Bay, and “I was lucky I was born at the perfect time to become obsessed with mermaids” — the late ’80s, when the Disney movie The Little Mermaid was showing. Jones’ mother continually encouraged her daughter to create a vision for her life. “When I was little and told her I was going to be a mermaid, she looked worried and told me that wasn’t a real job,” Jones recalls, “and she tried to convince

me to visualize other things, so I picked marine biology,” having seen “Free Willy at the age of 5.” After some parental nudging, Jones moved to Hawaii to pursue a marine biology career and worked for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, but has now found a way to make mermaids part of her métier. “Now I’m using my degree and working as a mermaid to teach people about the ocean I love in a way that sticks with them when they leave,” she says. “It’s a magical experience, especially during humpback whale season when the whales are constantly singing.” It’s also “a unique type of family retreat with a dash of education,” she adds. “This is how you make an impact on a personal level to inspire global change.” Clients leave with a smile, a deeper appreciation of the world we share with so many fragile sea creatures, and “a really great new profile pic for their Facebook page.” lightoflemuriaretreats.com

Clockwise from top left: Sites on the Hawaii Island Coast to Coast Birding Trail; mermaid swimming; mermaid training on Maui.

out the view from a glass-bottom boat leaving Koolina Harbor on Oahu.

• Oahu: Touch of Glass

Glass-bottom boats have been popular for decades, but Oahu visitors can enjoy an enlarged view. Barbara Whitman Howell, owner of Under the Sea Hawaii, says she operates one of only two fast-moving magnified-glass-bottom boats in the country. The hyrdofoiling vessel can seat up to 18, but she usually caps the on-board number at six guests plus three crew members. “These are adventure tours,” she says. “We just happen to have a huge glass bottom in our boat ideal for those who don’t want to actually get into the water.” The magnification extends downward visibility as far as 80 feet. Howell and crew offer a variety of trips; the basic day tour leaves Koolina Harbor for a six-hour adventure spotting whales (seasonal), dolphins, turtles and many smaller creatures. Two-hour bioluminescence night tours are another option. Meals and snacks are included in each trip. undertheseahawaii.com

• Kauai: Zip and Dip

Kelley Carwell Haneberg is the fifth generation of her family to be born in Hawaii, and these deep roots inspire her to make sure all the tours she leads through her company Kauai Backcountry Adventures focus on keeping the island’s culture and history alive. “In creating our zip-line and water rafting tours, we have helped to restore sections of the old plantation irrigation system,” she says. “We are pleased to be able to set a standard for balancing recreational activities and preservation of our amazing resources here on Kauai.” Unique experiences are a priority too: in her new Waterfall Zip Line tour, instead of returning to the tour offices right after the zip line, everyone loads into a Swiss Army Pinzgauer and travels about five miles deeper into the island’s interior, where a half-mile hike to Halii Falls, a swim and a picnic lunch await. kauaibackcountryadventures.com m

Checking

Russia’s FAR EAST

A rare expedition provides glimpses of Cold War ruins, earthly explosions and extraordinary wildlife.

STORY AND PHOTOS BY NORMA MEYER

IN RUSSIA’S SECRECY-SHROUDED Far East — a day before a volcano sensationally erupts in front of my rubber raft — I feel like James Bond as we skim across sapphire waters in a Zodiac dinghy and land on a remote deserted island to explore a ghostly abandoned Soviet military base from the 45-year Cold War. No, the KGB isn’t tailing me, I reassure myself while stumbling over rusted artillery ammo. Gingerly stepping into a blast-proof concrete bunker, I face off with a spooky germ warfare gas mask.

This covert peek at a long-contentious foreign rival is so bizarrely fascinating — maybe because my Cold War childhood memories include paranoia-fostering “duck and cover” drills under school desks in case the Communist Soviet Union nuked opposing superpower America. Or because more recently, Russia’s aggressive president Vladimir Putin can seem, well, a hair trigger from starting World War III.

I freely roam through a sprawling stronghold, once alive with soldiers but now a graveyard of decrepit barracks, radio communication trailers, bomb shelters, radar stations, thousands of empty fuel drums and piles of haphazard electronic equipment emblazoned with cryptic Russian writing, all left to nature sometime after the Cold War ended in 1991. Armored vehicles rot in waist-high fields of flowering Queen Anne’s lace. Before the Soviets seized it in 1945, this once mightily fortified tiny Kuril Island of Matua was a World War II air base for thousands of troops in the Imperial Japanese Army; I nearly fall into defensive trenches hidden by alder thickets and trek over the meadow-grass-choked lengthy runway from where Japanese dive-bombers took off to attack Allied forces.

I get to this obscure edge of the world only because I’m on a rare 16-day expedition cruise in Russia’s most mysterious, barely accessible frontier. There are no roads or regular transportation, but Ponant, a French cruise ship company, annually brings adventurers to this ruggedly beautiful region in the volcanically volatile Pacific Ring of Fire. Cold War history haunts, craters blow, wildlife astonishes. Humans are uncommon, so unafraid arctic foxes remarkably doze at our feet on a caldera’s beach, hundreds of exuberant seals mob our 10-person Zodiacs, and pods of orca whales playfully chase our fashionable 132-stateroom ship, Le Soléal

For maritime melodrama, during our entire 2,300mile Russia-to-Japan voyage, typhoons force us off course, although our tall, movie-star-quality Parisian

captain exudes total confidence — after all, he was once held hostage by Somali pirates with his 29-member crew aboard another Ponant ship.

A bit of background: the isolated military-strategic area we visit, north of Japan and more than 4,000 miles from Moscow, was long home to the Soviet navy’s robust Pacific Fleet and off-limits to foreigners until after the Soviet Union dissolved in 1991. Today it’s still hard to see. Ponant tackles the bureaucratic muddle for permits, but you’ll need to obtain visas and fly from San Francisco to South Korea before hopping a Ponant-chartered flight to Petropavlovsk, a struggling Russian port city where a barking German shepherd guards the dock and a nuclear submarine base sits across the bay. MiG fighter jets are

Opening: Watching the Snow volcano on Chirpoy Island from a Zodiac. Opposite, clockwise from top left: An abandoned military vehicle; the fantasylike view of Yankicha Island, which is the summit of a submerged volcano; a rotor from a crashed helicopter.

IF YOU GO

parked on the barbwire-ringed runway when we land and are ushered into a ’60s-era Quonset hut to be scrutinized by stony-faced immigration officers.

But nyet worries. My husband and I soon clink welcome flutes of French bubbly next to the two-story abstract-art fish sculpture in the atrium of our berthed mod floating hotel. This is a whole other story, but before setting sail, we took a prearranged bus trip — past Russian army soldiers outside an ominous military compound adorned with red star symbols — to a reconstructed aboriginal village of Koryak reindeer herders. Inside a conical tent draped in animal pelts, a cheery elder named “Small Land” fried up traditional flour-and-water flat cakes for us while singing a song about Kutkh, the revered raven god.

Evidently we needed a blessing, because now we gather in the ship’s cushy theater with our 121 fellow passengers (one other American, 16 other nationalities) and Capt. Patrick Marchesseau points to a scarlet-red monstrosity on a weather map. “It’s a nightmare for sure,” he warns, albeit in a suave French accent. “Something big is coming.”

“Big” means a mother of a typhoon. In our path.

So instead of heading south to the Kuril Islands — the gist of our itinerary — we escape north and stick along the Kamchatka Peninsula, studded with 300 volcanoes and largely unpopulated except for 10,000 roving supersize brown bears. Our five naturalist guides are accessorized with rifles when we’re ashore.

This is a Russia you don’t imagine. Sloshing in our gum boots, we investigate a mystifying corroded shipwreck of a Japanese fishing barge in a verdant cove of shimmery waterfalls; we drift in Zodiacs down the unspoiled Zhupanova River, crowned by majestic snow-coated puffing volcanoes and hefty Steller’s sea eagles perched atop ancient birch trees.

In Russkaya Bay, we comb through another Cold War bastion, a Soviet border guard village once on the lookout for U.S. vessels and intruders. Paperwork still plasters walls inside crumbling buildings. A man’s scuffed black boots eerily wait at a front door as if he might return. The five-blade rotor of a crashed military transport helicopter sticks up in the rocky beach, the rest of its wreckage nearby. Atop a shrubby knoll are the graves of two border agents supposedly killed here by a winter avalanche. All so strange, and then I’m jolted by an

This year the “Kuril Archipelago” cruise departs September 21 from Russia. The cost starts at $10,340 per person based on double occupancy and includes a chartered flight from Seoul to Petropavlovsk and a hotel overnight in Seoul. Another Russian Far East cruise, “The Best of Kamchatka,” departs September 7 from Alaska. It starts at $10,780 per person based on double occupancy and includes a flight from Seattle to Nome (the embarkation point) and a chartered flight afterward from Petropavlovsk to Seoul and an overnight in a Seoul hotel. en.ponant.com

is a Russia you don’t imagine. Sloshing in our gum boots, we investigate a mystifying corroded shipwreck of a Japanese fishing barge in a verdant cove of shimmery waterfalls.

ear-splitting crack. Across from sleek anchored Le Soléal, two Russian fishermen wearing watch caps are on a rusty boat spray-painted with the word “HAPY.” They’re drinking and shooting semiautomatic guns into the air.

Batten down the hatches. Our ship dodges another typhoon, but the next 24-plus hours at high seas are so rollicking that, shiver me timbers, the spa cancels all treatments, including decadent lemon marmalade scrubs.

We’re now among the Kurils, a stunning volcanic chain of 30 main islands that our expedition leader Raphael declares “the most forgotten islands on earth.” Not to Japan. Ever since World War II’s end, when Russia took the Kurils, Japan has been demanding back four islands. We stay clear of those but had eagerly planned to go to Simushir Island, a forsaken top-secret Soviet submarine base festooned with propaganda murals depicting Communist founder Vladimir Lenin. Raphael tells us that Russia, now in the throes of a large military buildup, may reactivate Simushir as a base and has abruptly revoked our permission to visit.

The places we do explore seem otherworldly. We sail Zodiacs through a narrow passage and into the turquoise lagoon of Yankicha, a fantastical volcanic caldera flooded by seawater and enveloped by craggy pea-green peaks straight out of J.R.R. Tolkien’s head. The first thing I spot on the untamed shore is a white-linen-draped table laden with pastel ganache-filled Parisian Ladurée macaroons and a silver bucket chilling bottles of brut sparkling wine. The most-surreal-ever snack time. Steam whirls up from the earth’s crust; volcanic hot springs bubble.

But here’s the highlight: three cocoa-colored, goldeneyed arctic foxes. Traditionally hunted for their fur, these foxes in this uninhabited haven have no predators and exhibit little fear. One fuzzy critter sleeps curled up like a household cat just inches from two-footed strangers on a pebbly beach. When the fox awakens, he slowly pads over to a visitor and sniffs the man’s clothed knee. Then the fox ambles farther and curiously nibbles straps of a backpack lying on the ground before taking another doze, engulfed by photo-snapping humans.

The next day, we stand slack-jawed on deck. “When are you ever going to see killer whales swimming in front of an erupting volcano?” the captain incredulously asks. Directly ahead, the Snow crater on the island of Chirpoy is unleashing a fury of mushrooming smoke from its cone as lava flows

This

explode into billows of steam at the shoreline. Meanwhile, 20 aquatic giants perform a delicate dorsal-fin ballet.

Soon we’re amazingly bobbing in a Zodiac 50 feet from the fuming showstopper. The volcano rumbles violently and shoots continuous plumes of gases into the heavens. Hot basaltic rocks tumble into the water, thunderously hissing on contact into torrents of white and brown steam. Ashes stick to our heated faces. It is a mind-blowing once-in-a-lifetime thrill.

That night, our ship is deep in Cold War history, traversing the Sea of Okhotsk to Sakhalin Island. We learn that in these enemy waters the U.S. navy pulled off a daring espionage mission in the ’70s to wiretap undersea cables of the Soviet navy. In 1983, Cold War tensions severely escalated when a Korean Air New York–to-Seoul passenger jet strayed off course around here and, possibly mistaken for a spy plane, was shot down by the Soviets. All 269 aboard died. Russian ballistic missile submarines still heavily patrol the waters, but all I see is infinite pitch-blackness.

Daylight brings delirium. Hundreds of bellowing, belching, baa-ing Steller sea lions and northern fur seals cavort with our Zodiac, humorously popping up like periscopes to eyeball the peculiar invaders in red Ponant-logo parkas. We are floating off the pinprick island of Tyuleniy and it could be a campy horror film. Ramshackle wood buildings — part of a deserted marine research station — are overrun by thousands of raucous seals and sea lions that completely smother the island, a monochrome beige-and-brown pinniped planet. In the action-packed waters, inquisitive whiskered creatures amusedly splash us and seem to want to jump onto our raft.

Our 16-day cruise will end in Kanazawa, Japan. On the last leg, my husband and I, as part of a regular nightly ritual, drop into the ship’s command-center bridge — it’s open 24-7 to passengers.

A young French navigation officer greets us: “(Expletive!) I’ve never seen waves this big!”

Not that we haven’t noticed. Gnarly 35-foot swells smash against and over the bridge’s fifth-deck windows, screeching gale-force gusts are clocked at nearly 70 miles per hour and the pitching ship keeps slamming into the sea.

But what’s a little inclement weather? Our captain tried to fend off Somali pirates with a water hose before they peppered his Ponant ship with assault-rifle fire off the coast of Yemen in 2008 and held him and his 29-person staff hostage for a week until a reported $2.1 million ransom was paid. Marchesseau was later awarded France’s Legion of Honor for bravery.

We shakily return to our cabin. On the dresser is the autographed Captain’s Gala dinner menu from when we joined Marchesseau and guests, who nibbled oscietre caviar with mussels and seaweed poulette washed down with a standout 2012 Pouilly-Fuissé. The captain had scrawled, “Smooth seas and fair winds always. Best regards.”

The storm passes. But oh, how this epic journey endures. m

From top: An arctic fox; Capt. Patrick Marchesseau on the bridge; curious onlookers off the island of Tyuleniy.

CROSS PATHS WITH AN AFRICAN PENGUINS AND AN ANACONDA all in one day

ALBINO ALLIGATOR

Swamp Discovery

Learn about alligators in live daily shows.

Meet Claude the albino alligator and nearly 40,000 other creatures at the only aquarium-planetarium-rainforest-living museum. Get tickets at calacademy.org

Out & About

CALENDAR / ON THE SCENE / DINE

Smuin Ballet Gala

Calendar

MUSIC

MAR 13 Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band Don’t miss the River Tour, Bruce Springsteen’s latest U.S. tour, which accompanies the recent release of release of The Ties That Bind: The River Collection, a CD/DVD collection that offers a comprehensive look at 1980’s The River. Oracle Arena (Oakland). oraclearena.com

THEATER

THRU MAR 6 Ondine In this retelling of watercentric myths like The Little Mermaid, a water sprite leaves her ocean home in pursuit of her true love, and after he leaves, curses him to die when he falls asleep. When he returns, the two attempt to stay awake by telling tales

of their love. Cutting Ball Theater (SF). 415.525.1205, cuttingball.com

THRU APR 10 The Unfortunates This darkly comic musical is inspired by Louis Armstrong’s 1920s blues song “St. James Infirmary.” Big Joe, a tough soldier cursed with oversize hands,

travels to a dream world where he risks everything to save an armless courtesan from a plague. A.C.T.’s Strand Theater (SF). 415.749.2228, act-sf.org

MAR 3–27 Swimmers

This unique play from playwright Rachel Bonds explores office relationships through a diverse set of

co-workers and their personal lives. Marin Theatre Company (Mill Valley). 415.388.5208, marintheatre.org

MAR 4–13 The King and I The Throckmorton Youth Performers present a family-friendly rendition of the classic Broadway hit. Anna, a British schoolteacher, is hired by the King

of Siam, with unexpected consequences. Throckmorton Theatre (Mill Valley). 415.383.9600, throck mortontheatre.org

MAR 5 Jack and the Beanstalk, and the Giant, and the Goose, and the Really TrulyUly Rotten Day Masque Unit Junior Theatre of Marin presents an

interactive musical with music and lyrics by Ron Lytle that features the escapades of adventurous Jack and a cast of wacky characters. Showcase Theatre (San Rafael). 415.473.6800, masqueunit.org

MAR 5–APR 17 Second Time Around: A Duet for Cello and Storyteller World-renowned 20-year-old cellist Joan Jeanrenaud joins award-winning performer and writer Charlie Varon in a collaborative theater piece that tells of a longing for human connection in the digital age. The Marsh MainStage (SF). 415.282.3055, themarsh.org

MAR 9 The Realistic Joneses Playwright

Will Eno’s new comedy centers on two couples in a small American town who share the same last name — among other things. A.C.T.’s Geary Theater (SF). 415.749.2228, act-sf.org

MAR 13 In the Mood

This musical 1940s revue pays homage to the big band era — and a pivotal moment in U.S. history — through authentic costumes, music arrangements and choreography. Veterans’ Memorial

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

Auditorium (San Rafael). 415.499.6400, marincounty.org

MAR 23–APR 17 The Boys From Syracuse

A musical adaptation of Shakespeare’s The Comedy of Errors, this farce takes place in ancient Ephesus, where two sets of twins face mistaken identities, magic spells and more. Eureka Theatre (SF). 415.255.8207, 42ndstmoon.org

DANCE

MAR 17–27 ODC/ Dance Downtown Enjoy a bevy of extraordinary performances choreographed by KT Nelson, Brenda Way, Kimi Okada and others. YBCA Theater (SF). odcdance.org

COMEDY

TUESDAYS Tuesday

Comedy Funnies An evening of hilarity featuring comedians who make us laugh and think. Throckmorton Theatre (Mill Valley). 415.383.9600, throck mortontheatre.org

MUSIC

MAR 4 Eileen Ivers: Connecting the Roots Celebrate forthcoming St. Patrick’s Day with this renowned violinist, who embraces traditional Celtic music in addition to jazz and pop. Presented as part of the Irish-American Crossroads Festival. Veterans’ Memorial Auditorium (San Rafael). 415.473.6800, marincounty.org

MAR 5 Beethoven Sonatas for Cello and Piano Works by Beethoven, as well as a selection from Mozart's The Magic Flute. This

concert is the third and final program in Green Music Center’s Valley of the Moon music festival. Sonoma State University (Rohnert Park). 866.955.6040, valleyofthemoon musicfestival.org

MAR 5 Petty Theft The well-loved Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers tribute band makes an appearance in West Marin. Head to the countryside for some dancing and frivolity. Sweetwater Music Hall (Mill Valley). 415.388.1100, sweet watermusichall.com

MAR 6 Jazz Sundays with Nathan Bickart Trio Enjoy original compositions and jazz standards performed by pianist, composer and educator Nathan Bickart and crew. Throckmorton Theatre (Mill Valley). 415.383.9600, throck mortontheatre.org

MAR 8 An Evening with Natalie Merchant The songstress heads to San Francisco to celebrate the 20th anniversary of her hit album Tigerlily. The Warfield (SF). 415.345.0900, thewarfieldtheatre.com

MAR 11 Foreverland

This 14-piece Michael Jackson tribute band features four vocalists and a rhythm and horn section, intended to re-create hits from all eras of the iconic pop singer’s storied career. Sweetwater Music Hall (Mill Valley). 415.388.1100, sweet watermusichall.com

MAR 12 Polish Baltic Philharmonic Orchestra Northern Poland’s Baltic Philharmonic Orchestra, founded in 1945, visits Marin

SPOTLIGHT

Golden Tunes

The California Honeydrops bring their signature sweetness to the stage.

IT’S HARD TO pin down the California Honeydrops’ sound; it’s got a bit of jazz, soul and funk, as well as some West Coast R&B. Since their humble beginnings, the California Honeydrops have transformed themselves from a street-busking jug band into an internationally touring juggernaut. With its fourth full-length album, A River’s Invitation, the band continues to build upon groove, melody and the close connection that grows between musicians who’ve played such diverse venues and styles together. We had a chance to find out a bit more from Honeydrop Ben Malament, whose band duties rotate between tub bass, jug, washboard and drums. The California Honeydrops will be playing at San Rafael’s Terrapin Crossroads on March 5. cahoneydrops.com KASIA PAWLOWSKA

You’re going to be touring with Bonnie Raitt this spring; what are some other career fantasies that have come true? That’s right! Crazy, huh? We are very honored to be on Bonnie Raitt’s upcoming tour. A few years back, opening for Dr. John at Tipitina’s, in New Orleans, during Jazz Fest, was a personal career high for me. That whole combination was out of sight. Dr. John was also a really great hang backstage, too. Definite musical dream coming alive.

What excites you the most about your newest album, A River’s Invitation? I really think it’s our best album yet. I love the way it sounds and how we were able to stay relaxed and play the songs naturally for the record with each other. It’s pretty raw, not many overdubs, a lot of live takes, vocals on one mic. It’s sweet, and for such a live, high-energy performance band, I think we did a great job playing for the album, not just throwing

our usual party, yet keeping that same fun spirit. And you have to hear it on vinyl. Delicious!

The illustrations for your album covers are very distinctive; can you tell us more about them? Our own Lech actually illustrated our first album, Soul Tub! I love it. The rest of the covers have been commissioned to local artists whom we know and who have some connection to our music. They are all quite different, like the albums.

What are your favorite venues to play in the Bay Area? The New Parish has always been a cool home base for us in Oakland. Playing two sold-out nights at the Fillmore in San Francisco was awesome — there is serious historic energy bouncing off those walls. And we get to play Terrapin Crossroads for the first time. Looking forward to checking that place out for sure.

The band with Ben Malament on the washboard.

KEITH BERSON

to perform selections by Beethoven. Veterans’ Memorial Auditorium (San Rafael). 415.473.6800, marincounty.org

MAR 12 Sarah Chang Chamber Music San Francisco presents violinist Sarah Chang, who made her debut with the New York Philharmonic at the age of 8, in her first Bay Area appearance. Herbst Theatre (SF). 415.392.4400, chambermusicsf.org

MAR 12 The Body Sacred, Buxtehude and Bach Marin Baroque performs a selection by Dieterich Buxtehude, J.S. Bach’s teacher, as well as one by Bach himself. First

Presbyterian Church (San Anselmo). 415.497.6634, marinbaroque.org

MAR 13 The Dustbowl Revival This Venice, California, band combines bluegrass, gospel, jug-band, swamp blues and 1930s swing for a truly unique, all-encompassing representation of American music. Sweetwater Music Hall (Mill Valley). 415.388.1100, sweet watermusichall.com

MAR 19 Afro-Weston: A Musical Tribute to Legendary Jazz/World Music Visionary Randy Weston Percussionist/ bandleader/recording artist Ian Dogole and a collective of talented musicians offer up an evening

of tribute to pianist/ composer Randy Weston. Throckmorton Theatre (Mill Valley). 415.383.9600, throck mortontheatre.org

MAR 20 Mendelssohn and New Voices Enjoy selections by Felix Mendelssohn, Jeremy Podgursky, Craig Walsh and Sean Varah as performed by Left Coast Chamber Ensemble. Throckmorton Theatre (Mill Valley). 415.383.9600, throck mortontheatre.org

MAR 24 An Acoustic Evening with Lyle Lovett and Robert Earl Keen Rick Bartalini presents an acoustic evening with Texas singer/songwriters Lyle Lovett and Robert Earl Keen, together for a rare performance.

Veterans’ Memorial Auditorium (San Rafael). 415.473.6800, rbpconcerts.com

MAR 31 Steve Hackett The former Genesis guitarist performs hits from his career, which began in the 1970s and continues on through collaborations and more. The Warfield (SF). 415.345.0900, thewarfieldtheatre.com

GALLERIES

MARIN

Art Abloom Studio and Gallery Classes for artists. 751 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, San Anselmo. 415.256.1112, artabloom.com

Art Works Downtown Architecture A juried exhibition showcasing the artistic side of architecture, March 4–April 22. 1337 Fourth St, San Rafael. 415.451.8119, artworksdowntown.org

Bubble Street Featuring genres of fantastic art, imaginary realism, neo-Victorian and steampunk. 565 Bridgeway, Sausalito. 415.339.0506, bubblestreetgallery.com

Claudia Chapline Gallery and Sculpture Garden Works by Claudia Chapline, Jim Garmhausen, Etta Deikman and more. 3445 Shoreline Hwy, Stinson Beach. 415.868.2308, cchapline.com

Desta Gallery The Way of Art New works. 417 San Anselmo Ave, San Anselmo. 415.524.8932, destagallery.com

di Rosa Radical Landscapes Artists use their surrounding environments as both medium and muse to reflect on a range

of larger concerns, through April 3. 5200 Carneros Hwy, Napa. 707.226.5991, dirosaart.org

Fine Art Etc. Featuring a collection of sculptures and paintings by artists from Northern California and around the world. 686 Bridgeway, Sausalito. 415.332.1107, fineartetc.com

Gallery Route One Works by Dennis Peterson, Omisade Amy Gerhauser, Lee Lee and Igor Sazevich, through March. 11101 Hwy One, Point Reyes. 415.663.1347, galleryrouteone.org

Marin Center Natural Beauty: The Art and Artists of West Marin Work by 12 West Marin artists celebrating the county they call home, through March 30. 3501 Civic Center Drive, San Rafael. 415.473.4381, marincounty.org

Mine Gallery Original contemporary art. 1820 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Fairfax. 415.755.4472, gallerymine.com

O’Hanlon Center for the Arts The Brilliance of Symbols. 616 Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley. 415.388.4331, ohanloncenter.org

Petri’s Fine Arts Featuring contemporary works in various mediums. 690 Bridgeway, Sausalito. 415.332.2626, petrisfinearts.com

Robert Allen Fine Art Group Exhibition Prints, drawings and mixedmedia works on paper, through March 31. 301 Caledonia St, Sausalito. 415.331.2800, robert allenfineart.com

Robert Beck Gallery

Early California and contemporary plein air paintings. 222 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, San Anselmo. 415.456.7898, beckgallery.org

Robert Green Fine Arts Between Two Worlds Work by Charlotte Bernstrom. 154 Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley. 415.381.8776, rgfinearts.com

Roberta English Art by Cheung Lee, Mayumi Oda, Li Huayi, Ju Ming and Toko Shinoda. 1615 Bridgeway, Sausalito. 415.331.2975, robertaenglish.com

Rock Hill Gallery

Watercolors by Bob Justice, March 3–April 21. 145 Rock Hill Drive, Tiburon. 415.435.9108, ccctiburon.net

Room Art Gallery

Works by both Bay Area artists and major masters; the largest collection of Picasso, Chagall and others in Marin County. 86 Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley. 415.380.7940, roomartgallery.com

Seager Gray Gallery Material Matters

Artists explore the interaction of artists and their materials, through March 13. 108 Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley. 415.384.8288, seagergray.com

Smith Andersen North Work by Wayne Levin, through April 9. 20 Greenfield Ave, San Anselmo. 415.455.9733, smithandersen north.com

Studio 333 Art and events. 333A Caledonia St, Sausalito. 415.331.8272, studio333.info

Sarah Chang at Herbst Theatre, S.F.

Studio 4 Art Work by local artists, classes and workshops with materials included. 1133 Grant Ave, Novato. 415.596.5546, studio4art.net

The Blissful Gallery Oils, watercolors and prints by painter Emmeline Craig. 3415 Shoreline Hwy, Stinson Beach, 415.868.2787, emmelinecraig.com

Zener Schon Contemporary Art Contemporary works in various mediums by Eric Zener, Paige Smith, JD Wilson and more. 23 Sunnyside Ave, 415.738.8505, zenerschongallery.com

SAN FRANCISCO

ArtHaus The Great Exhibition A rotating exhibition features works in various media by noteworthy Bay Area and New York artists, through March 28. 411 Brannan St, 415.977.0223, arthaus-sf.com

Caldwell Snyder Gallery

Recent paintings by Melissa Chandon, March 3–31. 341 Sutter St, 415.392.2299, caldwellsnyder.com

California Historical Society Experiments in Environment: The Halprin Workshops, 1966–1971, through May 8. 678 Mission Street, SF, 415.357.1848, californiahistorical society.org

Fouladi Projects Art from Karen Barbour, through April 16. 1803 Market St, 415.621.2535, fouladiprojects.com

George Lawson Gallery Canal Zone: Recent Work from the Panama Project Art by Judith Belzer, through April 9. 315 Potrero Ave, 415.703.4400, georgelawson gallery.com

Gregory Lind Gallery Heights Where the Light Still Lingered Work by Sarah Bostwick. 49 Geary St, 415.296.9661, gregorylindgallery.com

Hackett-Mill As I Am: Painting the Figure in Postwar San Francisco A celebration of the grand opening of the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art’s new building featuring works by David Park and Richard Diebenkorn, through May 27. 201 Post St, 415.362.3377, hackettmill.com

John Berggruen Gallery Material

Considerations Work by Diana Al-Hadid, Tauba Auerbach, Mary Corse, Matthew Feyld and many others, through March 12. 228 Grant Ave, 415.781.4629, berggruen.com

Meyerovich Gallery Katz and Kass New works by Alex Katz and Deborah Kass, through March. 251 Post St, 415.421.7171, meyerovich.com

Pier 24 Photography Art from the Pilara Foundation collection. Pier 24, 415.512.7424, pier24.org

Rena Bransten Projects Sculpture by Dennis Gallagher, through March 12. 1639 Market St, 415.982.3292, renabranstengallery.com

NEW IN TOWN

» Marin is already a great place to live, and these new businesses are making it even more fun. Check out what’s new (or just getting better).

4

Opened on Caledonia Street in Sausalito, 1 Sausalito Stationery has a great selection on cards for every occasion; sausalitostationery.com. Kacey Gardner launched Tumbleweed in San Anselmo, offering clothing and goods for men and women; tumbleweedcalifornia.com. After opening a Palo Alto location in 2006, In Her Shoes, a boutique featuring clothes from local designers, shoes and jewelry from around the world, expanded to San Rafael; inhershoespa.com

EAT

2 Rocket Roll, a sushi burrito (and more) restaurant, opened on San Rafael’s Fourth Street; 415.866.0537. Perry’s San Francisco has finally made it over the Golden Gate Bridge and chose Larkspur for its fifth Bay Area site; perryssf. com. Neka Pasquale, a licensed acupuncturist, herbalist and certified Chinese nutritionist, opened Urban Remedy ’s third Marin County location in Larkspur; urbanremedy.com.

Chiara Serpa opened 3 Lucky Bumble Beauty Lounge on San Rafael’s Fourth Street, offering organic airbrush tanning, body waxing and other treatments; luckybumble.com. Blu Kicks on Tiburon’s Main Street offers casual weekend-style footwear and accessories for men and women; blukicks.com

BEAUTY

Post-holiday means getting back into the groove of exercising. 4 Body Kinetics has relocated its San Rafael health club to the old Yardbirds building, offering an indoor/ outdoor experience; bodykineticsmarin.com Owners Heather Fultz and Christine Donahue of Revery Salon have moved a block down on E. Blithedale in Mill Valley to a bigger space. Luke Fultz and Tony Morales, husbands of Revery’s owners, took over the salon’s old space and opened Shavery Barbershop, offering all types of trims; reverysalon.com, shaverybarbershop.com

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

HEAD TO TOE SHOP

Thomas Reynolds Gallery Pieces by contemporary painters, most addressing the intersection of realism and abstraction. 2291 Pine St, 415.441.4093, thomasreynolds.com

MARIN

Bay Area Discovery Museum Children’s China Participate in a traditional tea ceremony, learn Chinese character writing, partake in dragon parades and more, through May 8 (Sausalito). 415.339.3900, bay kidsmuseum.org

Bolinas Museum Shipwrecked! Asian Ceramics Discovered at Sea, through March 27 (Bolinas). 415.868.0330, bolinasmuseum.org

Marin Museum of the American Indian The First Ambassadors A look at long-forgotten Native American history told through rare lithographs depicting courageous and distinguished tribal leaders (Novato). 415.897.4064, marinindian.com

Marin Museum of Contemporary Art Travels with Phil: The Art of Cartoonist Phil Frank A collection of Frank’s comic strips, including the San Francisco–based Farley and nationally syndicated The Elderberries, through April 10 (Novato). 415.506.0137, marinmoca.org

BAY AREA

Asian Art Museum

Pearls on a String: Artists, Patrons and

White Impatiens by Alex Katz at the Meyerovich Gallery, S.F.

Poets at the Great Islamic Courts, through May 8 (SF). 415.581.3711, asianart.org

California Academy of Sciences Enjoy an adults-only experience after 6 p.m. every Thursday (SF). 415.379.8000, calacademy.org

Conservatory of Flowers Garden Railway: 1915 Pan-Pacific The conservatory’s newest garden railway exhibition celebrates the centennial of San Francisco’s historic world’s fair, through April 10 (SF). 415.831.2090, conser vatoryofflowers.org

Contemporary Jewish Museum Roman Vishniac Rediscovered

Photographs by Roman Vishniac, who created the most widely recognized photographic record of Jewish life in Eastern Europe between the two world wars, through May 29 (SF). 415.655.7800, thecjm.org

de Young Oscar de la Renta: The Retrospective The world-premiere retrospective of Oscar de la Renta’s work celebrates the life and career of one of fashion’s most influential designers, March 12–May 30 (SF). 415.750.3600, deyoung.famsf.org

Exploratorium Ongoing interactive exhibits exploring science, art and human perception (SF). 415.397.5673, exploratorium.edu

Legion of Honor Sublime Beauty: Raphael’s "Portrait of a Lady with a Unicorn" One of Raphael’s most beguiling and enigmatic paintings is shown in the U.S. for the first time, through April 10 (SF). 415.750.3600, legionofhonor.famsf.org

Museum of Craft and Design Constructed Communication: Nakayama, Sinbondit, Venom In support of the museum’s Visible Transparency Project, this group exhibition features a collection of four artists who will communicate publicly through their work, through March 27 (SF). 415.773.0303, sfmcd.org

Oakland Museum of California Unearthed: Found and Made Oakland-born, Los Angeles–based artist Jedediah Caesar created sculptures that realistically mimic geological processes, through April 24 (Oakland). 510.318.8400, museumca.org

San Francisco Botanical Garden Magnolia Bloom Watch as nature defies winter’s gloom with an impressive display of more than 100 rare and historic magnolia blooms, through March 31 (SF). 415.661.1316, sfbotanicalgarden.org

Sonoma Valley Museum of Art Between Nature and Technology Works by Courtney Eagan and David Sullivan, each

using animation, sound, sculpture, photography and interactivity to explore the relationship between people, technology and the environment, through March 6 (Sonoma). svma.org

The Walt Disney Family Museum Mel Shaw: An Animator on Horseback

The first-ever retrospective of the life and work of Disney animator, creative and master horseman Mel Shaw, through September 12 (SF). 415.345.6800, waltdisney.org

Yerba Buena Center for the Arts Murmur Wall Designed by Future Cities Lab, the Murmur Wall is a unique combination of sculpture, light and data collection along the wall at

the main entrance to YBCA, through May 31, 2017 (SF). 415.978.2787, ybca.org

EVENTS

MAR 4–13 Wine Road Barrel Tasting Choose one of two weekends to take a drive to northern Sonoma County, where Wine Road makers will welcome you into their wineries for special barrel tastings. Various locations (Sonoma County). wineroad.com

MAR 5 Marin Humane Society’s 10th Annual Gala Experience a night of inspiring storytelling about the animals (and people) whose lives have been changed by the work of Marin’s oldest nonprofit organization. Join MHS for

de la Renta Oscar

Oscar de la Renta’s designs celebrated the best in us — beauty, optimism, and confidence. See more than 130 ensembles in the first major retrospective to pay tribute to one of the most beloved and influential fashion icons of our time.

Photo: Arthur Elgort for Vogue US, March 1999

This exhibition is organized by the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco with the collaboration of Oscar de la Renta LLC. Presenting Sponsors: Cynthia Fry Gunn and John A. Gunn. Director’s Circle: Diane B. Wilsey. Curator’s Circle: Lisa and Douglas Goldman Fund, The Diana Dollar Knowles Foundation, Marissa Mayer and Zachary Bogue, and Yurie and Carl Pascarella. Benefactor’s Circle: Paula and Bandel Carano, Stephanie and Jim Marver, Neiman Marcus, and Jennifer and Steven Walske. Patron’s Circle: Mrs. Carole McNeil and Mr. and Mrs. Joseph O. Tobin II. Additional support is provided by Mrs. George Hopper Fitch, and Mr. and Mrs. William Hamilton.

a reception featuring animal ambassadors, followed by a gourmet dinner, live auction and dancing. The Clubhouse at Peacock Gap (San Rafael). 415.506.6265, marinhumane society.org

MAR 6 Smuin Ballet’s 2016 Gala Gather with leaders in local arts and civic communities to celebrate Smuin Ballet’s 22nd season. Enjoy a cocktail reception, live auction, dinner, dancing and a performance by members of Smuin Ballet. The Galleria (SF). smuinballet.org

MAR 17–20 Belvedere Tiburon Library Silent Art Auction Discover art for your home, office or a unique gift at this biannual auction

featuring gently used pieces. Donations are accepted March 11–14. Belvedere Tiburon Library (Tiburon). 415.789.2656, beltiblibrary.org

MAR 18 Dance Downtown Gala Ring in a new season of artistry with cocktails and a special dinner, performance and after-party. St. Regis and YBCA Theater (SF). odcdance.org

MAR 18–20 California’s Artisan Cheese Festival

Celebrate the 10th anniversary of this delicious dairy-centric festival, which showcases local cheese, wine and beer. Meet and learn from California’s top artisan cheese makers, authors, chefs, winemakers and brewers through

seminars, classes and tours. Sheraton Sonoma (Petaluma). artisan cheesefestival.com

MAR 19 Napa Valley Wine Train Pride Ride All aboard for the Napa Valley Wine Train’s first inaugural Pride Ride, featuring some of the Bay Area’s most prominent LGBT wine experts, with a host in each train car to guide guests in their selections. Wine Train Station (Napa). 707.253.2111, winetrain.com

MAR 26 Sausalito Easter Egg Hunt The Easter Bunny hops into the waterfront community of Sausalito to lead an Easter parade, followed by a traditional egg hunt and bonnet

contest. Dunphy Park (Sausalito). 415.289.4198, sausalitoparksand recreation.com

MAR 31 Marin Women’s Hall of Fame Induction and Celebration Dinner Honor the 2016 inductees who have impacted the county’s environment, public affairs and community. The Clubhouse at Peacock Gap (San Rafael). 415.696.0319, ywcasf-marin.org

FILM

MAR 1–31 The Parent Trap Bring the whole family to the Walt Disney Family Museum for daily screenings of the original The Parent Trap (1961), which tells the story of separated twins

reunited at summer camp. The Walt Disney Family Museum (SF). 415.345.6800, waltdisney.org

MAR 10–13 San Francisco International Ocean Film Festival Support your desire to care for the oceans with this series of thematic independent films. Cowell Theater at Fort Mason (SF). 415.561.6251, oceanfilmfest.org

MAR 12 Marin Catholic Fashion Show and Auction The Marin Catholic Parents Association presents the high school’s annual fashion show, themed Havana Nights, and fundraising auction featuring more than 250

students modeling the latest styles from local stores across Marin. Marin Catholic High School (Greenbrae). 415.464.3800, marincatholic.org

MAR 30–APR 3 Sonoma International Film Festival Enjoy more than 100 handselected films — from documentary and world cinema to shorts and animation — supplemented by intimate panels with filmmakers, actors and directors, as well as fun and festive after-events. Various locations (Sonoma). 707.933.2600, sonomafilmfest.org

NATURE WALKS & TALKS

ONGOING First Tuesday ArtWalk

Join the Mill Valley Arts Commission each month for a stroll through town to view exhibits by local artists. Various locations (Mill Valley). cityofmillvalley.org

ONGOING Free First Wednesdays Visit the Bay Area Discovery Museum the first Wednesday of every month for an outing full of exploration and fun. Bay Area Discovery Museum (Sausalito). 415.339.3900, bay kidsmuseum.org

ONGOING Sunday

Hikes on Mount Tam

Cap off your weekend

with a three- to fivemile group hike up Mount Tamalpais. Each trek is led by a Friends of Mount Tam volunteer. Various locations (Mill Valley). 415.258.2410, friendsofmttam.org

MAR 6 Nature for Kids: Indian Valley Treat the family to a day of learning about the frogs, toads, salamanders and insects that make their homes in the ponds of Indian Valley, then walk to the waterfall to explore the shallow pools. Indian Valley Campus (Novato). 415.893.9527, marin countyparks.org

MAR 12 Galaxy Portrait

Children are invited to look up in this special Saturday painting class focusing on planets, stars and spaceships. Make sure to register online beforehand. Masterworks Kids’ Art Studio (Corte Madera). 415.945.7945, master workskidsart.com

MAR 19 Tiburon Uplands Wildflower Hike Join a ranger for a guided hike through the Tiburon Uplands to spot spring wildflowers such as houndstongue, milkmaids, Indian warrior and other species speckled along breathtaking vistas. Paradise Beach Park (Tiburon). marincountyparks.org

MAR 19–20 Body Ensouled, Enacted and Entranced: A TwoDay Workshop with Daria Halprin The cofounding director of Tamalpa Institute and dancer, poet, teacher and author draws upon her own experiences to offer a creative exploration of returning to the heart of what matters in your life through art-making. Mountain Home Studio (Kentfield). 415.457.8555, tamalpa.org

MAR 23 On Equal Justice Founder and executive director of the Equal Justice Initiative in Montgomery, Alabama, Bryan Stevenson joins Gwen Ifill, editor and best-selling author

of The Breakthrough: Politics and Race in the Age of Obama, to discuss equal sentencing and incarceration for all races, ages and social classes. Nourse Theater (SF). 415.392.4400, cityarts.net

MAR 23 The Martian: Group Book Discussion

Join the Civic Center Library book group to discuss Andy Weir’s The Martian as part of One Book One Marin 2016. Civic Center public library (San Rafael). onebookonemarin.org

MAR 28 The Untold History of Autism WIRED reporter Steve Silberman discusses his debut book, NeuroTribes: the Legacy of Autism and the Future of Neurodiversity,

which centers on the history of autism and investigates why diagnoses have increased in recent years. Nourse Theater (SF). 415.392.4400, cityarts.net

MAR 31–APR 3 From Joshua Tree to the Salton Sea The Image Flow teams up with the Center for Photographic Art for an image-centric tour of the natural and unnatural landscapes of California’s Bermuda Triangle. Palm Springs serves as base with dinners and viewings of the day’s photographs. Various locations (California). 415.388.3569, theimageflow.com

• RUSTIC BAKERY California Organic pastries, breads, salads and sandwiches are on the menu here, including daily seasonal specials. Try the Marin Melt —Cowgirl Creamery’s Mt. Tam and Point Reyes Toma cheeses grilled on honey whole wheat, served with dressed baby greens and crisp apple slices. 1407 Grant Ave, 415.878.4952, rusticbakery.com b $$ s ∞ BLD BR

CORTE MADERA

BRICK & BOTTLE

California Seasonal selections made with local ingredients are the specialty here, with service also available for private parties and catered events. Enjoy signature dishes like orzo mac ’n’ cheese with smoked Gouda and petrale sole and tomato-braised short ribs. The restaurant has been voted “Best Happy Hour,” by Marin Magazine readers. 55 Tamal Vista Blvd, 415.924.3366, brickandbottle.com s $$$ s ∞ C D º

CAFE VERDE California

This revamped cafe offers wraps, paninis, salads, tea and more nearly all day long. Enjoy any of these items inside or out on the patio and be sure to inquire about the German and Belgian beer samplers. 502 Tamalpais Dr, 415.927.1060, cafeverdemarin.com b $ ∞ BLD º

IL FORNAIO Italian

This upscale Italian restaurant franchise’s menu offers, aside from the pizzas and pastas, a variety of salads and carb-free entrées. 223 Corte Madera Town Ctr,

415.927.4400, ilfornaio.com s $$ s ∞ C LD BR

MARIN JOE’S Italian

This Marin mainstay has been around for over 50 years. Choose from a menu of soups, salads, seafood, mesquite-grilled or sautéed meats and a plethora of pasta options. For a fun addition to your dining experience, order the Caesar salad — the server will prepare the dressing at your table. Not looking for a meal? Enjoy a drink and hear local musicians at the well-known piano bar. 1585 Casa Buena Dr, 415.924.2081, marin joesrestaurant.com s $$ s C LD

PIG IN A PICKLE

American Fresh local ingredients and the highest-quality brisket, pork, ribs and chicken comprise the menu of this Town Center eatery. Sauces are crafted to represent the best American barbecue regions, from Memphis to South Carolina.

House-made pickles, buns and sausages will keep you coming back.

341 Corte Madera Town Ctr, 415.891.3265, pig inapicklebbq.com b $$$ s ∞ BLD

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

Almond Croissant

THREE BIRDS WINE

BAR California This one-room bar and wine shop features more than 20 options by the glass and a selection of bottles to take home. Enjoy an array of cheese and charcuterie in the comfortable lounge. 207 Corte Madera Ave, 415.927.9466, three birdswinebar.com b $$ ∞ º

FAIRFAX

123 BOLINAS California

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

BAREFOOT CAFE

American Chef Tony Senehi prepares fresh Californian dishes made with local, organic ingredients, from sustainable sources. A popular brunch location, neighbors and tourists come to this quaint restaurant in the heart of Fairfax for everything from their eggs benedict to panna cotta dessert. 1900 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, 415.460.2160, barefootcafe.com b $$ s BLD

FRADELIZIO’S Italian

Fradelizio’s blends

Northern Italian cuisine with Californiainspired healthy fare using the freshest ingredients possible. 35 Broadway Blvd, 415.459.1618, fradelizios.com b $$$ s LD BR

LARKSPUR

AMALFI RISTORANTE

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

EMPORIO RULLI

Italian Renowned for its Northern Italian specialties and treats, the Larkspur location (there are three others) is a favored spot for lunch as well as coffee and a sweet treat.

464 Magnolia Ave, 415.924.7478, rulli.com $$ s ∞ BL

FARM HOUSE LOCAL

California This downtown Larkspur gem is sure to please with simple, healthy food in a warm, cozy atmosphere — both inside and outside on the covered patio. The seasonal menu follows what is fresh and local with dishes such as fluffy omelets stuffed with local meats, cheeses and vegetables. 25 Ward St, 415.891.8577, farm houselocal.com b $$ s ∞ BL

FARMSHOP California

Located in the Marin Country Mart since 2013, Farmshop Marin has quickly become a top spot here in the county. Indoor and outdoor seating available.

Marin Country Mart, 2233 Larkspur Landing

Circle, 415.755.6700, farmshopca.com s $$$ s ∞ C LD BR

LEFT BANK

RESTAURANT French

Known for award-winning French cuisine and a lively brasserie ambience, this corner spot on Magnolia Avenue rates high with locals. Those with a small appetite (or budget) can opt for happy hour appetizers (4 to 6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. to close, Monday to Friday), most priced under $6. 507 Magnolia Ave, 415.927.3331, leftbank.com s $$$ s ∞ C LD BR

MARIN BREWING CO.

American Grab a cold beer made on site and pair it with fish ’n’ chips — in this case fresh cod dipped in Mt. Tam pale ale batter, served with steak fries and homemade tartar sauce — or another item from the all-American menu. Marin Country Mart, 1809 Larkspur Landing Circle, 415.461.4677, marinbrewing.com b $$ s ∞ LD º

PICCO California

Popular since its inception, Picco has a seasonally driven menu featuring items such as risotto (made every half hour) that keep patrons coming back. Pizzeria Picco next door is famous for its wood-fired pizzas, wine selection and softserve Straus Family Creamery ice cream. 320 Magnolia Ave, 415.924.0300, restaurantpicco.com s $$$ s ∞ C D

MILL VALLEY

BALBOA CAFE MILL VALLEY California The San Francisco institution has become a place

to see and be seen in Mill Valley, especially after 142 Throckmorton comedy nights. Menu includes Niman flatiron steak, braised beef brisket risotto and classic burgers. 38 Miller Ave, 415.381.7321, balboacafe.com s $$$ ∞ LD BR º

EL PASEO American

This award-wining eatery in the heart of downtown Mill Valley has been voted most romantic restaurant in Northern California. Built from Mount Tam railroad ties and brick in 1947, El Paseo was restored by owner Sammy Hagar in 2009. The menu offers California and European fare and an extensive wine list. 17 Throckmorton Ave, 415.388.0741, elpaseomillvalley.com b $$ ∞ C D

HARMONY Chinese

Enjoy a lighter take on Chinese at this restaurant, nestled in the Strawberry Village. The barbecue pork bun is filled with housemade roasted meat in a savory sauce, and fresh mussels are accented with red chili and Thai basil. Pair your pick with wine, beer or tea. Be sure to check out the weekday lunch special for an excellent deal. Strawberry Village, 415.381.5300, harmony restaurantgroup.com b $$ s LD

JOE’S TACO LOUNGE

Mexican Joe’s serves up fish tacos, burritos and enchiladas as well as more unusual items like Mexican pizza, tofu tostada and crab tostadas. Colorful interior and quick service make this a fun, easy stop. If there are too many unsupervised kids for a

peaceful meal, takeout is easy too. If you stay, grab a selection of hot sauce bottles from the wall and find your perfect match. 382 Miller Ave, 415.383. 8164, joestacolounge.com b $$ s ∞ BLD

LA GINESTRA Italian A favorite family spot for over 30 years; getting a table or booth here can take awhile. While this old-school Italian eatery is known for traditional pastas, veal dishes, pizzas and dry martinis, the familiar wait staff is also part of the attraction. 127 Throckmorton Ave, 415.388.0224, laginestramv.com s $$ s D

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

PIATTI

625 Redwood Hwy, 415.380.2525, piatti.com s $$ s ∞ C LD BR

MOLINA California

Focusing on woodfired, California coastal cuisine, the menu features items cooked in the famed Alan Scott oven and selected from Marin County’s farmers’ markets, including shellfish, oysters, rabbit, pig, quail and cattle. Both the menu and the music change nightly. 17 Madrona St, 415.383.4200, molinarestaurant.com b $$$ ∞ D BR

PIZZA ANTICA

Italian This Italianinspired restaurant in Strawberry Village offers much more than impeccably prepared thin-crust pizzas. The seasonal dishes are created with local ingredients and include chopped salads, housemade pastas, and meat, fish and fowl entrees, such as the Tuscan fried chicken and roasted pork chop. 800 Redwood Hwy, 415.383.0600, pizzaantica.com b $$ s LD BR º

THE PLANT CAFE

RISTORANTE

AND BAR Italian The staff prides itself on capturing the warm and welcoming atmosphere of a traditional Italian trattoria. Get a table by the window or on the outdoor deck for a truly exceptional view right on the water. Peruse the impressive selection of Italian wines to accompany your rustic seasonal meal.

California The cafe offers healthy food made from local, organic ingredients. Stop by for a California-inspired meal, raw organic juice, a diet-supplementing smoothie or a delicious dessert. Strawberry Village, 415.388.8658, theplantcafe.com b $$ s ∞ BL BR

PRABH INDIAN

KITCHEN Indian Owned and operated by the Singh family, this restaurant is dedicated to serving healthy, organic and sustainable food, including gluten-free and vegan

options. Dishes include chicken pakora, vegetable biryani and basil garlic nan. Try the thali menu (offered at lunch), a selection of several Indian dishes served at once. 24 Sunnyside Ave, 415.384.824, prabhindiankitchen.com b $$ s ∞ LD

SHORELINE COFFEE

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

TAMALPIE Italian

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

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

615 Strawberry Village, 415.383.3444, theplela.com s $$ s ∞ LD

URBAN REMEDY Juice

With a selection of juices, snacks and bowls including plenty of gluten-free, grain-free,

and low-glycemic-index options, this is a popular stop. Raw desserts round things out. Try the namesake salad or give the cashew milk with cinnamon and vanilla a shot to see what Urban Remedy is all about. 15 E Blithedale Ave, 415.383.5300, urbanremedy.com $$ ∞ BLD

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

NOVATO

BOCA TAVERN

American Bring a date or celebrate a special event at this classic steak house, which features wholesome American fare. Favorites include the mac ’n’cheese croquettes, hanger steak and duck-fat fries. 340 Ignacio Blvd, 415.883.0901, bocasteak.com s $$$ s ∞ C LD º

THE SPEAKEASY

American There’s nothing like the comfort of a solid burger and beer when you’re kicking back and watching the game, and the Speakeasy provides you with just that. In addition to the 10 beers on tap, you can go beyond traditional pub grub with treats like a deconstructed salmon salad. 504 Alameda del Prado, 415.883.7793, thespeakeasynovato.com b º

• HAKKASAN Chinese

The rich-flavored slowbraised beef and the crispy duck salad are popular at this San Francisco destination. Private dining rooms are offered: the Jade Room complete with lazy Susan and the larger Dragon Room for cocktail parties or dinners. 1 Kearny St, 415.829.8148, hakkasan.com s $$$ C LD

Sunday brunch that will please the kids; try the Panama Waffle with bananas, warm chocolate sauce and whipped cream, plus a pitcher of “make-your-own” mimosas for the adults. The tropical garden is a prime spot for peoplewatching. 4 Bayview St, 415.457.3993, panamahotel.com b $$$ ∞ C LD BR º

RANGE CAFE American

SAN ANSELMO

COMFORTS CAFE

American Established in 1986, Comforts has a cozy sit-down patio and serves breakfast, lunch and weekend brunch. A large take-out section offers fresh bakery items, seasonal salads, soups, sandwiches and even entrees for dinner at home. Besides the famous and popular Chinese chicken salad, other winners are the stuffed pecan-crusted French toast, flavorful scrambles and wonton soup. 335 San Anselmo Ave, 415.454.9840, comfortscafe.com b $$ s ∞ BL BR

INSALATA’S Mediterranean Award-winning chef Heidi Krahling offers Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes prepared with delicious produce and artisan meats. 120 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, 415.457.7700, insalatas.com s $$$ s C LD BR

L’APPART RESTO

French French specialties, local favorites and a $35 three- course prix fixe menu are served up in an energetic yet sophisticated environment. 636 San Anselmo Ave, 415.256.9884, lappartresto.com b $$$ s ∞ LD BR

MH BREAD AND BUTTER California This one-stop shop offers everything from coffee to braised meats. High-quality ingredients and a comfortable atmosphere make MH worth checking out. 101 San Anselmo Ave, 415.755.4575, mhbreadandbutter.com $$ s ∞ BL BR

TACO JANE’S Mexican

Named after the owner’s mother, this casual, colorful place welcomes the whole family. Don’t miss out on Jane’s handmade agave margarita or grilled plantains with crema. 21 Tamalpais Ave, 415.454.6562, tacojanes.com s $$ s ∞ LD BR

VALENTI & CO. Italian

This bright and cozy space is the ideal environment for authentic Italian dishes made with local ingredients. A seat at the chef’s table gives a prime view of the open kitchen. 337 San Anselmo Ave, 415.454.7800, valentico.com b $$$ D

SAN RAFAEL

ARIZMENDI BAKERY California A workerowned bakery cafe, Arzimendi prides itself on high-quality local ingredients. Visit any time of day for coffee and pastries, breakfast and lunch sandwiches, and thincrust sourdough artisan pizza. 1002 Fourth St, 415.456.4093, arizmendisanrafael.com $ s ∞ BLD BR

GREEN CHILE KITCHEN Mexican Don’t let the name fool you; while green chilies are present on the menu, many other varieties are also featured. From the

organic, house made, blue corn tortillas to the red chile chicken wings, this restaurant located in downtown San Rafael offers a cornucopia of hues and flavors. 1335 Fourth St, 415.521.5691, greenchilekitchen.com b $$ s LD

FENIX California An intimate live-music venue in the heart of downtown San Rafael, Fenix features globally inspired California cuisine with a Southern French twist. Dishes like fried green tomatoes or 72-hour sous-vide short ribs, accompanied by a glass from the extensive wine list, define the experience. 919 Fourth St, 415.813.5600, fenixlive.com s $$$ s C BLD BR º

IL DAVIDE Italian

The large selection of innovative and classic Tuscan dishes and house-made pasta has kept locals coming back for years. Ingredients are organic and locally sourced where possible,

and there’s a vast selection of both Italian and California wines by the glass. Don’t leave without trying the limoncello. 901 A St, 415.454.8080, ildavide.net s $$$ s ∞ C LD

MULBERRY STREET

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

PANAMA HOTEL RESTAURANT

American The dinner menu has a large selection — tortilla soup to wild mushroom raviolis — but it’s the

With floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the grand Peacock Gap lawns, the Range Cafe is the perfect place for comforting American classics with an elegant twist. This inviting lunchtime cafe with its ice-cold lemonade and refreshing chardonnays makes a great dinner spot once the sun sets. 333 Biscayne Dr, 415.454.6450, rangecafe.net s $$ s ∞ C BLD º

ROCKETROLL Japanese

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

SUSHI TO DAI FOR Japanese Snagging a seat in this popular Fourth Street sushi spot can be a challenge, but patience is rewarded with tasty and fresh sashimi, unique sushi rolls and great prices. 816 Fourth St, 415.721.0392, sushitodaifor.net b $$ s LD

Crispy Duck Salad

TAJ OF MARIN Indian

Both North and South Indian cuisine is offered here, including the $8.95 lunch special and dinners that include goat curry, spinach, lentils and tandoori. 909 Fourth St, 415.459.9555, tajofmarin.com b $$ s LD

TERRAPIN CROSSROADS

American This waterfront restaurant and music venue presents fresh food and local talent. The menu includes salads, savory dishes and wood-fired pizzas plus a wide selection of beers, wines and cocktails. Come for the food, stay for the music. 100 Yacht Club Dr, 415.524.2773, terrapin crossroads.net s $$ ∞ C D BR º

URBAN REMEDY Juice

With delicious juices, snacks and bowls including plenty of gluten-free, grain-free, and low-glycemic-index choices, this is a popular spot. Raw desserts round things out. Try the namesake salad or give the cashew milk with cinnamon and vanilla a shot to see what Urban Remedy is all about. 1904 Fourth St, 415.786.8011, urbanremedy.com $$ ∞ BLD

VIN ANTICO American

Vin Antico, “where passion meets the plate,” serves seasonal marketinspired cuisine like stone-oven-baked flatbreads, handmade pastas and organic salads, all innovatively prepared. The kitchen is open to the dining room and there’s a full bar with artisan cocktails. 881 Fourth St, 415.721.0600, vinantico.com s $$ s C LD º

WHIPPER SNAPPER RESTAURANT California/Caribbean

Owner/chef Bill Higgins serves tapas, sangria and reasonably priced organic dishes. The California-Caribbean lunch and dinner cuisine blends local farm-fresh ingredients with Latin flavors. Be sure to try the popular fish tacos, Cuban “cigars” and chocolate bread pudding. Available for parties and special gatherings and the restaurant has a back patio for alfresco dining. 1613 Fourth St, 415.256.1818, whipsnap.biz b $$ s ∞ C LD º

SAUSALITO

ANGELINO RESTAURANT Italian

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

AURORA RISTORANTE & PIZZERIA Italian

Novato’s Aurora finally has a counterpart in southern Marin. Traditional Italian food, a full bar and friendly service make it a great option for families, groups, dates and sports fans, who can keep up-to-date on the game via flatscreen TV. 300 Valley St, 415.339.8930, aurora-sausalito.com b $$ s ∞ LD

AVATAR’S Indian If you’re on the hunt for innovative Indian fare, head to Avatar’s. Sip masala chiar sweetened with brown sugar in this casual, one-room

restaurant, ideal for a quick lunch or dinner. 2656 Bridgeway, 415.332.8083, enjoyavatars.com b $$ s LD

BAR BOCCE American

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

CIBO Cafe Located in a historic brick building on Sausalito’s main drag, this is a great place to a sip a quick cup of coffee outdoors. The menu offers tarts, croissants, cookies, paninis and soups. Every dish is made from scratch with local and seasonal products. 1201 Bridgeway, 415.331.2426, cibosausalito.com $$ s ∞ BL

F3/FAST FOOD FRANCAIS French

Owned and operated by the owners of Le Garage, F3 serves brunch, lunch and dinner featuring “Frenchified” American comfort food. A rotating menu includes items like the Luxe burger (Diestel turkey, brie, lettuce and a fried egg topped with truffle aioli). Enjoy with a side of Brussels sprout chips or pommes dauphines (tater tots). 39 Caledonia St, 415.887.9047, eatf3.com s $$ s ∞ LD BR

FENG NIAN Chinese

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

FISH. Seafood The ultimate place for freshly caught fare. Order the fish tacos, ceviche and a bottle of wine and take in the bay views on the open-air deck. 350 Harbor Dr, 415.331.3474, 331fish.com b $$$ s ∞ LD

KITTI’S PLACE Thai/ California This homestyle family restaurant has been in Sausalito 20 years and features favorites like lettuce cups, soft spring rolls and weekly specials. 3001 Bridgeway, 415.331.0390, kittisplace.com b $$ s ∞ LD

LE GARAGE French

Escape the tourist crush for an indulgent Sausalito brunch right on the water. The atmosphere is animated with light French music (à la Amélie), and the much-adored croquemonsieur is under $10. Indoor or outdoor seating. 85 Liberty Ship Way, 415.332.5625, legaragebistro sausalito.com b $$$ s ∞ BLD BR

• EPIC STEAK American

An upscale meat lover’s mecca with a sophisticated atmosphere, EPIC Steak’s bayside location delivers on all fronts. Professional service, choice cuts of prime rib and chocolate souffles are among the things that keep patrons coming back. An upstairs bar is also a happy hour favorite. 369 Embarcadero, 415.369.9955, epicsteak. com s $$$ ∞ LD º

LIGHTHOUSE American

A great spot to grab a classic breakfast — the fruit pancakes, omelets and Danish-influenced dishes will make you a return customer. This is a small but popular space, so arrive early or be prepared for a wait. 1311 Bridgeway, 415.331.3034, light house-restaurants.com $$ s BL

OSTERIA DIVINO Tuscan Osteria Divino offers authentic florentine cuisine inspired by the finest local, organic, seasonal produce, meat and fish available, along with an extensive artisan pasta selection. Live music Tue-Sun. 37 Caledonia St, 415.331.9355, osteriadivino.com b $$ s ∞ C BLD BR º

POGGIO Italian Executive chef Benjamin Balesteri creates Northern Italian fare using fresh and local ingredients. Private dining rooms above the restaurant can accommodate larger parties (10 to 150 guests). 777 Bridgeway,

415.332.7771, poggiotratoria.com s $$$ s ∞ C BLD

SAYLOR’S RESTAURANT AND BAR California/Mexican Chef/owner Sean Saylor uses fresh local ingredients and seafood to create a distinctively Cabo combination of California and Mexican cuisine. Serving more than 200 varieties of tequilas that are even better when enjoyed in the private Cabo Wabo room named for (and approved) by Mill Valley’s own Tequila master, Sammy Hagar. 2009 Bridgeway, 415.332.1512, saylors restaurantandbar.com s $$ s ∞ C LD º

SEAFOOD PEDDLER RESTAURANT AND FISH MARKET Seafood

The fish is bought daily from local fisherman and recipes are adjusted to incorporate the freshest catch. 303 Johnson St, 415.332.1492, seafoodpeddler.com s $$$ s ∞ LD BR º

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

SUSHI RAN Japanese Sample innovative small plates just big enough to share before enjoying some of the best sushi the Bay Area has to offer; the prices don’t deter the herd of enthusiasts who line up nightly to partake. Just stopping by? The wine, cocktail and sake lists keep even the pickiest barfly satisfied. Reservations are required in the main room. 107 Caledonia St, 415.332.3620, sushiran.com s $$ ∞ LD

TASTE OF THE HIMALAYAS Himalayan

Popular for lunch and dinner, enjoy authentic food from a faraway region. 2633 Bridgeway, 415.331.1335, sausalitotasteofthe himalayas.com b $$ s LD

THE TRIDENT Seafood Set in a turn-of-thecentury building constructed for the San Francisco Yacht Club, this waterfront restaurant is a shoe-in for date night. The restaurant, a famous 1970s hangout, is now known for supporting local farmers, fisherman and organic food producers. 558 Bridgeway, 415.331.3232, the tridentsausalito.com s $$$ s ∞ LD BR º

Ribsteak and Lobster

TIBURON

CAFÉ RENZO Sicilian

Café Renzo is a new European cafe on Tiburon’s historic Ark Row featuring Sicilian street food, frozen yogurt, pastries, sandwiches and soup and salads. A relaxing place not just for dining but for socializing, it’s named after executive chef Renzo Azzarello and is the “baby brother” of Luna Blu restaurant up the street. 110 Main St, 415.937.5913 b $ s ∞ BLD º

CAPRICE California Book the private party room for large groups or just relax in this romantic dinner spot. Take advantage of the restaurant’s wellpriced three-course dinners for less than $25, and don’t miss prime rib Mondays. 2000 Paradise Dr, 415.435.3400, thecaprice.com s $$$ D

DON ANTONIO

TRATTORIA Italian

Located in Tiburon’s Ark Row, this trattoria serves authentic Italian cuisine in a quaint setting. Traditional selections include chicken piccata, organic roasted rack of lamb and house-made pesto. 114 Main St, 415.435.0400, donantoniotrattoria.com b $$ D

GUAYMAS

RESTAURANT Mexican

Situated right next to the Tiburon ferry terminal on the waterfront, it’s got touch-it-you’re-soclose city views and outdoor seating, making it a great place to bring visitors on a warm summer night. Happy

hour is 4 to 7 p.m. Monday to Friday. 5 Main St, 415.435.6300, guaymasrestaurant.com s $$$ s ∞ C LD º

LUNA BLU Sicilian Executive chef Renzo Azzarello and his wife, Crystal, serve English afternoon tea (a special service by reservation only). The menu changes daily, incorporating seasonal, fresh and organic produce. The restaurant has partnered with the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch, so all the seafood is sustainable. In 2014 diners voted Luna Blu one of the Top 100 Neighborhood Gem restaurants in America. 35 Main St, 415.789.5844 s $$$ s ∞ LD

MILANO Italian Located in the Cove Shopping Center, this familyowned neighborhood spot is known for its pasta and friendly service. Favorites like the cheesy garlic bread and pesto keep customers coming back. 1 Blackfield Dr, 415.388.9100 s $$ s ∞ LD

NEW MORNING CAFE

American Sit outside or in at this casual cafe. On a sunny morning, the place is filled with locals enjoying the sun and extensive breakfast menu; lunch is served as well. 1696 Tiburon Blvd, 415.435.4315 s ∞ BL

SALT & PEPPER

American This sunfilled one-room restaurant, featuring hardwood floors and blue-checkered tablecloths, is an area favorite. Popular items include scallops, ribeye steak, a beef burger and traditional crab

BEER LOVERS IN Marin and beyond understand that Moylan’s Brewery and Restaurant in Novato is synonymous with quality handcrafted beers. From the Dragoons Dry Irish Stout, made with a blend of imported hops and malted barley from the United Kingdom, to Moylan’s Tipperary Pale Ale, the Irish tradition of fine beer is not waning at this establishment; in fact, it’s spreading. Currently, this local company employs 170 people who ship 30 different types of beer, many of them recognized globally — and all made on site in Novato — to 20 different states and five countries around the world. Founded more than 20 years ago by Brendan Moylan, a San Francisco–born son of Irish immigrants, Moylan’s is the proprietor’s second business venture, following his other successful restaurant-brewpub endeavor in Larkspur, Marin Brewing Company. Beer aside, the menu is stacked with pub favorites like grass-fed burgers, wood-fired pizza and a variety of daily specials. On Saturdays, kitchen manager Marco Gongora’s corned beef and cabbage is served. Here, sous chef Tomas Gongora shares his brother’s recipe for the customary meal and Moylan’s favorite. moylans.com KASIA PAWLOWSKA

Corned Beef and Cabbage

SERVES 8

Ingredients

10 pounds of beef brisket

3 tablespoons salt

3 tablespoons pepper

2 tablespoons green peppercorns

2 tablespoons crushed red peppers

3 large carrots

24 small red potatoes

1 whole head of cabbage

To Prepare

1 Cure the brisket using salt, pepper, green peppercorns and crushed red peppers for at least 72 hours before cooking. 2 Cut the cured brisket into 3 or 4 pieces. Add to a large pot of water, making sure the water covers the meat. 3 Boil the brisket and keep rotating the pieces so that the bottom ones don’t get overcooked. 4 Boil for 4 hours or until cooked. 5 Peel and cut carrots; boil in a separate pot until tender. 6 In another pot, boil peeled potatoes until soft. 7 Cut cabbage into 8 even wedges and steam. 8 When the brisket is cold, trim the rest of the fat off and cut the meat into 2- to 3-ounce slices. 9 Keep it in the juice and serve with carrots, potatoes and cabbage.

DEBRA TARRANT

cakes with jalapeño dipping sauce. 38 Main St, 415.435.3594 b s ∞ LD

SAM’S ANCHOR CAFE

American Sam’s deck is a popular spot for brunch on a lazy sunny Sunday, and its bar is the town’s historic watering hole, but Sam’s is also a great place for lunch or dinner. Sample a seasonal menu served all day, every day. 27 Main St, 415.435.4527, samscafe.com s $$$ s ∞ C LD BR º

SERVINO RISTORANTE

Italian Chef/Owner Angelo Servino highlights organic ingredients in an array of rustic Italian dishes, including house-made pastas, wood oven pizzas, and seasonal specialties. Located on the bay in Tiburon, Servino also prides itself on itsextensive sustainable seafood program. Savor la dolce vita on the waterfront patio. 9 Main St, 415.435.2676, servino.com s $$$ s ∞ C LD BR º

TIBURON TAVERN California The atmosphere here is enhanced by two outdoor patios, two indoor fireplaces and fresh flowers. Happy hour is 4 to 6:30 p.m. every day. 1651 Tiburon Blvd, 415.435.5996, lodgeattiburon.com s $$ s ∞ C BLD BR º

WEST MARIN

NICK’S COVE American Nick’s Cove offers a coastal escape on Tomales Bay, serving famous barbecued local oysters, Dungeness crab mac ’n’ cheese and cocktails using home-grown ingredients. Large windows in the 130-seat

restaurant provide picturesque views of Tomales Bay and Hog Island. (Marshall). 23240 Hwy 1, 415.663.1033, nickscove.com s $$$ s ∞ C LD BR

OSTERIA STELLINA California Whether it’s to cap off a day of hiking or celebrate a romantic anniversary, Osteria Stellina suits any occasion. The menu is Italian-inspired and features local, organic ingredients. If you’re up for something unusual, try the goat shoulder, a hit with both tourists and locals (Point Reyes). 11285 Hwy 1, 415.663.9988, osteriastellina.com b $$ s LD

PARKSIDE CAFE

American Perfect for a sit-down alfresco meal or for grabbing a burger to enjoy on the beach. Beautiful patio garden seating, ocean views, and private wood-fired dinners make this café a relaxing retreat. If you’re on the go, check out the new market and bakery. Choose from an array of organic, locally grown produce, artisan meats and wild seafood (Stinson). 43 Arenal Ave, 415.868.1272, parksidecafe.com s $$$ s ∞ C BLD

RANCHO NICASIO

American Known for live music and an extensive menu featuring everything from Dungeness crab cakes to garlic-rosemary lamb medallions, Rancho Nicasio is open seven days a week. Be sure to stop in for happy hour, 4 to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday. 1 Old Rancheria (Nicasio) Rd, 415.662.2219, ranchonicasio.com s $$$ s ∞ C LD BR º

Clockwise from gorgeous.

Layered birch wood fruit baskets, Maine. Steel and glass cube jewelry, Germany. Mouth-blown swirl flutes, Japan. Sustainable teak pedestal bowl, Thailand. The world of handcrafted modern design, curated for you at Terrestra, in Mill Valley.

small school,

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• Innovative, participatory classes that encourage each individual’s voice.

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big impact

• MARVIN’S RESTAURANT American Voted “Best Breakfast in Novato,” this spot is known for serving up generous portions of American-style breakfast and lunch fare at a great value. The corned beef hash, benedicts and superb service attract a consistent crowd all year round. 1112 Grant Ave, 415.892.4482 $ s ∞

CLIFF HOUSE California

Great food, beautiful view and lots of history — what else could you want? An awardwinning wine list? They have that too. Not only does Cliff House boast a popular Sunday champagne brunch, it also focuses on local, organic, sustainable ingredients and seafood on its everyday menu. 1090 Point Lobos, 415.386.3330, cliffhouse.com s $$ s BLD

ESPETUS CHURRASCARIA

ingredients with traditional dishes. The whole atmosphere is bright, colorful and festive, a reflection of Loló’s flavor-blasted menu. 974 Valencia St, 415.643.5656, lolosf.com s $$$ s D BR

MICHAEL MINA

Japanese/French

SAND DOLLAR

American Originally built from three barges in Tiburon in 1921, the Sand Dollar Restaurant was floated to Stinson that same year. Enjoy live music along with barbecued local oysters and New England clam chowder. The sunny deck is great in the afternoon (Stinson). 3458 Shoreline Hwy, 415.868.0434, stinson beachrestaurant.com s $$ s ∞ LD

SIR & STAR AT THE OLEMA California

The historic inn has reopened as a roadhouse-style restaurant featuring rustic decor and a delicious yet affordable menu. Try the house-made bread and honey butter, the kale Caesar and the stuffed quail, then come back and work your way through the entire menu — most items are $20 or less (Olema).

10000 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, 415.663.1034, sirandstar.com b $$ s C D

STATION HOUSE CAFE American Fresh local homegrown foods are showcased for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Stop in on weekends (5 p.m. on Sundays) for live music and wine, beer and cocktails (Point Reyes Station). 11180 Highway 1, 415.663.1515, stationhousecafe.com s $$ s ∞ C BLD BR º

SAN FRANCISCO

AQ RESTAURANT & BAR California AQ takes seasonal to a new level, not only adapting the menu but also transforming the decor of the entire venue to match the weather outside. 1085 Mission St, 415.341.9000, aq-sf.com s $$$ ∞ D

BENU Asian/French

Plan on a formal and sophisticated evening. The compositions on the tasting menu provide a full experience of this restaurant’s unique Asian fusion cuisine. 22 Hawthorne St, 415.685.4860, benusf.com b $$$ C D

BOULI BAR American/ Mediterranean Head to Boulettes Larder’s new bar and dining room for the savory flavors of spicy lamb, feta and mint or the bittersweetness of salad topped with barberries, bulgur and pomegranate, all in a setting with handsome wood tables and an open kitchen. In the evening, the dining room can readily be reserved for small private parties of up to 24 on request. The views of the Bay Bridge punctuate an unmistakably San Francisco

setting. 1 Ferry Building, 415.399.1155, bouletteslarder.com s $$$ s ∞ C BLD BR

BUN MEE Vietnamese

A fun and casual lunch spot that puts a flavorful twist on classic Vietnamese. Sit back in this playful space with a salad, bowl or sandwich and enjoy the stylish San Francisco vibes. 2015 Fillmore St, 415.800.7696, bunmee.com b $$ s ∞ LD º

CAPO’S CHICAGO

Italian If you’re craving classic Chicago-style Italian and a venue to match, the endless pizza choices and flavorful pasta and meat selections here will more than satisfy your appetite and take you back in time to the mobster days of the 1920s. 641 Vallejo St, 415.986.8998, sfcapos.com s $$$ s ∞ D º

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

FRANCES California

San Francisco elegance meets comfort food. The local, seasonal menu complements any trip to the city. Bar is reserved for walk-ins, but reservations are recommended. 3870 17th St, 415.621.3870, frances-sf.com b $$$ D

KIN KHAO Thai Fullflavored Thai: from spicy curries to pad kee mao (drunken noodles with pork) to off-thewall cocktails designed by Bon Vivants, this new San Francisco eatery is sure to impress. 55 Cyril Magnin St, 415.362.7456, kinkhao.com s $$$ s LD º

LOLÓ Mexican San Francisco-style Mexican cuisine fuses market-fresh

Michael Mina has clearly mastered the fine line between award-winning art and Alaskan halibut. Each brilliantly crafted dish gives diners a delicate blend of flavors that add up to a distinctive, luxurious dining experience. 252 California St, 415.397.9222, michaelmina.net s $$$ LD

NAMU GAJI Asian/ California A clean and natural design in a streamlined setting, where housemade shiitake mushroom dumplings and succulent grilled beef tongue are among the many options to discover. 499 Dolores St, 415.431.6268, namusf.com s $$ s LD BR º

NOPA California The easy California menu shows off roasted chicken and pork chops, with a bouquet of appetizers to set the mood. Although this S.F. destination is busy almost every night (a good sign), the wait at the legendary bar is half the fun. 560 Divisadero St, 415.864.8643, nopasf.com s D BR

PERRY’S American Perry’s, for over 45 years an institution on Union Street in San Francisco, is known for its classic American food, its warm personable service and its

Farmer’s Benedict

bustling bar. Signature dishes include traditional Cobb salad, prime steaks and, of course, the renowned hamburger. Perry’s also serves a weekend brunch. Hotel Griffon, 155 Steuart St, 415.495.6500, perryssf.com s $$ s ∞ C D º

RICE PAPER SCISSORS

Vietnamese At this brick-and-mortar Mission District spot with a pop-up sibling, try the popular grilled steak bahn mi on one of the bright red stools and stay warm with a pot of jasmine tea. 1710 Mission St, 415.878.6657, ricepaperscissors.com $$ s ∞ LD

RICH TABLE California A bright, relaxed environment for savoring fresh ingredients grown only feet from the kitchen, creative and quirky cocktails and California wine. 199 Gough St, 415.355.9085, richtablesf.com s $$$ D

SESSIONS AT THE PRESIDIO American Located just across the Golden Gate Bridge, this restaurant has

serious ties to Marin. The fruits, vegetables, herbs and olive oil hail from our county thanks in part to the restaurant’s partnership with Skywalker Ranch. Additionally, the 100 craft beer offerings, including 24 draft options, will keep beer lovers more than satisfied. 1 Letterman Drive, 415.655.9413, sessionssf.com s $$ ∞ LD

SPAGHETTI BROS. American BIX and Fog City alums Erik Lowe and Aaron Toensing serve inventive American standards like St. Louis–style toasted raviolis and green chile-apple pie with a cheddar cheese crust. The chefs explore regional culinary traditions and translate them into a Northern Californian lexicon as evidenced by their playful menu and a Negroni-centered bar. 3213 Scott St, 415.939.2726, spaghettibrossf.com s $$$ C D

once around

KEY TO SYMBOLS

Full bar

Wine and beer

Inexpensive ($10 or less per entree)

Moderate (up to $20)

Expensive ($20 and over)

Kid-friendly Outdoor seating

Private party room

Seating: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

For even more local restaurant listings, vistit us online at marinmagazine.com

The Chemistry and Biochemistry Program at Dominican provides students with research opportunities on projects such as anti-cancer drugs, breast cancer, malaria drug resistance, biofuels, natural product pharmacology, and more.

95% of our graduates go on to advanced studies or are employed in scientific, healthcare or other related fields.

To learn more, contact us today at enroll@dominican.edu, 415-485-3204 or 888-323-6731

“I have presented at national conferences, landed prestigious internships, entered honor societies and am studying abroad at Oxford. These opportunities would not have been possible if not for Dominican.”

~Victor Chan Class of 2017

MARIN ADVERTISERS SPEAK UP

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Halsey Schroeder, founder and CEO of Halsbrook Inc.

Halsbrook is a luxury fashion boutique for the modern, sophisticated woman. We thoughtfully handpick our collection of clothing and accessories, mixing European and American designers and blending timeless style with today’s trends. Our outfit style guides and warm customer care complete the personalized and easy shopping experience.

Why did you start Halsbrook?

I started Halsbrook in 2012 after shopping online with my mother and seeing her frustration while searching for stylish and sophisticated clothing on retail websites that didn’t cater to her. I was inspired to fill this void in the market and create an online luxury fashion destination that offers beautiful, timeless clothing and accessories, approachable styling, and first-class customer service.

Who is the Halsbrook customer?

She is a modern, sophisticated woman who loves fashion. She looks for classic ways to wear the latest trends. Looking polished and feeling comfortable are equally important to her. Because she has a busy lifestyle and travels often, she enjoys browsing our style guides for quick pointers on current trends and putting together the perfect outfits for different occasions.

Which clothing and accessory designers are carried by Halsbrook?

We work with an amazing group of more than 80 designers — from the most established names to up-and-coming talents that you’ll only find online at Halsbrook. Some of my favorites include: MaxMara’s polished classics, Paris-inspired trends from Paule Ka, the best-fitting pants from Fabrizio Gianni and luxe cashmere knits from Kinross. And I love the whimsy of our Kayu clutches.

What motivates you to go to work at Halsbrook every day?

While other online retailers focus on fast fashion, we’re dedicated to building the best shopping experience for our customers. It’s the personal connection we feel with them that drives everything we do.

HALSBROOK INC., 855.448.2332, CUSTOMERCARE@HALSBROOK.COM, HALSBROOK.COM

Julie

M. Jones, CEO

and president of That’s a Wrap! Events

That’s a Wrap! Events is an event consultation and planning company priding itself on seamlessly bringing its clients’ visions and fantasies to life through the company’s experience, professionalism, collaborative approach and extreme attention to detail. We specialize in social life milestone celebrations, including but not limited to weddings, birthdays, cocktail parties and themed events.

What prompted you to start your own business?

My past lives in theater, sewing, fashion, set design, marketing and web design and as a co-chair for a nonprofit’s fundraising gala over the years have given me a unique perspective that I felt I could turn into an encore career. Event planning is my passion. I truly enjoy sharing it with my clients to create events that will become amazing, lasting memories for them and their guests.

What specific services does the company provide?

Any and all of the following: consultations with prospective clients; creation and draft of design and marketing plans, budgets and timelines; communication/interaction with vendors and suppliers; travel to

showrooms, vendor locations and venues; on-site presence before, during and after the event; and full followup evaluations to ensure all requirements and desires were successfully met.

What question are you asked most as an event planner? “Why do I need an event planner?” — which is a great question. Most event professionals have relationships with their suppliers and get a professional discount, which can be passed on to their clients. The time savings and stress alleviation afforded by hiring a planner is another bonus as well.

What is your favorite part of the events you put together? The smile on my clients’ faces and the hug I receive from him or her at the end of the day.

THAT’S A WRAP! EVENTS, 575 REDWOOD HIGHWAY, SUITE 200, MILL VALLEY, 415.847.1748, JULIE@THATSAWRAPEVENTS.COM, THATSAWRAPEVENTS.COM

Check out

Meals” section and experience big savings. Spend only $35 for a dining certificate worth $50. Simply go to marinmagazine.com/ dineout to purchase a dining certificate from a restaurant in this section and we will mail it to you. Try a new restaurant or purchase a certificate for an old favorite. A perfect gift for any occasion. Limited supply each month.

“Deals

123 Bolinas Artisan Food, Wine and Beer has been a proud member of Marin Organic since we opened in 2010. They have inspired farmers and chefs countywide, and we salute them a job well done. Visit us in Fairfax, for seasonal farm to table dishes, and follow us on Facebook and Twitter for specials and updates. Photo credit Stacy Ventura.

123 Bolinas Artisan Wine and Food

123 Bolinas Rd. 415.488.5123 Fairfax, CA 123bolinas.com

March Madness is Here! Join us for a comfort food fest with new specials like Spicy Pepperoni and Olive Pizza, French Onion Soup, Grilled Chicken Breast Sandwich, and Signature Favorites. BEST Happy Hour in Marin. 2016 Michelin Bib Gourmand Recommendation. Private event space available.

Brick & Bottle 55 Tamal Vista Blvd 415.924.3366 Corte Madera, CA brickandbottle.com

Consistently rated “Best of Marin”, Comforts offers fine city and homestyle food. Our menus change regularly to reflect what is fresh and in season, using only the best quality ingredients. Spring is fast approaching and we can provide fabulous Easter and Passover dishes for your holiday gatherings. Contact our catering department for more details.

Comforts 335 San Anselmo Ave 415.454.9840 San Anselmo, CA comfortscafe.com

L’Appart Resto serves a French-inspired seasonal menu. We also offer a $35 prix fixe option daily and live music on the patio every Thursday. L’Appart is available for private events. Open for lunch Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and dinner 7 nights a week.

L’Appart Resto 636 San Anselmo Ave 415.256.9884 San Anselmo, CA lappartresto.com

The historic Cliff House offers awesome views from every angle and one of nature’s best shows every day. Dine in the casual Bistro Restaurant or the elegant Sutro’s at the Cliff House. Sunday Brunch in the Terrace Room is a Bay Area tradition with free-flowing champagne and a delicious buffet.

Cliff House 1090 Point Lobos 415.386.3330 San Francisco, CA cliffhouse.com

Serving Lunch, Dinner and Weekend Breakfast. RangeCafe Bar and Grill, located on the course at Peacock Gap Golf Club, offers a delicious array of dining options to satisfy the whole family. All items are freshly prepared and served in a relaxed and inviting environment.

RangeCafe Bar and Grill 333 Biscayne Drive 415.454.6450 San Rafael, CA rangecafe.net bar and grill

Taj of Marin offers exquisite North and South Indian cuisine in a luxurious setting. The menu includes meat, seafood, vegetarian, glutenfree, and vegan options. We carry a wide selection of beer, fine wine, and traditional Indian drinks. Live music Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday evenings. Certificate for dinner only.

Taj of Marin 909 4th Street 415.459.9555 San Rafael, CA tajofmarin.com

Serving Marin for over 25 years with delicious Szechwan, Mandarin cuisine. Always fresh food and friendly service, nice decor, and easy parking. Also offer delivery to Southern Marin, and private parties for any occasion.

Feng Nian 2650 Bridgeway 415.331.5300 Sausalito, CA fengnian.com

PHOTO: LEE RUE, INTELITE-DESIGN.COM

On the Scene

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

• MARIN AT HOME More than 125 guests enjoyed drinks, small bites, music and stunning views at the January 27 launch of Marin At Home at Ondine in Sausalito.

Nikki Wood and Zahid Sardar

Matt Hollis, Denise Lamott, Davis Dalbok and Tim O’Shea

Linda Cosgrove and Perry Burr

Elena Calabrese and Nadine Curtis

Ian Stallings and Regina Franco

Jaimee Lowe and Amelia Hyde

Jason Moline, Sarah Lynch and Mead Quin John Rosekrans and Kathy Geissler Best

Chris Bergin and Jason Ip

Paula Fonsteca and Dustin Feider

Steve Justrich and Kyle Hayes

Tim Paschke and Yael Putterman

Ric Serrano, Ruth Livingston, Sandy Lipkowitz, Diane Doodha and Paul Bigley

• THE SHADE STORE Guests sampled drinks and local bites as they welcomed the Shade Store to Mill Valley’s Strawberry Village December 10.

• HOLIDAY HEROES

EXTRAVAGANZA Members of the 49ers, Raiders and other sports stars came together at AT&T Park December 7 to inspire youth and raise funds for local charities.

Michael Kim and Jonny Moseley

John Hoch, Amy Wender-Hoch, and Justin and Lauran Tuck

Ania Omski-Talwar, Grace Sorg, Joshua and Ziva Hasson, and Diane Nicolson

Lisa Cohan and Julia Baker

Connect with the local art scene. For sales and art placement services, find us at Fort Mason. sfmoma.org/artists-gallery

Kanna Aoki Captivated, 2015

Photo: courtesy the artist

Rachael McLaren

Photo by Andrew Eccles

where

are. In the best locations. Each Engel & Völkers shop—whether it’s San Francisco, Newport Beach, or Lake Tahoe—is united by a single shared vision: to link together the aspirations of discerning individuals around the world, be it in a private or business context, and deliver an authentic level of service and professionalism in the luxury real estate and lifestyle world. As part of a culture that appreciates fine living and exquisite taste, Engel & Völkers advisors represent the best of the best in premium real estate service. Engel & Völkers San Francisco

Marin Home

FROM TOURS AND MAKEOVERS TO DECORATIVE DETAILS AND REALTOR INSIGHTS

HERE COMES THE SUN

A Kentfield woman finds the perfect home to let the light shine in.

BY LAURA HILGERS • PHOTOS BY TIM PORTER

The view and yard are the focal points of the home’s airy great room.

JENNIFER GRELLMAN WAS clear, perhaps even luminescent, about what she wanted in her new home: light. She had lived for many years in a beautiful, but dark, home in Kent Woodlands, and after her divorce she craved sunshine. If she could find it nearby, all the better.

Her first stop was a rental house in the flats of Kentfield, where she lived with her then high school–age daughter (she also has an older son) and menagerie of pets. Grellman, a psychotherapist, loved walking the flat streets of her new neighborhood and wanted to stay in the ’hood if she could, but she spent a year looking all over Marin for a place to buy.

It was while walking her dogs that she spotted this house. Her first impression wasn’t great. “The exterior was painted blue, and weird looking,” says Grellman. But when she and her

realtor, Donna Goldman, saw the interior a few days later, Grellman slowly changed her mind. The house was renovated and sunny. Its kitchen, with sleek gray cabinetry, white subway tile and a nearly six-foot-long island, seemed ideal for Grellman’s frequent entertaining. But she wasn’t really sold until she opened the backyard door. Her thought? “Wow, this is fabulous.”

No kidding: the property, which abuts Corte Madera Creek’s wetlands, has seemingly infinite views of marshes, creek and hills. “The home seems so much more expansive because of that view,” says Goldman, “and this was a perfect place for Jennifer because she was still near to Kent Woodlands and wouldn’t have to start over.”

It was perfect — as soon as Grellman added more light. Before moving in, she hired Fairfax architect Charles Theobald and

Like everything else, the master bedroom was designed to welcome the sun. The airy suite has vaulted ceilings, built-in white bookshelves and large patio doors that lead to the backyard, which Grellman also renovated, installing a flagstone patio and lawn and planting a garden of roses, hydrangea and lemon trees.

She also created a cozy sitting area, with a concrete Restoration Hardware fire pit, caned couch and chair, where she likes to curl up at the end of the day and look at the wetlands. “It’s heaven when it’s warm,” Grellman says. And the perfect place to savor the last of the light. m

contractor Adelson Fuentes to open the home up, adding a bank of glass doors along the back wall to highlight the view, removing a pony wall from the great room to create better flow and expanding the home to include a master suite with a home office.

THE DETAILS

WHERE SHE PURCHASED Kentfield Gardens (the flats of Kentfield)

WHAT SHE BOUGHT A renovated 1951 three-bedroom home

LISTING AGENT Jenn Pfeiffer, Zephyr Real Estate

SELLING AGENT Donna Goldman, Alain Pinel Realtors

STATS Price per square foot for homes in the neighborhood: $650–$1,000

Opposite page: A sitting area and potting shed anchor the backyard. This page, clockwise from top left: The home’s living room; Jennifer Grellman; the mahogany dining table creates a natural break between the kitchen and family room; a trellis leading to the front entrance; the master suite, with gas fireplace; a view of the deck from the master suite; the family cat.

RECENT SALES

A Resource forMarinLiving

92 Mt. Tiburon $7,300,000 12 West Shore $3,882,000 233 Jamaica Street $3,750,000 1805 Mar West $2,950,000 460 Bella Vista $2,750,000 109 Cloud View $2,350,000 625 Locust Street $1,927,000 20 Elaine Avenue $1,900,000 99 Rancheria Road $1,725,000 37 Bonnie Banks $1,600,000 207 Julia $1,425,000

Superb Estate In Seadrift

Originally built in the 1920’s and having recently undergone an exquisite, Architectural Digest-worthy renovation, this Maybeck-influenced 5+ bedroom, 4 bath home, plus guest cottage, retains its original, authentic character. While the house reflects a European sensibility, it also has a distinctly California vibe. Both privacy & serenity emanate throughout the home. From every room, nature makes herself known.

Drenched in sunlight and offering stunning views of the Ross Valley, Mt. Tamalpais, and Bald Hill, this truly special home is ideally sited within a private park-like setting. The forever views are reminiscent of a private wine country estate, making it easy to forget the home is just minutes north of the Golden Gate Bridge and in the middle of everywhere—San Francisco, Silicon Valley, Wine Country—or just a stone’s throw from the charming downtown of Ross and the highly acclaimed Ross K-8 School.

128WindingWay.com

Offered at $8,875,000

THINK ATTENTIVE &

Built with thoughtful attention to form, function and flow in 2000 on a beautiful, approximately one-acre, knolltop setting. A spacious, impressively built home, offering superb indoor-outdoor flow and the ideal balance of grand-scale living with intimate spaces. Level lawn and gardens off the living areas. Sweeping, peaceful views south across the Ross Valley. The entry is on the main floor, along with the office/library, kitchen, dining room, living room and more. Above, a sumptuous master suite with romantic balcony & luxurious bath. Below, three additional bedrooms, an inviting family room, laundry room, ample storage, and access to the workshop or craft studio. Gorgeous details such as Loewen windows, custom cabinetry and bookcases, hardwood floors, truly a delight. San Anselmo’s award-winning schools easily accessible. Hiking trails right out the door!

“I first looked for a word with power, strength, or wisdom, but ‘deeply caring for our best interests’ is a common testimonial I’ve received time and time again for more than a decade. And, honestly… that’s what fuels me. Add to that a deep commitment to achieving my clients’ goals in an ethical, astute and compelling manner, and you begin to get a sense of how I work.“

David Doyle 415.215.3169 ddoyle@vanguardmarin.com BRE# 01397556

caring

“Finding the right home is like speed dating. Finding the perfect home is like magic. I worked for many years as a postpartum doula, and have spent countless hours in my clients’ homes, so I understand how family needs can change. Schools, play areas, proximity to shopping, even floor plans… I get it! It’s my job to bring you housing solutions that work for your evolving family!“

Emily Schaffer 415.302.6450 emily@vanguardmarin.com BRE# 01863623

family

“The wise adapt themselves to circumstances”, Chinese Proverb. Change occurs for all of us at different stages and times of our lives. Whatever the change is for you, it will require a plan… and support. That’s where I come in. Having lived and worked throughout our diverse and beautiful Bay Area, I understand what it is like to adapt to new and ever-changing environments. Let me adapt to your change.“

Lisa Gartman 415.234.7997 lisa@vanguardmarin.com BRE# 01922624

adaptable

770 Tamalpais Drive, Suite 306, Corte Madera, CA | T: 415.758.6800

Coming Soon to 1118 Magnolia Avenue, Ross Valley www.vanguardproperties.com

Your

Home

Awaits

With over 30 years of combined experience, The Costa Group is a top-producing Real Estate team ranked in the Top 1% of San Francisco area Realtors. From Mission Bay to Richardson Bay, experience our extraordinary service, involvement and concern for you and your lifestyle.

I needed a change of scenery.

53 RIDGE ROAD

FAIRFAX

Fall in love with this eco-essence, modern stucco home nestled in the Fairfax hills with awe inspiring views of Mount Tamalpais.

Offered at $1,799,000 www.53RidgeRoad.com

•

•

• Greenhouse Workshop, Koi Pond

Beautiful new ocean front villa in Puerto Vallarta.

Private beach, 6 bedrooms, 6 1/2 baths with gym, elevator and double garage. 7962 square feet and completely furnished. Gated community with 24 hours security. Only 5 miles from downtown. Offered at $2,995,000. Contact (415) 789-5906

Paragon

Real Estate Group is pleased to announce Matt

Hughes

has joined our office as Assistant Manager

Matt Hughes

Real Estate Agent 415.515.2804 mhughes@paragon-re.com LIC# 01761944

Located just minutes from Healdsburg Plaza on a private 7-acre setting, this Dry Creek Valley vineyard estate features a custom-designed approximately 3,000 square foot wine cave, a semi-Olympic sized pool, cabana with a fireplace, an outdoor kitchen and a tennis court. The stylish main house boasts custom high-end finishes and a chef’s dream kitchen. The property includes a separate guest cottage with expansive views of the vineyard. The vineyard consists of approximately 5 acres of ultra-premium grapes. Enjoy your wine from the gazebo while gazing at your olive groves and the views of Mt St Helena beyond.

Katie Jarman, Realtor ® 415.720.9413 katie@katiejarmanre.com CalBRE #01940656

Wine Country Farmhouse in Kentfield

17 HOTALING CT, KENTFIELD

Price Upon Request

Located on a highly desirable cul-de-sac in the flats of Kentfield, this one-of-a-kind property has the look and feel of a wine country farmhouse. Totally-remodeled and expanded in 2005 by architect Ken Lindsteadt & Associates, the floorplan includes 4 bedrooms/4.5 baths, a private office/study, wine cellar, pool and lush landscaping. Private, tranquil setting. Ross Schools.

“Linda diligently searched for homes for us and was a tremendous help with recommending locations that were best suited for our needs. I don’t know what we would have done without her help.” - Max and Patty B. ”Linda truly cares and dedicates herself completely to each one of her clients’ needs.” - John and Valerie C.

Mid–Century Modern Oceanfront. Famed American Architect William Wurster designed this home specifically for the beachfront location to accommodate sunlight in every season and views from every room. Dramatic vistas south across Bolinas Bay to San Francisco and north to the Coastal Range rising above the Bolinas Lagoon. Wurster’s elegant 4 bedroom, 3 bath home brings the beauty of both the mountains and the sea into the house, celebrating nature. An open layout draws you into the sunlight filled great room, designed for entertaining the whole family, while the private inner courtyard is the perfect escape from the afternoon wind. This property, the undeveloped parcels on each side of the house and the three undeveloped lagoon parcels across the street are being sold separately. A truly once in a lifetime opportunity. Offered at $6,650,000

deckerbullocksir.com

A Once in a Lifetime Opportunity Point Reyes Station, Marin County CA | 701CstPointReyes.com

Offered for sale the last three remaining parcels of the historic Waldo Giacomini Ranch. The properties border downtown Point Reyes Station, the National Park, and the Giacomini Wetlands. Spectacular views of the wetlands, Black Mountain and the Inverness Ridge!

The Waldo Giacomini Ranch House — Built in 1950 this spacious one level four bedroom/two bath with an indoor pool and large entertainment area sits on a 1.35-acre level lot that borders the National Park on three sides. Enjoy beautiful views of the wetlands and the Inverness Ridge. Bike, hike the surrounding trails; enjoy a short walk to downtown Point Reyes Station with its well known restaurants, galleries and shops. Offered at $1,995,000

C St. Land— 3.55 level acres . Opportunity to build your dream home, offering scenic views of the wetlands, Inverness Ridge, Point Reyes Station, and Black Mountain. Offered for $ 1,500,000

6th St. Lot— .091-acre level lot at the corner of C St. and B St. Opportunity to build your dream home, offering scenic views of the wetlands, Inverness Ridge, Point Reyes Station, and Black Mountain. Offered at $850,000

LivingMarin.com

Kentfield

Modern elegant Santa Barbara style on west-facing parcel in coveted flats of Kentfield’s Del Mesa. Built new in 2003 by Kelly Pacific: grand scale, views of Mt. Tam. Expansive kitchen-great room opens to large patios, salt water pool, sweeping level lawn, built-in BBQ, & outdoor fireplace. Ross School District. onehotaling.com

Ross

Classic East Coast style residence beautifully updated with designer finishes. Gracious gated entry to private, southwest facing enclave; stunning views of Mt. Baldy. Outstanding kitchen with Calacatta Marble counters. Ideal indooroutdoor flow to bluestone patio, lawns, gardens, & fun play areas. stephanielamarre.com

415.806.3176 stephanie @ stephanielamarre.com stephanielamarre.com

San Rafael 136Margarita.com

Casual California Living At Its Finest! Enter through the gates, to this beautifully remodeled private estate in the highly desired Country Club of San Rafael. Entertain in a grand scale or host intimate family gatherings all year round with this fabulous indoor/outdoor home featuring: a great room, multiple Ipe decks, backyard and pool on over one acre on park-like surroundings. With four bedrooms, each with an ensuite bathroom, the home is perfectly situated facing south for plenty of sunshine and views of Mt. Tamalpais and the San Francisco Bay. A five car garage is perfect for a car aficionado or part could be converted to a media room?

From the Sausalito waterfront through the San Francisco financial district, and nothing but islands and bay waters in between, the incomparable penthouselike views create the feeling of floating over the Bay. Chic, contemporary, sophisticated and luxurious, this hillside residence embodies all that you hoped, but never expected, to find in Sausalito. The great room with large wrap-around windows and their remote-controlled awnings, the kitchen with travertine countertops, Viking and Bosch appliances, and the upper-level, spa-like master suite with view-side terrace, fireplace, huge walk-through closet and dressing area, and the ever-present bay and San Francisco views. Lower-level guest suite with separate entrance and wine cellar. In southernmost Sausalito, only minutes’ walk to the Sausalito waterfront and minutes’ drive to the Golden Gate Bridge. Pied-à-terre, vacation retreat or main residence, this property offers it all. Three bedrooms, three and one-half baths, and once-in-a-lifetime, unsurpassed, world-class views.

Bill Bullock 415.384.4000 Lydia Sarkissian 415.517.7720 GLOBALESTATES.COM

Brand new-construction, this striking contemporary with the unusual feature of offering beautiful views of both Mt. Tam and the Bay, and the beautiful and rare “long view” straight down the Belvedere Lagoon, offers the perfect opportunity for first-time occupancy, stunning contemporary design and finishes, and extraordinary view-orientation in opposite directions. Entry level with the great room (pictured) that features the kitchen, family and dining rooms, the lagoon-side decks with cascading water feature, the lavish master suite and en-suite guest bedroom. The sleek new kitchen includes the Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances, center island, beautiful stone countertops and mud room to the two-car garage. Upper level with two bedrooms, shared bath and “green” rooftop gardens. Integrated audio, electronic shades, Lutron lighting and hardwood and concrete flooring. Four bedrooms, three and one-half baths and gorgeous Lagoon frontage and views.

Kentfield 421Crown.com

Beautifully remodeled contemporary with incomparable reach-out-and-touch forest, King Mountain and Mt. Tam views, and hiking trails to Mt. Tam, Stinson Beach and beyond, through the back gate. Sunny, sparkling pool, folding panel doors that open entire rooms to the view-side wrap-around terrace, huge level lawn area and the fountain-like sound of the winter creek in the canyon below. The entry level to this stunning contemporary features the great room with living and dining areas, gourmet kitchen with adjacent family room, and three bedrooms and two and one-half baths. On its separate level, upstairs, is the master suite with large dressing area and closet, lavish bath with separate stall shower and tub, and view-side balcony overlooking the pool and those vast, serene woodlands. National-park seclusion and beauty, yet only minutes to Woodlands market, Branson, Bacich and Redwood schools. Four bedrooms, three and one-half baths, two-car garage, and the close-in park-like beauty you’ve always wanted, but never found – until now.

14 Edgehill Way, San Rafael | Offered at $1,549,000

This stunning four bedroom and four bath home is situated in a stately, private, gated enclave named San Rafael Heights. Boasting fine custom homes and located in a lovely cul-de-sac, the property backs up to open space and offers beautiful views from most windows. Soaring ceilings, hardwood floors, exceptional cook’s kitchen with an enormous island and a large back yard add to its appeal. Close proximity to shopping, hiking and biking trails and Highway 101.

113 Robinhood Drive, San Rafael | Offered at $1,225,000

This recently remodeled four bedroom and three bath jewel in the heart of Glenwood is the perfect combination of location, curb appeal, and stylish upgrades. The home has a flexible floor plan that is light-filled and welcoming. The backyard is level with a sunny patio, garden, fruit trees, and a terraced area and deck. Close to Victor Jones park, schools, hiking, biking, golf, shopping and yacht clubs.

Just Listed! 4625 Paradise Drive, Tiburon. This incredible 4 bedroom, 2 bath Tiburon home has breathtaking water, mountain and cove views. Tucked away from the wind on a gorgeous, 1+ acre lot with fragrant plum and lemon trees, a tranquil creek and numerous vistas for relaxing and enjoying your enchanting surroundings. This special home exudes warmth as-is or could easily be expanded to make room for a larger family. Listed at $2,895,000 | www.4625ParadiseDr.com

Just Listed! 4 Saba Lane, Tiburon. This charming property is right on the water in desirable Paradise Cay; a flat, family friendly neighborhood in the award winning Reed School District. 4 Saba Lane exudes original charm. Classic 3 BR/2BA with great potential. Excellent yard space and prime, end of canal location with shared deep-water boat dock. Listed at $1,795,000 | www.4SabaLane.com

For Sale! 572 San Pedro Cove, San Rafael. This is a rare opportunity to live in a gated community on the water, in a low maintenance property. Just minutes away from the newly remodeled Andy’s Market, China Camp, McNear’s Beach, Peacock Gold Club, Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, Loch Lomond Marina, the freeway, vibrant downtown San Rafael and tons of hiking trails. The views are unbeatable. Listed at $2,150,000 |www.572SanPedroCove.com

Lasting Landmark

From Miwoks to Burdells to “the Chosen Family,” a microcosm of Marin history.

IT STARTED IN the 15th century as an Indian trading village named Olompali, a composite of Miwok words meaning “southern,” “village” and “people.” Then in 1834, a Miwok named Camilo Ynitia was awarded a land grant, and he built an adobe home on the property. But during the Civil War, when Ynitia’s grant was questioned, he sold the property to James Black, who willed it to his daughter Mary and her husband, Galen Burdell, San Francisco’s first dentist. Come the early 1900s, the Burdells’ son James built the 22-room mansion depicted in the above 1950s-era photo. The word “depicted” applies because in the years that followed, someone — no one is sure who, or why — encased the handsome wooden mansion in

BY JIM WOOD

plaster. And there it mostly sat. Then one day in 1967, a bearded houseboat developer turned hippie named Don McCoy leased the property, turned it into a commune and moved in a group who named themselves “the Chosen Family”; it soon became known as “the White House of Hippiedom.” Periodic tenants included Janis Joplin, Grace Slick, the Grateful Dead and a five-year-old girl named Courtney Michelle Harrison, now known as the rock star Courtney Love. But sometime after midnight on February 2, 1969, a devastating electrical fire ruined all the fun. No one was hurt (reportedly, the tenants were at a rock concert), yet all was lost — all, that is, except the plastered exterior. It still stands, located in what is now called Olompali State Historic Park. m

OSKA

153 Throckmorton

Mill Valley, CA 94941 415 381 1144

OSKA

310 Center Street Healdsburg, CA 95448 707 431 7717

Shop online millvalley.oska.com

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